Gifts to make
Crafters love to make things to gift but sometimes we need a little help deciding what to craft. I've searched Ravlery for knit and crochet patterns to inspire you with some new ideas. Here's a few things you can make now and gift during the Christmas season to all your loved ones.
Note: If there are colours or yarns you are looking for that aren't currently available, contact the store (email, message, call, stop in) and I'll see what I can do about ordering it in for you as quickly as possible. I have orders going into suppliers every few weeks, so it shouldn't be a long wait.
Baskets & Bags
Who doesn't love more storage options?!?! Baskets and bags are great options to make and gift. If you know the recipient's favourite colours or home aesthetics, you can make them to match. You can always go with your preferred holiday colours.
And if you want to add something inside of these handmade baskets and bags, here are some suggestions:
- bath ideas - towels, cloths, bath salts, lotions
- kitchen ideas - dishcloths, tea towels, holiday themed napkins, Christmas goodies
- other ideas - movie or game night treats, plants, toys and treats for pets
Bottle Toppers & Bags
Fancy up those bottles you're gifting this holiday season. There's tons of designs on Ravelry in knit and crochet for every occasion. Fun and whimsical, classy and refined - do whatever designs you like. And you can adapt the pattern for whatever size bottle you need to cover.
These would be great for: wine, liquors, fancy oils and vinegars, water bottles, bath salts, spice mixes, etc.
Cotton Cloths
Cotton cloths are an easy thing to work on in the evening with your feet up. Our Sudz are the perfect cotton that won't dry out your hands and are easy to work with. Lauren's written a bunch of different knit cloth patterns too that will be perfect of any colour of Sudz you choose. If you need more options, Ravelry has a lot. Have fun mixing and matching for different bathrooms and kitchens.
And if you want to add something to go with them, here are some great ideas to go along with all your fabulous cotton cloths:
- bath ideas - shower gels, bath puffs, candles, bath bombs, bath salts, lotions, soaps, travel size sets
- kitchen ideas - napkins, candles, tea towels, coasters, fancy salts or spices, homemade or unique jams, cookie cutters, flavoured vinegars and olive oils
- treats - your Christmas baking, desserts in a jar, wine, chocolate or holiday candies, hot chocolate in a jar
Coasters
Coasters, aka mug rugs, are quick and fun to do. Play around with different stitch patterns and colours. Vintage or Vintage DK would be good for these as they contain wool and are machine washable. Need a pattern? Ravelry has a ton!
And make sure to pick a fun mug (lots at the dollar stores) and something else to make it even better:
- hot chocolate
- tea
- dessert in a mug
- fancy coated stir sticks or spoon
Gift Card Envelopes
Level up your gift card giving by making holders. Sometimes the perfect gift for someone is a gift card but when that doesn't feel like quite enough, make a cover for the card to go in.
There's a plethora of options on Ravelry to make something adorable or practical for your gift cards to go in. Make a small stocking or mitten to hang on the tree. Make an adorable card-igan to go in a stocking. The choices are endless.
Ornaments
Handmade ornaments? Yes please!! They are fun to decorate everything and everywhere. Make them to gift, add them to gifts as decorations, hang them on your tree, place them on your mantel, decorate the dining table. The possibilities are endless and so are the patterns available on Ravelry.
Ornaments are a great way to use up leftover partial balls of yarn and do some stash busting. Need something to match what you've already got? Stop by the store with the stash and I'll help you make combinations.
Pillows
It may be too late to make blankets for everyone, but pillows can be a quick and fun option. There's a huge variety of shapes and themes depending on what you're interested in making. Lauren has even written a few knit ones that are done in the round and work up pretty quick.
Machine washable yarns like Vintage and Anthem are a great choice for pillows as they feel great but are also easy care.
Slippers, Mittens and Toques
Find your favourite patterns in all the sizes and craft in whatever colour moves you. Let friends and family choose from your basket of handmade treasures rather than wrapping them all individually.
Choose matching washable fibres for easy care and budget friendly:
- DK weight - Vintage Dk, Cuddly, Rico Baby Classic Dk
- Worsted - Vintage, Anthem
- Chunky - Vintage Chunky
And, don't forget the faux fur pompoms!
Stuffies and toys
Great for kids of all ages (yes, I mean adults too), stuffies are as much fun to make as to receive. They can be great stash busters as well depending on the size of them. And Ravelry has a plethora of patterns.
The key to making toys is to use a hook or needles a couple sizes smaller than what the yarn calls for so the stuffing doesn't come out. And using safety eyes means you don't have to embroider.
Stuffing and safety eyes have arrived. You can find all the Stuffy Supplies here.