Aprons spring to mind.....find some themed fabric and a pattern for the old fashioned bib style ones..or go without a pattern and make a fancy ruffled half one. Make a simple square shape one and trim the pocket with a little glitz if you are on a super tight budget. You could also make a couple of potholders (attached with a button to the apron)...hit the dollar store for a couple of things to include - woodenspoon, nylon scrubbers, (just think kitchen)...go to the clearance section of a bookstore and see what inexpensive cookbooks you can pick up - there are some under $5.00 that are very good. Or make the apron and add a homebaked loaf with the recipe card attached. Table runners, placemats, sleep pants......something quick easy and inexpensive is what you want. There are draft catchers for below the doors...patterns available.....snowman themed or cat, dog whatever to fit the lifestyle of the person who will receive them. Slippers? Go check out a pattern book and see what inspires you. That is what I'd do.

My greatest inspirations come from CRAFT magazine's free e-newsletter - almost every other day, they send me links to 4-12 crafting ideas - many of them freecycle sewing & other fibre arts.

Sincerely hoping better circumstances come your way = )

Here is a link that might be useful: Craftzine.com

Pretty pillow slips, drawstring laundry bag for when you go on a trip to put your dirty laundry in, covers for small appliances if you're into that kind of thing, throw pillows, jewelry bags, some of these would make nice gifts.

Nancy

There are a bunch of totes on this site. I was into making those for a while. I made a few huge ones for the beach with some plastic mesh "fabric" I found. But that mesh stuff was kind of expensive. I've been trying to find a cheaper way to get it.

Here is a link that might be useful: totes