What in the world do I make for a maker?
If you’re reading this, chances are you have maker friends in your friend universe.
And chances are that you’re a maker too, and you want to make something for your maker friends.
(Whew….that’s a lot of “makers”)
With the holiday season fast approaching, I’m sure your “to-make” list is growing by the day. We’ve already talked about a few really fun things to make and gift (CHECK IT OUT HERE), but there is a very specific group of loved ones in our lives that need very specific ideas……the MAKERS!! And I don’t know about you, but these are the people that I’m actually most excited to make for (sorry mom!) because I would love to receive any of the things on this list. Our sewing community friends totally GET our love of making, and are the most appreciative of the time and love we put into handmade gifts.
SO - what the heck should I make?!
I did some searching and scouring of the internets to find a list of items to make or purchase for the creatives in your life - I hope you find it helpful!!
To Make
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To Make 〰️
First up are these adorable and useful pattern weights from Grainline Studio
These little babies tick all the boxes for me: quick to sew, perfect for scraps, easy to customize to the recipient’s tastes with fabric choice, and freaking cute. These are perfect for the sewist friends in your life - there’s nothing worse than pattern pieces shifting as we cut out, and these keep those pieces in place while looking adorable at the same time.
You can purchase the pattern HERE or get it for free when you sign up for their newsletter. (which as a sewist, if you’re not already signed up for their newsletter you definitely should. They have loads of other fun accessories patterns that are available for free for subscribers!)
Next up is something from indie pattern designer Sydney Graham that you will definitely also want to make for yourself :
a handmade wrist pincushion
If you’re like me, you have one of those magnetic pincushions that sits right next to your sewing machine to collect pins as you sew. It works great, until you’re across the room at your sewing table pinning an eased-in sleeve. (and course you don’t think about needing the pins until you’ve already fussed over matching those edges!)
Let me introduce you to an old-school gadget that solves all those problems - stick a pincushion to yourself and the pins follow you wherever you go. (I know right, it’s a ‘duh’ moment, but sometimes things need to actually be said) Sydney’s video tutorial walks you through the whole process of making your own, including tips on how to customize it to your specific needs. You can find the tutorial HERE.
Or if you really want to go ALL in, make a thread catcher and pincushion all in one
This is mine that I’ve used for literal years, and I could not do without it. Excuse it’s wear and wonkiness - I was a noob when I sewed it ;)
This one takes a bit more effort to sew, but I promise it’s worth it. I have mine sitting off the side of the table my machine sits on and it is perfect for collecting the insane amounts of thread, clipped corners, and pinked edges that congregate on my sewing table. The pincushion can be stuffed with rice or crushed walnut shells, and can be made extra special by adding some essential oils to the stuffing.
As with the other projects, this would be perfect for using scraps, and making a patchwork pincushion would be super cute. Erica Arndt has a great DIY tutorial on her website - you can find it HERE.
Not in the Mood or don’t have the time for making??
Here’s some ideas for some things to buy that your maker friends will love - they are also perfect for self-gifting!!
To Purchase
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To Purchase 〰️
The one I’m most excited about is the upcoming book release from indie pattern company Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
This one is at the top of my personal wishlist!!
If you’ve been around here for awhile, you already know how much I love Matchy Matchy Sewing Club - their designs are tailor made for home sewists that adore scraps, pattern matching, and simple silhouettes. Several of our sew-alongs have used their patterns, and I knew you’d be excited to learn that they are releasing a new book with 12 NEW PATTERNS just in time for the holiday season.
All the patterns in the book are beginner friendly, which makes it a great gift for new and advanced sewists alike. The patterns included range from garments to accessories, so there’s something for everyone.
(and BONUS - if you preorder the book before it’s release, you receive a bonus free pattern so get it now!!) You can find purchasing details HERE.
Another book that’s perfect for the up cycler in your life is the new book from Arounna Khoumnoraj - Handmade Home
If you have a sewist in your life that loves practical and useful sewing, this book is for them - it’s packed full of fun ideas for turning scraps into beautiful things for your home. Arounna is famous for her simple and beautiful sewing tutorials, and this book delivers them in gorgeous full color photo tutorials. I have a few other books of hers and each is a joy to flip through, as well as make from.
You can find purchasing info HERE.
Got a friend that’s new to sewing?
Help them build both their skills and their pattern collection with a subscription to an indie pattern company with monthly pattern releases and sewing classes.
There are several indie pattern subscriptions available to sewists, but these three get the most rave reviews from the sewing community:
Closet Core Crew
With different membership levels there’s something for everyone: from basic sewing courses to tailoring and a new exclusive pattern released each month, Closet Core keeps sewing fun and fresh. Closet Core’s modern aesthetic make them a favorite among sewists looking for on-trend patterns.
Check out their memberships here
The sewing club with the most attention to fit and technique is one of the OG’s: Cashmerette
They’ve been around since before the indie sewing boom, and there’s a reason Cashmerette is still one of the most trusted of resources in the sewing community. Their extensive back library of patterns and thorough skill building videos make them relevant to a sewist at any level.
Check out the membership levels here
And last but not least, the indie pattern company with the most extensive backlist of patterns: Seamwork
Seamwork membership not only includes two new patterns each month, but also access to sewing skill classes and deep dives into topics like wardrobe building. Their pattern library is full of simple wardrobe basics, perfect for the new sewist.
Find info on their membership levels here
Don’t forget to add a certain person to your gift list…
I know you’re thinking about others right now, but here’s your reminder to put yourself on the list of important people to gift to. Giving yourself the gift of making is not only an act of self-love, but an investment in the future: YOUR future happiness.
You deserve it friend.
I hope this post has been both informative and idea inducing. Have fun in all your holiday making, and please be sure to tag the Sewing Society of STL in your makes - we would all love to see what you end up creating!!
Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season, and I hope to sew with you in the new year!!
XOXO
Allison