Thanks to everyone that attended this year's Annual Handmade Holiday Show! We had so much fun and all the vendors mentioned what a fabulous community we've created at Gather Here. And when they say "we" they mean ALL of YOU! I hope everyone found the perfect gift or two and had a chance to talk to some of the amazing makers that shared their Sunday with us. I couldn't help but pick up a few things for friends and let's be honest, I picked up a little something for me as well.

Zipper pouches by Pansy Maiden. I love the vintage fabric and what a fabulous size for carrying just the basics! I have to keep receipts for just about everything business related so this is now my "run some errands" pouch. And I can clip it to my bag! I picked up a plain brown canvas one for Noah to use at his other job working on movies.

These are magnets! Excellent stocking stuffers by Migration Goods. I had to pick up a few of these - the sad toast will be staying in our home but that bear will be in the post traveling west very, very soon. I picked up a few other things but they are secret gifts for a faraway friend. <PREVIEWEND>

Charming wee hoop ornaments by The Merriweather Council. I love the patchwork and I can't wait to wrap up a few gifts and adorn them with these hoops. It's an easy way to share a small handcrafted work with those you love. And I know they will be treasured for a lifetime because my people love Christmas ornaments.

I did it! I bought four mugs from City by the Sea Ceramics for the Annex. A cup of tea has never tasted so good. These mugs are hefty and the handles feel good in your hand. I love the rope texture and I was so excited to learn that they are dishwasher safe! Even better.

Watercolor of a bee by Egg-a-Go-Go. Sarah's original art is really terrific and I was pleasantly surprised to find this bee. My middle initial is B and I have been signing my name with a little drawing of a bumble bee for years. I wear my bee necklace by Twig and Heather A LOT and have all kinds of bee things in my home. So this worker bee is going to be perfect. But also fulfills my grownup decision to support living, working artists by purchasing three pieces of art every year. Sarah's is piece number 2 for 2012. I've been doing this for six years now and I have to say, it's one of the best grownup decisions you can make. My home is filled with some of the most amazing work by really talented artists from all over the East Coast.

This bunny is by Zooguu. He's eating a dandelion... or a yellow pom-pom. Perhaps you've seen THIS? Noah and I agree with a recent study that found that looking at cute baby animals may improve productivity. And since we need all the assistance we can get, we jump start our day over here. But if you can't sit and scan tumblr all day, why not pick up a "portable adorable"? That's how I'm pitching this wee bunny with dandelion. Yes, you're welcome.

Hippos! and giraffes! These guys by Kitty Kitty Craft were a hit at the show. And one may be heading to the home of a good friend. But I'm not saying anything because that would ruin the surprise! But aren't they just too stinkin' adorable? And a number of them went home with some of my favorite people. Yay!

I love these felted acorns by Made in Lowell. The all white ones would be stunning on a silver tree. But I have a soft spot for that sheep. And I may have picked one up but I'm not saying for sure. Because that would ruin someone else's surprise. And I grabbed the leftover cupcake pincushions for the store just in case you're desperately seeking the perfect gift for the sewist in your life.

And finally, I am positive that everyone found something they couldn't live without at the Eat Boutique table. For me it was the beets. And the passion fruit curd. I'm so glad that Maggie made time to join us even though the Eat Boutique Holiday Market is THIS weekend. And is a million times bigger than our wee show. And it's going to be amazing. If you didn't pick up a jar of beets or a copy of Food in Jars then head over there. You will be so glad you did!

FYI: If you are a bit sad that you didn't pick up one of the many incredible things at the Handmade Holiday Show do not fret! Every single one of the vendors has an online shop or another market that you can visit them at. I've heard many folks a little sad that they didn't grab an Egg-a-Go-Go print, hydrangea headband from Migration Goods or one of Pansy Maiden's Port Cities Totes. You still can! And you should. Love to all you awesome supporters of handmade! Mwah! Virginia

We've had lots of folks ask exactly what the Handmade Holiday Show is and so I thought I'd dedicate a post just to this event. We hosted a Handmade Holiday Show last December because we realized that while we all like to make gifts for our friends and family, we don't always have enough time to make it all. Despite creating schedules that involve beginning our gift knitting back in August. Not finishing your handmade gifts isn't a reason to give up on the idea of a handmade holiday. There are handmade gifts to be found right in our neighborhood!

There are people in our community that devote all of their time (or a large portion of it should they still be working for "the man") to making beautiful, awesome items that they sell to folks like you and me. These people are valuable members of the community, they continue the long tradition of craft in America and they strive to support themselves through their craft. I have long been an advocate for the maker movement and make a point of spending what little hard-earned cash I make through the Gather Here endeavor on handmade, local goods.

I selected this year's vendors on a number of merits. Would I buy his/her goods? Does she/he make products that are complimentary to the crafts we teach? Have they been integral members of our community? Do I respect and admire the maker's business model?

The 2012 lineup is amazing. Featuring makers that you may not think of when you think of Gather Here. And they are all people that we hold in the highest regard. With products that we believe will make gift-giving truly special this year. <PREVIEWEND>

City by the Sea Ceramics - Yarn bowls and ceramic buttons! Amazing rope impressed mugs that I want to have in the Annex - the white ones. But I also have a soft spot for the brown and green combination. Karen's work is finely crafted, the colors exquisite and we think she makes something that everyone would love. But especially for the knitter/crocheter that has everything - one of her yarn bowls would make the perfect gift. And why not a lovely cup because handcrafts with a cup of something is required.

Eat Boutique - I seriously think Maggie Battista (founder) is the bee's knees. And whenever I am desperately seeking something new to cook I check out their website. AND when my fancy, foodie friends who only vacation in New England turn 35, 40, 45...I send them an Eat Boutique gift box. For our last wedding anniversary I sent the Paris box to Noah to commemorate our last vacation before opening the shop. It'll be awhile before we head back for vin chaud and ice skating at the Hotel de Ville but Eat Boutique made it seem less far away.

Egg-a-Go-Go - If you are my friend and you've had a kid recently chances are you've received an "I'm Being Raised by Wolves" onesie. Unless you posted a picture on Instagram of your kid wearing one and then I got you something else. When I first realized that Sarah was the maker of these genius silk screened garments I got all awkward because I think she is just too cool. So excited that we're the ONLY holiday show she's participating in this year!

Kitty Kitty Craft - Hippos and Manatees. Do we really have to say anything else? I met Karissa through twitter. And she's not only been a patron but also an enthusiastic student. She has a day-job that I think is just soooo cool working over at a major publisher and she spends her free time designing and creating plush works. It's amazing. This is her second craft show and we really hope you'll show her some love.

Made in Lowell - Is a gem. Liz is someone I hope to grow up to be. Always with sound advice and a generous spirit with a tv program promoting other makers! She manages to make some of the most detailed felted goods. And I want to own them all. I sport my cupcake pincushion ring whenever I'm sewing something fancy. And I recommend her full-size cupcakes to EVERYONE. Last year she brought adorable spool of thread earrings that I gave to so many of my maker friends.

The Merriweather Council - I'm a hoop enthusiast with a growing collection of pieces by Danielle. Danielle spends her days (and her nights) hand-embroidering jewelry and art in Providence (she used to live near Fenway). A graduate of MassArt and an Etsy Educator, she has shown her work in the shop, taught a number of workshops and will be our February Artist-in-Residence.

Migration Goods - Toast Ornaments! Hydrangea fascinators! Eling creates beautiful and whimsical pieces using hand-cut felt. We were fortunate enough to have her help us with the summer window and got to watch her in action - cutting and piecing felt flowers like a BOSS! Eling's pudgy bear ornaments make great gift wrapping accessories! (I know...)

Pansy Maiden - I proudly carry my waxed canvas Gabrielle bag all over the country. It's been to Texas TWICE this year. The perfect size for all my "things" - passport, wallet, Orange Owl lip balm, Epi-pen, notepad, ink pen, nail file and emergency knitting project. It converts to a backpack when carrying a cross-body bag is awkward. And I get all kinds of compliments all the time. You probably should own some Pansy Maiden (click for awesome behind the brand video), too.

Zooguu - Noah found Jen first. He loves toys. He's in his mid-30s and cannot help but stop at a toy vendor and pick up something. He tried to put one of her monsters in a movie. But the scene never made it to the final cut. But he owns some Zooguu (specifically a zombie narwhal) and he asked Jen to design our store window full of Yetis. He may be her biggest fan. And he wants to share all that is amazing about Zooguu with you.

It's the night before our Handmade Holiday Show and Party! We're busy making little thank you gifts and hauling sewing machines into the backroom. It's a haven of making here and we can't wait until tomorrow! So thrilled to welcome back Stacie who was so much fun at our First Ever Fiber Trunk Show (I stare at my skein of her yarn each morning imagining all that it will become). Did you know Stacie was a bookbinder, too? Well, now you do!

What's your name, what's your business name and where are you based?

I'll be bringing some handbound journals, some mini-haiku-books, some paper cutouts, and some handspun yarn! I think any of the items I'll have will be delightful treats for crafters to receive and use in the new year, or to give as encouragement to future crafters!

I've got some big book plans for the new year, and I'm going to try to keep my shop more consistently stocked with handspun yarn!

You can shop via Etsy, read all about Stacie's adventures on her blog and meet her tomorrow at our Handmade Holiday Show!

Woo-hoo, it's Friday! That means tomorrow is the Handmade Holiday Show and our Holiday Party! So excited to introduce friend and role-model, Eling. Her elegant sense of color and her whimsical creations not only make us smile but we highly covet many of her handmade goods. She balances a busy schedule, has a studio space in Lowell and is too awesome for adjectives. We're thrilled she's part of the show and know you will be, too!

What's your name, what's your business name and where are you based?

I'm Eling, I run migration goods as well as rhinofluff yarn & fiber, and my studio is in Lowell.

What's your handcraft? And how long have you been practicing it?

I handsew little tiny pieces of felt & fabric into adornments & fun cute things (migration goods). I'm also a spinner & a dyer (rhinofluff). I've been designing & making jewelry & accessories for almost 8 years, but shifted really heavily into sewing two years ago. I've been spinning and dyeing for about 7 years. <PREVIEWEND>

What items will you be bringing to the Handmade Holiday Show? Why do you think your (insert noun here) are perfect for the crafty-genius to give or receive?

I'm bringing an assortment of festive hair accessories, brooches, bookmarks and ornaments, plus a nice selection of handspun yarns & handdyed yarns & fibers. I've got lots of little gifts so crafty folk can still give handmade to those they've run out of time to make for (not that this happens to anyone). And of course knitters & spinners can never have enough yarn or fiber...

What are you making/giving to your friends and family this holiday?

I'm making: a bunch of cross-stitch pieces (that aren't quite finished yet, yikes!) & (hopefully) cookies from the momofuku milk bar cookbook. But mostly I'm giving goods handmade by other people that I've been buying over the last few months.

Anything new in 2012? What can folks expect to find at your (insert studio/website/etsy shop) in the new year?

I'm working on making more elaborate wearables as well as small art pieces for your walls. I've also got some collaborative custom things on the way, for weddings & events. Mostly I hope to keep making colorful things that make people smile.

You can see what Eling is up to on her blog, buy her fiber here, buy her felt pieces here, follow her on twitter, check out her photos on Flickr, and check out her stash/knitting on Ravelry.

What's your name, what's your business name and where are you based?

2012 promises to be a very exciting year, and in an effort to gently nudge myself and craft into the 21st century, I will be greatly increasing my online presence. There will be a new website with a flashy portfolio of past and current work, a blog (which already has a cool, bloggy name) for musings, shop photos and how-to, and a revamp of my current Etsy site. I'll also be engraving some wooly mammoth ivory pieces for a Los Angeles-based jewelry designer, which should be a very fun and exciting collaboration.

To preview some of the things you may find at the Handmade Holiday Show visit Mike's Etsy shop here and see photos of his recent work on Flickr.

What's your name, what's your business name and where are you based?

I'll be bringing my reusable fabric giftwrap bags and the aforementioned bejewelled stitch markers. Also, some bookmarks and cat toys, cause, I make 'em, so why not?

Erm....

Check out Susanna's reusable gift wrap on Etsy.

It's already Wednesday!!!! Only a couple days until the Holiday Party. Somewhere between posting our last feature and posting today's I decided the best thing I could do would be to make a holiday party dress before Saturday. Now that I've shared the plan with you all I have to do it! But without further ado, here's Katherine, who also happens to work full-time in the shop and teaches our crochet classes. We're happy to give her the opportunity to share her awesome fabric with you on Saturday!

What's your name, what's your business name and where are you based?

My name is Katherine Codega. I'm based in Boston.

What's your handcraft? And how long have you been practicing it?

I've been drawing basically forever. I've only been creating designs for fabric for about a year or so, when I became interested in sewing. I subsequently discovered the custom fabric site spoonflower.com, and that's when I began to explore using some of my illustrations in fabric design. <PREVIEWEND>

What items will you be bringing to the Handmade Holiday Show? Why do you think your (insert noun here) are perfect for the crafty-genius to give or receive?

Fat quarters of fabric are good for really quick, last minute gifts. There are so many things you can make with a fat quarter! And calendars are always useful, obviously. Plus you can reuse it as a tea towel at the end of the year, and I think that's super-cool and very eco-friendly.

What are you making/giving to your friends and family this holiday?

They are all getting tea towel calendars. They all got them last year, and now they expect them.

Anything new in 2012? What can folks expect to find at your (insert studio/website/etsy shop) in the new year?

I've got lots of ideas percolating--I'm thinking about sewing kits, embroidery patterns... After the holidays I'm going to devote some serious time to brainstorming.

You can find more awesome Katherine Codega designs at her online shop: katherinecodega.etsy.com

Day 2 of our series on our Handmade Holiday Show & Party! Rachel was one of our very first students when we began offering classes in March. She quickly went from doing her alterations to making custom bags for co-workers which has spiraled into an Etsy shop. We're thrilled to be Rident's very first trunk show! And so excited to see our fabrics made into gorgeous bags!

What's your name, what's your business name and where are you based?

My name is Rachel Vaughan, my business name is Rident and I'm based out of my home in Chelsea, MA.

What's your handcraft? And how long have you been practicing it?

What items will you be bringing to the Handmade Holiday Show? Why do you think your (insert noun here) are perfect for the crafty-genius to give or receive?

My niche is custom bags so that people can have input in the creative process and truly have a unique item that speaks to them.  That being said, I will be bringing some pre-made bags in my smaller sizes that will be perfect for people that want to give a gift right away, love it so much they can't put it down or just can't wait the 7-10 days for me to make it from scratch.

What are you making/giving to your friends and family this holiday?

Anything new in 2012? What can folks expect to find at your (insert studio/website/etsy shop) in the new year?

Have you marked your calendar? On Saturday, December 17th from 2 - 7 pm, we're hosting a Handmade Holiday Trunk Show and our annual (well, our first) Holiday Party. You'll find great handmade gifts for the crafty genius in your life as well as enjoy a cup of good cheer (Virginia's now famous warm cider) and enter to win cool prizes! Mix and Mingle with a host of friendly makers and give the gift of handmade this holiday.

Our first feature is on our not-so-secret craft-crush, Liz of Made in Lowell. You can watch Liz on the Martha Stewart Show over here! (I think that appearance automatically makes her one of craftiest geniuses ever.) Read on to learn more...

What's your name, what's your business name and where are you based?

Liz Smith, Made in Lowell, Lowell MA

What's your handcraft? And how long have you been practicing it?

I've been working with polymer clay for over 20 years, and felting for about 5.<PREVIEWEND>

What items will you be bringing to the Handmade Holiday Show? Why do you think your (insert noun here) are perfect for the crafty-genius to give or receive?

Pincushions!! Shaped like cupcakes!! I don't think I need to explain why that's awesome :) Also eco-friendly cup cozies and fun, felty brooches, maybe a few other sweet goodies.

What are you making/giving to your friends and family this holiday?

Notepads, cup cozies, scarves and hats!

Anything new in 2012? What can folks expect to find at your (insert studio/website/etsy shop) in the new year?

Working on a new line of felted coasters and bowls!

Check all that is beautiful at www.madeinlowell.com

You can follow Liz on twitter and read her words of crafty wisdom on her blog.