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| Vintage style ornament, with Mica sprinkles |
I suspect I am not the only person who starts planning for the Holidays a little early. I used to start my sewing and knitting projects in July. Recent years, however, were a total loss. One thing and another would crop up and delay the plan. Then it would be too late. So with all good intentions, I will try again. My recent goal is to reduce the commercialism that has ruined Christmas for me. Simple gifts of love, gifts that are personal and special are the best. Last year I was able to get the food baskets assembled for family and special friends. I picked up nice baskets at IKEA, filled them with preserves from the summer bounty, fresh baked breads and cookies, favorite candies, teas and such. I liked them. I hope others did as well. I had a large roll of cellophane to tie them up with a pretty ribbon and purchased nice little themed tins for the cookies. I will likely do something similar this year. I used to have a little side business for gift baskets. It kept me really busy in addition to a full time job. After a while, way too busy. In short order another person "borrowed" my idea and set up a store front in a neighboring town. Good luck I said and moved on.
So what is in the works for this year? Well, without too much reveal quilting will be involved, knitting as well, a felted thing or two perhaps. Since recipients read this blog I will be intentionally a little vague, but will certainly share my process.
Organize:
- get out the Holiday/Birthday book (one of the many composition books) This year I will start a new one.
- make a little tab to mark the date
- one person per page, make a little keeper at the bottom of the page out of a small envelope, tape it to the page (I keep receipts in there for possible exchanges. Write sizes and preferences for that person on their page.
Big Gifts that require lots of time need to be started first, obviously. Decide who, what, and how that will proceed. I have a quilt or two that need to be brought to life in that time span. The sooner I get them done, the better. I don't want to be madly stitching on Christmas Eve! I have loads of upholstery samples from books used by a decorating firm. I bought them at our quilt show market last year. I have removed them all from the books, major big deal because those staple-things they use to hold everything together are bears to remove. They have had all their edges serged to reduce fraying. My plan is to assemble tote bags from all these pieces. The fabric is thick and dense but will require some inner structure. I'm still thinking on that.
I am also considering bath salts, grooming things, etc. I am going to call this project: Operation Christmas Quest. It is another of my self-challenge goals. I know that if I document and track my progress, I am more likely to accomplish my goals.
So there it is, it is 84 degrees outside, everything is growing by leaps and bounds and I have twinkle lights in my head. But I will be done by December 1 so that I can relax and enjoy the season. That's my plan and I'm sticking to it!
Gratuity Moment: a day of lovely sunshine
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