Letters
Knitting: It’s a Whole Lifestyle
Dear Ann,
Nobody has really asked us this, but I think people may wonder: why does the holiday shop have things in it that are not directly related to knitting? Fair question!
During our long sojourn among the knitters, we’ve learned that people who love knitting never love just knitting. They love beautiful things, things that are simple, useful, handcrafted, and happy-making. If you go to a knitter’s house, you are going to get your tea in a mug that (a) was hand-thrown on the wheel of a potter that the knitter personally knows, (b) is vintage, (c) has something hilarious stamped on it, or (d) all of the above. You know it’s true!
This year, more than ever, the MDK Holiday Shop reflects the love of small, perfect things that make life better. To paraphrase William Morris, we know these things to be useful, and we believe them to be beautiful.
Here’s a sampling of some of the not-directly-about-knitting things in the holiday shop this year. We had great adventures finding these things, and in some cases, creating them. We hope they bring a little burst of joy every time you see them.
Amaryllis Kit
A biodegradeable pot. A bodacious bulb. Elegant coins of . . . dirt. It’s dirt, or it will be when you water it. Packed in a gift-ready kraft box with a lush illustration by MDK’s champion doodler, Hannah Jones. Our thinking on this one: knitters love plants, especially the ones that pretty much take care of themselves. We can’t wait to see the blooms!
Hand-Carved Wooden Serving Sets
It was love at first sight for the salad serving set, and we actually squealed when we saw the cheese and cracker tray. These essential tools (yes, cheese and crackers are essential, gosh) are hand-carved by Jason Weymouth in his studio in Maine. We feel very lucky that he was able to make these everyday heirlooms for us.
Cotton Towels That You Can Wear
Ann, you get all the credit for sourcing these lovely towels that are big enough—and fine enough—to wear as a wrap. Thank you for being so passionate about Turkish towels, I knew it would be good for something someday.
Enamelware
What was our life before these colorful enamelware trays—we were merely hanging on, waiting for enamelware. These pieces have a million cheerful uses, in every room of the house, including the crafting corner.
We still have stock of the blue rectangular tray, and more of the little pink ones are on the way, so if that’s the one you’re after, check back soon.
Thistle Farms Hand Care
We love these soothing, fresh-scented hand care products, and we love the work that Thistle Farms does in Nashville to help women survivors recover and heal. A beautiful gift for someone who’s tricky to shop for, or yourself.
OK, I said a sampling, so I’ll let people explore the rest of the Home + Garden category on their own—but don’t miss the window bird feeder!
Such fun!
Love,
Kay
During the pandemic while working from home, a window bird feeder I stuck to the dining room/office window was the best thing ever, for me and my cats.
Such a lovely variety, there’s something for everyone. Can’t wait to try the coffee!
I know I’m not the only one disappointed that there is no Atlas yarn yet, but I’m sure it will be worth the wait;)
I feel so seen, as I’m reading this while enjoying my coffee from a mug made my my friend Alun! I actually worked as a potter in his studio for about a decade. I’m looking forward to receiving the box of MDK goodies I ordered a couple of days ago. ❤
I ordered my watering can last night (along with yarn and stitch markers) – I love it! Thank you!
Yay for Thistle Farms! My favorite TF product is the rose geranium “bug spray” but which has become a daily spritz for me.
If you were to come to my house for a visit you would have your choice of many vintage mugs for your tea made in one of many vintage teapots. Love of colour, shape, and texture is one thing that draws folk to knitting so it is no surprise that we have other outlets for our love of good design.
The cracker tray is simply gorgeous! The wood is beautiful and the finish is perfect! I can’t wait to use it!