Basic "Making to Give" Guidelines

Is it really almost time to hug this guy again?!

Judy at Patchwork Times is putting together a link list of gift giving ideas for the holidays.

She's already done a great post of things to make and give that don't involve sewing, but food!

While I'm not planning to divulge this year's goodies, I did make a lot of Holiday gifts 2 years ago.
I've compiled some of my projects and ideas into this:

Sew Joy's

Basic "Making to Give" Guidelines:

*Use what you have*

I made my nieces some doll quilts using leftover strips and squares.
I added some rick rack too!

*Think, make in a day or two - not weeks*

I made my daughter a makeup bag with leftover strips from a project.
It was loosely based on the tutorial at Moda Bakeshop.

*Keep track of what you made for people previously
so you don't do a "repeat" make!*

I made all of my nieces some diapers for their dolls one year,
using this tutorial.
They loved them!

*Consider making all of the same thing and vary the colours*

Tablerunners, tea cozies, and placemats can all be made unique with fabric choices to match the recipients taste and decor.

*Make PART of the gift*

Judy has already mentioned making part of the gift.
Think potholders with kitchen gadgets.
I like to make the friendship bag.
It's great for putting something little in -
some fabric, a toy, fudge, be creative!

*Use Free Patterns*

I have a selvage coaster tutorial that makes up quick, unique gifts.
{they fit in the friendship bag, too!}

I've also posted a tutorial to make this stocking.

If you want to design your own,

here is the free template I put out to celebrate 50 followers.

*Ask!
Sometimes people desire the littlest things
{like knitted washcloths!}*

I hope you enjoyed this post of ideas.
Please feel free to add more in the comments -
or even join Judy's links with a blog post of your own!


With lots of Holiday Cheer and JOY,
Sarah Vee