Knitting & Thanksgiving

So I went to the parent's house for Thanksgiving, got to spend some time with my sister, brother, nieces, nephews, and most importantly, Dad. He keeps telling everyone this is his will be his last Christmas. He can't shake the constant pneumonia. We also invited their next door neighbors over. There was plenty of food, and these people were going out for chinese because one decided at the last minute they weren't going to bother cooking, so the other two were SOL. I also took in my niece's cheerleading uniform. I understand that she's a freshman, and they don't get the choice pieces, but I had to take the side in 2 1/4". The skirt had been taken in before she got it, so I could only do one side, the solid colored side. The opposite side had been taken in at least an inch. This girl is tiny, and she was giving a HUGE skirt.
Christmas is at my house this year. I will be invaded by no less than 7 people. I wish I had a double oven.
Here's some of the knitting I've been doing. Some are samples for SWTC, others are gifts.

This is the starfall shawl; a new pattern just published by SWTC. It is done with one skein of Tofutsies. Isn't it great?

This is the latest hat for my nephew. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a shot of him with it on. We tried. Cascade superwash.

Another pair of mitts for Em. Moose, the English mastiff introduced earlier, decided the last pair tasted yummy.

This is the back of a shrug I made for my DD using Saphira by SWTC. Love the yarn to pieces!!! Great bulky single ply yarn, soft and yummy! I have some that I'm going to make into a cardigan for myself, when I get a chance to knit for myself (yeah, right. A girl can dream, can't she?)

This is a cashmere scarf I designed for my mother in law, and gave to her as a birthday present. It almost didn't leave the house. Cashmere is so sinfully soft.

This is another sample for SWTC, it's their Comfy Coat done in a georgeous olive green Saphira. Unfortunately, the camera would not cooperate to show the beautiful color. You can check out the back on Flickr or Ravelry.

And last, but not least, the Vilai socks from Cookie A's book Sock Innovation. These are done in Cherry Tree Hill's Northern Lights colorway. They are beautiful in real life.

Now, back to the needles. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I realized how thankful I am that I still have my dad, and that we can share a wonderful day with people we love. It's not about the food, it's about the company. I also am thankful for friends and family long gone, at least I knew they for a brief, shining moment and each of them touched my heart and taught me a life lesson. Joe, Ray, Grandpa, Grandma, Dave, and everyone else here and gone; I love you. On to Christmas...