woolandhoney.typepad.com > The 12 Knits of Christmas

Week Seven: Wine Bottle Cozies

Project: Wine Bottle Hats

Yarn: any scraps you’ve got lying around—this is a stash-busting exercise!

My friend Debi, a non-knitter (yet!), brought the latest Sundance catalogue into the shop and wondered if I could knit up enough caps to clothe a case of wine for her. Here’s what I came up with—too cute not to share with all my knitting friends! These will be the hit of any party—and you can knock out a few in an afternoon.

(Email me at inishknits AT charter DOT net if you'd like this FREE pattern!)

Week Six: The Melissa Scarf

I love this scarf--and not just because it was written for me! Another garter stitch wonder, this pattern is different than a plain Jane scarf because of all the cute bobbles along the edges and the bind-off row. Thanks to Michigan knitwear designer Marla Mutch for a gift that can practically knit itself!

(Email me at inishknits AT charter DOT net for the free pattern!)

Week Six: The Multi-Directional Scarf

This scarf makes you look like a knitting wiz, yet the yarn does all the work. Strictly knitting, you're creating a geometric look by implementing easy short rows.

(Email me at inishknits AT charter DOT net for the free pattern!)

Week Six: The Corkscrew Scarf

This flirty little scarf is great for when you don’t need warmth—just a little sass. It’s super-easy, making it great for beginners and those looking to knock a few more gifts off their list. You can make this scarf shorter by casting on fewer stitches.

Week Five: A Green Gift Bag

This silky-soft little bag is the gift that keeps on giving! Tuck a little gift inside—an herbal soap, a tin of tea or even a pair of socks—and the recipient can reuse the sweet little pouch all throughout the New Year. (And just wait to see their reaction when you tell them you knit it with bamboo yarn!)

Week Four: Spa Washcloth

For the first time in my knitting life, I’m falling in love with the knitted facecloth (which of course can double up as a dishcloth). They’re so quick and thoughtful, and most of my friends are now hand knit converts—they refuse to go back to commercial cloths. Pair it with a special soap and bam—you’ve got a unique gift for your son’s teacher, the postmistress or your great-aunt!

The Pattern:

With US 6 needles, cast on 39 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (WS): *Purl 1, Knit 1; repeat from * across row, end with Purl 1.

Repeat these two rows until piece measures 7” from cast on row, or desired length. Bind off all sts. Enjoy!

Week 3: Christmas Trees

Nothing like a few yarny Christmas decorations to put me in the mood for the holidays. These trees are slightly felted and embellished with vintage buttons. Pass the 'nog!

This pattern can be found in the latest Mason-Dixon book, Knitting Outside the Lines.

Week 3: Mini-Sheldon

Could there be anything cuter than a knitted turtle? How about a mini knitted turtle?!?!? This FREE pattern is available at:

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTsheldon.html

We knit this one in Louet Gems fingering weight, but there are no rules here; by changing the gauge of your yarn, you change the size of Sheldon!

Week 2: More Yarn!

L to R:

Yo! Sailor Boy, Toast, Copper Pennies, Boot Camp, Cabin Fever, Just Plum

Week 2: Yarn

L to R:

Blue Terra Cotta, Shells on the Beach, Pistachio, Blue Fields, Stormy Day, Oops!

Week 2: Fingerless Mitts

Week Two--November 10th-16th

This one skein project is by far my newest favorite project. These little gems are perfect for a whole bunch of everyday things. Like to listen to the radio when you're driving? Great! You can easily turn up the volume to glean Kai Ryssdal’s latest “Marketplace Money” tip. Is the office cold all the time? Keep your digits a little warmer without sacrificing efficiency--you can type with these bad boys on. Dog walkers, quilters, smokers and runners all agree--these are great little accessories to wear and use when you're doing what you do.

Week 1: Noro Penny Pouch

Week One--November 3-9th, 2008

This one skein project is so cute. Sitting at only six inches tall, this felted gift pouch is the perfect size for a tin of specialty tea, a half-dozen shortbread cookies or an eclectic assortment of vintage buttons. Handcrafted, reusable gift wrap—what could be more green than that?