Lion Brand Notebook ®
It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through 2018, but the holidays will be here before we know it! So why not get a head start on your holiday crafting by celebrating Christmas in July? There’s no time like the present to get to work on your… well… presents! We’ve rounded up some of the easiest knit and crochet projects, so you can craft them on vacation. And they’re winter accessories anyone can use, so you can choose who to gift them to later! Don’t wait to craft until the last minute – choose one of these 13 projects to start today.
These three cowls are all strongly recommended for travel crafting, because they each take only one skein! Both the Boothbay Bobble Cowl (Crochet) and Cedar Hill Cowl (Knit) call for our Bonus Bundles, so we’d suggest working them while chilling in an air conditioned spot. The Cranberry color of Wool-Ease Thick & Quick used for the Boothbay Bobble Cowl (Crochet) will be perfectly festive come Christmastime, while the Royal blue Thick & Quick for the Cedar Hill Cowl (Knit) is going to be flattering on many folks. Another great one-skein wonder is our 1 Ball Cowl (Crochet), made with Scarfie.
We’ve picked some simple scarves with big personality, which you’ll enjoy making now and love to gift later this year. First, our Seed and Garter Stitch Scarf (Knit). This is a perfectly planned self-striping project, so you can let our Cupcake yarn do all the work for you. Because the stitches are all seed & garter, you’ll have no trouble following the pattern as the yarn shifts in color. These simple techniques combine with the self-striping yarn to create a piece that looks tailor-made. Another self-striping beauty is our Los Lunas Scarf (Knit). You’ll fly through this pattern, while our Landscapes Yarn makes your finished product magical.
While we can’t tell the future, we’re pretty sure granny squares are back in style to stay. Our Grammercy Granny Scarf (Crochet) is a quintessential granny square accessory, slightly over-sized, which makes it extra cozy. Since you’ll be stocking up on some Hometown USA colors for this project, you might even be able to finish more than one (provided you buy some extra Oakland Black for the background!). You’ll probably also see the super scarf trend well into next winter, which makes our Woodbury Scarf (Crochet) a great choice. Plus, our Totally Tubular Yarn has a completely unique texture, which will make your gift one of a kind.
One of the best quick gifts to have on hand come holiday season is the hat. With each one taking maybe an hour or two from start to finish, you can stockpile these babies and gift to everybody on your list. And with so many different styles and colors, you might want to make a variety, so each will have a personalized feel. For example, our Chelsea Hat (Crochet) combines cheery color with New York chic. But then our Saratoga Hat (Crochet) couldn’t be more different! You’ll probably want to make one of each.
If you’re a knitter, then these two beautiful neutral toques will have everyone on your guest list looking envious. Our Checkmate Slouch Hat (Knit) works up in the yarn that’s become a fast-favorite for our crafters, Jeans Colors. Once you’ve tried it in this beautiful Khaki hue, venture into brighter territory! The Modern Garter Hat (Knit) is another one that will have you casting on your second while finishing your first.
If you’ve been intimidated by mitten-making in the past, then now is the time for a fresh start. Since you’re crafting ahead of schedule, there’s no rush to get them right today! Just take your time with these accessible patterns, and you’ll nail the technique (with plenty of time to perfect it). Our Mittens for Everyone (Knit) couldn’t have a more fitting name! Anyone can learn to make them, while everyone will be happy to get a pair. Finally, our Milford Mittens (Crochet) are the totally classic Christmas-y gift.
We’ve all made the mistake of starting a handmade project at the 11th hour of the night before Christmas. So this year, let’s change that old holiday tradition by celebrating Christmas in July. Join us in stitching now to gift later, so we can savor every holiday moment by really being IN the moment. Make gifts now, and focus on making memories this holiday season.
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Grammyn2
I love Christmas in July! The crochet hats are right up my alley! I tend to stick with Vanna’s yarn, but this could give me the experience of something new to try!
Jennifer Granquist
I have been so totally obsessed with crochet for the last several years and now I find myself itching to knit something again. A scarf? A cowl? A lap blanket? The possibilities are endless!