Handmade Gift Idea: Crochet Scarves

Ok I know this one is probably kind of a "duh" for a DIY holiday gift, but I just had to share it because I have been crocheting feverishly for the past 2 weeks. There is just something about when it gets cold that makes me have an unstoppable desire to knit cozy things. My grandma taught me to knit many years ago and last year I learned how to crochet (and by that I mean how to make scarves out of using only a single crochet stitch) and this year I am going to try some other patterns to expand my crochet skills.

So in this blog entry I am going to show you the 3 projects I have completed so far this winter and what I have planned to make next. Perhaps this will inspire you to pick up some needles and get to work!

This first project is a giant cowl which was inspired by one owned by a friend of mine. Mine was created by simply chaining 61 stitches then single crocheting row after row until it reached my desired length (about 75") and lastly connecting the two short ends. Such a simple, easy project but the result is very stylish and oh so warm. It took quite a bit of time to complete but now that it is done, I am enjoying wearing it everyday!

This scarf I made as a gift. I used the same stitch as the above cowl, but only made it 20 stitches wide then added some tassels to the end.

I was really digging the over sized cowl look and I found the pattern for this open weave design on lionbrand.com. They have a huge selection of free knitting and crochet patterns for all skill levels (you do have to create an account, but it costs nothing). Here is a link to the pattern I used. I am thinking this one shall be another Christmas gift.

Like I said before, I want to get into some more complicated patterns this year (my normal plan of attack is just to experiment with different yarns and needle sizes using just basic stitches, and sticking to the easiest projects, scarves) While there are thousands of great, free, patterns online I fell in love with these designs on Etsy so I purchased some patterns recently (the patterns section on Etsy is one of my absolute favorite sections to browse!).

Below is my upcoming TO DO: Knit List.
(click on the photos to be taken to the item on Etsy)

This mug cozy was pretty much the cutest thing I had ever seen and I knew I had to make one of my own. I do not have the knitting skills to do this on my own so I purchased the pattern and am so excited to try it. I can't wait to give these to people along with one of my handmade pottery mugs! (Already made cozies are also for sale in this shop for those who do not knit)

I purchased a slouchy beret off Etsy awhile ago and LOVE it. It is so cute and perfect when you do not want to spend a lot of time on your hair (which is most of the days of the week for me). I love it so much that I decided to purchase a few patterns and I will be making some of these for myself and others. Perhaps I need one in every color?

I am really excited about this awesome scarf. I love the mixture of shapes and textures, it reminds me of a kind of shabby chic look. I plan to make it in an off white/ beige color.

Hand knit/crochet accessories can make such heartfelt and cozy gifts and can also be very stylish looking if done right. I will make sure to report back on the above patterns once they are completed. What about you? Will you be learning to knit or crochet this season? (ask a friend or relative to teach you, pick up one of the many great resource books or browse the hundreds of tutorials online!)

Do you already know how to make lovely knitwear? Will you be giving some as gifts this holiday season? Or are you hoping to receive someone else's gorgeous creation on Christmas morning?

Check back soon for more handmade holiday goodness,

*Bonnybee