This gift went to my Mom. Her favorite colors are blue and pink and I tried to keep her in mind as I carefully went through my stash and picked out the scraps I would use for this bag. I really hope she liked it.
The exterior of this bag is made entirely out of material scraps that I had on hand. Many of them were beautiful pieces my Aunt had given to me. The pink handles and matching interior lining was from a large piece of fabric I purchased at a yard sale in the front of a beautiful Cedar shingled home down the same street from my parents home in Upstate New York sometime during my college years, which must have been at least 20 years ago. I have no idea how much I paid for it anymore but I know it wasn’t a lot. I had been “saving” it for a quilt because it was such a large cut but I decided to pare it down because it was perfect for this project. I attached a pretty homemade label and ribbon. If I ever go into business selling any of my items I think I would use this name. Since “Heather” is the name of a flower the name seems perfect.
The bag is hopelessly imperfect but that is part of the delight of a homemade gift. After battling a difficult pattern (more difficult than it needed to be, I’m positive) I loved this bag so much I almost wanted to keep it except that it was made with my Mom in mind and I felt like that fact really shined through. It was begging to go to her and I was so pleased.
In the interior of the bag I embroidered my Mom’s initials with a similar shade of floss to the fabric. I traced the letters that I found on a font that I picked out and printed from the computer. Who knew computers and sewing needles would be tools I would use together to create a more beautiful product.
Lindsay received her wish; long, warm, flannel pajamas. I used the same pattern for both pair with different fabrics and lace bought when flannel went on a really good sale for $2.99/3.99 per yard. The lace was purchased with a 50% off coupon since it was not on sale. Even with the sale I wonder if I actually saved any money by “making” the pajamas instead of buying them. Maybe I did. But one advantage is that they are cute. Would I have been able to find horse pajamas in the stores? The Christmas kitties would have been hard to find in the store too.
I made catnip toys this year at the last second so the only kitties that got them were my own this time. I fashioned these after the ones I see at the vet’s office being sold to raise money for a local animal rescue out of scraps from making Lindsay’s pajamas. The long ones are really great for the cats to hug while using their hind legs to scratch at them.
Sandy KNEW exactly which gift was hers and appreciated finding it in her stocking along with some kitty milk and treats.
Spooky and Scruffles were on Santa’s good list as well and enjoyed unwrapping their own gifts.
Scruffles loved being under the tree with her catnip that week of Christmas.
This is a picture of a special gift made for me this year by my Aunt. It made my day getting that package in the mail. Knowing my favorite colors are pink and green she found pink snowman fabric to make this and I thought it went perfectly under another special gift given to me by my Mom a number of years ago. It is a holiday house that lights up inside with a candle and matches with my special occasion stoneware that I get out for Christmas. They look beautiful together and a doily is much less dangerous to perch things on than a tablecloth these days with kids and cats around the table.
Sometimes it is hard to know what to make for people but there are so many thoughtful and useful things to make for everyone on your list. Maybe next year I’ll get to more projects. Maybe not. But either way, a little creativity and thoughtfulness can go a long way. As much as I like to make things I like receiving thoughtful and unique hand made gifts as well.
