Handmade for the Holidays

About two Christmas' ago, a challenge came up on a forum I belong to.  The idea was to make a handmade Christmas.  I really liked the idea, so that year the majority of presents were hand made.  Last year I did it again, with embroidered shirts for nephews and a 2nd cousin.  I did bamboo velour pillow cases for my sister and brother in law, as well as hand made items for my other sister in law (had my husband handle the gift for my brother in laws in that case), and did handmade for my father in law, and mother in law.

This year I will once again be continuing the tradition.  I'm making items for the kitchen for all three sisters in law, and will either be making crayon rolls for my newphews, or doing a trade with a friend for treasure hunt bags. 

Typcially gifts are given in Chico bags, but with Julia passing, I lost track of the coops I would have ordered from, so this year, I will be making muslin bags as the gift wrap.  I know I love my muslin bags for grocery shopping when I get meat products, because I can wash them in hot water afterward to get rid of any contamination. 

Jake will be getting a home made snuggie with Cincinnati Bengals fleece.  He requested it last year, but I didn't have access until now.  I'll likely be sewing it at my mother-in-laws house though, as I'm not sure I'll find the fleece for it here.

For the boys, I'm thinking bed sheets and pajamas, as that is what James has been asking for, and Justin hasn't made any requests just yet.

It's been a rough week.

Well this week started with James having a stomach bug overnight Sunday to Monday, then eye surgery on Tuesday.  He needed an operation to align his eyes.  He seems to be doing alright now, but can't go back to school until after Thanksgiving. 

In the meantime, I've managed to get a diaper cover done, and apron, and lay out the fabric to make an NWU sundress.  I'm also going to try to cut a ACU newborn outfit today.  Work has been rough on Jake this week, since he had duty overnight Monday to Tuesday, then James' surgery, with a late night of work, and very little sleep.

Once I get my custom orders done, and Christmas gifts made (of which I've done no work so far) I'm going to start dabbling in what new items I'm going to be making.  I have two dresses I've been wanting to work on, but just haven't had the chance yet.

What I've been up to.

Well, Jake finally got done with his last TDY of October, and we hit the road for California for Halloween.  After we got back, I got into the craft room and started sewing.  Part of it was finishing up a custom order, and the other part was getting ready for this weeks stocking at Bitty Fluff.  I'm the featured vendor for this stocking, and wanted to take full advantage of it.  So, as  result, I managed to sew/embroider three military themed newborn sets. 

 The first was an ACU set, that I think I actually had mostly done before we left.  The second is a Woodland MARPAT set, and the third, a Desert MARPAT set.  I plan on doing an AF one next.  I also picked up more of the necessary supplies I need for a dress I've been wanting to do for a month now.  Before getting to that though, I've needed to get some things sewn for the Arts and Crafts Fair at James school tomorrow.  As a result, I finally finished up the bamboo velour pillow cases, and will be moving on shortly to burp cloths, and pacifier holders.  I'm going to try to knock out some wipes, and maybe a few diapers as well.  I'd like to get a swing back dress or two done, but I'm not sure if that will be happening.  Well, back to sewing.