Hi everyone!
How are you doing? Starting to feel the pressure of the holiday season? I don’t know about you, but this is about the time I look at my gift list and realize I forgot someone OR need something extra to go with my mom’s gift OR would like my aunt’s gift to be more personal.
But we’re into December, and the to-do list seems to be getting longer … not shorter!
I’ll let you in on my last-minute gift solution … turn to your longarm!
Believe it or not, there are several projects that you can complete quickly … while enjoying yourself in the process. I’m going to share a few ideas I’ve completed in the past; then add a few more that I’ve found along the way. So, let’s get started with …
Gifts to Make on Your Longarm from Angie’s Answers
If you frequent my YouTube channel, you may have noticed a few gift ideas sprinkled in with the Handi Quilter longarm lessons and tips.
What about considering a fleece throw
This is the season of fleece sales, so why not take advantage of them? Invest in two complimenting cuts of 2 ½ yards of fleece and you can whip out a throw that someone will enjoy all winter and beyond! See Fleece Quilts on the Handi Quilter Longarm Machine. Fast, Easy Gifts! in Angie’s Answers.
If you’d like to make a throw that’s even a bit more luxurious, consider using Minky Luxe. See 2 Sided Quilt and No Binding! Minky Luxe Makes a Super Soft and Warm Quilt!
Maybe a throw isn’t the right gift. What about a tote bag?
In a two-part video, I show you how to make a practical tote that can be used for a multitude of purposes. See Part 1 How to Make a Tote Bag on a Handi Quilter Longarm Quilting Machine and Part 2 How to Make a Tote Bag on a Handi Quilter Longarm Quilting Machine.
I also did some exploring and found a few more videos offering gift ideas you can make on your longarm. Checkout …
Gifts to Make on Your Longarm from Handi Quilter
Continuing with the idea of making bags, Handi Quilter offers two videos on making tote bags in their video tutorials section found under the Learn tab of their website.
The first is How to Make Bags on Your Longarm Machine – Watch and Learn.
The second is Quilted Bag Swag – HQ Watch and Learn Show.
Both videos walk you through the materials and processes used to make the featured totes.
Maybe a kitchen related gift is a better fit for the person on your list. If so, checkout Handi Quilter’s How to Make Mitts and a Quilted Casserole Cover video. This video is also part of their Watch and Learn series. In it, the instructors again cover the materials and process needed to complete the project.
If you could use some cute holiday gift bags to fill with candy or other small treats, watch Handi Quilter’s How to Quilt Holiday Gifts on Your Longarm Machine – HQ Watch and Learn video. This is a project that you can easily make in quantity for a big family gathering or a classroom treat.
And another great source for ideas is …
Gifts to Make on Your Longarm from Adam Sew Fun
Would a pillow be the perfect gift? Watch Adam’s video, Long Arm Pleated Pillow for a fun, easy strip-based project. The finished pillow measures 18” X 18”.
He also shows you how to make another quick gift in Mug Rug – The Fastest Gift on a Longarm!
There’s a great Pro-Stitcher lesson in this video. Enjoy the possibilities!
So that’s a sampling of videos sharing last-minute gift ideas you can whip up on your longarm. But you know, there are other quick and easy ideas available to you. Let’s also consider …
Other Gifts to Make on Your Longarm
Have you seen Kim Brunner’s Facebook post for making adorable, easy Christmas stockings? Check out her December 4th entry.
New Christmas stockings for Huckleberry, Finn, and Iyla (dog, dog, not my cat). The designs, Christmas Stocking 01 and Christmas Stocking 02, are from A Bit Orange and they are fabulous! I reduced the size to 12 inches tall, laid down some red and green fabric rectangles on top of a big piece of Pellon fusible fleece (to create a bit of dimension in the stitched design), loaded the fleece on my Amara, and let my Pro Stitcher have at it. Stitching time was about 10 minutes per stocking and when they were done I turned them into quick little fully lined stockings, slapped on skinny bindings and silky ribbon hanging bows, and they're done! Easy peasy lemon squeezie. #handiquilter #prostitcher #abitorange
Fun and festive, right? Kim’s business is Kimmyquilt, and she is a fellow Handi Quilter retailer.
Here’s another Pro-Stitcher idea. Did you know that there is a set of preprogrammed holiday placemats ready and waiting for you to use?
I made a bunch of these placemats a couple of years ago. I chose green fabric and gold Magnifico thread for mine. To make them a bit larger, I added some free-motion quilting around the edges. What do you think?
But there’s even more to consider! Do you have a festive panel that can be used as a wall hanging or table topper? Add a simple border or quilt it as is. Then bind it on your longarm. What could be easier?
You can also create your own holiday quilted fabric on your longarm, then use it for all sorts of easy and fun gift ideas. Think pillows, stockings or ornaments, goodie bags, book or iPad pouches, simple stuffed animals, potholders, table toppers, etc.
Cut out the shape you need and add a quick machine binding. Or place two pieces right sides together, stitch around the edges and turn them right-side out. Use whatever finishing method works best for the project. Let your imagination run wild!
We can all use more quick and easy gift ideas. Reply to this email with some of the last-minute gift ideas you’ve created on your Handi Quilter longarm. I’d love to see them!
And as always, if you have ANY questions or want additional information about the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
Please share your thoughts and questions with us. We love to hear from you!
Angie
P.S. Just a reminder that both locations will be closed the week between Christmas and New Years. We hope you have a great holiday season!
