Gifts to Make for Those Who Sew

It may seem too early to be thinking about Christmas, but lo and behold, Christmas is but 4 months away. For those of us who have always preferred to make something special to give rather than something store-bought, the time is nigh to get cracking on some of these DIY presents.

The October 1954 issue of Woman's Day Magazine featured the perfect DIY gifts to make for those who sew. And, if the growing number of sewing blogs is any indication, you may very well have quite a few on your list.

Whether your friends are seamstresses, quilters or needlework sewists, there are patterns for thoughtful gifts to make and give. You could even make one for yourself!

For those who do counted cross stitch or crewel work, this handy floss caddy keeps all the floss strands separate and free from tangling. 

Find more sewing aids to make and give this Holiday Season. Download instructions HERE.

Bridal Veils from Woman's Day 1955

February 1955 Woman's Day Veils to Make

For the bride with a vintage flair, the available headpieces to complete the ensemble are not so easy to find in the ready-to-wear bridal shops. This 1955 article with charts and instructions for 8 headpieces with veils makes it easy to be vintage on your wedding day.

Lace Bonnet - photo by Ben Somoroff

Satin Band with Illusion photo by Ben Somoroff

Velvet Bow photo by Ben Somoroff

Satin Halos photo by Ben Somoroff

Pearl Embroidered Lace Cap photo by Ben Somoroff

Pleated Satin Cap photo by Ben Somoroff

Gathered Illusion Cap photo by Ben Somoroff

Velvet Disc photo by Ben Somoroff

Download instructions to make all 8 veils HERE. Prints on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. 

Find more Bridal veils, headpieces and wedding gown patterns on my CynicalGirl on Etsy shop.

Download this Bird Cage Fascinator pattern HERE.

And for your 1950's vintage finale - print out this pattern for Brides Blue Garter. Make it special. Make it yourself!

Slippers - Easy To Make From Vintage Sewing Patterns

McCall's 9027 at CynicalGirl on Etsy

Slippers, scuffs, house shoes, slip-ons, mules ... no matter what you call them, we all LOVE slippers! And they are so easy to make. You can make them classy or funky or whimsical, and with so many fabulous fabric choices, your entire wardrobe can have matching slippers. Or make them to give. Everybody loves those gifts from the heart and if it can keep their pinkies warm -- all the better. Gut busy now. Only 7 months until Christmas!

McCall's M6715 at CynicalGirl on Etsy and at CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths

Matching Mommy and baby slippers are fun and easy to make.

Simplicity 2278 at CynicalGirl on Etsy or CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths

Find this 1950's Ballet Slippers pattern HERE on the Free Pattern Friday post on the Vintage Pattern Marketplace Blog to download for FREE!

Vintage Pattern Marketplace: Easy To Make Gingham Ballet Slippers  Easy To Make Gingham Ballet Slippers The pattern for these easy to sew slippers came from my grandmothers 1947 copy of Golden Treasury of Needlecraft ..... more

101 Ways to Save With Your Sewing Machine

101 Ways to Save was published by the Domestic Sewing Machine Company, established in 1861, known as the American Domestic Sewing Machine when it became available in Europe. It was a popular brand and readily available, even sold by Sears. The company was active into the 1950's when it was sold under the brand White. I was able to find quite a story about the Domestic machines at Sewalot.com. Alex Askaroff from the Sewalot site is the keeper of the best resource for researching sewing machines and the curious histories behind them. Visit to learn more.

The Domestic Sewing Machine Company

This marvelous little pattern book was published around 1955. It must have been one of the last things published under the "Domestic" name. Inside there are patterns that are easy and quick to make gifts, clothes and takes us back to the origins of "upcycling". 

101 Ways to Save with Your Sewing Machine

With quick and easy patterns to elegantly transform your wardrobe, or DIY window shades, you'll find tips that save Time, Temper and Money in this 1950's booklet. Download HERE for more fun patterns that are easy to sew and wonderful gifts to make and give.