I think it would be fun to share patterns, links for patterns and ideas and suggestions for Christmas and holiday gift giving...time to get started!! Lets start sending in the ideas and inspire each other to get busy!!

Good Idea. I'm thinking about making Mini Bow Tuck purses out of holiday fabrics and then use them as gift bags (holiday baked goodies).

Great idea....I wa just thinking how hard this Christmas is going to be...........I'm not working much. I need ideas for young guys, like 17-25!!!!!!! Cant think of a thing to do Hm and not too expensive!

Great idea :!: :thumbup: :mrgreen: I know I need all the help I can get :thumbup: :lol: I think I am the least experienced sewer on the board. :cry: :XD:

Gosh the guys are the hardest....hope people share some ideas

Great idea! Have a few ideas but am eager for more. Here are a few things I have done/am doing.

Don't quilt for many for Christmas (some are quilt worthy, some are not). But...lots of other things to make!

For those who have an embroidery machine (or do hand work!), last year I made toss pillows using a red work Christmas themed pattern (Jan's Elves) through batting, attached a border and envelope back - voila!

If you have an embroidery machine, watch for inexpensive fleece jackets (I was all set to make them last year and Bass Pro had them for $10 each, yippee!), embroider whatever they like along with their name - instant hero!

This year I am making fleece blankets and toss pillows (gotta love those 1/2 off sales!). The blanket and pillow have large fleece snowflake appliques and ball fringe trim - see the pattern at Epatterns.com.

For my SIL's I am making quilted casserole dish carriers - many patterns available (if a pattern is even needed).

I'm ready for more ideas!

I saw a tute here for the cupcake pincushions...I plan to make them for my quilting club members ...We all like to collect different pincushions and I thought they were so cute...

i am making table runners for my mom and sister and i made a tissue box cover for my son with his favorite football team material for his man cave and a lap quilt to match.

How about BBQ/oven mitts? A little insulbrite and fabric they would like.....easy peasy!

good idea...most anyone can use fresh potholders and xmas ones are nice cause you do not have to worry about matching their kitchen decor

A big hit for someone with small children is mommy/daddy and me apron sets. Buy a mixing bowl, cookie mix and put the aprons in it for a cute gift. Kids always remember someone who cooked or baked with them.

Here are a few of the things I am making...http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-58085-1.htm
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-56589-1.htm
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-56488-1.htm
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2009/04/trash-bag.html

Did these a few years ago (and showed co-workers who also did them - total we made about 30). It's a different take on the knotted fleece blankets - it's called bunny ears.
http://www.bfranklincrafts.com/Craft...arBlanket.html
We made them for every age group, male and female and everyone LOVDED them. For the men's couch throw size, we used 2.5 yards. For teenage guys, their favorite ball team fleece can be used on one side, plain on the other. For little girls, there's all kinds of prince prints, etc. I've even made them for my husband's office assistants. I can make one in just over 1.5 hours. It's cheap and fast and everyone can use a blanket.

My boys and my nephews, ranging from 8-20, all love "sleep boxers" and "sleep pants" with tie waist. They all think they are comfy and all love them.

I'm making quilted, insulated lunch bags, with a pouch for a drink bottle, and quilted sandwich wrappers.

That bunny ear blanket is sweet. Thanks for the link.

Not sewn - but ideas for guys - food baskets, esp. if you make home made salsa, jam, etc. I saw a link today for home made vanilla extract. Rubs and sauces for barbeque, which could be accompanied by an apron/towel/mitt.

I have tried to come up with different ideas every year. It gets harder every year. One of my favorites was a tissue box cover with an applique snowflake, poinsettia etc on the front. I have also done candle mats, small wall hangings and pillows. If anyone is interested in the pattern for the tissue box holder let me know and I will dig it out and mail you a copy.

great idea! My granddaughter loves it when her uncle makes cupcakes with her--it sounds like a super thing to make

what is a mini bow tuck pattern? or rather where do I get one?

those sound super..hope we get to see pics

I also just found a pattern for a poinsettia wool applique for a pillow and table runner. It is really nice, you layer the petals of the flower and blanket stitch them to black wool. It turns out really nice. I will also share this pattern if anyone wants it.

I am going to make rice bags for the guys. My friend is a massage therapist & says these are great for the athletes.

I have done seasonal towels as a set several times and that always makes a good gift. I do Valentines, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas. Sometimes I will also throw in a summer time one too. Maybe even matching hot pads.

That sounds beautiful Laura..I would like the pattern if not to much trouble.

Lisa....just pm me your address and I will send it out.

Last year I embroidered/personalized about 60 aprons for ladies who work at the facility my DH works at, they were a big hit. Had picked the aprons up at a "Simply Dollar" store, 100% cotton. They turned out really nice!

I made a 60 by 60 inch "skull" quilt for my nephew for Christmas. Just have to finish the binding. When I bought the fabric, there was some actually attractive "skull" fabric (neon colors - yellow, blue, orange, pink, purple) that I actually really liked. I had to force myself to "think like a 7-year-old boy." The quilt makes me smile -- it is so not something I would ever make, but it has my nephew's name written ALL over it. I'll post pics soon.

I think I'm going to make my sister one of the Spicy Spiral Table Runners. I need to think of more things - things that are actually Christmas themed. Thanks everyone for the ideas!

Potato Chip bags are really cute. Use animal prints...they come out really cute!
http://www.createforless.com/Quilt+C...pid159275.aspx
Leslie :thumbup:

Laura, I would love to have the pattern - generous of you to offer. Thanks!

Well, OF COURSE, you all could think of some great stuff!!!!!!!! I cant wait to try a few of the ideas, like Sue said, the tme to start is now, lol!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the ideas!

I know exactly what you mean.

My boys used to be so easy, they loved everything. Then when they got about 15, it became so hard to do presents with them.

You know what's funny, though, is that I always done an Advent calendar and filled it with little gifts, candies, etc. So last year, I figured they wouldn't miss it since one is 18 and the other is almost 16. Was I wrong! They threw a fit, LOL!

So, I had to rush around trying to pull that together. That was REALLY hard, trying to find tiny things for them! I bought a lot of itunes cards, LOL!

I sure would like to see pictures of the man cave items! :mrgreen:

I need ideas. I am on sick leave due to Fibromyalgia and can't do a lot of things at once.

Poor you ,I have PMR badly so know what you are going through.

two cheap non quilt ideas-----

fabric door stops filled with either sand or a brick.
chutney-----now with gluts of fruit/ veg.

I have made those and "cool ties" for hot weather and handwarmers ..all make nice gifts..

Flybreit....Just send my your address and I will send it out. The only problem is that after I offered the pattern I went to dig it out and realized that I have the pattern and pillow, but not the directions for the table runner. It is so easy to figure out, all it is a long piece of black wool with 3 of the poinsettias on it. I used a 24 inch square and placed the flower in the center. I wanted a table topper, and the colors of the red against the black was just gorgeous, I always get comments on it. Hopefully the pattern will be enough. Sorry about that.

Here's my project. I started making these ties after my dear hubby died suddenly in 2001 in his honor for his fellow deacons, elders & minister in the church we attend. Probably all total: 20+. Also did others for long time friends. They really liked them. Made of 100% cotton.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

One neat thing that I came across a while back was cool ties. If any of these young men are atheltic they'll love them!! Also, they're good for yardwork, etc for the olders folks too!! :lol: I fit into that catagory. :(

http://www.watersorb.com/polymer_cool_neck_bands.htm