I love the idea of giving a handmade gift and need to make some for friends. A number of you have mentioned pincushions. Now, I'd like to know....what are your favorites ?

How about tissue holders and cosmetic bags? I made lots of tissue holders for a church ladies day and they were well received and I made cosmetic bags as wedding party gifts for my nephew's wedding in January. I used the tute on this board for the tissue holders, check out my postings for the info on the bags. Both were quick and easy.

there are soooo many pincushions posted here on the QB. here is a link to the pincushion category in the quilt gallery
http://www.quiltingboard.com/members...bums16967.html

Aprons are a great item - they take more fabric but aprons are making a comeback.

a new pincushion tut was just posted on the QB http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...r-t219652.html

Yes see the Flower Pincushion -- my avatar just posted today.... NO SEWING MACHINE and simple not to mention cute!
I had purchased one of these a couple years ago for $9.00 at a craft show... !

I made these as gifts for the women in my family for Christmas. The pattern is called "A Little
Duffle Do It". The pattern is very easy and they are quick to make! Here's a link to the pattern that you can download. They're so much fun to make...be careful! They're addictive!

http://www.connectingthreads.com/pat...__D10068D.html

I have been making purses for my daughters in law and one of the things they like that I include is a check holder. Most of us only us those checks once in a blue moon so it is nice to have a separate holder for them so that they don't get ruined. I also include a spot for the credit/debit cards and drivers license in the flap so that if they want to go for a quick shopping trip without their whole purse that is all they need to grab. The other things I include are a coin purse, cosmetic bag etc. They have been well received and are so quick and easy to make. I use velcro to hold the pieces closed.

Rice bags are nice for heating and using on the body(I give mine with lavendar). Aprons that are unique are another thing I give out(like the one made from a man's shirt- kids go nuts for them as well as my tween & teen granddaughters). IF its kids: A backpack reader with a soft book in it, Tweens: a makeup case, Teens: a quilted something or another (Backpack, purse, etc..) of their choice after fishing around. LOL

These are very nice