Recently, I stitched up a gift for a special someone's birthday and even though it hasn't reached him just yet, I thought I'd share it here without spoiling his surprise (as I highly doubt he visits my blog ;o). I love giving something hand made as a gift, but at the same time, I aim for a gift that will be useful to the recipient. However, this time around, I was stumped for awhile trying to sort out what a newly minted teenager might like.
Then it occurred to me that a simple toiletries bag might be appreciated or at least needed. Guys may not have the same self-care accoutrements (or as many) as girls, but keeping them organized is just as important. I love this zippered pouch design, but felt I should keep it as clean looking as possible (meaning no patchwork, quilting, too bright fabrics or fancy piping or trims). Nothing that would embarrass him. ;o)
 |
| Re-purposed clothing labels and a coloured bead slipped onto cording on the zipper pull, add a bit of flair on a very simplistic zippered pouch design. |
So, I began a search through my stash for some masculine fabrics. Imagine my surprise to realize I have a very small amount of fabric choices in that category. ;o) Hopefully these geometric prints strike the right note.
 |
| Who knows just what this new teen will decide to store in his toiletries pouch... |
Not knowing his personal tastes, I decided to skip tucking any toiletries into the pouch and instead found a handy multi-tool and a mini flashlight to include. My experience has shown that guys love tools and handy gadgets, so hopefully, even if the pouch isn't a hit, this young man will find a use for these items. ;o)
It's funny, because as simple as this design is, I found it more challenging to keep from adding to it (apparently I like to embellish - so stopping at adding those two labels has me applauding my restraint ;o). Lucky for me, I have 3 males in the household to consult with. They gave this gift a two thumbs up rating, so with fingers crossed, I hope the young man receiving it will like it as well.
It looks masculine and classy to me. Love the fabric choice!
ReplyDeleteThat definitely gets a thumbs up from me, too - definitely suitable for guys, but for girls as well. That's a great print, and I really like the repurposed tags too - time for me to start a collection!
ReplyDeleteHi Katherine! This is great present for guys and very good pattern for anyone! I love your heart header and I see my cute pouch on your slideshow! Have a lovely week! x Teje
ReplyDeleteGetting a thumbs up from here too Katherine! You chose a great fabric and the patches give it that extra bit of interest. I hope the response is positive from Mr Teen!
ReplyDeleteKatherine, I think you made excellent choices all the way around! Great gift idea!
ReplyDeleteThat is a very cool bag in really nice fabrics...lucky guy!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute. My no-longer-a-teen would love something like this. He'd probably fill it with thumb-drives and earbuds, but he would like it. Great gift idea for people I've already given a quilt!!
ReplyDeletethat's a fab toiletry bag, perfect for a boy/man
ReplyDeleteThat's a great looking shaving kit!!
ReplyDeleteGuys need a good one (they don't always realize it themselves). When my 29 year old son was visiting his shaving stuff and hair product was all over the counter. So I made him a bag (the open wide bag from the Noodlehead tutorial) and it was a pretty big hit. We had to go shopping for masculine fabric though :)
Now my husband and father both want one too!
What a great idea. I especially like the way you used the labels to embellish it.
ReplyDelete