There's Still Time

As much as I love Thanksgiving, when it comes so very late in the month as it did this year, it can really put a crimp in the holiday season. One day, you're completely focused on family, friends and food (I'm a total turkey addict), and the next you realize Christmas is just a few weeks away. 

The only solution is to take deep breaths and remind myself (over and over again) there's still time to whip up some knitted gifts. Just in case you're in the same boat, I'm here to share some quick and easy gift-giving possibilities.


ORNAMENTS
Christmas Trees
Worked from the top down, these classic reversible Christmas Trees are ideal as ornaments, mug mats, hotpads, table accents and more. As an added plus, they can be knit in any gauge, any yarn weight, and a wide range of sizes from extra small to extra large. 

To buy the Christmas Tree pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


ACCESSORIES
Dojeling Shawl
This is a bit more ambitious, but if you choose to use large-ish needles, you could easily create a triangular shawl or bandana scarf in time for gift-giving or holiday wear. Dojeling is reversible, readily adapts to any gauge and yarn weight from fingering to bulky, and features innovative construction to keep work in progress manageable for knitting on the go.

To buy the Dojeling pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Kintra Cowl-Scarf
The Kintra cowl-scarf features a unisex design that's quick, easy and suited to anyone you deem knitworthy. Use shrine of precious yarn for something truly delectable, or opt for sturdy workhorse yarn for durable daily wear. The pattern is written for sport weight but readily adapts to multi-stranding and heavier yarn weights that work up quickly. (For a superfast knit, check out the short version, which takes about 165-200 yards.)

To buy the Kintra Cowl-Scarf pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Kintra Mitts
The Kintra Mitts are not only fast and easy, they feature a versatile unisex design. Choose soft and sumptuous yarn for a woman, or something sturdy and tweedy for a man. As an added plus, the pattern is written for sport weight but readily adapts to any yarn weight, so opt for heavier weights and you can quickly work up several pairs.

To buy the Kintra Mitts pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Wyndfael Mitts
A combination of classic two-stitch mock cables and ribs make Wyndfael fast, easy and versatile. Because the pattern is written for worsted weight yarn, these mitts work up very quickly. Simply follow the pattern as written, or use the tips, tricks and easy modifications to tailor each pair to a range of recipients.

To buy the Wyndfael Mitt pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


HOME DECOR
Graefen Cloth & Towel Set
This fast and easy pattern produces a set of reversible cloths and towels. They work up quickly in DK weight, but you could speed things along even more by using worsted, aran or bulky weight yarn for a single towel, set of cloths, or both.

To buy the Graefen pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.

Sweet Hearts & Soft Spots
Designed to function as coasters, hotpads, placemats and decorative accents for your table or tree, Sweet Hearts & Soft Spots are ideal for gifts. Celebrate the season by working them in holiday colors, use rainbow hues for a range of recipients, or get a jumpstart on Valentine's Day using rose, pink and red.

To buy the Sweet Hearts & Soft Spots pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Whimsy Owls
Know someone who loves owls? This design works up quickly, and the pattern includes instructions for three different sizes, so you can create an entire owl family if you wish.

To buy the Whimsy Owl Family pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


From afghans and accessories to holiday and home accents, there's something for everyone. Each pattern includes a range of sizes, detailed yardage breakouts, and handy tips, tricks and easy modifications. For many of you, this means you can dip into stash to make the most of yarn on hand, to save time, money and shopping hassles.

It's crunch time, fellow knitters, so let's get busy. Christmas is coming!

Want to acquire several patterns? Click here to go straight to my Ravelry pattern store.

Hot Mess

In the US, it's not just a holiday weekend, it's the last major red, white and blue celebration of the summer. Combine that with the fact that several weeks ago, I publicly promised to finish two WIPs before I cast on something new, it seemed appropriate to devote some attention to this afghan.

Unfortunately, it looks like a hot mess right now. I'm tackling the border, which in this case means working with four pairs of circular needles, so knitting is quite the juggling act. Several times, I've gotten distracted and continued working past the point where it was time to switch to the next needle. Last evening, I did this not once but twice, which meant I spent almost as much time rearranging stitches as I did knitting.

Frustrating? Yes. Fiddly? Yes. But I'm trying hard to keep my eyes on the prize, the opportunity to cast on a much-wanted shawl once this project is off the needles.


If you're in the US, have a safe, relaxing holiday filled with family, friends and fun.

A Touch of Rebellion

It's a busy week in North America. Monday, our neighbors to the north celebrated Canada Day, and today, Americans are celebrating Independence Day. 

In the US, red, white and blue are the unofficial colors of summer, so through the years, I've managed to build a rather substantial collection of coasters and cloths suitable for these occasions.

It's been quite awhile since I've added to this collection, so this seemed like a good time to rectify that oversight, plus the prospect of a quick FO was difficult to resist. The simple color-block heart from several years ago has always been a favorite, so I knit another to keep it company, using the Sweet Hearts & Soft Spots pattern. 

Has my gauge radically changed? Did I grab the wrong needle size? Was the yarn simply feeling quixotic?

I truly couldn't say, but there's no denying the new heart (foreground) is noticeably larger than its siblings. And that's okay. A tiny touch of rebellion seems perfectly appropriate for Independence Day.

A Few of My Favorite Things

For the first time in many, many years, there's no last-minute Christmas knitting on my needles or to-do list. This is not just a relief, it's a gift — one that came early.

Real life has been so demanding and hectic, instead of striving to whip out a few final items, I decided to relax, enjoy knit decorations created for Christmases past, and put a moratorium on stress-inducing deadlines.

Don't get me wrong. There are plenty of projects in progress and more in the planning pipeline, but choosing to not go nuts trying to finish them in time for Christmas has been freeing.



Today, I have to visit the grocery store one last time, and finish decorating the house and tree. Once these tasks are completed, I plan to spend some time with a few of my favorite things: a relaxing knit worked in soft, luscious yarn, a glass of wine, and a full-blown marathon of Christmas films old and new. Doesn't that sound indulgent!?


To those of you who celebrate, Merry Christmas! And happy holidays to all! 

Celebrate the Fruits of Our Labor

In the US, this is Labor Day weekend, a three-day national holiday recognizing the millions of hardworking Americans whose labor keeps the economy humming. 

It seems fitting, therefore, that the afghan that's been consuming my knitting attention is red, white and blue. Last weekend, I was working to fix a frustrating fubar. Because I'd skipped several stitches in the seaming process, the two strips didn't line up as intended. You can clearly see these problems below.

This past week, I slowly, steadily and carefully, tackled the seam one section at a time. True confessions, it took me all week to accomplish this feat. (Did I mention slowly?)

The reworked seam is much, much better. It's not perfect, but there are no missed stitches and the color blocks line up properly. (The angled shot below may make that difficult to see, so you'll have to trust me on this.)

Right now, this WIP is spread out on the work table, partly so I can admire the fruit of my labor and partly so I can figure out how to finish the edges. I've always intended to add a border of some sort, but right now, I'm having an intense internal debate. Should I take a minimalist approach and add a one-row edging to stop the curl and stabilize the edges? Or, should I work a deeper border for a more traditional approach?

If you have thoughts or preferences, I'd love your feedback. While I contemplate these weighty matters, I'll be weaving ends in preparation for finishing. 

Meanwhile, wherever you are, take time to celebrate the fruits of your labor, and if you're in the US, have a relaxing, enjoyable Labor Day!

RELATED

Roundup | Red, White & Blue	Spotlight | Red, White & Blue Holidays

Merry & Bright

This has been one of those years where work and life demands have filled every waking moment. Nonetheless over the course of the past week, I've gradually begun pulling out decorations and hand knit items from seasons past, so it's beginning to look a lot more like Christmas around here.

Meanwhile, in spite of every promise I made to NOT get sucked into a flurry of last-minute knits, I finally succumbed to temptation, and cast on a fresh crop of Christmas trees.

Destined for my exceptionally knitworthy godkids (ages 14 to 24), they have a decidedly contemporary flair. Between the simple, streamlined design, vivid colors and super-soft bulky merino yarn, these fast, easy last-minute knits have grown from one lonely tree-to-be into a small cluster of WIPs.

To add a bit of holiday dash, I've made plush pompoms to attach as fuzzy, festive tree toppers. 

Who knew pompoms could create so many tiny little snippets?!

As you can see, some assembly is still required. There are ends to weave and pompoms to attach ...

but with a bit of luck, they'll be ready in time for our family celebration tomorrow. With that in mind, I'd better get cracking!

UPDATE
I managed to finish them with a bit of time to spare, and they were a big hit. Here they are in their final state, minus the hanging loops, so they can be dangled on hooks, knobs or the Christmas tree, or used as a mug mat.

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays and a Christmas that's merry and bright!

Crunch Time: Last-Minute Knits

I'm not quite sure how it happened, but all of a sudden, Christmas is just a little more than a week away. If you're at all like me, your to-do list is way too long, so you're scrambling to find fast and easy last-minute gift solutions.

With that in mind, I'm highlighting a handful of patterns that are quick, compact and easy, and am running a holiday sale.*

I'm a slow knitter as you well know, but even I could complete several of the following projects in time for gift-giving. Let's take a look.


Christmas Trees
Worked from the top down, these classic reversible Christmas Trees are ideal as ornaments, mug mats, hotpads, table accents and more. As an added plus, they can be knit in any gauge, any yarn weight, and a wide range of sizes from extra small to extra large. 

To buy the Christmas Tree pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Graefen Cloth & Towel Set
This fast and easy pattern produces a set of reversible cloths and towels. They work up quickly in DK weight, but you could speed things along even more by using worsted, aran or bulky weight yarn for a single towel, set of cloths, or both.

To buy the Graefen pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.

Sweet Hearts & Soft Spots
Designed to function as coasters, hotpads, placemats and decorative accents for your table or tree, Sweet Hearts & Soft Spots are ideal for gifts. Celebrate the season by working them in holiday colors, use rainbow hues for a range of recipients, or get a jumpstart on Valentine's Day using rose, pink and red.

To buy the Sweet Hearts & Soft Spots pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Whimsy Owls
Know someone who loves owls? This design works up quickly, and the pattern includes instructions for three different sizes, so you can create an entire owl family if you wish.

To buy the Whimsy Owl Family pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Kintra Mitts
Kintra is not only fast and easy, it features a versatile unisex design. Choose soft and sumptuous yarn for a woman, or something sturdy and tweedy for a man. As an added plus, the pattern is written for sport weight but readily adapts to any yarn weight, so opt for heavier weight yarns to quickly work up several pairs. 

To buy the Kintra Mitt pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Wyndfael Mitts
A combination of classic two-stitch mock cables and ribs make Wyndfael fast, easy and versatile. Because the pattern is written for worsted weight yarn, these mitts work up very quickly. Simply follow the pattern as written, or use the tips, tricks and easy modifications to tailor each pair to suit its recipient.

To buy the Wyndfael Mitt pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


Dojeling Shawl
This is a bit more ambitious, but if you choose to use large-ish needles, you could easily create this reversible triangular shawl or scarf in time for gift-giving or holiday wear. The pattern readily adapts to any gauge and yarn weight from fingering to bulky, while the innovative construction keeps work in progress manageable for knitting on the go.

To buy the Dojeling pattern now, click here.
To read more about it, click here.


From afghans and accessories to holiday and home accents, the sale applies to every pattern in the lineup. Each pattern includes a range of sizes, detailed yardage breakouts, and handy tips, tricks and easy modifications. For many of you, this means you can dip into stash to make the most of yarn in hand, which will save you time, money and headaches.

It's crunch time, fellow knitters, so let's get busy. Christmas is coming!

Want to buy several patterns? Click here to go straight to my Ravelry pattern store.



*Thank you, all! The sale has ended.
Crunch Time! Flash Sale 
Save 30% on every pattern through midnight Tuesday, December 19 EST.

Hover Craft

I've begun describing my growing pile of WIPs as hover craft, because frankly, they've hovered way too long in that twilight zone known as almost-but-not-quite-done.

Several were started in spring, but now Thanksgiving is just a few days away, winter and Christmas are right around the corner, and the end of the year is in sight. Just the prospect of this rapid march of events means I'm torn between the desire to cast on all the things, finish all the things, or tackle some combination of both.

One way or another, it's clearly time to come up with a plan.



Colsie Mitts
I kid you not, these supremely simple tone-on-tone mitts have been on the needles since March. Initially, I planned to do a three-stage gradient using two shades (lake and teal), but then I got distracted. First I added turquoise but the effect wasn't quite right, so I shifted to jade green. This worked a bit better, but in the end, I frogged the experiments and returned to my original plan. With both mitts now off the needles, I could have the ends woven and mitts seamed in one evening if I just buckled down, so that's my top priority.

Colsie Cowl

This project stalled while I indulged in a long bout of dithering. The original plan was to echo the colors and design in the mirror gradient mitts, but I found the subtle tone-on-tone look equally appealing, so I've been back and forth more times than I can count. Finally, I decided to stick with the original plan, and now with that decision in place, I can quit fussing about colors and get on with the knitting.

Kintra Cowl
I'd hoped to have this ready to share today, but time was not on my side. The last section is nearly finished, so I just need to work a few buttonholes, bind off, weave ends and attach some buttons. With luck and a little attention, it might be ready to wear along with my Kintra mitts on Thanksgiving Day. (My goddaughters, who are learning to knit, love it when I wear hand knits.)

Herlacyn Afghan
This blanket has been patiently waiting for time and attention. It's soooo close to completion, all it needs is a border, a few ends woven and a good blocking. Now, I just need to capture a block of time to finish the finishing, if you know what I mean.

Gradient Shawl-Wrap
Working this swatch helped me realize I need to move up one needle size and recalculate gauge before I cast on. The yarn is light, soft and warm, so the end result should be ideal as an extra layer when deep winter arrives. That means I'm eager to get this project underway, but am valiantly waiting until I knit another swatch and turn a few of the WIPs above into true FOs.

Yet Another Gradient Shawl-Wrap
In spring, I cast on and worked a few rows of this gradient shawl, but knitting time has been so scarce since, it's barely progressed past the skimpy start shown. For now it's on hold, while I focus on other things.

Christmas
In recent years, I've knit a ton of Christmas trees and holiday items, but this year may be a different story. I have something fun, fast and easy on the needles, but it's not a gift, so if it's finished in time for the holidays, great! If not, it just means I've gotten a head start on next year's holiday knitting, right? 

There may be a few more projects skulking around in the background, but for now, these hover craft projects are my top priorities. In a perfect world, all of them would either be finished, solidly underway or frogged before the end of the year, so I can start 2018 with a clean slate and fresh focus.

For now, anyway, that's my plan, but whether it works or not remains to be seen.

Connecting with the linkups in the sidebar.

The Best Gift

This year, I received one of the best gifts a knitter can get.

What's that, you ask? The opportunity to teach those we love how to knit, of course!

My three god-daughters (ages 13 to 22) have wanted to learn for some time now, but life kept intervening. There were moves, illnesses, injuries and broken bones. There were conflicting work, school and sporting event schedules. There were dramatic storms, severe weather events, car troubles and more. Time and again, our plans were delayed or disrupted.

Through it all, their interest never waned, and finally, we managed to take a definitive step in the right direction.

In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, I carved out time to put together basic beginner kits. Each one included a worksheet with pictures and instructions and two skeins of nice yarn in appealing solid colors. (Tip: Beginning knitters should stick to solid yarn in light or medium shades, because it's easier to see the stitches and learn to read them.)

Using the same yarn, I made a small sampler swatch to illustrate garter, stockinette and seed stitch in action. And rather than buy needles, I loaned some from my own collection so each girl could test different needle types and sizes.

After a delicious, relaxed Thanksgiving meal, we gathered around the table and spent the rest of the afternoon learning to cast on and knit. By early evening, each girl had generated several inches of garter stitch, and the most adventurous one was making plans for a scarf and working her swatch in lovely stripes of lilac and mint green.

If I were a better blogger, I'd have photos of these events, but we were all so focused on the task at hand, it completely slipped my mind.

Christmas was a bit chaotic, so very little knitting occurred, but from tiny, shiny Christmas trees to slipper boots and lush, long scarves, it was a constant thread in the background. For all of us, the true gift of the day was the pleasure of spending time together as a family.

This year is drawing to a close, but the new one shines brightly on the horizon, filled with promise and the opportunity to spend time together as a family and as knitters.

And that's the best gift of all.

The Littlest Christmas Tree

This month has been a whirlwind of activity on the life and work front, and the same is true in knitting world as well.

The fast and easy Kintra and Wyndfael Mitts patterns were released earlier this month, and there's another Tikkyn afghan on the needles, which has become my pick-up-lay-down project while I work on a few last-minute Christmas knits.

Among them is a growing stack of XS/extra small Christmas Trees worked in varied yarn weights and needle sizes. Some will be gifts (or gift tags), while others will simply become part of our growing collection of holiday decorations. 

Made with leftovers lurking in the stash, they've turned into a great way to put scraps, leftovers and partial skeins to good use. The weather has been so grey and overcast, it's been difficult to get decent photos, so bear with me. 

Here's the line up as it stands right now.

Left to right:
Yarn Weight: Sock/Fingering  |  Sport  |  DK  |  Worsted  |  Bulky 
Dimensions:  3 x 3 to 7 x 7 ins


This assortment was soon joined by a tiny, shiny sibling, the littlest Christmas tree of all:

Yarn Weight: Lace with sparkly carryalong 
Dimensions:  2 x 2 ins

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! May you and yours have the happiest of holidays, however you choose to celebrate. 

There's Still Time: Christmas Tree Ornaments & More

From gift tags and ornaments to holiday decorations and children's toys, this is the year of the Christmas Tree.

Since spring, I've been making them in various sizes, weights and configurations, for one simple reason: Last year they were snapped up like hotcakes, so this year I started much earlier. Many will go to family and friends, but I want to have enough in reserve to turn my home into a knitter's version of a holiday forest.

Here are some ways I hope to make that happen.

Bath

• Hang a tree from each towel bar or hook.
• Dangle them from cupboard and drawer handles.
• Stitch two together to create a fun holiday bath mitt.
• Work trees in different colors to make wash cloths for everyone in the family.
• Use strands of yarn of varying lengths to suspend a single tree from each shower curtain hook.
• Use large needles and a multi-strand approach to create a cushy holiday bath mat.

Kids

• Stitch two trees together and add stuffing to make a holiday-themed toy stuffie.
• Make a holiday nap-time pillow by seaming and stuffing two large trees.
• Use soft cotton, make two, and stitch them together for a kid-size bath mitt.
• String multiples on a cord to make a holiday garland for the bedroom wall.
• Do the same, but hang the garland vertically to decorate a narrow window, door or wall.
• Make a set, dangle them from rods, and create a mobile to hang over a child's bed.
• Attach one to a short cord and attach it to the crown of a cap in lieu of a tassel or pompom.
• Tack trees to fleece mittens, hats and scarves for an instant holiday touch.
• Make a small tree and loop it over a strap on your kid's backpack.
• Work trees in rainbow colors for year round use.

Gifts 

• Use small trees as decorative gift tags.
• Make wash cloths or bath mitts, then package them with special soaps as gift sets.
• Work a tree mug mat to coordinate with a special mug and package them as a set.
• Dangle a tiny tree from a purchased ornament for a special touch.
• Tack together the lower portions of two trees to make a gift card holder.
• Do the same to make a gift pouch for small items like earrings or knitting notions.
• Make a coordinated gift set in sizes ranging from coasters to serving mats.
• Spruce up a fleece afghan or throw with a handknit tree applique.
• Do the same to add a custom touch to a fleece hat, hoodie or vest.
• Connect two small trees with a cord to make a festive bookmark.
• Make a cell phone case by seaming together the sides and bottoms of two trees.

Kitchen 

• Dangle trees from towel bars or hooks.
• Attach them as appliques to kitchen towels.
• Use durable cotton to make holiday dish cloths.
• Stitch two together and make a dish scrubber mitt.
• Hang them on the refrigerator with magnetic hooks.
• Put a stack on the kitchen table to use as coasters or mug mats.
• Stitch two together at the peak and bottom and use them as a towel ring.
• Make mug mats and hang them at the ready on cup hooks or a mug stand.
• Make tree placemats for each member of the family.

Holiday Table 

• Make full-sized tree placemats for each place setting. 
• Make a set of serving mats and hotpads for the table and buffet.
• Attach trees as appliques to napkins, placemats or runners for your holiday table.
• Pass the tree through the hanging loop and wrap it around a napkin as a napkin ring.
• Put a tree coaster or mug mat at each place setting for guests to take with them.
• Make two, add a layer of felt or batting, and seam together the trees for a soft hotpad.
• Make two, insert a thin layer of cork, and seam together the trees for a sturdy hotpad.
• Make five small trees and lay them in a circle with the tops pointing toward the center. Tack together the tree tops to form a circular mat.

Home Decoration 

• Hang small trees as ornaments on your Christmas tree.
• Make one of the large sizes and use it as an Advent tree.
• Make tiny trees in different colors to mark each day of Advent.
• Loop small trees over door, closet and cupboard knobs throughout your home.
• Attach trees as appliques to afghans, throws, Christmas stockings and more.
• String multiples on a cord to make a holiday garland for a window, door or wall.
• Tack several to a wide ribbon or strip of felt and hang it on the front door.
• Add jingle bells to your trees to turn your felt door hanger into a cheerful door ringer.
• Attach one or more trees to a premade wreath wreath.
• Make trees in fall colors to get a jumpstart on the season.
• Dangle trees from ceiling fan chains.
• Make tiny trees and suspend each one inside a clear glass ornament.
• Make the XL size, add elastic bands, and slip it over a prefinished pillow as a holiday accent.
• Tack two XL trees together at the points to create a slipcover to decorate both sides of a pillow. 
• Tack a smaller tree to a larger one for an appealing dimensional applique.
• Fill a basket with small trees, put it in the entryway, and give trees to visitors, carolers, etc.
• Use large needles and a multi-strand approach to make a holiday mat for your dog or cat.
• Make a decorative holiday pillow by lining, seaming and stuffing two large trees.
• Put a tree inside a clear vase, pressed against the front then fill the vase with ornaments.
• Mount trees in a shadow box for a quick holiday display.
• Glue trees to thin sheets of cork trimmed to match the tree shape for water resistant coasters. 
• Make small trees, stitch them, stuff them, then sew them end-to-end in the shape of a wreath.

Wearable Art 

• Dangle a tiny tree from your key chain.
• Loop one around the handle of your purse, knitting bag or briefcase.
• String a small one on a cord to wear as a bracelet or necklace.
• Glue tiny trees to flat buttons and use them on sweaters, hats or just about anything.
• Glue a tiny tree to a tack-style jewelry back and wear it as a pin.
• Attach trees as appliques to sweaters, jacket pockets, scarves, hats, mittens and more.
• Make tiny trees and attach them to zipper pulls on hoodies, coats, boots and more.
• Make an I-cord loop, attach a tree and use it as a scarf or shawl ring.
• Lightly tack a tree to a sweater or jacket, then remove it when the holidays are over.

Full disclosure: I've tried a number of these ideas, but not all of them ... yet. Luckily, there's still time to make a few more trees before Christmas arrives, so we all know what I'll be knitting this week!

Meanwhile, I suspect I've only scratched the surface in terms of possible uses for trees in all their varied sizes. Whether you're making them or not, share your ideas and we'll add them to the list.