In my opinion, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples in love. It’s for everyone. It’s an opportunity to share a little love with those we care about, whether that’s our significant others, our children, pets, family, and friends… or even ourselves!
This year, I’m knitting a Valentine’s Day sweater for a dear friend…Miss Jazzy B. She’s a sweet little westie that we often babysit when her human mama has to travel for work. Though she won’t need it for warmth here in Southern California, she’ll look cute as a button in her new sweater when accompanying her owner on their ocean-side walks and shopping excursions.
If you’re looking to treat someone special this Valentine’s Day, consider these recommendations. Each was hand-picked from our inventory for its connection to the holiday, either by its color, texture, or shape.
The Colors of Love
Miss Jazzy B’s sweater is knit with Zen Yarn Garden’s deliciously soft Serenity DK (left). The color way is David a la Harpe, inspired by Marc Chagall’s painting of the same name, featuring the most luscious reds and pinks (and a pop of orange). Other yarns that feature love’s vibrant hues are Teresa Ruch’s Tencel 5/2 (middle) and Leading Men Fiber Arts’ Show Stealer Fingering in multiple colorways (right).
Kitted for Gift-Giving
Kits always make great gifts, and we picked these for their color and soft-touch. Jade Sapphire’s Mini Ombre Collection features 6 mini-skeins of super soft 100% Mongolian cashmere in two-seasonal colorways (left). The Colors of Reywa Cowl Kit (middle, top) includes 13 mini-cakes of Reywa Fiber's Harmony, which is a light, sport-weight blend of 50% Yak Down, 50% Fine Wool…another luxuriously soft yarn. And who wouldn’t appreciate a sweet “shake” from Delicious Yarns? Their Layer Cake Cotton Scarf Kit (middle bottom & right) comes whimsically packaged, complete with yarn and pattern for a lacy pink confection.
Dramatic Woven Wrap
Weavers, you may to keep this one for yourself! Deborah Jarchow’s Cin Cin & Silkhair Poncho uses two yarns rich with color and texture to create a splendid fabric that is at once sumptuous and rustic. Available in multiple colors, we picked these four combinations because they feature February’s signature colors: red, pink, and purple. (Click here for photos and more about my experience weaving and wearing this as a wrap.)
Something for Everyone
If there was a baby or toddler in my life, I’d surely be making a Sweetie Bear Lovey (left) for Valentine’s Day. Designed exclusively for Izzy Knits by Ariane Gallizzi, this soft, huggable, washable lovey pattern is made using DK (face & paws) and Worsted (blanket) yarns. Ours was made using Jo Sharp's Soho Summer DK Cotton and Trendsetter Yarn's Blossom.
For this roundup, we picked ChiaoGoo’s TWIST Red Lace Interchangeable 5” MINI Set (middle top) for the heart-shaped gripper that comes with it, not to mention how much we love ChiaoGoo’s needles. The Knit Kit (middle bottom) is always a perfect gift—a Swiss army tool for knitters & crocheters—and in purple, it fits right in with our holiday theme. For our sock knitters, we picked URTH Yarn’s self-striping Uneek Sock Kit #54 (top right). It includes the colors of the season in a not-too-feminine way.
Finally, we recommend topping off your gift with a heart-themed, DIY embroidered gift tag (bottom right). Or you can gift the complete set to someone who loves yarn as much as you.