Homemade Gifts are Sew Creative
When it comes to a major event like graduation or a wedding, gift-giving seems to be a cinch. But what to do about those smaller, intimate occasions when the store-bought present is missing that personal touch? Here are three original home-gift ideas that are fun to make - and to receive!
Comfortable Car Pillow
This gift can be used for so many occasions, because you can personalize the T-shirt to suit almost anything - birthday, Father's Day, promotion, first-time driver's license, you name it! Buy a T-shirt with an appropriate pre-printed message, or take it to a photo shop and print it up with a picture. You can also buy puffy-paints or permanent markers and decorate it yourself (just don't forget to decorate it before you stuff it!). If you want to be super-stylish, match the shirt's color to the upholstery of the car!
YOU WILL NEED: One T-shirt, pillow stuffing (get it from a fabric or crafts store), needle and thread, a strip of Velcro (approximately 5 inches and long and 1/2-1 inch wide), fabric glue (they sell it in fabric and crafts stores).
INSTRUCTIONS:
Lay T-shirt face up on table. If you're decorating it yourself, do it now. Sew the color and the end of each sleeve closed. Stuff each sleeve (from the bottom), and then sew it closed near the shoulder seam. Separate the Velcro strips. Glue one strip to the end of one sleeve, turn T-shirt over, and glue the other strip to the end of the other sleeve. (Tip: Use fabric glue even if the Velcro strips are the adhesive kind. If you don't, the Velcro will fall off sooner, not later). Let the glue dry according to bottle instructions. Stuff the main part of the T-shirt and sew the bottom together.
The sleeves wrap around the shoulder strap of the seatbelt and fasten together with the Velcro. The pillow should rest on the shoulder. Just don't fall asleep at the wheel!
Homemade Heating Pad
This next gift is an original, thoughtful way to say "get well soon." It's great for easing aches and pains! You can give it to your husband, mother, best friend - even send it to your child at camp! The fun thing about it is that after they get well, they can use it as a cold pack for picnics and the like.
YOU WILL NEED:
fabric (for outside of bag - can be any size but you need it to fit into the microwave), needle and thread, rice (uncooked!), lavender oil (optional).
INSTRUCTIONS:
Sew the bag around three sides. For a nice scent, mix the rice with lavender oil before filling the bag. Fill with rice to 1/3 of bag, and sew a seam to close off the third. Repeat, adding rice to 2/3 of bag, and sew. Fill to top, leaving enough room for the last seam, and stitch the bag closed. Write a pretty get well card, with the following instructions attached: "Rice Buddy Hot/Cold Pack. Microwave for 3-5 minutes until hot, and use like a hot water bottle. For cold pack, store in the freezer."Fabric Coasters
These make a wonderful gift for a move to a new office, or around holiday time when there are people to whom you want to send your best wishes without investing a fortune. Just pair them with a nice mug and/or a small jar of coffee and you're set! They also add a beautiful, personal touch to a housewarming gift. Match them up with a coffee set, carafe or a set of glasses.
When choosing fabric, let your imagination go. You can use prints, florals, checks, bolds, pastels, embroidered fabrics - anything! You can also do one side solid and the other a print. Pre-cut quilting squares that you can find in fabric stores work great, because the size is uniform and you get to skip the cutting part.
YOU WILL NEED:
2 square pieces of material per coaster, needle and thread, batting.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Place two squares right sides together.
Place batting on top of squares. Sew around 3 1/2 sides.
Turn right side out and sew the rest of the way around, tucking in the seam as you sew.
Enjoy making and giving these creative gifts - there's nothing like the personal touch to show someone you care!
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