Butterfli19

I found out like 10 minutes ago sister's husband is having a party for her 50th in two weeks! Naturally my first thought was "what can I make her that's fun, colorful, represents 50, and not too complicated because I'll need to fit it in between everything else".

So I thought of you all and your great ideas!

Any ideas? For the actual thing and some fun fabric? Something small-ish, little wall hanging? Table mat? Summer handbag? Beach tote?

Suggestions welcome!

QuiltE

Looks like you have the ideas ...
Now shop your stash for some fabric that you know your sister will like, and start stitching!

Tartan

How about a gift certificate to a nice restaurant in her area. A nice supper out is always a treat. Put it in a new makeup zipper pouch or change purse. The Popcorn Zipper Pouch that I did from a YouTube video is cute.

QuiltnNan

My first thought was a quilted tote/bag, There are so many looks/styles that could be used to fit her personality. And it's something she can carry around and respond to all the comments/questions - "that's a great tote/bag, where did you get it!"

osewme

If it were me I would make a chenille wall hanging like DJ made in this thread. I think it's beautiful & so unique:

Chenille wall hanging

If you can't see the comments just refresh your computer (F5 key at top of your keyboard). She even made a tutorial on how she made the loops....scroll to page 2, post #37 for the tutorial.

zozee

If you absolutely know your sister's tastes in fabric and style, and that she would carry a quilted handbag, and you could make one in the timeframe, that would be a lovely. Not everyone likes fabric purses (myself included). And at age 50, she may be ready to start purging "stuff", in which case I'd go for the smaller zippered makeup pouch for her own handbag, and a gift card for a massage (or her favorite salon) or something else in the pampering dept. That way you're giving her something to look forward to and something small to think of you daily and her happy 50th b'day, but you're not giving her more big "stuff" to feel obligated to keep unless you absolutely know she'd love it and keep it after you put a lot of time and love into something more elaborate.

Butterfli19

@zozee, this is what I thought after I posted. I've never seen her use fabric anything and truthfully, I'm not a fan either. She is a beach lover, lives about 20 mins away from it, so I was thinking of a beach tote but you can also buy such clever ones that I would never be able to replicate. I may go with the beach theme instead of handmade.

It also has made me question whether or not I really like to sew, or if I'm just doing it to do something. I like to create but maybe it's time to try a new craft. Funny how something comes into your head when you didn't even know you wanted to think about it.

Mkotch

How about a couple of jars of 50 Hershey's kisses, jelly beans, M&Ms, or other treats she enjoys?

Rhonda K

How about making memories with her? Plan a weekend together doing a fun activity.

RedGarnet222

Lunch and a bracelet worked for my sis.