The holidays are creeping up, aren't they? Thanks to everyone who has ordered patterns and cards. I am having fun imagining all of you sitting in your comfy armchairs knitting flowers, bags, mittens, and more every evening. Me, I'm working on a new pattern for you all that I hope to introduce not too long after the new year. Fingers Crossed on that!
I wanted to let you in on a great holiday quick knit. It is my "Heart to Heart Mittens" that are sized for from toddlers to adults. Here's how this pattern came about. Last year during the Amherst Winter Farmers Market, I started knitting and designing a new pair of mittens for Julia. She has a tendency to lose mittens and it is always nice to have an extra pair in the wings. Every week, my fellow vendors stopped by to see how they were progressing.
I didn't intend to make them into a pattern, they were just busy work for me when the customers weren't lining up. When they were done, I decided they were too pretty not to share. I set about writing the pattern, then doing the charts. I photographed them on Miss Julia (under much duress from her).
As I was editing the photos, I realized that although these mittens, with multiple hearts on them were maybe a bit difficult for a normal knitter who wasn't quite as colorwork obsessed as moi (yes, we have seen the new Muppets Movie, gotta love that Miss Piggie). So I started knitting again and this is what I came up with.....
Here she is throwing snowballs at me..... "Ahhh, Mom, are you done yet? PLEEEEEASE stop taking pictures."
Version Two - the One Heart Mittens are a simpler colorwork pattern still with the heart motif but not quite as colorwork crazy. They are sized in 4 sizes from toddlers to adults. Here's why you might want to try knitting up some of the "Single Heart to Heart Mittens" for Christmas gifts.
1. The design begins with easy Reverse Stockinette Stitch Ridges
2. The colorwork happens in Fair Isle after the thumb shaping is completed. No worrying about increasing for the thumb and working in two colors.
3. They are worked on double pointed needles so they really rip along.
4. There are two great videos on my YouTube Channel to help you with the embroidery...
Those are the two stitches that are worked around the heart to really dress it up and put the mittens over the top beautiful. Here's a view of them in front of our old bread oven that is in our living room. (Yes we do use it - we make awesome pizza in it - how cool is that?)
The PDF pattern includes both designs - The Many Heart Mittens and the One Heart Mittens. I find the heart design such a gorgeous knitting motif. It kind of speaks to how you feel about the person you are knitting for. We knitters make a lot to express our love for our family and friends. What a great way to visually show this with heart mittens. With the addition of the two embroidery stitches, it really make the heart design stand out.
Hop on over to my Shop Page to order the pattern or on Ravelry Here
Now on to the best giveaway yet. This is to celebrate my inclusion in Knitting Contrissmas, the wonderful series of interviews organized and generously posted by Tina Kim, the author of the blog Knitting Contessa. My interview will be December 6th tomorrow. Here's what I have for you all.
Courtesy of the fabulous Simplicity Creative Group, one lucky winner will receive their very own electric ball winder! Very cool, if I must say so myself. I don't even have one of these!
That same person will also receive The Crochet Dude's complete advanced set of crochet hooks and accessories AND a Boye Needle Master Interchangeable Circular Knitting Kit. (This is an incredibly pretty set - all the tips are color coordinated in brightly colored metal.)
From Westminster Fibers, the same very lucky winner will receive their very own stash of my Julia Wool/Mohair/Alpaca Yarn. (Now that it is being discontinued, this is a collector's item, for sure!)
Here's what you have to do to enter. Answer the following question in the comments section of this post....
Tell me if you are making any handmade gifts for the holidays and what they are!
As always, please remember to leave an easy way to get a hold of you. Contest Ends Thursday December 8th at 11:59 p.m. Only one entry please and U.S. addresses only!
Tell me if you are making any handmade gifts for the holidays and what they are!
As always, please remember to leave an easy way to get a hold of you. Contest Ends Thursday December 8th at 11:59 p.m. Only one entry please and U.S. addresses only!
254 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 254 of 254I am knitting hats and scarves for my grandkids--fun!
Thanks for the opportunity to win such a great prize. Always enjoy your blog!
Ceejay on Rav
I just finished the 3rd pair of felted slippers for my sons and a daughter in law. I also have a scarf on the needles and a headband/earwarmer from my 1st handspun yarn.
pclark204@comcast.net
what a fabulous giveaway! I think I would love the yarn most of all, as I have never knit with Julia. At least I would be able to do so before it is finally gone...
Anyway, I'm making scarves, socks, fingerless mitts, and mittens for Christmas. Getting caught up, I think. Unless, of course, I win the yarn and come up with some great ideas to use it!
mittens and neck warmers and wrist warmers! and maybe a few sunflowers and zinnias.
I never intend to make handknitted gifts, but as Christmas approaches, I get more inspired to knit for others. As such, I hurriedly cast on some slippers and a few hats.
Great giveaway!
Just love your blog, been following for years. Yes, yes, I'm making baby toys this year. I have 2 new grandbabies, one of each. I'm crocheting the cutest rattlesnakes that I first saw on
Attic24. Your "lambs in sweaters"
pictures are just the cutest. At least they were until the singing lambs in the Brooks Bros. ad came out. Thanks for including me in the drawing.
30 Cabled candle cozies in various sizes - done
Fingerless gloves for son-in-law - on the needles
A few knitted dishcloths - yet to be started
I am knitting cowls, a fast and easy way to wow someone with a handknit Christmas gift. I bought my own stash of Julia yarn after you mentioned that it would be discontinued, as I've always wanted to make one of your pullovers. But when I read your blog and see my yarn, I just want to pull it out and play with all sorts of other ideas! Thanks for your writings---they're very inspiring.
Barb G. aka gunflintknitter on Rav
I am working on so many gifts that some people might get yarn wrapped up in a box! A hat and matching sweater for my 9 month old niece, a set of knit squishy balls and a new hat for my nephew, a mohair cowl for grandma, socks for my dad and brother, and a hat and scarf set for my mom! Whew! Luckily I can knit during my lunch break at work :)
Happy Holidays!
monicajoybarnett at gmail dot com
I am making a sweater for Christmas so I had better get busy and knit
I am making baby balls created from strips woven together in a round shape. Seems we have a lot of girl babies making their appearance in the next few months and one showed up two weeks early! Lots of pink, purple and yellow in my life right now. bonnieanne@omnicityusa.com
What a generous give-away. My daughter just asked for a shawl/wrap that the yarn you are sharing would be perfect for. I don't think I could get that done for Christmas, but I have made several scarves and a couple sets of fingerless mitts for friends, and I am planning on making a smocked outfit for my granddaughter.
Jane
I am making a purse for a friend and a knit toy for a new great-nephew that will be born between now and Christmas!! Your mittens are beautiful!!
I am making afghan, some hat/mittens/scarf sets, some shawls and shawlettes. Many are patterns and some are modified patterns and still even some are my own concoctions (probably never could be repeated), which makes for a long road to become a designer. Socks and a cardi are next ME projects. Love knitting. Now where oh where are those blocking elves. Gotta get them busy. Lots of blocking to be done this month.
Oh dear...I should probably get on that! I'm not planning on making too much this year, but I need to knit a new hat for the husband and would like to make a pair of slippers each for his parents.
I have a few hats set aside for my daughters. Hats are my go to projects at knitting group. Last night I cast on for the Nantes hat from the Winter issue of Interweave Knits. The pattern is lovely and the hat will be perfect for my son's girlfriend. The idea of my own stash of Julia yarn and an electric ball winder makes me swoon. A great, great giveaway!!!!
I just started with cables and am hoping to finish a pair fingerless gloves and a hat for my nieces.
I am making the Cobblestone pullover for my hubby designed by Jared Flood.
I can't believe how much Julia is growing. She looks great and makes a good model.
Oh yes! I love the chance to make things for my loved ones... And this is the first Christmas I have inlaws, so I've been knitting away in the hopes of impressing them :D My list so far: 2 pairs of mittens, 1 pair of fingerless mitts (out of a qiviut blend!),3 hats, 3 scarves, beaded jewelry, homemade vanilla extract, and maybe a cowl and finger cuffs with mustaches on them for laughs. Thank you for the opportunity for a treat! (My email: eliseDOTboehmATndsuDOTedu)
This is the first year I'm gift knitting. A hat and scarf for my aunt, a scarf and texting mitts (that's what they call fingerless gloves at the mall) for my niece, a cowl and fingerless gloves for my son's girlfriend. I'm on a roll! mslabruyere at yahoo.com
Merry Christmas everyone! What a wonderful giveaway Kristin -- it's fun just imagining that I have won it! I am making -- for the first time -- socks for my teenage boys Christmas presents. They have politely declined any handknits in the past -- but these they requested and I am tickled pink.
Excuse me now, I must go turn a heel!
x0 Sabrina
Felted slippers, handwarmers and maybe some mittens if I get the slippers felted this week :) thanks for the chance to win! Mgknits4@gmail.com
I am knitting a shawl, felted slippers and socks for presents. Other handmade gifts include homemade granola and roasted almonds. Thanks for the chance at this wonderful gift.
I am making hats with one of your fun felted flowers attached to it. Also, making a sampler scarf. Too many projects....too little time.
Jane
JSmeltzer@kc.rr.com
I will miss the Julia yarn. I love love love the colors!
Wheelchair wraps (knit and crochet) and a scarf for WWII Museum's project.
lmc@cohen-net.com
Handmade gifts so far are a knitted scarf, knitted socks, felted coasters, cards, envelopes, and cookies. Handmade gifts in my dreams are canvas shopping/tote bags, more scarves, more socks, cat toys (felted balls), and knitted mug warmers. Whenever I need a pick me up, I thumb through your books and, voila, I'm inspired by the colors and creativity! Thanks for a chance at the giveaway!
Handmade gifts so far are a knitted scarf, knitted socks, felted coasters, cards, envelopes, and cookies. Handmade gifts in my dreams are canvas shopping/tote bags, more scarves, more socks, cat toys (felted balls), and knitted mug warmers. Whenever I need a pick me up, I thumb through your books and, voila, I'm inspired by the colors and creativity! Thanks for a chance at the giveaway!
I'm amidst making necklaces, knitted bow brooches, knitted hoods, crocheted flowers and bracelets and cross stitch art for all of my family members. A daunting list, but I should be able to conquer it! :)
What a great giveaway. So sad Julia is being discontinued, love knitting with it.
Christmas gifts will include socks, fingerless mittens. and scarves, mostly all done but frantically working on the last pair of socks. Like Christmas doesn't come the same time every year, you would think I could plan better. Maybe next year :)
leslie32177@yahoo.com
The needles are busy at my house this year! I have finished one Terra shawl for my SIL in ultra alpaca, 2/3 of the way through another Terra for my MIL and another one yet to get started for my step MIL. Whew! I am also almost finished with a scarf for a coworker of mine that has had a tough year and needs something warm around her neck to know she is loved :)
i am making a pair of socks for my mum and hopefully will get a big red sweater done to wear for the 24th (my B-day)
I just finished a pair of slipper socks for my college freshman son and I am starting some for my 10-year-old daughter. My mom requested a peasant blouse (that I have not started yet.)Last week, I made many pairs of mittens from felted sweaters and a friend is taking them to a craft show to sell for others to give as handmade gifts!
Today I also started teaching a knitting class to children at my school and they are going to be making hats - as gifts to themselves!
Happy holidays!!!!
I have knitted ornaments for an organization (Ships Project) that sends them to the troops. After that: wash cloths, more ornaments, gift bags, an afghan. I have mittens on my list. They may be New Years presents ... or Eastern Orthodox Christmas presents. (Jan 7). What a wonderful giveaway! I won't hold my breath, but its fun to dream! :)
what a great giveaway! i'm knitting a snowman family for my secretary (nearly done!), hats for my twin 8 year with a B for the Boston Red Sox on them, teeny tiny cardinal garland (adapted from anna hrachovec's mochimochiland book) for my mother and some ornaments...probably cupcakes...for some friends. lots to do!
I'm working on a scarf, a hat and a shawlette right now and will be making a few pairs of fingerless mitss. Some of these might be finished togive for Christmas.
Anne
weft@earthlink.net
Hi Kristin,
I'm making a hat for my nephew, some felted potholders for my mom and mother-in-law, and a cowl for my daughter. Love your blog and read it religiously! Hope I win!
I'm knitting Christmas stockings... and I'm really really behind!
Several handmade gifts this year - a cowl, felted clogs, knit-it felt-it zip-it bags (love these), earflap hats, 'puppy' hat, mittens, folded paper star ornaments (lots of these!), beaded bookmarks, and hopefully, a couple of sewn bags. Thanks for a great giveaway.
thefankells@mesanetworks.net
I'm knitting for my new grandson! He's nearly 2 months and growing fast. I have knitted a sweater, making pants, booties, hat and mitts. Felting gifts for family, so Julia yarn would be quite welcome! Alas, the WIP projects for myself keep piling up.
Love your blog and all the lovely pictures you take! Such an artist!
I have been doing hats for disadvantaged kids. Next year I might try mittens or scarves.
Patty
Sparks, MD
Since I've been unemployed for over two years, hand-knits are THE gifts that I'm giving this year.
A shawl for one daughter, hat, fingerless mitts and a matching scarf for the other, a lap blanket for my son who is confined to a wheelchair and socks for the grandkids. Plus, I'm still working on a lace shawl pattern for myself and a pair of socks for my sister.
Oh MY! I better get knitting!
P.S. This is THE most awesome giveaway EVER!!!
Nancy K
http://shepherdsvoice.blogspot.com
Handmade presents made so far include felted coasters, knitted socks, knitted scarf, cards, envelopes, and cookies. In the future are more scarves and socks, and knitted/felted cat toys. Love your books - they always inspire!
Hi Kirsten,
I'm currently knitting a fun scarf for my daughter-in-law. It's from Loops blog called the Necks Big Thing http://blog.loopsknitting.com/
so fun and easy and I need easy this year! Would love to win all of the goodies in your great give-a-way! My husband asked me the other day why I did not have a yarn winder:) I would so love to win your collectible yarn! Love the mittens and the hearts on them. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
LauraT
I am making some Olympia's knit and crochet felted flowers for Christmas (pins). I'm not an advanced knitter, but I do enjoy making these. I'm looking forward to learning how to make the sunflowers and zinnias, too.
Merry Christmas!
Dorothy in Edmond
What a wonderful giveaway - thanks! My holiday knitting is little coasters for my friends at work, a hat for my son (who actually wanted it!), and a notions bag for my mother, a new knitter.
Thank you for your books - I love them all. Jean
Handmade socks, scarves, cookies, cards, envelopes, felted coasters....next year hope to do felted cat toys, canvas shopping bags....love your books! Such an inspiration!
I am making felted mittens with embellishments!
I make fingerless gloves for the college kids on my gift list. Guys and girls love them because the fingers are free to count change, text or use the laptop in a chilly place. Donna Z.
I'm making a sweater for my son, in Merino/alpaca/silk DK wt. He's very appreciative of any sweaters I make for him, I'm so lucky
I really enjoy your blog. I wished I had found it earlier as well as your color book. Both as so inspirational. It is mitts, mittens, and felted oven mitts for the family this year. I tend to gift socks through out the year.
gnlmutti at gmail dot com
I'm making some baby items, scarves, and bed socks. I love making the projects out of Color by Kristin!
Whoa! That is one serious giveaway package.
I am knitting hats this year for charity and a dozen tiny Christmas ornaments for a ornament swap.
How can a knitter not knit for the holidays?
We're making homemade scrapbooks and baked goods for everyone.
lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com
I am making a beautiful scarf for my daughter-inlaw and a heart scarf for my granddaughter. I got a late start this year.
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