Scrappy Bargello Quilted Placemats — Simple Creative Home

We try very hard to give handmade gifts over here at Chez Magpie. I would like to say it's just because we value handmade, which we do, but it is also because we can't afford to buy anything. So gift giving for us is always an exercise in making something out of nothing. It's kind of fun, actually. How can you make something both beautiful and functional that someone will appreciate from what you have on hand?

In this case, we (the kids and I) decided to make place mats. With a little insider info, we found out that not only would that be appreciated, but that the recipient had been shopping for place mats just recently and had been unable to find anything in the fall colors she wanted. I love it when things work out like that.

Meanwhile, these place mats were finished today, ready to ship out to Oma for her late Christmas present. Everyone helped with this one, from picking fabrics to doing the quilting, they are truly a family gift.

I just love the mix of colors on these.

How about you? Are you still working on Christmas gifts or am I the only one?