ARRRGH!!! it happens every year; by the time my holiday markets are done and i catch up on all the work that was pushed back until post-market season and i can finally think straight again and start thinking about gifts for my own family, it’s… too… late…….
but, in my humble opinion, it’s never really too late.
here are some ideas that will be happily received by all sorts of makers at any time!
virtually any maker, or appreciator of handmade, will adore a subscription to MAKING magazine. this print-only publication is filled with glorious photos and exquisite projects for knitters, crocheters, and stitchers of all kinds, plus essays, interviews and recipes. i am beyond proud and honored to have designed something for every issue thus far; the current issue — which you can likely find at a local yarn or fabric shop near you — features my Studio Apron tutorial.
magazine subscriptions have always been a favorite gift idea of mine, to give OR receive, so a few other suggestions are taproot (for a well-rounded maker lifestyle), PLY (for the spinner), Seamwork (for the handmade-wardrobe aficionado), or KNIT WIT (for all the knitters you love).
who WOULDN’T be thrilled to bits to receive a 3- (or more) month membership in the Lagusta’s Luscious Chocolate of the Month Club? this radical feminist vegan chocolatier is local to me (she has a shop and cafe in New Paltz, NY and also a boutique in the East Village of NYC) but ships all over the US.
gift cards to thoughtfully selected independent artisans or retailers (or perhaps an Etsy gift card) are always appreciated. Fancy Tiger, A Verb for Keeping Warm, and Craft South, all offer digital gift cards which are delivered by email; super easy for those you won’t be seeing in person! or consider gifting a workshop or retreat; even better if you make it a date with your loved one and spend some time together! Drop Forge & Tool is a workshop space in Hudson, NY that has gift cards, but any venue will likely help you arrange to gift a class to someone.
clubs — in which the recipient gets a monthly package with supplies and patterns — are also really fun! three that have caught my eye are: for your favorite crocheter, Vicki Brown’s Crochet Sock and Shawl Clubs, for a spinner, Into the Whirled’s Classic or LUXE spinning fiber clubs, and for any yarn-lover, SpaceCadet’s “Never-Ending Gradient” mini-skein club.
ok i think that should do it. with any of these choices, you can feel good about supporting small, independent businesses who are makers themselves. and why not start a new tradition of giving gifts in January as a kickoff to a creative and productive New Year?
