The holiday season has too many “shoulds”.

And, as knitters, we’re often overwhelmed with the “shoulds”:
We should knit a gift.
We should have handknit stockings.
We should knit ornaments for the tree.

But I like to let go of the shoulds and focus on the wants.

What do I want out of the holiday season?
Lots of time with my family.
Knitting by the tree.
Giving handmade gifts to the people who really appreciate and cherish them.
Teaching young cousins to knit (with this kit).

In that spirit, I’ll be sharing some great ideas for patterns to knit for gifts, IF you want to knit gifts this year. If you don’t, then I bet you’ll enjoy making them for yourself!

To start with, I’ll share what my family really loved the past few years:

Handspun, handdyed crocheted mitts for my little brothers.

Pattern: Basic Fingerless Mitts
Similar yarn: any of this handdyed handspun yarn

Boring Manly scarf for Jay

Patern: 1×1 rib.
Yarn: Jo Sharp Silk Tweed, purchased at Churchmouse Yarns.

Every year I make my mom a scarf from my handdyed, handspun yarn, but I can’t seem to find ANY pictures of her wearing them! Hmm…
The scarf that was the most popular was probably the Multi-directional Scarf (especially cool in a self-striping yarn, like Neon Rainbow)

What have been your successful knitted gifts?