A Christmas Tale

Here we see two happy recipients of new jumpers. On the left Rob in his smart fair isle from M&S. On the right Gilly in her bespoke hand knit bolero and thereby hangs a tale. I started work on it in good time, maybe October, and by the end of November had the back, two fronts and one sleeve completed. However when I wrapped the sleeve around my own arm to try it out it was obvious that it was too tight and would not do. Which meant all of the pieces were. Never mind, still 4 weeks to go, I can do it. So I started again, unravelling and reknitting until the Saturday before Christmas there is only half a collar to do and I realise that I have run out of wool. Spent an hour telephoning all wool shops within 50 mile radius but no one has the right brand in the right shade.
So with a degree of relief I order a ball from Deramores on line and decide that it will have to be a new year gift instead.
Monday morning my phone goes and it is Rob with the news that a small soft package has arrived, and also so has the intended recipient of the gift. Hmmmmm.
Her friend invites her out for the evening, and so out with the knitting needles but oh no she returns early. Stay up until 1 am finishing knitting collar.
Now it's Christmas Eve and relatives arrive needing feeding and entertaining, turkey to collect and by bedtime no progress. Up till 1am and sewing up done but clasp needs attaching .
Christmas morning, turkey in oven, guests breakfasted, dogs walked and a quick mission upstairs, wrapping and add to pile of presents.
And it FITS!
And I think she likes it!
Thank goodness Christmas only comes once a year....