Monday 23 November 2009

A stitch in time...

First I just wanted to say a very HEARTFELT thanks for your wonderful comments and personal emails on my last post. I feel privileged to be part of this blogging community.I got an email asking me about the bunting on a previous post. So I thought I would share with you the sewing that has been going on here at the 'Suzie Sews Household" indeed my machine has been working quite hard and I am going through needles at a fair rate. Obviously Christmas is nearer than ever and I have been getting a little worked up about the lack of money in the bank and the amount of children to buy for. So I have thinking about the handmade pledge, so when I can retreat into my sewing room I DO at every opportunity.
Looking for fast but effective projects that hopefully will be received with knowledge that they have been made with love. From the choice of design, colour, fabric and how they are packaged.
So I have been making a little selection of child friendly goodies. I can show you this one as it was a birthday gift for a cutie, so no worries about giving the Christmas list away...
The bunting is made using a PLATE pattern, just the same as the bunting flags but using a small (or required size) plate as a template, just draw around half of the plate on the fold of the fabric. All held together with coordinating bias binding. The fabric envelope came from The lovely book - Patchwork Gifts.


Do you worry about your handmade gifts...I do, I know I can sew and the product is of an acceptable standard, I know the design is also acceptable, but when your giving handmade rather than selling it, you know if they buy it they want it. That little bit if insecurity that the recipient is smiling at you but actually thinking "OH NO, not another handmade gift" My insecurity comes from my Mom, she loves me but she does not get me. For years I always handmade her cards...one day it was mentioned that I did not think enough of my friends to go out and BUY a card. It was a harmless comment but it has made me question my gift giving. Now don't get me wrong, I have a couple of friends (yes that's you Kate and Caroline) who I know would actually be upset with me if I bought them a gift, so is it just me or is it just creative insecurity?



Forgive my indulgence here, my guys on the beach, I am so missing the beach, yes even in winter, on a cold blowy day, all wrapped up with your gum boots on, a warming mug of Hot Chocolate to warm up the hands... Yes time on the beach makes this Mommy a Happy Mommy!

Back to the sewing room...

8 comments:

Caroline said...

Hey - you stole my comment!!! I think that if someone doesn't appreciate a hand made gift, it says a lot more about them than about the giver. Yours are always fab - have no worries about giving your things as gifts - they are wonderful
xxx

dottycookie said...

I think most of us have the same feeling; and most h=of us have people who do appreciate our hard work and those who think we're just being cheap. I have one close relative who has received many handmade gifts from me in the past but now gets soap or gift vouchers after she opened an apron I'd spent hours on and said "Oh, well, it's very nice but next time could you make a full length one instead?" NEXT TIME?!!!! You must be joking.

Thimbleanna said...

Oooh, I love that bunting! You're not alone in worrying about your gifts. I think the trick is to just learn who appreciates them and who does not -- a very daunting task!

Sal said...

I love your bunting, Suzie!
I far prefer to receive a hand made gift than something shop bought, I must say!
But I also far prefer to 'give'!!
Hope all is well ;-)

Tilly Rose said...

As the song goes.....don't worry be happy....handmade gifts are always made with love from the heart. Real friends would rather have a little part of you in their home than some great commercial giant anyday.
Hugs x x x
P.S Loving your goodies, they look lovely x x

A Time for Stitching said...

I think giving handmade gifts is more thoughtful whether it's to save money or just because you want to. It's great that you're doing it. I'm making some presents this year and, like you, hope that they'll be well received. A person's time and thoughtfulness is worth as much, if not more, than a present bought with money.

Amy said...

I vote for handmade gifts any old day. It's these gifts that I remember fondly. Happy Thanksgiving!

Tracy said...

LOVE the bunting, Suzie! The rounded shapes is a nice departure from the triangle and square-ish shapes--beautiful! Handmade gift-giving is a tricky thing, and you are not alone in your feeling. I used to give everyone a handmade gift/card. Not everyone "got it"... so now I make gifts for those I know for sure will get it, and those who don't, well... chocolates covers many an occasion, doesn't it?! LOL! ;o) But the handmade is the best. Happy Gift-making and giving! ((HUGS))