As I head into Thanksgiving and the holidays, thoughts about gift-giving go into overdrive. This year I FINALLY started making gifts early enough to have something handmade for everyone on my list. Most of the credit goes to Accessories 2011, and the fact that those projects started arriving in the office some time around the middle of June. By the time the issue came out, I already had completed one of the addictive and quick to crochet Seafoam Shawls that Marcy told you about earlier this week, and I started a second one with a yarn that I picked up just because it was the favorite color for one of the folks on my list. I have a nephew who is Dino-crazy, so the T-Rex Hat and Mitts are half-way complete.

I have the Fancywork Cloche Crochet-Along going on right now, which you still have time to jump in on and have ready just in time for the gift-giving season. And  there are various other bits and bobs that I have pulled from old issues to hook up in between.

I do think this is going to be my one and only entirely handmade holidays. The planning stages start so early and the stress level to complete everything on time is so high! But it is satisfying. For me, there's nothing like giving someone I love a truly personal gift; something that with every stitch I made, I thought of them and their excitement when they opened it. And it's never too late to whip up a quick little something. A lot of the projects in the issue can be worked up in an evening. You still have plenty of time to hook some for the folks on your own lists. Seafoam Shawl, anyone?

What about all of you? What gifts have you whipped up this year, and which ones are you working on now? I'd love to see what you all have come up with for your loved ones.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!