a little bling is good

do you wonder at times why you hang on to bits and bobs left over from lace and sock projects—after all, they’re practically useless, aren’t they? will we really look for ways to make good use of them or are we just making more clutter in the process of kidding ourselves?

actually, there are some stylish, fun, quick, and very giftable items you can make with amounts as small as twenty yards. and today, as i’m winging my way back to ohio, i thought i’d introduce you to some tiny, knittable treasures by designer laura nelkin, which are serialized in her latest eBook, adorn anew.

when complete, adorn anew will contain ten patterns designed to help build beaded knitting skills AND use up leftover bits of yarn and beads. new pattern(s) are released at the beginning of every month from may through december 2012. video tutorial links and support through the nelkin designs ravelry group will help users through any tricky parts.

the projects are quick to knit and pretty to wear—anyone would appreciate receiving such a gift; they are the perfect solution for many recipients on that overly long holiday knitting list.

there are a number of pieces that work very well together too, if you prefer to create a set of pieces you can layer. i love this trio collar and i appreciate that there is a set of matching earrings

and that both pieces work well with the mudra cuff pictured above. my niece would go nuts over a set like this and would find multiple ways to wear them, either all at once or in various combinations.

this collection also includes some accessory garments . . . a scarf, a beret, and these pretty mica fingerless mitts

the garment projects take more yarn of course, but still tend toward one-skein amounts.

the newest piece in the series is stellanti, a shawl that laura just released yesterday

for which the recommended yarn is a type that moves from one shade at the hem to a lighter shade at the shoulders.

interested in finding out more or purchasing the collection? please visit laura’s website or ravelry group for details.