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Gift ideas for niece who’s into sewing?
Hey there, I’m an uncle to a soon to be 15 year old niece who recently got into sewing and has a starter sewing machine. (Hope it’s ok that I post here!)
I want to get her something for her birthday next weekend that has to do with sewing or similar since that’s what she’s expressed interest in. She’s never really had hobbies before but seems genuinely interested in modifying clothes and up-cycling (I think that’s the term) thrift finds.
Can someone help me with ideas on what I could get her? She is relatively new to things and she lives in Texas (US).
I’m ok spending up to $150. Could go higher as I’ll just split costs with her dad or grandparents if the gift is excellent.
Advice from my wife, who has a degree in fashion design:
As someone whose wife recently got into cross-stitching, I can confirm that high quality tools are an easy win. Shell out for a pair of Gingher shears and snips and they can easily last a lifetime (assuming they aren't used to cut materials other than fabric).
I'll try and find out if she's making things from scratch. I don't think so, but I'll ask. Thank you for asking your wife and thank her for her advice!
Honestly a gift certificate for a fabric store. Fabric be expensive!
Other than that you could get her some of the accessories for her sewing machines if she doesn’t have them, but you’d have to know what model she has and what accessories she already has. I don’t think most starter machines come with the various more specialized feet, for instance.
Most things that you need for sewing are consumables and are usually pretty cheap. Things like fabrics and even thread are something to be picked on a project by project basis.
Another option is some good scissors. Unfortunately I lack the vocabulary to describe which ones to get, though! One thing I would get would be some thread scissors of the type that are spring loaded in the open position. But a good pair of dedicated fabric scissors with long blades is also indispensable.
Good fabric scissors and a good rotary cutter could be helpful!
Never mind @Mimicsquid nailed it
the gift certificate was my default but thank you for including other ideas! the thread snips and fabric scissors might be the what i go for, now. thanks again!