There's really no chance of an element of surprise for this handmade gift. My honey requested a real fair isle scarf this christmas, so here it is in progress. There really is no chance of even hiding the 'making' of something that takes so long to do. I'll need every moment infront of a movie or on a train to finish this one in time! I think the colors will look great on him!
I'm hand making all of my Christmas gifts this year. ALL of them. Other years I mostly have made my gifts, but a few people are always hard to make things for. This year I've managed to come up with something for everyone, and I'll be blogging about the goodies when I won't spoil the surprise!
I made a little doll from Mimi Kirchner's pattern on The Purl Bee for a little friend of mine, and she was a big hit. The pattern was so much fun, and very easy to follow. I will definitely be making more of these as gifts in the future, and I love that I can make changes in material and look of the dolls dresses.
I finished this lovely quilt in time for the 3rd Ward Handmade Holiday Fair, and I'm so glad I did! The table had a beautiful stack of quilts, and people gave them such a warm reception. People who didn't stop to look or chat just couldn't stop themselves from running their hand over the soft quilted surfaces. THAT was the biggest compliment of the day.
I'm doing my last shop update before the holidays and my trip back to PA. I hope you all find what you're looking for, this lovely included! As always please feel free to contact me with any questions!
The light has certainly changed these past two weeks, and it truly feels like winter time. I'm loving piling on the extra layers and bundling up with my monster scarf when I go outside. We've been eating lots of roasted winter veggies too, and I have to say I love winter foods the very most. I'm looking forward to all of my holiday favorites when we visit Pennsylvania later this month.
I know you're all being inundated with emails from big box stores and chains letting you know about all of their special Christmas deals. Now is your chance to say 'f - that' to the big guys and buy handmade this holiday --- support local artists and businesses, and give friends and family something really meaningful! There are tons of holiday art and craft fairs all over the country this weekend. I hope you'll pass up that special at Walmart and get out this weekend!
Happen to be in the New York this weekend? Stop by the 3rd Ward for their Handmade Holiday Craft Fair -- if not for me for tons of other vendors, local foods, drinks and music! Doors are open from 12 - 6 and its FREE. The first 300 people get a ton of fabulous swag, so come early!
In Philadelphia? Get on over to The Print Center for their annual auction -- support a non-profit and snag deals on some great art. Oh yeah, and don't forget to pick up my honey Tim's KEYSTONER #1: Natives in The Print Center's Gallery Store.
Detroit? Get on over to Midtown Detroits Noel Night and snag some lovelies from Brittany of The Homeground.
More events in more places? Comment below and happy handmade holiday shopping!
Haha, sorry two in one day because I just think I'm so damn clever over here. Check out my new handmade moving blanket. Softer than the "real thing" but still has that hardworking industrial look!