Favourite Christmas Tutorial and Present Idea Round Up

For the final instalment of the Let’s Make Christmas Blog Series I wanted to share with you my favourite tutorials from the web. Whether you are making for a sibling or a friend, your Mum or Dad, a little person or you just fancy decorating your home with handmade loveliness…..I’ve got lots of ideas for you!

In case you missed the last posts you can find tutorials for Liberty Neckerchief Scarf, a Paper Pieced Hexagon Note Book Cover and the Ultimate Fancy Shopping bag by clicking the highlighted text.

Those of you who read SEW magazine might have spotted in my column that I’m going to make a really simple cape for my sister - The Woodland Stroll Cape. This pattern is a pdf available from the Liesl + Co Collection on the Oliver + S website.

It’s so simple and looks lovely. We have a gorgeous selection of woollen and woollen blend fabrics that would be perfect for it!
My top picks are this Brown and Cream Herring Bone Tweed, the Black and White Wool Blend....

...this gorgeous Raspberry Boucle Wool and this Jade Tweed Wool Mix.

For the lining you could go with a luxurious Liberty Tana Lawn or a regular anti static type lining - I especially like the spotty ones - see our full collection in this link.

Another easy garment make is this no pattern needed robe from Victoria on the By Hand Website (link here). Her tutorial has lots of clear pictures and all you need is double the length of what you want the finished robe to be plus 4cm for the seam allowance.

Image from the ByHand London Blog

My top picks for this project are the popular Twilight Florals Fabric and this vibrant Bobo Tana Lawn....

This Black and White Static Viscose Print or the Black and Blue Small Leopard Print would also be perfect!

I’ve made a few of these Liberty bow ties for Ayaz before and that are so simple and easy to make even he has made some for colleagues and friends! I know….I couldn’t believe it either! All you need is a narrow strip of light weight fabric like Tana Lawn. If you give the shop a call we can cut you just 30cm which will be plenty. Follow this link to the Liberty Craft Blog for the full tutorial and template.

I know some men aren’t keen on the bow tie look but a simple skinny tie works a treat too. I’ve used this tutorial from the Purl Bee blog a few times in the past and found that it works really well. If your man is quite tall you might want to lengthen it a bit – just sneekely check out the length of a tie that he already wears that’s the right length to check.

Image from The Purl Bee Blog

For any cute little people in your life these Felt Baby shoes from the Purl Soho Blog are adorable and really simple too! See the full tutorial in this link.

Image from The Purl Bee Blog

If you are more of a knitter or want to try a really simple project then we have 4 FREE patterns that are available when you buy a ball of super super chunky yarn.
Choose from cosy wrist warmers, a chucky scarf, a bobble hat with or without a ribbed turn back or a cosy simple cowel.

We’ve got lots of gorgeous colours across the Rico Essentials Super Super Chunky Range, The Rico Bon Bon Range and the Creative Twist Range. Just leave a comment when you get to the checkout stage of the pattern you would like and we will pop it in with your order.

A quick search on Pinterest will bombard you with a million ideas for Christmas decorations but I think the simple ones always look the best. These Candy felt Ornaments from the Purl Soho blog are so effective and would be easy for kids to make as well.

Image from The Purl Bee Blog

I also found a great round up on the wonderful DIY blog of felt ornaments - how sweet are these llittle reindeers!?

I especially love the little reindeers and the and these funny Santas and Elves.

This year we have got two reallly lovely advent calendar. This Christmas tree one from Dashwood Studios collection is so cute in pastal shades.

The panel comes with sections ready to cut out and make all the little pockets. Find it in the shop in this link.

Or for an easier option this more traditional colour palate one is really quick – all you have to do is fold the black columns at the points marked and it creates your little pockets. Then simply quilt it with a section of wadding and a plain backing fabric to sew the pockets in place. Finish off with a binding and your done! Find it in the shop in this link.

We still have places left on our Advent Calendar Workshop is you fancy giving it a go with a bit of help - find all the booking details in this link.

A classic stocking will stand the test of time and come out year after year. This tutorial from the Diary of A Quilter Blog is really simple and includes a free downloadable template.
There are still places left on our quilted patchwork-stocking workshop with Shelia. You will learn how to piece together different fabrics and quilt them as you go for a puffy padded look. Find all the booking details here.

I hope your plans for any Christmas making are going well. We still have places left on the Learn To Knit Wrist Warmers Workshop, Learn to Knit a Simple Hat Workshop, The Fresh Foliage Festive Wreath Workshop, and the Snap Frame Purse Workshop - all are perfect for making last minute pressies! Just click on the highlighted text for booking details.