Tomorrow is December 1 and it begins the real countdown to get all the holiday gifts done…well, if you aren’t already feeling the pressure. I really try to get a few special things done for my kids on time but if they’re not done, they seem to understand. Still, I want them each to have at least one special hand made thing from me.

PJ’s are at the top of the list for Christmas Eve. We go to the inlaws and its usually a late night. So, I give the girls new PJ’s to change into and wear home. There was one year I forgot them and 2 hours before we left for the inlaws I was at the sewing machine frantically trying to finish them. Luckily I only had one kid then. I’m hoping I can work on the PJ’s next weekend. I may need to take a trip to JoAnn’s. Boogie Baby was able to just reasonably fit into a pair of hand me down satin PJ’s and loves them so much. I may have to get some satin PJ material and put the flannel onto the shelf.

Socks are next because this is what they’ve asked for. Boogie Baby’s are done and 9goingon20’s are on the needles.

The sweaters for both girls are well under way. 9goingon20’s is past the separation of sleeve and body, Baby Boogie’s is only another inch or 2 away from the point of separation.

Bonus gift will be the hat from Hello Yarn handspun. Though, as soon as it’s done, I’ll probably give it to them. I say them because they’ll share it. Or rather, it will make 9goingon20 happy to have it and she’ll relinquish the hat that she has worn for 2 years that now Baby Boogie loves. It’s all about negotiation and slight of hand.

Happy Black Friday!
Once again we’ve reached that time of year where I post my list of places to get unusual or special gifts. I’ve been doing this for so many years I’m not sure that my picks are a surprise or out of the norm any more. I point to the usual places every year. This year I’m going to start off with something different. I’m starting with NOTHING. Very appropriate for Black Friday

My original idea was to give nothing but still give something. Give of your time, your heart, but not necessarily your wallet. With researching this theme of “Nothing” I came up with some things that are something more than nothing, yet still may be nothing to your wallet or only a little something, or may cost something but really be from the heart…..

First up, let’s talk about Nothing with Wikipedia and then for entertainment value you can visit the Nothing Blog.

Now, Let’s get creative with your nothing. Put together a playlist, a mix CD or DVD around Nothing:
Nothing Compares
Nothing Else Matters
Nothing to Give
Nothing to Give (Cunninlyguists)
The Gift of Nothing
Better yet, make a mix out of the songs or videos that your giftee loves. I’ve not met anyone that doesn’t like a well thought out and put together mix CD or DVD.

Fun Nothing ideas. These may cost something but they still have a laughable or sweet sentiment:
The Gift of Nothing (a book)
DIY yourself a Jar of Nothing
Nothing is worth more than today
Lots of nothing to give
Nothing at all

More ideas from another source to give “nothing” for the holidays
Buy Nothing Christmas

Something that is something to someone and maybe something to the giftee but may be nothing tangible like a toy….Charitable gifts or donations. You can make these at anytime but to combat a little of that consumerism, you can buy a gift of charity in your giftee’s honor. Some of my favorite places:
Heifer International This is a favorite of many fiberists. If you don’t know about them yet, check them out. As with any charity I post here, I do recommend you don’t take my word for it and you check them out to see if they meet your charitable criteria..

The Humane Society. Both of our dogs are rescues. I usually choose to give to the local shelters but giving to the Humane Society is a good thing too.

Susan G Komen for the Cure. There are a couple of different Breast cancer foundations out there. This is usually the one we prefer to give to. Though its usually when someone is doing a race or walk for the cure.

UNICEF and many other places (often local to you) organizations are out there to help kids.

If you don’t have your own favorites or want to do something that may suit your giftee better, check out the Charity Navigator

There are some fabulous ideas out there. I know some of you probably already do them. I want to hear them and so do others that read this. I know there are still some of you that read. I’ve been slack about posting but I’m sure there are people that come here to read. And who doesn’t love the gift guide and all the helpful hints that you guys post. You all were so creative last year with the recycling projects. Let’s see what you come up with for the “Nothing” theme.

ok people. There is no reason to send me angry emails about this post. For those that know me, you all know I support buying local or from Indie business and less consumerism. If those that emailed me actually clicked on some of the links, you would see that some of them are about spending money. I understand how the economy works and would appreciate no more emails about how I’m actually fostering the recession. For those that have bored wallets, the next couple of weeks will have more spendy ideas.

In pictures!

Baktus for me is almost half done:

I’ve made progress on 9goingon20’s xmas sweater. One more diamond and I’ll be able to separate the body/sleeves:

I cast on for Baby Boogie’s sweater last night:

I’m working on a secret project (details coming soon):

This will soon be an Urchin for 9goingon20 so she can stop stealing mine (details coming soon):

And a FO - it’s an old one though:

The pattern will be the Winter Spin Off that should be on the shelves by the end of the week? Or for those of us so far away from the printers, about middle of next week.

I’ve made a bit of yarn and thought you might like to see it. Inspiration and all that.

First up, a bad picture of the BFL Scorpio (SE) that I spun up for a Colonnade Shawl. 8 ounces of an Aran weight 2 ply About 430 yards.

Enchanted Knoll - Vardo - SW merino with sparkles and sari silk - spindle spun 3 ply - about DK sock weight

August Spunky Club - Falkland - Zombies - Navajo plied into an Aran weight yarn 2 ounces.

October Spunky Club - Wool Blend - Ribbons - Navajo plied into a worsted weight yarn, 2 ounces.

Hello Yarn - club fiber (can’t remember the name right now….oops) - Shetland - Navajo plied into a worsted weight. 12 ounces (for a vest - I’m thinking of EZ’s rib warmer)

Corriepaca - SE Mahogany - 2 ply sport weight.

My Aunt reminded me that I hadn’t put up a note here about making the newspaper. No, it wasn’t the police blotter. If you get my tweets or are in the Ravelry group you’ve already seen this. If not…

I made the front page with a little photo of me spinning and then the whole front of section B!!! Holy huge photos! and they took video which is on the Sun journal website. HERE. It’s just a small town newspaper but it’s really cool to see a spinning feature in the paper. And to have it take up so much space!