Christmas Gift Ideas for the Crocheter

1. Crochet Hooks

If you're looking through this list for gift ideas, chances are the crocheter in your life already has a hook or two (or fourteen!).  However, there are some specialty hooks out there that are sure to delight.

Cornerstone Products Lite Crochet Hooks -- That's right, it lights up!  How cool is that?  You can crochet in the dark with these!

19 mm Crochet Hook -- If you don't know, this is a huge hook, but it could be fun to use!

Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set -- I have this set.  It's fantastic.  The grips are also really great if your hands get tired after a long crochet session.

2. Hook Cases

My Mom gave me a great little case a couple of years ago for Christmas.  It's so great to have.  It travels with me everywhere.  It might be a bit ridiculous, but I would be somewhat devastated to lose the case.  (Especially if my hooks were in there!)

Pink Crochet Hook Case -- This one looks cute.

3. Pattern Books

Looking through crochet pattern books is so enjoyable!  It sparks the imagination for new projects.

Easy Crochet Critters -- I own this book, it was a gift from my husband, and have made quite a few of the animals.  Some multiple times.  I love it.  The directions are clear and the animals are adorable.  It's a great introduction into amigurumi.  (Here's an elephant I made.  Here's a giraffe.)

4. Crochet Reference Books

Even the most experienced crocheter needs a reference book.

Super Stitches Crochet -- I reference this book frequently.  I love that it has both written instructions and diagrams for many stitches.

5. Yarn

This shouldn't come as a surprise, but crocheters love yarn.

Bonbons

Nature's Choice

Heads Up

I hope that this list helps you find a gift for the crocheter in your life.  If you crochet, what are some items that you would love to receive?

A Knitting Pattern: The Purple Ribbed Cowl

This post contains affiliate links. 

For such an easy knitting project finishing this cowl has been quite a journey.  It started when I was following a different pattern that wasn't completely ribbed.  I didn't like the way it curled so I frogged it.  (I think the curl effect doesn't work as well with the thick and textured Homespun yarn.  In my humble opinion, of course.)  Then I decided to make a cowl that simply was ribbed all around.  Well, I made a rookie mistake and accidentally twisted my foundation.  I didn't notice until I was a couple of inches into the cowl.  Whoops!  So I frogged it again.  The third time was a charm though!

Materials:
Yarn: Homespun by Lion Brand
Needles: Circular 8 mm

Pattern:

• Cast on 100 stitches on circular needles.
• Join.
• Check to make sure your work isn't twisted.
• Check again.  Seriously.
• Round One: Knit two, purl two all the way around.
• Check once more that your work isn't twisted.
• Round Two: Repeat round one.  (Knit in all knit stitches and purl in a purl stitches.)
• Continue until you reach your desired size, mine is about 12 inches tall.
• Cast off and weave in ends.

This is super cozy, warm, and soft.  It's a great project for a beginner.  It's quick to make.  I think it would make a great handmade gift for a loved one this Christmas.

 

Rachel: The Philosopher's Wife

ENTER HERE.

An Easy Scalloped Headband Crochet Pattern

I'm quite happy with this crochet headband pattern that I whipped up.  It's quick, easy, and pretty -- three things that I like in a project.

It uses only basic crochet skills, so it's great for beginners as well as more experienced crocheters.

Materials and equipment:

Hook: E/3.5 MM
Yarn: Aunt Lydia's crochet thread in white
One ponytail elastic

• Start by crocheting three singles crochet stitches around a hair elastic. Chain one and turn.
• Single crochet across each stitch (3), chain one and turn.  Repeat until headband reaches your desired length.  Crochet around the hairband again on the last row.

• Single crochet around the edge.  If you want a very simple headband you could stop here.   
• *Single crochet, skip one stitch, five double crochets in one stitch, skip one stitch*, repeat around entire headband.

Catherine wanted in on the photo shoot, so here she is with her many "photo faces".  That cheesy smile makes me chuckle every time.

I'd love if you'd add this to your Ravelry queue, or one of your Pinterest boards!

I love sharing my projects at places like these and Hookin on Hump Day!

Pretty in Paisley Skirt

This post may contain affiliate links.

This skirt was a great afternoon sewing project.  My sweet husband kept the kids (mostly) out of my craft room to allow me some glorious (mostly) uninterrupted sewing time.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, especially since my skills are a bit rusty.  There are lots of little (and big) imperfections, but it's totally wearable and I think it's cute!

I used New Look Sewing Pattern 6354, view F, for my pattern.  I did make a few changes.  I added a lining, so I cut two of each of the skirt pieces.  I also didn't add any ribbon detail around the waist.  Another minor thing that I added was some top-stitching around the very top, it looks more finished and it helps keep the elastic in place. 

The pretty paisley fabric came from the Walmart clearance section.  As did the turquoise material used on the yoke.  (I can't remember where the tan fabric that I used for the lining came from; it was probably on clearance at either Walmart or Joann's.)

There are no visible raw edges on the skirt.  I dislike raw edges, because I think they make a garment look a little frumpy -- even when the wearer is the only one to see them.  (It's a personal thing, and believe me, I don't mind them on other people's stuff!)

Here's the inside of the skirt, where you can see the lining. (You can also see some of my very messy seams, oh well.)  The lining's right side is facing in (towards my legs), making the wrong sides of both fabrics face one another.

I hemmed the lining about an inch higher than the skirt.  For this hem I simply folded the material over, ironed it, then folded it once more to hide the raw edge, ironed again and finished it with a zigzag stitch.  The skirt hem I folded, ironed, zigzag stitched, then folded again and did a straight line top-stitch.  

I made a reversible skirt with this same pattern a couple of years ago. 

 

Rachel: The Philosopher's Wife

I will be sharing this at various parties around the web, including these!

Easy Banana Oatmeal Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Despite this cookie's long name they really are super easy to make.  They aren't overly sweet, so indulge without the guilt!  (Or have a few for breakfast.)

Makes 16 cookies.

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup of oatmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Mash the bananas.  Add the the remaining ingredients and mix until combined.  Spoon onto lightly greased cookie sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Cool for one minute before removing.  

Here's the awesome part: these cookies have less than fifty delicious calories each!  

I will be sharing this recipe at various blog parties, including these and It's Time for a Party!

Crochet Snowflakes

Even though I have the windows wide open today, and Catherine and I wore short sleeves outside, it is December.  While I very much have enjoyed the park this week I am ready to get in the mood for Christmas.  And who doesn't love a white Christmas?  Here's a slightly less chilly take on a white Christmas!

Crocheted snowflakes.  

If you haven't crocheted before or haven't in a long time, don't be intimidated by snowflakes!  Crocheting really isn't that difficult and there are so many awesome and easy to follow tutorials out there.  With the right pattern, even if you are a beginner, you could make a few  pretty snowflakes in an afternoon!

I tried a couple of different snowflake patterns, and ultimately decided that the pattern from Redheart for Snowflake #1 of the garland is the simplest with the most dramatic appearance (see below).  It requires only very basic crochet skills: chains, single crochet, and slip stitches.  

There are many more complicated patterns out there and quite a few fairly easy ones as well.  If you're a member of Ravelry there are many gorgeous patterns to chose from.  (If you aren't a member, I highly recommend you join if you crochet or knit. It is a very handy FREE website!  )

I think that my favorite snowflake is the one below.  The pattern can also be found at Redheart.  This is another fairly simple pattern.  

Of course, snowflakes don't have be made using crochet thread--you can use "regular" yarn as well!  These were made using a sport weight yarn and are about the size of a small plate while the others are roughly three inches from point to point.

What are some good uses for these cute little works of art?  

• Make a bunch and hang them on the Christmas tree!  They are especially great if you have kids or pets, as they won't break and aren't poisonous.  
• Stitch them together and make a beautiful garland.
• Hang them from your fan pulls.
• Put them on a wreath.
• Use them as curtain tie backs. 
• Add one with a gift tag to jazz up a present.  

If you like the look of the snowflakes I made, but don't want to make them yourself, I sell some in my Etsy shop!  (I welcome custom orders, but hurry!)  I had a bunch of these at the craft fair this past weekend, and I was shocked how fast they sold out!

Since my little helper was just too adorable while helping me take pictures, here's another one of her! She ever-so-carefully hung the snowflakes on the bush for me. 

I love to share my projects at various blog parties! See below for links to some of the parties, or check out my Crafty Links page for even more places to party! 
Hooking on Hump Day, Super Link Party, Yarn Along,  Show Off Your Stuff, Hookin' Up with HoH, Let's Bloom Link Party, Things I've Done, Do Something Crafty, Shine on Fridays, The Grant Life, Fantabulous Fridays, Fall into the Holidays, M.M.M., Just Something I Whipped Up, A Round Tuit, Make it Yourself Monday, I Made it Monday, Craftastic Link Party, Craft-O-Maniac Monday, The Gunny Sack, Fine Craft Guild--Time for a Party!

Super Easy and Delicious Two Ingredient Cake

I'm a lazy cook.

Well, not always.  I do enjoy making big homemade meals.  My new favorite mac & cheese recipe takes a bit of time to prepare--at least a lot more time and effort than opening up a box of Kraft!  However, I am always on the lookout for super easy and delicious foods.  

Two ingredient recipes take the cake for being both simple and yummy!  Long time readers might remember another two ingredient cake that I made a while back.  Today's cake is another winner.  

Carrot Apple Cake

1 Box of Carrot Cake

1 Can of Apple Pie Filling

Preheat oven to 350.  Spray baking pan.  Mix the two ingredients together.  Bake until toothpick comes out clean, about 25 minutes.  Enjoy!

Christmas is coming!

Shop at Amazon with all the comforts of home.

I love to share at various link parties.  

I party at these places as well as the following:
M.M.M., Mad Skills Party, A Round Tuit, Tutorial Tuesday