Sewing is a lot like life...sure, there are patterns for just about everything, but in order to love what you do, or love what you make, you have to change the pattern to make it your own regardless if the change is a fraction of an inch or the length of a yard. And more often that not, those choices you make to change the pattern do not work out exactly the way you hope. It can be frustrating and challenging, and sometimes you have have to rip it all apart at the seams and start completely over. Which requires patience. A lot of patience. But in doing so, you create something that is far more rewarding, and far more beautiful, then what you started with.

Monday, October 11, 2010

A good start to a handmade holiday!


Recently I posted about pledging to make this a handmade holiday (read about it here) and I am off to a great start! While I will be featuring a few of my most favorite handmade shops in the upcoming weeks, I wanted to start by sharing a fun little stocking stuffer I made over the weekend....the coffee cozy!


I know you have seen these a na-nillion places all over blogland, but I simplified mine just a tad by leaving off the cute decorative button that normally holds the elastic around the coffee cup and instead used a covered elastic band that fits around the entire cup, which allows the cup to easily sit in a car cup holder. I like it! And I know, I know....the button makes the cozy so cute! I agree, but I went with function over beauty this time.
How cute would these be to give along with a gift card to your favorite local coffee house? Or how cute would it be to show up to meet a friend with one of these wrapped around the coffee or hot chocolate you graciously agreed to pick up for the two of you?
I think I may have just found my office gift this year! :)


22 comments:

  1. How seriously cute is this? Awesome! Thanks for linking up to my lil' linky Party! You rock! And thanks for the compliment on my button...it made my day!

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  2. Those are cute! Thanks for linking up to Mad Skills Monday!

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  3. These are so cute! What a great idea!

    Jennifer :)

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  4. Ok, where have I been? I so haven't seen these everywhere! I love this idea, great for gifts! Happy Fabric Tuesday!

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  5. Love it! Am following you now. :)

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  6. Great tip. I especially love the meadowsweet one!!

    Blessings,
    KT

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  7. Awesome idea! I saw something like these at a quilt show recently...yours are brighter & more cheery. Would love it if I had time make some of these as gifts.

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  8. those are so cool! i like the elastic band alternative

    Kimra
    http://crafty-cove.blogspot.com

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  9. I really want to make some of these! Thanks for linking up over at Olivia Renn.

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  10. I have had making these on my project list for a while. Yours are great! I like the covered elastic band as an alternative to buttons. I was thinking of making some with velcro closure - what do you think?
    Thanks for the inspiration!

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  11. I've made a few of these with the buttons, but I like this idea better! You can make them reversible this way without having to use Velcro (not a fan, personally!). Definitely going to try making a few this way!

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  12. I should really make some of those, they are totally cute and I know I would use them all the time!

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  13. My son actually made coffee cozy's for his aunts and grandparents last year. I have been making a few myself throughout the year for friends birthdays. I ask Starbucks for a tall cup when I get my gift card, tuck the GC inside the cup and put the cozy on. Instant gift for around $5. :) I'm your newest follower.

    come see what I am up to.

    Rachel
    http://www.holy-craft.blogspot.com

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  14. Wow, that is awesome. Just yesterday, I picked up a milkshake for myself and they forgot to place napkins in the bag and I was just looking for something to wrap my cup with. These are are so much prettier than the plain napkins I say. Thanks for sharing.
    I am following you as well. http://showmemama.blogspot.com

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  15. Absolutely darling! Thanks for linking up to Thrilling Thursday @ Paisley Passions. Hope to see next week :)

    ~Lori S.

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  16. What an awesome idea!!! I love it!!!! Thanks for sharing :)

    oxox-Camille

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  17. So cute! What a darling idea! Thanks for sharing.

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  18. I'm always burning my hands on these paper cups. The little cardboard sleeves just don't work for me. I think I'll have to give this a try. Love your 'handmade' holiday idea.

    Thanks for sharing,
    Michele

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  19. Oh my gosh, this is so darn cute! What a great gift idea! I need to remember this! I am new to amylouwho's site and her "Sew & Tell Fridays" and I'm so glad that I found her site and your's as well! :-)

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  20. Really cute! I love the yellow one!

    Thanks for linking up for Friday Favorites last week!

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