( If you’re here for the Sew, Mama, Sew! giveaway…it’s still open, and you can leave a comment here).
Nine days until Christmas–that means it’s really crunch-time for those of us making gifts–time for some real simple gift ideas! The “Pink Penguin” fabric basket was probably one of the most referred to tutorials when I first started blogging…these little fabric baskets are perfect for filling with baked goods, small sewing supplies, or even fabric. The tutorial is wonderful and goes together quickly (found here.) Mine is pictured above with my collection of ceramic trees and Santas.
Another simple fabric basket tutorial (from Rachel) can be found here. This is another great little basket. I’ve made several in Christmas fabrics but have given them all away. I’m hoping to make a few this year from my 12 Days of Christmas scraps.
Table runners and toppers can be simple…this one was made with just four pieced blocks–the stars with the red points are pieced, while the main focus blocks were pre-printed vintage hankie replicas.
One year I was really in a bind for some homemade gifts. On Christmas Eve I made a few of these Joy hangers. I used fusible web to fuse the cut-out letters to 5″ background squares then did a quick buttonhole stitch around. Ten 1 ½″ by 5″ strips were used to frame the blocks (cut from scraps, of course). Eight 1 ½″ by 1 ½″ post squares were cut and also used in the body of the piece. The only quilting I did was around the edges of each background square. I quilted mine by hand that year, but it could also be done by machine. Binding didn’t take too long since this isn’t a very big project. Finally, I added a rod pocket to the back where I inserted a small dowel. Then I used gold cord ribbon to make a little hanger. Another simple idea just showed up this morning on the ModaBakeShop…I love these placemats! They are wonderful personalized but could be made even more quickly by using 12 charm squares per placemat and leaving out the names.
Well…it’s back to the sewing room for me. I just found out last night that my almost 90 year old grandmother really wants one of my quilted bags for Christmas–so that’s my first project for today–need to get it made and in the mail! Have a wonderful day!
PamKittyMorning says
I have that same hankie runner! Now that I'm 'reminded' I need to get it out. I made the quilt as well, it's one of my favorites. I thought it was such a clever use of a panel.
Quilter Kathy says
Great ideas! Thanks for the inspiration!
beth says
That table runner with the printed hankies is my Favorite!! love it.
Lisa A says
Love the hankie table runner
Diane N says
I've been making the little fabric bags from Rachel's tutorial! I love them they are adorable. Thanks for sharing the fabric basket from Pink Penguin…I think I might make a couple of those too!
fiberdoodles says
These are wonderful ideas! Thank you!!
James-Linda says
THANKS FOR YOUR IDEAS!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
jldouglas@wispwest.netcalin
Michele says
Thank you for doing Simple Gifts….I am always inspired by them…love the basket and the JOY project…you always get so much done 🙂
Stephanie says
Pretty table runner! I can't tell you how many of those little Pink Penguin baskets I made. Fun and they turn out so darn cute!
Cindy says
Your tablerunner is beautiful and so unique. What a good use of hankies!
Thelma says
Don't you just love it when family members want something homemade? I'm sure your Grandmother's bag will be wonderful, that' you'll enjoy making it, and she'll love carrying it.
I've enjoyed all your Simple Gifts, thanks so much!
Val says
Beautiful!!
Diane says
Great ideas… and you crack me up… whipping up some on Christmas Eve… My idea of a last min gift is a box of Sees candy and the only thing I would think to sew would be maybe a wine bag.
Sandy says
What great little gifties…thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas!
Mary on Lake Pulaski says
More great ideas Sherri! What bag are you going to make your Aunt? I'm just finishing Nanette's Mixed Bag after I saw the one you made.
Brenda says
Love your hanky table runner. It is so cute. You always have the cutest ideas.
Lindsay Conner says
AQL… Would you be interested in swapping links? I added you to my Blog sidebar http://www.lindsaysews.com. Let me know! lindsay.conner(at)gmail(dot)com
Micki says
Great projects! I am sure that your grandmother will love the bag.
Micki
Carrie P. says
Oooo! lovely projects. I love the idea of using the hankies in a table runner. Nice.
Terriaw says
I do love making those patchwork baskets and friendship bags too! Such fun lil projects to whip up in an afternoon. I would love to have a couple extras on hand for last-minute or hostess gifts. I always seem to have a short pile of table runners I want to make too. As always, loving your gift ideas!
John'aLee says
Love the baskets and your table runners are adorable!
ayumills says
Everything in this post is beautiful! I made several fabric baskets for Christmas gifts too 🙂
Carol says
I sure have enjoyed your Simple gifts…oh your Grandmother will be so excited.
sewmeow says
thanks for your post, yes…..simple ideas are always the best.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Chookyblue...... says
lovely quick presents………
Cindy says
I love those placemats too. Wouldn't they be fun to even make for other special days?
I have made Rachel's little bag, to carry the Schnibbles' pincushions that I made into coasters.
I'll have to give the other little bag a try. Sometimes it's just fun to do something quick and easy, not requiring much brain power…LOL
Happy weekend.
Carrie P. says
Sherri, is there an actual pattern for the table runner with the handkerchiefs?
Colleen Greene says
I absolutely love the idea for your JOY banner! I think I'll make those for next year. Thank you for sharing.
— Colleen @ Made by Colleen
Mama Pea says
I totally love that basket and your table runner! Thanks for the link to the basket tutorial!