Photo copyright to DROPS Design http://www.garnstudio.com

Hello, KUTD-ers! Happy Wednesday, and one day closer to Christmas. Are you ready? I thought that these festive knitted DROPS Christmas Socks would be the perfect inspiration to get you into the holiday mood.

For this project you will need size 8mm needles as well as a 6mm crochet hook. The crochet portion is worked at the end to add the fluffy border. You’ll probably want to pick up both red and white yarn –the pattern calls for the foot to be done in red Eskimo yarn (a thick solid yarn) and the border is done in a loopy mohair blend by DROPS called Puddel. You could substitute in comparable yarn weights and types for your project if you don’t have access to these otherwise. The gauge is 11 stitches x 15 rows = 10cm x 10cm swatch.

I like how festive these socks are — they really scream “Christmas!” in my mind. It must be the soft and fluffy trim that reminds me of the fur trim of Santa’s coat. You could always add a small jingling bell or other cute item to hang from the cuff of these. They’d be perfect to wear on Christmas Eve or Christmas day, and would make a lovely gift at the holiday parties you’re attending this season.

See you next week with some more FREE KUTD-able pattern suggestions! Have a great week :)

Photo copyright to Chris de Longpré of Knitting At KNoon Designs

Happy Monday! The small dusting of snow we received here in central Indiana today helped to get me in the mood for Christmas and realize just how close we are! Sometimes I think holidays sneak up on you, just to throw a wrench into your everyday life. Never fear, though, today’s KUTD-able pattern suggestion is the Felted Christmas Stocking pattern by Knitting at KNoon Designs and will make a fantastic gift or decoration for your own home this holiday season.

To create this lovely felted stocking for yourself, you’ll need a worsted weight yarn in something natural that felts nicely, such as wool. The designer used Lamb’s Pride and also recommends Cascade 220 wool. You’ll also need US size 10 needles in either the DPN variety or long enough cable for magic looping. Don’t I say this in almost every post? You’re working in the round on this one, so use whichever is the most comfortable method of doing so for you :) Bring along a tapestry needle for finishing, too. I will make a quick note about gauge; while gauge is probably not terribly important for a project like this that isn’t meant to fit as a clothing item, you may be interested in knowing that the gauge used was 16″ and 20 rows = 4″ in stockinette before felting. This may help you get the right size stocking turnout.

One of the great things about felting is that 1. it helps anchor those woven-in ends neatly and permanently and 2. you don’t really have to worry much about making  little mistakes along the way because felting is very forgiving when it comes to tiny stitch mistakes. If you’re really creative you can embroider the name of the recipient or family member on this one, or add more flair and personalization with images or designs knitted in. Want to do some colorwork? Sure! Rather keep it plain? That works, too.

While this isn’t exactly a sock pattern, it’s close… and trust me, I realize how few sock patterns we’ve had around here lately. Don’t worry, between today and Wednesday’s pattern suggestion, you’ll have Christmas sock knits on the brain :) See you Wednesday!

Photo copyright to Jennifer Tideberg of A Wonderful Place Called Home

Happy December! On this second day of December, it occured to me that perhaps you’d want a pattern suggestion for making a neat way to wrap up Christmas gifts. I’m sure you’re all thick into the shopping or knitting gifts to have ready in time for the holidays, so why not have a neat knitted bag for wrapping? Today’s pattern suggestion is the Holiday Gift Bag by Jennifer Tideberg of A Wonderful Place Called Home. It’s a cute drawstring-like bag that would be perfect for gift giving!

To knit up a holiday gift bag of your very own, you’ll need some worsted weight cotton yarn (the pattern calls for around 2.5oz of cotton) and US size 4 needles. Since the bag is worked in the round, you’ll want 16″ circulars or DPNs. It’s mentioned that gauge is not essential, however, a tighter gauge will create a sturdier bag. This project is worked from the base up.

This perfect little bag would be great for gifting non-knitted items and knitted gifts alike. It’s a great way to add your knitting talents to whatever you’re gifting family and friends this holiday season. I find bags to be so much easier to use when wrapping than using wrapping paper, as a bag will house just about any shape and not give away the identity of the goodies inside! The drawstring top will allow you to wrap just about anything quickly and neatly.

Wishing you lots of luck in completing your holiday knitted gifts on time now that December is upon us. See you Monday with more ideas for a happy holiday :)

Photo copyright to Dianna Potter of Paper-Tiger.net

Hey there, KUTD readers! I hope you all had a fabulous and thankful holiday weekend full of good food, good friends, and family. There’s a bit of a chill in the air this week and I’ve been checking items off of my list that I’m making for Christmas gifts. One item in particular seemed like a great KUTD-able pattern suggestion for you. I present the Cables & Eyelets Cowl by Dianna Potter of Paper Tiger. The post that talks about the pattern doesn’t have a direct link, so you’ll have to scroll down the page a bit to get to the PDF link, but it’s there!

To create a lovely Cables & Eyelets Cowl of your very own, you’ll want a 16″ US size 5 circular needle, or US size 5 DPNs for working in the round. The pattern calls for approximately 200 yards of sport weight yarn. Don’t forget a stitch marker and tapestry needle for finishing! I like that it’s a simple in the round project, but unlike most in-the-round projects I do (hats!) I don’t have to worry about decreasing. If you can do some basic ribbing and follow a simple 12 row chart four times, you can handle this project. It’s a quick knit and would make a great gift.

The Cables & Eyelets Cowl was an adapted pattern based on Jackie Lauseng’s “Hermione’s Cable & Eyelet Hat” at JL Yarnworks. Perhaps you should check it out if you love the look of the beautiful cables and eyelets :) I think what I love about this pattern is the simplicity of adding a cable and eyelet combination that gives the whole cowl a gentle feminine, romantic look.  It would be perfect for suriving British Columbia winters, which is why I am planning to knit one soon for my step-MIL in time for Christmas.

I hope you enjoyed today’s KUTD-able pattern suggestion. Stay tuned, as before you know it… it will be December! That means all kinds of holiday patterns that are soon to come. Enjoy the last day of November and see you back here Wednesday. Happy knitting!

Photo copyright to Elaine Fitzpatrick

Happy Wedneday and Happy Thanksgiving (tomorrow)! This week I’ve been featuring some FREE Thanksgiving related patterns to spice up your holiday, and today’s KUTD-able pattern suggestion is the fantastic Gobble! turkey cloth pattern by Elaine Fitzpatrick over on the Down Cloverlaine blog. It’s such a cute turkey and such a quick knit that you’ll be sure to get it done just in time for guests tomorrow.

To whip up a Gobble! cloth for yourself, you’ll need some cotton yarn in a color suitable for Thanksgiving. I’m thinking coppers, browns, yellows, or beiges. Though really you could make it a wild Thanksgiving and go with whatever colors you wanted. You’ll also need to cook up some US size 6 needles. Thankfully, no turkeys were harmed in the making of this pattern, either! (See previous pattern on Monday — I just recycled the joke. I know, original.)

I love how cute the turkey is on this dishcloth pattern and think it would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving table. What better to use in place of napkins (less waste!) or perhaps use as pot holders to keep a layer of protection between all of those hot bowls of food and your dinner table?  Or if you’re not hosting dinner at your home this year, why not make a few to give as a gift to the hostess at the Thanksgiving dinner you’re attending? It would be a thoughtful gift and a great way to thank them for cooking a fabulous meal.

This Thanksgiving I’m grateful for friends and family. This will be my first Thanksgiving back in the states after living in Canada for three years, and I am eager to share it with family. Be sure to say thank you to all of those in your life this weekend, and enjoy the holiday!

Photo copyright to Sara of Going Crafty

Happy Almost Thanksgiving, readers!  For those of us in the United States, Thanksgiving is this Thursday. (And if you’re Canadian, use it as an excuse to celebrate with turkey twice since you’ve already had your Thanksgiving!) In celebration, I thought I would share a good Thanksgiving related pattern or two this week. First up is the fabulous Jive Turkey Baby Hat by Sara over on the Going Crafty blog, formerly sewgeeky.  I stumbled upon this by accident (and what a great accident, hey?) when searching Ravelry for something turkey or Thanksviging releated for this week’s postings.  The pattern is so awesome that I was in awe of the fact that Sara was generous enough to provide it for free. Thank you!

The Jive Turkey Baby Hat requires a worsted weight yarn. In previous versions of the hat by the author, Red Heart was used. She has also created this hat with Cascade 220 wool, so go nuts and use whichever worsted weight yarn in brown and white you want! You will need US size 8 DPNs or circulars to work in the round as well as US size 7 DPNs, a crochet hook in size G/6 (or similar), some polyfil stuffing, stitch markers, and tapestry needle for finishing. The pattern requires picking up stitches to add the legs to the body, which is more secure than creating the legs separately and attaching them later, so hopefully this is something you’re comfortable with. If not, I’d imagine creating the legs separately could be an alternative.

I adore this hat. It’s so insanely cute and perfect for new babies this time of year (hint, hint…my nephew!) and fairly easy to create. It would make for some great family photos as well. (Or blackmail photos for when your child grows up and brings their first significant other over.) Nothing seems more iconic at Thanskgiving than the image of a turkey, and the best part is that this turkey works well for even vegetarian Thanksgivings! No real turkeys were harmed in the making of this fantastically cute hat. ;)

Hope to see you back Wednesday for one more quick Thanksgiving pattern suggestion to keep your hands busy during the holiday season of gratefulness and giving. Be sure to give thanks to those who are special in your life this week!

Photo copyright to Cheryl Niamath, published at Knitty.com

Hey, KUTD-ers! Happy Wednesday, and welcome back to the Knitting Under the Desk Blog. If this is your first visit to the site, let me introduce you to what we do here. The Knitting Under the Desk Blog posts twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays to share with you completely FREE knitting patterns that are small enough and/or simple enough that they can be knit easily under your desk at work or school. Oftentimes the patterns are related to the season or current holidays and are meant to inspire you with gift ideas. The patterns are posted on Mondays to give you a new project idea at the start of every work week, and Wednesdays to help get you through to the weekend.

Today’s KUTD-able pattern suggestion is  Fetching, a fingerless gloves pattern, by Cheryl Niamath. This beautiful yet simple pair of fingerless gloves is classically elegant with a little cable work and ribbing, and was published in the Summer 2006 issue of Knitty. The pair can be easily knit up over the weekend but have enough flair to keep you far from bored in the process.

To make a pair of Fetching for yourself or a loved one, you’ll want to pick up a skein or two of something soft and lovely like Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (as recommended by the author and used in the project photo.) which is approximately 98yd per 50g ball. The pattern mentions in a few places that a lot of knitters can get away with completing a pair of Fetching with one skein, however, it’s also been reported that in order to do so you’ll need to unravel your test swatch. If you are worried about having enough yarn, just grab a second ball. You can always make a second pair if you don’t end up using it! You’ll also need some US size 6 needles (circular or DPN, whichever your “in the round” preference is), a stitch marker, a cable needle, a tapestry needle, and a length of some contrasting scrap yarn.

What I love most about Fetching is how simple it is. And yet, so pretty and useful. I think a pair of these would make a great gift for my sister-in-law this Christmas, who wants to have warm hands, but also needs the use of her fingers. And with it taking only one ball of yarn, it’s also an economical gift that will be well received. As the pattern says, you can get the yarn on a Friday, and by Sunday you’ve got a finished pair of fingerless gloves to wear to work on Monday. You’ll love it!

Have a wonderful rest of your week and a great weekend! Hope you enjoyed today’s KUTD-able pattern suggestion :)

Photo copyright to Rachel Iufer

Hello, readers! I hope you had a relaxing weekend. To inspire you this Monday I am sharing the beautiful Robin’s Egg Blue Hat by Rachel Iufer at the i dream of knitting blog.  I’ve had this hat queued for a long time because I find its simplicity very beautiful. I also like the funky large button, which adds a little flair to the hat.

To knit a Robin’s Egg Blue hat of your own, you’ll need some chunky wool. The author uses Patons Shetland Chunky, so something similar would work perfectly. You’ll also need US size 10 needles as well as DPNs or circulars to work in the round. The beginning of the hat that looks like a belt or band is knitted in seed stitch flat on straight needles, and then you join in the round to do the body of the hat later. As always, use whatever your “in the round” preference is! Don’t forget to bring along a stitch marker, a tapestry needle, and an extra large button for finishing!

My favorite part about this hat is the faux belt/band look with the button. Using seed stitch for this portion with the rest of the hat knitted in stockinette really makes this stand out! You can also get creative with your choice of button to complete the look.  Since it’s fathomable that you may knit a hat in a color other than blue, you could always  match your button to whatever yarn you use, or make it neutral so that your hat goes with just about anything. You could also use fun shaped buttons or antique buttons — this is where you get to make the hat your own to fit your personal style.

With cooler weather upon us, hats are a very popular knitting choice. The holidays are closing in, and I love making new hats for my friends and family. Hats are my absolute favorite thing to knit ever! I don’t even wear that many hats. One of the hats I featured not too long ago, the Lace-Edged Women’s Hat, I just recently completed.  I made one for my best friend for her birthday and then quickly whipped up a matching one for myself. Now that it’s freshly blocked and ready to go, I find myself already on the look for another hat to knit for myself…. I haven’t even worn the first one I made yet! I love toques. Have a great day :)

Photo copyright to Lesley Karpiuk

Heya, KUTD-ers! Welcome to Wednesday, and another Knit-Under-The-Desk-able pattern suggestion from us here at Knitting Under the Desk! Today’s pattern suggestion is a little early, since it’s Christmas/Winter holiday related and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but I figured posting this one far enough in advance would be advantageous for those who want to get a head start on holiday knits.

Today I showcase the Knitted Christmas Ornament Covers by Judy Sumner over at KnoxSocks. Aren’t these fantastic?! The pictures I’ve included on today’s post are my own, because I’m currently in the middle of whipping up 13 of these babies to give as Christmas gifts to friends and family this year. (I’m about halfway done.) The pattern includes instructions for creating ornament covers in either worsted or DK weight yarn, so you’ll need something festive in one of those weights. I chose a 100% cotton by Bernat in holiday colors, but you could experiement with other yarn textures and colors.  You’ll also  need clear glass ornaments to cover with your fabulous knitting — approximately 9-1/2″ circumference. You can find these at your local big box craft stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or JoAnn Fabrics. To knit, you’ll want some US size 5 DPNs or circulars — however you prefer to knit in the round.

Photo copyright to Lesley Karpiuk

I absolutely adore this pattern. It’s quick and simple and kinda sorta makes me feel like I’m knitting something exotic. On the needles it looks fairly plain as you go, but once you stretch it over your glass ornament you’ll be amazed at how elegant it looks. It spirals and looks lacey and intricate. I think putting some fun gold garland or something sparkly inside of the glass ornament first will add an extra special touch to your finished piece.  Make one for yourself or make a bunch to adorn your tree. Or make a bunch to pass out to family and friends – either way, they’re super fast and a huge hit!

Have a great week and see you next Monday! Don’t forget that if you come across a free pattern that you find particularly KUTD-able, send it my way! I’d love to credit you for the submission and post your pattern ideas here as well. Take care!

Photo copyright to Kathryn Schoendorf, published on Knitty

Good morning and happy Monday, KUTD-ers! I hope you had a relaxing weekend. I spent most of my weekend gaming and celebrating my husband’s birthday. It was a good time! One thing that helps me look forward to the start of a new week is having a KUTD post to write and having a new free pattern suggestion to share with you. I think you’ll like today’s pattern: The Calorimetry Headband pattern by Kathryn Schoendorf, published over in the Winter 2006 Knitty issue.

Calorimetry is a scientific term and refers to the measurement of heat that is lost or gained, and since we know that’s important when it comes to keeping your head warm in the winter, the Calorimetry is the perfect solution for those who want to keep the heat in all while being stylish and wearing their hair up instead of down. Let’s face it: hats usually require your hair to be down and don’t fit right if you’re a ponytail kinda person. Never fear! The Calorimetry will keep you fashionable AND warm.

Photo copyright to Kathryn Schoendorf, published on Knitty

To knit a Calorimetry for yourself or a friend, you’ll need one skein of warm wool (the author recommends Filatura di Crosa 127 Print 100% Merino Wool) and US size 8 needles. This project is knit flat with short rows, so you just need straights today. (I realized that most of my recent project suggestions have been in-the-round projects, lol) You’ll probably want a safety pin, 2 stitch markers, and a tapestry needle for finishing. A button is also on the ‘need’ list, but the pattern recommends that you wait until after you’ve completed the Calorimetry to ensure you purchase the right sized button.

What I love about the Calorimetry is that it’s a one skein, simple project that you can easily knit for all of your friends this fall and winter season. It doesn’t use any fancy techniques and is good short row practice, plus the whole functional and fashionable thing is good ;) These are really popular and now that the pattern is almost 3 years old, you’ll find lots of examples on Ravelry to inspire you. Have fun!