Crafting for Christmas

******SPOILER ALERT FOR PEOPLE RECEIVING GIFTS FROM KELLY T.*******

As many of you know our little group's main mission has been making Christmas presents. Making each gift in bulk as a group gives us a chance to be something other than just a mom/wife while doing something we love. I have been incredibly lucky to have my husband home for four day weekends three times in the last two months. And while we are all  SAHMs, there is nothing like having a husband stay at home for four days. It generally means there is a bit of a break for us always on duty moms. I was able to get a lot done during the long weekends- mainly Christmas presents or Christmas decor, but a few things that have been waiting patiently for months. 

I made this table runner using the pattern at Crafts by Abby. It is a gift for my MIL along with matching placemats and coasters (some still to be completed). No photos because while she does know what she is getting and picked out the fabric I want to save some of the surprise.

I also made two aprons from Sew 4 Home. I changed the pattern a bit to avoid the bias tape, but the same general idea (Fans of HIMYM- in my head I am saluting "General Idea"). I won't mention who these are gifts for, as they don't know yet.

This messenger bag is for my son and daughter to share. They are getting Leapsters for Christmas and I wanted a nice little bag to store it all in. I used this tutorial with a few modifications to fit everything I need without being too big for a child.

I finally recovered this tiny rocking chair I picked up for $5 last April with corduroy. No tutorial, just craziness. But boy does he love it!!!

I adjusted this pleated skirt so it would actually stay up on my tiny daughter's waist. Libby and I made them a few weeks back, but it required some alterations. The pattern is here. We also appliqued matching shirts. The girls are adorable in their new outfits.

I made this tree skirt, also from Sew 4 Home. I loved the fabrics from JoAnns at 60% off. I am going for the blue and silver winter Christmas.

With the leftover fabric I made this advent calendar. My own creation, but very easy. Just a little time consuming. All those buttons and pockets. But my daughter really liked the final product and thanked me for making it, "I love it Mommy- you are the best!".

With the cold weather coming I made a couple of hats. They are both crocheting- A's was very basic, just double crochets all the way around, but I's was this adorable pattern I found through Ravelry. I heart Ravelry.

Last, I made two of these adorable crocheted headbands. They took maybe 20 minutes for both of them. Perfect for a last minute gift if anyone is looking. Less than two weeks until Christmas. Yikes!