If you're the sort of person who is not too big on holiday decor but you'd still like to do a little something to make your home cozier for winter, this Christmas tree pillow may be just the thing.

I love this project because it doesn't feel all that much like Christmas. Yes, there's a tree on it, but that could be a regular old pine tree without any holiday connotations at all. And even if you feel the tree is a little too Christmas to be looking at every day once January rolls around, just flip the pillow over and you'll see simple and sophisticated red and green stripes, perfect all winter long.

Recently a reader asked me for more detailed instructions on how to knit a basic smocking stitch known as Butterfly Stitch. I used this stitch on a pillow when I was in high school and remembered enjoying the fun way it came together, with yarn strands worked into the front of the fabric that are then enclosed in a stitch to make the strands look more like a butterfly.

If you're uncertain about how to make this stitch from reading the instructions, check out this Butterfly Stitch tutorial. Once you make the stitch once or twice, you'll find it completely easy and won't even have to follow along with the stitch pattern instructions anymore because you'll know where to place your strands to make them line up with the previous ones.

This pattern is great for adding texture to home decor items like my pillow, or I could see a round of butterflies used along the bottom of a sweater (or even all over) to bring interest without a lot of work.

Another one in the category of great as an ornament or to decorate a gift is this sweet little Chirstmas vest ornament. It knits up in a flash with less than two yards of lightweight yarn, making it a perfect use for those little tiny bits of leftover yarn you don't know what to do with but don't want to throw out, either (you could make it in any yarn weight you like, just use corresponding needles and know that you'll get a bigger finished product when you use a bulkier yarn).

Another cute idea for this project is to use it as the gift tag: just stitch the recipient's initial on the front of the vest and you're ready to go. It could also be knit in team colors rather than Christmas colors for a more personalized gift.

Looking for an easy way to jazz up your gift bags or wrapped presents this year? Or are you just looking for a quick ornament to add to the tree, or a pin to wear on your coat during the holiday season?

This super simple wreath Christmas ornament could be used for all of those purposes. It's simply an I-cord knit around a craft ring, then embellished with jingle bells, yarn, ribbon, beads, charms or anything else you like. You can easily knit one in half an hour or less, using a yard or less of yarn, and decorate them with any little bits and leftover goodies you have from another project. You could work beads in as you knit, or sew buttons on top for a different look. This is one of those projects that you can bring your imagination to and really do anything you want with to make your tree -- or your presents -- look just the way you want.