So yesterday’s gift guide was for new sewists, but what about the sewist that’s been practicing for a few years? Someone who has all the beginner materials, and really doesn’t need another pair of scissors?
Who am I kidding? I own at least 8 pairs of scissors. Bring another pair on!
But seriously, what kind of stuff should you give to the established sewist in your life?
Gifts of time:
Clean their sewing space (under their supervision). There’s nothing I dislike more than vacuuming threads off the floor, or organizing fabric scraps and ironing fabric that fell off my bookshelf full of fabric.
Clean out their sewing machine(s). Have you seen how much dust and lint is in there? If it has been awhile since the last cleaning, that’s even better!
Ask for a beginner project and tutorial (if you’re interested in learning a bit). I love sharing my skills with people who ask and are truly interested! Word of warning: only ask if you’re willing to put in the time…
Gifts to make:
A project. This one’s a bit abstract, but if you know their likes and dislikes you can put together all the parts needed to make a thing, and give your sewist a ready made project that they’ll love. (For instance, gift some fabric, and a pattern, along with some elastic, etc!
Some pattern weights. My favorite ones are kinda janky looking, but they’re nothing more than washi tape and washers from the hardware store! I’ve seen cool looking ones made with ribbon in the same way!
A funky/cool sign. Does the sewist in question love sewing more than coffee? Or threaten murder over improper use of fabric scissors? Make them a cool sign/art piece to show them that you were paying attention and will never use fabric scissors to cut paper again.
DO NOT cut out your sign from paper using fabric scissors.
Gifts to Buy:
A pair of scissors! I jest, I jest…
(Here’s one link and another one)
Vintage notions that are in good shape. I love bias tape and vintage lace. The former I use, and the latter I hoard. If your established sewist likes notions, consider going to a thrift shop or resale store to pick up cool looking notions, like bias tape, seam binding, or cool looking zippers!
A cool tool that’s unusual or new to them. Last year I got these cool tools that have been so neat to have around. The hummingbird is a needle threader, and the gauge has been so helpful with hems! This is the time to look for that thing they lingered on in a fabric store!
Magnetic wand! So helpful for picking up pins. Telescoping ones are great so you don’t have to aim as well! While we’re on the subject, a magnetic pincushion is pretty cool too.
Small project in a new “field.” If they’ve always wanted to try embroidery, why not give them a kit? Or if they’ve wanted to try the coloring craze for awhile, pick up a coloring book, or download and print some pages, and some markers!
Anything that you sewists out there want to add to your wishlist? Let me know in the comments!
Gift Guide Lineup
Monday – Gifts for a New Sewist
Wednesday -Gifts for a Yarn Crafter (ie Knitter or Crocheter)
Thursday – Gifts for a Maker (people who like to make or craft or build)
Friday – Gifts to Make for Non-Crafty People (there’s always a few)