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I would like to handmake a cute winter hat for an infant, out of maximally soft, stretchy, warm materials. Sewing, knitting, crochet, or [other?] are all options. What should I make? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph on Nov 29, 2020 - 11 answers

There is a quote I'd like to cross-stitch for my aunt for Christmas. I have lots of experience with doing cross-stitch from patterns, but zero artistic ability when it comes to creating something from scratch that looks the way I want it to. Is there an easy way for me to generate a pattern? Like, something where I can choose a font and maybe some little accent details and put it together and it gives me a pattern? Mine is a Linux/Android household, but I could probably borrow something from a friend if there's a great Windows/Mac/iOS application. [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone on Oct 22, 2013 - 8 answers

What (relatively useful) items/gifts can I make out of beautiful fabric? I'm developing a dangerous Spoonflower addiction. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee on May 12, 2012 - 27 answers

Good gift/Bad gift? So I thought that this year I'd get this same item for my son, my daughter, my adult niece and a couple of neighbourhood strays too. I know for a fact that that they'll be tickled that it's not another flashlight or safety kit... The item? A handheld battery operated sewing machine. (I can't seem to link it to the product) These recipients are not handy people but I think that we can, all of us, use this from time to time to fix stuff around the house? 1: in theory, do you think it's a good idea? 2:do these things actually work? It almost has to work on it's own. Idiot-proof. Very simple for us to use - did I mention that we are not handy people? (though not a weighty topic, I searched unsuccessfully to see if these machines had ever been discussed here) Thanks!
posted by lois1950 on Dec 9, 2006 - 14 answers