HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #13

So I have to say, the moment I saw these baby hats, I knew I had to find an excuse to make them.  They are the kind of thing that gets most women gushing and using words like "adorable," "precious," and of course "CUTE!"  It gets even better though.  The author of this pattern (Lullaby Lamb) has a large selection of crochet and knit hat patterns that are - dare I say it - just as "adorable," "precious," and "CUTE!"  My favorites include the fruit orchard hats (of course), a pumpkin hat, a sailor hat, and a granny cloche hat.  Any of her hats would make an amazing gift for a baby shower, or a young child's birthday.  This pattern, called the "Fruit Orchard Rolled Brim Hat" is knit in the round, and was clear and easy to follow.

 Resources: YouCanMakeThis.com - Lullaby Lamb Patterns
Skills required: intermediate knitting
Approximate time to craft*: 2 hours (newborn size)
Approximate cost for supplies*: $5
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #4

A beautiful handmade scarf is a great gift for winter birthdays and Christmas. First, find some nice soft yarn like the merino wool pictured here. Then pick a pattern that suits the recipient. The pattern for the scarf pictured came from Rodale's Visual Encyclopedia of Needlecrafts. There are also tons of free scarf patterns on the internet that range in style from funky, to classic, to romantic, to fun. With a little bit of thought, you'll be sure to make something that will warm their heart for years to come.

Resources: Rodale's Visual Encyclopedia of Needlecrafts
Skills required: easy-advanced knitting, or easy-advanced crochet
Approximate time to craft*: 10 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $7*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #3

These dish cloths are possibly the easiest and most versatile handmade gift we've seen. Their chunky texture and 100% cotton yarn make them great for many uses. Dish cloth, wash cloth, hot pad - they can do it all. Give them as wash cloths with soap or lotion for a pampering gift set. Or give a set of dish cloths with a copy of your favorite recipes for a new bride.

You can also include this little poem on the card or gift tag:
I’m a little dish cloth
To help you with your chores.
I scrub pots and pans and glass and plates
And ever so much more.
There really is no ending
To all the things that I can do,
And that’s why I was made with care
Especially for YOU!(This poem copyrighted by CopyCrafts - it may not be used for commercial purposes of any kind without express written permission.)

We've included links to our to our favorite patterns for beginners, but there are tons of variations to be found online if you want to get a little more creative.

Resources: knit pattern, crochet pattern
Skills required: easy knitting, or easy crochet
Approximate time to craft*: 2 hours each
Approximate cost for supplies*: $.50 each*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #1

Looking for something beyond the basic for a special baby girl? Try sewing this dress from Laura Ashley for McCall's Patterns (Pattern #M4424 - trust us, you have to see the back of this dress to understand just how cute it is). Then make it extra special by adding a sweet crocheted hem to the bottom. We used the "Dish and Spoon" edge from CopyCrafts' "Nursery Favorites" ePattern. Prepare and crochet the hem the same way you would a blanket or burp cloth. The result - a dress that is almost as adorable as the baby!

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com, www.mccall.com
Skills required: easy sewing, easy crochet
Approximate time to craft*: 10 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $10
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.