Each year, the Denton Quilt Guild participates in the Alternative Gifts Fair, where visitors can shop for meaningful, handmade items. Throughout the year, our members create a wide variety of sewn and quilted pieces, and the guild sells them at the fair to help support guild activities.
Not sure what to make? This page is here to help!
Below is an evolving collection of project ideas and helpful resources for items that work well at the fair. Practical gifts, seasonal items, small quilted pieces, and quick “sew to sell” projects are all great choices. If it is useful, giftable, and fun to make, it is probably a good fit.
Kitchen and Home
Handmade kitchen and home items are always popular. They are practical, easy to display, and appeal to a wide range of shoppers.
- aprons
- pot holders
- bowl cozies
- mug rugs
- table toppers
- fabric baskets
- placemats
- coasters
Helpful tutorials and inspiration:
- Bowl Cozy Tutorial (microwave-safe): https://hookedonsewing.com/learn-to-sew-a-bowl-cozy/
- Reversible Apron: https://www.applegreencottage.com/free-apron-pattern/
- Free Mug Rug Patterns: https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/quilt-patterns/table-runners/mug-rugs
- Fabric Basket Tutorial: https://www.applegreencottage.com/sew-a-basket
- Table Topper Projects: https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/quilt-patterns/table-runners/free-table-topper-patterns
Bags and Organizers
Bags and organizers are strong sellers because they are useful, giftable, and easy to make in many styles and sizes.
- tote bags
- zip pouches
- project bags
- drawstring bags
- wallets
- key fobs
- scissor holders
Helpful tutorials and inspiration:
- Simple Tote Bag Tutorial: https://crazylittleprojects.com/easy-tote-bag-tutorial/
- Zipper Pouch Tutorial (beginner-friendly): https://sewcanshe.com/easy-zipper-pouch-pattern-with-2-sizes-to-sew
- Drawstring Bag Tutorial: https://www.polkadotchair.com/simple-summer-drawstring-backpack-sewing-pattern
- Key Fob Tutorial: https://www.applegreencottage.com/how-to-make-a-keychain
Small Accessories
These are perfect for using scraps, making quick projects, and offering lower-price-point items.
- hair bows
- scrunchies
- headbands
- bookmarks
- eyeglass cases
- wristlets
Helpful tutorials and inspiration:
- Scrunchie Tutorial (quick & easy): https://sewcanshe.com/2019-1-22-sew-a-cute-tie-scrunchie-diy-sewing-tutorial
- Fabric Bookmark Tutorial: https://www.applegreencottage.com/how-to-sew-fabric-bookmarks
- Headband Tutorial: https://crazylittleprojects.com/how-to-sew-a-headband/
- Hair Bows: https://blog.connectingthreads.com/fabric-hair-bow-free-pattern/
Seasonal and Holiday Items
Seasonal projects often catch shoppers’ attention and make great gifts or impulse purchases.
- Christmas ornaments
- holiday table toppers
- festive mug rugs
- gift bags
- stocking stuffers
- themed fabric baskets
Helpful tutorials and inspiration:
- Fabric Ornaments: https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/handmade-christmas-ornament-ideas/
- Holiday Mug Rug Patterns: https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/bags-pillows-gifts/gifts/cup-of-cheer
- Reusable Fabric Gift Bags: https://www.polkadotchair.com/5-minute-fabric-gift-bag-tutorial
- Holiday Sewing Projects Roundup: https://sewcanshe.com/christmas-sewing-projects/
A Growing Resource
This page will continue to grow as we discover new ideas and resources. If you have a favorite project, pattern, or tutorial that works especially well for the Alternative Gifts Fair, please share it with the guild so we can add it here.
Every handmade item helps make our booth special—and your creativity is what brings it to life.