checklist

• Elf hats for the school Christmas pageant: done! (but not pictured because I finished them about five minutes before I had to take them to the school)

• Stockings for my sons: done!

• Holiday tablecloth: more than halfway there.

• Stuffed animal requested by our babysitter's mother months and months ago: not even started.

And once I get all that done, I can finally get back to my neglected shabby chic quilt. I am hoping to spend some quality time with it this weekend, Christmas shopping permitting. And only if my little helper will let me:

Here he is hiding in the sewing room closet, right where I used to keep the batting.