Our holiday catalog is hitting mailboxes now, and the holidays are quickly approaching. We’re just two and half weeks away from Thanksgiving here in the US, and I find that once Thanksgiving comes and goes, it’s full steam ahead with no stops to the rest of the holidays. Luckily, there’s still some time to get some bigger projects done, if you’re looking to give something bigger, or if you want to knit something for yourself before the holidays come. Here are a couple of ideas:

You may remember seeing Valley Yarns 605 Colorfall Cardigan knit in Valley Yarns Charlemont. For the holiday catalog, we knit it in 2/10 Merino Tencel, in a natural/gray combination, and it’s stunning. It’s a perfect layer that can easily be dressed up or dressed down.

In the holiday catalog, you’ll also find two spectacular blankets. Valley Yarns 663 Oatmeal Afghan and Valley Yarns 676 Two-Tone Blanket are great gift ideas. The Oatmeal Afghan is knit in Valley Yarns Amherst, which is one of my favorite Valley Yarns because it is so soft. I would love to have this blanket on my couch for the cold nights that are surely coming. The Two-Tone Blanket is knit in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Bulky, so it’s a quick knit that’s machine washable. It’s also a multidirectional knit that gives it an interesting, modular look. I love that you can be creative and select your own color combinations. I can see one in just brights using some of the newer colors of Valley Superwash Bulky.

Want to give a shawl to someone? Prism’s Eccentric Chevron Wrap is available in a kit so you don’t have to worry about selecting the colors. The graphic interest comes from unbalanced, or eccentric chevrons: one leg is much longer than the other, which skews the fabric off-center. Even better, the kit is discountable, so you automatically get our discount. If the person you’re creating a gift for is into a little sparkle, you might want to check out the Triangle Shawl from the Rowan Swarovski Evening Collection. This shawl is knit with Rowan Kidsilk Haze, then there’s a crocheted border with Swarovski crystals.

Are you planning any larger projects for holiday knitting?

We all love a little sparkle and a little shine. This year, the folks at Rowan are teaming up with the folks at Swarovski for their new CREATE YOUR STYLE collection.

Two pattern books, Daytime and Evening, and a collection of free patterns, feature some of Rowan’s best yarns combined with beautiful Swarovski crystals and beads. You’ll find patterns for both garments and accessories that are simply stunning.

These patterns are absolutely spectacular. Depending on the pattern, the beads are sewn on later for embellishment, or they’re added as a crocheted lace border. Combining the ethereal feel of Rowan Kidsilk Haze and the brilliance of Swarovski crystals and beads creates a wonderful, classic, and sophisticated finished project.

In addition to the patterns the combine the yarns and crystals, Rowan has also introduced Kidsilk Haze Shine. Rowan Kidsilk Haze Shine is a special, luxurious yarn that’s perfect for making exceptional accessories that sparkle, shimmer and reflect light in all directions. It combines Kidsilk Haze with approximately 100 sparkling 3mm Swarovski bicone crystals pre-strung along the length, one every 4″. It’s perfect for delicately feminine hair accessories, bracelets, collars and little accents with Rowan Kidsilk Haze Shine.

If you love sparkle, Rowan Swarovski CREATE YOUR STYLE is definitely something you want to check out. We hope you love it!