Christmas Sewing!

This year we are starting a new tradition of giving the kids each 4 gifts. We've done the whole you get three gifts because that's what Jesus got before, but then I saw these tags on Pinterest. Each gift is more specific...Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read. 

It's been fun thinking about and either buying or making gifts to fit into these categories. Of course the kids are each getting two gifts from Santa and their stockings. When I say Santa gifts that doesn't mean super expensive and outrageous presents. For example each of the kids are getting a fleece blanket from Santa that cost $2.88 at Wal-Mart. Yahoo! 

For the kids something they need this year I decided to make personalized pillowcases that fit with their likes. My friend Alisha showed me this tutorial for making these pillowcases and they are so super easy! 

For Owen of course I went with the Army theme. His has tanks all over it. I loved the striped fabric I found too...so patriotic! Jackson is my cowboy so he's got buckin' horses and barbed wire. 

Zeke Man got Cars with street signs on the cuff and Ella got princess and polka dots. Each pillow case cost around $6 to make so it's not too bad especially since they are one of a kind. I also went to Wal-Mart and bought the kids each a matching plain fitted sheet to go with their pillowcases. My kids don't like top sheets. The fitted 200 thread count sheets at Wal-Mart are only $5. 

As for their something to wear I made them each hooded towels with fabric that speaks to their personalities. These are also super easy! I found the tutorial on Pinterest. One thing I really liked about the tutorial is that these towels are especially for bigger kids. It always seems like the hooded towels you buy at the store are just too small and the hood doesn't even cover half of my big headed children's heads. Not the case with these towels....they even fit over my head! 

These only cost $7 to make. The ones at the store are at least $15. I know they have cool ones like dinosaur spikes or kitty ears and I'm sure I could figure out how to make those, but this was a good place to start. All you need for this project is a big bath towel, matching hand towel and 6 1/2 inches of character fabric. 

My kids are going to love these...they love being wrapped up after bathing and these will really come in handy. R - L .....Zeke's Cars, Ella's Barbie, Jack's Ninja Turtles and Owen's Angry Birds Star Wars!