sewred

Do any of you make Christmas gifts instead of buying them? Money is really tight this year and I thought about making gifts from my stash but do you think they will think I'm being cheap?
Also I need ideas please if you have some of what you've made or just an idea for the guys in my family? Please.

Becka

My fam has come expect at least one hand made item from me each year. it all depends on their needs. I think I'll make one of those mug pocket thingies for Dad, for his garage. The younger kids love snap bags. The older kids like the microwave bowl thingies, as does my Sunday School class (they're all college kids now). Marlene sews, so the possibilities for her are endless; I think an organizer...

I need to get busy!! Thanks, Sewred, for the nudge :D

Grama Lehr

My friends and family really love their home made gifts!
Pillow cases for the kids, bags, totes, tablerunners, place mats are always appreciated!

sguillot

Yes, I am making bags for Christmas gifts already. People especially family love home made gifts and I love doing it. Even baked goods are appreciated. I spend hours cooking and this year instead of the baked goods I'm sewing/quilting things.

Kuusistoquilter

I have made Christmas presents for years. Anything from ornaments to pot holders to wall hangings to lap quilts. I have a stash of lap quilts and wall hangings. I am making microwave potato bags to sell at craft shows, so anything left over will be gifts. I have knit hats for the grandkids and friends for years.

Plumtree

I think making gifts is far better that a bought gift.

Personally, I am making 3 bags not sure if all will be BT or not, 4 table runners and a few wall hangings for friends.

I would be honored that a friend or family member thought enough about me to spend the time to create something just for me; the most important thing we have is our time.

A first baby will be added to my cousin's family so there will probably be a baby quilt in there as well but not sure if I will wait for the baby shower for that one.

loves_2_quilt

I have made gifts before. I am making some this year. I am using as much of my stach fabrics that I can. I don't think it is cheap, in fact some of made gifts will have a higher value than simular things bought. I try to match what I have on hand to the person and go from there.
Good luck.

Granny Quilter

It's not cheap, stash and time are both valuable. I will be doing the same thing.

carollucy

A handmade gift is much more valuable than a purchased gift - but they are not necessarily more economical. So you have to be disciplined about using the stash or you could end up spending just as much on fabric as a shopping trip.
I love to receive homemade gifts --- but even when giving a bedquilt , people are seldom aware of the cost of making one. I've had people offer me $100 to make a quilt not knowing it cost me $400 just for supplies and quilting.

Sewfine

Handmade gifts are the best to me, because they are made with a labor of love. I have made plastic bag hangers, aprons, placemats, coffee mug pencil holder, tissue covers and christmas ornaments.