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The new Knit.1 hit the stands today. Inside you’ll find tons of quicky gifts–I’m partial to the handknit cuffs and Jared Flood’s beret –for customers who may be searching for 11th-hour presents to knit or crochet.
You’ll also find some delightful not-so-quicky projects. Congrats to Faith and Tanis on a wonderful issue!
Ann and Brian from BrainsBarn
’Tis the season for craft shows–a wonderful way to hunt down new products, support local artisans, log some holiday shopping and garner inspiration.
This weekend, I hit the 31st Annual Christmas Craft Show in Hope, N.J. A highlight was reconnecting with Brian and Ann from BrainsBarn Handcrafted Wooden Crochet Hooks. Brian makes the most beautiful wooden hooks (we featured them in May 2007 issue). He’s the type of guy who can pull off a freeform crochet vest (see above). He shows impeccable taste; the vest showcases the work of some heavy-hitting hookers, including Prudence Mapstone and Myra Woods.
My friend Ellie and I did some damage while doing our market research. I bought some alpaca socks for Gabe from my alpaca friends. Ellie and I purchased gifts for each other from an exhibiting jeweler. Plus I found wreathes for the house and brought home a loaf of amazing walnut raisin bread from my neighbors the bread bakers.
Pattern available here!
Yesterday I received a press release from publisher STC Craft that posed the question: Are more folks making gifts this year in response to the economy? Melanie Falick is hosting a brief questionnaire on the subject (and a drawing for free books). Deadline to respond is Dec. 12.
What do you think? Are people seeking solace and financially sustainable gifts through knitting and crochet? We’re anxious to know.
(Me, I’ve made one gift… so far. See above.)
If you happened to be in Times Square yesterday, you may have caught 19,000 square feet of digital knitting to advertise the opening of the Lion Brand Yarn Studio, LBY’s new retail store in New York.
I’ll be at the opening tonight!
For a long-distance peek, check out lionbrandyarnstudio.com.
