Pattern Releases and Holiday Crafting Madness

After another busy week I have lots of fun ideas to share. A couple of patterns I've tested were released and holiday crafting is in full swing.

Before hopping into releases I wanted to talk about Cyber Monday. Did you do any yarn or pattern shopping this week for all of the sales? I have to confess that I partook and here is what I found. Some of the designers below are part of the Indie Designer GAL.

I ordered four skeins of yarn from Yarn Over New York. She had a 20% off sale and I had been eyeing these colorways for months. Andrea Mowrey had a day that if you purchased patterns that the profits would go to the fire victims in California, so I purchase that I had contemplated sometime. Several other designers have had sales, so I've partaken here and there. Here is list. Most of the sales have ended, but you might enjoy the inspiration:

Yarn Over New York (I've included some of Jessie's images of the colorways for your enjoyment)

Queen Bee Yarn

Blackbird

Traffic Cone

Andrea Mowrey (Drea Renee Designs)
The Shift
The Throwback
Nightshift

Carina Spenser Designs
Orla's Vine
Calliope Cowlette

Jessie Ksanznack Designs (Yarn Over New York)
Baburuti Hat

Sarah Schira
Here We Gnome Again
G'night Cap

The first pattern release I wanted to share is  the W.A.L.K. Hat by Becca Hulme was released this week. It's a great simple, squishy hat. I made a couple of hats using the recommended striping scheme. It's a quick stash buster with a lovely wide range of sizes. The inspiration comes from having to spell "walk" to not have your puppy triggered to excitement.

Second, the Red Cliff Mittens from Alison O'Mahoney of Kniterations were released. These are beautiful two toned mittens that I love. The colorwork patter in interesting and the thumb colowork is clever. You definitely need to pay attention in the set up and keep track of rows. I tested the children's size and I loved the results. What do you think of the deep teal and buttery yellow?

What I'm Making (now) - After all the busy times of testing and shopping I'm frantically making Christmas...here are the items I'm working on:

Hipster - Hat for my brother-in-law (farthest along...likely to complete)
Marled Mania Cardigan - for my sister-in-law (will start working on sleeves and will cast of edge based on timing.
Sugar Skull Amigurumi - stuffed animal for my mother-in-law (front panel completed)
Elton's Newsies Hat - my father-in-law (and nephew...time willing) - (received idea yesterday...need to begin)
Kahurangi Cowl - for a current KAL (started on Saturday)

There are so many awesome patterns and things I want to work on...but maybe five projects at once should  be enough. I hope that if you have any holiday craft projects that you're done well in advance of your gifting holiday.

Happy crafting and have a great week!