When last minute gift ideas are needed, a sewing or even a no-sew project might seem to be a time challenge, however the following DIY projects really take just minutes to make. Here are a few super quick ones to consider:

Child’s adjustable chef apron and matching baby doll or teddy bear apron – great for those cookie decorating sessions. Use a rectangle of fabric - cotton ticking, cotton duck, or linen–like fabric is best, cut out a rectangle estimating the child's size. Fold over all edges about 1/2-inch and zig-zag stitch around or serge around all cut edges to prevent fraying. Stitch on 2 long lengths of grosgrain ribbon to make ties for the top side edges. Make a matching one smaller for a baby doll, teddy bear or other soft plushie favorite.

No sew fleece child-size slumber bag – Most fleece fabrics are 60-inches wide when sold by the yard. A juvenile print in an outerwear weight would make a quick sleeping bag for a child to use for napping or at a sleepover. Use a 1 and 1/2 or 2-yard length of a 60-inch-wide fleece fabric. Fold fabric in half wrong sides together lengthwise. Use a rotary cutter or sharp sheers to cut fringe 1-inch wide by 5-inches long along one short end and up the long unfolded side. Cut the fringe through both layers. Remember to remove a 5-inch square from the corner so the slumber bag will lay flat. Knot the strips together being careful not to stretch the fringe.

No-sew fleece pet bed – using approximately 1 yard each of two different fleece prints or solids, determine what shape the bed is to be square, rectangle or oval. Be sure to add at least 8-inches for fringe. Cut fringe 1 inch wide and 4 or 5-inches inches long on all sides, knot fringe on three sides, then stuff with several layers of quilt batting or cut up old or no-longer-used sweatshirts in the same shape as the pet bed to insert for padding, finish knotting to close.

Tube style plastic grocery bag holder – this very easy gift to sew comes together in minutes. A length of fabric 22 by 25-inches is usually sufficient. Fold in half lengthwise so the fabric measures now 11-inches by 25-inches. Sew the long edge in a 1/2-inch seam to form the tube. Fold down 1-inch and press to form the top and same for the bottom to form casings for elastic. Sew around the top and then around the bottom leave a small gap in which to insert 1/4-inch elastic. Elastic is about 7-inches in length for each top and bottom. Secure elastic ends together. Turn right sides out. Use a 12-inch length of grosgrain ribbon or cording to form a loop to attach to one end to act as a hanger.

Wine bottle gift bag – a gift of wine is much appreciated if it comes with a handmade fabric cover. Use one 12 x 16-inch piece of fabric and a length of ribbon or twine. Fold fabric right sides together along its length so that the fabric piece now measures 6 x 16 inches. Sew long open edge and the bottom using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Fold down the top about 1/2-inches and top stitch all around. Turn right sides out and press. A long length of ribbon or jute can be a tie fold in half, pin to the side seam a few inches down from the top and sew with a few stitches to secure. The now attached tie will gather the fabric nicely around the neck of the wine bottle and yet not fall off once untied.

Potholder sunglass case or scissors or rotary cutter case – purchased ready-made potholders can become so many useful protective fabric cases by folding in half then stitch along one long and one short side. Add a decorative button and ribbon for embellishment. Include new dressmaker-type scissors or a new rotary cutter for a great gift for a sewer.

Warming microwavable rice bags – make from a rectangle of terry cloth fabric or use a new hand towel. Fold in half, stitch the sides, add uncooked rice, stitch closed. Optional - sew hook and loop tape to an open end if time permits to allow for an easy change of the rice, although the rice will allow for many, many times through the microwave. Make in a variety of sizes to soothe various ouchies.

No matter the shortened time spent on sewing or no-sew projects, the handmade care put into the gift lets the recipient know that they were kindly thought of and that their gift is truly unique.

Sew happy, sew inspired.