Thursday, December 27, 2007

HOMEmade FOR THE HOLIDAYS


HOMEmade FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Originally uploaded by UpNAdam
What a year! A year ago December 15, I decided to quit my day job and stay home with my two little guys. It has taken a little getting used to, but it has been worth it. One thing I knew I needed to survive and flourish was something to learn, create, improve upon, etc……you get the idea. So, in preparation for my year I asked Santa for a sewing machine, and ipod and I learned to knit. WOW! My life is forever changed……..for the better. I have created things I never dreamed I could create. I have discovered things about myself that I never knew…..I really am creative and I can do things that not everyone else can do. It has served as an outlet and has proved to be the best therapy EVER!

Last spring I set a goal for myself. I was going to make a majority of the Christmas gifts I gave this year. At first, I was going to supplement the homemade with something purchased. But, as the year progressed, I really felt like that cheapened what I was doing. The things I made, by hand, were valuable…..what a concept.

Test Runs:
Alpaca Knit Scarf for my sister’s birthday
Prayer Shawl for my mother’s birthday
Travel Art Book for a friend’s son

And (drum roll please), here is my Christmas list:
Photo Montage for brother-in-law
Ruffle Scarf (Alpaca) for my sister
Photo Montage for my dad
Prayer Shawl for both of my grandmothers
Knitting Project bag, notions bag and needle case for my sister-in-law
Scarf for my sister’s boyfriend
Photo Calendar for Husband’s Grandmother, Mother and Aunt

Yes, that is right, a total of 13 homemade gifts from August through Christmas. Pretty good for someone who has never made a homemade gift….and actually gave it to the recipient.

The biggest surprise! This was the BEST Christmas ever. I have never been so excited to give these gifts. They all went to great people that I dearly love.

As usual, I am obsessed. I am already planning my homemade gifts for next year. Working up to 100%. We’ll see.

A Special Thanks to a few of Those Who Inspired Me:
Aunt Linda
Brenda Dane at Cast On
My eldest son who remarked about a halloween project, "Mama made Halloween."  Precious.

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!

A HUGE Announcement to be made December 31st.  GET EXCITED!

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! What a transformational year you've had. This is so amazing and inspiring. And you should feel SOOO good about all of it! (Amy)

Anonymous said...
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Amy said...

What a wonderful year to have! I love staying at home with my little one and I know that it really is a priveledge to do so, plus I have all the time to knit, sew, and just generally be my creative self. I find it wonderful that you decided to give your self hobbies!!!

Anonymous said...

I loved reading about your handmade gifts!
I could so relate, as I made some of mine( got a late start so I couldn't do them all), and I can honestly say it was one of the best Christmases I've ever had. There is so much joy in giving something you made and yes, like you said it has an incredible value!
God bless,
Elaine ( who hopes to soon have some sewing info on her blog)
www.ElaineBarnett.com
Writing To Encourage