Octobering

Over the past few days it has gotten very chilly here.  Immediate switch from flip flops to socks and shoes, which always makes me sad.  I've started thinking about my Christmas projects, and am working diligently on one of them.  I am trying not to overextend myself this year, because we are moving right before Christmas.  A pair of socks, a neckerchief, a few cookies.

More Christmas thinking

So I am still thinking on the Christmas gifts of the year. It's being very tricky. I am definitely doing quick bread for the smaller gifts. I think I will make ornaments for my "theme" gift for the fam. Since I am doing metallic blue and brown with deer, I want to do deer for the ornament. And I will do chocolates with them. So now I just need to think of the big gifts to make. Maybe for the sisters I will make embroidered pillows with their cats' portraits, using an Aunt Martha pattern. Hmm.... Just need Mom and the guys now.

And so it begins

Usually by now I have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to make everyone for Christmas. Last year I made socks and fingerless gloves. I've made hats, pajama pants, and other things. This year, no idea. I am pretty sure I want to make homemade vanilla for some of the smaller gifts. I also found a recipe for Orange Ginger Quick Bread for Sharon, Patti, Donna, and the Strausses. Family and M... I am stumped. Probably won't make anything for M though.

My wrapping theme this year is metallic blue and brown paper. I found a reindeer stamp last year for a dollar and I'm going to stamp the brown paper with that. I need to find a gourmet candy to include with my little bits, or maybe I'll make something. Fudge, maybe? Here's who I have to make stuff for:

Mom
Dad
Nanny
Robin
Rhodrick
Kerith
Joe
Sean - definitely finishing his sock from last Christmas

And then buying stuff for M, something for the MWC Girls, and Julie. I'll probably do Etsy soap for MWC Girls.

Should I repeat gifts this year and do pajama pants? Should I do knit animals and fleece blankets? What smaller items should I do? I've done soap, chocolate. So many decisions!