Crafty makes for Christmas

Good morning everyone - a wet, dull day but whatever - the holidays have started - yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Two whole weeks off, I can hardly believe that its finally here.  Im so tired from work, I have been just crawling along to make it to the end of term - but, finally -

(and you dont have to worry about marking or planning for next week!!!!)

So whilst in this deliriously happy mood, I thought I would share a few of the things I have been making as gifts for Christmas (none of these are destined for any bloggers so they are not getting sneakly previews!)

I made quite a few, they are stuffed with soothing lavender

I used running stitch instead of blanket stitch this time, and cut out the felt with pinking shears

I rather like the effect, what do you think?

Then I got my knitting needles out

and made a frilly scarf for my cousin -

The colours are much richer than they look in the photo, Im just hoping she likes it!  They are lovely and warm, I have made a couple for myself as well - they are really lightweight but snuggly at the same time.  Perhaps the lacey nature of the yarn traps in the heat?

Well, Im off out in a bit with DH to do a bit of shopping - nothing too stressful today.  Might make my own mincemeat this evening - there is a nice recipe on the BBC food website - I replace the alcohol with orange juice and the suet for the veggie version.  It is absolutely delicious and takes no time to make if you have a food processor.  My daughter is making the mince pies tomorrow, whilst son makes the veggie sausage rolls.  I meantime am going to be tackling a new treat, but I cant say too much at this point as if it works out well a reader of this blog might just be receiving some of them (nod nod, wink wink, say no more.........)

Have a wonderful Saturday, Helenxx

Hooked on Zpagetti

Hi everyone

On Tuesday evening I gave myself a little treat - I took part in a craft workshop at our local craft shop - the workshop was entitled "Giant Crochet" and was an introduction to the new craze of Zpagetti.

The technique uses recycled fabric and a large hook

 

 

Its great fun to do

 



But a ball of yarn costs £10 so I have found an online tutorial to make my own from tshirts.  Much more in the spirit of thrifiness I think!

Here is a closeup of the swatch I made:

It is an ideal technique for bags, rugs, placemats, etc so Im looking forward to making some useful things soon!  The resulting crochet is really thick and strong, but soft at the same time if that makes sense. 

Although the evening was for learning this technique of crochet, I asked the tutor to show me how to knit using that fancy yarn that makes up into a scarf in no-time so I got good value for my tuition fee!  The workshop took place in the craft shop, and we were able to buy whatever we wanted needed at a 10% discount, so I snapped up some of this fancy yarn while the going was good!.  Will show you some results of my handiwork soon.

Hope you are all having a good week - soon be the weekend!!

Helenxx

Curly wurly scarf

Evening all!

I had a great time on Tuesday evening when I was invited to a 20th birthday celebration for a very special young lady.  I made her this scarf which (thankfully!) she liked.

Happy Birthday PJ

(and thanks to her mum, suepops for the pic)

Have a wonderful weekend enjoying all the things you love best!

Hxx