The Knitter’s Wish List

It’s that time of year! Here is the 2015 edition of the Knitter’s Wish List, a Christmas gift list for knitters that I’ve been posting for the last few years. I’ve been scouring the internet for clever gifts that will brighten Christmas day for every knitter on your list! (Don’t drool on the keyboard, knitters, and be sure to leave this window open for “on-lookers” 😉

This is the best thing I’ve seen all year, although, having not actually seen evidence of this shining thing here in North America, I’m given to believe that it is available only in Europe. Someone, please tell me I’m wrong. (It can be ordered from LoveKnitting.)This is Opal’s Advent Calendar Box,  a pretty, shiny cube with windows that really open to reveal Knitter’s Candy! Held within are 24 mini-skeins of Opal 4-ply sock yarn. There’s a surprise every day! Unbelievable.

Never have I visited Pom Pom Quarterly when I haven’t wanted to knit everything contained therein. This is seriously the best curated knitting magazine EVER. Period. Full stop. Digital and print versions are available and, as much as I try to keep the clutter down in my office and strive for overall green-ness, I could see myself sincerely enjoying every single printed back issue and every new edition of this magazine. For an interesting interview with the founders of Pom Pom Quarterly, click here.)

If I owned these, I would fall down in the street from looking at my feet while walking. That is, when they weren’t on display on my coffee table. ‘Nuff said.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my Aqua Blockers by Knitter’s Pride. They are very serviceable. It wasn’t until last year when I bought myself an antique set that I realized that sock blockers did not need to be made of generic blue plastic. They range from the practical…

…to the sublime, (shown here are an exquisite hand-made set by Sarah Johnston),

…and everything in between.

I’m always impressed by the number and complexity of the gorgeous shawl patterns I see on Ravelry (I want to knit them all). They should all have pretty pins to fasten them. Like this exquisite swirl shawl pin by Jenny Buttons on Etsy :

…Jenny Buttons has also created this droll little squiggle. I love its capriciousness…

Jenny Buttons doesn’t stop at pins. Look at these buttons! A girl could design a sweater around these gorgeous hand made buttons.

When we talk about knitter’s jewelry, we think immediately about earrings, pendants, and, with a stretch, stitch markers but check out this beautiful silver cable needle! I think this qualifies as “knitter’s jewelry”.

Want to make your own? Should you fancy a Shetland-inspired brooch to fasten your shawl or tartan, check out this precious Cairngorm tutorial by Kate Davies.)

For the more practically minded, here are some ways to help knitters care for what they love the best. I’m a big fan of Eucalan because I love their scents but I have also used Soak and it is lovely too. Here’s a great way to try soak:

Eucalan has come up with a clever “Getaway Gang” travel pack. I confess, I’ve yet to see these packs in stores, but they can be ordered online from Eucalan.com. This kit contains eight single use pouches of Euclan’s no-rinse formula in various scents, four stain treating wipes, twenty Peel & Pat lint remover sheets and a mini sewing kit  containing thread, needle, buttons, safety pin, scissors and a nail file. It’s all packed into a reusable clear vinyl bag with a zipper closure. Nice!

I’ve had great luck with Eucalan Wipes. I love coffee and red wine, and I’m almost always rushing and preoccupied. I’m a spill waiting to happen. This fall, while at CreativFestival, I found my favorite white cotton blouse bathed in ketchup from a trip to the food truck. When I recovered my composure, I pulled out the Wipes. The spots came out almost entirely on first contact and were completely gone after standard laundering. Amazing. These are the perfect stocking stuffer. You can find them almost anywhere Eucalan products are sold.

I could go on and on but I’ll stop here and let you do your own darn shopping!

Merry Knitting!