I'm a 'beginner' sewer, but I already batch sew. I make heart pillows in two sizes for cancer patients. I started making them after using them for pain relief, after multiple chest surgeries for breast cancer. They are just a little on the understaffed side, as they need a little more give than what one might usually put in them. The pillow goes under the armpit, between the arm and chest, and REALLY reduces pain after biopsy, lumpectomy, or breast reconstruction surgeries. I've just recently expanded into making them for children's chemo units, too!
Another item that is good for cancer patients is SEAT BELT PROTECTION PADS ... Used to keep the seat belts off of chemo ports. They are quick and easy .... YY has lots of videos on how to make them.
I have made Christmas pillow cases for the last 15 years for the grands. Their gift is placed inside and the the case is tied with string. They love them. I love it! No wrapping. Lol
I batch sew burrito pillowcases for children in hospitals. I also batch sew simple 14-inch and 18-inch doll clothes like dresses, shorts with a top, pj's, and a simple sleeping bag. My daughter's and I hit thrift stores and garage sales for dolls. My oldest fixes them up, and then they get a backpack, clothes, shoes, socks, and a hairbrush with accessories. Then under our D.O.L.L. program, they are donated to children in foster care. ❤❤
I really like sewing pillow cases. I found a pattern on TH-cam for a pillowcase with a hidden zipper pouch. Kids really like to hide their treasures in it!!! I made one for a foster kid, and he really like it. So no matter where he went he could hide stuff inside and none of the other kids would know where he kept his treasures.
I USED to iron pillowcases. To be honest, I love how nice they are ironed but time is more valuable. I try to take them right out of the dryer and fold. 🤪🤪
I just batch sewed zipper bags and filled them with "feel better" items like throat drops, chapstick, hand lotion, tea bags, a pair of fuzzy socks, etc.... I volunteer with a moms of preschoolers program and I'm going to give them to the moms in my small group when they are under the weather. I've always thought it would be a nice thing to have on hand instead of trying to put something together every time a need arises. I love your videos! ❤
I just batch sewed a bunch of zipper pouches which are each made out of two 10" squares and quick to make. Filled them with sample size toiletries to donate to a local homeless ministry.
Wow, that means you actually think ahead. I'n one of those who that little joke about the word ahead running off the edge of the paper. Impulsive but not a planner.
Reversible table runners. Usually a Thanksgiving and Christmas fabric combo. I just use two 15-17" wide by width of different fabrics, place a layer of flannel in between and use the quilt pillowcase method to sew shut.
I do a lot of Christmas theme sewing in January .... taking advantage of the sales of Christmas theme stuff in the fabric / craft stores. Once finished they get stored away in a Christmas decorated plastic bin. Any Christmas themed gifts are often given early especially if to a family I will not see in the holidays. ( I have family all over the states.) A quilt, quilted place-mats, potholders and other items get used and are appreciated.
Yes to all these great ideas, especially because they are quick and easy - I made a big round "placemat" the same size as our pizza pan to put under it on pizza night and we use it every week - used prequilted fabric from Joann, cut it in a circle and sewed bias binding around the edge and done. The one tip for prequilted fabric I have found of use is to zig-zag the edges to kind of squish it together as it makes it easier to put the bias tape on and sort of seals the stuffing.
l learned it from a Fons and Porter quilting magazine article on making handbags with prequilted fabric years ago - it really makes a difference and also keeps some of the stitching from the prequilting from unraveling while you handle the fabric - happy sewing!
@@MaryCunningham-u5j Yes, I've done the exact same thing when making handbags. Not only just pre--quilted fabric, but even a quilted piece you've made yourself. A wide zz stitch does flatten the edge and make it easier to work with.
Bowl cozies! I usually take a whole layer cake and batch sew them. They make great gifts! My whole extended family gets new ones every few years because the get so much use.❤
I made the over-sized hot pad for my sister for Mother's Day. She has since asked for more and totally agrees with your sister, it's the gift she never knew she needed.😅 My daughter is a middle school reading teacher and I used your tutorial for bookmarks to make one for each of her students. I also made her a coffee cup sleeve. She enjoys the iced coffee as well and loves pulling her sleeve out of her purse to dress her cup up.
I’m 80 so I’m old fashioned, I iron my pillowcases. I love the crispness of them when I change by bed. Thanks for the great ideas, I’m going to make several pillowcases & also large hot mats.
Thank you for these great suggestions! I just batched sewed a few crayon wallets for a friend’s children. I then cut up some card stock, folded it in in half, filled w/ half dozen same-sized pieces of copy paper and sewed down the middle . . . I used long stitches so pages wouldn’t tear out too easily. Put the cute little “drawing” booklets in one side and got some fat dollar store crayons to put in the other side. Sounds and looks complicated but oh so easy. They take them everywhere.
I iron sheets for the same reason. My friends says I'm crazy, but every time I put on a new sheet, it feels like I'm getting into a wonderful hotel bed. I waited until we were empty nesters to start it, but it makes me feel so pampered . . and he loves it too!
I iron my sheets and pillowcases when I have friends coming to visit. The feel of an ironed sheet is very nice. I am not fancy mancy, but I like letting my friends know they are special. My husband likes it too but I rarely do iron our bed sheets though.
I am currently making 12 mug rugs for my bible study group. We are studying the Fruit of the Spirit and I found fruit of the spirit fabric. I am pairing it with a cute glass coffee cup and a few Lindt Chocolates.
I love making pillowcases! I would gift a pillowcase to each of my students at the end of the school year with a note to that says " Dreams can come true, so dream big!"
Hi, yes, I iron pillowcases. Old habit from growing up in Africa. My mom always told me that there is a fly that lays it's eggs on damp fabrics and ironing kills the hatchlings so they don't hatch and burrow into your flesh. The putsi and tumbu flies.
Such awesome ideas! Iron- as children we were taught starting with Dad’s hankies, then on to pillowcases, then Dad’s work shirts. Momma figured if we hadn’t ruined anything by then; we got to iron the dress clothes and table clothes. Momma also took in ironings(she got pd to iron sheet sets, not just pillowcases). Buy that was a job!!! I’ve always enjoyed ironing, I find it relaxing and satisfying. But as someone else stated with the different fabrics these days not near as much to iron. Anyways… I really look forward to batch sewing as you say. Thank You for your inspiration and encouragement. 🥰❤️😀
The hot pads are not just a placemat because for the hot pad you use a special batting for a hot pad or pot holder. It holds the heat in or could be microwaved if needed unlike regular batting. You ideas are really cute.
If you use Insul-Bright in hot pads, you should NOT use them in the microwave. Insul-Bright is like a metal-infused batting, so no-go in microwave ovens.
Be sure anything you sew that will go in the microwave, you make with 100% cotton thread. I made a bowl holder with Polyester thread in the bobbin (by accicent) It caught on fire. Luckily my 12 year old Granddaughter knew to just turn off the microwave and let the lack of air smother the small fire.
I iron pillow cases that I've sewn but not pillow cases that I've purchased. I guess it's a labor of love ; D Thank you for these great project ideas! I purchased your Ebook, How To Teach Sewing. I'm only a confident beginner but that maybe something I'm interested in the future. For now I have nieces that I feel I could teach, great ideas in your book and on you blog.
I needed a lot of thank you gifts for people who helped us out with transportation during a month long hospitalization for my son. I did table runners hot pads with matching oven hot pads. If I didn't know the colors, I was lucky enough to know relatives to ask. One had had her paintings made into fabric on Spoonflower. Fabrics are so wonderful. You can find a person's favorite color or theme to make them so personal. Thanks for all the other ideas.
I have to be honest, I didn't expect to see something I would actually use but your ideas are so practical, and versatile that can be used for the things I use instead The coffee sleeves are an amazing idea but they also would be great for the big cup in which I drink soda on summers as I really don't like coasters, and the books sleeves seems perfect for the crafting notebooks where I draw my projects Thanks for all the ideas of my own, you gave me with this video
Yes, I make pillow cases. And sometimes I embroider them with flowers, butterfly's , and him and here's. Also have made small pillows and cases with a little to put a lost tooth in it to make it easier for the Tooth Fairy. There cute for little ones.
Earlier this year, I made an assortment of tea bag wallets to give to ladies at a women's bible study tea. I inserted a tea bag in each of them before giving them away. I passed the box around and let them pick which one they liked. I have a lot left over (I wanted to make sure I had more than enough to choose from) and will pass some out this year for Christmas. Will insert a peppermint or cranberry tea bag this time. Will be making a lot of tissue pouches this year as well.
My Mom ironed clothing, tablecloths and pillowcases. Her laundry was hung out on a line to dry (and washed with a wringer washer), so most all of the laundry needed the wrinkles ironed out. (she didn't iron the underthings or sheets). Thus we all learned how to iron when we were old enough to learn how. and yes I still iron the pillowcases, etc. Loved your video - lots of great sewing ideas. Just found your channel today so look forward to viewing your other tutorials. thank you!
Just found your videos, and I have to tell you... I love the 'real' conversation-type instructions. Ten minutes of watching you and I'm found my newest hobby! Thanks!
I always appreciate what you share. What I liked about this one was what you said at the end, that for this video you intentionally selected things that were not complicated. I can’t believe that I just said that, because I am primarily a garment sewest and truly enjoy details. Having said that, when the goal/need is to make several of the same thing, your ideas here are very practical, which, who doesn’t appreciate that! So, bless you! And thank you!
I made pillowcases for my grandchildren for each month of the year. When my granddaughter went away to college she took them all with her. I’m 81, it’s ingrained in me to iron pillowcases and hems on sheets. Love your tutorials. Thank you!
A few Christmases ago, I whipped up a bunch of fabric glasses cases! I embroidered the recipients' first initial on them. If I could do it again, which I might, I'd make them wide enough for sunglasses and not just reading glasses.
I got carried away a few years ago after learning how to make zippered pouches that can stand on their own … so much so, I had a couple dozen beyond what I needed 🤦♀️🤣 so I took them up to the hospital I work at to see if anyone would buy them. I sold out in one night 😳 one coworker alone bought 10 of them so she could gift them, too. I still get asked if I’m gonna make more lol
I love these ideas, and I have personally watched your large joypad video several times. I just made my mother in law 2, for her birth! I made mine last November, with a turkey print. I plan on making some Christmas ones this year too. I just realized that we also need homemade pillowcases in our lives, so I’m hopping up to make a plan as I’m typing this. Thank you!!!❤
I love these ideas and plan to make some of these. One gift I do is the casserole carrier, sometimes I put a glass pie pan in that I find at thrift store. Bowls fit nicely too. I try to gift these early so they are available for the holiday parties.
I love an ironed pillow case. I have made so many pillow cases over the years. My granddaughters asked for some Christmas pillow cases this year. Great way to use up your stash. Another assembly line gifts are burp rags.
I am currently batch sewing Christmas stockings for my daughter and family. It really puts me in the Christmas spirit. Love your suggestions and I am loving the pillowcase idea. ❤
When I was a small girl, all the sheets and pillowcases were cotton. My mother ironed her sheets and pillowcases. She did this odd thing of sprinkling them with a coke bottle sprinkler filled with water, then rolled them up and put them in the freezer. No clue why she did that. And then she'd take them out and iron them that way. After unrolling them of course. When I got old enough I also ironed sheets to help out. This was in the early to mid sixties. In the late sixties, however, permanent press fabrics came around, so, of course sheets began to be perma press. No more ironing!😀 Not since my girlhood have I ironed pillowcases, not even if they're cotton. 😊
My Mom put hers in the refrigerator. This causes the sprinkle water to dampen the whold piece for ironing. I'm 82 and I think this was before steam irons were popular. I was reading a quilting blog and the quilter says she never puts water in her iron because eventualy it "gunks" up and squirts dirty water, expecially on whites. It also shortens the life of the iron. Is this an example of Karma?
I made hanging kitchen towels for each of the holidays so they can be enjoyed all year. For my granddaughters I also made rag dolls and clothing for them. I can’t wait to see your kid gift ideas. I think I’m going to make pillow cases as gifts for next year, they look so cute!
“Back in the day,” all pillowcases had to be ironed, because all cotton fabric wrinkled heavily and shrank mercilessly! Thank you for your wonderful channel. I’ve learned so much.
True. . . before permanent press was a “thing,” I remember that, in the summer, my aunt kept her ironing in a pillow case in the refrigerator until she had time to iron. We were farm folks and she’d be busy constantly. I’m really not sure why. Yes I am! She took the clothes off line while still damp so she could iron w/o using starch. Didn’t have spray starch like we do now. By the way, she taught me how to sew. Every Saturday morning, I’d walk from our farm to to her farmhouse and we learned to make gingham pot holders, felt needle books, such sweet memories. She’s in her 90’s now. I think I’ll make something for her.
I have made lots of casserole hot pads all the backs are scrappy great way to use up scraps of quilting fabric. I need to make another one for me one of these days.
New subscriber here. I'm getting back into sewing after many years and just found your site. Lots of great projects to try and within my skill level! Many thanks.❤🇨🇦
Hello. Great list. I batch sew the zipper bags as we fill them with supplies for the homeless. Pads/tampons, liners, lip balm, lotion, hand sanitizer, toothpaste w/toothbrush, soap pack, moist towelettes, emery board, breath strips, band aids. Thank you! I do not iron pillowcases.
I love that you showed the book sleeves and the bag with panels on them! I love these small panels, and I’m always looking for ways to highlight them. These are great!!!! Thank you !
I am making a couple of over-sized hot pads for my mother-in-law, as well as a couple for myself! I have a TON of Bonnie and Camille Fat Quarters that I want to use, so they will be perfect for the hot pads. Also, I made a quilt to be sold at an auction my mother-in-law's church will be having on Saturday. It's a yearly event to raise money for the church. My mother-in-law fully intends to buy that quilt at the auction. So, I am going to make her a pair of matching pillowcases to go with the quilt, but I want to wait to make sure she actually wins the quilt first! 🤣
I've only ironed pillowcases once or twice, because I like bamboo sheets and they get all wrinkly because they're basically rayon. But usually not. I think the time I did I was just having an "I have to control everything because this family is making me crazy" episode 😂 I have made (and sold) book sleeves - I line mine with ripstop nylon and do a magnetic closure, along with spraying the outside with Scotchguard. That way you can take them to the beach or the pool and not worry about books getting wet. They are such a fantastic gift. And now I'm off to get the coffee sleeve pattern because I always give Starbucks cards to all the kids - a sleeve will be nice to go with it!
Just found you and love your videos and ideas for gifts. Last year I batch-sewed vinyl zipper pouches and filled them with a pair of soft, cozy socks, foot mask, foot lotion, chocolate and a couple of tea bags for an evening of pampering. Gave one each to a group of friends. They loved them!
These are great ideas, thank you! I did the aprons and zip pouches in 2 different years, they are still used. Also, another idea, a waterproof beach zipper bag to put wet bathing suits into. The ones I made was out of beach towels, lined with waterproof polyurethane lining. I used a youtube video tutorial by the late Melanie Ham.
I am so thankful for all of the ideas shared here so clearly and enthusiastic! I taught my granddaughters, 8 and 11 to sew bowl cozies for their family members and faraway cousins ( 10 cozies). Doing these assembly style kept the rotation for being on the sewing machine , cutting, pinning, etc., made it go smoothly. They loved doing this together! Only thing is, I forgot to have them sew two extras for me and my husband! Back to the sewing machine… 😊
I don’t think I have commented on your videos before, but I have to say you are simply the best! Great ideas. No time wasted, and yet they are funny, personable and quirky. I love quirky! (Oops, no bobbin! Curtain fell. Kid comes through. Real life!) Some of the things you make I already sew, or can do anyway, but I am going to buy a several of your patterns just because your channel is deserving of financial support. Plus, you’ve given this grandma a few fresh ideas! I have pretty much binge watched all your videos, and some twice. No I do not iron pillow cases, although I did as a child as they were a winkled mess from the clothes line back in the day. Okay, I don’t even fold them - remove bedding, wash, put back on bed. 🤣 We have 27 grandchildren and for birthdays they often get a pillow case and book, and the same for Christmas. Especially the boys. I occasionally make little purses or bags for some of the girls. I am switching from burrito style pillow cases with french seams to pillow cases made with a serger this year. Serger arrives today and my experience with sergers is two days of binge watching serger how-to videos on YT - so wish me luck. Keep up the great work - you are just the right balance of efficient and folksy. ❤️
My ninth grade home ec teacher told us that she had two sisters. She was the one who liked to sew, her older sister liked to cook, and her baby sister liked to iron. The tale was that she would iron pillowcases, sheets, towels and washrags too. Then the teacher would tell us, she was the crazy one.
@@Carla-ns8rx the creator explains what prompted her to come up with this design if you'd like to watch the whole video. Myself and my family use these to absorb condensation from cold drinks. And it indicates who's jar is who's. Besides that, they look super cute and showcase my fun fabrics and allow me to use my creativity for others.
LOVE these ideas!!! My Nana refused to use fabric softener so I was ironing sheets & pillowcases for years! My da is the same so I bring my own sheets when I visit him and his wife. I’m done ironing sheets. I used to iron my Papa’s boxers as well 😮😂
Nice ideas! For the last few years, I've been making totes for every Christmas gift I give, as part of the gift. So far they've been well received because they're so versatile. I just never thought of batch sewing them because I'm always working on one gift at a time.
Thanks for the reminder. I have previously batch sewn Christmas stockings, zipper pouches of various sizes and tote bags. Last year I made reusable drawstring bags to use as present bags instead of using wrapping paper. ❤
So glad to find your channel! Great ideas and you are just darn fun to watch. 🤗 I love to give pillowcases for kids. I did that one year for the nieces and nephews for Christmas. I used it as a gift bag and filled it with sleepover goodies. But why not adults too. 🎉
That's so sweet that your mom made/sent you aprons for each of the holidays - love that idea...I hope I will be smart enough to figure out how to make one!
I made bowl cozies, reusable shopping bags and travel tissues holder for gifts this Christmas. Thank for great ideals and for putting a smile on my face with your great videos.
Some great ideas, thank you. In answer to your question, Yes I iron my pillow cases, tea towels and hand towels. the top band of the bed sheets get ironed too.
At 85 I iron pillowcases,most don't and that is fine. Live styles do change. I see, quilt and hand quilt and make many pillowcases. Thanks for such an informative video, a friend is about to have breast cancer surgery so I will make her a heart.
I've batch sewn lap blankets custom to the kids favorite TV characters/ colors. & I love favorite color shades 2 sided, coasters for couples ( 2 in their favorite color +1 combo his/her color ir 1 side her fave other side his fave). Always a big hit
Just coming back to sewing, after a long hiatus and trying my hand at quilting. 🤯 i can not wait to try some of these projects! I am so excited I stumbled on to your page!
I've made your large hot pad. It was so easy and turned out great! AND if you make pillow cases and use them a lot, they become soft and they don't need ironing...bonus!
Those types of aprons are super easy to make reversible. Just cut out all the pieces for two aprons and then sew them right sides together, press well and top stitch along those edes. Also fun to make two different pockets for each size - every apron needs a pocket and make a loop that is big enough to pull a towel through to wipe messy hands on it rather than the apron itself. When I still lived at home with my mom I ironed pillowcases, but then they were mostly 100% cotton. Since I left home, I don't think I have ironed a pillow case. I don't even iron clothes anymore and just hope the wrinkles fall out. Thanks for the good ideas.
I’m making your tea towel pattern to make for my son’s school teachers, and I’m adding a small jar homemade of jam any mini both of bread and putting it in a cute bag so thank you for all of the fun ideas and all your fun patterns
Thank you, some lovely ideas here, and yes I iron pillow cases but not the duvet cover, as mine are pure cotton, and I prefer a smooth pillowcase rather than a wrinkly one. It also gives it that lovely newly changed bed feeling.
An item that is good for cancer patients is SEAT BELT PROTECTION PADS ... Used to keep the seat belts off of chemo ports. They are quick and easy .... YY has lots of videos on how to make them. Can be made in batches.
Love the book bag/cover, I'm so going to make this! I've made a ton of pillow cases in the past, they're always popular. Since I love to sleep in crisp, fresh-smelling pure cotton or linen I go to the trouble of ironing my duvet covers and pillow cases. I also do this because ironed natural fabrics don't get dirty so quickly and take less space in my linen cupboard. Of course I bulk at ironing fitted sheets. Even folding them was driving me crazy until I started rolling them up. I just wanted to start writing a detailed description of the method, but realised I don't have a couple of hours to make myself understood 😂 Anyway - love your channel, thank you.
I am making my kids dice bags this year. We have ordered in materials for everyone to make their own dice sets too. It will be a fun time making dice. On Christmas morning I am putting fidgets into the bags so there is something inside.
Wow! I wish I had found you before Christmas, what wonderful ideas. I have just moved my sewing room/ office to a different room in my house and love your fabric storage ideas. I love sewing and have made knitting needle roll up holders and adapted it to make art brush holders and also scissors too. I can't wait to try some of your ideas. With regards to pillowcases, Yes I iron them as I love the smooth cotton on my face. ☺
Another really great video Nikki. You've done all the hard work trying out the projects for batch sewing & given us lots of ideas and given us patterns & tutorials to follow. What's stopping us getting started? Nothing! Let's go ...zoom, we got Christmas all stitched up ❤
Pillow cases can be paired with everything!! I make them all year round they are my gift bags! Every Christmas Eve the kids get a new pillow case and book!
I love your tutorials! And videos 😊. So far I’ve made your book sleeve, bookmark and pillowcases. Your instructions are very easy to follow. Thank you!
I'm a 'beginner' sewer, but I already batch sew. I make heart pillows in two sizes for cancer patients. I started making them after using them for pain relief, after multiple chest surgeries for breast cancer. They are just a little on the understaffed side, as they need a little more give than what one might usually put in them. The pillow goes under the armpit, between the arm and chest, and REALLY reduces pain after biopsy, lumpectomy, or breast reconstruction surgeries. I've just recently expanded into making them for children's chemo units, too!
That is awesome ❤
The heart shaped pillow is also great for a broken arm. (I know firsthand)
Awesome!
Another item that is good for cancer patients is SEAT BELT PROTECTION PADS ... Used to keep the seat belts off of chemo ports. They are quick and easy .... YY has lots of videos on how to make them.
What size hearts do you make?
I have made Christmas pillow cases for the last 15 years for the grands. Their gift is placed inside and the the case is tied with string. They love them. I love it! No wrapping. Lol
Great ideas😊
Thank you for the gift wrapping idea!!! 💡
So genius 😭😭😭😭🤯
Oooo I am stealing this for my grands! I just got them this year, what a fun new tradition, thank you so much for sharing!
@@MuseDesigns I'm also stealing this idea for my grands as well since I have 9!!
I batch sew burrito pillowcases for children in hospitals. I also batch sew simple 14-inch and 18-inch doll clothes like dresses, shorts with a top, pj's, and a simple sleeping bag. My daughter's and I hit thrift stores and garage sales for dolls. My oldest fixes them up, and then they get a backpack, clothes, shoes, socks, and a hairbrush with accessories. Then under our D.O.L.L. program, they are donated to children in foster care. ❤❤
That’s so cute!! What a great program!
What is a burrito pillowcase?
I was wondering that same thing! I’ve never heard of a burrito pillow case before.
The crafty Gemini has a great video for burrito pillowcases. @@LinKatHen
So many gracoius and generous people out there. Keep up the good work and God Bless
I really like sewing pillow cases. I found a pattern on TH-cam for a pillowcase with a hidden zipper pouch. Kids really like to hide their treasures in it!!! I made one for a foster kid, and he really like it. So no matter where he went he could hide stuff inside and none of the other kids would know where he kept his treasures.
That’s a cute idea!
How nice. Foster kids need so much. A little gift like this goes a long way. God Bless You.
I USED to iron pillowcases. To be honest, I love how nice they are ironed but time is more valuable. I try to take them right out of the dryer and fold. 🤪🤪
I just batch sewed zipper bags and filled them with "feel better" items like throat drops, chapstick, hand lotion, tea bags, a pair of fuzzy socks, etc....
I volunteer with a moms of preschoolers program and I'm going to give them to the moms in my small group when they are under the weather. I've always thought it would be a nice thing to have on hand instead of trying to put something together every time a need arises.
I love your videos! ❤
Such a sweet idea 💕
I LOVE this idea! So sweet and thoughtful and useful!
I just batch sewed a bunch of zipper pouches which are each made out of two 10" squares and quick to make. Filled them with sample size toiletries to donate to a local homeless ministry.
Wow, that means you actually think ahead. I'n one of those who that little joke about the word ahead running off the edge of the paper. Impulsive but not a planner.
Reversible table runners. Usually a Thanksgiving and Christmas fabric combo. I just use two 15-17" wide by width of different fabrics, place a layer of flannel in between and use the quilt pillowcase method to sew shut.
I don't iron pillowcases but my mother started me off on ironing having me do pillowcases & my dad's handkerchiefs!
I learned to iron on pillowcases also
Handkerchiefs! A great little hand-sewing project for newbies like me 😃
I do a lot of Christmas theme sewing in January .... taking advantage of the sales of Christmas theme stuff in the fabric / craft stores. Once finished they get stored away in a Christmas decorated plastic bin. Any Christmas themed gifts are often given early especially if to a family I will not see in the holidays. ( I have family all over the states.) A quilt, quilted place-mats, potholders and other items get used and are appreciated.
When I was growing up both of my grandmothers ironed the sheets and pillow cases with starch.
Yes to all these great ideas, especially because they are quick and easy - I made a big round "placemat" the same size as our pizza pan to put under it on pizza night and we use it every week - used prequilted fabric from Joann, cut it in a circle and sewed bias binding around the edge and done. The one tip for prequilted fabric I have found of use is to zig-zag the edges to kind of squish it together as it makes it easier to put the bias tape on and sort of seals the stuffing.
What a great idea! Thank you!❤
Oh I really like the idea of squishing the edges, thank you very much!
l learned it from a Fons and Porter quilting magazine article on making handbags with prequilted fabric years ago - it really makes a difference and also keeps some of the stitching from the prequilting from unraveling while you handle the fabric - happy sewing!
@@MaryCunningham-u5j Yes, I've done the exact same thing when making handbags. Not only just pre--quilted fabric, but even a quilted piece you've made yourself. A wide zz stitch does flatten the edge and make it easier to work with.
Great idea! Thanks
a homemade eye mask would go great with a homemade pillowcase too!
Bowl cozies! I usually take a whole layer cake and batch sew them. They make great gifts!
My whole extended family gets new ones every few years because the get so much use.❤
My mom asked me for bowl cozies for Christmas last year. I had made myself a set and loved them so much that she told me she needed a set
@ they’re great!
I made the over-sized hot pad for my sister for Mother's Day. She has since asked for more and totally agrees with your sister, it's the gift she never knew she needed.😅
My daughter is a middle school reading teacher and I used your tutorial for bookmarks to make one for each of her students. I also made her a coffee cup sleeve. She enjoys the iced coffee as well and loves pulling her sleeve out of her purse to dress her cup up.
I’m 80 so I’m old fashioned, I iron my pillowcases. I love the crispness of them when I change by bed. Thanks for the great ideas, I’m going to make several pillowcases & also large hot mats.
Im currently batch sewing headbands, scrunchies, and sleep masks. Last year I made a bunch of aprons and hacky sacks.
What’s a hacky sack?
My father made all his daughters learn to iron pillow cases. Those and his pocket hankies were where we started learning to iron.
Me too!
I have a couple Egyption pillowcases, and those seem to wrinkle a lot, so they get ironed.
Thank you for these great suggestions!
I just batched sewed a few crayon wallets for a friend’s children. I then cut up some card stock, folded it in in half, filled w/ half dozen same-sized pieces of copy paper and sewed down the middle . . . I used long stitches so pages wouldn’t tear out too easily.
Put the cute little “drawing” booklets in one side and got some fat dollar store crayons to put in the other side. Sounds and looks complicated but oh so easy. They take them everywhere.
Such a cute idea!
That’s awesome!!! ❤️😀
Where did you get the pattern for the crayon wallet? Sounds intriguing
A picture please?
@@amycleal8530 I don’t know how to link my photo but if you can open the link I sent earlier, you’ll see a great picture in her video.
I iron my pillowcases! Not because I'm a perfectionist, but simply because I love having that crisp feel when I change sheets.
I iron sheets for the same reason. My friends says I'm crazy, but every time I put on a new sheet, it feels like I'm getting into a wonderful hotel bed. I waited until we were empty nesters to start it, but it makes me feel so pampered . . and he loves it too!
I iron my sheets and pillowcases when I have friends coming to visit. The feel of an ironed sheet is very nice. I am not fancy mancy, but I like letting my friends know they are special. My husband likes it too but I rarely do iron our bed sheets though.
How sweet to receive holiday aprons from your mom.
It really was the best gift.
I love the feel of ironed pillow cases. My grandmother always ironed her sheets and pillow cases with light starch and her beds were the best.
I am currently making 12 mug rugs for my bible study group. We are studying the Fruit of the Spirit and I found fruit of the spirit fabric. I am pairing it with a cute glass coffee cup and a few Lindt Chocolates.
Where did you get the fruit of the spirit fabric?pls
I love making pillowcases! I would gift a pillowcase to each of my students at the end of the school year with a note to that says " Dreams can come true, so dream big!"
That is so sweet 😭
That is a very sweet idea!
Awwhhhh🥰 what a blessing!
❤️😀
What a great idea! It almost makes me want to unretire.❤
@@ellheath-yes, almost. But...let me see...nah! 😊
Hi, yes, I iron pillowcases. Old habit from growing up in Africa. My mom always told me that there is a fly that lays it's eggs on damp fabrics and ironing kills the hatchlings so they don't hatch and burrow into your flesh. The putsi and tumbu flies.
New phobia unlocked.
That's the terse fly, it makes people very ill and puts them into comas. In the past of Africa I grew up in everything that was washed was ironed. ❤
Wow
Such awesome ideas! Iron- as children we were taught starting with Dad’s hankies, then on to pillowcases, then Dad’s work shirts. Momma figured if we hadn’t ruined anything by then; we got to iron the dress clothes and table clothes. Momma also took in ironings(she got pd to iron sheet sets, not just pillowcases). Buy that was a job!!! I’ve always enjoyed ironing, I find it relaxing and satisfying. But as someone else stated with the different fabrics these days not near as much to iron.
Anyways… I really look forward to batch sewing as you say.
Thank You for your inspiration and encouragement. 🥰❤️😀
The hot pads are not just a placemat because for the hot pad you use a special batting for a hot pad or pot holder. It holds the heat in or could be microwaved if needed unlike regular batting. You ideas are really cute.
If you use Insul-Bright in hot pads, you should NOT use them in the microwave. Insul-Bright is like a metal-infused batting, so no-go in microwave ovens.
@@victoriachatfield4612
Thanks for the advice!
Be sure anything you sew that will go in the microwave, you make with 100% cotton thread. I made a bowl holder with Polyester thread in the bobbin (by accicent) It caught on fire. Luckily my 12 year old Granddaughter knew to just turn off the microwave and let the lack of air smother the small fire.
I iron pillow cases that I've sewn but not pillow cases that I've purchased. I guess it's a labor of love ; D Thank you for these great project ideas! I purchased your Ebook, How To Teach Sewing. I'm only a confident beginner but that maybe something I'm interested in the future. For now I have nieces that I feel I could teach, great ideas in your book and on you blog.
I needed a lot of thank you gifts for people who helped us out with transportation during a month long hospitalization for my son. I did table runners hot pads with matching oven hot pads. If I didn't know the colors, I was lucky enough to know relatives to ask. One had had her paintings made into fabric on Spoonflower. Fabrics are so wonderful. You can find a person's favorite color or theme to make them so personal. Thanks for all the other ideas.
I have to be honest, I didn't expect to see something I would actually use but your ideas are so practical, and versatile that can be used for the things I use instead
The coffee sleeves are an amazing idea but they also would be great for the big cup in which I drink soda on summers as I really don't like coasters, and the books sleeves seems perfect for the crafting notebooks where I draw my projects
Thanks for all the ideas of my own, you gave me with this video
Yes, I make pillow cases. And sometimes I embroider them with flowers, butterfly's , and him and here's. Also have made small pillows and cases with a little to put a lost tooth in it to make it easier for the Tooth Fairy. There cute for little ones.
Oh, I for got on the pillow case put a small pocket to put the Tooth in.
Earlier this year, I made an assortment of tea bag wallets to give to ladies at a women's bible study tea. I inserted a tea bag in each of them before giving them away. I passed the box around and let them pick which one they liked. I have a lot left over (I wanted to make sure I had more than enough to choose from) and will pass some out this year for Christmas. Will insert a peppermint or cranberry tea bag this time. Will be making a lot of tissue pouches this year as well.
Such a cute idea!
My Mom ironed clothing, tablecloths and pillowcases. Her laundry was hung out on a line to dry (and washed with a wringer washer), so most all of the laundry needed the wrinkles ironed out. (she didn't iron the underthings or sheets). Thus we all learned how to iron when we were old enough to learn how. and yes I still iron the pillowcases, etc. Loved your video - lots of great sewing ideas. Just found your channel today so look forward to viewing your other tutorials. thank you!
Just found your videos, and I have to tell you... I love the 'real' conversation-type instructions. Ten minutes of watching you and I'm found my newest hobby! Thanks!
Such a sweet comment, thank you and welcome! 🤗
I always appreciate what you share. What I liked about this one was what you said at the end, that for this video you intentionally selected things that were not complicated. I can’t believe that I just said that, because I am primarily a garment sewest and truly enjoy details. Having said that, when the goal/need is to make several of the same thing, your ideas here are very practical, which, who doesn’t appreciate that! So, bless you! And thank you!
You are so refreshing.
Yes, i do iron pillowcases, napkins, tea towels, it is a good way to de-stress.
You could add chapstick holders and tissue cases (like for the travel sized tissues) to your list for next year. Those are pretty quick.
Pillow cases are a fantastic gift for my children and grandchildren. Each one is specifically designed for each. So, easy and quick to batch sew.
I made pillowcases for my grandchildren for each month of the year. When my granddaughter went away to college she took them all with her. I’m 81, it’s ingrained in me to iron pillowcases and hems on sheets. Love your tutorials. Thank you!
That is so sweet 🫶🏻
A few Christmases ago, I whipped up a bunch of fabric glasses cases! I embroidered the recipients' first initial on them. If I could do it again, which I might, I'd make them wide enough for sunglasses and not just reading glasses.
Love that idea 💕
Yes - I iron pillowcases ! A small spray of starch a steam iron. Mmn nothing better than a smooth crisp ironed pillowcase to lie on xx
I got carried away a few years ago after learning how to make zippered pouches that can stand on their own … so much so, I had a couple dozen beyond what I needed 🤦♀️🤣 so I took them up to the hospital I work at to see if anyone would buy them. I sold out in one night 😳 one coworker alone bought 10 of them so she could gift them, too. I still get asked if I’m gonna make more lol
Is your pattern pretty easy for those? I've never made a zippered pouch, but willing to try. The zipper part intimidates me.😅
@ it’s easier than you think, especially when you have a good tutorial to go by
I love these ideas, and I have personally watched your large joypad video several times. I just made my mother in law 2, for her birth! I made mine last November, with a turkey print. I plan on making some Christmas ones this year too. I just realized that we also need homemade pillowcases in our lives, so I’m hopping up to make a plan as I’m typing this. Thank you!!!❤
I’ve just made Christmas pillow cases for my grandchildren and used them to wrap their advent calendars. Thanks for the ideas ❤
I love these ideas and plan to make some of these. One gift I do is the casserole carrier, sometimes I put a glass pie pan in that I find at thrift store. Bowls fit nicely too. I try to gift these early so they are available for the holiday parties.
Is there a particular pattern you use for that? Love to make one
With the pillow case you could do a whole pamper yourself kit. Sleep mask, hair cap, maybe eye cream or face mask.
I love an ironed pillow case. I have made so many pillow cases over the years. My granddaughters asked for some Christmas pillow cases this year. Great way to use up your stash. Another assembly line gifts are burp rags.
I am currently batch sewing Christmas stockings for my daughter and family. It really puts me in the Christmas spirit. Love your suggestions and I am loving the pillowcase idea. ❤
I always iron pillowcases! It feels great when you go to bed because they always seem new!
I love the idea of Christmas pillowcases! Personalized microwave cozies were what my entire family from me received 2 years ago.
When I was a small girl, all the sheets and pillowcases were cotton. My mother ironed her sheets and pillowcases. She did this odd thing of sprinkling them with a coke bottle sprinkler filled with water, then rolled them up and put them in the freezer. No clue why she did that. And then she'd take them out and iron them that way. After unrolling them of course. When I got old enough I also ironed sheets to help out. This was in the early to mid sixties. In the late sixties, however, permanent press fabrics came around, so, of course sheets began to be perma press. No more ironing!😀 Not since my girlhood have I ironed pillowcases, not even if they're cotton. 😊
My Mom put hers in the refrigerator. This causes the sprinkle water to dampen the whold piece for ironing. I'm 82 and I think this was before steam irons were popular. I was reading a quilting blog and the quilter says she never puts water in her iron because eventualy it "gunks" up and squirts dirty water, expecially on whites. It also shortens the life of the iron. Is this an example of Karma?
I made hanging kitchen towels for each of the holidays so they can be enjoyed all year. For my granddaughters I also made rag dolls and clothing for them. I can’t wait to see your kid gift ideas. I think I’m going to make pillow cases as gifts for next year, they look so cute!
“Back in the day,” all pillowcases had to be ironed, because all cotton fabric wrinkled heavily and shrank mercilessly!
Thank you for your wonderful channel. I’ve learned so much.
That makes sense. I believe my grandmother ironed them, but she also folded her washcloths with the tags all facing the same way 😂
@@PinCutSew
I do that and I’m not a grandma! 😂
Haha! 🫢
True. . . before permanent press was a “thing,” I remember that, in the summer, my aunt kept her ironing in a pillow case in the refrigerator until she had time to iron. We were farm folks and she’d be busy constantly. I’m really not sure why. Yes I am! She took the clothes off line while still damp so she could iron w/o using starch. Didn’t have spray starch like we do now.
By the way, she taught me how to sew. Every Saturday morning, I’d walk from our farm to to her farmhouse and we learned to make gingham pot holders, felt needle books, such sweet memories. She’s in her 90’s now. I think I’ll make something for her.
Thank you! I love your style of presenting and your ideas. Some ideas aren’t new but you just make them sound better!!
Aw thanks 😁
I always iron my pillowcases. I love seeing the bed freshly made with nicely pressed folding creases …and yes, I actually do have a life. Lol.
I have made lots of casserole hot pads all the backs are scrappy great way to use up scraps of quilting fabric. I need to make another one for me one of these days.
New subscriber here. I'm getting back into sewing after many years and just found your site. Lots of great projects to try and within my skill level! Many thanks.❤🇨🇦
Hello. Great list. I batch sew the zipper bags as we fill them with supplies for the homeless. Pads/tampons, liners, lip balm, lotion, hand sanitizer, toothpaste w/toothbrush, soap pack, moist towelettes, emery board, breath strips, band aids. Thank you! I do not iron pillowcases.
I love that you showed the book sleeves and the bag with panels on them! I love these small panels, and I’m always looking for ways to highlight them. These are great!!!! Thank you !
I am making a couple of over-sized hot pads for my mother-in-law, as well as a couple for myself! I have a TON of Bonnie and Camille Fat Quarters that I want to use, so they will be perfect for the hot pads. Also, I made a quilt to be sold at an auction my mother-in-law's church will be having on Saturday. It's a yearly event to raise money for the church. My mother-in-law fully intends to buy that quilt at the auction. So, I am going to make her a pair of matching pillowcases to go with the quilt, but I want to wait to make sure she actually wins the quilt first! 🤣
I've only ironed pillowcases once or twice, because I like bamboo sheets and they get all wrinkly because they're basically rayon. But usually not. I think the time I did I was just having an "I have to control everything because this family is making me crazy" episode 😂 I have made (and sold) book sleeves - I line mine with ripstop nylon and do a magnetic closure, along with spraying the outside with Scotchguard. That way you can take them to the beach or the pool and not worry about books getting wet. They are such a fantastic gift. And now I'm off to get the coffee sleeve pattern because I always give Starbucks cards to all the kids - a sleeve will be nice to go with it!
Just found you and love your videos and ideas for gifts. Last year I batch-sewed vinyl zipper pouches and filled them with a pair of soft, cozy socks, foot mask, foot lotion, chocolate and a couple of tea bags for an evening of pampering. Gave one each to a group of friends. They loved them!
Great idea 🫶🏻
These are great ideas, thank you! I did the aprons and zip pouches in 2 different years, they are still used. Also, another idea, a waterproof beach zipper bag to put wet bathing suits into. The ones I made was out of beach towels, lined with waterproof polyurethane lining. I used a youtube video tutorial by the late Melanie Ham.
Great idea!
I batched sewed bowl cozies one year & those were a hit. When you want to heat up a bowl of something you have a concave “pot holder” for the bowl.
I am so thankful for all of the ideas shared here so clearly and enthusiastic!
I taught my granddaughters, 8 and 11 to sew bowl cozies for their family members and faraway cousins ( 10 cozies). Doing these assembly style kept the rotation for being on the sewing machine , cutting, pinning, etc., made it go smoothly. They loved doing this together! Only thing is, I forgot to have them sew two extras for me
and my husband! Back to the sewing machine… 😊
I don’t think I have commented on your videos before, but I have to say you are simply the best! Great ideas. No time wasted, and yet they are funny, personable and quirky. I love quirky! (Oops, no bobbin! Curtain fell. Kid comes through. Real life!) Some of the things you make I already sew, or can do anyway, but I am going to buy a several of your patterns just because your channel is deserving of financial support. Plus, you’ve given this grandma a few fresh ideas! I have pretty much binge watched all your videos, and some twice. No I do not iron pillow cases, although I did as a child as they were a winkled mess from the clothes line back in the day. Okay, I don’t even fold them - remove bedding, wash, put back on bed. 🤣 We have 27 grandchildren and for birthdays they often get a pillow case and book, and the same for Christmas. Especially the boys. I occasionally make little purses or bags for some of the girls. I am switching from burrito style pillow cases with french seams to pillow cases made with a serger this year. Serger arrives today and my experience with sergers is two days of binge watching serger how-to videos on YT - so wish me luck. Keep up the great work - you are just the right balance of efficient and folksy. ❤️
Thank you, what a sweet comment!! 🤗
My ninth grade home ec teacher told us that she had two sisters. She was the one who liked to sew, her older sister liked to cook, and her baby sister liked to iron. The tale was that she would iron pillowcases, sheets, towels and washrags too. Then the teacher would tell us, she was the crazy one.
I have made several jar cozies for gifts this year! So far my favorite project to sew and get creative with!
Wonderful!
Can you tell me whats the purpuse of it? or its justo to make the jar look nicer?
@@Carla-ns8rx the creator explains what prompted her to come up with this design if you'd like to watch the whole video. Myself and my family use these to absorb condensation from cold drinks. And it indicates who's jar is who's. Besides that, they look super cute and showcase my fun fabrics and allow me to use my creativity for others.
LOVE these ideas!!! My Nana refused to use fabric softener so I was ironing sheets & pillowcases for years! My da is the same so I bring my own sheets when I visit him and his wife. I’m done ironing sheets. I used to iron my Papa’s boxers as well 😮😂
Nice ideas! For the last few years, I've been making totes for every Christmas gift I give, as part of the gift. So far they've been well received because they're so versatile. I just never thought of batch sewing them because I'm always working on one gift at a time.
Great video! I love that these are practical gifts people can really use, while also being super cute.
Thanks for the reminder. I have previously batch sewn Christmas stockings, zipper pouches of various sizes and tote bags. Last year I made reusable drawstring bags to use as present bags instead of using wrapping paper. ❤
Yes!😂 grew up ironing pillowcases and if I have time still will😊
So glad to find your channel! Great ideas and you are just darn fun to watch. 🤗
I love to give pillowcases for kids. I did that one year for the nieces and nephews for Christmas. I used it as a gift bag and filled it with sleepover goodies. But why not adults too. 🎉
I have a paper crafting channel but seeing this video I decided to put time aside to sew MORE, such great ideas, thanks!!
I’m one of those people who love to iron pillowcases!
That is the BEST fabric selection. You always have cool fabrics with foxes and mushrooms, and I love it.
That's so sweet that your mom made/sent you aprons for each of the holidays - love that idea...I hope I will be smart enough to figure out how to make one!
I made bowl cozies, reusable shopping bags and travel tissues holder for gifts this Christmas. Thank for great ideals and for putting a smile on my face with your great videos.
Some great ideas, thank you. In answer to your question, Yes I iron my pillow cases, tea towels and hand towels. the top band of the bed sheets get ironed too.
At 85 I iron pillowcases,most don't and that is fine. Live styles do change. I see, quilt and hand quilt and make many pillowcases. Thanks for such an informative video, a friend is about to have breast cancer surgery so I will make her a heart.
I've batch sewn lap blankets custom to the kids favorite TV characters/ colors. & I love favorite color shades 2 sided, coasters for couples ( 2 in their favorite color +1 combo his/her color ir 1 side her fave other side his fave). Always a big hit
Did two of your journal covers on Sunday. One with each grandchild. They were so excited picking out the fabric. ❤
Thanks Nikki, Great ideas, I've made your coffee sleeves and tons of pillowcases. I'll try your hot pads next!
Just coming back to sewing, after a long hiatus and trying my hand at quilting. 🤯 i can not wait to try some of these projects! I am so excited I stumbled on to your page!
Welcome! 🤗
This is FANTASTIC! You are such a thoughtful crafter and gifter!!! And no, I don't iron pillowcases either! 😅
I've made your large hot pad. It was so easy and turned out great! AND if you make pillow cases and use them a lot, they become soft and they don't need ironing...bonus!
Those types of aprons are super easy to make reversible. Just cut out all the pieces for two aprons and then sew them right sides together, press well and top stitch along those edes.
Also fun to make two different pockets for each size - every apron needs a pocket and make a loop that is big enough to pull a towel through to wipe messy hands on it rather than the apron itself. When I still lived at home with my mom I ironed pillowcases, but then they were mostly 100% cotton. Since I left home, I don't think I have ironed a pillow case. I don't even iron clothes anymore and just hope the wrinkles fall out. Thanks for the good ideas.
First time I saw this. I make triangle bookmarks to go with book sleeves! Luv your stuff. I'm following. I'm 69 and sewn since age 12
I’m making your tea towel pattern to make for my son’s school teachers, and I’m adding a small jar homemade of jam any mini both of bread and putting it in a cute bag so thank you for all of the fun ideas and all your fun patterns
Such a great idea 🤗
I made 3 Christmas pillowcases today! 3 more to go for Christmas!
Thank you, some lovely ideas here, and yes I iron pillow cases but not the duvet cover, as mine are pure cotton, and I prefer a smooth pillowcase rather than a wrinkly one. It also gives it that lovely newly changed bed feeling.
An item that is good for cancer patients is SEAT BELT PROTECTION PADS ... Used to keep the seat belts off of chemo ports. They are quick and easy .... YY has lots of videos on how to make them. Can be made in batches.
Oh, I’ve been looking for a mason jar wrap and this will work perfectly and if it’s easy - even better. Thank you!
Love the book bag/cover, I'm so going to make this! I've made a ton of pillow cases in the past, they're always popular. Since I love to sleep in crisp, fresh-smelling pure cotton or linen I go to the trouble of ironing my duvet covers and pillow cases. I also do this because ironed natural fabrics don't get dirty so quickly and take less space in my linen cupboard. Of course I bulk at ironing fitted sheets. Even folding them was driving me crazy until I started rolling them up. I just wanted to start writing a detailed description of the method, but realised I don't have a couple of hours to make myself understood 😂 Anyway - love your channel, thank you.
I am making my kids dice bags this year. We have ordered in materials for everyone to make their own dice sets too. It will be a fun time making dice. On Christmas morning I am putting fidgets into the bags so there is something inside.
How do you make dice? My sons would like that
@@lauralake7430 you make them with 2 part resin and a silicone mould. It is a project for older teens or adults.
Wow! I wish I had found you before Christmas, what wonderful ideas. I have just moved my sewing room/ office to a different room in my house and love your fabric storage ideas. I love sewing and have made knitting needle roll up holders and adapted it to make art brush holders and also scissors too. I can't wait to try some of your ideas. With regards to pillowcases, Yes I iron them as I love the smooth cotton on my face. ☺
Another really great video Nikki. You've done all the hard work trying out the projects for batch sewing & given us lots of ideas and given us patterns & tutorials to follow. What's stopping us getting started? Nothing! Let's go ...zoom, we got Christmas all stitched up ❤
Yeah, chop chop! 😁
Thank you for this video! I have so much scrap fabric that’ll work perfect for these gifts! Can’t wait to start sewing thank you❤
Pillow cases can be paired with everything!! I make them all year round they are my gift bags! Every Christmas Eve the kids get a new pillow case and book!
I just got done making a bunch of Christmas draw string bags for kids and added some goodies in them.
I love your tutorials! And videos 😊. So far I’ve made your book sleeve, bookmark and pillowcases. Your instructions are very easy to follow. Thank you!