How many sleeps to Christmas?

Hello Everyone, how are you all doing?  I have missed you all and am glad to be back.  Each year around this time I move into a state of complete denial with regards Christmas.  I try to kid myself that it is really only October and wonder why everyone is in such a manic state.  I only bought my main Christmas cards today and have tons to write out now - why do I repeat this peculiar routine every year??  Who knows and the worst part of it all is that I never learn. However last year I made a promise that I would really try hard to be more organised this 2013 - has it worked?  Well, since starting to sew this year I must admit that I am more ahead with my home made gifts although not as much as all the lovely bloggers who I follow - I am amazed at the wonderful things they have created.  Pop over to my favourites and see for yourself, you will be seriously impressed. 

 

I hope you are all well and happy.  Life kicks us around all the time and last week at work we had some serious kicks.  A dear and lovely colleague died very suddenly last week - she was the most sweetest of people and was going to reduce her hours to make time to spend with her forthcoming little grandchild.  It hit everyone very hard and really makes you think about what is important in life.  Then the next day we had news that another colleague's husband has very little time to live after only being diagnosed two weeks ago.  What can I say - thankfully for all of us, it was all hands on deck so we have been working to capacity to make sure all the gaps are covered by us.  It is a job we have all done willingly and without complaint.  People are so important to us all just like you all are to me dearest Bloggers.  It is wonderful that I feel comfortable to share such news with you all as I know in my heart you will understand and empathise with my feelings and those of my lovely colleagues.

In terms of preparation for Christmas I have been trying to keep going although I am way behind with everything but no matter.  My sewing class has been such a life saver, a place where I could escape to and really concentrate my mind on something other than work.  Do you like these diaries with their covers?  I managed to get these done with scraps from the box in my class.  I am not sure who they are going to but I wanted to make a little selection of gifts which I could give out at work to my lovely colleagues.  Mr Fox is my favourite - what is yours?

I loved this fabric with the toadstools on - I would love more of this fabric and it was so cute and adorable.

The diaries are just £1 ones from the local store but with the covers they look so much more.  In the past I have bought diaries and paid at least £7 - £9 per diary so this was a big saving.  Hoping the recipients will like them. 

You might remember that I have been making some bags for my friends and I have tried to keep up to date with these although they take time with the beads and applique techniques. However I do love making these and hope they will be appreciated.  I know that I have said this to you before but giving homemade gifts can be a gamble but I think that attitudes are now changing for the better and people now seem to value the time spent on making something individual. What do you all think lovely Friends?  This is the back section of two of the bags.

 

This is the front.

 

 

 

 

As you can see I still have more to do - three in fact but am wondering if I will run out of time?  I hope not.

 



I have been busy with my cowls and am now resorting to knitting two at a time.  The grey one is for my friend Sarah in work and the other for my lovely granddaughter who loves the one I made for her.  The grey one is ready to come off the needles now for making up and the black one is nearly there thank goodness.  The good thing about this knitting is that I can take it on the train with me and can happily knit away without looking at a pattern all the time.  I just have to be careful not to stab the person sitting next to me with the needles!



I have wanted to have a go at a headwarmer for ages and had got some fleece to line scarves.  At sewing class Rachel said that she had an easy pattern I could follow so away we went.  I was amazed at how quickly it all came together and was so pleased with the result.  Rachel has a model head which she uses to show off her headbands which she makes so suggested that I put the headwarmer on this to show my eldest granddaughter.  What do you think?



 

 

My granddaughter loved it and immediately asked for a black one and a cream one - luckily I have enough fleece for these and one of my little peeps also wants a pink one - I can see some head warmer fests coming up in our house.  I know they are such easy projects Lovelies but to me I still find it amazing that I could make something which someone else would want - it is wonderful.

Finally I have managed to crochet up a little scarf for one of my lovely peeps which I need to line in some fleece to make it extra specially soft for her little neck.  I obviously have to make another for the other little peep so have the yarn ready to go on this one.  Fortunately these are not Christmas gifts so the pressure is not as bad on me.  I loved doing this and having crochet on the go again.

 

 

But the worst bit for me...........having to sew in the ends!

 

 



I met up with my lovely eldest Son on Saturday in Birmingham - we did a bit of retail therapy but really wanted to spend the day together and catch up with all the news.  We had a lovely meal around by the canals and it was such a good way to escape from the holiday madness. 

I did pop into a few shops whilst waiting for him to arrive and found this little tea towel - yes lovely People my obsession continues - maybe this coming year I will go into therapy to help me overcome this affliction.  I did love these, have a look and see what you all think.

 

I think they are really cute and look at the prices!

 

 

 

I thought they were a bargain but have not decided what to do with them yet - any ideas or suggestions most gratefully received Lovlies.

 

Well my lovely Friends it has been a difficult week, a sad one and I am so glad to be writing to you all again as it gives me such strength to know you are all out there.  I have kept up with your lovely blogs and been inspired by you all.  It is going to be another very busy week but we will get through it and hopefully I will make headway on my homemade.  I do send you lots of big hugs and kisses and thank you for all being such good company.  Please leave a comment if you are able to as I do love to hear from you all.  Please keep safe, be happy and contented with our wonderful world wherever you are.  I hope to be back very soon and writing again.  See you all soon, all my love to you all as always.  Dorothy :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx