HollyDay Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Summer is the time I always make whatever it is we want to make for gifts. This year I'm stumped. I need a gift for MIL, and my dear aunt who just lost her husband. Both ladies are elderly but still quite active and independent. Both don't want "stuff." They like receiving hand crafted items though. In years past, I have knitted scarves, made quilts, made fleece tie blankets, pot holders/place mat sets, table runner sets, coaster sets, throw pillows, and felt Christmas ornaments. MIL said she can't possibly use any more scarves and she doesn't want any more ornaments. She also lives in Europe so shipping is a consideration. My aunt isn't going to be hostessing holiday gatherings anymore. It is a lot for her anyway, and with dear uncle gone, it is out of the question. So, I don't want to send her table things anymore. I gave her a quilt 5 years ago and a tie blanket last year. So, what are some handmade ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Food items. Most people don't need stuff. Consumables are more appreciated. Grow herbs, dry them, put in pretty jars. Bake. Make jam. Or knit socks. Socks are kind of consumable, too 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjzimmer1 Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Agreeing with the consumables. Especially when my grandmother got older, cooking was more of a chore. So I would look into some of those meal/dessert in a mug type of things. Or just other meals for a single portion of food easy for them to prepare. I did some reheatable freezers meals (of course that won't work for the one overseas) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Could you knit/crochet a market (grocery) bag? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Handmade soaps, candles, flavored vinegars... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 22 minutes ago, Ethel Mertz said: Handmade soaps, candles, flavored vinegars... I really like the soap idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baseball mom Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 47 minutes ago, Ethel Mertz said: Handmade soaps, candles, flavored vinegars... Even if you don't make the soaps or candles you could find them at flea markets or farmers markets 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Personally, I love crocheted dish clothes, I think they work far better than any I can buy. But I realize that might not be fancy enough for a Christmas give if you’ve given things like quilts in the past. Would they like homemade rice bags for aches and pains or just warmth, the ones you heat in the microwave? My mom has made them for us and my husband loves them. For myself, I wouldn’t like anything scented, so no soaps or candles, but you probably know them well enough to know their preferences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 If they like to read, you could make some pretty bookmarks. Maybe package them with card that includes a list of books they could get from the library (assuming they don't want to own more books). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 I also like the soap idea. You could add a knitted or crocheted wash cloth. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Crocheted kitchen scrub cloths are really one of the best kitchen items. Way better than sponges. And practical, so that's nice. How about something personal like a small scrapbook or a frame photo collage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnionJack Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Homemade vanilla? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El... Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 If you think a gift is too small, compared to the awesome things you sent before, what about a kit? Like a spa bath kit, with a special soap, bath bomb, handknit washcloth, etc? You could make some of it and buy the pieces you didn't want to make. Another idea might be a food kit, like a really good pizza kit with hard cheese, homemade canned pasta sauce... that's no good for overseas. Thank you for bringing this up. My kids need to start thinking about this (which means I need to think), because they usually make presents for a slew of aunts and uncles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted July 8, 2018 Author Share Posted July 8, 2018 12 hours ago, Farrar said: Crocheted kitchen scrub cloths are really one of the best kitchen items. Way better than sponges. And practical, so that's nice. How about something personal like a small scrapbook or a frame photo collage? Do you have a pattern? Yarn suggestion? There are so many different types of kitchen yarn now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted July 8, 2018 Author Share Posted July 8, 2018 13 hours ago, Frances said: Personally, I love crocheted dish clothes, I think they work far better than any I can buy. But I realize that might not be fancy enough for a Christmas give if you’ve given things like quilts in the past. Would they like homemade rice bags for aches and pains or just warmth, the ones you heat in the microwave? My mom has made them for us and my husband loves them. For myself, I wouldn’t like anything scented, so no soaps or candles, but you probably know them well enough to know their preferences. Do you have a pattern? Yarn preference? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted July 8, 2018 Author Share Posted July 8, 2018 14 hours ago, Ethel Mertz said: Could you knit/crochet a market (grocery) bag? I thought about this for MIL a couple years ago. I crocheted a dance bag for dd years ago from a market bag pattern. We don't have a yarn store where we live, so I order online. I guess in the business of everything, I forgot about it. That was the year I did table runners for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucy the Valiant Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 One year when DH was laid off, I traced each of my children's hands onto beautiful scrapbook paper, and wrote out a verse for each child on the hand. I laminated them with contact paper, and tied them together with a pretty bow and gave them to my mom & grandma as an ornament (not a Christmas ornament, just a decorative bookmark type thing). They still have them. Maybe DIY tea bags? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 I wish I did have a pattern for the dish cloths! I don't crochet. I just have a couple of people who gift them to ME. ? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 13 minutes ago, Farrar said: I wish I did have a pattern for the dish cloths! I don't crochet. I just have a couple of people who gift them to ME. ? Same here. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 That's how we know they're good gifts! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 I was going to suggest homemade coconut oil sugar scrub--I love it, and it's a snap to make. BUT with elderly folks, you probably don't want anything that could make the tub slippery. Love the homemade vanilla idea. I have also seen an apron that has a favorite recipe printed on it, but it's more of a thing you give a younger person (it is cool, tho--you transfer the recipe in the person's handwriting). I guess I'm not much help! lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janeway Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Bath salts! Someone made these once and gave them out. Another has been hot cocoa mixes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 I was in Joann last week and noticed a display of "Scrubby" yarn. It was like a short eyelash yarn with a more durable texture. So perhaps the commercial yarn producers are anticipating your needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted July 8, 2018 Author Share Posted July 8, 2018 1 hour ago, Janeway said: Bath salts! Someone made these once and gave them out. Another has been hot cocoa mixes. I do this for local friends. But, I don't want to mail or ship them. An IRL gf does infused olive oil in pretty containers. Really nice gift! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamanthaCarter Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 15 hours ago, Farrar said: Crocheted kitchen scrub cloths are really one of the best kitchen items. Way better than sponges. And practical, so that's nice.... I absolutely ADORE those things. Make them from cotton. Anybody who gives me one of those is on my “best gift giver” list. ? I like to give jams and fruit butters. Pickles and salsa, maybe, but everyone likes the fruits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneezyone Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 DH jars up his famous pineapple or mango salsa. It’s chunky and delish. No one’s ever complained.? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted July 8, 2018 Author Share Posted July 8, 2018 Patterns please!!?? I'd love some guidance on favorite crochet kitchen scrubs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamanthaCarter Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 10 minutes ago, HollyDay said: Patterns please!!?? I'd love some guidance on favorite crochet kitchen scrubs No idea, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 I think the dish scrubby/dishcloth idea is a good one! Lightweight so it will be inexpensive to mail and also something useful. Are you on Ravelry? Here are some ideas: Dish scrubbies and/or dishcloth patterns Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrixieB Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Ravelry has a load of patterns for crocheted and knitted dishcloths. My advice: When you give someone a COLORED crocheted/knitted dishcloth, tell them to wash the dishes with it a few times before laundering it. Some colors of yarn bleed A LOT. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted July 9, 2018 Share Posted July 9, 2018 10 hours ago, HollyDay said: Do you have a pattern? Yarn preference? 9 hours ago, Farrar said: I wish I did have a pattern for the dish cloths! I don't crochet. I just have a couple of people who gift them to ME. ? 9 hours ago, Frances said: Same here. For patterns, just in general, Ravelry.com is your friend. I've made this one a few times and have taught it as a "crochet along" project: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/textured-dishcloth-5 It's not super fancy, but it's pretty and functional. One of my co-workers crochets stacks of dishcloths in a variety of colors throughout the year while watching TV in the evening, then parcels them out as holiday gifts. He ties three or four cloths and a cake of homemade soap together with a pretty ribbon. Supposedly, he's tried to skip a year or two and been told sternly that he is not allowed to do so. For a knitted option -- I'm not sure this is the exact pattern I've used, but it's similar: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basket-weave-dishcloth-13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted July 9, 2018 Share Posted July 9, 2018 For dish and wash cloths I have used Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton Yarn as well as Knit Picks Dishie Yarn. Also for patterns just google and you'll find a lot of patterns for both knit and crochet cloths. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootsie Posted July 9, 2018 Share Posted July 9, 2018 My sister made some cloth bowl covers (look somewhat like a shower cap) for gifts a few years ago. I WISH she had given me one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted July 9, 2018 Share Posted July 9, 2018 Pajamas made out of Minky. One of those rice/corn/beanbag things you can warm in the microwave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Library Momma Posted July 9, 2018 Share Posted July 9, 2018 Do they wear glasses or readers? Pinterest has some cute free patterns for crocheted eyeglass cases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heathermomster Posted July 9, 2018 Share Posted July 9, 2018 Wool dryer balls... https://crunchybetty.com/how-to-make-felted-wool-dryer-balls/ Pillowcase with crochet edging. http://rosehip.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c01b353ef0168e9beecda970c-popup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashfern Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 I just made these crochet diamond dishcloth for a swap. They work up very fast and look fancy with the edging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 So envious of you guys who can crochet dishcloths. My sister has tried a dozen times to teach me but I think I’m too high strung. a 12” dischcloth ends up about 4” because I crochet so tightly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashfern Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 9 hours ago, Annie G said: So envious of you guys who can crochet dishcloths. My sister has tried a dozen times to teach me but I think I’m too high strung. a 12” dischcloth ends up about 4” because I crochet so tightly. I have a couple of dishcloths sitting here that I finished that need a home. ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 Not along the lines you were thinking, but how about a small journal or such with memories of times shared, perhaps photos, and a note of gratitude on how they've added to your life, things they've shared with you or taught you. My folks always love this kind of stuff. Us girls and our grown kids (okay--my sister built the book after we all sent our input) put together a photo book of their/our lives together for their 60th anniversary with lots of single liners from growing up with them, lines we associated with them that all our family recognized. They have always loved the mushy' thank you for teaching me whatever as I was growing up' notes/letters over the years, too. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 25 minutes ago, ashfern said: I have a couple of dishcloths sitting here that I finished that need a home. ? That’s really sweet...I just really wish *I* could make them so I could give them away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 1 minute ago, Annie G said: That’s really sweet...I just really wish *I* could make them so I could give them away. That's what craft fairs are for. ;) No one needs to know where the handmade item really came from. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashfern Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 2 hours ago, Annie G said: That’s really sweet...I just really wish *I* could make them so I could give them away. Youtube is how I learned to knit. Dishcloths are great because they're such a small project you can finish them fast. They are usable finished projects. And if you mess up who cares since you're just using them to clean! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 1 hour ago, ashfern said: Youtube is how I learned to knit. Dishcloths are great because they're such a small project you can finish them fast. They are usable finished projects. And if you mess up who cares since you're just using them to clean! It’s easy to tell which ones I made and which my sister made. Mine start out 12” wide but soon tighten to about 5”. It’s almost comical, but not quite because I really would enjoy sitting around in the evenings making them while watching tv or talking to ds. Maybe I’ll give it another shot..l am noticeably more laid back than I used to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom31257 Posted July 11, 2018 Share Posted July 11, 2018 I did some felt projects one time, mug cozies and book marks. https://flamingotoes.com/felt-embroidered-bookmark/ Scroll down: https://www.dosmallthingswithlove.com/?s=mug+cozy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted July 11, 2018 Share Posted July 11, 2018 15 hours ago, Tina said: That's what craft fairs are for. ? No one needs to know where the handmade item really came from. lol My LYS sells their outdated 'store sample garments' for less than the price of the yarn, with a little note that says, "We'll never tell!" I scored a gorgeous beaded silk scarf that way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted July 11, 2018 Share Posted July 11, 2018 https://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Cross-Stitch-Kits/featured/19185/subcat.html?featuredproduct=10561460&featuredoption=16240961&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=17639497-000-000&cnc=US&cid=248953&type=pla&gclid=CjwKCAjwspHaBRBFEiwA0eM3ke9pb4hCjQREelCXqxsKYMQ4DnO4WwthfSGeJbWAfM7iBWwYwEf1iRoCrDwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CLy1woGeltwCFY7VZAodWmMN7A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted July 11, 2018 Share Posted July 11, 2018 I like to knit log cabin baby blankets or throws from Lion brand Homespun yarn--the varigated colors work the best because the results look so complicated. Pattern is from 'Urban Knits' which is old enough to be in lots of libraries. It couldn't be simpler. Plus although I don't really like synthetics usually, this particular one is truly soft, not plasticky feeling, and it washes and dries beautifully so it's very easy care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted July 12, 2018 Share Posted July 12, 2018 On 7/10/2018 at 1:50 PM, Annie G said: It’s easy to tell which ones I made and which my sister made. Mine start out 12” wide but soon tighten to about 5”. It’s almost comical, but not quite because I really would enjoy sitting around in the evenings making them while watching tv or talking to ds. Maybe I’ll give it another shot..l am noticeably more laid back than I used to be. Just use bigger needles! It automatically increases the gauge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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