Phew. All the kids are back in school. Finally! Of course, you know what that means: It's almost Christmas! I have a friend -- let's call her "Julie" -- who spent the months of January to July knitting Christmas presents. She knitted nothing for herself, only for the gift stash. Now, she has gobs of knitted goods overflowing from baskets. I have -- hold on, let me check -- OK, nothing, nada, present larder is empty.

Usually by this time, I have at least thought about presents to make. I think the Grinch route -- skipping the whole present thing -- won't be nearly as satisfying as giving presents I've made.

So I'm considering options that I can knock out -- I mean, craft lovingly -- in a relatively short amount of time. Here's what I'm thinking.

Pick a project (or two)

Julie chose a few patterns that are sure to please, and made several of them. One of her favorite patterns is the Airy Scarf from "Last-Minute Knitted Gifts" by Joelle Hoverson (Stewart, Taboori & Chang). The mohair/silk blend recommended is yummy, and each 229-yard ball makes two scarves -- pretty darn fast, too. Also in this book is a fine hat pattern, with variations to suit all ages.

Get more pattern ideas in these books: "Vogue Knitting On the Go: Crocheted Scarves" (Sixth & Spring) and "Crochet Scarves!" by Candi Jensen (Storey). The latest issue of Interweave Knits has a bonus mini-mag tucked inside with reprints of the magazine's top scarves.

Hats and mittens take a bit more time, but they're very portable. Check out "Knit Hats!" by Gwen Steege (Storey) and "Vogue Knitting On the Go: Crocheted Hats" (Sixth & Spring).

Christmas ornaments are another winner. One of my favorite ornaments is a glass ball with a picture in it. You print a picture onto transparency, then cut it in a circle and slide it into the ornament. I chose a picture of my children and their shadows atop Jockey's Ridge; suspended in the glass, they look as if they are walking into eternity. You can find complete directions at www.hgtv.com. Search for Carol Duvall Show: Episode CDW-304, "Stained Glass" Ornament.

Find more ideas for digital images in "The Ultimate Color Printer Craft Book," by Susan Krzywicki and Laurel Burden (Watson Guptill, 2001). It includes instructions for creating cards, gift boxes, puzzles, postcards, T-shirts, quilts, tabletops and wallpaper. To shortcut it, visit an online photo service where you can order merchandise with photos on it.

If you're still using film for your vacation photos, good for you! Get the pictures developed and order a photo CD; it will expand your crafting options.

Photos can be made into greeting cards that are fancy enough to be presents in themselves. For instance, if you have beach vacation pictures, you can emboss a card with shell images. Squiggle glue around the edges and drizzle sand on it (real sand from the actual beach you went to is good).

Another way to share pictures with others is to make little scrapbooks with pictures from your year. For close relatives, consider a month-by-month book. Or make a page devoted to your vacation. Once you come up with a layout you like, you can duplicate it for more relatives. For ideas, see "Simple Scrapbooks Ideas and Techniques" (Hugh Lauter Levin, www.HLLA.com) or one of the many magazines now out. Also look for blank books in various shapes to embellish with pictures and ephemera (www.createandtreasure.com). You can write a little story about your year that is sure to be more engaging than those really long Christmas letters.

Pick a project time

Now to carve out the time to actually make the presents. Ideally, choose one night a week to work on Christmas gifts. If you need accountability, form a Christmas club with friends, agreeing to meet a few times between now and November to make presents. Meet at a friend's house or at a craft store. Some stores provide workspace to customers. Check out Archiver's, a scrapbooking store newly opened in Raleigh's Triangle Town Commons (3791 Summer Blvd., Suite 130, 792-0893). You can meet beforehand to brainstorm ideas for projects. And check out classes at your favorite craft store.

On your own, knitted goods can be hauled around to work on (without thinking too hard) just about anywhere: meetings, readings, standing in line, waiting at long stoplights.

Today's DIY is a perfect way to preserve a bit of your year to share with others. It could easily be an ornament or jewelry or a paperweight.

Soon you'll be nestled in with a box overflowing with Christmas presents -- giving you more time to make up your own list for Santa!