Holiday Knitting: Pattern Favorites

Getting a jump on your holiday knitting can be satisfying and practical.  Part of the fun is looking for new and interesting patterns that would make the recipient of your gift ooh and ahh at there new hand knit item.  I've scoured Ravelry and my list of favorites and I've come up with a list of great patterns that are all free either as Ravelry downloads or hosted on other blogs.  What a perfect excuse to go yarn shopping and start a new project

Favorite Free Patterns 

doublepointed, River Run

Scarves and Shawls

Wingspan, Maylin Tri'Coterie Designs

Purl Ridge Scarf, Stephen West

Prim's Scarf, Julia Carlis

Riverrun, Erin McNellis

Boneyard Shawl, Stephen West

Maluka, Bea Schmidt

Brainfork Blog, Crenellated Hat

Hats

Turn a Square, Jared Flood

Crenellated Hat, J. Wilson

Regina, Carina Spencer

The Purl Bee, Color Block Hand Warmers

Hands and Legs

Cimidar, Melanie Berg

Urban Rustic Gloves, Sarah Sutherland

Color Block Handwarmers, Purl SoHo

Dashing, Cheryl Niamath

Brooklyn Tweed, Hemlock Ring Blanket 

Larger Projects

Abalone, Beata Jezek

Hemlock Ring Blanket, Jared Flood

Just Crafty Enough, Grumpasaurus

Wee Projects

Saarjte's Bootees, Saarjte de Bruijn

Garter Stitch Baby Kimono, Joji Locatelli

Grumpasaurus, Kat Lewinski

Blue Betty Blog, Lace Legs

Free Blue Betty Patterns

Sea Glass Cowl

Lace Legs

Easy Peasy Beanie

Easy As Pie Tam

Put a Bow On It

Give a Hoot Beanie

Gift Knitting Advice Needed

I have decided to knit/sew/embroider/make most of my Christmas gifts this year.  I am usually the knitter who says "I only gift knit once in awhile, for truly special recipients"  or something along those lines, maybe not as elegantly put, but you get the idea.  This year is different for a lot of reasons, where we will be spending Christmas is a first for us, some gifts will need to be completed earlier than December to make it to their recipients and some of the gifts will have to be easy to travel with.

I am asking for any and all advice on gift knitting, from strategies to patterns, to quick gifts that you maybe don't actually knit, but use yarn.  Leave your gift knitting/crafting advice in the comments it will be truly appreciated.  

Day 10: Quick Yarn Embelished Picture Frames

These frames are easy and quick to make.  They are perfect for a last minuet gift and take only a few materials and only a few minuets to complete.

Materials
Frames (mine are some wooden frames from Ikea that I painted earlier)
Yarn (I had some recycled sari silk sitting around that I wanted to use up)
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun

While your hot glue gun is heating up cut your yarn in the appropriate length and play around with the layout of the yarn on the frame. 

Once you find a layout you like best glue the yarn to the back of the frame.  Be careful not to block where the picture goes so that you can close up your frame. 

Continue gluing your yarn to your frame until you have used all your cuts of yarn or are satisfied with the overall look of the frame

Insert a fun and meaningful picture and you are set!  I chose one of my brother and me at my wedding.

Day 5: Easy Knit Garland with Button Ornaments

You can see our Lobster hanging out in the background

 Our Apartment is small, I mean really small, so we never have a Christmas tree.  Simon is always a bit sad that we don't have a Christmas tree so this year I surprised him with a small rosemary cone from Whole Foods.  It fits on our entertainment center nicely and gives the living room a festive feel and it smells wonderful.  I made a few quick ornaments and a i-cord garland for our little tree so he could decorate it.  Here's How.

I-Cord Garland

Materials
Novelty yarn (Mine was a with nylon with sequence attaches)
Leftover Bit of some special yarn (This was some of my hand-spun left over from another project)
2 DPNs the appropriate size for yarn (I used US 2)

Cast on 4 stitches and work in I-cord till Garland is desired length, (mine was about 4 ft).  Bind off and weave in ends
Tie the I-cord and the left over bit of yarn together.  Wrap the leftover bit around the I-cord, knotting them together at the end.

Button Ornaments

Materials
Different Size and color Buttons
Ribbon
Hot Glue Gun

Stack buttons and glue them together in interesting combinations.

Cut about 2 to 3 inches of ribbon.  Form a Loop and glue on to the back of the button stack.  
 Now you can go and decorate your tiny tree!

Day 4: Christmas Link Love

For the last few weeks I have been scouring my favorite blogs for great holiday tutorials that would make great last minuet gifts or a lovely handmade stocking stuffer.  I am really excited about all of these links and absolutely love all of these ideas. 

1. Make a special holiday cocktail with Delightfully Tacky's Peppermint Vodka Tutorial. 

Delightfully Tacky, Peppermint Vodka

2. Over on Good Knits, learn how to make cute winter hat ornaments with Kate from Otillie's Closet.

Good Knits, Winter Hat Ornaments

3. Alli on One Pearl Button has a great tutorial on sewing a quick little gift bag.

OPB, Sweet and Simple Gift Pouch

4. Need a cozy gift for a friend?  Try making a Cowl Neck Scarf with Zoe over on So Zoe...What Do You Know?

So Zoe..., Cowl Neck Scarf

5. Burda Style has a tutorial for Ruffle Cuffs.  They look easy enough to make and you can style them any way you want.

Burda Style, Ruffle Cuffs

6. I am planing on making these yummy Cardamom Sugar Cookies from over on the Etsy Blog this weekend.

Etsy Blog, Cardamom Sugar Cookies

Day 2: Makeing a Mobius Cowl

 

Everyone loves a handmade gift, and who wouldn't like an excuse to buy a half a yard of that wool cashmere blend in cream from your favorite fabric store.  Here is a quick, and simple gift to make to bring a bit of warmth and luxury to someone special (and yourself because 1/2 a yard makes two). 

I found these wool blends at my favorite fabric store.  The Picture doesn't do it justice, but the black and white has silver threads running through it, giving it just a little bit of sparkle.

Materials

1/2 a yard of a wool or wool blend woven, about 60 inches wide

Matching thread

Pins

Sewing Machine

1. Cut the fabric in half so that you have two 30 inch pieces of fabric.  

Folded in half lengthwise

 2. Fold in half lengthwise with right sides facing each other.  Pin and sew leaving about 1/2 inch seam allowance.  If your fabric is prone to fraying you may want to zig zag along the seam allowance.

 3. Turn right side out.  You know have a tube that is about 30" long.  Fold one end of the tube in on it's self about 1/2" to 3/4" and pin in place.  

Folding the edge down

 4.  Now take the other end and twist it 180 degrees, and insert the raw end into the end with the folded edges.  Your edge with the seam shouldn't match up it they do you either haven't twisted it or you have twisted too much. Pin these two edges together and sew a seam about 1/4 inch from the fold.  

You can barely see it, but there's a seam in there somewhere. 

5. Clip your ends and wrap or wear.  (Like I said you can make two with 1/2 a yard of 60 inch fabric.)

Out to Work

What a lovely Christmas tree. 

 Now that the rain has stopped and the weather has become seasonably cold again it is time to get into the spirit of the holiday season.  I have big plans for next weeks blog posts, and will be having a holiday event on Blue Betty called 12 Days Before Christmas.  There will be recipes, tutorials, traditions, and even some special guest bloggers.  The 12 Days Before Christmas blog event will start Tuesday the 13 and run through to Christmas eve. 

 I have a to do list as long as my arm, so today I am going to try and get a big chunk of it done.  Wish me luck.  I'll be back tomorrow with a great post about one of my favorite eateries in Philadelphia. 

Shameless Plug: Cyber Monday

Sun set on Thanksgiving Day

 I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Mine was spent in the Finger Lakes with my parents eating a lot of turkey and drinking amazing wine from Rooster Hill.  Rooster Hill is one of my favorite wineries in the Finger Lakes.  I am a bit bias though because my mom does work there.  They do have wonderful wine though especially the Lemberg '08 Reserve, and the 2010 Chardonnay.

I just want to put in a quick reminder that today is the last day to enter both of my Thanksgiving Giveaways.  You can enter to win a pattern set or you can enter to win a copy Creative Knitting Magazine's January 2012 issue.  I will be announcing the winners tomorrow here on the blog.  Good Luck.

If you are a member of Ravelry.com you can also take advantage of a pattern promotion I am having on Ravelry.  When you purchase two patterns you get the choice of the Peaks and Valleys Beanie or the Fall of the Lead Fingerless Mitts for free.  Just enter the promotion code giftknit at check out. This code is good till the end of November

Also today is the last day the the coupon codes in my Etsy Shop will be active.  For free shipping on all domestic shipping use SHIP4FREE.  To recieve 10% of your Purchase use BBFAN1.  

With November drawing to a close and the Holiday season in full swing I must put my nose to the grind stone and start knitting and baking and shopping.  Simon has already hung the Christmas lights on the surfboards with care.  He loves this time of year and this year I think I'm going to decorate a bit more than last year.

The twilight sky from Rooster Hill Winery

Holiday Rush

I actually am not in a rush, but it is getting closer to Christmas, 5 days to be exact, and I am pretty busy. It is nice however to be on top of a lot of Holiday stuff that I sometimes leave till last minuet. All the Christmas shopping is done, the Christmas package to Oz has been sent, Christmas Fudge is made, and presents are wrapped so now Simon and I must pack up the car and head on up to the parents place in Upstate NY.

In the next three days I am working more than usual, staying late and coming in early. I need to pack and try to see some friends that are in town for the holidays. Busy Busy.

On top of that I need to start knitting. I have a deadline that isn't self imposed, which is nice, but a bit stressful, but in a good way. I also have another design floating around in my head. I think The colored pencils are coming with me to Upstate NY maybe the snow will help inspire me to design away!


I must be off to get ready for work today.

Monday Monday

The giveaway with Pink Dandy Chatter has come to an end and I thank everyone who participated and I congratulate the two winners who will soon receive their prizes!

What's going on here in Philly with Us this time of year?

I am finishing up the design for Nangellini (actually I've finished the knitting and now its time to write up the design and take some photos, but that is for tomorrow). I also need to start on a design I have completed, but want to test my pattern and adjust it for a different yarn. I am going to submit it to somewhere, but I haven't decided yet where to.

On top of all this knitting and designing Simon and I are rushing around finishing up our holiday shopping and I will start making fudge, and caramels and maybe even some chocolate truffles, but we'll see how I manage my time.

Today I decided to be a bit lazy and watch the netflix dvd that I've had for almost a week. Simon will be glad that we will be getting something new because he had no interest in watching "CoCo before Channel" with me. First off it was in French (subtitles!) and second it was about Coco Channel two things Simon isn't able to get excited about. If you love Channel or sewing or just a good movie I highly suggest it. I've been wanting to see it since Gertie blogged about it.

I must be off my to do list is calling my name.

To Do List

Again with my to do lists. After working early yesterday and deciding on having a lazy morning today I really need to kick my butt into high gear.

Tomorrow is going to be to do list day, and I am going to start my list and try to get everything that isn't "fun" finished.

I am however almost done with the pattern for Nangellini and am hoping to have it typed up and ready to go on Sunday. I need to block the tam and make a few edits to the mitten pattern as well as knit the second mitten. So things are moving along nicely on that front. However my Christmas shopping is suffering. Simon is pretty much done but my brother and my parents aren't even close to being finished.

Saturday is going to be fun project day and Sunday is going to be finish Christmas shopping day.

Friday's to dos:
1. Blog (of course!)
2. Clear table on and around.
3. Clear rocking chair
4. Clear top of fridge
5. Organize Kitchen Shelves
6. Finish shopping and pack Aussie gift package!
7. Cut out dress pattern (If I have time)

Gift Knitting

It's barely into November, Thanksgiving is still a few weeks out, and its not even close to Christmas yet, but it is "that" time of year and with "that" time of year comes the rush to knit Presents for most of my close friends and family. Along with this race to finish knitted goods also comes the strong desire of knitting for myself. (Also at this time of year try to convince Simon that he would like an knitted item.)

So my question to knitters, crocheters, or any crafter out there is what do you make for your loved ones?

What patterns do you use? Who do you knit for? Do you pick one person to knit and epic project for or try to churn out a bunch of smaller projects for all your love ones?

P.S. I still haven't decided who or what I am knitting.

Christmas Eve

Hope everyone is have a wonderful Holiday!

I will be posting a Vintage Finds later in the week as I am in Upstate NY visiting my family.

Merry Christmas!

Vintage Finds: Holiday Sweaters

I remember a time when to show ones holiday spirit all you needed to do was don a beautifully garish sweater.


SALE Hand Knit CHRISTMAS SWEATER Vintage Ski Cardigan Deer Hearts Birds Red Green Cream Medium Large M L

By yosemitevintage


1980s Metallic Sparkle Slouchy Black and Red Sweater

By TheRareBird


The Actually Cute Ugly CHRISTMAS SWEATER S/M/L

By violetfolklore


Vintage 60s Christmas Ski Sweater Snowdrop Design Needs Work

By judygovintage



Vintage 1980s CHRISTMAS WOOL LACOSTE winter cardigan with deers and birds, size Medium

By BetaPorHomme

Update

I have been busy this week. I can't complain, but it is unusual for me to be this busy. I'm working extra hours at the shop, because we are trying to get inventory done, and I'm baby sitting two half days and on top of this trying to get all my Holiday shopping done and gifts wrapped. I wised up when it cam to knitting my gifts as I only knit for about 5 people one of who never wants me to make him anything. My families gifts are knitted and waiting to be wrapped. I am currently knitting something for one of my best friends, and she tends to read this so I can't divulge any more than that.

One more week in the city and then Simon and I are off to Upstate NY. In a month Simon flies back to Oz and in seven weeks I fly to Oz. There's a part of me that wants to start packing right now, but I think I'll wait till the new year.

Must run off as I have yarn in the dye pot!

Vintage Finds: Holiday Sparkle

I'm not usually one who loves sparkles, but come holiday time my opinion of a little glitz changes. I love the way something lovely and shiny to really get into the holiday spirit.

Fascinating MATAHARI Vintage Jewelry Amber Green Gold Rhinestone Brooch Pin

By YJPaw



VINTAGE NECKLACE - LOCKET - FABULOUS VICTORIAN PIECE

By VintageAndVictorian


Vintage BOTANICAL CREST Gold Necklace

By LadyMoonVintage


Vintage Christmas Tree Pin Brooch Rhinestones

By emmasgems


HOLIDAY SALE - Putting on the Glitz Vintage Jewelry Trio

By jillienedesigns


Dramatic red Trifari necklace - vintage 1950s - 1960s- perfect for holidays

By azulclaro


VINTAGE REINDEER BROOCH

By BoHoMarket