One of my best friends recently celebrated her birthday. We don't normally exchange gifts, but she has had a rough year and I felt the need to do something. I made her a Noodlehead wide open pouch, a tiny boxy pouch with an exposed lace zipper, a Noodlehead Penn State wristlet ( I didn't actually put pleats on this one) and a Penn State key fob. I also threw in a couple tubes of Almay lip gloss that I got on sale at rite aid!
Sewing is a great stress reliever for me. I do it at my leisure and am not really interested in doing it to make money. I feel that making items to sell would put me on the pressure of a schedule and take some of the enjoyment out of my leisurely activity. I spend a good bit on fabric and supplies, but I feel that it is offset by the fact that I am making gifts for a fraction of what it would take to purchase a ready made gift. I think that people are very receptive to the items and are touched by the fact that I didn't just go out and purchase a ready made gift.
I also feel that the prices I would need to charge to be fairly compensated for my time would make the items cost prohibitive to buy. I live in an economically depressed area of the country. I enjoy my hobby and I want to keep it that way, so sewing for leisure it is!
I recently made the Noodlehead pouch as well. It's a great little bag and I'm sure your friend will love it.
ReplyDeleteMy fav pattern! Yours is looking good! Great gifts.
ReplyDeleteThose are absolutely lovely gifts! I like the noodlehead pouches, but I've recently been trying to master the zipper thing where you cover the ends. I'm hoping it helps me make prettier looking zipper pouches (cause I'm not that great with corners on pouches.)
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet gifts you made for your friend!
ReplyDeleteI think that when you present a handmade gift to someone apart from a nice item you also present your time and attention, and this is a nice thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I don't think I'd like sewing on a schedule or to suit anyone but myself!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Ireland. Popping in to browse your blog.
ReplyDeleteThey are gorgeous gifts. You are a seriously talented sewer :-)
Those came out great! Very sweet of you to think of making these for your friend. Love the addition of the lace. I've never attempted a bag or (gulp) a zipper but I'm coming close to bucking up the courage to try.
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