I learned to knit almost 6 years ago, about the same time Joelle Hoverson’s book Last-Minute Knitted Gifts came out.  This was one of my first knitting books and I’ve poured over the pages countless times looking for gift ideas and inspiration.  I was super excited when her latest book More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts came across my desk.  It’s another great collection of quick knits for the whole family and home.

I’m always looking for new gift ideas for babies and toddlers and these two stood out for me.  The Easy Baby Cardigan is knit in one of my favorite yarns, The Fibre Company Terra.  I love knitting cardigans for babies—easier to get on them than a pullover, and fun to find just the right buttons.  The Nesting Squares Blanket is the kind of pattern perfect for color improvisation.  Knit from the center out, you can change colors when you want—play around with the width of the stripes and striping pattern.  Or knit the whole blanket in a great hand-dyed color.

Probably the best thing about scarves and cowls as gifts is that you don’t need to worry about sizes.  The Movie Star Scarf, Soft as a Cloud Cowl, and Very Pretty Lace Scarf are excellent examples of simple shapes and patterns that let special yarns shine.  I have 1 skein of Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere that has been waiting for just the right pattern to come along like this cowl.  And one hank of Louet Mooi will make 5 Movie Star Scarves!

Other accessories include cool Sideways Fingerless Gloves, Cabled Fingerless Gloves, and Beret and Ribbed Hat patterns with directions for multiple gauges.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m obsessed with containers.  So the Soft Baskets knit in Blue Sky Alpacas Cotton caught my eye.  The Cozy Coasters in Blue Sky Alpacas Melange would be the perfect addition to a gift of special hot chocolate or teas.

I may never find enough time to make a fingering weight sweater as a gift for someone, but Leah’s Lovely Cardigan would be a special treat for me someday.

Happy gift knitting!

Dena

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Dena

Ecommerce Marketing Manager at WEBS - America’s Yarn Store

Dena started working at WEBS in 2006, shortly after she learned to knit. She also dabbles in crochet and weaving. She finds knitting complements her marathon and triathlon training really well.

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Latest posts by Dena (see all)

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Tags: holiday, knitting books