Help me find something to make for my aunt

[zaner'smama]

Hey Mamas!
I was wondering if any of you could help me with suggestions for a pattern/project to make for my aunt.
I adore her! She is into all things pastel, girly, florals, etc. and her passion is horses. I would like to knit her a Christmas present (starting early!), but she lives in Florida. So nothing warm.
I thought maybe a bag or clutch. I've been searching through Ravelry, but it's kind of overwhelming. Seems most patterns I'm interested in are way to hard or not available.
I think I would consider myself an advanced beginner. I can knit, purl, increase, decrease. And I've done several hats using dp needles and circulars.
Any suggestions for a bag or something else that would work in Florida?
Thanks!

[iowaorganic]

Are you scared to cable?

I think this is beautiful

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/left.../christine-bag


http://www.ravelry.com/projects/farr...tern-in-eskimo

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Cole...k-bag-take-two

Or how about a clapotis out of sock yarn?

or perhaps one of these?

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...tle-silk-shrug

[greenegirl]

I live in Florida and have made several gifts for family who live in Florida. I usually make bags or scarves. If you choose a scarf, think decorative, not for warmth. I usually only cast on 12 stitches and make the scarf only long enough to hang around the neck (no wrapping), with the ends falling approximately at the waist. I usually only need 1 skein of yarn to make scarves in this fashion. Since these are fashion items, not for warmth, think of different kinds of yarns, not just wool! Since you only need 1 skein, think of expensive yarns you might not otherwise buy.

Also, just because she lives in Florida doesn't mean she can't use warm items, depending on where she lives. I live in the Orlando area and we have had a substantially colder than normal winter. I know some of you who live in the north will laugh at this, but we actually had an entire week where the temperture was below freezing at night. During the day, we generally have at least a full month where temperatures are below 50 and generally more like 2 months. If she lives in the northern part of the state, she will have more cold weather. If she lives in Miami, she really doesn't need warm items, lol!

I really love Mason-Dixon's Daily Sweater -- I haven't made it, but it is on my wish list. In an appropriate yarn (cotton, Knitpicks Cotlin, or something else cool), this would be appropriate for Florida.

[zaner'smama]

Thank you both for the suggestions and thoughts.
Iowa, I love that 1st cable bag! I think I'll give it a try.
Betsy