Today, I’m over at Skip to My Lou for the Holiday Bake Craft Sew Along. I’m sharing how to add a pretty handmade touch to a tote bag. This bag would be so cute for your sister, your mom, a girlfriend, a teenage daughter…the list goes on and on! Stop on by over there and check it out!!
Over here… I get to treat you to a SEW Amazing giveaway as part of our crafty series.
- 2-3-4-5 stitch capability-provides more stitch variety
- 1,300 stitches per minute-professional speed for faster results
- Fully automatic self-adjusting tension system-keeps stitches balanced and even
- Easy threading diagram-easy threading saves time
- Stitch width adjustment-keep seams strong and prevent bunching on any type of fabric.
Reader Interactions
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Comments & Reviews
Denise says
I think the favorite handmade gift I’ve ever received was a silver wreath decorated in ivory and pink ribbons and birds from a dear friend. I’ve kept that wreath for about 25 years now and still treasure it to this day. Very special.
Amy says
What an amazing giveaway!
Stephanie says
What an amazing package. This would make my holiday season. Haha get it “make”
Bonnie P says
A wooden doll house 🙂
Jess says
I love it! Oh the fabrics I would buy!
Jess says
And my favorite handmade gift was a playmat with tags for my baby boy.
Rachel says
When I was little (3 maybe?) I got a doll for Christmas that had hair I could brush (very exciting for a little girl), and my Mom made me and the doll matching jumpers.
Melanie Price says
What a great giveaway- just in time for handmade Christmas gifts!
laura davis says
wow thanks…awesome givaway
Khristen Foss says
I haven’t received many handmade gifts over my lifetime as I am the crafty one who is normally giving them! I would have to say the scarf my mother made me. It’s soft and I love that it matches with so many outfits! Of course, any food gift I get from friends is always welcome! I love a good homemade food gift 🙂
Regina says
My husband made me a jelly cabinet one year shortly after we were married. Still love it!
Holly R. says
This is awesome!!
Jessica says
Wow! Awesome giveaway!
Nancy ward says
This prize would be amazing.
Michelle says
What an awesome giveaway!!!:) just in time for Christmas!
laura davis says
best homemade gift has been ornaments for a gift exchange with some of my best girlfriends
Sabrina says
Absolutely love this!
Whitney says
INCREDIBLE Giveaway! The greatest handmade item I’ve received would have to be a crocheted blanket my great-grandmother made!
Amber says
The Best homemade gift I ever received was a quilt my mother made me.
Alida says
Thank you for the amazing giveaway!
Julia says
Amazing giveaway!!
Jeanette says
My favorite homemade gift was a crocheted blanket. Thanks for the giveaway!
Kristen McVeay says
My favorite handmade gift was a quilt
M DANIELA CIRILLO says
Awesome Giveaway!! I love this giveaway and I wish to win , because I want to make the Christmas presents for my family and friends before Christmas!! thank you !
Charlee says
This is an amazing giveaway! 🙂
VICKI OSTLER says
This is truly the best give away ever!
Julia says
A quilt my Grandmother made. She made over 80 in her lifetime.
LauraJane says
My very first dress my mother made for me that was NOT a hand-me-down from the neighbor!
Kathy C. says
My favorite handmade gift is a pillow my sister embroidered for me with the childhood games we used to play listed on it.
Jennifer says
Would love that Joann gift card 🙂
Jeannette says
Just last year I received this amazing hand woven shawl. Made from the alpaca that belong to the one who wove the shawl. It’s awesome!
Diana says
Just thinking about this wonderful giveaway makes me feel like crafting something beautiful. Thank you!
Jennifer says
The best homemade gift I ever received was a big stuffed mama and baby kitty cat made out of orange polyester…..my favorite aunt made it for me when I was little and I still have it for my girls 🙂
Deb says
Very Nice!
Diana says
My favorite handmade gift is a reversible Christmas tree skirt that someone made for me shortly after I was married. It has been under our tree every year since. I love it.
Elizabeth Chadwick says
How much fun would this be???? Great giveaway!!!
Thanks
debra spencer says
I loved the Christmas Pajama’s my Mom used to make!
Elaina Meadows says
What is your favorite handmade gift you ever received?
The best, has been all the creative baby blankets and burp bibs I received when my little was newborn! I was amazed by the amount of work and love went into everything ♥
Thanks for the great giveaway!!! Crossing my fingers!
Emily says
I received a blanket that was sewn by my great grandmother. It needs a bit of mending, but it is my favorite blanket!
Lauren says
When I was little, about 4, my mother made me a traditional norwegian outfit to match my grandmother’s to wear for my grandparent’s 40th wedding anniversary. I loved it an wore it all the time. The picture of me in it with my grandparents on that day is still my favorite of them 🙂
Lindsay says
I have a quilt from my grandma that I love.
Amy Lawrence says
Has to be the handmade baby pants and goodies a good friend made me when I was expecting 🙂
becky whitney says
I got a jewelry box made by my grandpa. I know that’s not sewing but I loved it. My mom also made me a homemade cabbage patch doll. Loved that too!
Rose Hansen says
A knitted scarf from a dear friend.
Rebecca says
I will always remember a pair of red knitted mittens given to me by a wonderful elderly lady from my church named Mary Christmas!
Emily S says
My mom made me a scrapbook-style cookbook of all our favorite family recipes as a wedding gift. It’s a treasure!
Bekah says
My favorite handmade gifts are tie quilts from my grandmother!
Kristin F says
Holiday table runner from my mom. Still use it!
Kallie Zollman says
This is a Christmas dream!
Lisa says
My grandma made me a doll which I loved!
Tracie W says
Each of my great Grandmothers gave me handmade blankets, and I’ve since passed them on to my children.
Reesa Lewandowski says
I enjoy the little handmade things my children bring home from preschool for me.
Tisha says
Awesome giveaway 🙂
Jen a says
Awesome giveaway! Fingers crossed here…
Caitlin says
I received a beautiful crochet blanket for my first born.
Connie R says
My favorite homemade gift most recently has been those nylon scrubbie things used to wash dishes. I LOVE those things!!!
Laura says
One year I got an entire wardrobe of barbie clothes that matched my own home sewn wardrobe.
tonie says
Great giveaway
Nancy says
Great give away!
Heidi J. says
What an amazing givaway. This would make a great Christmas present for ME!
Erin says
My grandmother used to knit the most beautiful blankets. I still have one that I cherish to this day.
Jen a says
My favorite thing was a teddy bear my mom made me when I was little. I lived it to pieces.
Jen a says
My favorite thing was a teddy bear my mom made me when I was little. I lived it to pieces.
Jessica Stevens says
My favorite handmade gift I ever received was a bunny that my aunt had made me when I was going through a hard time. I took that bunny everywhere, and then when another aunt of mine got sick, I asked my mom to ship it off to her, since the bunny had taken such good care of me. When my aunt got better, she sent my bunny back. We did this for a while, and I’m not real sure where my bun-bun ended up. What I wouldn’t give to have him back!
Rhonda Phillips says
Great giveaway!!! Thank you!
Jessica Gobble says
Last year, my grandmother knit me a scarf that is so soft and I love so much!
Mamaloves says
Thank you for the opportunity to of this giveaway! The only handmade gift I can remember receiving was from my mother. She and my aunt made my cousin and I some kind of yarn doll. I often wonder what ever happened to it, but that is all I can remember of it.
Terri C says
This would be a dream come true, thanks for this amazing giveaway!
Terri C says
Also I forgot my favorite gift, it was a little scrap quilt my grandma made for me. I loved it and wore it out.
Wendy Carpenter says
What an awesome giveaway 🙂
Pamela says
My most favorite handmade gift was a quilt my grandmother made for me. It was one of those tricot quilts and I still have it, though it is getting a little the worse for wear.
Wendy Carpenter says
When I left the Church I was attending in SC, one of the ladies there made me an awesome crocheted blanket to keep me warm in CT 🙂
Absolutelykathy says
A baby blanket for my daughter that a friends mom made
Rebecca G says
Both of my kids got a crochet blanket from their step great-grandma.
Stephanie D says
A blanket my Aunt (that I’ve never met) gave it to my husband because he was TDY to their base and I got it for my first born son. 🙂 It was the sweetest thing because even though we have never met we are family and she thought of us.
Mary M. says
A homemade doll complete with clothing was my favorite present
Katherine Bourrier says
My daughter bought me a glass painting kit. It is awesome.
Betsy says
Great giveaway! 🙂
erin says
Wow–Amazing giveaway!!!
Mary reisdorph says
Wow. Awesome giveaway. Thanks!!
April says
My mom crocheted a baby blanket for me before I was born which was passed down to me and I used it for my babies, too.
Lisa says
When I was young my Mom made me a blanket that folded into a pillow. It was one of my favorite things to snuggle with. The pocket that you folded the blanket into was the perfect place to keep your feet warm 🙂
Erin says
my favorite hand made gift was a quilt my mom made me when I was a baby! I still have it and it is my favorite colors even as an adult! its quite small so it just covers my lap but it is so special and beautiful!
Wendy says
Its not just the giveaways, but the invite to come on over and peruse the fun on this site that I enjoy! Sort of like stopping by and visiting a friend…
Aimie Furse says
What an AWESOME giveaway!
Jan K says
Last year I received a pair of felted mittens, love them.
Dawn Kaestner says
This is sew awesome!
Jamie @ Coffee With Us 3 says
As a little girl, my dad made a dollhouse for my sister and I, complete with hardwood floors, handmade chandeliers, ever tiny details made by hand. I loved playing with it, and can’t wait until my kids are old enough to play with it.
Jennifer brown says
What a fabulous giveaway. I am lusting after the needle felting machine!
Heather G says
Favorite handmade gift comes from my best friend who sews beautiful ornaments each year (I have a tree full)
Sean C says
My favorite handmade gift ever was a sock monkey my grandma made for me when I was just 5 yrs. old. I’m 41 now and still have it.
Shelley Scarbro says
My favorite handmade item I have received would have to be a set of wooden reindeer my parents made. I received them after my dad passed so that was an extra special gift.
Alina says
It would have to be the scarf(s) my sis makes for me yearly. I love that they have become so trendy now.
Grace Elliston says
Just have to say thank you for this giveaway! I would have to say i think all the quilts that my grandmother has made me and my little boys would have to be my favorite gifs, they are so beautiful and warm.
Jennifer Rivas says
This is a wonderful giveaway. My favorite homemade gift was a t-shirt my mom gave me with an embroidered comic book scene. Very simple back-stitching, simple colors, but oh so wonderful.
Andy Veronica Murray says
I have a good feeling about thus. This would be amazing to win!
Stacey Zabel-Hudson says
I have 2 favorite gifts..a ceramic cat my grandmother made for me and a quilt my mom’s foster mom made for me. I still own both and cherish them with all my heart!
Jessica says
My favorite handmade gift was knitted mittens. They are gorgeous and so warm! Amazing giveaway – PICK ME!
Andy Veronica Murray says
The best gift I ever received was sharing my child’s first Christmas with her. Best . Christmas . Ever!
Erin says
My mother-in-law made special quilts for each of my daughters. She designed the picture on each square and embroidered them, then made them into beautiful quilts. They are treasures.
Carol S-U says
My sister made pillow covers with family photos on them… has to be my favorite!!
Natalie says
My favorite handmade gift are the ones my kids made!!
Elizabeth Rowley says
The handmade Quilt from my mom!
Chamrie says
Wow! Amazing giveaway!!! The day before my wedding we found out that there would be a crazy cold snow storm coming through, and my best friend stayed up almost all night making me a gorgeous white cape to wear over my wedding dress, and then she drove 3 hours to bring it to me! It was perfect!!! 🙂
Tina says
I would love this!! I have all ways wanted to learn to sew & felt!!
Kristin says
I went to an auction and saw this gorgeous birdhouse. Later that year, my friend had heard that i loved it and thought to herself that she could make it no problem. She did and it was AMAZING!
Tina says
It would have to be the hand knitted Christmas stocking my Mom made me when I was 12 & I still have & have passed down to my daughter!!
Victoria says
I’m usually the maker and giver, which I love to do! 🙂 only thing I can think of made for me is food by neighbors, which I also love!
Kim Ebey says
I love making homemade gifts to give away for Christmas!!! This would be a great prize to make more!
Deanna says
A baby crib for my baby doll when I was a little girl which will be gifted to my twin girls this Christmas.
angela kijauskas says
Oh man, I sure could use a serger!
Allena Christensen says
What an awesome giveaway! I have a sick addiction to Joann’s! ;o)
Jody says
What an amazing giveaway for the sewer in me! I have always wanted a serger, so this would be so exciting and not to mention all the fun shopping at Joann Fabrics!
Lisa Howard says
Oh my gosh this would be AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jody says
My favorite handmade gift would be one that was given to my daughter. It was a fabric paper dolls book. It has a pocket in the front and back of the book for all of the clothes and accessories. Each page has one or two dolls on it that you can dress up. The best part is the fabric and dolls are totally from the era of when paper dolls started….love it!
Jessica says
Amazing!!!
Jessica says
My most favorite handmade gift is a toss up. As a child I received handmade barbie doll furniture and clothes from an aunt and uncle and as an adult I received a blanket from my best friends mom who died from cancer.
Marlena says
This might be the best giveaway ever!
Sheree S. says
What a fun giveaway! This would be perfect for my sewing projects!
Shyanne says
My favorite gift would be a yellow and white chevron afghan my grandmother made me as a baby because now my baby girl is using it! I really didn’t fully appreciate it until now 🙂
jessica mardo-shaw says
Love love love!! Thank you!!
Jennifer K says
We were given a gorgeous quilt for our wedding and the lady who made it has since passed and I cherish it even more.
Cindy H. says
wHAT A fab GIVE AWAY !!!
Nicole says
The best homemade gifts I receive are hand-crocheted baby blankets from my mom for my kids. I know she makes them with love.
Shae says
I would LOVE to win this! I could do so many things and the icing on the cake is I wouldn’t have to borrow my moms or my mother in-law’s sewing machines! I could just do it all at home!! I’ve been telling my husband for the last 7 years that I want one of my own! :/
Heidi says
Crocheted potholders from my grandma. Better than anything you can get in the store and they last forever.
Heather says
My favorite handmade gift is a quiet book my grandma made me for church. I love it!
Sarah Schmid says
napkin rings from my sister in law!
Pam says
Gifts my daughters made me when they were little… Ornaments, pictures, poems, etc. Too many precious ones to just pick one!
Kathy S says
My mother made me a blanket when i was very young and it was tied with yarn. I still have that blanket after 43 or so years. i still love that blanket. thank you for the great giveaway offer!
Ruthie says
The nicest hand-made gift I ever received was a purse made my by mother-in-law.
Tracey G says
My grandmother crocheted me a blanket for Christmas when I was 15, just before she passed away. I cherish it. I also received one of her paintings years later. Gifts like those are priceless.
Christina Moreno says
One of the best giveaways I’ve seen! I have been wanting a felting machine! I do a lot of needle felting by hand but have always wanted to try the machine.
Theresa Box says
My husband made a canvas for me when we were dating that was his very first diy project. He worked on it all week and surprised me. Still have it hanging in our home today!
Merri says
My favorite gift is a handmade blanket my grandma made me when I was baby. I still have it. I carried it everywhere as a child. She is no longer around, but I will always have this to remember her by
Christie says
this is an amazing giveaway!
Candy Mak says
My wedding dress, that I never wore 🙁 My sister handmade it for me in 2 days before I left for another country and I never had a wedding 🙁
Quilting Tangent says
A doll quilt.
Christie says
my favorite handmade gift would have to be the blanket from my grandma. I’ve had it since I was a baby. I’m 32!
Christine H says
My mom made these gorgeous nativity wall hangings a few years back. I love getting them out each Christmas and knowing she worked many hours putting them together just for me!
Ashley J. says
I don’t think I’ve ever received a handmade gift. Aside from my grandma, I’m the only one out of my family and friends who loves to craft. Its lonely, lol
Sara says
My favorite hand made gift was a knitted hat given to my daughter by her aunt. Second to that was the hand made soap she made for me!
Rebecca K. says
A quilt for my newborn daughter.
Stephanie Huntsman says
A huge christmas stocking my boyfriend made when I was 16. I still have it!
Sarah G says
My mom made a quilt for my husband and I for our 1st Anniversary. The baby blankets she has made for our daughters are incredibly special as well.
Brittany Winnie says
My grandma made the softest flannel quilt for me one year! I love it!
Lori says
A homemade quilt from my grandmother.
Fawn B. says
My sister made me crocheted Jack Skellington and Sally dolls (my birthday last year and then this year). They are amazing, she is so talented!!!
tammy says
pottery they made in school from my kids and a stepping stone with a fish on it from my youngest son when he was in Kindergarten, he is 18 now. All they make is my fav things.
Tina S says
A crocheted blanket for my daughter.
Melanie Benedict says
What a fantastic give away. Who wouldn’t love to win this?
Laura H. says
It is difficult for me to think of a gift hand made for me because I am usually the one making things. I suppose the best gift for me would have to be a cake made for me for my birthday. It was sweet and reminded me of when my mom would do the same when I was younger.
Stephanie says
My favorite homemade gift I’ve ever received would probably be the hooded towels each of my three children have been given that have their names on them.
Amy C says
My favorite handmade gift I received is probably a handmade doll from my grandmother when I was about 12.
Sara Tann says
This would be so awesome to win. I wanted to learn to sew all my life and started taking lessons a couple of months ago, I’m having a lot of fun with it. . Thank you for this opportunity.
Stephanie says
A quilt from my mom
Sara Tann says
I received a poem from my niece when she was 6 that she wrote herself along with a picture. That was 10 years ago and I have it in a frame. 🙂
Rachel Grider says
My favorite would be a mother’s day card that my 4 year old daughter made for me. <3
JanieOchoa says
As a novice sewer, this would be great to get started!
Jennifer says
The best handmade gift I EVER received? I think it has to be the “coupon book” my kids cut & stamped in 2008 I have it in a safe place and look at it often. It is so special because they did it all by themselves.
Francesca Hirtle says
An heirloom quilt made from generations of my husband’s family–each adding a block and given to us from his grandmother.
Sarah Prieb says
My favorite homemade gift is adorable homemade stuffes animals my cousin made for my daughter. They weren’t for me but she worked really hard on them and I just love them 🙂
Jeanie Presnall says
I would love to win this! This is a fabulous prize!
ysolde says
a purse made by a dear classmate in 6th grade.
Lauren says
My favorite gifts are the ones my family gives me so that I can MAKE handmade things….I’m definitely the crafty one 🙂
Jennifer Appleton says
My favorite handmade gift is…. Wow! That’s hard to choose 🙂 My mom made me an awesome ornament – I was dating a man (who is now my husband) whose last name has to do with apples and I was going to school to become a teacher. So, she made me an ornament with an apple and a heart! 🙂
Amy Walsh says
My favorite handmade gift that was given is a locket from my husband. He found a micro meteorite on our roof and put it in the locket. He put a fallen star in a locket to bring me good luck!
Barbara P. says
I’m usually the one giving away handmade stuff but I’ve gotten baked goods (cookies, candies, etc.) which I love.
Shaneil says
a cabbage patch doll
monica p younes says
My grandmother crocheted some beautiful baby blankets for my girls that they love and I hope they cherish forever.
Amy says
A beautiful quilt made by my grandmother!
Kylene says
The best handmade gift I ever received was a Photo Album which my sister filled with nostalgic photographs she had dug up from our childhood!
Lynnette says
My mother knitted a small sofa size afgan for me in colors brown, tan, green, gold in chevron stripes. Guess what year that was! On cold evenings It brings me double comfort, and always will.
Gail says
Mittens bought and wrapped by my Dad!
Luanne Pang says
A silhouette cameo dust cover with canvas lining and batting.
Joella Chudy says
My favorite handmade gift….Hand Knitted leg warmers for my baby daughter (made by my sis)
Marnely Rodriguez-Murray says
I love when my friends gift me homemade vanilla extract!
Jenni Heath says
I usually give the handmade gifts but my Aunt made me some dolls when I was little. I still love those. And my other Aunt made me a cross stitched Unicorn pillow that is beautiful.
Kelly-Jo Cole says
This is amazing!
Jeanne says
The best handmade gift came from my oldest granddaughter. I had just had surgery and she made me a get well card. It really warmed my heart to know that she was thinking of me. Sometimes we don’t think they understand “Neena is sick” but they really do! It was wonderful!
Lucy says
When my son was little he would dig through his Nana’s craft stash and make something wonderful as a gift for me. One year he made a Santa doll wearing bright blue sequined fabric instead of the traditional red. He called it Santa Elvis. It was awesome!
Martha Patterson says
The best homemade item I ever received was a dollhouse suitcase that my aunt made for me. She arrived Christmas morning caring this suitcase and I asked her were she was going and it was my Christmas gift.
steph zerbe says
I think the favorite handmade gift I’ve ever received was a blanket, washcloths and a plush, all handmade, for my baby girl from my sister. So thoughtful, as well as, useful!
Dolly Carwile says
My favorite handmade gift is the baby quilt my mother made.
Skyann S says
A blanket from my late grandma <3
Barbara miller says
Thank for this sweep, I am dreaming.
Laura Maisch says
My mom made my sister and me matching easter outfits one year that I still have a picture of. They were beautiful! Thanks for the chance for such an awesome prize. I want to win!
Chelsea says
I was given a handmade sign from my sister when I got married. I love it, it is still hanging in my kitchen!
Claire Carroll says
This is a prized my daughter would love. she can come to my house anytime to use it!
CarLee says
Handmade gifts are best.
Shea Holden says
The best handmade gift I ever received is my entire sewing work table and cutting table, built custom by my grandpa. Priceless!!
Diana Wilcox says
My sister made me a beautiful shirt, once. I’d like to make her a gift as nice.
Faye S. says
My favorite hand made gift were baby doll clothes that my mother made (she stayed up late to make them in secret)! Wish I still had them!
Kristin PG says
I received a quilt from my Grandmother before she died; I use it all the time now!
Andrea says
My favorite handmade gift was the baby quilt my mom made for my oldest daughter who turned 10 last week. It was the first quilt she ever made.
Lya Lin says
WOuld love to win, thanks for the chance for this great giveaway!
Jane says
My favorite handmade gift is a needlepoint chair cover my grandmother made for me when I turned 16. Oh choose me, I have been busy sewing for all my granddaughters.
Jenny N says
A gorgeous quilt
Joanne says
This past week i received a beautiful handmade necklace to celebrate my two daughters and to memorialize a baby I lost. It was custom and one of a kind, just like the best of handmade.
Melissa@TheChicDream says
When I was little, my mom made a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs cross-stitched pillow for me. I loved it!
Greta B says
When I was 10 years old, my mother surprised me with a handmade, emerald green, wool, hooded cape. I felt so special in that gift!
stacey says
My mom still surprises me with many cute handmade gifts. The one I am enjoying right now is a chicken shaped pin cushion.
Leigh says
I received a framed cross stitched verse for my wedding with my wedding date on it.
Jess BP says
I always loved the homemade blankets my gramma would make and give to us for Christmas and/or Birthdays.
Kavitha Seetharaman says
Wish I could win this 🙂
Marvellous giveaway 🙂
Wish I get the $600 JoAnn fabric and crafts store and the Singer sewing machine 🙂
I’ve never done any felt projects.
Thanks for the giveaway, Stef 🙂
Your posts are awesome 🙂
Just had a glance. Good Luck 🙂
Kavitha.
chanda jones says
crazy I was just looking to make ribbon storage I think I will use this idea, thanks
chanda jones says
I never received a handmade gift, I’m looking forward toy 2yo handmade gifts from school
Carla says
Quilts from my mother & law 🙂
Carolyn says
Awesome giveaway! I’m so inspired by your projects. It’s mesmerizing and mind-boggling to think one person is capable of creating so much beauty with fabric, decor, and cakes. My goodness! Here’s hoping I can learn the same with winning this! 😉
Kristen Watanabe says
Wow!!! what a great giveaway.