Multiplicity
One of the requests I’ve had regarding the Crafty Christmas Countdown is for gifts that can be made in bulk. Boy, can I relate to that one! With so many people on my list, I find it important to have one or two gifts I can make lots of, especially if it’s something that works for either gender.
Probably my all-time, No. 1 gift I make in bulk is food. Cookies, breads and the like are always a hit. And if you have freezer space, you can start making them up to six months ahead of time (assuming you can stand to heat up your kitchen during the summer).
My friend Katie has a great tutorial for creating patchwork fabric bookmarks. They’re probably not enough to give as a solo gift (better for stockings and maybe as gift toppers for a little something extra) but worth making a stack to have ready for giving.
I think scarves are always handy (depending on where you live, of course) which makes them great for gifts to crank out in multiples. I don’t crochet but I’m still tempted to try one of these Crocheted Ribbon Scarves from The Caffeinated Crafter. This Patchwork Scarf tutorial from the Sew, Mama, Sew blog is designed for kids but I bet it’s fairly easy to modify for grown ups. Or make this Scrap Scarf from JavaJem.
One of the gifts I’ll be making this year will be reusable grocery bags. I’ve made the switch myself and bought about 15 bags (and another dozen for my folks) but really wish I had made them now that I’ve seen all the great tutorials out there. These would be great for using up old (or thrifted) bed linens or some clearance fabric that was too good of a deal to pass up. Plus, they’re such a handy gift that can be used over and over again. Check out these great bag-making tutorials:
- U-handblog: Reusable groceries bag with comfy bag handles
- The Adventures of Cassie: Reusable crocheted grocery bag pattern
- Associated Content: Fabric grocery bag pattern you can make yourself
- BurdaStyle: Charlie
- Sewing.About.com: Durable, Reusable Grocery Bag
- Raw and Unabashed: Make a reusable grocery bag
Tags: bookmarks, christmas crafting, Gifts, handmade, holidays, patchwork, reusable grocery bags, scarf
July 25th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Love that patch-work scarf idea.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I need to make a list of things to make still. Maybe when I get back from vacation. I have a wall hanging quilt mostly done for my mom but that’s it! Will have to check out that scarf tutorial.
Beths last blog post..Best Soft Serve On The Planet & Swap Answers
July 25th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
One of my favorite things to make for kids (and very quick to make) is the hooded bath towel at http://Patterns2Go.com/kids.htm. The same site has Animal Pals back packs that go over very well with the younger set also. Either of these things can be cut out several at a time, then use the “assembly line” for quicker sewing.
Sarah Doyle
http://SewingBusiness.com
http://SarahJDoyle.com
July 25th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Fabulous! I really enjoy my reusable bags. Only .99 and I only need 4-5 to do my weekly shop. But some more personal one or nicer ones would be good. I’m bookmarking all the things I want to try for Christmas in a folder. So keep them coming
Christis last blog post..Day 2 with the Pox
July 25th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Great ideas - and thanks for sharing those links! : D
July 30th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Thanks for the plug on the ribbon scarf.
I love your site! Definitely bookmarking. 