I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! It’s my favorite part of the year and I’m sad to see it go, but I’m excited for the year ahead. I usually don’t make resolutions (I’m very good at breaking them), but this year I might make just one: give back as much as I can.

For Thanksgiving and Christmas, my husband and I donated money to the Denver Rescue Mission and the Dumb Friends League. They’re both organizations that we try to support annually. The Denver Rescue Mission provides clothing, shelter, food and education to the homeless. The Dumb Friends League is a nonprofit organization that works for the welfare of animals.

Giving back doesn’t just mean a monetary donation. Ask Beth, our Associate Editor, who volunteers time every week to read with children (ask her about it!).

If you’re like me and you’re looking for ways to give back, look no further! This year, helping others is easier than ever.  Sew News has teamed up with the American Friends of Cecily’s Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides education opportunities to  Zambian children orphaned by AIDS, to bring you Operation Orphan Education. We’re asking readers to create a reusable grocery tote bag to send to AFCF, where they’ll be auctioned at events; the money raised will go toward helping children!

Our goal is to send AFCF 1,000 totes by the end of this year. If you have a gigantic fabric stash (like all the ladies here at Sew News do!), this might be a great way to use up some fabric!

Check out the latest issue of Sew News for more information or click here. And keep reading Sew News throughout the year for updates.

Wishing you health and  happiness in 2010!

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We want to know your new year’s resolutions! Maybe you resolve to organize your sewing room. Or maybe you plan to finally finish those UFOs. Comment below!

Are you still in need of quick Christmas gift and decor ideas? Check out Ellen’s adorable candy cane covers, featured in Sew it All (on newsstands Dec 29th) and today on the BurdaStyle blog. BurdaStyle even came up with a super cute brooch variation where you can stow a pen or crochet hook. So clever! Download the free pattern and tutorial to make your own little Frosty by tonight!

Now’s your chance to win the premiere issue of Sew it All, as well as a full-year subscription to Sew News! Just head over to the BurdaStyle blog. Everyday in the month of December they’re giving away an amazing prize! It’s super easy to enter, just leave your comment answering the bolded questions by noon EST 12/17 and a lucky winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries!

Even if you’re not the lucky winner, you can still get your hands on Sew it All. Look for it on newsstands December 29th or order it from our store.

Our office allows people to bring their dogs to work every so often. Dogs just make the day so much better! This is a photo of my dog, Bear Jones, sitting outside my office. He likes to sit in the doorway so he can see everyone as they pass by. He’s such a cutie! Except when I need to sew…then he sits right on top of the fabric or pattern or whatever supplies accidentally fall on the floor. He’s no dummy–he knows that I’ll be reaching for it soon and will have to pet him!

Did you ever make friendship bracelets for your pals in elementary school? I remember riding my bike to Hobby Lobby during the summer to pick out embroidery floss colors and then learning new knots and designs from my friends in the neighborhood. We’d end up with a ridiculous amount of bracelets stacked on our wrists and ankles by the time school was starting again. Well, it looks like these fun little buddy bracelets are making a comeback! In step with the Spring 2o10 trend of multiple mismatched bracelets, we’re seeing expensive designer versions of these knotted and woven beauties. But why spend $180 when you can make your own? If you need to brush up on your bracelet-making skills, DMC’s Crafty Kristin has just the tutorial video for you. And while you’re there, don’t miss the chance to learn the basics of hand embroidery and cross stitch. Fun!

Have you checked out BurdaStyle blog lately? Now’s a great time to stop by, because every day in the month of December, BurdaStyle is giving away a great prize through the Annual Holiday Giveaway Calendar. On December 15, take the opportunity to win a 1-year subscription to Sew News, along with a copy of our new special issue Sew it All (available only on newsstands and shopsewingdistrict.com). It’s super easy to enter: Just go to http://www.burdastyle.com/blog on December 15th and leave a comment answering the bolded questions by 12:00 EST on December 16th. One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. Entrants must be BurdaStyle members to enter and win–membership is FREE and open to all.  

Dear readers,

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Remember: If you’re not writing out the check to Sew News, it’s probably a scam.

If you receive a bill and you are unsure, feel free to e-mail customer service at sewnews@emailcustomerservice.com, or call (800) 289-6397.

Have a safe and happy December!

Sew News is changing it up for 2010. Tell us your thoughts!

I’m so excited to give you all a sneak peek of the latest and greatest sewing magazine brought to you by SEW NEWS. It’s called Sew It All, and it’s hitting newsstands on 12/29. I know it may sound far away, but you can preorder a copy at http://www.shopsewingdistrict.com or just click on the link to take you to our Sewing District shop and go there now! I don’t want you forgetting about it with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays and all!

We’re all very proud of this issue and we just know you’re going to love it!

Happy Sewing!

* Please note that you can find all of the Sew it All patterns to download and print from this link: sewnews.com/sewitall.

I’m starting to get really excited about Thanksgiving on Thursday. My mom and dad are hosting dinner at their house and there’s so many fun family holiday traditions that I look forward to all year. Waking up early to see the parades, watching football with my dad, trying all the delicious culinary delights at dinner. This year, my mom’s taking care of the turkey and has asked all the guests to pitch in with side dishes and dessert. After lots of deliberation, I’ve decided to make rosemary-cranberry sorbet to complement the pumpkin cheesecake my little sister’s making. What are you making for Thanksgiving this year? What are some of your special family traditions?

Also, here’s a special Thanksgiving treat: If you don’t feel like braving the mall crowds on Friday, get some holiday shopping done at shopsewingdistrict.com. Now through Monday, you’ll get 20% off your entire order plus FREE shipping in the US when you enter the code: SDBF30 at checkout. Happy  Thanksgiving and happy shopping!