Whether you participate in the December gifting season or not, if you have a maker in your life and you'd like to treat them to something special any time of year, read on to discover what they might love to receive!
When we stock our shelves, it's not only from the perspective of LYS owners, it's all about what we'd love to use ourselves. We are always on the lookout for useful gadgets, handy organizational tools, resource materials, or plain old don't-need-it-but-really-gotta-have-it extras. In no particular order, these are our favorites this year.....
This one will be on our list every year. Cameron and I both use it every single day to help folks check gauge. The tool features grabby little feet to prevent the tool from moving on the fabric while counting stitches and rows, which are made easy to see in the inch/cm marked windows cut into the plexiglass frame. We recommend using a tapestry or knitting needle tip to help count off each stitch.
This little gadget is a crafting game-changer! It puts a spotlight exactly where it's needed, with warm or cool light settings, a dimmer switch, flexible gooseneck arms, and the option to wear it around the neck or set on a table top. Great for crafting while others watch TV, or perfect for light while crafting and camping. Folks have been bringing theirs to Sip 'n Stitch in case the lighting is dim!
Knitting Needle or Crochet Hook Sets
Even if one has been knitting or crocheting for years and has every needle there is to have, it's such a luxurious feeling to have a set of needles or hooks. We have interchangeable sets in knitting needles as well as tunisian crochet hooks, as well as in double pointed needles and standard crochet hooks.Â
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We have stitch markers designed for both knitters and crocheters, and there is no such thing as having "enough" of them. Not sure what it is about these little guys, but between perpetually losing them and seeing new, adorable versions we simply must have, we can never get enough of them!
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Knitters and crocheters tend to accumulate needles and hooks faster than a squirrel harvesting nuts for the winter. Sometimes finding the one we are looking for is the hardest part of a project! Emma Ball, Della Q, and Cocoknits are here to help with organizers that are as attractive as they are functional.
This one isn't just for makers......it's for anyone who wears sweaters hand-knit or store-bought, anything else made from yarn, or has upholstered furniture. The Gleener is a hand-held miracle for fabrics with fuzzballs! It features 3 "blades", so you're sure to find just the right one for whatever the hardiness of your fabric is. It cleans off fuzzballs, pet-hair, and lint, leaving the fabric refreshed and new-looking. You have to try it to believe it! It's the perfect practical gift for just about anyone.
We can't have enough of these, either. We have project bags inside of our project bags. If we start a new project, we probably need a new bag. Raenworks is our favorite local bag-maker, and we also have mesh totes from Della Q.Â
Blocking and Laundering Supplies
Putting the finishing touches on a project and taking good care of them thereafter is an important part of making. We have everything needed to block and wash the things made with love in every stitch.
If you are someone who does not enjoy winding yarn by hand, and it didn't happen at the yarn shop, nothing is worse than getting home and settling in at 9pm to a new project only to realize you have to wind 12857 yards of lace-weight by hand before you can begin. Having a swift and winder at home is a game-changer! You will wind Christmas or any other day of the year if you get a set of these for your favorite yarn person.
Last, but obviously not least, is YARN!!!!! You really can't go wrong with yarn. Even if you don't choose the perfect color or fiber, we are always happy to exchange it for whatever is the perfect fiber or color. Happy Gifting!
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