Several months ago, surrounded by yarn I didn’t knit with and needles I never used, I took a stand, declaring myself a minimalist knitter. I did not use or need much of what I had accumulated in the many years of my knitting hobby – in fact, I found the greatest joy from the simplest of tools, the most basic of yarn, and the same patterns used repeatedly to make items for charity and others.

Always on the hunt for fast and simple patterns to use for presents, I found myself stuck when friend after friend started asking for hand and arm warmers to help keep them comfy and cozy during our cold Midwestern winters. And so, I decided to come up with my own patterns!

Looking to add a unique touch to your wedding? Showcase your crafty side with gorgeous handmade flowers!

Simple stitching and a ski-inspired diamond motif will keep your head warm and cozy on the slopes all winter long!

** pattern from my e-book Three Season Mitts.

After hearing the Boystown football team head coach speak at a work function, I was inspired to knit a hat for each member of their high school varsity squad. Needing a simple pattern that would work well for a variety of teenage boys, and without the benefit of sizes on hand, I came up with a super stretchy hat that should fit just about anyone...

finished measurements: 7” wide x 42” circumference

The Halloweenie Beanie is the perfect little hat for October! Made with a wide variety of babies and children in mind, this is the perfect hat to make for hospital donations, the kids in your child’s play group, or all the littles in your family!

** This pattern was sold for $3.00 between January and March 2010. All proceeds were donated to Doctors Without Borders during that time. **

Every day in Uganda, children are kidnapped and forced to fight as soldiers in a war they do not believe in. It is estimated that more than 90% of the LRA’s troops were/are abducted as children.

Raise your hands if you work in an office that likes to set it’s temps at just above freezing! If you’re in this group, these mitts are perfect for you. Fingers left alone so you can type away, you’ve still got the rest of your hands and wrists protected from the frigid temps so you don’t go numb while trying to be a good employee. You may even ...

I have a celebrity gossip problem – I spend far too much time everyday checking out what the stars are doing to be “just like us”. And as soon as it hits October, celebs all over Los Angeles start donning woolen caps, sunny California weather or not.

Named and modeled after the amazing Maggie of Gussy Sews, this cowl comes with two different size options (a more fitted cowl, as seen above, and a looser version), perfect for any size neck and any desired width!

** pattern from my e-book Three Season Mitts.

** This pattern will be available on Feburary 14, 2011 **

While knitting my way through a bunch of yarn for a Raverly group, I realized I was leaving half-skeins of yarn left and right, unused in my knitting basket. I’ve been trying to knit through a skein before I start a next one, and so having all these half-skeins laying about was starting to bother me.

In celebration of reaching the halfway point for my One Hundred Hats challenge, I wrote up this quick hat pattern. Here in Omaha, we refer to our city as “The Big O” and our city symbol is a giant red letter O. It was a no-brainer for me to turn this symbol into a pattern that could represent our city with pride!

The third in the Six Simple Hats For Fall, the Chunky Slouch Hat is a quick one to get started and finished, uses worsted weight yarn and large needles, and works for both men or women. I’ve knit it up with chunky yarn and even thicker needles, but am in love with the look of it with worsted best.

UPDATE: pattern is being re-tested and re-worked, and will be re-released in a few weeks (as of 1/10/12).

UPDATE: pattern is being re-tested and re-worked, and will be re-released in a few weeks (as of 1/10/12).

While watching football with my brother over Thanksgiving, we were laughing at the newest NFL skull caps that had been handed out. While with some team colors they looked horrid, at best they looked like the top color was “raining down” into the lower color. And a Rain Down Hat was born!

Red Velvet is a hat that can be worn by men or women throughout the year. The hat features cables that cover the hat from brim through the decreases, and looks good in wool or acrylics.

** pattern from my e-book Three Season Mitts.

While planning our wedding, I had tons of ideas for making the entire event handmade. On that list? Handmade items for the flower girls and ring bearers. Oh how I’d dreamed of adorable ring bearers in super cute hand-knit vests! But unable to find a good pattern (free!) that I could use for a wide variety of boy (and girl) sizes, I chose to make...

I love the idea of a fancy scarf – whether it’s the color or the design, there’s nothing better than a scarf that forgoes the need for accessories on a blustery day.

Simple and easy to knit, the Sandoval Hat can be made with or without a folded brim, using just about any worsted weight yarn you have on-hand, and looks great either solid or striped!

** pattern from my e-book Three Season Mitts.

Add this one to your list of essential patterns - the Shauna Cowl is the perfect addition to your winter knitting!

A few months ago I was introduced to Ashely at The Shine Project through another blog. I was instantly blown away - what an amazing woman who is doing amazing things!

Simple and classic, the Simple Slouch Hat will fit almost any adult head. Knit in the round with quick decreases and a slouchy look, one skein of yarn is all that is needed.

*** NOTE: you cast on 72 stitches, not 7c stitches - this will be corrected asap! ***

With fall comes football and showing off your team spirit! As the weather turns chilly, this reversible hat will take you from home games to road games to tailgating in style!

Perfect for all your travels around the world, this hat features classic cable details and an extra long brim for a slouchy or fitted look.

a simple scarf for quick holiday knitting!

This super easy baby blanket can be crocheted up in a matter of days, and the size can be adjusted to fit anyone from the smallest of preemie to the largest of adult!

Simple and classic, this stockinette cap can be worn slouchy or with the brim folded up for a snug fit.

note: yarn used is discontinued, but you can substitute in any bulky or aran weight yarn.

While watching the Winter Olympics in February, I noticed the hats the American commentators were wearing looked hand-knit. Modeled after those hats, this hat is knit with a large ribbed band,stockinette to the unisex decreases, and is turned inside out so the backside of the stockinette stitch is shown when worn.

These textured mitts stretch to fit from a 6” wrist to around a 9” wrist. Made from less than one skein of worsted weight wool, mitts can be modified for more arm coverage if desired.