Exploring the Basics: Quilting and Gifting

Do you ever look at a project or pattern and think to yourself "Oh, so-and-so would love that!"  Has a friend or family member ever asked you to make them a quilt or a table runner or (gasp) an article of clothing (because you sew, right?)?  Is your first response when you receive that shower, birthday or wedding invitation to think "well, time to head to the sewing room!"

Yes, we've all been there!  And many of us have also heard the horror stories about a quilt that took weeks to make and dollars invested, not to mention a LOT of love and heart and soul.  That quilt, that labor of love, that artistic expression of care and affection, is used as a pet bed, a pad for changing the oil in the car, or even casually given away.  Ahhh...the pain, the agony (no, I am not being overly dramatic!).

Or have you ever decided on a Thursday night that you would whip up a quilt for a Saturday afternoon shower?  I'm not saying that I did that - ok, I'll admit.  I did that!  Not a lot of sleep happened between Thursday and Saturday.  And I may have shown up for the shower a tad late, with the hastily wrapped baby quilt in tow!

So what's a quilter to do?  For most of us, we are passionate about working with fabric, about cutting and stitching and transforming shapes into beautiful stitched works of art.  And we want to, naturally, share that with others that we care for as well.

Here are some general guidelines to help you plan your projects and to find the best match between recipient and gift.

Notebook:

Grab a notebook and use it to make some notes now - and to jot down ideas when they come to you for future gifts.  This will be your reference for planning great quilted gifts.

Add clipped photos of great gift ideas and color schemes.  See a pattern you think would be perfect, or watch a super tutorial for a new project idea that your family member or friend would adore?  Jot it down!  Having a journal is the perfect way to land on the right gift for the person who has everything - or is super difficult to buy for!

Timeline:

I'm going to go old school on you here.  Pull out the calendar and take stock of your available time.  

Now REALISTICALLY evaluate when you can cut, sew, stitch, quilt.  How much time do you think that project or pattern will take you?  Ok, double that.  Do some "backward planning" to help schedule your projects.  When do you want to - or need to - have the project finished?  

Let's say I want to make a quilt for my grandson's birthday in October.  I've estimated it will take me three weeks to make the quilt.  I then doubled that time frame.  So I'm looking at six weeks to get the quilt finished.  

If I want the quilt finished and ready to go by October 1st, the LATEST I could start the project would be August 20th.

Now mark it on the calendar (so you don't overbook yourself and find yourself sitting up until 2am on Christmas Eve trying to finish that last project!).  And do this for ALL of your planned gifts.  Remember to spread things out and give yourself time to enjoy the process too!

Schedule too full?  Take a look at the size and complexity of the projects you selected.  Would a table runner be just as warmly received as that large lap quilt?  Would a simpler quilt work equally well for the person receiving the project?  Instead of fussy cutting, could you find a precut project that would save tons of time on cutting and give you more time for sewing?

Supplies:

Now is a great time to inventory your supplies on hand.

What do you need to make the project?  And what do you already have?  Don't throw yourself into the red for a terrific project that calls for more than you can reasonably purchase.  This is supposed to be a gift from the heart - and your heart may be a bit reluctant if the supplies break the bank!  Take stock of what you already have BEFORE heading to the quilt shop!

If the project calls for five fabrics, but you want to shop your stash, do you have similar fabrics you can substitute?  Could you maybe make the project a little scrapier than the pattern calls for but still have the same effect?  How about using some of those beautifully bundled precuts instead of yardage?

Budget:

Set yourself a budget so you don't get carried away.  We've all been there - it is easy to get caught up in finding the perfect print or color. If you are a little more budget conscious this year, brainstorm projects that make the most of supplies you already have.  Hey, aren't you glad you did that inventory of supplies?!

Receiver:

I'm just going to go ahead and say it.  While you may WANT to make it - will the receiver WANT it?  I know, I know.  What crazy person wouldn't be grateful for a wonderful handmade gift that is full of love and good wishes from the person that made it.....well, we all probably know someone that might not.  So loving advice, dear stitching friend - consider your gift receivers and create carefully!

Some ideas here: have a serious foodie friend?  Perhaps they would love some beautiful appliquéd tea towels?  More practical in nature?  Almost everyone will appreciate lovely new hot pads.  Microwave bowls are popular, useful and quick to make.

What about the friend or family member that is always traveling?  Wouldn't a fun travel set: shoe bags, dirty clothes bags, a custom luggage tag and matching luggage strap be a welcome (and useful) gift!

Know someone that loves to decorate for every season?  Consider stitching up a series of seasonal and/or holiday themed pillow covers that can be switched out for a quick decor change.

Doing It:

Make time every day.  Don't try to have a weekend crafting marathon.  Productivity is cumulative and you may be pleasantly surprised at what you can accomplish in just 15 to 30 minutes every day!

I've worked up a little worksheet for you to plan out some of your gift making.  You can find it here!

Whew!

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to hit the quilt shop and the sewing room, and put my sewing machine through it's paces over the next few weeks!  I have visions of quilty gifts dancing through my head!

Don't forget to share pics of your creative efforts!  I'd love to see what you've created - post on my Facebook page so everyone can enjoy!  

Thanks for sharing the quilting passion with me. Happy stitching!

Head over to Kate's blog, because you KNOW she is going to have beautiful pictures and some wonderful advice for you about binding as well!

Like what you see here, and want to hear more from Tamarinis? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and sign up for my newsletter at www.tamarinis.com!  Following is one way to demonstrate your interest in my projects, patterns, and partnerships.  Your comments are also GREATLY appreciated, and provide valuable feedback regarding what inspires you, as well as what you'd like to see explored in future posts.  And did you know?  I travel and teach!  Contact me to schedule a trunk show and/or workshop!