1 week till Christmas

More accurately Christmas is still 9 days away . 9 whole days to finish extra bulky projects!  That is more then you need.  Here are a few ideas.

The Burton Bear Cowl by Heidi May

Choose your favorite bear-colour from the Brown Sheep Burly Spun and the little wild-thing on your list will be very happy, and warm too.

The Dogwood Set by Jane Richmond

Both the mittens and the easy ribbed cowl can be found (for free) here.
Made with Spud and Chloe Outer, a chunky blend of cotton and wool that comes in many lovely colours, including this candy pink called “rocket”.

The Rime Frost Cowl by Ida Thue Nielsen

This is a free cowl pattern.  Made in Denmark! Need I say more?

Autumn and Autumn Leftovers by Jane Richmond

At the Knit Cafe you can get this pattern as a “two for one”. Both the gorgeous lady size and the wee baby size come together.  They are knit in giant yarn for fast knitting and fashionable results.

Leaf Blanket by Susan B. Anderson

This will be a much coveted blanket for a new Mom or Dad. Made with Spud and Chloe Outer it will feel nice and soft for the little babe, and it can be thrown in the washer too.

Martin Scarf by The Knit Cafe

A giant sized triangular scarf with a tie-up embellishment!  So easy to make and fast to knit too.  Takes 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Burly Spun.  Find the pattern here.

Big Snowy Owl from the Purl Bee

I like this shot of the Snowy Owl beside the cat.  Firstly- because I just like cats.  Secondly- because it really gives you a sense of the scale of the owl.  He is either quite big or that is a very small cat.  This pattern is free!

Anthropologie Inspired Braided Headwrap by Jen Geigley

Who hasn’t gone into the Anthropolgie Store and thought about knitting up a tribute to one of their offering?  Good ideas are meant to be copied.  Here is one that will be done practically before you begin.

Happy knitting folks – hope you all make it through your knitting projects with time to spare.
Craftily yours
Kristin

2 weeks till Christmas

Time to get serious.  With just two weeks of knitting time grab a bulky yarn, some big ol’ needles, a fast knitting pattern, and a strong cup of coffee and get to it.

Twinkle Hat by The Knit Cafe

This is a brand new pattern from the Knit Cafe.  You can find it on Ravelry and purchase it there.  It is made with two strands of Berroco Flicker held together to make a bulky weight yarn.  It is easy to do.  You don’t even need to know how to knit in the round to make this pattern.  Heck – you don’t even need to know how to purl.  The shaping is done with a trick called “short row shaping” and there is a pictorial tutorial included in the pattern.
The Flicker yarn is a perfect choice.  The baby alpaca makes this hat super soft with the perfect amount of slouch.

Your First Cable by The Knit Cafe

Also available on Ravelry. This simple cable project looks the same on both sides.  The chunky yarn will make for quick work.  Try it with Berroco Peruvia Quick.

Wonky  by Brittany Wilson

A smaller cowl project for those especially short on time.  The different textures make it an interesting knit.  This is a free pattern from Knitty.com where you’ll find plenty of nice patterns!

Jumbo Gnome by Anna Hrachovec

Hello Handsome! Fun to make – amazing to receive! Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Bulky will give you the colours and the heft that you want for this little man.

Dilih Wrap by Alexandra Tinsley

This pretty little number is easy-peasy.  The open work details are thanks to dropped stitches.

Bitty Boy Bump by Gina Bonomo

Only available in preemie to 1 year old sizes, so if you have a very new certain someone in your life that needs something cuddly for caroling in then look no further.

Padma by Dawn Toussaint

This cutie-pie is for all you crocheters. It is a free one!

Dolores Park Cowl  by Parikha Mehta

Also free for the taking is the Dolores Park Cowl pattern.  Simple and fast to knit – you can find it here.

Phenomenon by Carine Ancel

A very warm mitten! Cables, a textured palm and a bulky yarn like Lamb’s Pride Bulky will make it extra cozy.  This pattern is free!

Loved by Talitha Kuomi

Whether this crown is strictly for dress-up or a head warmer for everyday what little prince or princess wouldn’t appreciate it?

Craftily yours
Kristin

3 weeks till Christmas

Thats right! With only three weeks to go it is time to start putting the pedal to the metal.  Here are a few projects that work with Aran Weight Yarn and will knit up with time to spare.
For example:

Turban(d) by Amélie Bernier

This project will be fast and it will be loved! If you have several people who would like one of this seasons most fashionable knit accessories then make several, and throw in one for yourself. Did I mention that this is a fast project?  It is also a free pattern.  The original was knit with Manos del Uruguay Classica which we have in the most divine colours right now.  At least 35 to choose from, so no excuses.

Liv’s Play Rug from Pickles

This sweet crocheted rug will take you no time to make and you can use up odds and sods of leftovers if you care too.  Keep a little ones bottom warm and spread a little joy.  This pattern is also a free one. Hooray! If you don’t have any sods nor odds then try making it with Berroco Vintage Chunky which wears well and yes- washes well and it’s soft too!

Cupido Cowl by Hiroko Fukatsu

This lovely cowl is made with an easily done slip stitch repeat pattern and comes in a single wrap and a double wrap size.  Make it with Berroco Flicker!  This yarn is spun almost entirely out of baby alpaca fibre. The remainder is a bit of glimmer.  Yes shiny gold or silver bits adding sparkle to the knit. What a lovely cowl that would be!

Snug by Hinke Schreuders

This sweet jumper is bound to be a favorite.  Knit from side to side in good old garter stitch.  Knit in one piece with very little seaming to slow you down.  Only fits new borns to 6 months old, which is  a shame but will make for a faster knitting time.  Make it in Cascade Ecological Wool as shown in the picture.  It feels great, wears well, and is very inexpensive too.

Camera Mittens by Ruth Stewart

Know any shutterbugs? These mittens have a hole in them – but it  is an  intentional one! The wearer can click away the whole day letting their trigger finger escape to the warm mitten whenever required.  The neat thing about this pattern is that you can make the mitten with any type of yarn you want, you can also make it for any size of hand you want.  Measure the hand and knit a gauge swatch and let that guide you. So grab the yarn that suits you and go to it! You can find the pattern for free here.
PS. you can make it without the hole too!

Vargavinter by Maria Olsson

Crocheted mittens! Really cute ones too! Since crocheting is fast you will have these done in no time. Use Misti Alpaca for the softest mittens ever! The pattern is free!

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Kimono Slippers from Blog of Joy

If you are afraid of double pointed needles then this may be the slipper pattern for you.  These feet warmers are knit flat and then folded like origami to create this unique slipper shape. Make them with Berroco Vintage Chunky.  This wash and wear yarn will fit these slippers like a glove

Next week – Bulky yarn!
Craftily yours
Kristin

4 weeks till Christmas

One month to go! Time for worsted weight projects.  This medium sized yarn comes in a plethora or varieties.  You probably have some in your yarn stash right now.  Get your needles in hand and make one of theses goodies a reality. Someone will thank you for it.

Hudson Bay Crib Blanket from the Purl Bee

Nothing could be simpler to knit.  Just good old garter stitch!  Change colours to match the Hudson Bay Blanket classic or create your own colour concoction if you dare to mess with tradition.  Lord knows The Bay has veered off the path a few times with special editions of their blankets.  Since using all Anzula For Better or Worsted like Purl did might just break the bank, try Cascade 220, or Berroco Ultra Alpaca, or a mix of the two.  Might I suggest for the Cream -Ultra Alpaca #6201, Navy- Cascade 220 #854, Yellow -Cascade 220 #7827, Red -Ultra Alpaca #6234, and Dark Green -Cascade 220 #9426, as shown here.  They are pretty good matches to the original.

Eternity Cowl from Brooklyn Tweed

We have this pattern for purchase in store too.  The style will suit a woman or a man and the pattern comes complete with several sizes .  An easy ribbing stitch adds a bit of texture.  I recommend Madelinetosh Vintage for a lovely lady or Berroco Ultra Alpaca for a dapper dude.

Anything Animals from Rachel Borello Carroll

You will have fun mixing and matching tops and bottoms – making a plethora of friends for some lucky kiddy.  Pretty easy and a free pattern too, so give it a try.  Use washable yarns like Cascade 220 Superwash!

Clover Tweed Dishcloth from Noelle B at Skull Charms

The very useful washcloth!  Once you’ve tried a hand knit wash cloth, you’re dishes will be spoiled for anything else. Cotton is what you want for a washcloth.  Try Blue Sky Alpaca’s Organic Cotton.

Baby Hat Crochet Pattern from Yvestown Shop

For a fast gift, what about this crochet hat?  It can be made with the bear ears or with stripes.  Spud and Chloe Sweater Yarn which is a mix of cotton and wool would be a good bet.  Comes in perfect colours for either version and it is a washable yarn too, so Mom’s will love you!

Ribbed and Ruffled Tea Cozy by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas

Tea cozies make pretty great gifts.  This one is a classic.  You can purchase it here. For a similar look to the pot cover in the picture use Noro Silk Garden.  This beautiful Japanese yarn will give you the gorgeous blended stripes.

Manda Ruth by Jane Richmond

You can find this pattern at the Knit Cafe.  It’s a cute one.  A hood on a baby sweater for keeping heads warm when hats get lost. Fits 3-24 months. For a very special sweater use Madelinetosh Vintage, hand-dyed, superwash, merino.

Graham by Jennifer Adams

A reversible cap with a bit of slouch.  It is a free pattern! Make it from Illimani Royal Alpaca.  Decadently soft and incredibly warm this yarn will make a wonderful hat.

Hot Water Bottle Cosy by Yvestown Shop

Another crochet pattern! Keep your loved ones safe from a scalding and hook them a cover for their hot water bottle.  This will be finished in a jiffy and you can have loads of fun with the colour.  Cozy Manos del Uruguay Maxima would be so soft to cuddle up with on a cold night.

Convertible Boot Toppers  by Renae Summers

These boot toppers can be worn two ways, showing off two different rib patterns.  They will keep the drafts away from cold gams and look stylish at the same time. Good old Cascade 220, or Cascade 220 Superwash will be AOK for these.  Sturdy and reliable and available in a whole rainbow of colours.  Top those boots with style! This pattern is free!

Keep on keepin on folks!
Craftily yours
Kristin

stripes

 One of big trends I am noticing in 2011 is stripes and chevrons. I see it everywhere- clothing, home furnishing, curtains, rugs wallpapers and the list goes on and on.
Inspired by this graphic look I decided to create couple of projects for spring.
One of the projects is French Nautical Striped Scarf made with striking lace weight Misty Alpaca. I have to be honest here; the scarf took a long time to make, but after casting off and blocking I was rewarded with a beautifully draping, soft hipster scarf. What I liked about knitting this project was being able to knit while watching movies or during our busy Stitch & Bitch group. We all need a break from intense patterns once in a while. I found this scarf to be very mindless and relaxing as it is knit in simple stocking stitch and for some excitement changing colour every few rows.Here is the pattern: