The Joy of Giving

One of my favorite things about the crochet and knit community is Ravelry.  I belong to several groups and their discussions and Crochet a Longs (CALs) or Knit a Longs (KALs) as well as swaps keep me working and practicing this art.  This past fall, I signed up for a Secret Santa swap in the Vanna's Choice Fan Club forum.  The rules were as follows:


Swap Guidelines

• One handmade item made of any yarn, fabric, craft supplies.
• A food/snack/drink/sweet treat
• Two to five smaller items you think your partner would like.
• At least one skein of V.C. yarn.
• A card or note revealing who you are.
• Wrapping individual items is nice, but not necessary. Many use tissue paper and yarn or simple ribbon for the bigger things. Stickers on the box is fun! 

The thing is that I signed up for the swap before my mom died and lost a month of time to work on things so everything was a little hectic.  The swappers in the group graciously offered to help me out but making something for someone else was a blessed distraction and I went to work.

My swappee was Ann and she lives in Southern California so all inital thoughts of a quick scarf went out the window and I thought about making a nice tote for her crafting supplies but I ran out of time so I made a slouchie hat out of Plymouth Yarn - Encore Chunky in a pretty Burgundy color using the Eco Green Pattern.  Unfortunately, I didn't get to many pictures but here is a picture of Ann with the hat on.

Picture courtesy of Ann from Ravelry

I also got her the cross ornament so lovingly adorned on her ear, Burt's Bees Lip Gloss, a water bottle with the letter A on it, a mug that asks Santa for more yarn and some awesome candy from a local chocolatier. Also I got 2 skeins of Vanna's Choice Yarn from Lion Brand in Cherry Cherry and Eggplant.

She was more patient than I, and stared at the box I sent for 2 weeks before she opened it nearly made me tell her everything as she posted about her own anxious waiting.  Thankfully she loved everything which makes it all worth while.

After everything that happened this holiday season, doing things for others really helped me to get through the rough time.  I am so thankful to everyone who supported me through this project and offered help and assistance you have no idea how much your generosity meant to me.  Thank You.

Tomorrow, I will tell you about what my own Secret Santa got me and it's penguin-licious!

<3 Heather

Project details can be found here:

Hook - I/5.5 mm
Yarn - Plymouth Yarn - Encore Chunky in Burgandy
Duration - About 2 weeks (deadlines rock!)
Pattern - Eco Green