👋 Hi, it’s Michelle!

After jolting you last week with a reminder to start thinking about Christmas, 😂 let’s continue from where we left off with crochet gift suggestions for the people in your life. 🎁

ICYMI, get my free printable Crochet Gift Planner below. 🧡 

Small businesses and crocheters alike are being impacted by tariffs coming into effect.

The top story, as well as a link in the Favorite Finds section, cover more about this issue. Are tariffs impacting your small business or your yarn purchases? 👉 Reply to let me know!

In this week’s e-mail:

• Tariffs - an ugly side-effect

• Crochet impacts on prisoners

• Crochet Gift Suggestions for everyone!

LOOPED IN

Crochet News

🔶 US Craft Industry and Small Business Scrambling in the Tariff Era. The US tariffs on packages valued under $800 entering the US kicked in Friday. Some countries are suspending mail of packages to the US. Small business craft stores and makers on both sides of the Atlantic are needing to pivot, but how? (Read more → Reason)

🔶 Stitch & Time. What do prison, hospice care and crocheting have in common? A documentary about how crochet has changed the lives of prisoners debuts at the Sacramento International Film Festival this weekend. (See trailer and read more → CACR)

🔶 Teacher surprises kids; shocks parents. Students saw mini versions of themselves as teacher crocheted dolls in their likeness for end of year gifts. (See pictures and read more: People)

🔶 Crochet to the rescue. This Florida woman, only 15, has serious health conditions but discovered crochet as an escape, then created a successful business managing to one-up life. An inspiration to all of us. (Read more: MyNews13)

🔶 Off-the-beaten path. This is one of those entries for Roadside America. Near the Joshua Tree National park is the tiny World Crochet Museum open to visitors. (See pictures and read more: KFoxTV)

YARN OVER HOOK

My Weekly Favorite Finds

A curated selection of useful (mostly) crochet-related articles and tools I’ve come across recently for you to explore. All links have been vetted! 🧡

💰 Crochet Business Helpful-s

• It’s market season - where to sell? Locate craft markets and festivals in your area and get notified of new ones. Find it here: PopUpPros

• Get ready for selling season on Etsy. Attract customers by writing better listing titles. Here’s how: ERank

• Navigating Evolving Global Tariff Policies. Etsy has a great explainer. Read more: Etsy

🛍️ Fun Fall Fiber Festivals

• Find a festival and event near you! September and October are busy months for fiber and arts festivals. Here’s a very thorough list to find one near you. Which one will you be attending? Shenandoah Valley Fiber Fest is closest to me - see you there! Full calendar here: ThatchedRoofCottage

🎃 Changing Seasons

• Crochet pumpkins are gorgeous and effective décor for Fall and deceptively simple to make! See patterns: MJsOffTheHookDesigns

• An advent calendar is a fun way to count down to Christmas and a crochet one is even better! This one from Yarnspirations is on sale.

 🧡 Featured Crochet Charity

• Navy Marine Corps Relief Society collects baby blankets for Navy and Marine Corps families. Find the charity here: NMCRS

STITCH BY STITCH

🎁 Crochet Gift Guide Suggestions

It’s all well and good to start crocheting Christmas gifts early, but the hardest part is deciding what to give everyone.

You want to make and give something that will be enjoyed and appreciated, but at the same time, you want to know that it will be enjoyed and appreciated!

Last week, I talked about planning to make crochet gifts early and gave you a free printable organizer to help you get started. (If you missed it, find the link at the bottom of this e-mail.)

🌟 To spark inspiration for filling out your planner, here are some crochet gift ideas tailored to everyone on your list.

For Everyone in your Family

For moms, thoughtful accessories can be a hit: shawls, wraps, cardigans, wrist warmers, or even delicate crochet jewelry like lacy earrings or bracelets.

For her home, consider a set of scrubbies, hot pads, dish towels, or sturdy baskets. Crocheted flower bouquets or hanging baskets also add a special handmade touch.

Dads appreciate practical gifts they’ll actually use: a matching winter beanie and scarf, golf club covers, an armchair caddy, catch-all tray, a cozy pillow or throw blanket, or even a mug sleeve to keep their coffee warm.

Kids are easy – an amigurumi toy of their favorite animal all the way!

Teens can be trickier, but stylish headbands, eye masks, scrunchies, lip balm holders, phone cases, tote bags, or bucket hats are all on-trend. If all else fails, something Taylor Swift inspired!

Grandmas often treasure delicate, traditional items like lacy shawls, doilies, or table runners that bring vintage charm to their home. I don’t know about you, but my grandma is always cold! A chunky lap blanket also makes a wonderful, cozy gift.

Others on the List

Teachers deserve recognition for all they do. Small, quick-to-make items like bookmarks, coffee cozies, coasters, keychains, or water bottle holders are practical tokens of thanks.

Neighbors and coworkers — think small, cheerful gestures: sunburst coasters, can or candle jar cozies, keychains, Aldi quarter holders, or other little handmade gifts that show you were thinking of them. (Need inspiration? Check out this roundup of easy ideas).

Planning for Gift Making

The best way to make a crochet gift personal is by tailoring the color, size, and style to match the recipient’s personality and lifestyle.

Even the simplest project — like a handmade gift card holder — takes on new meaning when it’s customized.

As you gather ideas, keep in mind that not every pattern floating around online is trustworthy. Watch out for AI-generated “nonsense” patterns that don’t make what they purport to. Always choose designs from established, reputable sources. (See my article on How to Spot an AI scam)

Now’s the perfect time to pull out your Crochet Gift Planning Worksheet (download at the end of this email), dig into your stash, and get started on your list.

The holidays will be here before you know it! 🎄

HOOKED ON TRIVIA

This Week’s Trivia Question

Which country is often credited with popularizing crochet lace during the 19th century famine relief efforts?

A) France
B) Ireland
C) Spain
D) Denmark

Answer after the ad below (Favor? Click the link in the ad, to help me keep this newsletter free)

✅ Trivia Answer: B) Ireland
During the mid-1800s, Irish women crocheted lace to help support their families during the potato famine. The delicate “Irish lace” they created became a sought-after export across Europe and America. It wasn’t just beautiful — it literally kept households fed!

WEAVING IN THE ENDS

That’s all for this week. Oh! After the poll is the Crochet Gift Planning Worksheet to download free, just for being a subscriber.

See you next week for more crochet-y goodness,

—Michelle 🧡

P.S. Share this newsletter with your crochet friends!