Knitting Christmas Presents for the family

This year is a bit leaner than previous, so I am trying to knit gifts for the family.

With time constraints that means little gifts!

I have found some great patterns on the internet, especially in Ravellry, which I will hopefully have time to make.

I have so far made a knitted turtle for my darling Jess, as she loves turtles. The pattern was from Little Knitted Creatures by Amy Gaines.
There were a few problems with the pattern, but not unsurmountable luckily, as I am not that experienced at following patterns....I have a distressing tendancy to wander off on my own in the middle. One reason why I rarely knit jumpers or other items except for scarves and rugs.

I will post a pic of the turtle when I remember to download it onto the computer!

Currently I am almost finished an Owl from the same book for Natalie. She has decorated her nursery with owls. The owl is also from the Amy Gaines book, without any problems. Though I am not fond of her invisible decrease....or perhaps I should say that I probably haven't done it correctly! My apologies Ms Gaines!

Dishclothes are not something I am familiar with here in Australia, but I think I will make some for Natalie to use when bathing Maiya. I do like some of the science fiction patterns I have found, especially the Dr Who ones for Jess.

Is it possible to use the pattern to make individual squares for a rug?
I think I will try it, if I get the time...or maybe that will be a birthday present for Jess, to go with the really long Dr Who scarf I knitted over a couple of years, finally giving it to her for her recent birthday.

Scrubbies are something I am having trouble with. The tulle I bought at Spotlight is too stiff to be useful, but if I knit it with acrylic I might be able to use it - I am hoping.
I have bought the softer (and more expensive!) bridal tulle, so maybe that will work on it's own - or again I might knit it with an acrylic yarn. The bridal tulle doesn't have the lovely colour of the other tulle, which is a shame.

Tawashis are another item I am going to try. I have some cotton yarn, though I was surprised at how hard it is to get 100% cotton at Spotlight. Most of the yarns are a mix, but with the help from a lovely lady in the yarn section, I did come home with a couple of balls.

I found some white cotton yarn at the op-shop a while ago and I am thinking of dying it, something simple like tea or coffee dye.
It might be worth investigating other dyes though. I have always wanted to dye my own yarn.

Nearly forgot to mention crocheting the Chinese Zodiac mascots for the boys. Ben is year of hte Dragon, but I have to find out Tim's. The patterns for all are free at Knit.1 Magazine in Vogue Knitting free patterns http://www.vogueknitting.com/free_patterns/knit_1_chinese_zodiac.aspx

Am I going to have time for all this!!!!!????????

Probably not. Hopefully I will be able to make at least one thing for the kids, and the octagonal car blanket I am planning for Maiya, in bulky - which hopefully should be quick.

So why am I here instead of knitting or crochetting????

Bye!