Homemade, Handmade, Christmas...

It's been years since I've made all of our gifts to give--about 5 years, to be exact!! But one lovely Christmas I crocheted mittens, hats, scarves...some were a bit ill-fitting, occasionally a mitten thumb grew wonky round by round, gauge tightened and released without my effort or realization...2001? was indeed "better to give than to receive"! :) However, I feel I have grown a bit in the area of craftsmanship, and I shall give it another whirl! Is my post a bit "early"--well yes, but there are only...

Christmas countdown at FlashBannerNow.com

How's that for the ol' blood pressure??? Truth be told, I love the flashy, ticking, seconds...it seems most everyone celebrates something during the winter season...Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwaanza...or just plain and simple commercialism, falling prey to every ad. and sale that flashes before our collective eyes as we vegetate in front of our screen of choice...and that, my friends, is a tradition I would like to avoid. I want to teach my kiddos the value of creating, and receiving, homemade goodness. So--what are my plans, my ideas? What's on my wonderful list? (And aren't Christmas Lists just FUN!! To carefully scribe a name on pretty paper and thoughtfully pen the perfect gift???) Well. So far I've thought of the following...all to make my very own self:

1. 
   
   Waldorf dollies--I've made a few of these, and the ones that float around our nest seem to remain...they rise above their plastic cousins and remain timeless and more dear as the years go by. Tattered and loved, they are some of the most confident and secure toys in the girls' room....they know they will live with us forever!


2. Hooked Rugs...and purses! Those little 5"X7" bags with a longer strap are soooo popular now! I am quite certain there are gals on my list that would enjoy carrying them! And then, of course, larger rugs for all of the parents??? There are MANY of Lori Brechlin's designs that I would like to try...and Karen Kahle...and, and...!!!
3. Boiled Wool...stuff. Slippers, hats, potholders & mitts...all embellished with needle felting...
4. And, of course, CROCHET!! :) I got this very cool pattern from etsy seller thnkdfrent. Fashionable for kiddos and grown-ups...anywho.

From week to week I'll try to apprise you of my progress (or lack thereof)...both girls will be in school this year, as Mags is starting pre-school--whatever shall I do with myself??? Make Christmas gifts! And yes, the early start is necessary because of allll the orders, shows, auctions, and everything else that keeps me so very, very, busy! But hopefully, my early start will "plant a seed" and inspire you to begin your own homemade handmade list...and we can burn the midnight oil together, come December!

blessings,

meg