Handmade Gifts

Judy at Patchwork Times is inviting us to post ideas for handmade gifts.  I have two to share. 

This pattern for a heart pin cushion is available for free at Fat Quarter Shop.  I have made several for gifts for quilting friends and have even had direct requests for them.  They are nice and large.  I modify the pattern slightly.  Instead of using the plastic pellets called for, I make a separate little packet of sand in the center of the pincushion because I like the added weight.  I buy my sand in little bottles from craft stores because it is clean.

I posted about this gift a few days ago.  It is an extremely easy pattern that can be found in this book Down & Dirty, Quick & Easy, I Need a Last Minute Gift Project Book! by Linette Dowdell and Kim Fillmore.  I have made several of these as hostess gifts and use them myself.  I also modify this pattern.  I prefer to use handles made out of the fabric I use for the bag rather than the webbing the pattern calls for.

Thank you, Judy, for the opportunity to get gift ideas early in the season!