Dear all,

My school secretary asked me last spring to make 2 fleece throws for her adult children (17 yr. old son and 20 yr old daughter). All she wanted was their names embroidered (SP?? its been a long day...) on them. She wanted these for Christmas. I said no problem, did them over the summer holiday and gave them to her in August when I came back to school. Well, she got so excited about them she gave them to her children as back to school gifts. I was extremely flattered that she was that excited. I charged her for materials and a small amount of labor. Gotta keep the school secretary happy, if you know what I mean!!! LOL

Now for the problem--she wants something else made for Christmas. When I asked her what, her response was, "I don't know, whatever you come up with--YOU"RE the creative spirit." While I will accept that as a compliment that 1) she trusts me and 2) she must like my taste, I am coming up blank with what to make a 17 year old guy. I need something fairly quick and about $20 or less for material. She is one of "those" people who does not appreciate how much work goes into quilting, etc.

what to make, what to make, what to make? I told her I would think about it and get back to her. no promises!

any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I am truly stumped.


I figured someone out there has made something for a teenage guy before that was quick, easy, fairly cheap and not goofy looking.


thanks for your help!!!!!!
Rose Hall

Is he into sports? Football, baseball, soccer? Or maybe a combination. Does she want another blanket/quilt for them?

Another fleece blanket/quilt?

Even those require a fair amount of effort in getting them lined up, etc.

I suggest a beach towel with either his name or his favorite sport or sports team name.

When I worked for a Bernina dealer who also did custom dressmaking and alterations. We made personalized towels for a whole swim team. You could also do duffles or backpacks or even waterbottle holders etc.

Make sure you charge her at least a little more than you are comfortable with. You may find yourself getting into a business you really don't want if you are too reasonable. Good luck.

You might tell her the cost of the first items were figured on "a favor for a friend" basis - not on an ongoing thing. Although it's really, really hard to increase prices once a base-line has been drawn.

Your time and skills are worth something -

You could make him a "quillow" -- these are usually tied and can be made pretty fast. I'd use whatever sport or team or subject the kid likes.

And as a retired secretary, if the secretary ain't happy, NO ONE is gonna be too darn happy :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

You said the fleece blankets were back to school gifts, so I will assume they are away at collage. What about a laundry bag with a drawsting top? Every collage kid needs one of those. It is quick and easy to make. Or tote/book bags. I am sure you can find a manly print for the boy, and the girls any floral would be lovely

If they're still in school how about making each a pillow using fabric with their college logo? You choose a size and shape.

Pillow cases. They can also double as laundry bags.

Matching pillow cases to go with the others items you made. Easy, quick, and should be relatively inexpensive. OR, tell her that it's too close to the end of the year and you have your own projects to get done.