IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…
Hello My Favorite Crafters!!!!
Now that Halloween is behind us it’s officially the start of the Holiday Season… and you know what that means!! So, get those lists going and find amazing hiding spots in your house!! It’s time for gifting and gift-making!!!
We all have that person in our life for whom we never know what to get, and that finicky friend or family member that hates everything we have ever given them…Hopefully we can help you find / make something for them early enough in the season to not have to pull your hair out at the last minute!
Then there's YOU! We want you to make a list for yourself and leave it conspicuously around the house so your loved ones happen upon it and know what to get you! I know the season is about giving, but you deserve to open a little pile of love too (even if you gift it to yourself)!
Finally, we hope to help you on your way if you wish to do some gift-crafting! We all know knitting and crochet make wonderful heirloom pieces, so if you have someone in your life that’s craft-worthy, here are some patterns to knock out that will wow your recipient and make them feel so much joy!
Get ready, Lovies!!
It's the VanRey (Kn)IT LIST, Gift Guide Edition!!
But First, Let’s Start the Countdown . . .
It’s officially November and holiday-themed mini-skein countdown calendars should be hitting your doorsteps any day now! If you were lucky enough to snag an Advent or one of the many imaginative calendars being offered by the incredible makers in our community, get those needles and hooks ready! If you couldn't snag one or didn't quite try because let’s face it, they're expensive… don't hesitate to make your own!
You probably spent the entire year crafting and are drowning in beautiful leftover nubbin balls from former projects, so get them wound and ready! Enlist a fiber friend and each make a calendar for the other, with scraps! It’s never not the right time to open little bags of yarn!
The patterns below are meant to inspire and are great for mini-skeins, leftovers and stash-diving! Make a wonderful gift for someone close to you while using what you've already got! It’s time to knit/crochet all the scrappy and stripey things!
1. Countdown Cardi by Skeinanigans 2. Just Feel Festive Shawl by Caleisha Ryan 3. Smitten, A Holiday Garland by Emily Ivey 4. Land of Sweets by Helen Stewart 5. Advent Socks 2019 by Natalie Sheldon 6. Thisbe Hat by Charlotte Lee 7. Fairbanks Advent Shawl by Toni Lipsey 8. Númenna Shawl by K.A.M.E. Crochet 9. Crochet Advent Baby Blanket by Lucienne Crochet
Gifting season can be a challenge for some of us. It’s fun to pull out all the holiday decorations, but it’s also extremely exhausting and can be very expensive. Unfortunately, no one really talks about that. So many personalities to cover, so many price-points to match, so much wrapping and wrapping and more wrapping… please allow us to try and make this year a little easier on you.
We hope the suggestions below either help you easily find a gift for someone on your list or inspire you towards coming up with a gift idea of your own! ❤️
(Tap the pics to access the links)
For your Favorite Person
to thank them for making your life merry and bright!
A Tree
This season, give the gift of a beautiful Lemon or Cherry Blossom tree. A meaningful gesture that not only enhances our environment, but also brings growth and life into one’s home. A present such as this will continue to flourish, just like the bond you share with your loved one.
Monogram Candy Bracelet
Elevate your loved one's style with this semi precious pony bead bracelet. A fun accessory that combines sophistication with a touch of playfulness, and is reminiscent of childhood crafting days, makes an ideal gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
For your Ride-or-Die
to show you're by their side through thick and thin!
A Helping Hand
Surprise your loved one with the gift of convenience, time and help! From tackling home improvement projects, to handling small errands, TaskRabbit connects clients with skilled and reliable Taskers that will complete all your dreaded chores so you can slide into the New Year stress-free!
Vanrey Knits Accessories
“I have too many accessories,” said no one, ever! 😉 Use stash yarn to whip up one, or all, of these 4 free accessory patterns in no time for your Ride or Die. Bonus points if you make one for yourself too, so you can be twinners with your bestie boo!
For the Craft-Worthy
to show you care because your gift was handmade!
Gatsby Shawl
The Gatsby Shawl by Dawn Henderson of Dawn Landix Designs hit one out of the park with this design. Dani has knit two and absolutely loved making them! A really relaxing and intuitive DK knit, this project is a joy and the final piece is not only wearable, but looks like a million bucks! Cast one on for someone Knit-worthy in your life!
Chunky Monkey Beanie
The Chunky Monkey Beanie by Suzee Knits is a squishy, beautiful and a quick gift-knit that's sure to make any recipient happy! Using chunky yarn, large needles and an alternating stitch pattern that creates the look of brioche without the headache, you will churn these out so fast you’ll be on to the next one before you even know it!
For the Hard-to-Buy-for
to show you never surrender bc a great gift, they will get!
The Grand Coffee Tour
Show that caffeine fiend in your life you love them with gift certificates to all the locally owned coffee shops in your area! Stuff all the gift cards into a brand new Yeti! This will not only make them happy, but also help support locally owned businesses! In North Jersey? Try the award-winning Compound Coffee Company!
Airbnb Cultural Tours
Give that special someone the gift of travel, while never actually leaving their home, with these immersive online experiences. With so many to choose from, you can “travel” to Scotland on Zoom to meet Beccy who has a passion for raising rescue sheep with kindness and shares her secret to creating a cuddly flock.
For your Crafty Friends
to show you understand their love of creating!
Granny Square Blocking Board
Let this board bring your granny squares to their full glory with a good block! A sustainable bamboo board with equidistant holes for long metal pegs helps you keep all your squares the same size and makes for easier seaming together! A must-have for the crochet queen in your life!
Pom Pom Magazine
Sadly, it’s the end of an era. The final issue of Pom Pom mag will be published in January of 2024. Pre-order their final issue or buy back-issues / books for a crafter in your life to show support for this beloved publication. Everything in print, except for the final two issues, is now 50% off in their online shop.
For the Little People
to show them how much joy they bring you!
Scrappy Snuggles Blanket
My first exclusive published pattern through my newsletter, the scrappy snuggles blanket is the perfect gift for a little person in your life! Using worsted weight yarn, this blanket flies off the hook and is great for using up the scraps leftovers from other projects!
Meri Meri
This site is full of everything you need to give a child in your life the best holiday season! From adorable party supplies to the most beautiful accessories and dress up clothes, Meri Meri is the place to find a unique gift sure to make your special little person smile!
For Yourself
as a form of self-care, of course!
Baby Bunny Bag
This hand-crafted leather bag from Sandy by the Lakeside is the perfect little gift to oneself. Squishy and gorgeous, this adorable pouch can hold make-up and purse things, or notions and making accessories. Toss it from purse to purse, in style, never losing a thing
Support Your LYS
One would think it would be a given for family members to know you want gift cards to your favorite crafting stores, but it isn't always so obvious. Drop hints often that a gift card to your LYS would be appreciated and help to keep small yarny businesses alive!
BTS (behind the scenes) here at VRK!
Annnd, drumroll please…….
The 7 Wonders Shrug is officially in the hands of the Tech Editor!!!!!
Squeeeeee!!!!!
The release of this pattern has been a long time coming and I can’t believe we are in the home stretch! Once the shrug has been graded and the pattern is back in our hands, we will contact all who have reached out to test knit this design.
If you are interested in becoming a test knitter / crocheter for VRK, or would like to specifically test knit the 7 Wonders Shrug please send an email to Testvanreyknits@gmail.com.
I can not wait for this shrug to finally be out in the world and am even more excited to share with you all the new designs that are percolating behind the scenes!
** Thank you all so much for being here every week, it truly means the world.
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Have an incredible couple weeks full of warm exchanges,
relaxing crafting, and of course, love.
See you soon!
♥️ Vanessa
