A visual little Christmas

This is actually my first post for December, it gets too busy towards the crazy season working in retail and something has to give.

So for a quick summary.

I did make a couple of presents (another reason why I couldn't log my progress on here) 

Firstly a hot water bottle cover for my Dad, made from different shades of stylecraft acrylic, surrounded by a lovely grey Noro.

I didn't have a pattern to follow, and there would be things I would do differently if I were to do another, but i'm still pleased with the results...

I also made a mini one for a colleague. I made it in a different way, as this was all one piece, in a multi-toned yarn, with a soft ribbon for a finishing touch.

Hubby celebrated his birthday and we were able to visit his sister and see her perform in her groups pantomime

and after a trip round the shops we stopped off for a lovely Indian meal

Christmas for us was a quiet, relaxed affair. 

Now my focus has turned back to my mood blanket 

I've completed the last two squares

The penultimate is a memory square, for my Mother-in-law, who died last year on Christmas Eve, 

and the last one has a traditionally Christmas feel

I'm looking forward to seeing how it all comes together, and fingers crossed I can get it near to completion by the end of the year...

 ** happy new year **

Christmas build up...

The Christmas momentum has already started at work, with Saturday being really busy, and we've not even hit December yet!
I have to admit Christmas is my least favourite time of year, which I know makes me sound very baa humbug, but its only because of having worked in retail for so long. I miss out on so many of the fun things, i'd love to bake goodies, and decorate the flat festively and take the time to make personal gifts. But unfortunately the season to me means major stress, very long hours and being so tired... And now stores are forced to open on boxing day too, i'm not in a fit state to enjoy the day...
This week I got the opportunity for a trip to London for a merchandising meeting.

This included a trip around the top stores to look at their windows and in-store displays, how they had tackled Christmas and to see if there were any trends.
This was a very enjoyable trip and a great insight. We started in Harrods,

and their luxurious rooms and ostentatious goods, which included a quarter of a million pound table.

Their windows were spectacular, with a locomotive steam engine in the first window, and all following ones were set up like the carriages for travelling away for the season.

Their Xmas store was a little disappointing, as in it didn't have the same luxurious feel. It was bright  and festive though.

After a stop off at the V&A museum store we just had to check out Selfridges especially the infamous window displays.

They had big over-sized objects, surrounded by miniatures, which was very effective.

Inside, their displays were very bright and fresh and clean looking.

Then it was off round Bond Street to the top end stores.

A common thread used by large departments and small individual stores was the use of technology  and using projected images, which were very effective.

Lastly we went to Fortnum & Masons. I don't think i've been there before and I was impressed and enthralled.

It felt very homely all through, and festive in a sophisticated way.

And when I entered the Christmas store it made, even me, feel the magic of the season. I oohed and aaahed my way round. It made you feel quite emotional.

The details, the colour co-ordination, the soft music, the beautiful wrapping.

All areas of the store looked inviting, they even managed to make vegetable displays look beautiful.

All in all, a very enjoyable work day....

Back at home, in between the working hours, I've continued with the mini stockings. Just a couple more I think, before then adding the little hooks and transferring them into a garland.

Also, I have started another project. This, for a change, is just for me...

I had purchased this yarn back at the Knitting and Stitch show, I couldn't resist the beautiful multi-colours.

Now that the days are getting chilly, and I certainly feel the icy winds when standing around at bus stops, I felt a cowl was definitely required.

Nothing fancy was needed, as I didn't want to detract from the colour.

So I just used double crochet and chain stitches.

I'm loving how this is looking already, so I can't wait to finish...

Mini Stockings...

So this week, I came across a lovely image of a mini Christmas stocking and it came with a pattern, so of course I had to give it ago!
It was an easy to follow pattern, and such a quick and delightful little piece to make.
I did it in one colour to start with just to test out the pattern.

Then I tried it in traditional red and white.

Before finally using a multi-coloured yarn, of which i then decorated with matching buttons.

I think i will a make a few for colleagues and put a few little goodies in...

I also got my last lot of little stars steamed and strung on to the red sparkly ribbon...

Tomorrow I get to see my Mum, which will be lovely as it's been a while.
And next week as its my birthday, i have the whole weekend off work, so hopefully me and hubby shall have a nice day trip out.
And of course i'll be whipping up a few more little stockings!!!

Spring birdies have migrated...

I have been focussing on adding to my crochet birdie collection. I have made some of these previously. These are made from crochet granny circles, adding ribbons or other suitable materials for the tails, and buttons for the eyes.

I made a pair of pastel birds, from a pretty mixed coloured ball which was lovely and soft.

I added some organza and satin ribbon for their tails and some coloured wooden buttons for eyes.

I had another mixed ball, this one in brighter shades and the colour changes happened more frequently, so it had a completely different effect.

By adding different coloured beaks and edging, different style tails, and different patterned hanging ribbons, it made them completely unique.

This flock has migrated south to the Handmade studios, where each bird will be hoping to be picked out and find lovely new homes to nest in. Hopefully I will get the chance to visit next month, as it is near where my Mums lives, and I can see how they've settled in...