Tell us what you think!

Comment by Laurie on October 27, 2009 at 12:09pm

I plan on making either quilts (for two sisters) and purses with matching billfolds for the rest! I didn't really like too many of the purse patterns when they first started appearing but there are so many cute and versatile patterns out there now and I've adapted them to fit my needs in a handbag. The wallet idea I came up with on my own. I had a favorite leather checkbook cover that could also double as a wallet and figured out a quilted design for it. Haven't seen the pattern anywhere yet. Maybe I should copy write the design before someone else does!!

Comment by christine on October 26, 2009 at 2:39am

I plan on making everyones gift this year. The boys(son, step-sons, son in law) are getting boxers and quilts. The step daughters and daughter in law are getting pot holders and aprons. And the step granddughters( 9, 5, 2 and 2 months) are getting dresses. As for the rest of the famiily I'll be baking cookies and doing jars of cookie mixes.

Comment by Larri on October 24, 2009 at 11:55am

Last year we didn't exchange gifts with our families (which is huge...5 siblings on one side, 4 siblings on the other, plus all the nieces and nephews and in-laws, whew!); however, I've been saving a little here and there this year. I plan to sew pajama bottoms from flannel fabric for the boys (and a couple of the girls), some Brazilian Huggers...aka Stretch Lace Panties for my sisters and SIL's. I'm not sure about the Mom's yet. I'm considering grocery totes for them. I'm not sure about the Dad's yet either. A couple of years ago, I made fleece blankets for everyone. I went to Hancock's during one of their 'Early Bird' sales right before Thanksgiving and purchased fleece in prints that fit the personalities of each family member. Everyone still makes comments about those blankets. They loved them and still use them. It was nice to sit inside the day after Thanksgiving and not have to fight the Black Friday sales' crowds.

Comment by kelso on October 24, 2009 at 11:06am

Time permitting, I'd like to make them. I know a family that has a handmade gift rule among the siblings, the rule is for the family Christmas exchange it has to be something the person made them selves. They have gotten real creative over the years, with 10 plus siblings.

Comment by Anita Edmonds on October 24, 2009 at 10:37am

I make most of my gifts. On the other hand, we don't give everyone things—lots of the family get jam and homemade bread or something like that. I usually make a set of pillowcases for each of the grandchildren, and stuffed animals or clothes (frilly dresses or skirts/shirts with embroidery), and my oldest granddaughter always gets new clothes for her dolls. (I gave her 18" dolls for the past two holidays—eBay is a wonderful place for still-good ones, but it's easier to find them in the summer.) And there are always crocheted hats and scarves.

Comment by Birdie on October 22, 2009 at 1:28pm

neat idea! Everyone needs & uses them, that's for sure and they don't create clutter which is another huge plus. What sort of fabrics do you use for them??