My favorite holiday is just a few days away. Oh, and though it might be difficult to tell which one that is based on music played on the radio and television commercials, I’m talking about Thanksgiving! I love the cooking–and the eating isn’t bad, either.

Though many of us would like to delude ourselves that Hanukkah and Christmas are still far away, the truth of the matter is that they will be here before you know it. It seems as though most handknit gifts are in progress; many are already finished. I don’t make many handknit gifts, but this year I will be making two. Last year, one of the members of my knitting guild mentioned what she and her family do. They make something to exchange and another of the same to donate to charity. Our guild adopted that practice last year and are continuing it this season. We’re calling our holiday party an Armed Forces Holiday. We are knitting a gift to donate to one of the charities collecting such items and another one (or something similar) for a member of our guild. I’m knitting the Waffle Ribbed Neck Gaiter for the Troops designed by Beth Koskie. It’s a very easy knit. All items made for ground troops must be made in 100% animal fiber, and I am using Wool of the Andes in Maple Syrup that was in my stash. As for my gift for a guild member, I’m either going to make a cowl or mobius scarf.

I hope that you’ll be able to fit in some charity knitting while you’re knitting your gifts. I know it’s difficult to find the time, but the rewards are unbeatable.

Put Lily Chin in Your Knitting Bag

If you have knitters or crocheters on your holiday gift list–or if you’re looking for new books to add to your library–be sure to take a look at two new books by fiber legend Lily Chin: Lily Chin’s Knitting Tips & Tricks and Lily Chin’s Crochet Tips & Tricks.

Each book begins with the basics: needles and yarn. The basics of knitting or crocheting follow, making these excellent books for those new to knitting or crochet. Then, Lily gives knitters and crocheters the benefit of her years of experience by sharing her techniques and tips. Whether you’re looking for the right cast on, trying to read that dreaded by necessary gauge swatch, or setting in sleeves, Lily has been there and provides her suggestions for making tasks easier.

One of the most useful sections of both books deals with fixing mistakes. Make a mistake in your color knitting? Don’t automatically start frogging. Read how you can use a duplicate stitch or even a colored marker to fix the boo-boo. Misscross a cable? Don’t panic. Lily shows you how to fix it without ripping back to the beginning.

Lily has taught her Tips & Tricks classes since 1994. They are very popular and fill up quickly. Though we might not be able to attend one of the classes, we now have the opportunity to take advantage of Lily’s knowledge when and were we need it. The books are small, approximately 5 3/8 X 7 3/8, meaning they fit easily into almost any project bag. The drawings and diagrams are well done and helpful. Whether you’re a knitter or crocheter, Lily’s books shouldn’t sit on your shelf. Have them where you need them–with your projects–because you’ll refer to them time and again.

The publisher of Lily Chin’s Knitting Tips & Tricks and Lily Chin’s Crochet Tips & Tricks sent me two copies of each book. So, I’m going to share with the readers of Knit-a-While. Post a comment on this entry, and you’ll be entered in a drawing to receive a copy of both books! Comments must be posted by 11 PM (EST), December 4 to be entered into the contest.

REMEMBER: Only comments on this post count as an entry to the giveaway.