4 Eco Friendly Waste Free Gifts to Give and Sew

[@billiwickey]

Thanks for the inspiration! I taught three kids (7, 9, 11) how to make different variations of the face cloths. The two younger kids made squares. The 7 year-old sewed them wrong sides together then used pinking shears to trim the seam allowance. Her parents were really impressed. The 9 year-old sewed right sides together, turned them hand sewed some of them closed so he could watch a video while sewing like Grandma. The 11 year-old did circles, and took FOREVER because she's a perfectionist which isn't necessarily bad but it's not helpful if you have one sewing machine and 3 kids. Next week, we're starting placemats amd napkins cuz it's all about straight lines and a little embroidery for monograms.

[@idareandevers9211]

Virginia I am glad I ran upon you this morning I love the popcorn bag and face cleaner will be sewing both. Thanks

[@heathenTovea]

I make mine square and from flannel. But i'm now going to try the different fabric. I made vintage napkins out of a vintage tablecloth for my daughter for christmas I hope she likes them they are one of a kind like she is.

[@peggydid]

Sounds absolutely lovely, Barbie!

[@mpconnoisseur]

Barbie Mithun , square would be less wasteful and easier to do en masse.

[@Vio-ot4ft]

I would just make the make-up removers square, cut both types of fabric with rotary cutter and ruler, then serge/zig-zag them together (right sides out) on the edges, and MAYBE do an "X" thru the middle to secure, and you're done. No circles to draw or cut, no turning, no gap to stitch closed. I mean, they're just for removing make-up right? I also saw someone recommend giving them inside a mesh laundry bag, as this is a good way to launder them.

[@gingertea5006]

L'm going to make some of those makeup remover pads - great idea for stocking stuffers

[@attagurl4033]

SUPER HAPPY your videos/channel found me! I'm super stoked to get sewing your ideas! Thank you for being here! Upstate NY beginner : )

[@sarahdierflinger1387]

I am just learning to sew, and facing Christmas with almost no money. I am excited about making the face scrubbies and napkins! Now if I could come up with an easy sewing gift for teenage boys.

[@gingercakesews]

That is a challenge!

[@Angie_978]

You could make a canvas shower kit/dopp bag. Would possibly come in handy for traveling for the holidays, too. It's nice to have a grown up place to put their toothbrush, soap, razor, etc.

[@christinea52]

Imade the popcorn bags for Christmas gifts and love them! Thanks for sharing your talents.

[@b.j.lilley8662]

Your videos are all fantastic! I just made a quick popcorn bag for a birthday gift and included a recipe card and kernals inside. I'm so excited to try it out next movie night! Thank you :)

[@intothesticks2741]

I’m dieting with slimming world and pop corn is a free treat. This craft idea just made me so happy. Your tutorial was so easy to follow. I’m going to make a load for my friends. Thank you.

[@melaniejackson492]

Thank you. Can't wait to make these as stocking stuffers.

[@sarabenvenuti2582]

I have just discovered diy make up pads... 3 years later...!!! better than never... and your tutorial il really easy and well done.. I will surely try to make some! I love tutorials about recycling cloths (scraps) , eco friendly gifts etc, thank you! ciao from Italy Sara

[@vooni4969]

This video was great!! Thx sm for the ideas I cant wait to make some of these for friends out of old fabrics!!

[@jamiebaronet9949]

I have made several sets of your napkins. A few months ago I shared that video with a friend and she made me a set of Christmas napkins as a gift. Love your tutorials.

[@gingercakesews]

That is so great Jamie! I need to make myself a Christmas set 😊

[@janzitterkopf1630]

This was a great video! Thank you for sharing and be so gracious!

[@mardellnorris-beaty8908]

I absolutely LOVE your popcorn bags. I never really was a fan of popcorn, thought it smelled better than it tasted. Now I eat it almost everyday with this cute and practical bag. Thank you so much.

[@MaryChrapliwy]

Love the makeup wipes - I'll make mine a little larger. Thanks for sharing

[@chhayapanchal7591]

I liked the popcorn bag...too good

[@happylemonheads]

Thanks for sharing these great project ideas, I now know what I am making for my daughter for Christmas. All three projects I know she will cherish.

[@gingercakesews]

You are so welcome!

[@denisem8852]

Thank you for sharing these small sewing ideas. Great to do while we are all being social-isloting!

[@gabriellagonda1544]

Virginia, thanks for the video. The reusable popcorn bag is absolutely brilliant. My son loves popcorns, he would live on them if I'd let him to. I hate the waste it creates, so alredy bought corn seeds to pop. With this bag he'll be able to do it himself, and will be much healtier as we can controll what to use for seasoning.

[@veecamp3373]

Love your ideas . Thankyou so much.

[@theREmissionary]

That popcorn envelope is the same way I make spud sacks - very handy!

[@sallystults7111]

I’ve been wanting to make the face scrubbie then I found them on line and bought them. But maybe I could make them for my friends.what a great idea. Thank you.

[@margaretswann6805]

Thank you for doing this video. I like the way you teach. I will definitely be making all the items you shared.

[@tranquilityyogapilates2946]

Great eco idea for the eye makeup remover wipes. Doing some for myself

[@monicapoole8900]

Great job with your gift idea. Thanks for sharing

[@TheAmiMom]

Oh my the mass produced face wipe method is genius!!!

[@priscilasanchez9235]

Thank you so much !!!! Great explanation eco friendly and perfect for the holidays !!! And well being on a budget !!! Ha

[@katherineanderson8570]

The makeup wipes are brilliant! Thanks. You could also make them square and reduce wastage.

[@gingercakesews]

That's true! Its kinda nice not dealing with corners though 😉

[@katherineanderson8570]

@@gingercakesews I was thinking of using a small stitch length wrong sides together, not needing to turn them out and pinking the edges. Now, off to the dollar store to find a bar towel! I'll let you know if that works.

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Katherine Anderson Oh that sounds like it would work!

[@maryhogue2844]

I like these kinds of videos. Thank you great ideas.

[@dorothygriffiths6626]

Hi Virginia it is always such a treat to see your channel pop up in my notifications, you are my favourite vlogger. I love all your ideas, this year I am trying hard to be more aware of our environment. I am currently making little bags from my stash to put gifts in rather than use wrapping paper. I love the make up pads and have 3 granddaughters aged 27, 21 and 12 so these will be perfect for them. The shopping bags will be perfect for my friends as we do a lot of shopping together 😀😀. I hadn’t thought of serviettes and really love your fabric ones, as a family we have always used paper ones but yours are just beautiful. Virginia I hope we will see more of you, you really are an inspiring and generous teacher. Sending you all my love as always. Dorothy. U.K. xxxxxxxxxx 🙋🏻😘🌟❤️

[@gingercakesews]

Dorothy! You are so kind to me. I am so glad you liked the video. I love hearing from you having your support. 😊😊😊😍

[@BMoll87]

definitely gonna make some face cleaner cloths! I still have scraps from baby towels i made for my daughter and her quilt.. perfect use for that! :)

[@michelletrevethan9945]

Thank you for this. I have been using the makeup pads that someone else made. But I am going to have a go at making my own xx

[@irisnaderi358]

thank you for all of these great ideas. I have made the makeup remover pads and I add a short ribbon loop so they can be hung to dry before throwing them in a lingerie bag or the hamper for washing later.

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Iris Naderi Oh that’s a terrific idea!

[@gingercakesews]

Very smart! Thanks for the tip!

[@michaelandannlong2004]

Lynnette Jennings junkjournal

[@Anxiousbookdragon]

Wow! I was gonna make mine the same way. 🙂

[@tiiug.9973]

Love that idea, and I will do the same on mine. tfs.

[@SouthpawPatty]

I wasn't paying attention when this video automatically showed up. I had the sound off. When I first saw it I thought you were making nursing pads. LOL! Now I need to watch the whole thing. Those might be a great gift to make for a new mom who is breast feeding. Thank you!

[@suides4810]

Patty VanDeWalker oh thats right what a good idea

[@gingercakesews]

That would be perfect! Great idea.

[@Tybuner]

Oooh yes!

[@jessicagiangreco7104]

You could easily make those with the same pattern, using flannel with a terry cloth liner between the flannel and print. So sweet!

[@JaimeDornanLady]

Jessica Giangreco That would be a great gift for a new mom or for a baby shower gift!

[@christinemann6027]

I LOVE the cotton rounds idea! I see a whole bunch being gifted this Christmas!

[@Spokenfan]

Great ideas 👍 these would all make great gifts 🎁 I’m definitely making these for our family. The makeup remover rounds are nice and it’s so smart to make them round because they are much faster since there are no corners to turn and push out. Also if you mark you fabric carefully there is hardly any waste 👍. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas 💡👏👍🧵

[@radhikanbabu3128]

Very cute

[@Coastalanne54]

Some great ideas my 9 year old granddaughter can make with me for her older brother and sister for Christmas !

[@theresav1679]

Love these! I'm going to see if my 13yo wants to make some of the makeup scrubbies so she can gift them to friends for the holiday.

[@gingercakesews]

Perfect! I think my 13 wants to do the same!

[@JaimeDornanLady]

You can also get a washable plastic round container at the dollar store, fill it full of liquid makeup remover if choice, & add the sponges! Then everything ya eco-friendly-washable & refillable container, washable sponges! You can even make your own printable labels and put on the container. Such a thoughtful, easy, sweet gift to make!

[@consuelomaslanka2194]

Jaime Dornan Lady is it okay to leave the makeup wipes submerged in the makeup remover? Or is it better to just add it to the wipe as needed?

[@cwfan2]

I bought the Kindle version of your book Sewing to Sell. I stayed up all night reading it. I think it's going to become one of my fav "go-to" books.

[@dancinginabundance]

I took mine to Kinko's and had the spine removed, punched and bound - I love that book!

[@sylviafielding6085]

@@dancinginabundance l

[@linneawestberg6435]

ive made car trashcans for some loved ones that has a strap to go around the gearshift and keep it in arms reach:) made two several years ago and two recently, it was fun altering the pattern to be prettier and more efficient this time:)

[@notime7574]

So happy to see you making more videos 😀 I have made your vintage bread roll holder a few years back.

[@gingercakesews]

I'm so glad you are back! That bread roll holder is still one of my favorite projects 😊

[@notime7574]

@@gingercakesews I gave them as gift one year. Now I just need to make me one. I used the glass plate from my microwave to make the circle. 😁

[@elegancefashionhouseboutiq4846]

Love ur idea....thanks for sharing👍...liked & subscribed🌷

[@annapower1833]

Great video! Would love to see more videos with easy sewing projects for eco friendly items!!

[@gingercakesews]

I am hoping to make more soon Anna!

[@deannesherriff3247]

How I envy your table space!

[@lindamcclellan8434]

Thanks for showing the popcorn maker after being made.

[@sondravaxmonsky7047]

Thank you for your ideas. I had bought your book about 2 years ago and love it. Nice to see your videos and the Popcorn Bag. I have some extra material I need to use up. Been making masks to donate. Hoping this Covid-19 sickness goes away soon.

[@MisKulit31]

My channel is about sewing but im just a beginner,i really love people who sew something amazing or if i make it myself i have struggle a lot,nice works,

[@jaybirdsong_23132]

Thank you for sharing our DIY Coconut Oil Makeup Remover Recipe! Your channel is amazing!😍

[@gingercakesews]

You are welcome! It works great 😉

[@dorothymcleod1]

I put the fabric right side to wrong side of terry ....mark all the circles... pin, go to the machine and stitch inside each circle about 1/4' and then with pinking shears cut each one out and you are done. With the terry scraps I use them for the tie and make a bag with some scraps and the piece cut off. Put them all in the bag and then it can go in the washer.

[@jessicagiangreco7104]

The popcorn bag is genius! I am also trying to reduce waste in my home. We have about 4dozen everyday napkins and cleaning cloths for our kitchen We have 9 people in our family and just using those has reduced our paper waste (and grocery budget) a great deal! I think my three teenage daughters would love the makeup wipes, too! Thanks for adding the link to the makeup remover, I am going to try it! #newsubscriber

[@JaimeDornanLady]

LOVE the popcorn bags! Could you box the corners of the bottom so that you could eat out of the bag w/it standing up after the popcorn is popped?

[@marysmith2310]

Jaime Dornan Lady I boxed the bottom at 1 1/2 inches. They stand up beautifully. I’ve just finished my 10th bag. I’m making them for Christmas gifts.

[@jonidotson4710]

Do you have a vudeo showing the dreamcatcher- like wall hanging on the wall behind you? I love it!

[@peggydid]

Thank you so much for sharing these lovely gift ideas with us, Virginia!

[@susanr4967]

I love the popcorn bag.

[@Dianah1952]

Thank you for your great ideas. I love you scissors and that pretty fabric you used for your circles. Blessings to you!

[@hel2on4wheels]

Thank you, you could use an upturned glass or cup to draw round.

[@KnitLoveHK]

Love the video Thanks for sharing

[@donsheerman4239]

Great ideas thanks so much. I know how busy you must be with 4 kids, but I would love to see more of you and your many projects. God bless you and yours this Thanks giving and Christmas. We all have much to be thankful for. Carol .

[@folaoyejola3709]

Hi, thanks for your good works, I'll like to make the bag but one that can hold 10 inches box, please help. Thanks

[@knitknack2285]

Love the popcorn bags, I really like the idea of reusable face scrubbies. I’ve got two girls and a teenage boy that I think would love them. Going over to buy your book now. Thanks

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Enjoy your channel love the pop corn bag and the washable face cleaners well it all lol thank you for sharing!!! Subscribed to your channel Liz.

[@margaretklein8753]

So cute thank you!!!

[@ssoozee]

I swear, I just love you, Virginia Lindsay! I’m giving napkins, face wipes and popcorn bags to all my friends this year. I’ve been sewing like crazy. I own both of your Sewing to Sell books, and though I use them only for all of your fun projects, you never know! Thank you for your hard work and for sharing your beautiful and doable creations. I’m the Queen of Christmas this year! 💖

[@gingercakesews]

AW! You are so sweet! I am so happy that you are making these things!

[@usarmymedic1334]

I make those. I also make reusable coffee and tea filters out if muslin

[@MegaBpop]

Great idea for the make up remover pads.

[@carolbrunn7807]

Thank you for sharing! What a great time with not being able to go anywhere to use up our scraps! My adult daughter who lives with us is so happy to find the popcorn bag.

[@3Windles]

Just found your channel and love your ideas 😊 new subscriber x

[@harrisjh87]

I made the reusable popcorn bag and it came out so nicely! Thank you.

[@gabriellagonda1544]

How do you make the popcorn in them? Do you add anything salt or oil before putting them in the microwawe? How do you flavour them afterwards?

[@harrisjh87]

Gabriella Gonda I put the popcorn in the bag for 2 minutes. I season the popcorn in a bowl with salt & butter, to taste. I personally like seasoning afterwards because it keeps the bag clean.

[@gabriellagonda1544]

@@harrisjh87 thanks for the tips!

[@kayphelan2995]

Great Idea, I am going to try making these.

[@interacdadlitours7826]

I just signed into skill share. Thank you so much for sharing the link.

[@themirrorimagestitcher]

You really have some great ideas 💡 Thanks for sharing!

[@keepup8868]

I love these! My family will love all of these ideas.

[@alejandrabarrios7072]

Very pretty... ❤ I love it...thank you so much for sharing it...

[@cordypops2839]

I love the popcorn bag thank you!

[@jayamilapersson4030]

I dont get why the makeup pads need to be a circle im making mine squares

[@gingercakesews]

Go for it! I think I just always thought of circles in my head. Like those cotton ones we used to buy in a tube? Squares will work great! I just imagined circles 😂

[@CrochetwithClare]

Love the video! Do you have a tutorial for your pin cushion ?

[@petrodiedericks6591]

Love this tutorial. Can I use soft towelling instead of chenille?

[@julierbrtsn60]

With that straight piece of waste of both - maybe a headband to keep hair off face for cleansing?

[@grandmasheeshee9579]

Always enjoy you're videos. Broke my arm doing a covid 19 haircut, so haven't been able to sew anything for 2 1/2 weeks. It's driving me crazy.

[@stephiepeterson]

Thanks for the cute ideas. I bet the popcorn bag serves as a bag to eat it from as well!

[@gingercakesews]

yes! Except, it is pretty plain when it comes out of the bag. I don't mind plain popcorn but my family wants some butter and salt on there! For that I usually put it into a bowl :) . Then I can use my bag several times before I have to put it in the wash.

[@stephiepeterson]

Virginia Lindsay nice! Yeah, the butter especially Gabe me pause and had me reconsidering the bowl idea. Thanks!!

[@JaimeDornanLady]

Virginia Lindsay Could you use the PUL fabric for the lining in the microwave? I’m not sure how that stands under the heat. ??? That way, and w/boxed corners on the bottom, you could add your butter & salt, eat out of the bag with it standing up, and through the bag in the wash afterwards. Thoughts?

[@gingercakesews]

@@JaimeDornanLady hmm. I'm not sure. I have some PUL from when I attempted to sew cloth diapers. I'm not sure it would be ok for the microwave. But I love the idea of it standing up to eat out of it! That would be so nice

[@jenpitre9444]

@@JaimeDornanLady most PUL is not food safe and all PUL isnt recommended to go in a dryer so I would say no to PUL

[@aliceveenema]

Great ideas! I've made your grocery bags, and plenty of napkins before. I love the idea of using vintage sheets! I have a gorgeous sheet I've been hanging onto because of the rich colours, but it's too small for any bed of ours and has been patched. I've never seen the popcorn bags before--what a great idea! I have a few nephews and nieces who I think will appreciate them!

[@mclrose7]

What else can the popcorn bags be used for? Veggies? Warming up bread? Does the thread also have to be 100% cotton?

[@beckytheobsessedstitcher1170]

I love these ideas! I have made face wipes for washing but not these great makeup removers. You mentioned a favorite recipe for remover. If you have that handy would you mind sharing that link?

[@gingercakesews]

Hi! Here is one that I think will be great colleenhobson.com/diy-coconut-oil-makeup-remover/

[@beckytheobsessedstitcher1170]

Virginia Lindsay thank you so much. Interesting read by the author as well as a great recipe. I appreciate your taking the time to reply.

[@aliceschrag1914]

Obsessed Stitcher pp

[@carolyncarter-nash6757]

Love these ideas. May I ask what size are the circles? I am excited to get making all these ideas for Christmas presents this year. Thank you. 🙏🏻💜🥰

[@MegaBreyergirl]

Love all these!

[@orangecorner0826]

very nice and affordable

[@aida5112]

👍 I really appreciate your tutorial. You are one of those people who make me feel that my sewing is ok n good. Gave me a lot of confidence. Thank you so much.

[@gingercakesews]

That is exactly what I want to hear! Sewing doesn't need to be perfect! It's just fun to try things. Thanks for the comment 😊

[@kaybonette]

I think I will make the makeup pads a little larger and square to reduce waste and make it easier to turn in the raw edges. Here's another Dollar Tree idea. I couldn't find the medium weight interfacing I needed for a project and bought a few tote bags from the Dollar Tree and the large stitches were very easy to rip. These were not plastic but felt like medium weight. After pressing with the iron I had quite a bit of interfacing!

[@gingercakesews]

Smart thinking! Let me know how it holds up to washing!

[@sobreira-martyndesign3317]

I loved all your ideas! Thank you. Curious why you didn’t make square makeup remover pads instead of circle; it would have reduced the amount of fabric waste.

[@gingercakesews]

lots of people have asked that! I just had it in mind to do the circles. Squares will work great too!

[@Venhenny]

12:57 there are some great markers on the market from pilot. they disapear with heat.

[@carolrobinson9607]

Nice and easy!

[@rubyc.4311]

Are the fabrics you used for the snack bag food safe? I’ve seen other ppl used pul or other ones that are food safe. Ty

[@long2baproverbs31woman2]

I like the idea of the cloth bags but I use plastic ones because you can lock them with the handles so stuff doesn’t roll around in the back of the car. I guess one could use Velcro on the top of these cloth bags? Or are there other solutions I’m not thinking of? TIA

[@gingercakesews]

I hear you! I think you need to just find a place in your car where they won't roll around. Maybe pack them into a corner. Also maybe a flat bottomed style would be better for you. You will be so happy not having all those plastic grocery bags to throw away or store for recycling. 😊

[@helenw6594]

Here in Wales (UK) we've had to pay for plastic bags for 8 years... I make fabric tote bags with shoulder length straps; you can tie them together half way down to carry in the hand, or tie close to the body of the bag to stop your apples & potatoes rolling all over your car. Pop 10 cents per bag per use into a jar every shopping trip, see how quickly it mounts up - saving money as well as the planet!

[@JaimeDornanLady]

Some of the bags use webbed straps, which you could tie together as easily as you can the handles of the plastic bags. You could also put snaps, buttons, zippers, or Velcro in the tops to close them.

[@dianarobertson9407]

Great ideas. Thank you. I'm going to make the face cloths and gift them in a net bag for washing with a beautiful bow. Thank you again.

[@bobbiedurham5010]

Great ideas! (Volume went down suddenly.) Remover pads: I will use the Terry cloth/bar towel on both sides. Also will try some with soft innards to see how I like that. There's so many items we could make to reduce waste and drain on our budgets. Then there are the landfills. Wish we did more recycling here. I imagine they wash well. Reusable even if some lipstick stain remains...at least it's clean.

[@bakerwannabe4435]

Thank you for this information. You present information in a great manner. I did not see the link to Skillshare. Is it still available?

[@cordellasamuel695]

what type of material you use for the popcorn bag?

[@emmastitch2514]

link for cloth napkins- 1:46 makeup remover pads- 10:50 popcorn bags- 5:33

[@KJSew]

Question... could you sew and pink the edges, which would eliminate turning. Believe I will try it.😌

[@blacksunshine5758]

Maybe a stack of quilting squares would make the eye pad project go faster. I can live with squares 😀

[@gingercakesews]

great idea!