a bunny for a baby

Here's a little rabbit comforter I made last month for a little one called Saul.

It was based on this pattern from Lion Brand yarns, and is hopefully a nice thing for little hands to hold onto.

I just realised I also made a bunny themed present for his big brother a few years ago. I hope they are a family of rabbit lovers!
   

A bear for a baby

Here's a crochet rattle I finished off last week for a little fella named Rory.

I went on a shopping trip and bought lots of different noisemakers for putting inside toys. I couldn't decided between a squeak, a rattle, a bell or a sort of shaky bouncy noise, but I settled on the rattle as I thought it would be least annoying on repeat. I'm well equipped for future toy making now though!

Here's the pattern from Ravelry if you want to make one too. There are also more animals to choose from (although I think the bear is best).

Look at him go!

Amsterdam

I'm off to Amsterdam for a few days tomorrow - an incredibly wonderful birthday present from Ben.

I'm looking forward to it very much!

The desk calendar above was a nice gift from Simon, made by the Rifle Paper Co. It is my goal to visit all of the cities illustrated in it. I'm almost halfway - after this week, my tally will be five.

music for ageing ears

I made Derek a mix CD for his birthday.
He's getting on a bit now...

small things for a small person

On Monday I met Simon and Kirstie's 8 day old baby called Rufus. He is the smallest person I have ever met and he was such a joy to hold (and so very well behaved for me).

I took him round some mini knitted items I had made. Actual birth day presents I suppose! A cardigan with pockets and a rabbit shaped rattle - there's a bell inside his head.

They were both made from patterns in this book by Erica Knight, and were quite a treat to knit (baby cardigans are so quick!). They also use lovely soft organic baby wool.

What a lovely meet and greet. It made me smile all the way home!

 

flower ring

I made this hanging ornament to send to Yumi.
It was based on this flower ring tutorial from Lola Nova.
It's quite satisfying crocheting round a solid frame.

patience

Lately it feels like I've spent a large proportion of my time in the post office queue (see Figure 1). Fortunately all this waiting has been worth it and I've ended up picking up some nice treats at the end of the long long lines.

In fact, the last month has led to a whole host of treats from kind friends and family with the festive period and birthday double act. Thanks to all. I am very lucky.

basket case

Sometimes people deposit things in my bicycle basket when I leave it parked in the street.

Most of the time the gifts are crisp packets or empty cans of special brew (what a treat!) but occasionally there is a more interesting item awaiting me...

I think a whole cucumber was the oddest of the bunch, but this picture I found on Monday comes a close second!

Yesterday I discovered it was a gift dropped in by my friend Vicky when she parked up next to me, so it is less of a mystery now. But still a rather nice find.

things that i find pleasing

this AMAZING cuckoo clock my dad brought back from switzerland for me:


flowers on my wall:


RSPB charity badges:


lucky finds in the open market:


I found this cardigan for £2. It needed a bit of fixing up as the sleeves were very wide, but I've put some elastic in now and it's looking much better. Perfect for keeping warm at an evening barbecue on the beach.
and finally...a JELLYFISH costume for my end of year party (here are some sneak peeks):




I'd just like to thank jane asher!

x

sushi go round

It was my friend Sam's birthday last friday and he is a big sushi nut so I got out my knitting needles and made him a plate of food he can keep for ever (or discard if he wishes of course).

Unfortunately the pattern I used last time I made sushi is no longer available so I had to improvise. I think it all worked out quite well though!



photographs courtesy of sam.

x

etsy

I've just added a couple of new items to my etsy shop.


I picked up these dominoes in a charity shop the other day and decided to make some magnets and pin badges with them.
I thought they'd make good birthday gifts (for ages 1-66).

Here's hoping they sell.

x

pay it forward

earlier this week i received the most wonderful package in the post from sooziebee as part of her pay it forward idea (pictures to follow shortly).

so now it's my turn to return pass on the favour. here's how it works:

“I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this pay it forward exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, which is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.”

so there we go, that's it. I'm awaiting your comments!

x