Ginny B

Well, here it is, the last weekend before Christmas. We got our tree decorated last night (it was sitting and waiting for us since Tuesday). Today dh is going to do some running around (after he helps put away the bins we had to take out of the garage to decorate, lol) and get some last minute gift cards and other small gifts while I work on the last of my sewing projects (I need to finish up 2 tote bags, make a couple of pot holders and check that I have enough mug rugs). We are having leftovers for dinner and tomorrow going to a friends for dinner so no need to stop what I'm doing and cook. We got our Christmas cards done and mailed. My sister, son's gf and I decided to make Christmas Eve less stressful this year by not making a real "dinner". Instead, we are going to focus on more appetizers/finger foods. Works so much better for me since dh and I need to visit the nursing home to see his aunt(godmother) and then we go to his family for an early celebration (around 5ish) and then over to my sisters to celebrate with my family. Luckily they are all in close proximity to each other but we actually live about an hour away so we'll head into Brooklyn either late Friday night or early Saturday morning. I am not feeling very stressed at all this year. We had most of our shopping done by last week and had a wonderfully relaxing weekend away last weekend too so that helped in the de-stressing department. I am thinking ahead to January and what projects I have to sew. I think the first thing I will do is an applique wall hanging kit that I got for myself and didn't get made for this year. I'll make it while it's still sort of holiday-ish and then I can pack it away with the rest of the decorations and I'll have it for next year. Then there are all the pages in my quilt mags that I've marked of things I want to make. I have already started collecting material for a dresden plate and I want to try a d9p and want to do a log cabin. I have a couple of flannel baby blankets to make for a little one arriving in the spring too.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. I'm off to my sewing room (after I put everything back in the garage, lol)

craftymatt2

I am not doing a tree either, i won't be home for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so why bother, my kids think i am nuts, but they are not coming over , so why bother.
Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year to everyone

hheelleenn

I really don't understand. I just know it's gotta be me. Why put stress on yourself with lists for next year? Of "having" to make something? I thought quilting was for me. A creative outlet for me. If I happen to create something that reminds me of a person then I give it to them. I can see making gifts, well because if you care for someone enough to give them a gift, then what better thing to give them is of your time? Time quilting and perhaps reflecting on that person and realizing what your relationship is to that person. I tend to look at quilting as a hobby. A hobby for me, about me and my love of creating. Why put pressure on yourself? We complain when others do that. But this is just my opinion.

katesnanna

Deedum, You have them written down so you should achieve them, A person who writes down their goals is more likely to achieve them. All the best and a very Merry Christmas.

May in Jersey

Top of next year's list is a small quilt about The Jersey Shore - it's a challenge for my small quilt group and we will be displaying our quilts at our Guild's Show in May. Next is some mini pillowcases that will be displayed on our Project Pillowcases table at the show. I'm a co-coordinator of our Guild's Project Pillowcases and I'll be demonstrating different pillowcase techniques at the show as well as hoping for more guild member participation in the project.

But first I need to finish items on this year's list. Way I get around crossing off all the things on this year's list is to move the unfinished projects to next year's list, LOl! May in Jersey

MadP

I have lots of things in my head to make in 2012.

kit'smamma

WOW, Christmas has never been more stressful than this one. My trip to the post office yesterday cost me $50! That was just the CA stuff. I have less to send to NY on Monday. Wrapping stuff is all over my sewing room including on the floor. I'll be leaving Tuesday morning to fly to NY (Rochester) to spend Christmas with DD and kids. Her ex practically begged me to stay with him as he's only five blocks from her and the grands will be there part time but I just long for a period of peace and quiet so I'm staying in motel. Both houses are small and crowded enough. As for quilting I completed almost nothing this year and hope to get back on the ball. Can't seem to get my act together but my sleep doc tells me that the recent addition of oxygen to cpap will go a long way to help with fatigue and memory. I sure hope so. I'd go nuts without my four legged resident therapists.

Sorry about the downer. I'll feel great when I get on that plane with my books on my IPod and no more hassles.

I haven't had a tree in years unless you count the 2' job from WalMart. It has lights and I adorn it with mini bulbs. Until recent drought I had a beautiful Frazier Fir in yard. It was given to me as a housewarming gift from very dear friends. Normally I string lights on it but it died this year. I'm having a Norway Spruce planted as landscaper says they are much more hardy.

Despite my whining I hope for you all a very wonderful holiday season whether it be Christmas, Channukah, Kwanza or Solstice. Just remember those you love and who love you. That includes the hairy four legged loved ones.

Jane

KS quilter

I know what I will be working on! Several storage boxes stacked up with fabric ready to
make several more quilts. During this holiday season I purchased some really neat colored
mugs (mostly brown, & black to match fabrics) and some special 'coffee', "tea" "fishing"
"dollar bills" etc. fabric to make 20 rug mugs (with mugs of course) for next year. I'm also
making some luggage tags, aprons etc. I already have enough set aside to keep me busy
for the next 3 or 4 years so at my age I don't need to plan much more ahead, ha!!

May in Jersey

I hear you Jane about mailing packages, it's so expensive that I think in the future I'll save the mailing $'s and put them into gift cards for all family who live out of state.

KS quilter, you must be around my age as I also don't plan too many projects ahead of time lest I run out of time, LOL! Love your idea of mugs with matching mats as future gifts. Mind if I copy it? May in Jersey

tlclifford47

I am going to finish cutting out, put together, then quilt the 3 quilts I started in 2011!!!