Not like me to be organised

I have an order for a blue bag with a log cabin on the front, but where I order my cloth bags from don't do blue (or green or yellow). So I got some dylon handwash dye yesterday then set to work this morning dyeing 3 of my white bags (and half the kitchen, my face, etc) blue.
I'm really pleased with the finished colour as it didn't want it to be too dark.










I'm actually going to have the house to myself tomorrow afternoon (all being well) so this evening I've been extremely organised (not like me) and cut and pinned 4 items ready for stitching. Very excited as three of them are from the Christmas pressie list.

Last chance for you to put your comment here for the draw tomorrow. Good luck.

Ramblings & purchases

Got some Lavendar essential oil today, ready to go into the bath melts. I've got my eye on some silicone moulds on Ebay as well, so hopefully I'll be able to have a go next week.

This was one of those purchases that you instantly regret. I'd got half an hour to kill waiting for the train so wandered into a magazine shop......and came out with it. I'm trying to cut down on un-necessary spending and be more natural and resourceful when it comes to my crafting, so I was really mad with myself for buying a more 'commercial' craft magazine that tells you you need to buy this or that to craft. I'm very happy with the Living Crafts magazine that I've been introduced to, so I definitely won't be repeating this purchase.

I forgot to put a picture up of my secret Christmas present that I'd made. It was a hat for darling hubby using the Twilleys of Stamford Freedom Spirit Air wool. Don't think he was impressed though as he'd mentioned he liked to green, but I didn't think he would want to match Ds3 with the hat - how wrong can you be. Never mind, better listen next time hadn't I?

I went back to the socks last night...the grumpiness has worn off ;-). Knitted just over an inch so feeling a bit better. Must do the knitted monster if I can tonight, as we're going to see Mum's partner on Sunday.

Christmas

Now I know this is really sad, but I'm so pleased with the things I made for Christmas presents this year that I'm going to start my spreadsheet ready for next year. I would like most (I kknow that will be very difficult with my older children) of the things to be handmade by me or by other people. I decided to start my list now because when I went to visit my very good friend the other day, she said she wished she'd asked me to make her Christmas cake again. I told her off for not asking - so this is my first present added to the list ;-). I've got loads of ideas (many from the lovely mamas on the GP forum) already so if I write them all down now then I won't get in such a tizzy next year (hopefully).


There were a few things that didn't get done on my Nov/Dec list so I've done some housekeeping (not that sort ;-) ) and updated my lists.

Some fantastic Christmas pressies

A wonderful sock kit (Altered Element) from my wonderful hubby. This was actually on my wish list - hopefully start this later.

Some velour fabric (Myriad), again from wonderful hubby.

And, a counted cross-stitch of flower Fairies from the in-laws. These things should keep me busy for a few weeks :-)

Hope everyone else got something they wished for too.

Finished!

I have managed to finish my secret Christmas present - no picture though as I don't want the person who it's for to see it :-)