Bad Manners and Brimstone

The Brimstone Lounge - Off Topic Discussion => Hobbies => Topic started by: gmatoy on January 04, 2020, 02:30:12 pm

Title: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 04, 2020, 02:30:12 pm
Here is the Christmas thread for our new year: 2020. I hope that there will be lots of preparation and no last minute rush for all of us!

Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 04, 2020, 02:37:03 pm
I made my list the other night and since some things are made each year, it looks like a repeat of last year on some items.

I actually think I have figured out a way to make tortilla warmers without using bias tape. If I have to use bias tape, I have to make it, as the bias tape sold in stores isn't 100% cotton and it has to be all cotton to go into the microwave.

I ended up not getting all of the lounging pants that I cut out serged, so I'm ahead there.  (DGD got 9 pair and all of the other adults got 3 pair, which was plenty for 2019.)

Here is to a stress free year!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Amara on January 04, 2020, 05:04:21 pm
I made a quick stop at my favorite thrift store this morning and while I didn't find it, I am already looking for a high quality black leather handbag for my sister. She asked for and I gave her a faux leather one this year because I guess the one she was using was pretty worn out. But it was inexpensive. Probably within a year or so it will be looking ragged so if I can find a good one sometime over the next ten months I will be thrilled.

Added: I also returned three faux Christmas trees to Pier One. I had ordered them after Christmas but when they turned up they had a lot more bling than I like. So back they went and my credit card was credited with $116. Yay!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Chez Miriam on January 05, 2020, 05:37:38 am
I thought I'd seen another "getting ready for Christmas 2020" thread, but I suspect it's more likely I'm going crazy!!

I bought some wreaths in the sales last January, and I've been collecting stuff to go on them [berries, baubles, etc], so I have done a little prep.

My main aim is to knit hats so that if we have another "Christmas with the Herd of Cats" I have enough that everyone can choose one they like as my gift.  Apparently "we'd" all agreed to a) buy presents and b) have a very low price limit.

No-one told me* that, so I didn't have any gifts ready...  Luckily I had a stash of things that were too lovely AND cheap to resist, so I parcelled up some of that.  One cousin was angry that I'd spent too much [contra to the terms of an agreement I'd never heard of], but I thought "she's going to be mad at something anyway, so I'd rather it was that than thinking I'm such a cheapskate I only spent EUR 3 on each person's present"!  Seriously, I found aprons, oven gloves, table runners in lovely cottons for less than EUR 1 each - now I wished I'd bought the lot! ;D

So, if I have a bunch of hats, I know that I bought the yarn very cheaply [think Poundshop price], and I usually get at least two hats out of a ball, so I've spent virtually nothing other than all those hours of my time knitting.  That could be wrong, too, but I'm still aiming to finally knit those dratted hats!

* Husband was coordinating travels arrangements, so it's possible everyone assumed he'd pass on the message; never happened!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: otterwoman on January 05, 2020, 08:24:51 am
I never did find my Christmas curtains or tablerunner, so making new ones is high on my agenda. I figure the sooner I get those done, the faster the old ones will come out of hiding. I want more decorations for the house, I couldn't seem to get into the Christmas mood this year, I think more decor might help. My MIL's home was highly decorated, and it felt better to me. I want that in my house.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Chez Miriam on January 05, 2020, 09:41:24 am
I never did find my Christmas curtains or tablerunner, so making new ones is high on my agenda. I figure the sooner I get those done, the faster the old ones will come out of hiding. I want more decorations for the house, I couldn't seem to get into the Christmas mood this year, I think more decor might help. My MIL's home was highly decorated, and it felt better to me. I want that in my house.

My guess would be that if you made replacements, then found the originals, you could have Christmas curtains in two rooms and a tablerunner on a sideboard/blanket chest.  I now have several tablerunners, and won't consider that number "too many" until I don't have a flat surface in the house that could take one!

Of course, I'm now only adding to the number when I see them very cheaply in the charity shops.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Jayhawk on January 06, 2020, 11:33:31 am
Updated (i.e., reduced) my Christmas card list for next year. Decided to not send cards any more to folks who don't reciprocate unless I know they want to hear from us. Too expensive!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 06, 2020, 05:57:59 pm
I thought I'd seen another "getting ready for Christmas 2020" thread, but I suspect it's more likely I'm going crazy!!


I think I did too: however, it was in another category, not in hobbies. So I just went ahead and started one here for the crafty people who come on here.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 08, 2020, 12:28:25 am
I've got my ornaments for this year cut out. Candy canes in the biggest variety of stripes you've ever seen. Tomorrow I start to sew them. I'm trying to sew fewer ornaments this year.

I hope to start cutting out lounging pants this week also.

My knee surgery is in two weeks.  I don't know when I'll be able to use the foot pedal on the sewing machine, so I want to get some sewing done before that.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Chez Miriam on January 08, 2020, 06:48:49 am
I thought I'd seen another "getting ready for Christmas 2020" thread, but I suspect it's more likely I'm going crazy!!

I think I did too: however, it was in another category, not in hobbies. So I just went ahead and started one here for the crafty people who come on here.

Ah, thanks for that clarification, gmatoy - it's great to have a craft-specific place to keep up with everyone's efforts!

Fixed the quote tree; hope you don't mind...

Hope you manage to get all your sewing done before your surgery, and that you don't.overdo.it!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 08, 2020, 01:14:54 pm
Chez Miriam, thank you for fixing the quote tree;  I have no idea how to do that.

This morning, I spent an hour pinning ornaments. It will pay off when I start to do the actual sewing, but it is tedious! Luckily, most of the ornaments can be sewn with white thread, so not a lot of thread changing! 

In a few moments, after my cup of tea, I'm going to start pulling fabrics for 2020's lounging pants. I hope to get quite a few cut out. Time will tell.

Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Runningstar on January 08, 2020, 01:39:12 pm
I've decided on reusable shopping bags as my gifts for Christmas 2020.  First I'm going to make myself enough, not only because I need them, but also so that whatever tote bag pattern I use will be the "best" one.  This way I'll know which length of handle, if I need a pocket, etc.  And once mine are done, I'm going to make about 15 or so to go with whatever other gift that I pick out for each person nearer to Christmas. 

If anyone has suggestions about shopping bags, I'd be very interested!




Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: oogyda on January 08, 2020, 02:20:53 pm
I've decided on reusable shopping bags as my gifts for Christmas 2020.  First I'm going to make myself enough, not only because I need them, but also so that whatever tote bag pattern I use will be the "best" one.  This way I'll know which length of handle, if I need a pocket, etc.  And once mine are done, I'm going to make about 15 or so to go with whatever other gift that I pick out for each person nearer to Christmas. 

If anyone has suggestions about shopping bags, I'd be very interested!

Please be very conscious of the length of the handle!!  On many of the ones I have purchased, the handles are too long.  If I grab the handles and hold my arm straight down, the bag is dragging on the ground/sidewalk/floor.  It's worse if I'm trying to carry more than one at a time to save myself another trip.

Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 08, 2020, 09:42:28 pm
I do a lot of walking and taking the bus. Here is what I like in a bag: a pocket for a water bottle, an inner pocket to put some little, easily misplaced items, handles long enough to go over my shoulder, and a key ring which should be also on the inside. My everyday bag also has a whistle attached. People will stop and pay attention if you blow a whistle.


When I make them for other people, I make it with two sets of handles, one set for over the shoulder and one set for carrying it in my hand. I'm short and totally get what oogyda said about the length of the handles.

If you are making them to be the "fold up and store in your purse or pocket" type, then you don't need all the bells and whistles I mentioned.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 08, 2020, 09:44:32 pm
I've already finished the sewing and turning of 14 candy cane ornaments. I'll wait until close to the holidays to stuff them as they take up less room without stuffing. They are going together so nicely!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Rho on January 08, 2020, 10:08:16 pm
reusable shopping bags?  I always carry one folded in my purse.  If a bagger at the grocery store wants to put chicken packages in plastic bags and then inside my reusable bag I can say my bag is washable.  One of my pet peeves is why a bagger thinks I want a reusable bag lined with a disposable plastic bag.

Anyhow I'm trying to tell you to make the bags washable.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Chez Miriam on January 09, 2020, 04:11:43 am
I do a lot of walking and taking the bus. Here is what I like in a bag: a pocket for a water bottle, an inner pocket to put some little, easily misplaced items, handles long enough to go over my shoulder, and a key ring which should be also on the inside. My everyday bag also has a whistle attached. People will stop and pay attention if you blow a whistle.


When I make them for other people, I make it with two sets of handles, one set for over the shoulder and one set for carrying it in my hand. I'm short and totally get what oogyda said about the length of the handles.

If you are making them to be the "fold up and store in your purse or pocket" type, then you don't need all the bells and whistles I mentioned.

I was going to post this.  We have several bags with a pair of short handles, for arm's length carrying and a pair of long handles to sling over the shoulder.  We tend to carry them as a shoulder bag until too laden, then use the short handles once it is full.

I have a bag that I bought from a charity shop (some initiative to do with the Duke of Cornwall??), that is basically two panels of curtain fabric sewn together with French seams, with a short handle sewn into each side of the top hem.  It fold into quarters and lives with all the other reusable bags in the over-the-shoulder bag-of-bags*, and is incredibly useful because of how strong the curtain fabric is.  It's about four-six times [when folded] the size of those very fine fold-away nylon bags, but the handles have never shown any signs of wear [unlike the nylon ones!]. 

Having said that, the nylon ones are very useful to tuck a couple into a handbag for those impulse purchases.

Runningstar, I suspect you're going to have a lot of fun!  As we all know, it's not self-indulgence if it's research. ;) ;D ;D ;D

* Why yes, I may be some kind of bag lady. ;) ;D
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 10, 2020, 11:38:06 am
My grand count is 74 ornaments sewn and, of those, 31 turned right side out. I'm taking the others with me to my doctor's appointment for the waiting room time. Might as well make the wait work for me!

I'm off now to make scones so my very good friend and I can have a treat before she takes me to the appointment.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 10, 2020, 09:09:06 pm
Well, if you want to make friends in a doctor's office, make gifts for them! Several people told me how much they loved the mitten ornaments. So, of course, I showed them the candy canes for the upcoming Christmas and they really seemed to like them.  ;D
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 11, 2020, 03:47:42 pm
Yesterday I was thrift store shopping with my very good friend and I thought of this thread when we got to the bag aisle. I often buy used bags that have good straps made of that webbing stuff. Yesterday, I found a bag that had a lot of webbing, so for $1.50 I got over 4 yards of webbing for the next jeans bags I make. Bright yellow, which made me smile!
 
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 14, 2020, 05:43:08 pm
Today I went to a sharing time at a local fabric/craft store. I won two door prizes: 5 fat quarters each! So I walked away with over $30.00 in free fabric. I also bought a 1 yard piece with a coupon and a quarter yard piece off of the flat fold table. I saw that a ornament pattern book (Merry & Bright ornaments by ShabbyFabrics.com) that I've been looking at had gone to $6.99 (from $13.99) so I bought that too. Then I bought a 1 yard piece of jungle animals fabric at a thrift store for $1.99 and a 15 inch piece with hamburgers all over it at another thrift store for $1.40


After all that shopping, I got on a bus and sat with my candy cane ornaments, turning them right side out. Have most of them done. Have appointments tomorrow for the knee surgery that is in one week, so I'll take them with me and finish the last ones. Then I will put them away until October or November.

I'm going to try to get some sewing done before surgery, but I'm not stressing over it.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: STiG on January 14, 2020, 06:02:21 pm
I'm currently working on a sweater for my nephew's girlfriend where the yarn was a Christmas gift - I needed her to choose a pattern before I could make the sweater.  I'm hoping to have it completed by the beginning of February when I'll see her.

I'm also working on a patchwork sampler afghan for my stepdaughter for her birthday the middle of February.  It was originally started for her grandfather (my FIL) but he passed away coming up a year ago.  We'd picked up a blanket box second hand that DH is going to refinish and we'll give it to her with the afghan in it.

I'm glad to have the time to get back into some crafting.  I have lots of projects I want to get done, including finishing my Jean Greenhouse's knitted nativity scene.  I have the wisemen and the donkey left to do.  Then I want to do another entire set to put in the silent auction for my church's fundraiser shortly before Christmas.  If I really get ambitious, I might be making more of them as Christmas gifts after I feel out if people want them.

I want to get a bunch of crochet cotton angels done - no crocheting, they're just wound around a board then tied and snipped.  Those will be gifts and for the church's craft sale.

I may try to make some sweaters, too.  I know one of my nephews wanted one a while back so if he is still keen, there's another gift I don't have to spend money on.

I also want to try to make some lap blankets for the Senior Wish program - a group that makes sure seniors without family have a gift(s) at Christmas.

None of these projects will cost me money, since I have the supplies in my stash already.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Kimpossible on January 28, 2020, 09:14:56 am
I'm itching to do some crafting.  I don't want to buy any crafting materials right now, but I have little odds and ends of yarn in my supply box.  I was thinking it would be fun to practice some crochet stitches, and I have enough to make some baby booties, little hats, etc. I mentioned in the other thread that I've been putting little things away for the Christmas 2020 toy donation. If could find a few inexpensive baby dolls, I could make them some home made accessories. I'm wondering if that kind of thing would be appropriate for the toy drive in December. 
I've thought about making donations for actual babies, but my supply is all regular worsted yarn. I'm afraid that it wouldn't be very comfortable for a real baby. 
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: oogyda on January 28, 2020, 12:01:46 pm
I'm itching to do some crafting.  I don't want to buy any crafting materials right now, but I have little odds and ends of yarn in my supply box.  I was thinking it would be fun to practice some crochet stitches, and I have enough to make some baby booties, little hats, etc. I mentioned in the other thread that I've been putting little things away for the Christmas 2020 toy donation. If could find a few inexpensive baby dolls, I could make them some home made accessories. I'm wondering if that kind of thing would be appropriate for the toy drive in December. 
I've thought about making donations for actual babies, but my supply is all regular worsted yarn. I'm afraid that it wouldn't be very comfortable for a real baby.

We have a local knitting/crocheting group here that does donations for several groups.  Preemies (hats), hats, mittens/gloves and scarfs that are distributed through the local food pantry, veterans homes and nursing homes.  It is a requirement that ALL items be made with 100% acrylic yarn.  If what you have is acrylic worsted, it should be fine.  If you're still not sure about the texture, check locally for a group that can use your donated items. 

Before anyone asks......they require 100% acrylic because so many of the recipients are immuno-compromised and this is the least likely to trigger reactions. 
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: TootsNYC on January 28, 2020, 04:02:59 pm
re: reusable shopping bags.

I think I would like ones that have a flat bottom, that are more like the shape and size of the classic brown grocery sack, just cloth and with handles.

I might like them to have very thing quilting or an extra layer of fabric or some extra stitching or something in the bottom so the bottom is firmer, but even without that, I'd prefer to have ones that would let me put things in a stack without becoming misshapen.

My friend had a set of the really thin nylon ones that folded inside one another so you could have one bundle that had 4 bags; made it easy to bring it along.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: TootsNYC on January 28, 2020, 04:04:25 pm
Yesterday I was thrift store shopping with my very good friend and I thought of this thread when we got to the bag aisle. I often buy used bags that have good straps made of that webbing stuff. Yesterday, I found a bag that had a lot of webbing, so for $1.50 I got over 4 yards of webbing for the next jeans bags I make. Bright yellow, which made me smile!

I'm such a fan of this kind of repurposing.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: STiG on January 29, 2020, 05:57:24 pm
I'm itching to do some crafting.  I don't want to buy any crafting materials right now, but I have little odds and ends of yarn in my supply box.  I was thinking it would be fun to practice some crochet stitches, and I have enough to make some baby booties, little hats, etc. I mentioned in the other thread that I've been putting little things away for the Christmas 2020 toy donation. If could find a few inexpensive baby dolls, I could make them some home made accessories. I'm wondering if that kind of thing would be appropriate for the toy drive in December. 
I've thought about making donations for actual babies, but my supply is all regular worsted yarn. I'm afraid that it wouldn't be very comfortable for a real baby.

If your bits of yarn are large enough to make 6" X 6" or so sized squares, you can make a bunch of different colour squares, either crochet or knit, and then join them together for lap blankets for seniors or comfort blankets for any other group.  We have a group here in our area that does gifts for seniors at Christmas.

I used to always make mitts for kids but someone told me that it's better to donate more waterproof, warmer mitts.  Hats and scarves would be good, though.  Not sure about knitted clothes for dolls - kids are so conscious about having the 'in' thing now that they might not be appreciated all that much.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Runningstar on January 29, 2020, 06:29:58 pm
I'm itching to do some crafting.  I don't want to buy any crafting materials right now, but I have little odds and ends of yarn in my supply box.  I was thinking it would be fun to practice some crochet stitches, and I have enough to make some baby booties, little hats, etc. I mentioned in the other thread that I've been putting little things away for the Christmas 2020 toy donation. If could find a few inexpensive baby dolls, I could make them some home made accessories. I'm wondering if that kind of thing would be appropriate for the toy drive in December. 
I've thought about making donations for actual babies, but my supply is all regular worsted yarn. I'm afraid that it wouldn't be very comfortable for a real baby.

If your bits of yarn are large enough to make 6" X 6" or so sized squares, you can make a bunch of different colour squares, either crochet or knit, and then join them together for lap blankets for seniors or comfort blankets for any other group.  We have a group here in our area that does gifts for seniors at Christmas.

I used to always make mitts for kids but someone told me that it's better to donate more waterproof, warmer mitts.  Hats and scarves would be good, though.  Not sure about knitted clothes for dolls - kids are so conscious about having the 'in' thing now that they might not be appreciated all that much.

What about those knitted/crochet forest creatures I see on Pinterest!  They look so adorable, wish I could knit or crochet something like that!  And little ones (and big kids like me) would love them.  For dolls, a cape with a hood would be nice, and the characters in frozen wear things like that.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on January 29, 2020, 08:44:35 pm
Yesterday I was thrift store shopping with my very good friend and I thought of this thread when we got to the bag aisle. I often buy used bags that have good straps made of that webbing stuff. Yesterday, I found a bag that had a lot of webbing, so for $1.50 I got over 4 yards of webbing for the next jeans bags I make. Bright yellow, which made me smile!

I'm such a fan of this kind of repurposing.

TootsNYC, Me, too! Thank you!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on February 25, 2020, 07:58:26 pm
Well, I have 140 candy cane ornaments cut out, sewn, turned right side out and 10 that are now stuffed. I plan to work on stuffing them all before whip stitching them closed. I still can not move my machines or use my surgery knee/leg for pushing down the pedal, so no sewing with machines yet. But I am going crazy not being able to sew. This is a tactic to slow the crazy down. ;)
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on February 27, 2020, 02:46:03 am
In addition to the 10 I already reported on, I have another 70 stuffed. I'm on a roll!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: TootsNYC on February 27, 2020, 10:20:25 am
I went to dinner with a cousin and his wife, and the wife told me she had just finally used up the last of the toasted sugar that I'd given to her and another woman in the family (the two whom I thought might use it).

https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2016/05/dry-toasted-sugar-granulated-caramel-recipe.html

https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/11/how-to-quickly-toast-sugar.html

I had totally forgotten about giving that! And her comment made me get sort of excited about doing it again. But I might not want to wait for next year, so I'm saving my Starbucks frappuccino bottles and lids, and I'm going to make some this weekend and transfer it to small bottles to give people, just because.

It was such a fancy-seeming thing, but it was incredibly easy and ultra cheap--$2 for four pounds of sugar. The jars were the most expensive part of the original gift, and they were $6 at Target.

Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: TootsNYC on February 27, 2020, 10:21:42 am
reusable shopping bags?  I always carry one folded in my purse.  If a bagger at the grocery store wants to put chicken packages in plastic bags and then inside my reusable bag I can say my bag is washable.  One of my pet peeves is why a bagger thinks I want a reusable bag lined with a disposable plastic bag.

Anyhow I'm trying to tell you to make the bags washable.

I agree with washable, but I'm chiming in really late to say that the reason the cashier is suggesting putting the chicken in a separate plastic bag is because chicken juice may contaminate other things in the bag, or other things the bag touches.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: TootsNYC on February 27, 2020, 10:24:02 am
Quote
After all that shopping, I got on a bus and sat with my candy cane ornaments, turning them right side out. Have most of them done.

I love being able to work on stuff like this on the bus or train. (I can't do it on a plane anymore because the space is so tight and the risk of dropping something and never being able to get it again is too high.)

You've made some serious progress!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: TootsNYC on February 27, 2020, 01:06:57 pm
I'm itching to do some crafting.  I don't want to buy any crafting materials right now, but I have little odds and ends of yarn in my supply box.  I was thinking it would be fun to practice some crochet stitches, and I have enough to make some baby booties, little hats, etc. I mentioned in the other thread that I've been putting little things away for the Christmas 2020 toy donation. If could find a few inexpensive baby dolls, I could make them some home made accessories. I'm wondering if that kind of thing would be appropriate for the toy drive in December. 
I've thought about making donations for actual babies, but my supply is all regular worsted yarn. I'm afraid that it wouldn't be very comfortable for a real baby.

If your bits of yarn are large enough to make 6" X 6" or so sized squares, you can make a bunch of different colour squares, either crochet or knit, and then join them together for lap blankets for seniors or comfort blankets for any other group.  We have a group here in our area that does gifts for seniors at Christmas.

I used to always make mitts for kids but someone told me that it's better to donate more waterproof, warmer mitts.  Hats and scarves would be good, though.  Not sure about knitted clothes for dolls - kids are so conscious about having the 'in' thing now that they might not be appreciated all that much.

I once met someone whose mother would use wool or cotton yarn to knit her handkerchiefs or hand towels. She biked to get around and carried one with her to wipe her face if she got sweaty; they looked like a great washcloth/towel solution, actually. Not terry cloth the way we're used to, but effective nonetheless.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on February 27, 2020, 09:41:22 pm
Today I went to the huge Sewing Expo in Puyallup, Washington. I had a blast. My DH took great joy in telling people that it was the first time in 49 years that he got to "push me around!"  (I was in a wheelchair.)

I took a several hours long nap when we got home. And I still got another 20 candy cane ornaments done. 40 more to do! And then I will start to whip stitch them closed.

It was a very good day!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Amara on March 01, 2020, 08:44:23 pm
Today I firmed up a decision I have been wrestling with since last Christmas (2019). As I think i wrote in here, I made up gift boxes for my three siblings with 12-inch Christmas trees, fairy lights, small/medium ball ornaments in their favorite colors, a stocking filled with small practical gifts that suited their personalities, and their one real gift. It took more money, more time, and more hassle that I had imagined when I began them around September, but I was excited to think about their reactions.

To my great disappointment, two of them were dead silent. I know they got the packages but I heard nothing other than from my one sister who said they really liked them. That one sister, however, was very excited. I received several emails about her anticipation and then her reaction. She sent pictures of how she set up the tree and decorations and the gift box.

While I firmly believe that giving gifts should be given without expectations, I admit I thought at least I'd hear something back. And when I didn't it began to bother me. I have gone from "at least they could have sent a two-word email that said 'got it' " to "what a waste." I have thought about it and my reactions a lot because I don't want to make a decision as to whether to continue the gift giving with them this year and beyond on pure emotion.

Today, I seemed to have come to a decision. With my silent sister and brother I will send a card. Nothing else. With the one sister who did share my joy I will continue the gift exchanges. She was very disappointed when in 2019 I asked her not to send me anything. Despite difficult finances, she seems to find the same joy in exchanging gifts that I do, and I was very happy she loved the entire package. I feel good about my decision. It is not cutting off anyone but sharing the joy with those who also find joy in it. That will be my one sister and my friends.

Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on March 16, 2020, 08:17:41 pm
I now have 52 candy cane ornaments totally done. Between last night and this afternoon, I whip stitched the openings closed. I am now 1/3 done with the ornaments for this year! Color me happy!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Chez Miriam on March 17, 2020, 09:31:15 am
Amara, I think you've made the 'right' decision - the one, excited, sister clearly loved your efforts, whilst your other siblings didn't like them enough to even say "I received your gift".  I remember a thread on the old site [I think], and there was a clear distinction between the people who could see all the love and effort that is poured into a handmade gift, and those who were writing "why would I want this cr@p?; please only give me bought stuff".  Fair enough, everyone sees things differently, but my husband is now a member of the "I'm only gifting my efforts to those who appreciate it" club after total silence from his brother about home-made liqueurs, jams and preserved (in alcohol) fruit.  I didn't want to say "I told you so", but I did warn him that they may not appreciate his hard work and thoughtfulness, and it pained me to see I was right, and his [husband's] excitement at a thoughtful gift just sunk away.

Now, we happily give to people who rave about our liqueurs/jams/chutneys, and send a box of biscuits [cookies] to those who never mentioned them.

I hope you are happy with your decision; I'm very happy about mine/ours, and haven't once looked back with regret.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Amara on March 17, 2020, 02:18:48 pm
Mariam, what wonderful gifts your husband makes! (He can gift me anytime. ;))

Yes, I am still happy with the decision. I just love the holidays and all the excitement around it, and I enjoy celebrating it with all the excitement of childhood, though I am in my sixties. So to see someone love what you personally make or put together just for them is so joyful. Though it hurt, it is probably for the best that your husband learned how some of his recipients felt about his efforts, and so in future he'll know who loves his efforts. I think that will bring a lot of joy. I know it will for me too.

That said, I have to confess the cats have bought their first Christmas present for me. They evidently checked my bookmarks in the "Buy" folder on the laptop and realized I had this glorious Swarowski glass Eiffel Tower in there and bought it, then wrapped it. I don't know where they have hidden it but I think I will find it under the tree on Christmas morning!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Chez Miriam on March 17, 2020, 02:51:16 pm
Mariam, what wonderful gifts your husband makes! (He can gift me anytime. ;))

Yes, I am still happy with the decision. I just love the holidays and all the excitement around it, and I enjoy celebrating it with all the excitement of childhood, though I am in my sixties. So to see someone love what you personally make or put together just for them is so joyful. Though it hurt, it is probably for the best that your husband learned how some of his recipients felt about his efforts, and so in future he'll know who loves his efforts. I think that will bring a lot of joy. I know it will for me too.

That said, I have to confess the cats have bought their first Christmas present for me. They evidently checked my bookmarks in the "Buy" folder on the laptop and realized I had this glorious Swarowski glass Eiffel Tower in there and bought it, then wrapped it. I don't know where they have hidden it but I think I will find it under the tree on Christmas morning!

Sadly, I think we're on different continents?!

What incredibly clever cats you have; you must be so proud of them, and so grateful they are not the standard me-me-me version that we're more used to! ;) ;D
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Amara on March 17, 2020, 03:07:43 pm
What incredibly clever cats you have; you must be so proud of them, and so grateful they are not the standard me-me-me version that we're more used to! ;) ;D

Heh. They are rather self-centered all the time. But at least they give me some thought during the holidays (without, of course, losing their self-centeredness).

 ;D
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on March 18, 2020, 01:04:21 am
My done count is (drum roll, please) 84 totally finished candy cane ornaments! And, I took a lot of today to make apple pies, so no sewing!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on March 26, 2020, 07:18:02 pm
All of my ornaments (candy canes) are done. Totally done! I have been cutting out the PJ pants that are a part of our tradition, and finally got the new serger, so now I will be able to sew them. Staying at home may have some benefits in addition to the health ones. Maybe this year I will be done with my sewing and crafting way before Christmas and can work on baking, which is what my DH would prefer.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on March 30, 2020, 01:56:30 am
Continuing the great (in my mind) cut out of 2020, I got one more pair of lounging pants cut out last night and 3 more today. I've got them all cut out for DGD and DDIL, have one more to do for DD and 3 to do for DSIL. Hope to be done by Wednesday when I will start serging them up, if I can figure out the new serger.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on June 10, 2020, 09:02:40 pm
More than 2 months later, I finally put up the serger and serged the first two pair of pants. I'm so happy! 2 ready for the sewing machine parts: hems and waistbands.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: gmatoy on June 12, 2020, 11:24:36 pm
I did up 4 more pair of pants today. I'm happy.  Yesterday I made 2 pillowcases and have already gifted them to my physical therapist for his son and daughter.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: peony on June 13, 2020, 08:00:16 am
You are very industrious! I wish I wasn't so lazy myself. I'm happy if I remember to buy replacement lightbulbs for my decorations each year.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Amara on June 13, 2020, 10:32:38 am
A couple of days ago, Apartment Therapy sent out a survey asking about Christmas 2020 and our plans for it. I filled it out, and I expressed my desire to do my usual wonderful and passionate celebrations (decorations, dinners, get-togethers, gifts, etc.). I adore the last three months of the year. I love putting up Autumn and Thanksgiving and Christmas decor (not all at once, of course). i love browsing all kinds of websites looking at their decorations. I love participating in my town's decorating and fun events. It gives me over-the-top feelings that I love, even though I rein it in around others who are not that interested, and it really sets the tone for the entire year for me.

Obviously, AT editors are seeking opinions about how people feel and will adjust their articles to that end. I really hope they go forward with it even if we are still on lockdown or some form of it. I wouldn't like the celebrations and all they include to be cut back though I certainly would understand if it were necessary for public health and safety. It's hard enough to modify lifestyles for months on end; I sincerely hope that virtual participation is not affected.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Chez Miriam on June 16, 2020, 04:59:38 am
You are very industrious! I wish I wasn't so lazy myself. I'm happy if I remember to buy replacement lightbulbs for my decorations each year.

*Ahem*, some of us may have bought the replament bulbs, and are too lazy to have got around to fitting them. :-[ :-[  [My excuse is that things get put away, and we've moved onto Summer Chores.]

Amara, your decorating sounds lovely, and I would imagine if the world is still in even a very mild form of lockdown, the decorations will bring more joy than usual.  You do realise that now we know you go to efforts, some of us will be hinting about photos, don't you? ;) ;D
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Amara on June 16, 2020, 10:08:28 am
I do, Mariam, and if all is well or at least pretty well, you can count on photos if you want them. (I also post to the usual Show Us Your Christmas Tree discussion over at Houzz that will be in its third year this year. People post photos of all their decorations and it can run extremely long.)

Whatever happens with the virus and the precautions I do plan to decorate and enjoy. I even bought a couple of items after the holidays to add to this year's decor.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Chez Miriam on June 16, 2020, 11:41:08 am
I do, Mariam, and if all is well or at least pretty well, you can count on photos if you want them. (I also post to the usual Show Us Your Christmas Tree discussion over at Houzz that will be in its third year this year. People post photos of all their decorations and it can run extremely long.)

Whatever happens with the virus and the precautions I do plan to decorate and enjoy. I even bought a couple of items after the holidays to add to this year's decor.

After-holiday-sales are my main source of new decorations these days [or ones I pick up at the equivalent of yard sales].

I look forward to a lovely summer, and then seeing pics of your autumnal decorations, Thanksgiving [intrigued by those; we don't have it, and I've never thought to look], and of course "the most wonderful time of the year". ;D
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Amara on June 25, 2020, 11:13:32 pm
I love Thanksgiving and I give it my full attention. (You could always bring it to the UK, you know, but not with pilgrims unless you want.)

: )

Here is my schedule: Around the end of September or beginning of October I lay out my Autumn decorations. For some reason, I gravitate toward pumpkins, both real and faux (metal, glass, burlap, etc.). I have them in colors I love but not usually orange. I also buy from Trader Joe's those pumpkins on a stick, which are not pumpkins but decorative eggplants, and dried seeds and grasses and wheat, and putka pods.

I loathe Halloween but I do have a mini set up of two small houses alongside a graveyard, a scene on a kind of pedestal that I painted and decorated along with black cheesecloth, and a brass candlestick I spray painted black, plus several wine bottles (labels soaked off) that I spray painted either matte or shiny black that I stuck half-burned black candles in (and dripped a little red candle wax on the candles and bottles to make them appear blood-spotted).

Come November 1, I remove the Halloween stuff, and add to the pumpkins and dried decor. This year, because my mother died on Memorial Day weekend, I got from her house a small, perhaps 6 inches high, lightweight cardboard stove (from around 1910) with a door that opens to show a turkey in the oven. It's a silly thing, probably from a Hallmark store, but I have liked it for years. This year it will grace my home.

Finally, the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, and having taken down and put away all autumn and Thanksgiving decorations, I will get out all the Christmas stuff and for two days put it up.

It sounds like I have a lot and overdo the house, but I really don't. I am very fussy about having only quality items and just enough so it is, as Goldilocks put it, "not too [much], not too [little], but just right."While I love looking at decorations and blogs and websites and even occasionally on Pinterest and in stores and at thrift stores and so on, I really buy very little because I don't just have to love it, I have to be willing to store it for 10.5 months of the year. The last point keeps me focused and I pass up far, far more than I consider buying.

Pumpkins on a stick: https://www.gardenhoard.com/ornamental-eggplant-pumpkin-on-a-stick-seeds.html
Dried Decor: https://www.drieddecor.com/
Putka pods: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=putka%20pods

Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Chez Miriam on July 07, 2020, 09:16:44 am
I had never heard of putka pods - I learn something new every day.  They do look like teeny-tiny pumpkins!

I love Thanksgiving and I give it my full attention. (You could always bring it to the UK, you know, but not with pilgrims unless you want.)

: )


Quote
<snip>
It sounds like I have a lot and overdo the house, but I really don't. I am very fussy about having only quality items and just enough so it is, as Goldilocks put it, "not too [much], not too [little], but just right."While I love looking at decorations and blogs and websites and even occasionally on Pinterest and in stores and at thrift stores and so on, I really buy very little because I don't just have to love it, I have to be willing to store it for 10.5 months of the year. The last point keeps me focused and I pass up far, far more than I consider buying.


This is what keeps my Christmas decorations in check!  I nearly got rid of all the cheap/unloved baubles when I packed away this year, but I'd seen "Christmas wreath made of baubles" on Pinterest, and I now have a "project" box.  I also inherited a load of white wire coathangers, so I may well be spending my free moments next Christmas making wreaths.  Once I have one on every door, I suspect it may be time to stop adding to that collection!

For Hallowe'en, I just have whatever pumpkin has been carved [and, more importantly, turned into food], but I did add a black (feels heavy enough for) concrete ghost tealight holder last year.  That, however, stays on the bookshelf because a) I would never be able to find it again, and b) it pleased me to make a little bunch of dead flower stalks (from black bag ties), and that makes me smile.  Oh, and I also have the colour-changing spider [that lives on the bookcase], and my 'everyday' glow-in-the-dark spiders that live by my bed [nightlights are now so bright with LED bulbs, and I like having the completeness taken away from the dark when I sleep].  Not a lot of effort.

I'm looking forward to the pics of your this year's decorations.
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Jayhawk on July 08, 2020, 02:45:55 pm
I love Thanksgiving and I give it my full attention. (You could always bring it to the UK, you know, but not with pilgrims unless you want.)

: )

Here is my schedule: Around the end of September or beginning of October I lay out my Autumn decorations. For some reason, I gravitate toward pumpkins, both real and faux (metal, glass, burlap, etc.). I have them in colors I love but not usually orange. I also buy from Trader Joe's those pumpkins on a stick, which are not pumpkins but decorative eggplants, and dried seeds and grasses and wheat, and putka pods.

I loathe Halloween but I do have a mini set up of two small houses alongside a graveyard, a scene on a kind of pedestal that I painted and decorated along with black cheesecloth, and a brass candlestick I spray painted black, plus several wine bottles (labels soaked off) that I spray painted either matte or shiny black that I stuck half-burned black candles in (and dripped a little red candle wax on the candles and bottles to make them appear blood-spotted).

Come November 1, I remove the Halloween stuff, and add to the pumpkins and dried decor. This year, because my mother died on Memorial Day weekend, I got from her house a small, perhaps 6 inches high, lightweight cardboard stove (from around 1910) with a door that opens to show a turkey in the oven. It's a silly thing, probably from a Hallmark store, but I have liked it for years. This year it will grace my home.

Finally, the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, and having taken down and put away all autumn and Thanksgiving decorations, I will get out all the Christmas stuff and for two days put it up.

It sounds like I have a lot and overdo the house, but I really don't. I am very fussy about having only quality items and just enough so it is, as Goldilocks put it, "not too [much], not too [little], but just right."While I love looking at decorations and blogs and websites and even occasionally on Pinterest and in stores and at thrift stores and so on, I really buy very little because I don't just have to love it, I have to be willing to store it for 10.5 months of the year. The last point keeps me focused and I pass up far, far more than I consider buying.

Pumpkins on a stick: https://www.gardenhoard.com/ornamental-eggplant-pumpkin-on-a-stick-seeds.html
Dried Decor: https://www.drieddecor.com/
Putka pods: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=putka%20pods

Amara  - I think you and I follow the same decorating calendar!
Title: Re: Getting ready for Christmas 2020
Post by: Amara on July 08, 2020, 05:34:08 pm
Ooh, lovely, Jawhawk. I'd love to see yours when the time comes up! It will surely be sweeter this year with the virus mess.