Quick Gift Ideas-Week 5

Ho-ho-ho! Santa is almost on his way, so time to get to work on those last-minute gifts!

This Portable Pillowcase Pillow Bed is a great idea when the little ones come to visit or need a TV pillow at home. No pattern is needed--just sew the pillowcases in a row and add pillows!

 

Here is another pattern for the pillow beds from Creative Lady of the House:

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Here is an adorable drawstring backpack from Alice & Lois:

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This infinity scarf can be made in lots of fabric, but very quickly. Once you start making them, you will find it hard to stop! I made mine in fake sable fur for winter gifts. Thanks to Sewwoodsy.com for the tutorial.

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Here is a novel way to cover your kindle...

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Keeping those ears warm is so important this time of year. This fleece hat with ear flaps fits the bill. Thanks to Fun Fleece for the tutorial. Note: The pattern is at the end of the post.

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And Fun Fleece also has a pattern for the little ones in your family.

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I just realized that I haven't posted any patterns for Christmas decorations. Silly me, but I will rectify that now. The first one is for a folded fabric star ornament by Felicity Quilts. A pop-up to sign up for her blog may come up, but just scroll down the page to continue viewing the post. Of course, this will be more festive when made up in holiday prints.

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These three yo-yo patterns are courtesy of Connecting Threads.

 

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Got Christmas fabric scraps? If so, I have a pattern for you! Thanks to Quilted Trees for the tutorial.

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Life After Laundry shares with us a folded fabric tree ornament tutorial.

 

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Have a friend or family member who do not want a large Christmas tree or maybe in the hospital or nursing home for the holidays? Why not make a fabric Christmas tree. Sew little bells or beads on the branch tips for some extra pizzas. It will brighten their day for sure.

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Time for some goody recipes! First one is so clever I can't stand it. Fill with your homemade treats and wrap for gift-giving. Thanks to Pinky Princess Girl for the tutorial.

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And here is a link for a Peppermint Platter by I Gotta Create! There is also a link for a scalloped border.

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Love Ferrero Roche Truffles? Here is a copycat recipe from Foodal you can make at home.

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I can't end this section of candy without a homemade turtle candy recipe. This one is from Lil Luna.

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To end this post, we need something good to eat for supper! How about Million Dollar spaghetti (it won't cost that much to make!) from Gonnawantseconds.com

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Quick Gift Ideas-Week 4

Snow is on the way for Maine tonight, so enjoy the time inside by working on your gift projects. Here are some more ideas to peruse....

Smittens are sweater mittens! Thanks to therenegadeseamstress.com for the patterns and tutorial. Check out your local Salvation Army and Goodwill stores for your materials.

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What better hostess gift than a casserole AND a casserole carrier! This pattern is thanks to Little Bit Funky.

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Here is another pattern option from sew4home:

 
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Have a walker on your gift list? Why not make them a water bottle carrier? Thanks to ilovefabric for the pattern.

 

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This gift idea is PERFECT for anyone on your gift list. These pocket warmers are made with charm squares (5") and flannel. And don't forget to make a bunch for your family and friends! Note: These can also be put in the freezer for use as a cold pack.

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This tablet stand is outstanding! I made one and used a couple of stacked yo-yos instead of the fabric flower. Thanks to Sewn Up for the tutorial.

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 Enough sewing...let's get cooking! This easy ranch snack mix is something you can make with the kids. Thanks to lifewiththecrustoff for the recipe.

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 Here is another recipe your might want to try for a sweet and salty treat. Thanks to knoxvillecitymomsblog for the recipe.

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Now for some sweet treats!

 These Chubby Hubby Clusters are so yummy and use the microwave to make the recipe easy and quick to make. Thanks to sixsisterstuff for the recipe.

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How about a recipe for an old-time favorite candy bar? Make your own copycat Milky Way bars.

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This recipe for copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf will fill your home with the smell of the holidays! Thank you to the Country Cook for sharing this recipe.

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Last, but not least, here is a recipe for a savory meal that is a real time saver as you can make the meatballs in advance. This is a copycat recipe for the world famous Ikea Swedish Meatballs from the Damn Delicious blog.

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Quick Gift Ideas-Week 3

 It's all about the fleece! Here are more super fat ideas using those fleece scraps. Thanks to Orangebettie.com for the pattern.

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Need a bit more protection for the Maine winters? Try out this fleece balaclava. The link on Wedding Dress Blue not only gives you the tutorial, but three pattern sizes for children, women and men.

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Hate to wear hats but need head protection? This fleece head scarf allows for warmth, but no "hat head." Thanks to Just Tutorials for the pattern.

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This has got to be the neatest gift idea I have seen in years and what a great gift idea for family and friends. Thanks to Lovethispic.com for this link.

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Since we are talking candles, here are a few more DIY ideas to ponder...

Lavender Candles from town-and-country living.com

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Coffee Candle by Lemons, Lavender and Laundry.

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Shopping at the flea market or yard sales? Pick up some cup and saucer sets and make candles. Using the links above, you can get the gist of making candles using all kinds of containers.

 Another use for those cups and saucers is this novel bird feeder by Life, Creatively Organized.

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Speaking of tea, why not make this Tea Tree for your favorite tea teetotaler. Thanks to Stunning Collection for this tute.

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Another while I love tea, this chocolate tree is the bomb! Thanks to The Twinery for the tutorial.

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How about a couple of recipes? The first one is for Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels by Kitchen Genius.

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How about some caramel and chocolate dipped pretzel rods from Taste Better From Scratch.

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Quick Gift Ideas-Week 2

Our first idea is so easy I can even do it! :) Talk about a super cute and quick gift idea! 

Snack food is always a welcome gift and nice to have around for those unexpected guests you have around the holidays.

Super easy to make your own unique mixtures. You could even make layers if you wish. Doll up the tops with a pinking shear circle and a bow. This photo is from hoosierhomemade.com

During the winter, we all complain about cold feet. How many a warm and toasty pair of fleece slippers? What a fantastic way to use up those fleece scraps! Pattern is from prettyprudent.com

Below is the link for the pattern and flower

FLEECE SLIPPER TUTORIAL

SLIPPER PATTERN

FLOWER PATTERN


I posted this idea last year, but it warrants repeating. Perfect for your teen's car. Add some tissues packets, gum and handing air fresheners to the pockets for a added treat. This car diddy bag is from sewcanshe.com

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Don't forget your holiday baking! I have two old fashion cookie recipes with a new twist. The first one is Soft Gingerbread Drop cookies with cream cheese frosting. Nothing says the holidays are here than the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies! Thanks to Impeckable Eats for sharing.

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The second recipe is always a staple for not only the holidays, but also year-around. While you might have a great sugar cookie recipe passed down from generation to generation, rolled out and crispy thin, this copycat for the moist Lofthouse cookie is going elevate your taste buds. For fun, try changing up the extract flavors for an added kick. This recipe is courtesy of wholefully.com

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Now for a recipe for some comfort food. This Cheese Tortellini Pizza Casserole by Wonky Wonderful will make your tummy VERY happy!

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Winners of the 2017 Charity Quilt Block Challenge

Finally got my new computer! My teen-age nephew transferred records from my old laptop to the new one, but my camera will not allow me to upload photos to the new laptop. I will have to have him play with it a bit to get it to work.

Meanwhile, you have waited long enough to find out the three winners!

First, let me say that 198 blocks were collected for Project Linus and 152 blocks for Quilts of Valor (total of 350 blocks!). I have contacted Donna Brookings at QOVF and she is over the moon with our donation! She promises that she will share photos of the completed quilts so I can post them on the blog. I am still awaiting a mailing address for the Project Linus blocks, but hope they will all be in the mail no later than Tuesday.

So, without further adieu, the winner of the $75.00 prize is Lakeside Quilters. The most quilt blocks sent in by a chapter or individual for the $50.00 prize is also Lakeside Quilters! The winner of my favorite quilt block was Cheryl Proctor of Cabin Fever Quilters. She will have a choice of a $15.00 gift card from either Joann or Hobby Lobby.

Thank you again for your participation in this worth-while endeavor!

UPDATE:

Both packages of quilt blocks have been received by Melodie of Project Linus and Donna of QOV.  Your donations will make many cherished quilts!

Thank You From PTQG Raffle Basket

I received a nice note from the winner of the 2017 PTQG Quilter's Walk Raffle basket donated by Area 3:

Dear Quilters,

I would like to thank you for the wonderful basket that I was very fortunate to win on the Quilter's Walk at the Maine Quilt Show this past summer. The fabrics are so gorgeous and the patterns and threads are such a treasure. I'll think of all of you an your very generous donation when I'm stitching this winter.

Thank you,

Sharon Borthwick
So. Farmington