"Valentines Day is for amateurs" I quoted confidently from the Sunday papers. "So we don't need to bother, what with being married for 20 years and all that". Other Half grunted, leaving me secure in the knowledge that there was no need for a frantic race around the local shop looking for suitable card / gift.
So when Other Half left for work this morning at silly o'clock I didn't take much notice, and it was only a couple of hours later when I finally woke up properly that I found the huge heart shaped box of chocs on the side of the bed...
Whoops. Now, I could have just let it lie, scoffed all the chocs (or even saved them for this evening and shared them out) and stuck to my principles. But guilt is a funny thing, and by this afternoon I had my answer.
So two scrummy bottles of locally brewed beer, a bit of spare aran weight wool and a quick spot of intarsia and Hey Presto! Valentine Beer bottle warmers!
They are quick and easy to knit up (took me about 40 minutes each), a doddle to make up and cute enough to bring a grin to the most macho of fellas. And they work on wine bottles too...
So I thought I'd post the pattern for free, as they are an ideal use for any spare New Lanark yarn knocking about after you've made one of my CalKnits cushions. I used New Natural and Damson, but the colour combinations are endless.
Valentines Bottle Warmer
Using 5mm needles and aran weight wool cast on 35 sts. Work 4 rows of 1x1 rib, then continue in stocking stitch using the chart below. Work 4 more rows of 1x1 rib, and cast off in rib.Sew in ends, and sew sides together using mattress stitch. Pop over the bottle of your choice, and present to loved one. Bask in their admiration and gratitude.
N.B. For helpful tips and video links on intarsia knitting go to www.calknits.co.uk/help-and-support
