Hi, When I learn a new techinque for making gifts from quilt fabrics etc. I usual make a number of them just in case. I learned how to make bowls and mug mats etc. by wrapping cotton clothesline in scrap fabric and stitching it together with a basic zig zag. I was able to use up a lot of scrap strips and produce mug mats as favors at my annual quilt retreat as well as little holiday gifts for the girls in my Bee and the ladies I quilt with at the local senior center. While I don't do well making handbags I am great at totes. I made small lunch size bags as "stockings" for my daughters, daughter in laws and granddaughters one christmas. It helps to use up odd amounts of leftover fabric and gives me a stash of things to drawl on if I need an unexpected gift.