looking ahead

I’m trying very hard to plan ahead for Christmas this year and to make some things from fabrics in my stash.   I always try to plan ahead for the holidays to keep from burning out once they finally get here, but this year finances dictate moderation and planning.  My goal every year is to be done shopping by Thanksgiving and most years the majority of it is done by then.  The thought of going to the malls and stores with lists of what I want to buy with the vast majority of America is enough to make my head hurt.  I really do not like crowds, I get frustrated when the items I want are out of stock, and the likelihood of four little girls going along in the mix and you get one grumpy gal.  Yeah, I sound like a retailer’s nightmare (in all fairness I worked retail at the holidays for many of my high school years and that in itself is enough to just make a person want to stay away!)

So, in an effort to save a little cash and also appease my craft side, I am making a few gifts from scratch this year.  Let’s start with the twins, shall we.

They are HARD to buy for! 

This is round three through age 2 for us.  We have enough Little People to put on a feature length production.  Some people step on Lego’s all the time, I’m tripping over Little People.  I even catch the older two sneaking them to their room every now and then!  We also have baby dolls enough to mimic a city-wide plague.  There are enough children’s books to fill a 3ft, 4ft, and two shelves of a 7ft bookcase (that’s just the girls’ books, ours are on their own bookshelf.)  We have a V-smile video game for the TV, there are tons of crayons, clay, markers, and coloring books.  There is a trunk that all four of my girls can fit in (kids do things, just because they can don’t they) that is overflowing with dress-up clothes.  We have tons of little girl stuff to put it mildly.  So what have they shown interest in that they do not have?  Purses and shoes.  I can sew a purse, I’ve  sewn a couple for myself, actually, and am thinking it could be great fun to sew a couple for the twins.  So add that onto my list of things to sew, two adorable purses.

My mom is next.  She is harder than the twins to buy for.  They just drastically downsized to a small house (as if you all haven’t read about that) and she does not need “stuff” or pictures or anything for that matter.  But, I happened across this:

a post about a Bedside Organizer and thought that was something that takes no space, would help with the fact that she hates her nightstand because it doesn’t fit and she doesn’t need a light there anyway, and I could make it really cute or simple as all get out.  So add that to my list, one bedside organizer. 

Next stop is Jane and Liz.  They are getting to the age where they have expensive tastes and being in sports has introduced them to girls who have high-tech stuff.  On an bit of a tangent here, I can not believe how many 6 and 7 year old girls have cell phones, personal gaming systems, and the like.  I’m in the dark ages and practically live like the Amish, well…not that bad, but still: How do parent’s afford these things and when do kids like this read or just play!?!?!?  Back on track.  We are in the car to the farm  once a week, take trips to see family often, and then pay homage to the mouse (aka, Disney) at least once a year coutesy of a very kind and obsessed grandma.  My girls are needing some portable fun that will not break the bank!  Enter this:

The girls love to draw and make stories so this will fit the bill nicely.  I plan on using only things frommy existing stash to save on money as I could go wild with fun fabric on this.  I know they will love it, that is the best part and Craft Apple’s patterns are so well laid out with pictures and directions that I know they will be a snap to make.  Two Mini-Portfolios added to the list.

Wait, I just though of my niece.  She is 4 and I think would like one of these as well.  I got my nephew radio controlled helicopters (they are 5 and 7) and wasn’t sure what to get her.  She loves purple and bling…I should be able to handle that.  Make that three Mini Portfolios on the list.

So there you have it, my plans for the holidays…or shall I say prior to the holidays.  I would like to have all of this done before Thanksgiving.  My best friend and I are really hoping to have a craft and junk-food day soon.  Doesn’t that sound fun?  You know, eating lots of junk while sewing and crafting.  When we do (I won’t say if, because we WILL do this she says as she stomps her foot) I plan on having all my pattern pieces cut so I can show up at her house with my sewing machine, homemade junk food, and not have to do the tedious cutting and planning while there.  The cutting and planning is something I have to focus on, otherwise I mess it all up and have to rip seams.  If it’s just sewing it together, usually (snort, ha ha) I can do it without too much problem.

I’m sure I’ll add to the list, it’s bound to happen.  For instance:

The women in my dad’s family do dollar gifts.  There are 12 of us and with inflation the limit you are allowed to spend on the gift is $1.25 not including tax.  We’ve gotten some really nice things (Liz Claiborn wallets) and some odd things (junky dollar store trinkets.)  I’m hoping to make homemade vanilla or something remotely useful this year.  It might involve sewing, might not, depending on what I decide to give.

Then there are the coaches, Sunday school teachers, etc. that are all so wonderful to our girls.  I feel like I should do something for them, but what?  I did cookies in a jar one year, but you can’t buy jars around here right now to save your life.  If you live in the country and there is a downturn in the economy, people can like no one’s business.  I’ve heard people discussing that they drove to the next state (!!!) for jars.  There likely will not be jars to be found anywhere for a good couple of months and that is not in my master plan.

Blah, enough going on and on about what we are doing for Christmas.  Time to start sorting fabric and finding a purse pattern!  I’ll try to update as I progress.

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