My Loving Home

Christmas sewing projects and some homemaking thoughts…

{ 09:06, Friday, November 14, 2008 } { Posted in Crafts } { 3 comments } { Link }

I am thinking this morning about the blessing of homemaking. I love my husband, our children, and our home. What a joyful responsibility it is to make our home. I pray that I will not focus solely on the work involved, but rather on the pleasures that are derived from this wonderful calling which God has given to me—and to you ladies who are also blessed to be homemakers!

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It’s not too late to make some wonderful hand-made gifts for Christmas. I truly appreciate the simple things at Christmas-time, presents that speak of time and love from the gift-giver to the recipient. Opening a package to find a one-of-a-kind gift, made just for me, warms my heart—especially during the holidays!

Do you sew? I have enjoyed making things from fabric since junior high school—which is a long time ago! If you can stitch a straight seam—or sew by hand—there are many lovely gifts that you can make from fabric and a few other readily available supplies.

Some suggested projects for gifting include:

•    Placemats (with or without a layer of batting and simple quilting stitches)
•    Napkins
•    Cotton towels from homespun fabrics
•    Stuffed animals (most pattern companies have various types to choose from)
•    Aprons
•    Tote bags
•    Flannel crib blankets
•    Baby bibs (you can use pre-quilted fabrics and bias binding)
•    Soft books for infants and toddlers (some pre-printed panels are available)

Have you thought about using your sewing skills, even if they are beginning skills, to liven-up your home decorating during the holiday season? There are so many seasonal fabrics, ranging from country-cute to elegant in style. Cottons…. Flannels…. Pre-quilted fabrics…. A trip to your local fabric store might be all the inspiration you need!

Some suggested home decorating projects include:

•    Look over the list above, and think about using holiday fabric to match your décor (napkins, placemats, tablecloths, hostess aprons, table toppers, etc.)
•    Trimming hand towels in holiday fabric
•    Simple tier curtains with a rod pocket gathered on tension rods

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Ask the Lord to give you creativity as you truly seek to make your house into a home that honors and glorifies Him.

~Jennie