Gifted

Scissors Sleeve + Heart Pincushion

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:04:37 GMT

When I entertained the notion of a knitted gift for a sewing friend, my first thought was of a scissors sleeve. After a wee bit of mulling, I concluded that I could use short-rows to create a cone shape that would accommodate scissors blades of various lengths. By adding some simple stitching on the flap the gift is that much more special. The pincushion? Just a variation of one of my very favorite Felted Heart Milagros (page 82) all pumped up. This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Double-Point Needle Case

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:03:15 GMT

The committed and disorganized sock knitter knows the frustration of hunting down sets of matching double-pointed needles. A selection of needle cases, each holding a single set, will make for an easier and far more colorful life. Clearly mark the flap with French knots to denote the size needles—one knot for size 1, two knots for size 2, and so on. Or, add some small buttons or beads or use silky floss to embroider the needle size. This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Notebook or Netbook Cozy

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:02:05 GMT

Whether the recipient is high tech or low, a personalized cozy will be happily received. Originally conceived with a Netbook in mind, just a small square of wool-blend suiting offers up the majority of the felty feel of this project. The shots of color and interest are achieved through contrasting thread that top-stitches small scraplets of cut-up knitted felt onto the background. It is headshaking how little bits of nothing can make such a colorful difference. Waste not, want not! This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Felted Heart Milagros

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:00:49 GMT

These little hearts bring me such joy that I can’t stop myself from making and sharing them! Knitted in one piece with a bit of short-rowing for shape, there is just one quick seam and a little stuffing before you shout, “Everyone in the pool!” Well, the “pool” may be the washing machine or a basin, but I do promise it will be fun. These hearts can be used for anything you can imagine—pins, bookmarks, place markers, welcome garlands, good-luck charms, etc. This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Heart-in-Hand Mitts

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:58:54 GMT

The intarsia method of working with color strikes fear in many knitters. Oddly, I find it far easier and way more fun and manageable than two-color Fair Isle knitting. I guess, like everything else, it takes a first attempt followed up with a bit of practice. I hope that not only will there be a pair (or two) of quick and colorful mittens on your gift-making list, but also a sense of accomplishment in mastering this knitting technique—an added gift just for you. This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Baby’s First Felted Feet

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:56:34 GMT

What I adore most about dressing up baby is the pure whimsy of it all. When it comes to footwear, there is no need for sensible shoes on fresh little feet. The only concern is for the softness and warmth that this felted pure alpaca guarantees. Of course, the only other concern—the “cute” factor—can be achieved by the undeniable Seussian design sensibility of these little “awe” makers. This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Bevy of Bangles

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:55:25 GMT

These silent bangles came to be because of my love of big, bold bracelets and my loathing of the clang, clang, clunk that almost always accompanies them. The first time I wore an armful to “girl’s night,” all my girlfriends wanted their own. I spent one evening knitting up a basket full of bases, then on the following afternoon, I tossed them all into the wash to felt them. I spent the next available evening surrounded by colorful cotton yarn, wrapping and playing to make each bangle unique. This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Modern Mangas

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:53:47 GMT

Mangas is the Spanish word for “sleeves.” The mountain people in the Andes wear the most wonderful ornately knitted sleeves over their clothing for warmth. They’re like leg warmers for the arms. I fused this familiar Peruvian silhouette with traditional British Isle patterning, then added more color and texture with some not-so-afterthought embroidery. You don’t have to live in the Andes to fight off the chill with stylish and thoroughly modern mangas. This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Weekend Socks

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:52:33 GMT

Tucked away in my sweater cupboard, I still have the ski sweater my mother knitted many years ago for my father based on traditional crisp, clean, two-color Norwegian motifs. Although the patterns have not changed over the years, the choice of yarns certainly has. The alpaca-bamboo blend used here creates the most scrumptious and decadent pair of socks—just perfect for weekend lounging. Think of them as après-ski sweaters for the feet! This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Precious Baby Jacket

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:51:26 GMT

There is no denying it—baby’s first sweater has to be special! Knits for a baby compel us to embrace words such as “handmade” and “heirloom.” This jacket is a quick-knit top-down raglan in seed stitch (no need to worry about unfinished edges curling). The addition of tone-on-tone felted appliqué and colorful stitching defines what a modern hand-crafted heirloom is all about—simple, practical, and special. This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Petaled Slouch Cap

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:50:15 GMT

A little bit cloche and a little bit beret equals a whole bunch of lovely for the committed hat wearer on your gift list. With the pumped up yarn, this pattern quickly appears on the needles. The unconventional construction—worked from top knot down—contributes to the fun lessons this gift can teach. Learn a bit of lace and shaping while working in the round, all in one very satisfying project. Top it off with a Crochet Flower Brooch (page 47). This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Paper Roses

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:48:58 GMT

“. . . paper roses . . . oh, how real those roses seem to be . . .” I can’t help but hear Marie Osmond crooning as I whip up these lovelies. I first started making and sharing these when my desperate search for a bow came up short. It did not take long for me to think of roses made from papery Habu yarn. One skein of the yarn will make countless buds for wrapping, pinning, hair clipping, and napkin ringing. This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Ruby Foo Baby Cap

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:47:06 GMT

I have made variations of this cap in different yarns and gauges for years. The soft hand of this yarn will not bother baby’s gentle brow in any way. Don’t fret if you cannot find buttons just like the ones shown here. Most any small button will look lovely punctu-ating the dangly ends of the tassel. Just make certain to firmly attach whatever buttons you choose. This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Felted Leaf Brooch

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:45:48 GMT

Nothing says autumn like falling leaves. Quickly knit with scraps of stash yarn, these leaves can be anything you wish them to be. Here, a pair is turned into a simple brooch (attach one to the Cabled Boot Toppers on page 16). But imagine one attached to a braided or crocheted cord wrapped around a jar of homemade jam or a whole bushel grouped together as a seasonal wreath. This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.

Hazy Frills Neck Wrap

mekincannon — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:43:37 GMT

It’s the light loftiness of this yarn that creates all the allure—it’s not known as Kid Silk crack for nothing. A few ruffles at each end is all that’s needed to tart up a simple garter-stitch oblong. Even better, this project has twice the “gifting” in it! The two balls of yarn called for are enough to create two scarves—swap the base and ruffle yarns and a companion piece can be made for another deserving person. Maybe you? This pattern can be found in Mags Kandis' Gifted.