Wow, I can't believe it's almost 2010, can you? And that the holiday weekend passed so quickly? Another shocker. If you haven't had a chance to peruse the big end-of-decade sale going on right now in the store, take a look. Lots of super deals to be had!
As I promised, I have for you the winners of the 12 Days of Sock Yarn Contest. I really had a good time reading all your responses to the holiday and knitting related questions I posted. You are a fun bunch, and provided me and others with lots of inspiration for knitting and holiday traditions. If you haven't had the chance to read through all the comments that were left over the past couple weeks, I highly recommend doing so. It would make some nice lunchtime reading. So here are the winners and their answers to the question I asked for each day (if you are listed here, you will be getting an e-mail from me in the next day or so, requesting your mailing address for your prize):
Ist Day of Sock Yarn's question: What is one or several of your favorite holiday traditions?
"On Christmas morning, my husband's father makes London Fogs for everyone. A London Fog is made with cold black coffee, vanilla ice cream and a shot of whiskey. It tastes like a coffee milkshake with a kick. The kids got theirs without the whiskey." - Dessie
2nd Day of Sock Yarn's question: Do you decorate for this time of year?
"We used to have a real christmas tree in our huge Victorian house, it just seemed the right thing to have. Also having varnished floor boards meant that pine needles were not a problem.
Then we moved house.
We are now in a 1970s bungalow with low ceilings and I did not want pine needles all over the brand new carpets. So I got a white Christmas tree, and it's festooned in baubles, some hand made, and lots bought, but the pride and joy are three a bit worn glass birds that we had when I was a child. I've inherited them and they will be passed on."- Susan
3rd Day of Sock Yarn's question: Do you have a favorite cookie or cake recipe that is part of your holiday celebration?
"I don't bake too much anymore, but the biggest Christmas Cookie memory is baking with my Mom, sister and a few cousins. We made rolled out sugar cookies with red plastic cookie cutters, which I now have. Don't know if the best part was the baking, decorating, tasting, or just all the fun. Hmmm, I think it was all of it!!"- Linda B
4th Day of Sock Yarn's question: Is there a particular holiday pattern that you love?
"No, nothing special. I try new things all the time."- Marianna
5th Day of Sock Yarn's question: What's your go-to pattern for men's socks?
"I don't have a pattern, but am looking for a good one. Keep the comments coming!"- Sally
6th Day of Sock Yarn's question: Do you send out any type of holiday/new year cards?
"Well, I am also a rubber stamp addict so for years I made my own cards (around 100)...and I loved doing it. But life is a little crazy these days - moved last year around the holidays and watching pennies this year so I did not make any, did not buy any either. Here is an idea - we get so many beautiful cards so rather than juse throw them away, cut them out and mount them on colored card stock and you are set for next year. Get a word stamp and embossee the inside and you're set!" -Renee
7th Day of Sock Yarn's question: What is one of the most thoughtful holiday gifts you have received?
"One of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received, and I often think of it and dearly wish I still had it, was a scarf that my Nana crocheted for me. It was filet crocheted with fringe and very long, very warm, and very dear to me. It was somewhere between a very light aqua and mint green color - Red Heart (all she had to work with) and I used it for many years throoughout highschool into adulthood when it just totally was unusable anymore(sigh). But I loved knowing that little Nana had sat in her tiny "Nana chair" and made that especially for me. Was like wearing a hug from her. " - Diane
8th Day of Sock Yarn's question: Do you wear shawls this time of year?
"Yes I'm knitting my second shawl. The first I used sock yarn (Dream in Color) and this one is classy worsted weight. My favorite pattern right now is Mara Shawl." - Julie
9th Day of Sock Yarn's question: How did you learn to knit?
"I taught myself to knit from a book when I was in high school. I knit the sweater I was wearing when I had my senior photos taken, and another that I wore to my college interviews. I didn't really fall in love, though, until ten years later when I could afford better quality yarn."- Lana
10th Day of Sock Yarn's question: What's your favorite fiber combination for knitting socks?
" Any yarn combining merino, cashmere and nylon is my favorite, both to knit and wear!" - Michele
11th Day of Sock Yarn's question: How much time a week do you spend knitting?
"As much as I can, but not where near as much as I would like."- Tara
12th Day of Sock Yarn's question: What's your favorite thing about this time of year?
I love the chance to go all out and decorate my house for Christmas. Over the years, I have knit many Christmas stockings, little sock decorations for the tree and Christmas pillows. We live in the Sierras in Northern California and we get alot of snow and I love the chance to wear my winter knitted sweaters, hats, mitten, and scarves. It's nice to see my family enjoying all the knitted things I make for them as well.
Merry Christmas to all!- Carol
There's a 13th contest for those who spread the word about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn, and that person will also receive an e-mail shortly as well.
Congrats to those who won! And many thanks for those who commented!
Congrats to all the winners! This was fun - it was nice to scroll thru some of the answers!
Posted by: rasa chambers | December 30, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Oh my life, I've won some gorgeous yarn. I've not heard of it before.
A real treat, thank you so much.
Posted by: susan | December 30, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Thank you for doing this! It was so much fun to read everyones' comments and to think of my answers, too. Made me more reflective about things- like most thoughtful gift, etc...
Posted by: Sharon | December 31, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Congrats to all the winners!
I enjoyed reading everyone's answers, it was a real holiday treat.
Happy New year and Happy Knitting, everyone!
Posted by: Versailles-rose | December 31, 2009 at 05:24 PM