I'm back with my annual list of gifts you can sew for the festive season.
Because gifts made with our own sweat and tears are so much more special. Plus they can be tailor-made for the recipient.
So let your creativity run wild with any of the suggestions below.
There is something in this list for everyone:
1. An Apron
Here are TWO suggestions:
a) The Sam Apron
Everybody loves a free pattern! The Sam Apron is available from Helen's Closet website here.
This design includes lots of pockets (yay!) and is available in a huge size range.
If you're looking for a suitable fabric, our cotton drill fabrics are perfect for a durable apron.
b) But we also love The Linen Cross Back Apron by Purl Soho:
Probably one of the most stylish yet simple apron designs. And it's a free pattern available here from Purl Soho.
This would be beautiful in Marimekko Cotton or linen.
2. DIY Wrap Cardigan
For those that love a piece of clothing that can be worn in many different ways, whether it's a cardigan, dress or scarf... you could make a wrap cardigan. Due to its versatility it's the perfect travel companion as well.
This is also a great one for beginners as it is very easy to make, I found this great tutorial by Brittany Goldwyn.
Our heavy bamboo would be perfect for this project.
3. A tote
I'm a big fan of everything Noodlehead makes, just love all her bag designs.
She has heaps of free tutorials to make a range of pouches and bags that you can find here.
I particularly love the trail tote which is also a free pattern.
Alternatively I've written a blog post in the past about a simple tote.
I've made quite a few of these as gifts and they are always a winner.
For a step by step tutorial including all dimensions, click here.
I used a laminated cotton for the bag in this example but you can use any cotton fabric.
To create this tote, you could combine a rigid denim for the base, or a cotton canvas with a printed cotton.
4. A robe
The advantage of sewing a robe is that you can probably guess the size you need to sew.
It's so loose fitting that the fit doesn't have to be perfect.
We love the Sunday Robe by Merchant & Mills as it is a great unisex design. There are also lots of free robe patterns around if you search, but I've found that a lot of them use rectangular sleeves which can be quite tight under the armpits.
This robe would look beautiful in any of our linens, but a double gauze would be fabulous too. Or for more fancy flowy robe, why not use a viscose from Lady McElroy? That said, any of the Lady McElroy cotton lawns would be amazing too.
5. Hot/ Cold Rice Packs
These are so easy to make you probably won't need these instructions but I love practical gifts so here you go.
This is a great sewing project to get the kids involved and could make a wonderful teacher gift too.
I was once given one of these by my dad for Christmas many years ago, it was longer than the one pictured here, and it had 2 stitch lines going across it, therefore dividing this long "sausage" into 3 parts. That way it moulded nicely around my neck. I loved it and still use it to this day when I have a sore back or neck. Just pop it in the microwave for a few minutes and enjoy some instant relief.
6. An Easy Laptop Pouch
I made this laptop pouch for my daughter when she started grade 7 last year, and it's still going strong.
Now my youngest (my baby) is starting high school next year so I'll have to make another one.
I have made laptop bags in the past with zippers going around the corner which looks really nice but its gets very tricky to sew once you start using lining.
This design is so much easier and still looks great.
You can read about how I made this pouch here.
Fabric suggestions: Cotton Canvas or Heavy Cotton Drill.
7. Whale Pencil Case
This must be one of the coolest pencil cases around. This is sure to delight any child, and I bet some adults too.
Just have a look here to see lots of examples!
The pattern is now available in English here.
8. A Beach Cover-up
How about a beach cover up, may this be the ultimate summer garment?
And it's a free pattern from Peppermint Magazine.
I'm dreaming of one in a double gauze cotton.
9. A Hat
Living in Australia, one can never have too many hats.
Elbe Textiles has two great hat designs, the Serpentine Hat (pictured above) which has a very large rim offering great sun protection.
If you prefer a bucket hat style, the Sorrento Hat is a unisex design (see below). This hat is fully lined, with the ability to be reversible.
Fabric suggestions: Cotton Canvas or Heavy Cotton Drill.
10. A Fabric Bookmark
This must be the easiest gift to make, perfect for beginners or children. It's the perfect little project to use up those little fabric scraps.
You can find the tutorial from Quilters Candy here.
I hope you've enjoyed this list!
Happy Sewing!
Maaike
