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

A new crafty craze

 

Good evening, hope you have had a good day.  We had a lovely walk out in the woods again, squirrels a-plenty, leaves just beginning to turn, with quite a few falling to the ground.  Warm in the sun, but decidedly nippy in the shade or when a cloud passed over.  So now, we are just cozying up for the evening, dinner eaten, chores done, candles lit, and Im enjoying dabbling with my latest craze

 



I am just loving knitting with this fancy yarn, it grows so quickly, looks very snazzy and is just so darn snuggly! 

Helenxx

PS - Thanks soooo much to those of you who are joining in my Autumn Views Challenge, Im so excited to see your photos as we experience the season!  Mind you, Im having "Blogger Issues" as it wont let me load up any more images to my sidebar as I have "exceeded my quota" so I cant post my own challenge button to my own sidebar - what a cheek!!.  Do any of you know a way around this?

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

Magic Ball Swap

Hi everyone!

I have been involved in so many swaps over the summer, its been lovely!

I was paired up with Leah at Faith76.

Just look what greeted my eyes when I opened the package, love the knitted corsage:

Delicious edible treats:

Super knitting supplies:

Then I had to call my daughter (who loves swaps as much as I do!) to start unwinding the ball!

So here we go - yummy smellies:

Jewellery and keyring:

Lots of sewing supplies and ribbons:

More wool and ribbon:

Just look at these swish gardening gloves, I really will feel glamorous when planting up the daffodil bulbs:

This handpainted silk bag contains yummy potpourri:

And I was so delighted to receive this hand-knitted heart (smells of heavenly lavendar):

And here is everything together - isnt it amazing?

I feel so lucky Leah to have had you as my swap partner, thanks so so much for everything, you have spoilt me rotten!!

Here is what I sent:

Hope you liked it!

Helenxx