Christmas is Coming…

I hear you. “What do you mean Christmas is coming? It’s not even October yet.” People who hand-make their gifts understand though. I’m already late.

It always starts with great intentions: buy the yarn and at least start them in August, work on them here and there, and be done around early December so you could have enough time to do one of the infinite knitting advent calendars that are out there. That has never actually happened to me. Not once.

What actually happens is I get the yarn and pick out the projects in August, on schedule, and then I get excited about the twenty other things I want to make in the fall. Before I know it, Halloween is next week and I remember that I’m making Christmas presents. So I diligently cast-on, they become my priority projects, but it’s still too late! My knitting speed slows by half in November and December, and I don’t know the science behind it (it could be holiday parties and obligations, but surely not). Then, it’s Christmas Eve and instead of relaxing with my family in front of a classic movie, I’m tucked away somewhere sweatshop-knitting into the morning hours to finish my gifts.

The really dumb part about this is it’s not almost Halloween, it’s not even October yet. I know this is coming, why don’t I just put my foot down and cast on the Christmas presents right now? I won’t, because I do get really excited about fall knitting. I love the different stuff that’s perfect for the Ren Fest, and I want to be able to take classes with my friends at The Studio. Four of my best friends have fall birthdays, they need handmade gifts too!

I hear you again. “So start on that stuff in June.” Well, 2019 is a new year, we shall see. In the meantime, help a crafty sister out.

In my experience, the solution to having less time to craft is to do crafts that take less time. My go-tos for this are ornaments, washcloths (give it with a bottle of bodywash, boom, instant spa kit!), and warm-weather accessories made from bulky yarns. What are your favorite quick gifts that save your holidays? Let me know in the comments. If you’ve got your crafting life together, and have already started your holiday gifts, tag them with #fiberadventures. I’d love to see what you’re working on!