<![CDATA[THE CHEAPSKATES CLUB - Make It Monday]]>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 05:02:00 +1000Weebly<![CDATA[Perfect Travel & Waiting-Time Projects for a Handmade Christmas]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.cheapskatesclub.net/make-it-monday/perfect-travel-waiting-time-projects-for-a-handmade-christmasOne of the secrets to finishing a handmade Christmas without stress is learning to use the in-between time — the minutes that usually slip away while you’re waiting, travelling, or sitting with nothing much to do.

Those small pockets of time are perfect for portable, low-mess projects. Over a year, they add up to a surprising amount of making.

Travel and waiting-time projects are ideal for a handmade Christmas because they don’t require a full craft room setup. No cutting tables. No ironing boards. No special lighting. Just something small you can pull out of a bag, work on for a few minutes, then pack away again.
Think projects that fit comfortably into a tote or zip pouch. Stitching, knitting, crochet, hand sewing, embroidery, simple beading — anything that can be worked on steadily without needing constant measuring or complex tools.

Dishcloths, scrubbies, and small cloths are perfect examples. They’re repetitive, forgiving, and easy to pick up and put down. Needle cases, scrunchie bags, tissue covers, and simple pouches also work beautifully. Even small embroidery details or cross-stitch motifs can be completed entirely in waiting rooms or on public transport.

The beauty of these projects is that they turn idle time into progress. A few rows of knitting on a bus ride. A bit of stitching while waiting for an appointment. Ten quiet minutes in a car park. None of it feels like “craft time,” yet it all counts.

Another advantage is mental. Waiting-time projects are calming. They give your hands something to do and your mind something gentle to focus on. Instead of scrolling on your phone, you’re creating something tangible — and that’s deeply satisfying.

To make this work, preparation is key. Keep a small “travel project kit” ready to go. Include everything you need for that one project: materials, tools, instructions, and a pair of small scissors if appropriate. When the kit is complete, you can grab it and go without thinking.
Choose projects that don’t matter if they’re interrupted. Avoid anything that requires careful counting or complex construction. Simple, repetitive tasks are your friend here. If you can stop mid-row or mid-stitch without stress, it’s a good travel project.

Waiting-time projects are also excellent for batch making. If you have several similar items to make — dishcloths, small bags, or stitched details — dedicate your travel time to just that one type of task. Over weeks and months, those small pieces quietly pile up.

From a handmade Christmas perspective, these projects fill important gaps. They’re perfect for small gifts, extras, or those “just in case” presents you always seem to need in December. They also balance bigger, more demanding projects by giving you something easy and portable to work on alongside them.

Perhaps the best part? By the time Christmas arrives, you’ll look at those finished gifts and realise they were made in moments that might otherwise have been wasted.

A handmade Christmas doesn’t require huge blocks of time. It just requires using the time you already have — one stitch, one row, one small project at a time.]]><![CDATA[Useful Handmade Gifts People Actually Use]]>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.cheapskatesclub.net/make-it-monday/useful-handmade-gifts-people-actually-useOne of the biggest fears people have about giving handmade gifts is this: what if it never gets used?

It’s a fair concern. We’ve all received well-meant gifts that end up tucked into a cupboard, waiting for a day that never quite comes.

That’s why useful handmade gifts are such a smart choice — especially for a handmade Christmas.

Useful gifts slip quietly into everyday life. They don’t demand special treatment or extra space. They don’t need a display shelf or careful storage. They get used, washed, worn, and loved. And that’s exactly what makes them successful.

Think about the handmade items you use most often in your own home. It’s probably not the decorative ones. It’s the practical things: kitchen towels, bowl cosies, pot holders, cutlery rolls, napkin holders, food covers, or simple fabric bags. These are the items that earn their keep.
When you give something useful, you’re giving a gift that says, I thought about how you live.
Useful handmade gifts also remove a lot of pressure from the making process. They don’t need to be perfect. A slightly uneven stitch on a pot holder doesn’t matter once it’s being used every day. What matters is durability, function, and care in the making.

They’re also incredibly efficient to produce. Many useful gifts can be made in batches, assembly-line style. Cut everything at once. Sew everything at once. Finish everything at once. Not only does this save time, it creates momentum — suddenly several gifts are finished and ready to be wrapped.

From a planning perspective, practical gifts are ideal for filling out your handmade Christmas list. They’re quick enough to fit between bigger projects, but substantial enough to feel generous. They’re also fantastic for people who are hard to buy for, because usefulness rarely misses the mark.

Another advantage is longevity. Useful handmade gifts don’t go out of style. A well-made kitchen towel will be just as useful next year as it is today. A sturdy bowl cosy or pot holder becomes part of someone’s routine. Over time, those everyday items quietly remind the recipient of who made them.

Useful gifts also lend themselves well to customisation. Choose colours to suit the recipient’s kitchen. Adjust sizes to match how they cook or entertain. Add a simple tag explaining what it’s for or how to use it — a small touch that makes the gift feel intentional rather than generic.

And let’s not forget the budget benefits. Useful handmade gifts often use inexpensive materials, small pieces of fabric, or stash items you already own. They’re a brilliant way to keep costs under control while still giving something meaningful and well-made.

In a handmade Christmas, useful gifts do the heavy lifting. They balance more decorative or specialised items. They ensure everyone on your list receives something they’ll actually use. And they take the pressure out of gifting because usefulness is always welcome.

If you’re unsure what to make, start with what you use yourself. The gifts people actually use are the ones that quietly become favourites — and that’s a win for everyone.]]><![CDATA[Make It Monday – Handmade Christmas Challenge Week 13: Small Steps, Steady Progress]]>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.cheapskatesclub.net/make-it-monday/make-it-monday-handmade-christmas-challenge-week-13-small-steps-steady-progressOne small step today is all it takes.

This week has been a little different in my craft room, but still very much in the spirit of making and creating. I’ve been helping Hannah with a couple of mirrors for an upcoming Easter wedding. A friend of hers is getting married and asked Hannah to create the mirrors for the reception. It’s been quite a big project, but they are coming together beautifully, and it’s been such a joy to be part of something so special.

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At the same time, I’ve found my card making and scrapbooking mojo again. There’s something so satisfying about sitting down at the craft desk and just creating. I’ve spent some quiet time making cards and planning a scrapbook — nothing fancy or complicated, just simple, steady progress using supplies I already have on hand.
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And really, that’s exactly what the Handmade Christmas Challenge is all about.
It’s not about rushing through a long list or striving for perfection. It’s about working consistently, doing a little at a time, and building momentum throughout the year. When you take this gentle approach, you avoid the last-minute panic and instead arrive at December feeling calm, prepared, and in control.

So wherever you are in your Handmade Christmas journey, just take one small step today.
You might be planning your gifts, cutting fabric, stitching, crocheting, or even just sorting and organising your supplies. Every one of those small actions adds up.

What are you working on this week?

Share your progress if you can — because every little bit truly does count.
]]><![CDATA[March Is Bath & Body Month – Simple Handmade Pampering for a Calm Christmas]]>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.cheapskatesclub.net/make-it-monday/march-is-bath-body-month-simple-handmade-pampering-for-a-calm-christmas
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When I mapped out my Handmade Christmas 2026 plan, I divided the year into practical segments — grouping like projects together and assigning each group its own month.
I mentioned this briefly in the Handmade Christmas Sneak Peek video, but this structure has made such a difference. Having a clear focus each month means nothing gets forgotten, nothing gets rushed in November, and everything feels calm and achievable.

And according to the plan? March is Bath & Body Month.

What I’m Making in March
This month’s focus is all about practical pampering. On my list:
• Handmade soaps (some for gifting, some for family use)
• Crochet soap sacks (I have a new stitch I’m keen to try)
• Bath bombs and bath salts
• Shower poufs
• Edged face washers
• Simple spa-style hampers

These are the kinds of gifts that feel indulgent — without being expensive, complicated, or time-consuming. Because everyone deserves a little pampering.

Why Bath & Body Gifts Are Perfect for a Handmade Christmas
Pamper gifts don’t need to be fancy to be appreciated. In fact, the most loved handmade bath and body gifts are often the simplest ones — practical little luxuries that turn everyday routines into something just a bit special.

They’re also:
•  Useful
•  Easy to batch make
•  Budget-friendly
•  Beginner-friendly
•  Consumable (nothing left to clutter shelves)

That last one is important.

These gifts don’t sit in a cupboard waiting for a “special occasion.” They get used. They become part of someone’s daily shower routine or sit by the basin ready for handwashing. And when they’re finished? There’s nothing left to store, dust, or feel guilty about.

Perfect.

Thoughtful and Useful
Handmade pampering gifts strike that beautiful balance between thoughtful and practical.
A bar of handmade soap paired with a soap sack.
A shower pouf tied with ribbon.
A small spa bundle wrapped in a face washer.

They may seem modest, but they’re the kinds of things people often don’t buy for themselves — which makes receiving them feel indulgent.

And from a maker’s perspective?

They’re wonderfully achievable.

Quick Projects That Build Momentum
Soap sacks are quick and use small amounts of yarn.
Shower poufs are inexpensive and ideal for batch making.
Face washers are portable “evening projects.”

Bath salts and bath bombs can be made in multiples.

A handful of simple projects quickly becomes a generous stack of finished gifts — wrapped, labelled, and placed in the present box.

And that feeling? Crossing items off the list in March? Calm December energy right there.

Perfectly Imperfect Is Still Perfect
One of the things I love about bath and body gifts is how forgiving they are.

A slightly wonky stitch? It won’t matter once it’s in use.
A rustic soap edge? Still beautiful.

A handmade tag tied on with twine? Adds charm.

These are gifts made with care. That’s what counts.

Easy to Personalise
Bath & body gifts are also simple to tailor:
• Unscented options for sensitive skin
• Favourite colours in soap sacks or washers
• Spa-style sets for friends
• Practical bundles for teens
• Gentle, classic options for older relatives

Even a handwritten tag explaining how to use the item adds a thoughtful touch — without adding cost.

Why March Is the Perfect Time
From a planning perspective, bath and body gifts are ideal mid-year projects.

They:
• Don’t require months of lead time
• Are easy to fit around other handmade projects
• Fill gaps on your gift list
• Provide “just in case” extras

They balance the bigger, more detailed handmade gifts you might be working on later in the year.

And they build momentum.

Simple Pampering, Handmade with Love
In a Handmade Christmas, simple pampering gifts do important work.
  • They add variety.
  • They’re achievable.
  • They’re practical.
  • They’re consumable.
  • They’re thoughtful.

And they remind us that pampering doesn’t have to be extravagant.

Sometimes it’s just a small moment of comfort — wrapped up, labelled, and placed in the present box.

And that’s exactly what a calm, organised, Handmade Christmas is all about. 
]]><![CDATA[Make it Monday Week 6 round-Up]]>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.cheapskatesclub.net/make-it-monday/make-it-monday-week-6-round-up​Last week was a bits and bobs week.

I washed a load of fabric that was stored in my shed. It was in a box, all nicely sealed up, but it smelled stale, and it was a sunny day, so into the washing machine it went with a cup of white vinegar and then onto the line to dry in the sunshine. It smells so fresh and lovely now, and it's ready to be used.

I kept up with the dishcloths when I was sitting of an evening. This keeps my hands busy, and fills the present box at the same time. 

I tried a different style of kitchen towel, using tea towels and pot holders from my stash. They're quick to make but double the price of the style I usually do, so I'll think about whether or not I'll continue with them.

In the kitchen I gave the vanilla bottles a good shake up. I like to do this every couple of weeks while it's brewing. 

And as February is my biggest preserving month, I  went through the canning shed and sorted jars and lids, and flats and rings. I put a few loads through the dishwasher so they're ready to use. They were clean, but they'd been stored in the shed and some were a little dusty. I'd rather wash them all and know they are spotless and ready to use. 

I made some labels on the SNC for the spice mixes for the hampers, and applied them to the jars. Now they're ready to fill when I make the mixes later in the year. ]]><![CDATA[Handmade Gifts from the Pantry]]>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:30:00 GMThttps://www.cheapskatesclub.net/make-it-monday/handmade-gifts-from-the-pantrySome of the very best handmade gifts don’t come from the craft room at all — they come from the pantry and February is the perfect month to work on pantry and foodie gifts. Fruits and vegetables are not only plentiful, but they're cheap too, and readily available. .

Pantry gifts are one of my favourite categories of handmade Christmas presents. They’re practical, thoughtful, and always appreciated. Best of all, they’re consumable. They get used, enjoyed, and when they’re gone, they’re gone — no clutter, no storage issues, no awkward “where do I put this?” moments.

That’s what makes them perfect.

Handmade pantry gifts also fit beautifully into a planned, year-long handmade Christmas. Many of them can be made well in advance, improve with time, and use simple, inexpensive ingredients. When you spread the work across the year, they’re relaxed and enjoyable to make — not stressful or rushed.

Think about the gifts people genuinely love to receive:
  • a jar of homemade jam
  • a bottle of flavoured vinegar
  • a rich vanilla extract
  • a coffee syrup or infused sugar
  • a chutney or relish that turns a simple meal into something special

These are everyday luxuries. Things people don’t always make for themselves, but are delighted to be given.

One of the biggest advantages of pantry gifts is how efficient they are. You can make several gifts at once, working in batches. One cooking session can produce half a dozen or more presents, all ready to label, wrap, and put away. That’s a huge win for time, energy, and budget.

They’re also wonderfully flexible. Pantry gifts can be dressed up or down depending on who they’re for. A simple jar of homemade jam with a handwritten label is perfect for neighbours or work colleagues. Add fabric toppers, ribbon, or a gift tag, and the same item becomes something special for family or close friends. The gift stays the same — the presentation does the extra work.

Planning pantry gifts early also gives you control over seasonality. Long-keeping items like vanilla extract, infused vinegars, syrups, and marmalades are ideal to make in the first half of the year. Jams, pickles, and relishes can be scheduled when produce is affordable or in season. Nothing is rushed, and nothing is wasted.

Pantry gifts are also incredibly forgiving. They don’t need perfect stitching or precise measurements. They don’t care if your handwriting isn’t fancy. What matters is that they’re homemade, thoughtfully prepared, and given with intention.

Another bonus? Pantry gifts are easy to personalise. A chilli lover gets chilli oil. A tea drinker gets infused honey. A coffee fan gets flavoured beans or syrup. Small adjustments turn a simple recipe into a gift that feels chosen, not generic.

In a handmade Christmas, pantry gifts quietly do a lot of heavy lifting. They fill out your gift list without overwhelming your time or budget. They balance more complex handmade projects. And they bring genuine joy because they’re meant to be used and enjoyed and they are the ideal gift for the person who has everything, or someone who simply doesn’t need more "stuff".

If you’re planning a handmade Christmas, start in the pantry this month. One jar, one bottle, one batch at a time. By December, your shelves — and your present box — will be full of gifts that feel generous, practical, and completely clutter-free.]]><![CDATA[Make It Monday – Week 5: Apricot Jam, Crochet Dishcloths & Getting Ahead on Handmade Christmas]]>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.cheapskatesclub.net/make-it-monday/make-it-monday-week-5-apricot-jam-crochet-dishcloths-getting-ahead-on-handmade-christmasWeek 5 of the Handmade Christmas Challenge was one of those quietly satisfying weeks where a lot got done without feeling rushed — the kind of progress that really shows the power of starting early.

My week began with an absolute gift: 7.86 kilos of freshly picked apricots, straight from the tree. Summer fruit is one of the joys of this season, and stone fruits are my clear favourite. 

Out came the jam jars, and 4 kilos were turned into rich, golden apricot jam, now neatly lined up on the pantry shelves — a very welcome addition to our handmade Christmas stash. The rest were stewed, with some set aside for breakfasts (stewed apricots with yoghurt and muesli is just delicious), and the remainder bagged and frozen for winter crumbles and pies. Future me will be very grateful.
This is one of the reasons I love including food gifts in my Handmade Christmas plan — they make the most of seasonal abundance and spread the work across the year.

In the evenings I crocheted more cotton dishcloths. Some are for us, some are destined for Hannah’s Christmas stocking, and others went straight into the present box.

Dishcloths are one of my favourite Handmade Christmas items because they are quick to make, easy to batch and as a gift they're useful and always appreciated. 
They’re perfect “sitting projects” (think watching TV of an evening or on car journeys or waiting for something/someone) and a great way to make steady progress without thinking too hard.

This week I also reviewed my to-make list. I’m a planner at heart, and breaking the list down into individual items made everything feel much more manageable.

Here’s what the maths looks like:
178 handmade items planned for the year
That works out to 16 items a month
Or just 4 items a week

Batch making is the secret! It sounds like a lot when you see it all written out, but when I go over the list, the reality is much calmer:
• Many items can be batch made
• Most projects are quick
• Only a couple will take a few hours from start to finish
The key is treating Handmade Christmas as planned work, not something squeezed in when I feel like it. Even though the work is enjoyable and relaxing, it still has a purpose.

When I counted what’s already done, I couldn’t help but do a happy dance — I’m not just on track, I’m ahead.

What’s in the present box so far:
• Dishcloths (14)
• Canning mats (2)
• Pot holders (2)
• Kitchen towels (3)
• Gift bags (4)
• Cutlery rolls (2)
• Vanilla extract (still brewing – enough for 4 bottles)
• Apricot jam (4)
• Etched jam jars (6)

That’s 37 items already completed — two months (and a bit) ahead of schedule. Woo hoo!

That’s the heart of the Handmade Christmas Challenge — small, regular effort that adds up to a relaxed, joyful Christmas, finished well before December.

If you’re joining along, remember: you don’t need to do everything at once. You just need to keep working on your gift list. 
]]><![CDATA[Make It Monday Week 4: More Dishcloths, Lots of Sorting, Finished Gifts and More]]>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:32:17 GMThttps://www.cheapskatesclub.net/make-it-monday/make-it-monday-week-4-more-dishcloths-lots-of-sorting-finished-gifts-and-moreHow did you go last week?

The weather here has been doing its own thing — blazing hot one day, almost cold the next. I’m taking it day by day, and so far we haven’t had two hot days in a row, which makes it much easier to keep pottering along without feeling wiped out.

When I stopped and actually counted how many things I’d crossed off my handmade Christmas gift list, I was genuinely surprised. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like much progress — until you see it written down in black and white.
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Nine Crochet Dishcloths Done ✔️
This week I managed to crochet nine dishcloths — some as pairs, some as singles. I can already picture how they’ll be used as part of kitchen gift sets, bundled with towels or tucked into food hampers later in the year.
Dishcloths are one of those quiet achievers of handmade Christmas:
  • quick to make
  • practical (everyone uses them)
  • perfect for stash-busting cotton yarn
  • easy to mix and match into gift sets
They’re also a lovely “sitting project” — ideal for warm evenings when you don’t want anything too complicated on your lap.
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Kitchen Towels Finished (and Gifts Crossed Off!)
Only two kitchen towels were finished this week, but I’m counting them as a big win.
One has a gorgeous chicken print, finished with a red trim that really makes it pop. The other has purple trim — and I’ll admit, purple isn’t my favourite colour — but it works beautifully here. It picks up the tiny hint of purple in the pattern and brings it right forward. I know exactly who this towel is for, and I know she’ll love it.

Another gift crossed off the list ✔️
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That feeling never gets old.
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Jam Jars Prepped (and a New Skill Tried)
I also spent time prepping jars for jam making and had a go at the etching process. I’m really pleased with how they turned out — simple, clean, and perfect for gifting.
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These jars will be ideal for:
  • jams
  • relishes
  • pickles
  • sauces
And because they’re already done, February’s food-making plans will feel much easier when the produce starts rolling in.
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Yarn Sorting: Long Overdue, Deeply Satisfying
One of the biggest (and most overdue) jobs this week was sorting the yarn boxes.
I sat on the floor, tipped out one box at a time, and made piles of like-with-like yarns. It didn’t take long to see:
  • what I’m short on
  • what I have plenty of
  • and what I may never need to buy again 😉

​Everything is now neatly put away, boxes are labelled, and my work space feels calmer already. This kind of sorting isn’t glamorous, but it saves so much time and money later in the year.
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Wrapping as I Go (Future Me Will Be Very Happy)
One habit I’ve started this year — and I highly recommend it — is wrapping and labelling gifts as soon as they’re finished.
Come November, I know I’ll be:
  • relieved it’s already done
  • thrilled I used marked-down Boxing Day sale wrapping paper
  • very proud of my handmade gift tags
It’s one less thing to think about when the year starts to speed up.

A Tiny Gift Budget Trick That Adds Up
Another small thing I’ve started doing is putting $5 a fortnight into the gift budget to cover postage costs in December.
That money will be used for:
  • stamps for Christmas cards
  • postage for parcels
It’s not much, but spread over the year it removes a sneaky December expense. If you post parcels or send Christmas cards, this is well worth planning for now.

Wrapping Up January (and Looking Ahead to February)
We’re almost at the end of January — the month where the focus was:
  • starting (or revisiting) your gift list
  • setting up your handmade Christmas plan
  • getting things written down so they’re out of your head
Having everything written down helps you focus on what you’re making now, instead of worrying about what comes next.
If you haven’t written your list yet, or it’s still floating around in your head, this week is a great time to get it done. February is only days away, and I’ve earmarked it for all things produce:
  • jam making
  • relish making
  • pickles
  • sauces
  • and turning them into beautiful gifts for the foodies in our lives
Slow, steady, and planned — that’s how we make handmade Christmas calm and stress-free.
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Come and share what you’ve been making, sorting, or planning this week in the Make It Monday Week 4 forum thread or in the comments below.

Whether you finished one small thing or tackled a big job, every step counts 💗
]]><![CDATA[Make It Monday Week 3: Tea Cosies, Dishcloths & Pantry Wins for a Handmade Christmas]]>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.cheapskatesclub.net/make-it-monday/make-it-monday-week-3-tea-cosies-dishcloths-pantry-wins-for-a-handmade-christmasOne of my favourite things about the Handmade Christmas Challenge is how plans naturally evolve as the weeks roll on. Week 3 of Make It Monday was a beautiful mix of crafting, preserving, and a little bit of bartering – the kind of gentle progress that makes handmade gifting feel joyful rather than rushed.

It all started with a simple question from my friend Wendy: “Could you make me a tea cosy?” Of course I could. I worked up a sample first, and as luck would have it, it fit her teapot perfectly. That’s always a good feeling. I then used some of Wendy’s own yarn to make a second tea cosy in deeper green tones that will suit her kitchen beautifully.

Rather than money changing hands, we traded – the finished tea cosy for some pretty yarn Wendy knew she wouldn’t use. Even better? I already have a plan for that yarn. Handmade Christmas win all round.
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​Once I was in tea cosy mode, I kept going. I pulled out the prettiest soft pink cotton and made another cosy, this time adding crocheted flowers and little leaves for extra charm. I finished it off with one of my favourite wooden buttons, and honestly, I just love how it turned out and I know who it is going to, and I know she will just love it too (and no photo, but I'll a photo after it's been sent).

There was a bit of cotton left over, so I crocheted a matching dishcloth. I’m a big fan of pairing gifts like this – a main handmade item with a small, useful extra makes the gift feel thoughtful and complete.
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Dishcloths became the go-to “sitting activity” this week. Joy had gifted me some gorgeous cotton yarns, and I’ve been slowly working my way through them. I found a new crochet dishcloth pattern and adapted it to suit my crochet ability (because that’s how real-life crafting works).

Once I had the rhythm, I kept going:
• Five dishcloths finished in one run
• Three more made as a gift for a friend, two in burnt orange and one in a softer orange shade. They aren’t colours I’d usually choose, but as it turned out, I had the perfect yarn in my stash. That’s the magic of using what you already have.
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I also started work on the kitchen towels. I have a few to do for the present box, so starting early when I can takes the pressure off. I love the little wooden buttons, they say "handmade with love" and are so cute.
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A hanging kitchen towel for the present box.
Handmade Christmas isn’t just crafts; Handmade Christmas also includes the things that fill our pantries and freezers.

This week:
• The vanilla extract that’s steeping got a good shake
• The canning mats and pot holders I’d cut out earlier were sewn and finished
• I used frozen Costco mince to can 7 quart jars of meatballs and 15 pints of mince for the pantry
• A quadruple batch of bolognaise sauce went into the freezer, giving us six easy meals ready to go

These are gifts to our future selves – and they absolutely count.

​I’ve collected a large glass jar ready to start strawberry vinegar. I’m hoping strawberries come down in price soon so I can get it underway. I already have some beautiful 500 ml dark amber bottles ready for decanting and gifting when it’s done.

And a timely reminder from Wendy: it’s time to set up my MBGS book so I can track what I actually make this year compared to what I planned. Keeping a simple record helps me stay motivated and realistic – and it’s incredibly satisfying to see progress in black and white as well as in the present box.
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110 meatballs ready to go into the oven to bake before pressure canning
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15 pints mince and 6 jars meatballs ready for the pantry shelf (we ate 1 jar of meatballs!)
​That’s Make It Monday Week 3 done and dusted – steady, satisfying, and very on brand for a calmer Handmade Christmas.

How are you going with your gifts?

What have you made this week?

Jump into the comments and share – your progress might be exactly the encouragement someone else needs today 💕
]]><![CDATA[My 2026 Handmade Christmas Plan]]>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.cheapskatesclub.net/make-it-monday/my-2026-handmade-christmas-plan
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A gentle, month-by-month guide to finishing calm, on budget, and on time
Every year, I make a list of the gifts I want to create for Christmas. It’s my anchor. That list keeps me organised, stops the last-minute panic, and reminds me that a handmade Christmas is absolutely achievable when it’s planned gently.

But for 2026, I’ve gone one step further.

Instead of one long list, I’ve broken my handmade Christmas plan down month by month. It’s not written in concrete — it will be flipped, flapped, adjusted, and tweaked as the year goes on — but it gives me a clear guide for what to make, and when. That clarity is what keeps things calm.

The idea is simple: work with the year, not against it.

Why a monthly plan works
Some gifts make sense early. Others are better suited to certain seasons. Food gifts need time to mature. Craft projects fit better into cooler months. Laying everything out across the year helps me:
• avoid rushing
• use what I already have
• keep within my gift budget
• finish properly, not frantically
It also makes the whole process more enjoyable. I always know what I’m focusing on, without feeling pressured to do everything at once.

Starting with foodie gifts
January and February are perfect for foodie-style gifts — especially the ones that benefit from time.

So far, I’ve started 1.5 litres of vanilla extract. By December it will be rich, fragrant, and absolutely gorgeous. I’ve also started thinking about flavoured vinegars. Strawberries are on sale at my greengrocer this week, so 500 g will become strawberry-infused vinegar for food hampers. I already have apple cider vinegar in the pantry, so the only cost will be the strawberries — about $3.

That’s the kind of gift I love: thoughtful, useful, and budget-friendly.

In February, when the zucchini are prolific and we’re sick of eating them (and I’ve preserved enough for the year), I’ll make zucchini pickles. By December, the flavours will have mellowed and melded into something beautifully piquant and ready to eat.
And so it continues, month by month.

Planning crafts around the seasons
I’ve deliberately planned most of the knitting, sewing, and crocheting for the cooler months. That just makes sense. When it’s too cold to work outside, the days are shorter, and the nights are longer, handcrafting fits naturally into life.

That doesn’t mean I’m not touching those projects now — some are already started — but the bulk of that making will happen when it feels right, not forced.

My 2026 Handmade Christmas Working Plan
You’re very welcome to work along with me, or use this as inspiration to create your own plan.

January
Make: Vanilla extract, coffee syrups, infused vinegars; etch jars for jams and pickles and bottles for the vanilla and syrups.

February
Make: Mustard, relish, pickles

March
Make: Soaps, bath gel, soap sacks, shower pouffs, embellished face washers

April
Make: Kitchen towels, bowl cosies, pot holders, canning mats, aprons, jar openers

May
Make: Dishcloths, needle cases, scrunchie bags, Edith bags, peg bags

June
Make: Card packs, stationery gifts

July
Make: Finish half-done projects; Christmas decorations

August
Make: Bible bags, prayer journals, garden planners, 

September
Make: Napkin holders, cutlery rolls, tea cosies, scosies

October
Make: Jams, marmalade, flavoured coffee beans

November
Make: Baking — Christmas cakes and puddings, shortbread , caramels and toffees, flavoured popcorn and nuts, Nuts'n'Bolts, White Christmas (these can all be made ahead and frozen), any remaining items, and assembling hampers; etch the bottles for the vanilla and vinegars and decant.
(Tip: keep an eye out for sales at the start of December for any last-minute needs.)

December — Celebrate
Make: Nothing. It's all done for 2026, so take a break and enjoy the celebrations. We'll start again for 2027 on Boxing Day.

A guide, not a rulebook
This plan is exactly that — a guide. It gives structure without pressure. Some months will be more productive than others. Some projects may move forward or backward. That’s okay.

Having everything laid out month by month also supports one of the core ideas behind Handmade Christmas: using what you already have. When you know what’s coming up, it’s much easier to shop your stash, plan supplies sensibly, and avoid unnecessary spending.

If you’re someone who loves to plan (like me), outlining what to make and when to make it can be the difference between hoping for a handmade Christmas and actually having one.

Gently. Calmly. Without stress.
And always — on budget.
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