Well, Halloween is over and it’s officially the holiday season! I think that every other commercial is a Christmas commercial. The stores are decorated for the holidays, sales are already happening for that perfect gift.
Around this time each year, I am looking for the perfect knit to give as gifts to the many people in my life. I’ve convinced myself that a homemade gift has to be made for everyone.
I was starting to panic and then at knitting guild, this past Wednesday (Nashoba Knitting Guild), we had a presenter by the name of Alice Dunn Smith of Birch Tree Knits. She brought many of her samples and taught us duplicate stitching. I will not torture you with a picture of my piece. Let’s just say I need lots of practice but it was fun to learn.
Alice had a sample cowl, called Northern Strand Cowl. I fell in love with it, and knew immediately this was the gift for my peeps this holiday season. So far, I’ve made three. Picture below. This cowl is made with 1 skein of Malabrigo Noventa. (I’m sure Malabrigo Rasta would work as well). There are two options, a snug fit or a relaxed fit (use either an 11 or 13 needle). It’s knit in the round so very little work weaving in ends once it’s done. The pattern is on Ravelry. So much fun to make. Thanks to Alice, a great designer, for helping with my holiday gifts.
What is your go to pattern for a quick gift?
I love to read your comments. Keep them coming.
Happy knitting!
Yes!! Many thanks for your recommendation. I am making my 2nd Northern Strand Cowl right now and will return for more yarn. I agree, this is the one for gifts over the holidays!