Today, I am sharing what I gave and what I received for Knitmas 2016. You can see my past year’s Knitmas roundup posts here.
Last year, I drew the name of the elf who had me a previous year! So all the more reason to spoil her extra much, but it also helped because I know her a little better. It was such fun to consider all the elements and in the end I decided to create a themed parcel!
Her Alice in Wonderland-themed Knitmas gift grew from knowing she loves tea and rabbits. In my brain, it was like *lightbulb*. She also loves owls and I always thought the Cheshire Cat’s spirit animal is an owl, so I included that too. The whole time, I kept thinking of passages from the book, but also of bits from the Sunday Next series by Jasper Fforde. If you have never read his writing, start with this blog post. It had me laughing in tears.
So, on to the Alice in Wonderland-themed Knitmas parcel. This is what it looked like for the recipient upon arrival. I lined the box in light blue and white polka dot wrapping paper.
As you will notice, I wrapped each item in a golden organza bag, tied with a coordinating ribbon and accompanied by a tag. The wrapping is to resemble a teabag. Each tag had a label like Alice would have found on the drinks and cakes to become big or small, then with a quote from the book by Lewis Carroll. I chose the quote to match the item. Sometimes it is creatively done, sometimes it is too perfect (like with the tea).
One of my favorite elements of the parcel is the stitch markers I made. I specially ordered the rabbit charms and the teacup charms on Etsy from The Charm Seller.
Five rabbits and one teacup (to mark the start of the round). I made them in the same way I made these.
One of the things my recipient elf wished for was a cone of yarn. So, I gave her one.
What is an Alice in Wonderland themed parcel without tea?! I included a cheerful red (like the Queen of Hearts’s favorite color) tea tin and peppermint tea.
A teacup had to make it in there somehow. I scoured the shops for a vintage bone china teacup. No matching saucer, sadly, but the flowers are beautiful.
Every knitter loves a special place for the yarn when working on a project and this yarn bowl in the rich blue called out to be included. I wanted to fill it with baked goods, but I had the baby and exhaustion to contend with.
I wanted to assemble this myself, but was worried it would come apart in transit, so I sent it as an unassembled kit. In a way, that is a bit fun to have a project.
And I also knit her a gradient hat of my own design.
The owls made an appearance with stickers.
And one more owl goody with clips.
Without being able to include real baked goods, I tucked a recipe book in instead.
That’s it. What do you think? Which is your favorite element?
Now, on to what I was generously given by my elf. I received…
Can you believe she made this shawl pin herself?! Check out her online shop at Orla O’Grady Jewellery.
So, what is your favorite thing in this post? I keep thinking I should host a giveaway of a surprise knitter/crafter care package.
Do you participate in a Knitmas or crafty gift exchange?
If you remember, I’ve participated in Knitmas since 2011. Each year, I enjoy creating something for someone else who comprehends what does into a handmade project. It has been a fun tradition and I am doing it again this year. Here is a quick rundown (with links) to what I’ve given and received in the past:
2011
What I gave in 2011 to D (her post)
What I gave in 2011 to D (my pattern link)
2012
What I gave in 2012 to Grainne
2013
What I received in 2013 from Catherine
2014
What I gave in 2014 to Carol (my post)
What I gave in 2014 to Carol (her post)
What I received in 2014 from Regina
2015
What I gave in 2015 to Averil & What I received
2016