I've been trying for many years now to make my own gifts especially for Christmas. So far, basically no one has gotten the hint to "make" something for me. :( I also keep track of things given every year so that I know "who" I gave what so that I don't end up giving that person the same thing the next year. I do enjoy making pot holders and dish towels with appliques on them. I also do a lot of bath towel sets with strips of pretty fabric sewn on it...works out well for the boys and men in the family. Sometimes if it's for a couple, then I will sew a set of towels...2 bath, 2 hand, 2 face. Also do the same with thin, cheap towels for people who have dogs. My latest thing is building baskets (or reasonable fact simile) and fill with homemade items and things added to it built around a theme, add cheap glass Christmas ornaments and pinecones and then wrap it up in cellophane with a huge bow (ribbon roll purchased from Costco or Sam's about this time of the year). If people don't like my homemade things...oh well. It's what "I' like to do.

I just started today designing and making my patterns and sewing them over the weekend. Will post them during the week.

With 5 great nieces and nephews I have been trying to make their Christmas presents. The kids are all under 7 and I enjoy doing it. However, I never hear a word from their parents. One parent, even when asked if they received the gifts, didn't respond (I leave them with my sister since I live 500 miles away). So this year they are getting something small that I've made and a gift card for WalMart. Don't give to niece or nephew. For Mom and inlaws I'm trying to come up with something. They will each get a microwave bowl mitt and who knows what else.
I'm tired of spending my time for gifts that aren't appreciated. I'll make charity kids quilts instead.

What type of aprons do you make for the guys? All of the guys in my family are 'grillers' too. They may like some masculine aprons.

JUST LOVE THIS IDEA.

I was thinking of making a few quilted casserole carriers. I've been thinking of doing it for the past few years but didn't. I've ordered some insubrite batting so this year is the year I actually might do it, just have to find the pattern again.

In our family, you drew names. Once everybody was an adult, we stopped exchanges entirely and only get gifts for the kids. It's ridiculously expensive to buy (or even make) gifts for everybody, but then I came from a family of 8.

I give quilts and afghans to everybody for birthdays and events. I'll be doing tote bags, coasters and hot pads this coming year since everybody has requested them.

If I don't give my family and friends a gift that I have made I'm afraid they will disown me!

I usually find some cheap broadcloth, decide on what you want on them. I usually look through my GK's coloring bks to find a certain pic, trace, cut & machine applique in place, they get such a HOOT of the style :D , hope this helps :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: OH, they have to have pockets for either their pot holder, towel or beer ha ha ha :)

Last Christmas I made patchwork scarves since we were in the middle of moving. This year I am making a lap quilt around twin size for the aunts and uncle. The rest of the relatives will probably get store bought items since they aren't into handmade that much. I may make potholders as well to throw in baskets I put together.