Boxing Day Madness

Here's an update of my amaryllis, per yesterday's post. Five flowers are now open - isn't it gorgeous? And it's right on time too:

Now that the presents have all been opened, here are some photos of items I made:

1) This is a man's half apron for my brother as he is a wonderful cook, baker and chef. His initial is at the top (on his hip) and then our running gag, the name of a cookie - Snickerdoodle, is on the bottom. That was part of an on going gag, he wasn't expecting anything when he unfolded the apron. I embroidered the Snickerdoodle letters in multi-coloured thread as it reminded me of when he surprised me last September by writing the word in sidewalk chalk when my car was parked at my moms (we ambush each other with the word, seeing who can stick it in a conversation, or hide the word somewhere. Upon the unveiling of the apron, my SIL declared that I was the winner. I know my brother does not accept defeat, he just needs to work harder at getting me back.)

Because the apron was black, I used a white pencil crayon and freehanded the lettering - you can see a bit of my white line on the letter "S" but that came off before I sent it.

2) This is a set of pillowcases I embroidered for my brother and sister-in-law. The aliens were perfect for him and so adorable, but I couldn't find a good image for her, so I went with the cats. I really wish I could find a better image for her, when I do, I'll have to redo her pillow case. Also, I was too lazy and used the short version of her name - shame on me, I know. I know.

I think the rocket ship turned out perfectly , probably the best stitching I've ever done! 3) There is one other thing I made and sent out but it hasn't arrived yet, and I forgot to take a photo so as soon as it arrives, I'm hoping to post a photo of them.

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All the other items I made, I've already posted photos.

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I did threaten JP for the weeks leading up to Christmas that I was crocheting him a sweater vest and knitting him some socks. He just kept laughing and saying "please don't". I didn't.

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We did not go anywhere near any stores today, so we did not endure the Boxing Day Madness. But I heard that the sales really weren't that good, and some items were either the same as before Christmas or were only $5 off! That's not worth fighting the crowds. I think January ain't what it used to be, now that so many people get gift cards. It used to be that people spent all their money at Christmas and couldn't afford to shop in January. Years ago I remember getting a letter each January from the bank telling me that I could opt to not make that month's Visa payment to ease the burden. And so everyone was tapped out and stores really suffered in January. Now, so many people get gift cards, I think after Christmas shopping is alive and well.

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Today I knitted a hat on the Knifty Knitter I received as a Christmas present. It is a whole new skill to learn that's for sure. And I found the instruction book that came with it, was not very helpful at all. Good thing there are a couple of good sites such as Yarn Gear and Loom Knit