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Last Minute Quick & Easy Handmade Gifts!

The holiday season can put enormous pressure on us. There is always an abundance of things on our to-do list and the clock is ticking. By now most of us have our tree and decorations up, we’ve been baking for a few weeks now and we have all our gifts wrapped and ready! Not really, it’s wishful thinking. My gift list is always active.

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I love to make handmade gifts for all my family and friends. It’s something I’ve done year after year and they appreciate my handiwork. But, evitably there is always someone I forget. Ever get that nagging feeling a few days before Christmas that you forgot someone? Or perhaps a new neighbor just moved in across the street. Eek, maybe it’s someone’s birthday! Or maybe you forget about your kid’s teachers or that little old lady who walks her dog past your house every day!

If you are a crafter, then having some quick and easy patterns on hand that you can whip up is imperative for last-minute gifts. My favorite place to look for patterns is on Etsy. There are so many talented designers and I’ve become fond of them many of them. I’m in awe at the skill and creative talents.

Potholders are great gift ideas. And you can’t go wrong with giving them as gifts for any occasion. Potholder patterns have changed a lot over the years, they are no longer the boring squares, circles or frilly florals of yonder years. Instead, I found several fetching and trendy patterns that would blend in with anyone’s kitchen color and theme! And they are beyond adorable.

Chicken Trivet Potholder pattern on Etsy
Copyright photo by MommasGotMojo/Etsy

No yolking, these Swanky Chicken Trivet Potholders have lots of attitude and personality! Created by Sarah Moss from MommasGotMojo on Etsy, these savvy little chicks will cluck and strut their stuff around any kitchen. I fell in love with these chickens as soon as I saw them in Sarah’s Etsy store.

Chicken Trivet Potholder pattern on Etsy
Copyright photo by MommasGotMojo/Etsy

You can quickly whip up a few of these hens using worsted weight cotton yarn for its longevity and durability. Change the colors to match the kitchen decor of the receivers. The pattern is well designed, easy to follow, and also has photo tutorials for visual learners or if you happen to get stuck on the trickier parts. Plus, there is a link to a full tutorial video. Beginners can make this pattern, but you would need to know your basic crochet stitches.

The finished size of the potholder is approximately 8 1/2 inches (22 cm) across. If this Swanky Chicken Trivet Pattern egg-cites you, swing by and pick up the pattern and start making those unforeseen or last-minute holiday gifts. Receivers will love these potholders! This is the nicest crocheted Chicken potholder pattern I’ve seen on the market and a must-have for a crafters collection. Chickens never go out of style!

 Owl Potholder banner
 Owl Potholder crochet pattern on Etsy
Photo copyright by SugarBeeCrochet/Etsy

There is no talon how many people will fall for this little hooter. I know several people who collect anything with owls on it, so they would love this sweet potholder. The enchanting Owl Potholder created by Sarah from SugarBeeCrochet on Etsy has all the physical attributes of a real owl! And, just like an owl, with a little foresight and wisdom, these potholders would make a wise choice as a gift for all occassions.

 Owl Potholder crochet pattern on Etsy
Photo copyright by SugarBeeCrochet/Etsy

This bird of prey pattern uses 3 colors to give it dimension and shape. The hues you choose can harmonize with your kitchen or those whom you are gifting the Owl Potholder. The skies the limit, so use any color combination that resonates with you. Using worsted weight yarn, the owl will measure approximately 7″ x 8″ (18 cm x 20 cm). If you want a thicker potholder, then make two and crochet them together. What a great idea for protecting not only your hands, but also your table or countertop.

Included with the Owl Potholder is a Chevron Dish Mat. It looks like it would make a great placemat. You could use the same colors as your potholder and make a set. The pattern is easy to follow, but there are no image tutorials. There is however a graph that works congruently with the written instructions. The owl is made from basic crochet stitches, so give it a try if you are a newbie to crocheting. Just think how special someone will feel getting this delightful handmade set.

Cow and Bull Trivet Potholder Set banner
Cow and Bull Trivet Potholder Set crochet pattern on Etsy
Photo copyright by HappyCrochetPattern/Etsy

Some people love the rustic farm life vibe in their kitchen. But even some contemporary kitchens are adding whimsical cow accessories to harmonize with their color scheme. Regardless of their brindled path, this udderly cute Cow and Bull Trivet Potholder Set created by Lolita from HappyCrochetPattern on Etsy would be the perfect gift for them.

Cow and Bull Trivet Potholder Set crochet pattern on Etsy
Photo copyright by HappyCrochetPattern/Etsy
Cow and Bull Trivet Potholder Set crochet pattern on Etsy
Photo copyright by HappyCrochetPattern/Etsy

Regardless of them being the symbol of 2021, these crocheted cows, bulls, oxen can have an eternal place in our kitchens as we mooooove into 2022. I love this pattern! It’s so well laid out with not only written instructions and photo tutorials, but Lolita has also included the stitch symbols in her directions. I think it’s great. Even if you cannot speak or read English, using these universal crochet stitch symbols, you can still create the pattern. Love this! Right now, the Cow & Bull Potholder Set is on sale for 15% off! Hurry, there is still time to grab some potholder patterns and make a special gift for those we are fond of.