Quick Gifts

Giveaway extended one more day!
http://quiltinggallery.com/2009/12/04/terri-thayer-quilting-mystery-books/

You can also win a set of books by weighing in over at Pat Sloan’s site. http://quiltmashup.com/index.php?topic=301.new;topicseen#new

Now for some quick easy gifts. Technology is a wonderful thing and in sewing, heavy duty interfacings such as Timtex or Fast 2 Fuse have made making fun gifts a snap.

My friend, Maureen, made these wonderful pins last Christmas. I was lucky enough to get two. Every time I wear one, I get stopped and complimented.



I used the same technique for an Ipod holder. This goes to the gym with me. I can listen to podcasts while working out. Makes it go much faster. Also makes me look crazy when I laugh out loud at Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me.




It’s easy enough. Back two fabrics with a heavy duty interfacing and stitch together (wrong sides together) with a satin stitch in a contrasting thread. Or just use a zig zag or even a straight stitch. Do all four sides, add a pin back. Decorate with beads or charms. For the Ipod holder, leave an opening at that top and attach a cord. I used a shoe lace and just stitched it onto my sandwich.

I can think of plenty of uses for these little sandwiches. Coasters, ornaments. How about sewing a clear plastic pocket onto a piece of fused fabrics to make a luggage tag? Use a cookie cutter to trace a holiday shape for the ornaments. You can put a clear pocket on it to hold a school picture. One each year for each kid and you've got instant treasures.

For you non-sewers, a fancy clipboard is a quick, fun, easy project.


All you need is a clipboard from the office supply, scrapbook papers, ribbon and other pretty stuff. I paint the clipboard black with an acrylic. Then I layer pretty papers and glue them down. I used Traci Bautista’s Collage Pauge on the back of the paper and on the top. Use plenty, it dries non-tacky. Thread ribbon or yarn or pearls through the clip for a pretty touch. I used my hairdresser’s business card on the back.


Here's to a wonderful, homemade holiday season!