Holiday Knitting ALREADY???!!!

For years I have stocked a small shelf in my linen closet with "just in case" gifts: scarves, cowls, hats, mitts, some unisex, some clearly for women.  This has come in handy at times, like the year my brother showed up at noon on Christmas Day with his MIL in tow (he had forgotten to mention he was bringing her).  Items purchased or made with specific recipients in mind also go here.

I just peeked in the closet.  There are more items than I  feared, but less than I hoped.

This year we are cutting back on Xmas, sort of.  We are hosting a big family reunion gathering (at least 35 for dinner on the 25th) and have announced no (white elephant) gift exchange at the party this year, because it will be too crazy.  Our house will be bulging at the seams with 8 (!) house guests for Xmas week, and we will be toning down our normal gift-a-palooza for the immediate family so our guests don't feel overwhelmed.

BUT…

I promised hubby that all of our house guests would awaken to stuffed stockings.  He promised to exchange gifts with his sister and her family as we usually do (I found out after the fact).  They appreciate hand knit gifts and have come to expect them.  I also promised Joe I'd get each guest a present for under the tree (they range in age from 4-78; none of them are on our usual gift exchange list).

Oh, and did I mention that I am gift purchaser/maker-in-chief?

At least I'm almost done with gifts for my side of the family.

Mom is getting this cowl:

She and Dad will also get a few non-knit gifts (one remains to be purchased, but I have it picked out).  I also know what to get for my brother and his wife (bought, not knit; they don't seem to appreciate the effort much).  I still need to knit a scarf for my fashionista nephew, but at least I have the yarn and a pattern in hand.

For the first time in years, I knit myself a party sweater before Thanksgiving.  I have the Ravelry forum for NaKniSweMo to thank for keeping me on task (and, in case you participate in it as well, the sweater does exceed the 50K minimum stitch count).  Here is a selfie in the bathroom mirror, unblocked, right off the needles:

Merle by Norah Gaughan

Although you can't tell from the photo, the yarn is shimmery (a clear nylon tube filled with colored wool fiber).  The sweater is lightweight, warm, and just dressy enough.  I am happy with this gift to myself.

Joe has joked that he is so busy that in addition to making Xmas happen for our family and guests, if I want to find any presnts with my name on them under the tree, I need to do the shopping.

Hmmm.  Some of those Black Friday yarn sales look awfully appealing….

PS:  I realize I have not posted in many months.  I have, however, knit quite a bit.  Updates next time.