Looking for last-minute gifts for fiber-loving friends? Or perhaps a reward for all the holiday projects you’ve completed? We’ve got you covered!
I didn’t purchase a lot at A Woolen Affair fiber and music festival this past October, but I did stumble on some great gift ideas, which I mentally filed away for a moment like this. Yikes, it feels like it was just October and now there’s less than a week until Christmas!
A Woolen Affair is one of a trifecta of pre-Rhinebeck events that are held the Friday before the New York Sheep and Wool Festival. Many intrepid folks attend all three of these of shows (think “shop until you drop”), which also includes CAKEpalooza and Indie Untangled. I didn’t have the stamina or time to catch all three, but A Woolen Affair provided ample inspiration and ideas for future purchases.
While there was enough luscious yarn on display to keep anyone knitting for years, I was on the lookout for peripheral products that would make for fabulous gifts. I prefer to gift one-of a-kind and small-batch items that aren’t available from online big-box retailers like Amazon and A Woolen Affair had many. Here are just a few I spotted from seven different makers, all of which have websites you can shop on right up until Christmas Eve. (And, even if your purchase doesn’t arrive until post-holiday, it’s the thought that counts, right?)
1. DEGEN
I’m a fan of Lindsey Degen and her quirky sense of style. (I did buy one of her classic wool “KNIT” baseball caps which people comment on whenever I wear it.) Degen’s line of tools includes many clever stocking stuffer ideas for knitters and non-knitters alike.
At just under 3" (7.6 cm) high, these cat tins by DEGEN are just the right size to hold stitch markers, tapestry needles, and other small notions. Photo courtesy of Degen
For the cat-lover in your life, Degen’s Cat Tins can hold stitch markers or other small items like hair pins or paper clips.
Her heart or flower mini scissors would be equally at home in a project bag or makeup kit.
2. Skippy Cotton
Emma Mierop is a fellow Jersey girl and ephemera lover whom I’ve followed on social media for a while. I met her in person for the first time at A Woolen Affair where she had the most charming and magical booth, full of vintage trims and baubles, unique ornaments and garlands, washi tapes, and other wonderful bits and bobs.
The delicate shell buttons offered by Skippy Cotton were hand-collected in India and would be the perfect addition to both modern and heirloom garments. At right, a curated collection of vintage ribbons and embellishments from India includes shimmering textures and a variety of finishes. Photos courtesy of Skippy Cotton
For the ribbon lover in your life, choose a Shiny Ribbon Collection, a grab bag of gorgeous vintage ribbons.
For the stitcher on your list, order some delicate shell buttons.
3. Utopia Bath
I discovered my favorite Utopia hand cream at Rhinebeck one year and have been stocking up on it for myself and to gift ever since.
Sourced from sheep’s wool, lanolin-based lotion is ideal for dry winter hands. For those who prefer non-lanolin products, Utopia also offers soaps made from goats milk. Photos courtesy of Utopia Bath
I’ve gifted this lanolin-based hand cream to both knitter and non-knitter friends, who all love it as much as I do. Available in several scents and unscented, my fave is the Lavender & Sage. The all-natural formula is rich but not greasy, and the container is pretty enough to leave out on the counter.
Utopia also offers goat-based soaps and liquid hand soap for those who prefer non-lanolin products.
4. Solulu Handmade
I love Harris Tweed. While I haven’t been to the islands of the Outer Heberdies where the wool fabrics are produced, I’m the proud owner of a few beautiful vintage Harris items: a full-length coat that I wear every winter, and a jacket that I got for $5 at Habitat for Humanity. I was delighted to discover Allison Piracci, who stitches classic bags and pouches from authentic Harris Tweed wools.
The author picked up this zippered pouch, stitched from authentic Harris Tweed wools by Allison Piracci of Solulu Handmade. Photo by Karin Strom
I picked up a lovely curved zippered pouch which I’m using as a business card holder. Available in a variety of woven patterns, one of these would make a perfect and affordable gift for a wool lover on your list.
Solulo’s versatile waxed canvas tote bags could be used as a purse or project bag by a dear friend (or yourself).
5. Birdie Parker Designs
California jeweler Kristi Jensen creates stunning enamel, sterling silver, and copper jewelry with subtle stockinette-stitch motifs that make wonderful presents for knitters and jewelry lovers.
These great cuffs and earrings made by Kristi Jensen are available in copper, brass, and satin-finished sterling silver, with the option of a stockinette or garter stitch motif. Photos courtesy of Birdie Parker Designs
I already have a robust collection of cuff bracelets but have a silver Birdie Parker Classic Wrist Cuff on my wish list. After all, stacking jewelry is a thing right now.
Her stockinette earrings are available in several shapes, including hearts and a hoop style (my fave—hint, hint).
6. The Indigo Squirrel
I was attracted to The Indigo Squirrel booth because, well, who doesn’t love the rich blue of real indigo-dyed yarn and fabric? The friend I was with at the show bought a darling onesie for a grandchild, and I was drawn to the home goods. (Decorating tip: a touch of Indigo-dyed fabric adds to any décor.)
The Indigo Squirrel offers a variety of indigo-dyed towels, napkins, and other fabric items for the home. Photos courtesy of The Indigo Squirrel
The Indigo Squirrel offers beautiful tea towels and an assortment of napkins. Their dinner napkins are amply sized (18 x 18"), machine washable, and stitched in Massachusetts.
For the gift that keeps on giving, consider Indigo Camp, held in China, Maine, each summer. Join other indigo enthusiasts for an immersive (literally!) experience that includes indigo dyeing, shibori, wax-resist, hand-stitching and more.
7. Shelli Can
Knitter, illustrator, and software engineer Shelli Can’s distinctive products have achieved an almost cult following. She offers her catchy illos and clever phrases on a range of products.
The Mend It Hun sew-in label is a favorite of the author’s. And the Maker’s Dozen Treat Tin contains ribbon, labels, needle gauge, ruler, enamel pins, and more—baking themed and tucked into a custom printed cookie tin. Photos courtesy of Shelli Can
Enamel pins, charms, and sew-on labels are all good little gifts for your maker pals. I especially love the Mend It Hun label—a fun riff on a certain clothing company’s classic label.
For the hardcore Shelli Can fan or baking knitter, consider the Maker’s Dozen Treat Tin, stuffed with a “maker’s dozen” baking-themed knitting tools and swag.
Final Thoughts
Pro tip (read procrastinator tip): If you are running really late on your holiday shopping, any of these items would make a welcome treat during the post-holiday lull. The Fall show circuit and Christmas season are the busiest for artisans. Many spend the slower winter months making and restocking products and would be happy for some post-holiday orders. Also, sign up for their mailing lists to get the scoop on new products and special offers.
Happy Holidays from Farm & Fiber Knits (and enjoy your last-minute shopping!).