Yes, if you begin today you will have 6 weeks of knit (or crochet) time before Christmas. I always like to have one or two hand made gifts under the tree. They are the most fun to give and pretty great to receive too.
This year, as always, I have prepared some suggestions for knit and crochet gifts. Unlike other years I’ve decided to be more laisez faire with how I meter them out. Often I organize my offerings by yarn weight or yardage, this year it’s more loosey-goosey. You will still see more large scale projects to begin with and quick knits as we get closer to the big day, but expect a few quick knits to be thrown in throughout so that you can get your projects done well before Christmas if you so wish. Here we go!
Farmhouse by cabinfour
I chose to feature this pretty shawl pattern first as it showcases the latest 
addition to the Knit Café yarn menu, it’s Brooklyn Tweed Shelter. This worsted weight yarn is a rustic tweedy yarn that is used to perfect effect in this simple shawl.
You will need: Worsted weight yarn like Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, about 840yds, 5.5mm needle.
Tunisian Crochet Mitten with Cross Stitch Pattern by Jolanta Gustafsson
You will really show off your craftiness if you make these mittens. Two diciplines 
combine in this mitten pattern. You will need to know how to crochet Tunisian style and also how to cross stitch. If you do you will have some kick-ass mits. The pattern is a free one and comes with a chart for the cross stitch pattern.
You will need: a 6mm hook and yarn to get gauge 17 sts/4″ in Tunisian crochet, I believe that will be a worsted weight. You will also need embroidery floss or tapestry wool like Koigu kppm mini skeins for the roses.
Miri by Anna Sudo
This is quite the fancy neck warmer. Suspect some oohs and ahs if this gets 
revealed on Christmas morning. It is knit in a brioche stitch which makes for cushy stitches and the pretty colour pattern. The pattern is charted and written both.
You will need: 800m fingering weight yarn in two colours. Madelinetosh Merino Light would be nice for this project. 4.5 and 3.5mm circular needles
Gale and Mini Gale by Alicia Plummer
When I was small I had a poncho that matched my Mom’s. I loved it! If you have 
the chops for a mother daughter poncho set, this one would be such a fun gift. Gale is a much more refined poncho then my 70’s version, so much the better! You will need to purchase each pattern separately.
You will need: 8mm needles and 900-1000yds of bulky wool like Peruvia Quick for Gale and for Mini Gale you will need 350-600yds of thick aran weight like Cascade128 and 6mm needles.
Check Meowt – cat, owl, panda knee socks by Lauren Riker
Adorable socks that you can knit to fit a 5 year old all the way to large adult sizes.
The hard part will be picking which version – panda, cat or owl.
You will need: 330-540yds of fingering weight yarn like Indigodragonfly sock yarn which has a smidge of nylon in the merino for hard wearing socks, and 2.25, 2.75mm needles.
Spicy Diamond Blanket by HaakmaarRaak
A hand made blanket is a really stellar gift. Start now – if you have this ambition.
I like the geometric motif in this crochet blanket. The pattern has lots of pictures that will help you along the way and it is free too.
You will need: a DK weight yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash and a 3.5mm hook.
Colour Block Shawl by A la Sascha
This looks like a great project for folks who like to mix and match their colours. 
The designer says the pattern is easy to memorize and that it is fast to complete.
You will need: 612 – 766 yards of worsted weight yarn like Rowan Pure Wool, and a 6mm hook.
Hungry Caterpillar Baby Cocoon and Hat by Angie Hartley
How sweet it this one? The pattern comes with the sleep sack and the hat.
It is knit with two strands of worsted held together or a chunky yarn so it should be a fast knit too.
You will need: worsted (held double) or chunky weight yarn for a gauge of 14 sts/10cm. Soft and washable Cascade 128 would be a great choice. 9mm needles.
Deep Woods Toque by Kiyomi Burgin
I couldn’t resist recommending this hat because I just love the simple tree scape
patterning. It is however one of those patterns you need to purchase the whole magazine to knit this one pattern. It is in the Winter 2015 Knitscene. Good news is that you can get a digital copy of this magazine through ravelry for only $7.99USD.
You will need: 567 yards total of fingering weight yarn in three colours like Koigu KPPM, and 3.35, and 2.75mm needles.
Trip to the Island by The Knit Café
This is The Knit Cafe’s most recent pattern. Both versions in the pic are included
in the pattern (two scarves for the price of one). Choose to make the open and easy lace pattern or the delicate and more challenging floral lace pattern. Either way this crescent shape shawlette hangs so nicely.
You will need: 700 yds total, 3 colours of fingering weight yarn. We used Koigu KPPM. 2 full 50 gram skeins of each of the main colours and 2 mini skeinettes for the accent colour. 4mm needles.
Craftily yours
Kristin
torontoknitcafe.wordpress.com 