Gift Nature's Gifts!

Thanksgiving has passed and winter holiday decorations are popping up everywhere! Something I'm really happy about is that I am completely done with my holiday shopping. It's true! I got a jump on it this year and now I get to wrap all of the presents. I think wrapping presents is super fun!

However, I realize that I am likely an anomaly in having my shopping done. Most folks are just getting started. If you're looking for a gift for a crocheter, consider my book: Nature's Gifts for Baby. It can be purchased on Amazon and the Leisure Arts website (where it's on sale this weekend!), as well as in craft stores around the United States. Your giftee will be able to get a head start on all of the baby shower gifts that will be needed next summer as a result of this year's cozy winter moments *wink*.

 Still not convinced? Check out these reviews:

From Mikey of The Crochet Crowd: "Sara has gone that extra step to make the blankets look and feel special."

From Tamara Kelly of Moogly: "Aren’t they gorgeous!?"

From Kathryn Vercillo of Crochet Concupiscence: "I love the way that nature has inspired the pieces in ways that are both obvious and subtle."

From Susan Carlson of Felted Button:  "As you know--I looove making blankets, so this is right down my alley!"

From Susan Lowman of The Crochet Architect: "If you’re looking for some new crochet patterns to make for a favorite baby in your life, I hope you’ll consider this book with lots of creative designs!"

PS: Re-reading all of the kind words of the reviewers definitely has me misty-eyed. The crochet community is so kind and supportive!

Bright Tunisian Crochet Hooks

My good friend Becca recently gave me some fab Tunisian crochet hooks. Unfortunately, Tunisian crochet hurts her hands too much, so she passed her hooks on to me. She also bought me a ball of yarn that I've never worked with before. How generous. Look at the hooks, though. They are so bright and fun and bubbly. They remind me of the 80s or plastic pony beads. Plus, the strands are so long that I can make a huge piece of fabric.

I was also recently given some lovely skeins of yarn by my friend Vicki and some knitting needles by Toni. What generous friends I have!

Crochet Patterns for Last Minute Gifts

Being a teacher, I have the winter break off from now until January 4th. Well, I do have about a million things to accomplish by the end of December (and a major secret crochet project coming due!), so I guess I don't really have "time off". Perhaps you have similar struggles and limited time. Luckily, I have a few free and paid crochet patterns that are here for you to use as last minute gifts. If you've just realized that you don't have anything for Aunt Charlotte or you've decided spur-of-the-moment to make something for your best friend's daughter, you've come to the right place. The following patterns should each take about three hours or less to complete.

Paid Patterns

 Color Squish Beanie, 5 sizes, $4

 Blush and Tumble Ruffle Scarf, $3

 Moonbeam Necklace, $2

Free Patterns

Blair Headband Collection

Nebula Cowl

Ultimate Crochet Gift List: Ideas for Moms, Boyfriends, Best Friends, and more!

As crafters we know that the holiday season is almost upon us. You've probably already started making gifts (if that's something you're into), but you may still be stumped as to what you'd like to make for a certain person. Maybe you feel like you've already made them everything possible for past holidays. Fear not! Finding gift ideas for the holidays and beyond should now be a cinch! I have just put my blood, sweat, and tears into what I hope is the Ultimate Crochet Gift List.

This list is divided into two sections. First you'll see the complete list of all items divided by category. Please note that the list items are broad. For example, "scarf" may be a single list item. However, there are a lot of different types of scarves that include infinity scarves, scarflettes, traditional scarves, etc. I kept the list broad so that it wouldn't get too long.

Next you'll find a series of targeted lists made to help you find a gift for a specific person. Please note that some lists are gendered. This doesn't mean that I believe everyone of a certain gender would like certain things, and I would never endorse judging others for their personal tastes. I simply put together some lists in the hopes that they would be helpful for some folks.

Ultimate Crochet Gift List

Accessories: Head
hat, ear warmer, headband, scoodie, hooded cowl, hair bow, snood, bonnet, collar, earrings

Accessories: Neck
scarf, tie, bow tie, cowl, cape, wrap, shawl, necklace

Accessories: Hands
gloves, mittens, wristbands, wrist warmers, fingerless gloves, arm warmers, bracelet

Accessories: Feet
socks, slippers, boot toppers, leg warmers, barefoot sandals, stockings, anklet

Accessories: To Carry
purse, tote bag, device case, messenger bag, market bag, coin purse, backpack 

Accessories: Other
belt, pin, willy warmer (NSFW)

Clothing
sweater, cardigan, bolero, jacket, vest, dress, skirt, shorts, top

Home Goods
throw blanket, full-sized blanket, baby blanket, throw pillow, basket, bowl, pocket organizer, ottoman/pouf, tissue box holder, cushion, rug, doormat, valance, pin cushion, stool/chair cover, doorstop, paperweight

Kitchen and Dining
tea cosy, dish scrubbies, hanging towles, dish cloths, place mats, centerpiece, table runner, napkin ring, pot holder, edged towels, edged napkins

Bath
wash cloths, bath mat, hot water bottle cover, makeup remover pads, toilet lid cover, soap cover, loofah, drawer caddie

Toys
crown, superhero cape, mask, stuffed animal, amigurumi, tent, play food, crinkle toy, game set, ball, stuffed animal net, themed play set

Decorations
doily, ornament, stocking, garland, wreath, framed art, freeform art, vase/jar cover, candle holder, hanging plant holder, faux flowers/potted plant, covered rocks

Other
bookmark, parasol, hand fan, collar, leash, pet bed, cat cave, lidded box