There is nothing more heartwarming than giving a handmade gift, even if the lines aren't straight, if you had to stay up way past midnight to get it finished or if it didn't turn out "just right". The pleasure starts at the very beginning. The hand picking out of the tools, the compiling of supplies, and selecting the fabric needed for the project, are some of the best parts.
The appreciation you receive, even though I've always felt that it is so much more rewarding to give than to receive, is ultimately the most humbling part. You took the time, your time in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, to create something with your own hands.
Here are just a few of the gifts I was able to give this year. My list for next year is already started, and maybe this year I'll actually start earlier than December 15th.
This fun little car caddy went to a sweet little boy that recently turned 2! It was a new pattern and a little experimenting so hopefully it stays put and that he loves it.
I whipped up quite a few pencil zipper cases for my nieces and for my sister-in-law. The latest adult coloring book craze has all of us hooked! I added new pencils and a sharpener inside as well. (Sorry, I have to admit, I am not the best at ironing.)
I've been wanting to make the girls jammies pants from this adorable fabric for a very long time! I think I purchased it early last Fall? It wasn't nearly as intimidating of a project as I thought it would be. The girls loved them and we'll probably be wearing them for a couple more months, relishing the Holiday season a little longer than needed.
One of my favorite handmade gifts this year was this iPad mini case. The tutorial was beyond easy and the additions or substitutions are endless.
I was also blessed to be able to sew four aprons from my husband's Grandmother's material that my mother-in-law gave as gifts but it was very hard to get a decent photo of them hung up. They turned out beautiful and I have four more cut and ready to sew for more family members. My little girls received new large zipper bags to take to and from church or on the go for car rides. I also made a similar bag for my nieces.
It's rare to actually find scripture fabric in my area so I was beyond excited when I came across this print! I also made many more of these to sell in the shop. The inside has a cotton gold arrow print and coordinating zipper. They are adorable!
Thank you for reading all of this! I truly enjoy making gifts. One of my goal's this year is to make as many gifts as possible. Now that our oldest daughter is four she is privileged enough to have numerous little birthday party gatherings for her friends, as well as more family members having babies! The best way I have learned to do this is to have many gifts on hand. I better get started!
God Bless 2016 and all that it shall bring!