Handmade Holidays 2010
November 15, 2010 | Melanie Falick 
As the weather turns from cool to downright chilly, do you find yourself wanting to make handmade gifts for the holidays? We do! As a special gift for our readers, we've put together 14 free patterns that we hope will inspire you to pick up your needles or get out your glue gun and find a few hours to relax and craft. Some of these projects, like the Glasses Case or the Linen-Stitch Bookmarks, can be made in just an hour or two. Others, like the Mermaiden doll or the Mulberry Hat, might take a few more hours, but the end results will be irresistibly satisfying. And if you dream of making a quilt or afghan for a loved one but feel that time is not on your side, why not just work up a swatch or square as an IOU? It will give the recipient something to dream about (or nag you about) in the cold winter months that follow.
But wait! We're not done giving yet. Leave a message in the Comments section below telling us about the handmade gifts you're making this year. By doing so, you'll be entered to win a book from the STC Craft catalog click (here and here). On December 17, 2010, at noon (EST), we'll choose 3 people at random to receive the STC Craft book of his or her choice.
Whether you're a knitter, stitcher, or crafty dabbler, we hope you will find something here that gets you in a gift-giving mood. Simply click on any of the images above to download the instructions.
Happy Holidays!
Limit one (1) entry per person; be sure to enter your email address on the comment form. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. who are 18 or older as of date of entry. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59:59 AM ET on 12/17/10. Visit www.abramsbooks.com for full official rules. Void where prohibited.
But wait! We're not done giving yet. Leave a message in the Comments section below telling us about the handmade gifts you're making this year. By doing so, you'll be entered to win a book from the STC Craft catalog click (here and here). On December 17, 2010, at noon (EST), we'll choose 3 people at random to receive the STC Craft book of his or her choice.
Whether you're a knitter, stitcher, or crafty dabbler, we hope you will find something here that gets you in a gift-giving mood. Simply click on any of the images below to download the instructions.
Happy Holidays!
Reader Comments (200)
I made the Menorah Pillow from Melanie Falick's Handknit Holidays... turned out great! It's a terrific book. Thanks for all you do!
Please let me win ! I love your books ---- just bought the Knitting New Scarves!
I loved that book too ! It is practically worn out !
Is there any errata out there for the Knitting New Scarves book? I should have asked that the first post.
Errata for STC Craft books can be found at http://www.abramsbooks.com/stc_craft_errata.html
However, there is no errata for Knitting New Scarves.
I'm making a couple of knitted cowls... They should be nice and warm! These links look great for some more gifts...
I am making my daughter a stuffed toy butterfly and my son a library book bag (to be filled with a few of his favorite books). And then, who knows! I aspire to an entirely handmade holidays but usually fall quite short of my goals.
I'm making knitted scarves from one more skein. I love all your products.
i made some christmas fabric garland for decorations at our house and to mail to friends also...made some baby bibs to gift...and would love to work on a quilt for my daughter who is jealous of the one i just made for my son! thanks for the free patterns!
A knitted bag for my best friend.
I am thinking about making some jewelry as gifts this year. I just bought a jewelry kit and am thinking of making beaded necklaces for my sisters and bracelets for some co-workers. Knitted washcloths/bath sets are another option.
This year I'm knitting mittens for my three little boys and a set of dolls (inspired by the Photojojo voodoo doll project) of and for our neighbors. And more if there's time!
I'm making scarves and hand warmers!
Last year and the year before I knit a lot for the holidays. This year, I'm probably only going to knit a hat. But I'm knitting a lot of gifts for friends about to have babies and for my brother to celebrate his wedding next year.
I'm knitting a Christmas stocking for a new granddaughter, crocheting a throw for a 7-year-old granddaughter, to replace her worn-out baby blanket. Also knitting a stocking to donate to our local women's shelter.
Thanks very much for thte patterns.
I'm making dog beds for my daughter's fur babies. I always try my best to make something for everyone on my list.
Alabama Stitch Style Scarves!!
I'm making all sorts of things this year! from knitted shawls (one of my favorite things to knit), little fabric holiday decorations, bags, pincushions, pillows, you name it! I've always loved making handmade gifts and also receiving them too!
thanks for the giveaway!
I just started knitting this year. I have made some monogrammed disclothes so far. As well as some of what I call "stitch sampler" coasters and clothes. I just ordered dpns yesterday and I can not wait to try some fingerless gloves pattern. I have two sets of twins to knit gloves for by Christmas! I also had my eye on your free patterns of hand-stitched felt. My twins are 4 and 8 and these things would make such adorable presents for them. I love working with felt and I had no idea that there are books on the subject! Thanks for giving me more ideas than just dishclothes! Happy Holidays!
I am going to make some handmade Christmas cards by doing free-motion of a Christmas tree on cardstock and I will knit a hat and a shawl for some relatives.
Just found your blog. LOVE IT!
I made a lacey scarf for my mom and am currently knitting up a top-down sweater for my daughter. If I have time, 2 more sweaters are on the list for my boys. If time runs thin - they will get them for birthday presents instead :-).
Would love to win a book with more fabulous ideas!
I am almost finished a toque for my daughter (knit in grey and soft pink stripes with a merino wool). I am setting a Christmas deadline for my son's quilt that has been in the works for almost 2 years! My littlest will probably get something a little simpler...like a pillowcase or maybe a knit toque. We'll see how time goes!
Thanks for the give-away! Jen