handmade holiday gifts to knit or crochet

i know, the holidays are like, a quarter of the year away still, but i like to give everyone a little something handmade, and hate feeling rushed when there's two days before christmas and i *only* have to finish knitting and sewing a million things.  so, just to get started a little early this year with some ideas, this will be part 1 of the handmade holiday gift ideas.  this set includes quick knits and crocheted items.


item: denim knit kerchief
pattern: from the book last minute knitted gifts.  (i checked this out from my local library).  OR a similar free alternative is the silk kerchief.
yarn: i used elann den-m-knit pure indigo cotton (1 skein)
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces, or perfect for just about anyone, probably a female, but whatever -nobody's judging.
notes: i made it out of denim cotton and like to pretend like i'm a robber when i wear it.


item: oh my god these are so cute - mitts!
pattern: french kit (4 euros) 
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces or any female whose hands need stylish warmth.
notes:  i love love love these!  i currently ordered up some peruvian pure alpaca to make these beauties (for myself...ahem)


item: knit purse
pattern: ipbolaget.com (free)
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces, grandmas, aunts, or any female
notes: i haven't personally knit this one up but it's been in my queue for a while.  i love how simple and clean the design is.


item: amy march slippers
pattern: tiny owl knits (free via ravelry)
perfect for: anyone who has feet
notes:  adorable!  this is on my queue, and i will be making them...for myself. 


item: urchin beret
pattern: ysolda teague via knitty (free)
perfect for: women with heads
notes: i made this (again, for myself...selfish) and love love it.  it was so simple i made most of it during a meeting at work, and wear it constantly throughout the fall.


item: owlets
pattern: roman sock (free)
perfect for: children or anyone who doesn't hate animals
notes: i've yet to make these, but again, on my list (i even bought the eyes).  looks like a perfect way to get rid of that fuzzy lion brand yarn that would actually look good all matted-up on this owl.


item: finally something for men!  a cute hat with a twist at the top.
pattern: marsan watchcap (free)
perfect for: men!  boyfriends, dads, grandpas, uncles.  or women too.  i think it would look nice on women.  but i've been seriously lacking in my gift ideas for men, so here you go.

ok, that's enough for now.  but i've got many more and will do a handmade holiday gifts part 2 soon.