{"id":35493,"date":"2017-01-26T05:06:10","date_gmt":"2017-01-26T12:06:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/?p=35493"},"modified":"2017-01-26T14:21:21","modified_gmt":"2017-01-26T21:21:21","slug":"updated-gift-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/2017\/01\/updated-gift-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"Updated Gift Ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2015, I created a list of gift ideas<\/a>. As mentioned at that time, I like the idea of giving and making sets of gifts: choosing a fabric and then making a number of items from that fabric. Since then there are lots of new patterns and ideas. I came across a few other items that I thought would make great additions to my list and be useful as well. I decided to update this list and get the ideas out to you again.<\/p>\n

The point is not<\/em> to use the patterns I use, but to make the gifts in whatever pattern YOU like. This is a gift idea<\/em>.<\/p>\n

You might be wondering why I am talking about this in January when you just finished with the holidays. Simply, you will need time to make everything without getting stressed out.<\/p>\n

Pincushion \u2013 Fig Tree Quilts Petit Gateau pincushion pattern<\/a>. I like this pattern, because the pattern makes sense, is not difficult and looks like a pincushion. I have made several<\/a> and they go together very quickly. I use wool roving and some of the Beanie Baby plastic pellets to fill it. I buy both at Beverly\u2019s when they are on sale and keep a supply on hand. The pellets give the pincushion some weight. I don\u2019t use walnut shells, because so many people are allergic to nuts. The only issue I ever have with this pattern is to find an appropriate button to put on top and bottom. Often I make these and don\u2019t think ahead and then find myself wanting to finish, but have no appropriate buttons. Of course, there are plenty of pincushion patterns out there and you should use your favorite.<\/p>\n

Needle case \u2013 many people don\u2019t do handwork and so this is an inappropriate gift, but it is so cute! Regardless, I find that a bit of hand sewing is needed at various times. I found the pattern in the Spring 2013 issue of Modern Patchwork. It was designed by Rashida Coleman-Hale of IHeartLinen. I wasn\u2019t able to find a pattern for it on her blog or the web. The pattern is in RCH\u2019s book, Zakka Style<\/a>, according to Frances Newcombe from Belly Buttons Boutique<\/a>. You may be able to find I copy of that magazine on Etsy or eBay. I am sure there are other needlecase patterns<\/a> out there.<\/p>\n

Tissue case \u2013 This isn\u2019t something that I would really use, though that might change. It is a nice stocking stuffer or small hostess gift. I got the idea to make them from Valerie over at Evening in the Garden<\/a> blog. I made a few, which you can see in December gift posts<\/a>. I used the YouTube tutorial<\/a> that Valerie used. I found that these make great boutique<\/a> or Secret Santa Shop items since they are very quick to make.<\/p>\n

Lanyard<\/a> \u2013 these are great for guild meetings, but also for hanging scissor sheaths, keys, pens, etc. Think of a chatelaine\u2019s key ring.<\/p>\n

Scissor Sheath<\/a> \u2013 as mentioned above, a scissor sheath can be added to the gift pile and adding a ribbon or fabric hanging loop on it enables the owner to hang it from a lanyard.<\/p>\n

Project bag \u2013 Jeni Baker Drawstring bag (pattern to purchase<\/a>). The pattern has multiple sizes. This is good to keep project supplies together. She also has a tutorial<\/a> for one size \u2013 Example<\/a><\/p>\n

Tote bag \u2013 There are lots of different tote bags that I have made. I really like the Jane Market Tote<\/a> (pattern to purchase<\/a>). I also like the Eco Market Tote from Favorite things (pattern to purchase<\/a>). I made a version of that bag with Heart fabric and it is still a great pattern. I have another one in mind. Including a tote bag in your gift selection is a nice way to package all the gifts. Choose any pattern that you like.<\/p>\n

One Hour Basket<\/a> – An alternative to a tote bag, especially for a group of small gifts is the One Hour Basket. This is a free pattern by Hearts and Bees<\/a> which you can download from Craftsy. She has a new pattern with different sizes as well.<\/p>\n

Journal\/Sketchbook Cover<\/a> \u2013 you can adjust the pattern to accommodate a number of sizes of journals. This pattern, as you have seen many times on this blog, is for a 6.5in x 8in Miquelrius journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Pencil roll \u2013 I love the pattern by Pink Chalk, but it is no longer available. If you can find it somewhere, such as Etsy, buy it and keep it safe. It is useful and fun even if you are not pen hog like I am. I have made, perhaps, a dozen of them<\/a> and I want everyone to love them. I always put a few pens in to give people an idea of how to use them. I reported on one of my pencil roll posts<\/a> that this project took me about 3 hours to make. (updated 1-26-2017)<\/em><\/p>\n

An Alternative to the pencil roll is a tool holder. I haven\u2019t actually made one of these yet, but I do like the pattern<\/a>. I like the idea of having my most used items all in one place and viewable to so I don’t have to dig for them.<\/p>\n

You could also add a Sidekick<\/a> from Jinny Beyer\u2019s store. It is good for handwork and I could have used it on my trip this past weekend. I have the pattern, but haven\u2019t made it yet.<\/p>\n

You can also think up themes and find patterns that fit the theme. For example:<\/p>\n