You might be thinking, wait, what? Christmas stuff again?? I had something else planned for today, but when the photos from last month’s Make the World Better with a Sweater party/Save the Children fundraiser came in, a change of plans was in order. I think most of you are down for seeing epic yarn nerdery any time, even if it’s mostly red and green, right? It was a big goal of mine in 2014 to find a way to give back with the blog, and between the red hats project and this fundraiser, I think Hands Occupied is headed in the right direction going into 2015.
If you’re excited about one of the ideas or DIYs you see in the photos, you can find a list of party sources & credits at the bottom of the post. Except where noted, all photos in this post are by Tennile Sunday.
Party highlights
The party was full of people who walked in for some last minute holiday yarn shopping, Hands Occupied readers and friends. We had wine, cookies, snacks, and a giveaway for everyone who donated to Save the Children, plus some fun activities for everyone.
This photo tells you a lot about me. I am bad at styling my own hair, especially the back, lol. I must be terrifying to talk to because I lean forward and wave my hands around during basic human communication activities. I remember this conversation being really good, and this lady was totally charming and fun to talk to. Here’s hoping this crazy polka dot lady who was really, really excited about everything didn’t scare the nice brunette lady away from the knitting world for good!
the ugly sweater cookie decorating bar
I think people really loved the sweater cookie station. There was regularly a moment of, “Wait. They’re tiny sweaters?!” as folks reached the table. I mean, it’s sweaters at a yarn store party, should I really be surprised?
The frosting was in pastry bags so people didn’t have to get their hands messy, and there were a lot of holiday sprinkle options for embellishing sweater designs. Even the most reluctant cookie decorator could have fun with it!
How cute is this lady? This is my favorite of the moments Tennile captured that night! Oh, and the other cutie in this snap is my dear husband, Ed. He killed it as our party DJ!
While we’re drooling over cookies, let’s pause for just a sec to drool over the pink, blue and yellow color combo in this gorgeous shot:
the knitting and crochet corner
Yup, no sweater-party-at-a-yarn-store would be complete without some needles and hooks flying back and forth. We dedicated the couch area to the stitch and bitch, and the ladies came prepared!
Is this not the perfect thing to be knitting at a holiday knitting party? I think so.
the photo booth
I’m super proud of the photo booth at the party, which featured yards and yards and yards! of red, green & white yarn, folded in half and hung in bunches from extra-strong fishing line (yarn gets heavy, guys!). The props for the photobooth are styrofoam balls covered in yarn secured with straight pins, the giant knitting needles are 4 foot dowels I sanded to a dull point, and the yarn wigs were DIY’d as well. I also found some dry erase foamcore that I cut into sweater shapes with an x-acto knife, so people could draw their own ugly sweater designs on them on the fly. You can see one of the dry erase sweater props at the top of this post, as modeled by yours truly who was having way too much fun geeking out about yarn.
Speaking of way too fun, here are Maura and Jen, the lovely ladies who helped work the shop during the party, helped me set up the party, and are both fantastic knitters and utterly charming.
via Instagram
My #1 favorite DIY of the party had to be the yarn wigs. I named them Brumhilda and Kevin. I should prooooobably do a tutorial on these sometime, eh? I need an excuse to make at least one more of these babies.
PS: This old phone is my business card holder for events. I always mean to share it on the blog and forget, so here it is! Another one of those things I should do a tutorial for on Hands Occupied. Womp womp.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this party happen!
Especially Nina and Tennile for donating their amazing spaces and talents to help support this cause, and I also want to thank Eileen, Ana & Maria at Save the Children for their support. Also, my dear husbro, Ed. He helped man the cookie bar and made a kickass holiday playlist and got the speakers all rigged to bump xmas hits throughout the store.
Me + Nina, boss ladying :)
Party resources
Design, party crafts, photobooth, etc.: Hands Occupied
Venue: Nina Chicago
Photographer: Tennile Sunday
DJ Husband’s Playlist: Christmas Party
Ugly Sweater Cookie Kits: Wilton
The best cheap yarn that you’ll need tons of for the yarn backdrop and photobooth props: Caron One Pound and Red Heart Super Saver.
Make the Word Better with a Sweater garland sign: designed & cut by me with my Cricut Explore.
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