...from Wool & Honey!
Greetings, marathon knitters! 

Well, congratulations to you--you've made it!  For those of you that stuck with it, you've got a nice collection of gifts to tuck under your tree (or in the mail).  And I know many of you purchased kits with the intention of chipping away at your list next year.  I hope you found these gifts fairly simple, reasonably quick and convenient for everyone on your list.  I hope you know how much I enjoyed myself and appreciate your purchases--and that I'm already planning for next Christmas!

While the holidays are usually filled with busy errands--the shopping, the concerts, the cooking--it's just as important to slow down and take time to give thanks for what we have, surround ourselves with those we love and do something that often gets bumped off the list: help the people in our communities that need a little boost.  This week's project is for the next generation--a hat knit in two sizes, preemie and newborn, out of a super-soft washable wool.  The pattern is free and for those of you purchasing the kit, the yarn is available at 20% off retail price--a small gift from me to you.  I don't imagine many of you have much extra knitting time on your hands to finish this before next Friday, and that's okay.  Consider knitting one of these little hats--or a selfless knitting project of your choice--as one of your first projects of 2011.  Donate it to your local hospital, church or baby pantry and along with it, maybe a can of formula, some diapers or a receiving blanket. 
Mamas everywhere will be thankful for the warmth your knitting provides.         


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If you're a first time reader, welcome.  We're glad you're here. If you've been with us since the beginning, thanks again for your continued support--we wouldn't be here without you!  At Wool & Honey, we believe that the best way to celebrate the holidays is with a handcrafted gift. Something special--a little slip of a silk scarf, a pair of fuzzy, wooly mitts, a handknit ornament--that with a little time, a little money and a little foresight could become the most treasured gift you give all year. 


For those of you who've been asking, we can't re-send individual emails, but don't fret--you can catch up on our previous newsletters by clicking on our archives here.

Every Friday, you'll receive an email revealing a special pattern we've written exclusively for the shop--one that we've deemed "do-able" within the course of a week.  These patterns are super simple, and there's a reason  (Well, several.)  You've got kids.  Fall sports.  Dogs.  You're working 40-plus hours a week.  We want you to feel like you can actually get something done during these crazy weeks leading up to the holidays.  With 12 full weeks ahead of us, if you pace yourself and try your best to keep up, you'll have a nice collection of gifts come December 25th.

This year, there are several ways to knit for everyone on your list.  The 12 Knits are being sold as kits--kits complete with yarn, needles, pattern and a Wool & Honey project bag.  You can purchase one for delivery right to your doorstep or you can reserve one for pick-up at the shop.  And for those of you who've got a mountain of stash to knit through, we're offering a pattern-only option below as well.  Within 24 hours of your purchase, your pattern will be e-mailed to you in an easy-to-read PDF format that you can save and print as many times as you'd like.  You can make your purchases easily just by clicking on the Paypal buttons below.  Interested in additional color choices?  Call us at (231) 228-2800 for our latest selection--we're sure to have several options you'll love.  

Don't have a Paypal account?  It's super simple, quick and undoubtedly the most secure financial institution online today.  Log on to their website at www.paypal.com to get started--all you need is an email address and a form of payment (credit card or bank account).  And if online transactions still make you a little uneasy, we'll be happy to take your payment information over the phone--call us at (231) 228-2800.

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But here's the best part: for every single purchase you make
(pattern, kit, additional yarn, etc), your name will be entered to win one of:
 
Three $25 gift certificates
Two $50 gift certificates
- and -
One $100 gift certificate
to Wool & Honey! 
(either in-house or on the [soon-to-be-available] online shop)
  
The more 12 Knits of Christmas purchases you make, the better your chances of winning--there is no limit to the number of times you may enter! 
Winners will be announced on December 26th.

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Week Twelve: Two Tiny Hats
Two Tiny Hats
(the preemie size is pictured)

Probably more than anyone else, tiny little babies need knitted gifts.  One of the cutest--and fastest--baby gifts to create is a hat.  This particular hat comes in two sizes: preemie and newborn.  Give the gift of warmth this Christmas!

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Because it's meant for donation, the colors for this week's kit will be chosen at random.  If you have a personal preference, we'll try to accommodate, but we think all of Debbie Bliss's baby hues are particular lovely!

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Two Tiny Hats

Size: preemie (newborn)

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Rialto DK (100% superwash Merino wool; 115 yds/50 g): #14 pale pink, one skein.
· one skein will make two preemie hats or one newborn hat ·

Needles:Size 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles
· Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge ·

Gauge: 21 sts=4 inches in stockinette stitch

Cast on 60 (72) sts. Join, being careful not to twist sts. Working in stockinette stitch in the round (knitting every row), continue until piece measures 5" (6 ½") from cast-on edge.

Next round: *Knit 2, K2tog; repeat from * across round. (45 [54] sts)
Next round: Knit all sts.
Next round: *Knit 1, K2tog; repeat from * across round. (30 [36] sts)
Next round: Knit all sts.
Next round: *K2tog; repeat from * across round. (15 [18] sts)
Cut yarn and thread through remaining 15 (18) sts, gently cinching to close.
Weave in ends and enjoy!


Abbreviations
dpn-double pointed needles
k-knit
K2tog-knit two (2) stitches together
RS-right side
stockinette stitch-in the round: knitting every row; on straight needles: knit the right side, purl the wrong side
sts-stitches

Two Tiny Hats Kit
Two Tiny Hats
This kit includes the yarn
at 20% off regular retail price, US 5 double-pointed needles, the pattern and an adorable Wool & Honey project bag to carry your knits, as well as USPS Priority Shipping right to your doorstep.

Price: $16.99
Shipping: $5.99

Buy Now


Two Tiny Hats Kit
(without US 5 double-pointed needles)

Price: $9.99
Shipping: $5.99

Buy Now
Two Tiny Hats Kit
(For Pick-Up)
Two Tiny Hats
Calling all local yokels!  This kit includes the yarn
at 20% off regular retail price, US 5 double-pointed needles, the pattern and an adorable Wool & Honey project bag to carry your knits.
We'll have your kit stashed behind the shop counter for you to pick up at your convenience.

Price: $16.99

Buy Now


Two Tiny Hats Kit
(For Pick-Up)
(without US 5 double-pointed needles)

Price: $9.99

Buy Now
Don't forget--I'll also be available for help and advice on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the shop.  Bring your 12 Knits and your questions--I'll be sure to have coffee or tea on!

I'll be sending a newsletter at the beginning of next week--look for our holiday hours, the upcoming class schedule and new yarns, patterns and other exciting news.  Sure, The "12 Knits"  has come to an end, but our plans for the wintry months ahead are even better!

Wishing each and every one of you the joy and peace of Christmas.  

Love,
Melissa
***There are a limited number of kits available every week. Purchasing your kit early insures you receive the kit in a timely manner. If kits or materials become unavailable or sold out, you will be contacted immediately via email with the options of:

1.) a replacement color
2.) a slight delay in shipment due to stock reorder
or
3.) a full refund

***Shipping method is USPS Priority Mail--we know you want your kits as quickly as possible!

***Just like all Wool & Honey patterns, The 12 Knits of Christmas are for personal use only. Knit a whack of hats for yourself, your postmaster, heck, knit one for each of your 15 grandchildren. Please remember, though, that these patterns belong to the shop and are protected by copyright--they are not to be knit for profit. But you knew that, right?

Questions? (231) 228-2800