Ask Penny Halgren

Quilting special gifts for friends with hobbies is a lot of  fun. Not only does it give you a chance to quilt, but you can specifically  tailor the quilted gift you give to your friend’s hobby.

For instance, if you have a friend who loves scrapbooking, make  a quilted scrapbook cover to give. Or, create a quilted tote to carry around  scrapbooking supplies.

Making quilted gifts for friends who love reading is also  full of possibilities. Quilted bookmarks are easy, small gifts that are a lot  of fun to make. Be sure to use a low pile batting so the bookmark won’t be too  puffy.  Patchwork totes are another great  idea for readers.  Include a small  quilted pouch to hold reading glasses or library cards.

Make a quilted journal cover for friends who like to  write.  Convert a quilt block pattern to  fit the size you need, design a custom appliqué, or make a crazy quilt journal  cover.  A small, quilted pencil or pen  carrying case to match makes a nice present combo.

Got a friend that is crazy about playing Bingo? Quilt a handy carrying pouch to hold a selection of daubers.   Use any fabric, especially colors your friend likes, or use fabric  printed with various Bingo motifs.

Quilted carrying pouches are great for kids, too. Make one  especially for carting around crayons or markers.

You can make lots of gifts for friends who like to cook. In  addition to obvious ideas like pot holders and oven mitts that can be quilted,  you can also make nice aprons, trivets, and kitchen wall hangings. Casserole  carriers are also nice quilted gifts.

For friends who like exercise, make a quilted water bottle  holder. Make a strap so it can be attached to a belt loop, wrist, or back pack  for added convenience.  A quilted  exercise mat is another thoughtful gift idea.

Sports enthusiasts of all sorts could also benefit from  quilted water bottle holders and mats. But what about those friends who are  sports enthusiasts as spectators only? Those friends would appreciate quilted  stadium cushions, lap throws or quillows (especially with a team mascot appliquéd  on or made in team colors).  Actually,  these are probably the easiest friends to please because you could make any  quilt project using their favorite team colors!

If your sports spectator friends are the tailgate party  type, your gift options open up even more. Cooking mitts, aprons and potholders  are givens. How about making a special quilted team flag for your friends to  proudly display as they tailgate?

Friends who enjoy travel – whether they travel around the  world or just take a lot of day trips – also give you more opportunities to  quilt.  A patchwork neck pillow is always  nice for those who must rest in the car or on the plane. A quilted hanging case  makes an extra nice gift, too.  On a  smaller scale, quilted bags for makeup or other necessities are also nice  gifts.

Need to give a gift to a couch potato who doesn’t seem to  have any hobbies? Quilting can cover that, too. A lap quilt for those cold days  or nights is a good choice. How about quilting a remote control caddy to attach  to the arm of a chair or sofa? Make a patchwork pillow or neck pillow for  resting.

There is really something you can quilt for everyone. When  looking for a gift idea for a friend, take into consideration the friend’s  likes, dislikes and hobbies. By doing this, you can use your quilting skills to  make one of a kind gifts for your one of a kind friends!

If you are looking for ideas and patterns, click on the link below:

Check out this fun tote bag and other quilted gifts from our friends at Ludlow Quilts