little gifts

The past week has been a bit of a blur of Christmas parties, kindergarten events and organising. But I've been enjoying making a few of the gifts on our list this year, because it has given me little bits of crafty calm in amongst the craziness of packing up our house. And, it allows me to delay the packing up of my craft room, and that can only be a good thing.

I made these two wee bags from the 'Simple Tote' pattern in Bend the Rules Sewing for some young family members. The hedgehog fabric is a Japanese cotton canvas that I love. And the apple tree is from a vintage linen placemat. These little bags are a great way to feature small, one-off pieces of fabric you might have. Plus, they're the perfect size for special treats...

I've always found it a challenge to come up with handmade gifts for men at Christmas time. This year I discovered the 'travel pouch' pattern in this book and knew it would be great for a few of the men on my list, so I made three. I used a lightweight corduroy for two of them, and this thick cotton with stitching detail on it in dark green. Manly enough, I hope. It didn't want to be photographed properly though!

I really like the design- how the ends of the pouch are folded together to create a 3D form. I think these would also be great for travel sewing cases. I guess making one of those will be next on my to-do list.

   

Comments

[kielz]

I hope you have a lovely Christmas - and the sun shines :) Are you shipping all your crafty stuff over or is it just what fits into suitcases? All the best for your travels, it is something I have ummed and ahhed over for a few years so I am very envious. Also I saw a photo of your hubby - no one else in the staffroom understood why I was excited about seeing the husband of someone I read on the internet! Anyway I am sure he showed you himself in the latest publication :) Best wishes, Kielz.

[Pauline]

Merry Christmas to the tinyhappy family, I hope you have time to enjoy some summer before you head to wintery climes. I'm looking forward to following your adventures on the other side of the world.

[Amy]

Merry Christmas to you and your family. As the sun shines brightly here in Nelson today, it may not be for Christmas day, but I am sure it will be a great day regardless.

[Amy]

Are you garage sale-ing any of your excess craft supplies before you go overseas? I will happily take stuff off your hands!!

[Tracy]

I love those little bags! very cute :D

[Kirsten]

I love the bags you made, great idea for a gift for the guys, always a tough one. I am sewing a wool scarf for my guy this year. Happy Holidays!

[Silver Ilix]

those look like great little gifts! I wish I was as good a seamstress as you.

[Fiona]

How cute! I love the apple tree one! and there's chocolate.. :p
The manly pouches are cool gifts too..
Happy holidays! :)

[Debra]

Hiya, Oh it must be so exciting in your house at the monent!! So much to do but also fun hopefully!
Love the gifts you made, I bet they'll be gratefull received too.
All the best for your planning and have a fabulous Christmas all of you x

[isoinpapu]

Merry christmas to you all!

[Pat]

Luv how neatly you have put the zippers in the pouches. Wish i could do so good.

[Emma]

I love all of your bags! Especially packed with chocolate. ;P All the stuff you have made from that book are amazing. Would you recommend it? Even for a beginner?
I hope you will find a few minutes of calm and serenity during the holidays amidst the packing and planning.

[Jessicah]

Love the little man-bags- man gifts are always the hardest to craft!!

[teatodtoad]

Ha! I recognize that place mat! I knew you would find something crafty to use for. Well done, I love it.

[Ravenhill]

Your bags are all so cute! The hedghog fabric is so adoarble! We get visits from hedgehogs daily in our back yard in the summer. Thanks for a super handmade guy present idea! Those shaving kit bags are just the thing. I hope that you and your family have had a lovely holiday!

[africankelli]

How totally fabulous is that tree fabric?! And I love the simple sewn dopp kit. Nicely done!

[Jen]

Those little bags are so sweet!

[Chara Michele]

Oh I love that apple tree fabric! It is so perfect for that bag! Such lovely handmade gifts!

[amisha]

such good gifts... you know i love that hedgehog fabric too :) and the apples! also love the travel pouch. it seems like it could have so many great incarnations depending on the fabric... these are so subtle (and yes, manly!) but you could also go all-out girly, mod, whatever.
xox