Three Gifts You Should Be Knitting for Mom Before Mother's Day - There's Still Time!
Finding time to knit yourself something is hard enough without the added pressure of holidays (still reeling from Christmas, everyone? I know I am!) Here are three quick and easy gifts to knit for Mom. Let her know you love her more than that fingering-weight cardigan you've been working on for 18 months!
Wraps and Shawls
It may seem inappropriate to knit a shawl for your mom when summer is just around the corner, but even air conditioning can give us a chill. And let's not forget the style possibilities! What warms your arms from 9-5 can also hang around your neck in show-offy fashion come fall. Shawls aren't just for old ladies! Scrunch one up to peek out of your coat collar, or wrap it around you while watching Titanic on the couch (or Supernatural, if you're anything like me).
I am thinking specifically of the Pembroke Wrap from the Fall 2011 issue of Interweave Knits. A chunky yarn, chunky needles, and you have this gift ready to pass over in four days flat - maybe sooner! The best part? It looks like it took ages.
Cosies
As a mom, I feel very confident is saying that coffee and/or tea is a mom's very best friend. Sure, we got used to it being cold, but did you know we didn't have to? Knit your mother a cosy for her coffee and expect an enveloping embrace!
There are a myriad of patterns available, but I like simplicity. Let the colors do the work! I knit the teapot cosy on the right in one night, and am now considering a partner for the french press. Want to go a step further? Make cosies for her coffee mugs too! The possibilities are endless.
Dishcloth Patterns
Seed Stitch Dishcloth
With a worsted weight cotton and size 7 or 8 needle, cast on 40 stitches. Knit 10 rows. Next row, knit 5 stitches, then p1, k1, until 5 stitches remain. Turn work. Knit 5 stitches, k1, p1 until 5 stitches remain. Knit until dish cloth measures about 7 inches, then knit 10 rows and bind off.
Organic Cotton Dishcloths or Linen Napkins
Nothing beats charm like dishcloths and napkins. Sure, they may be saved for special occasions, but what woman doesn't feel good knowing she has good linen in the cupboard? Find a relaxing pattern you can work on while watching television or listening to an audiobook and get to work. Your mother will thank you. Yes, I do have a specific pattern in mind: the linen napkins from Last Minute Knitted Gifts (not a bad purchase, if I do say so myself). Delicate and sturdy, and always practical, these are sure to please. Pick a soft neutral hue to match any kitchen, such as light brown or dark navy, or knit them up in a burst of color that matches the curtains.
Don't think she'll want napkins or will keep them hidden too long because of how special they are? Don't fret. Some organic cotton knits up soft and make excellent dish cloths or wash cloths. The patterns are endless! I love a square with a garter stitch border and seed stitch throughout, or eyelets on either side of a garter stitch cloth knit on a bias. See patterns to the right!
KNIT ON!