Here are 10 gifts that you can’t go wrong with for the Quilter or Sewist in your life
1-Scissors
If the special person in your life is a new quilter, a good pair of scissors is the best gift. If you invest in quality, they will last for years. And like screw drivers, you'll need more than one pair.
There is the large shear, the serrated edge, the embroidery, and the snips. And there are special scissors for the lefty too.
If your special person is an experienced quilter they might already have several pairs. In that case, purchase them a gift certificate at the local sharpener. It's even better if you take them in yourself and save them the hassle.
Kai Scissors
IDH Scissors
2-Needles
You should change your needle every 8 hours of sewing. But often we don’t. Sharp needles are an important part of sewing but there’s not much of a bling factor so we would rather spend our money on fabric. And we often hesitate when there is only one left.
So a gift of a stack of needles would be very nice. That way we can change them frequently without worry.
You can’t go wrong with 80 universal, or 80 quilting. But feel free to add in a couple of 70’s or 90’s too.
25 Schmetz Microtex Sharp Sewing Machine Needles 130/705 H-M Size 80/12
3-Rotary Blades
If we are miserly with our needles, we are often even worse with our rotary blades. We have that special moment when the blade is fresh and it cuts like butter then it’s downhill from there trying to make it last a long as possible.
Do that special someone a favour and buy them a stack of rotary blades. They come in several sizes so be sure to get the correct size. They will thank you every time they change the blade.
60mm
45 mm
4-Thread
We consume so much thread while we sew. We sew seams, top stitch, quilt and bind. And our results are so much better when we use a good quality thread. Look for a 50 weight thread. They come in sets or individually. You can’t go wrong with white, beige, grey or black...but since it’s a gift, you might go for some more festive colourful choices.
Aurifil Mako 50wt Thread 2 Large Spool
Aurifil Festive Assortment
5-Batting
If we are making quilts we need batting. There are so many quilt tops that are just sitting and waiting until we can afford to buy the batting.
You can’t get this really wrong. No matter what size you buy, or what it is made of, eventually the quilter will use it as is or cut it to the size that they do need.
Quilt Batting
6-Sitting pad
We spend a lot of time sitting on our bottoms. So it’s makes a difference if it is well supported.
I use one from Vigurus which is what racing car drivers and pilots use.
The bonus is that when the padding is a separate piece, you can use it as a kneeling pad when you need to get down on the floor .
Vigurus Seat Pad
7-Compression Socks
I know this sounds very geriatric but stick with me. While long arming, or a day at a quilt show, shop hopping, or even days when I’m doing a lot of cutting, wearing these socks can make a such a difference after a long day. And they come in lot of fun colours and styles. I also use them when I run, or travel. I know if you use them once, you won’t regret it.
Colourful Compression Socks
8-Good Lighting
As a subscriber reminded me after me video on sewing straight, it’s a lot easier to do it right if you can see your work. And most sewing machine lighting is just not good enough. We are often sewing in basements or rooms corners without lighting so a good light is really appreciated. Mine is flexible and rotates, it also has several settings but honestly I only use the high. You can also buy little stick on LED lights for up close. Or a travel one for the on-the-road kit.
Daylight Co Desk Lamp
Ott Floor Lamp
Ott Small Desk Lamp
https://amzn.to/2R0mq6x
9-Gift Cards at your local Sewing Center
There is most likely a local sewing centre where you can use the gift cards towards classes on how to use their sewing machine or a project class. Or toward products.
The Workroom Gift Cards
Or purchase their membership for them at a local guild so that they can meet new friends. They might be nervous about joining but a paid membership will give them the push they need.
I know several people that every year purchase their friend or sister’s membership so that they have a regular outing together.
You can also give a gift certificate to one of the bigger stores so that your special someone can take advantage of their big coupon days to purchase a big ticket item at half price.
10-Quilting Books
Quilting and sewing books are great to have around. They are part instruction, part inspiration, part coffee table book. Next year, as part of my channel I am starting a book club...a quilting book club. So I will be reviewing quilting books and talking about their projects.
And the first one will be Gemology by Andrea Tsang Jackson.
There are many other things that sewers need. Cutting mats, irons, rulers and and especially fabric. depending on their space, the length of time that they have been quilting and their own personal taste...their needs will be quite specific. It's best to ask first.
Personally, there is no way my husband or family knows what I want or need in regards to quilting. So I make a list of things in a variety of price points...often with the online links...and provide it to my family. Some of them work from the list. Some don’t. That’s their choice.
And I’ll be honest. There have been times that I’ve just bought it myself. Like once I purchased a specific template set from Paper Pieces and passed it to my husband to wrap and put under the tree. The look on his face was as if I had handed him a fluffy pink grenade. So I knew that he could never have navigated this purchase even if I had dropped a heavy hint. As I say, gift giving is different these days...it was still a win-win.
So I hope this helps you with your holiday shopping. If you are thinking of making some last minute gifts I’m going to link to my 7 gifts with clothesline rope.
The best gift you can give me is subscribing. I am so close to 100,000 when Youtube will give me a lovely plaque. I would really appreciate your support.