So much handmade goodness

I handmade more gifts this year than I ever have before.



I know that I was motivated in part by the economy to make more gifts this year, even knitting almost entirely from stash. However there is also something so fulfilling about giving a handmade gift to people you love.

It seems I was not alone in this idea...
so much handmade goodness, gifts I truly cherish - I can't help but share them here.

There were, of course, a couple of "five" gifts.


A wonderful stuffed five from one of D's coworkers.


Not handmade by D, but totally amazing nonetheless - a glass, five belt buckle from Kiku Handmade. It coordinates perfectly with my necklace!


I love this hand drawn tile by my brother-in-law. It makes me think of Chuck Close only on a small scale. (ETA: When the Bud saw Frank, he said, "that looks like my dad! - I can see it).

My sister made gifts out of "retired" fabric samples from a specific store to which we have a little connection (advertised on my shirt in this photo).

Two super cute project bags. The construction is very clever - using the grommets that held the swatches on a ring for the casing openings inside.

This fabulous bag is made from larger swatches.

The red fabric comes to a point on the back side too. S used that design feature to make a cute triangle pocket on the inside.




A fabulous bag finished with a fabulous button.

My mom is an amazing seamstress as well.
She made my sister and me vintage style aprons.



The white bias tape completes the vintage look.

What's an apron without matching potholders?


She stitched layers of fabric together, sliced through the top few layers, finished the binding, and then washed the finished potholder to create the stripes of frayed fabric.


Here you can see the green, contrasting, un-cut layer peeking out.

I love the colors and the unique construction.


I was not the only recipient of my mom's super sewing.
She made the bud a darling lion pillow.


He hasn't slept on any other pillow since.


The Bud still loves his amazing activity book she created for him last year.
Click on the mosaic to link to photos of each individual page.

The Bud's favorite is still the kangaroo page with the little joey inside the pocket.


We have enjoyed so many fabulous and thoughtful gifts this year, including the gift of time spent with family and friends - I am truly blessed and grateful.