Christmas is around the corner and somewhere, someplace Jeff Bezos is merrily rubbing his hands together.

Following the incredibly turbulent year we’ve experienced across the globe, now more than ever it is important to show your support for independent businesses. The little guys who are pushing to survive these unprecedented times. The small fish in a big pond who support local communities, run businesses with a human touch and really emphasise their priority on quality above all else. Small independents who look out for their customer, appreciate loyalty and reciprocate with gratitude. Well, my way of reciprocating is through my forever-free scrap buster patterns.

We’ve all been through testing times and this Christmas may feel different to any before, a handmade gift could be the perfect gesture of love and thoughtfulness for your family and loved ones, and do I have a great selection of quick-sew makes for you to choose from. Why not add a personal touch to your stocking fillers this year and give the gift of home-sewn heaven?

The Zero Waste House

Okay, I could have been more inventive with the name, but this nifty little gift is so versatile it’s hard to come up with a title for a pin cushion-come-pattern weight-come-tape measure dispenser-come-doorstop. Plus, it uses up even the tiniest scraps which in my book makes it a great zero waste template!

I’ve had so much fun creating a little village for my own sewing studio and I must warn you, these adorable little abodes get addictive pretty quickly! Use up your leftovers or set yourself a creative challenge by replicating your recipients own home, how cute would that be!

Yoga Mat Bag

Does what it says on the tin really, but what an impressive gift to sew and give! Perfect for those leftovers that are so big you could make a city of pin cushion houses, but not big enough for a practical garment that offers enough cover for dignity… if ya know what I mean.

Flow from the mat to the machine with this fun make. I’ve thrown in some French seams to up-level your skill whilst you’re at it, but don’t let that put you off - you can totally proceed with a basic open seam if preferred!

Such a lovely idea for any yogi friends, family or a much needed selfish sew project for yourself! Nothing says self care more than a stylish yoga mat bag.

Sew-stainable scrunchie

Okay, so there are a multitude of ways to sew up a scrunchie, by all means do so however you choose, but this template is a quick make, a simple sew and a perfect stylish addition to any look! Have left over fabric from an outfit you made for a friend? Whip up a matching scrunchie for extra gift giving brownie points!

There you have it! Three awesome ideas for the crafty friends, the yogi friends and the luscious locks friends. Maybe you have a friend who’s all three? If so pass their details on, they sound awesome and I’d love to have them in my circle too!

I really hope your holidays are spent with loved ones where possible. I’m wishing you all the laughter and light this time of year and to hopefully end on a positive note. I know for me, creativity, fashion and sewing have been a great form of escapism throughout these last 12 months. I am so very grateful to my creative community for always bringing a smile onto my face and into my days. Please take these free scrap buster patterns as a small, sustainable gesture and token of my appreciation for being a wonderful source of inspiration for me throughout 2020. As always, I am open to suggestions for future scrap busting templates, if you have an idea feel free to reach me at hello@digitalpatternlibrary.com and I’d love to hear your suggestions.

Don’t forget to tag me on social media should you make any of these items and I can’t wait to catch up with you all in 2021!
Stay safe and keep creative x