On the needles
My knitting date last week was canceled, and I had been counting on it to get me back into a knitting sort of mood. (If you recall, it took me nearly a year to finish what was a very straightforward black scarf, so inspiration is something I could always use).
Last year I had hoped to be able to knit some gifts for friends and family, but I just couldn’t get into it. This time of year always seems like the perfect time to start knitting, even though I know that my schedule and the way I work does not leave me enough time to attempt (and complete!) any grand projects such as a vest or sweater (especially since I have never knit anything more complicated than a hat!). Instead I will stick to stocking stuffer/small gift ideas to knit up.
First on my list is dishcloths. When I was younger, a neighbour knit a set of them for us and they were great! I knew she had knit them but the way they looked led me to believe that they were a complicated thing to create. How wrong I was! About a year ago, I came across this very simple pattern involving increases and decreases, and starting with only four stitches on the needle. The pattern appealed to me because it is exactly what I see in my head when I think of homemade dishcloths.
I’ve only just started (and I don’t have any completed ones to share) so this is how it looks so far:
This will be the perfect stocking stuffer for friends that recently bought a house (the colour even matches their kitchen!). I’m using yarn that I got at Wal*Mart. It’s 100% cotton, just like the dishcloths you buy in the store.
There is one quick stocking stuffer idea; I’m seeking others! Please leave any ideas for quick things to knit below in the comments. I’ll also have a look around online and provide with a list of quick and fast crafts that you can squeeze in before December 25!
October 19th, 2007 at 9:10 am
I’m planning on doing a project all November where each day I show off a great gift idea that you can make yourself.
October 19th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
I think this looks great…I havent’t any knitting ideas for you that would be good stocking stuffers unless you made quick caps and I think you can make those with a knifty-knitter which you can get at Wal*Mart, Zellers, Michael’s, etc.
October 20th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Your dishcloth is off to a good start!
I think dishcloths were the first things I knitted and they were great. They are really sturdy and good for scrubbing. And handmade is always best!
Hmmm…quick knitted gift ideas…
The only one I can think of right now is little cat toys for people with cats. Just knit any kind of shape that you can sew together and stuff it with stuffing and a little catnip. I’ve made a few for my cat and she loves them.