I’ve been going through some really tough times lately and I have a friend who’s been absolutely wonderful in helping me when some of my other friends have turned a deaf ear on me when I’ve asked for help (which I never do unless I REALLY need it). I can’t repay her in money, she wont take it, but she loves hand made things, so I want to knit or crochet her something really nice as a surprise, but I don’t know what. I was thinking about some type of clothing or wrap. She’s a very small and petite woman, about 5’ tall and around 70 years old. I think for her something beautiful and elegant yet simple would be perfect, nothing to extravagant. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Tabitha
Good to have a true friend like that. I recently made this scarf in a silk blend for someone special. It’s beautifully light and an easy pattern to see as you knit.
What a great way to say thank you!
I’ve loved this shawl since I first saw it, and it can easily be sized, or worked in a different weight of yarn.
http://www.debbiemacomber.com/knitters-club/free-patterns/alix’s-prayer-shawl
Oh I love those both! I think she’d be more likely to use the shawl. I’m thinking maybe a lap blanket or shawl would be best for her, maybe a sweater.
Just another thought since you crochet. If you crochet with thread, I don’t know of a lady her age who wouldn’t appreciate a doily or filet crochet table mat.
Some of the larger doilies and table mats can translate well into a small lap blanket when worked in worsted yarn.
I’ve knit and crocheted with thread before, not much because my hands start to cramp after a while. I know she’d love some doilies, but I think that would be a good side gift. Also she’s a born and raised 100% pure country girl and loves ANYTHING rustic.
Yeah, thread can really take it out on the hands. I look forward to hearing about what you decide to make for your friend! If you’d like to post a picture of it too, that would be great.
I think I’ve decided to do a shawl. I’ve found a few patterns that I like, but I also really like the one Charlotte posted. Hmmm… so many to choose from. If anyone has any other free patterns I’d love to see them.
http://a.allaboutyou.com/pattern/Aug%202011%20Lacy%20Wrap.pdf
http://www.dailyknitter.com/susan.html
http://shop.thescarfer.net/patterns/A%20Leaf%20In%20A%20Leaf.pdf
Yah I know I said simple, but I want this to be really special, maybe I can go just a LITTLE ‘over the top’.:teehee:
They’re all beautiful. I don’t have any idea how I’d choose one.
They’re all beautiful.
I’ve set out to increase my knitting skill set this year by tackling things I’ve never done before, may I suggest selecting one that will increase your knitting skills? That’s an over the top that keeps on giving…
Hi Tabitha - I hope things start looking up for you 
You picked out some nice patterns Salmon and Charlotte also picked out a couple of good ones.
I did a search on ravelry.com (they have tons of free patterns on that site) and was looking at shawls in both DK and sport weights. You had mentioned that your friend is small in stature and knitting something in a lighter weight yarn might work well for her.
Thank for the hugs Claire, I needed it.
Those patterns are really pretty! I haven’t seen them yet. I just signed up on ravelry yesterday or the day before, so I don’t know my way around quite yet. I tried to download one of the free patterns and it said it worked, but now I don’t know how to get to it?:shrug:
Did you check your downloads on your computer?
Ha! What do you know! I didn’t download it at all! I just saved it to my library.:doh:
Thank you.:shifty:
Saving to the library is a good idea. Sometimes I can find something there that I can’t find anywhere else. With so many patterns listed on Ravelry going back and finding that one I liked again can be very hard. I’m glad you found it and can now get your d/l!
I found another pattern that I really like, Ginkgo Shoulderette Shawl. This is just getting harder and harder for me to pick a pattern! I tried to get my parents help but no luck. Which is your favorites?
This is an absolutely gorgeous pattern 
I downloaded Ginkgo in August; I may have even printed it out and put it in a binder. This is a very classy pattern that would complement your friend’s small frame nicely.
The shawl is worked from the top down; the upper portion is knit in a stockinette stitch, followed by a lace border. The lace is charted, so if you are not familiar with following charts, you will have an opportunity to learn a new skill, 
and you always have the option of writing out a charted pattern if you choose to knit from written directions.
Nope, I never have read a chart. Thanks so much for the link!
I fell in love with the pattern as soon a I saw it. I just about lost it when I went to look at others and forgot to save it, I spent half an hour looking for it. I’m SO glad I found it!:happydance:
Ginkgo is beautiful! Claire always finds gorgeous patterns! :cheering:
For your first intro to charts, Ginko would be a good one. And if you have questions about using charts, feel free to ask away!
I think I’ve ‘officially’ decided to make the Ginkgo for her. I’m going to the craft store tomorrow to pick out some yarn (either at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby). I think I want to do a solid or multi earth tone color, but no bold stripes. I’ll probably need to block the shawl. I know how to block with seam, but I don’t know what yarn is best for it. You’ed think I’d know by now!:shifty: