My goal this Holiday season is to give you guys (our radical readers) some fun and unique gift ideas that won’t have you freaking out when those credit card bills come int he mail. Since my last DIY post was about figures, this article is tailored to all you cosplayers out there with your sewing skills.
Fabric and other sewing supplies aren’t too expensive if you have a Hancock Fabric store or a Joann Fabric store near you. Always check the papers and online for coupons. These kinds of stores offer unlimited amounts of coupons that usually get 40% off a purchase. Or go to a your local fabric store to help out a small business, since they will be needing to get gifts for people too. Create a budget of what you can spend on each person and the extra time you have. Some of these projects can take a long time, so plan accordingly.
Sewing isn’t just for grandmas and pregnant mothers-to-be. Stitching and quilting are great hobbies, especially the geeked-out versions. Stitching is probably the easiest and fastest for most people. There is not a great deal of supplies needed, either is a sewing machine. There are many kinds of stitching such as a cross stitch, satin stitch, fill stitch, and run stitch. Click here to get a visual of the stitches. Beginners should start on the Aida fabric. Tiny holes in the fabric assist with stitch placement creating a grid. Aida fabric can be found at most craft stores (Michaels, Hobby Lobby). You can draw the your design directly on the fabric or there are many printable stitches online. At fabric stores there are also kits with patterns included. Stitch a piece of Aida fabric and frame it, stitch on a tea towel, or stitch on a shirt! Here are some awesome geekery examples of what I am talking about and a how-to-guide by Sublime Stitching
If you have superior sewing abilities, quilting might be up your alley. Quilting is similar to stitching in that a grid and pattern make is easier. The coolest geek present of quilting is an 8-bit blanket or pillow. Videogame fans would love a 8-bit pillow of a moggle or coin clock! Most of them requires only square to be cut out then sewn together on a grid to make that awesome 8-bit character. Check out Punzie’s Etsy Shop for more examples and ideas.
November 24th, 2008 at 6:33 am
It’s a great idea. “Most” people appreciate homemade gifts more. You can get more ideas from http://geekcrafts.com/
November 24th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I think I need to do some pillows for a mutual friend of ours!! Also, for my game room! LOL
November 25th, 2008 at 1:58 am
VG: I want make a few pillows as well and we should work on them together. It would be more efficient that way.
ElizAmber: Thanks for introducing me to another awesome site I will be obsessed with.