Christmas slacker??
 

Every Christmas I fall into this same situation. And I always promise myself this is the last time. I tend (ok, make that always!) have a long list of handmade gifts for family and extended family. And every year I get to about now and realize that I need to step up the pace! I have 3 table toppers (all mailed) to do,, cutting tomorrow, maybe 3 travel bags, maybe a twin size quilt for grandson. I've already done 2 quilts, 2 wall hangings & 3 table toppers. Does anyone else get into this mess and what do you do to prevent that holiday rush?

I've learned to not put a deadline on items I want to make. Christmas is still a few weeks away so you have time to finish.

I work well with a deadline. Having a monthly "quota" or to do list helps me a lot. Not everything gets done, but more than without a list and interim deadlines.

https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/wink.png I've read a Quilting Planner can keep you on track with your projects. As for me, I don't quilt with deadlines because it takes the enjoyment out of quilting as my hobby. My goal is to gift my quilts for special occasions on or before the date. If I see I won't be done, I send a card with swatches of the quilt fabric with a note stating the quilt is under construction...stay tuned. https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/biggrin.png

I do a couple of quilts per year that are gifted for Christmas. This year I did them this summer! Sure feels good to just pull them off the shelf and add a holiday tag and Ta-Da ready to go.

I do use a planner and it does help to keep me focused. I limit myself to about 6 items per month. They may or may not be finishes but it helps me to not create as many UFOs. I actually try to include finishing one UFO per month. https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png The planner is also a consistent place for me to keep calculations for expanding or shrinking the size of a pattern/block and plans for fabric choices and lastly a running shopping list for what is missing for that month's quilt plans. Works for me and is nothing more than a smallish sized spiral notebook that I was given at a conference. Win/win for me!

I don't work well under pressure. If I gift anything, it's something I have already made. Look around, you may have something already completed.

quiltingshortimer- I do that all the time!! You'd think I'd learn but I haven't. https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/biggrin.png

A bit of advice though- just plug along, do your best and let the rest go. I have gifts that were supposed to be finished for one Christmas and then they ended up being done for the next one.

We don't "do" gifts, maybe once in a while I'll get or make something for a friend but that's it.

I overwhelm myself every year doing what quiltingshorttimer does. This year I am more relaxed and not making any promises to myself about getting things made. I Know I have a quilt for my granddaughter that won't be quilted until after Christmas. That's ok, she will still get it , just later.