What are some neat ideas for presents?

[quilt4lovedones]

How do you make tote bags? Thats what I want to try and tackle now for my new projects!! How do you make pencil pouches, as well as coasters they loook fun and neat, what and how do you takle a wheaties pouch?

happy quilting
Ash

[B-LYN]

I JUST POSTED ABOUT THE COTTON THEORY, THERE ARE SOME PATTERNS FOR GREAT TABLE RUNNERS,PLACEMATS,POTHOTHOLDERS AND TOTES AS WELL AS BATHROOM RUGS, BABY BATH MATS, CRIB BLANKETS AND OTHER THINGS THAT YOU QUILT AS YOU GO. B-lYNN

[QuiltinKay]

Today Pat, El's sister was the guest speaker at our guild in :ake County Florida. I got the pattern for the Autumn Leaves table runner. It is really beautiful and I can't wait to get started.
I haven't done much sewing quite a while. The winter almost id my old bones in and I had a really rough time...
But if you haven't seen this pattern, check it out on QIAD it is really gorgeous, and would make wonderful gifts.

[Flystitch]

Joannequilts, heated wheatie bags are wonderful. Some people call them rice bags. Here is a link. I use wheat which I buy from a farm specially prepared. I make a calico (muslin to you!!) bag which measures about 13" x 6", I leave a small space at the end to put the filling in, I use a funnel. Then fill with the wheat and then machine the end closed. Shake all the filling to the bottom end before putting under machine. I then make a cover like a housewife pillowcase so it can be taken off and washed.
Have moade loads and they are very well received. About 2 and half minutes in the microwave but you need to test it as to what temperature you want as the microwaves vary.

[Flystitch]

xteacher, what pattern do you use for the book covers?

[xteacher]

Well, I did do some googling online, but I really just looked at one and devised my own. I use prequilted or on occasion material I quilt,and double fold bias tape. I also, usually add a piece of ribbon for a book mark, a little loop on the front for reading glasses, and a little charm. Measure around the book and add about five inches for the fold. Measure the length of the book and add about a half inch. Put the double fold bias on the two short ends. Fold those ends in about 2 1/2 inches (measure around your book for exact size), press well, pin the bookmark on the top inside, a little off center, pin the ribbon loop on the front for the glasses (you can also buy little rings at Hancocks or Hobby Lobby to add to the loop). Then, apply double bias tape down the long sides, leaving a half inch or so on each end. Turn under those ends and press well. Then, top stitch right next to the edge. This will attach the fold to the front and enclose the ends. When it is finished, I hand sew a little charm somewhere along the top.

[Flystitch]

Thanks for info on the book covers, will be surely doing some of them.

[quiltprn]

allpeoplequilt.com

has some great ideas - with project instructions. I love that site for inspiration

[barnyardbunch]

If your friend quilts or sews those sewing caddies are very nice to make and even nicer to have to use. They lay over the arm of your chair, have two pockets, one at either end with a pin cushion in the middle.. You can keep your scissors and seam ripper, thread or what ever right there and if you are using pins there is a place to stick them and your needle too instead of in the arm of the chair or couch. When your through for the night you can pick the whole thing up and carry it to the sewing room or take it to class with you or how ever you want to use it. I made a bunch for our daughters gift shop and was stuck with several when she closed her store right away, and I have found lots of uses for them in my own life. It makes a nice presentation if you include a little wrist pin cushion to match. If you make the little pin cushion it's a good idea to cut a piece of cardboard to insert in the underside so you don't accidentally stick a pin all the way through into your arm. Guess how I found that out. I saw some somewhere and made my own so don't have a pattern to offer. After you put the first one together you can really crank them out and they can all be different. What ever you make for your lucky friends, just enjoy doing it and they will love what ever it is.

[bma123]

I am new to this site and am glad I found it.

Geneva2, where do you get the birdseye diaper cloth? I would love to make some dish cloths out of some. When I was growing up my Mother used them as they were the very best to absorb water.

Any help will be appreciated!