Summer means the same thing for many of us: time to lie out on the beach, at the park, in the backyard—wherever! Most of us ladies are more than happy to lounge with the latest chick lit read and a frosty mojito—which is relaxing, of course, but not terribly productive.
Those of us that are craftier, however, can both relax and create something amazing by bringing those needles and some yarn poolside! (Feel free to bring the mojito along, too.) There’s nothing like getting to work early on your Christmas gifts, and everyone loves a hand-knitted sweater or scarf. Avoid frantic November shopping and take a leisurely approach to these fun projects now. Click here to see all these winter project ebooks and more!
Handknit Holidays by Melanie Falick
In this creative book, you’ll find colorful garlands made out of pompoms, nutcracker slippers, a Santa Lucia crown, and more. Gathering ideas from thirty different knitters, Falick has pieced together marvelous projects for all the December holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the Winter Solstice. The pillow below features a menorah, the nine-branched candleholder used during Hanukkah.
Knitting New Scarves by Lynne Barr
Summer may mean shorts, t-shirts, and dresses—but we’re focusing on winter here, which means hats, gloves, and of course, scarves! After scanning Lynne Barr’s Knitting New Scarves, you’ll be excited to give your loved ones these cozy gifts. Barr will make you “knit literate” before you know it. An experimental knitter, she creates a Stacked Wedges pattern by changing the number of colors and increasing the size of each wedge in the Meandering Stripes pattern.
Knits Men Want by Bruce Weinstein
Knitting may seem like a feminine pursuit, but in Knits Men Want, Bruce Weinstein explains how to make knits that men will be thrilled to see under the tree. Using his experience as a knitting instructor and well, as a man, Weinstein helps women “understand the male psyche.” His book is hysterical, real, and filled with anecdotes that will make you cringe. So while you’re working on your summer tan, think about the men in your life and knit away! This basic cardigan is perfect for Christmastime.
Knits Men Want by Bruce Weinstein [Excerpt] by OpenRoadMedia
Knit 2 Together by Tracey Ullman and Mel Clark
Tracey Ullman and Mel Clark, two friends with a common passion for knitting, reveal some great secrets in this book! And they’re not afraid to share funny stories, either; while describing New School Tie, Ullman remarks:
“I startled Jay Leno by giving him this tie during a Tonight Show appearance. I haven’t seen him wear it yet, and if I find out he’s using it to wipe the windshields on his vintage cars, he can kiss the argyle socks goodbye!”
You’ll find unique ideas of all kinds, such as Surfer Mouse Surf Shorts or Tropical Garden Vest. There are some great projects for those in need of a holiday gift for kids, too. Check out this adorable baby baseball tee with mittens:
Vintage Baby Knits by Kristen Rengren
If you want to get a bit more creative with Christmas knitting gifts for that tiny niece or nephew you adore, scroll through Kristen Rengren’s Vintage Baby Knits. One look at the puffy-cheeked little guy on the cover will make you smile, and the projects are truly unique. Yes, there is a knitted diaper. Apparently it was the thing to do back in the 1930s. Your baby will be the coolest kid in the park wearing this hoodie: