Home Decorating Ideas - A Holiday De-Stressor Is A Gift That Gives All Year Round

(ARA) - Do you have a friend or loved one who is likely to say, “All I want for Christmas is some peace and quiet?” She may be a stressed out mom or someone who holds down a challenging job. No matter what the reason, give her what she needs: an excuse to get away from it all.

Numerous studies have shown that participating in relaxing activities like scrapbooking, painting and sewing are among the best ways to curb the ill effects of stress. This time of year, sewing is particularly popular because the crafts you make can decorate your home plus be given as wonderful, personalized gifts.

On the flip side, giving the gift of sewing is also a popular idea. “There are a lot of ways to do it,” says Nancy Jewell of Husqvarna Viking, a producer of high-quality Swedish-made sewing machines. “You can get a family member or friend books about sewing or quilting, sign them up for fun classes, or even bring your own sewing machine to their home so you can create together.”

Of course, the ultimate gift would be a new sewing machine, like the Husqvarna Viking Designer SE. Computer chips have turned grandma’s old green relic into a computerized sewing designer that practically does all the work for you. Complete with USB ports, downloadable updates via the internet, interactive touch screens and PC software, you can bake Holiday goodies while your sewing machine is embroidering, all by itself, larger-than-life designs on everything from store-bought blankets to boxer shorts.

At the other end of the spectrum are nicely priced machines with electronic features, like the compact White 1740. Complete with its own carrying case that doubles as an extension bed, this portable machine is perfect for any sewer and comes with every conceivable accessory necessary for sewing and quilting. Your local sewing machine retailer will have the perfect machine to match their lifestyle and your wallet.

If a machine seems overwhelming, then a beginner’s sewing or quilting class may be just what the doctor ordered. Most sewing machine dealers offer an array of creative classes for every skill level as well as classrooms filled with sewing machines -- all you need to do is show up. The atmosphere is generally one of sharing and can be a great source of inspiration and friendship. Also look into your community’s recreation programs or local YMCA for sewing opportunities.

And if you decide to do the teaching yourself, here are some great holiday projects well-suited for a beginner:

Ornamental Offerings -- Predictable but always a festive favorite, holiday ornaments are fun to give and even more fun to make. Use your Holiday cookie cutters as a pattern. Trace onto embellished pieces of fabric. Cut out two of the shapes. Make a loop out of decorative cord. Position at top of ornament. Place embellished front and ornament back with wrong sides together. Sew together with a decorative stitch along the edge. Use as ornaments or package decorations. For additional ideas visit http://www.husqvarnaviking.com.

Festive Photographs -- Photographs and holidays go hand in hand. Make yours extra-special by scanning your favorite family photos and printing onto colorfast printable fabric. Make a special pillow for a friend or a cover a memory album. Visit http://www.hp.com/go/quilting for additional ideas for creating lasting memories with fabric.

Wrap it Up -- Bought the gift, but fresh out of holiday wrapping paper? Whip up a fabric bag and tie the top closed with a braided cord or ribbon. Embroider a solid with a Christmas motif or use a festive print -- there’s sure to be at least one in your fabric stash.

To learn more about sewing machines and to find your nearest Husqvarna Viking retailer, visit www.husqvarnaviking.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content