That was my plan for this holiday season. Not to mention all the links and tutorials I wanted to share here on the blog. Then 2 days ago I had a bit of a meltdown thinking about all the projects I need and want to get done by the 25th. My best friend May said ok Den, stop going on Pinterest and looking for more projects. Stop spending so much time on Facebook, Twitter, email…etc and relax. Just focus of the most important projects (which are only 2) and don’t worry about the rest. YOU CAN’T DO IT ALL AND NO ONE EXPECTS YOU TOO!!! You may desperately want to but it just isn’t going to happen and the stress is so not worth it.
Sound advice. I put my phone away (which is my constant link to all the above) and look what I made. Not one of the main projects but a nice quickie for motivation. It took about an hour from start to finish. That included the tracing and cutting out of the shapes.
I can’t tell you how happy it made me to make this little bird. It was interesting to sew too.
The body is made up of 4 pieces of felt, 2 off white on the outside and 2 colored pieces on the inside. The wings are layered the same way and sewn on last when you are actually sewing through 8 layers of felt.
This ornament was part of a Felt Bird Ornament Kit made by Purl Soho. It’s not cheap but the felt is 100% wool and I can’t even begin to explain the oceans of difference between it and the polyester stuff from Micheals. Believe I’m still going to Micheals but this is worth for a little tactile treat.
Is there anyone else out there making gifts this holiday season? I’d love to hear from you!
I sure do agree with May’s advice. The stress is so not worth it! Enjoy the projects you do complete, but no one is ever going to be as hard on you as yourself! Love the bird you completed. Really sweet. I got my tree and decorations up and have been enjoying them immensely! My craft making is actually going to happen for Sarah’s birthday. Instead of buying favors I am making modge podge monogram necklace’s for her friends. I will have to share the outcome. I had seen them done at a fair, and I can’t wait to recreate them! Happy sewing and happy holiday fun!
Hi there Lisa,
Thanks so much my friend!! Thank God for May! I’m now really enjoying my projects instead of wanting to pull my hair out.
Post some pictures of your tree and decorations. I’d love to see! And I really can’t wait to see the necklaces. As always it’s such a great surprise to “see” you here!!
Hugs,
Den
I am making a few, some socks for a favorite aunt and a few tree ornaments from handspun, feeling a bit stressed already because I need to mail them. I think I will get them done and if I don’t they will still be cool after Christmas, right?
You know what Daria, if they get the gifts after the fact it just makes the holiday season last a bit longer. I hope you have a moment to post some pictures. I’d love to see them.
I love this little bird! Good choice to do a project that only took one hour. Was it also less than 3 steps?? I know I had to talk you OFF the ledge, but we never addressed why you were ON the ledge. It’s because you are such a thoughtful and caring person who loves bringing joy to others by sharing your talents with them. Who could ever fault you for that?! Love you, honey!
All I can say is I love you too!!! You’re the best!!! And thank you!!!!!!
The bird is so cute! What kind of a needle does a person use to sew through eight layers of wool? I am setting the bar low for gifts this year… Trying to finish a pair of Quick Change trousers for each of the children, and I have a sweater underway for one of my best friends — every year we choose a pattern and make it for each other. But I’m way behind on the crafting and mostly giving my knitting time to try to keep up with a big wave of friend-babies, so I think this Christmas is going to be about charitable donations in the names of loved ones! We’ve all agreed no one needs more stuff anyway, so if I don’t have something handmade to gift I’d rather give in a manner that really does some good.
That said, I’m already dreaming about getting it together to do handmade Advent calendars for next year!
Hey Sarah!!
I love your idea of charitable donations. I’m adding that to my list.
I’m so glad you don’t sound stressed out about your projects. I can’t wait to see the trousers and sweater.
And if you’re looking for inspiration for the advent calendars don’t forget my old reliable Pinterest. There are so many ideas you’re head will spin!!!
Hugs my friend,
Den
PS. I do owe you an email….
That May is a smart woman, Den! So glad she talked you off the ledge.
After making “Dragonscale Wristwarmers” for most of the adult women in my family last year, only my sister-in-law and mother decided they needed matching scarves for this year. Fortunately, I started them in late September and finished by November 10th (Mama’s birthday). As I finished, I told my husband, “Shoot! Bet they’ll be wanting hats to match, now!” LOL!!
Have been making wristwarmers, hats and socks for my niece, who is waging battle with cancer, and had to stop to make one for my husband for hunting in, and will make Mama and SIL lovely “fur” hats with Bernat “Boa” yarn in colors that will match their silk/bamboo blend wristwarmers and scarves. Will only take a couple of days, each, so no problem!
Of course, I’d like a few new knitted things for myself, especially my socks, as those are always needed. But, like you, I LOVE making for those who truly love and appreciate and USE what I make for them! Eve in Georgia