Did you know Christmas is 9 weeks from today? Are you prepared?
Well, I thought I was, but it turns out my mom's gift is trickier than I had anticpated. The yarn for her gift will cost approx $50 and I have, uh, approx $10 right now, after my bills are paid. If I can knit at the speed of 1 ball/week, I'll only need 5-6 weeks to finish her gift. So really, I have another 3 weeks before I need to start. However, until I have a permanent job, I can't be sure my financial situation will improve by then, so it's time to look at some options.
Because work isn't too demanding at the moment, but I need to look busy, I'll lay out the options, along with their from-the-heart (♥), damage-to-my-bank-account ($), and time-consumed (*) ranking. If you choose to wade through all this, please cast your vote for the gift you think I should knit my mother for christmas!
- Handspun, handknit something (probably scarf). I have enough supersoft alpaca (that we bought together at MDS&W!) that I would dye in mom-like colors, spin and knit something from it. ♥♥♥♥ - She bought the wheel, she loves alpaca, it would be handdyed, handspun, handknit. $-I already have all of the supplies! ****-All of those components really add to the time involved. I'd need a week for dyeing (and drying). 2 weeks for spinning, and at least 4 weeks to knit it. Do-able, if I really focus on this.
- Entrelac Wrap. 3 balls of Silk Garden (251) + 2 balls of Karaoke = one fantastic wrap that she requested. I would love to make this. ♥♥ ♥-Giving her what she asked for, and she thinks it's a difficult knit! $$$$-the most expensive option at around $50, I'd have to buy the yarn 1 ball at a time. ***-about 6 weeks
- Via Dioganale-She loves bags and this would be a new technique for me. ♥♥-It's kind of out of the blue, but I know she'll like it. $$-I can get the yarn for around $10 on elann.com, the handles and lining will be another $10 or so. **-I'm not sure, but I don't think this will take more than 2 weeks of knitting, but it's the finishing that concerns me.
- Lace Shawl-Either the Flower Basket Shawl or Swallowtail Shawl out of my handpainted Zephyr, which I really feel like knitting right now. She's admired the shawls I've knit, but says she doesn't know how to wear them. ♥♥♥-She would be impressed with my lace skillzz and would treasure it (but would she wear it?) $-I already have 5000yds of Zephyr! ***-about 6 weeks.
- Yarn: Simple, I just give her yarn! However, she has expensif taste! ♥-she's come to expect handknit gifts, so this might seem a bit cold. $$$-I'd probably get her something luxurious and enough for a project. *-No time except shopping (which is fun!)
Ok, so that you have all the information (feeling overwhelmed, I am!), help a girl out! What do you think I should knit? After you vote, make sure and comment so I know why!
7 comments:
I picked option 1 because I think it's a great gift without having to worry about money, since you have the supplies already. It might take a bit longer, but then again you can start right away.
I'd go the handspun route since that is a gift lovingly made from the ground up, so to speak. Plus you don't have to buy anything for it.
I also picked number one, but what about just spinning and dyeing the yarn and giving her that. You have the fleece, dying doesn't take that long and you have a handmade gift that she can use herself. Besides, copping out of the knitting of said handspun doesn't count, she can't argue with a disseration.
I also would go with option 1. It would probably bring back great memories of the fun time you guys had at MDS&W!
I'd say one as well-- I like Kris' idea of givning mom the yarn you spun & dyed, too. Or, could you spin enough yarn to make say a modified lady E? (Scarf width?)
I vote #1, but for the sake of time, maybe a smaller project, like a hat? Then you could gift it with some handpainted yarn in "Mom" colors. She'll appreciate all that went into her gift AND she'll have her own yarn to play with.
On a side note, my mom has wicked expensive taste too, but knowing that her yarn/gift is unique makes all the difference.
Cheers!
I like option No 1 the best...alpaca would make a fantastic scarf. Soo silky soft and warm!
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