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Some of you are great planners. Take Natalie. She is a yarn-love friend who often visits on First Fridays. She has been knitting gifts for her family since April, March maybe even the start of the year. It doesn't really matter when, my point is that she has worked ahead. She's got piles of beautiful, woolly goodness ready to delight her loved ones in just a few weeks. I, on the other hand, determined that I wasn't going to knit a thing for this year's gift giving until about last week. For those of you who receive yarn-love notes, my chronic procrastination may or may not be the catalyst behind the recent newsletter you received. To make some good out of my bad habit, I'd like to share a few projects that I adore, because they have or are or will bale me out of tight spots without added worry.
Projects I Adore
Jane Austen -- I believe I've written about this knit on the blog before. It's a great chunky project that looks lovely in a solid or striped yarn. While Jane Austen would be 235 years old, this shawl definitely has a modern flare.
Sugar Maple -- I love the options associated with this shawl. Not only can it be done in a chunky yarn, but you could also do this in a worsted. The lace pattern is simple and I completed most all of mine on a weekend trip to Georgia. Looking for a great project to send to warmer climates? This pattern would be splendid, and oh, so soft knit in the lovely organic cotton yarn-love stocks.
Easy-Peasy Baby Jacket -- Last year I shared this magical little pattern with you here. It remains one of my favorite and my daughter is going to wear it again this Christmas. 3/4 sleeves are still fashionable, right?
Projects Saving Me Now
Icing Swirl-- I made this lovely hat for myself last year. This year, I whipped up one for my sister-in-law in three days. Yes, friends, 3 DAYS. One skein of Misti Alpaca. Three TV nights. Bada-boom-bada-bang!
Welted Fingerless Gloves -- This pattern probably makes my short list of all time favorites. I've done a pair for myself and have another pair planned. I also made this pattern and a skein of yarn a birthday gift for a dear knitter friend of mine. She loved making them and really enjoys wearing them! However, right now I'm looking at making two pairs for my brother. Yes, I know it's a woman's pattern, but leave off the buttons and switch-up the Manos for Madelinetosh DK in one of those gorgeous silver/greys and I think he'll finally give me some peace! Plus, be looking for this as a class this winter taught by yours truly.
Projects On My Radar
Wee-One Welcome Set-- Shopgirl Lisa has knit several of these adorable sets. Personally, I've been eyeing the lovely HiKoo Simplicity yarn since it arrived in the spring. With several friends having babies this spring, I think this lovely set would be a lovely gift. This also shows some progress in my attempt to not be a knitterly procrastinator. Be proud, folks.
Mittens, Mittens, Mittens -- Not only are mittens quick, this pattern gives loads of options. It allows for 4 different sizes and 4 different gauges and knitting them flat or in the round. On a pattern so knitter friendly, I always select a fun yarn that will add lots of depth to my quick knitting. Think Manos Maxima or Classica, the new Wrapunzel yarn, or the lovely Mochi Plus.
Ripple-- Shopgirl Shea has knit at least a couple of these hats. She also will be teaching this in a class Tuesday, Dec. 6 & 13. So if you want to do this, but are having trouble setting aside the time, take the class and complete a gift at the same time! Choose either a fingering (sock) yarn or worsted weight yarn. Either create beautiful hats.
Shoulder Cozy-- I love wearing Pam's at the shop. So I'm going to treat myself with one after the holidays. Now if only I could decide on what yarn to do it in! Suggestions?
If any of these projects tempt, intrigue, or fit your gift giving emergency, stop by yarn-love. We've got a binder full of the patterns, yarn you'll love working with, and even gift tags to make care instructions easy for the receiver! So don't be shy. We'd love to help you wrap up your holiday surprises in a truly personal fashion.
~Kristin
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