We Need a Little Christmas

Haul out the holly;
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stocking,
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute.
It hasn't snowed a single flurry,
But Santa, dear, we're in a hurry;
So climb down the chimney;
Put up the brightest string of lights I've ever seen.
Slice up the fruitcake;
It's time we hung some tinsel on that evergreen bough.
For I've grown a little leaner,
Grown a little colder,
Grown a little sadder,
Grown a little older,
And I need a little angel
Sitting on my shoulder,
Need a little Christmas now.

- Jerry Herman

How do YOU decorate for the holidays? Traditional? Avant Garde? (sp?) Red & Green bursting out everywhere? Tastefully understated?

Well, now's your chance to shine! One of my readers had a great idea!

I'm going to run a contest next December for the best "decorated" Spruce scarf.

And the winner will get every single pattern - yes, that's right - every little pea picking idea that comes out of my head - that I publish in 2010 for a prize.

We'll need a couple judges also, so bear it in mind and let me know if lace just isn't your thing but you'd like to judge.

I'm going to set up a KAL on Ravelry for the contest where we can all share ideas and links for beads & charms & such.

But you can't win if you don't play - Spruce is only available through January 3rd (have extended deadline to allow for those of us who have no time to think, let alone, knit something for ourselves this busy holiday season - um - like - all of us?!?)

Pattern is FREE, exclusively to those who purchase the entire 2009 Garden Variety series: Pampas, Rose, Delphinium, & Chrysanthemum.

The button over there on the right sidebar puts the four already released patterns in your basket and Spruce in your email on Monday.

I love December - too much fun!

So-o-o-o-o-o...

MONDAY (MONDAY!) Spruce will go out in the email to all of your hot little hands!

I blocked her last night, will write her up tomorrow and give Evelyn at Knitty Noddy time to get her up on her website before sending her merrily on her way...

Wanna peek?

OF COURSE YOU DO!

SPRUCE

Size:
16 in wide by 60 in long

Materials:
1300 yds. seasilk or other fingering weight yarn
1500 size 8 seed beads
110 star or other accent beads/charms
size 4 needles
crochet hook for beading

Gauge :
5 st = 1 inch (blocked)

Charted Design
Intermediate level

So which of the pictures should I use for the ad & the pattern front?

I'm leaning towards one of the two above.

Let me know which one you like in your comments...

Pretty please with peppermint sprinkles and jingle-bells on top?

Here are a few more for your viewing pleasure this fine December day...

NO STASH SALE TOMORROW - BUSY WITH HOLIDAY JOY & SURPRISES!

Just to spread the joy around, I will be giving away a free pattern (of your choice - Spruce excluded) to one commenter a day through Christmas, randomly chosen by Mrs. Claus (just me - don't get too excited).

I'll announce the previous day's winner in each post this month, If you are the winner, email me your preference at susanpandorf@comcast.net and I'll email your pattern right out to you.

Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun?

Yesterday's winner is: Lisa. Email me, girl...

Now aren't you glad you left a comment?