Shop this Birdie Parker “Bling Box” and our other holiday Countdown Calendars here

I’m starting to feel that familiar pressure build.

Maybe you feel it, too?

That time each year when the holidays creep closer, and I start to do the mental math.

“If I make one hat a week that’s 6 gifts…”  

“Hmmm if I use bulkier yarn, maybe 8?” 😅

Perhaps you’re one of those diligent crafters who makes gifts all year long and stows them away, so by the time the holidays arrive, all you have to do is wrap. Many of our Club members do this with their quarterly Knit Stars kits – and I’m always so impressed!’

But after what we’ve all been through the past couple of years, I’m gonna jump out there and propose a somewhat radical alternative.

Instead of making loads of gifts, practice some radical self-love and just gift yourself one (or more) of these amazing yarn-y Countdown Calendars. 🎁

We’ve curated 4 very special Calendars for you this year.

Emma’s Smalliday Set: 25 seriously joyful super silky “smalls” plus a Love + Leche lotion bar and an insert with suggested knit and crochet patterns.

Trailhead Yarns “Naughty or Nice” Sets: A plant-based set, perfect for those with wool sensitivity. Includes 25 brand-new colorways of Appalachian Trail yarn. Choose the Naughty Set (moody colors), or the Nice set (cheerful colors), and a knitted stole pattern. Treat yourself to both sets for 50 unique colors and no FOMO. 😉

Birdie Parker Bling Box: Created exclusively for Knit Stars, this very special set includes 7 hand-dyed Lagniappe Sock minis from Mitchell’s Creations, and the remaining 18 pouches hold hand-crafted wonders from Birdie Parker! Think jewelry for your knitting and for you. This is the ultimate box to treat yourself.

Maybe the thought of buying for yourself and not others fills you with guilt. 

But hang with me a sec…

Imagine how joyful you’ll feel when you start each day unwrapping a mini skein from its tissue, silky bag or tiny compartment. Or the fun of opening a handcrafted stitch marker or even some  jewelry.

Now imagine how that joy will spread to the others in your life. And the relief you’ll feel to be able to work on your own projects, with zero pressure.

If you get in the mood, you can use your countdown mini skeins to make some tiny sweater ornaments or gift card holders to go with the simple, thoughtful gifts you buy. Maybe everyone gets the same thing: Your favorite candle or that book you couldn’t put down this year.

Photo and design by Oomieknits on Ravelry

Photo and design by Sherrie Kibler on Ravelry

Either way, you’ve taken back the holidays and spread a lot of joy.

Our curated Countdown collection is ready to ship now. Treat yourself and shop them here.

What could be better than an LYS road trip?  The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, the promise of yarn at the end of the day…

Club member Lydia was in Fort Worth, Texas, for a work trip and wondered just how far she was from the Knit Stars Flagship store in Tulsa. Turns out, it was close enough and she decided to squeeze in a whirlwind visit before her flight home.

Our ultra-positive group of Club members had Lydia’s back offering tips on everything from the best route to take, to other fun stuff to do in T-town. They were her biggest advocates (enablers? 😂) cheering her on to make the trip.

Thank you for choosing to spend your valuable alone time with us, Lydia. We loved hanging out with you!

And what about you, dear reader? Have you planned your trip to the Flagship Store yet? How about planning to come see us over the holiday break?

This year, my mom is doing the traditional Thanksgiving for lunch (thanks Mom!) and I’m doing a casual evening nosh. So I’m on the hunt for make-ahead recipes and found this list from the New York Times (you can join for free to access the full list). These Rosemary Mixed Nuts are definitely going on the menu! Cayenne adds kick, brown sugar balances the salt and fresh rosemary makes them extra special. They’re even fancy enough to make little holiday gifts!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound unsalted mixed nuts
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar or granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, toss nuts with butter and spread out onto a baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. While nuts roast, mix rosemary, sugar, cayenne and salt in a bowl. Add nuts and toss. Serve warm or cool.