I've been scrambling to finish my holiday knitting, and BAD THINGS have been happening.

Even with the support of the Ravelry group Procraftination, I'm still managing to avoid getting things done.

I've cut back my gift projects to two (Skywalker socks for Y and a Fun Fur scarf for my sister), rather than worry about two more pairs of socks for my parents. The Skywalkers are almost done, with only an inch of ribbing to go on the second sock, and I haven't started the scarf yet, since it will hopefully only take a few hours.

A few more things going on...

Nutmeg made a pair of my Ribbed Cable socks as a Christmas gift, in a beautiful dark blue merino. Photos by Nutmeg and used with permission. Click here to see her project on Ravelry.




For Sale or Trade



I'd like to destash this yarn, it's been sitting around for ages and I can't think of anything I'd like to do with it.

Yarn brand/name: Needful Yarns Kabir
Weight: Bulky
How much? 1 skein, 70 yds.
Fiber content: 50% wool/50% acrylic
Colors: Shades of green, khaiki

Made in Italy, an interesting thick-and-thin yarn to play with.

Retail value: $7-$9, I'm asking $8 including shipping within the continental US. Ask about prices for international shipping.

I'd also like to trade it for something of similar value. I've been meaning to try the KnitPicks Essentials sock yarns, and I always need hooks and needles. Make an offer!

I normally don't post twice in one day, but I thought this was deserving of its own entry.

Purseho on Ravelry knitted an awesome rendition of my Elephant Tea Cozy. You can see the project page here, or go to her flickr page to see pictures if you don't have Ravelry yet (which, by the way, you should go put your name on the list for- it's worth the wait!).

Hers is knit in pink and white Wool-Ease, has crocheted eyes instead of buttons, and an adorable little pom-pom on top.

I would normally post pictures, but don't want to steal them without Purseho's permission, so you'll have to go to her flickr to see them.

My online knitting buddy Knitting Up A Storm needs some help naming a yarn she just dyed, and is sponsoring a contest for the best name! The winner gets a free skein!

Here are the contest rules, please head on over to her blog post to suggest your colorway name! My suggestion was "Sugar Rush"--What can YOU come up with?

"I just dyed another skein, because....well, just because I'm crazy enough to do another one soo soon.
However, I was having the hardest time trying to come up with a name for this one.
Then it hit me.

I thought that it would be fun to have a colorway naming contest, since the colors are pretty funky together.
It's up to you, oh faithful commenter-friends & lurkers, to come up with the perfect (and jazzy) name for this one.
It's a hard one... what goes with lilac, sky blue, periwinkle, silver, salmon, pink & white?
The winner gets fame & glory on the winner's post....and this skein! Freebies are always good, right? Yeah, I should probably get some crackers to go with all this cheesyness.

"NAME THAT COLORWAY" RULES:
1. First, come up with the perfect colorway name. Jokesters might gain extra merit, as long as it's to good humor. Post on THIS post's comment page ONLY!! Thanks. :)
2. Post these rules on your blog & your colorway idea. That way, no one will use something like it, by mere freak accident. Who ever finds out about this contest on your blog must refer you on this comment page below, before participating in the contest. (This is kind of like Lotus' Knits contest idea. But we will use a poll too...)
-->If you see your name (or blog address) on my comment page, you can add another colorway name idea! The more referals for you, the better! Good luck to you all!
3. The top 3 best names will be put on a poll, so you all can vote!
4. Contest ends: Sunday, July 29th @ midnight!

So, the sooner you comment, the better chance you have of getting another go. lol.
Feel free to copy & paste the rules. No use in typing it all over again."

I just finished my first of two Sidewinders, created for the Sockatility knit-a-long! This is definitely the best-fitting and most fun sock I've knitted yet.

I'm casting on for the second sock tonight, then taking it with me on a weekend trip to Atlanta. A seven-hour car ride each way definitely makes plenty of knitting time!

This was the first time I'd ever tried grafting. I thought it was going to be some scary, difficult thing only the pros could do, but it turned out to be ridiculously easy. Just keep chanting "In and off, Out and on"! I'm planning my own grafted sock pattern, look for it sometime after I finish these!

I just finished Act II of my Sidewinders -- and realized they're going to be too big, even though I'm making them in the smallest size!!

And I don't have any circular needles smaller than a size 4... so I'm going to try doing them over on straight 2's. Has anyone ever tried it on straights before? I know the pattern says you NEED circulars, but my needle didn't seem to be bending much as I was knitting anyway.

I found out that someone else has made a Tetris blanket before!

Craftster member Zeropixie has a crocheted afghan, posted only a few weeks ago.


























Go here to see more.

Hers looks awesome, mine is going to be very different but I hope it turns out just as lovely!