Yarn-lovers Gift List 2017

Here I am like a woolly Fairy Godmother to help you out with your Christmas list, essentially you could just waft this blog post under the nose of a loved one and say; ‘Have a look! Hint, Hint and top tips – get out your online wallet!’

These are my personal choices but are based on my experience of what knitting and crochet enthusiasts like and what I know will be helpful for beginners. If you are a long suffering partner or a thoughtful friend there should be something in this list which will delight any yarn addict.  I have put in links for you which should make your shopping easier.

Equipment

Good equipment is a joy for a crafter. When I knit I enjoy the KnitPro range of needles. My particular favourite would be the colourful Zing Needles. If you are clever you could ask your knitting friend; ‘Which size needles do you use the most?’ However if you are not keen to blow your cover then a pair of 3.5mm needles and 4mm needles are alway very very helpful. You can get a swanky set of KnitPro Zing Deluxe or if you prefer a lovely KnitPro Symfonie Wood Interchangeable Needle Deluxe Set

When it comes to crochet hooks I always use Clover Soft Touch – I have used and tried many different types over the years, but these are my preferred make. If you are thinking about being generous and buying a couple for the stocking I would suggest at 3.5mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm. That will make an excellent start for you.

Accessories

Now my top top tip is a fabulous online shop I found recently – Beyond Measure. They sell quality items for all crafters. I couldn’t resist buying myself a leather wrist ruler in powder blue. It comes in a lovely metal case and would make an exquisite Secret Santa present.  Also on my list will be  magnetic pin block is very, very useful.

But also have a look at the beautiful heirloom pieces like the wooden turned pin cushions and tape measure. A real luxury are the beautiful leather covers for scissors. I do believe I am getting a small scissor obsession, so I quite fancy a red leather cover for my sharp merchant and mills mini scissors.

Subscription Boxes

Now this is a wonderful idea for a year long present. You can purchase a monthly subscription for a new crochet project to be posted to your yarn enthusiast. Obviously this project will be a surprise. But I think it is a great idea to build up skills and to provide a new and achievable project each month. My top tip would be the utterly delightful Little Box of Crochet.

Inside you get the yarn and the all the necessary equipment you need for the project. The box is so beautifully put together. Last years Christmas box had a super cute wrist warmer pattern. The box also included fabulous scissors, some tea, a hook and a lovely stitch marker. The mini magazine that comes with the box is also brilliant. This year they are also doing Hygge Box which provides you with all the equipment to make this fab cap. A top gift tip.

Magazines

I do have a small magazine vice. I find it very, very difficult not buy the latest issue when browsing the supermarket aisles. If you ask me what one of my favourite Christmas gifts would be, I would have to say, ‘Get me a subscription!’.

For beginners then a subscription to either Simply Crochet or Crochet Now magazine would go down a treat.

I am a huge fan of Inside Crochet Magazine and would suggest this for intermediate crocheters.

Books

Ok, I admit it, I am being a bit naughty here. But if you are buying for a beginner, then I will highly recommend this book How to Crochet. Yes, I did write it… I know, I know. However I have used it to teach quite a few people and lovely readers do send me emails to say how useful they have found it.

I’m also going to have to mention Cute Crocheted Animals because it is so dear to my heart and I love those cute toys so so much.

My new book Granny Squares Home seems to be going down very very well, so I will recommend it to you. The patterns are classic British vintage and the essence of all that is good in crafty boho chic

New books this year I love include Tunisian Crochet Workshop by Michelle Robinson so many projects on my to-do list here. I must also recommend the fabulous book Hooked by Claire Montgomerie – lovely modern pattern in this.

workshop-black-sheep-wools

Workshops

Another great idea would be to book your loved one on a workshop day. I have been on several this year and love expanding my skills with great tutors. You also meet new friends. Local to me are Black Sheep Wools based near Warrington. I know a lot of people travel across the country to attend one of their events. The facilities and the retail therapy makes it an excellent trip. But I must say the lunch is always fabulous and the cake is to die for. Pop over to their workshop listing to see what is suitable.

On my list this year I really want to go up to Kirby Lonsdale in the Lake District and visit the fabulous Cool Crafting. I really do fancy attending one of their sewing classes and get back into making my own clothes.

Kits and Yarn

 

torshavn -emma-varnam-juliet-bernard

Kits provide an excellent go-to gift for someone. Recently I made this beautiful hat Torshavn with kit by Juliet Bernard. The kit is available here and it comes with the pattern and the yarn included.

For toymakers you can’t go wrong visiting the Toft Alpaca website and choosing one of their delightful animal kits. They have a fabulous cracker gift set which would make a lovely pressie for knitters and crocheters alike.

Finally why not buy a lovely gift card which will you know your yarn obsessed friend will happily spend on all their much desired wool. I do hope you have found some of these suggestions useful. You will just have to wait until Christmas Day morning to see if you get a great big woolly hug!

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2 thoughts on “Yarn-lovers Gift List 2017”

  1. Pingback: Christmas Crochet Shirt by SoCal Tribe Tees + MORE – Crochet Portal

  2. Pingback: Yarn-lovers Gift List 2017 - peepcon

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