the workshop is open…

Filed under: Sewing, made gifts — admin at 9:00 pm on Thursday, October 19, 2006

It’s official- I have completed my first Christmas gift.

I know it’s crazy, but I anticipate a busy holiday season this year with work and want to enjoy my life when I am not baking or catering people’s parties.

I love this dinosaur and was surprised to see how small it is…I know I should have expected it while cutting out the pieces and considering it came from a book entitled “Tiny Toys”.

I made it out of wool felt and handstitched most of the little rascal. I totally enjoyed sitting and just listening to a podcast or nothing at all. I need to do more projects that makes me feel more restful…my personality is pretty focused and I truly need something that allows me to just enjoy the process. Maybe I should learn to knit?

Anyway, I did have teeth on this dino, but wasn’t convinced it looked right. I am sure Si will reject the simplified version and ask for a more “toothy” expression. We’ll have to see.

I actually think I may make a few more little friends for my kids. I also have planned pajama bottoms, big “blocked” pillows for them to lounge on, pencil cases, a painted dollhouse for Penny and so on…All year long they ask me for things that they see me making and so they will get what they have wanted! Someone the other day was surprised to learn that none of my kids wanted an iPod. Uh, I get one before ANYONE under the age of 12 gets one!!

It is my goal to only buy a few books, a puzzle for the family, and a piece for our train set this Christmas. I absolutely refuse to get sucked into the typical spending that most Americans get themselves into…

so, what are some of you doing? I would love to hear some of your ideas.

10 Comments »

Comment by Kristina

October 20, 2006 @ 2:30 am

Oh I love that dino – don’t show my son!!!

I think it’s SO great that you will be making all your presents this year – I intend to do most of mine myself too.

I’ll throw myself into new places – DS scarf, quilt pillows, paper maché etc.
I’ll have fun – I know – but lets see how much will be given away!?!

Comment by tracy

October 20, 2006 @ 2:48 am

ahhh the typical spending suck and the holidays. hand-made. we have friends that have a holiday party where your gift must be a creation. not necessarily tangible. it can be a song. or a poem. a short story. or a scarf. i love this idea…
oh – and i love that teeny dino too!

Comment by Paula

October 20, 2006 @ 11:50 am

That little dinosaur is so adorable! Kudos to you for making him. I still have a pattern book of dinosaurs I was going to make for Willem when he was three. Good thing he never lacked for store bought stuffed dinosaurs, thanks to relatives, since I have yet to make them.

Let me know when you have time, I’ll teach you to knit.

Comment by Maryellen

October 20, 2006 @ 7:57 pm

As per your usual–a wonderful story, great creations and a bit of inspiration. I wish we were still in Chicago so our paths might cross….

Please keep us posted on your holiday creations. I’m looking for ideas for my 5 year old daughter and 7 year old son. I’ve also got a fun Japanese book of small, stuffed animal patterns if you are interested in me sending a few your way. My kids have been begging me for the little gerbil-like things, but I have yet to get the instructions translated.

Comment by madmommy

October 20, 2006 @ 8:54 pm

You’re kids are very fortunate to have such a creative mommy! Good for you! Love that dino.

(oh, and PS…you don’t want an iPod…I have a 6GB Rio Carbon…much nicer, better battery life, smaller, less expensive, and just as fun!)

Comment by mrspilkington

October 22, 2006 @ 2:07 pm

the dino is fabulous! and yes, you should knit — have you seen “the world of knitted toys?:)

we’re trying to avoid the Christmas gift insanity, too. My plan is to make one holiday dress or sweater and a doll; then buy a book and EITHER a toy instrument, a dollhouse or plain wooden train set that we can paint.

the hard part will be the number of (and types of ) gifts she gets from other people

Comment by jessica

October 27, 2006 @ 7:02 am

oh i love the soft dino.
so nice to see a non plastic dino….cuddly….yet firm.

Comment by Melissa

October 27, 2006 @ 11:32 am

A few years ago my hubby and I decided enough was enough with spending on Christmas gifts especially our kids, now with 3 little ones in the house items accumulate quickly if we let them.

Our Christmas rule/tradition when giving to our children is 3 gifts; our explanation to our children was that Jesus received 3 gifts when he was born on Christmas so they are to receive 3 gifts as well. Our other rule about it so that one will be clothing/outfit, one will be an educational/fun toy for them, and lastly one homemade gift (typically is the pillowcases I make them each year used as wrapping for books I like to get them to add to our library here at home).

I’ve been enjoying your 30 day living photos and would love to use that idea some day when life may settle down around here possibly, great idea! Also check out my blog for other crafty, homemade gifts even the kids can make relatives if you are interested.

Comment by Kathy

November 5, 2006 @ 12:08 am

Hi Carol
Here is another book with lots of fun felt dinosaurs (that I was telling you about today) …Toys to Sew by Claire Garland. I can send you some pictures if you send me your email.
kathy z

Comment by Kathy

November 13, 2006 @ 9:39 am

Hi Carol
I have a feeling you didn’t get the dino pictures I sent last week- let me know. They might have gone to your junk mail.
Thanks
Kathy

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