Sew What’s Up Presents
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: 11-01-2005, 09:06 AM (1 of 25)
Hubby and I decided this year to cut down on the buying. We will buy for grandkids only. I have a few things put away but haven't started shopping in earnest yet. I want it all done early for a change.  I say that every year.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: esrun3
Date: 11-01-2005, 12:58 PM (2 of 25)
|
Mary, I buy and "make" all year long and somehow am never done early! I just don't understand why that is! My siblings and I finally went to rotating who we give to each year and then it is only to the sibling-if you want to do a family gift fine but it is supposed to be just for the sibling. I'm still doing for the kids, spouses & grandkids but am also cutting down on the expense of things-each dil is getting a quilt of some kind-throw, wall hanging, etc and one other "major item", my sons will probably just get one thing because they like the expensive tools. My daughter might get a few more items but that's mostly because she's trying to set up housekeeping with the boyfriend. then the grandkids and even they are getting cut down since they have such large families on both sides that they get inundated with stuff!! Keep plugging away Mary, my goal is to be done by Thanksgiving! Lyn
|
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 11-01-2005, 06:34 PM (3 of 25)
|
I'm with you Mary. I am cutting way back this year too. My dtrs are finally at the point where they have good jobs and doing well and just don't need a lot of "stuff" so they are getting one hand-crafted gift and one small bought gift. Buying for the grandkids is a must! I have no trouble making things for my dtrs but the SONSILS are another thing. So far I've managed to find things to make them (painted/quilted/sewn) but it's getting tough. Any ideas ladies? Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
|
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: KayTee
Date: 11-01-2005, 07:04 PM (4 of 25)
|
My SIL and DIL (both "to be") are getting a copy of all the favourite recipes that my DS and DD have enjoyed over the years, complete with where the recipe came from if it was handed down. In my own handwriting. I think I'm going to try and make the dividers using some photos of my kids growing up copied onto cardstock. This came about after we decided not to 'do' gifts in the traditional sense (and no grandkids yet!) and I wanted something that they could enjoy but was still quite personal. That's my Xmas gift idea. |
User: KayTee
Member since: 12-06-2002 Total posts: 98 |
From: gm23237
Date: 11-01-2005, 07:19 PM (5 of 25)
|
Well as you know if you read my posts, I make most of my gifts. I start right after Christmas and while the holidays have just passed sometimes I hear or see something that people want. I then create a Gift List with suggestiions to my self of what to make or get for each person on my list. I keep the list on my computer and can add, change the list as needed. I just have one son to consider, full grown and he is moving from Ma. to Virginia to be near me so we decided this year not gifts to each other, of course I will cheat and send something just at the right time that he can not get me anything. LOL... I am evil! My health is failing and I am glad that he will be closer to me. |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145 
|
From: Chrysantha
Date: 11-01-2005, 10:41 PM (6 of 25)
|
I only get things for my sister and in-laws...so I 'adopt' people or animals for Christmas...last yr it was my neighbor...year before it was the animal shelter here in town. Sometimes I do the Salvation Army trees.... This year I've adopted a soldier in Iraq. I get to send him e-mail and boxes of 'goodies/esentials'. www.operationac.com Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
|
From: bridesmom
Date: 11-04-2005, 07:12 AM (7 of 25)
|
Chrys, what a great idea! We have 5 kids and 3 grandchildren now plus 1 son in law and 2 boyfriends, the family is growing but the paycheques aren't. I made most of my gifts last year and will be doing the same this year. I did start using up some yarn and made toques which I will donate somewhere before Christmas. Last year, our church made up duffel bags of clothing, personal items and some goodies for the homeless people in our town. I was shocked at how many homeless people are actually in our area, they live under the freeway, in the bushes in tents, and most of them are in their late teens! I think we will probably do the same again this year.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: gm23237
Date: 11-04-2005, 04:22 PM (8 of 25)
|
My significant other and I have for the past 5 years helped a single Mom and her three children for Christmas. Last year i painted both of the kids rooms, made curtains and bedspreads for them. One year we bought the Mom a washing machine as her's had died and she had no money to replace it. This year we bought the three kids winter coats their Mom says they cam make it with their old coats until Christmas. I no longer have children at home and this has made our Christmas very joyful to see them Christmas day and see them happy. Peace to all ! |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145
|
From: mamadus
Date: 11-10-2005, 09:22 AM (9 of 25)
|
GM... what a great example you are of what Christmas should be!!! I too have decided to cut back a bit this year.... I have a dd getting married in June so there are a lot of expenses there... I also am working hard on making the vast majority of my Christmas projects... I will supplement with restaurant gift certificates for the couples, and checks for the young folks in the family... of course, I will add a bit for my own children ( young adults) one of my favorite gifts to give is a coupon promising to pay their car payment or car insurance payment for a specific month... it helps them out, and it spreads out Christmas costs for me... just my 2 cents,,, MO life is too short, not to explore
|
User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
|
From: MaryW
Date: 11-10-2005, 10:37 AM (10 of 25)
|
Now, that's a neat idea. I bet your kids love that!
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: Magot
Date: 11-10-2005, 04:43 PM (11 of 25)
|
Immediate family only here - I don't want to get into buying pressies for my son in law to be's parental units. I like to make everybody something - but as it is Tony's birthday mid November we do not allow ourselves to buy pressies until after that. Just come back from wrapping shoeboxes with friends from Church (http://www.samaritanspurse.org/) 22 down, 2o to go! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
|
From: beachgirl
Date: 11-10-2005, 09:05 PM (12 of 25)
| Mamahoogie, I'm having the same problem as what to make for the s in-laws & gs's that are older. I have thought of maybe making seatbelt covers & embroidery something they like to do on them. Like fish or ? Then one loves to Bar-b que so I boufgt a couple of those food umbrellas & am embroidering all sorts of bugs on them. I can make the unbrella but I like these better. If you get any ideas please share them if you don' mind. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
|
From: Bama
Date: 11-11-2005, 07:49 PM (13 of 25)
|
Hubby and I decided this year to cut down on the buying. We will buy for grandkids only. I wish my mom would do that.  I've talked to her about it the past few years, but she doesn't listen. She still buys for me and my sisters, my hubby and sister's hubby. It makes us feel like we need to get mom and dad something nice too because they always spend too much on all of us. It would be alot easier on us if they only bought for the grandkids. We tried drawing names one year, but mother still gave a present to everybody. We've set a money limit on gifts before, and mother AND one of my sisters didn't stick to it.  It makes me feel bad.
|
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
|
From: grandmasue
Date: 11-12-2005, 11:15 AM (14 of 25)
|
I have been having a bit of a rough time lately (DH has been off of work for 2 months now and no unemployment checks for him) and really wasn't even willing to let myself think about the upcoming holidays. But there was something that came to me while reading the posts on this site and that was that even tho the gifts are nice they really aren't necessary to be able to warm ourselves in the holiday spirit. I just wanted to say thank you to all the wonderful people on this site for the uplift to my spirits today!
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 
|
From: mamahoogie
Date: 11-12-2005, 12:23 PM (15 of 25)
|
We do the name drawing thing too but take it one step closer and draw a stocking name. Here's how it works. One gift per person - $25 + tax limit and everyone knows they better stick to the limit!!!!! (Only exception is if you find say a $35 gift on sale for $25 or less). One stocking gift per person - $5.00 maximum! Now, as the parent I do buy one small gift per adult child and/or make them something but the cost of the gift is usually under $30 and I'm slowly weaning myself out of this too...in fact, I think next year it will be handcrafted gift only. I spend a little more on the grandchildren but not much, about $50. each. The kids also get Santa stockings and gifts from Santa and their parents as well of course. This way everyone gets a couple of presents and we all get stockings. It's amazing what you can find for $5 to put in a stocking. My one daughters' in-laws liked our way so much, they adopted it too. Really cuts down on the $$ spent at Christmas but we all have a great time. We all open stockings at the same time but do it slowly so everyone gets to see what each other has in the stockings. We do gifts one at a time - takes a couple or 3 hours sometimes but we enjoy it that way. My youngest daughter's in-laws all open all their gifts in a frenzy and no one knows who got what and my daughter hates it. Everyone has their own method of celebrating. At least we don't have huge credit card bills in January. Still not sure what to make the sons-in-law except one requested a wall-hanging of some mystic guy named Odin and the Ravens. I think I may make rice bags for the other two unless they come up with something. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
|
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 11-12-2005, 01:38 PM (16 of 25)
|
My family downsized Christmas over 12 years ago. With the family growing to having some engaged at that time, it became way to much. No one enjoyed it, everyone was always worried about the cost. Finding the time to shop in the crowds. Wondering would they like it, does it seem to be to cheap or to expensive? We decided to do Christmas present giving small and have people over for food and merriment. Homemade was considered something special, or offering services to help out in some way. I am not saying we didn't buy presents, we did and do, but not like most people I know. Now Christmas is more relax on my family. How they deal with their other half family is a different story, but I like our way.
Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 11-13-2005, 12:40 AM (17 of 25)
|
You have a good man there! Bless him for helping others. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
|
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 11-13-2005, 02:52 AM (18 of 25)
|
Julie's Nana, I know someone like that and I know how they feel when someone they have given something to feels the need to repay. Strange how some people cannot see that for this person it makes them feel good to give and they do not worry about receiving. I was taught once that if you receive something from someone always say Thank You and smile. A hug goes along with that too. Maybe one day you can do the same for someone and they in turn can pass this on to someone else. I have tried this and found it works. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 11-13-2005, 07:29 AM (19 of 25)
|
My hubby's been laid off for 3 years, just working sporadically, so we cut WAY back. We don't buy for each other, just our kids....I'll make my mom and my aunt something, and that's about it. I think this year it will be purses, as I've delayed AGAIN and won't have time to make quilts. Fortunately I have a lot of stash to use, lol!!!!! Allie "onward through the fog"
|
User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
|
From: mommydionne
Date: 11-18-2005, 08:25 PM (20 of 25)
Well... santa will bring one gift per child and mom and dad usually are good for something as well  , that's about it for the kiddies (we have 4 makes for lots of presants under the tree but they get to share). I'm doing personalized and disney embroidered fleece scarves for the neices and nephews, and my brother and sister and I have a $25 limit for each family. I've bought one present so far  b/c the earlier I start the more I spend! But half of the embroidered scarves are done! 5 more to go. Hubby wants a gun cabinet so of to Canuck tire for that  . But we are trying to keep a lid on Xmas but the kids just get pounded with advertising etc. I'm ready to chuck the TV out the window.
Jeanette
|
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
|
From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 11-18-2005, 09:37 PM (21 of 25)
|
Last year I read somewhere of a neat gift giving idea......and I really thought that it was a good one! You only buy 4 things...(you won't even have to buy them) but anyway here goes.... you get....Something you want, Something you need, Something to wear and Something to read. This is a great way to cut back on all of the shopping and excessive spending that people go thru. Just and idea~ and for the most part all of those items can be homemade! mgf~ 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
|
From: beachgirl
Date: 11-19-2005, 12:14 AM (22 of 25)
Sounds like a neat idea. If only I could stay out of the stores plus thinking of things to sew. LOL. Hey Texas, answer my 2 pm's to you. PLEEEZZZE !!!!! Thank you. 
|
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
|
From: allie-oops
Date: 11-19-2005, 02:58 PM (23 of 25)
|
We used to go way overboard with our kids. The first year dh was laid off, I told the boys that since Jesus only got 3 gifts [when the wise men came] would they mind only getting three also? They LOVED the idea. It took them a few weeks to tone down their lists, but they did it, and the expensive gifts were GONE. They picked things that they really wanted, and we were able to focus more on just having a fun season. Now it's a family tradition. Allie "onward through the fog"
|
User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
|
From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 11-20-2005, 08:30 PM (24 of 25)
|
That is AWESOME Allie!! I'm glad that your children were willing to do that. I love how you used the gifts for Jesus as a guideline for the gifts for your family. I pray that you have a blessed Christmas! mgf~
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288
|
From: gm23237
Date: 12-01-2005, 09:06 PM (25 of 25)
|
Grandmasue; I remember one Christmas when my son was maybe 9 we moved to Ma and had to live 6 months in a one room hotel like room. We had all our belongings with us so space was tight. Well that Christmas my son and I made a paper tree we placed on a wall, we drew, cut and made decorations. There was little money that year so the gifts were small but it was one of the best Christmas I had and my son still talk about it even now. There is a song Dolly parton sings I like so much called: In the good Old Day when Times were Bad. Happy Holiday to you and to all! |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-17249.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft