Sewing Gift-Giving Solutions
Sewing gifts ranks as the number one reason why most of us sew. During this Sewing With Nancy series, Sew Gifts–Make Memories, we feature gifts to sew that don’t always start with fabric yardage. When my guest Mary Mulari proposed the idea of sewing gift-giving solutions, I knew it was the perfect TV topic. Mary’s projects are clever, useful, and enjoyable to create.
Our first gift project, in Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part Two, is a Hanky and Doily Table Runner made from items that might be tucked away in a drawer. A collection of vintage handkerchiefs are usually stored away and seldom seen. Choose several handkerchiefs and with just a few sewing steps, you’ll have a table runner that’s an attractive conversation piece.
Next we’ll show how to sew a Two-Tie Belt. Is there a bag full of men’s neckties in one of your closets, waiting for an inspirational project? Here’s one way to use two at a time and wear the results. The obi-style belt features a hidden pocket to store a credit card, money, or other treasures. If the ties formerly belonged to a family member, your new belt has additional memories attached.
Our third gift project, in Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part Two, is a Speedy Towel Apron. This unisex style apron is a speedy gift project sewn from ready-made towels. All you need are two canvas-weight or vintage towels, grosgrain ribbon, and a little sewing savvy and you’ll be able to stitch up a welcomed gift.
Tune in and watch Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part Two to learn how to make Mary’s Upcycled Notebook Wraps. Make a classy new cover for a notebook, recipe book, journal, or photo album. These notebook covers started out as laminated shopping bags. Adjustable, upcycled book wraps are the perfect way to preserve the good memories stored inside.
Mary and I wrap up this new series with Everyone’s Favorite Baby Bib. You’ll soon learn that guest and hand towels are easy choices for durable baby bibs. Mom, dad, grandmother, and caregiver will all appreciate having bibs on hand; so, make several.
Thanks, Mary, for sharing your gift sewing ideas on Sewing With Nancy! Tune in to see more of Mary’s gift ideas in Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part One.
Watch Sew Gifts–Make Memories (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to win a copy of the book, Sew Gifts–Make Memories by Mary Mulari, please leave a comment below and let us know what gifts you’re sewing this holiday season.
The randomly selected winner of a Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin from Clover is Becky Potts Baker.
Her comment was, “These look like very handy tools! I’ve purchased other Clover tools shown on this blog and Nancy’s website and I love them. I’m sure these will be just as helpful!”
Bye for now,
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Brenda J Wood
I am a great fan of both Nancy and Mary and especially love it when they get together on a project. Love these ideas
Kathleen Johnson
I love Mary Mulari’s ideas. I would love to make those aprons for my family. I enjoy watching Mary and Nancy together. They are always such an inspiration for my sewing!
Gillie Ciriaco-Runge
Two geniuses joined together and the results is always excellent! Love the ideas! My Granddaughters is always inspired by these great ideas.
Patty
Quiet books for grandkids and non paper dolls.
Diane
I really enjoyed the towel apron. What a great idea! I usually make bibs, but would like to try the aprons and table runners. Thanks for the ideas!
Bonnye
I will be sewing lots of bibs for my two new grand babies.
Cindy Moore
I absolutely love repurposing and old neckties are one of my favorites . (my husband loved his lampshade made from his and his Dad’s old ties)- so of course my next project is this cool belt! Thanks so much for the inspiration !
Glynn Martin
Oh, the gifts I could make with this book! Thanks Mary Mulari and Nancy Zieman! It would be wonderful to win this.
Nell
I want to make aprons for my granddaughters.
ROBIN RODRIQUEZ
Definitely the bibs!
carolyn montgomery
every year i try to make at least one gift for family and friends and this year that includes a brand new grandson; sew i’m thinking the bibs, soft books, and soft toys. i need all the help i can get from a book like this.
Midge
Love the table runner from “vintage ” handkerchiefs. Great way to get them out of the attic!
Edna Marks
I love the table runner made from vintage hankies, what a great way to display and enjoy them!
Janice Hobbs
My family’s tradition is to draw names for a handmade Christmas gift. These ideas would be “sew” wonderful!
Peggy S
Lots of babies in the family this year. Bibs would make a nice gift.
Clovis
I will be making pot holders and oven mitts for gifts.
Linda
Will be making the aprons for my new chef who just graduated from culinary school.
Noreen
I want to make a few zipper bags for carrying small items for travel. I love Mary’s and your ideas, and have several of your books.
Marty
I’m making quilts for family, but now I also plan to take the hankie table runner idea to use some stored (never seen) handkerchiefs in a visible and special way. Thanks for the idea!
Sue Slade
I love the bib from towels idea. They are large enough to cover the baby, sturdy and easy to wash. And they can be appliqued or embroidered with cute baby patterns. Thanks for sharing this idea.
Pat
I think the hanky table runner is one of the nicest gift ideas I have seen. What a wonderful gift for someone, especially if using hankies from their collection of treasured hankies.
Linda Morales
I’d be making the bibs, friends and family members are having or have just had babies. My granddaughter just married and I’d like to get prepared.
beth d.
I will be making eye glass holders with machine embroidery design on them or making a lap quilt for my relative for Christmas.
Brenda Ackerman
I am sewing together a couple of quilts for Christmas gifts, but I also think the Notebook covers and both of the table runners would be excellent gifts. Thank you for these fabulous gift ideas and the chance to win this book.
Anita Phelps
For my family and friends, bibs and aprons are always a hit.
Debi
The hooded towels are always a hit, as are the bibs!
Kathe Worrell
We are finally expecting our first grandbabies (both daughters’) this summer & I loved the hooded towel & noodle swing.
Julie Kill
I’d like to make a few of the gifts mentioned in the book!
The table runner is beautiful! I also like the covered notebooks for the kids.
Thanks for More ideas! and the chance to win the book!
Connie Fullerton
I think the handkerchief runner will be an excellent place to start my holiday sewing. I can imagine pillow covers from Mom’s hankies as well. You and Mary have such wonderful, useful gift ideas and I would enjoy receiving this book. Thank you!
Jean
These bibs will definitely be on my gift sewing agenda!
Laurel Lee Pedersen
The book covers and bibs look great for gifts this year!
brenda
new grand baby on the way! the bibs will make wonderful gifts
Mary Alice Alice Shane
Love the ideas of the hankie table runner!! And the bib, what a great idea!
Rosann McGuire
Neat book of ideas! Love short term projects!
Kathryn E
I have inherited ties from both my father and my husband’s father. I would love to make something useful out of these ties as gifts for family members.
I am making a Christmas Quilt for myself. It is time to make something for me.
I am making a Christmas stocking for the newest member of my husband’s family. It would be nice to put a new bib in the stocking.
Susan Spiers
Finishing quilts, quilts and more quilts! The aprons are a grand idea too! Thank you, Susan
Diana
When I saw the hankie table runner, it made me think of a boxful of old hankies collected by my mom. She used some of them to make a beautiful quilt of her own designing, but never got another one made. That would be a perfect way to “make a memory” table runner for family members, especially my granddaughter.
Linda Pierson
I’d like to make the advent calendar, and with new babies in the extended family those bibs care awfully cute.
Martha
Mary had such great ideas. I would like too sew several of her projects.
Paula Gember
Love the the obi style belt made from belts! Would like to finish some of my works in progress, not inincluding me!
Some of my projects are: re-working one of my old and favorite purses, jazzing up and altering a few jean jackets and dreaming up new toys for my grand kids!
Gail Beam
All of these projects are fabulous and I always like quick gift ideas. The aprons, the bib, the tote purse are my favorites. What a great book for anyone to have!
Beverly
Thank you for these ideas. We all love to give (and receive) homemade gifts from the heart.
Ola Norman
I like making potholders and tote bags for gifts.
Mary Wippold
I first saw Mary Mulari on Sewing with Nancy and have been a fan for many, many years. I have many of her books. Aprons are my favorite gifts. It’s always great to have a few extra on hand for last minute gifts. They’re great for all ages.
Gina M
I *love* making gifts for friends and family… and all my sewing friends … my hairdresser, etc. One year I made 50 pear pin cushions, another year 50+ fingerless gloves from polar fleece, another year about 50 lace soap bags for soapy exfoliation in the shower (like a loofa) . I frequently personalize mug mats (buy the mug FIRST; easier to match the fabric for the mat). I am still deciding what to make for this year. Mary Mulari’s book to the rescue??
Esther Garcia O'Hare
I’m making bibs & dresses for the newest member of my extended family. It will be so much fun to sew for the first baby girl in many years.
I’m also making coordinating button-on kitchen towels, aprons & potholder sets for my friends.
I’ve just recently started sewing again after a long hiatus, so Mary’s new book would certainly help me with these projects & others!
Jennifer Reinke
I love these ideas! My sister and I have been having a christmas cookie baking day with friends for the past 3 years–She wanted me to make aprons for everyone to wear this year, and at the count of 15 I was a little stressed out! But with the apron idea using towels–why this is do-able! Thank you Mary and Nancy!
Patti
I love making gifts for friends and family and would appreciate some new ideas.
Carol
It is fun to make gifts for friends and family. New ideas are always welcome. Thanks and keep those ideas coming!
Becky Makellky
A stash of gifts is always a good idea for quick gift giving!!
Diane C
Haven’t thought about holiday gifts yet,as I have many things to make for a wedding and shower. But this book would help with ideas after all that is finished
Teri
I have vintage napkins and tablecloths and I am looking for ideas on how to use them. The table runner would be a great idea!
Sharon B.
I love all of Mary’s gift ideas! The fact that she found ways to use memorable items in useful ways just doubles the value of a “hand made” gift!
Jan schultz
Thank you Nancy for all your easy instruction on how to make a quilt block. Showing the different ways to press the seams so it’s easy to understand. I try to find your books on the shapes to put in a quilt. I have some shapes. I made a memory quilt for me and my sister. It has a picture of my mom & dad in the middle. It’s my first by myself. Thanks nancy
Karen Hootman
I’m sewing table runners, stuffed animals and tote bags.
Cathy R.
I’m making hot pads for the kitchen, bed caddies and bible covers. I retired in 2015 and have time for sewing now. I have learned so much from you and thoroughly enjoy all your media content. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
L Watson
I would like to make pot holders for gifts this year. I love the noodle pool chair and hooded towels!