No, you didn’t read wrong — the post title does say “Merry Christmas Baby” and I mean it. No … I’m not going crazy, I’m just trying to prepare. With everything going on with me and anticipation of some major events by the end of the year, my goal is to be as thrifty as I can be with regards to gift giving for Christmas this year. Thrifty but beautiful. What that means is that I’m going to have to do a “Handmade Christmas”.
I’m temporarily postponing my YOP in favour of Christmas production, but I’ll try to make as many items from that list in between my “Santa’s workshop”.
Since I love lists, of course I’ve made a preliminary list of what I’m going to make. Since no-one in my family’s crafty or even know this blog exists, I’m okay with posting my initial list and updates to the projects. On my list are:
Adults
- Aunty Simple But Not Boring Shawl
- Sue Bella Mittens
- Eve Bella Mittens
- Ann B Magrathea
- Ann E Sunkissed Neckwarmer
- Sabs Cable cowl
- Andrea Winter Flame Scarf
- Lauren Chunky Cowl: Here Comes Treble
- Al Geometric Hat
- Domo TBD
Children
- Om Windschief
- Marley TBD
- Iza TBD
- Jewel TBD
- Liv Bag: Fit To Be Tied
- Dari TBD
- Mal Boyce Bruin
- Nick TBD
- Nev TBD
- Munchkin TBD
- Maya Rainbow Scarf for Maia
- T TBD
Co-workers
- Nikki Gaptastic Cowl
- V Spa Package (3 Washcloths and soap made by me)
- Ruth Coasters
- Raya TBD
- Ann TBD
Right now, I’ve listed ideas of what kinds of gifts I want to make. Some of the adults might end up getting food related gifts like home-made granola, fruit spice cooking oils in pretty bottles, chocolate covered strawberries or chocolate bark, macaroons … stuff like that. I’ve also been messing around with rope knotting and have found some great inspiration for jewelry making with that craft.
I’m starting May 1st because I’m a slow knitter and frankly, there’s stuff I’m still learning about knitting. Crochet goes much faster for me so I might trade out some of the knit projects for some crochet ones. I’ll see how it goes.
The question most I got from some of the people I shared this rest of the year long project with is ” what if the recipients don’t appreciate your hard and time consuming work?” Honestly, I don’t know how to answer that, but I think for the most part, everyone will appreciate what they get. My family knows that I knit, but they don’t know how much or how far I want to go with this. I think they’ll be speechless that I actually made the items I intend to gift.
I’m already sourcing the net and local flea markets for creative packaging. I have more than enough yarn in my stash to do these projects. Even if I have to purchase yarn, I’m positive that it wouldn’t be that much so I’ll still stay under my $100 budget for everything.
What about you? Anyone started or plans to start their Christmas gift production anytime soon?
D'NALI 
Opal!!! Thank you so much for the honorable mention!!!!
What a great idea! Personally I think it is never too early to think about Christmas gifts – I generally start as soon as the winter sales begin in our shops in January 🙂 I like the thought of handmade gifts better though.
I’m glad I’m not the only one. I read a blog recently where the knitter started her handmade Christmas 2012 since February.
Good luck with your list and I agree, I love handmade gifts better. 🙂
You are early! But as others have agreed, that might not be such a bad idea. especially if being thrifty is the goal. wouldn’t work for me though because I’d just look at it as an excuse to buy more yarn.
Wishing you the best of luck, and keep us posted on how it is going!
LOLOLOLOL. Don’t think I didn’t find a reason to finagle some yarn despite my diet. I sure enough did — but to make some toys though and a cardigan for myself. I’ll definitely keep you all posted. I have big ideas but procrastination is my middle name that’s why I’m starting so early. I’ve already changed a gift pattern … I can’t even keep up with myself. 😀
Wow, you are early (at least in my book). I usually start planning in late september/early october, but I don’t have nearly as many receipients and I don’t do handmades for everyone…
LOLOLOL!!! I’m a huge procrastinator too in addition to slow — let me just throw that in the mix and this year, with all the yarn I have — acrylic and “the good stuff” — and with my end of year goals, I have to start early. If I don’t get cracking long before October I’ll run of of steam and not complete any!!! 😀
No, but that is actually a very good idea!
Hey Lisa Mary, thanks for dropping by. I’ll definitely be stopping by you to see if you get on the early production train. 😀
So no pressure, then?!
LOLOLOLOL!!! None whatsoever!!!! 😀
My comments aren’t kind!
First of all….why am I last on the list AND I don’t even have a gift!
Didn’t even tell me you closed the blog……oh that’s right…it’s been forever since we talked.
I guess you’ll have to wait until Christmas to see what it is … hmmmm … 🙂
Hi Nicky,
Hooray for early Christmas posts. I did one in February… or was that January? Anyway, I’ve been thinking about updating that post, since I’ll be starting to make my Christmas gifts in a few weeks. Let’s see… I’m going to do a combination of crochet items, handmade jewelry, and perhaps some sewing tossed in? Additionally I’ll be making soap.
I’ve always appreciated handmade gifts from others, since at I know how much thought (and time) can go into many of those items, because of that they’ve meant more to me than the store bought gifts I’ve received.
It makes a lot of sense to get your projects started early. That’s exactly, why I’m starting early too. I want all my gifts made well in advance.
Wishing you all the best, and hopefully you’ll complete all your hand crafted items long before Christmas arrives.
Opal,
So good of you to drop by and I agree — I want my Christmas gifts done well in advance. I’m going to pop over to your spot to see what kinds of gifts you’re making. 😀
Best to you too and I’m cheering you on to completion as we commit to “Handmade Christmas 2012”.