Woaaaaahhhh! Slow down, December.

Don't you realise that you are slipping away from me at light-speed?
I have not written Christmas cards, wrapped presents or baked Mince pies.
I have not organised things to keep the children happy over the holidays.
I have not made hand-made presents for the people I wanted to. 
I have not finished Christmas shopping.

And when did I last write a blog post or read everyone else's? 
Eons ago, it appears.



But December, I am being a little unfair, for you mark the anniversary of my beginnings.

It is a year ago that I decided I needed something to 'engage the grey matter' after giving up my beloved teaching to become a mummy.
So I learned to crochet.
Something I never really thought I'd be able to do (due to calamitous knitting attempts in the past) but learn I did.
I can't crochet anything really complicated, but I have mastered a few basics, explored a few cheats, and made stuff that people actually want to pay for, which amazes me completely.



And from those tentative beginnings a year ago, I am starting a little business selling the things I make. Nothing huge. Nothing much. Just some crochet and some little wooden blocks.


So there we are, December; I know that there are only 10 days to go and although I am panicking ever so slightly about getting it all done, I know that I will.

And most importantly, I have a wonderful Christmas with friends and family to look forward to.
And for these things, I am most glad.

Happy, happy Christmas to you all.
Xx

Getting organised...

Pegs. 
Stamp with wording of choice. 
Attach magnet to back. 
Stick on fridge.
Marvel at your new ability to never forget stuff again.

(adapted from an idea seen here)

Have a great weekend, all.

Crochet Christmas Trees

I'm the happiest Christmas tree, 
Hoo hoo hoo, hee hee hee 
Someone came and they found me, 
And took me home with them!



Oh, I'm the happiest Christmas tree, 
Hoo hoo hoo, hee hee hee 
Look how pretty they dressed me, 
Oh, lucky, lucky me! 
 


You might remember their simple beginnings a while back:



And many of you clever peeps had guessed correctly, too!

They have taken me an age to finish. For no other reason than being distracted by everything else: 
1. Craft fair/shopping night. Big success. Sold lots- now panicking ever so slightly over need to replenish stocks for more upcoming sales.
2. EBay. Compulsive. (Bob the builder pants sold at a profit)
3. A cowl. For myself. I would actually like to finish it while it is still cold.

Back to the trees.


Fancy making one, or two, or a shelf-ful?

Here's my pattern to make the smallest, squattest tree. 
Want a taller one? The instructions are below too.

If you make some, then do let me know how you get on and don't forget to link back to this post if you mention them on your lovely blogs. 

You'll need:
Whatever hooks and yarn you have to hand
Stitch marker
Stuffing
Felt for base
Beads/buttons etc to decorate


These are crocheted in the round, amigurumi-style and I use US crochet terms

Sc 4 in magic ring (find good tutorials for this on YouTube)
1) [sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (6 stitches)
2) [sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (9 stitches)
3) [sc, sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (12 stitches)
4) [sc, sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (16 stitches)
5) [sc, sc, sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (20 stitches)
6) [sc, sc, sc, sc 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (24 stitches)
7) sc 24
8) [sc 2 tog] repeat around (12 stitches)
9) sc 12
Stuff
10) [sc 2 tog] repeat around (6 stitches)
11) [2 sc in each stitch] repeat around (12 stitches)
12) [sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (18 stitches)

Decorate.
Cut a felt circle to stick to the bottom of your tree to neaten things up.

These will stand quite happily on their own, but would also be perfect as tree ornaments too. Just attach some ribbon.

To make your tree taller, insert the following rounds:

2a) sc 9
2b) sc 9

3a) sc 12
3b) sc 12
You get the idea.



Job done.

Xx

Cosy

Boring old jam jars.
Now cosy warm.



Not anything new- I've done the same sort of thing with tin cans before, and many other fabulous peeps have done similar.

But I just like it. It warms my cockles most merrily.

And I am craving autumnal warmth right now: 13 tog duvets, sheepskin boots, pub fires and chunky yarn made into anything on a 10mm hook.





Some simple back loop single crochet does it.



Really. It's that easy.
Xxx

GIVEAWAY WINNERS

Oooooo, the Korknisse Witches want to help with choosing the giveaway winners.
Look at all the entrants they have found:



Kazaaaaaaaaammmmm!



Oh, look.
The winners are:

Jo from My Pangaloon,
Famfa from Busy Butterfingers and
Kate from Signed With An Owl.

Well done girlies- do email me your addresses and I hope to get a little something to you before Christmas!!

Wait a minute, the black witch has arrived.
Late AGAIN.
(she clearly did not learn her lesson re: the frog incident)



Oh dear. The blue witch is not happy....

.........KERBLOOOOOOOWWWWIEEEE!!




Crikey!


Have a good week, all.
Xx