Sew Gifts-Make Memories Part One
Shop outside the big box stores and make your own gifts from new or upcycled fabrics. In this new Sewing With Nancy series, Sew Gifts–Make Memories, we sew gifts for kids and adults that will be appreciated, and enjoyable to make. Mary Mulari is Nancy Zieman’s guest for this series. Mary always amazes us with her clever approach to sewing.
In Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part One, Nancy and Mary start with Mary’s December Countdown Calendar. Mark the days of December by moving vintage or contemporary buttons from the strip to a dot on the tree. The pockets at the bottom of the calendar can be used for letters to Santa or for small notes promoting acts of kindness for others.
Next in Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part One, Nancy and Mary show how to sew a Two-Pocket Shoe Bag. Carrying shoes to the gym, school, travel, and work is an everyday event. Why not make these clever bags just for that purpose? Choose new fabric, or recycle a shirt and tie. Either way, this is a useful gift to make and offers many opportunities for personalization.
Our third gift idea is a Noodle Lounger! Using mesh fabric and grosgrain ribbon, create a lounge-style seat that fits over a swimming noodle. Make one for yourself and another for a friend, and then share lazy summer afternoons seated and relaxed in the water—making more memories. Tune in to Sew Gifts–Make Memories, and learn Mary’s convenient way to fold and store your lounger. 
Next up in Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part One, Mary shows how to make Seat Belt Wrappers. Add comfort to children’s car seats with plush wraps that pad the straps near the neck. A little bit of stitching, small strips of hook and loop tape, a touch of ribbon and lightweight quilt batting are all you’ll need.
Then, watch as Nancy and Mary turn one beach towel into two hooded bath towels for babies or toddlers. This practical, quick-to-sew gift easily wraps around little ones with ease—it’s sure to be a welcomed gift and a wonderful surprise.
The sixth gift idea is a Girlfriend’s Shopping Purse. Celebrate your friendship by making a purse for your girlfriend or sister. These bags are perfectly sized for a day of shopping, lunch, and travel. All the essentials—phone, keys, credit cards, cash, and tissues—fit in this compact and lightweight bag. 
Thanks, Mary, for sharing your gift sewing ideas on Sewing With Nancy! See more of Mary’s gift ideas in Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part Two.
Watch Sew Gifts–Make Memories (Part One and Part Two) on The Best of Sewing With Nancy online.
Happy Sewing!
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.
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Dawn
I have already made quilted seasonal wall hangings and a small quilted throw, but I need a couple more gifts and the Girlfriend Purse looks perfect!
Beverly Martinson
Gifts made are always more special. This has a lot of great ideas.
Kathe Mayer
I like the shoe tote and might make myself one. The purses would be perfect for my daughter’s-in-law for whom I often can’t think of any gift. I guess it is time to sew!
Ilana
I’m making pajama pants for everyone.
cathy sutton
I don’t have a lot money for Christmas. I have a lot of fabric. Some great ideas are in this sewing gifts magazine.
Elizabeth Lewis
I’d like to make the noodle lounger for all my RV friends I meet while traveling each summer. What a great way to lounge in the pool at the parks we stop and visit!
Lynne
I love the girlfriend purse! I know several girls who would like one. I think the pool noodle seats are great too.
Kity
We have a dollar limit for the 28 adults in my family and I am making dish tea towels for the females in my family, license/credit card holder for all the men, and a cute animal shaped zippered bag for all the kids that will stuffed with cash or something they will enjoy.
Diane C
I am in the mist of Christmas towels and a bathrobe.
Peggy Saia
I have been making snowballs, quilts, finger puppets, and ornaments.
Cyndi
There are soo many great ideas in this book! I hope to make some cloth napkins, matching mug mats and maybe the double shoe bag, that’s in this book!! Thank you for the giveaway.
Bonnye
I am making Penn State lounge pants for the big grandchildren and for the new baby grandchild I am making a Penn state blanket. I would love the girlfriend’s purse.
Kathy Ambrosi
I’m working on a quilt for mom. I’m also looking for a sewing idea for my new daughter in law
Joan Sawyer
I will be giving quilts to two grandchildren and a daughter-in-law. I am also making a scarf for another daughter-in-law and sewing gifts for my sister and nieces. I really need to move faster on these!
Carla
Really excited about this new book. I have taken classes with Mary Mulari at a quilt shop in Southern Illinois. I now reside in a retirement community in Florida where golf reigns big time. I plan to make the shoe bags for some of my husband’s golf buddies to carry their golf shoes. I have a collection of my grandmother’s old buttons and will incorporate them in a tree for my grandchildren.
Great Inspirations!!!!
Chris
Every year I make pajama pants and matching pillowcases for my 5 grandchildren. Last year I used Elf on the Shelf fabric and made matching slippers. This year I purchased Olaf fabric.
Joyce
I’m making couch pillow covers with a dog or cat on it, that looks like their own critter.
Sandra Durham
I will be seeing children’s robes for the holidays!
Bonnie
I am making Table Runners and quilts for gifts this year.
Donna C
This year I’m making themed oven mitts! Ballet fabric for my dance teacher godchild, hockey fabric for my hockey-fanatic boss, medical fabric for my nurse cousin… you get the idea! They are easy to make, and I prefer to give useful gifts as opposed to things that are just clutter.
Christine
So far I’m making a pillow and some coasters, but I still need some other ideas. I’m sure this book would help!!
Theresa
I will definitely be making a seat belt cover for our new and first granddaughter!!! I love the design and function! Go Mary…keep designing! Thanks Nancy!
Joyce
I have gotten most of my gifts planned for this year, wall hangings, potholders and some crocheted items but am always looking a head for the next years plans.
Karen J
Still looking for new ideas. This book will help!!
Debbie Wetzel
I love the shoe tote and I think I will make one (or a few!) for my shoe loving, frequent flyer sister!
Joyce
I am making makeup bags using iron on vinyl on the inside fabric. Also making fleece socks. I am always looking for new ideas to make for gifts.
Kathy
We live on a lake in Nebraska…I love the mesh seat for the noodles. We would use the heck out these.
Ruth
I’ve made an animal blanket for my granddaughter, and I love all the fresh ideas for gifts.
Penny
LOVE these gift ideas, for sure want to make the baby bib, seatbelt covers, hooded towel, noodle seat, and sew much more! I will also be making felt ornaments, pajama pants, fleece caps, fleece mittens, fleece scarfs for grandchildren.
Estelle
I’ll be making Girlfriend Shopping Purses for Chanukah gifts for my knitting group. Just in time! Just right!
Mary Green
I am making mug rugs for family and friends. But I also like Mary’s Girlfriend Purse. Just learned daughter is pregnant so the baby seatbelt strap is on my list for next year.
Faye
I love the small purse–great gift idea! The shoe tote is a great way to use leftover fabric stash. I am making ‘quick’ quilts (quilt as you go blocks) this Christmas.
Barbara
This year all the “girls” are getting In -The-Hoop zipper bags to hold goodies! The “boys” are getting flannel p.j. bottoms . I love sewing for my family!
Pat
The countdown Christmas tree would make a wonderful gift for adults as well as children. This is the gift I would like to make. Thanks for the chance to win this clever book.
Marilyn
Am always looking for different, new ideas. Am making table runners, minky cuddly quilts, large bags, kitchen towels and potholders…all either appliqued or pieced.
Diana G.
Oh another book to put on my to buy list. Thanks for the ideas !
Colleen Bell
Oh, that mesh lounger is worth the cost of the book alone! I will definitely be making that one and I know everyone that sees it going to want it. So clever!
Thank you so much for the give-away. Just in time for the holidays. Someone is going to be so happy.
Grace Niederlehner
I would like to make the hooded towels, girlfriend purse for my nieces, and the car seat pads. Great ideas! Thanks for sharing your creativity.
Sue Barton
Our little 2 year old grandson will love the Christmas countdown tree. Time for me to get busy!
Rosemary
I love the ideas in the book. I am making mug rugs, coin purses, potholders and few other small items. However, I absolutely love and appreciate the seat belt wrappers. Great idea!! The Christmas Tree is also unique and it’s going on my growing list.
Dawn McDonough
Love the hints you and Mary come up with. Book is definetly on my wish list.
PamB
I am making a Frozen blanket and pillow case for my Great Niece. Also a couple of iPad covers and totes should keep me busy for awhile. I love that noodle lounger and might make that for a friend minus the noodle so I can mail it to her.
Nadine nakano
I have a huge box of old jeans that I want to up cycle so will use a lot of it for the holiday as gifts
Kim H
I’ll probably be making a monogrammed blanket and some free standing lace ornaments.
Vinci Greco
I am preparing for a new arrival, (great) grandchild!!!!
The bath towel for the little one is perfect.
Enjoy your e-mails.
Kathleen Swinkowski
I am making table runners. I’m also making quilts for my great niece and nephew. Busy time for sure.
Vinci Greco
The towel for the little one is perfect!!! Can’t wait to get
started.
Vinci
Becky
I am making potholders and aprons from discarded jeans. I love the Christmas Tree Button project. I have a 5 yr old great niece who would just LOVE this.
Renae Walters
Quilts!!
SANDRA NETTLES
I plan to FINISH a quilt for my sister. It is two years old.
Ann Thompson
Those gifts look great! So far I’ve made some microwave bowl holders, key chain chap stick holder, a few stockings, a few little girl purses and a couple of fairy halos.
Debe
I’m making cell phone charging stations, cloth books, car trash bags, & wall hangings. I like small useful gifts that I then can put with a gift card.
Betty Elsner
Hooded bath towels for the great-grandbabies!
Cindy Schultz
I have been making some Christmas wall hangings to give as gifts, also a cloth book for my grandson. I would love to make the seat belt wrappers and bath towel. Thanks for the great ideas.
Andrea Sidare
Aprons,mug rugs and now I’ll have to add the seat belt cover for my new grandson to the list of to dos. You always come up with great ideas. Thank you and happy holidays.
Caroline Stromich
Love the ideas! so cute and useful
Sue Litman
I hope to make placemats, table runners, finish a quilt I started 2 years ago, and some scarves and necklaces. I better quit reading emails and get to work!
Rhonda Davis
Cloth toys for the grandchildren, oven mitts for my sister and beside that I’m not sure yet.
Enid
Thank you for the give away. I like the seat belt cover and count down tree. I will be finishing a quilt for my great-grand son.
Pat O.
I would love to sew something for everyone on my list this year to encourage recycling and upcycling. I’m sure I could use several ideas from this book.
Starla
I want to make some of the hooded towels for my granddaughters. All the ideas are great!
Gail Beam
Putting some machine applique on some shirts and sweatshirts for my grandchildren having to do with the sports they are involved in.
Nancy Cooper
I would like to make slippers and dish cloths for family and friends. Also, I would love to make the car seat covers for my great great granddaughter (1 yr old last May) who is in England because her Daddy in the USAF and is in Israel presently. Please keep all serviceman in your prayers. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas and gifts you make available for everyone to make our lives easier and happier. THANKS! sorry to go on so.
GrrannyH
I just finished an Advent calendar and am now working on some jeans for a growing grandchild.
Rose Butler
I’ve been making table runners, embroidered shirts, pillows, and mug rugs. Trying to do smaller projects.
Mary Ellen
Such great ideas and I loved the cute purses as they would make perfect gifts for Christmas this year or for any special occasion.
Juanita Mallory
Some great ideas here – especially like the hooded bath towels and seat belt wraps. Minky fabric would be great for outside against the baby’s skin.
Sue
Love the gift ideas! I have been making Santa purses, hooded towels and pillows for gifts. Would love to win this book….I have most of yours I am sure!
Lillian K
I am making Christmas ornaments, tote bags and table runners. But, Nancy’s book has some items I never thought about and would like to try.
Karen B.
I am making table-toppers, aprons, cloth books for my new great-grandson as well as some soft toys that crinckle. I now will make some seat belt wrappers for him too. Thanks so much for teaching us new things always.
Christina Gonzalez
I am sewing a quilted throw, purses for my friends and scarves for family.
ROBIN, TX
I’ve made a cute wall hanging for my brother-in-law who works for Dell. It looks like three computer keyboard keys that say “Ctl” “Alt” “Del”. I’ve also made several zip pouches. I’m making little purses for the girls next door to hold the monster Kleenex pouches I made for them. Making a zip pouch for neighbor (manly) out of crossword fabric. Several other things that I can’t recall at the moment. (Have to check my list.)
Jennifer Fried
Dearest Nancy and Mary,
You have done it again ! Brought new and helpful things to sew. Always love it when, Mary Mulari, is on the show. You make a great team. You are 2 people I would love to meet.
Thanks to both of you for the new projects.
The old sew and sew, Jennifer
Jennifer Fried
Forgot…….going to a baby shower and would like to make the
hoodie towel. I also like the shopping purse for a friend in Oklahoma and one in California. Looks super nice. Jennifer
Marty
Made (and being made) with my sewing machine for my Christmas gift-giving this year: 4 t-shirt quilts adult children, 2 lap quilts for elders, a totebag and a tablerunner in owl fabrics (for daughter-in-love who adores anything “owl”), and a Christmas stocking plus a forest-green velveteen “princess” dress for my grand-daughter.
Marty
Made (and being made) with my sewing machine for my Christmas gift-giving this year: 4 t-shirt quilts for adult children, 2 lap quilts for elders, a totebag and a tablerunner in owl fabrics (for daughter-in-love who adores anything “owl”), and a Christmas stocking plus a forest-green velveteen “princess” dress for my grand-daughter.
Mary C
I’m making ornaments for the tree and a purse for my niece. My niece just got married and she favors sustainability. She had fabric wrapped around live plants on each table and I am using that fabric to make the little zip purse.
Lori
I’m making scrap quilts for the women’s shelter,fleece scarves, stuff for my new grandbaby. I’ll be making totes too. I might try making the car seat strap wrap. It would be nice to get this book to make the bags too.
Sharon D
I try to make most of my Christmas gifts each year. This year I learned to quilt, so each daughter will receive a quilt. I have made them a couple of table runners also. I have an embroidery machine, so the men will receive sweatshirts with initials or sports interests. One interesting thing I made for my ultra contemporary son…..an embellished art picture, with fabrics, string, ribbon, and other embellishments.
De
I am making stuffed toys for my youngest grandson’s first Christmas and a quilted book for his brother.
Karen Dietert
Would love to win this magazine. I have a new grandbaby. Would like make these for her. Homemade are very special.
Renea
I am making flannel sleep pants for all my grandchildren this year. thanks for the cute book giveaway.
Mary Wippold
My first grandchild is due to arrive in early December so I am sewing baby quilts, stuffed toys, diaper bags, etc. I like the seat belt wraps by Nary Mulari so I’ll make some for baby and for adults. Mary always comes up with such projects.
Debbie Wakelee
I’m making machine embroidered personalized gift card holders in the shape of a coffee mug with handle for hanging from the tree or to just insert in a card. Also making pot holder sets. Always useful!
Lynn
I am making a tree skirting wall hangings this year. Maybe a pillow or two.
Debbie Chenoweth
I always sew gifts at Christmas but this year I am stuck with what to make. This year will the one where I am sewing till midnight of Christmas Eve.
Perri Catey
LOVE sewing Christmas gifts. This is getting my creative juices flowing! Ready, Set, START!
Karen payton
I always make a desden table topper my ladies Christmas party gift! With this book maybe I’ll try the book cover or the little purse. Thanks!!
Brenda Nance
I have already made 2 fleece blankets and I am making my mother-in-law a dress. I plan to make my mother an apron and my 4 granddaughters doll clothes for their American girls
dolls. I will make more gifts but I don’t know what I’m making yet. I love the seat belt wrappers.
Jade
I have made some shoes bags similar to the 2 pocket shoe bag, but without pockets, so I’ll add pockets next time, a cute feature. Using novelty fabric with sport prints like golf or bowling, makes a great gift for a golfer or bowler!
Delaine
I have made some flannel rag quilts and fabric bowls to put Christmas baking in. Thanks!
Debra Armstrong
Since my daughter has temporarily moved in with me I don’t have room to set up my machine, but I am doing a lot of embroidery.
Corinne
I’m making scarves and tote bags/purses. I really like the idea of seat belt wraps for children and adults, and the pool noodle lounger for BIL/SIL with new pool. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Joan
I will probably make zippered pouches to fill with goodies, then work on a baby quilt after the busyness of the holidays.
Nancy
I’m making reversible aprons for my two grandchildren to give to their teachers (total of 4!). I’m doing Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I have to get them finished! I’d then love to do the Countdown Tree, but would have to do two.
cindy
I love the noodle seat they are to hard to sit on
JoAnne T.
I’m making skirts for my daughter, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. The seat belt wrapper is something I want to make fir my granddaughter and for myself. I would never have thought to make something like that. I’m putting this book on my I want it for myself list.
Jill
My mom made a similar Christmas countdown calendar back in the 1960’s out of felt and rick-rack, it’s larger – 3′ x 4′. It has little numbered pockets and we fill them with small holiday themed ornaments like snowmen, angels and such. We still use it! Such a great memory of my childhood – and now to pass on for my child to keep!
June Codding
My husband passed away this spring and one of my grandchildren suggested a pillow made from his shirts for all of them, so —I am in the process of making about 15 pillows from his work shirts, the ones he wore all the time, One very young grandchild asked several years ago if Grandpa ever changed his clothes! His dress shirts were ones I had made for him and embroidered with his favorite things. I will use them for a lap quilt along with a few ties, maybe add some cuff links for bling. Am knitting hats for the newest great grandchildren under a year old. Maybe smock a couple of dresses for them too if there is enough time That may have to wait for Easter.-I am 83.
June Codding
My husband passed away this spring and one of my grandchildren suggested making a pillow for everyone with the work shirts he wore all the time. So I will be making about 15 of them. One of the very young grandchildren asked one time if Grandpa ever changed his clothes. I plan to use the shirts I made and embroidered for him thru the years in a lap quilt along with a few ties and maybe some cuff links for some bling. Am also knitting some hats for the 6 great grandchildren. If time permits may smock dresses for the youngest under a year. May have to wait for Easter for those.
Peggy
I am making a tree skirt for a daughter-in-law, table runner for a granddaughter, a play mat for my 2 yr old great grandson and the seat belt wrappers will be great for his new little brother. Also working on a cloth book, a new baby quilt and finish a quilt for another granddaughter. Love the ideas in the book, will put it on my wish list. Thanks for all the ideas.
Ginger Hubbard
Finishing 2 quilts for granddaughters, and hope to get lap quilts done for their moms! Fun ideas: love the GF purse and seat belt wraps!
Berenice
Since there is a brand new baby in the family as of 5 am today, looks like a couple of the hooded towels could come in handy!
JudiC
Pillows, pillows & more, Would love to make the shoe tote, what a great idea.
Karen
I am sewing a bag, kitchen items,usb stick holders, doll clothes and a busy book.
Toni Haukom
What wonderful ideas you gals come up with. I am in the process of making Embroidered felt Christmas Card Holders for the ladies in my church quilting group, fabric goodie bags to be filled with homemade candy for the neighbors and now I am going to start the Countdown Calendars for my younger great and grandchildren.
Linda Dowdy
Learned to sew very young, but life got in the way so been away from it. Love your show for years, the little purse is a perfect inspiration to use to teach another little girl (6) to sew. Will make the Christmas count down for great nephew !!! Thanks for all you do for all of us.
Chrislin Payne
made table runners and pot holders, hand warmers to inside mittens , I am making a set of the abc for a coconut tree for my 2 year old granddaughter I am going to try and find a safety come to cover in fabric for a tree. I am going to try doll clothes for my 8 year old grand daughter. She likes fancy. I am pretty new to sewing and have enjoyed your show. merry Christmas and don’t spill my surprises.
Kim
Hi. Love your show… im making therapy hand warmers with rice and essential oils for my arthritic friends, and me !
Peg Sullivan
A couple babies are coming, so Burp clothes and diaper bags to be done. The hooded towels is a terrific gift for big Sis or Bro. I love taking time to make for others. Gives validation to the stash I have carefully cultivated.