The Giving Tree
January 8th, 2008 by Wen
Whew.
That’s me breathing a sigh of relief that the holidays are over.
Actually, the boy and I had a very nice Christmas and NewYear. By implementing our ingenious plan of having 2 out of 4 sets of parents here for Thanksgiving we got a pass on traveling anywhere for Christmas this year. We totally made that pass up, and we are trying to figure out how we can do it next year too. Neither of our mothers were particularly pleased with this plan, however the boy and I really enjoyed creating some of our own Christmas traditions that didn’t involve pharmaceutical intervention other than the voluntary recreational kind.
Luckily we have 11 months to think up some really good excuses.
Christmas day we got up very very late (we stayed up late playing Pir@tes of the C@rribean Online game in lieu of paying our respects to the baby Jeebus) had some breakfast and didn’t open packages until 2pm. We had friends over for dinner, and it was all very low key and lovely.
A few weeks before we had a beg for ornaments Tree Decorating Party. My ornaments, few that I had for my 4 foot tree, went MIA in the move so we needed some help. Then I got the idea that if I told people we were donating $10 for every ornament to Knitters Without Borders that my guests wouldn’t think we were so cheap would get into the spirit of giving to people less fortunate than us. (we’re both still unemployed).
It worked.
The party was really fun, people brought gorgeous or funny ornaments, and along the way we raised $260 for Knitters Without Borders. Everyone’s generosity made me proud (though it did hurt a little bit. We are kinda broke right now). I also signed up for the monthly give to KWB. Because, no matter how broke ass I am, there is always someone out there that the term ‘dire poverty’ would be a step up. And I can afford 10$ a month.
Here’s two (of five!) from Madge and her husband. The one on the left is vintage
I didn’t take photos of all 26. I am busy with another project right now- one that you’ll see at the end of this post. But here’s some more:
Also the tree gave something back to me too. Pain. Apparently it was upset that I took it down. I blame the tree, and not my own ass-tarded insistence at moving something too bulky.
I did an insane amount of knitting for Christmas, though in the rush to get things out the door and in the mail in time I didn’t take pictures. So just imagine that these got done:
I gave my mom the monkey socks
I made a pair of the fibertrends clogs in blue and black and a pair on knitspot 2 needle mittens for my dad. And I made the Boy and I some felted stockings.
Pre-felted:
Made with Patons Classic Merino and Cascade 220 (the green yarn). Toe up, standard sock recipe with a Sherman heel. The red one was my first one and came out the right size. Since I brilliantly did not write down what the hell I was doing as I was doing it (really this standard operating procedure around the slowknitter house) The green one came out much much bigger. And took about twice as long to knit. Which severely cut into my knitting time for presents. But here they are done:
They still need names and decoration, but I’ll save that for cutting into my Christmas knitting time next year. God, I do love tradition.
OK, so the other project I am working on right now? A stash sale. I spent the day yesterday culling the herd ( I just wrote ‘culling the nerd’ which is way more appropriate) and photographing it all. Today I’m going to edit photos, price, and put up on flickr. Eventually it’s going to go up on Ravelry, but I thought I’d give the three of you who read this first shot, cause I’m nice like that.
So watch this space in the next few days.
Oh, and I signed up for some sort of stash busting thing on Ravelry. For me, the thing I had already decided to do was to finish up the things already on the needles. Selling the yarn and needles and books is really all about bringing some cash in to the house and making some room.
CUTE stockings!
I second Carrie, those are my favorite Christmas stockings I’ve seen around this year. Not cutesy, just cute. (that’s a compliment. Sorry, I’m not very good at the text this week)
I’m sorry about your back, I hope you feel better soon.
I love the idea of your ornament party, and I’m really impressed about the $260. That’s awesome. Sigh. We never get a tree and I usually don’t decorate because we are ALWAYS gone for Christmas. The only year we got a free pass was when we were moving to another state in January. That was a great year. I’m all for laid-back, low-key holidays. Next year isn’t looking too great, as there will be 2
Yay! $260! And you thought you got your tree for free…I’m sorry you’ll be eating top ramen for a while, but I applaud your kind, giving soul.
Your stockings kick ass. And I hope your back is better soon, pookie.
P.S. Who brought the gingerbread house ornament? It’s totally cute.
So even with all the religious iconography in your place, you still ignored the Baby Jeebus in favor of a bunch of seafaring scalawags? Wow. God is probably going to smite you.
Or maybe He’ll just plunder your booty. Either way, watch your back.
The stockings turned out great! And that’s a fantastic idea for a holiday party. I may steal it for future use. Sorry that the tree was so vindictive, they really do have a spiteful streak.
Happy New Year!
I have to ask: how did you get your stockings to float in space in front of the fireplace like that? Wow. Perhaps baby jee-jee had something to do w/it?
May the strike be over soon! (I keep thinking of you and hoping, for your sake, that people will get their heads out of their butts and get talking.)
Cheers,
Karen
Your generosity is an example to others…hopefully we’ll see it.
I’m so sad we missed out on your party…stupid Roman shit anyhow. I LOVE the variety of ornaments you received, and now you have a special memory and face to attach to each. Much more precious than going out and buying them.
Let me know when your stash sale is. If you’re doing it “in person” let me know if you need any help. I think I owe you a visit anyway.
Hugs to you and the boy, and hang in there. I certainly hope this strike is over soon! Too many of my friends are out of work and that totally sucks!
I’m so behind on everything. Sorry for being late again. Those stockings are adorable, and I totally know what I’m making for my friend’s “second xmas in her new house but the first xmas after the Great Basement Flood of ‘08″. Yes, indeedy. Plus, I don’t have to start them until, like, later.
I so wish the strike would be over. Not that I watch TV anymore (waaah) but because I worry about you!