Schedule, plan, prepare ...... and craft.
Its another year, and its time to start prepping for xmas. (I know I freaked people out with starting in June last year, so I held off until the second half of the year ...... well technically). Its a long way from xmas I know. For me in Australia its freezing cold, and for those in the Northern Hemisphere, you are feeling the unfamiliar experience of a summer heatwave.
This year I have decided that I will be implementing a policy of "mindful spending". Rather than banning myself from buying things, I will look at how and when I spend. So my first step, is to continue a habit I have had for quite a few years, and that is planning crafty gifts for a large portion of my xmas gift list. But, in order to be successful at a crafty xmas, you need to plan well ahead, and start sewing early.
So for recording sake, I have decided on my gifts for work friends this year. They will be getting a cafe quality drill apron, with embroidery on the bib, or a matched set of embroidered potholder and tea towels. I recently invested in some xmas napkin embroideries, so maybe a few sets of table napkins too. I will probably do more thread lace bauble covers, as they were popular. I am also planning a new angel (embroidered thread lace and organza) for the tree, and depending on how complex that is, I may do one for my MIL. I think a silky nightie and robe for my daughter and niece, and perhaps satin boxer shorts for hubby, my boy and the nephews. Its my brother's turn for a quilt, and I really need to get my own quilt done. Well, thats probably enough.
I have also decided to make simple gift bags this year, using fabric I already have, to cut back the amount of rubbish I create.
I have opened up this topic, to inspire and records. Feel free to contribute, not just sewing, but any craft you use to gift to others (or yourself).