Things to Consider Before Making Handmade Gifts

Get the printable gift tags here! www.pincutsewstudio.com/shop/... Or here on Etsy if you prefer: www.etsy.com/listing/13483790...
PROJECT LINKS:
Book Sleeves: www.pincutsewstudio.com/blog/...
Bookmarks: www.pincutsewstudio.com/blog/...
Coffee Sleeves: www.pincutsewstudio.com/blog/...
Apron: www.pincutsewstudio.com/blog/...
Infinity Scarf: www.pincutsewstudio.com/blog/...
Oversized Hot Pads: www.pincutsewstudio.com/blog/...
Velvet Hair Bows: www.pincutsewstudio.com/blog/...
Sock Monkey: www.pincutsewstudio.com/blog/...
Journal Covers: www.pincutsewstudio.com/blog/...
My rag doll and doll clothes patterns: www.pincutsewstudio.com/shop?...
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And on Pinterest: / pincutsewstudio
Happy Sewing!
Love, Nikki

[@elisabethmontegna5412]

I just paused the video and wrote on my white board, “Don’t ask permission from your family [or anyone else] to live within your means.” Thank you for that. I struggle with this a lot when it comes to gift giving. It was much easier when we didn’t live near any family at all. When we moved to live closer to my husband’s family about 6 years ago it got harder and harder to stick to certain boundaries, especially at Christmas time. Since it’s right now the end of September it’s the perfect time for me to hear that message.

[@michellejaggard9657]

I don't give a sewing or canning gift that take me more than an hour to make to ANYONE that doesn't sew/quilt or can/cook , crochet or knit, because until they know how much time, blood, sweat and tears money they don't know how much goes into it, I feel they won't appreciate what it takes to make their gift. I saw someone's DOG laying on a quilt I made!!!!! It would have sold for $700, it was't a $10 trow from Walmart. I also won't "mend or sew up something" for someone because they don't sew and they don't realize how much time it really takes. I do make pot holders and tiny pillows and pin cushions. they make great gifts

[@beverlyobrien7954]

I made a simple but beautiful zipper bag for a friend last Christmas and stuffed it with teas and honey sticks. When she unwrapped her gift she asked oh, you made this? and put it on the floor next to her. Whoa, eye opened.

[@diannalucas7075]

I only make gifts for people who I KNOW will appreciate them.

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Wow...😮😢

[@heidicook2395]

Sadly, I've found some people are not worth my time to make gifts for them. They didn’t care for or appreciate them. It's discouraging to go visit and see something I've spent hours creating laying on the floor being stepped on, or in a thrift store where it was given away. Especially since I try to ask them for colors and patterns they like. Some people, even though I love them dearly, I do not make gifts for them unless I give it realizing it will not be cared for or kept. Having said that, I have received some gifts that are not my style, color, size, whatever. I keep them in a certain drawer so that if the person comes for a visit, they live at a distance, I can bring the item out and put it in a place where it will be seen. If it's an article of clothing I try and wear it at least once during their visit, or show them fitting issues if I can't wear it. I try to honor the time and love they put into the gift even though they don't know me as well as they thought.

[@janetd4862]

This video showed up in my feed, and I almost didn’t click on it. I’m older than you, and learned all the lessons you have. Most of my siblings had just two kids, some lived far away, and they all had more to spend on gifts. I had five kids, and didn’t really want to spend much on extended family. It became obvious that some didn’t like homemade things, so I had to reevaluate. One year, I knitted up a lot of my yarn stash using patterns from the One Skein Wonders series. I had scarves, hats, slippers, mitts, sets of dishcloths, lots of other things, and I knitted more items than there were recipients. I put them all in a huge basket, and let everyone take one. That was the best thing I’d ever done! Everyone LIKED what they took, and I would NEVER have matched up the item they chose with them 🤷‍♀️. I really like your oversized potholders, too, and yes, you need a label so they know what it is! This last Christmas, I made potholders for all my (now grown) children. A lot of them were chenille, and THAT was definitely a stash buster, as each potholder was eight layers of fabric, and I gave everyone a pair…so I cut 16 good sized squares for each pair, plus used up cotton batting scraps. I have at least 30 years worth of built up quilt fabric stash, so I need those stash busters. I also get out my huge bin of knitted socks at family get-togethers, and let them help themselves. My kids came to me about ten years ago and asked if we could skip the whole gift exchange at Christmas. They all had young families, and it came up that they enjoyed Thanksgiving more than Christmas, because it was so much less stressful. I give them things that I make all year round, but this really is so much less stressful. I wish my siblings had been amenable to that years ago.

[@datasciyinfo5133]

I’ve made a few baby blankets with embroidered name, birthdate, mother and father’s names on it. I only made a few for close friends and they loved it. The first one was a request because a baby boy almost lost his comfort blanket on a plane and they had an emergency. Parents knew I sewed, so asked if I can make something with similar materials but larger. I did some research, and they have been a hit with every baby and parents since then. 😊 It’s made with minkee blanket material 30”x40” (half yard), satiny heavy weight lining fabric backing, home-made cotton binding from animal print fabric, and medium loft polyester batting. I quilt w diamond points or straight stitch with gaps between squares. I find it impossible not to have puckers when joining layers. This feels like cloud nine and has high loft.

[@miriamrempel422]

Good video. I also recently heard this advice, You can tell a great gift by how much it gets used more than the person's immediate reaction. For example I made my nephew a silk screen t-shirt with a platypus on it. He didn’t say anything or seem at all excited, but now I see him wear it all the time, so I know he loves it

[@foechicken8023rileylastname]

I subbed. I plan on making my through your videos once I am moved and unpack my machine and fabric. I made zipper bags for all the ladies at my church because I am moving. It was an appreciation gift for being so generous towards me. They, meaning most of them, really appreciated the fact that I made each one unique for them.

[@gardengirl4718]

An easy wedding shower gift I give is to buy dish towels of the bride's choice and then knit up half a dozen cotton dish rags to go with them. Like with your oversized hot pads, I learned some people thought they were pot holders so I started adding a tag announcing them as 100% cotton hand-knitted dish rags. I've just discovered your channel in the last week and am LOVING it!!!

[@PinCutSew]

Welcome and thanks for that great idea! :)

[@marilynmiller559]

Love your videos. I'm a fairly beginner sewer who really appreciates the sewing tips, etc. Lately have been making microwave cozies for friends and they absolutely love them. It's very satisfying!

[@ellythompson4055]

Ahh Dah! I made Jammie’s this year again for grand kiddos and a couple friends and have for years and have been beating myself up for not enjoying the process any more. This year I just didn’t enjoy the process. Thank you for validating my recent decision! Just found your channel and really like it.

[@kellyallen3798]

rice bags, pillowcases, crochet a ruffle on a pair of baby socks, pillow covers, pillow covers for pet beds, placemats, placemats for pets, decorative border on hand towels.

[@pLanetstarBerry]

My immediate family has a not-so-secret Santa exchange for Christmas. It's partially so we don't have to stress over giving everyone gifts, partially so we all can have the chance to get something nice for Christmas. Most of the times, no matter whose name I draw, I make my gift. Because I usually like doing big projects, love the process of planning to make something they'd like, and I'm lucky enough that my family enjoys my handmade gifts. For 2022, I drew my sister's name and made her a quilt that was a pixel-art recreation of her favorite painting. I'm so glad she loved it! Most times I try to surprise them, but sometimes they make requests which is fine for me as well. It's probably the only time I ever hear "will you make me that?" and I actually agree to it.

[@PinCutSew]

That’s so sweet! My sister is one of the few people I’ve made a quilt for too ♥️.

[@maryjanegibson7743]

Not everyone sees homemade gifts as expressions of love. Perhaps they don't make things themselves and don't understand the value of the time and effort that goes into making gifts. Sometimes, they just like other kinds of things that aren't handmade. I wish I had learned this many years ago, as it would have helped me to focus on those things that were most meaningful to the recipients, and more time could be spent on making things for people who appreciate them.

[@dianneunderwood8456]

And your gift tags say it all!! Love them mostly because most people don't know how much time & effort go into a handmade project (even small ones). Not to mention having to fix mistakes (oh boy have I ripped out miles of knitting and sewing seams over the years!) Thank you for a well thought out and interesting video.

[@janetwhiteman171]

I so needed to hear this ! Thank you so much . I will now sew guilt free xx

[@leahball4784]

I discovered you recently on KZbin and have really been enjoying your videos! Yes I typically handknit, crochet or sew Christmas gifts but it's become stressful and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. I'm starting to try to refocus on the recipients that I think will appreciate them the most, rather than feeling I have to handmake everything. One thing I do sometimes is instead purchase beautiful handmade things by someone else as a gift to support another maker and still offer a lovely handmade item without feeling I have to find nonexistent time to make everything!

[@elainelear4982]

Great idea.

[@philipbrazis8732]

Ruth here, l cut way back on gifts, people thought they knew me, nope, they didn't, l enjoy giving to our son and husband, parents when they were alive. I focus on relationships, the joy of Christmas, Jesus etc

[@heartnsew5999]

.j J

[@rmcrms5]

I needed to hear this. I burn out every year coming up with new ideas and mass sewing gifts for everyone. I never have time to sew what I want for me because I'm constantly thinking about what someone else wants from me.

[@julieross546]

I find myself making things for others who might or might not appreciate it but then look back and realize I hadn’t made anything for myself! You had some very sage advice here in this video. Even a grandma can take a few lessons. Thank you.

[@NJGardengirl1961]

I am 63 and I still remember my mom made clothes for my Barbie for Christmas. I loved them more than store bought Barbie clothes because they were made from the dresses she had made for me. She also made pillows that spelled out my name for my bed for my eighth grade graduation. I still have those pillows and treasure them to this day!

[@Cuttlebuglover]

Listening to this video while I crochet a tiny pair of mitten tree ornaments using left over sock yarn, ready to gift with small chocolate bars in. I’ve knitted socks for 3 friends recently, and crocheted a pair of stocking ornaments with some of the matching yarn, again big enough for a wrapped chocolate.

[@karenlittle2905]

I have made handmade gifts for years. My gift giving list is pretty small so I have time to make what I plan. I have only had one gift "rejected" and I understood why! I had knit a sweater of "unknown" fibre yarn (big mistake). It stretched all out of shape in the first wash! It was fine when I washed it -- I hand washed it -- however my niece has no patience for hand washing so she threw it in the washing machine with the regular clothes...... Other then that gifts have been used until they fall apart! (or the child grows out of them).

[@missyb.623]

Great ideas. Hot pads of any size always seem to be a hit. They DO wear out! My son-in-law specifically asked me for over sized oven mitts a few years back. Easy to make. I have seen them, it's time for a new pair 😂

[@Noreenlee1]

I've given lots of bowl cozies to neighbors and friends. I always make more than I think I'll need and nearly always give them all out. Coasters have also been a popular little gift. I just watched your coffee cozy tutorial, and I plan to make those for the neighbors and as stocking stuffers for our grown kids. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't find them handy and useful. Thanks!

[@26debsterdots]

I did bowl copies this year as well. Most had never heard of them and them searched out on the internet. Then became so amazed and excited. So It was a good call.

[@foechicken8023rileylastname]

I made a tote bag and bowl cozie for my favorite friend at my church. She loves them. She uses them all the time. The first time I saw her using the bag my heart sang!! I usually sell my stuff but for the special people in my life I just give them the items.

[@BAFriend4]

Thank you! You are so right about making gifts. I will remember what you said and your gift ideas.

[@molliemoltzau5258]

I still have all 4 ornaments you gave me! Yes, ornaments are awesome! I still have my tea caddy too.

[@PinCutSew]

Awww that makes me so happy!

[@scarletelephants5140]

I make Christmas decorations and put them into my Christmas cards. I think it make a nice surprise when you open the card. I have an embroidery machine and I sew free standing lace

[@katinhat73]

Beautifully said, all of it.

[@bhallmark3390]

I really do appreciate this video. I’ve been struggling for half this year about a gift I made for a friend. I just don’t know if it’s right for her. Must do more thinking about it to resolve. Your idea for oversized hot pads may be the solution!

[@Imjetta7]

Great ideas, thank you! I have seven children, and the married ones are getting oversized hot pads, as are a few friends. January is when I begin preparing and/or making things for Christmas!

[@mout6017]

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible knowledge and skills. I really appreciate your honest, sage advice.

[@donnabush7938]

I literally laughed out loud when you talked about emptying the fabric stash to make Christmas gifts! I made bowl cozies for some of my gifts this year, and actually bought the fabric for each, because out of the 17 totes of fabric in my closet, I didn’t have anything to match the personalities of the recipients!

[@PinCutSew]

I can relate!

[@wandaadams1772]

I make gifts for my sister and her two daughters. This year I crocheted dish towel toppers and Christmas pot holders. Last year I bought my sister a dish towel topper at a craft fair and said I could make these so I made my nieces one each.

[@xiomaraespinoza9190]

What a great topic!!! I'm very stress about gifts I want to make. I'm trying to make fabric baskets and buy something to put inside but I'm running out of time😣

[@pamkahmann3833]

Very wise words!!!

[@sherryedwards5978]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Just finding your channel.

[@LAKP1958]

You look really pretty with your hair down!

[@LovingHandsDesign]

I agree so much with everything you said and do them all. Thank you. I to am lucky that both sides of my family love anything I sew for them and often request certain things. Everyone knows I always finish up my sewing the first week of December and then shutdown until after the New Year. Stress free holidays makes for a happy healthy sewist 😊❤

[@cjane51]

Thanks Nicki. Helpful reminders. Heading to your shop for funny gift tags

[@CordulaPrice]

Thank you 😊for sharing

[@Imaqueen2023]

I just discovered your channel. I have the same Janome and it’s a wonderful machine. Totally agree with the video.

[@donnabush7938]

Speaking of ‘beefing up’ homemade gifts, last year I made my DIL a mug rug and added a nice mug, a box of her favorite teas, and 3-4 bottles of local (to me) honey. It was a huge hit!

[@lesa6399]

Your channel just popped up & im glad it did!!! 🎉

[@jessicachavez4296]

I needed to hear this.

[@nancyb483]

Same!

[@beverlyosborn5240]

Thanks for the filing tips my stash was a mess not visual at all. I had been thinking of rolling them watched your video and job done ❤

[@pamhuckle3029]

My daughter in law made game piece bags fo her kids. Great for all sirts of things .

[@lisawilson363]

Good information and btw~your eyes look gorgeous!

[@PinCutSew]

Aw, thank you ☺️

[@annas.r.p.5835]

I often give a throw ( nap) size quilt for a gift .... but I only make one or two a year... I start in January for the next year's gifts. I make them from my scrap fabrics but I keep those scraps in controlled colorway.... I use block patterns that look good using scraps ... Arkansas Crossroads, Mosaic or any of the free patterns from QUILTED TWINS works well. I often make the quilt in a QUILT AS YOU GO METHOD. For the guys I often use denim and home -dec fabrics as these quilts get drag to hunting, off road races, and other sporting events. Sports Team logos go over good... UNLESS you give the wrong logo to them.

[@sleepyfacedangel]

This couldn't have came at a better time, thank you! Novice sewer here! 🙋🏻 Made cell phone holders for my family last Christmas & they loved them! Going to try to make your oversized hotpads & jar openers this season. Last year, I got so overwhelmed trying to make something for my co-workers & family... I was driving myself crazy & just had to give myself a break. Because I can, doesn't mean I have to or need to make something homemade. I needed that reminder... ❤️ Thanks again! 🙏

[@PinCutSew]

Yes, three cheers for giving yourself a break! 🙌🏻

[@sleepyfacedangel]

@@PinCutSew We work in a freezer & I had the grand idea to make hand warmers, last minute idea mind you & I'm still learning about materials for such projects... The tutorials make everything look so easy peasy! 🤭 I normally give fuzzy socks to my crew & did last year because I got overwhelmed. I'd like to finish the cellphone holders I started for my supervisors last year & my crew... We'll see. Hotpads are for my mama, brother's family, his in laws & a good friend. They love Arkansas Razorbacks so that's easy, binding not so much! 🤭

[@PinCutSew]

@@sleepyfacedangel Well, be encouraged, because my binding method is the reason that video went viral! Happy sewing, you can do it 😃

[@triplewinlin5576]

I sewed all of my family's gifts for Christmas last month, including the gift bags. All were so very well received, way better than I dared to hope for!

[@keeleypowell6121]

I love the ornament idea! Do you have a cupcake ornament pattern available?

[@cynthiamoon4315]

No wonder my husband can't buy me anything for gifts. I wear black all the time, 95% of the time, that and purple, I'm rather a gothy punk, but my house and artwork is FULL of color, very Salley Mavor / Mary Engelbreit. Gold, Blue, Red, Green everywhere. He's clearly confused by my choices. LOL I made net dish scrubbies for years because I was so poor. The year I had enough money to purchase thoughtful gifts was the year I discovered that I could never stop making them. The cry of anguish, "I've been making my last one last until today and no scrubbies! WAH!" was something I wasn't prepared for. They have all passed away now and I wish I still could make scrubbies for them.

[@SparkyOne549]

I ummd and aaahd ( how do ya type that? Lol ) over making bowl cozies for my sister in laws . One is a seamstress, one doesn’t sew. I house sit for them and her dogs and she had one bowl cozy, so I measured all their different bowls, and plan on making different sizes. Also making some for my mother in law who is also a seamstress and quilter who doesn’t have any. They use a lot of bowls. Also making cord keepers, their cords need organization lol I start sewing soon. I had never sewn for anything for anyone before. Both women are accomplished sewers. I’m more concerned that my sewing won’t be up to par with theirs lol I was able to buy all the fabric for a great price, my budget is limited so it was a good deal for me. I was stuck on what to buy for them, plus, it would have cost me a lot more to buy gifts for all 3. Thankfully both my sister in laws live together, they can both use what I’m making, in their favorite colors.

[@PinCutSew]

Those are great ideas! I wouldn’t worry about them judging your sewing! Since they sew, they’ll truly appreciate the effort you put in to make them something 💕. Thank you for sharing!

[@SparkyOne549]

@@PinCutSew Thank you!

[@DL-by8el]

The large hot trivets are nice but should not be used in the oven since they are not fire proof fabrics. Thank you for this idea!

[@SMBDesigns]

Hi. Im new to your channel. I noticed you have the mc6650 machine. Have you had any trouble with using the M foot for overcasting? Thank you in advance

[@PinCutSew]

I haven’t tried it yet, but I will and will get back to ya!

[@hey_virginia]

Love this! How did you make the pie ornaments, or is there a tutorial somewhere? I do an ornament exchange with my book club and that would be perfect for my recipient this year - she got married on Pi Day 3/14 🥰

[@PinCutSew]

Yes there’s a pattern! Here’s a link: www.etsy.com/listing/212384470/

[@tanyaperrin1218]

My daughter got married on 3.14 as well!

[@lisamarieesposito4842]

Do you have a video for the babushka doll ornaments? I would like to make some!! Thank you!!

[@PinCutSew]

That pattern is in a book called Sew Pretty Christmas Homestyle (if not that one, it's in the Sew Pretty Homestyle book). I've seen both books at the library, but they're worth buying! I made several things from them.

[@lisamarieesposito4842]

@@PinCutSew thank you…I’ll look into it!!!

[@lisamarieesposito4842]

How funny is this…I have this book!!! Recently ‘re’found it!!! :)

[@christinepantling3826]

Before I make a gift for someone I think would they spend that amount of time on me, if the answer yes they get the gift if its no then they don't get a home made gift.

[@mySydan]

make sure it's something they want and can use. Otherwise, you're wasting your time and contributing to the donation pile. They aren't obligated to use, want or like it just because it was 'hand made'. It's not about you.