My Favorite Things (Under $15)

Knitters sure do love receiving knitting-related gifts ANY time of year. The biggest gift-giving season will be here in a couple of months. So why not start planning ahead now (this gives you more time later for knitting and sipping hot cider by the fireplace.)

Over the years, mostly through trial and error, I have come to rely on certain brand and type products. Now you should know that not one of these companies have asked me to promote their products. These suggestions come from me alone. With that in mine, here is a list of my favorite gifts for knitters UNDER $15:

1. Bent Tapestry Needle Set: This little set runs from $4-$8 (depending where you go) and is an enormously helpful tool to keep in your knitting bag. I strongly recommend getting a set that comes with 2 metal needles. Most importantly, the tips must be bent (not straight). The bent edge and smooth finish makes the task of weaving in ends much easier.

2. Row Gauge Ruler: These handy dandy rulers range from $2-$20. The least expensive ones are made of metal (or plastic), like this Susan Bates Knit Chek.

The more expensive variety are often made of wood. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from the classic rectangle or square, to sheep and even the police box from Dr. Who!

 3. Chiaogoo Knitting Needles: A knitter can never have enough needles, especially if he/she likes to work on several projects simultaneously. For years I promoted wooden needles (still do love them especially for beginner knitters), but a couple of years ago I was introduced to the Chiaogoo metal needles and have not looked back. They run from about $8-$12 for individual needles. You can find them online or at your local yarn store (big box craft stores do not carry them).

4. Stitch Markers: Stitch markers come in a variety of materials and sizes these days. You may see them at craft fairs, your local yarn shop, or websites like Etsy. My current favorite stitch markers are made by Lantern Moon are in the shape of sheep! I love the Lantern Moon stitch makers (they have stars and other shapes too). The shapes are lightweight and are attached to a smooth metal ring- ideal factors for snag-free knitting.

5. Eucalan Wool Wash: Knitters need a proper washing product to finish their knits and take good care of their hard work. Eucalan No Rinse Wool Wash is the way to go. I prefer their unscented bottles as not all gift recipients like fragance. The no rinse feature cuts wet part of wet-blocking time in half. Love, love, love this product. They range from $4.50 (for the 3.3 oz bottles) to $15 (for the 16.9 oz bottles). The large bottles last me a couple of years- and I knit for a living!

6. Quince & Co Yarn: I am a BIG fan of American made products. All of the wool yarns from Quince & Co are "100% grown, processed, spun, twisted, dyed and labeled in the USA." My favorite yarn is Lark, a scrumptious worsted weight yarn in a gorgeous array of solid and heathered colors. Each skein is $7.50- such a steal!

7. O-Wool Yarn: Last year, I had the pleasure of knitting with O-Wool's Chunky Merino wool. Oh. My. Goodness. I loved knitting every stitch in the squishy and soft texture. Do you remember my cowl, Parquet? That was Chunky Merino in Wood Dove. I think a skein of this yarn (for only $12.50!) would be an economical purchase to make a pair of cozy mittens.

8. Home products: Debbie Bliss (who you know I want to be when I grow up) has a lovely collection of home products like dish towels, porcelain mugs and more. I confess to owning 2 different mugs and one of her towels. I love them. The colors are soft and inviting. The products are well made.

Stay tuned for a follow-up post on gifts under $50! Thanks for reading and happy knitting (and shopping), folks!