December is certainly full of events so this is one of those posts you might need to print and highlight what is most important to you. Sorry - I know blogs are supposed to save paper…’tis the season!

First though an update on my Christmas list. The Odessa hat for my aunt took about 3-4 hours. I didn’t use beads because of the shimmer accent in the Ca’D'oro yarn. Since I used a heavier yarn than suggested I casted on only 90 stitches (instead of 110). I really like this pattern - especially how it swirls up to the top. I can’t wait to try one with beads now that I got he pattern figured out. The Odessa Hat pattern is available online through Ravelry.com. Check it out in all sorts of yarns and colorways.

I finished my Butler Bag for my friend. It took 3 hours from start to finsh - but I was working hard (kids in bed) to get it done so I could email you on the time it took. I love it and can’t wait to make another, maybe next time in the reverse for the prints. It will be a great grab gift.

My dad’s hat is still awaiting a start. I will get to it this week! For my other gifts pending…. I made black Sheep Shop yarn mittens last year for my youngest sister and need to finish them for her this year. They are black with a hot pick accent and double stitched snowflake (that’s what’s left to do). Sonia (my other sister) was asking the other day about one of those new, cool berets she sees everyone wearing - you know the cabled aran knit that sucks all your loose hair under it. She now wants that for the winter. The newest edition of Vogue knitting (with the knitted bangles on the cover) has some nice patterns for me to pick from. So for next week I have a few projects planned plus some other random things I need to finish for shop display. Speaking of which, my new favorite thing to knit - cowls in the round. I made one LAST NIGHT out of 2 balls of Di Ve ($7 each - pictured below) using this pattern http://sixoneseven.blogspot.com/2008/03/dolores-park-cowl.html .

While interviewing Chelsea (our new Wednesday person) we got talking about quick, one skein projects and she told me about this site - how exciting for me to discover the cowl I had imagined. On that note I would like to formally welcome Chelsea and Claire to the Stitch House. Starting this week you’ll see them around during the week. I am happy to welcome them; they are great additions to our staff!

For the list of happenings over the next few weeks:

Our sock contest winner is Valaree Hemingaus. She will be formally recognized (with the other participants) during our Last Minute Shopping Party. Valaree wins a $50 gift certificate, a book and a Stitch House t-shirt. All contestants get a gift for participating. Our next contest starts NOW. Make mittens in any pattern (yours or ours) and buy our yarn this month and display in the month of January. Contest rules available at the shop or email us.

As a mother of triplets (and one more) I belong to a group called Triplets Moms and More. TMM is having a new and gently used picture book drive. All the books with go to the Floating Hospital (NEMC) for Children’s Pediatric Emergency Department. They are desperately in need of picture books for their young patients. The hospital can take new, or gently used, children’s books; preferably not chapter books as the children usually don’t have the time to read Harry Potter while they’re awaiting treatment in the ER. We have a box here for your donations. Anyone who has had a child in the ER knows the help of a good distraction. We’ll stop collecting the end of December.

I hope to see you - in the meantime check out our class listing. January classes are starting to fill up!

Annissa