a handmade birthday

I think nothing is nicer than a handmade birthday present. I put this little gift together for my niece/god daughter’s birthday and am feeling very proud of myself. I take birthdays very seriously and think this will make a lovely outfit. If there is one thing I’ve learnt since having 4 children – it’s that buying or making the whole outfit means it will always be worn from the day it is received.

handmade birthday present
This is a simple elastic waisted skirt from 1/2 a metre of Kokka fabric – and before you ask me this was from the stash and a couple of years ago! A little knitted tee from this pattern knit in Bendigo 8 ply cotton. The pattern is from etsy here. The Bendigo cotton will stretch over time but I hear that you can pop it in the dryer to get back some shape in it. I kind of like that it grows so you get some wear out of it. I also popped in some cute bambi hairclips from Please Eloise and an applique library bag (thanks to Posie who told me about the bags from Lincraft).

the outfit
Done and in the post before the birthday. Now that is what I call efficient! If you struggle to find the time to make presents when a birthday arrives then my little trick is to make a few at a time and then put them away. It’s the way I do it but most importantly – remember where you put them! I have so many safe places I forget where things are. 
quick applique bag
 
Do you love a well thought handmade present too?

Comments

  1. Love it!

  2. Corrie, I bought some of that Kokka fabric from you ages ago and it’s my absolute favourite! Wish I’d bought 3 metres! Gorgeous gift :)

  3. I love love love giving and receiving handmade goodies as gifts or for any reason. This is a lovely ensemble, Corrie.

    Handmade ROCKS! 😀

  4. Avsolutely beautiful – perfect for a little girl!!

  5. Oh I LOVE a handmade gift, they drip with love!!! I made a handmade gift for a friend’s very very premmie babe, a little rag quilt – my 1st one. Felt special to give and I will never forget the way my friend reacted. I have received some handmade love too, and I these items always make me think of the relationship behind the making of the gift… grandmother, aunt, friends, always special. I hope to make some little items to pop into christmas gifts… fine fabric- quilted-pot-holder anyone?

  6. Oh Corrie this is beyond cute it’s SUPER CUTE!! 😀

    I love handmade children’s wear especially if they look like this. Very thoughtful and very sweet looking.

  7. Oh I am a sucker for homemade gifts. I often make elastic waisted skirts for quick presents. Although, I often cheat when it comes to tops and buy a plain top and sew a cute design on in the same fabric as the skirt.
    I get a bit stuck with homemade boy gifts though.

    I’m sure she is going to love her cute outfit. Jacinta

  8. I love handmade gifts, even more the older I get. While Christmas is very important to me, Birthdays are the most important to me for gift giving – really need to celebrate them being around :-)

  9. What a beautiful gift Corrie. I am sure the recipient will be over the moon. I am always apprehensive about giving handmade gifts as I worry that people will think I am cheap, however, what they don’t realise that the handmade gifts are usually more expensive and much more time consuming that purchasing a store bought gift.

  10. I love handmade gifts and try to make them where I can. This is just adorable Corrie!!!!

  11. Such a beautiful gift. I love handmade gifts – I think they mean so much more. I am trying to put together a little parcel for hubby for his first Father’s Day.

  12. I love Kokka fabric and that one is so beautiful. Beautiful outfit and present. Lucky friends! I don’t buy things for people anymore, I get so much pleasure out of making things for friends and their babies too! Yay. Thanks for sharing Corrie. x

  13. Gorgeous gift :) Its always so nice to receive something handmade. It makes the receiver of the gift feel so special that someone would have spent time on them. This is just lovely!

  14. That is such a beautiful gift! I bet it will be worn to death!

  15. What a gorgeous gift! It’s so thoughtful when it’s a complete matching outfit! Makes life much easier! Good on you!

  16. So beautiful Corrie! And I love that there is not a licensed wear item in sight!!!!!

  17. Your gifts are wonderful. That is one lucky girl!

    I adore making and receiving homemade gifts. They’re the best :)

  18. This is absolutely beautiful Corrie. I’m in awe of your amazing ability to just get things done. And done so immaculately too! Everything is so well pieced together, as if it was purchased as a set… but better… because you made it! Of course handmade presents are the best. Now if only I had a smidgen of crafty talent to offer, I could do the same! Your little niece will LOVE it :o) xo

  19. Oh Corrie, that is just gorgeous. I couldn’t imagine a more gorgeous outfit to go with those clips – they’re honored to be there! Eloise insisted on wearing your matryoshka doll tshirt to pre-school for her kindy photos this week. I can’t wait to see the photos – will send you one when I have them. Hope to catch you soon, Kate x

  20. That is a gorgeous gift – I recently decided that when I make something I should make 2 or 3 at a time for a gift box – otherwise I run out of time when an actual birthday approaches.

    I might have to get that knitting pattern – it is lovely, mind you I havent done any knitting in ages.

    Amanda xox

  21. Corrie that skirt is absolutely gorgeous! That is one lucky little Birthday Girl x

  22. of course I do love handmade presents!

    The best handmade presents are from friends, not familiy though. And family members stopped giving handmade things a while ago.

  23. so cute!!
    i love handmade gifts
    have a nice day

  24. There is absolutely nothing more thoughtful than a handmade gift. x

  25. Me encanta!!

  26. Absolutely gorgeous :)

  27. I think there is nothing nicer than handmade gifts. I love to give them, but sometimes they can be under-appreciated. Thankfully the ‘make, do and sew’ vibe is back (hopeflly for good!) and handmade is truly special once more. You made such a beautiful gift.

  28. I am the only mum in my mother’s group who can sew. Now all our Babies are turning one and I am giving them all handmade gifts. They all love the things I make for Ruby. So they love it when I make something for them. I bought some material from you on the weekend, I have already begun making some cute little things for cute little people :)

  29. I LOVE homemade gifts… giving and receiving, they mean so much.

    Love the little sweater, I’m not a great knitter, I prefer crochet, but this looks like something I could handle…

    Great job!

  30. Handmade gifts are the very best!! The one that you have made is extra special – what little girl wouldn’t love that?! I have been doing an adhoc series of posts on my blog of quick and simple ‘handmade gifts for girls’. More to come soon. Thanks for the inspiration. http://froggooseandbear.blogspot.com/search/label/handmade%20gift Not quite as advanced as your divine creations, but I might be able to manage the bag….cute.

  31. What a gorgeous handmade gift Corrie. I had some of that Kokka print in the olive green colourway (from Material Obsession). Not as girly, but still a favourite.

  32. What a great gift or should I say, gifts! She is one lucky kid. I especially love that little knitted tee.

  33. This is a beautiful present..very impressed!

  34. Very thoughtful and sweet of you – I would have loved to receive a handmade present for my kids. Well done – you should be proud!

    Trish x

  35. What a fab present. Great idea, I always leave it until the last minute and then totally run out of time. I think I need to get my act together and get organised.
    Great Blog.

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