I received my first issue of KnitSimple over the weekend and read it cover to cover yesterday.  I like that it’s full of patterns and new sources to find yarn and notions.  They’ve also reviewed 10 organic and eco friendly yarns that looks pretty interesting.  This will come in handy this winter when I sit down to really learn more about the yarn I use in my projects.

There’s also a technique I’ve never heard of called Broomstick Lace which is used for the center panel of this bag. I like it.  I want to learn it.  I can’t wrap my brain around the instructions, but I’m definitely going to give it a try.  I have to start moving beyond the scarf and work my way up the knitter’s food chain.

Admittedly, this past month, or two,  I haven’t knit 1 stitch for some reason.  I blame the lazy days of summer, but, I have been planning for future projects.  The problem is I’ve been so busy knitting gifts for this Christmas that I haven’t made myself anything since last year.  I want to make myself something pretty and non-scarf related.  This made me think of all the WIP I have to finish up so I can actually make something for me, myself and I.

I pulled out all of my finished objects this morning and realized that I am practically done with my Christmas list.  Yay!!!  Mind you, this is the completely revised list of handmade treasures.  By my calculations, I have 1 wrap and 5 more scarves to make.  The scarves are knit on size 35 needles and done in a garter stitch so they go fairly quickly.  I’m using a colorful fancy fun fur paired with a worsted weight yarn.  Don’t worry, these are for the ladies.  FYI – this scarf is a great way to knit down your stash.

My only only task will be to block almost every piece I’ve knitted.  Yes, the stockinette stitch is to blame, but at least I’ll have another month or 2 before I have to start laying everything out.

I’m curious, when do you start making your holiday gifts?  Some people start in the fall but I can’t knit that fast.