As knitters, we are always looking for something more to knit, and it’s always a wonderful feeling when we can spend our knitting time working on a project for someone special. After I wrote my first book, Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, I joked to myself that the next knitting book I would write would be called Gifts That Take a Really Long Time to Knit, for all of the time-consuming projects I considered creating but knew wouldn’t work within the context of that book. But alas, I still have a limited amount of time to spend knitting, and I’m sure you do, too! Besides, there is nothing more satisfying than creating something beautiful and thoughtful without having to labor over it for an extended period of time.
The projects in this book are organized according to the time it took me and the knitters who helped me to complete each one. Because none of us knits at exactly the same speed, please use the times we give as guidelines rather than as hard-and-fast rules and allow extra time if you are a beginner or are knitting a larger size. To use this book, you can either pick your favorite project and find the time to make it, or you can choose a project according to the amount of time you have to work on it. The projects in the first chapter are truly fast and easy, even for less experienced knitters, whereas the projects in the last chapter are more complex and take more time. Whatever you decide to make from the following pages, rest assured that I designed every project to be a classic that will stand the test of time and that I included shortcuts or timesaving techniques in every pattern to help you finish it as quickly as possible. In some of the project introductions and in Personal Touches starting on page 10, I’ve included simple ideas for customizing each project for the recipient. Finally, on page 121 are some easy ideas for beautiful wrapping.
Although I can’t imagine ever having the time to write my fantasy book, Gifts That Take a Really Long Time to Knit, I’m excited to share More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. I present it with so much gratitude—for my readers, customers, friends, and family. All of you are wonderful gifts that I treasure.