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.