Last year I waited too late to make Christmas gifts. My mom fell and broke her hip and all my last-minute plans were thwarted. This year I am starting early. Additionally, the Gainesville Modern Quilt Guild is considering a craft show fundraiser, so I shared some of these gift ideas with them at our last meeting. Maybe this will inspire you to get started on Christmas gifts early.
Clutches – I have experimented with different clutch frames and interfacing. I like the stability that Annie’s Soft and Stable brings to bags, but I haven’t decided which clutch frame I like the best. I have used the tutorial from the Martha Stewart Show here and Lisa Lam’s Easy Peasy Purse pattern (U-handbag) from the current issue (Issue 8) Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine.
Shoe Laces – I took Liesel Gibson’s Creative Bug class on making shoe laces. I love these! I deviated from Liesel’s instructions a bit and used bias strips and stitched with a stretch stitch, as a regular stitch popped when tightening the laces. I’ve received such a positive reaction from these that I decided to carry them in my Etsy shop. I need to schedule a marathon lace making day!
Key Fobs – This gift is a staple in my Etsy Shop. I thought some key fobs that matched the shoe laces would be cute. I normally use designer ribbon or leather in my key fobs, but this time I used quilting fabric and I am happy with the results.
Round Placemats and Napkins – These 16″ round reversible placements are easy to make with Pellon Craft-Fuse interfacing, bias binding and beautiful quilting fabric. The napkins are made using my pattern.
MQG Michael Miller Challenge Quilt – I’m making slow progress on the challenge quilt. What have you been working on?
Giveaway – My last post was my 100th post! To celebrate I would like to give away the book, Quilting With A Modern Slant, by Rachel May. Rachel is a founding member of the Boston Modern Quilt Guild and is a PhD candidate in English and cultural studies with a focus on quilts and narrative. The book is all about modern quilting and more than 70 modern quilt artists. To enter the give away, please leave a comment about your modern quilt journey by July 12th. I will have the drawing on July 13th.
Link up – I’m linking up with Lee over at Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday. Please check out the other blogger’s WIP’s and don’t forget to leave quilt love.
Dragonfly Quiltworks 
The things you’re making to sell are all wonderful, Lora! Those clutches are so danged cute! And shoelaces… what a great gift for a teen or 20-something. (I don’t wear tennies anymore.) Key fobs, placemats, napkins, and your MM challenge (so, so wonderful!)… I’m amazed at all you’re doing. Everything is so pretty. This is a great giveaway too! Though, please don’t include me in it. Smile. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Linda! You are always so sweet to comment. I’ve just started wearing tennies (market research). I can’t believe the reaction I have received. Totally unexpected.
I haven’t been here before (so thanks, Freshly Pieced),These shoe laces are GREAT. My kids would love them.
You should try to make them. Your kids will think they are so special. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
This would be great for me as I just joined a Modern Quilt group
Irene, the book would be perfect for a new modern quilter. I hope you win! L.
Irene, you won Quilting with a Modern Slant! Would you please email me with your mailing address? Thanks, Lora (lora@dragonflyquiltworks.com)
The clutches are fun, but I clicked from WIP Wed because of the shoe laces. They made me smile! (My first time to your page, so thanks for sharing)
I started doing fiber art after being inspired while living in England by the work artists there were doing – a local gallery, Torquil Pottery, carried an artist who did lovely still life work in fabric that she then framed. Back in the US I took a class with Sue Holdaway-Heys and I was hooked. I lean towards art quilting, but also enjoy contemporary quilting when I get the chance!
Hi Jen! Glad you the shoe laces brought you to my blog. I will enter you in the drawing for the book. Maybe it will inspire you to try modern quilting. Thanks, Lora
They are awesome beautiful!