We launched our December issue this weekend!

There are 14 free patterns for you to enjoy. Lots of quick to knit and crochet so you have time to make things for gift giving this month. And if you’re not crafting for someone else, quicker to make is a good thing for yourself too, right?

Let’s look at the designs.

Vox Populi shawl

This one is done in 2 contrasting colors. The twisted, slipped stitch makes each section stripe against the other. Cool, right? It’s possible I already started this one with some stash yarn.

Pretty Pavement Cowl

If you’ve been itching to try mosaic knitting this is a great intro. It uses a bully weight yarn so it’s quick to work up and the color options are endless.

Oh and we’re planning a tutorial on mosaic knitting too in case this technique is new to you.

Making Waves Shawl

This shawl is quite different from Vox. Although it’s also two colors, it uses lace and short rows to make its shape.

I love how the short rows make the crescent shape and still let you work from beginning to end – no picking up stitches for the border!

Copper Penny Socks

If you’re as obsessed about socks as I am, these are a great option. They’re knit toe-up so you can use your whole skein of yarn (just remember to weigh it beforehand).

The cables make for a pretty detail and I always find socks go faster when I’m working a stitch pattern.

Tales of Winter Hoods

Make these for everyone in your family! They’ll keep you toasty warm and the shape means it’s less focused on sizing.

These hoods come in 4 sizes – baby, toddler, teen and adult. And with the built-in cowl you get a great insulating layer too.

Cha Cha Backpack

If you’re just not sure what to make, this backpack can be a great option for a little girl on your list. The ruffles are a fun accent and the 2 sizers give you some options. Plus the adjustable straps allow for a custom fit. Great if you don’t want to let the recipient know ahead of time.

Cowls and more Cowls

When Winter Winds Blow

Here’s another way to use two colors. Make it as long or short as you want. The slipped stitches create the undulating lines for you. And since it’s a short length repeat, you can make it as wide or as narrow as you want.

Oh, and since its doubled – all the ends hide on the inside. Bonus!

Moon Rock

If you have a few skeins of a pretty, solid yarn (or mostly solid), this can be a great option. The two textures play up the color and keep it interesting to knit.

Knitted Knot

This one’s a fun option for that yarn you’re just not sure what to do with. You know the one. Colors you love but look funky together when knitted up. This design interplays the colors with little “knots”.

The end result looks more woven than knitted but it’s a simple technique and the designer even created a video to help you do it.

After Dinner Wrap

This is a great alternative to the poncho but still easy to throw on over your outfit so you still feel put together.

The tab keeps the wrap wrapped and the chevron stitch blends colors together.

Eunice Ewe

This is a fun one for kids or adults!

The detailed instructions give you everything you need and the step-out pics clarify where you might have questions.

And she’s 18″ tall so you have lots of options for dressing her up too.

Fornos Hat

A modern take on stranded knitting. This one blends the colors to great effect and the stitch pattern makes it fun to knit too. Choose a main color and a few accent colors and go. It’s a great stashbuster or use for those mini skeins. You can even replace the skeins further up on the chart if you run out.

Baby at Work – Sleep Sack and Hat

Crochet this set for a baby shower or new parents.

The stripes give you options even if you don’t know the gender of the baby, and a sleep sack is flexible with sizing so it can be used for a while too. Make this up in a washable yarn so the parents can easily throw it in the laundry.

That’s our December Issue!

Lots of options for yourself or a gift. Which one might you start first?