Tuesday, December 20, 2011

handmade gift #1: the fidget.

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The fidget is my go-to project every year for Christmas! I'll be knitting these until everyone on my list has received one. I can guarantee it!

It's easy and fast but it still looks intricate, and I get to use one of my my favorite yarns: Misti Alpaca Chunky. I found a great deal on eBay and I stocked up a few months ago. I keep intending to keep this brown color for myself, but I keep giving it away :-(

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Project Particulars

Pattern: The Fidget by Robin Dodge (FREE!)
Yarn: Misti Alpaca Chunky (The squishiest yarn EVER!)
Notions: 1" wooden buttons (vintage), embroidery floss (stash)

Cost: I had everything I needed on hand. I found the yarn for less than $10 a hank on eBay a few months ago. Such a honey pot!

Notes: While I adore this pattern, and have knitted about three of them, it is very easy to lose your place. A lot of us are visual knitter's, but this pattern isn't conducive to just picking up where you left off. It's funny, really, it's only a four row repeat, but you can really mess it up if you don't pay attention. I suggest counting your rows very carefully.

Are you knitting anything in the 12th hour? Do you think that you'll finish in time?

13 comments:

  1. Hey Robbie, there's a problem with the link to the pattern.

    Am I knitting anything at this stage? Nope, not at all - summer has finally hit and it feels too warm to hold wool in my hands! I should be though because I have an unfinished birthday present for a friend that is incredibly late now (their b'day was in August!!)

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  2. Super cute - and I LOOOOVE the striped shirt! I'm using some of your fav yarn right now on a cowl for my MIL!

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  3. so great! make it black, grey or yellow - and ricko may wear one.

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  4. 12th hour knitting... you know I am! Still have to finish one Santa Hat, finish a pair of socks, start and finish a cell phone cover & a man's hat, and if there is any time left... I've got that Dr. Who Scarf I could start on.

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  5. love the fidget and the photos. i have some sewing left to do... am going to try and finish a quilt....x

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  6. Anonymous11:21 PM

    I'm impressed most by the '#1' in the title, implying there are more handmade gifts to come! I am making exactly one gift this year, a pair of knitted mittens for my (knitter) sister. Luckily, they're for her birthday on New Year's Eve. Maybe the first one will even be done by then!
    -jessie

    (PS, this is my first time commenting but I love your blog!)

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  7. I LOVE this!!
    It is just gorgeous!!!
    Sadly I have lost the will to make anything, I think I peaked too early, and am now too knackered to do anything more than a few rows here and there of a cushion cover.
    Loving your work big time!!!

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  8. it's great to have a go-to when it comes to last minute knitting... looks great!

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  9. I need this desperately!! Who cares of its 90 degrees out right now! Stupid southern hemisphere.

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  10. Anonymous9:15 PM

    Has anyone tried to convert this to a crochet pattern? It would work up really fast in crochet, but I am not sure which size hook to use.

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  11. Love the figet! and great color!

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  12. I've been knitting zippered pouches to give as Christmas gifts this year...p.s. I love the new layout!

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  13. Anonymous7:58 PM

    These things are soo super cool! I wish I took the time to knit things. I think it'd be really relaxing.

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