Holiday crafting might just be my favorite. I love that this time of year lends itself to creativity and making. I always feel my best when I'm making, like it's the natural state I should be in if I want to be happier. Does anyone else feel this way? Even if it's the smallest thing, like wrapping up a present beautifully, it brings me so much joy. In this post I wanted to write a little about creating a yarn-filled holiday and my favorite ways to use yarn around the holidays. There's gift making of course and most knitting addicts tend to embrace this to the fullest, myself included. If you missed it, visit this blog to see my favorite knitting gift ideas based on how long they take to complete. And yup, I've got a long list of gift knitting happening!

Since I posted that, I knit up a little holiday stocking that I'd love to share today. The holiday stocking pattern is one of the first I ever released. It was designed and written by a woman named Danielle Shields who I used to work with quite a bunch. Sadly, she's moved on but this pattern is still a favorite around this time of year. I'm super embarrassed to admit that I never actually knit this  for myself- or ANY SOCK! Well, this year was the year! I finally hunkered down and cast on earlier this week and whipped one up in the Cast Away yarn. It took me two nights and one morning to complete. Now that's my kind of project! Take a look below at my version. I choose color Coconut Sparkle. I just love the way it turned out, next up a striped red and green version! Pattern details here. 

I am also a huge fan of wrapping presents like mini gifts of art. Extra yarn is great for this! I often adorn presents with pom poms and tassels, like those shown here. I always feel like hand knit gifts deserve gorgeous wrapping to match their beauty as well as all the time and energy that went into making them. I'd love to see and hear about how you use yarn around the holidays, whether it be through knitting gifts, a holiday stocking or simply wrapping up pretty presents. Share your pics through #knitcollage on social media!

Last but not least, here are the cut off dates to keep in mind while placing your holiday orders. Make sure your yarn arrives before Christmas!