Diary of a Quilter – a quilt blog
I’ve updated my list of quilter gift ideas, which includes projects you can make for your quilting friends as well as new books, tools, and other unique gifts that you can either make for or give to your favorite quilter.
Unique Gifts for Quilters and Sewing Lovers
Maker Valley has been making quilting and sewing themed t-shirts for a few years now, and RicRac Sews has a bunch of cute ones as well. If you have a friend who collects pins, here are some ideas for handmade enamel pin display options.
Fabric:
There are many great online shops with excellent selections and customer service that sell Fat Quarter Bundles and precuts. If you’re looking to stock up on high quality thread, my Aurifil Everyday Favorites collection of 12 spools of 50 wt thread is regularly $139.
Notions and Sewing Supplies
Traditional quilting notions are always a good idea, and a new pair of scissors is always a nice present. Other useful tools (that would make great stocking stuffers) include the Polkadot Chair (which comes with a cute free-printable Sewing tag).
Mini Travel/Craft Iron
The Oliso Mini Craft Iron is small and light, but it presses like a heavy-duty iron. It comes with a silicone trivet that can be used for both travel and storage, as well as a sole plate for the iron to rest on when it’s face down.
Best Gifts for Quilters: New Quilt Books
Sherri McConnell’s Quilting Life Monthly Planner is spiral bound for easy access and packed with pages to help you keep track of all your projects, fabric, and plans. It can be used to start any month/date and fill in the monthly calendars.
Each book would make a great gift because they all have a variety of projects and patterns that appeal to almost every quilter. Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns has been updated, and Amanda Niederhauser’s Playful Precuts Quilts is a brand new book for 2020. There are a variety of titles that would appeal to quilters of all levels.
Online Classes!
Craftsy is back with holiday sales and promotions, with a huge selection of quilting classes in every style and technique. If you’d like to take a class with me, you can find and preview my class Pre-cuts Shortcuts here.
Subscriptions: The gift that keeps on giving. Literally.
Each month on the 15th, a new bundle of 10 ‘low-volume’ prints is shipped, with the option to cancel at any time. Each company is slightly different, so check them out to find the right fit for the person you’re giving to.
Sewing Machines
Sewing machines have been a hot ticket item this year, thanks to more people spending time at home, and I highly recommend the Baby Lock Jubilant if you’re looking for a good mid-level machine. Your local Baby Lock dealer will have a variety of levels of machines, from beginner to super-deluxe.
Gift Certificates:
A gift certificate can be obtained from your favorite local quilt shop or any of the online shops listed on my sidebar, and it can also be used to enroll in a class at a local shop or an online video class on sites like Craftsy.
Handmade Gifts for Quilters or Friends Who Sew
Magnetic pin bowls and mini design boards are great gifts for quilting friends, and Suzy Quilts has a list of great ideas for making (or buying) your own Design Wall.
Quilt Display Ladders
There are many different quilt ladder styles and options on Etsy; I recently purchased the black iron ladder from Magnolia, so keep your eyes peeled for other options, or make your own! Here are a couple Quilt Ladder Tutorials to get you started.
And for the quilter who has everything:
Consider making a donation in their honor to other quilters who are working hard to provide the basics for their families. The women of One Common Thread Quilts are celebrating their 100th birthday this year, and many of them have lost their jobs due to illness or injury.
What to get someone who quilts?
18 Quilter Gifts That Are Both Fun and Practical
- Quilters Travel Case.
- Sewciopath Wine Tumbler.
- Pin Set.
- Sewing Machine Necklace.
- Quilters Brain Coffee Mug.
- Spool Huggers.
- Quilters Travel Case.
What does every quilter want?
Every Quilter Will Enjoy These 14 Ingenious Gifts
- Scrap Catcher. Their workspace will now have a scrap catcher right where it should be.
- Fabric Estimating Calculator.
- Mini Iron.
- Quilters Travel Case.
- Quilter’s Journal.
- The Gypsy Cutting Gizmo.
Is quilting a good hobby?
Quilting is a fun, engaging hobby that is ideal for unwinding after a long day. In addition to being a great way to pass the time, quilting allows you to express your creativity and is a great confidence booster.
What should I buy for sewing?
Beginner’s Sewing Essentials
- A good pair of fabric scissors.
- A good pair of embroidery scissors.
- Pinking scissors.
- Tape measure.
- Rotary cutter.
- Dryer sheets / Parchment paper.
What every sewer needs?
Every Beginning Seamstress Should Have These 7 Simple Tools
- A Good, Basic Sewing Machine.
- Fabric Scissors.
- Rotary Cutting Set.
- Pins and Pincushion.
- Seam Ripper.
- Tape Measure.
- Fabric Pencil.
What is the best quilting magazine?
In 2020, we’ve identified the top 12 professional quilting magazines on the market:
- Quilters World Magazine.
- Quiltmaker Magazine.
- Quiltmakers Companion Magazine.
- Patchwork And Quilting Magazine.
- Love Patchwork And Quilting Magazine.
- Art Quilting Studio Magazine.
- Quiltfolk Magazine.
What is a quilters guild?
A quilt guild is a group of quilters who meet at a set time and location to talk about quilting. Unlike a group or bee, a guild has official bylaws and membership is usually required. Guilds come in all shapes and sizes.
Is quilting an expensive hobby?
It’s no secret that quilting can be costly; however, there are several budget-friendly options available. I have a saying that goes, “I used to sew to save money; now, I have to sew to save money.”
What is the easiest quilt pattern for a beginner?
A square patchwork quilt, made from fabric squares sewn together in a simple grid pattern, is one of the easiest quilts for a beginner to make. You can cut squares from your own fabrics or start with a precut fabric bundle called a “charm pack” or “layer cake.”
How much do handmade quilts cost?
How much do quilts cost? A queen-sized quilt can cost anywhere from $350 to $1500, while a baby quilt can cost anywhere from $150 to $400. A handcrafted quilt is the kind of lovely, personal gift that many people are willing to spend a lot of money on.
What should I sew first?
25 Sewing Projects for Beginners:
- If you’re brave enough for a zipper…Easy Pencil Case:
- Easy Tote:
- Birthday Banner:
- Chaptstick Keychain Holder:
- Library Tote Bag:
- Laptop Case:
- Ipad Sleeve:
- Jumbo Receiving Blankets:
- If you’re daring enough for a zipper…Easy Pencil Case:
When you make a mistake in sewing what essential tool might you need?
Seam ripper is the answer.
What is a good beginner sewing machine?
Here are the best beginner sewing machines on the market to help you make the best choice.
- SINGER M1500 Mechanical Sewing Machine: Best Overall
- Haitral HT-CS141WPU Mini Portable Sewing Machine: Best Budget
- Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine: Best for Quilting.