Ideas Keep Coming

A couple more tested projects that we can easily recommend for Christmas gift-giving

(or maybe a treat for yourself!).

Pot Pinchers from Vanilla House Designs (pattern $8)

I had seen this pattern in the store, but until I saw a sample of the finished Pot Pincher I wasn't sure what the advantage was. But what I didn't realize is that they are made with a firm Timtex piece in the top part that covers the back of your fingers, and makes them really appealing! They seem kind of like little puppets. You really need to have a pair of these and use them on both hands when lifting a hot casserole or cake pan to get the best effect. They are perfect in some of those kitchen/food prints that we have.

Composition Covers by Indygo Junction (pattern $8)

This pattern includes 3 variations of fabric covers to cover a standard composition book (those notebooks with black and white covers and lined pages). It was pretty easy to make and turned out great, would be perfect paired up with a pretty messenger bag like this:

Manhattan Messenger Bag by Purse Strings (pattern $10)

Back to Some More Bright Ideas

Who doesn't love a great new bag?! These are 2 choices that you can still have time to complete and put under the tree in time for Christmas:

The Two Hour Tulip tote is a sweet little pattern, and really comes close to the 2 hour time limit! I made the small size, but there are actually 3 sizes included in this $12 pattern with pocket variations. I put an extra long strap on this one because I foresee wearing it across my body when I am on a trip or outing and just need a little bit of stuff with me instead of a big ol' bag.

The Snap Happy II is part of the ongoing series of clever patterns from Stitchin' Sisters. This variation has a nice squared off bottom. The top snaps shut with the use of that ultra high tech gadget, a metal carpenter's tape measure! I made this one using some heavier weight fabrics with a very nice firm result, but I have also used regular quilting cottons with equally good results. One tip I like to share with people learning how to construct bags is to use some interfacing on the wrong side of the fabrics to give a crisper finish. Mid or heavy weight can both be used, depending on the results you like. We carry many interfacing products that are useful in so many of the things we like to craft, use the link above to see the choices and applications available from Pellon.

A Pressing Idea

Who would know how important a good iron is other than your fellow quilters? These 2 products have risen to the top of the heap, in our opinion. The Rowenta Travel Iron ($50.00) is easy to use, comfortable to grip and a good size to transport. When you are sewing with a group, it is always nice to have your own little ironing spot but you don't want to jeopardize the power source with using a full size iron. This is the perfect solution!

But when it comes to a full size iron, this Velocity iron from Reliable is the cat's meow! It is actually on my own wish list this year! And if it's good enough for me, it's good enough for Oprah's list, too! This V50 model is $115, get 'em while they're hot!

Bright Ideas

We have put our heads together to come up with ideas that we would recommend to be made and/or purchased for someone who loves to quilt. Many are on display right now in our front window area and can be looked over in detail if you are in the shop. Over the next few weeks I will be bringing them to you here so if you are at a distance, you might want to give us a call and we can arrange for purchase and shipping for you. Don't dilly dally on these, the days are flying by!

This is the Little Wallet by Valori Wells. The pattern is only $3 and the fabric requirement is minimal.

It is just the right size for keeping business cards, gift cards, punch cards, credit cards, ID cards, etc., organized and safe in a pocket or bag. Three little pockets are inside and it fastens shut with a snap or velcro. Mix and match fabrics to suit the person receiving it, add a button or trim, and you have created a personalized gift in a very short time. Tuck in a gift card and hang it on the tree for a sweet surprise!

Check back often for more bright ideas!