Annual Scarf Market November 2025

The Scarf Market: A Gift That Gives Twice

Each year, our amazing community of knitters and crocheters creates an inspiring collection of scarves for our Scarf Market, which runs from Thanksgiving through Christmas.

These aren’t just any scarves — they’re handmade, boutique-worthy pieces infused with care and generosity. We sell them at String Theory, and every penny of the proceeds is donated to a local charity doing good right here in our community.

This year, we’re proud to partner with Northern Illinois Food Bank, an organization that provides nutritious food and essential resources to our neighbors — with dignity, equity, and compassion.

More than fifteen years ago, we wanted to find a meaningful way to channel the goodwill of our customers to help our unhoused neighbors in DuPage County. At first, we thought about knitting scarves to donate directly — but we realized we could make a bigger impact by turning our craft into a fundraiser.

Since then, your creativity and generosity have helped us raise nearly $70,000 for local organizations. That’s the power of handmade.

Here’s how you can help:

💛 Spread the word. Tell your friends, coworkers, and family about the Scarf Market. There are plenty of people who would love to give (or receive!) a handmade scarf that gives back.

🧶 Make a scarf. If you have time, we welcome your handmade donations — each one makes a difference.

Need inspiration? Check out this one, or this one or how about this one?

The scarves that sell first are:

• made from soft, natural fibers that feel wonderful around your neck

• at least 5 feet long and about 7″ wide

• in classic shades of white, natural, red, or grey (though other colors — and team colors — are welcome too!)

• simple enough to appeal to men (we can never have too many of those!)

Cowls and shawls are also warmly welcomed.

Together, we can turn yarn and creativity into something much bigger — warmth, comfort, and hope for our neighbors.