As a mom, and even more so as a creative person, I always find myself worked into a mega frenzy during the holidays. It's never good enough to just brave the crowds and buy my presents on Black Friday.

Nope.

I feel the need to make crazy-complicated gifts, that I almost always start at the last minute and then completely miscalculate how much time and energy I'm going to have to put into making it.

 Liiiiiiike, this quilt.

Tree Farm. Pattern available for free here.

I initially had about 17 other projects on my plate that I was sure that I would be able to complete before Christmas. NONE of the other projects got completed, life got in the way, and I worked relentlessly all week long to get this one finished and shipped to my mom in Pennsylvania, with the sad revelation while at UPS that, unless I wanted to pay $55, there was no guarantee that it would get to my mom by Christmas. How depressing. But at least I finished it.

And so the story goes. I do it every. single. year. But, it's so hard not to. I love to give. I love the satisfaction of knowing that I poured every ounce of myself into a gift for someone. Who doesn't love a beautiful, heartfelt gift, made specially for them?

Because this is the only handmade gift I completed this year, I went a little overboard with the pictures. So, before I sign off until the new year, I'll share a few more with you.

The back of the quilt. I really loved my fabric choices.

And, because I wouldn't be me if I didn't go overboard and hand embroider custom labels for every quilt.

Aren't these little partridges the cutest?

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!