Project Teen: Handmade Gifts Your Teen Will Love by Melissa Mortenson

In Project Teen, Melissa Mortenson, author, designer, and mother of three teenagers, shares not only her 21 teen-approved designs but also invaluable tips and tricks for sewing for this unique (a.k.a. picky) age group.

Whether you make a stylish tote bag, a cute study pillow, or a personalized quilt, your teen will love these handmade gifts as much as you love them.

This week the preview copy of my book showed up in the mail!  I knew it was coming and walked around feeling insanely nervous and excited all day. It all seems a bit surreal that I wrote a book even typing that feels a little strange to me.  I had to repeat “Melissa Mortenson is a published author” to myself several times before I started to believe it!

After I got my book, I admit I was terrified to open it. Would I love the projects as much as I did a year ago? I had those and a million other questions swirling through my head and the sudden (and somewhat terrifying) realization that now other people could see the book too! Did I miss a typo?

I spent a few days letting it all sink in, then decided to sit down and tell you a little bit about the book and why I wrote it.

Why I Wrote This Book

So first up, why did I write a book? Mainly because I got an idea for a subject that I was excited about. I’ve mentioned before that I have three kids. When my kids were little, I LOVED to sew for them.  

As my kids have gotten older, I’ve realized that they don’t want those kinds of things anymore. Easter dresses, quilts, cute little skirts, fun headbands, colorful pj’s.

Feeling a bit heartbroken (and old) at this realization, I decided that there was no reason that I (and others) had to stop sewing for kids just because they were teenagers. I drew up a list of projects that I thought my now older kids would like.

I then quizzed my kid’s friends when they came over, asked my daughter’s field hockey team to fill out a “survey” for me, and pretty much tried to pick the brains of anyone that I could as to what types of projects teenagers would want to be sewn for them. This book contains most of those ideas.

About the Book

This book is a collection of 21 handmade gifts to give to teens because you have to admit that teenagers need to feel that we love them as much as a newborn baby (maybe even more).

Sewing for teens (whether it’s your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, or friends) is something that you can do.  I also tried to make the projects universally appealing so that you might like to sew some for yourself or as gifts for others who aren’t teens or tweens.

Projects Included in the Book

Today I’ll share just a bit about some of the projects in the book with you.

You Can Do It Quilt Pattern

One of my favorite projects in the book is this “You Can Do it” Quilt Pattern. My sister-in-law gave me the idea to use inspirational quotes for the center of the blocks.  

I love how this turned out and think it’s a fun and unique way to use some of the inspirational quotes you find online.

Upcycled T-Shirt Pillows

In the book, I dedicated an entire chapter to sewing for teen boys; there are iPad cases, gadget cases, stadium blankets, etc. One of the projects that I came up with is these fun t-shirt pillows.

We collect t-shirts as we travel, and it kills me sometimes to get rid of the t-shirts. These pillows are fun to make and sew up more quickly than a t-shirt quilt.

Cross Body Travel Bag Pattern

I’d been toying around with the idea of a cross-body bag pattern for a while and finally settled on how I’d like to make one.  This bag has a front zipper pocket and a recessed zipper inside (the top zips up to make it a bit more secure). You can also adjust the length of the strap easily.

Flag Zip Pouch Pattern

If you’ve followed my blog for a little bit, you know that I love making zip pouches. They are so quick to make and are perfect for gifts. There are patterns for zip pouches made to resemble the Union Jack, the Dutch Flag, and the Swiss Flag. These zip pouches are inspired by some places I love to travel to (or would love to).

Ombre Quatrefoil Pillow 

I had been toying around with making this quilt for a few years now.  I love quatrefoil shapes and wanted to jump into sewing with solid fabrics more.

I love the graphic pop the white gives on the pinks. (You could also make this quilt in prints, make sure you use a low volume print on the shapes).

Study Pillow Pattern

Next is the Study Pillow. My kids love to do their homework all over the house and outside. One day my daughter had a pillow, a book, an iPod, and a bunch of notebooks with her and kept dropping everything as she was walking around the house.

After that, the idea for a pillow with pockets and the Study Pillow was born. The pillow pattern features Minky on the back to make it super soft and a handle for easy carrying.  I will walk you through how to make the custom applique in the book too.

Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend Quilt Pattern

Also in the book are a few Quilt patterns (plus a few fleece blankets too). This quilt is called “Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend” and is constructed purely from Fat Quarters! (except for the back and binding).  

I don’t know about you, but I love to buy Fat Quarter packs of fabric, and I always want to use them ALL in a project. This quilt is perfect for that. It’s also a great pattern if you’re going to use some novelty fabrics (which teens love!). You can also easily switch out the fabric selections to make one for a guy.

Upcycled iPad Case Pattern

For better or worse, gadgets have taken over our and our kids’ lives.  In the book, there are three sewing patterns specifically for devices. This one is made from an Upcycled Men’s Suit coat!  The idea came from trying to make an iPad case that was CUTE and functional. One that could easily pass as a clutch if you didn’t know what was inside. I also love the pop of zebra fabric in the lining.

The last project I want to chat about today is this Homework Folder. This folder is made from laminate fabric, has elastics inside to hold homework, and is BRIGHT, so it doesn’t get lost in their backpacks.

Do your kids do their homework and then LOSE it before they get to school?? Or forget to turn it in?? Mine do all the time, and it drives me CRAZY! Why go to all the trouble of doing your homework and then not turn it in?

Where to Buy The Book

Even though the book is full of gift ideas for teens, I tried to make the projects universal. Even though I’m a “grown-up,” I’d love any projects for myself! Hopefully, you can find something inside that you will love.

You can find the book at most large book retailers, including Amazon.

Additional Project Photos