Category Archives: gifts

Handmade Christmas – Gifts for Men

Posted on August 24, 2011 | 5 Comments

I thought that I would start with gift ideas for men. I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to find unique gift ideas to make for the men in my life. So better start now! LOL!

Here is what I have come up with so far (and I will add more as I come across some good ideas). I hope that you find something that you will like to make, or get inspiration from one of these projects:

Applique Baseball Pillow from BHG. Perfect for that Sports fan! Put his favorite team name on it!

How about some handmade soap scented with his favorite scent? Here is a tutorial from Rachel over at Small Notebook that is for beginners. The perfect thing to learn while there is still plenty of time! And you may decide to make plenty for others on your list as well! (I can’t wait to make some!)

Personalized Towels. This is a nice way to take a towel in his favorite color and personalize it as a one of a kind gift. A great idea to make if you have several men and boys that you need gifts for! Also works as a last minute gift idea!

How about a Blue Jeans Quilt? Over at About.com there is a pattern that tells you step by step and has diagrams that are very helpful. A great way to recycle those old jeans!

Here’s a peanut brittle that is sure to please! From the Food Network, Alton Brown shares a yummy recipe!

Here is a how-to from Martha Stewart for no-sew slipper socks. Boy these look great! Easy to make for all of the men on your list!

Or how about this easy belt rack to help him keep organized in the closet? (OK, I know, boring….but it could be appreciated!) Maybe add a couple of new belts?

Here is a how-to to knit a scarf for your favorite guy! You can customize it by selecting his favorite color, or using a yarn of your choice. Sure to be appreciated by men of all ages!

I hope that you will find some ideas here that help you get a start on your Christmas gifts.

Take care, and thanks for stopping by!

Cheryl

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Posted in gifts, Holidays, Sewing

Tagged Christmas gifts for men, gifts, handmade, handmade christmas, men

Handmade Christmas – Links to Gift Tutorials

Posted on September 1, 2010 | 7 Comments

If you ‘re like me, you have a long list of gifts that you would like to make for family, friends, and neighbors for Christmas. Now is the time to get started! I have assembled a list of tutorials and instructions for some handmade gift ideas to get you going. I will be adding to this list as I find other projects throughout the next couple of months, so check back frequently.

Of course I have to add my link for my fabric bucket/basket tutorial. This would make a wonderful gift with other items added to make a gift basket for the recipient.

I also have included my tutorial for a needle keeper/holder. A nice stocking stuffer on it’s own, or make a sewing basket for someone just learning to sew or doing other needlework. Make the fabric bucket and add a needle keeper along with other sewing goodies to make a sewing basket.

Here are some quilted coasters from Martha Stewart‘s website. A great stocking stuffer or gift for a friend or co-worker.

Here is a potholder/oven mitt that would be great for yourself or added to a set with towels etc. Make it in holiday fabrics and add to a batch of cookies for a friend.

Here is a pattern to download for free for a set of teen matching pj bottoms and top.

Here is a ‘Everything Pocket Bag’ from Chickpea Sewing Studio. She has a downloadable PDF or Word document.

Over at Sew Mama Sew, here are links for 2009, 2008, and 2007 for some great gift ideas that they linked up to. I am sure that there will be another collection this November, so watch for it! Well worth it!

Here is an adorable backpack over at the Moda Bakeshop. Contributed by Tiffany – Tiny Seamstress. So cute!

Over at Purl Bee, there are tons of wonderful gift ideas. Here is a link to some blankets, mostly for baby, but thinkd outside the box and make them larger for teens, moms, dads, friends and neighbors!

Have people on your list that you would like to make an apron for? Here is a list from Tipnut of 40+ free apron patterns and tutorials. Sew, sew, sew!

Here is a cute ‘Sewing Companion Case’ that would be a wonderful gift for a sewing friend.

Here is a ‘Jigsaw Puzzle’ quilt pattern for a baby quilt, although I am sure you can enlarge it to whatever size you would like it to be without a problem. I like the jigsaw pattern and bright colors in this one!

I will be adding more links as time goes by, but this should give you a good start on some projects and places to look.

Have fun!

Cheryl

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Posted in gifts, Tutorials

Tagged aprons, Bags, blankets, christmas, gifts, handmade, quilts, Tutorials

Handmade Ornaments Links

Posted on August 26, 2010 | 4 Comments

Vintage Felt Stocking Ornament

Only 17 weeks until Christmas!!! OK, don’t panic, but there is ONLY 17 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

It’s time to start getting some of those handmade presents and Christmas ornaments and home decorations made, if you haven’t started yet. I know that every year I think that I will get everything done and I am always working on something at the last minute. I thought I would put together links to some ideas to get you started (ok, to get me started too!)

The Better Homes and Gardens website has some beautiful ornaments to make.

Martha Stewart’s website always has some wonderful and creative ornaments.

Here is a recipe to use with kids to make dough ornaments.

Ideas for taking things around the house and making them into ornaments.

Here is a link of fun ornaments that can be made with the kids, inexpensively.

There are several links here, for the TLC channel, of various themes of Christmas ornaments for you to choose from. They have western, victorian, country, kid themes and more.

Here is a link that has a lot of ornaments that would be great to do with kids.

Link for a quilted ball ornament.

Link for a beaded crochet snowflake.

Link for some cute ornaments that are pet related, for baby, breast cancer awareness ribbon and a peace sign.

Cute crochet snowman ornament.

Here is a cute mitten ornament from oliver + S.

Some cute primitive country ornaments.

Homemade Angel Christmas Tree Ornament.

Several more sewn ornaments (a variety).

Fabric star ornament.

Here is a fabric scrap ball, a great way to use up those little scraps from your quilting projects.

For some fun and interesting reading, here is a link to some History of the Christmas Ornament.