Buzzings from a quilter who bumbles her way through life!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Gift Idea for Quilters



Don't laugh, but I have found that if I make my tools a little more feminine, I don't have to search for them in the garage!  They tend to stay put a little better. 
 
My orange handled scissors just screamed "construction zone" to my husband, so I bought a pair with pink handles. I haven't had a problem since then. No more cutting metal flashing with my good scissors!!! 

After a search for my tape measure and after finding it in the garage among dirty, oily stuff, I decided it needed a little feminizing too! (Just in case you think I have an inconsiderate husband, I need to tell you that he is the most generous, loving man around. We share everything, so in his mind it was "no big deal" to use my tools. When I explained their use and my objection to them being used in the garage, he stopped using them. Making them more feminine helps him see that they are MINE and not HIS.)

That said, I thought that maybe this little idea would make a good gift for quilting friends.

Start with a tape measure. I have two. One small one for the purse, and a larger one for blocking and measuring quilts.

Using a piece of paper, make a pattern of the circular or oval logo area. Just run your fingernail around the perimeter to emboss it to the right size and shape.  

Cut the pattern out and use it to cut a cardboard base. Check to be sure it fits in the logo area.
Cut a fabric scrap or pieced scrap about an inch larger all around than the cardboard. Sew a running stitch around the outer perimeter. 

Put a small wad of stuffing inside.

Place the cardboard inside.
Pull the gathering snug around the cardboard and tie it off.
Use a good glue and put some on the logo area of the tape.

Place the "button" you have just made over the glue in the logo area. Press down firmly all around. (NOTE: I used a bag of rice to weigh it down until the glue was set. It was able to go over the "puff" where other weights couldn't.)
                                                                        That's all there is to it! You could forgo the stuffed button and just cover it with a decorative paper or sticker. You could also glue a string of beads around the edge of the "puff". This could be fun! And I think it just might stay in the sewing room now!        

3 comments:

  1. Wow! what a wonderful idea!! I have all kinds of tools I use for quilting and crafting, I also use wire cutters alot for some crafts & etc. who would have thought to make them feminine!! I love the tape measures like this. I have a problem keeping them in my room not only because of hubby, but the grandkids next door too!

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  2. Thanks for your comment, Cheryl. Yes, I understand about grandkids, too. When my granddaughter was about 5, she discovered the tape measure in my purse and was so enthralled with it I ended up giving it to her. I just WISH she and my grandson lived next door!

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  3. This is another great idea! I love pretty things...and I have lots of tools...off I go to make some!

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