Last Minute Knit and Crochet Xmas
Quick Christmas Gift Ideas to Make for Everyone on Your List
Nov 3, 2007
‘Tis the season to…knit and crochet all those great gift projects. Remember in July when it felt like there was plenty of time to finish up all the planned projects sitting around, just waiting to get finished? Halloween has recently passed, but Thanksgiving has yet to rear its remindful “It’s almost Christmas,” head. Not to worry—a knitter/crocheter still has a good chance of not only finishing projects that are started, but to address everyone else on their lists, too.
Some of these suggestions may seem unconventional, but that’s what makes them such unique gift ideas. All that needs to be done is some planning.
Projects That Have Already Been Started
If project items have already been started, now would be a good time to dedicate some time every day to finishing them. Try not to start any new ones, unless a kit is available, and attempt to work on one piece until finished before moving on to the next one. Start with the easiest project. Don’t panic.
If it’s obvious some won’t be finished in time, there’s no reason that those gifts cannot still be given, just presented with a spin. Simply take a picture of what the gift will look like when finished (maybe the pattern instructions have one), then take a picture of the actual gift in progress. Present that with a card, and it's ready.
This gives the artist a chance to get a better feel as to what the recipients would like most. Maybe a modification is in store, or maybe they would much rather just have a simpler project. No matter what, there will certainly be some discussion around the Christmas Tree, and all of it should be taken in the most positive light possible.
One very important thing to remember is to not be offended by suggestions. After all, it’s the receiver of the gift that has to wear it, and all fiber artists know the worst thing that can happen to a project is for it to get put on a shelf. Try to be open-minded, and give the person the best effort possible—all without spending another nickel. And hey, if they would rather have something else, at least time wasn't wasted on something they wouldn’t have appreciated.
Small Gift Ideas to Begin
If it’s too difficult to bear presenting partially finished work, there are always the good-old standby projects that knit up in a skein of yarn or less.
Wash Rags: These are so quick and easy to make, everyone can use them for something, and they can be custom-colored. They can even be pretty.
Skinny Scarves: Xmas gifts don’t have to be bulky. Year-round scarves are beautiful and versatile.
Play Food: Little girls will adore these items, and they are truly one-of-a kind!
Barbie Clothes: Even if wardrobe addition isn’t a choice, a pretty rug for a dollhouse is quick and gorgeous—use that scrap yarn and play.
Baby Bibs: Small and easy, these will be treasured by their owners for life.
Dolls: The latest rage in crochet is to make animal custom dolls. Fabulous gifts for boys or girls.
Hand-Made Socks: This is one of the most universally popular gifts out there. Store bought socks cannot compete with this gift.
Scrap Yarn Crochet Gifts: Use up stash and crochet great stocking stuffers that cost almost zero.
Give Everyone Exactly What They Want
Finally, if the S.O.S. is warning, collect yarn and some cards. Choose threads to tape onto each card. State on the cards what can be made using the given yarns, and let them choose their own gifts. Now, who could possibly argue with that?
More creative deas can be found at Crochet Stocking Stuffers , Add Embroidery to Projects , and Really-Out-Of-Time suggestions are at Christmas Eve Quick Knit & Crochet.
