Refashioned Sweater to Skirt

Hello, Holiday Crafters!  My name is Seeks, and this is my first post here for the Crafty Christmas Club. I am a blogger who's interested in a number of things, so my blog ranges in posts from sewing to art to food. I'm starting to pick up some sewing momentum of late, so I am happy to have a chance to contribute here. I just finished one of my first present projects and really need to show it off somewhere before I spoil the surprise! Thank goodness you're here to save me from blabbing!

I had a sweater that both my cousin and I loved, but just never wore. It had a few holes in key places that just didn't make it wearable to most outings.

So, for Christmas, I thought I'd refashion it into something I knew she would wear: a cute knit skirt and leg warmers. The nature of the knit and ribbing of the sweater was perfect for the refashion because it wasn't itchy, and the V-neckline stretched just enough to serve as a perfect waistband. A nice detail on the skirt, as I've not seen many v-waisted skirts.

I used the sleeves for the leg warmers, and the top curved portion of the sleeves to make the pockets (one kangaroo pouch on front, one small pocket on the back). My cousin loves pockets, so I am excited by their addition.

I used a blanket stitch on the raw edges of the leg warmers, and they stay up quite well without the addition of any ties.


They're a little loose at the top, but that doesn't seem to compromise their hug elsewhere. My hope is that they'll spring back after a wash.

The pockets were sewn with some embroidery thread "X"'s at the corners to help keep the bulk of the inner sewn edges from sticking out.

Hope you like it!

You're welcome to check out my blog for other stuff I'm working on. Most of my good stuff will be showing up here in the next month though, as most of my projects are gifts at the moment.

How I Roll - Animal Blankets Out of Control

Hello fellow crafters! I'm Amy, and I blog over at Sew Well. I've really enjoyed keeping up with everything that everyone has been making for their family and friends this holiday season. I'm getting a late start posting over here, but I'll hopefully be able to get it all in in the next few weeks.

I figured I'd start with a few animal blankets I made for friends who just recently had babies. I used the Cotton Ginny's Animal Blanket pattern, which comes with patterns for a bear, elephant, and hippo, but I modified the patterns to better fit the recipient. Here are the results.

A pink unicorn for a little girl who's room is filled with magic and fairies.

A floppy eared dog for a little girl who's mom grew up with the greatest basset hound ever.

The blankets are simple to make and only require a sewing machine and a bit of hand embroidery at the end.

I hope everyone's having a great weekend. I'll be back soon with some more of my holiday crafting.

Until then,

Amy

Lullaby Lamb Felt Doll

Hi, everyone! I'm Amanda from Virginia, USA. I blog over at Sewin' in the Rain and this is my first time posting at Crafty Christmas Club. I credit CCC for motivating me to finish my first handmade gift of the season!

A little girl in my family is turning 1 around Christmas so I made her this cute little "Lullaby Lamb" doll out of felt, fabric and embroidery floss! The pattern is a design from Gingermelon, an Etsy shop with a bunch of adorable doll patterns available. She's based in Canada but her patterns are sent through e-mail and I got mine almost right away!

The lamb came together pretty easily and I'm very happy with how it turned out. Basic embroidery stitches are used to join the pieces. The original doll height is described as 3.5" (~9 cm) sitting down so I doubled the size of the pattern pieces to get a larger doll. Most pieces are whip stitched together and then stuffed with polyfil, including the wee snout!

Materials include:

• High quality woolen cream felt for the body from Purl Soho in New York. It doesn't pill like cheaper felts and has a smooth feel (though I admit using cheaper felt for the flower at the head and the pillow.)
• Leftover fabric from my first-ever skirt for the foot pads and inner ears.
• Seed beads at the center of the flower.
• Silk satin ribbon at the neck, also from Purl Soho.

I attached the pillow to the body of the lamb so it wouldn't get lost. As you can see, I also added a little message on the pillow! I'd love to make this again or try some of her other patterns. I know it'll go a lot faster now that I've done it once.

Have a wonderful week, and happy crafting!

~Amanda

Introduction and an Advent Calendar

Bonjour! I'm Kate, an American in Paris, and I blog as Mommy en France over at Two little cabbages & cie. I didn't sign up for the Crafty Christmas Club in time to be a full-fledged contributor, so I'm very thankful that Tilly so kindly set up the guest account.

I've always loved making things and over the years have played around with everything from making my own wrapping paper and cards to knitting scarves to giving people clever little packages of home baked goods. I just started sewing this year - after a 22 year break (the last time was in junior high school home economics class), so I'm looking forward to adding that to the gift mix.

At the same time, I'm trying to be realistic about my time and the circumstances of my life. I have two small children (the little cabbages, ages 3 and nearly 6), a full-time job outside the home, and I try to do my part through volunteering. For Christmas this year, I'm not going to throw myself into complicated projects (particularly as I am still grappling with a pile of UFOs from my Fall Palette Challenge). Instead, I'm focusing on smaller, more easily accomplished projects. I'll be making...

Embroidered hankerchiefs

No-sew placemats

Simple sewn scarves

Very simple "20 minute tote bags"

A couple cowls using this pattern

And possible a few other knit items like washcloths/bath mitts and this necklace/cowl

Perhaps a little zip bag or two, perhaps a few vide-poche type fabric baskets

I'm also going to be making decorations with the little cabbages. We already had a go at some pine cone and vintage paper ornaments, and we'll also be making bunting and paper snowflakes and possibly some paper chains for the tree. And of course we'll be baking lots!

The project I wanted to share today is an Advent Calendar I put together for my parents. They live so far away (in the northeastern United States) and holidays are often a little bittersweet as we don't always get to spend them together. And I know it's hard for them to be so far from their grandchildren. But this year they are coming to us for Christmas, hurrah! So I made them a very special Advent Calendar that goes from 1 December to the day that my parents leave to come here. The images are all vintage pictures of Santa that I found on various clip art sites and the last image is the Eiffel Tower!

Making this was a "learning by doing" process, involving a lot of glue and grouching. But I am happy with the end results and will probably try to make more of this kind of thing for next year. The concept does lend itself to endless fun variations... I just had a brilliant idea for one I could do for my sister - an avid Scrabble player - using 24 two-letter words allowable in Scrabble.

Happy holiday crafting!

I've got a plan!

Hello Crafty Christmas Crafters! I’m Andrea and I blog over at Stitch Parade. I’m a bit late to the party but this past weekend I finally cleared a couple of UFOs from my sewing table and I’m now ready to get stated with my Christmas presents.

Here’s what I’m hoping to accomplished before December 25th:

1. A scarf for my Dad following the Extra Warm Men’s Scarf pattern by Cotton and Cloud. The fabric texture in this free Ravelry pattern is super nice and I hope my dad will like it.

2. For my step-mom I will be making a leather clutch just like this one I made this past summer (shown below), only this time I'll use a buttery cream colour.

3. I’ve been working on this quilt for a while. It’s been sandwiched and pin basted and if I get my act together and actually quilt and bind it, it will make a nice Christmas present for my mother-in-law. 4. Both my step-daughter and sister-in-law will be receiving wristlets this Christmas. I’m undecided on the pattern so if any of you have any suggestions, please let me know.

5. My little sister lives in South America where Christmas lands right smack in the middle of summer. She’ll be visiting me in Toronto this holiday season and I’m planning on sending her back home with a fabulously extra large tote bag in bright prints that she can take to the beach.

6. For my baby nephew I will be making a pair of baby pants, a hat and a larger size of the same pair of reversible baby shoes I made for him a few months ago. This time I’m using a print with tiny robots. The pattern can be purchased from this etsy shop.

7. Last but not least, I’m planning on making sewn mittens for my friends’ kids. I found this great free pattern for fully lined mitts here. They look faster to make than knitted mittens and I have a couple of fun fabric choices that will wok for these little boys. Note that the pattern comes in multiple sizes, including adults, so these would be suitable for many people on your lists. And, they get bonus points as a stash busting project.

Now that I look back at my list, I’m getting scared that I won’t finish everything – It’s November already! Better get crafting…

Better get started soon...

Hello!  I'm Mimi and I blog over at Magpie Mimi, this is the second year I've done the CCC and I found it really useful to put a list out there to try and stick to so at least I could see what I achieved and I met some really fab people and found some new ideas!

So I've been thinking for a little while about what I want to make for Christmas presents but still haven't actually got making yet, but have started gathering materials so at least that's something.  I think I've learnt from last year's Crafty Christmas Club that although my ideas may be endless my time is not so trying to be kinder to myself this year!

My thoughts so far are:

• To make chutney like last year and maybe some chocolates as have some funky chocolate moulds including one that's a moustache lollipop!  

• I want to try my hand at a free child's vintage smock that I've had for ages but haven't printed out yet.  I've had it so long in fact I've forgotten where I found it.

• I also need to make more bunting as there's been a new addition to the family since last Christmas and she needs her own bunting too!  

• I'm going to make some patchwork cushions for two of my nieces as they're going to move to a new house soon and my sister has asked if I could match some funky curtains she's got for their new rooms so will try and personalise them as much as possible.  

• As for my nephews I think I'll appliqué some t-shirts with cars on them. Other than that I have no idea!

• Also thinking of doing some lavender hearts and birds and if I've still got time there may be some handbags made too.

Keeping things a bit more simple this year as will be making things mostly for my four nieces and two nephews and just a few easy bits for everyone else. It's not just a cost thing but a time thing as now I am selling the things I make at fairs and in an online shop I need to make sure I have enough stock for that too, so rather a busy time indeed!

The one thing about doing this is I have Christmas songs going round and round in my head..."It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...da daa daaaa daa daaaaa..."  Try getting that out of your head! hehe!

Hello from Stitchybritt in Sydney

Hello crafty friends!  I'm Stitchybritt, and this is my second year of being involved in the CCC blog.  How awesome is it?  I love that I get to make contact with fellow Christmas lovers and creators.  My blog profile says "I'd rather make stuff than buy stuff" and it is absolutely true!

Me wearing my Martha Stewart-hack necktie.  Unfortunately there'll be none of them for Xmas gifts - it's too hot for woolens in Sydney right now!

 Now, I am yet to put together my to-make list, though I do have some ideas.  Would you believe that I have four birthdays to make for before Christmas is even here?  Nevertheless, I'll post my handmade birthday and Christmas gifts here, as it might help with ideas.

One thing it seems that everyone is struggling with this year is ideas for gifts for men!  They are tricky peeps to buy for, let alone make for.  So I did a bit of a search and came up with a few ideas that might help:

• A bike seat cover.  I found a good tutorial here.  If your man is a bike-rider, this could be a good option.
• A wallet.  I bet more than one of your fellas has one of those old, falling-apart wallets in their pockets.  Here's a neat tutorial for a stitched one.
• Boxer shorts are a great option for the man who has everything, or the fella you just don't know that well.
• Bags.  The easy thing here is to figure out what the man is into (photography?  gardening?  exercise?) and make a bag accordingly.

Summer lounging trousers that I made for my fella earlier this year.

I also find that it helps to theme your Christmas gifts.  I've done all sorts of themes - food, garden, scents, kitchen - and this year my theme is tins.  Some gifts will be things that already come in tins (I'm thinking nice teas and other treats) while other gifts will be op-shop (thrift shop) sourced tins that I fill with whatever I like.  I'm thinking hankerchiefs, face scrubbies, maybe even some of Tilly's famous bow-belts!

I'm loving reading all your ideas, keep them coming!

Stitchybritt xx

bookette's beginning of a Christmas list

Hi, everyone! I'm Laurel, and I blog over at House Full of Monkeys as Bookette.

I'm currently caught up in the whole fall and Halloween crafting fun, so I've been a little slow to get on with Christmas lists and the like. However, I do have a few ideas running 'round my head, so I thought I'd get this out there.

PJ pants are always under the tree! In fact, I not only have to make them for my 19-yr-old twin boys, I generally take on half of the ones mom has to make for my 7 siblings and their spouses, children, etc. Over the years, I've developed my own techniques and sewing order to make the job go faster. I wrote it up for a craft night once, and you can find a pdf here, if you're interested. (as a side note, my twins usually get a matching top, but I just can't do that for everyone)

I'll also be making up a bunch of fleece socks from this pattern. I have tons of fleece scraps and remnants, and I love using them up in a way that makes folks happy and warm. I make mine into a sock by not folding down the top. You can also make them longer by extending both front and back to whatever length you want. As-is, they are just below the meaty part of your calf. Everyone I've given them to asks for more!

For my knitting/crochet group, I plan to make a bunch of Humbug bags from this pattern. Super easy, and they are just the right size to hold a pair of socks-in-progress, or other small project. (I think I've seen free tuts on the web for this bag as well, but this is the pattern I've got.)

For the little ones in my life (nieces and nephews), I'll be making up some of these marble mazes for quiet toys. I saw the idea over a year ago, here, but didn't try making any until last month. Now I'm hooked, and I even find myself playing with them when I just can't sit still. You use fleece for these, too, so there may be a bit of a fleecy flurry at my house.

I've had one co-worker request that I make her one of these little pence jugs, but in a quieter color palette, please. They're knitted up from sock yarn leftovers, and I haven't done many socks in plain colors yet (aside from baby socks in white), so this could be a problem. I am currently working on a pair of charcoal grey socks, though, so if that leaves me anything, she might get lucky.

For a select set of nieces and nephews, I may be adding to their play food collection. I've knitted and crocheted a fair collection of food over the past couple years, (why yes, that is a knitted donut in my hand in my photo above) some of which can be seen on my blog in the Year of Ami posts. Most are from freebie patterns on the web, including one of my own for Tator Tots. There's always room for more fun fiber-foods at Grandma's! (pattern for the cheeseburger shown here, and my mods to it are here.)

I'm sure I'll be adding to this as we get closer to the date. I'm just trying to focus on some pressing projects for work, and enjoying Halloween and the onset of Fall, my favorite season!

Pam's Plans...

Hi, I'm Pam from Threading My Way and this is my first year with the Crafty Christmas Club. I'm so looking forward to seeing all the wonderful creations made by everyone, as well as receiving feedback and suggestions for my own projects.

My first task as part of the Crafty Christmas Club is to show you my Christmas list (as it stands now), in the hopes that I'll be so motivated I'll finish all I set out to do.

• A Christmas outfit for a Little Miss: I've just finished a circle skirt using this tutorial by Dana, from Made. Here's my take on the skirt. For the Christmas outfit, I'm planning on making the skirt with a red polka dot fabric and then making a white top. I'm not sure what style of top would go with the skirt.

• A Christmas outfit for a Little Master. I have no idea what yet.

• A purse: I'll base the purse on this tutorial, by Needle and Spatula.

• A cover for a TOM TOM. I'll probably make my own pattern.

• Some small purses, maybe with a frame or small zippered pouches.

• A slightly larger framed purse.

• A cushion in browns with some kind of appliqué. 

• A couple of kid's belts.

• An Art Caddy using a pattern from Gingercake.

• Lavender Sachets using a tutorial from Calli at Make It Do.

• Monster Puppets from a tutorial by Six Sisters Stuff

• For the males in the family, I have no idea yet.

I tend to get carried away with lists, so I'm stopping here. If time permits, I can always add to my list later.

Last year I tried to do away with wrapping paper and put all presents in Envirosax reusable shopping bags. This year I'm hoping to make bags of different sizes to wrap presents in. For small presents, I'll make bags based on my Treasure Bags. 

That's enough from me for tonight. I look forward to your feedback.

My Crafty Christmas List

Well hello there! Nice to see you all, my name is Katie and my little part of the blogosphere is called The Little Red Squirrel.

I'm a new member of the Crafty Christmas Club, I have never before participated in a handmade Christmas and I am so excited already, you guys have such good ideas, do forgive me if I pinch a few :) I've already got started with my Christmas making and I'm really happy with how much I've managed to get done, but the fact that Christmas is just 10 weeks away is still freaking me out a bit! Some serious crafting needs to be done!

Anyways, here is my To-Do-List thus far...

• My Sweetheart - A knitted cricket vest (just finished today!)
• My Mum - a fair isle scarf and gloves set
• My Dad - a big chunky scarf
• My Brother - a laptop case
• Brother's girlfriend - a beret
• My Nan - a lace scarf
• Harriet, best gal pal - still undecided, but something knitted methinks!

That's as far as I've planned so far, but more things may appear on the list if I manage to get all these projects completed. Everyone else will probably end up with baked goods, I'm trying not to go totally overboard and stretch myself too thin!

Anyway, that's it from me for now, but I'm really looking forward to seeing what you're all planning too, let the crafting begin!

Can We Put on Big Crosby Yet?

Hey everyone!  My name is Karen and I blog over at Renegade Homestead.  Though it’s only October, I cannot wait to get started on Christmas presents!  For once, I’m (sort of) on top of my game and like many of you, have already decided on a number of gifts that I’ll be making this year: 

- My husband, Beau, will be the big winner of homemade presents this year.  He’ll be getting PJ pants, a men’s toiletry case and beer can coozie covers to start with.

- My sister, Laura, has loved her Victorian dollhouse since we were little girls.  This year she’s asked me to help redecorate by making tiny curtains, throw pillows and bedding.  The pillows are particularly ironic because my very first crafts were wee little misshapen pillows that I forced my family members to buy for a nickel each.
- For my two-year-old nephew, I’m going to try my hand at my first quilt (for his first big boy bed) but if I were a two-year-old, I’m sure I’d rather get a toy so, maybe there’s room for improvement here?  I’m new to crafting for children.

- For my best friend of almost 20 years, Lulu, I'll be making a skirt like Anthropologie's discontinued Vichyssoise skirt using some brighter fabric and a bit of ingenuity to reinvent that waist.

The original (am I the only one who had to look up "vichyssoise"?)

- For my three best girl friends from college, I’ve been eyeing up five-year one-line-a-day journals .  Each page provides five lines for one date so when you restart it for the next year, you can see what was going on in your life the year before.  I think that’s such a neat idea, especially for these lovely ladies who have so many adventures.  Could I make those?  That’s an excuse to invest in a paper cutter, right?

- My two closest couple friends (two couples that is) will receive goodie baskets full of my husband’s homebrewed beer, my homemade snacks (crackers, cookies, etc) and possibly a Christmas ornament. 

But, well, that’s where I stop being on top of my game because I’m clueless about what to do for my remaining family members.  Here’s who’s left on my list:     

- My mother-in-law, who is a connoisseur crafter and quilting extraordinaire.

- My sister-in-law, Cara of i dabble, who inherited her mother’s crafting gene and loves fashion and baking.

- My Dad, who acts in the local theater and loves old movies.   

- My father-in-law, who roots for every New England sports team and likes home improvement projects.

- My brother-in-law, T, who just moved to LA and is involved in finance stuff that I will never, ever understand.

- My brother-in-law, J, who is the class clown of the family.

I always have trouble coming up with ideas for guys so thank goodness there’s a tag on here for men’s crafts!  I’ll be following that one closely.  Meanwhile, I’d love, love, LOVE to hear any suggestions that you might have and good luck on your own crafts this holiday season!

Introductions and Inspirations

Hello Everyone!

My name is Kat and i blog over at Krafty Kat. I am very excited to be taking part in the Crafty Christmas Club this year. I have been sewing and crafting now for just under a year, and so this is the first year that i can even begin to consider handmaking Christmas gifts. I have tested the waters a bit already with some handmade presents this year including a bag, some little purses and a couple of baby cardigans, all of which seem to have been well received (i think!), and so i am looking forward to trying my hand at some Christmas presents.

I am a little wary of biting off more than i can chew, so to speak, so i think i am very much going to see how things go. Currently i have a few ideas, some of which have been taken from last years Crafty Christmas posts...thanks for the inspiration :)


- Some Lebkucken for a number of friends such as those seen here...my favourite Christmas goodies so it's about time i tried to make them!

- A knitting needle roll for my mum...i have something in mind which is pretty simple, although i may also look around and see if i can find a pattern

- For my Nana, a washbag or similar based on the patterns i used for the purses...any advice on waterproof fabrics or linings gratefully received!

- Quilts for a couple of small people i know, I'll be basing them on a Cath Kidston pattern from this book

- Possibly a ribbed scarf for my boyfriend

Currently still thinking of other bits and bobs, I'll report back when i have more definite plans :) This may be a little over-ambitious already, but we shall see....

K xx

My Christmas crafting begins

Hi there,

I'm Kirsty and I blog over at The Leopard Anchor. Every year I say I'll make presents for every single person on my list and every year I fail through leaving it too late.

I have just started my Christmas crafting this week by revisiting a craft I haven't done since last winter, crochet.

My sister in law is going to get a pink, cream and grey striped scarf made using this pattern. I'm using a nice cheap chunky yarn & a 10mm hook, it . I've made this scarf before:

In fact, it was the first thing I ever crocheted (& only crochet project I've ever finished) and it's the best scarf I own, if I do say so myself. If I can come up with an appropriate colour combination then my other sister in law will also be receiving a scarf from the same pattern.

My dog likes to pose, can you tell?

I really recommend this pattern to beginner crocheters, it's really straight forward but looks really impressive!

Pressies for the in-laws

Now that Christmas is over I can finally share the last presents with you. I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you all over to Grey Duckling to take part in my first ever giveaway. In the autumn I made a few bobbin lace flower brooches and I am giving one of them away as an extra New Years present to one lucky person. You just have to comment on the post on Grey Duckling to take part in the giveaway.

I hope you all had a great Christmas and I wish you all a crafty New Year.
Eddie


Bunch of knitted flowers for my sister-in-law made using Ingrid's recipe for knitted flowers on Historic Crafts.


Novel bag for my sister-in-law using this tutorial from Grey Duckling that I adapted from the book 'playing with books'!


Decoupaged drawing onto the bottom of a bowl for my sister-in-law



Basketweave scarf for my father-in-law using this pattern that I talked about on 'Roued is...'.


Another decoupage bowl!


Mug cozy for my mother-in-law made with the Dixie Norton's pattern on Ravelry.


Garden markers for my mother-in-law. I have posted a tutorial on Grey Duckling on how to make these.

Christmas present list

Today I would like to share my list of Christmas presents with you all and see what you say to it. I can't wait to hear your comments. Just in case my family somehow stumble upon this post I won't mention who is getting what.

• Knitted Basketweave scarf - I made one of these for my dad for his birthday and now it is back by popular request.
• Knitted Flowers - using Ingrid's wonderful recipe.
• Mug Sweater - using the Ho(o)t Coffee pattern by Dixie Stix
• Novel Bags - bags made out of books inspired by the book: Playing with Books - I made some changes to this idea and will be doing a tutorial in a post called "Gifts for the Book Lover"
  
• Snack Bowls - I decoupaged the bottom of glass bowls with drawings I made myself - I will show you at a later stage.
  
• Ctr-Alt-Del Pillow cases - as seen on Gizmodo
• Recycled Spoon Garden Markers - I have already posted a tutorial on making these in the Gifts for the Gardener post.
• Bowl decoupaged with stamps - will post tutorial for this in a post called "Gifts for the Geek"
• Big Island Dish - glass dish with decoupaged map on the bottom - I have a tutorial ready for this weeks "Gifts for the Navigator" post.
• Musical tea light holders - I did a tutorial on this a couple of weeks ago called "Gifts for the Musician".

Can't wait to hear from you.

@EddieDuckling

Papercuts and Postcards

Hello everyone, I'm Lauren from Sewing Me, Sewing You. I thought I'd drop by to post some ideas I want to work on for Christmas prezzies - so far they are only ideas and I haven't actually got round to starting any of them.

The first one is papercutting. I saw an article in the Guardian about Rob Ryan and fell in love with what he does. I'd like to try my hand at paper cutting, though with a much simpler design than his which are like this...



I also like this from Green Chair Press blog...



The second idea was to create a set of personalised postcards, by buying plain blank ones and drawing, stencilling or decorating the postcards while leaving the address/message side blank for the recipient of the present to use, thus spreading the joy to others!

I'll post some pics if I manage to do either!

a warm hello!

Hi fellow crafters! My name is Emily, and I have a blog called seymour. I've been a crafty gifter for most of my life- the first handmade gifts I can remember making are the door sachets I gave to my mom in first or second grade. :) My favorite things to do include sewing, baking, crocheting & drawing. It is so exciting to continue the tradition with all of you as fresh inspiration!

kitchen, natural habitat.

So far, my I've listed most potential present recipients (I hope the list can stay as long as it is!), and some gifts that sound fun to make. That list includes:

• mittens
• tree skirt (a pre-Christmas Christmas present)
• scarves/snoods
• handmade cards
• hats
• keychains
• shave kit/ makeup bags
• pajama bottoms (I think we can all agree this is an excellent gifty project!)
• simple, easy fitting tops and dresses, like Simplicity 3835
• stuffed animals/amigurumi
• bookmarks
• baked goodies with pretty packaging

Hello from Scruffybadgertime

I'm Scruffybadgertime & mainly love to sew & make jewellery, over here at Scruffybadgertime.

Every year, Christmas & birthday I at least try to make my friends pressies, although this year I'm feeling more ambitious & want to add more handmade pressies to the list. This means I need to get started, & am so looking forward to getting some inspiration from Crafty Christmas Clubbers.

My theme this year seems to be nightwear ... (last few years it's been jewellery)
I am tempted to make my girlfriends some PJs a bit like these (& Tilly's!), all presented in a matching drawstring bag, & maybe with some cute crochet slippers? I could make matching washbags/ make up bags as well ....(oh, I can so easily get carried away!!)

Then for my Mum, I'd love to be able to capture that "perfect" nightdress that she can't get anywhere - I've a 70s pattern that I'm hoping will work.

For my man, he is so short of clothes - where would I start? He could do with the whole lot!
Flowery (& otherwise) shirts feel tempting for the important menfolk in my world (those that would appreciate them!). Would it be worth trying to make boxers? Has anyone else ever given them a go?

I have a feeling I am likely to go off track when I catch other people's great ideas! This is very exciting!