So now that you've decided that you are going to do some Christmas knitting. It's due time to give yourself a timeline to ensure that you will get it all done. 

First things first, kiss your 'you' knitting goodbye. You'll have to put that cozy wrap or shawl you really wanted for winter on hold until you have all your gifts knit. Use that special project that you want to knit for yourself as the carrot on the stick. Once all the holiday knitting is done you can cast on all the things!!

Second, you'll want to pick your projects. Since it is already getting late in the season you need to make your knitting quantity reasonable. You will not be able to knit a sweater for every member of your family before the big day. Don't even try. Stick to small projects with big yarn, it will make your life much, much easier!

Next, make a timeline and be realistic. A pair of socks usually takes me a good 3 weeks to complete depending how complicated they are and how big they are. A shawl can take me 2 months if its intricate. This year I'm sticking to hats and headbands as my gifts. I am also planning on making a few small sweaters for the special tiny humans in my life. I'm going to give myself one week for each hat, and 2 weeks for each sweater. I'm going to update my queue on Ravelry and set a date for each item to be completed. Sometimes I even set myself some mini deadlines to stay motivated.

Last, its time to do what knitters do best. Knit! Make sure you utilize all of your knitting time. I try to have some small knitting with me just in case I have to wait somewhere. No sense in just sitting around doing nothing. If you're struggling with knitting time you can always schedule it in by attending Knit Night! 

With our bellies all stuffed with turkey and gratitude we've officially started thinking about the holiday season. Many new knitters are so enthusiastic about their new found talent that they want to share it with their loved ones in the form of hand knits. We know we were! However, although we encourage knitting all the things, we also caution knitting for other people. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on a gift and recipient. 

1. First and foremost, are they knit worthy? A knit worthy person is someone you truly love. Knitting takes a lot of time and effort, it should be shared with those who are near and dear to you. 

2. Will they truly appreciate it? It is absolutely heartbreaking to pour your heart into a gift that isn't appreciated. If you've spent hours pouring over patters, and yarns to ensure it is the perfect gift and the recipient is minimally impressed to receive it, it is very, very disheartening. 

3. Will it get used? This goes hand and hand with appreciation. When you spend time making a gift, you want it to get used! There is nothing worse than a hand knit that sits in the corner collecting dust or, GASP, moths!

Now, we're not saying don't share your talent with others, by all means, spread the love of knitting. However, we do suggest really thinking about who you knit for. There is nothing more gratifying than to give a hand knit to someone who meets the above criteria. It will make your heart swell, and ultimately, that's a gift for yourself too!