Crafting for gifts-2009

gemmas5677

Hi everyone I have just spent an hour making a list of Cath Kidston inspired crafts to make as I got my catalogue today & it has inspired me to get making but I have lost all of it thanks to my pc! So I will start work at finding all the tutorials for my ideas again tomorrow - I will be very busy when it's finished.

Lovely crafts everyone - keep up the lovely work! Gemma x

gemmas5677

Pinboard: Use to pin your craft ideas onto, as a family message board or for a childs bedroom. http://iliketomakestuff.blogspot.com/2008/02/fabric-pin-board-tutorial.html You could use any scraps or left over materials to embellish it.

Napkins: You could give these as an alternative to a bottle of wine if going to a dinner party or to a friend who likes cooking. You could roll these up & follow the nappy cake idea perhaps wrapping them round a bottle of wine or foodie gift. I guess all you have to do really is choose some fabric & hem it. http://www.ehow.com/how_5860_make-table-napkins.html

Egg Cosy: This is possibly the cutest egg cosy I have come across & it would be a great way to use up scraps. You could include this in a food hamper or perhaps do a breakfast set with a nice mug & tea bags. - http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/06/how_to_make_an_egg_cozy.html

Knitted blanket: Only one problem with this - I can't knit (I have dabbled - can't crochet either) so wouldn't know where to start has anyone made one already?

Decorate Towels: You could give your towels a new lease of life by embellishing them with strips of Cath Kidston inspired fabric (florals, polka dot etc.) Or you could buy some cheap new towels for someone & embellish them. - I am having trouble finding a tutorial for this one.

Hooded Baby Towel: Perfect gift for a new Mummy/Baby - http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/hoodtowel.htm - I'm going to make one of these for my 2nd little one who's due in May.

Baby Bib: Another good way to use up scraps I think - http://nested.typepad.com/blog/2007/07/something-to-ma.html - you could put this in a hamper with come booties & smellies.

Apron: You could make one of these to give to someone who likes cooking or gardening. I am thinking of making a pinny in a floral pattern like my grandma used to wear - to protect my clothes from cleaning products & my toddler! - http://tipnut.com/56-free-apron-patterns-you-can-make/ I also like the idea of making a mini apron for kids & putting it together with a cookie jar recipe & cutters.

Button Necklace: I love this one - http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/p-12858-cath-kidston-long-button-necklace.aspx - but can't find a way to make one online - you would probably have to drill holes in them & then just use links & a fastening.

Kneeler for the garden: To make one like this - http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/p-12537-cath-kidston-garden-kneeler-.aspx - you could make a simple pillow from oilcloth (then it would be wipe clean) pad with wadding & sew in a handle or two when sewing round it.

Changing Mat: I can't find a tutorial for this - has anyone got any ideas on how to make one? I love making all kinds of different things but am always afraid to have a go unless I have instructions!

Drawstring bag: You could make one of these to use for storgae or fill it with small gifts http://www.craftycrafty.tv/2007/08/how_to_make_a_drawstring_bag.html

Eye Mask: This would go great with smellies - maybe even some of the homemade ones from this website - http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=887

Padded Coat Hangers: Perfect present for a fashionista (although I intend to make some for myself) you could give with scented sachets like some of you have made. - http://www.homehints.com.au/Calendar/332/how+to/how+to+sew+a+coat+hanger+cover

Flower Pot Pin Cushion: I am sure it wouldn't be hard to make something similar to this with cardboard, felt, wadding & buttons - http://www.johnlewis.com/230491059/Product.aspx

Needle Case: Ideal for a fellow crafter - lots of ideas here - http://tipnut.com/26-free-tutorials-for-needle-books-cases/

Peg Bag: http://www.housetohome.co.uk/articles/Make_a_floral_peg_bag_195226.html

Beaded Food Cover: Like these - http://www.littlechef-bigchef.co.uk/outdoor_accessories_from_littlechef_bigchef.htm - but I'm not sure how to make one - maybe start with a circle of fabric, sew some ric rac on if you can't crochet (like me) & then add some beads.

Other Crafty websites I've come across -
http://www.mormonchic.com/crafty/
http://www.make-your-own-baby-stuff.com/index.html
http://tipnut.com/

Right where do I start! :rotfl:

Popkins

rainmac wrote: »

Loads and loads of stuff I can't do - where shall I start. I obviously donlt post any of my muck ups on here but rest assured there are plenty

I didn't know how to blanket stitch but found this via google and found out it's dead easy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJht13Bcw-U

I wanted chunky stitching so used 6 strands of embroidery thread.

Rainmac - that heart is fab - and just as I was looking at it and thinking oh how I wish I knew how to do blanket stitch (and scrolling down) you then provide me with the answer!! LOL!! thanks so much!! I bought a pack of felt back in the woollies sale that I was wondering what to do with and now you've got me thinking...

Popkins

Gemma - some great ideas there!! Particularly like the eyemask - would be great for a pamper hamper!

mary43

gemma - thanks for the links -some good ideas there.

For the beaded food cover you could have a look in local charity shops for those little round doilies, just add some beads and its done.
My gran always had them over jugs of milk -remember them well............lol

sandy2_2

mary43 wrote: »

For the beaded food cover you could have a look in local charity shops for those little round doilies, just add some beads and its done.
My gran always had them over jugs of milk -remember them well............lol

Living in Spain, I make loads of these as we use them all the timeto keep those
pesky liitle flies out of drinks, wine glasses, beer, jugs etc. Not only can you
embelish lace doillies (make sure they are nice and floppy so drape easily) but you can use old lace/net/voile curtains or off cuts edge with lacy ribbon them attach beads. I've also bought lots of those net food covers that fold down like umbrellas and go over plates of food (esp for picnics and BBQs) and decorated those with beads. Could could also attach felt fruit or flowers to them. Another nice idea are those quite heavy beaded weights to keep table cloths under contol in breezy conditions

rufusdog52

On the recycled thread I saw someone talking about scraps of nice material made into scarves. Well I liked the look of them but didnt think anyone would actually wear a scarf like it but thought of doing the same thing for a bag. Below are the links for the scarf and also for some bags made from sheets which look really easy to follow, might try to make a bag out of a sheet covered with the scraps of material and may be some left over wool, mind goes into elaborating mode and visualises beads and sequins sewn on too? Not sure about using the water soluable stuff as had a look on Ebay and it looks expensive so will have to think of a different idea, may be tacking the pieces into place forst and making the fabric pieces before sewing up the seams.
http://http://www.craftstylish.com/item/13469/how-to-compose-a-beautiful-scarf-from-scraps

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/39876/how-to-turn-old-sheets-into-shopping-totes

Sian_the_Green

So, given that I created this thread I thought I should share some pics of some of my crafts

This is the no sew blanket I made for my grandad and embellished with felt


Tags for my friend's baking hamper


Sock monkey for a friend


My collection of mini softies

Sian_the_Green

Not sure why some of them are bigger than others, sorry
This is a shadow box I made for my nephew's Mum

Sian_the_Green

And this is my first nappy cake, I can't say I ever want to make another one though!