A stitch in time

I’ve always been a very practical gift-giver. If a gift involves recycling (or *upcycling*), costs little or no cash, and is actually USEFUL, chances are I’ll love it! This project, a candy-tin sewing kit, fits all my criteria. In fact, I really need to make myself one, as I recently found myself with a mending crisis on-the-go, and was appalled to find that I wasn’t carrying a needle and thread! It’s the kind of thing I imagine whipping up a dozen of some afternoon, assembly-line style, to have on hand for giving. You can probably think of all sorts of ways to customize the idea for different people (eyeglass repair kit? knitter’s needs? letter-writing kit?), but personally I think no one should be without a sewing kit. You can find complete instructions to make the one above here.

Tags: gift ideas, handmade, sewing kit

Make something, learn something

I love knitted or crocheted dishcloths. LOVE.  Not only do they almost completely eliminate the need for paper towels, they are much cuter and super giftable.  The adorable pattern above is from Amy Marie who has an amazing collection of mosaic dish cloth patterns available on Ravelry .  An extra bonus of knitted or crocheted dish cloths is they are relatively quick to make, which as the end of the month draws near important and small enough to tuck in a bag for little bits of down time that you can fill with knitting or crocheting.

Dishcloths are also small enough I think they are a great way to try a new technique or stitch pattern while making something useful.  The size is just right to learn to cable, make lace, do entrelac or even learn to knit or crochet without being overwhelmed or ending up with a bunch of useless swatches.  Cotton yarn is widely available and pretty inexpensive so you could make a few for every house you plan to visit during the season.

There are over 5000 patterns for dishcloths on Ravelry, so you won’t be left wanting for inspiration.  We’d love to see what you’re making,  share your favorites on facebook

Quick projects for giving

 

As knitters and crocheters know, there’s no gift like a handmade one. With a few weeks left before the holidays hit their peak, you can still whip up a few more presents, most likely in less time (not to mention stress!) than if you went shopping for them. I’d rather spend my free time with yarn in my lap and a cup of tea by my side, cozily crocheting in front of the woodstove, than braving the mall or big-box store any day!

Here are a few tips for quick knits, so you don’t bite off too much:

1. Stick with projects using worsted-weight yarn or larger, and minimal yardage. Think hats, cowls, headbands, mittens or boot socks. Many patterns can be adjusted to make them quicker; shawls can become kerchiefs, socks can be shortened, cowls can be shrunken…

2. Choose a pattern with universal appeal, and make two or three of them. You’ll save time if you don’t have to work out the kinks with every project you begin this month.

3. Use superwash or easy-care yarns, ideally from your stash! Striping is a fun way to use up lots of small balls and leftovers.

If you’re looking for some patterns, you may not know that both Jill and I have our designs for sale on Ravelry! Any of the projects above would make lovely last-minute gifts, and each photo links to its pattern page. Or see all of Jill’s knit patterns here, and Cal’s crochet patterns here.

Tags: crochet patterns, knit patterns

The easiest way to gift…

…is to buy something and not have to worry about late December craft all nighters – we’ve all been there, right?

But you want to give something unique, handmade and fantastic?  Perfect solution; shop at one of the many artisan fairs happening nearby.  The money you spend supports an artist following their dream and goes right back into the local community. What could be better?! Plus it frees up busy fingers for cocoa drinking.

Here in the Hudson Valley we are lucky to have a rich community of artists and art fairs in December, here are just a few:

This weekend 12/3 & 4:

Catskill Fiber Celebration In Woodstock a great way to pick up gifts for the fiber lover in your life Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5

Unison Holiday Crafts Fair In New Paltz a diverse group of craftspeople here you could probably cross quite a lot off your list Sat & Sun 10-5

Next weekend 12/10 & 11

Winter Gift Sale @ Hudson Valley Sudbury School in Kingston the sale is inside the cozy school on Zena Rd art, pottery, clothing Sat 10-6

Slightly farther afield but usually well worth the trip is the BUST Craftacular in NYC here there are over 200 vendors, so you’re sure to find something perfect Sat 11-8 Sun 11-7

The Tivoili Artists CoOp is ongoing through December 24th the perfect place to pick up work by established and emerging artists

Do you have a favorite local fair? Tell us about it!

A season of making

Hi friends!

Here at Double Knot we can hardly believe it’s December 1st.  Soon enough we’ll be saying goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012.  We have lots of fun stuff ready for the new year, but first let’s send 2011 off in style!  December is traditionally a month full of  parties, gifting, eating and visiting friends near and far.

These are among Cal & Jill’s favorite things!

For the next few weeks we’ll be sharing some of our favorite recipes, tips & ideas to get you through December feeling (hopefully) a little less frantic & overwhelmed.

One of the things near & dear to our hearts is living small.  If you’re not sure what we mean, it’s about conscientious consumption.  Eating slow, locally produced food.  Buying or making a few gifts instead of filling the house with mass produced stuff someone far off suffered in the making of.

Sit back, put up your feet and let’s all enjoy this month instead of scrambling.

We love hearing from you, please share your favorite host(ess) treats, holiday recipes, trimmings, local shops or DIY gifts on our Facebook page.

What are you gifting?

Hopefully you’re making many of your gifts this year, (maybe even using some skills you gained with Double Knot), but if you’re also looking to shop handmade, Cal will be selling her wares this weekend along with eleven other local makers. Come and check out the goods! Supporting local independent shops and artisans is good for the economy, and the conscience!

We’re Baaa-aack!

Hello Double Knotters! How on earth did it get to be October already? We had so many adventure this summer, it positively FLEW by. This is just a quick update to let you know that our schedule is newly updated for Fall 2011, and we’ve got lots of good stuff happening, like Jill’s Double Knit Cowl class or Cal’s Make Your Own Dress workshop. More classes are being added all the time, so you may want to click on that “SUBSCRIBE” button at right, to always be informed of updates. It’s the perfect time of year to learn something new, so you’ll have plenty to do in front of the woodstove all winter long!

Also, we will both be working and playing at the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival next weekend, October 15-16. Our home base is the Ulster Handspinners’ booth in Barn 39, first booth on the left, so stop by and say “hi!”, and squeeze Jill’s new 100-mile yarn and try on Cal’s crocheted hats. See you there!

Tags: knitting classes, NYS Sheep & Wool Festival, rhinebeck, sewing classes