the Review Source
When you think about affordable gift ideas for the coming year don't forget to think about craft books and resources. These items make great gifts in themselves, but also provide affordable options for your gift giving if you make items to give to others. Look over the variety of items reviewed below and think about what you could make/give to those on your list!
Klutz
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Spool Knit Jewelry Author - Anne Akers Johnson Ages 12+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes a knitting spool, crochet hook, elastic cord, beads and step by by step illustrated instructions
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instructions for 11 patterns
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encourages creativity and imagination
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Bead Loom Bracelets Author - Anne Akers Jonhson Ages 12+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes loom, floss, beads, needles and instructions
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instructions for eight patterns
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encourages creativity and imagination
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What I like most about these two kits is that they provide options - great to give as a gift or for your daughter to use to create gifts to give to those on her list! Extremely well done!
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Suction Cup Critters Author - Michael Sherman Ages 6+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes pipe cleaners, suction cups and punch-outs
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simple directions allow children to make fish, bugs, frogs, ducks, monkeys, dogs, cats, horses and monsters
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encourages creativity and imagination
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Fun kit to give as a gift or for young children to make gifts for others. Consider giving to a grandmother - she will love having it at her home to use with her grandchildren to encourage their creativity! Unique and fun, tremendously well done!
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Capsters Author
- Sherri Haab Ages 8+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes gooey glaze, charms, caps, punch-outs and instructions
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encourages imagination and creativity
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Fun, unique craft children will love! Great to give as a gift or for children to use to make gifts for those on their list! I like how easy it is to get additional supplies from Klutz! Extremely well done!
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Short Stuffs Ages 4+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes animal bodies, felt pieces, stuffing pillows and simple directions
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craft easy enough for the youngest ones!
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additional fun, easy ideas for making stuffed creations!
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encourages creativity and imagination
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I'm very pleased to see a no-sew craft option for children as young as four! I especially like the "re-useability" of this craft! Fun way to encourage creativity in our youngest ones! Extremely well done!
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Twirled Paper Author - Jacqueline Lee Ages 8+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes paper strips in vibrant colors, glue, wiggle eyes, twirler and instructions
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ideas for an abundance of projects
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Excellent book/kit to give as a gift to a child to help them learn a new craft skill - one they could easily enjoy for a lifetime! Creative, fun and stocked full of ideas - excellent as a gift in itself or for a child to use to make gifts for others! Extremely well done!
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Origami Author - Anne Akers Jonhson Ages - 9+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes origami paper and illustrated instructions for ten projects
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generous amount of origami paper of colors and patterns allow children to experiment and create
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encourages creativity, imagination and following directions
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Fun skill to learn as a child - will be able to enjoy all throughout their life! Easy to follow illustrated directions. Extremely well done!
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Pipe Cleaners Gone Crazy Author
- Laura Torres Ages 8+ |
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Favorite Features -
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includes illustrated directions for 16 projects
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pipe cleaners of all colors come with the book
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encourages creativity, imagination and fun!
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Simple directions allow children to create a variety of creatures from pipe cleaners! Great fun! Extremely well done!
Sterling Publications
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Junk Mail Origami Authors Duy & Tramy Nguyen |
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Favorite Features -
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includes instructions for 19 designs
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step by step illustrations
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photo of completed projects
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uses "junk" mail - great for recycling!
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encourages creativity, imagination and following directions
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Fun book makes a great gift for practically anyone on your list! Extremely well done!
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Sticky Note Author - Steven Schmidt |
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Favorite Features -
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26 designs
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step by step illustrations
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photo of completed projects
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uses sticky notes to make planes - great fun!
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encourages creativity, imagination and following directions
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Fun book makes a great gift for practically anyone on your list, but particularly elementary age boys! Tremendously well done!
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Bags that Rock Author - Kelley Deal |
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Favorite Features -
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includes information, directions and techniques
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20 patterns
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unique features - "remix" extra ideas for each bag
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encourages creativity and imagination
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This book is filled with fun, unique and creative bags - great to give as a gift or to use to make gifts for those on your list! Extremely well done!
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Candle making Author - Vanessa Ann |
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Favorite Features -
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includes complete directions
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9 techniques taught throughout book
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22 projects with step by step photos
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beautiful photos throughout
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encourages creativity and imagination
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Great book to give as a gift or for you to use to make your own, unique and beautiful gifts to give! Extremely well done!
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Kids Knit Author - Sarah Bradberry |
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Favorite Features -
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complete, easy to follow directions for each project
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20 unique, fun designs for children to make
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patterns include photo, size, materials list, gauge, directions and tips
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encourages creativity and imagination
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Add some knitting needles and yarn for a great gift for the creative child on your gift list! Extremely well done!
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Freeform Crochet Author - Renate Kirkpatrick |
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Favorite Features -
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photos of each project/technique
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information and instructions
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stitch guide - excellent how-to information
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ideas for starters, bullions, bags, novelty patches, headware, floral elements and stars, scarves shrugs and shawls, tassels and more
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encourages creativity, imagination and uniqueness
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This style of crochet is perfect for the person on your list who has their own sense of style and who likes to design their own unique creations! I know a young girl who can follow patterns, but who would prefer to "create" her own - Free Form is perfect for her! Add some crochet hooks and yarn for a great gift! Extremely well done!
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24-hour Knitting Projects Author - Rita Weiss |
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Favorite Features -
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directions and patterns for 24 projects
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photo for each project
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patterns include time to make, materials listing, gauge, instructions and size
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info on how to knit
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encourages creativity and imagination
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Great book for the new knitter - projects are quickly and easily completed building confidence with their new skill! Extremely well done!
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Plaited Basketry Author
- Vladimir Yarish, |
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Favorite Features -
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introduction into the techniques and history of making plaited baskets with Birch Bark
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18 projects in book
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gallery of amazing photos of baskets
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photo steps to harvest bark
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patterns include weaving level, size, materials, prep and photo directions
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encourages creativity and imagination
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Love this book! Photos are amazing, history is interesting and projects are excellent! Great to give as a gift or to use to make unique, certain to be treasured gifts for the people on your list! Extremely well done!
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eco-craft Author - Susan Wasinger |
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Favorite Features -
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directions for 30 unique projects
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info on how to find raw materials
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step by step photo directions
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patterns include materials listing, tools and directions
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encourages creativity, imagination and recycling
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With an increased interest in all things "eco", this book is sure to make a great gift as well as provide unique ideas for excellent gifts you can make and give to others! Tremendously well done!
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The Craft & Author - Carol Strangler |
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Favorite Features -
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info and directions for 30 projects
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introduction with interesting information on bamboo
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information on how to harvest and where to purchase bamboo
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projects include listing of tools you will need, techniques to follow, supplies and directions
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encourages creativity, imagination and using renewable supplies
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Interesting and filled with excellent craft ideas, this book is great to give as a gift or to use to make gifts for those on your list! Tremendously well done!
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300 Classic Blocks for Crochet Projects |
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The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs |
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| Author - Linda Schapper | ||
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Favorite Features -
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each book includes an introduction with info on how to crochet and how to make stitches
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illustrated step by step directions throughout
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pictorial index
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Treasure-trove of blocks and stitches to create your own unique pieces! Tremendously well done - I love these books! Add hooks and yarn for a great gift for the person on your list who truly enjoys crocheting!
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Paper Creations Author - Duy Nguyen |
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Favorite Features -
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includes 50 sheets of origami paper
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13 patters with instructions and step by step directions
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Great kit for the person on your list who enjoys origami or who might enjoy learning how to make underwater creatures! Extremely well done!
Yarn - this year we once again included a number of yarns in our review. I found nearly all the yarn we reviewed to be excellent - perfect choice to give as a gift to the creative person on your list or to use to make a gift for anyone on your list! We focused on yarns that had bamboo, cotton or silk or were made from recycled items. When you look for yarn, be sure to consider these yarns!
Patons Yarn
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Angora Bamboo | |
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Favorite Features -
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55% bamboo, 35% wool and 10% angora
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includes wash instructions - hand wash and dry flat
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available in six incredible colors - cobalt, low tide, tawny, laurel leaf, flamenco and echinacea
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This yarn is incredibly soft and enjoyable to work with and wear! Tremendously well done!
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Silk Bamboo | |
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Favorite Features -
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70% bamboo and 30% silk
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includes wash instructions - hand wash and dry flat
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available in six beautiful colors - moss, coral, plum, orchid, sapphire and sea
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The combination of bamboo, silk and these deep colors makes for a truly incredible yarn! Tremendously well done!
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Bamboo Baby |
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Favorite Features -
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55% acrylic and 45% bamboo
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includes wash instructions - machine wash and dry flat
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available in five colors - peach garden ombre, soft pink, soft green, soft aqua and soft yellow
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Light-weight and breathable this yarn would make comfortable clothes for babies - or anyone! Extremely well done!
Crystal Palace Yarns
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Bamboozle | |
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Favorite Features -
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55% bamboo, 24% cotton and 21% elastic nylon
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includes wash instructions - hand wash or machine wash gentle cycle and dry flat
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we reviewed Faded Jeans - a blue variegated yarn
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The unique look and feel of this yarn combines to make a comfortable piece of clothing that is truly breathable! Tremendously well done!
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Panda Silk |
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Favorite Features -
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52% bamboo, 43% superwash merino wool and 5% combed silk
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includes wash instructions - hand wash or machine wash gentle cycle and dry flat
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we reviewed a red and pink variegated yarn with bright and deep colors - very silky soft!
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Panda Cotton |
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Favorite Features -
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59% bamboo, 25% cotton, 16% elastic nylon
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includes wash instructions - hand wash or machine wash gentle cycle and dry flat
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we reviewed Rosewater - a lightweight soft pink yarn with additional soft colors
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Panda Soy |
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Favorite Features -
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49% bamboo, 33% soy and 18% elastic nylon
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includes wash instructions - hand wash or machine wash gentle cycle and dry flat
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we reviewed a pink print - a fingering weight yarn with incredible soft feel
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Maizy
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Favorite Features -
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82% corn fiber and 18% elastic nylon
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includes wash instructions - hand wash or machine wash gentle cycle and dry flat
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we reviewed Night Shades - a soft, comfy yarn with browns, blues and tans
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Panda Superwash |
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Favorite Features -
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51% bamboo, 39% superwash wool and 10% nylon
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includes wash instructions - hand wash or machine wash gentle cycle and dry flat
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we reviewed joyful - a soft yarn with deep jewel tones green, blue, yellow and pink
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Panda Silk DK |
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Favorite Features -
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52% bamboo, 43% superwash merino wool and 5% combed silk
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includes wash instructions - hand wash or machine wash gentle cycle and dry flat
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we reviewed Misty Meadow - a soft heathered yarn with blues, purples, greens and teals
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Red Heart Yarns
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Eco Cotton Blend |
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Favorite Features -
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75% recycled cotton and 25% acrylic
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includes wash instructions - machine wash gentle cycle and tumble dry
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we reviewed Moss - a very pretty, soft green
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Eco-Ways |
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Favorite Features -
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55% bamboo and 45% wool
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includes wash instructions - hand wash cold and dry flat
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we reviewed Dill - a very pretty, soft green
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Eco-Ways
Recycled Blend |
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Favorite Features -
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no dye lot!!!
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70% acrylic and 30% recycled polyester
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includes wash instructions - machine wash gentle cycle and tumble dry
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we reviewed Aquarium - a soft blue/teal - I really like that it has no dye lot!
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Heart & Sole with Aloe |
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Favorite Features -
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70% superwash wool and 30% nylon
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includes wash instructions - machine wash warm gentle cycle and dry flat
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we reviewed Green Envy - an olive green with peach, yellow, red, blue, cream - the aloe made it nice on the hands as we crocheted!
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Zoomy |
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Favorite Features -
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70% acrylic, 20% wool and 10% nylon
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super bulky - very soft!
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includes wash instructions - hand wash and dry flat
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we reviewed Light Ocean - an interesting variegated blue - looks like the shades of water in the ocean!
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Cascade Yarns
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Lana Bamboo |
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Favorite Features -
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79% wool and 21% bamboo
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includes wash instructions - hand wash and dry flat
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we reviewed a beautiful heathered blue and purple yarn
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Luna |
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Favorite Features -
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100% Peruvian Cotton
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includes wash instructions - machine wash warm gentle cycle and dry flat
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we reviewed a deep rust and deep brown
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Sierra Quatro |
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Favorite Features -
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80% pima cotton and 20% wool
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includes wash instructions - machine wash warm gentle cycle and dry flat
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we reviewed a green and blue variegated and a brown and tan variegated
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Lion Brand Yarn
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Nature's Choice
Organic Cotton |
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Favorite Features -
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100% organic cotton
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includes wash instructions - hand wash and dry flat
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available in spice, dusty blue, olive, dusty sage, espresso, khaki and mustard as well as almond, macadamia, pecan, walnut, pistachio, blueberry and strawberry
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Tremendously soft - this yarn will make wonderful sweaters! Extremely well done!
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Lion Brand
Collection Cotton Bamboo |
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Favorite Features -
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52% cotton and 48% bamboo
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includes wash instructions - machine wash warm gentle cycle and dry flat
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available in magnolia, cherry blossom, hyacinth, chocolate dahlia, persimmon, hibiscus, gardenia and snapdragon
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The combination of cotton and bamboo makes for a soft yarn - this would make great tops for cool, summer wear! Tremendously well done!
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Recycled Cotton |
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Favorite Features -
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74% recycled cotton, 24% acrylic and 2% other fiber
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includes wash instructions - machine wash warm gentle cycle and dry flat
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available in marine, sand, seashells, pebble beach, seagrass, rose coral and sunshine
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I love how Lion Brand recycles fabric used to make t-shirts for this yarn! Light weight for tops and baby items! Tremendously well done!
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Lion Cotton
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Favorite Features -
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100% cotton
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includes wash instructions - machine wash warm and dry
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available in 31 colors - 24 straight colors and seven variegated colors
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Nice lightweight yarn perfect for household items and light clothing! Extremely well done!
Crayola
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Sidewalk Chalk Ages 4+ |
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Favorite Features -
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washable
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15 brighter and bolder colors
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encourages creativity and imagination
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What child doesn't love to draw on the sidewalks and driveway with chalk? This makes a great gift, part of a family gift or stocking stuffer! Tremendously well done!
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Washable Ages 3+ |
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Favorite Features -
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16 bright colors - clever, unique and imaginative color names
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compact size for portable fun
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acid free
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encourages imagination and creativity
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project ideas for free at www.crayola.com
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Children love glitter glue - adds a fun and sparkly touch to their creations! Great stocking stuffer!
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Window Crayons Ages 3+ |
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Favorite Features -
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five colors in the bright, bold color pack
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writes on windows and glass surfaces
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easily washes off
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non-toxic
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dries quickly without smudging
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encourages creativity and imagination
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Great way for children to express themselves on windows! Tremendously well done!
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Beginnings TaDoodles in the tub Ages 18m+ |
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Favorite Features -
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three refillable tub crayons
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non-toxic and washable
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shaped for a child's first palm grasp
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encourages gross and fine motor skills and hand/eye coordination as well as creativity
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Great fun way for little ones to begin to be creative! Adds fun and learning to the tub! Tremendoulsy well done!
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