What to Knit and Crochet with 4 weeks till Christmas

Four weeks people!  If you have a long list of gifts to make or just one big idea for someone really special it is time to get those needles clicking. Here are some knit and crochet projects for those of you who are still searching for just the right thing.

High Pines Cowl by Brooklyn Tweed
Knit with DK yarn designed for Brooklyn Tweed Arbor and 4mm needles.
390 yards needed
Finished dimensions: 28½” [72.5 cm] circumference at bottom; 25¼” [64 cm] circumference at top; 11½” [29 cm] height
If you are as curious as I am to knit up some of Brooklyn Tweed’s brand new product; the worsted spun, DK weight Arbor, then look no further for a project then this classic cowl or perhaps a hat like the Brooklyn Tweed’s Burnaby Hat.

Bobbly Hat by Justyna Lorkowska
Knit with Worsted Weight like Lichen and Lace hand dyed, worsted, merino and 5mm needles
To fit 2-4y (6-10y)
This hat has lots of lovely textures and would be a real special gift for a little someone. Especially if knit in their favourite colour.

Fair Isle Friday by Almost Saturday by Anna Maltz
Knit with DK weight, Brooklyn Tweed Arbor would suit it to a tee, and 3.75mm 246 – 328 yards needed
one size fits most
These charming hats are ripe with opportunity for colour combining fun. There are two different fair isle designs to choose from.

Winter Honey by Andrea Mowry
Knit with Worsted Weight yarn and 5.5mm needles. Sample shown in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter
605 – 1050 yards needed
Can be made in two sizes with wingspan – 61 in/155 cm (84 in/213 cm), Center Depth – 26.5 in/67 cm (31 in/79 cm)
A nice textured shawl in a cozy medium weight yarn!

Ingeborg Slippers by Kristin Drysdale
Knit with DK weight yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash and  3mm needles
153 – 164 yards needed
Size is women’s medium
Another pattern for showing off your Fair Isle chops! These slippers and pretty and cozy.

Winter Wanderer Super Scarf by Jess Coppom
Crocheted with Chunky Weight Yarn like Berroco Vintage Chunky and 5.5mm
1000 – 1200 yards needed
One size: approximately 102 x 10.5”
A super cool, extra large, snowflake shawl. Follow the chart to create the snowflake design. The designer suggests you weave in your ends as you go, I concur.

Cat Baby Cocoon, Hat and Bootie Set by Chi Krneta
Crocheted with DK weight yarn such as Cascade 220 Superwash and 3.5mm
575 – 650 yards needed for booties, hat and sleep sack
To fit 0-3 months, or  3-6 months
Make this sleep sack, bootie and hat set to match your favourite kitty cat.

Little Fox Socks by North Star Knits
Knit with DK weight yarn like Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light and 3.5mm
284 – 568 yards needed
To fit Baby, toddler, kid, adult
Adorable slipper socks to make the ache of a cold winter floor a veritable picnic. So cute!

Forager’s Scarf by Nicola Hodges
Knit in Aran weight yarn like Madelinetosh Chunky and 5.5mm needles
383 – 416 yards needed
Finished measurements: 107” (272cm) along longest edge and 16” (41cm) at widest point
A lovely shawl! Knit long with lots of drape thanks to the bias shaping and the eyelets. It would look nice on a man or a lady and it is knit with a chunky yarn for faster knitting.

Cara by Kate Burge and Rachel Price
Knit with Aran or Worsted weight yarn such as Noro Kureopatora and 6mm needles
380 – 400 yards needed
Finished dimensions: Height: 11”, Circumference: 36”
This is a job for Noro! – the lovely Japanese company that makes the beautiful, all-the-colours-of-the-rainbow yarn. Grab two of your favourites and combine them for a similar effect to the sample pictured here. This looks like it would be a really fun knit!
For something with an equal amount of Noro yarn fun check out this Magical Striped Scarf Pattern. It is a good pattern for beginner knitters.

Fiery Dragon Scarf by Brook L Hanna
Knit with Worsted Weight Yarn like Berroco Vintage and 5mm needles.
197 yards needed
What little boy or girl would not go crazy for this? It’s a scarf! It’s a dragon! It’s both!

That’s it for this week!
Craftily yours
Kristin

What to Knit and Crochet with 5 weeks till Christmas

You now have five solid weeks to craft-it-up till the gift giving day! There is no end to what you can do. Here are a few suggestions.

Blue Totoro Amigurumi by Lucy Collins
Crocheted with DK or worsted weight yarn like inexpensive and washable Berroco Vintage Worsted and  3.5mm hook
85 grams needed
Finished size: approximately 8” tall.
I feel like no explanation is needed for this recommendation.

Sweet Socks by The Knit Café
Knit with fingering weight yarn like Julie Asselin Piccolo and 2.5mm needles
199 – 468 yards needed
To fit 2-4y, 4-7y, 8-women’s small, women’s medium, women’s large-men’s medium, men’s large
This is The Knit Cafe’s basic sock recipe released just months ago. As you can see there are a plethora of sizes. Instructions are very detailed with lots of sock knitting tips. The heel is knit in a pleasing honeycomb texture and the calf is ribbed for a good fit. The contrast coloured toes make these socks extra special.

There’s No Place Like Home by The Knit Café
Knit with fingering weight yarn like Lichen and Lace one-ply or 80/20 and 3.75mm needles
383 – 475 yards needed
Finished dimensions: length 167cm/66 inches, depth at largest point 48cm/19 inches for version shown. A smaller version without the border has these dimensions (length 167cm/66 inches, depth at largest point 33cm/13 inches).
Another new pattern from The Knit Café! A pretty shawl with an easy and open lace pattern and an interesting construction combining bias knitting and short row shaping for the border. The picot edge makes this shawl very feminine but without it this triangular scarf may suit a dude too.

Sportive Unisex Triangle Shawl by Nicki Hirsch
Crocheted with fingering weight yarn like Mineville Sock yarn and 3mm hook
663 – 884 yards needed
160-170cm on its longest side or adjustable
A crochet version of a triangular shawl with an easy repetitive stitch for a guy or a gal.

Copenhagen Calling by Isabell Kraemer
Knit with DK weight like Julie Asselin Leizu DK and 4-4.5mm needles
634 – 678 yards needed
Finished dimensions: 60″ x 12″ (152 cm x 30 cm), or adjustable
A pretty cowl with several different textures. Something really unique!

Starri by Helene Magnusson
Knit with light fingering or fingering and 2.5mm needles for a small size and 3mm needles for a medium size
150 – 170 yards needed
These mitten are so pretty especially with the added detail of the embroidery embellishment. The pattern boasts  step by step pictorial tutorials for special techniques and for the embroidery too.

Colorplay Dress by Lisa Chemery
Knit with Sport or DK weight such as Brooklyn Tweed Arbor and 3.5mm -4mm
345 – 775 yards needed
To fit 3mo (6mo, 12mo, 18mo // 2years, 4years, 6years, 8years)

If you are inspired but a little bit intimidated by these Colour Knit Projects then check out the Knit Café’s  “knit in colour class” for fairisle learnin’.
It’s coming soon!

Knit in Colour Class
Friday December 2, 9, 7-9pm
Read all about it and register HERE

Sideline Beanie by Grace Ann
Knit with lace weight (held doubled) or fingering weight single stranded and  2.5mm needles
800 – 900 yards needed
This basic toque can be made, as the author suggests to match a favourite sports team colours, or it can be made in the favourite colours of the recipient, or with the coloured scraps you have about. I love the idea of doubling up a lace weight yarn for all sorts of interesting colour combinations for this hat but a fingering weight used on it’s own will do. I encourage yo to read the designers description of this hat. It is enticing!

Baby Duck Booties by Meagan Anderson
Knit with fingering weight yarn and 3.25mm for the baby version, and sport weight yarn and 3.5mm for the toddler version.
75 – 100 yards needed
Dimensions:
Baby version: 3¼ (4)” [8.5 (10) cm] long and 2¾” [7 cm] tall; to fit size 0-6 (6-12) months / Toddler version: 4 (5)” [10 (12.5) cm] long and 3¼” [8.5 cm] tall; to fit size 18 (24) months
These adorable boots are sure to bring smiles to faces. If you try them note there is errata to check out mentioned on the ravelry page (looks like not a big deal).

Oxbow by Brooklyn Tweed
Knit with bulky yarn and designed for Brooklyn Tweed Quarry and 8mm needles
525 yards needed
Finished Dimensions are 8½” wide; 75½” long (excluding fringe)
This excellent scarf is another great unisex project. Give it a go for any man or lady on your list.

That’s it for this week.
Craftily yours
Kristin

What To Knit With 1 Week Till Christmas

With only one week left till Christmas the time has come for last minute gift ideas. Without further ado – here they are!

Split Brim Toddler Hat by Sheepy Shenanigans

A quick knit hat made with Super Bulky yarn. This toddler hat attern says it measures 16.5 inches in circumference but stretches to fit up to 20 inches so it should fit a variety of children’s head sizes. It is free to try!
You will need: 50 – 55 yards (46 – 50 m) of Super Bulky yarn like Brown Sheep Burly Spun or Malabrigo Rasta.  9mm needles.

Rainbow Twist by Thao Nguyen

This sweet and stylish cowl would do for a lady or a gentleman and will be fast to knit with Super Bulky yarn. They used Malabrigo Rasta and it looks terrific. Rasta is a merino wool that is super soft. This hand dyed yarn is so pretty too. We just received a new shipment of Rasta, it’s ready to be made into cowls like this one. This pattern is a free!
You will need: 80 – 90 yards (73 – 82 m) of Super Bulky yarn. That’s only one skein of Malabrigo Rasta. 12mm needles.

Forest Folk Cup Cozies by  Alexandra Davidoff

These guys are so cute and a nice gift for the coffee-lover.  The pattern is a free one too, so you can choose to tinker with it and try out any or all of the animal motifs. The raccoon, fox and owl faces are added on after the knitting with a technique called duplicate stitch which is easy to do. You can check out a tutorial for this technique right here on this blog!
You will need: aprox 50yds [46 m] of worsted weight yarn for each cozy. Use something washable like Rowan Pure Wool so cleaning up the coffee drips won’t be a trial. Scraps of contrast colours for the animals faces and 4mm needles are needed too.

Christmas Toadstools by Merrin Curley

I may or maynot have used this pattern before for a Christmas knitting project suggestion but I think it bares repeating. So cute! These will look terrific on a tree. The knitter behind these examples called norskiknits on ravelry, really mixed it up with the yarn choices and I think they came out so much the better. This is also a free pattern
You will need: A small amount of DK weight yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash or Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light. 3-3.25mm needles.

Soap Socks by Olivia Rainsford

 

You could really crank out a bunch of these and hand them out as host gifts or for those hard to buy folks. Soap wrapped in wool means you will get a great washing mitten. You can have lots of fun buying great soaps too. This pattern is free.
You will need: A feltable wool (no superwash) like Brown Sheep Burly Spun. A double strand of Brooklyn Tweed Shelter would be wonderful! The designer says a 50g skein will make about 4 or 5 socks.  5mm needles.

Dawson City Toque by The Knit Café

A brand new pattern from Iwona just in time for last minute gift-giving. This is fast and this is easy!  We have it in the shop as a learn to knit kit!   You take two pieces of Super Bulky yarn and hold them together to make a Super Super Bulky yarn and get out your broomstick sized needles. Then knit back and forth in good old garter stitch, no purls needed. The hat is seamed to finish.  The pom pom making instructions are also included in the pattern.  The pattern is sized to fit children 4-8 years old, S/M adult head, L/XL adult head sizes.
You will need: 90 – 120 yards (82 – 110 m) of Super Bulky yarn like Brown Sheep Burly Spun which is shown here and 15mm needles.

Bon chance with the gift knitting everyone!
Craftily yours
Kristin

What to knit with 2 weeks till Christmas

Oh My! There is only two weeks before Christmas. If you plan to avoid the malls and make all your gifts, there is still time to get a few done. Here are some suggestions for some gifts that will be fast to complete.

Rasta Velvet Cowl by Szilvia Linczmaier 

An extra bulky cowl is just the thing when knitting time gets short. This one is made with decadently soft Rasta from Malabrigo. We have a great colour selection of Rasta right now and more is on the way for those last minute projects that require big, big yarn and fat needles like this one.  This cowl can also be made into a poncho for toddlers or kiddies.
You will need:  90 yards (82 m) of Super Bulky yarn like Malabrigo Rasta and 15mm needles.

 

Tiny Roar Lion Bonnet by Mimi Codd

This one is extra cute. This bonnet that will clearly keep the ears warm. The pattern has sizing from newborn to 2 years old.
You will need:  105 – 210 yards (96 – 192 m) of DK yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash and 3.5mm needles.

Simple House Slippers by Simone A

These look like really cozy slippers. It is a free pattern that indicates that it is easily adjustable to fit different sized feet.
You will need: A DK or worsted weight yarn like Rowan Pure Wool Superwash and 4mm and 4.5mm needles.

Marled Hat by The Plucky Knitter

This hat pattern employs one of my favourite tricks. Take two yarns that you like and hold them together to create a thicker and even more interesting super-yarn. In this case it is two strands of worsted weight yarn. This hat should knit up fairly quickly with a 6mm needle. The pattern is free to try.
You will need: two different colours of worsted weight yarn like Madelinetosh Vintage and 4.5mm and 6mm needles.

Crocheted Fox Finger Puppet by Jo from hubpages.com

This one is for the crocheters. Not a stuffy but a finger puppet, this one would be really fun for babies and tots for some animated play time. The pattern is free.
You will need: 25 grams of worsted or DK yarn like Rowan Pure Wool Superwash or Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine and a 4mm-4.5mm hook.

You will also need some felt. The Knit Café just received a great big bundle of 100% wool felt sheets. This stuff is hard to find but you can find it here.

Gull Lace Fingerless Mittens by Elizabeth Murphy

 This fingerless mitten pattern boasts that it is easy to knit thanks to it’s lack of gusset. They look super charming so they don’t need any old gusset.
You will need: 150 – 200 yards (137 – 183 m) of worsted weight yarn like Brooklyn Tweed Shelter yarn and 4mm and 5mm needles

Tree by Nim Teasdale

This is an interesting one. It’s a cowl, but it looks like a tree, but it’s a cowl!  How festive, and a free pattern too. You can find it in Knitty Magazine the terrific Canadian web-magazine.
You will need: 137 – 157 yards (125 – 144 m) DK or worsted weight yarn like Brooklyn Tweed Shelter and 3.75mm and 4.5mm needles

Craftily yours
Kristin

What to Knit with 3 Weeks Till Christmas

When I began this blog post I named it 4 weeks till Christmas. I am clearly in denial. It is 3 weeks- 3 weeks till Christmas now! It’s time to get serious with the Christmas knitting.  Hear are some projects that are easily accomplished in a short time.

Rye by Saranac Hale Spencer

A hand knitted tie I think would make an awesome gift. I like the diagonal shaping on this one. The pattern is absolutely free from Pom Pom Quarterly.

You will need: 3.75mm needles and 100 – 105 yards (91 – 96 m) of a light worsted or DK yarn.  I think this tie would be quite nice in Shelter from Brooklyn Tweed, which coincidentally we just got a shipment of yesterday. Hooray!

Knit Golf Club Covers by Purl Soho

Do you know any golfers? They actually use these, they love these, and they would love some lovingly made, by hand, by you, no doubt. This pattern is free too.

You will need: 456 yards (417 m) for all three of a DK weight yarn . A superwash variety I think would be the best here like Cascade 220 superwash. The pattern calls for 3.75mm, 4mm and 5mm needles

Pont Neuf Toque by Alexandra Tavel

This crocheted hat has a great shape!
You will need: 120 yards (110 m) of bulky yarn. Why not try our brand new Brooklyn Tweed Quarry for this one. Wow! You will need a 6.5mm hook.

 A Simple Sweater- 3 Ways by Julie Williams

These are mini sweaters! Sweaters for dolls!  I think some small kiddo who loves their dolls or stuffies would really appreciate these.  It is designed to fit the designers knitted animal patterns which are 9 inches/ 23cms tall. You can see and purchase her doll patterns HERE

You will need: Fingering weight yarn in tiny amounts, scraps might do the trick or Koigu Mini Skeins might come in handy too.  2.75mm needles.

Hello Gnome Mittens by Tamara Kelly

This crochet mitten pattern is sweet and colourful. It’s knit with bulky yarn so a pair will be off the hook and on the hands in a jiffy. Sizing is from child to adult.  It is free to try.

You will need: several colours of bulky weight yarn like Peruvia Quick (110 – 225 yards (101 – 206 m) in total) and a 6.5mm hook.

Little Lamb Crochet Baby Bib by My Hobby is Crochet

Another one for the crocheters. There are so many cute crochet projects for kids and babies, but lets face it – this one is really for the Mom’s and Dad’s. This pattern is free.

You will need: The pattern specifies one skein of DK cotton but does not specify the exact amount . I think Blue Sky Skinny Cotton or Blue Sky Wosrted Cotton would both work here. The hook size is 4mm.

Thrum Mittens by The Knit Café

A NEW PATTERN FROM THE KNIT CAFE!
We have been toiling to make really comprehensive instructions for thrum mitten making and here they are!
Thrum mittens were first developed in Newfoundland to prevent chill and wind burn on hands. They are mighty warm mittens with bits of unspun wool knit right into them making a wool fleece lined mitten.
This pattern contains picture tutorials on how to thrum your mittens and it has 5 different sizes from 5 years old to extra big adult.
Thrum Mittens would make great gifts. This is definitely the kind of thing that does not come from a store.

You will need: 150 – 250 yards (137 – 229 m) of worsted weight yarn like Cascade 220 or Brooklyn Tweed Shelter and 50 grams of wool fleece.  3.5mm double pointed needles.
The Knit Café has Thrum Mitten Kits at the ready for you in the shop!

Knit Critter by The Knit Café

ANOTHER NEW PATTERN FROM THE KNIT CAFE!
With the Knit Critter pattern you can stretch your imagination muscles to make any type of animal or “critter” (as we call them) that you would like. The instructions are written for new knitters. The shapes and techniques are basic. The critters are knit flat and then seamed. How you embellish them makes all the difference.

You will need: Several colours of worsted weight yarn like Rowan Pure Wool Superwash, and 4mm needles.

We have Critter Kits at the shop too!

This months window display features the critters. It is an advent calendar. We have one shopping bag for each day up to Christmas. Each bag contains a critter. Every day one more critter will be revealed.

You can see each critter as they come if you follow us on Instagram

This is how the count down is going so far↓

Craftily yours
Kristin

What to Knit with 4 Weeks Till Christmas

Four weeks till Christmas! I can’t believe it! If you have not yet begun your holiday knitting or crocheting then seize the day, perhaps with one of these projects.

Garter Gaiter by Purl Soho

This is a nice and easy pattern, just knit and purl, with one colour and then the next. It’s free too!

You will need:  87 yards (79 meters) of a bulky weight yarn. This cowl would be stunning in Madelinetosh ASAP. 10mm circular needle 40cm.

Karusellen Hat by Erica Knits

This toque with the traditional Swedish folk art design of a horse is pretty great. It is shown here – knit with Brooklyn Tweed Shelter. The hat is from Pom Pom Quarterly Magazine Autumn 2015 which has a lot of really nice patterns. The next suggestion (a crochet hat called North Toque) is from the same issue. You can download the whole magazine for only $12.36 CAD.

You will need: 350 – 384 yards (320 – 351 m) of a worsted weight yarn like the Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in two colours. The pattern calls for 3.25mm, 3.5mm, and 4.5mm needles. The 3.25mm needles are for a tubular cast on.

North Toque by Maria Valles

I found this pattern in the Pom Pom Quarterly Autumn 2015 in amongst some other pretty great patterns. This one is for the crocheters! It involves chunky yarn so you could start a production line of these and make one for every one on the list.

You will need: 273 – 328 yards (250 – 300 m) of bulky yarn like Cascade 128, or Peruvia Quick, and a 6.5 and 7mm hook.

Noro Striped Scarf by Jared Flood

Jared Flood admits he didn’t make up this pattern but he sure spread the joy when he published this pattern for FREE on his blog. Two colours of delightful Noro yarn (a colour-blending, self-patterning yarn from Japan) is knit in stripes to make an incredibly beautiful scarf. Also, a really fun knit! We made a version at The Knit Café using Noro Kureopatora which is a merino blend and more comfortable to wear then many Noro yarns.

You will need: 436 yards (399 m) of Noro in a worsted weight. We used two balls of the Kureopatora and still had lots left over. 4.5mm needles

Campside by Alicia Plummer

This popular shawl project with the simple eyelet texture was originally knit with Julie Asselin’s Leizu DK. Julie was just in the store this past weekend for a visit! I am so excited to say that we are expecting some of her beautiful, hand dyed yarns to arrive soon.  Untill then you can always make this shawl in one of our other lovely DK weight yarns. Note: this pattern has some errata which is on the patterns ravelry page. It is also Free!

You will need: 700 – 780 yards (640 – 713 m) of DK/sport weight yarn. For a really divine shawl I recommend the Indigodragonfly Mergoat Sport. There is a colour that looks quite a lot like the one in the picture that is called “Ooooo Shiney!”  4.5mm needles.

Infant Mittens by Purl Soho

Do you need to knit for any new humans this year? If you do, you could knit a pair of these in a hurry. It is a free pattern from the Purl Bee. They are sized 3-9 months. No thumbs – makes a quick knit mitt!

You will need: 200 yards of fingering weight yarn held double or 100 yards DK/sport weight single stranded.  A yarn like Cascade 220 Superwash should do the trick. The contrast colours have Koigu Mini Skein’s name written all over them. 3.25mm double pointed needles too.

Irish Hiking Mittens by Karen Michelle

This arm warmer pattern is free to try. Decorated with a very straightforward cable design this would be a good first cable project for those who know how to knit on double pointed needles.

You will need: 150 – 220 yards (137 – 201 m) worsted or DK weight yarn like Rowan Pure Wool Superwash and 4mm needles

Azul Pullover by Heidi May

This cozy cover up looks so great on this small person but the pattern is sized to fit a two year old all the way to large adult sizes. Better yet – it is made with Super Bulky yarn so it will be extra warm and extra fast to knit.

You will need: 300 – 860 yards (274 – 786 m) of super bulky yarn like Malabrigo Rasta or Brown Sheep Burly Spun and 9mm needles.

Fishin Cowl by The Knit Café

This cowl by The Knit Café can be knit in two sizes. Shown here, is a cozy single wrap, but you could also make a decadent double wrap cowl. Both are knit in a fisherman’s rib stitch for extra stretch and coziness. We made ours with Madelinetosh Vintage, which is a soft hand dyed merino. You can pick up a knit-kit in these colours or pick  your own colours at The Knit Café. You can find the pattern HERE.

You will need: 400 – 800 yards (366 – 732 m)of worsted weight like Madelinetosh Vintage in two colours and a 5mm circular needle

 Craftily yours
Kristin

What to Knit with 5 weeks till Christmas

We continue the count down! It is now 5 weeks of knitting time before Christmas. Still plenty of time to make a few gifts. Here are some suggestions.

Boyfriend by Lucinda Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A really chunky scarf with a waffle texture suitable for a boyfriend or anyone really. Even a long version will be a quicker knit with such big yarn and will keep the recipient cozy-warm.
You will need: 198m of super bulky yarn like Brown Sheep Burly Spun and a 10mm needle.

Lowbrow Cowl by Thao Nguyen

This cowl looks so classy! It is a double wrap, so it will be decadently snug around the neck.
You will need: 366 m of a soft worsted weight yarn like Madelinetosh Vintage and a 4.5mm needle

Jones by Tin Can Knits
You may still have time to make a sweater especially if it for a pintsized person. This terrific sweater pattern by Tin Can Knits comes in sizes that range from 0-6months to 4XL. Even if you don’t make it as a present now it is a good one to have saved away for another day!
You will need: 366 – 2377 m of DK or Sport yarn like Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine, and 3.25mm and 4mm needles

Winter Fantasy Socks by DROPS Design
pic  is from knitter mustaavillaa

These socks look incredible in this photo! I wish they were waiting in my sock drawer right now and I bet someone you know wishes the same. You can make them sized US 5/6.5 – 7.5/9 – 9.5/10.5. The pattern is free!
You will need: 819 m of fingering weight yarn like Indigodragonfly merino sock, and 2.25mm needles.

Babar by Sara Elizabeth Kellner
This is another free pattern, which is hard to believe since it is such a great one! It even comes with the pattern for Babar’s Cape and the Crown and for an alternative wardrobe his green suit and bowler hat.
You will need: 155 – 174 m of worsted weight yarn like Rowan Pure Wool (it’s superwash!) and 3.5mm needles.

Top Down Poncho by Pickles

Another sweet pattern from Pickles and like many of Pickle’s patterns this one is free. This looks more like an oversized shrug then a poncho to me, but whatever you call it, it seems like a wonderful accessory that might suit many people on your knit-list. The pattern has 4 sizes.
You will need: 175- 225 g of silk mohair like Shibui Silk Cloud held together with 400-500 g of DK weight like Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine, or any yarn on it’s own that gives you a gauge of 16 sts/10cm on a 5.5mm needle such as Cascade 128. Needle size is 5.5mm and 3.5mm

Amigurumi Pears by Salihan Laugesen

These stuffies speak for themselves I think. Grab your crochet hook and get going. They are made with Super Bulky yarn and could be done in no time.
You will need: 70 – 134 m of Super Bulky yarn like Malabrigo Rasta and a 6.5mm and 4mm hook

Jennifer Floral Lace Cowl by Vicky Chan

This pretty crocheted cowl can be made in four different sizes that the designer describes as short, long, extra long and oversized. A really glamorous yarn would make this design shine!.

You will need: 160 – 448 m of fingering weigt yarn like Madelinetosh Merino Light, and 3.5mm and 3.25mm hooks.

I’m Biased by The Knit Café

This is a free pattern by us, at the Knit Café. We love how this design really allows the knitter to play with colour. Two different colours of yarn are held together to get this two-tone effect. We are also impressed that the pointy ends of the scarf which are created with the bias knitting technique are perfect for tying and make the scarf sit and stay put in a very chic way.
You will need: Two different colours of fingering weight yarn held together. We used Madelinetosh Merino Light and Madelinetosh Unicorn Tails. The Unicorn Tails come in 50m amounts making them perfect to mix and match as accent colours. 732 – 914 m were used in total. 5mm needles.

 New Born Vertebrae Kelly Brooker

pic from knitter Ellen McRae

This is a very popular pattern, and not just because it is a free one. Knitters like that it is quick to make and takes very little yarn. New Mom’s like the open-front design of the sweater as it encourages skin-to-skin time. This pic of the sweater, knit by Ellen was made with hand dyed, self striping Turtlepurl yarn. The stripes come out just perfectly in this sweater and you never have to change yarns to make it happen. the pattern is sized to fit a newborn aprox 7-9lbs.

You will need: 183 – 201 m of fingering weight yarn. The awesome striping comes courtesy of Turtlepurl Turtletoes (it’s not just for socks) yarn. 3.25mm and 2.75mm needles.

Vintage Prim by Andrea Mowry

This is a really lovely and very unique hat. It is knit in two colours with a technique called brioche knitting. It is reversible too!

You will need: Two colours of fingering weight yarn, 229 m total. Try Koigu Kppm!  Needle size is 3.5mm

Happy knitting everyone

craftily yours
Kristin

What to knit with 6 weeks till Christmas

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

1 week till Christmas

One more week!  Are you all done your gift knitting yet?  If you need one more thing to stuff a stocking or for under the tree, then check out these ideas for projects that use Super Bulky yarn.  You might notice that most of these projects are hats and other small accessories.  That is no accident! All of these should be quick knits.

The Gathering by Kalurah

I have had a few folks come into the shop lately with this pattern on their mind. The designer was inspired by the cowl worn by Claire Randall on the series Outlander. It is knit with two strands of extra bulky yarn held together on a 25 mm needle, so it is extra, extra, extra big. Two full twists in the cowl makes it hang just so, and so big it can be pulled over you head as a hood or over your shoulders as a capelet. This pattern features a provisional cast on and kitchener stitch to seam it together, but you could omit these details if you are an inexperienced knitter.  The Gathering cowl is a free pattern found HERE

For a similar pattern that takes only one skein of Burly Spun by Brown Sheep, have a look at The Knit Cafe’s Mondo Neck Cozy Pattern right HERE

Childrens Quick Knitted Cable Cowl by A Crafty House

The name says it all! It’s quick to knit, it’s cabled and it’s for kids to wear.  There is also a version for adults which can be found HERE. The designer says you can easily finish the kids version in an hour.  It takes only 46 – 50 m of yarn, so one skein of Madelinetosh ASAP will do the trick.  This merino wool will not cause the ichies and it’s machine washable too! Find this free pattern HERE

Bonnie Beret by Rachel Oglesby

This pattern is only 9 rounds long.  Imagine how quick that must be to make.  You’ll need a sizable hook and an extra chunky yarn like Brown Sheep Burly Spun or Malabrigo Rasta and maybe an hour of your time to make this fashionable crocheted beret. The pattern is free and you can find it HERE

Bohemian by Eva Stone

Extra chunky yarn shows off the different textures in this hat. Hats are just the ticket for fast knitting.  This pattern is a free one and you can find it HERE

Acorn Hat by Susan B. Anderson

This is a nice thick hat that resembles an acorn.  Knit it in two tones like the picture shows to accentuate the acorn effect, or all in one colour. The hat fits newborn, baby, toddler/young child, or older child/teen/adult.  The original hat was knit in Spud and Chloe Outer, but Madelinetosh ASAP would also be splendid. Find this pattern for sale HERE

 Meathead Hat by Larissa Brown

I love the pocket in this hat! The pointy shape is adorable too, and of course it is knit in chunky yarn! You can find the pattern HERE

Knit 101 Headband and Knit 101 Headband Too! by The Knit Cafe

If you are really short on time try the Knit Cafe’s chunky headband pattern. Both are free patterns on our blog.  HERE and HERE.

That is all the knit suggestions for this year.  I’m sure you have all come up with your own great ideas.  We would love to know about them.  Do share!

Craftily yours
Kristin

2 weeks till Christmas

There are 2 weeks till Christmas, but don’t panic! There is still time to get some wonderful knit projects done before the big day.  Big yarn and big needles will make the work go faster.  Below you will find ideas for knittables that use Bulky weight yarn.  You will also find some projects that use Super Bulky yarn.  There are so many wonderful projects that use the biggest of yarns that I couldn’t resist putting a few in this post.  There will be even more Super Bulky projects next week.

Yeti and Sasquatch by Barabara Prime

These guys top my list of things I would most like to knit.  Adorable! Just look at those feet! The pattern comes with instructions for the knitted backpack and beret too.  I will say it again -Adorable! You can purchase this pattern right HERE

Sentiment by Andrea Rangel Knits

The extra bulky yarn makes the lace stitching in this shawl even more obvious so all your hard work will get the attention it deserves.  The sample in the picture is knit with soft Malabrigo Rasta yarn.  We just received a small shipment of this super bulky hand dyed merino.  It would be a great choice for this cuddly shawl as would Brown Sheep Burly Spun which is also back in stock in an abundance of colours.  You can purchase this pattern HERE

Willy the Wiley Fox by Kasia Smolak

This foxy coat will turn any wee one into an adorable wild child.  It fits toddlers 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years old.  Thick yarn will make this project a fast one and also keep the recipient snuggly warm. The instructions include photos and diagrams to help you out.  You can purchase it HERE

 Woodland Fox Baby by Kristen Cooper

What! Two fox projects!  It is the animal of the moment after all, everyone seems crazy about this woodland beastie.  This hat will be faster to knit then the full sweater version and an easier project for newer knitters.  The pattern also comes with instructions for making the fox tail.  Think Halloween costume for next year already covered! The hat is only available in one size, 3-12 months.  It is a free pattern right HERE

Whipped Blankets by Leslie Scanion

You might be shaking your head and wondering why I am suggesting you make a blanket with only two weeks to do so.  I firmly believe that this is not a pie in the sky suggestion.  This blanket can be knit at a fast and furious pace with the aid of bulky or even extra bulky yarn.  The pattern includes instructions for blankets in both weights and also three possible knit textures.  The edges of this lovely, chunky throw are whipped stitched (hence the name). This is where you can add a splash of colour to your blanket and make it extra darn special.  This blanket pattern takes 475 – 594 m which is a pretty small amount of yardage for a blanket and amounts to about 4 skeins of Brown Sheep Burly Spun. You can purchase this pattern right HERE

Slipper Boots by Bernat Design Studio

This free crochet pattern makes really sturdy looking slip on boots. The kind that would go on easy when your eyes are still blurred in the morning and keep your tootsies cozy as you shuffle about in your morning routine.  There are sizes for all ages – shoe sizes 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12.  If you are a crocheter have a look at this free pattern HERE

Chickadee Cowl by Kirsten Kapur

A linen-stitch cowl! Linen stitch is a very beautiful stitch pattern that looks almost like weaving. It is particularly lovely in multicoloured yarns but looks tailored and trim in plain colours.  This cowl pattern uses thicker yarn which makes up for the time that is usually required to make this dense stitch.  It is also a close fitting cowl, shorter than your average scarf and thus faster to knit. Good for a gal or a gent, if you make this cowl, please have fun with your colour selection.  It is a free one! Find it HERE

Baylie Bear Cowl by Heidi May

Last year I showcased this adorable cowl, but now there is a crochet version too.  The original knit pattern can be found HERE.  Crocheters can now make this cute, bear-eared hood and neck warmer for little ones 3/6 months, 6/12 months, 12/18 month, toddler, and older child sizes.  In fact  the sizing goes into adult sizes. Brown Sheep Burly Spun comes in so many bear friendly shades, browns and greys and black, so that would be my first choice for yarn.  You can purchase the crochet pattern HERE

Twinkle Hat by The Knit Cafe

This hat is knit with a 8mm needle and 2 strands of soft Berroco Flicker held together to make it a chunky and fast knit hat.  You may also notice that the hat is knit side to side (not bottom to top).  It is knit flat and shaped with “short rows”.  This is a great project for knitters who are intimidated by double pointed needles but are itching to make a hat.  Flicker is an incredibly soft alpaca yarn with a small bit of  festive sparkly.  We just got some of this yarn on the shelves and to celebrate it’s arrival we thought we would offer the Twinkle Hat pattern free with purchase.  Sorry this offer is only for in-store purchases.  You can purchase the pattern that includes a picture tutorial on the short row shaping right HERE

Have fun with your gift knitting! Stay tuned for next week and more quick, Super Bulky knit and crochet projects.
Craftily yours
Kristin