On making potato microwave bag: Use ONLY cotton materials and thread throughout the project. We learned of some fires from using these bags (while I was working for a fabric outlet) and the answer seemed to be is not to use any chemically based materials (polyester, acrylic) in the construction. I wish I knew whether Insulbright is safe to use. These bags are longer than wide, about 10 x 15, fully lined, with batting inside. I quilted mine around the design of the outside print, then finished the bag with a turndown of the top. Flannel is good, at least for the lining.

When DH worked at the airport, he became acquinted with airline personnel for which he wanted a small gift for each. I found some sale priced printed "rough" brown/tan which was perfect for lunch sacks, which I made with a rectangular bottom (to let it stand up), lined with "western theme" prints and a turn down top with a piece of Velcro to hold closed. I remember adding a pocket on one side, inserted a narrow hemmed "western" napkin. Today I would consider the size of a water bottle or can of soda in deciding the dimensions. These were appreciated by Frontier and Delta staff.

I am a "senior", so have learned from others what they like. Surely younger people would agree. Double sided mitten style (more like envelope form) potholders of interesting shapes, and also rectangular ones to use in taking food out of microwave ovens--made in pairs. Men especially like these. (Two retired military officers told me recently that they use these all the time instead of the regular, squared holders)

Ok, I finally got to it....I posted my Praline Pecan Crunch Snack Mix on the Recipe page.....Hope you guys enjoy it...Laura

See my response in another entry on this. Please note that you should use ONLY cotton materials throughout, including thread and insulation/batting. Some fires were reported from using the potato bag in microwave, and this was attributed to apparently lower melting point/fire chances of non-natural fibers. This is just a word of caution.

I too would like to see it here.

My granddaughter is really into holidays. I have made her a pillow case for Valentines Day, St. Pat's, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and her birthday.

I really like this idea. There are some very neat SOUNDING ideas I've read, but I don't know how to make them. So, for any who can, please post the directions with the idea. I know some have or have posted links, but there are others I would like to try. Like, but not only, pot holders and bean something? I think maybe like a hot pad?

Is there a pattern for the Mini Bow Tuck purses? Thanks, Happy Stitchin.

I find that guys don't like something that looks like their mom might have made it. Just a thought, maybe your guys would like it, I know mine wouldn't. It would find it's way to the back of the closet.

Thanks Laura I can't wait to try this!!! Yummy

This is a wonderful idea. I got 2 of these last year and it was nice to be on the recieving end. I love bakey kits. :thumbup:

could someone post where to get the mini bow tucks purse pattern again. I can't seem to locate it. Thanks, Libby

Does anyone know where I get the bow tie tuck pattern?

You might ck with charmpacksplus here on the board she at one time had some.

Also, a good idea to clean when something spilled on, I've heard of this too when they got something spilled on them and it gets heated again it may cause the bag to burn. Do not use any metallic materials either.

I forgot to mention something I have done for my 3 grand daughters since the first one was about 5 yr old....I save toilet paper tubes and I fill them with little goodies like balloons, candy, hair clips, coins, trinkets of all sorts..anything small enough to fit inside and then I wrap the tubes sort of like those "crackers

A couple of years ago my quilt guild made these crackers as table giftie things for everyone who attended the Christmas Luncheon. We put different candies into the tube and then wrapped them with batik fabric and tied with a raffia bow. Really went over great!!

Sandy in Mooresville, NC

For guys 17-25 they us those draw string backpacks you can personalize them

Evry year, I make placemats, one side Christmas fabric and the other side Thanksgiving materia so you can use them for both holidays. l. Potato warmers are a hit, plus Casserole carriers for all the parties.

Great idea, cute too.

Great gift basket idea, thanks.

Probly a dumb question but what is a potatoe warmer? I love the idea of casserole carriers!

Has anyone seen Happy 2011 print fabric? I thought that would make cute pj's but I don't see any on any online sites...?
Surely someone is making it. Of course I could add 2011 to a "celebration" theme fabric w my trusty fabric marker.

It is an item that you use in the Microwave to cook potatoes/corn/or tortilla shells and keeps them good and moist. Not dried out.

we all think that at first. hugs...ask me why i say that?

Thanks for telling I had no idea, where would I find a pattern for something like that? Sounds like something I might want to try for some gifts.

Journal covers
Quilts for Kids tells you how to cover a simple notebook but i bet you know how!

I just decided as I read this thread to jot down each idea on a 3 x 5" card
Then I can flip thru when I need an idea!

oooo! I'd love a pattern for these!!!!

I really wish that I had an embroidery machine! I would embroider my mother's Homemade apple crisp recipe and an Apple applique, and her Blueberry cobbler with a blueberry applique, on a Kitchen towel and give it to my sisters

I like the idea of a covered journal or notebook..I have noticed so many of my friends carry a small notebook all the time...

How about flannel pj's or boxer shorts? Eiltcoq.

I have started on placemats and will have matching hot pads also.

Do you have a pattern for these or is it your own?

This year I am cross stitching some nice somewhat simple pictures. Just will need to get them framed. I also have been giving them all home made orniments. some quilted, some cross stitched. they all seem to expect something I made.

Do you make the handwarmers like you make the rice bags?

Each year I make Christmas tree ornaments for family and friends. Sometimes I make them from fabrics I used to make the individual a quilt. I need ideas for this year. These are some I've made in the past. They are about 3 to 3-1/2 inches square. I often FMQ the top.

WOW! What geniuses we have on here! These ideas are fantastic! The only things I could think of are:
*spicy scented 'mug mats' with a new coffee mug for guys
*a quilted or cross stitched bread cloth in a basket with a loaf of homemade bread or muffins for anyone
*pillowcase with a small pocket to hold a very simple handmade stuffed bear for kids

I did my handwarmers like the rice bags and did them at 4 1/2" and put a note with them to heat in the microwave for 90 seconds..stay warm for abotu 1/2 hour

I am going to make Microwave Steamers and table runners and a few quilts, like someone else said, there aren't too many that are quiltworthy