For many years I have tried to mix in handmade gifts along with those I have purchased through the year. This year, with Covid-19 ravaging our communities, I felt it was more important than ever to take the time to let family know how much they mean. I didn’t get done as much as I had planned, but that is usually the case.

First, the ladies tops. Maddie got a lined hoodie, made with an awesome Avalana jersey knit by Stof that is super fuzzy on the inside, trimmed in an Avalana grey knit. She seems to like it as she wore it Christmas Day. Rob’s mom got a knit turtleneck in a pretty purple floral knit, also by Stof and trimmed in Wild Violet Knit by Art Gallery Fabrics. I made my mom a Bondi top by Sew to Grow out of a pretty floral rayon by Rifle Paper. There are two more men’s flannels coming, one for Rob and one for his Dad… but I think I am within the margin of error for timing!

I made a couple of bags… one for Monica and Steve’s oldest child Seth and one for my stepdaughter, Sophia. Seth’s is the Tourist Tote, a fun pattern that works for a variety of purposes including grocery bag, school bag or a day bag as you head to work. The lime green fabric is Prism from Giucy Giuce for Andover Fabrics and the black is Moda Grunge in Onyx. Love the Grunge.

Sophia’s bag is the Range Backpack by Noodlehead. I selected this one because it is roomy and has two pockets but isn’t so bulky given Sophia takes the bus to work. The outside fabric is Art Gallery Fabrics Smooth Classic Denim with Heather Ross’s Malibu by Windham Fabrics for the bottom, lining and inside pocket. This is a nice nod to Sophia’s surfer girl lifestyle living in San Diego. The straps are what else but Moda Grunge. Again.

Of course there were quilts! Rob’s parents got the snowflake quilt I made this summer. I love how subtle the snowflake is and how it is a holiday quilt that will work all winter long. Pattern is Snowflake by Modern Handcraft. Monica and Steve are getting (if the post office ever delivers it) a ski-themed quilt for their Poconos house, Brickyard by Amy Smart. Mom still has a quilt coming too. I quilted both on my Handi Quilter Forte with Pro-Stitcher.

Maddie nor Scott would enjoy a tote bag so they got Backyard Caddy’s by Sallie Tomato. I made Scott’s from Wild at Heart fabric from Lori Whitlock for Riley Blake and Maddie’s from a salsa-themed novelty with, you guessed it, Moda Grunge (Key Lime). I owe Scott the beer as he isn’t 21 yet and I was afraid of the bottles breaking in shipping, and Maddie’s was filled with 3 salsas and 3 olive oils. These were really fun to make with each taking about 2 hours. The pattern seems confusing, but if you read it one step at a time it is just fine.

And obviously there were face masks – over 100 just for the holiday. While I am tired of wearing and making them, it was fun to pick fabric that aligns to each persons’s hobbies and obsessions.

Hope you all had a healthy and warm Christmas, and look forward to seeing your sewing projects as we move into a healthier 2021.