People who make presents and cards: when do you start?

[CatNamedEaster]

I've decided that I will be making presents and cards next year. I kind of decide that most years but then I end up not managing it for a billion boring reasons.

So what I thought was, maybe I should aim to make one 'thing' each month? So eg, shirt for DH in Jan, jumper for mum in Feb, necklace for friend in March etc. Does that sound like a workable plan?

If it helps, I can already do all these things so it's more of a kick up the arse good plan that I need rather than to learn the skills in the first place.

I'm a procrastinator all about the adrenaline of a deadline. We linoprint cards in the first week of December but I didn't start any present sewing until last week 🤦🏻‍♀️ lots of sewing to do still shouldn't be on MN

That's part of my problem. I procrastinate so long over things that the final design will bear no resemblance to the initial idea and will be way more complicated. So there is never enough time to achieve it. .

What are you sewing? Actual presents or the wrappings/bags?

Clothes mostly- I have a tunic, a jersey dress, a t-shirt & a pair of trousers left to do. Plus a wallet, a drawing pouch & a makeup bag (only one is essential)

A messenger bag has already been pushed off the list...

I made loads of drawstring Christmas fabric bags as wrapping two years ago & it may be the best sewing time investment ever - fling in a bag, pull the ribbon & attach the tag!

Oh according to mad tradition I also have to make several clothes for a small cuddly

I meant to say this chimes with me . I procrastinate so long over things that the final design will bear no resemblance to the initial idea and will be way more complicated. I usually find that my ideas become more complex & often I stall in the process but when I restart the solution is more elegant or pleasing in some way.

Wow you have a busy couple of days then. Hope it goes well and you don't end up too bleary eyed!

It's hard NOT to adapt a design as you go isn t it?! I think maybe I will start with low expectations early in the year then I should end up with at least two or three things by Christmas (as long as the people don't lose or put on weight ).

That sounds like a plan! If I make things early I end up giving them early plus pesky kids will keep growing!

I think the adaptation is what I enjoy really - I'm utterly shocking at mass producing anything (except cards).

So normally I'm super organised and I was with regards to buying my fabrics and cutting out the patterns this year, which I'd got them all done by mid-November.

Didn't actually start sewing them until last weekend though so felt like I was up against it (I have a 20 month old DD as well so sewing time is limited ).

Managed to get two jumpers sewn up for my parents, a Christmas dress for DD and five pairs of fingerless gloves in about 6 hours total. But luckily all the patterns I used are really familiar to me so didn't need to spend time reading instructions.

Also because I batch cut them all in November I just did it like a production line for the same things which sped the process up a bit. I'd say I'll be better next year but I'm not sure I will be haha.

Although I will say I was organised with my DDs stocking, which I started cross-stitching back in Feb. But only finished it last night because it was just so time consuming!

I'm really impressed Luna. I planned to make sooo much when DS was born but he wasnt easy so I think the first thing I made was Thomas the Tank Engine for nursery world book day when he was 3!

@LunaNova

Although I will say I was organised with my DDs stocking, which I started cross-stitching back in Feb. But only finished it last night because it was just so time consuming!

Oh that's lovely & you won't regret it! I embroidered my kids ones & they won't hear of changing them so you should have years to enjoy your hard work

I decided to make matching PJs for the whole family. 12 people. In December.

I wouldn't recommend it. 😀

@EATmum

I decided to make matching PJs for the whole family. 12 people. In December.

I wouldn't recommend it. 😀

you're my kind of people- I'm still pattern cutting for the trousers but everything else is done... Merry Christmas!

In fairness I only made the trousers. But used checked brushed cotton so also had pattern matching to deal with. Will I ever learn? (So pleased with them though!)

I made crabapple jelly, rowan jelly, apple and mint jelly, hedgerow jelly, plum jam, and courgette and apple chutney in September and made up some beautiful hampers for my sisters for Christmas. The bonus is that I have loads of delicious stuff to eat through the year, plus enough spare to give away to neighbours etc. I also make Christmas decorations and give those as a little extra gift.