“Every stitch is a stitch of love.”

Many years ago as I was crocheting away on a project intended as a gift, a friend wondered why I would spend so much time making a gift for someone. I told her it made it extra special to plan a project, use the recipient’s favorite colors and then think about the person as I happily stitched away. She was surprised by all the time and thought that was put into the gift I was crocheting, and said, “It’s like every stitch is a stitch of love.” I suppose that is true for most of us—we love to crochet for others! We enjoy this time of year, preparing our list of projects we want to make, finding just the right yarn and then staying up late to finish the last few stitches just to surprise someone we love with a truly unique gift.

In this special edition you’ll find lots of projects both big and small that can be used as gifts or to decorate your home this holiday season. We’ve included a wonderful variety of projects in our In a Minute Gifts chapter that can be crocheted in an evening or two. In Baby It’s Cold!, you’ll find warm and toasty hats, mittens, scarves and cowls that are not only perfect for gifts, but are sure to keep you and your family warm all winter too. We’ve brought together a fun lineup of projects that make perfect gifts for the little ones on your list in our Little Treasures chapter. And finally, add a festive touch of color as you decorate your home with projects from our Holiday Home & Hearth chapter.

We are sure you’ll find dozens of projects just right for this holiday season.

Happy Crocheting!