Makers Supporting Makers: Festive Shout-Outs
Because small businesses… and big hearts… deserve a little extra sparkle this season.
December always feels like the moment the crafting world shifts gears. The tree is decorated (see ours below) and our crafting to-do list seems to get longer…
I really try to think thoughtfully at this time of year about where I buy my gifts from, and really try to shop local wherever possible. I know some brilliantly talented indie makers and thought I’d share them with you in this week’s blog.
This isn’t a gift guide.
This isn’t an advert.
This is simply a celebration of the people who make our fibre community feel vibrant, colourful and endlessly creative.
If you’re looking for ways to show a little festive appreciation, whether you’re able to buy something or not, here are some talented friends and why I’m recommending each one. There’s something here for everyone if you’re looking to shop local in whatever way feels good for you this season.
Gem / The Little Grey Girl
What she makes: hand dyed yarn and fibre, hand sewn project bags
Why I recommend her: Gem’s work is the perfect blend of practical and beautiful… her bags are endlessly useful and her colour sense is exceptional. She creates things that feel made by a crafter for crafters — thoughtful, sturdy, and stylish.
https://www.instagram.com/thelittlegreygirluk/
Kitey / The Yarn Whisperer
What he makes: hand dyed yarn, stitch markers and the best community Instagram
Why I recommend him: Nobody does joyful chaos and colour quite like Kitey. His dyeing is bold, playful, full of personality… and while the shop is currently closed, he’s still one of the most joyful creative forces in our corner of the internet.
https://www.instagram.com/the_yarnwhisperer/
Bex / The Pigeon’s Nest
What she makes: patterns, hooks, haberdashery
Why I recommend her: Bex is pure fun — full of humour, honesty, and creativity. Her patterns are clever and beautifully written, her hooks feel lovely to use, and her whole brand radiates warmth and community.
https://www.instagram.com/thepigeonsnest/
https://www.thepigeonsnest.com
Hannah / Chromatic Yarns
What she makes: hand dyed yarn and YouTube
Why I recommend her: If you love rich, satisfying colour, Hannah’s yarn is lovely. Her tonal work is stunning and she has a knack for creating colourways that look amazing in both simple and adventurous projects. AND Hannah is one of my favourite YouTubers to sit and watch!
https://www.instagram.com/chromaticyarns/
https://chromaticyarns.co.uk/collections/chromatic-yarns
Louise Tilbrook
What she makes: gorgeous and accessible knitting patterns
Why I recommend her: Louise writes patterns that are approachable, wearable, and beautifully put together — the kind of designs that become wardrobe staples. Her work makes knitting feel effortless and joyful.
https://www.instagram.com/louisetilbrookdesigns/
https://www.louisetilbrookdesigns.net/everyday-knitter-shop
The Cosy Crab
What she makes: stitch markers
Why I recommend her: Rhiannon makes fun, functional, and a little bit irresistible… their markers add delight to every project. A tiny upgrade to your knitting bag that brings a surprising amount of joy.
https://www.instagram.com/thecosycrab/
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CosyCrabCo
Nish / Knotted by Nish
What she makes: super colourful yarn
Why I recommend her: If you want colour that glows, Nish is your girl. Her vibrant palettes have powered everything from Christmas hats to rainbow joy… she’s playful, creative, and full of heart.
https://www.instagram.com/knotted_by_nish/
Toft
What they make: wool, patterns and kits
Why I recommend them: A cornerstone of the UK crafting world… Toft’s designs are iconic, their yarn beautiful, and their community spirit unmatched. Whether you’re a crocheter or knitter, there’s always something inspiring coming from Toft HQ.
https://www.instagram.com/toft_uk/
https://www.toftuk.com/home.aspx
Why Indie Makers Matter
Indie dyers, designers, content creators and makers keep fibre arts alive. Supporting small businesses helps the local economy and it’s a hard gig… they’re the people who answer their own messages, who pack ours order with care, who pour time and love into everything they make.
Supporting small businesses doesn’t always mean buying something. Community thrives on the little interactions… the comments, the shares, the “I love this!” moments that help independent makers be seen.
How You Can Support an Indie Maker Today
Even if your budget is tight this Christmas you can still make someone’s day:
Leave a comment on their latest post (I’ve put their Instagram’s as well as website)
Share one of their photos to your stories
Add something of theirs to a wishlist
Tell a friend why you love their work
Buy a digital pattern if you’re able
Or simply… follow them and cheer them on
Tiny acts really do add up. Yarny gratitude is powerful stuff, and if we all brought one or two things this year from a small business instead of a big global website we’d put millions back into the local economy.
Your Turn: Let’s Celebrate Together
Tag a maker who deserves a festive cheer this week…
Someone who inspired you, made you laugh, dyed your favourite skein, wrote your favourite pattern, or simply brightened your feed.
Let’s fill the comments with indie love and I’ll be sure to try and follow as many as I can!
My favorite local dyer - Viking Fiber Co. I love his tonals and his varigated is pretty good too.
https://vikingfiberco.com/
@vikingfiberco (instagram)
my suggestion would be to buy at local craftmarkets. and above all: buy less for ecological reasons. Happy december!