I have kind of hit a blank on what to blog about this week. I have been working on new patterns and did promise them for the end of November but, I can tell you right now, that ain’t gonna happen.
I have been designing a poncho in a really pretty gradient yarn and, having reached the point where both the front and back pieces were finished, I sewed one side together so that I could knit the neck piece. A look in the mirror had me laughing my tush off! It was the most ridiculous looking piece of work that I have ever created.  The cable is beautiful and the yarn shading is very, very pretty but the style, not so much.  Fortunately, I do have a sense of humour or I would have been either in tears or throwing the darn thing through the window. I will have the pattern ready for January; Christmas season is interfering with my spare time.Â
I have also been working on a crocheted shawl that I am excited about. I am just not excited enough about it to finish it. I really don’t like the yarn that I chose and want to restart in something that I enjoy working with. I am going to put my work ethic (huh!) in gear and get that done first so, tada, there will now be two new patterns in January instead of November. Good things are worth waiting for though, right?
While I procrastinate and you are waiting for me to reveal these patterns, how is your gift knitting or crocheting coming along? I have a number of free patterns on Ravelry that are speedy knits with very little investment in yarn required. Cheap and fast, what more can you ask for? Seriously though, if you are short on time and need an inexpensive handmade gift, have a look at my store.
My favourites are first, the Simple Shawl which you can whip up in about four hours on big needles with 150m of a fancy textured or self striping bulky yarn. Next is the Quick and Easy Garter Stitch Cowl which, again, you can whip up in a couple of hours and, using a thick, pretty yarn, makes a great gift. Third choice would be the Latte Scarf. It takes a little longer to make but, using one cake only of Caron Cakes, is a fancier gift that won’t break the bank. Use a second cake and make this one wider for a pretty wrap.
If you can both knit and crochet, the Combo Hat pattern is very pretty and doable in an evening.
Make your simple gifts with fancy textured, striping or fuzzy yarn and let the yarn be the star. I have a few other patterns that you might like; have a look and make this a handmade holiday! You still have plenty of time.