Christmas Gift Idea

Do you like to crochet gifts for your family and friends?  I have been crocheting gifts for others since I was a little girl.  Back then it was an affordable way to show how much I appreciated each recipient and I loved the creative process of brainstorming unique ideas for each person.

Now I have much less time than I did back then so I don't get to make as many gifts as I would like.  And with the ability to order everything under the sun on the internet, making a special gift has become even more valuable to me. I think giving someone a handmade gift is like giving them a big long-lasting hug that says, "You are very special to me."

Are you like me in that you love to make gifts for others but you lack time and have too many ideas?

Well, here is a simple but elegant scarf that was in the Oct. 2015 issue of Crochet World -
Bangle Bead Scarf.

This scarf is very classy and almost like a necklace.  It is crocheted with Berroco's Captiva - a beautiful yarn that is a shiny silk-like combination of cotton, polyester and acrylic. See more colors here.  The scarf shown is crocheted in the Garnet color.

I found the scarf bails (large metal tube-like findings) on Ebay and the sparkly beads at Hobby Lobby.  With all of the colors and beads available now, the possibilities are endless so you can make one for each of your friends but no two will look alike.

(Even though this pattern is in an issue from 2015, you can still purchase it here for just $5.99  - the Oct. 2015 issue will download instantly to your computer and you'll have 18 more patterns, too!)

Celtic Knot Scarf

Last year Gayle contacted me about the Celtic Knot Scarf pattern that was published in Crochet Today - March 2012.  Gayle made it into more of a stole that can be worn over a minister's robe.  As Gayle and I emailed back and forth about the pattern, I learned about Sarah for whom Gayle was making this special stole.

 

Sarah comes from a strong family of faith that has had it's share of hardships and challenges.  Yet, through it all they have trusted in God and continued to serve others.

 

This Celtic Knot stole was made in honor of Sarah's ordination last year - I think Gayle did a great job with it and it looks wonderful on Sarah.

Congratulations to both of you!

Free Pattern - Great Last Minute Christmas Gift!

Merry Christmas!

Here is another very quick Christmas gift idea for you:



WOVEN NECKLACE


 

This necklace is a FREE pattern and can be found here at www.redheart.com.

This chunky style necklace is made with Metallic Sashay Ruffle yarn in a unique way - This yarn is usually used to make ruffley scarves but I decided to crochet with it coming right off the ball.  Then the long chains are woven together in a special pattern to make the attractive center piece.

All instructions and diagrams can be found in the pattern.

I think this could make a great Christmas gift in red and white or red and green using the beautiful Sashay yarns.

Christmas Holly Leaf Scarf

Here is another quick and easy Christmas gift that is one size fits all!

I created this design several years ago and wear it every Christmas season - I always get many compliments on it and it looks great in photos.

This pattern is available in my Ravelry store for $5.00 - Christmas Holly Leaf Scarf

I crocheted with Red Heart's Shimmer yarn in the colors Lime Green and Red - It is one of my favorite yarns since the metallic thread matches the yarn color.  It is also very soft and washes well.

The Holly Leaf is one of my favorite Christmas symbols.  If you do some research, you will find that the holly leaf and its berries have been used in all sorts of ways in a variety of cultures and religions.  I like the connection of the prickly points to Christ's crown of thorns and the red berries to the ultimate sacrifice he made for us - reminding us of the purpose and reason for Christmas.

But I probably like the holly so much because I have fond memories of watching my mom and her mom adding them to every Christmas card (and envelope) with a swift and graceful flourish of their colored (or gold) markers - a tradition that continues to this day!