The dust is still settling over here and meanwhile I’m about to kick it into high gear on a big project I can’t tell you about. So, hopefully you don’t find these magazine roundups to be too boring, cause that might be about all I’ve got for a while.  I did get to sit at the sewing machine for about 5 minutes to sew up a quick pillowcase, but it was just to cover a pillow form for an upcoming design. However, it felt good to sit at the sewing machine! I miss sewing! I shouldn’t deprive myself of fun projects but sometimes that’s what happens when there is work to be done. Anyway– here ends the whining and begins the latest roundup of published designs.

First off is this simple but super cute Winter Garden Hat and Scarf Set in the Holiday 09 issue of Knit Simple. You might not have known this, but KS includes crochet designs, too–I counted 4 in this issue. They also have really simple knits, which as someone who knits simply- I enjoy! Anyway, I really liked designing this scarf because all of t hose colors came in one ball of yarn, which was really fun. The motifs are join-as-you-go to make it easy, and then the center of the motif is used as the flower on the matching hat. This would be a great quick project for someone special during the holidays.

Next I designed this ribbed 2 Hour Hat for Crochet Today’s Holiday Issue. This yarn also has subtle color changes, which make this project fun to work. The aim here was to design a hat that guys would actually wear, so hopefully I succeeded–I’d like to see it in an earthy colorway for an even more manly look. I have to warn you that it took me over 2 hours, but I ripped it out a lot to figure out what stitch pattern would flatter the yarn.

And here is a set of Snuggly Slippers for when the weather turns chilly (also in Crochet Today). I’d have loved these in Bozeman, where I made so many rugs in an attempt to virtually carpet all of the cold linoleum floors for 9 months of the year. But I’m not sure it will ever get that cold in Texas, so it’s up to you to make more of these. I must admit I miss Fall, even though Bozeman has apparently headed straight for winter with all of the snow they’re getting lately.

And finally, Crochet Today also excerpted a project from Crochet Adorned, the Dainty Earrings. I love the way the photography came out for these, so I had to share again. This is a really cute issue of Crochet Today, so if you haven’t checked it out before, please pick it up! There are lots of great gift ideas for everyone on your list. And yes, if you are making your gifts, this is your gentle reminder that it is already  time to think about the holidays.