Original ideas for home sewn presents people will actually like!

[Lilacspider]

I've been thinking about making home sewn presents for family and friends this Christmas because I have a stack of really nice unused fabric (mainly cotton) and it would be good to give them something personal and different, possibly eco-friendly (depending on what I make) and will hopefully save a bit of money too.

I have 5 women, 3 men and three (female) teens to "create" for, so need to start early!

I will be making phone cases (on lanyards) for the men.

Possibly padded iPad or lap-top cases or cosmetic bags for the teen girls.

I thought I might make www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DT0f3NhnMUh0&ved=2ahUKEwjRmpT6ouPhAhXFPFAKHXvMAM0QtwIwAHoECAYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1hPErMDn8Kl9QYEV_7Oq8K these eco shopping bags that fold up in to a pouch for all the women.

The only thing is, especially with the bags, it seems a lot of work for something so "impersonal" they can buy for a couple of quid at the check out! (Not sure!)

Does anyone else have any other more interesting ideas for presents (preferably eco-themed but not necessarily) that they would like? In other words, what would you like to receive?

Sinkgirl thanks for recommending purl bee blog! Really love some of the projects! I love the cushions too (but think I would sew rather than glue!).

My friend made me some lovely oven gloves in unusual fabric. She padded them with insulating wadding. Also, has made me cushion covers. All gratefully received.

This is a very simple idea for a gift to children who don’t need anymore toys.

coolcreativity.com/handcraft/sewing-no-sewing/sew-pillowcases-together-to-make-floor-cushions/

The big full size pillows are definitely sewn; think it’s just the teeny ones that use glue :)

www.purlsoho.com/create/2010/01/06/mollys-sketchbook-felt-flower-pillows/

I found Purl Bee when I started knitting and when we went to New York I visited Purl Soho. It’s what I imagine heaven is like, filled with yarns and fabrics I could never afford, but splurged on some to make myself a scarf which I still wear now :)

For any knitters, the herringbone cowl and chevron baby blanket patterns are two of my favourite things on earth!

I made myself one of these - www.indigobird.ca/single-post/2018/04/05/Origami-pouch-tutorial - for knitting needles, but it would also be good for a power pack, charging cable and headphones if I add half an inch all round, so that's what I'm doing next.

I also use something like this - so-sew-easy.com/teeny-tiny-mini-zipper-pouch/ for earbuds, emergency tenner etc, and have made some for friends too. Get a roll of zip tape and separate pulls though, or you waste lots of zip.

Thank you DameFanny those are particularly good tutorials I think! I love them both!

Never knew separate zip tape and pulls existed so that's a brilliant gem of info, thanks!

Ah sorry was looking at wrong pillows I think Sinkgirl! A big fabric store is my idea of heaven too . Love the Purl Bee "snowfall" jumper incidentally!

Thanks for yet more ideas Clouded yellow and that's a great fun project FiremanKing although my "target audience" a bit too old sadly now!

Oh separate tape and pulls is brilliant - if you cut one side of the tape a little shorter, you can then feed all the pulls on at once ( bit fiddly but you find a rhythm) and then just cut to size with the pull in the middle :-)

My mum made us some quilted coasters which we're still using several years later. She also made us toiletry cases that unfold and hang on a door, with lots of zippered pockets .

If you like the infinity scarf idea patterns for pirates had a free tutorial for one with a zippered pocket. I made a few as presents last year and they went down well.

How about robes for the women, or is that too big a project? I know I'd get bored after making one.

Just remembered another good one - www.veryshannon.com/patterns/reversibleboxtote

If you know any yarn-botherers these make excellent project bags, I've also got one in the car for the emergency water, wipes, notebook etc - sits happily in the footwell and stays upright

I received a dog bags holder that clipped to my lead - nothing I've seen in a shop!

Thank you for yet more really good ideas! Much appreciated!

Particularly like the dog walking one for me

You sound like an expert DameFanny!

mimiasovitch a robe is a good idea actually as raglan sleeves/kimono style not too difficult! You are right though, may be boring to duplicate.

I think I might just "go with the flow" and make a few different things, and then those I enjoyed making, I'll make again! That's if I ever get started!

To hold myself accountable, once I've finished a few projects each month, I may post them on "arts and crafts pictures" on here if anyone is interested? Except it would be friendlier if any of you would care to join me [pretty please ]. Thread could be called "Craft projects for Christmas" or something like that, so knitters and others can join. Anyone up for it?

Ooh, I could use some accountability for the plans I'm toying with :-)

Great DameFanny

I'll set the thread up once we get a few more people!

Thesee are quite good stash busters.