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Without us even realizing it, November is quickly passing us by! If you are truly stumped as to what to give everyone this Christmas, fear not! I am here with some knitting suggestions.

In my three previous articles, I have given you some ideas for scarves, ribbon bracelets, and placemats. Just these simple patterns, can be transformed into dozens of one-of-a-kind knitting creations! In fact, you could outfit the entire family and close friends, with some of the nicest gifts they will ever receive!

And to add to our collection, this article will be about knitting baby washcloths. Usually, whenever we think about baby gifts, it's off to the mall we go, to find the latest in infant accessories. But, did you know, you can knit your own baby creations? They will be as soft and cuddly as anything you can find in a store, and, best of all, will be made with love!

Knitting baby items are just so easy to do, and so unexpected! Traditionally, when putting together gifts for baby, the first things you think about are layettes, blankets, and booties. So, now it's time to expand on this theme.

Whenever I knit anything for babies, I love the yarn to be soft and pliable. For washcloths, use a cotton yarn. They are totally washable, and will hold up nicely.

In a few stores, I have also seen terrycloth yarn, which is another great idea for baby items. But, for the baby washcloths that I knit up, the cotton yarn is the best yarn to use. Sugar 'n Cream, Peaches 'n Cream or Cotton Tots are my recommendations for the best cotton yarn to knit with.

Use a size 6 straight needle, and, really, no gauge is necessary. Here is the pattern:

Baby Washcloth Cast on 37 stitches. Knit four rows.

Rows 1 and 5 (RS): K5, *p3, k5; repeat from * to end.
Rows 2 and 4 : P5, *k3, p5; repeat from * to end.
Row 3: K5, *p1, yo, p2tog, k5; repeat from * to end.
Row 6: Purl.
Rows 7 and 11: K1, *p3, k5; repeat from * , end last repeat k1.
Rows 8 and 10: P1, *k3, p5; repeat from * end last repeat p1.
Row 9: K1, *p1, yo, p2tog, k5; repeat from * , end last repeat k1.
Row 12:Purl.

Repeat these 12 rows 4 or 5 times more, until desired length. Knit four rows. Bind off all stitches.

There you have it, simple, yet very unique, and sure to please! And, with all the colors and color combinations, you will have a blast knitting washcloths for little nieces and nephews, your friends, and babies-in-waiting! Gifts such as these, are always appreciated, and combine them with baby bottles, rattles, toys, or receiving blankets, and you'll have a winner every time!

Remember, we have one more "easy-as-pie knitting gift" to go, and you will love it! 'Til next week, get knitting!