Christmas Presents, Part 1: Afghans

So, not to spill the beans too much, but here are the patterns I've been working on for friends and family. These are basically TV-watching lap-ghans. The colors I'm working with are different, to fit each gift recipient. Here's the first one:

Photo credit: Lionbrand.com, pattern via link above

I've finished two of these so far, and then I got a little bored. It works up really fast and easy, over my free-time in a couple of days, although making the fringe can be a little putzy. For my next project, I decided to try to make this pretty thing:

Photo credit: Lionbrand.com, pattern via link above

If you clicked through to the title of the pattern, you will have noticed that it's called "Super Fast & Easy Throw". It's totally not, but I finally finished it last night after about 2 or 3 weeks of spare-time work. It's gorgeous though, and I'm glad to have made it. The yarn is super comfy. It was nice to have in my lap as I worked on it--I already miss snuggling up to it!

I'm currently scouting yarn for this one:

Photo credit: Lionbrand.com, pattern via link above

I think it will go pretty fast, since it's stitched with a speed hook. I also love working with the really thick chunky yarns. It's just going to be a matter of making sure that no one in the recipient's household has a wool allergy, and finding the yarn on some sort of sale. Worst case, I will probably make another of the top throw, maybe without the fringe this time.

Uh-oh. I found another one that I sort of like:

Photo credit: Lionbrand.com, pattern via link above

You know, minus the seductive turtleneck and mom-jeans wearing lady. Aw yeah. Bangs and a ponytail, you know yarn models know how to party. ;)

So, that's part of what I've been up to and planning as far as Christmas gift crafting. I've experimented a bit with cowls with my leftover yarn, but I haven't really come up with a pattern I love. I'll have to save scarves and cowls for another post.


Note: All pictures in this post are taken from Lionbrand.com. Yarn and other notions are available for purchase at their website, as well as many free patterns such as those linked above.