Super thrifty Christmas gifts... please add your ideas!

[Korwynne]

anyone able to recommend an easy peasy redondo skirt pattern for someone who is a beginner?

[Kbsmama]

Jodi,
I bought the Tantrum Studios Redondo Skirt pattern. I haven't made it yet, so I'm hoping it's not too bad. It doesn't look bad--cut the swirls, sew them together, then you have 5 strips to sew together. I'm going to give it a try with some fabric I have before I make the gift ones. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Korwynne]

Thanks, jody! I want to try it, but I'm scared of getting in over my head.

[Silvery_skies]

subbing too

[Kbsmama]

We're supposed to bring a stocking stuffer to DH's family Christmas celebration (which we have dubbed "Thanksmas" because it is occurring on Thanksgiving).

I am making these red velvet sandwich cookies. I may pull out my scrapping supplies and put a little tag on each one with an initial or something to make them look fancy a la Gooseberry Patch.

I've been checking the Gooseberry Patch books out of my library. There are lots of great recipes and ideas for homemade gifts, and inspiration to make them look incredible!

[Kbsmama]

Made 3 redondo skirts for dds and a niece. Sewing that big curve is a PITA, but not horrible. I will make them again. I did them mainly on my serger. When I do them next time I will 1) buy whatever color of serger thread I want for the hem and just serge the bottom. That circle hem is endless, and I'm not happy with the rolled hem, and tape (which I have seen a lot of people use), seems like a heck of a lot of work too. 2) I will just cut them out and not add any seam allowance and do them on the serger. The seam allowance tends to get in the way. I might also add a little more to the top so I can turn it under for the waistband. I didn't like how the directions did the waistband--I prefer just a turned waistband.

Also, I used 3 fabrics, and then cut them out wrong, so that I would have to have two fabrics of the same color side by side. So, I wound up having to order an extra piece of fabric to finish DD's skirt.

[bubbles]

I can't believe this thread has been going on since 2004!