I am way, way behind on this.
I have been following along some of my favorite knitting designers on Instagram these past few weeks, noticing that almost all are offering a bundle of gorgeous patterns at a special discount price in honor of Ravelry’s yearly Gift-A-Long (Or GAL, for short. Aren’t knitting acronyms great?).
It’s funny how each year we tell ourselves this year it will be different. That we won’t fall behind on our holiday knitting and have everything wrapped up and ready by early December. Then, before I know it, early December is creeping around the corner and I have barely started anything!!! Yikes.
Today, November 30, is the very last day these Gift-A-Long pattern bundles are offered at a special discount price. So to get back on track, I’ve created a list of my favorite patterns included in Ravelry’s GAL that would make excellent gifts this holiday season. You’ll find all sorts of projects here, from mittens to scarves to cardigans! To make your life easier, I’ve ordered the patterns from quicker, smaller projects (scarves, slippers, and mittens), to larger more ambitious ones (colorwork cowls). I’d love to hear which ones are your favorites in the comments below!
Popsicles by Tisserin Coquet
These beautiful brioche mittens by Tisserin Coquet would make a quick yet original knit for someone you love this holiday season. I especially find her color choices fabulous, and love the idea of a double cuff! Pattern is available in both English and French.
Zippertooth Mitts by Clare Lakewood
If you’re looking for the perfect beginner pattern to practice your stranded colorwork skills, look no further. This is also a great pattern for using up leftover scraps of yarn, and the options for color combinations are endless!
Pink Madness Scarf by Lesley Anne Robinson
This scarf is perfect for beginners in brioche, providing a lovely and interesting design at each end of the scarf. The middle of the scarf can be knit up quickly, making this a great last minute project! And if you’re really running short on time but are intrigued by the brioche motif, Lesley also has a beautiful coaster pattern featuring just that!
Toba Slippers by Jane Richmond
These slippers look like they would fit right at home in a rustic old cabin in the middle of the woods. They’re knit with Canadian-based Hinterland yarn in a bulky Alpaca and Rambouillet blend. Cozy and sustainable, these slippers would make the perfect gift for the eco-conscious outdoorsy type in your family!
Adama by Hilary Smith Callis
The Adama cowl by Hilary Smith Callis is a beautiful cowl-shawl hybrid, knit with shawl shaping but with the second half worked in the round. It incorporates a lovely diamond lace stitch pattern to keep things interesting and classic at the same time.
Taimana Cowl by Aroha Knits
Francoise Danoy of Aroha Knits draws much of her design inspiration from her Maori heritage, and this cowl is a beautiful example. Although this pattern is intended for intermediate to advanced knitters, Francoise Danoy has also included written and video tutorials with the pattern, for beginners looking to get out of their comfort zone!
What will you be working on this holiday season?
