Handmade vs Store bought gifts?

Eeps, I can't believe July is almost over and August is just a few days away! O_o No FO's to show yet.... I'm still working on the Hedera, but feel like it's at a standstill. I'm not motivated to work on it as much anymore. AND. to make matters worse..... I have a long list of things that I want to knit and I keep wanting to start those and leave my Hedera. LOL, of course, I won't..... I'll keep working on my Hederas. I did start a mini sock project though, so will be able to post pictures of those soon. :)

Also, Christmas is months away but it will be here soon enough. I'm contemplating giving handmade gifts this year. I'm not sure how people will respond to handmade gifts. I'm afraid they'll turn their noses at it thinking I didn't buy them a proper gift. Do people like receiving handmade gifts vs store bought? For me, I love getting handmade stuffs. It's unique and it usually means that a lot of thought and time went into making the gift. Hmm, not sure how others will react. Any thoughts??

Packages

The things I ordered online arrive yesterday... FINALLY. I ordered from Jimmy Beans Wool:
NORO Kureyon Sock Yarn, Panda Soy and a couple size 0 Bamboo circulars. This time my order came with a little surprise..... some candy! :)

My first thought of the Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn, it's not as soft as I thought it would be. To me, it feels a bit straw-like and it has a real rustic, natural look. I read online that washing does soften it up a bit.... we'll see how it goes when I start working with it. I was originally thinking of making a pair of socks but now, I'm thinking maybe it's better to make a shawl or scarf.

I also ordered from the Loopy Ewe, it was my first time ordering from them. I have heard good things about their quick, friendly service and also extras with each order. Surely, this package did not disappoint. I bought some Panda Cotton sock yarn and also decided to try out the Hiya Hiya needles. The Hiya Hiya circulars came with a free hat pattern.

The package came opened and it was taped up. I was so worried that things might be missing from it, but luckily everything was intact apart from the invoice. The extras I got with my order - some yummy looking yarn samples and a needle inventory chart.

It's time....

... that I got around to fixing up this blog. It's looking a bit drab, don't ya think? Well, I'm working on it, so pretty soon..... the blog will get a face lift. :)

Oh, and this post wouldn't be a post without an update in the knitting department. I've finished my Quidditch Gryffindor wristies for the HP group. I made them for T & N..... who knows, maybe they can wear them to see the HP movie that's coming this month. Or maybe not, because it's really hot here!

I used Red Heart Yarn and size 8 DPNs. It was my first time using DPNs.... they were kinda awkward to use. I think I prefer circulars or maybe I just need more practice. They turned out OK, although one came out bigger than the other. I have no clue why! =P You see the Gryffindor colours..... YAY. That is the only FO I have to show.



On the needles, I'm knitting Hedera socks from Cookie A. I 'm using Panda Soy in Cocoa Mint and size 1 circs. The yarn is a bit splitty but it's SOOO SOFT, I love it! I don't spend enough time knitting though, so it's coming along very slowly. The lacy pattern is easy enough, but takes a bit of concentration. I'm learning alot from the pattern too. The PSSO and YO are new to me. I like the way it's looking so far..... very lacy looking! There were a few mishaps but nothing major.