🎶…On the ninth day of hobby-mas my creativity made nine knit scarves!

Knitting a scarf can be a great way to learn to knit, or practice a new stitch pattern or skill. Scarves can knit up in a matter of hours and make great gifts! So for our creative creations today I’ll share some of my favourite knit scarf patterns.

Before we get into those patterns, some basic tips/tricks when making scarves:

• The average adult scarf is 152 to 177cm (60 to 70 inches) long, by about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) wide.

• The average child’s scarf tends to be the same length as the child’s height and only 7 to 15 cm (3 to 6 inches) wide.

• You can use any of your favourite yarns and patterns to make a basic scarf!

• Most scarves only require one or two balls of yarn.

So for our most basic beginner knit scarf pattern that can also be a great way to use up leftover scraps of yarn, where there is no need to weave in ends or worry about joining new yarn. I give you the basic “knit lengthwise scarf”

[image consists of a “knit lengthwise scarf” made with homespun yarn in the colour ‘waterfall’]

I’ve made this scarf a number of times over the years, sometimes with lots of thin yarns, other times with thicker yarns. So first for the size of knitting needles you’ll need, check the recommended size needle found on the yarn. That’s usually a good starting point. For example, I knit tight so I tend to need to go up one or two sizes of knitting needle.

To get a scarf that is about 152 cm(60 inches) long using a medium-bulky weight yarn and leaving a 20 cm(8 inch) tail, cast on around 175-200 stitches. The thinner your yarn and smaller your knitting needles the more stitches you may need, and in contrast the thicker your yarn and larger your knitting needles the fewer stitches. Personally I’d rather have a scarf that is a bit too long than too short so I tend to use at least 175 stitches.

Now it’s all about knitting. At the end of each row leave a long tail, cut your yarn, tie on a new piece of yarn again leaving a long tail. (These long tails will become the ‘fringe’ on your scarf when you are done!) Then just knit across! It’s that simple each row you will cut and tie a new piece of yarn, this can allow for lots of creative switching yarns if you like!

Once your scarf is wide enough, tie another yarn on and cast off loosely. Leaving a long tail at the end where you simply knot it with the previous row of fringe, and your scarf is done. At this point I like to take a moment to tighten and adjust any knots on my fringe that may need it, then trim my fringe if needed.

So that’s one basic beginner pattern! Here are 8 more knit scarves to try, in a range of skill levels!

Chunky and cozy? Maybe this pattern is for you? https://www.allaboutami.com/the-arbor-scarf/

Perhaps you’d like a scarf that almost ties itself? https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/missmarple-scarf

Want to start some simple lacework? https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/frostlight

Enjoy the idea of knitting lengthwise and changing colours, this pattern might do the trick! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mini-mania-scarf

Looking for a bit more challenge for a beautiful lacy result? https://www.allfreeknitting.com/Knit-Scarves/Candle-Flame-Scarf

If you are a more advanced knitter perhaps this elegant scarf will make you want to wrap yourself up in this pattern: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/03/25/jasmine-scarf/

Loving the lace? Check out this “checkerboard” lace scarf! https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2009/04/03/whits-knits-checkerboard-lace-scarf/

New to Fair Isle knitting wanting to give it a go, maybe this scarf can give you a fantastic fist step? https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2019/02/06/falling-snow-scarf/

[image consists of a series of knitting/ball of yarn themed ornaments]

So, if you already knit will you take a few hours and try your hand at knitting one of these scarves? Maybe you have a favourite scarf pattern of your own you’d like to share with us?

If you don’t knit, perhaps a scarf would be a way to begin? Otherwise do you have a favourite scarf you like to wear? Did someone ever make you a scarf?

🎶…On the tenth day of hobby-mas my creativity made ten hats by hooking!

You got it, the yarn arts continue today as we turn from knitting to crochet!

[Image consists of a series of different colour and size crochet hooks]

Crochet hat patterns can be worked flat or start with a magic circle and grow with each round. But there are lots of patterns out there to be found. If you just want to get started and see what you can create, it can be a fun way to explore some new yarn or stitch patterns!.

While ideally you would measure the circumference of the intended head, here are some general measurements instead:

Preemie: 23 to 30.5cm (9 to 12 inches)

Infant: 35.5 to 40.5 cm (14 to 16 inches)

Toddler: 40.5 to 46 cm (16 to 18 inches)

Child: 45.5 to 51 cm (18 to 20 inches)

Teen: 51 to 56 cm (20 to 22 inches)

Adult (small): 53 to 58.5 cm (21 to 23 inches)

Adult (large): 56 to 61 cm (22 to 24 inches)

As to the length of your hat - that’s often determined by how much you want it to slouch!

So without further ado, here are 10 fun crochet hat patterns you may want to check out:

• Looking for a super simple slouchy beret? https://www.elkstudiohandcraftedcrochetdesigns.com/insanely-simple-slouchy-hat-free-pattern/

• Or maybe you’d like simple beanie? https://kirstenhollowaydesigns.com/2018/12/simple-seed-stitch-beanie-crochet-hat-pattern-for-men-women-and-kids.html

• Perhaps you like the rocky shore, maybe this simple hat will be one you adore? http://snowdropcreates.com/index.php/2019/03/29/the-rocky-shore-hat/

• Love ‘waffles’? Maybe you’ll love this waffle texture hat! https://www.lakesideloops.com/watson-hat/

• Argyle can be a classic! https://www.acrochetedsimplicity.com/argyle-beanie-slouch-free-crochet-hat-pattern/

• Did you want to make that Fair Isle knit scarf from yesterday, now try Fair Isle crochet with this cute hat! https://forthefrills.com/fair-isle-crochet-beanie-ombre-free-pattern-video-tutorial/

• Tempted to try lots of stitch patterns, this tempest beanie may be for you! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-tempest-beanie

• Another simple pattern that requires a bit of sewing? https://apurposeandastitch.com/the-jennie-beanie-free-crochet-pattern/

• Have you ever made crochet cables? https://apurposeandastitch.com/brilliant-cables-beanie-free-crochet-pattern/

• Perhaps you’d like to explore Tunisian crochet? https://hearthookhome.com/slouchy-beanie-crochet-pattern/

[Image consists of a cat in a crochet elf hat.]

So do you wear a hat in the winter? Is there a style you prefer? Maybe slouchy? With pompoms? What do you look for in a winter hat?

🎶…On the eleventh day of hobby-mas my creativity made eleven hours for watching!

Today it’s time to relax with some good holiday movies, maybe while you take some time to finish up your creating gifts, cards and wrappings. From family favourites, old classics, to nutcrackers, grinches, reindeer and snowmen.

Will you be home alone this Christmas? Are you waiting for your miracle on 34th street? Or just taking time to remember that it’s a wonderful life? Looking for a Christmas story? Perhaps you are having a Charlie Brown Christmas? Maybe you need a visit from an elf? Have you fallen for the Santa clause? Perhaps you’re feeling a bit scrooged? Or is it time for a haunting Christmas carol? However you deck the halls, maybe it can be the happiest season.

[Image consists of a tv over a mantle decorated with greenery candles and stockings]

Not enough movie references for you? Are you a die hard Christmas movie fan? Share your favourites with us?

🎶…On the twelfth day of hobby-mas my creativity made twelve dozen cookies!

Cookies can be great any time of year, but when the holidays hit, even our cookies often end up all decked out to celebrate the season.

Whether you make cookie plates to give to all your friends or neighbours, or just a batch to take to a holiday party, or even just a few to leave for a jolly old man, there are so many delightful doughs (and don’ts) when baking cookies for the holidays.

One of the first questions can be what kind of cookies you want to bake? Do you have any special favourites this time of year? Are you wanting to build your own gingerbread house or decorate cookies with lots of colourful icing? Perhaps you like slice and bake simplicity? Dropping dollops of dough? Or are you having a ball? Cookies come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, tastes and techniques!

[Image consists of various types of christmas cookies and treats]

So here are a dozen of my favourite cookie recipes for this time of year:

Simply slice and bake:

• Cherry Pecan Gems https://www.food.com/recipe/cherry-pecan-gems-226363

• Fruitcake Cookies (I like to use a full fruitcake mix instead of just red and green cherries) https://www.landolakes.com/recipe/19967/fruit-cake-slice-and-bake-cookies/

• Shortbread Cookies https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a34330858/slice-and-bake-shortbread-cookies/

Just drop it delights:

• Coconut Meringue Cookies (I don’t add the coconut extract or cocoa powder) https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/coconut-meringues

• Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies (These just say winter to me) https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/oatmeal-cranberry-cookies-recipe-1965118

Simple shaping:

• Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/christmas-chocolate-chip-cookies/

• Chewy Molasses Cookies https://www.loveandlemons.com/molasses-cookies/

• Snickerdoodles https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/classic-snickerdoodle-cookies/7ffc92a9-d847-4869-9ecb-99de3b751b14

• Thumbprint Cookies https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/thumbprint_cookies/

Cookie cutter chaos:

• Gingerbread Cookies (If you want to make a gingerbread house you often use a different dough than you do for cookies!) https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/gingerbread-cookies-recipe

• Linzer Cookies https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/linzer-cookies/

• Sugar Cookies https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/10402/the-best-rolled-sugar-cookies/

Personally, simplicity wins. I like to make up a few different types of slice and bake cookie dough and store it in smaller logs in the fridge or freezer so I can quickly bake up a dozen cookies of a few different types and have a fresh cookie plate with a variety of cookies.

So what about you, what is your favourite kind of cookie to make? Or eat? Do you have a recipe that you like to pull out this time of year? Share with us?

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who joined in our Hobby-Mas celebration of holiday themed hobbies and crafts! I hope you had fun, maybe found a little inspiration along the way. It's been fun to take this "holiday" into my hobbies! I hope you'll find some time for your hobbies this holiday season!

Great tips