Onto the Christmas presents!
I really love Christmas, it's my favourite time of the year. The holiday spirit, the decorations, the classic films and music, the food and the time I get to spend with my family is just a combination like no other. I've always loved giving presents, in fact I like giving presents more than receiving them! Seeing as I have received so much positive feedback for my sewing projects from both my family and you guys, I thought homemade Christmas presents might be a good idea.
For my sister, Jane, I made an apron using this pattern, which I bought from this seller on eBay:
I made view 2. Here's Jane, wearing her present:
It was very straightforward to put together, I didn't even have to use the instructions. The only alterations I made were to face the ties as I thought I added a nicer finish, and, when attaching the ties to the waistband, I made little pleats instead of using gathering stitches as I've never cared much for gathering stitches. If you like this design, you'll be happy to know that you can get a reproduction pattern featuring the tiered aprons from this pattern as well as another lovely vintage apron design.
I used all cotton and I picked different shades of blue for the apron as blue is my sister's favourite colour. She's a mother of two and loves cooking and baking, so she was extremely happy with her present and she just can't stop wearing it :D
For my mother I made an eyeglasses case using this pattern, which I got from Midvale Cottage on Etsy:
And here's the result:
For the floral decoration, I used this craft pattern, which I also got from Midvale Cottage:
For my father, who loves everything about nature and wildlife, I also made an eyeglasses case:
I got the pattern for the deer appliques from this pattern, which I bought from this seller on eBay:
Both eyeglasses cases and their appliques are made from felt. I used textile glue to attach the appliques. It was fun to make something that was so easy, but the best bit was how happy the recipients were!
Lastly, I made view G from this pattern, which I also got from Midvale Cottage on Etsy:
And here's what my interpretation looks like:
Yes, I admit it, I'm a crazy cat lady! I'm not kidding myself, though; I know my cats only found this "stocking" even remotely interesting because of the fake mice I'd stuffed inside it, hehe.
It is made from yellow felt and accented with deep red rick-rack trim and firey orange swarovski rhinestones. Again, a very straightforward item to make :)
The presents were so well-received that I'll definately make more items for friends and family in the future. My brother and his girlfriend are expecting their first child, so I'll soon be an aunt for the third time; this has got me thinking about making stuffed toys from vintage patterns. Other than that I have several gorgeous patterns and equally fabulous fabric lined up; I'll probably not get it all made this year, but it's always nice to have something planned and ready ;)
Thank you for reading, I hope I'll be back with a new post soon!
