Right about this time of the year, knitters and crocheters are scrabbling to finish gifts that will be ready just in time for Christmas. I must admit, I am one of those knitters! Each year I tell myself that I will start my projects early in the season and each year, that statement seems to be a forgotten memory as I trudge along in my very own “Santa’s Workshop”. Hmm….. I wonder if I could hire a few elves?
I have found a few quick projects that are perfect gifts for friends, family and co-workers. Many of these projects only require one skein of yarn, which is a wonderful way to use up your stash!
Turn a Square by Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed is a super quick knit that you can use scraps of yarn to create a unique one of a kind hat. This project will require between 110 to 130 yards of worsted weight wool, a set of US Size 7 (4.5mm) DPNs and a US size 7 (4.5mm) 16″ circular needle. This is a free pattern available as a Ravelry download. (Photo courtesy of Jared Flood)
The Good Luck Cowl by Christianne Gerstner of the Drop Stitch Knitter is a simple Shetland lace pattern that is bordered with garter stitch. This lightweight lacey cowl pattern is a perfect project to use up left over fingering or sock weight yarn. This project will require approximately 200 yards of fingering weight yarn and a size US 5 (3.75mm) 16″ circular needle.
The Horseshoe Lace Cowl by Sashka Macievich. This cowl pattern offers a lace design that is super easy to memorize just after a few pattern repeats and knits up quickly. This project requires approximately 150 to 200 yards of fingering weight yarn and a size US 5 (3.75mm) 16″ circular needle. (Photo courtesy of Sashka Macievich)
Bookmarks are a great way to use up bits and pieces of fingering and sock weight yarn left behind by many projects. The Mountain Laurel Leaf by Bonnie Sennot is a super quick project that can be completed in an hour. Create a long i-Cord with a small leaf at one end and a large leaf at the other end for the perfect size bookmark! For those of you who enjoy crocheting, the Overlapping Circles Bookmark by Amelia Beebe is another super quick project that requires just a small amount of fingering weight yarn and a size G/6 Crochet Hook.
The Cranford Mitts by Jane Lithgow was inspired by the BBC adaptation of Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell. This pattern was generously donated by Jane to Pennies per Hour of Pleasure supporters of MSF. This project requires approximately 100 yards (50 grams) of sock weight yarn, 5 yards (10grams) of contrast sock weight yarn and a set of size US 1.5 DPNs ( 2.5mm). (Photo courtesy of Jane Lithgow)
Pair this set of mitts with the Horseshoe Lace Cowl for the perfect Christmas gift set!
Edgar by Silke Hupka is a unique diamond shaped scarf that has flexible lengths. This edgy scarf project requires one or two balls of self striping yarn (100 to 220 yards of Aran/Worsted weight) and a size US 8 (5.0 mm) pair of straight needles. Finish this scarf off with tassels at the ends or if making the shorter version, use a favorite pin to keep together.
From stylish scarves and hats, and exciting updates on holiday favorites, to chic and contemporary wearables, and beautifully designed home accents, Holiday Knits is the knitter’s answer to Santa’s workshop.
Don’t forget to take a peek at Holiday Knits, by yarn shop owners Sara Lucas and Allison Isaac. This small book is overflowing with gift ideas that will make this holiday season very stress-free. With over 20 projects to choose from, Yarn-shop owners Sara Lucas and Allison Isaacs know firsthand what the holiday knitter needs. Unique patterns, along with cozy mittens,ornaments, sweaters, stylish scarves and festive stockings, Holiday Knits is loaded with projects that will just about cover everyone on your list. Each pattern has well written instructions, along with how-to illustrations and project photographs.
Hopefully a few of these ideas will be of help for last minute gift ideas!
$4.50 USD
