Monday, January 25, 2010

ADVENTure 2010

advent: from the latin meaning "coming"; a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christmas.
adventure: an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks

so this year in anticipation of Christmas, I'm starting an ADVENTure. I'm going to be preparing, making, and adventuring through new crafts. crafts to display at home, some to give as gifts, some just to try a new skill.

how many of us want to give of ourselves and our talents at Christmas by making gifts? I know I do! but without preparation and diligence this goal could become an overwhelming task that steals your joy at the most wonderful time of the year! while I was in the quilt store last week, a customer was telling the shop owner that her purchase was for her first Christmas gift of 2010...it was her "new year's resolution" to create all year long. the shop owner said she tried to help her customers last year with a monthly class on creating for the holidays...it lasted only three months. so over the next twelve months, out of these twelve books, I'll share some of my favorite items. I'll be pairing this personal challenge with a challenge issued by rebekah to put your idea books to good use. my goal is to make one gift each month and post it here on the 25th of the month. you'll get a taste of what I'm making, and I hope you'll pack a bag and take this ADVENTure with me. my goal is not to obsess about this project, but to get myself moving in the right direction.

my first ADVENTure project was lisa's gingerbread and peppermints garland.
if you don't have your own stash of fabrics, go seek out one generous friend who will share her scraps with you, to make this awesome garland.

this week I'm still making room, but I'm so looking forward to the beginning of february when I can start my second ADVENTure project:
the men's rustic scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

13 comments:

a friend to knit with said...

i love this idea... as do i love the idea of creating "something" everyday...... a way to live....

SUCH a cute advent garland!
and i DO have that book.... one of my favorites.

stitching under oaks said...

you go girl! what a wonderful idea...to work in advance of Christmas and do a bit each month. Your garland turned out so adorable. They look so good in all those prints and patterns! yay! so glad I could share. and when did you accumulate all those fantastic books?!

Anonymous said...

great idea, i've started on making for Christmas, finished my first present a crochet quit yesterday, started on the second today. Love the gingerbread garland, Lorna x

At Home Mommy Knits said...

What an inspired idea! It will definitely help you enjoy your holidays this year knowing you created for everyone and it's all done!!

Rebekah said...

what a great idea! Thanks for joining in my challenge and turning it into your own. I'm hoping to turn 2010 into a use what I have year all year long

Meg said...

Ths is a fantastic idea, and I can't wait to see what you come up with! I usually start forming ideas for Christmas crafting in the summer, but if you take the whole year to plan and work, wow--you'll really be able to craft something spectacular!

I love that garland, and I can't wait to see what else you create this year!

Heather said...

What a wonderful idea. I have been thinking of a lot of ways to make the Christmas crafting easier, by creating something each month. This post is truly inspiring

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

You are so awesome....I need to join your bandwagon and do this. Completing one a month is possible, right? I think I can (I'm saying this over and over to convince myself). And I fell in love with Lisa's garland when she posted this. It's a great project.

Alison said...

ooh, I love the gingerbread men!

larissa said...

fabulous idea! i only wish i was this organized because I did experience a bit of that joy stealing stress of which you speak this past holiday season. LOVE that garland and i will join you in making one of those well in advance of the holiday season. i also have last minute knitted gifts but i definitely I need to go check out all that book goodness you have there - your stack looks so tempting!

rosemary said...

genius idea!i wish i was that organized

such a cute garland too!

Jessica Lynn said...

I am COMPLETELY with you on this Kristyn. I always have way too many lofty ideals for Christmas gifts and crafty decorations, not to mention crafts I want to do with the kid's-- that I end up completely overwhelmed. Very inspiring idea.

The gingerbread garland is so adorable. My kid's would love that.LOVE that scarf, too!

Looking forward to seeing all of your projects.

Journeying Five said...

way to go! what a great idea to do a little bit all year long! love the thought and look forward to seeing glimpses of your creations.