Christmas stockings get me every time. No matter the store, I can’t pass the Christmas decorations and not look at the stockings. Some people hang their stockings the night before Christmas, others when the tree goes up . Passed down from generation to generation or themed. My favorites are always handmade ones. Knit or sewn; add some personalization and I’m smitten.
As a child, we had handmade Christmas stockings made by my mother when I was little. Each one a different shoe; running, sandal, ballet. Until water damaged them and we got these super stretchy knit ones. Drop a grapefruit in the bottom and they grew three times their size! My mother-in-law made us a beautiful quilted set several years ago that will stand out against our newly whitewashed fireplace this year.
Every year Christmas shows up in the stores earlier and earlier. I recognize retailers need to be thinking well in advance, but I do like to get through a holiday before the next one. However, I was pretty excited to get a sneak peak of Camp Kitschy Knit’s Christmas stockings. You won’t find these beautiful handmade knit stockings in your local big box store, but if you like Christmas stockings like I do, you need to see these beauties.
But first… let me introduce you to…
Camp Kitschy Knits
Meredith is the creator and designer behind Camp Kitschy Knits. She believes everything is better with a sweater! Here’s the story.
“Camp Kitschy Knits began with a simple idea, to share my love of sweaters and other knits made from vintage knitting patterns with the world. It has grown from an idea (and an expensive ebay habit) into a fun and challenging adventure where I have learned that I am not the only lover of those fun and quirky sweaters! Hooray!
“My love of sweaters goes way back. I rocked my “Hey Diddle Cat and the Fiddle” sweater through most of middle school. It was the 80’s and it was perfectly acceptable (at least to me) to wear an oversized sweater with a big black cat jumping over the moon. Man did I love that sweater! Sadly the 80’s gave way to the 90’s and the big graphic sweater trend moved on….
“Fast forward to the mid-2000’s and I found myself working in product development for a big company designing and producing crystal giftware….yawn. While I loved designing and making products, I longed to work for myself and use my skills to create socially responsible products that I loved. I developed my business plan during my commute to and from work. Finally, in 2004 I took the plunge! I flew to Ecuador and began working with a group of professional knitters. I worked with them for several weeks to design our collection.
“We will celebrate our tenth year of working together in 2014. That is a tremendous milestone for us. Along the way, we have forged a friendship and a commitment that is second to none. I travel to Ecuador 3-4 times a year so we can work together. I also spend most mornings and some evenings on the phone with my knitters. My job isn’t a whole lot different than it was working for the crystal company – except the yawn factor… I haven’t had a boring day of work since 2004! There is no time for yawning when you are the Camp Director!”
First Came Sweaters Then Came Stockings
Meredith’s love of vintage knits doesn’t stop with sweaters. A few years ago she launched a stocking line based on vintage patterns by Bernat, Mary Maxium and more. Using classic patterns families have cherished and passed down through generations, she recently increased her stocking sizes by 20%. Not only great for personalizing longer names but more room to fill!
From simple patterns
To more complex
And choices of personalization
And even mini stockings for baby’s first Christmas or decorating
More than Stockings
Meredith also offers some fun stocking stuffers and gifts like mug wraps
My sneak peak of all this came when she asked me to see if my big feet would fit into her new line of cozy slippers
And after the big win this past weekend, I’m hopeful a few family members won’t see this post until later… I’m a bit partial to the scarlet and gray tailgating mittens!
Ready for the Holidays?
Now that the turkey is only leftovers, we’ve started our decorating for Christmas around here. Of course, I’ve also been doing some Christmas shopping and crafting some gifts as well. If you love beautiful handmade knits as much as Meredith and I do, simply click on any of the pictures. Each picture will take you directly to Hand Made Holiday.
These are affiliate links. If you decide to purchase, not only will you be helping me with my blog expenses, but supporting a small business which provides the fair wages for talented knitters in impoverished communities. Plus, you’ll end up with beautiful knit products to enjoy for years to come.
20 Comments