Olga and I were looking at the calendar yesterday and realized that we’ve only got just over 2 months to Christmas! Eek! When did that happen? So, we started brainstorming quick gift ideas to stockpile for those last-minute gifts – or that last minute decision to make this a handknit holiday season. :)

Olga worked up a Wurm hat (rav link) in just a couple of days, using just 2 balls of the Classic Elite Wool Bamboo. Soft, drapey and delicious (according to the babies), it’s knit up on US4s and US6s and is reversible! Olga’s been wearing it daily since she finished it – it’s the perfect hat for weather like we’ve been having: warm for the chill in the morning and light enough for the warmth of mid-day. Slouchy and stylish, it’s the perfect addition to the Fall wardrobe. (Hey, if there’s a fashionista in your life, she’ll totally love it!)

I quickly worked up a Koolhaas hat (rav link) for a friend of mine in just 1 ball of the Classic Elite Kumara (an 85% Merino, 15% Camel blend) and a couple pairs of 24″ US8s (hey, it’s what I had available) over this past week
end. A quick and fun knit, it’s the perfect guy hat. (My friend is a cyclist and this will be perfect to keep his head and ears warm while biking!) An added bonus was that I got to try this on tons while making it – and I discovered that even with my sensitive skin, I can wear this directly on my forehead! (Why, yes, there will be a sweater for me knit out of this magical yarn…)

If the Kumara isn’t for you, or you want crisper cabling definition, any worsted/aran weight yarn will work nicely with this. Of course I tried it on before I sent it off… and now want to make one of my very own. Oops. (Okay, not the best picture, but you can see how defined the cables become once on the head – so nice for such a soft yarn!)

Have you made either of these or have any great gift ideas to share? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page (post a photo there, even!) – we love seeing what the yarn we sell you grows up to be!