It happens to everyone, especially knitters. You realize at the last minute that Great Aunt Muriel is actually coming to Christmas dinner this year, or that Danny will be coming home from college for Channukah. Don't worry, even with only three weeks left to knit, we've got you covered with a collection of quick projects that are sure to be done in time and look great.

	Mohair Bias Loop This airy wrap is made with lace-weight mohair yarn, giving it warmth without bulk. Knit on 6mm/ US 10.5 needles with 2 balls of Rowan Kidsilk Haze, this multi-use design is just what you need for a fast gift knit. And with over twenty shades of Kidsilk Haze to choose from, a knitter could make one for mom, sister Sue and Great Aunt Muriel with time to spare this season!
Frequency Hat It's a well-known fact that people lose 90% of their body heat from their heads, making hats an ideal winter gift! An added bonus, Donna Arney's Frequency Hat design is a multi-size pattern that can be worn by for all ages. Moreover, the simple cabled design makes the finished cap a great unisex present that even beginning knitters can complete.
	Penelope Why worry about picking the right size or color when you don't have to? Try one of Danger Crafts' absolutely adorable toy patterns (like Penelope) as a gifting option this season and see how quickly the recipient responds with childlike glee!
Faux Cable Gauntlet ' Live in a frosty area? Maybe your friends and family need some thick and cushy wrist warmers to keep their fingers from freezing! ShibuiKnits' deceptively complex Faux Cable Gauntlet pattern is actually quite easy to knit over a night or two, meaning a knitter could whip up several pairs before Saint Nick arrives!
	Porom Keeping heads and ears warm in style is an eternal conundrum. Lucky for ladies everywhere, Jared Flood designed a sleek and chic slouchy hat that looks great on anyone! A fun one-skein project, this youthful pattern can be made in a matter of days.
Large Eyelet Scarf With longer nights and overcast days, sometimes a little glitz can make all the difference. Give someone special a beaded or sequined scarf to wear this winter and they won't be disappointed! Made with a single skein of Disco Lights or Rock Star, our Large Eyelet Scarf is a fun and easy pattern that takes very little time to finish.

Aside from sharing a border, several Great Lakes, and Niagara Falls, we also share a deep and abiding love of handdyed yarns with our neighbors to the north. So it's no surprise, really, that we tend to trade yarns with each other frequently and with great enthusiasm.

The newest yarns to cross the border came to us from Fleece Artist in Nova Scotia. Heavier winter-weight yarns, these two new lines are just what knitters are hankering for when the holidays approach and the snow begins to fly.

	Slubby Blue Soft and lustrous, this thick and thin yarn is a treat for anyone who enjoys 100% Bluefaced Leicester yarns. A lofty bulky-weight, single-ply, Slubby Blue is fine enough for next-to-skin wear (even sensitive skin!) and comes in eight seductive colorways. Perfect for scarves, hats, and mitts, we think that this new line will become a perennial favorite - starting this winter.
Marina The only word to describe this Merino/ kid mohair/ silk blend is "luscious". The subtle glow, depth of color, and softly-spun texture create a worsted weight yarn that is almost sinful to touch. Even better, Marina offers a luxury blend at a more affordable price, giving knitters just what they crave this season.

What's a little exclusivity between friends? After the success of Abstract Fiber's "City of Roses" this summer, we decided that the infrequent limited edition might be fun - for both us and you!

This season we are very excited to announce the very limited release of Abstract Fiber's color "Opal Creek Winter". Inspired by the winter season in Oregon, this captivating colorway brings to mind the lush, sleepy old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest. With all the colors of evergreen and winter berries, "Opal Creek Winter" is a handsome unisex color that can be worn by anyone.

If you're reading this newsletter, chances are that you have plans for a very merry holiday season. This, unfortunately, is not the case for many Oregon foster care children. To help these "hard knock" kids, we're collecting handknit and store-bought clothing (new or clean, in-good-condition hand-me-downs) that they can wear as the weather turns colder.

Bring your donations by the store (or mail them to us!) and be entered into our prize drawing for one-of-a-kind skeins of sock yarn, Knit Purl Gift Cards, as well as many other prizes donated by local dyers and vendors. Whether you've been naughty or nice this year, please consider knitting or donating clothing and toys to this worthy cause, and earn extra brownie points with both Santa and us.

Have questions about what you should knit or donate? See our recent blog post about the clothing drive or contact us for more information.

Just in from Uruguay is a soft and scrumptious worsted weight Merino/ cashmere blend. This multi-ply, barber-pole striped yarn knits up with an interesting tweedy effect that looks great in plain stockinette or textured stitch pattern. With over 180 yards per 50g skein, it's also an ideal one-skein project yarn.

Divinely soft to the touch, MeriCash makes lovely accessories that you'll want to wear next to your skin. Try a single skein with a wristlet or lace scarf pattern, and get ready for a Meri holiday season!

Just in time to coordinate with the Blue Spruce in your living room or the stockings hanging from your mantel, ShibuiKnits has released two new semi-solid shades in their Sock yarn. While the timing couldn't be better for these Christmasy colors, it should be noted that these are permanent additions to the Sock family and won't be disappearing after the New Year. Take advantage of their arrival to knit up a pair of fetching colorwork mittens or festive Christmas Stocking and really get into the holiday spirit!

	Cranberry The truest of true reds, this rich and vibrant hue almost glows. The color of ripe winter berries, Cranberry is the ideal crimson for a traditional colorwork pattern or a bright and cheery modern design.
Juniper Dark and broody, this deep green will make you think of an evergreen forest. Intensely verdant, Juniper has sapphire undertones that are reminiscent of fine emeralds. While perfect for vintage-style colorwork patterns, it would also look lovely knit solid as a pair of winter mitts.