Allegan Spirit of Art

We had a great time last night at the Spirit of Art in Allegan. We exhibited a few handmade gift items at Baker Allegan Studio. Deb and Joe Leverence are great hosts and have created a wonderful art environment in this 100 year old building.

Fingerless Mitts - Great Gifts

Just finished the 5th pair of Fingerless Mitts. I am using the Kalamazoo Knits pattern, the rib design fits various hands so well, plus it is fast. I love wearing these and keep thinking of others who would enjoy them; a lady from church who reads much of her day and evening, a friend whose office is on the too cool side, another knitter, crocheter - even my husband knit a pair for himself.

We had our first snowfall beginning Thursday evening and have about 4 inches on the ground. We were lucky this time, the 'lake effect' went north of us, folks about 50 miles north have over 16 inches of snow. That first snowfall does wonders for invigorating the Christmas spirit.

Wooden Shawl Pins and Felted Soaps

I am so excited about the handmade gifts we have this year. They are so appropriate for knitters but also for anyone who wears shawls or scarves whether knit, crocheted or woven.

I have to say the Beatles song, "I get by with a little help from my friends", is my theme for now. The lovely shawl pins are designed and cut by my pastor, his wife hand sands them to a silky finish.
He also made the drip free soap dishes for the felted soap gifts. The soaps are made by my very good friend, Fran; I did do the felting.

I love to give and receive one of a kind gifts and hope others enjoy giving original, unique and yet useful gifts.

Gifts for the Holiday Season

The economy is making the holiday season difficult for many so I tried to come up with some unique and less costly items to give to those who knit, spin or felt. A 100% cotton Canvas Tote is one item that anyone can use to carry or store their projects, of course it makes a great shopping bag as well.This one I needle felted the design on the front and then lightly wet felted the inside design part to make it smooth. It really holds alot.

The Tote Bag is one of the items on our new Gift Page. I also listed the new collapsible Umbrella Swift and Yarn Ball Winder, really great for all the indie dyers, as well as, knitters, spinners and crocheters. For those who would like to knit, we have the set of 4 Round Looms and a really nice kit for kids that includes some yarn, needles and little pattern book. The other item I listed is the Locker Hook, this is an old craft but often unknown yet it can be a great way to use leftovers of yarn, roving and quilters fabric strips.

I like to think our standard items, like Marr Haven Yarn, books and patterns would all make great gifts, too. Those items can also be included in a Gift Certificate.