Hi, Crocheters! 👋
Can you believe Thanksgiving is Thursday and Christmas is 32 days? We’re going to my sister-in-law’s farm near Beaverdam for a traditional Southern Country Thanksgiving spread with all the fixin’s. Years ago, I made Martha Stewart’s Mac and Cheese. It was so good, I’m permanently assigned to bring it. Rookie mistake!
In this week’s e-mail:
My secret to a stress-free holiday, filled with joy! 🧡
Techniques you just can’t crack
The Analog Bag - viral trend or old news?
DEEP CURRENT
Crocheters are Talking About…
🔶 This debut No-sew Christmas Cat Ornament pattern from Ravelry Designer Crochetatm1dni3ht. It is so cute! And you could customize to look like your cat!
🔶 TikTok thinks it’s discovered something new - the “analog bag”. Meanwhile, we’ve carried our Soola bags everywhere we go for years; everything old is new again!
🔶 The stunning Tempest Blue Polished Metal Streamline hook from Furls that’s going on my Wish List unless I win the weekly giveaway.
🔶 The ridiculous Apple iPhone Pocket and its outrageous $219 price tag! We talked it about it last week as well. Here’s a video to crochet one in an evening for only the cost of the yarn!
This AWESOME idea has gone viral! Shall I buy it and test it for you?
STITCH BY STITCH
🧶 Hot Take Incoming…
You don't need to give teachers holiday gifts. And that goes for neighbors, co-workers, church friends and any other acquaintances.
I know—grinchy and unjolly. But here’s my thinking. A mom posted on Facebook this week asking for "quick" crochet teacher gift ideas. Between her kids and their activities, she was crocheting 19 teacher and coach gifts. Nineteen! 😮
That's not a gift anymore. That's a part-time job!
Here’s your permission to cross teachers—and your guilt—off your list!
It's not expected. Nobody's keeping score. And letting go of obligations you've piled on yourself reduces your mental load immensely!
Six years ago, my best friend and I agreed to stop exchanging gifts. Instead we take a December day off work and explore small Virginia towns together—shopping, lunching, laughing and soaking in the atmosphere. It's become my favorite holiday tradition, because it’s stress free.
I've also dropped neighbors, coworkers, and even extended family from my gift list. (If you’re curious how I handle extended family without the awkwardness, Reply CHRISTMAS and I'll share my strategy.)
The saving of time, money, and especially my sanity has been totally worth it! It’s freed me up to enjoy the season instead of dread it. Everything still falls on me at Christmas—but at least I don’t need to “take to the bed” anymore!
This year I'm crocheting exactly one gift. I’m excited about how it’s turning out. It’s a C2C blanket for my daughter I designed on Stitch Fiddle and I can’t wait to show you!
CROCHET CONFIDENTIAL
🤷♀️ Elusive Techniques
What is the ONE crochet thing you can't seem to do? 😵💫
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! 🧡
🧶 Can you believe this is crocheted?
I just finished watching the Queen’s Gambit on Netflix. With chess on the mind, I came across this 🔥 crocheted Chess Set. It’s crazy detailed from the Castle border to the intricate pieces. It’d make a great gift but probably too late for this Christmas.
🎅 Holiday Patterns
Versatile Christmas tree pattern that can be an ornament, gift topper, table decoration garland and more from Bella Coco Crochet.
Loopy Christmas trees and matching decoration from MJ’s Off The Hook. These loopy trees are everywhere right now—and they are adorable!
Three of the cutest lip balm holders you’ve ever seen!
And if you’re still looking for crochet gift ideas here is a collection of last-minute ideas that includes gift card holders.
🟨 Traveling with Crochet
After last week’s issue about traveling with crochet, the internet montipopped up this round-up of travel friendly crochet patterns. I want to try the fidget toy!
🧡 Featured Crochet Charity
Not technically a charity, but we’ll overlook that for the noble mission. New-to-market crochet kit maker, Little Loop Company, donates $1 per kit to a matching themed conservation charity.
IN STITCHES
WEAVING IN THE ENDS
I’m almost ready with the Wish List for Crocheters! Click here to be the first to get this handy tool when it drops!
See you next weekend!
—Michelle 🧡
P.S. If there’s something on your Wish List, reply to let me know and I’ll feature it so Santa will be able to easily find it!
BEFORE YOU GO…
Here are some things to help:
The Yarn Cost Calculator - compares yarn skeins so that you can find the best deal
Advent Calendar for Crocheters Round-up - curated collection of crochet or yarn themed advent calendars
Holiday Crochet Gift Planner - a useful printable worksheet to plan your holiday gift crocheting
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