My previous job kept me so busy that I didn’t have time to craft much the past two years so I am looking forward to making a few things for Christmas this year! I don’t have a large list at the moment but I at least aim to finish:
An amigurumi for my niece based on a drawing she gave me.
Slippers for my Mom, Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law. (I wanted to do these last year!)
not sure how I’ve missed this thread in years past, but your foodie gifts look fantastic!
and I’m hoping to use some of the mix ideas myself!
Here are the hand carved cardinal ornaments that I picked up yesterday. (That’s my chonky hand for size reference.) They’re primitive, but I love them. 
LOVE! 
I would have adopted that sweet guy if I could have. He had the calmest demeanor as we talked and he carved. 
me too! and the story about the guy carving them is just so heartwarming
He was there with his wife and his daughter, who was running the booth. They were all “scoop them up and put them in your pocket to keep forever” precious.
This is what I am thinking of making for my sister. If I have time. Anyone have any thoughts on yarn type? The pattern uses a merino/alpaca blend (fancy!) but I don’t want it to be a hassle to wash, plus as we don’t get really cold weather in spring/autumn (when this would probably we best worn), I was wondering if a cotton blend would be better? You can still layer underneath if needed? Or is acrylic a good in between? (I don’t make many yarn garments)
The pattern calls for worsted (#4, medium) weight yarn, and that might get a bit heavy and stiff in pure cotton. But, like you suggested, a blend of cotton/wool or bamboo/wool might be nice - good drape, not too heavy. Also, with that open design, even a washable wool probably wouldn’t be stiflingly warm. I know it depends a lot on the yarn, and there’s a huge range in quality, but I’m not a fan of acrylic for wearables. It doesn’t typically breathe well and can make one feel sweaty, and I haven’t found one that doesn’t pill and shed like crazy when washed.
I am also hesitant to use acrylics for wearables, unless it is something like a shawl or scarf…I absolutely fell in love with this yarn, which is soft, drapey, fun to work with, and is still washable. They also have a wonderful cotton/wool merino but it is DK weight.
Thanks @tendstowardschaos and @AIMR!
I’m making some crocheted dish cloths for my mom and aunt’s gift box today. One step closer!
Somehow, I’ve managed a bit of Me time, so I might go to this neat consignment/antique mall that is in town to see if I find anything to add to the mix. I’d love to find another vintage cookbook for my girl. The oldest one she has 1940’s. I’d love to find something a bit earlier, but I know that would push the price up considerably.
Anyone know another teen that gets super excited to receive a vintage cookbook as a gift? 
There’s a British (I think he’s British) guy on TikTok that prepares recipes from vintage cookbooks, only with a serious amount of flare and comedy. I think he might be to blame for her obsession, but I don’t mind at all. 
I would have been excited by vintage cookbooks at that age! But I was an odd kid. A few years ago I bought Victory in the Kitchen, a modern publication by the British Imperial War Museum full of wartime recipes. https://www.amazon.com/Victory-Kitchen-Imperial-War-Museums/dp/1904897460 It’s not a vintage book but maybe she would like it.
I have both my grandmothers’ recipes and I’ve been thinking for years now about incorporating their handwritten recipes in a Christmas gift. Maybe now is the time to do something with it?
I am taking several recipe cards from various relatives and having them printed on dishtowels and fabric so I can make aprons. I think everyone has their favorite recipe from my mother, so I will start with her recipes first. Thanks for this reminder! I have been wanting to do this since last Christmas!
My husband’s cousins did this for our daughter’s wedding gift…., they had the handwritten recipe for chicken casserole that has been in the family for ages, Ans had it printed on a tea towel, then packaged it with a beautiful ceramic casserole dish. My daughter and her husband were absolutely thrilled. I was amazed at how intense her reaction was, in particular. It was cool to see a bit of sentimentality in my child who tends to be very minimalistic:)
yeah me! I was an odd kid too @Immaculata!
I also picked up my interest in genealogy as a kid, from a (empty) family history book that wasnin my parent’s bookshelf. As it was empty they obviously had no interest in it.
My daughter and I went out shopping this morning as planned. I managed to find a cookbook that I think she’ll like. Unfortunately, I didn’t find anything for Mr. Bajita or my son. 
Why is shopping/crafting for guys so hard? U.G.H.
Maybe we need a Craftalong thread that is nothing but “what to make for a guy”, because I go through this angst too often.
I bought my husband a Penn State t-shirt. The one he is wearing while watching the game today is almost in shreds! I got him the new Stephen King book but he saw it already and wanted to start reading it now…yeah, it is hard to buy for guys, I think! He did love the two t-shirts I tie dyed for him as lounging shirts…so maybe I will make him two more. That’s all I can think of.
I don’t find Mr Imma hard to craft/shop for at all! But his wishes are simple. He doesn’t mind getting the same type of gifts every year.
I try to make a new pair of flannel PJ/lounge pants every year for Christmas. He likes stuff related to his team or WWII history. He likes craft beers, especially ones that are hard to find. I repaired some underwear for him a while back, I used some novelty print fabric I had lying around and he still cracks up every time he sees those. So I think homemade underwear is going to be a new Christmas tradition.
He also gets a lot of beer gifts and they often come in those rustic looking wooden crates that hold 6 bottles. I set those aside and when we need a gift for another beer lover we just fill them with new bottles. I made liqueur last year for a friend and her husband Speculaas cream liqueur . My brother is into all sorts of fandoms so I just make something related to what he’s currently into. I helped him move the other day so I’m pretty sure he appreciates homemade, he’s kept them all!
My dear old dad and stepmum are coming over to see us in Australia for Christmas! We don’t normally do a huge amount for Christmas, but it will be very special to spend it with them this year. I think I might do some handmade gifts - I’m enjoying looking back through this thread for inspiration!
