Last Minute Gifts & Tutorials

I am a planner and like to get any big Christmas gifts done well in advance of the holidays and all the hubbub that goes along with them.  But I have noticed over the years that I am drawn to small projects that are quick and easy.  Many of them can be something to have on hand if a last-minute gift is needed or just a bonus "stocking stuffer."  And if they don't get finished???  No sweat!

At the top of the quick and easy project list are pillowcases. 

As I mentioned a few stories ago, I made several for a nephew to go with the alarm clock that he requested.  At the same time, I cut the fabric and printed instructions to make pillowcases including thread to create a DIY pillowcase kit that will be for our oldest granddaughter.

The next project was making a few hair scrunchies.  The tutorial for these can be found on Marie Bostwick's blog... HERE.  I may continue making a few more to keep on hand for when the granddaughters come for a visit.  It seems that one of them is always in need of a hair tie.

As I sewed these up, I recalled helping my daughters make a different style of hair ties when they were in middle school... I decided to create another DIY kit for the middle GD.  Items needed:

9" piece of round elastic

18-24 fabric strips - 3/4" x 6-1/2" (I used a wavy or pinking rotary cutter to cut down on fraying)

Tie a knot in the elastic to create a circle.

Attach the strips to the elastic by folding strips in 1/2.  Pass the loose ends through the folded end and draw up until snug.  Add strips until the elastic is covered.  Easy Peasy!

I had a recent request for a few therapeutic rice bags.  These are another quick and useful gift, and it is easy to make in multiples.  You can find the link to make them HERE.  They include a pattern to make a "monster cover."  But I make a cover from two pieces of flannel (10"x13").  The cover helps to keep the rice bag a little cleaner and a little more sanitary if used by multiple people.  I have made them in a variety of sizes, including a long one that easily drapes across the shoulders.  My mom used them throughout her knee replacement recovery, both as ice packs and hot packs.  

One last item... the knit stocking caps that I embellished with a fur pompom. Since a tutorial had been requested... Here you go!

I purchased these hats from a clearance bin at our wally-world months ago (as they were bringing out spring clothing) for just 50-cents.

The two hats on the far right are from mink.  My original 6 hats are from beaver.  The size difference is noticeable because the length of the fur.  The beaver poms appear larger and much fluffier than the mink.

The first step is to trace a 3-1/2" circle from a template onto the back of the fur.  Mark said to always work from the back of the fur.  Cut the circle from the fur using small snips (basically, just the tips of the scissors).  Using a large needle and some heavy thread (I used upholstery thread) make a running stitch along the edge of the circle.  Gently tug the thread to create the pom.  Stuff with some poly-fil. Finish gathering the circle in tight and knot, leaving a long tail on both ends.

Using the long tails, attach to the top of the cap.  Make several stitches to secure the pom.  Knot your tails together and clip.  I left the tails one inch long.  If you ever need to wash the hat, make sure you remove the pompom.

If you don't happen to have a fur laying around to use, you can use this same process with faux fur.

Ok... one more that I have on my list but haven't made yet... Corner Bookmarks.  I am not sure if I want to make them of fabric or if I will be using scrapbooking paper.

So many ideas!  So little time!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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