As a young wife with a husband in school, I taught myself to knit and discovered a lifelong passion. Because I tend to always have a project going and often have needles in hands, most of my kids have asked to learn to knit at one time or another.

Kits are great for the beginning crafter, and even though I have a stash of yarn and needles, a little kit with just the right tools and simple instructions can be a real help to the busy homeschooling mom. Kits also make nice gifts and make the child feel as if he or she really owns the project.

Harrisville Designs' Quick-to-Knit Scarf Kit is a perfect beginner's project. The instructions for casting on (getting the yarn onto the needles securely) are clear and the illustrations well-drawn. Step-by-step instructions for the knit stitch and casting off (finishing the scarf and getting the yarn off the needles securely) are also helpful and easy to understand. The kit includes two wood needles that feel nice and smooth in the hand, plus a fun bright yarn that appeals to kids. It is recommended for ages 7 and up.

My ten-year-old daughter picked this project up with no problem. I had to fix some little dropped stitches and mistakes, but that's a part of the process of learning to knit. Even if you've never knit, I think you could figure it out right alongside your child, and in the end you would both be proud of the colorful scarf you've knit yourselves!