A Handmade Holiday

I have several projects to share today.

The first is a very simple playing card holder. I knit mine with worsted weight yarn and size 6 needles, cast on 14 stitches and knit every row until rectangle measured 9 1/2 stitches. Cast off.

Then I chose to personalize it by needlefelting the recipient's name. Be sure to do this before you stitch up the sides. Then you could either finish it by crocheting the edges or by hand sewing (the blanket stitch would look nice). I added a loop to attach a handmade button. This would also make a good project for children to make.

I will be making one for each member of our family except Abraham as finding a full deck of cards in our home seems to always be a challenge.

And now some ideas from others~

First, this pattern from Joy - A Play Knife Sheath.

And this wonderful post from Our Journey 'Round the Mulberry Bush about their whole family working together to make a Handmade Holiday.

Here is a tutorial to sew up some cloth napkins using your scraps.

Also, tote bags make a wonderful gift for nearly everyone on your list. With people more thoughtful about caring for the earth, a reusable and washable cloth bag would be a practical gift.

Here is a link for one pattern.

Here is a tutorial for some very simple, smaller bags. These would also be a great alternative to gift wrap.

Here is the page at this blog for the Handmade Holiday - be sure to visit the participating blogs and if you would like to be added or if your link isn't working, just let me know.

Please share in the comments your ideas and links or email me this week. (naturalearthfarm@netzero.net)

Warm wishes, Tonya