Coffee Cozy
In general I find it more difficult to make handmade goodies for men than for women. I usually have grand plans, then cave at the last minute and run off to the bookstore or something. The reality of a man in my family carrying a patchwork tote finally hits me and I realize that a) either he won't use it, or b) he will, and will be beaten up on the street because of it. Both outcomes, not good.
The t-shirts I made last year actually got a decent amount of wear. It warmed my heart each time my husband came out in his. This year, Elliot and I conspired to create a little coffee cup cozy for my husband...one that retains his masculine image (lol!), while nodding to fatherhood. This coffee cozy may look all business on the outside- being wool with a boyish print, but inside is hiding one of Elliot's drawings printed on fabric.
So as he sits in Starbucks working on his laptop, and he reaches for his cuppa joe, he'll think of us, and be grateful we skipped the tote.
Courtney: You and your ideas! So cool. Love it! You, and your lovely blog, have inspired me to make some window treatments for my sons room with some fabric I have on hand and have been afraid to cut. Know what I mean? They are not done or posted yet (in fact I have very little textile work posted yet) but when I do will surely share them with you. Happy day to you. Best, Molly
Posted by: Molly irwin | 17 June 2007 at 11:21 AM
Great idea! And very manly.
Posted by: Anina | 17 June 2007 at 11:56 AM
I love this idea! I too have a tough time making homemade stuff for guys - every idea I come up with is too girly!
Posted by: Jess | 17 June 2007 at 12:21 PM
What a great idea! It came out so very well. I hope you're all enjoying each other this father's day!
Posted by: amanda | 17 June 2007 at 12:56 PM
I've been thinking about something like this. Dod you just use a cardboard one for a template? What a wonderful Father's Day gift.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | 17 June 2007 at 03:11 PM
this is such a great idea, not only for a guy, but in general. such a classy take on it too!
Posted by: Blair | 17 June 2007 at 05:23 PM
i love it! and the drawings inside are the perfect touch.
Posted by: erin | 17 June 2007 at 06:27 PM
*so cool*
and so very environmentally friendly!!
love it!!
Posted by: gloria | 17 June 2007 at 07:47 PM
so cool! What a fun gift, and I hadn't seen last years shirt print til now, I love it!
Posted by: kate | 17 June 2007 at 11:48 PM
Love it! : )
Posted by: Jenn | 18 June 2007 at 03:39 AM
Great idea, and so well executed. I draw a blank when it comes to handmade gifts for men, too, although I've threatened my husband with patchwork belts and ties (mostly to amuse myself.)
Posted by: meg | 18 June 2007 at 06:57 AM
You did a great job with this! I love it.
Posted by: LeeAnn | 18 June 2007 at 07:51 AM
crafty gifts for men are definitely a dilemma! i'd love to make something for my husband or dad but i have never had any good ideas. i think you're onto a good thing with the coffee cozy!
Posted by: lindsey clare | 18 June 2007 at 08:22 AM
I soooo hear ya! I always feel its a shame I can't put the love into something for my husband like I do for our female family and friends.
Posted by: Jude | 18 June 2007 at 08:34 AM
What a great idea--and quite manly! And I love the sweet surprise on the inside.
Posted by: kayla_d | 18 June 2007 at 09:03 AM
That's a fantastic idea! And so chic (in a manly way). Could have done with that on the train when I ended up with burnt fingers and a sodden jumper...
Posted by: Dawny | 18 June 2007 at 10:56 AM
i read recently that the closer you are to a person, the harder it is to think of a present for them....i find that really true with my husband!
i love the coffee cozy. a great idea. and i love the little secret artwork hidden inside.
Posted by: molly | 18 June 2007 at 03:09 PM
love it love it LOVE IT!
I want to make one for all my family members!
Posted by: amy | 18 June 2007 at 05:19 PM
This may seem such a simple question in the world of crafty, but how do you print a child's drawing on fabric?
Posted by: erika | 19 June 2007 at 12:01 PM
Hey! I went to IKEA hacker today and thought that I went to the wrong website because it was your stuff! Cool cool! Congrats on being featured!
Posted by: Zoe | 19 June 2007 at 06:46 PM
What a great idea, I love it.
Posted by: Heather | 19 June 2007 at 07:15 PM
That cozy is so cute!! Gonna have to try it for the hub!
Posted by: Cindy | 20 June 2007 at 02:15 AM
What a great idea! I made my father a stole for Christmas last year (he is a minister) with one of his old suits, clothing worn by my sister, me, my children, and my husband. It made him cry.
Posted by: Dana | 20 June 2007 at 07:11 AM
such a great idea!
Posted by: Sarah | 20 June 2007 at 12:58 PM
this is a fantastic gift idea. and very "green" of you!
Posted by: k | 21 June 2007 at 11:00 AM
this is a fantastic gift idea. and very "green" of you!
Posted by: k | 21 June 2007 at 11:00 AM
I like your coffee cozy. Where did you get the pattern? Is there a tutorial on the coffee cozy?
Thanks, Tina
Posted by: Tina | 05 September 2007 at 03:19 PM