With just 10 days until Mother's Day, my mind is buzzing with ideas for crafty Mother's Day gifts to celebrate the mothers in my life. You're probably doing the same, trying to find the perfect gift for your mother and grandmothers, adopted mothers, and the many mothers around us, be they your sisters or friends. I found a number of possibilities right here in the Interweave store.

Past issues

My best friend recently shared with me, amid squeals of excitement, that she is expecting a little one this fall. We have both decided this little one will be a girl, so the Summer 2008 issue of Interweave Crochet is a perfect gift for her. This issue features a baby trio with 2 adorable crocheted dresses and a blanket and stuffed bunny, just in case we are completely wrong and she has a little boy instead. Past issues are a wonderful source for patterns.

Notecards, Gift Cards and Gift Bags

For the fiber-loving mother who does not crochet, these charmingly simple note cards will make her smile the next time she sits down to write a quick note or a friendly letter. I know I would smile if one of these cute guys arrived in the mail.

A gift tag with a little note makes a gifted project even more special. These  tags have plenty of room for a special message. Grab several tags for yourself as well as to give as a gift.

The gift bags, organic cotton printed with a yarn ball or sheep, are the prefect package for any crochet gift.

Piecework

If the mother you are shopping for loves crafts and history, a Piecework magazine subscription is the perfect gift. Each bimonthly issue features histories and personal stories of a multitude of fiber crafts from crochet and knitting to tatting and embroidery. For fibercentric magazines without the history slant, check out Fiberarts and Quilting Arts.

Pattern Store (Seafoam Vest)

I recently discovered that one of my grandmothers used to crochet. She let this little factoid slip while browsing at her LYS with my mother. I am currently browsing the Interweave store for the perfect pattern to help her revitalize her talent. Possibly you have a mother in your life who has strayed from the crochet path. Pick out the perfect pattern for her, perhaps the Seafoam Vest by Chloe Nightingale. Along with an offer of personal crochet lesson from yourself, a few skeins of yarn, or a beautiful new hook, you can spark a shared passion that will bring you closer.

Wrapped in Crochet: Scarves, Wraps & Shawls

Should the mother on your gift list love scarves, wraps, and shawls, I would recommend Kristin Omdahl's Wrapped in Crochet. With a lovely assortment of 18 projects, she will adore these designs. Techniques include shells, broomstick lace, hairpin lace, Tunisian, and Kristin's lovely infinity motif.

Innovative Crochet: Motifs With Kristin Omdahl (DVD)

For the mothers with a visual learning style, pick up a copy of Kristin Omdahl's motif DVD. You mother will thank you for this informative DVD packed with information and tutorials on reading crochet charts and symbols, how to crochet different shaped motifs, and using motifs as design elements. And as a bonus your mother may even allow you to borrow the DVD when she is finished.

Subscription

Of course a subscription to Interweave Crochet is a sure way to share your passion for crochet all year. Each issue is brimming with projects for all sizes, age ranges, and styles with plenty of quick and easy accessories. You will find yourself calling each other after each issue arrives to excitedly discuss your favorite projects.

Blueprint Crochet: Modern Designs for the Visual Crocheter

I love the projects in Robyn's book, Blueprint Crochet. Designs range from beginner to more difficult and fit any mother's skill level and all garments are sized from small to x-large. Robyn skillfully presents crocheting by following stitch diagrams. Don't forget include a gentle hint for your own favorite sweater when you present this gift. This could be the gift that keeps on giving.

Angel Wings Blanket pattern

When I envision the best qualities of a mother, I immediately think of their compassion and charitable nature. My mother taught me to look for ways to help others as a way of celebrating what I had. The Angel Wings blanket is a quickly completed 12" square blanket designed by 16-year-old Allison Lavelle for Afghans for Angels, an organization of volunteers who makes and gives blankets to parents dealing with a miscarriage, stillborn, or infant death. Download the pattern for free here for this blanket sized for a premature infant and reach out to help another mother as a way of showing gratitude for your mother.

Crocheters Companion

Whether your mother taught you to crochet or you are teaching her the fresh art of crochet, the Crocheter's Companion makes a wonderful gift for the brand new crocheter or seasoned professional. I still find myself pursuing its pages for a quick helpful hint or studying its handy illustrations.

I hope I have given you a few ideas; I know I am now full of ideas for this year and next. And don't forget to pick out something for yourself because you have acted motherly towards another person. And let's face it, if you are like me you can't browse crochet products and not pick up a little gift for yourself.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in our community!

Best wishes,