Wedding shower ideas needed

[NEOhiodemocrat]

I just posted in energy efficient but thought I may get some help here. My daughter is getting married in November. We are retired and paying for the wedding so want to keep the price down on the shower gifts. I was thinking on doing a energy saving/recycling theme for her one shower gift. What I have come up with so far is: clothespins, clothesline, homemade clothe pin bag. Then thinking one of those tube bags that you stuff plastic sacks in and couple of totes for shopping. I am a good sewer and can knit if it is not too complicated. Does anyone have ideas to add to the theme? Oh, also I garage sale and will have most of the summer to pick up 'reusable' items that might fit in or be adapted. For her other shower I am making a large cross stitch Christmas decoration (santa in sleigh and eight reindeer) and handmade Christmas ornaments. Does that sound to chintzy from the Mother of the Bride? Any other ideas? As I said I can sew, knit simple items, cross stitch, and smock (thought I would save that for a baby shower!).

[Bjornsdotter]

1. French Market bags

There are free patterns for French market bags which will replace using paper or plastic in many instances.

I think it's a wonderful idea for a shower and gifts made with love are the best.

I still have the table runners that my grandmother made for me before she died in 1979 and they are among my most treasured possessions.

Cheers

[NEOhiodemocrat]

3. Thanks

Didn't know I could get free patterns for these. Would I google 'french market bags"? Or are these at the material stores? I have a HUGH stash of material, and since our JoAnn's moved the closest one it like 30 minutes away now, so I don't get there as much anymore. I might even use this idea and make my other kids some of the bags for a chirstmas gift too.

[China_cat]

2. Simple knitting

Some of the lovely new non-wool fibers such as organic cotton knitted into washcloths, dishcloths, potholders, etc. Gets rid of the man-made fibers that are mainly petroleum based, matches any decor and gives high quality items that will last far longer than their Chinese made counterparts.

[NEOhiodemocrat]

4. thanks for the ideas

I am sure I could do washclothes (I think I actually have a book with a cute patterned on, Have to check), dishcloths (I love my knit ones) and hadn't thought of potholders. But I bet if you used double yarn they would be plenty heavy. I just made a couple pair of slippers using two strands together and they are nice and heavy.

[China_cat]

5. Here's a couple sites with some nice FREE patterns.

http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/dishcloths.php
http://dishandwashclothmania.wordpress.com/knit-cloths-round/

[NEOhiodemocrat]

6. yes, I love the free patterns

just flipped though quickly and they seem nice and doable. I am excited now. Am going to my sewing room and dig in my stash of yarn, I know I bought some of that cotton dishcloth yarn a couple of years ago. Think it was during the 'year of the scarf' which was followed by the 'year of the hat'. Now my kids will call this fall 'year of the dishcloth'.

[sandnsea]

7. What I didn't get done for my niece's wedding

is a family genealogy scrapbook. It'll have to be a first baby present I guess. But that might be something you could do, if you happen to have all the information and pics gathered.

[NEOhiodemocrat]

8. excellent idea!

I did two family tree books for my parents families back in the mid 1970's, so I could work on some updating. In fact my oldest son has done some research a few years ago also, I could have him send what he learned to me. I have old family pictures, tried to put them on a disc a few years ago but couldn't get that to work. Guess I could start playing with my scanner again and see if I can figure it out this time. My Future son-in-law is a real tech guy so I could ask for help this time.