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10 Quick & Easy Christmas Gift Ideas

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With Halloween over, the Holiday rush is just beginning.  Before we know it the turkey will be carved and leftover packaged up.  Get a start on some Christmas gifts for those you want to show some appreciation to.  One of these 10 ideas would be perfect and very affordable as well.

candybar

1- Candy Bar Wrappers from Fe Fi Fo Famma

dipmix

2- Dip Mix Ornaments from Bubbly Nature Creations

buttons

3- Snowman Buttons from Naptime Journal

clementine

4- Clementine Wreaths from Omiyage Blogs

reindeer canes

5- Reindeer Canes from Home Décor Ideas

toes

6- Mistle Toes from Persia Lou

joy

7- Joy Soap Gift Idea from The Idea Room

cocoa

8- Reindeer Cocoa from Raining Hot Coupons

candytoppers

9- Christmas Candy Toppers from Made By a Princess

lipbalm

10- EOS Lip Balm from Real House Moms

Read These Next

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Best Sewing Machine for Quilting Beginners: Your No-Stress Buying Guide

beginner's-quilting-sewing-machine-guide

My first quilting sewing machine was a $50 Black Friday special that literally smoked when I tried to quilt a twin-size top. (RIP, little guy.) After testing 23 machines (and surviving two more meltdowns), I finally cracked the code to finding the perfect beginner quilting machine—without wasting money on features you don’t need yet.

Here’s everything I wish I’d known, including:
The 3 must-have features for beginner quilters (spoiler: automatic needle threader = lifesaver)
5 machines under $500 that actually handle thick quilts
The truth about “quilting mode” (and when it matters)

What Makes a Sewing Machine “Good for Quilting”?

Non-Negotiables for Beginners

  • Throat Space: At least 7 inches (so your quilt doesn’t get stuck)
  • Walking Foot Included: Prevents fabric layers from shifting
  • Drop Feed Dogs: For free-motion quilting later

Nice-to-Have Perks

  • Speed Control: Because quilting a king-size in “rabbit mode” = regrets
  • Needle Up/Down: Crucial for precise pivots at corners
  • LED Lighting: Spotting seams under dim light = no more “mystery stitches”

2. The Best Machines Under $500 (Tested on Real Quilts)

1. Brother PQ1500SL ($479)

  • Why Beginners Love It:
    • 16-inch throat space (fits bulky quilts)
    • Straight stitch only (no confusing dials)
    • Industrial motor handles denim + quilt batting
  • Watch Out: No fancy stitches (but do you really need 200 decorative options?)

2. Janome 3160QDC ($449)

  • Best For: Quilters who want some embroidery flair
    • 60 stitches (great for quilted gifts)
    • One-handed needle threader (no squinting!)
    • Automatic thread cutter = fewer thread nests

3. Juki TL-2010Q ($499)

  • The “Grow With You” Pick
    • Professional-grade straight stitches
    • Knee lifter (hands-free presser foot lifting)
    • Heavy-duty but quiet

Pro Tip: Watch for Joann’s 50% off coupons—they work on these!

3. The “Don’t Waste Your Money” List

Overkill for Beginners

  • $1,000+ Machines: Unless you’re quilting daily, start smaller
  • Heavy Industrial Models: Your kitchen table will protest

Too Basic

  • Mini Machines: Can’t handle batting + fabric layers
  • Vintage Singers: Adorable but often need $200 in tune-ups

4. Your First Quilting Project: Start Here!

Pair your new machine with:

My #1 Advice: Practice on placemats first—less pressure than a queen-size masterpiece.