Although the calendar says September, Christmas was on our minds at tonight's meeting.  The theme was Christmas gifts, with each person bringing along instructions or samples of quick and easy items to make for gifts.  With the holiday season approaching faster than we realize, we can all use some fresh ideas for crafted items to give away.

Strawberry sachet

  Pat brought samples and a pattern for a strawberry sachet that can be filled with your choice of dried herbs and spices.  Great for scenting dresser drawers, linen closets, stored suitcases, or just freshening the air.

Peggy showed us some slippers made from old jeans and a storage box that is stiffened between the fabric layers with cardboard from cereal boxes and the like.  Great way to sew green!

If there's a pet on your gift list, how about an ribbon-covered elastic collar to dress them up for the holidays?

Slippers from old jeans

Pet collar

Storage box

Connie brought along a clever traveling jewelry tray.  It appears first as a flat piece of padded fabric with ribbons at the corners.  But bring the corner ribbons up to tie together, and it forms a tray to keep your jewelry organized when traveling.

Maura brought a pattern for a quick knit cap that can be made in sizes from infant to adult, and easily embellished or personalized for the recipient.

Linda contributed a stack of magazines with many quick and easy ideas for all sorts of gifts for all occasions.

We had some items for show and tell, ranging from t-shirts and dresses to quilts and wall-hangings, "tablecloth" skirts, handbags and a little stuffed house-mouse.

In other news:  the location for our Make-A-Difference-Day program is still up in the air but will be announced soon.  Some exciting news had to do with the upcoming Annual Meeting scheduled for November 4 from 12 to 4 at Arbor Ridge in Hopewell Junction.  The cost is $30 and includes a sit-down dinner.  There will be several choices for entrees, including a gluten-free one.  If you have dietary restrictions, please indicate on your registration form and Arbor Ridge will accommodate you.  The featured speaker is Gretchen Hirsch, author of Gerties' New Book for Better Sewing.  She will present a brief trunk show and program.  Lots of prizes are up for grabs, so plan on attending for a chance to snag some swag!