Christmas knits count down

It may be something to do with the clocks changing or it could be Bonfire Night, but this time of year is when any thoughts of Christmas gift knitting come into focus for the KnitPro bloggers. 

It is very easy to be very enthusiastic about making Christmas gifts and even easier for it to all get out of hand. We all know people who have stayed up late into the night in the run up to Christmas trying to finish gifts, or even secretly knitting in the bathroom because they are hiding a surprise.

Creating a handmade gift should bring pleasure to the maker as well as the recipient, so torturing yourself with an almost unachievable gift list misses the point.

So the first step for anyone planning to knit or crochet presents this year is to make a plan – or rather a realistic plan.

• Start with thinking about how many hand knit items you want to give, what you are going to make and if this requires secret knitting.
• Looking at this list work out when you need to finish each item.
• Estimate how long it will take to make each item on your list by those deadlines.
•  Now look at the calendar – is there enough knitting and crochet time available to you to do what you listed?
• If there isn’t enough time, revise your plan now rather than hope you will find a way.

Think about who you are making for. Will some of them appreciate a chunk cable beanie just as much as a lace scarf? Do the hand knit socks require the complex colourwork bands? Or will they be loved by the committed walker as long as they are cosy and in lovely yarn?

Fairly plain socks like Vanilla LatteSocks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes in a special yarn can be as lovely as more complex colourwork socks such as Biscotte's Sheeps by Louise Robert if time is an issue.

Small knitted and crochet gifts may be as appreciated as a complicated sweater. Remember, a non-knitter may not be aware how much time a jumper takes and will be equally touched by the thought and work that goes into a hat, socks or mittens that are perfect for them.

Even if you have already started making your gifts, it is worth taking a look at your plan (if you have made one) to see if you are on track.

Here are a few hat ideas for you.

Winter Dreamer Hat by Kalurah Hudson, Fidra by Gudrun Johnston, Piper Beanie by Deni Sharpe

Whether you are making one scarf or planning yarn gifts for 20 people we wish you all the best with your Christmas crafting plans.