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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 11-08-2004, 09:45 AM (1 of 37)
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I am trying to work a little ahead here and make some preparations for Christmas. I find I do not enjoy the malls as much as I used to. Part of the reason I don't enjoy them is temperature. I seem to be so warm with a jacket/coat on in malls, but cold if I don't have something. I haven't found the right combination yet. I also need to concentrate on my four grandsons. Two 8 yr. olds, one seven yr. old and an ornery 14 yr. old. I am buying online and purchased a copy of Harriets Horrible Hair Day by our own Dawn L Stewart. This book fits my grandson's sense of humor to a T. He will love it. www.bn.com carries it. I have never done this before, but this year I feel the need to be prepared for some reason. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 11-08-2004, 11:13 AM (2 of 37)
I've always been a buy Christmas gifts starting in Oct, person....I sometimes buy small things throughout the year and leave clothes and stuff like that till Oct and early Nov. (that way you get winter clothes for wintertime  )I only buy for my sister and in-laws, so thats easy. But I have a very picky sister (like I'm not  ) and it gets harder and harder to find things for her she doesn't have...gift certificates and cards DON'T do it for either of us.I find myelf avoiding the malls during the holidays too....TOO MANY people, they're rushing around, banging into you. WAY too much noise...Every year it gets worse, people seem to be so angry all the time, uncaring and unconcerned too. I never really liked Christmas...I like the decorations and I love to decorate the inside and outside of my home, but thats all I like about the holiday..... I hope everyone has a good holiday season this year and stays safe.... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: CatholicMum
Date: 11-08-2004, 11:35 AM (3 of 37)
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We do a "homemade" Christmas here except for one Santa gift and stocking fillers for each child. So I have to get an early start if I'm going to be finished in time. So far, I've finished 5 cookbooks (various family members), sleeppants (DH), pillow (DSis), apron (DMom), a plethora of dolls' clothes (DD), 2 quilted blankets (DD and DS) and 2 cross-stitch ornaments. It hardly makes a dent in the to-do list, lol. This week, I hope to make pjs (DD), Christmas dress (DD), Christmas ties (DH and DS to match DD's dress), placemats and napkins, several aprons (various ILs) and some potholders (to go with the cookbooks). I'll still have sleeppants (DS), fleece blanket (DD), mini-scrapbook (DH), bookmarks (Various), crochet hook holder (DRM), desk set (DS), more ornaments, scrapbook (DMom), Lego inventory book (DH) and lots of baked goods to go. Linda
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User: CatholicMum
Member since: 10-31-2004 Total posts: 19 |
From: Emmy
Date: 11-09-2004, 08:58 AM (4 of 37)
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I am trying to work a little ahead here and make some preparations for Christmas. I find I do not enjoy the malls as much as I used to... have never done this before, but this year I feel the need to be prepared for some reason. I don't like shopping, I never have enough money to spend, and always feel guilty about what I do spent. That's no fun! I don't like crowds, or standing in line, actually can't do that anymore, I have to shop with an electric cart, which limits me to Walmart and Home Depot. I don't like these stores because everything is the same, no originality, no variety. Can't afford the things I would like to get, and the rest is just junk. What I like is having lots of money, and starting early, like in August. Ha! Fat chance! My mom used to do that and it was fun planning ahead and taking our time getting a head start. Even though we had a budget we had to stick to, we had time to take advantage of sales. Made for a lot of excitment, anticipation, and a more relaxed holidy, as we were well prepared. We even started baking early and froze all kinds of cookies, and meat pies, etc. Took our time with gift wrapping, made lots of little extras, and had lots of time together to do it. I even used to spend a couple of weeks visiting my grandma to help her get her house cleaned and decorated too. I loved it. Now, I rush around at the last minute, because my husband won't go shopping until I really push him, and the budget is really really tight. No joy there. :( This year its non-existant because of major expenses. I just had surgery on my hands, so I can't make things, or won't be able to until the last minute. I am not looking forward to it, I won't be prepared. The last few years we haven't even put the tree up, not much to put under it, so it seems too bare, and too much trouble, yet its depressing without it. I'm really going to have to plan some things that I can make quickly, with no or little cash, that can be done at the last minute. Any brilliant ideas? I have my husband, adult daughter, sister, and mother to make gifts for. Has to be quick stuff I can sew or craft with what I have on hand. Looking for inexpensive, quick ideas Emmy  
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User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 11-09-2004, 09:17 AM (5 of 37)
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I always end up waiting for the last minute and get upset. This year is going to be tough without my mother-in-law. She loved the holidays and loved having parties. I'm not looking forward to it at all. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Emmy
Date: 11-09-2004, 12:06 PM (6 of 37)
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This year is going to be tough without my mother-in-law. She loved the holidays and loved having parties. I'm not looking forward to it at all. Dorothy Most of my family is gone too, and its hard to get enthusiastic about the holidays when there are only a small handful of us left. Especially when the ones that made it fun are gone, or don't participate in joint efforts anymore. My mom doesn't do anything now, and doesn't give a single gift. Makes for awkward holidays. I hope our daughter will get married soon and have kids. At least grandchildren should improve the situation. Emmy |
User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 11-09-2004, 04:10 PM (7 of 37)
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Emmy...there is a company here called 'Current' www.currentcatalog.com Catalogs are free....they have little booklets that have recipes for 'jar' cookies, bread, cakes....YOU supply all the ingredients in a jar for the recipient to make....it's easy and not a lot of work...(easy on the hands too) You might be able to find something similar online or in the library... (www.google.com type in what you're looking for) Make 'coupons' (for when you're feeling better) to do something for them, cooking, cleaning, washing cars. (easy to run up on the computer). Don't feel guilty about not being able to give people what YOU want to give them...if THEY don't understand it's not YOUR fault..it's theirs...they must know money is tight, they shouldn't expect too much..do what you can and let it go....you can't please everyone, you can only do what YOU can do... I would like to sleep from Halloween to New Years, just to get away from the holidays....(cause they're a pain....) but I do what I can do and if no ones likes it...tooooo baaaadddd.... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Emmy
Date: 11-09-2004, 04:43 PM (8 of 37)
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Emmy...there is a company here called 'Current' www.currentcatalog.com I do what I can do and if no ones likes it...tooooo baaaadddd.... Cool name!  Thanks for the note. I know I'm not alone, there are lots of people in the same boat. Its just really frustrating to be so short of cash, and unable to do the things that are my usual alternatives. My own daughter, and sister are pretty much too, but even though they might not give any gifts some years, I always do. I make the sacrifices. This year I just can't do it. Having my hands out of commision makes it difficult because I can't do the usual home made gifts either. I always supplement with them, some years that's about all I can give, this year I can't make much. I did some mix jars two or three years ago. I plan to dig the recipes up and do some more, although not on such a large scale and the jars won't be as fancy. I've done coupons too, many long years ago and thought I'd do some more, but it still doesn't seem like much and there isn't much I can write coupons for. This recovery is going very slowly. The last couple of years I did a lot of painting and sewing for everyone plus storebought gifts. I guess they'll just have to believe me when I say we can't afford to buy gifts this year. No more spoiling everyone. I was going to have some of my favourite photos printed and make up memory pages for everyone. We'll see how that goes, if I can afford it or not, and if I have time. No spending this month at all, so it will have to wait, and then it might get too rushed. I appreciate you taking the time to write. Emmy PS. Bye the way, that link isn't working, the site is being sold. 
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User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127
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From: dmoses
Date: 11-09-2004, 04:45 PM (9 of 37)
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Hi Emmy, To help get into the mood, maybe you can make some cookies and refreshments, get out your Christmas music, and invite your family over one evening for a tree-trimming party. At least, the tree will be decorated! If you have some nice fabric on hand and some stuffing, you can make everyone a neck pillow and sleep mask, or perhaps some simple little tree decorations. I saw the pillow and mask idea in a book recently, and it looked quite easy to do...and I always advocate handmade decorations because...well, I just love them!  Christmas is so commercialized these days, that a lot of us dig ourselves into a big hole, and then have to spend the rest of the year trying to get out of it. I am vowing this year to keep it simple!
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 11-09-2004, 04:51 PM (10 of 37)
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hmmm...the site works for me....I've tried it 3 times now....
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Magot
Date: 11-09-2004, 06:23 PM (11 of 37)
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Ever tried marbling paper? Place a few drops of different coloured oil paint onto the surface of a shallow tray filled with water and stir. You can then either lay a whole sheet of paper on the top to produce some lovely craft papers for covering books, jewellery boxes etc or just dip the end of some writing paper in for some stylish handmade note paper. You can 'dip dye' envelopes to match. Make a stack from cheap paper and envelopes, perhaps make a matching writing case covered in similar paper or tie in a pile with ribbon. Nice easy gifts - I use marbeling inks but I'm told oil paint works as well - just keep it all wawy from amy detergent. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Emmy
Date: 11-09-2004, 11:21 PM (12 of 37)
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hmmm...the site works for me....I've tried it 3 times now.... I just tried it, and it worked. Weird! Will have a look around, thanks Emmy
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User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127
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From: Emmy
Date: 11-09-2004, 11:36 PM (13 of 37)
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have a tree-trimming party. At least, the tree will be decorated! ... neck pillow and sleep mask A sleep mask would be perfect for my sister. She's terrified of thunder storms and can't sleep when it storms unless she pulls the cover over her head. A sleep mask would probably really help. My mom might like one too. I'm sure I have some scrap fabrics on hand that I could use. If I could afford the fabrics, and handle that much work, I'd make everyone a double fleece blanket, the kind that has a fringe all around and you tie 2 layers of fabric together, plus some satin pillowcases, and some pj's. I was looking for a free pattern for fleece socks, but didn't find the type I want and found out that they take at least half a yard each pair, so I don't have enough scraps anyway. Maybe next year I'll be able to get the pattern and fabrics to make the socks and blankets. My hands haven't healed well enough yet to do much sewing or crafting in any case. (just had surgery on them recently). We haven't had a tree trimming party for a while. It could be fun, if we can pick a date everyone can make it. Thanks for the ideas, Emmy
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User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127
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From: Emmy
Date: 11-09-2004, 11:40 PM (14 of 37)
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Ever tried marbling paper? Nice easy gifts - I use marbeling inks but I'm told oil paint works as well - just keep it all wawy from amy detergent. No, but I've always wanted to. That's something I'll have to leave for next year, as I can't buy the paints right now. I love marbilized papers, they're gorgeous. I'd like to do some hand made papers and do some handmade books with marbled end papers and covers. I'm sure they'd be a hit. Something to add to my list for next year, when my hands are up to that type of work and I hopefully have a little money for supplies. Emmy |
User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 11-10-2004, 07:12 PM (15 of 37)
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Emmy, About the sleep masks , you did say you had enough scraps to make some , right?? Why not ask around and find maybe a teenager or neighbor that would like to learn how and you teach and let them be your hands and make enough for both and you would have the gifts you wanted and the satisfaction of teaching someone a new skill.. I bet you would have fun doing that also.. Find someone not in the family, so they won't blab about what you are doing.. I bet that would lift your spirits also.. God bless... 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: grandmasue
Date: 11-11-2004, 12:49 AM (16 of 37)
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In one year I had been thru a divorce, had a new baby with a new husband , had 2 teen daughters at home, been in an accident,only one income because the husband was in school full-time, and feeling as low as one could with the holidays fast approaching. I didn't want to put the tree up cuz there would be no gifts under it and one daughter said look on the bright side we will actually get to enjoy seeing the tree skirt this year. (and our pets thought it was the best new bed they had ever seen!). Then I didn't want to hang the stockings because there wouldn't be anything to put in those and as a family we came up with the idea of exchanging stockings. They all went into a bag and we all grabbed one out. Our goal was to see what we could find for $10 or less to fill the stocking that fit that person. And it had to fit in the stocking! We found a favorite candy bar, a new pair of soft socks, a charm for a bracelet, a mini sewing kit for the daughter going to college, fish hooks for the hubby who loves to fish, a new mascara. It was such a warm experience we have never gone back to the "gotta have a gift for everyone and spend alot of money". We truely are one of the "odd" ones who now enjoy Christmas, all of it! and we still exchange stockings, there are just more stocking to choose from these days
Grandma Sue
------------ At the end I am not showing up at my grave all pretty and well preserved...I am coming in sliding, yelling "What a ride!" |
User: grandmasue
Member since: 10-26-2004 Total posts: 138 
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From: MaryW
Date: 11-11-2004, 09:12 AM (17 of 37)
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Libby, that's an excellent idea.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Nece
Date: 11-11-2004, 06:42 PM (18 of 37)
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Another suggestion that makes a nice gift : 2 pieces of fabric about 4" x 12 ". Sew right sides together leaving a space to turn. Turn right side out and fill loosely with rice. Sew opening together. Warm in microwave for 1 minute for heat or put in freezer for cold. Feels really good warmed up and wrapped aroung tired and achey shoulders from sewing too long  Cold ones make your headache go away fast. Happy Sewing Nece |
User: Nece
Member since: 11-08-2004 Total posts: 26 
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From: Jonell
Date: 11-11-2004, 06:53 PM (19 of 37)
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What a cool idea. I have trouble sleeping and maybe a mask would help. Can you give me an idea of where I could find a pattern? Hmmm, I will have to do a search and see what I can find. Thanks for any suggestions. Sew Happy Jonell
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User: Jonell
Member since: 05-30-2001 Total posts: 11 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 11-11-2004, 08:04 PM (20 of 37)
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I make my rice packs using inexpensive washcloths or hand towels fold in half, serge or stitch 2 sides, fill 1/2-3/4 full with rice, close last side. Another idea for teenage girls is hair towels. I got a pattern off of the internet. When I have time I will find it for you. These work great but you cannot use large, thick towels because they get too heavy.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 11-11-2004, 09:27 PM (21 of 37)
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I have people asking me to make the rice bags in the shape of a small face mask to use for sinus headaches, etc. They're simple to make and make a great addition to a spa basket as a gift. One of the female attorneys I work with is want me to make her some to put in gift baskets for her women friends for Christmas this year. You can also use the good parts of old towels, old flannel shirts, etc. Just make sure you can heat the fabric in a microwave without melting it. 100% cotton flannel, muslin, terry cloth, etc. works the best. The rice bags are excellent for people with low back problems. I use mine almost every night as I have a back problem from a car accident. Made in small squares, they can be heated to put into coat/jacket pockets for warmth in winter weather. Dh heats the semi-circular one I made him to put underneath his jacket for doggie walks on winter mornings. You can buy a 5 lb. bag of rice for $3.00 here in Oklahoma City as the discount grocery stores. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Nece
Date: 11-12-2004, 08:18 AM (22 of 37)
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Barb, Great idea about the washcloths or towels. I haven't thought about that  I have been using polar fleece or cotton material Thanks !! Nece |
User: Nece
Member since: 11-08-2004 Total posts: 26
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From: dmoses
Date: 11-12-2004, 08:24 AM (23 of 37)
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Hi Patsy, Is there a particular type of rice that is best, or is plain long grain rice okay? Also, what if you need to wash the item, or if it were to get wet...I guess with the bags, it would be easy to make a removable cover, but for something like sleep masks, it might be a little more challenging...maybe a pocket for each eye? Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: cam's gram
Date: 11-12-2004, 03:56 PM (24 of 37)
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Another fabric that works well for the rice bags is pinwale or babywale corduroy. The fabric feels good against your skin, and sometimes when I have a headache I use one I keep in the freezer and rub my forehead with it -- kind of a mini-massage. Another use for the rice-filled bags is for a trivet -- if you add a little cinnamon to the rice it smells good when you put a hot pan on it. Make the bag about 8 or 9 inches square, sew three sides closed, then sew parallel channels about an inch wide across the whole thing. Use a funnel to fill the channels very full, and sew the bag shut using a machine. We made some as favors for one of my niece's wedding showers, and everyone liked them. We used remnants so each one was a different color -- some of the guests traded between themselves for colors that coordinated with their kitchens or dining rooms. I still use mine eleven years later! I just use a damp washcloth if something gets spilled on it. Doesn't seem to bother the rice. I used long-grain regular rice, not instant. |
User: cam's gram
Member since: 10-20-2004 Total posts: 22 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 11-12-2004, 09:33 PM (25 of 37)
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I just use el cheapo long grain white rice; just make sure it is regular rice and not instant. I use unbleached or bleached muslin for the actual bags to hold the rice and use my flannel, terry cloth, etc. for the cover. I also have some washable velvet that i'm going to try as a cover for a rice bag. I just make a finished opening in the cover big enough to get the rice bag in and out of and use small pieces of velcro as a closure so the covers can be removed and washed. It probably would not be a good idea to let the rice bags get wet although I have seen some instructions that if they get dried out after repeated use, just spritz the muslin bag with the rice in it and when it is reheated, it will give off moist heat again. Although the ones I've made for our use here at home are still giving off plenty of moisture even after multiple reheatings. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: teacheraid95
Date: 11-14-2004, 12:26 AM (26 of 37)
| What an excellant idea for a Christmas gift. My husband gets backaches,and I am known for the headaches. I may have to make one up for us...... |
User: teacheraid95
Member since: 11-04-2004 Total posts: 12 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 11-14-2004, 08:53 AM (27 of 37)
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I have made them as teacher gifts & get requests for more every year because their husbands or kids take them & the teachers don't get a chance to use them. I also made small ones as presents for the lunch aides to put in their pockets when they were outside in the cold.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
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From: Ann Made
Date: 11-14-2004, 10:08 AM (28 of 37)
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Christmas can be hard when there is little money. We had a few years like that and ended up making all our gifts. Today our children still look forward to hand made gifts. I would like to start early with Christmas but it is near impossible. I am working on my masters degree (almost 1/2 done) and it is very time consuming. This week I have off so am going to make DS a western shirt. I will make DD something also maybe for her house as she is moving into one next week. We don't put up a tree when the kids don't come home and this year we won't be putting up one as there is a kitten in the house. If he is goes to the SPCA, we will but I fear he will climb the tree and break all the old ornaments. DH feeds cattle on Christmas Day and comes in for lunch and we unwrap gifts then. Then out he goes for the pm to feed some more. I will sew on Christmas Day - my gift to myself. It helps to keep positive and work with what you have. I would like to see Christmas become less commericalized. Christmas isn't about how many gifts under the tree. It is about family, health, and happiness. Ann
Learning is a journey, not a race.
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User: Ann Made
Member since: 04-07-2001 Total posts: 67 
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From: Magot
Date: 11-14-2004, 10:36 AM (29 of 37)
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I agree Ann, we will have my daughter back from uni and it wil be lovely to see her I like to make pressies for my friends and family and make them personal in that way - tricky with hubby as he is a gadget freak- I am buying him new eyepieces for his telescope for his birthday which leaves me with a few tools and gadgets for Christmas. i intend to sew him a telecope cozy so he can take it about places. The rice bags are great - I made them last year for friends and need to make some more for school first aid box. This year I have been making hot water bottle covers. We have never celebrated Father Christmas - it has never been my desire to get what I consider to be the true meaning of Christmas mixed up with Coca Cola - ( Until 1930's F.C. was always portaited in green untill Coca Cola turned him red) I hate the over commercialization of Christmas and we have always avoided it and stuck to it being a time of feasting and goodwill and celebrating the Messiahs birthday ( we have a cake with one candle) This year my daughter has forsworn her Christian roots and decided to go pagan and celebrate Samhein. While I think her choices are wacky - they are her choices and she knows that what we believe and expect in our house - I can't guarentee I'm ready to compromise my own beliefs and drum in the sun with her on the solstice - in fact I know I'm not going to- but that doesn't mean her choices should make a breach between us. Many years of love and acceptance between us are greater than that. She has always appreciated our non -Santa oriented Christmas and now hates Christmas vitally! Our centrepiece for many years has been a Cadbury's chocolate truck being driven by the Virgin Mary and running over Father Christmas - (cake decorations OK?)Normaly Baby Jesus is on the cab of the truck and Joseph in the back... Say nothing. Some Brits are strange. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Sherri
Date: 11-14-2004, 03:15 PM (30 of 37)
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One thing that frustrates me about Christmas is the bigger is better mentality. I really think that almost anyone would rather have a present that people put a little thought and effort in then the most expensive thing on the shelf. It drives me nuts when people ask me what I want or when people give money. I don't want money as a gift I want a gift as a gift. I want to tear off the lovely paper and find something that absolutely perfectly suits me. I mean I am not that complex a person. (OK maybe I am just venting because my husband asks me every second day what I want for Christmas/my birthday.) My MIL's fix for everything is mints. Your tummy upset here try a mint. Had a bad day here try this mint. Can't figure out how to make that all to important car repair why I have a mint to fix that problem. So I am going to make her some homemade mints and have the kids make here a candy dish to go with it. Sherri My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: Magot
Date: 11-14-2004, 04:47 PM (31 of 37)
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Good move, Sherri! Overeaten Christmas dinner - have a mint! I have no problem with gifts....Anybody can buy me diamonds.... love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: MaryW
Date: 11-28-2004, 12:04 PM (32 of 37)
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I shopped a bit while we were offline. I found this book for my grandson. It fits his sense of humor perfectly. It is called Harriets Horrible Hair Day, written by Dawn L. Stewart. She is a long standing member of Sew Whats New. This book is hysterical, about a girl who doesn't want her naturally curly hair. All sorts of things happen, the illustrations are so colourful and well done. You want to look at every page to take in all the details. If you get the chance to look this book over, do so. My grandson is an avid reader, he will love it. Barnes and Noble (www.bn.com) carry it, so does Chapters (www.chapters.com) in Canada. I nor the site are affiliated with either the book or these stores, just a happy customer. Kudos to Dawn.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Magot
Date: 12-08-2004, 05:10 PM (33 of 37)
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She's on Amazon too! whhooo hooo
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Emmy
Date: 12-09-2004, 12:38 PM (34 of 37)
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I find I do not enjoy the malls as much as I used to. Part of the reason I don't enjoy them is temperature. I seem to be so warm with a jacket/coat on in malls, but cold if I don't have something. I haven't found the right combination yet. Hi Mary, I have the perfect solution for you! Try making a Shopper's Vest! Its a bit warmer than going without a coat, but not as hot as a coat, and it eliminates the need to carry a purse. saf-T-pockets (http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details_v2.asp?Store_id=413&page_id=23&Item_ID=1004) I couldn't afford the pattern back when I wanted to make one, and it wouldn't have fit me anyway, so I converted an ordinary unlined jacket pattern, to make it into an unlined, quilted jacket, with hidden pockets that I added. It works the same way as the shoppers vest but its warmer. I'd like a vest for spring/summer/fall. So, I'm going to use an ordinary vest pattern that fits me, to make my own version of the saftey pocket shopper's vest next spring, or as soon as I can afford some really nice fabrics for it. Anyway, the concept is simple, you have an ordinary looking vest or jacket, that has hidden pockets for the contents of your purse. Not every thing will fit in, but the credit cards, money, a brush, lipstick, and a few other things will. You can leave your purse at home, or in the car, and just use the vest. Now you are hands free to shop, and walk. You are not sweating in a heavy jacket, or freezing either. I love it! Here's the main page... (http://www.saf-t-pockets.com/patterns.asp) Emmy |
User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127
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From: Emmy
Date: 12-09-2004, 12:52 PM (35 of 37)
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I want a gift as a gift. I want to tear off the lovely paper and find something that absolutely perfectly suits me. I mean I am not that complex a person. (OK maybe I am just venting because my husband asks me every second day what I want for Christmas/my birthday.) Sherri Here's what I do now-- I avoid the questions, and I still get something I want! I set up a file folder on the computer, in my documents directory, that is called MyWishList. When I'm surfing the web and find something I'd like to get, I capture a picture of it (either copy and paste into MS Paint, or do an Alt PrintScreen, then paste into MS Paint). I then type in the name of the item, and where I saw it, plus any comments I have on it, etc). Now my husband can go into my wishlist file, and find something I would really like to have. There are items that are easy to locate and ones you have to order online, and a variety of prices, although they are all probably under $100 and most are under $50. Most of these items are related to painting or sewing or other hobbies. I also maintain a wish list at Amazon.ca. I also have a short list of movies that I'd love to have, and a few music Cds too. Since I've been doing this, its a lot easier for him to find something I really want, but I still have a nice surprise when I open a gift, because I have no idea what he's choosen from which list. Emmy
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User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127
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From: Emmy
Date: 12-09-2004, 01:06 PM (36 of 37)
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Christmas can be hard when there is little money. We had a few years like that and ended up making all our gifts. ...I would like to start early with Christmas but it is near impossible. ... We don't put up a tree when the kids don't come home and this year we ...Ann I agree completely Ann. We've had many years when we couldn't afford to buy gifts, and I have a tradition of making at least one hand made gift for everyone, even when we can afford to shop. This year we had to replace our deck, which rotted out and wasn't safe, plus replace a large window, and had major vehicle repairs twice, so money is very very tight. I had surgery on both hands, so I can't make gifts this year. Normally I would sew, crochet, craft, bake and paint. This year I can't. (had hand surgery and I'm not recovered enough to do crafts, etc). So, I'm kind of stuck for gift ideas that I can afford. I'll probably only be able to afford a few stocking stuffers. I talked it over with my husband and he agreed that we would just have everyone over for dinner and tell them we could not afford and would not be exchanging gifts this year (with the exception of our daugther). Everyone seems to be content to go along with it and save money, but I still feel some guilt over not having anything to put under the tree. The last couple of years we didn't put up our tree, and it ended up being kind of depressing, so this year we're going all out with our decorations, and using the tree, swags and lights too. Its far more cheerful with them up and we don't have to buy anything in that area, so we might as well enjoy them. When we have the dinner, things will be as festive as I can make them. In stead of opening gifts, we'll watch a movie together or sing carols, whichever the majority wants. Or perhaps we'll play a board game. We'll have stockings and that will be the extent of the gifts. Hopefully the focus will be on spending time together, and everyone will forget about the commercial aspects of the season. Emmy |
User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 12-09-2004, 06:19 PM (37 of 37)
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We have always kept Christmas shopping to a minimum too. I have 3 daughters, and was a single mom for years so money was tight. Now we have added 3 sons-in-law and 3 grandchildren. And then there's my ex-husband's sister who spends Christmas with us (I divorced her brother, not her) and my current husband's sister. We exchange names - $25.00 + tax maximum. And every person buys one gift for each stocking, maximum $5 but dollar store or garage/bazaar items very much acceptable. Most of us buy for the young kids but nothing outrageous. I also make every body something - could be hand-painted, quilted, sewed, beaded, etc. The big thing about Christmas for us is the fact that we all get together which is hard to do as we are over 600 miles apart but it's worth the effort. A friend of mine had very little money for Christmas one year so they decided to do a bag of gifts each, much like our stocking idea. She bought a large Christmas bag for everyone from the dollar store (or used ones left over from years before) and everyone had to buy one item each but they had a $2.00 limit and even though the next year was better for them financially, they enjoyed the $2 bag idea, they continued with it. For those of you with small families, have you considered sharing your Christmas dinner with someone from one of the senior residences in your city/town? There always some who's family are too far away to visit. Perhaps you can even volunteer to take them shopping which will make for a good feeling on your part for sure. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
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