5 Faves from Knits Gifts 2021

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I love our Gifts issues. I look forward to them every year. While the resplendent sweaters and plush shawls of Interweave Knits are gorgeous and stunning every time, I’m utterly entranced by what our designers pull off in the smaller space of the accessories we often feature in Interweave Knits Gifts.

via GIPHY

This year was no exception! From beautiful colorwork hats and mittens to cabled stockings to cute stuffed animals, this year’s Knits Gifts issue contains some truly gorgeous projects to celebrate the season. 

Julia’s Favorites from Knits Gifts 2021

Today, I’m bringing you five of my favorites. 

Mistletoe Socks

I discovered sock knitting last year, and I’ve grown completely enamored of it. As a result, the Mistletoe Socks by designer Aud Bergo caught my attention almost immediately. With a gorgeous stranded motif playing across brightly colored stripes, these socks are as eye-catching as they are comfy. They present a great opportunity to play with colorwork: pick your favorite shades, or the favorites of your intended recipient! 

Boreal Hat and Mittens

The Boreal Hat and Mittens by designer Mone Dräger are a wonderful example of the beauty of less-is-more. This set uses two colors and a simple stranded design, but simply flipping the color placement between the hat and the mittens results in a stunning pair of accessories. Even better, the worsted-weight yarn means this project will simply fly off your needles! 

Dash Away Slippers

One of my favorite things to do when the mornings turn chilly is slide my feet into a pair of cozy slipper-socks. The Dash Away Slippers by designer Emily Kintigh would have made it onto my “To Knit” list because of this alone, but they’re also quick to make and beautiful to wear! Chunky cables wind their way up the cuff, while moss stitch creates textural interest along the foot.

Taiga Hat and Mitts

With an almost hypnotic geometric design, the striking Taiga Hat and Mitts are one of my favorite patterns from this issue. Worked in a hard-wearing, DK-weight 100% wool yarn, designer Laura Barker has made some clever modifications to the last repeat of the pattern to seamlessly hide the jog. 

Paul & Babe

What better way to spend the holiday season than with a pair of cuddly friends! Designer Brenda K. B. Anderson has created just the thing: Paul & Babe exude wooly, rustic charm, and are the perfect thing to decorate a mantle or a shelf this winter. These two have mobile arms and legs, and they’ve been designed to hold hands wherever they go!

Gotta Knit ‘Em All: Knits Gifts 2021

After spending so many hours with this Knits Gifts issue, I fell in love with each and every project. Which gave me a (probably crazy) idea. 

What if I made all of them? 

It’s a tall order, but it’s one I look upon with excitement. I’ve already picked up yarn to start my first project: Mone Dräger’s Boreal Hat and Mittens. I’ve already made Jenny Williams’s Dancing Duo Stocking, which leaves me with 14 projects: about one a month if I give myself a year to get through everything. It may not pan out. But if it does, I’ll certainly let you know! 

Happy Knitting, 
Julia 

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Celebrate the season with Knits Gifts and More!