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Yarn Spotlight: Mirasol Ushya

October 25, 2012 in Cowls, Mirasol, shawl, Sweaters

There a six new colors of Ushya from Mirasol for the fall. This 98% Merino Wool, 2% Nylon blend yarn has a chainette construction, which gives it bulk and loft while remaining light and fluffy. The air pockets created by the unique construction will help keep you warm.

With a suggested gauge of 2 to 2.5 sts per inch on a US 15 needle you’ll be able to finish projects quickly.

You might remember that over the summer knit the Tatu Cowl from the Ushya & Sulka Book #27 is just a few days.

I wanted to highlight some of the beautiful patterns, both old and new, using this yarn.

Mirasol Book #30 by Claudia Wersing

Oriental Dream coat

Isn't this fair isle coat beautiful?

This stunning color work coat is called “Oriental Dream.”

I like the details of the corrugated rib and the generous fold over collar.

Cayenne vest

Love the cables on the Cayenne vest

For something a little simpler consider the “Cayenne Vest.”

This project highlights that despite the fluffy nature of Ushya yarn it has good stitch definition for cables or pattern stitches.

You can find both these patterns in the new Book #30 by Claudia Wersing (Miski, Sulka, Ushya) by Mirasol.

Book #19 by Jane Ellison

This was the first Ushya book to come out.

It features sweaters, scarves and even pillows!

Jacob sweater

All you need is a cup of hot coco!

I like the Jacob sweater.

It looks warm, cozy and comfortable, but the all over pattern stitch keeps it sophisticated. I think it would be good for either curled up on the couch knitting and drinking coco or going out to lunch with friends on the weekend.

You can see all the patterns from this book here.

Independent Designs

I was wandering around Ravelry the other day and noticed there are many patterns listed for Ushya. The first few rows are Jane Ellison’s patterns from the official books (which makes them easy to review), the bottom of the page and onto a second page and patterns by independent designers.

There are hats, scarves, and cowls that all take advantage of the warm and chunky properties of this yarn.

Two patterns caught my eye.

Springy Sproingy Cowl by Shannon Squire

Springy Sproingy Cowl by Shannon Squire. Photo by Vivian Aubrey

The Springy Sproingy Cowl is by Shannon Squire at Twisted Yarn Shop, a local yarn store in Portland, Ore. You can see the other lovely pictures Vivian Aubrey took of the cowl on the Ravelry project page.

I like the combination of open and closed panels used on this cowl, which calls for just one skein of Ushya. Best of all the pattern only cost $1!

I think between this cowl and the Tatu Cowl you could cross a bunch of gift knits off your list in a weekend.

tree by leaf by Courtney Buckalew-Kramer

tree by leaf by Courtney Buckalew-Kramer

This is the tree by leaf by Courtney Buckalew-Kramer at Mosaic Yarn Studio, a local yarn store in Des Plaines, Ill.

Isn’t it stunning?

I like the grand scale of the leaf motifs. This wrap is very eye catching and unique. It’s sure to be a conversation starter when you wear it.

It looks like the pattern requires 2 skeins of Ushya (might be best to buy 3 and either return the extra or use it to make a hat). The pattern costs $5, which is standard for an independent designer and worth the money since you can get right to the fun of knitting.

Free Patterns

Speaking of knitting a hat, don’t forget that we have a free pattern for a one skein Ushya hat on our website.

Ushya Hat

Free pattern on our website

Worked in the round on US13 needles you’ll be finished knitting in practically no time at all.

Ushya sweater

Free pattern on our website

If more than your head is cold you might want to also download the free Ushya sweater pattern while you’re there.

This modified drop shoulder pullover will be suitable for an advanced beginner looking for their first sweater project, or an experienced knitter looking for an easy project.

It’s worked in garter stitch and the only shaping is around the arms.

The next time you’re visiting your local yarn store give Ushya a squeeze. I’m sure you’ll be enchanted.

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Knit Simple Holiday 2012

September 20, 2012 in Debbie Bliss, Noro, Socks, Sweaters

The Holiday 2012 issue of Knit Simple magazineis hitting store shelves October 2.

Knit Simple Holiday 2012 cover

Knit Simple Holiday 2012, photographs by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com; Rose Callahan; Jack Deutsch and Marcus Tullis

As you would expect, it is full of great projects to make for yourself or your loved ones.

Two patterns feature our yarns and are just charming!

Eco Baby sweaters

Knit Simple Holiday 2012, photographs by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com; Rose Callahan; Jack Deutsch and Marcus Tullis

Striped Pullovers
Designer: Debbie Bliss
For sizes: 3-6 (6-9, 9-12, 12-18, 18-24) months
Yarn Information: Debbie Bliss/KFI Eco Baby
Amounts: Boy’s version: 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) balls in #05 aqua; 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) balls in #06 apple
Girl’s version: 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) balls in #13 coral; 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) balls in #11 pale pink
Debbie Bliss designed these cute sweaters using her Eco Baby yarn. (Where does she find the time?)
There are six new colors of this 100% Organic Cotton yarn. You’ll be able to mix and match to create just the right look for the young one in your life.
Noro Socks

Knit Simple Holiday 2012, photographs by Paul Amato for LVARepresents.com; Rose Callahan; Jack Deutsch and Marcus Tullis

Lace Cuff Socks
Designer: Karen Baumer
For sizes: Adult Woman
Yarn Information: Noro/KFI Silk Garden Sock
Amounts: 1 skein in #252 black/green/blue
These great socks were designed by Karen Baumer using Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn. The cuff really makes these socks stand out.
The Noro colors will be a great way to bright up a drab winter day, too.
Preview the rest of the magazine on the Knit Simple website.
Look for the magazine, and supplies, at your local yarn store.
Do you knit and crochet a lot of holiday gifts?

 

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Help Me Decide

July 23, 2012 in Cowls, Mirasol, Scarves

I need to send a thank you gift to a friend.

As a fellow knitter & crocheter I know she would appreciate something hand-made. In fact, my “thank you” is because she sewed a wonderful fleece lining into a ski hat I knit for my husband last year. I can barely sew on a button. If left to my own devices that hat would have never gotten lined! Presenting her with something hand-made in turn seems appropriate.

The problem is I’m torn between two lovely projects with two lovely yarns and can’t decide which to make.

Can you help me decide?

sulka & Ushya yarn

Pink is Sulka. White is Ushya

Both projects are from Mirasol Book #27–Ushya & Sulka, but you’ll see they are rather different.

My first choice is the Tatu Cowl.

Tatu cowl

A squishy, garter stitch cowl.

This cozy cowl takes just one hank of Ushya, a 98% Merino Wool, 2% Nylon blend with approximately 114 yards per 100g. I have a hank of Ushya is Color #1712-Pure White.

As a bulky yarn the suggested gauge is 2.5 sts/inch on a US 15 needle. I’d finish this cowl in no time!

The book has directions for either a moss stitch cowl or a garter stitch cowl. I think I’d make the garter stitch version.

My second choice is the Tiri Scarf.

Tiri Scarf

A fun, skinny scarf

This scarf is a simple lace pattern worked on US10 needles. The book has a single skein short version or a longer two skein version. I’d be working the shorter version. Again, this would be a quick pattern.

Tiri is knit using Sulka, a 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, 20% Silk blend with approximately 55 yards per 50g. I have color #224-Bonbon Pink.

Uh-oh! Life just got more complicated.

I just discovered this cute hat has been added to the free pattern section of our main website.

Ushya Hat

This hat is a free pattern on our website.

This hat is knit in the round and takes just one hank of Ushya. You can download the pattern here.

So, what do you think? Which would make the best thank you gift? Share your thoughts in a comment or vote in the poll up there on the right.

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Valentine’s Day Ideas

February 1, 2012 in Elsebeth Lavold, Louisa Harding, Mirasol, Mitts, Noro, Sweaters

Including today, Valentine’s Day is just 13 knitting or crocheting days away!

No, I’m not trying to rush the holidays along. I’m trying to give you enough time to actually make one or two of these projects. It would be irresponsible of me to suggest gifts to make for Valentine’s Day on that day, don’t you think?

When you think of Valentine’s Day you probably think of hearts, chocolate, and flowers. With that theme in mind, I’ve curated a collection of patterns from across our lines that feature heart motifs. Some can’t be missed and some are a little more subtle.

You can find these pattern books and the yarns to make the projects at your local yarn store.

Mirasol

Turns out Jane Ellison is pretty big on heart motifs and has peppered them through the collections she’s created for Mirasol.

Burru Tini Mittens

A good project to practice intarsia

The Burru Tini Mittens from Book #27-Sulka-Ushya are a good (and obvious!) place to start our tour. Since fingerless mitts are small they are a fast project that you should be able to finish in plenty of time for gift giving. They are also very useful, both inside and out, and your loved one will think of you whenever they wear them.

This pair is knit in Sulka, a 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, 20% Silk blend available in 37 colors. The pattern requires two hanks of the main color and one hank of the contrasting color. These mitts would be a good project for practicing your intarsia technique as well.

Isla hat

For the person on your mind?

Another great Sulka project is the Ilsa Hat from Book #17-Sulka. A fun pompom tops off the cute heart motifs and ear flaps make it extra warm. I saw several versions on Ravelry where people worked solid hearts instead of just the outline.

Kisdon sweater

Now that's a heart motif!

Write your love large with the Kisdon sweater from Book #21-Hapi & Nuna. Since it’s a sweater, you might not finish this in time for the holiday, but it probably won’t be the first time your Valentine has received an on-the-needles present from you!  Goodness knows we’ve all done it.

The two yarns featured in this book are both lovely. Nuna is a 40% Wool, 40% Silk, 20% Bamboo Viscose blend with shine and drape from the silk and bamboo viscose, as well as warmth spring from the wool. It is available in 26 colors.

Hap’i is a worsted weight, 100% cotton yarn available in 24 colors. It has a little bit of thick-and-thin texture to it for extra interest. This yarn is a great choice if you or the object of your affection are allergic to wool.

Heart Mobile

Make it long or short

If you don’t want to make a garment, try your hand at the Heart Mobile from Book #6-Accessories Collection. They are knit using Mirasol Tupa, a 50% Merino, 50% Silk blend with a suggested gauge of 5.5 sts per inch. Make it as long or as short as you want. Or just make one heart to decorate a gift.

Tomas Toy

A hug you can hug!

Another non-garment option is the Tomas Toy from Book #4-Children’s Collection. We always say a hand knit gift is a long distance hug, well here is one they can hug back! Tomas is especially good for children if you are worried about them outgrowing a sweater before you can finish knitting it.

 Noro

Love Hearts

Heart pillows can be stuffed with yarn scraps

Jane Ellison’s heart theme continues to her Noro designs with the Heart Pillows from Book #9-Noro for Kids. After knitting up these quick projects you can stuff them with either fiberfill or all those yarn scraps you can’t use but also can bring yourself to throw out!

Louisa Harding

 

Whiskers

Whiskers scarf from Queen of Hearts

But Jane Ellison hasn’t cornered the market on heart motifs. You won’t be surprised to hear that Louisa Harding’s book “Queen of Hearts” features everything from scarves and bags to sweaters and cardigans sporting hearts large and small.

The Whiskers scarf shown here is knit using two hanks of Mulberry, a luscious 100% silk yarn. Maybe you should tell your Valentine to skip the flowers this year and get you a bouquet of Mulberry instead!

Charity sweater

Sometimes it's ok to wear a heart on your sleeve

For that beloved young girl in your life there is the Charity sweater from Book #16-Kindred. From the lace and heart cuffs to the all over lace pattern on the body, this sweater will be as enjoyable to knit as a box of chocolates is to eat.

Charity is knit using eight balls of Kashmir Baby, a 55% Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere, 35% Microfiber Acrylic blend that comes in 32 colors. If pink is a little too sweat for your little lady other abound.

Elsebeth Lavold

 

Dakar set

XO cables are subtle love notes

If all these hearts are a little too over the top for you, cover your loved one in hugs and kisses instead with the Dakar set from Book #21-The City(e)scapes Collection.

In addition to being fun to knit the XO cable is a bit more subtle.  This set is knit using Silky Flamme, a 50% Peruvian Wool, 30% Alpaca, 20% Silk blend sure to keep the person wearing it warm when they are away from you.

Be Your Own Valentine

Since not everyone loves Valentine’s Day, I have some anti-VD suggestions as well.

Party Angel Stole

You are your best Valentine.

The most obvious one is to go ahead and treat yourself!

The Party Angle Stole by Debbie Bliss uses five balls of her Party Angel yarn. This beautiful yarn is a 72% Superkid Mohair, 24% Silk, 4% blend that is both warm and lofty. It comes in 10 colors to suit your mood.

Another option to to take any of the patterns I’ve suggested and make them in black or your favorite color, instead of the traditional pink and red.

Or you can stick with the red heart and duplicate stitch a crack using black yarn to create a broken heart. The options are endless.

Whether your Valentine’s Day is sappy or serious keep in mind that yarn lasts longer than flowers!

 

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Knit Ornament Elsebeth Lavold Favorite Wool

December 22, 2011 in Elsebeth Lavold, Free

Today we have the last Christmas ornament. This is another knit one.

Four ornamentsSince I keep going on and on about making striped versions of the ornaments I finally decided to do it to show you how it would look.

For this ornament I used two colors of Elsebeth Lavold Favorite Wool. This yarn is 100% wool and comes in 109 yard (50 gram) balls. The suggested gauge is 4.5 to 5 sts/1″ on a US6 or US7 needle.

This yarn was introduced in Fall 2010 along with The City(e)scapes Collection book featuring sweater and accessory patterns for men and women.

Sixteen new colors were introduced this season, bringing the total to 34 colors from which to select. I used colors #25-Pine Green and #31-Carmine Red for my ornament.

Without further ado, here’s the pattern!

Favorite Wool Knit Ornament

Favorite wool ornamentMaterials:

Yarn: Elesebeth Lavold Favorite Wool in colors #25-Pine Green and #31-Carmine Red one ball of each

Needles: US 7 dpns, set of 4

stitch marker

2.5 inch Styrofoam ball

darning needle

Gauge: 5 sts x 7 rows /1″ in st st in the round

Abbreviations: K=knit; KFB=knit front and back; K2tog=Knit next 2 sts together; sts=stitches

Pattern:

Using green yarn, Cast on 6 sts.

Distribute evenly on 3 needles (2 sts each needle) Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist sts. Place marker at beginning of round.

Round 1: KFB around (12 sts)

Round 2: K around

Round 3: KFB around (24 sts)

Round 4: K around

Round 5: *K1, KFB, repeat from * around (36 sts)

Round 6: K around

Round 7: *K2, KFB, repeat from * around (48 sts)

Drop green yarn. Switch to red.

Rounds 8-15: K even

Drop red yarn. Switch to green.

Round 16: *K2, K2tog, repeat from * around (36 sts)

Round 17: K around

Insert ball

Round 18: *K1, K2tog, repeat from * around (24 sts)

Round 19: K around

Round 20: K2tog around (12 sts)

Round 21: K around

Round 22: K2tog around (6 sts)

Round 23: K around

Bind off all sts.

Weave in ends.

Make loop: Cut 3 strands around 9″ long (or desired length) of both colors. (9 strands total). Pair a red strand with a green strand and work a traditional braid. Pass braid through top of ornament. Tie ends together to form loop.

Make tassel: Holding both yarns together wrap around your hand or a stiff piece of cardboard 20 times or to desired fullness. Tie a strand of yarn around one end of bundle to synch. Cut loop at opposite end to form fringe. Attach to bottom of ornament.

Variations

I thought switching to the red for one wide stripe on the body of the ornament was easiest, but you can work thinner stripes if you want.

Another option would be to work the wide stripe but then attach the loop so the ornament hangs on its side for vertical stripes.

Instead of working the ornament in stockinette stitch, purl the entire thing for reverse stockinette stitch.

Add beads.

Duplicate stitch a design on the finished ornament…your initials, the date, a design, let your imagination run wild!

You’ll find many uses for these cute ornaments. Hang them on your tree or a wreath, string them up as a garland, or use them in place of a box on a gift.

Have fun!

Find the patterns for the other ornaments here: Crocheted Kutama, Crocheted Toconao, Knit Superwash.

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Knit Ornament Ella Rae Superwash

December 20, 2011 in Ella Rae, Free

The crocheted ornaments I posted on Sunday and Monday were fun and quick to make. But I’m an equal opportunity stitcher so knit ornaments were also in order.

Three ornamentsBesides, with a four pack of foam balls there is plenty of opportunity to test different methods.

Today’s ornament is knit using Ella Rae Superwash Classic. This 100% wool yarn comes in 220 yard (100 gram) balls. The suggested gauge is 5 sts/1″ on either a US 6 or US7 needle.

This yarn is soft enough for garments but sturdy enough for blankets. A good all purpose wool yarn. And, since it’s superwash, you can machine wash (on cold, gentle cycle) your finished project for easy care. But you are still better off laying it flat to dry rather than subjecting it to the extreme temperatures of the machine.

As if that isn’t all enough to recommend it, Superwash Classic comes in a slew of colors, including a whopping 32 news ones for this season.

I used color #103-Parsley for my ornament.

This ornament was a little trickery to make than the crocheted ones. You should be comfortable working in the round on double pointed needles before you tackle it. The bottom starts with just 6 sts, which makes the first row or two a little fiddly. I also suggest you use bamboo or wood needles. I started off with metal needles and everything was so slippery I didn’t get very far!

Just proof the proper tools make all the difference to a successful project.

Also things got a little tight after I inserted the foam ball, but after a row or two there was a enough fabric to stretch and ease things up a bit.

Well, I’m making this sound like a barrel of fun, aren’t I? But the finished ornament is very cute, and works up quickly, so the minor hiccups were worth it. :-)

Superwash Knit Ornament

Superwash ornamentMaterials:

One ball Ella Rae Superwash Classic in color #103-Parsley

US7 dpns, set of 4

stitch marker

2.5 inch Styrofoam ball

darning needle

Gauge: 6 sts x 7 rows /1″ in st st in the round

Abbreviations: K=knit; KFB=knit front and back; K2tog=Knit next 2 sts together; sts=stitches

Pattern:

Cast on 6 sts

Distribute evenly on 3 needles (2 sts each needle) Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist sts. Place marker at beginning of round.

Round 1: KFB around (12 sts)

Round 2: K around

Round 3: KFB around (24 sts)

Round 4: K around

Round 5: *K1, KFB, repeat from * around (36 sts)

Round 6: K around

Round 7: *K2, KFB, repeat from * around (48 sts)

Rounds 8-15: K even

Round 16: *K2, K2tog, repeat from * around (36 sts)

Round 17: K around

Insert ball

Round 18: *K1, K2tog, repeat from * around (24 sts)

Round 19: K around

Round 20: K2tog around (12 sts)

Round 21: K around

Round 22: K2tog around (6 sts)

Round 23: K2tog around (3 sts)

Make hanging loop: Using 3 sts on needle knit an I-cord around 4″ long (or desired length). Bind off all sts. Fasten off last st leaving a long tail for sewing. Use tail to attach loop to top of ornament.

Weave in ends.

As with the crocheted ornaments, it would be easy to add stripes or beads to this ornament to change it up. Let your imagination run wild!

Find the other ornament patterns here: Crocheted Kutama, Crocheted Toconao, Knit Favorite Wool.

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Crocheted Ornament Kutama

December 18, 2011 in Free, Mirasol

Last weekend Hubby and I were at the mall doing some Christmas gift shopping.

Between the decorations, the roaming carolers in Victorian Dress, and the peppermint hot cocoa I had sucked down I was suddenly overcome with the desire to make some Christmas ornaments.

Ornament on WreathOur tree at home has been up since just after Thanksgiving. We have a mix of eclectic, special ornaments and your standard glass balls. There are even already a few I knit and a few my yarny friends have given me.

I popped into the mall craft store and grabbed a bag of four 2.5 inch (6.35 cm) foam balls.

There were other size foam balls, and even glass balls, but I went with the little ones since time was of the essence. I wanted to be able to make fast ornaments so I could share them with you in time to actually be of value this year. haha!

The first two I’ve made are crocheted. I’m accustomed to thinking of crochet in a structural way and I crochet faster than I knit. Don’t worry, I’m working on knit versions!

Mirasol Kutama

Potential yarnsA number of yarns in red and green presented themselves for ornament creation. Here you see Mirasol Kutama at the top of the pile, Elsebeth Lavold Favorite Wool on the right, and Ella Rae Superwash Classic on the left.

I decided to start with the red Kutama. It’s color #1908-American Rose. Kutama comes in 16 colors, so you can use traditional red and green like I did, or select colors that match your decor.

This yarn is a 50% Alpaca, 50% Fine Highland Wool blend. It comes in 67 yard (50 gram) hanks.

Kutama is a soft fluffy yarn with two strands ply together. This gives it bulk and loft without being heavy. For a garment it will be warm and snuggly without weighing you down.

I’ve been working on the Loreto cowl from “Book #23-Kutama,” so I already knew this yarn was lovely to knit with.

For my ornament, it worked up quickly with just a slight halo to soften the lines. I had to hang the ornament on the tree as soon as I was done taking pictures because I keep wanting to pet it!

You should be able to make this ornament in an hour or two.Close up ornament

Kutama Crocheted Ornament

NOTE: US Crochet terms used throughout. Work in continuous rounds without turning.

Materials:

Yarn: Mirasol Kutama in color #1908- American Rose or #1915-Forest Green, One skein

Crochet Hook size H

Gauge: 3 sc x 3 rounds per 1″ (on the ball.)

2.5 inch Styrofoam ball

Scrap yarn or stitch markers to mark rounds

Pattern:

Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring

Round 1: 6 sc in ring (place marker at beginning of round)

Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc)

Round 3: 2 sc in each sc around (24 sc)

Round 4: 1 sc in each sc around (24 sc)

Rounds 5-10: work even

Insert ball (NOTE: you’ll finish working the ornament with the ball in place.)

Shape top:

Round 11: 2sctog around (12 sc)

Round 12: 2sctog around (6 sc)

Round 13: 1 sc in each sc around (6 sc)

Make loop:

Chain 12 (or desired length). Join with slip stitch to top of ball.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Variations

Simple, right?

You can easily change the look of the ball by making stripes or using beads.

It would be easy to make this ornament bigger by working another row of increases before beginning to work even. You can just try the cover on your ornament shape as you go along.

I had originally worked to 36 sc but felt that was a little baggy.

Also, if you use a larger ornament form you’ll want to try the cover on as you’re working the body. I found leaving about a third of the ball exposed before decreasing was the way to go. Less than that and not only was the top hard to work, but the body was stretched too tightly and showed too much of the white foam ball.

In progress

Try the fabric on the form to test the size.

You will find many uses for this crocheted ornament. Hang your finished ornament on your tree and admire how fiber makes everything better. Hang several on a string or piece of yarn as garland on a doorway or window. You can even use it in place of bows on your wrapped gifts.

Stay tuned tomorrow for another version of a crocheted ornament!

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Gift Knitting Ideas

October 10, 2011 in Araucania, Cowls, Elsebeth Lavold, Gloves, Hats, Mirasol, Noro, Scarves, Uncategorized

Malin smoke ring

Malin by Elsebeth Lavold

The middle of October is here and you know what that means.

Time to start thinking about your holiday gift knitting (and crocheting) if you haven’t begun already.

Including today, there are 73 days to December 21, the first day of Chanukah, and 76 days to December 24, Christmas Eve.

Have you ever timed your knitting? Not your stitch per minute speed, but how long it takes you to complete a project. For instance, I know a pair of socks usually takes me two weeks. A sweater for myself (an adult small), if it’s the only thing I work on, takes about a month. While a sweater for my husband, a men’s large, takes about two months.

If you are a member of Ravelry you already know that it is a great place for tracking how long a project takes, which is all important when planning your gift knitting time.

To maximize gift knitting time many people stick with simple or small projects, which makes accessories a great choice.

We have a number of books focused on accessories and other small projects that might help get your gift knitting juices flowing.

Elsebeth Lavold

The Small Things Matter Collection (Book #17) by Elsebeth Lavold is a good place to start. This book features around 20 projects ranging from hats and gloves to shawls and bags. There are even a pair of cute decorative boxes.

Most of the projects are knit in Silky Wool, which adds eight new colors this season so it will be easy to match your recipient’s tastes.

Matching the recipient’s tastes is an important first step to make sure your gift is used and not relegated to the bottom of a closet. Don’t select flashy colors for someone who likes neutrals and don’t select a complicated stitch pattern for someone who would prefer a smooth stockinette.

For your gift to be a success you need to spend some time thinking about what the person you give it to will enjoy wearing rather than what you’ll enjoy knitting. Hopefully you’ll be able to find a project that satisfies both of you.

The Malin smoke ring, shown at the top of this post, could be such a project. It calls for just two skeins of Silky Wool and features an easy lace pattern with shaping accomplished by changing needle sizes.

With the continuing popularity of cowls, your gift with be both cozy and stylish as well as fun to knit.

Mini Knits

Jenny Watson has put together “Mini Knits” books for several of the lines for which she designs.

Araucania Book #6 features 16 designs ranging from garments to home decor items.

For a change of pace there is also a cute teddy bear pattern. Just one skein of Itata is needed to make this new friend.

Itata Teddy Bear

One skein of Araucania Itata is needed for this teddy.

If you enjoy making teddy bears, Debbie Bliss also has a few patterns. There are two sizes in her Booties, Blankets and Bears book that take Cashmerino Baby, which has six new colors this season.

There is also a free pattern for a teddy bear using one ball of Noro Kureyon on our website. Kureyon has eight new colors this season. That’s a lot of variety for your bears!

When making stuffed animals as gifts keep the age of the recipient in mind. Judge whether embroidered on eyes or plastic safety eyes will be better. For stuffing, it is easy to get either fiberfill or plastic beads at a craft store. Some knitters like to put the stuffing in a old panty hose that has been sewn or tied shut to prevent any from sneaking out through the fabric.

While Noro yarns make adorable stuffed animals they are mainly known for eye catching garments.

Jenny Watson’s Noro Mini Knits Two book covers a variety of garments from hats and scarves for both men and women to sweaters and shrugs for women of all ages.

Noro Fingerless Mitts

Convertible mitts let you search for change.

One skein of Noro Silk Garden will make these cute flip-top mittens. This style of mitten is great because it keeps your fingers warm but if you need dexterity you can free your fingers without taking off the whole glove. The pattern is also fun to make with the challenge of the fingers to keep your attention.

Men's scarf and gloves

K'acha scarf and gloves

The men in our lives can be some of the hardest people to knit for. To make it enjoyable for everyone it’s really important to select a style and color they will enjoy wearing. Showing them a selection of pictures of projects and yarns can help them narrow down what they would like. It is especially useful if they don’t “speak yarn” because instead of having to explain what they want they can just point.

This handsome scarf and glove set are from Jenny Watson’s Mirasol Mini Knits book. The set it knit in K’acha, a 60% Merino Wool, 25% Suri Alpaca, 15% Silk blend that comes in 12 jewel tone colors. Surely there will be one to satisfy that fussy man you know. The book also includes a men’s cabled hat and a boy’s vest.

Don’t worry, the book also includes plenty of pretty patterns the women in your life, including a cardigan, cowl, and hats.

If you get a start now, and plan carefully, you’ll be able to meet your gift knitting goals.

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