Sewing, assembling, making gifts for those we card about are extra special for the time and consideration they convey. With a nod to nostalgia concerning handmade items and an eye to a growing fabric stash that seems to have taken on a life of its own, consider the following easy to sew/no-sew projects.

A crocheted doily or hanky can be used as a delicate personalized covering for a store-bought greeting card special for Mother’s Day, Wedding Day, or Welcome New Baby. If the crochet doily is round, place face down on a flat surface then place the greeting card in its envelop in the center. Fold in two opposite sides of the doily to encase the card edges meeting nearly in the center, then fold up bottom of the doily and tack onto the side folds with a few stitches on either side. Fold down the remaining top over previous folds, thread narrow satin ribbon to tie all closed. Process is the same for a square hanky except place the card so the points of the hanky can meet in the center.

Lacy scented sachets can be made with scraps of new or antique lace, scraps of fine tulle, some potpourri and embellished with ribbon, pearl buttons and tiny rose buds. Sachets can be rectangular, square, circular, or heart shaped. Cut two matching lace scraps the size desired and two of tulle. Place one piece of tulle on each wrong side of each lace piece and hand baste to secure. Sew both tulle lined lace pieces right sides together using a 1/4-inch seam around all edges, leaving an opening to fill with scented potpourri. Hand stitch closed. Embellish as desired.

The humble tote bag is often a first sewing project attempted by beginning sewers, and nearly an art form for seasoned ones. The multipurpose sack is just a rectangle of fabric, to line or not, sewn up the sides with handles added for carrying or “toting” around those miscellaneous items we can’t leave home without. Fabric totes are useful for carrying all manner of things - library books or groceries, mall or market shopping, snacks and treats for a mini picnic in the park, baby necessities, comfy shoes or sneaks for after-work or lunch-time walking, beach items, craft supplies, and much, much more. Hand made ones are welcome gifts with added mementos insides.

For no-sew Easter decorations fabric-wrapped Styrofoam or plastic eggs can be created suggestive of the glorious traditional Ukrainian wax-resist designs on Pysanky eggs. Begin by tearing 5/8-inch strips of gaily printed fabric. Next, cover a section of an egg with Mod Podge (a water-based sealer, glue and finish all in one) and begin wrapping the egg form with a torn strip from top around to bottom and back up, securing with more Mod Podge. Repeat the process until egg form is covered, let dry. Several fabric eggs can be made this way in a short time. A narrow ribbon can encircle the egg to create a hanging loop if desired or tied in a bow for display.

The best of all gifts of course are our love, friendship and times shared with those we care about.

Sew happy, sew inspired.