I love that idea Misty, something a little personal to create a beautiful gift. As for finding the elusive time, sometimes it is incredible how much you can squeeze into a day in the name of Christmas

Teni - the smock is divine. I love the idea of making some and think I might give it a go. I certainly have plenty of fabric in the stash that could be used...

I have just handed over the first of my gifts, a handmade dress for a friend's 5 year old. She was delighted, with a gorgeous self conscious smile. I couldn't be happier. Last year I made DD the same dress (from the Japanese pattern book - Carefree clothes for girls) in red to match a dress in one of her favourite books. Both my friend and her daughter thought it was beautiful and when I heard that her daughter had proclaimed that I would make her wedding dress one day, and that she had asked her mum and dad for a special dress for Christmas, i just had to make her something. Nothing like making something for someone when you know they will appreciate it. My daughters seem to take home made clothes for granted a bit as it is what they are used to. So, dear S has her own red dress with a purple sash, a grin on her face and I am a happy camper.

I also made a couple of cute skirts for her younger sisters after seeing some cute fabric at Spotlight the other day - seriously, fabric shops are dangerous!

One last thing for Christmas, a little felt set, hand-sewn, to tell the story of a caterpillar - butterfly life cycle for DDs kinder as a present. She proudly took it off to kinder for her last day and told the story to the class. She was so proud of herself and me, it was the sweetest thing.

But that is it for me for handmade Christmas presents unless I can find some time between now and the big day. I have one last plan of a princess and the pea mattress set for DD2 for Christmas but that might have to go on the back burner… Yes, Misty, I am looking for that elusive time too...