From: liza@pangea.Stanford.EDU (Liza Miller)
Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: Holiday Gift Ideas (summary of suggestions)
Date: 18 Nov 92 22:51:02 GMT
Organization: Stanford Univ. Earth Sciences
NNTP-Posting-Host: pangea.stanford.edu


My original request:

My family made an agreement to make all our gifts this year in an attempt
to save money.  Soooooo, I am soliciting great ideas.  I already have some,
but I know this group will have many, many more to consider.  There is no
theme other than thoughtful gifts that are fun to make.

The best part about this gift idea is that my mother and my best friend
are having me over for gift making weekends.  It's going to be such fun
to have a couple of relaxing, creative weekends.  

Here is an idea to get the creative juices flowing:

Earring holders:  Make a frame around plastic needlepoint canvas.  Decorate
the canvas and or the frames in order to make it more personal.  The
earrings hang from the canvas.  I plan to include a pair of handmade
earrings with this gift (so they'll know what the heck it is! :)

And your great responses:

Date: 09 Nov 1992 13:40:04 -0600
From: vusl@athena.cas.vanderbilt.edu (VU Science Library)

	What about aprons?  They would be easy to personalize.  
	One of the sewing mags suggested a sewing apron, one with 
pockets for those little sewing things that tend to wander all over the 
house.  You could include a flannel patch for pins, thin pockets for 
sewing gauges, etc.

	We got a quilted tea cozy as a wedding gift, which we like a lot.

Date: Mon, 9 Nov 92 15:26:01 EST
From: Tracy Gindles Perger <tgpr@troi.cc.rochester.edu>

I'm trying to save a few $$ this year too.  I've decided to make boxer
shorts for my boyfriend, who expressed interest in them.  I've been
watching the fabric sales and getting crazy patterns in 100% cotton
cloth--ie, Halloween ghosts, Santa's, etc.  Also, one company has
boxer-stamped cloth--just cut on the correct size line and sew!

From: Joann Bessler <joann@geology.ubc.ca>
Date: 9 Nov 1992 22:36:01 GMT

My parents made this rule when I was 7 or 8. Like all good rules it
has exceptions. For instance, "Santa" provides a store-bought toy to
each child. The econimic issue isn't the only one to consider here. I
think it's a great way to tone down the commercialism of the season.

Here are a few ideas for you:

cloth napkins with or without a matching tablecloth
linen handkerchiefs (lace edging would be nice if you have the skills)
crocheted table runner or doily
personalized bookmark (crocheted, quilted, cross-stitched, etc.)
canvas shopping bag (you could decorate it with fabric paints)
silk scarves

When I was little I made a lot of scarves (knitted and sewn) and
coasters. My daughter paints pictures which we frame for grandma
and grandpa. Everyone can get into this act!

Joann Bessler
joann@geology.ubc.ca

Date: Tue, 10 Nov 92 12:53:00 EST
From: srajag@paul.rutgers.edu (Subhashini Rajagopalan)

I have an idea and it is worth trying. I don't know if you have come 
across Tulip Color Point paints in the craft stores? 

Well, if you have, you know what I am talking about. 
Else, let me tell you about it. These are paints which are used to form
beads over a pattern. They give the appearance of cross-stitch when 
completed. I am sure you can find these in crafts stores there. Infact,
you even get books that come with ideas and transfer patterns.

You can transfer the patterns by ironing it onto cloth, and make beads
of paint over the pattern. Books are available with holiday ideas, pebble-
art patterns, floral designs and a whole lot of other designs.
Patterns can be used on clothes, sweat-shirts, make framed art etc.

After looking at some of the books, I have some ideas.

You can make a bathroom set. Use Color Point to decorate bath-towels,
shower curtains ( buy plain cheap ones and use paint on it), waste basket
(use plain plastic ones). The idea is to use ordinary stuff and transform
them into elegant pieces.

Use it on a white lace table-cloth or doilly(excuse my spelling!) to 
accentuate the lace design. Pastel shades work best.

Let your imagination take over and you can create wonderful unique 
gifts. The best part of these projects is they don't take much time.
You can even use other paints such as scribbles etc., along with Color
Point to create new designs of your own.

Note: If you find Tulip paints a bit expensive, there are paints available
by other companies as well, though I don't know how good they are.
Wait till you get them cheap in a sale. There are lot of sales going on now.

Date: Tue, 10 Nov 92 13:51:45 -0500
From: Anne Louise Gockel <alg@cs.cornell.edu>

Psuedo-archive from alg@cs.cornell.edu; see the FAQ for rec.crafts.textiles
File: sewing/gift.suggestions

Last major editing: 8/30/92
===============================================================================

From: pkee@hpcc01.corp.hp.com (Pamela L. Kee)
Subject: Clocks...
Date: 10 Jan 92 17:12:55 GMT

For those who might not get alt.sewing.....

This is a repost from jane@syrinx.umd.edu   I hope Jane doesn't mind
sharing this with rec.crafts.textiles .... 	

On the subject of handmade gifts, here's a embarassingly easy
gift that I've made several times, and has ALWAYS been 
enthusiastically received. A clock!

My father had a couple of clockworks pieces lying around, that
he hadn't used, so he gave them to me.
So, I bought one of those cutsey pre-printed panels at the
fabric store. Then I put one of the panels together with
batting and backing, and roughly quilted the two pieces
together. All I did was use freehand sewing, nothing really
fancy. Oh, you can get fancy if you like. 8-))
Anyway...I finished the edges so they wouldn't ravel, then
bought an embroidery hoop that fit the panel, cut a piece of
heavy cardboard in a circle, and put the whole thing together.
Oh yes, for the numbers you can embroider them, as I did for
one of the clocks (but then, I had access to a computerized
sewing machine at the time), or just write them on with a
permanent black marker. For the hole in the middle for the
clock hands, sew a tiny buttonhole.
To assemble this, you fito the clock into the embroidery hoop,
and glue it in. THis is difficult to do without making a mess.
Just try not to make the mess on the right side of the clock. 8-))
Trim the excess fabric from around the hoop, and insert the 
cardboard circle. It should fit very tightly. Then insert the
clockworks into the hole you should have made in the cardboard,
and put on the hands and stuff. For finishing, you might want to
glue ruffled lace or trim on the outside of the hoop.
Believe me, if I'd known it was this easy I would have made them
YEARS ago!
Every friend who has received one of these proudly displays them
always, and brags to their friends about who made it. Even my
father loved his, and he knows how easy they are! 8-))

Have fun! Clockworks can be found in any hobby shop, for a very
reasonable price, and a one yard panel from the fabric store can
make about 6 clocks, depending on the size of the picture.

Hmm....I have this adorable animal print, and one more clockwork set......

Jane


From: yvonne@deorali.Corp.Sun.COM (Yvonne Wilson)
Subject: Re: Handmade Gifts
Date: 8 Jan 92 21:40:03 GMT


  Some handmade gifts that I've made or received:

  1. Satin covered hangers 

     These were padded and covered with satin.  They are great for hanging
     nice blouses and dresses on so you don't get 'points' at the shoulders
     left by cheap metal hangers.

  2. Lingerie/Jewelry bags

     These are very useful for people who travel a lot.  I don't travel much,
     but find them useful for organizing my lingerie/jewelry drawers.  These
     are constructed 2 ways - 1) Like an accordion-pleated file folder or
     2) a long strip of pockets that hangs in a closet or rolls up for 
     traveling.  
     Mine were done in satin but any interesting fabric would do.


  3. Napkins/Table Runner

     I have made napkins and matching table runner or placemats which have been
     very well received.  Napkins are very easy.  If you don't have much time,
     just make napkins and buy matching placemats, which take longer to make.
     Most people will use cloth napkins, at least on special occasions, so you
     just have to pick a fabric that they would like.  A floral is usually a
     pretty safe bet.  

  4. Fabric covered storage boxes.

     These will usually be put to good use.  If a person really likes them, 
     they will use them in a prominent spot in their home.  Again, fabric 
     choice here is essential.

  5. Fabric lunch bag or large all purpose shoulder bag.

     For people that take a lunch to school/work, a fabric lunch bag is useful
     and good for the environment.  A large all-purpose shoulder bag with a
     few pockets (made out of sturdy fabric) is great for carrying crafts, 
     going to the beach, carrying gym clothes, etc.  Most people can find a 
     use for such a bag (unless they already have enough!)

 
  My favorite gift is the napkins/table runner.  Everyone that I've given a set
  to uses them a lot!  

  I've seen patterns for all the above ideas (except perhaps the hangers) in
  various pattern books at the fabric store.

Date: Fri, 10 Jan 92 15:42:18 PST
From: Yvonne.Wilson@Corp.Sun.COM (Yvonne Wilson)

   I always finished my napkins (cut 18"x18") by folding over 1/4" twice
   and straight stitching, either with matching or metallic thread.  This
   yielded napkins 17"x17" and I was able to get 4 per yard.  I tried
   mitered corners once, but they came out too 'pointy' for my taste, so
   I just use the simpler technique of doing one side (folding over twice)
   and then the adjacent side.  I didn't have a serger previously but I
   just got one for Christmas so I'm anxious to try it out.  My mother has
   made me a couple of nice napkin sets with satin-stitch edging done on 
   her serger.  This looks a little more elegant, especially when done with
   metallic thread.

   The table runners I have made have been very simple.  I make them
   'reversible', choosing a print (usually same print as napkin) for one
   side, and a complementary solid for the other.  So, they are just two
   strips of fabric.  In the past I've just relied on choosing nice
   fabrics/prints.  If I ever have the time (ha ha) I would love to 
   experiment with piecing and/or quilting.  The flying geese pattern you
   mentioned sounds quite nice.  My mother does a lot of silk painting and
   made me a painted silk table runner once which was very pretty.  I 
   would imagine painted silk or painted cottons would both be nice.  I
   got a book on fabric marbling recently, if I ever get around to getting
   the necessary supplies I'd like to try that out.

   I did make one very nice set of reversible placemats once.  One side
   was a marroon print.  The other side was pieced - mostly dark blue but
   2 opposite corners were a triangle of the marroon print.  Covering the
   seam between the two I stitched a cream colored satin ribbon.  I used
   a very stiff sew-in (not fused) interfacing between the two sides.  These
   took a lot of work, and I haven't done another set.

   Hope that helps.  Let me know if you had any other questions.
   Thanks for sharing your ideas!

From: bloch@informatics.wustl.edu (Charlene Bloch Abrams)
Date: 9 Jan 92 23:05:13 GMT

In article <odP8s1G00WBN02Cn8O@andrew.cmu.edu> kk00+@andrew.cmu.edu (Kathleen P. Kowalski) writes:
>My sister-in-law and my best friend are both expecting babies.  Does
>anyone have some craft ideas (preferably easy things) that I could make
>for them?  Any ideas would be appreciated.  Thanks!
>

- cross stitch bibs (you can get bibs with a panel for cross-stitching on)

- stuffed animals (get a kit, wing it, or look in the library)

- buy baby t-shirts and decorate with fabric paints or applique or
  some kind of stitching (cross stitch, other embroidery, etc)

- diaper stacker. This is easy. The bottom is a rectangle about 8 x 11.
  The top is the width of a hanger with swivel top. Cut a large rectangle
  (or make a patchwork rectangle) with dimensions = (8+8+11+11) x (height
  you want it to be, say 24 inches). The opening is centred at the front 
  long (11") end. Pleat the top to fit the hanger. I'd recommend lining
  everything to minimize raw edges.

- baby quilt. Either do easy patchwork (bargello or somesuch) or buy
  a pre-printed panel from a fabric store. Attach batting and underside
  and finish with the ruffle-binding also available at fabric stores.

- design and make a diaper bag with lots of pockets for bottles, snacks,
  ointments etc, that either has a pocket containing a padded vinyl
  changing area, or has a pocket that unzips and unfolds to become one.
  It should also be able to attach to stroller handlebars easily (loops
  with snaps or velcro).

- make a fabric ball or blocks, and inside the stuffing insert a bell or
  2, so they rattle/jingle when the baby plays with them.

- make an "activity quilt" like the ones by playschool. It's a square
  (about 3' x 3') with all sorts of activities - a mirror, an attached
  teething ring, small, flattish teddy velcroed on, numbers, etc. Make
  buttonholes on 3 corners and attach a button the the 4th, and it's a
  tote bag.

There's also a wonderful book by McCalls, I think, called something like
"treasury of things to make for baby" that has good ideas too.

From: bambi@visenix.UUCP (Hilda)
Date: 9 Jan 92 10:30:56 GMT

women: decorative pocket hankies
       earring and or brooches made from buttons(they are REAL fancy these 
             days)       
       traveling organizer bags (cosmetics,shoes etc.)
       evening bag
men    good linen hankerchief
       
unisex:emergency overnight kit(small bag fitted with toiletries with room for
                          undies and a clean shirt also called airport sos)
       phone index
       car organizer
       desk lunch kit(including washable plastic lined lunch bag and placemat
                      quilted insulated drink cozy,coaster,and generous sized
                      cloth napkin)(environmentalists love this one!shouldn we 
                      ALL???)
school age kids could also benefit from the lucnh kit.

happy creating!
genie with the dark brown skin..and the pricked fingers!

summer 1992:
See my posting on robes, particularly as a wedding gift, etc.

I made a great picnic/emergency basket that would be a wonderful gift. I used
a plastic wastebasket and made a simple draw-string bag that held it closely.
The wastebasket is about 12" in diameter and stands about 18" high. Inside I
put:
	a simple tablecloth (have you ever *looked* at those picnic tables?) 
	matching napkins (3 yards cheap cloth; 2 yards for table cloth and
			1 yard cut into quarters for napkins)
	two wine glasses
	two regular glasses (for drinks and as backups in case there are 
		four people)
	several plastic water cups (water, soda, whatever)
	silverware, small serated knife (for cutting bread) 
	sharp paring/steak knife 
	chopsticks (for takeout Chinese and stirring drinks)
	small bread board (actually, half of a 8"x8" board that broke in 
		half (you could carefully sand short piece of nice wood 
		book-shelf instead, maybe maple or oak?) 
	wine cork puller
	crushed red peppers (for takeout pizza) 
	salt/pepper (soy sauce?)
	box of matches (crucial for a non-smoker who always forgets!)
	two decks of cards with pad of paper and small pencil 
		(two decks to allow pinochele playing)
	some cheap plastic plates (I actually used the disposable plastic ones
		that you can re-use, but I hope to get some better ones)
	small container (hotel shampoo container?) of dish soap for washing up?
	book of poetry?  only appropriate for some couples!

Wrap the glassware up in the napkins and use the tablecloth to make sure
everything gets cushioned.  Put silverware, etc, inside the plastic cups.  The
plates can sit on top like a sorta cover within the drawstring bag.  The
plastic wastebasket doubles as a ice-bucket/wine-cooler.  Great for last
minute "picnic in the park" after work or to bring while traveling.  Good for
a planned BBQ or impromtu take-outs.

For a couple, having 4 plates and extra silverware means the basket can be
used a couple of times between washing on a trip.

If you really stock it this full it's not real cheap ($30-40?).  But it's a
really nice carry-along and great to just keep in the car!!!  Look in a Thrift
Store or at garage sales for the glasses, plates and silverware.  For a
wedding gift, make up a picnic basket and in the card put some $$$ for a night
in a hotel and a couple of meals.

From: janez@base.bellcore.com (Jane Zysk)
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 92 16:38:57 GMT

In several gift stores, I've seen fabric covered herb
hotplates...the ones where you put your hot tea pot
on them and the heat releases a wonderful aroma, and
I decided to make some as Christmas gifts.  I'm drying
some garden grown Rosemary and Thyme, and have made
several quilt blocks for the top covers.

My question is, what's the best method for making the
"guts" of the hotplate?  I thought of making a muslin
pouch, sewing the herbs inside, and then putting the
completed pouch inside a cover made out of the quilt
square.  Is this a good idea?  Has anybody made these
herb hotplates and do you have any advise to share?

From: Joann Bessler <joann@geology.ubc.ca>
Subject: Re: Herb Hotplate

I have never made these, but the Dec/Jan 89 issue of "Cross Quick"
has instructions. Perhaps your library has back issues? To summarize:

Use a fabric liner (they used cotton), and medium-weight polyester
batting. Slip two layers of batting into the liner, then insert herbs
or potpourri between the batting layers. Then insert the liner into
your cover. Naturally, their design calls for cross stitched aida.

Let us know how it works out, I've been tempted to make some for
quick gifts.

From: m1ges01@fed.frb.gov (Gretchen E Schmidt)
Date: 21 Oct 92 15:44:36 GMT

Jane Zysk writes
>	What's the best method for making the1
>	"guts" of the hotplate?  I thought of making a muslin
>	pouch, sewing the herbs inside, and then putting the
>	completed pouch inside a cover made out of the quilt
>	square.

You might want to put a layer of that semimetallic, heat resistant stuff (like in potholders) on the bottom, inside, so that you're sure no heat will get through to the furniture on which one sets the pad and pot.  If your fabric store doesn't have it, Nancy's Notions probably does (800-765-0960).

It sounds like a great gift.  I once gave someone a small version of these, like coasters.  Alas, I bought them.

From: charleen@net.bio.net (Charleen Bunjiovianna)
Date: 10 Nov 92 00:33:53 GMT

The Singer books have some ideas for gifts, especially the _Creative
Sewing <mumble>_ one, which has instructions for making portfolios,
padded bags (like makeup bags or purses) and nifty belts.  I wouldn't
mind getting an Ultrasuede portfolio. :-)

Something I did recently and will probably do again is to take fabric
covered heart-shaped boxes, embellish them with lace and ribbon, then
fill them with a dozen of my homemade White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut
cookies (wrapped in cellophane, not plastic wrap).  I got the boxes at
MacFrugal's (formerly Pic N Save); they ran from 99 cents to $2.99.

I've been collecting interesting baskets and picnic hampers all year,
and everyone I know is getting an individualized gift basket for
Christmas, each with a different theme.

From: noa@elaine25.Stanford.EDU (Noa More)
Date: 9 Nov 92 16:45:24

A few years ago my brother-in-law and his wife made fleece jackets for
several people on their Christmas list. They bought fleece in lots of
colors and mixed/matched them in the jackets. Buying five colors of 
fleece for one jacket is a pain, but for 10 it's quite reasonable. It 
really justifies the price of the pattern too.

The following year they made beautiful wooden cutting boards, but this
is the wrong group for that.

Last year my husband and I made fanny packs that unfold into backpacks
for several people on our list. I monogrammed the fronts of the packs
before we assembled them, and they came out very nice. I still have some
of the fabric, and I plan to make a few more this year. It really does
help to make several of the same project, using different colors or trims
but leaving the basic pattern unchanged. This goes especially for 
anything with complicated seams or folding. You could also consider 
buying the basic project and decorating it with fabric paint or applique.

Date: Mon,  9 Nov 1992 21:33:53 -0500 
From: "Karen L. Frisa" <kf1j+@andrew.cmu.edu>

Here are a couple of ideas off the top of my head:

a jewelery roll
pillow covers
canvas tote/shopping bag/project bag
snuggly flannel nightie
lingerie might be fun...

I'm sure other people will have better ideas, but I wanted to share
mine before I take theirs...  :-)

Karen

From: dmd@cbnewsd.cb.att.com (debra.m.dicke)
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1992 19:09:54 GMT

Bathrobes made out of nice fat towels (see RD sewing book)
Threads had a neet backpack pattern this month made from scraps
Beaded earrings (have you seen the prices at craft fairs !!!!)
Framed quilt squares
Picture frames
Puppets
Pillows (letters to spell names, made out of T-shirts, quilted ...)
Wild vests

Naturally, I'm doing **all** of these this year.....

Article: 5498 of alt.sewing
From: suzka@hardy.u.washington.edu (Suzanne Soroczak)
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1992 16:03:34 GMT

This year I am making several different gifts for my friends and family.

1) popourri hats to hang on a wall.  Needed: small crochet hat ($.79), 12"
lace and 12" colored ribbon ($1.00).  Lace doilie ($1.00) Hot glue gun.  
If you put the popourri in the hat top, secure with light pantyhose.  Place a
lace doilie over the back.  On the front of the hat attach lace and ribbon.
I also put a small ribbon on for hanging.  I've made several and they look
and smell wonderful.  The best part is they are easy and inexpensive!!!

2) hat boxes.  Needed:  cardboard box and lid.  outside material, inside
(lining) material.  Beads or other decorations.  This is a little more
expensive, but again I made with glue gun.  I used a silking material for
the lining and used different sized boxes so I could make them a matching
pair.  

3) I also spent about 2 days painting clothes pins.  Soldiers on one side
and santa claus on the other.  needed:  50 small clothes pins ($1.00) and
red, black, white, and blue paint.  I'm not the best artist, but they look
close enough to be cute.  I am going to attach them to all the packages I
give out.

From: janez@base.bellcore.com (Jane Zysk)
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 92 17:04:17 GMT

	I often make cross stitch Christmas ornaments for
	friends and family, although, depending on the
	size and complexity of the pictures, this can
	get time consuming.

	Last year I made fabric covered hangers for my sisters
	and Grandma-in-law.  I had some dark green satin left
	over from a dress I had made, so that's what I used.
	They were really beautiful and were the hit of the
	day! And they're really easy.  I can post the
	instructions, if anyone is interested.

From: peggys@orca.wv.tek.com
Date: 10 Nov 92 21:25:19 GMT

Xstitch Xmas cards...I use Xstitch ornament patterns that will fit inside
the oval/square cutout in the front of the card.  You can buy the pre-made
cards/with cutouts in some needlework stores.  Some are in kits & come with
patterns.  The whole card is usually 5x7 and I have had people frame them
so the card itself doubles as a mat.  

From: carolyn@bucket.rain.com (Carolyn Peterson)
Date: 11 Nov 92 17:37:57 GMT

Last year I made tree ornaments with our children's pictures in them
that were big hits with the grandparents.  I used a small picture--
the friendship size for each one. 
 
How to: 
Cut out a cardboard donut to frame the picture 
Cut out a cardboard circle, the same diameter as the donut 
Glue a thin layer of batting to one side of each piece (the outside) 
Cover the batting with holiday fabric 
Glue lace or eyelet trim on the inside edge of the circle 
Glue the picture to the inside of the circle piece 
Glue the circle and the donut together 
Add a red velvet bow to the top of the ornament 
Attach gold cord to hang with

I will probably make more of these this year.  Most of the gifts I
have finished are clothing items that various people have requested.
I have also made two sets of placemats with matching napkins for
gifts.  

From: tigger@satyr.Sylvan.COM (Grace Sylvan)
Date: 11 Nov 92 08:05:43 GMT

Well, I've done  lots of  sewing for gifts  over  the past few  years,
mostly for the children - things that have been special favorites were
matching outfits for my daughter and one (or more!) of her friends,
matching or coordinating sibling outfits, a coordinating kid/mom
outfit (a shirt for mom, and pants made of the same fabric for the
kid) and snap crotch shirts with long sleeves.

Particularly popular have been items made with cotton velour - I used
to be able to get it on the NY Fabrics back tables, but they've
discontinued the tables, so I have no suggestions for how to get it
(for less than the $14/yd I've seen in the fabric stores).

From: thompson@gumby.mgi.com
Date: 12 Nov 92 09:43:06 CST

Re: holiday gift ideas

For the kids:

Get the patterns for the BIG Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, most of the fabrics
can be found in the remanants (sp) bins at the fabric store. And the kids 
love to get these dolls the same size as them!

Really bizarre:  Make an entirely white Raggedy Ann doll - I made this for
my Sister-in-law.  She wanted it all white to go in her living room, 
everyone loves it and thinks its the coolest thing. It gives me the creeps.

maggie

(too lazy to use the dictionary)

From: lkoch@troy.hssc.ksc.nasa.gov
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 18:49:57 GMT

One of the things that I have recently started sewing was ties.  The  
current fashion trend includes ties for women so I have made a couple I  
wear to work and always gets compliments.  I then cover buttons with  
matchine material and glue earring backs on it.  

Also, my sister told me a way to make a decorative scarf that are a big  
hit up near Detroit where she is from.

I've also taken store-bought sweatshirts and made jackets out of them that  
has also been a hit.

Just a few new ideas.

From: gorman@acsu.buffalo.edu (Anne-Marie K. Gorman)
Date: 12 Nov 92 21:34:09 GMT

Hats, mittens, scarves, ear warmers, those things that look like big
loose turtlenecks without the body and sleeves (neck warmers?).

Potpourri or lavendar sachets for drawers.

Herb bouquets.

Decorated photo albums (especially nice for newlyweds, new parents, and
others who are starting a new chapter in life) (if this counts--you have
to buy the photo album).

Special-purpose bags, e.g. for skis, for tennis racquet and gear, for
chess equipment, for needlework, etc.

A calendar where each month has a different family photograph (you can
buy the pages for the months or make them yourself).

Glasses cases.

Lampshades.

From: vln@icpsr.umich.edu (Victoria Neff)
Date: 12 Nov 92 22:21:16 GMT

>Hats, mittens, scarves, ear warmers, those things that look like big
>loose turtlenecks without the body and sleeves (neck warmers?).
Wimples!  :-)  Big enough to come up and cover the head, as needed....

Has someone already said Christmas stockings?

Crocheted "snowflake" tree ornaments can be fairly quick and are certainly
inexpensive.

I had a pattern once (well, probably still have it, but don't know where it
is) for a star that is made from ribbon -- all folded.  These are
nice as ornaments, too, and are easy to make.

I've thought of using PostScript to make everyone a calendar that had all
the family birthdays, etc, on the appropriate days, but I haven't done it....


From: riggle@adobe.com (Kathleen Riggle)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 18:09:30 GMT

>I've thought of using PostScript to make everyone a calendar that had all
>the family birthdays, etc, on the appropriate days, but I haven't done it....

My sister did this one year, but she took it a step farther.  She is
an artist, so she painted watercolor paintings for everyone, mounted
them on foam board and then printed the calendars with some calendar
software she had (it was pretty basic.)  She put the calendar pages at
the bottom of the foam board.  After the year was over, you could cut
the foam board in half and frame the picture.

Of course, last time I was home, I noticed my grandmother still had
the orignal calendar hanging in her house.  I think it was from 1986.
:-)

You could also put a child's piece of artwork on the top or a photo or
cross-stitch or whatever.

--
Liza Lee Miller         My dogs are labradorable!     liza@pangea.stanford.edu
Cibola Labradors            Field * Show * Fun                    415/326-5309
Cibola's Misty Mountain Hop--Hopper                   Mistypoint Kashmir--Kash
	            Campbellcroft Cibola Rosette -- Rosie
Newsgroups: alt.sewing