Molly's Sketchbook: Confetti New Years Garland

The countdown to 2013 has begun! I’m celebrating by transforming our new Confetti Felt Bundle into a festive New Year’s Garland inspired by… confetti! Just like the real stuff, this pretty garland supplies a joyful and surprising burst of color, minus the mess. During a time of year that can be dark and dreary, this cheerful string is definitely an uplifting addition to the house!

This project is quick, easy, and fun to make. Just slice the felt into strips, cut the strips into small rectangles and squares and then chain piece them together with a neon shock of thread. It’s so satisfying to see a long garland come together in a matter of minutes!  With just one felt bundle you can make an incredibly long string, and because it’s made of 100% wool felt, your garland is sure to enliven many New Year’s parties to come! -Molly

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Inspiring Gifts from Purl Soho!

We all wish we could make handcrafted gifts for each and every friend and family member, but sometimes reality reminds us that there just aren't enough hours in the day! That's why Purl Soho searches the world over for artisans and designers who care about quality, beauty and originality as much as we do. From 100% organic full leaf Bellocq Teas to precision engineered Merchant & Mills tools and notions, and from beautifully screenprinted Skinny Laminx linens to our very own Purl Soho Learn To Knit Kits, our Gift Shop is brimming over with inspiring ideas for nearly everyone on your list!

Just in time for the holidays, Purl Soho welcomes the adorable world of Petit Collage! Fresh, modern and just plain fun, the kid-friendly products of Petit Collage are a welcome addition to our Gift Shop! Playfulness is the name of the game for lovable Dolls, funky Nesting Blocks, sweet Prints on Wood and engaging Memory Games. Delight the kids on your list!

And for the adults, Utility Canvas makes some of our favorite gifts around! Their Quilted Throws and Classic Field Bags are remarkable for their durable materials and construction and their modern take on classic design. The result is timeless style with no effort at all. Trusty throw or chic bag, the loved ones on your list will thank you for a long, long time!

For some last minute browsing and inspired giving, visit the Purl Soho Gift Shop right here! And from everyone at the Purl Bee, have a very merry holiday season!

Super Soft Merino Hand Warmers

I have peeked in the beautifully decorated shop windows and read what-feels-like hundreds of gift lists on the blogs, but no matter how short I am for time, I always do my darnedest to make a handmade gift first. As the clock ticks down though, stock in speedy projects definitely starts to rise!

These Hand Warmers were born out of a sobering look at the calendar. They truly knit up in a jiff. You can easily have several pairs finished before getting yourself in and out of the crowds and check out lines. 

Recognize the yarn? Yes, it's Purl Soho's very own, very new, very exciting Super Soft Merino! Our beautifully lofty, luxuriously soft yarn comes in a palette of vibrant, charismatic colors, including this incredible Clementine Orange. As soon as I finish typing this, I am off to the races to make even more Super Soft Merino Hand Warmers in a whole rainbow of colors!

May your holiday season be filled with super soft, swift knits!

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Molly's Sketchbook: Liberty and Wool Lap Duvets

Every Christmas I travel to my hometown of Berkeley, California to be with my family. You might imagine it’s a warm and sunny contrast to Brooklyn, but really, the famous Bay Area fog seems to seep into everything, including my bones! I have spent many a Christmas morning snuggling my parents’ 100 year old radiators while I sneakily inch up the thermostat a few degrees. It’s moments like this that call for a Lap Duvet!

Since our first Lap Duvet project last year, these beautiful blankets have become my favorite quick sewing project, especially when I want to showcase a truly lovely fabric. This year, in anticipation of my chilly visit to California, I made an even easier version with my two absolute favorite fabrics in the world: Liberty of London’s Tana Lawn and Mary Flanagan’s Felted Wool. The contrast between the pretty detail of the Tana Lawn and the rustic beauty of the wool is just exquisite!

Since this version uses wool, there is no need for batting, making this the simplest Lap Duvet yet! Best of all, the resulting blanket is warm and elegant, with a drape that is graceful and very special. It only takes a couple of hours to make, so there’s still plenty of time to sew one or two up for the holidays, either as beautiful gifts or as welcome warmth for your shivering guests! -Molly

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Molly's Sketchbook: Super Simple Super Soft Merino Baby Hat

Although I know how to knit, I tend to be all talk and no action. I’m great at buying yarn and casting on, but I’m also quite good at abandoning my projects before they’re done. But with everyone at the Purl Bee creating such amazing projects with our new Super Soft Merino (like these great hats and this awesome cowl), I was beginning to feel a little left out!

I knew I wanted to get in on the Super Soft Merino action, but I certainly didn’t want another partnerless mitten or half-finished sweater. With winter here and a new baby to keep warm, I decided I could probably manage a simple baby hat, as long as it was really easy. This pattern fits the bill!

The Super Simple Super Soft Merino Baby Hat is truly the easiest hat you will ever knit. The yarn’s chunky weight makes it quick, and its vivid range of colors makes it fun. It also happens to make the softest, fluffiest pom poms so I added one to the top! I had such a good time making mine that I ended up knitting two versions in as many nights. I was so proud of myself! The short version just covers the ears, while the tall version can be worn cuffed up and trim or unfolded and a little floppy. -Molly

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