Author Archives: Karen Dennison

Having the machines serviced before the Christmas crush is vital to me.  I have a sad history of needing to finish 15 pairs of pajama pants the week before Christmas just as my machine throws a fit over what I … Continue reading →

In keeping with the theme of Christmas sewing, the next thing on my checklist is getting my machines serviced. I have several sewing machines, but two are used regularly.  I have an embroidery machine that is used almost exclusively for … Continue reading →

There are so many resources to search through online to find Christmas gift ideas. Although I explained that my first instinct is to go through Google images, it can be only a small first step. All year long I am … Continue reading →

If that immediate bolt of inspiration lightening has not stunned me, I have to go looking for ideas in other places. My first go to place to look for ideas is Google images.  Somehow, just flipping through hundreds or thousands … Continue reading →

Coming up with Christmas gift ideas is challenging.  There are several criteria for making the list of gift possibilities; price, attractiveness, how labor intensive, etc. Because my list is long, I need to start the process early.  However, looking for … Continue reading →

Part of the methodology in determining Christmas gifts is the study of history.  What did I give to whom, last year and in the previous years? I tend to do a lot of similar gifts in batches.  Some years everyone … Continue reading →

There is an old saying., “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should”.  I try hard to remember that when I am sewing Christmas gifts. I sew what I think is interesting, useful, cool or something the recipient would want.  … Continue reading →

Once you have a good pattern and the proper instruction, the quality of your product is all in your own hands. Diligence is the key.  There is a fine line between “good enough”, shoddy workmanship and crazy making compulsion. You … Continue reading →

There can be quite a difference between store bought mass produced items and lovingly made from home gifts. Those differences can range from much worse than imaginable to much, much better than you can buy. A few considerations determine which … Continue reading →

The second group of people who receive gifts that I have not made myself is that group who don’t want or don’t appreciate home made items. There are many who compare a home made quilt to a quilt purchased at … Continue reading →