It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Hello all, how are you doing? I know, I know I have used the C word but in all honesty we should all be at least planning what to make or buy by now. I will probably rouse lots of what..no..far too earlies, but I actually started my planning in August. But then I do plan on making as many gifts this year as I can. Mad ain't I!

We have a rather large extended family between us and I like to give at least something small so they all know they are thought of, especially at this time of year. My list of planned projects spans a whopping 2 sides of A4 lined paper. I haven't counted them up, but let's just say it's a lot. Thankfully a fair few are amigurumi toys, which I love to make. The therapeutic spiralling and speed each part appears, combined with no two toys being the same and each with it's own character. It only takes a head to be sewn on slightly tilted or the eyes to be closer together and the appearance is changed.

I obviously cannot show in too much detail projects that have been made despite this being a new blog. There still is a small chance a family member will decide what I have to say is worth the time. For this reason I will have to do a round up post towards the end of the year, otherwise known as a pic heavy post.

But I have chosen to show you these cute little bees I made for Thing 3's teachers. She is currently in year 4 (she is 8) and in the Busy Bees class, hence choosing these beautiful creatures to crochet. I scoured the wonderful site of Ravelry and came across these two patterns, bee 1 and 2, both free patterns and beautifully written. Thing 3 decided four keyring bees were needed for the teaching assistants and 1 larger bee for the main teacher. What do you think?

The second finished item I wanted to show you isn't an actual festive gift, but rather a useful item made for fun. Sound intriguing? Go on admit it you want to know.

It's a washable dishcloth or washcloth, made using the wonderful Lily's Sugar 'n' Cream cotton yarn in the Peace colourway. I followed another beautiful pattern from Ravelry, and made it with a hidden 'nerdy' message. Can you spot it?

That's right! It's the Deathly Hallows symbol, from Harry Potter. I was inspired to make this firstly by being part of the Dishcloth patterns group on Ravelry. Each month every member can sign up for a swap with a partner, anywhere in the world. I was paired with a lovely lady in Kent so went searching through my previously favourited patterns. The second reason I was inspired to make this particular pattern was another group I'm a member of. The very active HPKCHC group or Harry Potter Knit Crochet House Cup. This group and four sister groups are run 100% by volunteers around the world and are filled by hundreds of like minded fans of the wonderful series of books and films. In short the idea behind the group is a game where you craft items of your choice, to fit prompts for each class. You are sorted into one of the houses and are rewarded points for your house, per submission. I have found being a part of this wonderful game a great motivator, for attacking that A4 list of projects that have a deadline. It's also opened up my world and hopefully made me a few friends. Well worth a trip over and an explore!

Right I think I have waffled on long enough. If you have made it this far and are still awake well done and thank you. I am truly grateful for every reader. Feel free to leave me a comment and tell me what you thought. Also if you do pop over to Ravelry and want to say hi I'm MrsLyvit over there.

Thank you again. Speak soon
Mrs L
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