I've been having friendly discussions lately with friends on which is fastest, crocheting or knitting? I tend to lean towards knitting, but that depends on size of needles and size of project of course (smile). Often I knit out of necessity- such as a little boy needing a hat- when it's cheaper (and easier!) to cast something on my needles then to bundle us up and go shopping. Easier, of course, if the project goes quickly. And I promise all three of these projects can be knitted up in a day or less- with a bit more time for felting as needed.

This double-stranded beaut knit up so quickly on my #9 (5 mm) needles. Incidentally it fits Isia's four & a half head as well as it fits Billy's toddler one. He's got a bit of a noggin, lovingly said his Mama, and I think this shall fit him for awhile- especially as the yarn loosens up. Such an easy style to wear, and the shape is so nice.You'll notice on my Ravelry notes (which links to the free pattern) that the pattern is for a Flowered beanie. I omitted the flower for Billy, but it would be cute to add on for a little girl. 

This next pattern is my favorite kind, a-make-it-up-as-you-go that I came up with. I used a 5 mm dowel (you could use a heavier dowel if you add a couple stitches to your i-cord) and #10 (6mm) needles. You'll knit a 5 stitch i-cord the length of your dowel, then felt your i-cord. You can felt the i-cord separately (checking it often that it doesn't felt shut) then sew your dowel inside or you can...

...sew your dowel rod in first then felt it like I did. Felting by hand is best for this method so that you don't bend/break/warp your dowels in the washing machine. It takes awhile, but it's fun for little hands. Mine are always eager to help when soapy water's involved! For felting with littles, I always man the hot water basin and let them dip and play around in the cold water bath. I made sure I paid particular attention to the ends, since I knew they would get lots of abuse.

Here are the finished felted rods- Toddler drum sticks! Perfect for a little toddler to bang onto furniture (and windows and their sister's head... ahem) to their heart's content without nicking it.