Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Gift making 2011

I made a lot of Christmas gifts that were a big hit. That isn't always the case. Sometimes I miss the mark, other years I can't seem to find anything to make.

This year started with a pattern from Atkinson Designs. I've made many of Terry's patterns over the years. The directions are fab and the results always look great. I'd found her Stand 'n Stow pattern a few months ago at a local quilt shop. It's a great shopping bag that stands on its own. Most grocery bag patterns are floppy. Not this one. I made a half dozen in fun fabrics including those luscious vegetable prints.





San Jose is outlawing plastic bags come January 1st, so these bags will come in handy. Now that I've finished six for gifts, I'm hoping to make mine next.

Pillowcases are always fun to make. I attended a holiday party earlier in the month where we exchanged pillowcases. I used a Christmas grinch fabric and it was really fun. After that, I decided two animal lovers in my life needed new pillowcases.




Then there was a challenge. A friend gave me some of her old clothing made in Indonesia from batiks. I couldn't let them go to waste, so made as many zipper bags as I could.





Finally I made three bags for my nieces. Two are college age and one will be going next fall. These little duffel bags are perfect for cosmetics. It's so much fun to look through my stash for the perfect print for each personality. The pattern is from Karen West, A Little Duffle Do It.







It was a great year for making fun gifts. I enjoyed the process more than ever and really loved seeing the smiling faces when they were opened.

Did you make anything really great this year?

14 comments:

Dru said...

I made quilted pillows, a lap quilt, a wall-hanging and a centerpiece. All were well-received.

Terri Thayer said...

Nice, Dru! Any pics? Happy New Year!

suz said...

I like the bags, especially i think the batiks. Looks like you do nice work.

suz said...

I like the bags, especially i think the batiks. Looks like you do nice work.

Linda O. Johnston said...

Your handmade gifts are delightful, Terri!

Camille Minichino said...

Beautiful work, Terri!

I had a manuscript due Dec 1, so for the first time in ages, I was "free" before Christmas and got back to baking. Just muffins and cranberry "things" but still -- a luxury!

Terri Thayer said...

Bags are pretty easy. those batiks were amazing. They had to be given new life. Thanks for stopping by, Suz.

Terri Thayer said...

Thanks, Linda!.

Terri Thayer said...

Baking is very creative, Camille. I used to bake a lot of gifts.

The Cozy Mystery Journal said...

Those are gorgeous! I just did baking this year, but I got to try out some new recipes like Candy Cane Fudge so that was fun :)

Betty Hechtman said...

I love the bags. I didn't get to make anything this year. I have been totally devoted to finishing If Hook Could Kill.

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

Wow! Those are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! And you are so right: Most grocery bags flop over. They're a real pain.

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

Bella, can you share that recipe? It sounds divine!

articles on hobbies said...

Talk about being creative. :) Your duffel bags are adorable. I'm sure your nieces will love those! :)