Valentines Day is around the corner, and while I don’t take this holiday very seriously, I do enjoy any excuse to make a loved one something personal and functional. For me, receiving small, thoughtful gifts can brighten my day and give me a lasting impression of the person who gifted it to me with every use. I have chosen these patterns because they’re quick and enjoyable to knit, but also should result in functional, fun gifts for the recipients.

Yes Checks hat - Stephen West 

Choose a vibrant semi-solid or dive through your stash for a fun speckled hand dye to let the yarn shine through this sophisticated knit purl pattern.

Book Lover Valentine - Anita Grahn 

You’ll be knitting two of these heart shaped bookmarks; one for your sweetie and one for you! A sturdy linen or linen blend will wear in perfectly over years of use and hundreds of books. 

North Country Mitts - Andrea Mowry

As we transition into spring and have crisp, chilly mornings and evenings, these mitts will carry us through and keep us cozy - just as a loved one might do. 

Rivulet Cowl - Louise Zass-Bangham

One of my most worn knits over the years. This cowl will keep your neck warm (just in case you’re getting kissed there later)!

Written by Emily Brewer, a knitting analogue photographer who has worked on and off in the knitting industry for 7 years for yarn shops, dyers and designers. Find her on Instagram as @tinydotsfibers and view her other work at www.tntypes.com and www.ejbrewer.com