If you have a special quilter on your list this holiday season, perhaps your mother, a favorite aunt or maybe even your brother, you might be stumped for some gift ideas. Most quilters don’t need any more swatches of cloth lying around the house, so here are some suggestions for items a quilter would appreciate and, most importantly, use.
Periodicals & Books for Quilters
There are a number of quilting magazines available to which your quilter might appreciate a subscription (although you may have to do a little research to make sure she doesn’t already have them!). Some popular ones are American Patchwork & Quilting, Quilter’s Newsletter, and The Quilt Life. A number of books for quilters are available through Martingale & Company. A popular book is The Farmer’s Wife , which comes with a CD of patterns. It is a collection of letters from the wives of farmers in the 1920s, along with a block for each wife. When put together, the blocks make a beautiful quilt.
Software & Websites for Quilt Design
For the technologically-savvy quilter, you might consider EQ software which is used to design quilts and is available through ElectricQuilt.com. Another option is Dear Jane Quilt Design software. Quilting website ConnectingThreads.com has a good number of patterns and other items available, and also sells gift cards if you aren’t sure what your quilter would like.
Jewelry for Quilters and by Quilters
A thoughtful gift for a quilter is jewelry like the pieces that can be found at meandmystitches.com. The site has available for sale pins and pendants with small quilt blocks embedded in them. Another place to find attractive handmade jewelry is Etsy.com.
Tools for Quilters
A quilter can always use a large variety of tools such as rotary cutters, cutting mats, and basting spray. You may want to ask your quilter if there is a specific tool she is looking for, and the tool can usually be found at a local quilting shop or a craft store like Joann Fabrics or Michael’s. Tools can also be found at the previously mentioned websites. If you know what kind of machine she quilts on, you can search specifically for that machine by name and find accessories that work with the machine.
Hopefully these ideas will spark your creativity and help you find something that your quilter will truly love. She will also appreciate the interest you took in her favorite hobby and a truly personal gift, and you may find yourself with a beautiful hand-made quilt in the future for your efforts!
Amelia Ramstead - Amelia hopes that her experiences as a mother prove helpful to others as she shares what she has learned.
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