Question:
Okie dokie. The situation: I have very little money to spend on Christmas gifts this year (big-time unexpected medical expenses and no insurance ), however, I have oodles of Christmas fabric and a sewing machine.
Any ideas on what I could make for Christmas gifts?
I've thought of placemats/potholders, ornaments, stockings, pillows, ... but what else is there? Got any links or photos?
Thanks in advance!
Answer:
Moonrise, for what age and sex do you need the gifts? That will give us a starting point.
Joan
Answer:
Mostly women aged 20 - 55, and oodles of kids (ranging from 2 months to 8 years).
In fact, something that would be suitable for a "whole family gift" would be ideal.
Answer:
How about dog & cat beds for the pet lover
Christmas tree skirts, wreaths & doilies are a family gift too
You can also make totes to carry the gifts in...
Hair Ties for the girls...
Aprons & vests
Bird cage covers for the bird lovers...
Appliance covers ie. toaster, blender, etc.
Advent calendars using velcro & felt
Steering wheel covers for their vehicle using elastic
Stethoscope covers for anyone in the medical profession
Chair pads
A christmas quilt
ok time to
Answer:
Moonrise, have you looked at the memo/photo board in this thread?
Photo board
I saw them in a local gift shop priced at $29.95. I've made several for our church bazaar and they are really easy to make. It has a picture hanger on the back for hanging on the wall. Just stick snapshots or keepsakes or memos under the ribbons instead of having to use push pins.
Girls of all ages are wearing ponchos this year and they are really easy to make. My 5,6 and 7 yr. old neices all want them for Christmas.
Tote bags are good.
What about one of those fabric tube things to hold all those plastic shopping bags that you collect. I couldn't do without mine.
Lightweight travel blankies to keep in the car.
Organizers with pockets (sort of like those old shoe bags) to hang on the closet door for adults or on the wall of a child's room. They can hold all sorts of things and seem to be making a comeback.
I'll see what I can find in some of the new magazines.
And I almost forgot those velcroed shopping buggy handle covers. They fasten over the handle of the buggy so the babe doesn't come in contact with all those germs if they ride in the buggy seat and decide to use it for a teething ring.
Joan
Answer:
What a bunch of great ideas!
I'm considering making bed pillow pillowcases - trimmed with holiday fabric or completely made from the focus fabric.
I also have some flannel pj/lounge pants started for several family members. They are pretty loose and baggy with elastic and/or drawstrings, so the fit isn't too much of an issue. You can buy Kwik-Sew patterns so you can get nearly all the sizes you need in just a couple patterns! I've been hoarding some nice heavy-weight flannels for several years...this may be the year to cut 'em up! I also splurged on some Bob the Builder flannel for a pair for my 6 yr old nephew -- the report is that he likes them. Unfortunately, those inexpensive flannels at JoAnns and Hancocks don't wear real well - fading, lots of lint in the dryer, etc. The good thing is that 6 yr olds grow really fast, and their tastes likely change fast too, so I decided that that grade of flannel was 'good enough' for pajamas!
Some people make 'gift bags' from Christmas fabrics. They can be reused/recycled from year to year.... My problem with this is deciding what size to make and who would appreciate them...
Elaine
Answer:
You guys (well, girls! LOL!) are SO SMART!!!
I really like the photo board idea, as well as all the others.
Thanks!!!
Answer:
Bumping this thread, hoping for more ideas from everyone!
Elaine
Answer:
How about fabric bowls and boxes? These seem to be quite popular right now and I hear they are quick and easy to make. I'm taking a class on making them this Monday night and can check back and let you know. Here's a link for the book.
Fast, Fun, and Easy Fabric Bowls
Answer:
I'm using some screening (yes, like you might use for your windows - not the metal screening but some other more sewable kind that I bought by the roll at Home Depot for less than $10) to make small bags for the kids and teens in my life. I've attached sea shells, beads, etc to the edge near the zipper according either to the intended use of the bag (beach bag, for instance) or the interests of the soon to be owner. Quick and easy, low cost too!
~*~
The fabric bowls are fast and easy to make. Instead of the high cost "Timtex" interfacing, I used double layers of interfacing suitable for Roman shades. The bowls came out well.