Happy New Year!

I'm sitting here not quite believing it is already New Years Eve. I hope you all had a good Christmas and a peaceful time whatever you did and wherever you are. I have travelled a bit over the past week to visit relatives and much to both DS delight we found snow again driving west. I had intended trying to knit a scarf whilst DH did the driving but packed wool, pattern and no needles. I was lucky enough to get some books I have been looking at and a basketful of Clarins wonderfulness (my one guilty pleasure). DS got some jumping stilts, thankfully the weather has been too bad for him to start practising with them. I'm not too worried as he has used them at Scouts. One thing has been bothering me, I think I have good hand-eye co-ordination, I can sew, knit, embroider so why do I find it so hard to do Mario Karts on the Nintendo Wii? DS has been giving me lessons and I'm practising.

I have made lots of Christmas presents this year, the cushions above were some that I made for my nieces and nephews. An advantage of a big stash is that I was able to use fabric that was appropriate for all, Sean loved his trains and sister Aimee liked her rabbits. I've also made several book covers, small make up bags and some larger bags.

For those of you who are really observant  I have added a link to the Sketchbook Challenge for 2011. The idea is that you follow along and share your pages. There will be a different theme set each month and it sounds like there is going to be lots of ideas and inspiration shared. I just love their definition of a sketchbook which is, "a book filled with dreams and inspiration". I've got an A4 sketchbook and I have stated to make a cover by stitching small samples. I had the idea from Sweetypie who got the original idea from the blog Teesha's Circus. I have been carrying them around with me so it will all be done by hand. I'm using up some odd bits of hand dyed fabric and edging them in black. I have really enjoyed doing this freehand and stitching whatever comes into my head.

I would like to wish everyone who has visited me a happy and creative New Year and 2011. I really do appreciate all your visits, even if you just lurk. I've enjoyed sharing all your blogs and learnt lots from you all. The last thing to say is that I'm nearly at my 100th blog post and will be having a giveaway very soon, a good excuse to keep popping back.

In The Bleak Mid Winter

I was going to start this blog post on a positive note but I'm cold and fed up with being cold. Today the fog hasn't lifted and the temperature hasn't been above -7. When I was young my favourite books were The Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls. I remember my favorite one was The Long Winter (sound familiar?).  

All my recent energy/sewing has been on completing paperwork and making Christmas presents which I can't share photos of. DS has also spent time making presents and has just about mastered how to put a zip into a bag. Instead here are some frosty images of my garden taken this morning.

This was the frozen washing line.

 This robin was a little photo shy but you can still see his/her red breast.

I was looking for colour amongst all the white and found this red onion skin in the compost heap.

The fields are still full of Brussel sprouts that haven't been harvested

I found this on Emma's blog A little Bit of Everything. Despite the weather I went to two carol services and this carol was sung at both. This Enya version is really beautiful that I thought I would share it with you.



I found some sock knitting today from last year, my first attempt at toe up socks knitted on a circular needle. I love hand made socks but am a slow knitter. I'm off to spend the rest of this evening curled up in front of my log burner. I hope you are all keeping safe and warm.

Help...

Does anyone know how to make these woven, folded paper necklaces? My recycled craft group wants to make them next Friday and although I've made them before I can't find my notes. I've also had an unsuccessful trawl through the Internet and can't find any instructions unless I subscribe to a site.

I've fingers and toes crossed...