Monday 16 September 2013

planning for Christmas gifts



With the weather changing here in the UK and Autumn most definitely here, it's time to think ahead to Christmas and ideas for simple gifts.

Last year I made zipped pouches and filled them with soaps and face cloths for inexpensive and personal gifts for members of my family.

I made simple patchwork blocks and framed them with larger pieces of fabric, added lining and a zip and in no time I had wash bags.

christmas gift making

This block - the shoo fly is simple to make using the Sizzix big shot. Use the 2.5" square and co-ordiating half square triangle die, cut a total of 4 triangles from background fabric, and  4 squares from background fabric, plus 1 square and 4 triangles from a second fabric.


2 flannel pouches cut out and waiting for zip delivery so they can be sewn together. (Flannel from @quiltmehappy )

Piece the blocks together, sewing the background triangles to the second fabric triangles and pressing the seams open, and then construct the rows as below, pressing each seam open.


You can find hundreds of tutorials for constructing zipped pouches online, but a favourite of mine is the Noodlehead open wide pouch. It has clear and easy to understand directions and makes really perfect pouches.

Next week I'll show you how to make a pot holder using the big shot, which could also be used as a coaster. We'll have Christmas gifts made in no time!


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