Mrs. Claus' Workshop

It's been almost 2 weeks since I've worked on these mittens.  One mitt is finished and I just cast-on it's mate yesterday.  Luckily my son has Santa's Workshop (an arts & craft program at a local art studio) for 3 solid hours and he prefers that I stay "close by".  The closest place to sit and knit is a cafe.  What more could a knitter ask for than a warm, caffeine infused, muffin-serving place to sit and get a few, uninterrupted rounds in?  

The past 2 weeks have been crazy busy with exams and final projects.  My small business management class was a major pain but I managed to get my business plan written, portfolio designed, and burned onto DVDs.  There were just a few minutes left over to finish crocheting my SIL's stocking, and knitting 2 dishcloths.   What's left you ask?  I still have to knit 2 other pair of Bella Mittens before Christmas and a Thorpe hat (complete with duplicate stitched on school logo) for my son!!  Doable?  I've burned the candle at both ends before and think I still can.

Stocking & Stuffers

Let's start by saying that these 2 stockings are certainly not my best work.  I crochet so little, that I don't feel daring enough to get creative.  I'm also running out of time and have a knitting list longer than Santa's good list.  (I probably should have skipped playing around in Photoshop for a half hour just to create this little graphic.  Prioritizing isn't always my best skill.)

I have one more stocking to make and then it's time to get creative!  I am going to embellish them with maybe some pompoms (trying everything possible to use up scraps and reduce my stash), and little wooden clipboards that I bought at the craft store the other day.  The clipboards will have their names on them and a magnet on the back so that they can use it on their refrigerators after. 

What's a stocking without stuff in it?  Well these aren't even really wearable - unless you're into the ski boot look.  So I need to knit at least 3 dishcloths and put one in each stocking.  I started one today and instantly regretted it.  I detest cotton yarn (I'd rather knit with twine on chopsticks) and I am not a fan of Mission Falls 1824 Cotton because the nubby texture doesn't allow for a smooth knitting experience.  Why can't I remember this before I cast-on?  ... I think it has something to do with wanting to knit down my stash.