Parcels and purses

I don't have much to show for my efforts this week. It's not that I haven't done very much - I just don't have much to show!
I've been dotting around here and there working on various projects (blankets, a wrap, baby booties), and have only finished these beauties:

They measure a very sweet 4.25 inches (about 11cm) square, and have a twisted cord strap that measures about 62 inches (155cm).
I love these little bags (purses)! The one thing I hate about summer clothing is the lack of pockets, and that's basically what these are - a pocket on a string!

Sitting here thinking about what else I've done this week, I realise I really need to take more photos! Also, I need to learn to take my camera with me almost everywhere I go...

On Friday, I got home to find a parcel waiting for me... A gift from Marina, one of my very best friends!
Want to see what was inside the parcel? Sadly, I haven't managed to take a photo that does it justice yet... I promise a photo on my next post! Until then you will have to be content with a description!

It's the most gorgeous wrap I've ever seen! Knitted with moss stitch and cables in a soft grey. The wrap is so soft and warm, but light as a feather... It's perfect!

Well, I need to get going... The Christmas cards need writing out today to be hand delivered this evening and tomorrow... People will need to be fed at some point... And I really would like to squeeze in a few more hours of stitching!

What I'd really like for Christmas...

... Is a few more hours in the day. A working week that runs from Saturday to Sunday, with a weekend that lasts from Monday to Friday. Think Santa will fit that under my tree??

I've been very bad lately at letting you know what's been going on here. I'm planning on making a change with that and blogging a little more frequently!

The most "exciting" thing happened a few weeks ago. It rained and rained and rained. I found my way to work blocked - not just by water, but by the fire brigade trying to rescue people's homes:

You can just see J there on the left of the picture. He's going down the road to talk to the "Incident Commander" about a row of 6 houses that are about to be flooded. There was a poor old guy, at least 70 years old, walking backwards and forwards with a wheelbarrow, desperate for someone to bring him some sandbags. We did what we could, then went home to dry off and contact K's school to find out what the travel arrangements would be for getting the kids home.

My major achievement has been finally finishing the knitted blanket I started about 5 or 6 years ago. There are 90 individually knitted blocks. I finished those about 3 years ago, and they've been sitting waiting for some attention ever since!
This is was 60+ hours of sewing up will get you:

Not bad, huh?

I've been working on some things for my shop too.

I added a selection of crocheted brooches last week:

And decided to try my hand at making mug cosies (which caused great guffaws of laughter from my father!):

And today I added some baby booties:

I'm pleased with them, but not as pleased as I was with the booties I finished today. These are for a friend of mine at work. I'll be handing them over tomorrow - I hope she's pleased with them!

I also made a Christmassy penguin and snowman for a friend's daughter:

Then I started thinking "Well, they'll be packed away for most of the year", so I added an extra hat and scarf each!

I think they look cute!

Right then, time to dash and get some more things done - my "To Do" list is slowly getting smaller, so I want to keep going while I have the energy!!

I hope everything is going well for those of you who keep an eye on my blog? Do let me know how you are - I'd love it!

Until later, hugs to you!

An early Christmas gift to you from me :-)

Buy anything you like from my shop and receive 10% off your items!

Just enter the discount code MAK3M3SMIL3 when you get to the checkout!

Go ahead - make Miss E smile :-)

Let's talk about Sandy...

No, no - not Hurricane Sandy... Sandy from "thatSandygirl".

Wow, oh, wow! Have you looked at her shop yet? Have you??

And calm...!

I was lucky enough to be able to purchase several items from Sandy back in September. As well as absolutely first class customer service, the items are stunning. Want to see them? Ok!

A truly wonderful bookmark... I must admit, this hasn't seen a book yet... It's sitting on my desk in my pen pot and tends to come out to be played with when I'm in deep thought! There's something so relaxing about it!

The second item is another bookmark. Yes, I have used this one... in fact, it's in my book right now!

Stunning or what?

The third and final item isn't a bookmark. I was a little worried about buying a ring that had to be made to a specific size... Sandy did everything in her power to make sure I got the right size, and you know what? It's PERFECT!

These items are so much more gorgeous than the photos show. The photos are directly from Sandy's shop on Etsy, but I'm not critising her - mine don't show just how amazing they are either! You have to buy them yourself to get the full effect!

There are many more items from the incredibly talented Sandy that I have my eye on. Want to see some? I knew you would!

Here's another bookmark - ideal for a music lover:

How about a pair of earrings? Or two pairs? Or maybe even 3??

And now that I know my ring size (thanks so much, Sandy!), I wouldn't mind finding one of these beauties in my stocking on Christmas morning:

The final item I want to show you is something that brings back a lot of memories for me.

My nan always wore a copper bracelet. She was convinced that it helped with her arthritis. My nan was a very smart lady and she would have adored this bracelet the way I do. I'm sure this will be next on my list as soon as finances are sorted out from the move.

Please do go and check out Sandy's shop - you won't be disappointed!

It's been too long...

... but I am finally BACK! Not just to blogland, but to life in general - and of course, that means lots of crafting!

I've been busy (amongst other things) turning this:

Into this:

As you can see, we are starting to settle in. Mr T was at home straight away... It took the others a little longer.
Sadly, Miss P had to go to a new home. We miss her and her fresh eggs, but we weren't allowed to keep her here, and at least we know she will be ok and with other chickens once again.

Miss P would have loved our new "blank canvas" back yard:

I managed to pick myself up a bit of a bargain last week:

Can you believe it was only 99p in a charity shop? I saw it, and knew I had to have it (useful for hiding some of my yarn stash, don'tcha know?!?) - I was expecting it to cost a bit more, so I was really thrilled!

Ok, on to the crafting!
I've been working on a promise I made a while ago - a little snowman and penguin:

My pastel squares blanket (my first attempt at join-as-you-go, so be gentle in your comments! Mr T and Mr R thoroughly approve though!):

It's not all been about using up my stash... I bought this:

To be turned into a blanket made out of squares like this:

Pretty, huh? I don't think the lady in the shop thought it would come out quite this good when I told her my plans and she eyed up my chosen colours. What can I say? I'm a misunderstood genius!!

I've been working on a few things for my Etsy shop too, which I'm planning to put up next week. A few pairs of earrings, another hat and scarf set, and a new bag based on this one:

Ok, that's all for now... I missed so much crafting during the move that I don't feel as if I've had my "fix" unless I squeeze in a good 12 hours!

I've got something really good to share with you next time... I just know you will love it as much as I do... But, I've said enough! You'll have to wait and be surprised!

Lesson learned: Always make time for crafting... If you don't, madness is only a very short step away!

We have a winner!

The lucky winner of the Card Smiles giveaway is:


Carmonty.

Congratulations! Please get in touch with your details, so I can pass them on to Geri at Card Smiles!

Our first giveaway!

Every so often, you come across someone who's work makes you gasp. Where you can see the love and attention that has gone into every detail. And yes, leaves you feeling more than a little jealous at their skills!

I've recently been lucky enough to not only come across such a person, and not only to become friends with them... Yes! They have offered not one, but two, of their amazing items for a giveaway!

I'd like to introduce you all to Geri - say "Hi" everyone!
Geri is the owner of an amazing Etsy shop called Card Smiles. She really does have a card for everyone, but we'll explore those a little later on...

Pennsylvania, USA, is where Geri calls home. A decision to design and make her son's senior year scrapbook (as well as his graduation invites!) set Geri on the path towards a love of papercrafting.
Several years later, with her son grown up and moved away to New York, Geri turned her hobby into a business. I, for one, am very glad that she did!

Geri says: "I love making things that have the ability to bring a moment of joy to someone's day. This is the unique part of handmade items - the personal connection they create and the heartfelt message they convey from sender to receipient. To be part of that special moment is why I do what I do".

As well as her Etsy shop, Geri also has her own website where you can learn more about her, her cards, and send a message - www.cardsmiles.com.
I want to show you a few of geri's cards now. She has over 160 available in her Etsy shop, so obviously I won't get to show you all of them, but these are my favourites... Take a look at the Etsy shop once you've finished here - you won't regret it!

Personally, I don't think you need a reason to send a card. These beauties are perfect for just dropping someone a line to say "Hi!":

People really don't say "Thank you" often enough these days. With this card, you can say it in style, and let someone know they really are appreciated:

From a new baby:

To a wedding:

To birthdays:

And cards to send in sympathy:

Geri really has thought of everything - including something I haven't seen anywhere else. The purr-fect card for someone who has lost an important part of their family:

As well as having an amazing stock of handmade cards for you to choose from, Geri also accepts custom orders. So if you don't see what you are looking for, have a chat - I'm sure she'll be able to make you exactly what you need.

Ok! On to the giveaway!

THE PRIZE: A set of 4 of Geri's special handmade notecards - chosen for the winner by Geri herself! - and a card of the winner's choice from Geri's Etsy shop!

HOW TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post. Yes, it really is that easy! A winner will be chosen at random on September 19, 2012. Good luck!