Sewing Patterns & Supplies

I'm looking for some Christmas gift ideas that I can MAKE, and don't cost much. Any suggestions?

This year, my husband and I have decided to cut back a great deal on how much we spend during the holidays. I would like to MAKE gifts this year. I can sew and quilt, but keep in mind that often sewing gifts cost more in supplies than buying them from Walmart! And, I have an EXTENSIVE list of people to shop for:

I have about the same number of people for my immediate family. If you are like me, the first thing is probably to establish your exact budget. Every year I think I will scale back, and it never quite happens. If you have a number that you are working with its will be easier to stick to .
My basic gift and now family tradition is that everyone gets a pair of fleece pants. I got a little carried away last year and made TWO for everyone, plus my nieces and nephew and bil saw me making them and thought they were great so that meant a few more- I think I made 43 prs last year!

An adult pair takes about 1.2 metres if it is 54-60 wide . I usually find that if I buy 1.5 metres, I can get the little ones' out of the excess ( anyone up to about 4-5 yrs. It is surprising how much the Dad's enjoy having their little buddy match them, same with uncles and nephews. And of course the little girls and Mom's are tickled as well).
If you buy fleece with a budget limit of no more than $10 a metre, and figure on an adult and a child per pair, that will average out to $7.50 ( or less) each. I also usually find that there is a narrow long strip somewhere that will equal a nice fleece scarf- you just cut it straight and then snip a fringe. We used these leftovers last year to let our little girls church group have a service project- they made scarves for the homeless which were donated.
I have a great time with fabric choice and give my stodgiest sil the wildest zany stuff I can find- ironically, he LOVES them! Guess it goes to his 'wild ' side.
For little girls, if you have any scraps in your stash , these will make up into darling little girls doll clothes, or baby blankets. Your cost will be a pattern and trims.
Lap quilts from your scrap stash are also welcome gifts. Or wall hangings that can be pieced and stitches from scraps.
For the little ones, I have made Memory games- you can use magazine pictures, or even crayon drawings, but my FAVORITE is to make a family memory game. See this link to understand how it works http://www.funbrain.com/match We have a huge family, and it is a way of familiarizing the little ones with their extended family. So make duplicate pics - 2 each of each person, and cut out to be made into a 2x2 square game piece. One side is a colourful paper- and all the same . The other side is a family photo. I usually laminate them for durability. The object of the game is to remember where the matches are . Cost will be under $5 per game. This is also a great familly gift covering several people at once!
On the same theme- I love stuff that builds or strengthens family ties! Michael's regularly has a little section of stuff in bins that is on sale for $1.50 (in canada- probably less in the USA). I buy their little mini photo albums- they are about 3"x4" . I then fill the pages with family pics or a little story. These are ideal as a quiet little activity book for the children to look at at church, and easily fit into the diaper bag for a distraction when Mom needs one.
If any of your list is a GRandma or G'pa, the ever popular family portrait is always appreciated. Don't pay for an expensive studio shot if you cannot afford it- we have had fabulous luck using beginning photo students, a friend, and even once a stroller to hold the camera while it timed down!
Another really inexpensive gift is RICE or WHEAT BAGS. Using a nice cotton, flannel or microfibre sueded type fabric- pretty much anything will do, so long as it can be heated. You make little bags and fill them with wheat kernels or with rice. (I have always used wheat but have heard of people using rice) The idea is to make a little note to go witht hem that explains that you pop these in the microwave for a minute or 2 ( more for bigger sizes obviously) and the result is a little heated bag that will mold to whatever hurts. They are Wonderful! I have been thanked many times (long after giving them) for the big help these have been. These can be made in any size you can imagine. I have made them small enough to be heated and sent off in the pockets of the children's coats as they go to school on winter days. They are marvelous to heat and pop onto the car seat when you start the car in the winter- the seat will not be so chilly to sit on when you get in. Their moldability is fabulous to get to that exact spot that is aching. They can be used to warm up the bed before you get in, and a milion other things! My neice once made me one filled with flaz seed, not for heating, but for headaches- I don't know why it works, but lay down with one of these on your eyes and it sure helps!
Hope some of these ideas are useful !

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Lightwedge Lighted Pocket Magnifier, Black $8.52 Slide open to activate the powerful LED light. The square lens provides strong 3x magnification, perfect for: crafts projects, menus, instruction manuals, maps, and more! This deluxe lighted magnifier is a great gift for crafters and readers. Slim and lightweight, fits easily into: pocket, purse, briefcase, glove compartment, and more. 5.75"H x 1.9"W x.5"D, 1.5"H x.38"W viewing window. Includes 2 ...