If you’re ever bored at a party, try making an announcement that you think Christmas decorations should go up in October. You’ll have a hot debate on your hands in no time.
“Sometimes people think it’s wrong for us to display Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving, but Christmas fabrics come out in July. I have to order them in April!” laughs Piper Tupper, owner of Esther’s Fabrics on Bainbridge Island. “At least I hold off on playing Christmas music until after Thanksgiving.”
There’s a method to Piper’s Christmas madness, and it’s not just about shipping deadlines.
“It takes a lot to get ready for these holidays. Getting gifts takes time, regardless of whether you’re shopping in stores or making hand-made. If primary caregivers wait until after Thanksgiving, they may not have any time to actually enjoy the holidays.”
Budgeting is another reason to start Christmas shopping early — Piper points out that not all families can afford to purchase all of those gifts in a single month.
Why winter holidays matter
Piper loves Christmas, even though she doesn’t identify as Christian.
“It comes at the darkest, coldest, dreariest time of year. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or Solstice, emotionally, we need these holidays to get through this time. They’re an excuse to get together, celebrate our connections and put up some lights and sparkly things.”
Some parents use gift-giving as an excuse to restock necessities like socks and underwear, while others seek out toys that spark imagination or teach new skills. When her own children were little, Piper made crafts with them to give to cherished family and friends.
“Creating is very rewarding, even if it takes time. And it’s particularly useful for those people who are hard to shop for.”
Sign up to sew along with Piper on the Christmas Cats Quilt! Esther’s Fabrics has sewing machines for rental or purchase, a wide selection of holiday fabrics and much more in store. Brenda Jorgens photo.
Christmas craft ideas
Piper’s about to dive into the Christmas Cats quilt kit by Jason Yenter, and there are a few more kits left in the store! If you’d like to sew along, she’s organized classes for this fall, leaving plenty of time to complete the quilt before Christmas.
Experienced sewists can stop by the store now to pick up supplies for a new tree skirt, Christmas stockings and gift projects.
Newer sewists eager to create handmade gifts can sign up for a series of classes starting this September, where they’ll get guidance on simpler projects like zipper pouches, tote bags and other fun gifts. Visit esthersfabrics.com/pages/eventcalendar to see a full list of upcoming classes! If you need a sewing machine, there are a selection of Janome sewing machines for sale or rental.
Find Esther’s Fabrics at 181 Winslow Way E on Bainbridge Island, an easy walk from the ferry to Seattle. Learn more at esthersfabrics.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for news and inspiration!
