I love the idea of Handmade Holidays, making or buying handmade gifts to give, but the doing is always the hard part. With our recent travels, it was a little tricky, but I did squeeze in some time to make 3 small items.
My friends with babies have mentioned that burp cloths are hard to find in Belgium. I would love to make baby quilts for all the showers I go to, but since I’ve only completed 2 quilts in the past 5 years, it doesn’t seem likely. I’ll stick to quilted burp clothes instead – they’re a lot easier to make. For this set, I used Marcus Brother’s Metro Blues and did a top-stitching in a star pattern. Hopefully, the baby boy will arrive soon and enjoy them.
This little tree is what I sent my partner for Lisa’s Ornament Exchange. I had originally planned to buy some kind of Belgium-themed ornament, but my partner requested handmade. My recent paper-pieced tree blocks inspired me to make a Christmas tree ornament. The yellow buttons at the top are in place of a star.
I always feel nervous giving handmade items for Christmas because they’re not as fancy or professional as something I could buy in the store. But, I thought my Mother-in-law, a crafter herself, could use a tote to take to her quilting classes and workshops. Of course you can’t take a store-bought tote to a quilting class, so I made her this one using Robert Kaufman’s You Got the Notions fabric. It’s lined with some Ikea bird fabric and has a little extra detail to the pockets and sides.
Did you make or receive any crafts this holiday season?
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Hi!
i want just say thank you for the wonderful totebag and can’t wait to show it off at my next quilt meeting
I love the idea of a pretty quilted burp cloth. At least mamas can wear something nice on their arms instead of the white cloth diaper.. :)
I didn’t make as much as I used to for Christmas this year. I have to say that I am lucky enough to be surround by people that prefer handmade to store bought, so I can go on anytime with gift making..
.-= Michaela´s last blog ..One last finish of 2009… =-.
I love the idea of giving handmade items. They are gifts from the hand and the heart. One Christmas, long ago when I was still sewing, I made everyone’s Christmas gift. It was quite time consuming, but I loved doing it–much more fun than fighting crowds at malls.
Your tree ornament and the tote-bag are really neat!
Those trees are adorable! And that snowflake picture in the last post? awesome!
.-= brit´s last blog ..Rain Rain… =-.
That tote bag is adorable. I love the contrasting needles and buttons. What a fabulous and thoughtful gift.
I always intend to make things but never end up doing so. I love your creations! I think you are SO talented!
.-= lisaschaos´s last blog ..My Three Sons =-.