Project Inspiration

Small projects are a great way to take a break between larger more involved projects. We like to think of these as little knit and crochet snacks--small, satisfying, quick and easy. A good small project will cleanse your palette and leave you feeling successful and ready to take on a bigger more challenging project.

Today we have rounded up some of our favorite quick and easy knit and crochet patterns. And better yet, all of these patterns are available for free on Ravelry!

Knit Patterns
A lovely simple shawl recipe perfect for using up stash!

Textured Shawl Recipe by Orlane

Hats for the whole family!

Barley by Tin Can Knits

A perfect gender neutral scarf in linen stitch. This pattern is great for variegated yarns.

Cerus Scarf by Hillary Callis Smith

If you're a spinner or have a skein of thick and thin knit up this quick and easy cowl.

Through Thick and Thin by Mari Chiba

Crochet Patterns
Washcloths are useful and also make great gifts.

Oh So Soft Baby Washcloths by Theresa Grant

While warmer weather is still yet to arrive in most places keep your hands warm with these lovely cabled hand warmers.

Cable Wrist Warmers by Julee Fort

This crochet hat is perfect for transitioning into spring. Get a head start on the warm weather with this hat.

Easy Peasy Women's Winter Hat by Mary Englar

Have you knit or crochet any of these patterns? Or do you have a favorite quick and easy pattern you'd like to share? Leave a comment telling us!

Giveaway
Congratulations to Cheryl G, you're our lucky winner! We'll be in touch to arrange delivery of your Karbonz Midi Interchangeable Needle Set. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Free Pattern: Fingerless Mitts

Today we're excited to bring you a free pattern from designer Jessica Anderson for a pair of simple and easy fingerless mitts.

Finished Dimensions: 6.5 inches/16.5 cm

Gauge: 32 sts = 4inch/10 cm

Yarn: Baah! La Jolla, 100% Superwash Merino Wool, 400 yards (365 meters)/100 grams, color: My Sweet Valentine, 1 skein

Needles: Set of size 2 DPNs

Supplies: Tapestry needle, measuring tape, scissors, stitch marker.

Abbreviations
CO cast-on
dpn(s) double-pointed needle(s)
k knit
m marker
p purl
pm place marker
rnd(s) round(s)
St st Stockinette stitch
st(s) stitch(es)

Texture Stitch
Rnd 1: Knit.
Rnd 2: K1, *p1, k5, p1, k1; rep from * once more.
Rnd 3: K1, *p2, k3, p2, k1; rep from * once more
Rnd 4: K2, p2, k1, p2, k3,p2, k1, p2, k2.
Rnd 5: K3, p3, k5, p3, k3.
Rnd 6: K4, p1, k7, p1, k4.

K2, p2 Rib
Rnd 1: *K2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.

Mitts

CO 52 sts, pm and join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist your sts.
Work in K2, p2 Rib for 8 rnds.
Inc Round: *Knit 12, Kf/b; repeat from * to end of rnd. (56 sts)
Knit 1 rnd.
K6, pm, k17, pm, k to end of the rnd.
Pattern Round: Knit to m, sm, work in Texture Stitch to m, sm, knit to end of rnd.
Continue to work the Pattern Round until piece measures 3.5”/ 9 cm from CO edge.

Left Mitt
Work in pattern to last 4 sts, knit next 7 sts with waste yarn, place sts back on left needle, and knit these sts again using working yarn. Continue working in pattern until piece measures 5”/12.5 cm from CO edge.

Right Mitt
Work in pattern to 3 sts after second m, knit next 7 sts with waste yarn, place sts back on left needle and knit these sts again using working yarn. Continue working in pattern until piece measures 5”/ 12.5 cm from CO edge.

Both Mitts
Knit 1 rnd.
Dec Round: *K12, k2tog; rep from * to end of the rnd. (52 sts)
Knit 1 rnd.
Work in K2, p2 rib for 8 rnds.
Bind off in pattern.

Thumbs
Carefully remove waste yarn. Pick up 6 sts on top and 7 sts on bottom.
Reattach working yarn, pm, knit across the top 6 sts, pick up and knit 2 sts, knit across bottom 7 sts, pick up and knit 2 sts. (17 sts)
Knit 3 rnds.
K2tog, knit to end of rnd. (16 sts)
Work in K2, p2 rib for 4 rnds.
Bind off in pattern.

Finishing
Weave in ends and trim. Wash and block lightly.

Learn more about Jessica and her designs on her website: http://allinadaysfun.blogspot.com/

Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Ravelry user Mikaiyawa, you've won a copy of Silve from Artistic Differences and a Nova Platina DPN Set! We'll be in touch to arrange delivery of your prize.

Last-Minute Gift Inspiration

No matter how well you plan your holiday crafting, there is sure to always be some unexpected gifting emergency that pops up at the last minute! Today, we'll share some fun & fast projects which can be made in a jiffy, plus a few of our favorite Knitter's Pride products which are certain to be at the top of YOUR wish list this year! We also have one last giveaway this year for our fabulous blog readers & the winners of our Mother Bear Project Kit giveaway to announce - read on for more details!

Quick Knits

These projects can be whipped up in no time flat and are all available for free via the Ravelry links below!

L-R: Knitted Pocket Gnome by Jenni Propst, Rikke Hat by Sarah Young, and Non-Felted Slippers by Yuko Nakamura.

Speedy Crochet

These popular crochet projects are all quick to make and available for free on Ravelry, too!

L-R: Mug Hug and Rug by Marinke Slump (top left), 15 Min Coffee Sleeve by Jonna Venture (bottom left), GAP-tastic Cowl by Jen Geigley, and Polar Bear Hat by Sarah Zimmerman.

Knitter's Pride Wish List

Our Interchangeable Knitting Needle Sets and Crochet Hook Sets are always the perfect gift for discerning stitchers. This year, we are pleased to offer the  Limited-Edition MarblZ Gift set for the holiday season which includes 9 pairs of needle tips in sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11; 4 cords; 8 end caps; and 4 cord keys. The set also includes a pen made from our special Symfonie Wood, a set of cord connectors, and a Knitter's Pride needle gauge!

Our new Knit Blockers are the "it" item of the season! This time-saving tool will make blocking your next project a breeze; they are especially suited for projects with long, straight edges, allowing you to apply consistent tension throughout.

Knit Blockers in action, courtesy of the Fibre Space Instagram feed

Our fashionable storage solutions will delight knitters and crocheters who are looking to get organized in the new year! Choose from several styles of needle and hook cases in three stylish color options, each with a coordinating tote bag.

Mother Bear Project Kit Winners

Congratulations to littlemomto2 and NanaMamah, you have each won a project kit generously donated by the folks at the Mother Bear Project! Click here to learn more about this wonderful charity on our last blog post. We will contact the winners to arrange for the delivery of their prizes; thanks to everyone who entered this giveaway!

Holiday Giveaway

This month, we're giving away a Deluxe Karbonz Interchangeable Set to one lucky blog reader! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling us which Knitter's Pride product is at the top of your wish list this year! Be sure to also include your Ravelry ID or email address so that we can contact you if you win. We'll randomly select a winner to announce on our next blog post on December 30, 2014. Good luck!