Pain

I would have updated something sooner, but back pain sucks.  I was fine and then all of a sudden, my back tightened up and it's been a painful existence ever since.  I finally had to get a couple of prescriptions from the doctor - it was that bad.  I worked from home (not that the boss was happy about it, but that was all I could do) and didn't feel like knitting or crocheting.  At all.  You know it's bad when that happens.  But, I did get to wear my socks.  I started a new one.  This one is for my mother for Christmas.  She asked for them.

It's the Business Casual sock, with a picot cast on.  My mom saw them when I took her to the doctor's office, and said she liked them and wanted a pair.  I changed the cast on, and used a lovely yarn from Madeline Tosh in Fragrant that I had in my stash.  I've turned the heel and am working on the foot, but I have to get the length.  She's supposed to be measuring her foot this weekend for me.  I'm trying to do a handmade Christmas again this year, as much as possible, but I'm cramped for time.  I hope to get these socks done in the next couple of weeks, and then I have 3 more pairs to do.  I was going to try Wraptor, from Knitty, but that would take WAY longer than the 2 weeks I have for each pair.  I'd love to sew a couple of pillows for the children, but if not, I have a couple of other gifts up my sleeve that will take far less time to make.  

I'm working on a serious shoe-string budget this year.  I'm trying to get everything (or as much as I can) done on about $400.  I was going to use $300, but I don't think I can make it.  Have you started making Christmas plans yet?