Scarves. What is winter without a scarf? My theory on the humble scarf is that the scarf is like a man’s tie – it really is one of the only ways we have to show our true persona – our originality, if you will – when we are all bundled up in boring (but warm) winter gear.

For many years I had a REALLY long scarf of many bright colours. That thing could wrap around me something like 15 times. I kid you not. And, when that scarf got a little mangled, I went in search of another one just like it. (I found it too, and then went on to turn my old scarf into a pair of really warm and comfy slippers.)

I still have that scarf, and it does still speak louder about my design style than my winter coat (that I definitely bought more for performance than for style), but I have come to realize that there are times and places where a bright, vibrant and boisterous scarf is maybe the wrong choice. This is why I now have a whole drawer of winter scarves (just in case I need to change out the scarf to match the event or the outfit) and why I think that a handmade winter scarf is one of the best gifts that you can give this year (gift idea #12).

I finished this blue scarf with a scalloped edge for this blog – it is a simple-to-make, one ball scarf with great design elements. It took me two evenings of tv watching to make, start to finish.

But, if you are not a handknitter, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t give the gift of a scarf this season (which is, by-the-way, a great gift for all ages – boys and girls!). If you use blanket fleece, you don’t even need to know how to sew.

Here are a few great scarf ideas (oh, and if you want the pattern for the scarf I made, visit the Daylilies site to get it free):

A no-sew heart fleece scarf (for someone you love)

Watch Jenny T from SimpleSewingProjects.com make a no sew fleece scarf ! and if you want to get even more creative, a little applique would make a great addition for a kids’ fleece scarf.

If you like to knit and know how to cable, this scarf from Crystal Palace Yarns is beautiful!!

A Typsy Rib Scarf – this knit scarf looks really nice and doesn’t look that complicated either!

And, if you are looking for a FAST corchet scarf, this openwork lace scarf at Crochetme.com is the perfect one for you.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t give up my favourite scarves easily – I have a feeling I will hang on to my loud and vibrant colourful striped scarf for a long time to come, but I might also be tempted to add another one like the blue scarf I made for this post, and one of those typsy rib scarves… and one of those crocheted openwork lace scarves… and oh… there is always space for a fleece scarf….