Two happy things to report:
DBF managed to track down a pair of Gingher pinking shears to tuck under the tree for me, which thrilled me to pieces.
Also, I replicated an antique Victorian ribbon wreath for my mother's Christmas present. It required embroidering the initials of members of the family on ribbons, it was a fair bit of work. I've had reports from several witnesses that when she opened my gift she cried she was so happy. I can't begin to describe how happy that made me! Instructions for the wreath to anyone who wants them, though I've sent her the book from which I got the idea so I no longer have pictures.
-Charlotte