One of my goals this year is to make one Christmas gift each month so that I'm not rushed like I was this past Christmas. It just makes sense to me especially after having both my mom seriously ill and then all of us getting the flu this year just before Christmas.

This month I plan on making a Christmas apron, oven mitts and pot holders for both my dil's.

Have you any plans to help make your Christmas 2004 easier? :mwhistle:

What a great idea CJ! I think I'll follow in step by doing the same. I got fome fabric remnents from a factory in town that makes futons. This is good quallity upulstary fabric. I'm going to make some purses and a few rugs with it. I wish I cxould get it up to you CJ. This is all free. They let anyone come in and dig through the boxes.

Wow Marcia, that would be cool. You enjoy it and let us know what you made.

I pulled out the fabric for the apron. I may sew it up today. My elbow is quite sore and I'm not sure if I'll end up doing the border on my quilt. I may give my elbow a bit of a rest for a couple days.

What type of material is it? What colors?

That really is a great idea - I love Christmas but hate the last minute rushing. For me it ruins the fun of the season.

Unfortunately I'm not that crafty and most of my gifts are purchased. I do some crafting, but not the practical kind of crafting where I can make useful gifts for people. But there is a lot to be said for getting things done ahead of time. It sure would be nice if come December there were nothing left to do but trim the tree, listen to Christmas music and bake! Just ONE Christmas before I die I want to experience that!!!

Well, I have started on my first rug of the year. Thanks for the kick in the rear, CJ!

I'm not sure what type of fabric it is but boy is it thick! I'm assuming it is a blend of somesort. I grabbed all kinds of colors and prints. But there were alot of plums and sages. It seams to be shedding alot more than regular fabric. I'm hoping that once the rug is finished that it will clean up well. I'll keep you posted. Another thing I was goingto do is those purses that have the frilly stuff on them, beads on the bottom and fringes on the top. I saw them at alot of the boutiques this year Christmas shopping. I also saw a lot of purses with initals on the. I purchased some iron on studs and made one for mysels and am making one for my B/F for a gift. I hope she likes it.

The boys and I collected some beautiful pine cones this past year and we are going to make those cinnamon scented pine cones as gifts. We ment to get them done for Christmas 2003, but ran out of time.

This is a great idea CJ, but I don't know what I want to make this year yet.

I guess I need to start looking for great Christmas gift ideas.

I'm right there with you on that thinking CJ! Unfortunately, it's March and already I had to make two baby quilts and I'm making a house warming lap quilt for my Brother and SIL's new home. I need to get started on Christmas...NOW! Yikes!

In the Summer, when I do my canning, some of my family and friends get homeade preserves and maple pear chutney.

I do need to also get started on my soap and candle making, as well. I think I need to start filling in my calendar... :icon_wink

Last Christmas seemed such a rush that I too decided to try and make (or purchase) one gift per month this year. So far I'm on track! :) But I know that the year somehow gathers speed as it goes by! :icon2: When I'm at the Thrift shops I buy any nice baskets I see and will fill those for Christmas gifts with jams, preserves, sauces etc....and a few of my "now-famous" knitted dishcloths!
Thanks for the reminder CJ...I must keep on track with my plan!
Welcome Michele.....I'd love to know more about your soapmaking. It's definitely at the top of my "to learn" list.

I had planned on doing this but like so many of my plans, I haven't gotten started yet.

Wonderful idea, I'm doing the same! Much too stressful waiting until the last minute AND way too costly!

HAve my list made and two block quilts made for children that I give gifts to. On my list are:

~quilts (2 made)
~a wallhanging (1/2 done...lol!)
~pillows
~baskets made with preserves, cookies in a jar, potholders, dishcloths and such
~baked goods
~table runners
~fabric napkins and placemats (have one set made)

Oh I'm sure I'll come up with more as the year goes on.