I'm curious to hear about what other people are doing this Christmas for charity. I'm still working on my Out of the Cold sock gifts and want to get a toy for the CHUM City Christmas Wish Toy Drive.

My sister Amber told me that her fiance's gramma knits 50 pairs of mittens and 50 hats every year for the Salvation Army. What a Saint! Can you imagine knitting that much? That would take me years!

Some people adopt a family for Christmas which I think is a lovely idea.

I'd love to hear what other people are doing this year for those less fortunate and in need or for your favourite charitable organization.

Is it just me, or does this cat look embarassed?

I like knitted scarves with the 2 x 2 ribbing - the long, long ones. Knitting takes a long time, though and knitting on the subway during rush hour is not a good idea! "If you're happy and you know it, impale your neighbour...if you're happy and you know it and you really want to show it, if you're happy and you know it - stick a needle in his eye!" After having crocheted so many items over the past couple of months and discovering new ways of putting stitches together, I came up with an "imitation" knit scarf!

Yarn I used: Bernat Soft Boucle 140g ball (1 ball should do it). I used a variegated (dark blue, hunter green, burgundy). Very manly!
Hook I used: 5 mm It's actually a J hook or 6 mm!

Chain about 150. When I got to 125 I decided I wanted it longer so it would wrap around the neck.
Row 1: SC in 2nd chain from hook through the back loop only and SC in each chain across all through back loops. Chain 1. Turn.
Row 2: SC through the back loops of each SC. Chain 1. Turn.
Repeat row 2 until scarf is the width you'd like. My guess is 25. I'll let you know when I get there. :)

And I'll upload a picture soon!
The single crocheting through the back loops gives you a simulated 2 x 2 ribbing. Fast and easy! A little monotonous at times, but the outcome is worth it. Small note, the Soft Boucle is a little difficult on the first row. Be patient and be careful to get in each chain across. Or else you'll end up with this big arc and not a scarf.
If you've invented your own creation and would like to share it, we can post them in here. Just drop me a line.