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At this time of the year, when you’re enjoying those crisp, fall days, Christmas is probably the last thing on your mind. But if you’re planning to give handmade gifts this holiday season, it’s already time to start thinking about what kind of gifts you’ll be making for your friends and family this year. If you’re planning to make the fabric-and-thread kind of gifts, you’ll want to check out Sew the Perfect Gift, a collection of 25 designs from popular designers.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for your favorite fashionista, homebody, gardener, working girl, or fellow crafter, you’ll find plenty of options in this collection. The designs featured in the book cover everything from home décor—like pretty pillows and wall hangings—to purses, bracelets, and more.
Quilters will be able to use up their scraps for small pieces like the Harvest Bouquet Candle Mat or (one of my personal favorites) the cheery Tiny Table Topper. In fact, there are several quilting projects included in the book—which, admittedly, may actually be a turn-off for anyone who isn’t into quilting (or who, like me, gave up after their first frustrating attempt as a teenager).
For the rest of us, though, there are other options, too. There are plenty of cute and clever bags—like the bright, colorful Swingy Shoulder Bag or the pretty, pleated City Roses Purse. There are also little appliquéd bags, bags for knitters, and even bags for your curling iron. And, for the environmentally conscious crafter (or recipient), there are smart patterns for reusable lunch bags, purses made from recycled wool sweaters, and a fun patchwork scarf made from your favorite old jeans.
The patterns themselves, meanwhile, are well done, with illustrations to go with the written instructions. Everything is made as straightforward as possible, so you should have no problem walking through the steps to create all kinds of fun handmade gifts. Along the way, you might even pick up some helpful hints, time-saving tips, and a few fun new techniques (like spray-painting muslin for Vanessa Christenson’s Wheat-Stalk Throw Pillow) from these clever, creative designers.
If you’re looking for some new gift ideas for a birthday, a housewarming party, or (of course) the holidays, Sew the Perfect Gift may not be absolutely perfect (and if you’re looking for something for the guys on your list, you’ll probably need to look elsewhere). But it’s sure to give you plenty of gift-giving inspiration.
