Craft Your Way Through December with Toni & Mama Gwen

Get ready to grab your hooks and needles—this year’s Advent Calendar, designed by Toni Lipsey and Mama Gwen, is sure to get your crafting fingers itching! The best part? You can get your kit NOW. Crochet or knit—you decide!

The holidays are fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a cozy project in your hands? Hobbii’s 2024 Advent Calendar is here to bring some yarn-filled joy to your Christmas countdown. 🎄🎁📅

This year’s calendar features delightful surprises designed by none other than the incredibly talented designer Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts, along with her fantastic mother, Gwen. Whether you’re a knitter or a crocheter, every Sunday Advent brings a new project that will fill your home with holiday spirit and warmth. 🧶☕ And here’s a little bonus: since December 1st falls on a Sunday this year, you’ll get to start the fun right from the beginning of the holiday season. Yay! 🎉

Curious to learn more about this cozy Christmas countdown with Toni & Gwen? We had the opportunity to ask the lovely duo a few questions. So go ahead, grab a cup of coffee, snuggle up with your favorite blanket, and keep reading for some insider insights… 🎁✨

The Creative Duo Behind the Advent Calendar

This year’s calendar is extra special, as it’s been crafted by the talented mother-daughter duo Toni Lipsey and Gwendolyn Jones (also known as Mama Gwen). Toni, who is the creative force behind TL Yarn Crafts, shared:

“I never would have dreamed that I’d have a career as an artist that lets me spend so much time with my mom. She’s my other half and she’s the reason I developed such a love for crochet. Working on a project like this together is a dream come true. It is awe-inspiring to see the designs Mom came up with. Our styles are different but complementary. I encourage makers to get both advent calendars to get a real taste of how we design.”

Gwen echoed the sentiment, adding, “Designing for this advent was a new experience for me, and I’m grateful to have had some help along the way. I wouldn’t have gotten an opportunity like this without Toni’s partnership with Hobbii. I hope knitters enjoy the relaxing but engaging designs I created.”

What’s Inside: Projects to Cherish All Year

This year’s Advent Calendar is filled with projects that aren’t just for the holiday season. As Toni and Gwen explain, these patterns are designed for year-round use. From versatile bags perfect for a trip to the farmer’s market to a tea towel and shawls that work any time of the year, the projects are practical and fun. As Toni says, “We focused on quick makes that you can crochet or knit between the holiday festivities. While the patterns are meant to be opened and worked on as you countdown to Christmas, they can be used well beyond the holiday season.”

While Toni doesn’t want to reveal too much about the surprises in the Advent Calendar, she offers a sneak peek into the four crochet patterns she designed:

"One of the designs is an excellent introduction to Tunisian crochet," she explains. “Another features a lacy stitch pattern, and there's also a project with a simple mosaic pattern.”

And her personal favorite? “The bag design is my pride and joy—I’ve been envisioning a cute tote like this for a while, and it turned out even better than I imagined!”

On the knitting side, Gwen has crafted four delightful designs.

“One project is a lightweight shawl, perfect for everyday wear,” Gwen shares. “Another is a spacious but easy-to-carry tote with engaging stitch patterns.”

“There’s also a versatile kerchief that can be styled in multiple ways, and a pair of timeless fingerless mitts with a feminine touch that I absolutely love.”

Common to all the crochet and knitting projects, Toni and Gwen emphasize that each was designed with the busy holiday season in mind. “Each project uses fun stitches and techniques, but they’re not too complicated. We hope crafters use these advent calendars to carve out quiet moments during the hustle and bustle of Christmas time.”

Crafting at Your Own Pace

With a new project to unwrap each week, the 2024 Advent Calendar is much more than just a crafting kit—it’s an opportunity to create warm holiday memories. These projects are perfect for treating yourself or crafting something beautiful to give to a loved one.

Toni and Gwen’s approach to the Advent Calendar emphasizes taking time to slow down and savor the creative process. “Our top tip is to take your time with these projects and find a way to make these WIPs special for you,” they advise. With all the holiday hustle, from family dinners to gift shopping and community events, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. “The 2024 Advent was created as an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the present while making something special,” they add.

So, find a cozy spot on the couch, grab a warm drink, and enjoy some peaceful, relaxing stitching as you craft your way through the holidays.

Get your advent calendar here: CROCHET or KNIT (stock is limited!)

Connect With Other Crafters

One of the most magical aspects of the Advent Calendar is how it brings crafters together. Whether you're knitting or crocheting, this project fosters a sense of community as you share your progress and creativity with others.

Don't miss out! Join the Hobbii Make-Alongs Facebook group, where you can connect with fellow Advent Calendar makers, exchange tips, and share photos of your works-in-progress.

And, as Toni adds, “Mom and I are always looking to make new friends and get even more makers into knitting and crochet. Find us online @TLYarnCrafts and @ByGwensDesign on Instagram, and catch mom dropping into my channel on YouTube—TL Yarn Crafts.”

Are you ready for some holiday crafting with Toni and Gwen?

Grab your Advent Calendar here: CROCHET or KNIT (limited stock).