The Holiday Season is officially upon us! I have always enjoyed giving gift recommendations to the customers at Purl and Purl Patchwork. Working in such close proximity to all the amazing yarns, fabrics, patterns, and books, I am constantly fantasizing about what I myself would want so I think I have a good perspective. I like it when I can help a husband, mother in law, or friend who has no idea about knitting or sewing to pick out something really special for their crafty loved one. With that in mind I present to you my 2009 gift picks!

For the Craft Sewer

•  Three one yard pieces of Echino in (from left to right) Pink Peacock, Chartreuse Flower Bed, and Pink Bird Song Border.

I can't think of a prettier, more unique present for an avid craft sewer than these lovely upholstery weight fabrics. They are simply stunning! Their whimsical prints and lively colors will bring any home project, like a bag, a pillow, or a set of placemats, vividly to life.

For the All Around Crafter

• Charley Harper Bluebird Needlepoint Canvas 
• Needlepoint yarn (3 of color 418, 1 of color 201, 3 of color 582, 1 of color 220, 1 of color 810)
• How To Needlepoint by the National Needlework Association

This is a great gift for that super crafty person on your list, the one who knits a little, sews a little or who taught you how to crochet. Needlepoint will be a totally addictive addition to their repertoire! Our Charley Harper Needlepoint canvases are modern and stunning and this Bluebird design is a great size and skill level for a beginner. If your present recipient is already a needlepointer you might want to check out some of the larger and more elaborate Charley Harper canvases at this link.

For the Clothing Sewer

• Two yards of Liberty of London Tana Lawn shown here in Hot Pink Wiltshire, Pink Toria, and Hot Pink Sarah's Secret Garden.

The delicate detail of this fabric's printing is legendary as is it's silky drape. Two yards will allow your gift-getter to make anything from a child's dress to a woman's skirt or blouse. This fabric illicits oohs and ahhs from everyone who walks in the store. Everyone I know who has been sewing for a while loves this fabric, but often they think it's too extravagant to buy for themselves thus making it a really perfect gift!

For The Quilter

• Gee's Bend Quilt Kit

This beautifully packaged kit comes with everything you need to make a quilt top based on one of the stunning Quilts of Gee's Bend, including easy to follow instructions. The fabric is all 100% cotton and beautifully hand dyed. This is a wonderful gift for any quilter, beginner or expert, who enjoys bold graphic designs and rich hand dyed fabrics.

Book Recommendations!

Books are always a welcome addition to any sewer or crafter's library! Here are some of my favorites:

Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing for Baby. This book is great for beginner sewers and new moms. Lotta Jansdotter has a fun, modern sense of style so the projects are simple and beautifully designed!

The Alabama Stitch Book features really innovative hand sewing techniques and has a ton of fun projects. Along with the DIY Flower Kit, which contains all the materials for the fabric mums project in the book, this would make a stunning gift for anyone who loves to hand sew.

The Sew it Book is a reproduction of a 1929 work that contains 17 projects, from a child's apron to a rag doll. This would make a very sweet gift for a child who's just learning to sew, or to a vintage loving adult.

Still Unsure?

A Purlsoho.com gift certifcate will ensure that your sewer, needlpointer, knitter, crafter or crocheter will get exactly what he or she wants!

Everyone at Purl and Purl Patchwork really enjoys helping to pick out the perfect gift. If you don't see what you're looking for here, or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to give us a call or come in.

Happy Holidays!-- Molly

ps- We also carry great ribbon, cards and wrapping paper to wrap all your goodies!