Christmas Gifts and Treats

So a few days ago I officially got my yarn discount at work. I didn't buy anything on day one. I was being good. I have no yarn budget.

But I need stuff for Christmas presents, and that totally doesn't count, right? The grey is a nice workhorse yarn for a hat for my brother. The red and black are for my parents- they'll be ski neckwarmers, the kind with a dickey (heehee) down the back. Nice and fine for those hot days when the snow seems to melt all over you.


It really is beautiful merino- and a great price, too.


I also had to get myself this set of Chibi needles. After all, they're so cute and perfect for my purse. Loose needles in my purse seem to vanish. This set will mean I always have the right needle with me.

And then I caved. I finally bought this yarn. I've been drooling over it for longer than is appropriate. This combination for a crochet featherweight cardigan? Yes! Yes yes yes.
I'll be getting some Christmas money soon, and this actually was pretty reasonable. The rest of the money I'll save, but I'm so glad I got to bring these babies home.

The start of my cardigan. No surprise, it's slow going. I'm gonna do raglan style increases, although super-lazy like. Those stitch markers are at the beginning, and I sorta increase wherever is about closest to them. It seems to be working so far. Hopefully it still looks good further in.
The purple will be a button band and possibly cuffs and collar- I'll see when I get there.

I'm using the crochet stockinette I figured out. Not sure if I have a small enough hook, though.

What do you think, are those holes way too big? Keep in my here the scale of my finger.
I don't know...