Do you knit holiday gifts for your co-workers? Do you feel like it’s a chore you have to do or have you found a way to make it fun?

At customer Trish’s office they have a Santa hat contest every year so that one of her lucky co-workers can win a handknitted hat!

They play games like “race to wrap a present”, “pin the pom-pom on Santa’s hat”, “complete the Christmas song lyrics”, and Christmas trivia to pick the winners.

Wrap faster!

Here are a few determined competitors in the “draw a Christmas tree & ornaments with the paper on your head” contest!

How does my tree look?

Want to make your own Santa hats for your officemates?

Lucky winners!

The two hats here are (on the left) Penny’s Santa Hat, knit in aran weight on US 9 needles and (on the right) our very own Whimsical Holiday Hat which knits up SUPER fast on US 17 needles!

Happy knitting to all! Eat a bunch of Christmas cookies, have some eggnog, and don’t work too hard!

Artfully Chocolate 2003 Mt Vernon Avenue

Many of you know that I have a love affair with Artfully Chocolate. When Eric opened in Del Ray a few years ago, I was smitten…he sells chocolate for petes sake! We have partnered on several events, and I think this has resulted in a few more converts to the world of fine chocolate. Knitters seem to understand why a high quality chocolate is better..it’s like a high quality merino. He has this chocolate bar with almonds and sea salt that may have helped me get this store open. I think I ate two a week.

So since Eric used to host our classes in his DC shop, I have owed him a knitted prize for quite some time. He is a large part of how we became fibre space.™ Today I finally got his gift done – Men’s Cashmere Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I used Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes. I think I even have enough leftover to whip up a pair of the free “One Cable Mitts” pattern from Blue Sky. (something to keep around for emergency gifting needs).

Cashmere Men's Scarf in Worsted Hand Dyes

I blocked it today during our “emergency last minute knitting and crocheting” at the shop. Every Thursday night we will have our iron and blocking mat out to help you quickly steam those items that you are furiously finishing up for the holidays. There are two Thursdays left! (We had Eric’s amazing cocoa here tonight and promise a treat next Thursday too….)

With this project done, I can now say that I am finished with my holidays. Done. Cards in the mail. Gifts finished and wrapped. DONE. I don’t even know what to do with myself now..I guess I get to start more projects…or finish all the ones sitting on my dining room table. Balance the checkbook? hrm.

While I can certainly get behind the growing statement on the internet that holiday decor should stay away until after Thanksgiving, we knitters and crocheters know that for the gifting season to be a success, it’s best to start early. I try to stick to the rule that I will only make presents for family, and mom is always first on my list. I’m lucky, as long as I can find the purplest of all purple yarns, I know she will be thrilled. Last year, I knitted her an “In the Land of Oz” shawl, and she always calls me to tell me that people ask her where she bought it. This year, the new “scorched” purples from Dream in Color Smooshy are calling out to be a cute shawl for mom!

Here are some other great gift ideas for all of the moms out there.

Slippers

Veronica's French Press Slippers

Moms are notoriously hard working, so slippers make a great gift. Not to mention, if you find the right pattern, they can be knit in almost no time at all. My favorites are the French Press Felted Slippers, since they work up fast in several strands of Shepherd’s wool. I watched Veronica knit these last year, and I could swear she finished them in under 2 hours.

Granny Square Slippers from the PurlBee

For me, if a gift needs to be done quickly, the answer is usually to crochet it. That is probably why I love these cute granny square slippers from the purlbee. They remind me of time spent in Russia where everyone had their own house slippers. In a nice bulky yarn like Ella Rae Chunky, these would work up fast enough that you could make a pair for everyone, but if you want an extra special pair for mom, be sure to check out the Blue Sky Techno. She will never want to take them off.

Shawls

Trousseau by Carol Feller Photo by Jane Heller

I love knitting lace, and there is really nothing more satisfying for me than conquering a lace repeat. Even though shawls can seem daunting, they make a great quick knit, and a great gift. Trousseau from Twist Collective has become a go to project for me, as I am currently knitting a second one for a holiday/wedding gift. That really says something about the pattern, because I rarely knit anything twice. I love that there is both a fingering weight option and a DK weight option for this pattern too. It is a showstopper in a solid like Spud and Chloe Fine, but also stunning in Viola Silky DK. I may need to make yet another of these… Pick a color that will match Mom’s new winter coat, and she will love showing it off to her friends.

If you are short on time, the best bet is to go up in gauge to another standby, the Springtime Bandit. With an easily memorable lace pattern in worsted or Aran weight yarn, you really can’t go wrong. And if you happen to get stuck, I think all of the yarnistas at fibre space have knit this shawl at least once (and several have knit it twice), so we will happily get you unstuck. My favorite yarn for this project is the Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted, since it’s 400 yard skeins mean never having to weave in any extra ends!

Fingerless Mitts

Fallberry Mitts by Anne Hanson, Photo by knitspot

Warm hands are important, so every mom needs a pair of fingerless mitts, right? Everyone will be jealous if she has a pair of  Mitt Envy mittens, which can be made with just a small amount of fingering weight yarn. They would be absolutely exquisite in Canopy fingering from The Fiber Company.

For something a little bit more substantial, there is also Fallberry Mitts from Anne Hanson, which knit up quickly in a sport weight yarn. Knit these in Road to China Light for to add a little bit of luxury in mom’s winter wardrobe.

Cowls

Quinnipiac by Leila Raabe, Photo by Jared Flood/BrooklynTweed

Cowls are a reasonably new craze in the fashion world, and they make a great knitting project. All the warmth of a scarf and probably half the fuss. Quinnipiac by Leila Raabe from the WOOL PEOPLE collection has something for every knitter! With lace, cables, and a tailored hem, this is a quick project that is guaranteed to keep you interested. SHELTER is the natural choice for this cowl and the pattern is also available at the shop if you prefer a hard copy to a PDF download.

Don’t worry crocheters, I haven’t forgotten about you. I am madly in love with the Twitterpation cowl! I spotted this on a customer a few weeks ago, and had one for myself by the next day. I have my eye on the Manos Silk blend for on for mom, I think she will love all of the fun colors the yarn comes in.

Short on time, but like the cowl idea? Grab some big yarn and size 15 needles, Jane’s Cozy-Dee Cowl is just the pattern for you!

Be sure to stop by and join us in the Rocket Lounge to get all of your holiday stitching done. See you then!

Elizabeth Zimmermann, the grande dame of knitting, sprang into existence clutching her knitting needles on August 9, 1910 (8/9/10!) What better way to celebrate than to knit a lace project based on EZ’s very own Pi Shawl?

Mwaa Knit

Designer Mwaa Knit created the EZ 100th Anniversary Pi Shawl as a tribute to the lady that taught us to knit fearlessly – all the lace and pattern repeats are multiples of 8, 9, and 10, the numbers in EZ’s birthday.

You’ll need approximately 1300-1400 yards of laceweight or fingering weight yarn and US 6 – US 8 needles for knitting in the round – or substitute the yarn and needles of your choice, as EZ would tell you to do!

(Look for the new Prairie and Tosh Merino Light yarns from madelinetosh that should be arriving soon… we also have the new Miss Babs Yasmin, Neighborhood Fiber Co. Penthouse Silk Lace and Pagoda Lace, Malabrigo Lace, Cascade Alpaca Lace, and a whole wall full of fingering weight yarns to choose from.)

Come on out and knit some lace in space!

(Don’t fancy this pattern? The free Ravelry download also includes a Hearts & Vines For EZ version, and the designer is working on adding a THIRD version to the pattern in time for EZ’s birthday! Or knit the original EZ Pi Shawl from the book Knitter’s Almanac.)

Photo courtesy of Annie's Woolens

I know, the last thing you want to think about when it’s 100 degrees outside is holiday knitting, but it’s getting to be that time, my little chickadees! (Especially if you knit as slowly as I do…)

To help you get started on your holiday projects, we’re featuring ALL of the holiday stocking patterns from Annie’s Woolens free with purchase of yarn.

We recommend Stonehedge Fiber Mills’ Shepherds Worsted, Berroco Vintage, or any other worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn. (How about some gorgeous hand-dyed colors? Hmm.. I think I see a stocking in Miss Babs Yowza in my future… or maybe some Neighborhood Fiber Company… no wait, what about Madeline Tosh… )

Let it snow!

Sometimes (well most of the time) I want a simple yet gorgeous sock pattern. I had a hank of blackish sock yarn around the house that was just begging to be lace, but I didn’t want to get stuck with unfinished socks because of a complicated pattern. Thus, the Lazy Lace Sock was born.  The project uses 350-400 yards of heavy fingering weight yarn and US#1.5 needles. They are worked from the toe up and feature a short row heel. You can find the pattern in the “Free Patterns” sidebar on this page or download it here.

Dress up the child in your life with this adorable retro styled hat – a new free pattern from fibre space™. The pattern uses three colors of Blue Sky Skinny Dyed Cotton and Skinny Organic Cotton and can be worked up in a variety of color combinations. Find the pattern here and in our new “Free patterns” section in the sidebar of this page.

Maggie’s Beret

This simple hat was inspired by Maggie’s quest to replicate one of her favorite hats, purchased from a shop at the mall. We deconstructed the beret (which was originally worked flat) and came up with this quick and easy design! The pattern has an option for a more slouchy version. It is worked in Cascade 128, a superwash chunky weight wool and would work well in 105 yards of any chunky weight yarn.

This is a free pattern available here or in the shop with the purchase of yarn.

It will also be a class this Spring! If you want to learn to work in the round, increase and decrease, this is a great project for you. Stay tuned for our Spring class schedule, which is coming soon!

Another free pattern from fibre girl! This fits larger tea pots.

Superchunky and superwarmy Teapot Cozy

Materials:

2 skeins Spud and Chloe Outer

US#11 16″ circular needle

Stitch marker

Directions:

CO 48 stitches, place marker, join for working in the round.

Work in 2×1 ribbing for 6 rounds

Work 3 rounds in stockinette stitch (knit every round)

Next row: K1, P1, repeat around

TURN

P1, K1 across row

TURN

Purl one row, turning to work back at end of row. Work for a total of 3 rows of stockinette stitch, ending with a purl row and turning to work back.

K1,P1, repeat 12 times (total of 24 sts worked). Join 2nd ball of yarn, and continue to work K1, P1 to end of round.

Turn and work back entire row in P1, K1, working each side of the cozy with separate balls of yarn. (this forms the hole for the handle)

TURN, K1,P1 entire row.

TURN, Purl the row

TURN, knit the row. At the end of this row, continue to work in the same ball.

Knit one row

Purl one row

Decrease for crown:

K6, k2tog around

K5, k2tog around

K4, k2tog around

K3, k2tog around

K2, k2tog around

K2, k2tog around

K2tog around

Break yarn and draw through remaining stitches. Work in tails, block on the tea pot!

Every year, the people in my department at work exchange gifts. There is no drawing of names, no secret santa, everyone just selects some kinda of generic gift that everyone can use, buys 6 of them, and gives them out. For example, a mug with hot cocoa, a set of candles, or a photo album. With 6 teammates, this system can really put a strain on one’s pocketbook!

This year, in hoping to find a nice, affordable option, I decided to knit dishtowels for each of my teammates. Armed with lovely Malabrigo Organic Cotton and a pattern that promised to be “actually easier than pie,” I was certain that I’d have no trouble finishing everyone’s gifts in time.

Like many Holiday knitters before me, I was wrong. The pattern is great, as simple as promised. But I spent about 8 hours and had knit only two dishcloths. This is even after reducing the number of stitches to cast on! With 4 more dishtowels to go, I decided that there had to be a better way. I abandoned my needles and picked up my rarely used crochet hooks. No more than thirty minutes later, I had finished my first crochet dishcloth! It was fast and easy, and really rekindled my interest in crochet. Not to mention, my co-workers loved their gifts.

Christmas Star Dishcloth/Pot Holder

Materials: Malabrigo Organic Cotton

Instructions:
Beginning round: Ch 8; Join with sl st to form ring.

Row1: Ch 3(counts as first dc), 3 DC in ring, ch 3, *4 DC in ring, ch 3, Repeat from * 3 more times. Join with sl st.

Row 2: Ch 3(counts as first dc), DC in each DC from row below. In ch 3 space, 2 DC, Ch 3, 2 DC. * DC in each DC from row below, In ch 3 space, 2 DC, Ch 3, 2 DC. Repeat from * 3 more times. Join with sl st.

Repeat Row 2 4 more times.

Sl st to nearest Ch 3 space, ch 10 and join to create a loop for hanging your star. Weave in ends, block, and you’re done!

fibre space has just released a really cute pattern / kit set for organic cotton face cloths and matching hand towels. The kit comes with two coordinating colors, enough yarn for two sets and the pattern: Maize & Charlotte Spa Washcloth & Towel Set by Beth Griffin – special design for the shop. Pick up the pattern and yarn at the shop for $30. Makes a great holiday gift for your knitter friends or whip up these quick patterns and give the finished project as a gift this holiday season, paired with a nice soap from Bellacara up the street!

Lesley made adorable garland for the trees in our front window. Here is her pattern:

Tree Garland

Materials: 2 skeins of worsted weight yarn in contrasting colors. We used Comfort Worsted in Crypto Crystalline (MC) and Pimpernel (CC).

5.50 mm (I) Crochet hook

Finished Measurements: Long enough for your tree!

Assembly: This garland is made in sections, which each consist of two Large Motifs and three small Medallions connected by chains. The second large motif in each section will also be the first large motif in the second section.

Stitches Used:

Chain (ch)
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Single Crochet (sc)
Double Crochet (dc)

First Section: Make 2 Large Motifs, two Medallions in CC, and one Medallion in MC

Large Motif:

With CC

Round 1: ch 8, join in circle.

Round 2: ch 3, counts as first dc, 17 dc in circle, for a total of 18 dc

Change to MC

Round 3: ch 4, counts as first dc and ch 1. dc, ch 1 17 times, for a total of 18 dc separated by ch 1 spaces.

Round 4: In each ch 1 space sc, ch 4, sc all the way around. Fasten off

Medallions:

Round 1: ch 8, join in circle.

Round 2: ch 3, counts as first dc, 17 dc in circle, for a total of 18 dc. Fasten off

To join the pieces together, using MC, sc into the edge of the first Large Motif. Chain for 8 inches, sc around the first CC Medallion (18 sc), then sl st around half of the medallion so that you end up on the opposite side (9 sl st). Chain for 8 inches, then join MC Medallion using a sl st. sl st around half of the Medallion (9 sl st). Chain for 8 inches, and join the second CC Medallion in the same manner as the first. Chain for 8 inches, join the chain to the edge of the second Large Motif, and fasten off.

For each subsequent section, you will only need 2 CC Medallions, 1 MC Medallion, and 1 Large Motif. To join them, treat the second Large Motif on the first section as the first Large Motif, and continue as above. Continue adding sections until the garland is long enough for your tree.

Weave in ends, block as necessary, put on tree!

free pattern!

We thought that the little lady in the window needed a Santa hat to match her surroundings…our blue and raspberry tinsel holiday decor. So I whipped up this quick knit hat.

Materials: 2  hanks Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky in colors: Atlantis (main) and Polar Bear (contrast)

US #17 16″ circular and set of double points

Hat sizes: 16 (18, 20, 22)”

Directions:

Cast on 28 (32, 36, 40) sts in contrast and join to work in the round.

Beginning with a Purl row, work in garter stitch for 1 (1.5, 1.5, 2)” (alternating between knit and purl rows to create garter stitch in the round)

Change to main color and work in stockinette stitch for 2.5 (3, 3.5, 3.5)”

Begin pointed top:

K5 (6, 7, 8 ) K2tog, repeat to end of row.

knit one round

K4 (5, 6, 7) k2tog

knit one round

continue to decrease as set forth above until only four stitches remain. Begin to work I-cord with remaining four stitches until desired length. (sample done for 2 inches but 4-6 would be equally darling)

Break yarn and draw through remaining stitches.

Make pom pom with contrasting color:

Make 30 strips about four inches in length. Tie them together at the center with longer piece of yarn. Trim pom pom as desired and attach to very tip of hat.

Enjoy!