I've been busy as a little elf, making Christmas gifts! I took a few hours off work on Friday and came home early and got started. Somehow, it seems like I ought to have more to show for all I've been doing, but things are coming along. Here are a couple things I think it's safe to show you.
On my way home from work, I stopped by the quilt shop when I remembered I would need some batting before long for some of my gifts. They had a few panels on sale, so I picked one up and turned it into a tablerunner. I used the quilt-as-you-go method--this is the first time I'd really tried it and it worked nicely, but I have to say I think it would come out nicer if I had pre-washed my fabric. Once I finished the runner and binding, I tossed it in the washer and dryer. When it came out, I realized it would benefit GREATLY by a little more quilting, so I added that today.
Then I've been making microwave potato bags--three so far, and I think this is as many as I need, although I'd really like to make myself one. I've heard they work great! My husband and I will put together some kind of food gift baskets with these included. My husband has been tasked with coming up with ideas on what to add to the baskets that would go along with the potato theme. Any ideas? We're looking for things that wouldn't spoil too quickly, since at this time of the year, there's no telling when people will get around to eating things.
I thought there might be one or two of you out there in Blogland who would be interested in making spud bags too. Click HERE for the link to a nice tutorial on their construction. They're basically a small quilt that you turn into something resembling a purse or bag. I used leftover quilt blocks in making mine, and I think that made them kind of interesting without me spending a lot of time piecing fabric. Besides that, I was able to use some blocks I wasn't able to use before.
Time to head back to the Sweat Shop. I have some gingerbread men waiting for me in there. Thanks for dropping in to visit!
The runner is cute, and so are the spud cookers. Great job.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the shelf life of the bacon bits in the jar (probably longer than those in the bag)?
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could do those butter buds that also come in the spice section in jars?
What about making 2 or 4 napkins to use as fillers? I buy thin denim and run a seam 1/2" around the edge, clip the edges and throw into the washer to fray.
OK, fresh out of ideas! lol.
I love these!
I've been making those potato bags as well, and did keep one for myself. Tried it out earlier in the week and they work really well.
ReplyDeleteHow about barbaque sauces or chilli sauces, there's some lovely gourmet ones available now.
Ok just had another idea, I should be in the sewing room.... Anyway back home in Oz we used to eat baked potatoes topped with chilli, cheese and sour cream, mmm yum. So how about a recipe card for the chilli and perhaps a ban of kidney beans and packet of spices to make the chilli? Ok that's it for me, time to go do some of my own Christmas sewing.
ReplyDeletewhat about packages of ranch dressing? mix or even bottles. The table runner turned out nice. I need to get busy and finsh the ones I started. And Thanks for the link, hmmm, good idea for next year!
ReplyDeleteOh and I forgot to say, great use of stray blocks, I like it!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for left over blocks. I've never heard of a spud bag....hmmm looks interesting.
ReplyDeleteYou have been one busy ELF. Lots of great stuff coming out of the "Sweat Shop".
ReplyDeleteWhat I want to know is this - why do you need a bag to microwave a potato in? What difference does it make? Does it make them come out more like oven baked potatoes? I've read about these many times, but have never gotten an answer to this question.
ReplyDeleteI've seen those potato bags before and heard they work great!!!
ReplyDeleteI have never seen or heard of microwave potato bags - I'm lovin' the ones you made. I'll have to check out the link to that tutorial. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think your table runner is very pretty - love the quilting!
I LOVE your potato bags! I think they are adorable! Thanks for the link to how to make them!
ReplyDelete