Gifts for Sewers
Our annual list of thoughtful gifts for sewers at every price point…
We compile a list of gifts for sewers annually, and this year we have great suggestions for gifts at all price points. We’ve organized our gifts for sewers by the task they need to tackle, from pressing, to cutting to organization - and we’ve included a couple of splurge/luxury items on here if you’re really looking to surprise and delight the sewist in your life this year.
The Gift that Keeps Giving
Give the gift of sewing with an Ann Normandy Design Gift Card. Your favorite sewist can create their own Ann Normandy Wardrobe! Gift cards start at $10.00
Pressing Matters
Pressing really does matter! Having the right tools can make that tedious task a pleasurable one and will elevate handmade into a boutique quality garment. Last year I mentioned hams and clapper, (add link to blog post) here are a few more ideas:
An inexpensive board designed for sleeves, one of the most challenging parts of a garment to press. I prefer this model as it is collapsible. $17.99 USD. Available at bedbathandbeyond.com.
Clover Hot Hemmer and Hot Ruler Press –
I’ll be honest, hemming is my least favorite part of sewing. In most cases, it’s the final step and it needs to be precise. Create a hem that will be spot on each time used. Both products are available at amazon.com
For more about pressing, check out my blog Couture Sewing Patterns - A Pressing Tutorial.
Cut it out
Precise fabric cutting is essential for sewing accurately. There are two schools for cutting, using shears or rotary cutting. I started using a rotary cutter several years ago and haven’t looked back. I like Olfa products.
This is a splurge, but having a large cutting and measuring surface and grid means you don’t have to move the fabric and pattern as you cut makes cutting a breeze. Joann.com
I find this is my go-to snips for tiny and hard to reach stitches, like clipping sequins attached with invisible thread, such as my Slip Dress sewn with sequin fabric. Check out my blog post on sewing sequins. Their lightweight and have a squeeze action that makes snipping a breeze, even with arthritic hands.
The Pliers are perfect for uses in tight spaces, such as tangled bobbin threads. $24.95 USD. Available at Garrettwade.com.
Keep it Together
Keep your bobbins stored in this handy light weight case. $10.99 USD. Available at Joann.com
Made to Measure
The perfect tool to measure a seam allowance, measurement for hems and finishing, distance between buttons and button holes and more. I own several and keep one at my sewing machine and my worktable. $3.99 USD. Available at Joann.com.
For the Sewists Library
Sewing books are a great addition to a sewing room with books available for any skill level. Whether is a beginner book or book to inspire, it is a great gift for your sewist.
· For the Beginner Sewist
Fashion Sewing – Introductory Techniques, Connie Amaden-Crawford
I think the best book for learning sewing techniques for the beginner sewist. Clear concise instructions and illustrations. $30.99 USD. Available at Amazon.com
For the Experienced Sewist Up for a Challenge
Pattern Magic Series – Tomoko Nakamichi
Take your favorite sewists sewing skills to the next level with this series of books that will challenge those skills with tutorials on pattern and fabric manipulation to create sculptural works of art. Oh, the places their sewing will go with this series. Available at Amazon.com
·Make Do and Embellish with Needlework –
Mending Matters - Katrina Rodabaugh
A fabulous and wildly popular book teaches and inspires mending denim and other fabrics. It is slow fashion at its finest. $24.99 USD. Available at Bolt and Spool.
Friendly Embroidery
My slightly obsessive love for Japanese sewing and craft books “may” have possessed me to add it to my collection. If you know someone that loves charming minimalist needle work, this book is absolutely delightful. $35.00 USD. Available at Bolt and Spool.
Coffee Table Splurge
Madeleine Vionnet – Betty Kirke
The ultimate sewing book and gorgeous coffee table piece. Delve into the glamorous world of the Madeleine Vionnet with this stunning book of photos, patterns and history of the “Queen of the Bias Cut”. This book can be found in various editions and prices. The edition shown below (January 1998) is $41.75 USD and available at Amazon.com
I could go on and on, but these are my picks for the best gifts for sewers for the holiday season or year round.
Happy Sewing!
Kim
Create a little shimmer of your own with the Slip Dress Sewing Dattern in silk velvet or a neutral sequin fabric…