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Stitching & Crafting Room:  What is your favorite handmade gift?  |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 08:13:28 AM
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Now that the holidays are racing toward us - I am wondering what has been your favorite handmade gift to give or receive???
Please share as much info on it as you would like because I think all of us need new ideas for this holiday season. It is now more then ever important to share items made from the heart and hands...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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EmmJay
True Blue Farmgirl
352 Posts
Mary Jane
Amherst
Nova Scotia
Canada
352 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 08:49:39 AM
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Last year (this year too) was tight for money. Well, I made fruit wine, and preserves. I did family members baskets, with one jar of each preserve and a bottle of wine.
Everyone commented on how they LOVED the gift, and wanted the same this year.
The baskets included.....
Crabb Apple Jelly
Carmel Spread
Beets
Lady Ashburn Pickles
Bread and Butter Pickles
Salsa
Green Apple Wine
SIL called me on New Years, and asked if I had any wine left, so I gathered she liked it....LOL
Each of the jars had a piece of material on the top with a ribbon around the lid to make it pretty.
I love watching people when they receive gifts that they like....that is my gift.
"Thank GOD I'm a country girl"
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/EmmJay07/ |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 09:57:40 AM
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Sound wonderful!! Can I be a family member this year??
Everything is making my mouth water and wishing for a small nipple. I have never heard of Green apple wine - would you mind sharing the recipe? - I have a friend who makes honey wine and I think she would love a new recipe. Also, what is "Lady Ashburn Pickles"? Sounds so delicate - love pickles and trying new things. Would you mind sharing that too??
Your family is very lucky to have you - I am sure one more to your family tree would be O.K. - I bring yarn!
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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westfork woman
True Blue Farmgirl
554 Posts
Kennie Lyn
Emmett
Idaho
USA
554 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 10:30:21 AM
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Thanks for this idea Grace, I need some new ideas for Christmas. I am planning to make some fleece liners for sleeping bags for the campers on my list, but haven't come up with any thing else. The liners are simply a length of fleece, folded over and sewn across the bottom and half way up the side. If the inside of your sleeping bag is flannel they stay right where you put them, no matter how much you toss and turn. Works better than a blanket. They can be aired and washed way easier than a whole sleeping bag.
I usually make baskets to give with jam and jelly, dried fruit, and hot cocoa mix in a pretty tin or jar. Kennie Lyn
Greetings from the morning side of the hill. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 10:34:45 AM
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Kennie Lyn - What a clever idea. I have two sons who spend a ton of time outdoors and that is perfect. I might even consider making one for me... Great idea and thanks so much for sharing - I knew there would be some fantastic ideas out there.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 12:13:37 PM
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I did gift baskets for my grown kids last year too. They loved them! I'm planning more of the same for this Christmas. Last year's contained: wine, coffee, hot cocoa mix, jars of homemade salsa and pickled beans, dry meat rubs(also homemade), gift certificates for a local pizza place they all love, candy, and gift certificates for a 1/2 hog each(our own). I think that's all. There may have been more.
Those fleece liners sound great. Might have to try some of those.
"Nature always has the last laugh." Mrs. Greenthumbs
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 12:17:11 PM
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I made raspberry jam and pear butter for gifts this year. I like to make potholders, I figure you can always use a few extras, if I have time sometimes I make pillows or little quilts. I liike to make things, also felt
Christmas ornaments, things like that...
\Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 12:26:23 PM
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A few years back when my children were younger, my husband was out of work and had been for awhile--The local church gave us a Christmas box. It was filled with things for all of us--all hand made. Aprons, hats, gloves, pot holders, tea towels, little things. I have to say in looking back it truly was one of our best Christmases only because we expected nothing and were so blessed. MB
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com www.holyhouses-day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 2:42:57 PM
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Marcia- great concept - would love to know more about the dry rubs - both of my sons love to cook and grill - that might be a great addition.
Karin I too make each year a special ornament. This year I have painted on glass a likeness of their favorite sheep that they have raised. I also have a friend who knitted for me a small stocking that look like their favorite pair of socks - both of them climb mountains in their spare time.
Mary Beth I am with you - the fondest memories are of times when I expected nothing - My youngest son when he just started in photography took a picture of my first little ewe standing next to the barn at night - all that lights the background is the glow from the barn light - it is magical. Everytime I see the pictures is reminds me of all the years with that ewe "Susie Q" and how special my son is. Another time my oldest gave me his watercolor drawing that took 1st prize in a state contest - it sits proudly in my bedroom and is the first thing my eye gaze on when I awake in the morning - starts my day off thinking of him.
Love those simple memories.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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eskimobirdlady
True Blue Farmgirl
700 Posts
connie
fairbanks
ak
USA
700 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 3:03:12 PM
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lasr year i gave homemade wild rosehp jelly and wild cranberry jelly. everyone raved. sadly i didnt get any made this year so they will be disappointed. my nephewes recieve a set of 4 handmade ornaments every year. that way they will have christmas ornaments to use when they first go out on their own. i have recieved many handmade gifts over the years. i am not sure which is my favorite. i still have a small handmade ornament that one of my first foster sons made for me about 35 yrs ago. i treasure it. a very, very dear elderly friend of mine (kindergarten boyfriends mother and more mom to me than my own mom) just gave me 2 double thickness handmade dishcloths trimmed with crochet. i am torn between using them and treasuring them!
peace connie in alaska |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 4:16:05 PM
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Connie you lucky duck - I love those handmade dishcloths - I with you they are hard to use because they are so sweet - I have one that I use as a decoration in the kitchen and it has never touched water...
Wild rosehip jelly - my aunt when I was little made that - a flood of memoried came rushing back just at the thought of her jelly. I purchased some jelly from an Alaskian lady - Fir Tip Jelly - it wonderful and that will be in my baskets this year. I also purchased some Drunken Peach Jelly from another farm lady. As you can tell I am not a jelly maker so I find those out there who are and gladly support them.
I am loving all the great ideas out there.....
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 4:45:49 PM
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Homemade soap & jelly have been my gifts the past few years. I desperately need to think of something new this year!;)
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 5:43:28 PM
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I love to give handknit socks and I love to recieve them too!! I give embroidered things and jars of salsa and jam often too. We give all of our neighbors (25 is the usual number we deliver) homemade cheese balls and crackers every year..usually on Christmas eve.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 6:24:57 PM
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Chesse Balls - that's one I have not done for many a moon - Maybe some from a near by goat farm I know - she is just getting started in the milk share business and I have been thinking of buying some shares - I think I have a book on how to make goat cheeses somewhere on my bookshelf - I also have a great recipe from Martha Steward for crackers. O.K. I think I better go eat some dinner - drooling on the computer keys.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 6:28:22 PM
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Grace, My favorite hand made gift to give is home made cookies! I want to do something different for my kids this year and I am not sure what! I don't usually buy very many toys if hardly any for Christmas, but this year I would like to do something special!
This year my favorite gift to get would be fiber so I will have to clarify that to my hubby! One of my favorite gifts I have gotten was from my mom when I was maybe 10 or 11! She had made these doll and I thought they were for my sisters and I and I found out she was making to give them to another family and I was bummed and sure enough there on Christmas morning was a doll just like the one she gave away! I don't have it anymore unfortunately, but I clearly remember that my doll had beautiful red hair and a pretty green dress! My other favorite gift was from my hubby for our first Christmas together and we literally had no money for gifts, but he got me 2 ring binders and clear pockets to make my own cookbooks and 10 years later I still have them and use them the most even though I have about 50 cook books!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
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eskimobirdlady
True Blue Farmgirl
700 Posts
connie
fairbanks
ak
USA
700 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 6:57:13 PM
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| grace, i havent tried spruce tip jelly. i wonder if it matters what time of year you pick the tips or if it matters if it is black or white spruce? we have 5 acres of black spruce and it would be nice to know they are good for something. i sure wish some of you were were my neighbors! *grin* peace connie in alaska |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 7:25:06 PM
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Gosh..spruce tip jelly sounds wonderful to me!!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 8:18:10 PM
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I am still looking into Alaska - my oldest son was not happy when he was here last night when I started to talk to him about me moving - he really loves to think he looks after me...
The jelly I purchased on Etsy - Swan Mountain Soaps is her business name. The jelly is to die for - only picked once a year - I was so impressed with her. Check her out if you have the time...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 8:27:49 PM
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Okay Grace, I just had to go and click on your etsy site! I am going to have to stop doing that! I LOVE the pumpkin silk rods! What a beautiful color!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 8:38:10 PM
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Thanks Monica - I have several more coming on the site and some more silk for spinning and blending. I am with you I alway make cookies - last year I made tons and the boys received most of them because they do not have time to bake but I included all the recipes so this year I am gong to try new cookie recipes - you know add new taste traditions. Now that my sons are 25 and 21 the ideas get harder....
Jenny, the jelly is wonderful and I hate to admit it but I purchased tonight her Alaskan Birch Jelly and her Alaskan Dandelion Jelly. Not only are the very tasty but they are also great for your body - herbal wise.
Connie, if you ever go into the jelly making business you know I would be your number one customer - I really do not like making jelly.. Right now I am also on the hunt for different kinds of syrup - both my sons and I love making pancakes, waffles and such - love having something other then just maple. Any clues where to look???
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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eskimobirdlady
True Blue Farmgirl
700 Posts
connie
fairbanks
ak
USA
700 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 12:05:36 AM
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grace, i havent tried this company but it should be good. its organic too lol. http://www.alaskaherbtea.com/ they hve birch and fireweed honey amongst other things. if we have a better berry year next summer i will definately have to make up some extra jellys for you. birch syrup has a very delicate flavor and i have heard that fireweed jelly does too.
peace connie in alaska |
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Corinnelouise
True Blue Farmgirl
957 Posts
Corinne
France
957 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 02:36:37 AM
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I make aprons and tuck a little gift in the pocket, pot holder, jar of preserve, tea tower, twine for the garden, a few packets of seeds (this year they will be heirloom ones) and a Christmas ornament goes along to every family. Last few years I painted birds or snowmen on round glass balls. This year I made runners and plan to add cookies in a nice jar.
Aunt Jenny do you sell your hand knitted socks ? I have been looking to get a pair for myself for ages.
Ladies your ideas are just wonderful. Too bad we are not all living in the same vicinity our gifts would be the very fine ones a farmgirl can receive.
Have a great day,
Corinne
Sister # 101 |
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dkelewae
True Blue Farmgirl
1310 Posts
Diana
Saint Peters
MO
USA
1310 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 06:02:47 AM
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Last year I made handmade snow globes, knitted and felted slippers, knit scarves, and for the coffee drinkers I knit and felted mug cozies, put them on a coffee mug and put packets of flavored coffee inside the mugs.
This year I'm making fleece blankets, knitting more scarves and socks.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #272
St. Peters MO
Country Girl trapped in the city!
http://farmgirldreams.blogspot.com/ |
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soapmommy60543
True Blue Farmgirl
2197 Posts
Ann
Oswego
IL
USA
2197 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 06:07:11 AM
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My favorite handmade gift of all times is the pair of embroidered pillowcases my grandmother gave to me. They are monogrammed, and while it's not my fave shade, they are done in my favorite color (blue). They look so nice on our big bed now - the blue matches the denimy blue in our quilt. She died not long after we were married, so it's a nice reminder - kind of a hug from heaven.
Ann in Oswego
Times may be tough, but farmgirls are tougher!
Craft Fasting since October 21, 2008 |
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Homespun Livin
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Brenda
Louisiana
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 06:28:53 AM
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Oh my, everyone of you ladies have such wonderful ideas. I cannot make jelly either Grace. I can't make wine or cheese either. Sometimes I am successful at making cookies. LOL!!! I am gonna start trying to teach myself some of these skills. How on earth do you make spruce tip jelly? I love homemade gifts the best. Just the thought of someone taking time to create something just for me warms my heart and I treasure those gifts the most. Please keep the ideas coming...there just might be something that I can actually do! :)
"Love one another." |
Edited by - Homespun Livin on Nov 03 2008 06:29:43 AM |
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Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 06:52:52 AM
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That's it exactly, Brenda, "homemade gifts are the best". I GIVE homemade, but rarely RECEIVE homemade gifts.(except from online friends that I've NEVER MET! what's up with that! lol)
http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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Stitching & Crafting Room: What is your favorite handmade gift? |
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What is your favorite handmade gift?
