With Christmas rapidly approaching, and plenty of gifts to be had all around, I have already begun our shopping, as well as creating of gifts. Every Christmas I hand make at least one item per person. I want a personal gift that tells them I loved them and spent time on their gift.
A couple of years ago I made ornaments for each child. Another time I made throw pillows for their bed with long thin arms that could hug them, they were a really big hit. This year I am making each child a throw blanket. I found a really frugal way to create them and they are really inexpensive.
They are called New Sew Blankets. You can use any type of fabric you want. You either need two of the same exact pieces cut to the size you want the blanket, or you can use one patterned and one color coordinated piece. Either way, you need two pieces to get started.
I got started yesterday, but I am not very far yet. I plan to work on it a little bit over the weekend, and I am taking photographs as I go, so I can share with you how its done. I promise to have that article up sometime by next week so you too can get started.
If you are itching to get started and you think this sounds like a really great gift idea for that special someone in your life, you can at least get your supplies. Go to a fabric store or a discount chain store with a craft section. Browse the fabrics looking for what you want. Keep in mind that various fabrics differ in pricing greatly. Also keep in mind that if you purchase a soft fleece material or a fluffy fabric of some kind, more than likely the blanket will only be used in the winter. If you are wanting it to be a blanket they can keep on their bed all year round, then choose a thinner fabric. Look for a fabric with a picture or pattern that reminds you of the child. For instance, my daughter is a horseback rider, her fabric has horse shoes all over it. I plan to applique a horse to it, but I’m not working on hers right now.
Stay tuned for more on this in the frugal living blog.