2012 Homemade Holidays

**Herbolina** · 01-16-2012, 06:11 AM

I want to make homemade gifts this year. I am thinking about HM playdough for the kids, cookies in a jar, soaps, herbs etc. It depends a little bit on how things turn out in the garden etc.

I also want to learn how to knit since I never took the time for it. Maybe I even make washing cloths for gifts!

**Sumacaroni** · 01-22-2012, 07:51 AM

I've finished 10 dishcloths in a variety of crochet patterns and I bought a bunch more cotton yarn in a variety of colors over the past coupla days so I can keep plugging away.

I've got an afghan started for my DS but I might gift it to him for his b-day in April. We'll see how it goes.

**Lindsey** · 01-23-2012, 12:11 AM

Okay, so I have a problem... I made two build-a-bear tutus so far, they are sooo stinkin cute, I want to give them to them for Valentines day. LOL How do you keep yourself from wanting to give them things in advance?

**Lady_V** · 01-23-2012, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by Lindsey

How do you keep yourself from wanting to give them things in advance?

For me... I ask "Are they easy enough to make more of for later.... Do I -want- to give them the same thing later? ... What will I make for later if I give it to them -now-?"

**Sumacaroni** · 01-24-2012, 03:41 PM

I completely hear ya loud and clear, Lindsey, and I sometimes have the same issue thinking I just really want to give this NOW and sometimes find myself thinking about just giving. But then I think about how much time do I really have to make things for those people on my list for Christmas? Have I ever given this magnitude for a birthday or Valentine's Day rather than Christmas? Yadda yadda yadda - really, I have to talk myself out of it. Maybe I just need to start an official Gift List and make the supply match my intentions?!? That list should probably include graduations, any weddings, and such things - then match the magnitude (time and materials) of the gift with the person(s) and occasion(s). Then I could list things like Valentine's Day for 2013 and only gift for it if I fill my Gift Stash for the "official" intentions. I dunno, just thinking.

**Libby** · 01-24-2012, 05:45 PM

After putting away "Christmas" I have stumbled upon a huge gift bag full of 'Christmas tins'. I will be giving away baked goods this year...will have to start hunting out recipes later on in the year.

**marjorie** · 01-24-2012, 10:58 PM

I made a grocery bag from crocheted cotton and am working on a dishcloth. I made another bag, but now I'm thinking of keeping it for a laundry bag, now that dd has broken the washing machine... Hoping to have lots of practical gifts made this year, and with carpel tunnel the sooner started the better!

**RobertsLena** · 03-16-2012, 05:11 AM

I hope that this year I can do lots of kind thing for everyone who supported me when I was in troubles at the hospital and I wished that on Christmas.

**Sumacaroni** · 03-24-2012, 12:38 PM

How's it going for everyone else?

I have been crocheting away and have 2 afghans completed along with 15 dishcloths. Just have to figure out if I have any complete sets of anything since I'd like to give the dishcloths in sets of two or three together.

I'm thinking of making crocheted handtowels, the kind that hang on the oven handle, along with a couple dishcloths and some coupon-purchased small dishsoap perhaps.

Also considering trying to make up some spa baskets with crocheted facecloths, exfoliating type face soap, and/or body wash and stuff like that.

I have the upcoming week off work so I need to organize my thoughts and projects so I can make more progress on this homemade holiday challenge!

**Katie34** · 03-30-2012, 01:26 PM

I want to make some no sew blankets for the kids and I am learning to sew so I would like to make them pajamas this year instead of buying them. I am also going to knit some scarves and hats. And make some soap and wash cloths.

**Sumacaroni** · 04-04-2012, 06:21 AM

Hi Katie, sounds like a good list of projects! I am a crocheter, tried knitting, not very graceful at it

I got a tote bag finished and my Gift Stash is steadily growing with dishcloths and afghans in the pile.

**Katie34** · 04-07-2012, 02:41 PM

I am learning how to crochet this year. Hopefully I will get the hang of it. I have found some cute pattens for toys that I would like to make for my niece. I have got a few things fininshed so my Christmas Stash is just starting.