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:

Amy at Creative Mom Podcast

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!