gifts to sew

14 years ago

I have been making a few little gifts for Christmas (I am a teacher, so summer is my time) but am wondering if people will really want what I am making. I remember my aunt making everyone fuscia knitted slippers when I was a kid. lol

Have you sewn things as gifts that people really liked and used? I am an medium skilled sewer so I can handle most patterns, but anything really tricky is apt to look sloppy. I have been making purse stuff like make up bags and glasses or tissue holders, kids toys - blocks and fishing sets etc. I am pretty excited about making my mom a tote bag that attaches to her walker. But I have three adult kids and their spouses, three toddler grandsons, teacher friends, etc. So I'd love to hear what gifts you have made that were a hit, or what people have asked you to make for them. Thanks for your help.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

jomuir
14 years ago
I don't sew many gifts. I find that non-sewers don't (generally) appreciate the time, effort & skill involved in handmade gifts. That said, years ago, I did make a really cute fleece bathrobe for a friend who was the same size as me, so it was easy to just make 2, hers in a different color scheme.

She loved it, but she sewed a little & knew what went into making it, so I felt it was worth the time. I do suffer form the fear of giving aunties knitted slippers lol!

I guess my advice would be, make & give gifts similar to what you may see SELLING at a craft show (not just seen there, but selling). Also, useful & thoughtful items like the bag for your mom's walker. Those show you thought of the recipient and their needs/wants. I'd avoid tricky stuff, you want the items to look as nice as possible for gifting. Again, (non-sewing) folks generally don't know how hard it is to get perfect results. But I bet I'd notice :)

People don't ask me to make too much, I've become pretty selective in what I sew now. Time & money being important resources and all.
susie53_gw
14 years ago
As for myself, I love getting homemade gifts. Plus, I love giving them. I know who appreciates them and who doesn't. I especially love giving homemade baby gifts..
Related Professionals
Tallahassee Furniture & Accessories · Saint Joseph Furniture & Accessories · Hartford Furniture & Accessories · Kankakee Furniture & Accessories · Green Bay Furniture & Accessories · Jacksonville Interior Designers & Decorators · Port Saint Lucie Interior Designers & Decorators · Orange County Interior Designers & Decorators · Mesquite Interior Designers & Decorators · Jackson Interior Designers & Decorators · Lake Charles Furniture & Accessories · Vineland Furniture & Accessories · Newburyport Furniture & Accessories · Edison Furniture & Accessories · Akron Furniture & Accessories
kathi_mdgd
14 years ago
I make wallets all year long and try to make every scene i can think of.Like cats,dogs,flowers,team logos etc.I also do solids,and themes that men may like like fishing.Make them from 100% cotton,so that they don't slip out of their pockets.I also always try to keep some on hand for a quick gift.Another idea is the bag holders,you know where you store your plastic bags,very easy to make.
Kathi
Marilyn Sue
14 years ago
I am getting ready to make some boxer shorts for two of my sons in law. They love them. I make them out of a variety of colorful prints and they wear and wear them. I will just surprise them when I get them made.

Sue
kathi_mdgd
14 years ago
Marilynsue,i make those as well.I try and find fabrics with their favorite sports/team,or for the little guys fabrics like thomas the train,sponge bob etc.They love them .Even my one GD,29 yrs old loves them to sleep in in the summer.Like the op said i only sew for those i know that will like it and appreciate it.

I've also made quilts for all my grown kids,and some of the GK's.
Kathi
jomuir
14 years ago
OMG I totally forgot boxers! Those are a great handmade gift, so easily tailored to the recipient & are easy, inexpensive & just about everyone likes them. What great ideas I get on this forum. Marilyn Sue, you reminded me I've made them for friends & DH a few times.
murphy_zone7
14 years ago
A couple of years ago I gave all my cousins a casserole tote. It was insulated for hot/cold, sturdy bottom, and wood dowel handles. They loved them and I see them often at our monthly get togethers. For little kids I have made chalkboard placemats and toddler back packs. Also, e-reader covers, notebook covers, and needle cases are good gifts.I have made totes and purses as gifts and as requested items.
I make some in the hoop items with my embroidery machine such as tissue holders, zippered cases, eyeglass cases, etc. Also embroidered kitchen towels are a favorite too.
Knowing sizes is an issue so I try for things that are not sized.
Come to think of it, I rarely buy a gift anymore. Always come up with a "made" gift. lol I love doing it.
Annie Deighnaugh
14 years ago
I didn't make it but I received it...it's a brick that's used as a door stop that is covered to look like a small sofa with 2 teddy bears on it....it is adorable and works well as a door stop. I've loved it for years.

This one has a bunny:

Here is a link that might be useful: Sofa brick....
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
14 years ago
Chef's aprons & tote/grocery bags from decorator cottons - very easy to sew, always useful & many folks don't often buy things like that for themselves - esp. chef's aprons for men who cook/grill - decent 1s can be expensive & hard to find.

& cute fleece or sun hats are easy & nice for little kids/toddlers..
loves2spin
14 years ago
By necessity, most gifts I give at Christmas are hand made. One thing that was a big hit with the women in my life last year was this:

http://kleiosbelly.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/hanging-dishtowel-pattern2.pdf

This year, all of the grandchildren are getting hand made pillowcases. :)
dawnp
14 years ago
I also think tote bags make great gifts. Just make sure whatever you make is to their taste.

I am a sewer and certainly appreciate hand made things but if they are made from some fabric I don't like or are out of style I probably won't like them.

Catalogs often have great ideas.