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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Thinking Christmas in July  |
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SarahJ
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Shreveport
Louisiana
198 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 12:47:26 PM
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I know it is way early to be talking holidays, but I am determined to work ahead, and avoid another big debt at Christmas. Last year, we spent so much money that we will probably be paying it off till the end of this year.
In an effort to avoid that, I have started working on Christmas gifts early. I pick one gift/project per pay-period and buy the materials. So far, I have the made a blue jean rag quilt for my stepfather, a fleece quilt for MIL, and I have purchased furry fabric to make monster bean bag chairs for our BIL's kids. I also have planned BIL, SIL, and my brother's gifts.
Is anyone else looking to December and planning ahead? If so, what are you working on, and what ideas do ya'll have? |
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smoothiejuice
True Blue Farmgirl
6309 Posts
Jessica
Bloomington
Indiana
USA
6309 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 12:50:54 PM
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| whew!! you are onthe ball!! I always try to do this and then spend the last few weeks before Christmas with no sleep!! Good for you!! maybe you will rub off on me...jess |
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Holiday Angel
True Blue Farmgirl
444 Posts
Pauline
Sweet Home
Oregon
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 1:06:21 PM
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I sure am and am working on knitting gowns and sweaters for babies and children for Christmas.. I love Christmas with all my heart!
info@heavenlyangelsinnneed.com
President Childrens Division of Heavenly Angels in Need |
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Kathie
True Blue Farmgirl
2436 Posts
Kathie
Thonotosassa
Florida
USA
2436 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 1:07:26 PM
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APRONS'! Everyone get's Aprons this year!!!!
In a World Where you Can Be Anything, Be Yourself.. |
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Holiday Angel
True Blue Farmgirl
444 Posts
Pauline
Sweet Home
Oregon
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 1:10:36 PM
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Aprons bring back a lot of memories of the old wood stove and my mother cooking for all of us during the Holidays..we had two stoves, one electric, and two refrigerators, along with several freezers. With all 11 kids, we had huge Holidays..Aprons were a must for girls and guys cooking.
info@heavenlyangelsinnneed.com
President Childrens Division of Heavenly Angels in Need |
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Cindy Lee
True Blue Farmgirl
510 Posts
Cindy
Sparks
Nevada
USA
510 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 5:11:48 PM
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Sarah, I am SOOOO proud of you! If you get all this stuff done now, you will be able to kick back in December!!
If life gives you scraps, make quilts! |
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Aunt Robo
Farmgirl in Training
23 Posts
Robin
Louisville
KY
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 5:17:13 PM
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Hi everyone! I too am doing the same thing. I am also trying to get ready for a large craft show in our area in November. I have been toting Christmas stuff to work, needlework, etc and folks are always asking.....isn't it a little early? I absolutely love the handcrafted gifts myself and I think most do. It also helps to take my mind off of the 94 degrees outside! Life is good! Robin
Life is short.....eat cookiedough! |
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Holiday Angel
True Blue Farmgirl
444 Posts
Pauline
Sweet Home
Oregon
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 5:19:34 PM
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Don't yu hate it when the thread sticks to your fingers? I get so excited to get to the end of the project I start getting sticky hands, drives me crazy. better early than late though, I have over 20 grandkids and can't wait too long for Christmas..July is getting late..lol
www.http://heavenlyangelsinneed.com
President Childrens Division of Heavenly Angels in Need |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 5:54:43 PM
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We usually draw names for gift giving. I am think that for my special someone, I will buy the organic towels from MaryJanes Farm
http://products.maryjanesfarm.org/pfoshop/product.asp?dept_id=227&ProductID=51041001
I have heard that they are amazing! I am also going to be tatting onto some pillowcases for a pillowcase swap and I might do some extras for Christmas time.
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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sewgirlie
True Blue Farmgirl
1894 Posts
Sheryl-lyn
Calverton
NY
USA
1894 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 6:35:22 PM
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I have started already too. Have a few aprons ready and will be making my dad a quilt this year. I am doing a big version of Mariners Compass since he is a fisherman (in addition to golfer and carpenter). He will be happy with that. Last year I made him pillowcases with golfing stuff on them and another set with anchors and boats that were manly, not childlike. I had fun doing that.
I will make placemats and napkins and tea towel sets as well. Hopefully I will not be doing a mad dash in December! |
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Aunt Robo
Farmgirl in Training
23 Posts
Robin
Louisville
KY
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 6:49:41 PM
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Alee - I have never done any tatting. Is it too difficult? Is it along the lines of knitting or crocheting?
Life is short.....eat cookiedough! |
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Kathie
True Blue Farmgirl
2436 Posts
Kathie
Thonotosassa
Florida
USA
2436 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 7:04:05 PM
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OH SHERYL!! I have the most awesome book of quilts!! in it is a picture of these adorable little Sailor guys! Was you Dad A Sailor> Navy Man.. Sorry .. i know I go out there. But you know what I mean.. This quilt is really SO cool.. It's old.. but really such a great idea.. if he was a Sailor/ Navy man..
Let me know..
In a World Where you Can Be Anything, Be Yourself.. |
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queenofdreamsz4u
True Blue Farmgirl
3845 Posts
Stephanie Suzanne
Smoky Mountains Tennessee
USA
3845 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 7:26:18 PM
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Oh Pauline,
20 grandchildren!!! We have my husband's 4 children and 6 grandchildren and that makes our heads swim....LOL
I just can't imagine thinking of presents for that many people much less 20 grandchildren..LOL...How many children do you have? I think you said you come from a family of 11 children??
Wow, I guess you are sewing like crazy for them in addition to the charity.
...til next time ~ queenofdreamsz
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.blogspot.com
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
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PlumCreekMama
True Blue Farmgirl
730 Posts
Heather
Iowa
USA
730 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 7:37:21 PM
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| You definitely got me thinking that I should start now too. I always go overboard on Christmas. I usually make a few things for people but always run out of time to do everything I want to. You have inspired me! |
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Holiday Angel
True Blue Farmgirl
444 Posts
Pauline
Sweet Home
Oregon
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 8:19:28 PM
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I am in constant knit mode and I keep the computer humming for sure. With my step kids I have 7 kids. I love big families and miss not having the larger houses to decorate like we did when I was a kid. Thats hard to do being a widow. I love helping other families realise what it feels to have Christmas in their hearts and clothes on their backs so away I go..knit,,knit,,,knit
www.http://heavenlyangelsinneed.com
President Childrens Division of Heavenly Angels in Need |
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Naomi Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
1563 Posts
Naomi
Sunshine State
USA
1563 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2007 : 11:26:54 PM
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Oh goodness, you guys make me look terible...I need to start on my gifts soon...plus like a half dozen other presents before and after Christmas(4 before, two after)....aaaah...ok....need to manage my time better...1:30 A.M...just ain't cuttin' the mustard...to bed I go...tomorrow I have much to plan and figure out....
cheers,
~N~
~Naomi~
Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be-Abraham Lincoln
Check out my blog:http://thebellamodiste.blogspot.com/
and my Etsy store: www.shesewsbytheseashore.etsy.com |
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Mikki
True Blue Farmgirl
1510 Posts
Mikki
Austin
Indiana
USA
1510 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2007 : 03:28:31 AM
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Sarah, what a great idea! I have planned on doing this every year and still have not done it! What a great time to start. I will have to seriously start thinking about this after school starts, and baseball season slows down some. Thanks for the great idea, and way to go for being on the ball girl!!!
~~Blessings, Mikki Jo
www.mikkijo.etsy.com
http://burningmeadowsprings.blogspot.com/
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suzyhomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
Clare
Tyler Hill
PA
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2007 : 05:44:04 AM
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Yeah, Christmas in July!!!
Ladies, this is my first year when I am working months ahead. I always feel in a rush to get things done. If it isn't sewn by Halloween, it won't be done for Christmas. Last year I made three flannel rag quilts for gifts in Oct. They went over really well. I have fabric ready to make one mroe for this year.
A few days ago I started swing together my Christmas yo-yos into a tree garland. It is so cool and lots of fun as well as an easy project. I think we made enough in Jan and Feb to make two garlands, so I will ahve one for my friend.
I love the idea of aprons and need to make some for SIL. I was thinking of purses, but I am not sure if I can get them all done. Both sound like great ideas for gifts.
We usually package up my hubby's honey and my homemade jam for gifts for neighbors. we add some cookies to the bag and it's done. This winter I started making fabric gift bags with Christmas fabric I got on sale in Jan. I love them, but I need to make more of them.
Now I am feeling really motivated after reading all your excitement and ideas. I was just thinking I needed some new ideas to get me to the machine for the weekend. I will have to pull out that Christmas fabric again and get going on aprons.
Country girl in NE PA |
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sewgirlie
True Blue Farmgirl
1894 Posts
Sheryl-lyn
Calverton
NY
USA
1894 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2007 : 05:56:36 AM
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| Kathie: My dad was not a sailor or Navy man. He was not in the military, but worked for Republic Aviation during Vietnam. Then he was a cop forever. |
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cabinmoose
True Blue Farmgirl
218 Posts
Lorna
Forest Hill
MD
USA
218 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2007 : 06:46:01 AM
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Here is a gift idea that I made two years ago and they were a huge huge hit. I actually saw disappointment last year when I didn't do it again.
I bought inexpensive photo albums the ones that hold 4 x 6 photos. I got them with Christmas designs on the outside. I think there was enough room for 100 photos in them.
In the very first photo spot I wrote a note to the recipient. If my memories were abundant then I continued in the next slot. I didn't want them to have to remove anything to read it.
Then I started alternating photos and recipes. Sometimes I used a photo of myself or my daughter and I making that recipe. Or a photo of someone eating that recipe...... Or just a photo from the season when that recipe would be most common.....
I downloaded free recipe cards and bought some from various shoppes. Some were hand written some were typed. All the recipients loved these little treasures and they were so easy to make. Most of them were identical except for the opening and closing notes. AS they were personalized for the recipient.
The recipe books were given with a plate of my famous Snickerdoodles. I say famous becuase anytime we go anywhere at the holidays and I ask what I can bring everyone always says "Snickerdoodles".... Even a recent 4th of July party thrower requested Snickerdoodles! Hubby was not thrilled about the oven blazing on a 100 degree day but hey! Lifes too short not to have snickerdoodles.
Happy Holidays my lil Farmgirl Friends!
Lorna
Forest Hill, MD
“I laugh, I love, I hope, I try, I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry.
And I know you do the same things too, So we're really
not that different, me and you.” ~Colin Raye |
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Holiday Angel
True Blue Farmgirl
444 Posts
Pauline
Sweet Home
Oregon
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2007 : 09:21:46 AM
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I love this idea. Have you considered using a piece of an article of their favorite clothing, or material they liked for attaching to their picture frame? Whe we use wedding gowns to make burial gowns for the babies we take before and after pictures and insert them into an album covered with some of the material from the wedding gowns. That way they have a picture of the dress before and everything made from it afterwards. This idea can be applied to special, aprons, dresses, shirts, ect. they loved of yours or theirs over the Holidays as well.
I used to cover coffee cans and make cookies to put into them for Christmas and when the guys were playing cards in the kitchen while the women were chatting they loved their own can of cookies! Just going on about my Holiday!!!
www.http://heavenlyangelsinneed.com
President Childrens Division of Heavenly Angels in Need |
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horse
True Blue Farmgirl
371 Posts
laura
pontotoc
mississippi
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2007 : 1:43:56 PM
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I feel like such a heel. I always say that I'm going to get started early on my gift making. Yeah, right, been saying that for many moons. I always wait to the last minute. I need to learn how to manage my time better.
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com
www.homesteadblogger.com/twolmzfarms |
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Holiday Angel
True Blue Farmgirl
444 Posts
Pauline
Sweet Home
Oregon
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2007 : 3:12:17 PM
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Love your Name. Then again, I love horses! Nice to meet you!
www.http://heavenlyangelsinneed.com
President Childrens Division of Heavenly Angels in Need |
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suzyhomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
Clare
Tyler Hill
PA
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2007 : 4:32:49 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by suzyhomemaker
Yeah, Christmas in July!!!
Ladies, this is my first year when I am working months ahead. I always feel in a rush to get things done. If it isn't sewn by Halloween, it won't be done for Christmas. Last year I made three flannel rag quilts for gifts in Oct. They went over really well. I have fabric ready to make one more for this year.
A few days ago I started sewing together my Christmas yo-yos into a tree garland. It is so cool and lots of fun as well as an easy project. I think we made enough yo-yos in Jan and Feb to make two garlands, so I will have one for my friend.
I love the idea of aprons and need to make some for SILs. I was thinking of purses, but I am not sure if I can get them all done. Both sound like great ideas for gifts.
We usually package up my hubby's honey and my homemade jam for gifts for neighbors. we add some cookies to the bag and it's done. This winter I started making fabric gift bags with Christmas fabric I got on sale in Jan. I love them, but I need to make more of them.
Now I am feeling really motivated after reading all your excitement and ideas. I was just thinking I needed some new ideas to get me to the machine for the weekend. I will have to pull out that Christmas fabric again and get going on aprons.
Country girl in NE PA
Country girl in NE PA |
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suzyhomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
Clare
Tyler Hill
PA
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2007 : 4:36:27 PM
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Sidewalk sales days in town today, so I did some Christmas shopping!! Yippee!! Much as I like to make things, I am realistic on my time constraints. And, I found the coolest wallets for two SILs so I will definitely make a purse to coordinate with each- a little handmade touch.
Country girl in NE PA |
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Holiday Angel
True Blue Farmgirl
444 Posts
Pauline
Sweet Home
Oregon
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2007 : 4:54:29 PM
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I can't sew a stitch to be sure, but I can knit. There are a few purses out there that has knitting written all over them!
www.http://heavenlyangelsinneed.com
President Childrens Division of Heavenly Angels in Need |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Thinking Christmas in July |
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Thinking Christmas in July
