Three (actually two and half) sewing days until Christmas!!  I am sure many of you are busily finishing up your hand crafted gifts so they are ready to be opened Christmas morning!  But, what if things aren’t going as planned and you find yourself in the same dilemma as my friend Jen:

Dear Keep It Thimble,

 

I’m guessing most people are experiencing what I am right now, which is last minute Xmas-freak-outs. I’m trying to decide if I should give up on some of my gifts. I had planned on making PJ pants for all the kids, and reversible totes for the girls.

 

So far, I have 1 and ¾ PJS done. The third pair is not even cut out yet. Here is the clincher: Thursday and Friday will be spent getting ready for Xmas – so there is no time to sew.  Do I have time to make 3 bags and 1+ jammies before then? What would you do?

 

–Jen, www.sewfun.com

Great question Jen, and I wanted to share this since I am sure many people are in the same boat.  I, like you, had grand plans to make all my Christmas gifts this year.  Last Friday, I came to the realization that I didn’t have time to get all my gifts finished.*   So, I baked homemade treats for my friends  and bought things from the store for my family (gasp).  In the meantime, I decided that birthdays are the best time to give someone a handmade gift.  That way you have more time to make each person something special and unique, and you don’t paint yourself in a corner and end up sewing like a maniac for 2 – 3 days (something you want to avoid at the holidays since there are other things that will need your attention).

In your case, I think you should try to finish up the PJs and then make the bags for either a birthday gift, or a New Year’s present.  If it is a New Year present, you can put a book or a calendar in there  – a new start for the year or something.

*Of course, it was my fault for procrastinating too much, and had I started them in September (as planned), things would have turned out differently.

Also, if you do find that you need to bake instead, here is a delicious (and easy fudge recipe):

• 1-1/2 pounds white candy coating, coarsely chopped
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups chopped gumdrops

Directions

• Line a 9-in. square pan with foil; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine the candy coating, milk and salt. Cook and stir over low heat until chips are melted. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla and gumdrops.
• Spread into prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm. Using foil, remove fudge from the pan; cut into 1-in. squares. Store at room temperature. Yield: about 3 pounds.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 piece) equals 74 calories, 3 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 2 mg cholesterol, 11 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrate, 0 fiber, trace protein.

Originally published as Gumdrop Fudge in Quick Cooking November/December 2002, p9

 

Have a great holiday and remember to Keep It Thimble!