Crochet your Christmas Baubles

Earlier in the year I was delighted to be asked to be part of ‘Crochet your Christmas Baubles’ the latest title from David & Charles Publishers.  My contribution to the collection is this Scandinavian inspired collection.  These little delights are worked in double crochet with a cross stitch motif.

 

 

Want to know more about the collection? Here is what Amazon have to say about it…

A fun and festive collection of crocheted Christmas baubles and decorations from five talented designers presented in 5 different Christmassy themes.  Select one theme or mix and match to create your perfect Christmas tree decorations. The designs are suitable for all levels of crocheters and are quick and simple to make.

Each theme offers five new patterns. Choose from Santa’s Grotto which includes the classic Santa Claus with his reindeer to traditional Christmas trees, elves and a string of dancing gingerbread men; or why not crochet a delightful Frozen Winter Wonderland of snowflakes, snowmen, hearts and candy bows complete with a Snow Princess. Our Fairy Tale theme is sure to appeal to children and features a fancy Christmas fairy with a jolly pair of Christmas birds, red woodland toadstools and a characterful Christmas gnome

If you are looking for something more sophisticated, you will be inspired by the stylish collection ofScandinavian Christmas baubles in classic red & white, complete with bunting or our stunning White Christmas theme featuring an amigurumi Christmas tree, with mistletoe baubles, snowflake bunting and Chinese lanterns with Christmas berries. All the patterns and instructions you need to crochet your bauble collection are included.

You can get your copy of Crochet your Christmas Baubles here from Amazon…

Run, run as fast as you can… Gingerbread Hat Man

If you are still looking for that last-minute special gift, I might just have very design for you.  Little Ginger is a super quick knit which is designed to fit 3 years to teens.  The hat is worked from the ribbing up with simple decreases.   This version is knitted using Rico Soft Merino Aran which really was butter soft and a delight to work with.

Why not swap the pink for blue?

 

 

As always I would love to see your finished projects on my Facebook page

You can download Issue 87 of Let’s Knit Magazine here.

 

Happy Knitting…………………    Jane x

 

 

 

 

Stylish beaded napkin rings

Threading loads of beads onto yarn for a beaded project is not my idea of fun, so “Beading Beautiful” is another of my patterns that use the crochet hook technique.

With a lovely dark yarn and contrasting shiny beads make contemporary stylish looking napkin rings, perfect for your festive table.

If you are not familiar with this beading technique there are some fantastic resources out there to get you started.  Laura Nelkin has a fantastic Craftsy course that teaches many ways to add beads to your knitting, even some that use dental floss!  I warn you though, if you enrol in this Craftsy class you will spend so much time looking for more and more projects you can add beads to, totally addictive!

As always I would love to see your finished projects on my Facebook page

You can download Issue 87 of Let’s Knit Magazine here.

17 Essential Crochet Gifts, You Simply Must Buy

Not wanting to leave the hookers out, I have put together what I consider to be the ultimate gift guide for those who crochet.  The list includes gadgets, gizmods and giggles and even something for boys!

Click the image and it will whisk you off to a magic portal where you can have these goodies delivered to your door so you don’t even have to enter a yarn store ;)

I hope you enjoy this gift guide, share it with your friends and make sure that all hookers are happy hookers this Christmas….

 

Yarn Mug	Real Men Crochet Tie	Crochet Bag
Crochet Bag	Crochet Bag	Genius, Blocking Combs
Yarn Ball Winder, no more winding by hand!	Umbrella Yarn Swift, no more fighting with yarn!	Crochet Stitch Markers
Crochet Stitch Markers	Must have Crochet Book	Mini Balls of Yarn
Yarn Bowl	Beautiful Stash Enhancement	Magnetic Chart Holder
Clover Getaway Soft Touch Crochet Hook Needle Gift Set	Crochet Lite Hook Light Up Crochet Hook

 

If you are still not sure, then I am pretty confident that the beautiful yarn packs and the Clover hook set will get you more than a kiss under the mistletoe ;)

Happy Hookin’

 

 

Top 30 Gifts for the Knitter in your life – Great Knitting Gift List

It can be so difficult to buy the perfect gift for your loved ones, especially when you perhaps don’t know a great deal about their hobby.

I have put together a selection of gifts for newbie knitters and knitaholics alike! These gift ideas range from stocking fillers to gifts that with total WOW factor.  Click on the image and it will whisk you off where you can purchase the perfect present.

Lets start with needles, this can be daunting for the non-knitter.  Have a peep inside the knitting bag, are the needles wooden or metal? There will be a lot of needles which is more common?

Does your knitter, knit socks and gloves?  Then perhaps consider the sock knitting or DPN sets. (By the way, us knitters can NEVER have too many needles).

Bamboo Interchangeable Needle Set

Wooden Sock Knitting Needle Set

Stainless Steel Interchangeable Needle Set

Stainless Steel DPN Set

Books

The following selection of books contains must sort after classics and some fun new releases too!

The Opinionated Knitter – Elizabeth Zimmermann	Barbara Walker A Treasury of Knitting Patterns	Knitting Workshop – Elizabeth Zimmermann
WTF Knits	The Knitting Book by Frederia Patmore	Woolly Woofers

 Tools, gadgets, gizmods we all love them!

Genius, Knitting Blocking Combs	Sterling Silver ball of yarn and knitting needle charm	Umbrella Yarn Swift, no more fighting with yarn!
Yarn Ball Winder, no more winding by hand!	Work in Progress Tubes, keep you work safe on the go!	Double Pointed Needle Storage Tubes
For catching those dropped stitches! Stitch Savers	Knit your own Man Kit	Knitters Graph Paper Journal
Yarn Bowl	Stash Enhancement, Stylecraft Yarn Pack	Crochet Bag
Crochet Bag	Travel Mug	Knitting Cap
Live to Knit T-shirt, great gift for boys and girls	Knitting Mug	Personalised Knitting Bag

Magnetic Knitting Chart Holder

Still not sure?

Why not give the gift of learning with a Craftsy online class, they are great value!

Give a Craftsy Class

Or a subscription to one of the UK’s Top Knitting Magazines

Lets Knit Magazine

Simply Knitting Magazine

 

I hope I have helped you with your gift buying for that special knitter in your life, please feel free to drop me an email or leave a comment if I can offer any further advice.

 

Addendum – Saltire Says…

Subtle Jane, real subtle!

Seriously though, when buying for someone whom it may already seem like they own everything there is to own, the ideas above are great.

Pro-tip – take a photo of your knitters bookshelves with your phone. That way you’ll always be able to have at least some idea which books they already own when you spot that bargain in the shops. And it’s usually the case that any book not already on the shelf will usually provide at least some helpful tips or ideas, so don’t shun a bargain just because you don’t think they’ll like it.

And if you see them ‘coo’ over something, make a note on your phone for next time!

 

 

Festive Teddy Outfits

Bring your favourite Teddy into the seasonal festivities with either a Mr or Mrs Santa Claus outfit. Thinking of buy a Build a Bear toy this Christmas? These outfits are the perfect fit for their standard height characters.

They’re designed for an average sized teddy, but if your teddy is (ahem!) slightly larger tummy, some elastic webbing will accommodate the more, ahem, ‘rotund’ stuffed belly.

And if you dare treat a younger, less careful person with such a charming outfit, it’s also machine washable!

As always I would love to see your finished projects on my Facebook page

You can download Issue 87 of Let’s Knit Magazine here.