January 28, 2010

Christmas Gifts

What do you give to someone who has everything! My friends and I still exchange birthday and Christmas presents after more than 10 years. It is hard at times to come up with new ideas for gifts that I haven't given to them already. One of my dearest friends Cynthia Tomaszewski is a quilt designer, author and fabric designer so, what do I give to someone who has everything? I constantly try to come up with ideas of handmade gifts to make for her. Cynthia is very busy and I know she doesn't have time to make herself things so I try to make her something that I know she would appreciate.

This is Cynthia's latest book 'Quilts from Paradise' that she gave me this Christmas. Cynthia and her husband often travel to Fiji and she hopes one day to live there. This book was inspired by paradise places she visited. I'm so proud of Cynthia. My very creative friend. You can visit Cynthia on her web site HERE.
I made this tote-bag for myself last year. I love it so much that I thought my friends would like them as well. The butterfly pattern came from Leanne's House, and I found it in Homespun magazine. I love mine and received lots of compliments every time I use it. The bag with red butterfly applique is for Cynthia and the one below with yellow butterfly was for Linda (no blog).
Yes I made two of them. This one is for Linda (no blog) in Massachusetts. Both Cynthia and Linda get the same presents every year. Everything I make I multiply by two or in the case of heart ornaments I multiply by twelves!!!

I made this one last week. A colleague of mine who is a quilter made one for herself. She kindly gave me the measurements. I happened to have some handles that are perfect for this bag. I think this is going to be my birthday giveaway later on in the year.


19 comments:

retdairyqueen said...

LOVE THE BAGS
lOVE RED

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Cool bags Nat...as I always say...a gal can never have enough. And like the lady at the workshop I met for the tote bag said...I'm still searching for the right one ha ha!!! Dzintra♥x

kaiteM said...

Very sweet little bags Nat, your colour and fabric choices are excellent. Would you like to know when my birthday is? just kidding, ha ha! Kaite

Tanya said...

I love that red one Nat, it's great

Tanya said...

Hi Nat, have been trying to leave a message but keep getting errors. Try again! Great bags, I love the red one. Lucky recipients!

Little Lady Patchwork said...

Hi Nat!

Cynthia has a lot of talent!...and I love her use of color. I would also love to go to Fiji!

Your red bag is my favorite! The handles are so cute.

BTW-I also know what you mean about mulitplying the gifts that you make.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Lovely bags Nat! Your friends will be thrilled. :-) I love the red handles~ cute!

Micki said...

They are lovely bags! I enjoyed seeing all of them!
Micki

QuiltSue said...

Lovely bags Nat, specially the red one.

Kim said...

You are very talented with putting the right colors together. Such pretty bags!

Astrid said...

Lovely bags you've made - they look very "summer-ly"! :) Christmas gifts are never easy, I always have a hard time finding out what to make to a few friends. We never get too many bags - do we?! :)

Anonymous said...

Sweet, sweet gifts, Natima. Those tote bags are darling.

Terry said...

Crafters are just swishy "bag ladies" in disguise or were we just eco before it became popular?
The bags are great and good gifts. I like the florals for summer and the red and white for carrying Christmas and Valentines' gifts.

Huggs Terry

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

I love both the delicate bags and the bright! Mine are grey compared to these. This reminds me that I have a bag of already cut fabric for totes with handles and all which were sinrended for gifts...

Simone de Klerk said...

Lovely totes, Natima! And a great way of showing them.

Maggey and Jim said...

OH, I just love that you put flowers in them, they look so pretty.. I really like the fabric too.. so colorful and bright.
Maggey

Paula said...

Beautiful bags Natima, and I love the red handle. Just perfect gift.

Anonymous said...

I just love seeing what you create. They are all so beautiful. The last one is my favorite.

Willow

Unknown said...

G'morn, Nat ~ What GORGEOUS creations ... I love them both. Such great fabric selections.

TY for your sweet notes. They mean a love to me.

Have a beautiful weekend.
Love ya! ~ Marydon

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