So Sew Organized

Happy New Year, blogging friends! I'm finally back after a little blogger Christmas vacation. Here are some pictures of our week that was Christmas! My family was here in Maine visiting for about 12 days, as well as some of my other cousins. On Christmas day there was 58 of us all in the same house. Some of my cousins I hadn't seen in 4 years, so it was a great day full of fun, laughter, family, and food. It was wonderful to have so much time with my family, and hard to see them all go. However, it is exciting to start a new year and make plans for the month ahead! I've got a lot more coming in the days ahead, as well as some new features for this blog that I think will be helpful to you. For now though, would you share some of your Christmas highlights with me? Comment below with one of your favourite parts of Christmas this year, and feel free to share some pictures on my Facebook page so I can see your celebrations in action!

We're wrapping up our Black Weekend event with a cyber Monday sale: 30% off your order! This is the last day to get a discount at So Sew Organized . If you have been putting it off, now is your chance! Use the code CYBER30 to get 30% off your entire order. Offer ends at midnight Monday night! I've been busy sewing away and am so thankful for those of you that have taken advantage of the sales this weekend. I trust that So Sew Organized can be a blessing to you this holiday season, and that you will remember the One that gave us the Ultimate Gift...the true reason behind our Christmas. Need some more gift inspiration? Check out these selections from the shop : Totes and scarves make great pairings! One of my new favourite things to do it pair two different colored scarves with an outfit. It adds a nice fullness and warmth plus the different stripes of color is fun! (pictured is the purple with dark gray , and navy with light gray .) Adding multiple things to your order...

I really love the challenge of coming up with relevant, practical gifts at Christmas time, and enjoy sharing my ideas with you each year! This year for a gift exchange I threw together a Christmas baking kit , and I think it was one of my favourite ideas yet. ( See last years ideas here ) I know...this post is so totally after the fact. But it doesn't just have to be used for Christmas...this would make a fantastic gift for a wedding, bridal shower, or the birthday of a friend that likes to cook. The idea started with these potholders and oven mitts. I thought the gingerbread theme was fun, and what does gingerbread make you think of? Baking! Okay, and eating... These cupcake papers were gingerbread men as well, so I grabbed a package of those and a few other "bake-y" items. I included cookie mix , a small bag of flour , frosting , and shortening . Lets face it, that cute little bag of flour is just plain fun. To round out the gift I grabbed a Food Network holiday magazi...

I enjoy snapping still life pictures, so I thought I'd let my camera tell the story of our 2013 Christmas. So much more happened than this - like family time, games, food, and lots of other fun stuff. But this gives you an idea, shows you some of what I've been soaking in and enjoying the last two weeks. What did your Christmas look like?

For the past couple weeks I’ve had the opportunity to visit my family in Canada ( see more on why I’m not living there by clicking here). You may have noticed my absence from the online world recently - now you know why! In preparing to come, I knew that I wanted to not be busy busy with shop & blog stuff the whole time I was here. I did have some sewing projects to finish up for Christmas, but wanted to also take time to enjoy my family during the limited time I have with them. My wish was more than granted when, shortly after my arrival, my mom was flat on her back with a sciatic nerve. Guess who became chief cook and bottle-washer?? Yours truly! :) The last two weeks have been interesting to say the least. Just before Christmas is not exactly a convenient time to be laid up, especially since mom was the one directing the Christmas program at church. She had shopping to finish, preparation for our trip to the States for Christmas, plus the normal baking and activities that come...

If you've been paying attention to the Christmas deadlines at So Sew Organized (I've been sharing them on Facebook and via our newsletter...are you signed up for that? You can in the right sidebar!) you've probably noticed that the deadline for Christmas orders is coming soon...like, tomorrow! So I would be remiss to not sneak a little reminder in here for you guys. And I've made it into a post for our 2013 Christmas Gift Guide. This collection is all from my own shop! Here are some of my personal favorites as well as the price point for each item. Should make it easy for you to shop for anyone on your list! There are even more items available at So Sew Organized right now, so click on any picture to be taken to my shop. Which item is your favourite? Do you have any more Christmas shopping to finish up?

Is it just me, or are baby's just the most fun to buy for out of anyone? Hopefully you have a few on your lists this year. Here are a few cute picks from some of my favourite handmade shops. Hope this sparks some ideas for you! 1. Crocheted Sock Monkey hat from  Sweet Stuff 2. Maine Onesie from Map My State (or pick any state, major city, or country!) 3. Pattern for a Onesie style Dress shirt from Mae's Joyful Noise 4. Personalized Crocheted Hat from Kraven It 5. Crochet Afghan from Kadyladyloo on Etsy 6. Appliqued Onesie from CSW Designs 7. Zebra Bow from 20 Pink Roses Which of these items would you want your baby to own?  Let their grandparents know! ;)

With Christmas approaching, there is an anticipated weight falling on many a homemaker’s shoulders - having house guests! This doesn’t have to be a dreaded event. With the proper preparation and the right outlook, this can be a positive time for you, your family, and your guests. I personally think house guests are fun! Today I’m sharing some of my tips and ideas for preparing for overnight visitors. All of this comes from personal experience, so this is tried-and-true stuff! I have personally stayed in over 100 homes throughout the US, so I’ve literally seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to hospitality! Trust me, I could tell so many stories...instead, I decided to turn them into a post preparing you to be the best hostess you can be. :) 1. Have an attitude of hospitality Not only will your attitude towards guests be visible to them, a good attitude will set them at ease in a strange place. Hospitality is a Biblical command as well, so why grumble about doing it? Greet...