I wrote a post about what you as a weaver can make to give as gifts. Check it out HERE.
But what about you? You deserve gifts too! Sometimes the people in our lives may not know or understand what your weaving and fiber art obsession entails. That is ok – it is not their fault.
If you have someone asking you what you want and you are at a loss – then show them this list for some tools, materials, and fun accessories that you may not buy for yourself but would love to have!
Or here is a list of fun things you might just want to buy for yourself anyway!
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All of these gifts for weavers and fiber artists would be great for holidays, birthdays, or really any occasion!
Wednesday is an occasion, right?
Full disclosure – I have not tried ALL of these items. That is because some of them are on my OWN wish list. The links provided are for items I already own and like or items that I want to try out myself!
Weaving and Fiber Art Tools
You may be looking for standard weaving tools for your studio, and you can check out some of my favorite from my supplies page, but if you are looking for something that goes above and beyond then check out some of these options!
Galina Hand-painted Turkish Drop Spindle
These Turkish drop spindles are beautiful and come in many different hand-painted designs from bees to sheep and more. One of the great things about a Turkish spindle is that the finished yarn will wrap around the cross of the whirl and create its own ball. The whirl comes apart and the ball just slides right off!
McFarland Spectrum Boat Shuttle
This is a beautiful multi-colored shuttle to add to your collection. It comes in 4 colors to choose from – or you could get all 4!
Boat shuttles are amazing for when you are weaving a lot of continuous weft and are looking for something to glide smoothly across your warp. You can read more about shuttles HERE and HERE.
These super cute embroidery scissors are great for the fiber enthusiast (especially those that love wool!) They come in black or silver. If sheep are not your thing then check out the plenty of other fun embroidery scissors that can be found at the Woolery or really anywhere else that sells yarn!
Did you know that the original embroidery scissors were actually decorated with storks because they were also used by midwives in the 19th century? They kept their embroidery and birthing kit in the same place because there was a lot of waiting around! The tradition of the decorated embroidery scissors took off from there. 1
Polished tapestry bobbins – some with a smooth metal tip. These bobbins won’t catch on your fuzzier yarns like unfinished bobbins might and should be comfortable to hold while going across your warp. The beautiful wood will look great hanging from the front of your tapestry loom.
Save some time when making your next scarf! Adding a fringe twister to your studio makes finishing off your scarf ends simple and fun. You can use this instead of manually twisting your fringe by hand.
If you are looking for a scarf pattern to use this with then I have a free download for you!
If you are like me then your yarn balls and cones are always rolling across your floor when using your warping board. This yarn holder rotates along with the cone in order to help keep it in place. Keeping your yarn in place makes it so it does not pick up dust and fur from your studio floor!
Not that you have dust or dog fur on your floor.
Yeah, me either…
This little frame loom set is fantastic for someone who wants to be extra portable with their weaving or wants a really quick way to do a small weaving a day. These could also work well for samples or as a type of EPI mini-loom to help determine the correct warp sett for their next weaving! The three different mini-looms have 4, 8, and 10 EPI spacing.
Yarn Is Always A Good Gift
You can check out my supply page for some of my favorite everyday yarns that you can use to fill your studio. That being said, you can also check out some different places to find hand-dyed and/or handspun yarns. These will be great for adding visual interest to your work as weft, but test out the handspun yarn before trying to use them as warp since they aren’t commercially made.
Probably one of the best places to buy specialty yarns online because there are so many independent shops you can choose from. Plus you get to support the creation of small batch and unique yarns. With so many options to choose from, there is sure to be one that meets your (or your gift recipient’s) needs. Search for specific yarn materials, types of yarn, or just browse! The yarn in the picture above is hand-dyed organic cotton from Sheep and Shawl in Rocky Mountain and Hydrangea!
If you are looking for something specific and need a very reliable commercial yarn then larger online yarn stores are a great option. Just because they’re larger, though, doesn’t mean they should be overlooked for great yarns. I did an entire post on some of my favorite and some well-known online yarn stores where you can purchase yarn and other weaving tools. (Just click on the link in the heading to hop to that post)
You could always ask for a gift certificate and then buy whatever you want!
Subscription/Membership
This is probably one of my favorite gifts for weavers and fiber artists because it is the one that keeps on giving. Memberships and magazine subscriptions are ongoing throughout the year and also additional benefits. Most of these organizations offer different membership tiers depending on the level/length of commitment. You can check out my post on whether or not you should join a weaving and fiber art organization HERE.
American Tapestry Alliance (ATA)
Get access to a lot of different tapestry resources as well as member-only information. The ATA has its own Facebook group where you can talk and learn about tapestry. With a membership, you also receive reduced fees and exclusive access to ATA exhibits
American Craft Council (ACC)
One benefit of membership is you get a ticket to one of their shows included! ACC shows are amazing to attend and include hundreds of handmade goods from craft artists around the country. You also get a subscription to the ACC magazine which comes bi-monthly. The American Craft Council focuses on all crafts, but they are a fantastic resource for fiber artists.
Handweaver’s Guild of America (HGA)
Get discounted fees to enter HGA exhibits, 4 issues of Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot magazine, the ability to apply for grants, and more! Depending on your level of membership you can also be included in their professional directory.
Surface Design Association (SDA)
SDA is perfect for fiber artists as they explore all aspects of the textile world. SDA showcases fiber work that spans from textile creation to surface treatments. They also offer different options for your magazine subscription including digital-only for if you don’t need more paper laying around.
Classes As Gifts
Visual Arts Center of Richmond Gift Certificate
If you want to take a class with me either online or via ZOOM then you can either sign right up or get a gift certificate! Their gift certificates are actually hand printed in the letterpress studio at the art center. You can also give the gift of any one of the other amazing classes offered by other artists – both fiber art-related and much more.
Any Local Art Center Or Online
The gift of a class (no matter if I am teaching it or not!) is a fantastic gift that you can appreciate for a long time. Learn something new that you’ve always been interested in! Lookup a class or facility that fits exactly what you are looking for!
Weaving books
Handweaver’s Pattern Directory
A book of weaving drafts for 4 shaft looms. This is a great book for weavers looking to expand their pattern weaving because it contains everything from simple twills, to overshot, to hand-manipulated lace. It comes in a regular hardback and spiral bound. I personally like the spiral bound because it stays open where I want it to! Read the Handweaver’s Pattern Directory review HERE.
One of the first books I ever bought when I started weaving. This book is great as it explains the entire weaving process plus gives you ideas for projects. It is easy to understand and a great addition to any weaver’s library. Read the Learning To Weave review HERE.
Inventive Weaving On A Little Loom
A really well-made book about rigid heddle weaving. Full of color and full of information about getting started using your rigid heddle loom. Read the Inventive Weaving On A Little Loom review HERE.
Women’s Work – The First 20,000 Years
A historical account of textiles from our earliest known records. Well written and easy to read. If you are at all interested in textile history then this is a must-read.
Fun Textile Related Gifts
Sometimes you just want something else! These small gifts for weavers and fiber artists are not necessarily necessary… but that does not mean they are not fun.
Fiber Art Pins
These small pins are so cute and great for adding to your bag to show off your love of Fiber Art! The Woolery has many options including but not limited to this bear and squirrel as well as yarn skeins and shuttles.
If you’re like me you are always misplacing your fabric scissors or yarn snips. This isn’t the safest habit to have… This yarn cutter pendant keeps the tool on your person so that you can’t accidentally sit or step on it. It’s also interesting to look at so if you forget to take it off you won’t have to worry about heading out!
Ever since I got into textile and started to learn about their rich history I have had a fascination with alpacas. This seems to be a common theme (this and sheep) among weavers and fiber artists.
Also, technically the mug description says it’s a llama not an alpaca, but it is still super cute and close enough for me!
Don’t Forget Wrapping!
While not completely necessary, a unique wrapping job for your well-thought-out present is a great addition that the receiver would really appreciate.
One option that I really like is wrapping your gift in fabric! You can use store-bought fabric (find something that will appeal to them – like star wars or puppies!) Another option for the fabric is to design your own for that personal touch!
To design your own fabric you can use stamps and fabric ink on solid-colored fabric. Then just tie it up with a ribbon or yarn! I have always had good luck using Speedball fabric screen printing ink. It works well for any purpose – not just screen printing. In fact, I have used it for stamping and painted it on with a brush. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the container. You will want to heat treat the fabric to make sure the design is permanent.
If you are looking for even more options then you can always check out my weaving supplies page to see the specific weaving tools and materials that I love and use in my own studio.
If you are still not sure what to give the weaver and fiber artist in your life – there is always the gift card! Grab a gift card from their favorite LYS (local yarn store), favorite online yarn store ( I LOVE the Woolery!), or Etsy! Because really, a fiber artist in a yarn store is like a kid in a candy store – except probably more extreme.
There is bound to be something on this list that the weaving and fiber art enthusiast in your life would love to have (even if that person is you!) What is on your weaving wish list?
Resources
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1422579
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Great post! I would love to try weaving with a loom as well!