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Curbly Gift Guide: Best Crafty Gifts for Fabric and Yarn Junkies

by on Dec 3, 2010

Crafts. There are SO many to choose from, it would be virtually IMPOSSIBLE to put together a gift guide to cover them all. So, for the sake of space (and my sanity), we’ve pared ‘crafts’ down to the big three: Knitting, crocheting and sewing. 

Now, gift cards for yarn shops, craft stores and fabric boutiques make great gifts for knitters, crocheters and seamsters, but for something a bit more personal, check out these ideas we’ve amassed for the fiber junkies on your Christmas list.  

Going in alphabetical order, we’ll start with the crocheters. This first one is a personal favorite and indispensable guide for ANY crocheter, experienced or beginner. The Crochet Answer Book ($9) is always beside me when I start a new crochet project.

Storey Publishing: The Crochet Answer Book

Staying in the library, here’s another book I happen to own and highly recommend: The Crochet Stitch Bible ($20). It’ll take that crocheter to the next level. (Beautiful book, spiral-bound.)

The Crochet Stitch Bible

A couple of new titles that came out this year that I wouldn’t mind owning include Around the Corner: Crochet Borders ($12) and Crochet Master Class ($16).

Any avid crocheter would LOVE Interweave’s new 2011 Crochet Calender, which features one motif (and its pattern) for each month of the year ($8).

Different colors and different types of yarn crochets.

Whether your crocheter has joint issues or not, these aluminum hooks with bamboo handles from Susan Bates are the cat’s meow ($3 each). The difference between these and the old, all-aluminum kind is striking. 

A bamboo holder still in its package carding.

Crocheters–like knitters–like to have a lot of supplies within reach when working on a project. This ArtBin Floor Caddy ($30) keeps tools organized and at your fingertips and it’s totally tote-able.

" A demo how to use crafty gifts for fabric and yarn junkies "

 

Now for the knitters. The Knitting Answer Book ($10)  is another title I own and, like its crochet counterpart, it is INDISPENSABLE. 

DIY yarn sweaters ideas.

Debbie Stoller came out with another Stitch ‘n Bitch this year, entitled Superstar Knitting ($12). It picks up in ‘technique difficulty’ where her earlier works left off.

 Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics

I had a chance to peruse the new Vampire Knits ($13) and it is gorgeous. The patterns have a gothic/romantic quality about them that–like Edward–are irresistible. 

A magazine cover of a red-headed pale girl with a cashmere hoodie.

Other new knitting titles that came out this year that I’d like to add to my knitting library include Modern Top Down Knitting ($18), Warm Knits, Cool Gifts ($16), Brave New Knits ($16), and More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts ($18).

Vogue’s Vogue Knitting Stitch-a-Day Calendar ($13) will certainly enrich a knitter’s repertoire. 

Vogue Knitting Stitch-a-Day: 2011 Day-to-Day Calendar

The Knit Kit ($22) is the Swiss Army Knife for knitters, and I want one BAD.

The Knit Kit

For a break from knitting, this Knitter’s Delight ($18)  jigsaw puzzle is just the thing. (Check out the one with a ‘sewing’ theme.)

Knitter's Delight

And on to those that sew. Martha came out with an Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts ($19) this year that’ll make any fiber nut squeal with delight.

Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects from A to Z

Also new to bookstores this year is the very handy 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips ($14). 

The cover of a book entitled "1000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips"

If your seamstress sews for kids, then Sewing Clothes Kids Love ($16) is a must-buy. 

Very colorful fabric on a person walking through a field.

For those who like to get their applique on, Sew Liberated ($16) is so perfect.

"Yarn Junkies on the Fabric without Sewing "

How about a bit of motivation ($16)? (PosterPop has one for quilters and knitters too!)

Personalized Keep Calm and SEW ON Print 11x14 (Ebony featured)

Light! Let there be! And for me, it’s my OttLite. I have a desk lamp style in my craft room, but their Craft Plus Floor Lamp would be a welcomed addition to any sewing room. The quality of the illumination of OttLites is unparalleled, as they throw a bright, white, natural light that’s cool and doesn’t glare or distort color. It reduces eye strain too. I highly recommend them. Prices start around $36 and go up to $210, like for this floor lamp. HOWEVER, they’re often on sale at Michael’s and JoAnn’s, and if they aren’t, you can use their handy coupons! 

A green and white overhead natural sunlight lamp.White color table light.

 

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