I have already finished a few things for Christmas.

I've been known to start in January..altho my planning can start whenever I get an "Aha!" moment.

I never do them as the expense is not warranted for such a short use during the year.

I think about Christmas presents all year long. I make a list of items and ideas for gifts on excel. As ideas come to me, I add to the list. As far as making anything on that list, it is slow going. Very very very sloooow! Too busy making birthdays, weddings, and baby gifts in my spare time. I am in the middle of a Christmas lap quilt, I thought I would make it for me, but probably when it is done, it will be for a Christmas gift for someone else!

I'm working on a large appliqued wall hanging called "Dash Away". I have all the applique done and now adding embroidered antlers and sled runner scrolls using metallic threads. After it is quilted, I'll be embellishing it with beads and crystals. I had bought this pattern and the materials in 2010 and am now getting around to it. I usually run into this kind of project too late in the season to get it done. I have another project that I want to do and had bought the pattern and fabrics last year. It is called "Bringing Home the Tree". It is a pieced and appliqued project using fairy frost fabrics for the background. I can't wait to get to that project too.

Since Christmas is my favorite time of year it is always in the back of my mind when checking fabric. It may be just right for a specific person to make into a gift.

My quilt guild use to have a Christmas project night in November.............we NOW do it in July so that people actually have a chance to finish it BEFORE Christmas!

I am working on clothing for the kids for Xmas right now, and have been for a month .. 18" Doll clothes to match her dresses for the 5 year old, the 13 & 15 year olds will be tops, skirts, tops !LOL OH yeah and all 3 will receive a new quilt, spoiled eh ? YES indeed!LOL
Also jeans, undergarments & socks are bought for all 3. This way they go into the new year with a new clothing wardrobe and a new quilt from their obsessive Gma. But come Xmas time I will have it all done (hopefully!!) LOL

I start thinking about it by the first of the year. Usually work on major quilted gifts all year long. This year is an exception, as I don't plan to make many quilt gifts this year.

December 26