Bands of Beads Tote Bag Pattern (free)

Christmas Patterns to Knit and Crochet
While hopping about on the web this week, I’ve discovered several quirky, original Christmas patterns, and thought it’d be helpful to list them in one place: Knit Cute Elf Slippers in multiple sizes link Christmas Tree Hat, with or without battery powered lights link Snowflake Ornament

Two Needle Christmas Stocking
Quick and easy. Worsted weight yarns, size 8 (US) needles. Knit flat, seamed up the back. Errata: Divide for Heel (RS) K13 and sl to holder for right half of heel; k17 and sl to 2nd holder for instep; k13 for left half of heel. Work on these 13 sts only. Should read k27 and sl to 2nd holder for instep. pattern

Knitting from the Stash: Diva Scarf
Lion Brand is offering a new twist on two classic styles, lace and ripples, by combining them in multiple colors.  Each time I come across something like this, I wonder why I didn’t think of it. What a pretty way to use up those partial skeins hanging around my yarn closet. Here’s the pattern. Worsted weight yarn and size 9 (US) needles. Should work up fast once you learn the stitch pattern.

For the Holidays: Felted Leaves Garland
This simple pattern , courtesy of Red Heart, is easy to adapt to just about any time of year by altering colors. The one shown here is perfect for Christmas, whether coiled up as a candle ring, garlanding the tree, or bedecking  the mantle or banister. You could even use a template for holly, flowers, ornaments, etc, or doll it up with novelty yarn, glitter, bells, or buttons. And wouldn’t it make a cool grab bag gif

Zigzag Eyelet Knit Throw
Nice and light for those cool summer nights and rainy days. [Note: several readers have asked about the use of markers in this pattern. The abbreviation "pM" , for place marker, usually indicates that you place the marker when instructed to do so, then slip the marker each subsequent row until the instrux tell you to remove it. If it never indicates removal, just continue to the end of the pattern. Be sure to SLIP the marker, b/c if it becomes knitted in, you might not be able to get it out. ]