If you were putting together a holiday basket of gifts for a fashion-sewing friend (a very good friend, that is), what would you include? The tried and true? Something practical or something whimsical? Or maybe a few things to cover all those attributes? I always think some of the best gifts are those you didn’t know you needed, but now wonder how you lived without them! Some of the following meet that criteria – and some are just plain lovely to live with.
First up is this handy little needle threader.
My needle threader is brown, but now they are available in an assortment of nicer colors.
It certainly is a funny looking contraption, but oh does it work well! Thread your needles, big or small, with nary a squint of the eye. From Clover, who creates so many wonderful gadgets for those of us who sew.
If you use couture techniques in your sewing, then you, like me, do a lot of basting. Make that job go faster with these long and lovely basting needles.
Hug Snug rayon seam tape is one of the loveliest sewing products around. I always have to order this product online – and selecting the correct color is an imprecise science. A Hug Snug Seam Binding Color Card would make identifying the perfect match so much easier!
So many colors from which to choose. This tape also is perfect for wrapping gifts.
Books always make wonderful gifts and these are two I would want my sewing friend to have:
The fashions in this book are a bit dated (1980s-ish), but the techniques and tips are timeless.
Why, do you ask, is this such a good gift for a sewing friend? Because it is filled with so much information that makes you more informed about your sewing, fashion, and fashion history in general. I love that pronunciations are given for some of those words about which you always wondered.
Along those same lines, a subscription to Threads Magazine is a must for anyone doing serious sewing.
I have two favorite sources on Etsy for beautiful padded hangers – indispensable for taking care of all those couture dresses and outfits we make for ourselves. These also make lovely gifts for any good friend or relative – they are luxurious, useful and so pretty!
The hanger on the top is from Out of the Closet Hangers; the hangers from this company tend to be elegant and sophisticated. The hanger on the bottom is from GrandmasChalkboard; these hangers tend to be casual and whimsical. Both are beautiful products.
Another beautiful product that comes in handy for couture sewing are these lovely Hanah hand-dyed silk ribbons, available from Britex Fabrics. They are cut on the bias, making them perfect for adding a piped edge detail to coat, jacket and dress linings.
Available in various widths, they are lightweight, but sturdy.
I would definitely tuck this note card into the basket:
The only problem with a note card like this is the hesitation to actually use it. (Maybe two would be best – one to keep and one to use!)
Another nod to vintage would be a Tammis Keefe handkerchief , similar to this one:
A close-up of the designer’s famous signature.
Various ones are available on eBay and in Etsy stores – and their charm is legendary. Any lover of fine design and textiles, vintage or otherwise, would appreciate one of these!
Finally I would top off the basket with a Little Black Dress cookie cutter:
Image copyright by Ann Clark Ltd
Now – what have I forgotten?
fiftydresses 