October 05, 2019
This week my youngest son announced that, "there are only twelve more Wednesdays until Christmas!" I was a little shocked but, of course, remembered that Christmas does come quickly and "twelve Wednesdays" is about 3 months. So, while there is time, I realized I need to get on the ball with some planing both personally and for Folkwear. While many ideas from last year's gift guide are great gifts, and we'd love to inspire you with some updates and expand on this list!
As mentioned previously, the 269 Metropolitan Hat is a great gift and relatively quick sew. We recently added the option for a PDF version of this pattern as well as our paper pattern. So, If you are in a pinch you can print it at home the same day you purchase, and it only takes 7 sheets of paper to print at home! With minimal pages this is a great PDF option and we have a tutorial for "how to" use a PDF pattern if this is new to you. To select the paper or PDF version just use the drop down menu on the product page when ordering.
The 271 Sunset Wrap is another great pattern that is one-size-fits-all and a quick sew! This beautiful wrap can be sewn in a wide variety of fabrics. So, depending on location and climate of your gift recipient (or yourself) you can choose a good weight for the season. This pattern is also available in paper or as a PDF. To make your project even easier and more fun, we have a "sew along" blog post for reference!
Recently, I saw this wrap made with a border print and self-fabric fringe on the long bottom edge - so great!! Lots of Nani Iro fabric has a subtle border print and would drape nicely! Stonemountain and Daughter currently has it in stock.
Folkwear also has a collection of amazing bag patterns available for a quick gift to sew. The #146 Bags From Around the World PDF includes 6 different bag patterns! Or, you can choose to get just one bag pattern: French Reticule, Japanese Carpenter's Bag, Native American Bandolier Bag, Thai Shoulder Sling, Turkish Drawstring Bag, and Uzbek Coin Pouch.
The Japanese Carpenter's Bag is a great one for storing rolled up PDF patterns or those long rulers and tools in shops and studios. The Thai Sling is a great carry-all bag, and the smaller bags make wonderful re-usable "wrapping" for lots of gifts.
(Pictured left to right in the order of the list above)
AND we have a very limited number of Japanese Carpenter's Bag Kits and Turkish Drawstring Bag Kits which include fabric and supplies to go with the printed pattern. These kits can be a great gift for a sewing friend!
Additionally, check out our FREE carry all bag pattern that we have available as a PDF! This could be a great low stakes first attempt with a PDF pattern if you haven't used one before.
For the knitters and crocheters, we have a variety of knitting and crocheting patterns available. You may chose individual patterns and purchase them as PDFs or we offer 2 different knitting bundles that are paper copies and sent via mail: Women's Sweaters and Women's Warm Weather Tops.
For a couple of quick(er) projects, the Blonde Bombshell Bolero Sweater, or the free PDF pattern for the 1950's Stole that is a one size and simple project!
We hope you are ready to tackle the fun (though sometimes time consuming) gift making and giving coming this holiday season. I've got plenty of ideas now and will be starting a few projects this coming week.