Weekly Giveaway #27
Hi again, friends,
If you're a regular Make+Do reader, you probably know that I'm a big fan of everything sock monkey. So imagine my delight when I opened a giant box full of sock monkey delights from Patons Yarns last week! The classic Canadian yarn company has put together a collection of sock monkey patterns to knit and crochet, and they decided to share the goodness with us.
This week, you could win the fabulous Patons Sock Monkey gift basket, which includes:
- A copy of "Monkey Business," with 13 patterns for monkeys, accessories and friends
- 6 balls (100g/205 m) of Patons Classic Wool in the colours you need to complete the projects in the pattern booklet
- AND a super-cute little friend to keep you (or someone special) company while you craft:
(Banana not included.)
For your chance to win this basket of monkey business, leave a comment on this post by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 8th, telling me: What was the best handmade gift you ever received? I will post the winner here sometime on Monday, November 9th. Good luck!
OH! Wasn't it just minutes ago I was wishing I had something to give each of you? Well, Patons thought of that, too, and they sent me the pattern for the baby monkey (above) to share with you. Stop back here tomorrow for the pattern!
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
My favourite gift was from my aunt-a knitted
cardigan with belt for my 13th b'day! Very "in"
back then.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
A handmade baby quilt
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
mothers day card
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:05 pm
The best handmade gift I've received is a necklace from my son. He made his own beads out of paper mache and painted them and strung them on a string.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
It probably was a "sock monkey" I received over 30 years ago from my Godmother!
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:40 pm
The best handmade gift I've received and after twenty five years I still have it, was a little grey knit mouse pin cushion.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
mine was actually a sock monkey from my grandmother!
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
My best handmade gift was from the mother of a friend. She knew how much I enjoy crafting (I knit, sew, paint, make jewellery, you name it!). She realized I would appreciate all her hard work when she made me an apron, pot holders and kitchen towel. The entire ensemble was completely hand stitched together since she doesn't machine sew. With all the laces and trims, the set is really a work of art and a labour of love.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
My friend knitted me a pair of cozy socks
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Hmm... I think it must be the multiple drawings that the kids I've looked after have given me.
Oh, wait, it is definitely the chain of paper people that my husband gave me for our first anniversary a couple of months ago. It is a wish and recognition of our hope that we will be blessed with children in the future.
Incredibly sweet and created before my eyes.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
One of my best friends made me a sock monkey-cat! He now sits guard over my real cat's water dish!
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
The best hand made gift i ever received was from my aunt.It was a pair of knitted socks and mits.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
My friend made lights for Halloween. Halloween is my fave time of year. she got a little roundish glass vase, a small string of orange and black lights, some orange and black potpourri. then she crocheted a top for it and ran the plug from the lights out. then she put plastic spiders on top. its really neat.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
when i had cancer(18 years ago) a friend made me a beautiful , knitted hat and scarf in bright colors to hide my no hair, and scar on my throat. It was the most lovely thing i ever received and made me very happy and cheerful in a trying time
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
A friend of mine who is terminally sick took the time to painstakingly cross stich two beautiful baby bibs for my first-born... my son is now four and my friend is kicking butt and still going strong!
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:05 pm
The best handmade gift I ever received were two hand quilted pillows my grandma gave me with dolphin print (that was during my dolphin phase where everything had to match those pillows). Now that I'm not porpoise crazed, they look nice among my eclectic pieces
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Way back in high school, my boyfriend made me a chess set. he painted the board and made the pieces out of bent/twisted/and sawn cutlery, it was pretty great and I still have it (more than 20 years later.)
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
These are so fun! My grandma made me a quilt when I was a baby that I love to death. I plan on patching it up and hanging it in my baby's nursery when he or she comes along in April.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
A set of crocheted ducks, a mommy and 2 babies, that my mother made me for Christmas 48 years ago
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:58 pm
A photo collage of my 10 years of life that my mother made for me
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I still have a knitted afghan that my mother made for me.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:13 pm
My daughter used to make cross stitch christmas ornaments for me, and they hang on my tree every christmas..I've been hunting for that sock monkey Patons book for months now...sold out wherever I look!
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
The best home made gift was a baby sweater my mom made for my son. She didn't know how to knit and learned from a co worker just so she could make the sweater. Now I can't wait to give it to my first grandchild!
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:50 pm
the best hand made gift I received was a knitted scarf that my mother made for me. She stitched it lenthwise, so she had a lot of stitches to contend with on her needles. I still have it after 35 years.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Mine was my adorable knitted dog made with love from my godmother,it doesn't even really look like a dog but I dragged him around everywhere and of course his name was RUFF!
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:59 pm
My mother-in-law knit a sweater for me one christmas. It meant a lot to me.
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:01 pm
My alltime favorite handmade gift is 2 gorgoeous baby quilts, handquilted by my sister-in-law Laurie - they are cherished!
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:02 pm
When my daughter was in Grade 4, she painted a plastic plant pot, it is cover with flowers and her name. I still put it out every spring and in the winter it has a place on top of my cupboards. My daughter is 24, now, and still loves seeing it, too.
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Best gift was a stuffed and dressed mouse which a cousin gave me as a going-away present when I went from Holland to Canada with my family 51 years ago. I still have the mouse!
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I still remember the "three little kittens" that a neighbour knit for me when I was a little girl, and often wish I still had them. I would love to recreate those memories for another child, and Paton's baby monkey just might be the ticket! Thank you Patons for the pattern....I look forward to seeing it tomorrow.
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Were two handwoven teatowels... they were made by a mother of a friend of mine. She was a gifted weaver who was undergoing treatment for bone cancer. She said it kept her busy. The tea towels are gorgeous and I imediately made a comment about "saving them for special times". She was immediately annoyed with me and said they were meant to use EVERYDAY! Because everyday was SPECIAL!
And she was so right. It has been 7 years and I am still using those tea towels. They were resilient as well as beautiful. And I cherish them because I will never be able to get more because she died 4 years ago.
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:55 pm
One Christmas my mom (God rest her soul) made each of my sisters and I a "Patchwork Blue Jeans Quilt" with old worn out jeans. That was 20 years ago and recycling was not the "in thing" to do then. To me that is the best and most precious handmade gift I ever received. Can't wait to see the cute baby monkey pattern, I want to make some for Christmas gifts for the kids at school where I work
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:02 pm
The best handmade gift I ever got was when a friend of mine watched my daughter while I was going to see a lawyer for the first time to apply for custody. I was a bundle of nerves because of the subject and leaving my daughter for a few hours with someone who had no children or childish activities.
I came back and received the most beautiful card that they had worked on the entire time. My friend had given her free access to her crafting box and they had stuck literally thousands of pearl beads inside and outside the card.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:04 pm
The best homemade gift I've received was a rag doll when I was about 5 years old. I still have it some 40 years later!
Thanks for the great giveaway! I'd love to make a sock monkey!
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
I had a student make me a cross stich for my 1st baby shower.It took so many hours to do and was such a thoughful and beautiful gift that i will cherish it forever.In turn i have made cross stich pictures for both my mother and mother in law.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:12 pm
My best homemade gift was a leather purse with my initials engraved on the front and some flowers engraved as well. This was from my fiance and I treasure it always.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I received a sock monkey for my first born, ever since then it is a tradition for every first born and every grandchild to receive a sock monkey from me.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
hand painted christmas ornament from a friend
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:20 pm
My mother knit me and my sisters a blanket to
wrap myself in when I look at tv . My mother pass
away two years ago so its very precious.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:26 pm
My favourite handmade gift is an elaborate 12x12 cross stitch picture that my daughter made for me when she was a newlywed. She thought it would be done in 3-4 months but instead it consumed 2 1/2 years working evenings in front of the TV. It contains 2 cats, a sewing machine, a judy, bolts of fabris, thread, a pin cushion, a tape measure & there is flowered wallpaper in the background. What a labour of love!
It hangs in my livingroom for all to admire.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:32 pm
The best handmade gift I received was from my year old daughter 1 year ago when she was 6 years old. Her sitter helped her "tie-die" a scarf for me for mother's day. I love it, it's beautiful and in the jewel tones I love. I think of my girl whenever I wear it.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I've had many beautiful handmade gifts, but a favourite is the complete set of furniture for my Barbie dolls, handmade by my grandma. Using scraps of velvet (from the velvet Chrismtas outfits she used to sew for me and all my cousins and siblings) she made a couch, chair, chaise longue, twin beds, a vanity table and chair and more. Forty some years later, I still have all of it!
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:48 pm
My grandmother was always knitting socks, mittens and sweaters for her grandkids -- quite the feat when you consider that there were 23 of us! One week before she passed away, I received a beautiful knitted sweater and tam outfit for my newborn daughter Emily. As it was the last gift she ever made for me, it will always be my favourite handmade gift. I have it stored for my daughter (now 20) to pass on to her children someday.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:52 pm
My godmother sewed me a doll. It had red riding hood on one end and when you turned her over and flipped her long dress over it was the grandmother and if you switched her hat backwards she was the wolf. It was so cool.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I am fortunate to have been the recipient of many beautiful hand made gifts from many talented friends. However, the favorite so far has been a hand crocheted table cloth that my mother made for me as a Birthday gift. It took months to make and adorns my dinning room table on special occasions. It will always hold a very special place in my heart.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Sewing machine
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:14 pm
My best and favourite handmade gift was a wedding gift from my grandmother..2 down pillows, that was 40 years ago.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
My favourite handmade gift that I will treasure forever is a beautiful knitted baby blanket in shades of lilac, with a family tree in the middle and the name of my daughter and her date of birth in matching shades. And all received before she was a week old!
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
My favorite hand made gift was a clay bowl that my daughter made in grade 2. She decorated it in my favorite colors. I still use this bowl everyday at work as it holds my paperclips. She is seventeen now and I will cherish this gift forever.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:33 pm
My favourite handmade gift, hands down, is the handmade quilt I received from my Grandmother for a graduation present. I can't imagine how many hours she must have put into it. It is made of crocheted hexagon shapes (each containing 3 complementary colours)and then all stitched together. It is an amazing quilt, one of my most prized possessions, and makes me miss her all the more.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:11 pm
What a great give away! My friend Remi gave me a painting that I have hanging in my living room. It's inspired by Piet Mondrian and he painted it himself. I was really surprised when he gave it to me, but he remembered that I liked Mondrian after we saw them at the National Gallery in Ottawa. He brought it all the way from Ottawa to Halifax for me.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:12 pm
My favourite handmade gift was a quilt stitched by my sister-in-law for our 25th wedding anniversary 20 years ago.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
oh what a great idea ,I was just looking on the website to see how to make them and was having no luck ,I remember my brothers having these when we were younger and thought I would like to make some for a new generation of kids in our family
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I still remember my amazement as I watched my Baba 'snip snip stitch stitch' and voila! baby doll clothes :)!
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I attended a quitling class one night only to discover I could not afford the materials so didn't return. Somehow a lady I barely knew learned that I would have made mine out of denim & flanelette and she made one for me out of those materials. I was so blessed that someone who barely knew me would go to all that trouble.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:29 pm
The best handmade gift I ever got was from my son. He made me a jewelery box from an egg carton and I used it for many years until it couldn't be used any longer. It always meant alot to him to see me using it even when he was a teen. He is now going to be a dad and is attempting to make his own sock monkey for the new baby.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:43 pm
The best handmade gift I ever received was a bouquet of tulips. These tulips were made with the art of origami. They were in a small vase with rice in to keep the tulips straight. This was from one of my piano pupils and the time and effort she put in was so much appreciated.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 pm
My best gift was a crochet big bird from sesaeme street. big yellow and soft.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:02 am
My favourite handmade gift was a complete nurse's uniform, complete with red cross embroidered on the headpiece, that my aunt made for me when I was four!
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:04 am
My favourite handmade gift I received was a yoga mat bag my boyfriend secretly made me. He taught himself to knit both cables and intarsia and surprised me with it- so impressive!
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:05 am
My grandmother made me an absolutely beautiful autumn leaf quilt for my 16th birthday complete with a tiny drop of blood where she pricked her finger. She even added a tag in her handwriting commemorating the event. I am planning to give it to my daughter next year when she turns 16.
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:18 am
About 25 years ago, my daughter made me a necklace out of paper clips that were covered in brown contact paper. It made each "link" look like wood. I still have the necklace in my jewelery box and still wear it.
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:46 am
My favourite hand made gift was a courdoroy stuffed dolphin my aunt made for me. I had to be 3 feet long and was a great body pillow. It has suffered an untimely end and we are still looking for the pattern to make another but it will live on in my memory
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:24 am
My favourite handmade gift was a beautiful, bright coloured flannel crib quilt my mother made for my new born daughter. The 'Nanny Blanket' is still her favourite even after 7 years! Thanks for the love Mom!
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:30 am
When my daughter was about 6 she went to a fair with her school and bought me a pair of leather baby slippers. They are red with white fur around the edges. She thought I would love this cute "decoration". My daughter is now in her mid 20's and I still put them out.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 am
My boyfriend made me a birthday card, with hundreds of cute little paper hearts! Very cute!
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 am
the year my son had to take home-ec in Jr. High he made teddy bears for both me and his sister. they were the cutest. btw, it was the hardest kit they could have chosen from and the assignment was to make one. he used his allowance to buy the second kit and make another one. Not sure how he hid this from his skatebording, hockey playing friends, but as far as I know he was never teased about this.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:30 am
One of my painting friends painted a plaque for my birthday one year that depicted me going in to the craft store we took lessons in at the time.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:49 am
My friend in high school knitted me a scarf.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:10 am
My favorite hand made gift was from my daughter. It was a very large, felted bag to carry my crafts in. When I first took it to my "Friday Night Knitting Club" everyone asked if I made it. After the tenth time explaining that it was a gift from my daughter, I just said "yes". Of course, nobody believed me, I'm just not that good a knitter.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 am
My husband made the best gift. He is a cabinet maker. He doesn't enjoy shopping. One year he made me a Christmas card from wood with hinges. This card is recycled every year and I love it.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:26 am
When I was 14 years old my youngest sister gave me an handmade scissor pouch for my sewing kit . I had just started sewing classes , and was touch by her gift , especially since Isabelle didn't not know how to sew and was no crafter either ! Till this day I 'm still her personal seem stress , thought she has pick up some advice from older sister .
We still have the picture of that day some where in a box .We are both in our late 40's.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:08 am
My little girl loves sock monkey too, she's got 3 and they all have to sleep with her at night
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:31 am
The best handmade gifts I have received are a birdhouse and feeder made and painted by two of my young grandsons, aged 7 and 4 at the time.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
oh please enter me in the contest and by the way these monkeys are so darn cute..
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
The best handmade gift I ever received was a dishcloth that I knitted myself. The gift was that my best friend showed up one Christmas with the yarn, needles and pattern, and taught me how to knit. I'm totally addicted now and can't thank my friend enough for giving me the gift of knitting!
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
The best handmade craft I received was a crochet bedspread from my husband's grandmother when we got married 30 years ago this month. Granny is gone but the bedspread is still going strong.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
What adorable sock monkeys!
The best handmade gift I have received was a Sweater Coat with hood that my mom made years ago. It was made of blue jean-like chunky wool, with a zipper...and talk about warm and cozy!
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:09 pm
This would be great to make for a bazaar!
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
A jar filled with flour and other ingredients to make beer bread. All I had to do was add a bottle of beer to the flour mixture and bake in a bread pan. It was so easy and so yummy!
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
An afghan knitted by my Mum the first year I had my own apartment. Wrapping myself in it was like wrapping myself in a big hug! I'm continuing the tradition and knitting an afghan for each of my children as they leave home.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Christmas ornaments made by my kids. I still put them on the tree and the kids are in their 30's.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:24 pm
My favourite gift to date is a quilt that my mom handmade for my birthday. She even signed and dated it. Definitely a family heirloom!
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
A handknit skirt and sweater set my mother made for me when I was 9. It was so cozy.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Knitted slippers from my sister. Way too big, but I was able to shorten them and wore them for years.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
My best handmade gift ever was a personalized photo album my mother put together a couple of years ago. She made one for each of my two sisters and me, and gave them to us for Christmas.
I haven't been able to open it recently - Mom passed away from cancer earlier this year - but I know its there when I am ready.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
A hand-knit Christmas stocking Mrs. Claus (aka my aunt)left for me one year. I've sinced knit them for all of my family and each new addition gets one as well.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
The best handmade gift I've received was a teddy bear made by my Grandmother back in the 1940's. It was made of a grey, brushed wool with maroon feet and was very huggable. Grandmother didn't have a lot of money but always remembered her grandchildren, by making us simple things. Somehow, despite our ages, we knew she loved us ennormously.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I still have and love the quilt that my grandmother gave to me when I was a little girl.
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:33 pm
I got a doll I named Jenny for Christmas one year, I think I was about 7 and I still have her >20 years later
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:39 pm
The best gifts I have received are the machine made quilts my Dad (yes, my Dad) has made for our family. One is of trees made out of the fabric of old clothing that belonged to my sister, my mom and I. It is priceless.
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:04 pm
I loved the long dress my great-aunt Hattie made for Easter when I was in about Grade 5. It was beautiful soft floral fabric with lace trim. It made me feel like Laura Ingalls.
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
A side table made at school by my son.
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Well I'm 50, and I still have my baby blanket that was knitted by a dear friend of my mother. I plan to pass it on to a grandchild. (I hope)
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
A quilt made by my Granny
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Always wanted one as a child. Had other dolls but admired friend's. Hope I can pass one on to a needy child and get a smile in return.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:16 pm
I love, love , love sock monkeys...
but how do I make them from socks??
my knitting ability is limited to straight lines...
it took me 2 winters to knit a scarf....
would love some ideas !!!
Thanks...
wish my hands would let me knit these are too cute!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
A very beautiful country cabinet which my hubby (with some assistance by my children) made me quite a few years ago.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Oh dear! My daughter is bonkers for monkeys - this pattern is in my ravelry queue for xmas knitting - I'm in search of the right size circs to get started.
My most favouritest handmade gift was a quilt that my mum and my sister secretly made me for my housewarming gift. It is displayed where everyone can see it as soon as people walk in my house. I've also been known to decorate around it.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:01 pm
it was a tablecloth that my grandmother embroidered for me.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:40 pm
From my daughter when she was in Kindergarten. A fabric "air freshener" for my car, made with a cotton ball soaked in perfume, wrapped in a circle of fabric, tied with ribbon. She will be 30 next year and I have changed cars over the years, but always make sure the gift hangs in my rear view mirror.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:45 pm
My best handmade I received was an afghan made by my mother. Unfortunately it was lost in one of my numerous moves.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:52 pm
took a little time but was pleased with the outcome. Wish I could extend the hours I have to do this sort of thing
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:01 pm
My favorite handmade gift was a jar of buttons when my grandma passed away. As a little girl I have the fondest memories of going to her place and always playing with her stash of buttons. We were very creative in playing with these button. I now look at this jar that was given to me and always smile.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:33 pm
The best hand made gift I received was a tatted lace handkerchief from my paternal grandmother. She painstakingly made it for me when she was a great old age. I treasure it.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:23 pm
The best hand gift I received was a pair of knitted socks from my Oma.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:28 am
The best homemade present I've recieved is cozy pair of knitted slipper. I wore them for many years.
November 4th, 2009 at 8:33 am
The best handmade gifts that I have ever received would be the handmade sweaters that my mother has ever knitted for me. I treasure them all knowing the love and time that went into making them.
November 4th, 2009 at 8:34 am
It was an apron that my daughter made in her sewing class when she was 9 years old. I still have and use that apron.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:04 am
My favourite handmade gifts have come from my very talented sister. The first one I recall is a red sock-person she gave me when I was tiny. The second was a purple humpty-dumpty type pillow she gave me the first Christmas she was away from home. I cried myself to sleep on it that night!
November 4th, 2009 at 11:17 am
My best friend at the time made me a tea cozy and I didn't know what it was so I put it on my head!! That was 28 years ago and I still have it.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
My favourite handmade gift was a baby blanket made by my late mom for my cousin Kelly. Kelly gave it to me while I was pregnant with my 1st child. She thought I would really love a physical reminder of my mom (who had died earlier in the year) since she would never see this grandchild
November 4th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
My best handmade gift I ever received was a heart shaped pillow with Mom painted on it, all hand sewed and painted when my daughter was in Brownies for Mothers Day!! Still sits on my bed after all those years.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
My favourite handmade gift was not knitted or sewn. It was made by my great-uncle back in the 1950's. He was a sheet metal worker with his own shop and I used to love to visit him there. He knew how much I liked to play 'house' and made me a replica of a wood stove, complete with a water reservoir. I spent many happy hours preparing meals for my imaginary pioneer family.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Are not handmade gifts the absolute best! I've been lucky enough to have been given many handmade gifts over the years, from friends and family that appreciate the joy of handmaking gifts as much as I do. The one that sticks out in my mind is a walrus tusk carved into a dophin and strung into a necklace. The tusk was collected by my crafty friend who found it washed up on a beach, in one of her many jaunts around the world. Lucky me!
November 4th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
My husband passed away two months after our second child was born. It took me six months before I could open his closet and remove his clothing. A friend came over and helped, crying with me as we packed everything up to go to Goodwill. There were so many items, though, that were destined for the trash - shirts and pants that were ripped, torn or paint spattered. Clothing that brought the most tears as I remembered him puttering around the house every weekend, fixing this and replacing that. It was hard to throw them out, but there was no sense keeping them. My friend offered to take both the Goodwill and trash bags and make it easier for me.
It didn't get easier, though. For the next six months, I mourned. I kept thinking I would open the door and he would be standing at his work bench in the garage; or I'd roll over in bed and expect that he'd be there to warm my feet on.
On the first anniversary of my husband's death, I was sitting in my kitchen feeling sorry for myself, when my friend pulled in the driveway. I almost didn't answer the door, but she knew I was inside and wouldn't go away. She came in with a large flat box, and insisted I open it, even though I didn't feel like it was a day to be opening presents.
When I opened the box and folded back the tissue paper, I was initially puzzled. But then I realized what I was looking at, and the tears came. My friend had taken that clothing to Goodwill - but the worn and torn and spattered clothing that most reminded me of my late husband had been cut into pieces and sewn together into a comfortable and comforting quilt. Twenty-three years later, it still covers my bed and keeps my husband close to me. I don't think anything could ever mean more to me than this quilt and the friend who created it.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I have always loved to make things for myself or my family. I love to take classes when I can. My favorite thing to do at the present time is to make rag quilts. My best gifts will always be the quilts and bedspreads I inherited from my Granny.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
An ex-boyfriend once made me a picture frame with black and white photos he took of my cats. He cut the edges himself -- it was all very homemade. I cried when I saw it - it was beautiful. He's out of my life but I still have the picture hanging in my bedroom.
November 4th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
My mom made a lot of our clothes when we were growing up, includng dresses for our Sunday School Christmas concerts. My favorite homemade gift was a clown doll. The body and limbs were each a series of knit circles attached to an elastic band. I am over 50 and I still have that doll!
November 4th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
My best homemade gift ever was a small book made from hand made paper from my grown up daughter and on each page she had written special family moments from her childhood. A huge treasure!
November 4th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I have a sock cat and would like to add a sock monkey to the collection!
November 4th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
My fave gift was a friendship quilt that all my friends and family made a square for ..its so awesome .
November 4th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
A hand-knit sweater from a great-aunt across the miles that has never met us, but made it especially for our baby boy.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
My family had always been a family that has made gifts. They mean so much more if made from the heart....even by the not so talented family members. But I think the best gift of all is the sock monkey that my mom gave me. It was hers when she was small, I think she made it herself. It wasn't given to me for and occasion, but just because. I still have it, and it's well loved. It sits in my craft room. Maybe someday I will pass it on to my children....when I know they will love it just as much as I have.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
The best handmade gift I ever received was a framed crocheted butterfly made by my grandmother.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Every Christmas I have the pleasure of hanging an adorable little baked dough lamb that my son made when he was in junior kindergarden. It melts my heart every year, and it's very difficult to pack away when the season ends.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
My Latvian aunts gave me hand knit mitttens when I was a kid, knit in a manner that I have never been able to duplicate. Unfortunately I lost them, but I have never givin up on trying to figure out how they were made. Some day!
November 4th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
The greatest homemade gift that I ever received was a porcelain angel from my great aunt. Since then I have always found a special place for this treasure and started collecting angels.
November 4th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
The best handmade gift I ever received was a hand made doll complete with a set of clothes. There was also a dress for me that matched one of the dolls. I still have it.
November 4th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
The best handmade gift I received was from my son. He had taken a woodworking class in school and made a wooden car. It wasn't the best but he put a lot of work into it and I still have it. My son was in Grade 6 at the time and is now almost 35 years of age.
November 4th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
My husband, a jeweller/gemologist designed and handmade my engagement ring and wedding band. They mean so much more to me, i think, because he used his talents to create something one-of-a kind, just for me.
November 4th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
The best handmade gift came from my cousin when I was a young girl. She just showed up with a giane raggedy anne she had sewed - for me. That was a truly great unexpected gift of love.
November 4th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
my best home made gift came for mothers day from my son. It was a wall hanging that he had written a verse on wishing me a happy day, and signed with love from my son kyle. I will treasure it always.
November 4th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
The best gift I ever got was a handmade plaque made from birchwood and decorated with artificial flowers. It was made by my daughter when she was in kindergarten. It hung in my bedroom until this year when she ( at age 31 ) asked me to please stop embarassing her.
I still love it but quietly.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
It took me a while to decide on the best handmade gift I've ever received, but I'd say it's the bedspread my Gramie gave me. Nana (my great-grandmother) knit 120 squares out of fine crochet cotton in 1966 and Gramie pieced them together in 1967. It's an incredible piece of work.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
My mother hand cross-stitched an Ukranian blouse for me one Christmas. It was and still is beautiful. I wore it when I was displaying my mother's cross-stitched pieces at craft shows and church bizarres'. My mother passed away six years ago at the age of 93 and was still cross-stitiching a month before she died. All family members have some of her work as do many of her friends. She even cross-stitiched a picture to give to her surgeon when she had her hip replaced at the age of 85. She always said that the piece had to look as good on the back side as it did on the front side. And hers certainly were.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
the best handmade gift i ever received was a baby quilt made by my grandmother out of printed cotton flour sacks. my mother gave me this when my son was born and i used it for my daughter too. my daughter has since used it for her daughter and it is still serviceable though faded and worn. maybe it will make it through another generation.
November 4th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
My favourite handmade gift was from my mom. She knit me a beautiful cardigan sweater that I had begged for for years. When I finally received my red and white masterpiece in an Icelandic pattern, the sleeves were too long and it was miles too big. I'm still waiting for the buttons! However, I wear that sweater every day twice a day, I love it faults and all!
November 4th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
My favourite handmade gift was from my stepmother, she knit me a huge aran blanket for me to curl up with on the sofa. It took her months of knitting every night, but she just kept at it slowly row by row and completed it just in time for Christmas. That was over 16 years ago, I still have the blanket. Her love of knitting also inspired me and now I look forward to knitting blankets and toys for my 5 months old son. I can't wait to get my needles on the Sock Monkeys!!
November 4th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I have received many handmade gifts but my favourites were always the hand-knitted mittens my grandmother would make for me every Christmas.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Although it was given to my daughter, it is a crayon roll which I absolutely love for road trips! Thanks for the giveaway!
November 4th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
My best handmade gift was a pottery figurine my son did in school when he was 10. He is 39 now and I still have it on our knick-knack shelf.
November 4th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
The best handmade gift came from a dear elderly friend: a hand-painted ceramic nativity scene. We put it out at Christmas every year.
November 4th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
My favorite homemade gift was a huge bag my sister quilted for me out of I Love to Sew fabric - I have used it as my nursing carry-all bag for years and still love it!
November 4th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
The best handmade gift I have ever received is a pair of fingerless gloves from my mother. My hands get very cold at work and I have a hard time typing because I can't feel my fingers. These gloves keep my hands warm while allowing me to do my job. Thanks Mom!
November 4th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
My grandmother hooked a beautiful rainbow and unicorn wall hanging for my birthday one year. I still have it and now it hangs in my daughters' bedroom.
November 4th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
I was the 8th of 9 children and didn't usually receive birthday presents as a child. I don't remember which birthday it was, but my paternal Grandmother knit a scarf for me as a birthday present. I think that was the best handmade gift I ever received. It made me feel so special. It was the first birthday gift I ever remember receiving. I wore that scarf for years and every time I did I felt like I was receiving a hug from Grandma.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:40 am
My best gift was an antique spinning wheel - we were living in Nelson BC at the time, and the spinning wheel was purchased in an estate auction by my husband. It was an old Dukabor spinning wheel, primarily used, I think, for spinning linen. Although it is now retired, I used it with pleasure and pride for many years.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:49 am
My mom has always been quite the knitter. She made lovely baby sets for both of my daughters when they were born. Saving those sets for the girls to pass along and have their own babies wear was very special. Those knitted baby sets were the best handmade gifts I have ever received.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:28 am
Anything my mother ever knitted me, sweaters, scarves, mittens etc.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:28 am
Anything made by my niece or nephew, macarroni jewelery, art.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:35 am
The best handmade gift came from my son when he was in high school & had to make a chef apron 25 years ago & I still wear it. He made it from denim fabric & he received a 92% on his project. Of course he has never done any sewing since but he did learn how!
November 5th, 2009 at 9:10 am
My favorite handemade gikfts were the ones my kids made a school for Christmas and Mother's Day. They may not have been the most elegant gifts but the smiles that they gave were priceless . Treasured moments .
November 5th, 2009 at 9:32 am
My favorite handmade gift was the beautiful quilt my mother-in-law made me several years ago. Actually, I have gotten several quilts and many pairs of mittens over the years. These items will be cherished for ever.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:51 am
The best gift I ever received would have to be a doll that resembles me! My mom's friend made it for me when I was 8 years old and recently I have given it to my 4 year old to take care of inthe night (helps my daughter to sleep well). There have been so many hand made gifts over the years from my mom, sister and kids that it really is hard to choose one thing. But that doll I have always treasured and now it is very special to my little girl.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Each time I went home from college, my four year old sister would draw pictures for me to take back to school. They were usually stick figures of herself and me with emblems of my school and phrases like "I love you" (spelled incorrectly, of course) written on them. I would put them on my bulletin board in my dorm, and they acted as inspiration through all-nighters, final exams, roommate conflicts, and especially homesickness. They were the best homemade gift I ever received because of the love, relationships, and home they represented and what they helped me get through.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I have two favorite homemade gifts from each of my children. My son painted two snowmen on a piece of wood in Grade 1 and I have it on display summer, fall, winter, and spring. My daughter hand stitched a coaster for Christmas last year, I almost cried when I opened this gift as she had never done any sewing before (she was 10 years old). These two gifts are very precious to me.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
The best handmade gift I ever received was a quilt from my grandmother that her mother had made. It was the log cabin pattern. Old scrapes that weren't going to be used, clothes that didn't fit anymore. It was amazing to think about all the different types of material that had once been used for something different. I still have the quilt but it has been used, washed so much now that I have it packed away until I have time to repair it.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Having 5 children, there is no question that I received numerous hand made gifts through the years, however, my 4th child; 3rd son made me a special gift. It was a plain piece of wood that he found, and sanded it down, and glued one of is priceless hockey cards on top. I believe it was probably 35 years ago at least, and of course, I oohed and aaahed over it. Now that I am older I realize how pricelesss it really is. For him to give up one of his collection of hockey cards for Mom is so special. The same son is now a professor of Canadian History and has a 6 year old son of his own.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
My favorite all time homemade gift is the bird feeder my husband and daughter gave me. It has hung in the tree outside our home for 3 years and each season we watch the different kinds of birds and families of birds return.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
I have two home made favorite gifts, aside from the countless stuff my kids made for us. The first is a blanket crocheted by one of my friends late mothers. She made it for our wedding which was 16 years ago and we still enjoy cuddling in it while watching tv. she was not invited to the wedding, but gave us this incredible gift and memory of her, never the less.
the second gift was a huge bowl full of the most incredible fresh veggies just harvested from our friends garden (or should I say almost farm). They drove 45 minutes to bring it to us to wish us a happy birthday (our dinner got cancelled cuz my son got pneumonia). I know how much work went into the garden and the freshness could not be beat anywhere. a tomato that melted in your mouth and was so sweet. Even though both were great gifts in thenmselves, it is the selfless acts that went along with them that made them even more special.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
My favorite handmade gift was a V a knit sweater that a dear friend made for me when I moved away.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
To pick just one is so hard - but I would have to say that my favourite came from my Grandma when I was a little girl.
My Grandma crocheted and tiny baby doll's bassinet that used a plastic container for the bed. The skirt for the bassinet folded over the bed, but then it folded back up to become a little drawstring purse.
Now that I crochet myself, what I wouldn't give to have the pattern!
November 5th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
A hand made quilt from my grandmother, followed closely by the pointed mittens I received every year for Christmas.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
My favorite handmade gift was a beautiful cedar chest and neighbour made and my parents bought, for my 16th Christmas. It's in my bedroom 36 years later filled with memoribillia (sp) from trips, my moms and mine both as well as the letters my Dad sent Mom when he was in England during the 2nd world war.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
When I was born, my Nana made me a quilt with Holly Hobby characters on the front and soft flannel on the back side. The quilt is not a typical baby quilt size, but more like a twin bed side...about 6 ft long and 4 feet wide. That was almost 31 years ago. I curled up in front of the television last night with that very same quilt wrapped around me.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
The best gift I received was a doll with an entire wardrobe of handmade clothes from my mother - who worked full time and was a single parent and still had time after I went to bed at night to make me the clothes.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
a crocheted baby blanket
November 5th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
A hand stitched blanket from my mother.
November 5th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
My grandma knitted me a cable knit cardigan sweater out of variegated orange wool. It was my favorite as a child and I tried wearing it until the sleeves were at about 3/4 length
November 5th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
A picture frame that my daughter made for me for mother's day when she was in Junior Kindergarten. How sweet it was then and still is.
November 5th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
a hand knitted blanket for my wedding
November 5th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
My grandmother knitted a clown doll, made out of round discs, and gave it to me for Christmas 44 years ago. When I see it, I am reminded of her. Perhaps I will knit the monkey for my 4 year old granddaughter this year so that, many years from now, she will be reminded of me.
November 5th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
The best handmade gift that I ever received was what would appear to other people as the most tacky, colourful and pokey necklace that my 3 year old daughter made for me as a good luck charm. She is now 8 and I still have it...makes me smile (and itch too)every time I come across it!
Oh my gosh...sock monkey!!! I've wanted one ever since I was a kid. Now 40 years later, I still want one! More importantly, I'd like to make one for my friends' soon to be born son. Hope I don't succumb to BUYING a gift for him.
November 5th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
...no-no-no-no....wait!!!! The best homemade gift I ever received was MY DAUGHTER!!
November 5th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
My favorite handmade gift is really a pair of gifts - two handknitted baby blankets, one from my mom and one from my mother-in-law, for my son. I saw the blankets grow as my mom and MIL sat with me in the NICU this summer and when I see my little one (now at home) wrapped up in the blankets I know how much love and hope is knitted into each one. It has inspired me to learn to knit and I'm just fumbling through my first projects this fall.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
My favourite handmade gift was a hand print in plaster painted gold and pasted to a paper plate when my son was 4 and in daycare. (He's now 20.)
November 6th, 2009 at 1:01 am
My grandmother knit me a sweater a year before she passed. I'll treasure it forever!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:13 am
My best handmade gift was a cut-out doll my mother made from cardboard when I was about six. The girl was beautiful and had a cute face. It was very large and mom coloured it beautifully. Then mom and I spent many hours in the following months drawing, cutting and colouring clothes out of plain paper to fit her, with the little tabs cut that fold down to hold the clothing on.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:44 am
My best handmade gift is a hobby horse I received when I was 5 yrs. old that was made by my next door neighbour's mother. She trimmed an old corn broom and covered it with a stuffed, grey work sock. The sock was decorated with a felt mane, eyes and nostrils. She then added ribbon for the reins. I was a horse crazy kid and loved it. I still have it and treasure it 49 years later!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:16 am
I am going to be Grandma, soon - and my daughter's "theme" for the nursery is "Monkey".
November 6th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
My best handmade gift was from one of my sisters when I was young. My sister had secretly slipped my doll away from me. I spent several weeks wondering where my doll had gone. No one seemed to know anything about it's whereabouts. Then on Christmas morning I opened a gift from my sister that contained dozens of newly sewed frocks for my doll. Included in the package was my doll in some of her new attire. An old gift and new gift all in one. I loved that Christmas gift.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
When my brother & I were kids, my grandmother made us the most beautiful sweaters, in pink & blue and red, with embroidered animals on them, and some fisherman knits. She continued to make them long after we were too old to wear such sweet clothes, and she sold them for extra money. After she passes away, we found a dozen un finished sweaters in her cache. With the needles in my blood, I am finishing them for my children & my nieces and nephews. Her gift was both the sweaters and the talent to continue her work.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
My Aunt Jean used to knit beautiful sweaters for all of her nieces and nephews. My favourite was
black with white symbols across the bottom to
represent the l967 anniversary of our confederation. I wore that sweater for many years.
November 7th, 2009 at 7:48 am
The best homemeade gift I ever recieved was a sign painted by my daughter. It reads "Families are Forever" She was 12 when she did it, today she is 25,through all the moves and changes since it always hangs over the kitchen door and I still smile everytime I look at it.
November 7th, 2009 at 10:49 am
My kids crafts over the years.
November 8th, 2009 at 2:38 am
One christmas many years ago the huge craze was Cabbage Patch Dolls. I wanted one soooo bad! They were sold out everywhere. Christmas morning I opened my gifts, and no dolly. Suddenly, the doorbell rang! It was a man with a beard, and he handed me a doll and said "Merry Christmas!" I was so excited I slammed the door and ran inside screaming! My mother had someone make me a "premie" baby that looked just like a Cabbage Patch Doll! My grandma sent authentic Cabbage Patch Kids diapers, and knit 5 different outfits. I was in love!!! I took that doll with me *everywhere* for the longest time!!! THE best handmade gift EVER!
November 8th, 2009 at 9:47 am
My favorite gift is a baby blanket a friend at work gave me as a baby shower gift for my son. We now use this blanket still for our daughter.
November 8th, 2009 at 9:59 am
My favourite handmade gift was from my sister. She made me a rattle out of porcupine quills she had collected while tree planting in north Ontario, sticks, and cloth decorated with beads, all hand made.
November 8th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Best handmade gift I received was a beaded bracelet from a friend and additional beads to make my own stuff. Beautifully presented as well.
November 8th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
How do you single out a favourite/special hand made item over the years when they are all made with sincere precious time and love? I am so very thankful for the wonderful family and freinds that I have as well as living in the best country on this Earth. So, that being expressed I will chose a beautiful flannel quilt pain stakingly created by a dear friend's Mom in the Detroit area of USA. Upon having my son at almost 41 years old he was "whisked" away to Ottawa for cardiac surgery at the fragile age of a meer few hours old. Not having much details I travelled there days later. This friend's Mom I have still to meet but throughout our difficult times over the last six years, she has been like another Mom and Grandmom. We cherish her one of a kind quilt with its added Happy Face buttons sewn on in four different, well thought out spots on it. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this with you all.
Very sincerely.
November 8th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I have to say that I have two homemade creations. I can not pick one as the two are:
MY TWO SONS!
Created with true, divine love and happiness.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I can't just pick one - one from each of my sons. One is a home made picture frame with his picture and the other one is a home made necklace with the words mom on it.
November 10th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
the best gift I received is a clock made from wood.the pattern was from the license plate of the northwest territories,a polar bear,I treasure it to this day.My son made this in 1981 so I have had it for a long time.