Valentine Knitting

Valentine Cookies by Aine_D on Flickr. Used under Creative Commons Licence

There are still around two weeks' worth of knitting time before Valentines Day is upon us, if you celebrate it. A handmade gift is always a winner and goes a long way to show how much you care.

Here is an idea which would work for everybody, that you will still have time to make from our pattern archive:

Pretty, Pretty Gloves by knitonthenet, copyright knitonthenet.com

Pretty Pretty Gloves is a very quick knit in aran (worsted) weight yarn. Customising the colours used and adding or leaving out the ribbon makes these fingerless gloves a great unisex knit. You can even make them two-at-a-time to help combat second-sock (glove?)-syndrome by magic-looping with a long circular needle.

Originally made using a self striping yarn, they also look great in solid colours or in a variagated yarn. Greys and black could look especially striking on this pattern, but if you do knit them for your chap, perhaps renaming them 'Rugged, Manly Gloves' might be an idea...

... and if you're looking for that perfect card, how about ordering an A Stitch in Time card featuring beautiful vintage knitting, which you can customise with your own message. There are six gorgeous designs to choose from, and they are available from the knitonthenet shop in both black and white or in colour.

A Stitch in Time Notelets, copyright knitonthenet.com

Ingrid
editorial assistant

Christmas Ideas: 1

Lady's Gauntlet Pattern by Just call me Ruby

Are you looking for a present for a new-ish knitter? Or for something fun to knit up yourself?

The knitonthenet shop has some lovely knitting kits which you can purchase, such as these Lady's Gauntlets, above. All yarns are included, plus a unique set of vintage buttons for a completely individual look. The kits come in a range of eight colour combinations with something to suit everyone. It is a pattern which would suit the advanced beginner upwards, and would be good for learning short row and grafting techniques. There are two sizes to knit - S/M and M/L.

But if gauntlets aren't your thing, then what about a hat?

Retro Cloche Hat by Just call me Ruby

The Retro Cloche Hat is a clever design, knitted both flat and in the round. It again is suitable for an advanced beginner, upwards. This pretty hat has eyelets knitted in to allow a ribbon to be added to adjust the hat for the perfect fit. It is quick to knit so would be great for last minute gift knitting for Christmas too.

Ingrid
editorial assistant