Bowl Cozies

It's time to make gifts for Christmas and one of the best is a set of bowl cozies. These 100% cotton wonders cradle a bowl in the microwave, saving fingers from trying to handle the hot contents after heating is finished. They are quick to make. Fabric choice can make them bright and cheerful. Various sizes are easy to make.

The key is everything must be 100% cotton: the fabric, the batting and, yes, even the thread. This will avoid potential fire hazards or sparking in the microwave.

Christmas Stockings

When making 46 Christmas stockings, a good process helps make fun, attractive stockings without taking a massive amount of time, or expense.

The expense was reasonable (about $.65/stocking) for burlap and flannel, plus using Christmas material in my stash for the heal and toe appliqué. The body of the stocking is burlap, on sale, and the lining and cuff are different colors (red, green, blue, white) flannel, also on sale PLUS the additional 25% off coupon. Love coupons!

Dinner Scarf (Adult Bib)

A box was delivered. You grab a scissors and cut through the tape, open the box and pull out the stuffing and enjoy your new toy. Don't overlook the extra "gifts" you received. As a child, I was reminded frequently, "Waste not, want not." That waded up paper stuffing is a big example (we'll talk about boxes in a future post).

I Spy Packets

These packets are pretty quick to make and can be inexpensive. No I can't bring myself to using a pencil case, loading it up with the "inners" and then glueing it shut. That's the quickest, but I want sturdy. I do it the old-fashioned way.

Since I'm making these for seniors with dementia and my grandchildren, I like to be over-cautious. Every seam has at least one back-up or additional seam, like top-stitching. The inside seams are serged and then stitched. Told ya, overkill. I don't want these small pieces inside to get out and cause any problems.

Hot/cold Rice Packs (E)

click for
larger image

These rice packs are practical, quick, and inexpensive, yet make thoughtful gifts especially for young families (ice packs) or people who experience pain (hot packs). There are many different ways to make these packs. Check out other video tutorials (multiple-section pack) and web sites (single pack option) to find what works the best for you.