Happy Holidays!

Many of us make our holiday gifts well ahead of time. Some readers tell me that they start making gifts as early as May! I admit that when I have a great idea, especially for an assembly-line style gift that I can give to everyone on my list, I have no problem getting a head start. (But to me, a head start is October.)

In the past, I embroidered gift tags that doubled as ornaments to adorn each package (Download the free project at cmemag.com/articles/Gift_Tags.) It’s so fun to visit people’s houses and see those ornaments on their tree. That’s why I love giving handmade gifts—they last for years to come and help procure fond memories of holidays past. And the best part about incorporating embroidery into the gifts is that each design can be personalized for the recipient. Just add a name, favorite hobby or pet to the design and the recipient knows it was made especially for her.

This issue is full of gift ideas, whether you’ve started making gifts already or are in need of some last-minute quick projects. Each project can also be a gift for yourself! Everyone needs a party sweater to wear for an office gathering, neighbor’s open house or spiritual concert. (See “Party Cardi” on page 44). And who wouldn’t like an embellished casserole carrier to keep hot food hot and cold food cold when traveling to a holiday potluck? (See “Potluck Pouch” on page 56.)

Plus, there are a ton of free designs presented in this issue, available at cmemag.com/free_designs/index.html. Download the “Ring Toss” designs,
suitable for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas. And try your hand at the “Poised Poinsettias” design to create a striking wreath for the front door. We’ve also got ornament designs that feature Mylar film to add sparkle to your tree. These are just little gifties from us to you this holiday season. Let us
know how you liked the stitchouts on our Facebook page at facebook.com/creativemachineembroidery, or email us at info@cmemag.com.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Ellen March

Editor-in-Chief

Appeared in:

November/December 2011