The Best Kind of Holiday Gifts…….
The holidays are fast approaching, and if you’re anything like me you’re planning to make some gifts for the lucky people in your life.
The options out there are endless, and I know first hand that trying to choose what to actually make can be so overwhelming that it’s easiest to give up and just buy a gift. So my gift to YOU this year is a compiled list of patterns & tutorials that I think will help make your gift making easier this year. (And since budgets are tight right now, they are all FREE!!). I hope this helps get your maker spirit going this holiday season.
First Things First : Decide who you’re making vs. buying for
I’m sure you’ve experienced it - you spend literal hours making a special gift for a loved one and you can’t wait for them to open it. On the special day, the look of disappointment on their face as they open the package stabs at your heart. They feel bad that they’re disappointed, you feel like your time was wasted, and worst of all you know that the beloved handmade item won’t ever get used or appreciated. (If you haven’t experienced this, count yourself lucky friend - our loved ones don’t always appreciate the blood, sweat, & tears that we pour into handmade items. They love and appreciate that we made something for them, but they don’t always GET it!)
Here’s a list of telltale signs that your recipient will love the gift you made them:
Are they also a Crafty Person? Chances are if you love to make, you have maker friends in your personal universe. Those friends are very likely to understand the time and love put into a handmade gift, and are a pretty safe bet to make for.
Are they into Sustainability? If so, using up-cycled materials to make a handmade gift would show that you not only gave your time to create a meaningful gift, but you also understand their passion for reusing materials.
Who is the Recipient in relation to you? A handmade gift is pretty personal. I know you probably make everything from dresses, to curtains, to tote bags for yourself, but believe it or not most people don’t make any of those things for themselves ;) So making an item for someone that isn’t used to that level of closeness to the things around them is quite a personal gesture. Before spending time on a gift, make sure that person is worthy of receiving such a personal message from you.
And finally, when in doubt ASK. Although it may seem cheeky, asking a person if they like handmade gifts can save both of you lots of disappointment if the answer if no!
Okay let’s get down to business…
So we’ve narrowed down the list of people we are making gifts for; now what do we actually make?
The options are ENDLESS (Pinterest can be a blessing and a curse in times like this!), so I compiled a list of patterns & tutorials that I think would be great to make for the people on your list; or at least get the ideas flowing for you.
Ornaments
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Ornaments 〰️
Holiday ornaments make fabulous gifts, take very little materials to put together, and are usually a quick project. They make great gifts for the most and least personal relationships in you life (ahem - even work colleagues will probably enjoy an ornament!!!)
Here’s three project ideas for you that are perfect for gifting to others or yourself!
The first are these adorable fabric Christmas trees from Bethany Lynne Makes
With a free template, detailed written tutorial, AND Youtube video these little trees will come together with ease. (Another perk? They are the perfect use for all those beautiful scraps you have laying around!)
Check out the tutorial HERE
Next up is an ornament that’s great for beginning sewists - a simple and sweet star.
These little stars from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom could be made to match a tree color scheme, kept simple with a natural cloth (as pictured), or even embellished with sequins, beads, or ric-rac. Want to make them with a kiddo? Simply sew them together and trim the seam allowance with pinking shears for a pretty and simple edge.
Find the tutorial HERE
And finally, (and of course my fav) we have some up-cycled jeans pocket holiday houses from Swoodson Says.
Frankly, I don’t know if I could give these little darlings away after making so maybe these go in the personal sewing queue ;) I know you’re always looking for something to do with those old jeans, and this is it friend. Embellish with embroidery, hand quilting, glue gun & pompoms….the possibilities are endless.
Find the tutorial HERE
PJ's for all!!
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PJ's for all!! 〰️
There’s nothing cozier than a pair of comfy PJ’s, and if you’ve never made some for a loved one you’re missing out on some big thank you hugs! They can be made with holiday fabric, some of that lovely plaid flannel you’ve had in your stash for years, or even a cut up bedsheet from the thrift store. All styles welcome :)
Below are tutorials for both adult and kid PJ’s - make them for everyone; you won’t regret it.
This adult PJ pattern from Ellie & Mac has something for everyone:
From collared shirts, to flouncy shorts, to short sleeved comfort and even a nightgown - so many options for all the adults in your life!
Get the pattern HERE
Or maybe it’s the little people you really want to sew for
Do you have tons of little people of all ages in your life? This kid’s PJ pattern from Ellie & Mac has it all: from 6 months to age 14 and lots of mix and match pattern options, this pattern is a TNT!
Get the pattern HERE
Bits & Bobs
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Bits & Bobs 〰️
Thinking about batch making for a group of people, or maybe stocking stuffers is what you like to sew? Then these little projects are for you. The ideas below use little material, are perfect for using up your scrap stash, are great for making a bunch at once, and are easy peasy. (I’m looking at you beginners!!)
Make one or a hundred of the items below
If you’ve ever received a bowl cozy as a gift, you already know that this is the best gift to give.
Seriously, people freak out when I give them these. Like, they tell me months later that it’s solved their kitchen woes!
(psst….if you attended STL Frocktails this year, you received a kit for one of these babies in your goodie bag!!)
Get the pattern HERE
Scrunchies are the thing we just “Need”. Am I Right?
Scrunchies make the perfect stocking stuffer, gift for adults and kids alike, just because gift, or when you just want to use up those gorgeous off-cuts of linen & silk.
This tutorial (with template!) from Made for Mermaids includes 3 size options and also an option for adding bows. I give you permission to go forth and make 1,000.
Find the tutorial HERE
OK - now that you’re armed with some clear ideas, you’re ready to get those sewing machines buzzing RIGHT?!?!
I know, I know….I left out a very important category of people we like to sew for - ALL THE OTHER SEWISTS WE HAVE IN OUR UNIVERSE!!
Don’t worry I’ve got you covered
I’m making an entire blog post with gift ideas for the sewists in our lives that will be so busy making for others that they would be thrilled to receive a handmade or sewing related gift. I’ve got lots of ideas for things to brighten and enrich their sewing experience, as well as fun things to treat your creative self too!
Coming your way Soon - Until then, I hope you found this helpful and make sure to tag the Sewing Society of STL in any of makes on social media. (We’d all love to ooh and ahhh with you!)
HAPPY MAKING!
XOXO
Allison