There really is nothing lovelier than receiving a handmade gift, whether it be at Christmas, for a birthday, or another special occasion. And this year in particular, it's the perfect way to give a beautiful, thoughtful gift. Depending on your budget, and the project, it's possible to create a personal gift without it costing a lot of money.

Over the years I've really enjoyed making and giving various handmade pieces that I've sewn. A favourite make of mine for our teenage daughter, and my nieces, are the shorts from the Agnes Pyjama Set by Paper Theory. There is basically one pattern piece and they sew up really quickly, and not only that they're a brilliant fit. 

My daughter loves her ones so much that she wears then out as shorts too. The trouser version wouldn't take much more effort to make either. Make them in any of the Nani Iro fabrics, Merchant and Mills' Laundered Linens or for a cosy winter feel try a Shetland Flannel.

For men, the Eastwood Pyjamas by Thread Theory are a great style. Make them in one of our super cosy Shetland Flannels or for a lighter weight option the a Laundered Linen by Merchant and Mills. 

 A bag is another project that would make a great gift. The Jack Tar Bag by Merchant & Mills is firmly on my list, make it in cotton drill, denim, sturdy canvas, oilskin or even in the new Thelma Thermal Quilted Fabrics by mind the MAKER®

 The Stowe Bag by Grainline Studio is another great option, it makes a great project bag whatever your project may be. I can see this looking very special made in one of the Nani Iro Quilted Fabrics.

Wash Bags are another lovely gift idea and are super easy to make. There are lots of free tutorials available online and I'm currently working on step by step instructions for a simple zip pouch so watch out for that in the next week or so. Again the Thelma Thermal Quilted Fabrics would work well as would the Nani Iro Quilted Fabrics.

The Sunday, by Merchant & Mills, is a traditional unisex dressing gown with patch pockets and a shawl collar. Suitable for those with some sewing experience, this style would make a beautiful gift made in one of our Shetland Flannels or for a lighterweight version for summer the Laundered Linens would be lovely.

I really hope these suggestions have helped to inspire you to make some of your Christmas gifts for friends and family this year. And don't forget, we always love to see what you've been making, so please do send us photos of your makes via our Contact Page.

Happy sewing!      

I'm delighted to have recently added a small selection of Nani Iro Quilted Fabrics from the 2022 Collection. Specially commissioned a few months ago, you won't find these beautiful fabrics anywhere else. Stocks are really limited, so if there's one in particular that you've got your eye on, you know the drill...

Pre-quilted, they're perfect for all sorts of sewing projects, the most obvious being cosy jackets and coats. The Hovea by Megan Nielsen has three options that call for quilted fabrics including the jacket version shown below.

The Lab Coat, by The Assembly Line, is an unlined style that would look equally good made in a quilted fabric.

Unlined, this coat which is mid-length features a hidden button front, a clean round neck and large patch pockets for added functionality. 

Whether it's a Quilted Nani iro fabric or the Thelma Thermal Quilted Fabrics by mind the MAKER®, it really would make for a beautiful statement piece.

 A cape is another outerwear piece that lends itself to these beautiful quilted fabrics. Issue 1 of TAUKO Magazine features a style called Hug... designed for you to quilt your own fabrics, however you can easily use the Nani Iro Quilted fabrics for this style. I'm going to be making one of these for my mother-in-law for Christmas, not to mention one for me!

As well as garments, these quilted fabrics would work really well for accessories. Bags, for example, would work well in both the Nani Iro and mind the MAKER® Thelma Quilted Fabrics... the Jack Tar Bucket Bag by Merchant & Mills, pictured below, I can see looking fantastic in the Thelma Quilted Fabrics and Grainline Studio's Stowe Bag would look equally good in one of the Nani Iro Quilted Fabrics.

Wash bags are another accessory that lend themselves to these fabrics, they make great gift items and you can find lots of free tuturials for varying shapes and sizes online.

Cushions too would look lovely made in the Nani Iro Quilted Fabrics and for outdoor cushions the Thelma Thermal Quilted Collection would work really well.

I hope this post has inspired you to try your hand at sewing with these beautiful quilted fabrics... happy sewing!

Karen

It makes perfect sense for The Assembly Line to have introduced their first patterns for girls to their stylish collection of sewing patterns. Starting with two patterns, both are 'mini-me' interpretations of best selling styles. 

There's the Cuff Top Mini, based on what is undoubtedly The Assembly Line's most popular style, the Cuff Top. It features the same signature cap sleeves with elastic cuffs. It has a straight fit and keyhole opening with snap fastening at the back. 

I was excited for the launch of TAUKO Magazine from the moment the introductory email from co-founder Mila Moisio landed in my inbox back in May 2021. 

Described as "a pioneering independent print publication for home sewists and design-oriented crafters around the world" I knew instantly that this new, quarterly sewing magazine, was going to be a perfect fit with The Draper's Daughter.

Mila Moisio and Kaisa Rissanen are the founders of this beautiful new magazine, with headquarters in both in Helsinki and Berlin. Previously they owned and ran an award winning sustainable fashion brand, also named TAUKO, during which time they become very familiar with design, pattern making, collection presentation and international fashion weeks.

TAUKO stands for a break or a pause in Finnish. It describes a strong, silent, and still movement that is almost impossible to notice.

In March 2021 they started planning a new kind of international craft and lifestyle magazine and in November, the first issue of TAUKO Magazine was launched in more than 20 different countries.

Each issue will feature at least 10 sewing pattern designs created by celebrities and newcomers from the sewing community. A carefully curated selection which makes designed clothing accessible to anyone willing to try out sewing and learn new skills.

With actual-size paper patterns, easy guidelines, agile images, and illustrations, they wish to make the sewing experience empowering, exciting and fun.

As well as the patterns, the magazine explores topics including crafts, culture, and climate which are featured in interviews, columns, articles, tips, and recommendations by their international contributors.

You can view both the First and Second Issues by clicking here.