Sewing For The Holidays/Christmas Gifts

I have never been one who enjoys fighting the crowds during the holidays. I'm fortunate enough to live in a neighborhood where there are quite a few shops within walking distance, so I can leisurely walk over and not be bothered by the crowds. But, I also enjoy making gifts for Christmas, and I am VERY blessed to have a husband who would rather one of my homemade shirts any day over a store bought shirt. I have 2 in the works for him, so he is going to be quite pleased this Christmas :)

For today's post, I thought I would just remind you of a few things that I have done for our Thrifty Thursday posts. The patterns are free, so a simple download. They have all been a blast to put together, and they are all things that if I didn't sew, I would be thrilled to receive. Even though I do sew, I would still be thrilled to receive any of these items :)

First up is one of my most used Thrifty Thursday makes. This little I-Pad holder has a permanent home in my studio. I love listening to podcasts while I'm working, and this holds my I-Pad beautifully. You can find my post and all the info HERE. 

I absolutely fell in love with Yuki, the designer of Waffle Patterns, while I was doing the Pepernoot Coat sew along for Sew News. Her patterns are well designed and go together easily. This Newsboy Hat is a free download and can be made as I did in cotton, or wool for winter. Great for guys and girls alike!

This faux fur collar will dress up a plain coat, and it also looks great over a sweater or jacket. 

I have 2 favorite evening bags, the Clam Shell Wristlet that I shared with you yesterday, and this fabulous little bag from Sew Vera Venus. I made the bag out of a piece of gold leather and it works with almost every evening garment that I have. You can find my post and a link to the pattern download HERE.

What a fun hat this was to make. It can be made out of a sweater knit, or a recycled sweater. You can find the info on this pattern, along with a link to the flower pattern HERE. I really liked the mitten pattern too. You can find the info on those HERE.

This bag is quick and easy to make and would work for just about any woman on your list. You can find the free downloadable pattern HERE.  You can find my post on the bag HERE.

I have not made these patterns up yet, but I feel safe in recommending them to you. 

The apron is from Sew4Home. I really like that the top is buttoned to the bottom. 

I really like the shape of the oven mitt. This pattern is from Skip To My Lou. 

The heart shaped potholder is adorable. You can find the pattern at A Spoonful Of Sugar. 

To round out the gift, a casserole carrier that conforms to a number of pan sizes. It's basically just a rectangle, so super easy to make. You can find all of the instructions at How Does She?

Another super simple hotpad gift idea would be a set of these egg shaped pot holders. They can easily be customized to whatever a friend might enjoy. 

Great for stocking stuffers, this is a gift that will help to ensure a great night's sleep. Something most all of us could use. You can find the pattern for the sleep masks HERE.

And finally, I love this pattern. Who wouldn't love a customized accessory pouch? 

With all of these ideas, your holiday sewing should be off to a great start!

Have fun!!!

Rhonda

Thrifty Thursday

Good Morning, or Afternoon as it may be for you!
Well.....a little bird told me that you are talking about me :)
I awoke this morning to this most delightful message,

Good Morning!
Just wanted you to know that I hear the most wonderful things about your blog. You are helping people and inspiring them!
I can't imagine how much work it is, but trust me, your readers adore it.
Susan Khalje

So, to Susan, thank you for taking the time to send the note. And to all of you who have "talked about me," my most heart felt thanks. In response to the comment about the work, it's not work when you love doing whatever it is you do :)

Now, on to the day at hand! Before you think that I have somehow slipped into some strange gap in the cyber world and the blog has become a craft blog, i.e. yesterday's pumpkins and now today's post, just wait until tomorrow for Fabulous Free Pattern Friday!!! But in all honesty, I LOVE crafts!!! I think it helps to satisfy the kid in me.
Although Christmas is still a few months away, it will be here before we know it. Since I love doing little gifts for my friends that are actually useful, I need to get started. So I came across this super cute little potholder from
http://missmary.com.au/2013/02/25/easter-pot-holder/

She calls it an Easter Potholder as it's shaped like an Easter Egg. I think it's super cute and very useful for anytime of the year. 

The shape is simple, but Miss Mary has kindly made a free pattern available so that we are sure to get the correct size. It's just one page, so NO TAPING!!!! Print out 2 sheets of the pattern, cut out the egg shape for the body of the pot holder and then cut out the shaped piece for the pocket. Simple!!!

I have a group of friends whom I exchange gifts with and they all enjoy music, so I made musical potholders for them!!! The surprise is over if they see this post, but that's okay :) They'll love them anyway.

As I said, they are so easy to put together and such fun to make. You can customize them for whatever the occasion is or whatever the person enjoys.The thought occurred to me that they would even make a great money holder. So if you would like to give money to a bride to be, she gets a useful gift with a little bonus tucked inside the pocket.

They wrap beautifully around a pot handle.

You can find the instructions and the free pattern here. There are lots of other cute ideas on Miss Mary's blog, so be sure to check it out!

Now, if you are planning to do some sewing for Christmas, there are a few free patterns available from me.
This easy to make Fleece Slipper pattern.

The Poinsettia Napkin Ring Pattern.

And The Clamshell Wristlet. 

If you would like a pattern for the Fleece Slippers, the Poinsettia Napkin Ring, or the Clam Shell Wristlet, or all of the above, just email me at sewbussted@yahoo.com and I will be happy to send out the pattern....or patterns.

Happy Sewing!!!