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  • Holidays

Yes I am going to talk about Christmas and holiday knitting……I know, I know it might seem early but the reality in the crafting world is: if you’re planning on making holiday gifts you have to start at least now….better yet the end of summer, beginning of fall!

Everyone seems to have their own set of rules as to when it is “allowed” to start to celebrate the holidays. For me it is December 1st, that is when I can start playing my Christmas music (ahh Roger Whittaker, Boney M….ok, now that is starting to get me a little excited) and put up my Christmas lights. But the retail world seems to like to introduce anything holiday earlier and earlier every year. I don’t know about you but for me a big sign that the Christmas holidays are fast approaching is when Starbucks starts pumping out all there holiday drinks…gingerbread latte, peppermint mocha or eggnog latte…anyone? I even noticed that the grocery stores are already stocking eggnog??!! Where has the time gone, before we know it the festivities will be in full force. To try and save you some last minute stress I thought I would give you a soft nudge and list a few ideas for some fast easy gifts that you can whip up in time for the giving season.

Decorative holiday balls are a fun, colourful project great for gifting. So many options and colours to play around with, and a wonderful way to learn how to do colour work in your knitting. As well as use all the new knowledge you learned from last weeks colour blog post;). We have this great book full of different ball patterns for any holiday occasion:

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And for crochet:

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Even for your “ugly sweater party”, you can knit your own:

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What about trying to knit your own stocking or slipper socks, so much more fun, meaningful and sentimental than the store bought. Just think of the beautiful piece of art hanging from your fireplace. There are a ton of different patterns, varying in degree of difficulty and we would be happy to help you find the right one for you. Here are a couple of suggestions:

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http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heirloom-christmas-stocking-3
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http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/colour-block-slipper-sock

If you would like some additional support, I am teaching a stocking/slipper class on Mondays starting December 1st for three weeks (8th and 15th) from 12-2pm. “But I have never knit a sock before” you say….then my sock bootcamp class is the perfect fit for you. You can learn all of the components of knitting a sock in just three hours, by completing a mini training sock. Then you will be set to try any topdown sock or stocking pattern or ready to join the basic sock class for additional learning.

Of course you can always knit scarves, cowls, mittens/gloves, hats or houseware accessories. The pattern possibilities there are endless, all of the staff can help you find the perfect fit. This is a great time to try out some of the more luxurious yarns like cashmere, mink, possum, angora and alpaca…so soft, warm and cozy.

Even if you are one of those last minute shoppers and really pinched for time we have you covered with arm knitting. Honestly anyone can do this, from young child to adult and in maybe one hour max!!! Yes really that simple…and it can be turned into a lovely chunky cowl or scarf.

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Both Karen and I will be teaching arm knitting workshops, so there is bound to be a time that fits your schedule. Karen will hold them on Sundays, 12-1pm and I will teach the technique on Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30. You can check out our website for more info and the current class list- www.urbanyarns.com. Or come by the shop to get inspired we’ve got lots of ideas, see all the beautiful colours and yarns….no excuses people, it is time to get your craft on for the holidays!!!

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