It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

... isn't it exciting, I'm one of those people that just love Christmas (apologies to all the scrooges out there)!

 Last week I posted off my box of goodies to my lovely friend Lynda (Hookin' with LaaLaa) for our Advent swap


I also received my parcel too!  At this point I can only share the parcels all ready to be unwrapped, but don't they look appealing?

Do you see that Lindt chocolate bear? He is now gone, he was rather tasty!

I have to add that I was overjoyed to receive a pack of egg nog mix, Lynda has turned me and Beki into egg nog addicts so anything to help feed the addiction is more than welcome, it was delicious too with full fat milk and a splash of cream and nutmeg ~ Christmassy heaven in a cup!

Isn't swapping a little scary though, I always feel very nervous that I have not sent enough, or that it is not to the standard required but I do like to participate anyway.

Most of my recent makes are presents for Christmas, swaps, and birthdays but I will be back soon to reveal all.
p.s. I'm very nearly at 400 followers (thanks to you all xx) so I'm contemplating a little giveaway when I reach the big 400, watch this space.

~ ♥ Back Soon ♥ ~ 

Advent Swap and Crochet

Well I have been a busy bee, but as Christmas is coming and December is full of Birthdays, Anniversaries and Celebrations I have been making gifts none of which I can show yet.

I have just spent several hours sorting and wrapping my gifts for the lovely Hookin' With LaaLaa my Advent Swap Partner, it has totally got me in the Christmas mood. 

I obviously can't show my makes but here is a sneaky peek at my parcels for Lynda, brown paper packages tied up with string (a.k.a.bakers twine), 

I hope these contain a few of her favourite things.

In between making gifts I have been pottering on with my little crochet squares, I started making these little crochet squares when I was on holiday back in August.  I adore these and I have my heart set on making the springtime throw from the Cute & Easy Crochet book (Nicki Trench).  

 It's going to be slow progress but well worth it I think.

Right back to the Chrismas Makes, I'm off to get my elf hat on...

~ ♥ Back Soon ♥ ~ 

Christmas Decoration Swap

My friend the lovely Hookin With LaaLaa hosted a Handmade Christmas Decoration Swap and I quickly signed up

I was paired up with a lovely lady, Sue from the Krafty Cupcake.

Look what arrived yesterday and all wrapped up in beautiful Dots & Spots Paper!

Isn't it beautiful?

 Gorgeous Dots & Spots goodies

 Three beautiful handmade felty christmas delights, how cute is that little guy?

 Gorgeous christmassy things to eat and drink

 delightful Christmas fabric and buttons and felt

 Reindeer socks (which made me grin!), snow candle, a bit of beautiful CK, and a gorgeous bracelet from the talented Vintage Princess in Durham

 And a beautiful card, my first Christmas card!

 And all together here!

 Wow, Sue I am blown away.  Thank you so much you have been so very generous and thoughtful in the things you gathered.

I sent my parcel too and it included some makes that I couldn't show before, now I know it's with Sue I can show what I sent:

Some handmade bits I made

 Some handmade bits my friend Beki made

 Some hand painted Christmas Dinky Bells

 A hand stitched by me Gingerbread Card

Thanks again Sue and thanks Lynda for organising this for us all Mmmwahhhh xx

Lest We Forget x

Armistice Day (also known as Remembrance Day) is on November 11 and commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning—the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918.

Every year at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month we remember the end of the First World War and all who gave their lives then and since.

THE EXHORTATION

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
When you go home tell them of us and say -For your tomorrow we gave our today

~ ♥ LEST WE FORGET ♥ ~

A New Obsession?

What another one you say?

Well, I spent a lovely day at Just Quilting a couple of weeks ago and took part in a mini quilting workshop.

  Even though I have sewn for years now I've never quilted and I must say I think I'm hooked.

It was held within the Just Quilting Shop which is a little fabric haven just off the A19 at Killingworth in the North East.  If you are from up this way or even just passing though it's well worth a visit, the owner was so friendly and very talented and helpful to everyone who came in (and she plied us with copious quantities of lovely tea).  

Seeing the things made there and the amazing fabrics on offer I'm itching to get on and make something a bit special.

I now want a new sewing machine, better than the one I have with quilting capabilities and I can see me spending much more time (and money) in this little shop.

I can't show you what I am making (it's still in progress) as it's a gift for a friend who may see it here ;0) but just drink in the photos of the lovely fabrics and cushions and quilts on show.

It's a great little place and you can pop in for the full day or half a day and work on your projects and draw on the years of expertise on hand.  

Hopefully once it's done I can show you my little project ~ maybe nearer Christmas...

~ ♥ Back Soon ♥ ~ 

A Grand Day Out....

Last Thursday was a great day all round, spent with my two lovely ladies and fellow bloggers Lynda and Beki.

We met up and spent the say shopping, chatting and laughing at the Birmingham NEC at the Creative Crafts for Christmas. 

None of us took photo's we we just too busy having fun, terrible bloggers I know.

We did spend lots of money and gather a few supplies which I am itching to get stuck into:

These are going to be new cushions for my bed, when I get round to making them up.


Thanks for a really lovely day ladies mmmwwahhh! x

In the meantime I'm still busy with Christmas makes and have my Christmas Decoration Swap all packed up and ready to go to the lovely Sue.

Sue is also having a splendid giveway and there is still time to sign up so why not pop over and have a look?

~ ♥ Back Soon ♥ ~