Do you prefer a gift that has been hand-made over something shop brought? I suppose it depends entirely on whether that lovingly crafted item is one of Great Aunt Jemima’s over large, sloppy sweaters or a cosy pair of fitted hand warmers. And as a crafter I get great pleasure in making things, tailoring each item to customise it for the recipient. Tip number one – and I cannot emphasise this enough!! – is to start making as soon as possible in the new year. Plan all making to be completed by November to reduce that last minute Christmas rush. Do I do that? Of course not. It is so easy to dish out advice and so difficult to follow my own guidance. This year I did mange to start my crafting efforts back in October, knitting and sewing items to sell at a local Christmas Fair. I reasoned that I would make things that I wanted to give to Family members as Christmas gifts and if they sold, just make them again. So this year, for the first time I was ahead with my crafting.
One easy make which only requires a certain degree of patience and a free evening – and remnants of brightly coloured fabric – is a Christmas rag wreath.
RAG WREATH
You need:
- Circular wire frame from Craft Shop
- Fabric remnants
- Scissors (Pinking sheers if available)
Instructions:
- Cut the fabric into 7” by 1” (18cm by 2.5cm) strips. You will need at least 150 strips for a 10” (25cm) hoop.
- Knot the strips onto the frame
- Tie a ribbon loop for hanging the wreath
The wreath may be embellished by hanging decorative baubles or bells from it or adding baubles in with the fabric strips. For my latest wreath I first wound a strip of lights around the hoop before tying on the strips. Am still figuring out the best way to conceal the battery case!
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I’m so disappointed that I didn’t see this before Christmas, I’ll have to remember for next! What a great idea
The rag wreath is something that I may be making again. Simple yet effective.