As usually happens after I finish a large project, I haven’t been able to come up with very much. Also, after all that crocheting I usually want a break. However, I had to pick up my hooks again because I realized Christmas was about a month away and I hadn’t thought of gifts for anyone!

But eventually I came up with something, and finished them too. And now that I’ve given them out, I can post them here.

Russian Spy’s Gift: A biohazard symbol pillow

If you recall, about a year ago, I made Russian Spy a pillow with a radioactive symbol on it. It’s now decorating her couch at her new place. I figured it could use a companion, so I used a pattern I’d been meaning to use for several years now that I found on ravelry. I’m usually good about linking to other people’s patterns, but I found this one a while ago and I couldn’t find the link again.

Unfortunately, I think the chart was for something other than crochet because the result ended up a little stretched looking. But it’s still cozy and looks great on her couch!

For Lexsarch I made a music bag because he tends to stuff all his music in his violin case–enough music that it starts tilting to one side when he carries it. I made it messenger-bag-style with the front flap in the shape of piano keys:

I used Deborah Norville Chunky Yarn which is super soft and super fun to work with. The yarn is carried over in the back which makes an interesting texture:

Inside I included sheet music of one of his favorite piano pieces: Barber’s Excursions.