For those of us who sew, the holidays are a time when we can share our passion with our non-sewing family members and friends through our hand-made gifts. These gifts can be created entirely from “scratch” or you can purchase items and embellish them. Either way, you are sure to create a unique gift for the recipient. We have some ideas to share with you that can be made in time for gift giving.
Table runners and table toppers continue to be a welcome home décor gift. One of our favorite runners is the Easy Striped Table Runner pattern which uses border print fabrics to create spectacular runners. The pattern has several different arrangements for runners. Our holiday runner uses a fabric with metallic accents for a festive accent. Another popular pattern is the Rock Candy Table Topper. This looks great in fabrics for all seasons! It’s an easy pattern to follow but looks much more difficult.
Pillowcases are another great gift item for any age! Choose fabrics that reflect the personality of the receiver or that work with their décor. Pillowcases are especially popular for kids. We’ve added WKU -and UK-themed kits this year for our sports fans. We have several precut kits available that are ready to sew. No cutting needed, just start stitching. If you are still looking for a quick gift to stitch, try a pillowcase!
Two more popular patterns for gifts are Potholder Parade, which features three styles of potholders, and The Reading Pillow pattern. The potholders feature a pocket where you can add some wooden spoons, spatula, etc. The reading pillow is a great gift item for kids. It has a pocket to hold the book plus a handle, making it easy to take your reading with you.
Last-minute Christmas gifts are also easy to personalize with your embroidery machine. Purchase a fleece throw and add the recipient’s initials or an embroidery motif to personalize. Plain kitchen towels can also be “dressed up” with seasonal or other embroidery designs. Several embroidery designers have “in the hoop” projects for small bags, mug rugs, ornaments, and more. These will be stitched completely in the hoop of your embroidery machine!
If you are looking for a gift FOR the sewer, there are lots of items to consider. For the machine embroiderer, threads are always welcome. A couple of spools of basic colors such as white or black, or even a spool of bobbin thread would make a great stocking stuffer. Machine needles would also be a good gift – just remember to purchase a brand compatible with the stitcher’s machine. Size 11 or 14 needles can be used with most any project. For the quilter in the family, cotton thread such as Aurifil can also make a great gift, as well as the machine needles.
Of course, a gift certificate or card from a favorite sewing or quilting shop can ensure that the sewer can get what they really want or need. We, at The Sewing Center & Kentucky Quilt Company, have gift certificates available in any amount for your stitcher!
Handmade gifts are always appreciated at this time of the year. Get out your machine, check your stash, and see what you can create for gift-giving. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
-submitted by The Sewing & Vacuum Center
