Handmade for Christmas, Part I
Yes, here is the post where I get to brag about the things that I made for my family for Christmas this year. I've been sewing for months and finally I can share...
I made three quilted totes this month and I think bags are sorta-kinda starting to make sense to me. At least this type of bag. I even boxed the bottoms. And they are lined. Yeah, I'm braggin'. I told you I would. But as they say in Texas, "It ain't braggin if it's true."
This tote was for my mom. She likes butterflies so I used my coveted butterfly print along with a skinny strip of an old olive green fabric she gave me from her stash. I changed my mind a hundred times on the fabrics but the final result was worth it I think.
I made another bag for my cousin, another one for a church friend (argh - I forgot to take a picture and it was so pretty), bean bags/carrying bag for my Dad, a table runner set for my sister, lovey blankies for my niece, a kit apron for my aunt, and embellished a dish towel for another aunt. You can click on those links to take you to my Projects Photo Album if you want to see pictures of these projects or read more about them.
I didn't officially take the handmade pledge this year but I sewed up a storm and did what I could to support artists, craftsmen, and local farmers as well. It made Christmas merrier for me and I hope for others as well.
A few things more to come --- in Part II.
Wow - everything looks great. No-one in our family took the handmade pledge either but it just seemed to happen naturally that everyone received lovely, thoughtful handmade things.
Posted by: Pauline | December 29, 2007 at 03:56 PM
Beatiful! You were BUSY.
Posted by: Alicia A. | December 29, 2007 at 04:03 PM
You were busy. Busy as a bee, I'd say.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | December 29, 2007 at 04:14 PM
Don't you just love boxing the bottoms of totes?! It really gives them a whole new feel. All your projects turned out so nice! Esp, you fathers. Useful and neat!
Posted by: LeeAnn | December 29, 2007 at 06:38 PM
wow amy!
i'm jealous and envious and impressed and all sorts of emotions wrapped into one. the gifts you made are awesome.
Posted by: capello | December 29, 2007 at 07:13 PM
Lovely, lovely, lovely. The recipients of these thoughtful gifts must have been really touched by your efforts. We focused on homemade gifts this year too and it did feel much merrier. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kelly | December 29, 2007 at 08:01 PM
Isn't it great-You can now share all the pictures? Your gifts are absolutely wonderful and pretty and useful :) Great job!
Posted by: PJ | December 29, 2007 at 08:08 PM
Isn't it great-You can now share all the pictures? Your gifts are absolutely wonderful and pretty and useful :) Great job!
Posted by: PJ | December 29, 2007 at 08:09 PM
I made 6 tote bags for Xmas presents this year. All of them very appreciated. Yours look fantastic!
Posted by: Dominique | December 29, 2007 at 08:32 PM
Just beautiful Amy.
I just love seeing what you come up with.
have a very happy new year. julie
Posted by: julie | December 29, 2007 at 08:33 PM
This bag turned out really great! I love the fabrics together.
Posted by: Jessica | December 29, 2007 at 09:46 PM
Wow! You really did sew up a storm! I especially love the soft toy you made.
Posted by: claudia | December 30, 2007 at 02:21 AM
You made some really beautiful gifts. I especially like the table runner. The bean bag covers were an excellent idea and they look smart too.
Posted by: Clare | December 30, 2007 at 03:40 AM
yes, lovely gifts they were. I think you did a great job on the table runner...I would have never imagined it would come out so good. And the fabric didn't go to waste.
Thanks again...hopefully you'll enjoy the scarf as much as I've enjoyed my hand-made things.....
j.
Posted by: Jenn | December 30, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Lovely gifts. Nice job on the fabric combination. I love those butterflies!
Posted by: mo | December 30, 2007 at 08:21 PM
You're bag looks great. I just started making totes about a year ago and things finally started to click. I love how once you figure out how something goes together then it just seems to open doors and other patterns are easy to figure out too.
Posted by: Michelle | December 31, 2007 at 10:54 AM
Ok, you are not bragging. I like seeing what people make! ANyway, they are lovely gifts. Again, your color choices! What can I say, they are just great!
Posted by: JoAnna | January 01, 2008 at 07:15 AM
I suspected there was some behind-the-scenes sewing going on over there. Beautiful! You have a very blessed family. Thanks for your Projects link. I really enjoyed browsing all the beautiful things you've made.
Posted by: Holly | January 01, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Oh so cute! I loved looking at all of it!
Posted by: Jenni | January 03, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Did you use a pattern or a tutorial for the quilted butterfly bag? I have a stack of awesome Mardi Gras material begging to be my new tote. I have made totes from Super Eggplant's tutorial with success, but hers weren't quilted. I don't know if there's a trick to it or not. Thanks.
Posted by: Water Works | January 05, 2008 at 03:19 PM
love the butterfly print the hours of procrastination over the fabric is definately worth it. well done
Posted by: Shellbells | January 05, 2008 at 10:59 PM