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Let's make Christmas 2020 a HANDMADE one!
I know, I know. We have all the best intentions to create as many Christmas presents as possible ourselves. Every. Single. Year. And every single year we only get around to only making a couple. If at all.
But how about actually following up on our good intentions this year? We are at home anyway in some kind of form of lockdown or semi lockdown. So, why not try to use the time and be creative?
I can only speak for myself - but I treat the time in front of my sewing machine as proper quality time. That time is mine alone. Usually with a nice glass of wine (insert here whatever drink makes you happy...). So yeah, let's use our quality, kids-free time to create a truly handmade Christmas this year! Shall we?
Sewing Course
But of course - if you like to actually sew with me. Why not join my on-demand Sewing Course: Project Bag?! It's created in a way that you can make your very first item within one afternoon/ sitting. Binge watch the videos first or sew right alongside me.
Five easy to digest modules cover the basics of bag making before personalising your project bag in the bonus sections.
Level: beginner friendly!
So. You're in? Ok. Let's start.
Let's not be defied but instead live up to our good intentions this year. Making as many gifts as possible - a truly handmade Christmas. Ok, a good starting point would be bags. As always, right? You and probably your family and friends can never, ever have to many bags and pouches. Right?
So let's give some handmade bags and pouches to everyone this year.
My - and also your - favourite pattern in 2020 were definitely the WeeBrawBag and the Glitta Pouch. Dang, I've seen so many lovely versions by you popping up all over social media and I couldn't pick a favourite if you'd forced me. Therefore the obvious choice this year would be those two. What do you think?
And especially for this year, I made you a bundle of my most popular two patterns - the Christmas WeeBrawBag and of course the Christmas Glitta Pouch. They are both perfect to give and receive - I am sure your family and friends will be more than delighted with them.
A Christmas Glitta Pouch - the perfect gift for kids. But not only kids. Don't we all love a little glitter fun in our lifes? And dang, aren't they the most perfect teacher gifts as well? I am not sure how many of them I made over the years, I am pretty sure half the households in our wee town own at least one by now. There's always a birthday party, Christmas, end of term,... any occasion really.
And they are so quick to make.
You only need some fabric scraps (I am using Tinsel by Cloud9 Fabrics on mine) - I am sure you have plenty of those laying around at home. Then you would need some soft vinyl (I am using very soft and pliable 12 gauge vinyl), a plastic zipper and lots of glitter. The bigger you go with your glitter, the easier it floats around freely in your pouch. But I also like the finer, shimmery ones as they give a great effect. Have a look for MakeUp and Nail Art glitter if you also like the finer ones...
And notions wise. Please, please, please always only use clips to hold your vinyl in place as needles will leave holes and you won't be able to get rid of them anymore. And I know, you might be a bit vary of sewing with vinyl but I promise you - it's super easy! I like to use my brand new Teflon foot I bought for myself only a couple months ago (and now I am not sure what I was waiting for for so long). Such a treat! But if you don't like to buy a new foot just now, that's totally fine, as within the pattern I also talk you through a household alternative you can use. I am pretty sure you have everything at home! And that's how I made Glitta pouches for years.
And of course Christmas WeeBrawBags - for everyone this year! I know how much you love making them but aren't they also just perfect as Christmas gifts? Gifting them to your favourite crafty auntie who knits all your and your kids' cozy socks, Lego obsessed kids in your life, your picky mother-in-law who already has everything and of course... the perfect teacher gift. Fill it with chocolates or gift cards and you're ready to go.
And why not using a WeeBrawBag as an alternative to gift wrapping this year? We can avoid the crazy mess of wrapping paper a little this year and instead use some recyclable gift bags for our loved ones. Brownie points all the way if you'd asked me...
Ok, so let's talk about materials. You would need some fabric (again, of which you probably have lots at home - I am using a mix of Tinsel and Cirrus solids by Cloud9 Fabrics on mine), lightweight fusible interfacing to make the bag a little more sturdy, some rope (bias tape would work just as well - I got mine from a friend in Japan but there are so many cute options out there), cotton tape and optional of course some cord stoppers (again, mine are from Japan but there are definitely some out there a little easier to source).
That's it. No fancy notions needed. And dang, the WeeBrawBag is literally made in no time at all. So go all out and set up a little Christmassy Production line, making presents for everyone living in your street this year...
And as of now, the Handmade Christmas bundle is live in my shop. Have a look for yourself - I am sure you have more than enough friends and family in your life wanting more presents handmade by YOU.
Happy Sewing + Stay Safe, my friends.
Laura x
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This blog post contains affiliate links, specifically I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I will never post a link to a product I do not personally recommend. If you click on an affiliate link and then proceed to purchase something from that affiliated website, I receive a small commission. This helps me continue to provide high quality, free content. Please send me an email to laura@sweetcinnamonroses.com if you have any questions.
