I did last year. I think it is more personal than a bought gift.....

The fabric is already in your stash - that means you bought it at some point, right? Money is very tight for my family right now, so my stash is going to be my primary source for gifts. (And a lot of it is older fabric I got for a song at yard sales and from swapping with friends, etc.)

I think in this economy, most people understand frugality very well. If they don't, they must have been living under a rock for the last few years...

Here is a good tutorial for making a bathmat. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjW4noEKa6U

I'm doing that this year. I think everyone realizes that $ is tight. But....a beautiful table runner and/or matching place mats is a lovely gift. Do you make totes? mug rugs? wall hangings? I think I would love to get these as a gift so I think perhaps others would. A handmade gift is more special to many people! Merry Christmas!

Can you tell me what are the "microwave bowl holders"? Maybe I've missed this decision in the past. Sure sounds interesting to me.
Thanks, Mary

Mary-go to the tutorial section of the boards and do a search for Microwave fabric bowls. In short they are like a bowl shaped pot holder you can actually use in most microwaves right under your bowl. When your microwave stops, you can just reach in and lift your heated bowl with this Microvewave bowl holder. Instead of trying to use a regular pot holder to remove the bowl. Also you just keep the bowl holder under the bowl and it retains the heat longer so whatever is in your bowl stays warm longer.
It is very important you use 100% cotton fabrics, 100% cotton threads, plus the "Potato bag batting" you can buy in specially marked bags, at places such as some Local quilt shops or Joann's Fabrics. The tutorial on how to make them shows you pictures also.
Kat

Yes, I do and with monies being so tight, I think they will appreaciate them more this year. I am making pillow cases this year. I am trying to match the pillowcase with their decor/personality. Not an easy job, but will be a great conversation. LOL

I think that handmade gifts are wonderful, because it shows someone cared enough to take the time to do something for you. I made crocheted afghans for my own sons, and for one of their friends who stayed with us so much that I bought one of those double bunk bed deals so he had a good place to sleep. This was when they were in high school, over 20 years ago. I was visiting up North last year, and he told me that he had lost everything in a fire, except that afghan, which he had had with him at the time...and he treasures it still. Handmades are heartmades. If they aren't appreciated by the recipients, then next year, just give them a nice card.

Thank you so much for the information on the microwave bowls. This certainly sounds like great Christmas presents to me and also very useful in my own kitchen.

Have any of you ever seen any of these microwave bowls for sale in any stores or anywhere on the internet? I'm wondering if there is any problem if someone were to try to sell them.

I always try to give at least some gifts to at least closest family. Money gets tighter and even homemade sometimes gets expensive. Everyone seems to love them. Must get started xmas not to far off. Good luck everyone getting done. Sue

I made all my gifts last year. I think I spent $120 for over 25 people. This year I'm in the process of moving and won't have the time to make anything so my friends and family will have to be happy with cards and cookies.

Receiving a homemade gift is very special to me. I also like to make gifts for my family and friends.

Last Christmas I made fleece scarves with fabric accents for Friends & their kids. They all loved them! And I don't think anyone thinks of something handmade as "cheap". Unless they are selfish boors that is. And in that case any gift is probably not "good enough" for them. So, go for it, make something and enjoy giving because you made it all yourself.

For an idea to make for the men in the family., one year I made luggage tags for everyone from themed fabrics, they were really popular for gym bags, diaper bags, back packs. Also have made barbecue aprons, and tool rolls, and bucket caddies. These are not all quilted but they do use stash :)