Handmade breakdown

The rosy glow of Christmas is nearly over at my house. Wrapping paper is picked up and I think I've found all of the bows that the cat got off with.

I took the handmade pledge this year and made a bunch of our gifts. I have to say, it sure beats fighting the crowds and is a lot more fun. I plan to do even more next year.

This year's handmade gifts included:
14 aprons
3 dolls
6 scarves
1 baby blanket
20 Morsbags
needle book
4 pairs of sleep pants

That's what...49 gifts...all handmade. Out of those 49, only one recipient was an ungrateful brat and one of my nephews was mad that I didn't make him an apron too.

Now, the bad news is that I didn't get pictures of most of this stuff. I'd think about it and then get distracted by something shiny and completely forget. I'll have to see if everyone will send me pictures of them using their handmade gifts.

My only regret is not starting a lot earlier. I need to start thinking about it in February or March at the latest and get a plan together and then get busy making gifts.

Not a total loss

Yesterday wasn't a total loss. I did manage to get a few things done, but not nearly enough.

This little doll is made of spools. It's amazing what kind of stuff I have to craft with when I start looking.

My granny made me one of these when I was little. I loved my little spool doll. I wonder what ever happened to her? I mainly did this just to see if I could remember how she went together. I might do some of these for the girlies that are too little for aprons.


















I finished this child-sized scarf in chocolate brown.


















I need to get a list made up for the nieces and nephews so I can see where I'm at in the gift making. I'm going to be an aunt again somewhere around December 11th. Gosh! That will be number 25.

Today I finally got my next apron cut out. It's a new pattern and I'm having to think about it too much. I think it's going to be really pretty if I can get over this mental block I'm having.

Warm and cozy crafting

I spent the better part of yesterday working on a denim and flannel rag lap quilt. The sewing is easy, but the clipping is hard on my hands. Today I don't think I could do it if I tried. I must be getting old. Once I get it all clipped and washed I'll show you what it looks like.

I finished my child sized scarf. I had it completely done except the binding off and discovered it was too wide. I've found that most scarves are too long and too wide to fit comfortably around a child's neck. I worry about them tripping and strangling an unsuspecting kiddo.



















This is 10 stitches cast on size 19 needles, knitted the entire length. This works up really quick (I can do one in a couple of hours if I get with it). I used double strands of Lion Brand Homespun in Candy Apple Red.

I've started another one in chocolate brown for another little person.

The girlies are getting aprons and boys are getting scarves this year.

Apron and dishcloths...hand in hand

I finished a funny little apron on Friday. It's made with remnants that cost maybe 50 cents. I had just enough of the brown polka dot fabric to piece a pocket together. Otherwise we'd have no pocket.



















Here are a couple of dishcloths I did a few weeks ago. I tend to knit mindless things when I'm stressed since I can put it down and pick it right back up. You can gauge the stress level around here by how many dishcloths show up next to the sink.


















I really should see about sewing a holder for all those knitting needles. Nah, I like the canning jar look.