We often put together a simple holiday gift list this time of year. And, I am excited about a few of the things we have on this year's list. They are not all Folkwear - we want to point you to some amazing craftspeople and small businesses we have come across in the last year or so. And, craftsfolks, small businesses, and artists need lots of support. It has been a tough year for lots of people.
So on to the list.
First, (and free) Folkwear has several free patterns for some great gifts that are easy and quick to sew up. The cravat for any stylish gentleman/woman, the carry-all tote bag, a knitted 1950s stole, and a beautiful kimono ornament.
Cravat on my father-in-law
We also have several patterns that make wonderful, and quick-to-sew, gifts:
- 271 Sunset Wrap (paper pattern and PDF pattern)
- 129A Japanese Tabi (paper pattern)
- 146 Six Bags from Around the World (PDF only) (pick a bag to make - it will take you less than an hour).
And, while you may have fabric in your stash for these projects, we love the following small business fabric stores: Stone Mountain and Daughter Fabrics, Harts Fabric, Bolt Fabric Boutique, Oak Fabrics, Elfriede's Fine Fabrics, and Urbanstax (UK). Check out their shops - they have nice online selections, good customer service, easy shipping, and great quality fabrics.
Folkwear also has a couple of bag kits to make, or give as gifts - the Japanese Carpenter's Bag Kit and the Turkish Drawstring Bag Kit.
Bianca, of Thanks, I Made Them, has a wide selection of pattern weights that are beautiful and fun. Get the Folkwear pattern weights for 20% with code FOLKWEARLOVE for the rest of the year!
I also really love the sewing tools from Modern American Vintage. These gorgeous wooden tools are perfect to bring a natural element into your sewing room, and are nice gifts for sewists in your life. Love them!
The beautiful fabric store, Bolt, has a really nice selection of toweling in stock, as does Harts Fabric. Make a set of pretty kitchen towels for someone by just hemming the two unfinished edges (or zig-zagging and fringing). So pretty (and simple)!
And, if you love gorgeous hand-made textiles from around the world, these towels from Sabahar would make an amazing gift (they are fair-trade too, made in Ethiopia).
If you are in the UK, or don't mind the shipping (often its not too bad), Foundland has some beautiful and interesting items that would make fun gifts: Korean tabletop brushes, Japanese slippers, or a sweet little flower press (and lots more).
I just discovered the beautiful beaded earrings at Lillie Nell - made by Native American artist, Holly Nolan. These would be special!
Finally, for sustainable, organic, fair-trade, textile goods (that you don't have to sew), check out Global Mamas. Their bags, clothes, jewelry, and accessories are all made in Ghana by women who batik the fabric, sew the items, and manage the workings of the business. And, their prices are great!
i’m looking for a house coat. one with a yoke front and back. gathered at the yokes. with tie going through the front inside back and out front again. large puffed sleeves. could you please let me know if you have the pattern. Thank you