Get some really cute boxes (or containers)---perhaps something that can be used---and put in an "IOU" for this year. If you have fabric---I would also include little swatches (unless you think you might change your mind). WA--LA you have still kept your promise AND saved your sanity for better days!

Good luck!

Been there, done that. Made 3 quilts quickly for 3 DGD but had trouble getting the other 2 done for 2 DGS. Took me 3 years to finish the quilts and by then the 2 boy quilts were outgrown. Had to start over and complete 2 quilts. Finally got them all done last year. I'll never do that again!!
Sue

Here is a tutorial showing how to do a zippered top tote: you can adapt the instructions, I hope, to get it done:

http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotes...ebagzipper.htm

I am right there with you. I have 7 grandchildren and a g'grandchild and was making quilts for all of them. I started last February, then had to put that on hold for about 3 months while I helped my son with his wedding. So I got all but one peaced and my g'granddaughters almost completed, just need binding. At Thanksgiving I decided it was a 2 year project not a one year. So you can do the same with your kids.

Boy, you are as busy as me. Where does the time Go?

Or even a pillow case out of the main fabric if you have enough. I sympathize. I was doing my annual "bake-off" last week which is what I do for gifts and telling myself that 'next year' I have to start earlier and make things that will keep until the holidays. I used to do jams and pickles - might have to take that up again.

I've never done a 2 way zipper, but they are installed the same way a 1 way zipper is installed, just with 2 pulls going in opposite directions. I like using coil zippers because they come apart & you can slip the pulls on them after they are sewn into the fabric. If it's too difficult to figure out I suggest getting a coil zipper & make life easier! (I get mine from Seattle Fabrics - but they don't have many colors to choose from)

The tute on the recessed bag is a good one; if the zipper is for the top of the bag, then you'll see that by cutting off some fabric from the top of the bag & sewing the cut off pieces to the zipper, it will eliminate confusion because the zipper didn't come apart. (you then sew the completed zipper piece into the lining & the bag after the zipper is in - easy!) I didn't particularly like all the space at the top of the bag - they used about 4 inches or so, so I just cut off about an inch instead - it turned out really nice without increasing the width of the bag.

I would try this web site...http://www.nancyziemantv.com/sewing-videos....she has done many shows on purse and tote making. She did one series on how to update remade totes and I believe there was one where she installed a purse zipper into a pre-done bag. Also she did three shows on totes similar to the bow tuck and they had zippers. She does not try to encase the zipper in a seam but covers a raw edge seam with ribbon...much easier.

I got overly ambitious and made 6 quilts - 3 for Christmas and 3 for Chanukah. Two of them I hand quilted. All was well until the time came to bind them and now I may have to stay up very late tonight to finish. Tomorrow is my last day at work and I leave for Israel Thursday!!! I will be sewing on binding on the plane if I can get the needle through security!

Oh my, wish I could help you out but Maine is a bit far away. You will finish everything as you can. The kids will be happy knowing something is coming their way.