Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from the tedious sweaters and month-long lace projects so your mind and your hands can rest. While you are “resting,” why not knit a quick one-skein project? We never completely stop knitting, right? These patterns can be quite simple so they won’t be hard on the hands but result in some great FOs! These could easily be given to family, friends, or co-workers as priceless gifts. Handmade items are so special and last a lifetime especially when there is love and sentiment knit into every stitch.

Our new favorite one skein project is Piccadilly! You may have seen this on our Instagram or Twitter as Erin knit a shop sample, but it really is fantastic enough to mention again! One skein of Madelinetosh Chunky (or any Chunky) and you’re all set – pom-poms and cord included! This is the perfect project for the Madelinetosh splatter-like colorways that we love but don’t exactly know how to use! Optic, Holi Festival, Modern Fair Isle, and Cosmic Wonder Dust (pictured) would all work wonderfully for this cowl/hat combo!

Have a lot of nieces, sisters, or women in your life? Are you a member of a women’s choir or book club? With the holidays right around the corner, it’s nice to have a few “bulk gifts,” if you will, on hand. Cozy Posy Ear Warmer Headband is super cute and would make the perfect quick knit gift. One skein of Bulky yarn makes 3 headbands. Can’t beat that! It is knit in seed stitch which can be very relaxing when the end result is quickly accomplished! Another “bulk gift” idea is Mug Hug! These coffee or tea mug cozies can be knit striped or solid in any Aran weight. They require very little yarn so this would be a great way to use the scrap yarn you have from other projects to make handmade gifts! Why not knit a bunch in all different colors and let your co-workers pick their favorite for an easy holiday gift exchange? Done and done! Oh, and both of these patterns are free on Ravelry!

Fairy SnowCap puts the pretty in pom-pom. This top down hat has the perfect balance of lace to keep you looking pretty and ribbing to keep you very warm. You can follow the pattern exactly or find some inspiration from fellow Ravelers – some made enormous pom-poms while other omitted the pom-pom altogether. Some were short on yarn so they opted for a tassel. If you follow the pattern, we think the finished hat has a very classic 1960’s look but be careful when choosing yarn. Variegated yarn with highly contrasting colors tends to distract from or even lose the pattern. A solid or more heathered variegated yarn would work best.

As Abi Gregorio said about her Drop Stitch Cowl pattern, “Grab your size 15 circs, a ball of super bulky yarn and cast on! In no time at all you’ll have a stylish accessory that will quickly become one of your most treasured possessions.” Her pattern page features a ton of color options which should show you how easy it is to knit this cowl. Once you memorize your rows, it’s smooth knitting from there!

While you are resting, your feet sure could use a big wool hug. Ysolda Teague’s Not-so-tiny Slippers would look great on your bare feet or over your favorite pair of knit socks. Once you finish knitting, you get to complete your project with picking buttons! These adorable slippers have a functional button closure that allows you to really personalize them. Seriously, who doesn’t like buttons? Garter stitch + chunky yarn = quick cozy slippers!

There are tons of patterns for “rest” knitting and Ravelry makes it very easy to narrow them down. Here is the basic search we used to find these patterns but you can filter based on your preferences using the categories on the left sidebar. We actually had too many patterns to choose from so here are some we could not feature: Camp Out Fingerless Mitts (perfect with Noro), Red Rasta Cowl, Sandoval Hat, Pippi (the necklace version is great), Waiting for Winter Mittens, Calorimetry, Barley (for you tincanknits lovers), and Mira’s Cowl. If you really feel like taking a break from knitting, why not make some pom-poms or block past projects? Take it easy – your lacework will thank you!