Chapter 3: Making Merry

For many of us, this time of year is full of holiday preparation, merriment and celebration.  In my house we celebrate Christmas, and even though I was supposed to be ahead of the elves, I still have lots to do - like shop and wrap and bake and decorate.  A respectable amount of these things have been done, but none of them have been completed. 

I toyed around with making gifts this year, but my track record of finishing gifts on time is so abysmal I decided not to.  However, I know how much everyone likes to receive handmade gifts, so I rounded up some quick projects for anyone out there who wants to squeeze in some last-minute gift making. 

Starting off with Wolkig by Martina Behm, this fingering weight cowl pattern would be perfect for showing off the hand-dyed Indulgent Grand Style.  Since it is made in the round with only one line of pattern it is a quick knit that you can take virtually anywhere.  The end result?  A beautiful, warm but lightweight cowl. 

Not such a quick knitter?  Then try your hand at the Lush Brioche Cowl by Cassondra Rizzardi.  Made up of bulky weight, like our Chilling Chunky, this one is a nice way to learn brioche, and a beautiful use of heavier weight yarn.  

If you fancy some colourwork in your  knitting and are able to support a paid pattern, try out Cold Brew Cowl by Adventure du Jour Designs with either Cascade 220 or Cascade 220 Superwash.  So many colour combos to choose from mean that you could find the right one for just about anyone on your list. 

If crochet is more your jam, check out the Virus Shawl by Julia Marquardt.  This would work up beautifully in a gradient like Sweet Paprika's Crescendo Line and make a gorgeous gift or reward for all the gifts you've already made.  

New tiny human kicking around the Christmas tree this year?  How about a quick little sweater?  For knitters, Quick Oats by Taiga Hilliard Designs would work up quickly in Sinister's Chillin' Chunky.  For crocheters, Susan A. Coes' Sue's No Holes Hexagon Baby Sweater has a super interesting construction and would look fab in Minuet. 

If you aren't quite quick enough to pull off a baby sweater, how about baby mittens like the Sucky Thumb Mitts by Marianne Cant to use up some scraps?  Or one of these adorable hats, aptly named Tiny Reindeer Hat by Cassandra May, and Penguin Hat by Sarah Zimmerman.  Both would work well in Cascade 220 Superwash for easycare. 

Luckily, hats are quick knits for grown ups too!!  Backcountry by Jackie Vlcek looks adorable in variegated yarns like Chilling Chunky.  The Branta Hat by Kimi Anderson, good for any of our worsteds, has a few rows of fair isle and a jaunty pom on top.  If you have some trendy folks on your list this year, Bethany Dearden's crocheted Plaid Slouchy Hat should do the trick.  Again, suitable for any of our worsted weight yarns.  

Looking for something quicker still - why not pair a washcloth or a kitchen towel with some nice soap?  Lorla Luden's Granny Waves is a sweet little washcloth while the At Your Service Knit Cloth by Yarnspirations Design Studio is a simple and modern hanging towel.  Both of these would knit up nicely in Avalon, with its durable blend of cotton and acrylic.  

If you decided to buy a gift this year, or even a gift card, and want to add a personal touch, check out these gift bags and gift-card cozies.  The lacy, drawstring Holiday Gift Bag by Jentide, quite honestly is a gift in and of itself, and works great with our worsted yarns.  Gift Card-igans by Julie Tarsha and the Gift Card Holder by Kara Gunza are great options to dress up gift cards.

If you're more pressed for time, why not gift a Christmas ornament?  Perfect on it's own or hang them on the neck of a wine bottle or in place of a bow in your wrapping.  You can probably even manage to make them with scraps from your stash.  The Fa La Llama ornament by Lorri Ann Romesberg is impossibly cute.  For crochet lovers and speed demons, the Snowman Applique by Sarah Zimmerman, with his little ear muffs, works up in no time flat.  

I think those projects should just about cover all your bases.  But remember, if you find it not going as fast as you would like, keep calm and finish it next holiday season.  From all of us here at Pretty Little Yarns, let us wish you the very best this season has to offer! 

Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa!  Happy Solstice! 
Happy Festivus!