Quick gift idea and fabric gift wrap

We have gotten in a bunch of new buttons from Dill, and I have a great quick gift idea using some of the fun larger styles. These scarves are so easy I made four today at the shoppe. The one you see here is a striped flannel with a light grey toggle button. Here's how:

1. cut two width of fabric by 10" pieces of flannel

2. put them right sides together and mark with pins on both long edges at 5" and 7 1/2" from one end.

3. Sew using a 5/8" seam allowance along both edges, leaving the space between the pins unsewn.

4. Rotate the seams so they line up with each other, and press them open. The seams should line up right down the center of the scarf and the open bits should match.

5. sew straight across both short ends. Use the openings to turn the whole thing right sides out.

6. line up the openings and topstitch the edges of the openings to make the buttonhole.

7. hand sew the button on the other end, centering it right on the seam line and placing it about 6-8 inches from the end.

DONE

So easy, but a great quick gift. Lots of ways to vary it too, make the ends round, piece in stripes, in either direction, add fringe on the ends, decorative stitching, use your imagination. By the way, the sample in the picture is on the crazy quilt sweatshirt that is happening here as a workshop on January 20 & 27. To help you all out, the special is on flannel and buttons, 10% off. (you need 5/8 of a yard flannel for the scarf)

The other goodie for you will put you on the A list with your sewing friends and family. This link shows you how to use fabric squares to gift wrap in a Japanese tradition called Furoshiki. The wrapping becomes part of the gift, and is re usable. http://vimeo.com/2321507 Check it out and share it with your friends. Lastly, it is not too late to bring us an ornament for the tree, and get your coupon in exchange. We will be closed the 23rd thru the 26th. We will take ornaments right up to closing for the holiday. Don't miss your chance. See you soon.