Holiday sewing projects from panels and pre-cuts

Everyone has decked the halls, the walls, the chairs, beds and sofas... and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at LQSs [local quilt shops]. Inspiration for decorations and gifts abound and panels, pre-cut bundles and kits are at the ready for your sewing and quilting pleasure! 

Pillows for the beds or cushions for the couch at Stitch Morgantown.

Fabric Project Panels
The Nordic inspired Hygge [pronounced Hoo-guh] Christmas collection from Lewis & Irene has cushions (above) and stockings (below) that feature the Norwegian Tontuu (house elves). I think these pillow and stocking panels would make a great canvas for some hand stitching embellishment, too!

Christmas stockings at Stitch Morgantown.

Winter-themed placemats and table runner from the Snow Day collection from Lewis & Irene. How about a shimmery rayon or metallic thread for the quilting?

Snow Day table placemats and runner at Bernina in Stitches.

Projects with Pre-cuts

Pre-cut strips make the process fast and easy. Ask your local quilt shop for a package of pre-cut strips and a pattern.

Majestic batik strips at Must Stitch Emporium.

The Rockport Basket [Auties Two pattern] is a spacious tote or project bag made with pre-cut batik fabrics from Majestic Batiks.

Rockport Basket at City Square Quilts.

Showcasing an exotic collection of pre-cut prints from M&S Textiles Australia, take the "jelly roll rug" process and make smaller items such as a set of placemats, mug rugs or a table topper. 

Precut strips from M&S Textiles Australia.

Pre-cut Kits
The Walker Bag kit uses festive floral metallic fabrics from Under the Australian Sun collection from The Textile Pantry.

The Walker Bag kit from The Textile Pantry.

This next project is a dual duty item! It's an eyeglasses case but it's also the perfect size to fit a rotary cutter! Travel in style—and in safety—to your next quilting retreat or class.

The Melba eyeglass case kit from The Textile Pantry.

One size fits All

Pillowcases are a one-size-fits-all gift that can be customized to anyone's hobbies or tastes.  Who wouldn't love this Lambkin pillowcase on their bed... using Art Gallery Fabrics.

Lambkin pillowcase at Stitch Morgantown.

I've made at several of these flower baskets in dozens of fabric combinations! The Melba Flower basket pattern is a free download courtesy of The Textile Pantry. 

My red/white/black basket uses two coordinating red yarn-dyed wovens from the Provence Woven collection by Diamond Textiles for the basket base and Squared Elements (inside lining) from Art Gallery Fabrics. Fill your baskets with Christmas cookies, candies or seasonal greenery for a festive table setting.

The Melba Flower Basket pattern from The Textile Pantry.

Make a quick trip to your local quilt shop for patterns, panels and pre-cuts before the big guy in the red suit comes to your house. And I hope you find time to make merry with fabric and stitch during the holidays! 

One-size-fits-all Christmas gifts

It's gratifying to give handmade gifts. However, it's that time of year when time is at a premium and everyone is so busy. Here are ideas for gifts that are thoughtful, distinctive, useful, fairly quick to make and are sure to "fit" anyone on your list—regardless of their size.

Mug rugs: one size fits all. 

Mug Rugs

Personalize this gift by using fabrics that reflect the likes, hobbies or favorites colors of the recipient. Mug Rugs can be coaster size or something a little bigger. Mine here is 11" x 8". I received a mug rug several years ago from Linda, one of my ATC swap participants, and I use it all the time in my studio. I smile and think of Linda every time I see it.

Pillowcases
This is one of my favorite gifts to give! Pillowcases are easy to sew for the maker and a useful gift the recipient will use over and over. She/he will think of you and your thoughtfulness every night when going to bed.

Pillowcases: make them personal with a novelty fabric

Placemats, Runners and Table Toppers

Stash-busting and improvisational piecing go hand in hand with gifts like placemats and table toppers. If you have an idea of the person's decor, search your stash for colors and styles that will complement it. 

Placemats: improvisational piecing and free-motion quilting. 

Improv patchwork table runner.

For even faster turn-around, there are pre-printed placemat and runner fabric panels perfect for these projects. Visit your local quilt shop (YLQS) and ask. The quilting and your choice of a binding will add the personal touch. 

Other one-size-fits-all gift ideas 

• quilted zippered pouches, 
• fabric grocery totes (instead of getting plastic at the store), 
• fabric drawstring bags (I use these for my slippers and shoes when I travel. Much nicer and quieter than plastic bags!).

Two more bonuses

This is a short list of one-size-fits-all gift ideas. Check YLQS for other ideas and suggestions. These projects may be quick to make, but these gift items are personal, thoughtful and one-of-a-kind. You can't get these items at the mall! 

Another bonus is for you, dear maker! You get to spend a little time at the sewing machine, practicing your free-motion quilting (on smaller size pieces). At this time of year, we need to do a little therapeutic stitching to combat all the craziness. Isn't that right, my blogger stalker??

Mug rug is pin-basted and ready for free-motion quilting.