small business – See Cindy Sew

This is the time of year that people start casting around for what to give for the holidays. If you are shopping for the person in your life who sews, or just for yourself, keep reading.

Key (USD):

$ Under 10
$$ Between 10-25
$$$ Between 25-50
$$$$ Over 50

When you make things for other people, you really appreciate how much effort and thought goes into handmade gifts. Maybe you don’t have the time or inclination to make a handmade gift this year. But you can purchase items that someone else has crafted, and support small businesses at the same time. With that in mind, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite handmade gift ideas from people who sell on Etsy.com.

Made to Make

Here are several ideas for complete pre-packaged projects. It’s always fun to have a new toy to play with after all the gifts are opened, isn’t it?

il_1140xN.1530912639_65w0 — Complete empbroidery kit from HoffeltandHooperCo. Multiple colors, sizes and designs. $$$+

il_1140xN.1237138679_2kx4 — Learn how to needle felt by making a tiny cactus. Kits from BenzieDesign. $$

il_1140xN.854331280_qjx3 — Felted pompom garland kit – pick colors, how many and what size felt ball. From BenzieDesign. $-$$$

il_570xN.1412545955_nyy8 — Complete beginner starter kit for sashiko embroidery from MikkeJapan $$

il_1140xN.1265816434_5tkd — Scrappy rope rug kit from SewHungryHippie. $$

il_1140xN.323089586 — Peace dove hand stitching kit from CynthiaTreenStudio $$$

Little Luxuries

Now I know that you would never take the pleasure of buying fabric away from your favorite person who sews. But there are lots of other sewing goodies that they would love to own but wouldn’t buy for themselves. Here are a few of my favorites.

Pattern weights

Pattern weights can be just about anything (I have been known to use soup cans). But it’s much more fun to have a set that makes you smile. Here are some great handmade options.

il_1140xN.1661647351_emx2 — 3D printed pattern weight set from thegigglingriz. $$

il_1140xN.1661445075_97hz — Realistic donuts! from SewCuteNQuirky $$$

il_1140xN.1134393334_d3x8 — Marble pattern weights from SewStitchinSouthern. $$$ Customizing available.

Design Tools

Design and sewing go hand in hand. How about a few items that help to collect and plan those creative ideas?

il_1140xN.1559191259_gmj2 — Sewing Theme Vision Board from LuckyJo11 $$$ Customizable

il_340x270.1504039784_lgeh — Hardcover fashion designer’s notebook includes 140 women’s figure templates and more from EnchantedFabric. $$

Pressing Tools

I found some tools for the ironing station that many people who sew do without – but they shouldn’t! Here are some beautiful additions to anyone’s work space.

il_340x270.1253742141_96qa — Ham holder and clapper from JacksonsWoordworksLLC. $$$

il_340x270.314087377 — Custom tailor’s ham and sleeve roll set from StitchNerd. $$$$

Thread

Opening a package with a rainbow of color never fails to please. How about giving some high-end thread? It’s a little luxury your sewing friend will enjoy whether undertaking elaborate embellishment, basting or just mending a tear.

il_1140xN.916521267_o4f5 — Sashiko Thread Set – 15 skeins from SnugglyMonkey $$$

il_1140xN.1020915132_3xan — Japanese cotton basting thread (multiple colors available) from AliceInStitchesArts $

il_340x270.847061128_1ppi — Embroidery Floss: Sublime Stitching Mingles Set from SnugglyMonkey $

il_340x270.1592398747_7jau — Valdani Wool Thread Collection from AliceinStitchesArts $$$

Finishing Touch

I like it when people put labels in their handmade items. Show them that you value their unique craftsmanship by giving them custom labels. Here are a few options to get started.

il_340x270.1162696607_257p — Spool of 1/2 inch printed twill tape from InkedPapers $$

il_1140xN.950722336_fyqy — Custom printed satin labels from NinaTags $$

I’m pulling together another guide, which will focus on gadgets and stocking stuffers. Oh – and I’m still working on the winter coat. Updates soon!

Tag: small business

Sewing Gift Guide 1: Handmade and Made to Make