Doesn't your mom (or mother-in-law, or any other special mom in your life) deserve something really nice for Mother's Day (or her birthday, or Christmas, or whenever)? Why not make her day by making her something nice? This time around it won't be macaroni picture frames, but a hand knit gift that says you want her to relax, get cozy and enjoy.
Graceful Shawl
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This lovely shawl features the Grace Note stitch, a pretty, lacy knitting stitch pattern. This piece can be worn as a wrap, shawl or scarf, or even tied around the waist as a belt with mom's favorite little black dress.
Loopy Washcloth
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
A washcloth might not seem like a very exciting gift, but the point is to pair this quick-knitting project with a really nice bottle of bath gel. The loops in the washcloth act like a bath sponge, but a washcloth is much more reusable, thus better for the environment.
Dropped Stitch Soap Sack
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
If mom is more of a soap person, the same theory applies with this super-speedy soap sack pattern. Knit up one or two and fill them with a nice big bar of some great scented soap (for aromatherapy purposes). Give this gift alone or add it to a spa basket full of bath salts, bubble bath and more if you like.
Cabled Pillow
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This sweet little pillow doesn't take too long to knit and looks really nice as decoration on a bed or couch (you could also make a bigger version that would actually be appropriate for resting the head). If mom likes to decorate with pillows or loves to knit herself, she'll enjoy this texture-filled cable pattern.
Women's Stockinette Stitch Sock
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
If mom's a knitter, she'll appreciate getting hand-knit socks for Mother's Day or any other holiday. If not, maybe not so much, at least until she puts them on. This sock pattern is super-basic, meaning you can whip up a pair quick, even with a holiday deadline looming.
Small Gift Bag
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
If you're buying mom a tiny gift, say, a piece of jewelry, you can still deliver it in this homemade gift bag. It's a tiny project that won't take any time at all to knit, and mom can use it as a candy dish or to hold her paper clips when the gift giving's over.
