2 weeks till Christmas

2 weeks to Christmas!
Have you picked up your needles yet in pursuit of gift-knitting?
No?
No troubles! I say skip the mall and get cozy with a cup of tea, some pretty yarn and a quick-knitting-pattern.  If you replace a 4 hour shopping trip with 4 hours spent with the needles and yarn, the results could be the same.  A few new presents under the tree; but these ones are the home-made kind.

Here are a few knitting patterns that take less than 200 yards of yarn to make and should be easily done for Christmas morning.

Barley by Tin Can Knits

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Takes 70 – 170 yards of worsted weight yarn (shown here in Madelinetosh Vintage)

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This standard toque pattern comes in sizes to fit Baby – Adult Large, so whoever might be on your list, you are sure to find a hat that fits.

This pattern is free and you can find it HERE

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Lucy by Carina Spencer

Takes under 200 yards to complete. It is also shown in Madelinetosh Vintage, and yes we still have some here on the shelves.

This hat has grown steadily in popularity since it was first published, and why not? It is a chapeau with considerable panache.  The cloche style is a classic.  The contrast colour on the hat band, gives it extra character,
You can purchase this pattern for $5.50 HERE

Chouette by Ekaterina Blanchard

Takes 75 – 130 yards of bulky weight yarn like Lamb’s Pride Bulky by Brown Sheep or Berroco Peruvia Quick.

It is sized to fit Toddler, Child, Teen, or Adult. and let’s face it, it’s pretty cute! You can find the pattern for 4.50 EUR HERE

Bon Bon Mittens by Tin Can Knits

Takes 60-200 yds of worsted weight yarn.

I love Tin Can Knit patterns! Especially the ones that include sizing from wee to full grown.  This mitten pattern is no exception. Make these simple cabled mittens for everyone you know – just because you can. We have paper copies here at the cafe for purchase for $5.

Little Fox Mittens by Birch Hollow Cottage

Takes 110 – 176 yards of worsted weight yarn.  Cascade 220, or 220 Superwash, Berroco Ultra Alpaca, Manos del Uruguay Maxima would all be great choices for this project.  You could complete the mittens with just one skein of any of these with yarn to spare.

The mitten pattern comes with sizes to fit toddler, youth small, youth large.  You can get the pattern for only $2 HERE

Your First Pair of Mittens, by The Knit Cafe

Takes less than 200 yards of worsted weight yarn. They are shown in Madelinetosh Vintage.

If you have never made a pair of mittens then these are the ones I suggest you try.  They are a simple style and fit well to a ladies size. The instructions include a picture tutorial that explains how to add the thumb.  This is also the mitten pattern we teach in our Mitten Class (the next one is Thurs Feb 20, 27).

You can purchase the pattern for $6.50 right HERE

Grey Gardens by Rachel Price and Kate Burge

Takes 110 – 120 yards of worsted weight.

For a similar effect to the headband pictured use Noro Silk Garden.  This yarn knits with blended colour changes and looks fantastic when knit in this textural technique called “Entrelac”.

You can find the pattern HERE for free!

Pom Pom It by Stephen West

Takes 180 – 185 yards of worsted weight yarn

Pom poms are very popular additions to hats this season.  I like the way Stephen West made his pom pom extra special by combining lots of different colours.  You won’t find that at The Gap! The hat is pretty great too!

You can find the pattern for free HERE

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Baby Newsie by Bekah Knits

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Takes 130 – 175 yards of worsted weight yarn.

You can make it in size 3-6 months, 6-12 months, or 12-24 months, for all the sophisticated little ones you know.

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The pattern is available for $5.99USD HERE

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Elis by Reiko Kuwamura

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Takes 150 – 160 yards of sport weight yarn like Madelinetosh Pashmina, or for a truly decadent cowl; Handmaiden’s 100% Cashmere 4 ply.

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This elegant cowl has an intriguing stitch pattern that is fun and easy to do.  It looks really pretty too.  Make it for the lady on your list who appreciates the finer things in life.  The pattern is free and you can find it HERE

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Polar Bear by Maurie Todd for The Knit Cafe

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Takes less than 200 yards of yarn.  Exactly how much less depends on how big a bear you would like.  If a papa bear is what you desire, choose Brown Sheep Burly Spun and a 9-10mm needle and you’ll use just shy of a ball (which is 132 yds).  If you get yourself a ball of cascade 220 worsted weight you’ll get a little mama bear (actually you’ll get at least 2 from one skein).  For a baby bear grab yourself some Koigu Kppm, one 50 gram skein will garner many tree ornament sized bears.

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This pattern is EASY! It is FREE! You should make it!

Find the pattern HERE

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For more last minute gift knitting check out my 2012 lists
Find 2 weeks till Christmas 2012 HERE
Find 1 week till Christmas 2012 HERE

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Craftily yours
Kristin