Last Minute Holiday Knitting & Crocheting

Every year, I contemplate hand-making my Christmas gifts, and every year I come to a different conclusion. Two years ago, I knit and crocheted, made ceramics, and baked–exhausting, but satisfying and budget-friendly. Last year, I decided to concentrate on finishing a sweater for myself (I rarely make things for myself, so I considered it a real treat) and forgo hand-making gifts.

This year, I decided to go with a hybrid model. I’m concentrating on small, relatively quick projects that used up my stash yarns for my friends and family, and I’m combining them with gift certificates to their favorite stores. I’ve already made a whole bunch, and I’m hoping to get a couple more done before Christmas.

What projects did I decide on? I picked free patterns from our website and Ravelry.com, or I improvised designs. They are…

…clockwise, from the top right:

• Angora Tam (free on LionBrand.com) in LB Collection Angora Merino (This is the same hat that Jess wrote about that’s been very popular here in our offices)
• Improvised front-post double crochet cowl in LB Collection Organic Wool (To make: I chained 23, double crocheted into the third chain from my hook across the row, and front-post double crocheted for every subsequent row, until I had 22 inches, then I slip stitched both ends together to make a cowl)
• Crofter’s Cowl (free on Ravelry.com) in LB Collection Organic Wool
• Cardiff Cowl (free on LionBrand.com) in LB Collection Organic Wool (Originally in DK-weight LB Collection Baby Alpaca, I decided to make it a little larger by using a worsted weight yarn)
• Twilight Hat (free on Ravelry.com) in LB Collection Angora Merino
• Wham Bam Thank You Lamb Neckwarmer (free on Ravelry.com) in LB Collection Organic Wool (I double-stranded the Organic Wool to get gauge, but you could also make it in the recommended Wool-Ease Thick & Quick)
• Diamond Ridges Hat (free on Ravelry.com) in LB Collection Superwash Merino
• DNA Scarf (free on Ravelry.com) in LB Collection Organic Wool

What else am I planning on making this season? I’m currently working on a hat in LB Collection Baby Alpaca, then I hope to make the Cottage Wrist Warmers in the same yarn for my mom, and I’m also planning on making a cowl made with Superwash Merino Cashmere and Vanna’s Glamour.

I like that all of these projects are relatively quick, with patterns that are easy to memorize, perfect for last-minute crafting on the go!

What projects are you making for this holiday season? When do you usually start yarncrafting for the holidays? Do you usually make or buy your presents? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!