Yarn Room: Heavenly Christmas Projects

Dear users, dear authors,
here is the thread for the Yarn Room, where you can share updates on your Christmas projects and showcase your finished pieces.
Have fun—I’m sure it’ll be wonderful.

Hi everyone,
this is exactly what I was looking for.
This year, I want to give my family beautiful, hand-knitted scarves. I want them to be something special, so I’d like to use merino wool in lovely, wintry colors.
I’ve checked out about 2–3 stores so far, but they couldn’t help me.
Do any of you have experience with this and can give me some advice?

Hi Kamomberd,
welcome to our community and enjoy the Yarn Room.
I’m sure someone will be able to give you some tips.
Please don’t include any external links (links to other sites outside of crazypatterns) in your posts—thank you.

Hi Kamomberd,
are there any yarn shops near you? I’d be very surprised if they didn’t carry merino wool.

Hi Kamomberd,

have you checked out Amazon yet? There’s plenty

there. Best regards,
Birgit

Well then, I’d like to show you the (not-quite-finished) Christmas gift for my mom.
These are her favorite colors, but unfortunately they don’t look as vibrant in the photo as they do in real life.
Once it’s finally finished, it’ll be a cape. I still need to knit the rows in the very dark blue. And then I’ll have to sew it all together.


Here’s a picture of the finished bear for my friend. She’s getting the little bear.

Uh-oh, I think I have a problem...

Two years ago I gave away 15 crocheted teddy bear keychains...
Last year I gave away 1 shawl, 3 cowls, and a teddy. 

This year I don’t even have an idea yet what I could give. 

I definitely have to make something for my father’s "board"... (Above his TV he has a shelf board hanging, with a collection of amigurumis sitting on it. Every now and then he mentions that he hasn’t gotten anything in a long time ;))
--> Anyone have a good idea for an amigurumi for a grown man? ;) 

For the others, I’ll have to see what I can come up with...

Dear Tina,

No, a raccoon. I saw one the other day, and even my husband liked it. They’re so funny with their masks and always look so cuddly.
Or does he already have one like that?

Hi Tina

Does your dad have a hobby? Maybe you could crochet an animal or a figure holding something that fits his hobby.

Marion

Hey everyone,
I’m a bit at a loss this year because I want to make something for the whole family too.
Those stuffed animals you posted, Pe-Ka, seem like a bit much, I think.
If I counted correctly, I’d have to make at least 5, if not 7, so that no one has to be jealous.
As for Kamomberd, I can say that I usually order online too, since I don’t have a store right around the corner either.
You can find quite a lot on Amazon, or, if you don’t want to support them, on other websites as well.
How do the kids actually react to your knitted items?
I always feel like they’re the least excited about them… :D

Thanks for your tips :)

I don’t think he really has a hobby—at least I can’t think of anything ;) 
I’ll put on my thinking cap a bit more.

Otherwise, the raccoon sounds great! The animals are awesome!

@ranga-lambo:
You could make keychains or something—then no one gets left out :)

About the question of how things are received by others: 
Well, I remember back when I was a child: you could have chased me away with knitted clothes (especially socks!)! I smiled nicely at my grandma and said thank you, but I was never really happy about them... 
I would have loved handmade stuffed animals, but I never got any :)

Maybe it depends on the children.
The girl who “modeled” for my soul warmer asked very enthusiastically whether she could keep it too. (Of course she could ;)

My grandchildren love crocheted stuffed animals and doll clothes. They just can’t get enough of them! They’re always asking me to make them something new. And if a hat sparks their imagination for role-playing (knight’s helmet, dinosaur hat, animal hats), they think those are great, too. Knitted and crocheted sweaters, scarves, or little dresses aren’t as popular. I wish I were better at sewing. Because I think they’d really like sweatshirts or T-shirts made from nice, soft jersey fabrics.

@ Tina: My husband likes llamas, so I crocheted him one for each car :D 

There’s no point in me turning up with homemade Christmas gifts for anyone in my family, so at least I don’t have any stress about that.
My daughter did need a hat quickly during fall break, though, so Mom was allowed to quickly pinch some of the nice sweater yarn (gray tape yarn) for it (luckily, I had brought too much.)
But she has already told me, too: Please don’t crochet anything else for me, Mom...

My handmade creations go down well with my family. I’m often asked expectantly, even before the gifts are unwrapped, “Did you make it yourself?”

I’ve really never known it any other way than putting something homemade under the tree every year. Back then (about 30 years ago), the Christ Child would hang a new (self-sewn) dress in the hallway for my daughter while we were at church. That was always a joy.

This year, there will be little things again. The ideas are there, and I’m almost finished too.



My cousin is getting a new mug, and for care there are dishcloths in a matching colour.

I always find it difficult with the men in the family. But you can never have too many hats, scarves, and the like.

@Kamomberd,
I’ve been buying Drops merino wool for quite some time now. Just Google it; there are several stores that carry it, for example Kalana. I’m always very happy with it. The selection is huge, and the yarn is very warm and cozy. And compared to others, it’s also quite affordable.

I still have quite a few projects ahead of me for Christmas, oh dear. A hooded jacket for my youngest granddaughter (1.5), a set of a hat and wrist warmers for my oldest granddaughter (11), and two “little bear” door guardians for the two boys (6 and 8).

The adults haven’t been giving each other gifts for a few years now. But who knows, little surprises are always nice.

It’s lovely that the Christmas room has now been opened here. :-)

Warm regards
Monika

I just thought of another gift idea for Krea_Tina. Is your dad maybe a soccer fan? You could crochet a little soccer player figure with a scarf in his team’s colors, or a little lucky pig is always a hit.
Just a thought.

Hi there,
I just had a totally crazy idea. I think I’m going to crochet a Santa coat and hat for Anton :-).
It’s our first Christmas as a family of three—or rather, six. We’re invited to my parents’ house this year with my mother-in-law, and when there’s a little Santa lying in the stroller, there’s sure to be some laughter...
Oh man, I think my husband is finally going to declare me crazy :-)

I also happen to have some red and white yarn lying around

@Arni,

I think your idea is absolutely great. It’ll be a huge surprise for your family and make for some really beautiful—and above all, unique—Christmas photos.

Be sure to show us the Santa set here once you’re done. :-)

Good night wishes
Monika

@ Arni:
That’s such a cute idea! And if you finish it before Christmas and take some photos of him, you’ll have great Christmas cards right away!

Hi,

here’s a photo of my crocheted Christmas tree



And here are my nativity figures




My door wreath








Best regards, Heike

@ Heike:
Those are such great pieces! I’ve always wanted to try crocheting nativity figures, too.
But I’ve been busy too: my first Christmas items are finished—candy jars for the sweet-toothed friends in my circle.
Ruth

Arni, I can’t wait to see the photos of your little Santa! And a handmade outfit is even prettier! So: Good luck with your crocheting!

Heike: Your nativity figures are beautiful! I hope I’ll get around to crocheting a few myself.

@ruthk

Your candy jars are giving me an idea. That would also be something for Christmas cookies. 

I don't need to crochet or knit anything for my family anymore either, only if it's specifically requested.
That's why I only make small things for them now; I always have ideas for myself.

Here is my latest gift to myself:




, 

You’ve all created some really beautiful things with your needles. I really like everything.
I especially think Dagmar’s bears are totally cute… I’m just a big fan of little bears.

I went on a spontaneous hat-and-scarf spree this week. I picked up some gorgeous baby alpaca yarn in rainbow colors at Traudelina’s shop. I’ve now knitted a hat and a loop scarf from it. Here’s the hat for now—the loop scarf will follow later.



My husband is going to get a slightly early Christmas present after all: a hat with a matching scarf. As soon as I’m done, I’ll post it here.

I still have quite a few ideas swirling around in my head. But first, I think I’ll finish knitting the jacket for my granddaughter. It’s a bigger project than I thought.

Dear Monika, that hat turned out great :-). Congratulations. That’s the first hat I’ve seen made from this yarn—it’s very beautiful!!
For the past few weeks, I’ve barely had time to knit or crochet. Personal matters are taking up all my time. Good thing I’d already knitted some gift socks back in the summer…
I’m already experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

@Everyone: You really have some great things :-)

Best regards to everyone
Traudelina

Thanks, Traudelina! :-)

Since I had 2 skeins, I used the rest to knit a loop scarf as well. Here is the photo of both items and of the loop scarf around my neck. The yarn is really great.






I experimented with knit and purl stitches again and came up with a really great variation. I call it air-cushion stitches. Really brilliant, and childishly easy too. I'm writing it all down right now.

Best regards
Monika

Very nice :-))))

Wow. You’re all really hard-working and creative.
I’m sure you’ll get a lot done before Christmas.
How are your Advent calendars, Advent wreaths, and St. Nicholas decorations coming along?
Those need to be finished soon.

For the past few days, a heavenly orchestra has been filling my craft room. It’s going to be a gift for my daughter.

Oh my gosh, Ruth, these are absolutely gorgeous!

Thank you!

So, I’ve finished the next batch of gifts. For my little one, I made a vase and two tea light holders in purple, white, and silver.


My friend also wants the crocheted tea light holders, just in different colors and sizes.



And my dad is getting a scarf made from the leftover yarn to match the vest he got for his birthday, in the same pattern as the vest.
I’ve only managed one pattern repeat so far. But there’s still time until Christmas.

@Pe-Ka,

everything you've created looks really great. I also finished the jacket for my granddaughter today. Since I'm pretty busy with work at the moment, I was actually surprised that it's already done, just like that on the side. I'll post a photo tomorrow.

I’ve finished one St. Nicholas bag. Now I have to hurry so I can finish the others by St. Nicholas Day. But they’ll definitely go faster now because I don’t have to figure it out anymore.

Here it is—the hooded jacket for my granddaughter. It took a little longer than expected since I didn’t have much time, but it turned out really beautiful.



Now it’s time for the pattern. ;-)

And the next project is already on the needles: a pair of baby pants. Here’s the start of it:

It’s called the “Wollstube,” but there’s some sewing going on too: 2 sleeping bags and 2 pajamas for my granddaughter’s baby dolls:

Do you have a photo of the doll clothes too, Ruth? They must look so cute.

Here are the baby pants I’m currently working on—they still need to grow a little:



Ruth, I can see the photos now. They weren’t there a moment ago… strange.
They look super cute! Your granddaughter is going to be so happy. Wow! :-)

Your baby jacket is so cute, too!

Thank you

I couldn’t resist the scrubby yarn either!

 Since we didn’t have a real model, the bear had to do!

It really suits it ;-))

Ta-da... I finished the baby pants and even the hat today. Socks are next. Here’s how it looks now:



One last gift that got finished: an annual family pass to the wildlife park.

The outfit was finished this afternoon, and the grandmas were absolutely smitten 

OMG, Arni, that little guy is such a cute Santa. :-)
You did a great job with the outfit—congratulations!

Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas!

@Arni
Great job! Such a sweet Santa! It’s not just the grandmas who are in love! I could cuddle the little guy right away too!
Ruth

@Arni

Your Santa Claus is just so cute. Such a pretty little guy. His outfit turned out great—you can be proud of it!

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season.

Best wishes, Marion

@Arni

So cute! Congratulations on your work, it looks absolutely wonderful!

Best wishes 

Christina



The (almost) last Christmas gifts are finished!

Clothes hangers are a great idea! That way, things don’t slide off as easily, and they look great! We had ones just like that at home when I was little.

Yes, Christina, I’m happy to agree with Ruth on that. The hangers are a great idea. Sometimes the simplest things just don’t occur to you.

Thanks, Ruth and Monika! My daughter’s hallway closet was chronically short on hangers, so I made her a small, practical Christmas gift. This little project is a great way to try out new crochet patterns!