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I'm sure you have noticed that the holidays are fast approaching. Did you vow this year to start crafting in February, then vowed to restart in June, then August? And now it is December and we have so much to do! You'll do just fine. There are so many quick gift ideas out there, especially on the Internet. Listed below I will give you some gift ideas that involve needlework. Each item should take you less than a couple of hours to make:
A Plantation Doll: I made one of these dolls for my six-month-old niece this year. It is simply adorable. The doll is made from a gentleman's handkerchief with a bit of cotton stuffing for the head. A ribbon is tied around the neck and French knots are stitched for eyes. If you like, you may add lace edging, a bonnet, birthstone gems, etc. You may see one of these dolls and the instructions for making one at this site: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres... A Stuffed Ball: When my six-year-old was a baby, I made a ball for him out of denim material. Just cut 4-8 oval shapes from your fabric (the number depends on your design and the finished size). Sew them together, leaving a small opening. Stuff the ball with polyester stuffing or cotton, and add a small bell if desired. Or, stuff the ball with flax seed and lavender. Or stuff it with beans! Sew the opening closed. Baby Doll Quilt: My four-year-old daughter loves to wrap her dolls in cloth. She will use dish towels, baby burp cloths, or anything else she can find. I frequently cannot locate the armrest covers for our couch, until I find the covers wrapped snugly around a doll! This year, I plan on making a quilt for her babies. To make it heirloom-worthy, I am using fabric from my daughter's 100% cotton baby clothes that she used to wear. I have a similar quilt that my mother made for me when I was young. Just today, Mom came to visit and we talked about the fabric in that tiny quilt. I remembered Dad's suit from the polyester plaid fabric and Mom's bright green pantsuit from the green squares (it was obviously the 70's). To make a similar quilt, cut squares of about 3"x3" or 2"x2", sew them together, side by side and row by row. Select a piece of fabric for the backing, add batting, then the pieced top. Tie the quilt together and add binding.
The copyright of the article Quick Holiday Gift Ideas in Needlework is owned by Lori Seaborg. Permission to republish Quick Holiday Gift Ideas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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