Cable and Rib Sweater

I made this sweater for my Mom for Christmas this year.  You can find the pattern on the Coats & Clark website here.  The pattern calls for Moda Dea Fashionista yarn, but I actually used Bernat Satin yarn in Antique Rose for this sweater.

Luckily my family has pretty much stopped asking me who I'm making a particular project for when they see me working on something.  Lately most of the things I've been working on are either gifts or to sell in my Etsy shop.  Mom happened to stop by my house the same day the package arrived with the yarn for this sweater.  She saw the yarn skeins and commented on what a pretty color they were.  I just said "yes, I like the color too."  What I wanted to say was, "I'm glad you like it because it will be for you." She figured it out once she opened her package with the sweater inside. :o)

The sweater fits great, and the nice thing is that with the ribbed pattern it stretches as much as you need to hug your curves.  That way it expanded to fit Mom nicely now, and as she is losing weight it will contract and still look attractive and not frumpy.

Round Ripple Christmas Tree Skirt

I decided to torture myself again this Christmas and make almost all of our Christmas gifts.  Since I made an afghan for my in-laws last year I wanted to do something different for them this time.  While browsing the internet for pattern ideas I came across the perfect project for them - a Round Ripple Christmas Tree Skirt designed by Donna Mason-Svara aka SmoothFox.  You can get the pattern free here.

The beginning is a little confusing, but I figured it out and was very pleased with the finished tree skirt.  My Mother-in-law was beside herself with awe when she opened this up on Christmas Day. :o)

Knit Cowl Neck Pullover Sweater

This is the sweater that I made for my Sister-in-law Melinda for Christmas this year.  You can find the pattern on the Bernat yarn website here.  I used two strands of Bernat Softee Chunky in Rouge held together throughout.  I was amazed at how quickly this sweater worked up, and the yarn is incredibly soft.  I'll definitely be making this pattern again, maybe for myself this time. :o)

One note:  Melinda says she loves this sweater but it is VERY warm, so you may want to save it for those really cold winter days.