Thanksgiving is coming soon but there’s plenty of timeto get some weaving projects finished before it’s here. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or going to visit loved ones here’s a list of the top five weaving projects for Thanksgiving.
1. Hot pads
Pot holder, hot pads, trivets—whichever you prefer, these tools are all indispensable when making Thanksgiving dinner. They keep your hands protected as you pull trays from the oven and keep your table safe from extra hot casserole dishes. Weaving your own means you can make them to fit your hands, insulate them as much as you want (you can buy heat-proof oven mitt liner at sewing and craft stores), and, of course, design them to match your décor. So as you place a steaming platter on the table your guests will ooh and aah as much over the hot pads as the food. Try these 4-shaft overshot pot holders by Jean Korus. The classic overshot weaving designs are perfect for Thanksgiving.
2. Wine bottle bag
Letting somebody else do the cooking this year? What better way to say thank you than bringing them a bottle of wine or lovely sparkling water in a thoughtful handwoven bag such as the 6-shaft Hail to the Hostess bags by Susan E. Horton. They’re absolutely beautiful and thoroughly useful even after the initial bottle has been consumed. They’re also a good project for learning how to weave a bag because they’re so simple to sew (you can see the instructions here)—you might end up finding reasons to give away bottles just so you can make more!
3. Table runner
Some people claim the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving dinner is the turkey. I think it’s the handwoven table runner. You can design your own to match your china, to coordinate perfectly with the roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, or to stand out and steal the show from everything else. If you need some inspiration I’m a big fan of the Autumn Fire Runner. It’s beautiful 8-shaft runner pattern that’s easy to wash and has just enough shimmer and shine to impress your guests.
4. Napkins
I’d always heard in movies about people using special family linens for Thanksgiving and other holidays. More often than not we used paper napkins, but now that I’m a weaver and a mother I find the idea of handwoven napkins appealing. Something special we can break out at the holidays. Might I suggest some traditional white or cream lace napkins? Not only are they classically beautiful, you will always be able to find yarn to match so if some are stained or you’ve added enough family members that you don’t have enough for everyone it’s easy enough to weave up more. 
The Discovery Towels by Karen Isenhower from Handwoven November/December 2016 look complicated but are actually simple to warp and weave.
5. Towels
I saved these for last because they are the most important textile tool in your kitchen at Thanksgiving or any time of year. You can use towels to maneuver hot pots on the stove, line bread baskets, wipe flour off your hands, clean up spilled gravy, and to carry a perfectly beautiful apple pie to the table. Handwoven towels are more than functional, however, they’re also beautiful. Weave up a set to match your hosting apron (not the one you actual dirty when cooking) to break out when you get everything on the table. You can also use a towel as a table runner in a pinch. Best of all towels are so great fun to weave! Right now I’m very much in love with the Discovery Towels by Karen Isenhower. Woven from Bockens cotton, these towels look complicated but are really a clever take on plain weave. What’s not to love?
Whether you’re already deep into planning your Thanksgiving weaving or needed some inspiration I hope this list inspires you. If you’re already planning napkins put on some extra warp to weave up a towel or two. Making a runner? I bet the fabric would also be perfect for a bottle bag. And of course, if you have even a short amount of extra warp it’s easy enough to sew up a quick hot pad or trivet. Whatever you do, I bet it will be wonderful.
Happy Thanksgiving Weaving!
Christina