Handmade Holidays

I'm hoping to join Tonya for Handmade Holidays 2011 pretty regularly.  I'd like to make as many of the gifts that we give to family and friends this year as possible.  What I don't/can't make we'll buy from local crafters and family businesses.
It is so important at this time in our children's lives when we are surrounded by so much consumerism to show them a simpler, more frugal and more meaningful way to give.  I have found myself to many times caught up in marketing and "needing" something that I really can live without just fine.  I try to do a bit every year, but this year I'd really like to make most of the gifts we give including the children and my dear husband...lets see how it goes.
Having a sudden change of plans with a boy not feeling so well this morning I sent Molly off to the beach with friends and I got a little creative.

 I pulled out the big ol' pile of felted sweaters, grabbed a cup of coffee and headed out to the picnic table (another gorgeous fall day).  I started thinking about all the friends and family we have who travel with their wee ones during the busy holiday season.  What could I come up with to help them bring along a little fun?  A little tote of sorts that also doubles as a gnome home....

 I cut a simple rectangle from the body of a sweater and cut it in half so I could make 2.

 For the bottom I simple traced the circle created after sewing the sides up. In case you are wondering; yes that is our crazy dog on the picnic table...

I did the bottom and side sewing on the machine, but you could easily do it by hand as well.

 Next I did a simple blanket stitch to attach the top flap/roof.

 A bit of decorative needle felting.

 All the while my sweet boy is reading one of the Harry Potter books for the millionth time.  These are his "mindless knitting" I'm pretty sure he could recite them all by now.

And voila!  The cutest little gnome home/ carry case one can find.  I'm not sure what exactly to call it, not a purse (though it could easily be that).  Originally I thought I would have the little door open and close, but the it occurred to me that little gnomes and fairies would be falling out everywhere if this were being carried around, so in the end it is a simple needle felted door.  I love it though, I'm thinking about a castle turret version, perhaps a red barn, so many possibilities. 

I know a few nieces, nephews and special friends who will be receiving these this holiday season!  If you can't find the time to make one I may even put one or two over in the etsy shop.