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'm making a scarf for my mother, but am also thinking of making one of the scarves from Knitting the New Scarves book. There are so many that look like fun!
This year, I am making bookmarks, Christmas tree hats for newborns and homemade granola for friends and family. I love the patterns you included. Thank you!
So far I've made two Christmas stockings and a few ornaments from Handknit Holidays. Still have to make my husband the handwarmers from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. I love STC Craft books, if you can't tell!
I just finished a handspun shawl for a friend in another hemisphere. I'm currently knitting up a slouchy hat for my mom-in-law to match a pair of mittens that I made for her last year. A new hat out of the most luscious alpaca yarn that I found locally for my father-in-law. A new scarf for my mom out of Cashwool.
Hmm. Typed out that seems like quite a bit to get done. I need to go knit. :)
I am making appliqued messenger bags for family and friends!
I'm going to stretch myself this year and make a watercolor poster for a Christmas gift.
hi! i love all your books so much! i have been knitting mitts, hats and pouches...sewing stuffed foxes for my girls (we have them in our back garden in england) and i'm thinking of trying some boxers for my husband. :) hope i win some more inspiration!!
I'm making matching knitted hats for my 10-year-old son and my husband; fingerless mitts for my son and my daughter, and not sure what else...yet. But I'll check-out your book, More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, for ideas!
bows. dresses. and softies.
I just finished knitting a few hats, some baby booties, and a shawl. I think a cowl or two will be next. Sewing, I'm going to make a shirt, some bedside organizers, maybe some lavender-filled eye pillows and that might be enough. Thank you for the giveaway!
My MIL and I will be making my younger daughter her own version of the Family Stocking ... plus I'm making hats and scarves and (if I get crazy enough!) the men's vest from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts for my husband. Thanks for the great giveaway!
I am making a squashy knitted cabled hat for my oldest and dearest friend as well as crafting what I hope will be a lovely Christmas card for my husband, probably a Scherenschnitte piece.
I've been sewing pouches, knitting like crazy and drooling through my Wee Wonderful book. Someday, I'll be able to sew more than just straight lines...
I'm doing some knitting (not as much this year as previously) - hats, slippers and maybe some gloves; and some sewing - a doll for my daughter, and a purse or two; and some painting. Christmas is always predominantly handmade at my house. I love it that way!
I've been knitting colorful socks for my husband and fingerless mittens for my daughter.
I'm still deciding what patterns I want to use, but I'm planning on knitting hats and socks for the most part. Hope I have time to get done all I want, since I'm starting so late. :( Love your books! I have quite a few on my wish list!
I've made quilts for my four families, sushi set of fused glass and beautiful bags and cookies!!!
I've knit a Pretty Thing cowl from handspun for my mom and hope to be able to make matching fingerless mitts in time for Christmas too. If not, she'll get them later. I'm also knitting Ruffled Bottle Sleeves for everyone and have knit or will knit a couple of dishcloths for swap gifts.
I always try to make something by hand for each person on my list, even if it's just a small delight ; ). I am just learning to knit, so my projects this year are mostly sewn and painted. But.....one of your lovely knitting books would give me a great head start for next Christmas! Thanks for your generous give-away~~
I'm making a ton of knitted gifts this year: scarves, fingerless mitts (from Modern Top-Down Knitting) and a bunch of gift bags from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.
I love STC Craft books!