Giving and receiving

I have some last Christmas things to share before the new year starts tomorrow.  Michelle and I have been partners for the year for Mrs Martin's Lets Celebrate swap and I have loved giving and receiving gifts with Michelle.  For the Christmas swap I made her a tablerunner, a Santa and a felt bird ornament: all the projects are from Marg Low's All Things Christmas book which I love.  Michelle gave me a Molly Makes magazine which is one of my favourite mags, some of her lovely patterns, threads, gorgeous little handmade ornaments and a beautiful button garland.  She definitely spoilt me again.
I also received a lovely package from Florence who sent me a Simply Vintage magazine, my other favourite mag, and some gorgeous little tree ornaments.  I have sent her a Homespun magazine in return but I'm not sure it has arrived yet.
These weeks after Christmas are some of my favourite of the whole year: the crazy, busyness has past, the city quietens down, and the usual tasks and work are on hold.  Just lovely. The last three photos are taken by my son and I thought he did a great job catching some images of our week, Wendy xx

Christmas week

Glorious sunshine;  Vintage project basket handy;  Sewing a navy skirt;  Making crochet flower coasters for work colleagues;  Choosing our Christmas tree;  Christmas tree meringues (original idea here but my meringue recipe);  Making platters for a fundraiser;  Last minute Christmas shopping;  Special Christmas church services and singing;  yes, it's Christmas!  Wishing you all a peaceful and joyous Christmas, filled with everything and everyone you love, with much love and best wishes, Wendy xx

 

Decembery again

It doesn't seem that long ago that I was writing about last year's December rush and here we are again ... this year has flown by!  My father in law gave us his piano recently and I bought a little white tree to sit on it to display my handmade ornaments.  It has become one of my favourite spots in our house.  I finally got the last of the decorations out today and also did some baking; shortbread and chocolate chip cookies.  The recipes are on my recipe page if you would like them.  It's starting to feel like Christmas (insert big smile).  Wendy xx

Bits and pieces

Anyone for ice cream?  My colleagues and I hosted a vintage ice cream afternoon tea for the people we share our office with and I made a crochet badge for each of us to wear.  The pattern is from the Mollie Makes magazine, issue 29.  This week I also altered my Truffle dress: after wearing it for a day I noticed the neckline still gaped a little so I hand sewed a tuck then added one of my mother's vintage buttons. I like the dress even more and it is nice to have a little bit of my dear mum with me as I wear it.  The rest of my sewing time has been Christmas projects.  Life seems to go a bit frantic here in December with all the end of year meetings, get together's and school presentations, not to mention work deadlines.  I am hoping by the end of next week things will start to slow down!  Wendy xx