Handmade Holidays 2015

This year I made less for the holidays than I usually do, but the inclusion of two quilts (which would have been made anyway) drew out the process. Not that I didn't enjoy making the gifts - because I did. In the past, I let "handmade holidays" get away from me, and I've tried to pare it down to making just a few gifts per year. :)

First, I made a couple of commissioned double-sided table runners (you can see more of them here). I love improvising a unique design and making them fall/winter related (I really want to try spring/summer). For two coworkers, I also made a couple of infinity scarves I didn't get pictures of.

Next, in my everlasting effort to give/make my nieces (and now nephew!) useful, memorable, and keepsake-worthy holiday gifts, I decided to make pillowcases. As a child, I would have LOVED a special pillowcase made just for me. I didn't take a picture, but I also free motion quilted their names into the solid bands.  I used this tutorial from Smashed Peas and Carrots; it was a fun way to use up yardage and to pair up prints that I knew each girl would appreciate. Two of these were commissioned by my mom for family friends. They love them!

I powered through these pillowcases at our November CJMQG retreat - here's my workstation.

At her request, I also made my mom a pillowcase out of the leftover voile from my Socialite Dress. There is one seam that I zig zag stitched on the inside to make sure it didn't fray. Otherwise, this was an ideal way to use up scraps and make someone I love happy.

A couple of months ago, I bought some pendants (or needlework blanks) from Red Gate Stitchery to make some gifts! I decided to use the Round Bamboo Pendant to create a pixelated camera ornament for my friend Julie (who photographed our wedding). I typed "pixelated camera" into Google and drew up a design based on several of the photos. The pendant came with a handy, blank chart to draw out original designs. I'm happy to say that Julie loved it! Cross-stitching rocks.

Finally, I made two quilts. My dad received "Hibernation," which I shared on the blog yesterday. This is an original design made up of Modern Maples, Loominous fabrics by Anna Maria Horner, and shot cottons by Kaffe Fassett.

I also made a baby quilt for my new nephew, born December 10. He's a cutie! I'll be sure to share full photos and a blog post soon. :) Here's a sneak peek at the nontraditional baby quilt palette.

Another handmade holiday in the books, and I'm still wayyyy happier making some gifts than purchasing all of them. In case you'd like to see/here more, here is the Periscope talk I did a couple of weeks ago with the #honestcraftroomies on Holiday Makes.



 What is your favorite holiday gift to sew up? Inquiring minds are already mentally preparing for next year!