gifts to sew

11 years ago

I have been making a few little gifts for Christmas (I am a teacher, so summer is my time) but am wondering if people will really want what I am making. I remember my aunt making everyone fuscia knitted slippers when I was a kid. lol

Have you sewn things as gifts that people really liked and used? I am an medium skilled sewer so I can handle most patterns, but anything really tricky is apt to look sloppy. I have been making purse stuff like make up bags and glasses or tissue holders, kids toys - blocks and fishing sets etc. I am pretty excited about making my mom a tote bag that attaches to her walker. But I have three adult kids and their spouses, three toddler grandsons, teacher friends, etc. So I'd love to hear what gifts you have made that were a hit, or what people have asked you to make for them. Thanks for your help.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

jomuir
11 years ago
I don't sew many gifts. I find that non-sewers don't (generally) appreciate the time, effort & skill involved in handmade gifts. That said, years ago, I did make a really cute fleece bathrobe for a friend who was the same size as me, so it was easy to just make 2, hers in a different color scheme.

She loved it, but she sewed a little & knew what went into making it, so I felt it was worth the time. I do suffer form the fear of giving aunties knitted slippers lol!

I guess my advice would be, make & give gifts similar to what you may see SELLING at a craft show (not just seen there, but selling). Also, useful & thoughtful items like the bag for your mom's walker. Those show you thought of the recipient and their needs/wants. I'd avoid tricky stuff, you want the items to look as nice as possible for gifting. Again, (non-sewing) folks generally don't know how hard it is to get perfect results. But I bet I'd notice :)

People don't ask me to make too much, I've become pretty selective in what I sew now. Time & money being important resources and all.
susie53_gw
11 years ago
As for myself, I love getting homemade gifts. Plus, I love giving them. I know who appreciates them and who doesn't. I especially love giving homemade baby gifts..
Related Discussions
GS sewing friends fleece panels for gifts...
Q
Comments (5)
Good for him.I also taught my GS to embroider and sew.He can use my machine as well as i can.He's 8 years old.How old is yours. Here's what my GS made when he was 6.He embroidered his name,and then i helped him put it together.He did all the machine sewing as well,i did the pinning for him. It was funny,because he even figured out how he could reach the pedal without me doing it for him.He pulled my Denise Austin step thing over to the desk,set the pedal on it and then he was able to reach it without my help.Little independent bugger.LOL Kathi
...See More
Sewing Pajamas
Q
Comments (4)
Are you familiar with the principle of "design ease"? This might be the answer to your question. I think McCalls (and most of the good brands) print on the pattern pieces the finished garment width for bust, waist and hip. There is often also a chart on the pattern envelope with finished garment sizes. If you compare this with the body size chart (also usually on the envelope) you will see how much ease (extra width) they intend. For loose fitting pyjamas this could be as much as 10". If this is not the fit you want then you can make it in a smaller size, or if you have already cut the paper pattern - fold out the excess vertically half way along the shoulder. In case you have never done that - if you want to reduce the width by 2", that would be 1/2" from each front and 1/2" from each side of the back. Your pattern is probably cut on the fold on the back so total of 1/2" FROM EACH PIECE. By folding parallel to the grainline, you will not alter the fit of the sleeves or armholes (for pyjamas this is often not necessary). It sounds complicated but once you try it, you will soon see how it works. (This also applies to the PJ bottoms, folding a crease down the centre of the leg.) There are many good books on fitting - these would have useful diagrams to help you. If all else fails - go buy another pattern and make a much smaller size! The pattern manufacturers don't always provide what WE want!? Good luck, AJ
...See More
Attemping to Make Pinch Pleated Drapes
Q
Comments (21)
I can't understand why you are trying to put the hook between the stitches--it doesn't go between any stitches. I can help but I need more info. What kind of tape are you using? There are dozens of kinds of tape for making pinch pleats. Is it the kind where you measure and create your own pleats or one that has pockets for hooks If it's the first kind--did you sew your header down--you are not supposed to. You sew the tape to the top of the curtain, fold it over and measure for your pleats. Then you make a loop where the pleats will be and sew it the full length of the header. Then go back and make your pleats in the loop and tack them widthwise on the bottom of the header. The hook goes under the header on each side of the pleat. The header is open between the pleats. If you are using the kind of tape where you insert hooks to make the pleats or the one where you pull strings to make the pleats you don't sew over the pockets but under neath them. If I haven't answered your question or you have more questions, I'll check back tomorrow
...See More
What is Everyone Sewing On This Time of Year?
Q
Comments (17)
jollyrd - Thank you : ) That dent/tuck (or whatever it's called in the middle back part) had me wondering the same thing before I started this project. As I slowly took apart the chair fabric, I noticed all the layers and learned how it was "puzzled" together. I also took lots of pictures along the way. I'll post some pictures (below) of the horizontal slit/opening in the back of the chair. This is where the fabric tucks in to. Then, it comes out the back and goes under the bottom back of the chair where it's stapled. There is a section of this where I use scrap (less expensive/paisley swatch) fabric for tucking into the slit & wrapping under the chair. This part eventually was covered with the fitted top part of the chair...it slid on over everything and covered it all up. I would love to see your rocking chair and footrest : ) If anyone can explain to me how I can reduce the size of my photos in Photobucket...that would be great. I would like to post medium size photos as opposed to ginormous : / ratherbesewing - I saw (and answered) your other post earlier this evening, but will answer here as well in case it helps someone else. The herringbone upholstery fabric I purchased is available in a number of places. The best price I have found is at Mary Jo's Cloth Store. It's also available at Calico Corners. At MJ and at CC the fabric is called "Jumper" and it comes in a large variety of color choices. At Ethan Allen it's called "Turner". At Pottery Barn there is a similar fabric called "Chunky Herringbone". At PB it is only available in 2 different colors. Pecan is the color I used on the office chair. I had a feeling that color was also going to be great for my next project (sofa & love seat), so I was using the chair as "practice" and to also see if I love it in a large piece (as opposed to just seeing it on a swatch/sample piece). For the office chair, I had to pay more (even though it was on sale) and order through Calico Corners because of the small amount (2 yards). At Mary Jo's, the color Pecan has to be ordered in a larger amount...I think because they don't stock it? It's not that way for all colors. It's best to give them a call and check first. I was so pleased with the color of the chair, & the way the fabric feels and sews, that I ordered 18 yards from Mary Jo's for the love seat. Whatever amount is leftover after the love seat is done (probably in a few weeks), I can use toward the matching sofa. I'll place a separate order for the sofa. The shipping is very reasonable, so not an issue in this situation. The 18 yards from Mary Jo's arrived yesterday. It looks exactly the same as the fabric from Calico Corners. When I get a chance to work with it (tomorrow), I will know more. If there is any difference at all, it may be that the backing is a tiny bit thinner on the fabric from MJ. I can't be certain, but may know more tomorrow. Sometimes, I see the fabric's manufacturer/vendor listed as Valdese and sometimes as UC Manufacturers. Maybe those two companies are the same?
...See More
kathi_mdgd
11 years ago
I make wallets all year long and try to make every scene i can think of.Like cats,dogs,flowers,team logos etc.I also do solids,and themes that men may like like fishing.Make them from 100% cotton,so that they don't slip out of their pockets.I also always try to keep some on hand for a quick gift.Another idea is the bag holders,you know where you store your plastic bags,very easy to make.
Kathi
Marilyn Sue McClintock
11 years ago
I am getting ready to make some boxer shorts for two of my sons in law. They love them. I make them out of a variety of colorful prints and they wear and wear them. I will just surprise them when I get them made.

Sue
kathi_mdgd
11 years ago
Marilynsue,i make those as well.I try and find fabrics with their favorite sports/team,or for the little guys fabrics like thomas the train,sponge bob etc.They love them .Even my one GD,29 yrs old loves them to sleep in in the summer.Like the op said i only sew for those i know that will like it and appreciate it.

I've also made quilts for all my grown kids,and some of the GK's.
Kathi
jomuir
11 years ago
OMG I totally forgot boxers! Those are a great handmade gift, so easily tailored to the recipient & are easy, inexpensive & just about everyone likes them. What great ideas I get on this forum. Marilyn Sue, you reminded me I've made them for friends & DH a few times.
murphy_zone7
11 years ago
A couple of years ago I gave all my cousins a casserole tote. It was insulated for hot/cold, sturdy bottom, and wood dowel handles. They loved them and I see them often at our monthly get togethers. For little kids I have made chalkboard placemats and toddler back packs. Also, e-reader covers, notebook covers, and needle cases are good gifts.I have made totes and purses as gifts and as requested items.
I make some in the hoop items with my embroidery machine such as tissue holders, zippered cases, eyeglass cases, etc. Also embroidered kitchen towels are a favorite too.
Knowing sizes is an issue so I try for things that are not sized.
Come to think of it, I rarely buy a gift anymore. Always come up with a "made" gift. lol I love doing it.
Annie Deighnaugh
11 years ago
I didn't make it but I received it...it's a brick that's used as a door stop that is covered to look like a small sofa with 2 teddy bears on it....it is adorable and works well as a door stop. I've loved it for years.

This one has a bunny:

Here is a link that might be useful: Sofa brick....
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
11 years ago
Chef's aprons & tote/grocery bags from decorator cottons - very easy to sew, always useful & many folks don't often buy things like that for themselves - esp. chef's aprons for men who cook/grill - decent 1s can be expensive & hard to find.

& cute fleece or sun hats are easy & nice for little kids/toddlers..
loves2spin
11 years ago
By necessity, most gifts I give at Christmas are hand made. One thing that was a big hit with the women in my life last year was this:

http://kleiosbelly.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/hanging-dishtowel-pattern2.pdf

This year, all of the grandchildren are getting hand made pillowcases. :)
dawnp
11 years ago
I also think tote bags make great gifts. Just make sure whatever you make is to their taste.

I am a sewer and certainly appreciate hand made things but if they are made from some fabric I don't like or are out of style I probably won't like them.

Catalogs often have great ideas.

gifts to sew

Comments (11)

jomuir

susie53_gw

Related Discussions

kathi_mdgd

Marilyn Sue McClintock

kathi_mdgd

jomuir

murphy_zone7

Annie Deighnaugh

carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b

loves2spin

dawnp

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US