When we finished the Patio Party tutorials, S4H Chief Editor, Liz Johnson said, "hey, there are some nice gift ideas here." We all agreed! Who doesn't struggle to find the perfect gift for the person and occasion? I don’t know how many times I’ve gone gift shopping only to come home frustrated and empty handed because not one of the thousands of things I looked at struck me as a gift I’d be excited to give (or could afford). There went three hours I'll never get back. Setting aside that same amount of time to sew not only gives me the opportunity put creative skills to work, but it also allows me make something I know will be personal and appreciated.

If you're like me, you may have fabric on hand that would be perfect for these gifts. In fact when I'm done writing this article, I'm going to find my Alexander Henry Shibuki Dragon fabric and make a couple of toss pillows for a friend's birthday. She'll love 'em.

Groovy Hostess Apron

Aprons are so trendy now and this would be an appreciated gift for so many occasions: birthday, house warming, Mother's Day, wedding shower, bridesmaid’s gifts or holiday. You can choose fabric to match the recipient’s décor, pick her favorite colors, find seasonal fabrics, or go with a theme like vintage kitchen, or patterns like stripes and polka dots. It’s easy and inexpensive to make, one-size-fits-most; and really, who wouldn't love getting a stylin’ apron in fun fabrics.

Go to the tutorial.

Sunny Toss Pillows

Here's another FAST & EASY project to make. If you can recycle a pillow form or two, it inexpensive as well. Toss pillows add character to a room and are a terrific way to use some of the more wild or funky fabrics out there. Look to remnants for interesting options. Make one side in a large graphic print and the other side in a small stripe. Flip them over for a whole new look.

Go to the tutorial.

Flirty Floral Napkins

If this tutorial were any easier, it wouldn’t be a project. Simply hem a variety of pretty fabrics, tie with a bow and voila: a charming gift for the table.

Go to the tutorial.

Round-Table Wedge Placemats

These are a fantastic go-with for the napkins if you want to take your gift giving up a notch. They are also easy to make, and so perfect on a round table. You can make them reversible by using one fabric design on one side and something entirely different on the opposite. Or you can mix them up even more using a fabric collection colorway to create a lovely eclectic set of placemats.

Go to the tutorial.

Sitting Pretty Chair Cushions

OK, this project is a bit more work, but we all know someone worthy who would love these pretty chair cushions. They can be used for indoor chairs or patio chairs (you'll just have to figure out how to go into stealth mode to get the chair dimensions). In the Patio Party series, we used festive quilting/lifestyle fabric with the idea it would be used only for special occasions and not left outside. However, if you want something more weather resistant, simply look for an outdoor fabric like Sunbrella.

Go to the tutorial.