About FreshStitches

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The idea for FreshStitches began in 2008 when crochet designer, Stacey Trock, noticed a distinct lack of patterns for big and cuddly stuffed animals. A handful of adorable designs later- FreshStitches was born! Since then, FreshStitches patterns have become legendary for their cuteness, detailed instructions and step-by-step photos. Using the abundance of help and information in the patterns, numerous crocheters have crocheted a FreshStitches animal as their first crochet project! ...more

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Review: The Official Guide to Super-Awesome Gift Giving

Laurie Wheeler, fearless leader of the Crochet Liberation Front, just wrote The Official Guide to Super Awesome Gift Giving. It’s not a crochet book… it’s a self-help book for anyone who makes gifts, or heck, anyone who gives gifts for the holidays. And you probably need to read it.

The holidays are stressful for everyone, but particularly for folks who make a majority of their presents. I, for example, begin making presents in the summer. But think about it… what is all that stress about? Worry that the recipient won’t like the gift? Not enough time for you to finish all the crafting you’ve planned? Here’s where the book will help you.

I’m not going to spill everything that’s in the book (because I think you should read it yourself!), but I’m going to share one juicy tidbit the exemplifies the gems of advice inside: If someone doesn’t like handmade gifts, don’t make them anything. Genius, right?

This book is exactly what you would expect from Laurie… she’s funny and passionate about crafters being respected for the hard work that they do. When reading this book, you’ll be reminded that you (yes, YOU! Whether you’re a crocheter, knitter, quilter…) are a person with a talent. And you shouldn’t feel compelled to spend that talent on people who won’t appreciate it. And, if you’d like to share your artwork with someone who will appreciate it… you’ll get tips on sleuthing out the perfect gift.

Maybe there’s no need for holiday stress, anymore! So, if you’re a holiday-gift maker, I recommend this book. It’s short, it’s sweet… and gosh darn, it puts the whole holiday-thing in perspective!

The blog tour marches on!


Today, the blog tour heads over to Crochet Concupiscence! Hooray!

To view the schedule for the entire tour, click here.

3 Responses to “Review: The Official Guide to Super-Awesome Gift Giving”

  1. Bailey says:

    Sounds like an interesting read. I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is the same they make when buying regular gifts, they buy/make for themselves, not the person getting the gift. Then they are disappointed with the results. I shifted my Mom from making her grandkids sweaters to making toys and the results have been amazingly different. When she shifts back to the practical stuff she continues to be disappointed. However, send a package of American Girl or Barbie clothes and the kids are thrilled. She started making sports afghans for her sons and now they want them for their friends. I continue to believe part of the problem is gift choice, not just a lack of appreciation for hand made gifts.

    • Stacey says:

      @Bailey- I think you’re SO RIGHT! When I’m giving a gift, I get oodles of ideas… and then I remember it’s not for me! Considerate gift giving is hard :)

  2. Renee says:

    I might have to read this book! This is my first year attempting handmade Christmas presents. I’m not making one for everyone because of time constraints, but I also considered that not everyone may appreciate the type of gifts I make.

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