Another quick lunch break post. I will have to save the longer posts for when I have time to write them on the weekend and schedule them for later! haha!
I always have trouble figuring out what to get my dad for Father's Day, birthday, and Christmas. He wants very little. He hates clutter. He really likes disposable gifts--that is, things you use up. For example, he likes books of carwash passes, etc.
But I wanted to make him something. I always make my mom things, and I thought he needed a handmade gift.
So, this year for Father's Day, I made him this little fabric travel tray that he can take with him when he travels to all the great places he takes my mom. He can put it on his nightstand and put in it his watch, phone, and other sundry items he doesn't want to forget the next morning when they pack up.
You can unbutton it and it lays flat like this, so it's easy to pack. There are just hair ties sewn into it that go over the buttons.
Don't you LOVE this fabric? I do! I got it in a batch of "bolt ends" I ordered from somewhere...perhaps Sew Mama Sew. They had packages for like $20, and I thought, "I really need more fabric. I'm running out." (snort) And then, "This would be a good way to get some variety in my stash...stuff I might not otherwise pick." And I did. I got this. I doubt I would have ever bought this fabric. But I LOVED it for this purpose and was so happy to find it in the pile for this project!
Here is the other side. Another great guy fabric. It looks like a silk tie, doesn't it? Another fabric that was in the bolt-end stash that I never would have picked but loved having for this project. You see the center, where it's shiny? That's a piece of vinyl sewn on. The pattern called for it, and I debated on whether or not I wanted to include that. In the end, I added it. My dad is a little bit of a germ-o-phobe, too. (Not necessarily a bad thing!) I thought he could wipe it with an alcohol wipe to sanitize it now and then if he wants to.
All in all, I'm happy with how it turned out. It was a quick and easy project I could handle while I was sick. Dad seemed to think it was kinda cute. I hope it wasn't too cheesy. :-) (I also gave him some of his favorite shaving soap from Truefitt and Hill, a very upscale barber shop in Chicago and London.)
I made this from a pattern in the book Travel Gear Made Easy, which I got at Nancy's Notions when I was last visiting my SIL. The pattern (Gathering Place Tray) actually called for a placemat, and you just sew on the buttons and hair ties. I started with a square of fabric instead, and I put some interfacing on the back of the fabric. It seemed to work just as well. I may do a review of this book, after I've had a chance to try a few more of the patterns. This particular one was so minimal, it's hard to tell what the quality of the instructions are. But there are some cute patterns in it. I really want to try the roll-up fleece blanket. I like that a lot.
Incidentally, when I was shopping for this book, there was also a video that you could get to go with it. I want to say the video/book combo was $15 and the book, itself, was $10. I can't remember. (I see the prices in the link above are a little different. I think it was on sale when I bought it.) I thought, "I can just get the book. I don't need the video." But when I got up to the check out counter, there was a coupon for $5 off a book/video combo. So, I got the video for free! Pretty sweet!
So, do you have trouble finding good gifts for your dad? Give me some good ideas, will you? I do know what I'm getting him for his birthday. I won't tell you now, becuase it might ruin his surprise....
I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July if you are in the US! Happy Independence Day, fellow Americans! (One of my favorite holidays. I love the red, white, and blue; buntings; Americana; sparklers; and celebrating our freedoms.)
Until next time,
What a great idea. Dad's are the hardest to find something for - especially once they're retired. Have a great 4th - think we'll be staying inside - we went to a ball game last night it was still 106 at 9:00 (now I know why we usually travel in the summer) :o)
Posted by: Deb | July 03, 2013 at 02:57 PM
I always have trouble making things for my guys. This is a great idea. I love this little travel tray. That fabric is awesome too! Hope you have a great 4th!
Posted by: caroll | July 03, 2013 at 05:13 PM
Homemade cookies and moisture-wicking type shirts are on my dad's list this year. He has a birthday coming up soon. I'd like to bake him the cookies, but I know I won't. I'm gonna get him a couple of shirts though. I may make him a little basket for his desk though. That's a great idea!
Posted by: Lynn | July 03, 2013 at 10:02 PM
That's a great gift idea for a guy! I always feel like sewn items are too girly for men, but this looks perfect! Happy 4th of July to you too. I have my American half-sister visiting, so we're having burgers and some red, white and blue desert to celebrate:)
Posted by: Marit | July 04, 2013 at 04:10 AM
Stephanie, great idea with the travel tray! Perfect for motel rooms, and I'm sure he will get a lot of use with it.
I DO have a hard time buying for my husband for father's day. This year he was getting ready to buy a tool for his shop, and I caught on at the last minute and told him NOT to buy it...that I would buy it for him. Gift purchased right then...worry about what to get was over! I lucked out this year! LOL! I am also clueless on men's birthday gifts. But thankfully my husband's birthday is right after Christmas, and I get him an item that's on his list.
The rest of the family just left for a cookout and fun 4th of July celebration at a friend's house about 2 hrs from us. I'm home with Granny and the pooch. i think I'll go plant some flowers for a fun thing to do while they're gone! Hope your holiday is good!
Posted by: Deb | July 04, 2013 at 01:42 PM
What a great idea! That fabric is awesome!! Happy 4th of July!
Posted by: Lisa Lisa | July 04, 2013 at 02:13 PM
What a great manly gift! My sister has made these, and her husband actually requested some for himself, so I knew guys like 'em, too. Love these prints!
Posted by: Amy DeCesare | July 04, 2013 at 03:26 PM
Love the fabric for this great tray!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | July 04, 2013 at 10:14 PM
What a cool idea Stephanie! I've seen these made for use in a bedroom, but for travel -- that's brilliant! You always think of the neatest things!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | July 05, 2013 at 12:08 AM
This tray is a great gift!! I love the fabric you used! I'm anxious to see what else you make from this magazine. I always make my dad a quart of my homemade salsa. I give him that along with a bag of chips and he is one happy camper. :) I hope your 4th was full of great things!! xoxo
Posted by: Cindy | July 06, 2013 at 04:54 PM