Saturday 11 January 2014

Carefree New Year to You, and Thank You!

Hello my friends, I trust that Christmas was wonderful for all of you and that 2014 has begun well - may I take this opportunity to wish you all a beautiful year and may it be as carefree as the emotions I hope you experience on seeing  this little girl on the swing! What nicer and more enjoyable pastime could there be, I ask you!


This little stitchie is one from a lovely book my daughter bought me at Christmas time - 'Little Stitches' by Aneela Hoey - I'm sure some of you are familiar with the book which really is rather gorgeous and contains over 100 such sweet patterns. I will do an update on my new books at another time as the collection seems to have expanded somewhat just recently!

Before I go any further I really want to express my heartfelt thanks to wonderful 'bloggy' friends for the  kindness and care I have received over the past months since beginning Joyjinkscreations blog, and especially more recently for cards, messages, emails and gifts received which have truly warmed my heart and brightened my life! THANK YOU! 


A short while ago I had the good fortune to win a lovely Vintage Poster from here which delighted me no end, but, can you imagine my pleasure and surprise when the poster arrived and along with it came another package from this same sweet girl! Take a look at these lovely goodies that J has sent me, and then do take a look at her lovely blog and see some of the other creations she so cleverly produces.




Yeah, I know there are a few pics here but I couldn't help myself and wanted to give you lots of views!  Don't you love the little felt balls and hearts and those sweet little buttons in the centres of the pretty flowers; and of course I now also have some lovely pieces of fabric to work with and keep me busy. 
Thank you so much J - your gifts have brought me such delight!



Although there have been all sorts of goings-on during the last four weeks since I posted, I have still managed a little bit of crafty time here and there! Gingerbread Men have been popular around our blogging community and I couldn't resist any longer so  bought some felt in the appropriate colours and satisfied my interest and need to have a couple of these little fellows for myself! Thank you especially to my lovely friend FB here for inspiration and encouragement!



A few new little Amigurumis flew off the hook - although I haven't done much in this line for a while I do still enjoy them - and of course a little bit of stash was used up too which is always a good thing for then the possibility of a fresh supply of yarn  comes closer!!! Shhhhh!



Have a look at this gorgeous little Kitty in a Basket that my daughter Tracy crocheted for me . . . .
sorry the pic is not as clear and defined as it should be - I don't know whether to blame the camera or myself but then, "a bad workman always blames his tools", doesn't he? Isn't he the sweetest little kitty!



I don't want to overload with pics but must show you our night sky . . . . this was a couple of weeks ago . . . . reminds me of a watercolour painting doing its own thing . . . .



. . . . and this was last night . . . .  magnificent mother nature . . . . how could we not be eternally grateful for the beauty surrounding us . . . . . 



. . .  and lastly a look at my Playgirl Rose a couple of weeks or so ago . . . before J pruned everything in sight; but it's alright - there will be new flushes of colour coming up soon!



And that's it until next time my friends - I wish you all well and may I just borrow a wee bit  from
 'A Celtic Prayer':

Deep peace of the running waves to you

Deep peace of the flowing air to you

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you

Deep peace of the shining stars to you

With my love,

Joy xoxo

71 comments:

  1. Thanks for giving me such a lovely mention on your blog. Hope you enjoy the gifts and I look forward to seeing what you produce with them. xx

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    1. It's an absolute pleasure, and thank you once again! Joy x

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  2. Whenever I see pictures of children on swings (especially vintage-like illustrations such as yours), the poem by Robert Louis Stevenson always pops into my head, "How do you like to go up in a swing, Up in the air so blue? Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing Ever a child can do!" I used to quote this to my kids when I pushed them on the swings ... doubt they even remember that! It's nice to see all the pretty things you received, and I'm sure you'll find good use for them. Your swinging girl and the crocheted critters are all so adorable. Gorgeous rose!! Have a great weekend Joy, it's nice to visit you again ;) Wendy x

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    1. Hello Wendy, it's lovely to see you again - I'm hoping to catch up soon after my 'tardy' time! I love that little ditty too and I am always surprised to know what our children do remember - I bet they haven't forgotten, it'll be there in a little corner of their memories! Thank you so much for your lovely message! Hugs, Joy xo

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  3. Joy, I have been missing you, but hoped you were happily busy; and so you were! Your little girl swinging is very sweet and reminds me of good times doing exactly that :) Thanks for letting me admire your lovely gifts and flowers as well. I am practicing continental style knitting which is a bit slow at the moment but hopefully will be faster as I continue to practice. I love your beautiful sky photos. Thanks for sharing them. xx

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    1. I've been missing you too Gracie and very glad to be back and hearing from you again! Continental knitting looks interesting - I do the traditional (English?) style with a slight variation which make it quicker but I can't explain it other than I keep hold of the yarn and just keep going!!! Have a great weekend - you and family! Hugs, Joy xo
      All the best with it, and why are you changing your style?

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    2. Over the last 40 years I have tried several times to speed up my knitting a bit by using the continental method, but never was able to settle into to it. When Teresa, and Betsy, and Taci were visiting the other day they all encouraged me to give it another try, and Taci was able to give me some pointers that have helped me be more successful. So far I am just knitting because I am working on a garter stitch blanket. Yesterday it began to feel it was a bit faster and more natural, so I am encouraged :)

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    3. Dear Gracie, I think you must be very patient and courageous and I wish you the very best with it. Having just looked again at a couple of videos on continental style this brain has decided that after all these years these hands should keep on with the style they've gradually developed, haha!!! I don't 'throw' the yarn but instead keep my right hand, which is holding the yarn, on the needle (supported by the thumb) and up close to the point - thus I manage to work quite quickly. Also, the RH needle is tucked up under my arm, which lends more support. Probably, if I wasn't so set in my ways I could try what you are doing but don't really think I could gain much from it at this stage. Being a leftie I'm sure the continental style would have suited me better had I been taught it in the first place . . . . But at least my curiosity has been satisfied and thank you for bringing up the subject, it's a very interesting one. Happy knitting and do keep me posted on your progress. Blessings, Joy xxx

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  4. The sunsets are glorious thank you for sharing them. I love your little crochet pieces too, tell me are they difficult? I can manage a granny square could I attempt this? Love the garden and I understand the high excitement when a package arrives, well done.

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  5. Thanks so much Susan, lovely to hear from you again. I'm sure you could make the little toys - they're basically double crochet worked in the round with simple shaping. The internet offers a good range of patterns if you just key in 'amigurumi patterns' - all the best with it! Hugs, Joy x

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  6. Hello Joy, Happy New Year to you! It is always lovely to get a package in the mail, isn't it? Looks like your package was filled with good things to keep you interested and busy for awhile. Sounds like you also got some nice books. You chose a precious little stitchie for your reveal. It is so cute and comforting. Enjoy your weekend. Hugs. xx

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    1. Hello Joyful and thank you for your good wishes! Of all the patterns in that book the little girl was the one I had to do first - happy memories of swinging to and fro without a care - I could almost wish to be young again! Hugs, Joy xo

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  7. What a lovely, uplifting blog Joy. If we look around us there is so much happiness to be gained from simple things. That kitten in the basket is just too cute. Take care.
    S xx

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    1. Hello S, yes, would that we would practice more just 'being' in the 'now' and enjoying the peace and tranquility that state offers. I love that little kitty and Tracy worked it in such fine yarn - a bit hard on the hands! All the best S, Hugs, Joy xo

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  8. Happy New Year to you and your loving family! I'm so glad you're back...and with a post full of delights! Your nature photos are inspiring and humbling, that rose bush! Wow! The little kitten is so sweet - love the tiny yarn ball! And your makes are beautiful of course...I have the Little Stitches book, such a wonderful, fun book! Wonder what we'll each choose to make from it next? Methinks Stitching Sundays will reappear on my blog tomorrow...Chrissie x

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    1. Hiya Chrissie - have emailed you - thank you so much for your lovely message! xo Joy

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  9. Joy, happy new year to you, and another treasure trove of a post! lots of goodies to show us, and those stitchies...its just a gorgeous and very sweet piece! reminds me of my childhood, just swinging away without a care in the world! are you as hot down there today as we are? its just hit 43C here, and its sizzling!!!

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    1. Thank you so much Krissie, always lovely to hear from you but sorry you're having to endure such heat - I don't know what it reached today but it's been very very hot and we're told to expect 38 tomorrow which is unusual for Denmark - seems like there's no escape! I love my aircon on days like this! I'm looking forward to catching up with your all your 'doings'. Hugs, Joy x

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  10. What a sweet little embroidery to start the year with, Joy! I love the cherry tree and the little girl on a swing! So nice to see you posting here again! What simply gorgeous roses you have in your garden, such a colourful and happy sight for those of us experiencing winter right now!
    Have a wonderful weekend! Sandra

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    1. Sandra, hello again, and thank you! I do hope winter is not being too cruel on you over there - I'd love to send you some sunshine just to warm your bones for a wee while, in fact I think I would appreciate a swap for just a few hours. I hope you're managing to shoot some lovely winter sights for us to enjoy. Happy weekend to you too, hugs, Joy x

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  11. Oh Joy, how nice to see you back! :) As always your post was just filled with wonderful things to read about and see. I love your little stitched girl on the swing... She's just so sweet! The little crocheted kitty is precious as well, and your roses are amazing! Your flower garden must be the MOST beautiful place to sit and daydream the day away! Have a happy weekend my sweet friend! xoxo Paulette

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    1. Sweet Paulette, thank you for such a lovely message welcoming me back - you are such a sweet nature girl and I wish you could sit in my garden with me! Have yourself a magic week! Love, Joy xoxo

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  12. Missed you lots Joy! Great to see all the little bits and pieces. I am so jealous of your rose our garden is nothing more than a pile of brown wet things, I am on the look out for spring shoots over the next few weeks. Jo x

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    1. Ah, I've missed you too Jo and it's great to be back - thanks so much for popping in and I do hope you soon find some lovely spring green shoots - new life, a wonderful time of year! Hugs, Joy xo

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  13. Joy, my sweet friend you have been missed!!!!! Love the lovely sweet girl on the swing and all your little crochet makes. And that package you received, all that felted fun, how generous. And your darling daughter making you that cute little kitten. Love everything you have shown us and so glad you are back.
    Hugs and Happy New Year,
    Meredith

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    1. Ah you are so lovely Meredith, thank you so much - I have really missed you too and am so happy to be here with you again! Hopefully I'll soon be catching up with all your lovely posts that I've missed for I can't let anything sneak past . . . . .
      Warm hugs and happy smiles, Joy xo

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  14. Dear Joy
    Lovely to have you back - you have been extremely busy over Christmas! Your photos are beautiful.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. It's always so lovely to hear from you Ellie, thanks so much for dropping by and for your sweet message!
      All the very best to you and yours,
      Joy xo

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  15. Welcome back Joy! I've missed seeing you in my sidebar updates. I do hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year too! Lovely little makes today and beautiful photos of your scenery but I just can't get over that sweet little girl on the swing.....loooooove that!
    xx Shari

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    1. Dear Shari, thank you for your lovely welcome - I'm sure I have a lot of catching up to do with your beautiful posts and I'm so looking forward to seeing what you've been up to in my absence! Hugs, Joy xo

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  16. Happy New Year Joy it's so nice to see you back. I love your little girl on the swing, it reminds me of myself when I was a little girl many moons ago, I had my own swing in the garden and spent hours on it, such fun. I love your Amigurumis they are so perfect and sweet, and your beautiful roses make me smile. :)

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    1. And a Happy New Year to you too Linda, thank you, it's so nice to be welcomed back so warmly! A swing is such a wonderful thing - for me, there's nothing else quite like gently breezing back and forth and just 'being' . . . . Hugs, Joy xo

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  17. Happy New Year! I love the gingerbread men and the amigurumi, especially the little bunny!
    Jen

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    1. I hope 2014 is wonderful for you in your new home Jen - a haven of peace! Thanks so much for dropping in and I'll see you soon. Joy x

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  18. So lovely to see you back Joy!! Happy New Year. All of your things and the gifts you have received are beautiful. Your rose is stunning, what amazing colours and I love the way the petals are sort of ruffled too. Oh, and your bunny! What a cutie he is!! xx

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    1. Hello Amy and thank you for your welcome back, I am so happy to be here again and looking forward to catching up on loads of posts in the next few days. That sweet rose is very special to me and really brings forth big smiles - I'm glad you like her too!
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  19. Lovely pictures - your rose is gorgeous. I found that bloggy folk to some of the most generous and friendly and inspiration and encouraging :) Happy new year dear Joy xx

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    1. Dear Hawthorn, how lovely to see your message and I thank you for your sweetness and totally agree with you! Happy 2014 to you too dear, and to your lovely family - and happy wanderings among the moors, I wish I could join you! Hugs, Joy xo

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  20. Lovely post Joy. Happy New Year to you and yours and happy crafting in 2014!

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    1. And I wish you and yours the same Anne, and may your crafting times bring peace and contentment as well as beautiful makes! Hugs, Joy x

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  21. Lovely Joy so glad that you are back, have been really worried about you. I absolutely fabulous post as always Joy with so much to see and think about. You have been busy and I love everything you have shown up today, the flowers are just magnificent and those skies - it brightens me up seeing those as ours have been so dark and forbidding. Love the fact that you are back Joy, it is not the same without you. Big hugs to you as always
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. You are such a sweet delight dear Dorothy and while I am touched that you worry about me, you really shouldn't for you have enough on your plate already. I'll catch up 'proper' with you very soon but in the meantime can I wish you a wee bit of sunshine to brighten your day? Right, did you catch it? . . . . . Love and hugs, Joy xoxo

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  22. Joy!! hello!!
    Lovely to see you back. I have missed you.
    Love your stitched little girl on the swing made me instantly smile when I saw her.
    The vintage poster is fab...will check out the link in a minuet!
    What a sweet and kind touch to add in some lovely gifts too they all look wonderful.
    Yay loving the ginger bread people aren't they lovely! I find it very strange that I could inspire...hmm it's usually the other way round haha.
    Aw your daughter has hooked a little cutie there! you know me and cats...well done Tracy absolutely gorgeous.
    The Amigurumis are so cute I love the pink bunny and I will keep sshh about the new yarn promise! hehe.
    The beautiful sky reminds me of a water colour too so colourful.
    Now look at that play girl rose isn't it just stunning so lovely as always to see some colour!
    Like I said wonderful to see you back. Hope you've enjoyed a lovely weekend.
    FBxx

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    1. I've missed you too FB - it's so lovely to have your sweet message, you're such a darling, and so funny too! I've spent the weekend catching up in blogland, and it was very nice indeed thank you. You have a great week, take good care of yourself, and talk again soon.
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  23. Hi Joy. you've been making some wonderful things, I love the little girl on the swing so sweet and such lovely treasures you've recieved, I was lucky and recieved a cute little gingerbread man in the decoration swap Marianne organise over on ladybird dairies. Wow the rose is still looking so gorgeous have a wonderful week Joy,
    Clare xx

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    1. How lovely to see you here again Clare, thank you for your very welcome message and I hope your health is holding up well. Happy days to you, hugs, Joy x

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  24. Happy New Year, Joy! It's nice to see you. I got Little Stitches for Christmas too! I haven't tried anything yet but I'd been lusting after it for awhile and had added it to a running book wish-list I keep for my husband's benefit and he bought it for me! Your swinging girl came out beautifully. Congratulations on that win, what a generous giveaway package she sent! Your amigurumis are gorgeous, they're so neat and evenly stitched. The flowers are gorgeous, it's so nice to see your summer blooms when it's gray and brown where I live. Have a wonderful week. :)

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    1. I'm always happy to hear from you Jennifer, thank you for your sweet message - I'll be looking forward to seeing what you decide to make out of the book, it is lovely isn't it!
      Hugs, Joy x

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  25. So nice to see you back in blogland -I have missed your posts! Looking forward to seeing what you will be doing next.... thanks for all the lovely photos....xx

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    1. Thank you Leeanne - it's very nice to be back and chatting once again - I hope all is going well with you and yours! Hugs, Joy x

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  26. Happy new year Joy, your embroidery is amazing,you are a busy bee this 2014.Glad you had a lovely christmas and happy you have lots of crafty stuff to keep you busy.

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    1. Hiya Joy, and Happy New Year to you too as well as your loved ones! Thank you for your lovely message and I hope you're having lots of happy crafting times! Hugs, Joy x

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  27. what a pretty rose! I must tell you I have that poem in my toilet! not literally in it, but on some wood. Lovely gifts you have been given, nice to see you back, Heather x

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    1. Hi Heather - that's funny! I have it on my fridge door on a postcard that I collected in Scotland on our trip back a few years ago. Hugs, Joy x

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  28. Hello hello lovely Joy! So happy to have you back in blogland, I have missed you....and wishing you a very, very happy new year! What a lovely post, you have done so many lovely crafty things. I love the little stitchery of the wee girl on he swing it is just beautiful. I do so adore your little amigurami toys too, they are so cute and this I something I would really love yo have a go at this year. Hope you have a great week!
    Marianne xx

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    1. What a gorgeous message Marianne, thank you so much, you always brighten my day! I do hope you get around to giving the amigurumis a go - you WILL definitely be hooked then and no turning back! I hope your week is going really well and craft time is plentiful!
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  29. Hello lovely Joy it is sooooooo lovely to be back reading your lovely blog. I am still to reply to your email, my next job. I have so enjoyed this lovely post filled with so many lovely creations. I don't know how you managed to squeeze this all in over the break but you did a terrific job. I love your embroidery it really is simply beautiful!!! I need to buy the book as I would love to make this, it will be perfect for little Es' room and as we already have a little wall starting, it can only be fun. I also love your sweet gingerbread men, they are terrific and such fun. I am sure they were heaps of fun to make. I do hope you have a lovely week and it seems that both you and your daughter have oodles of talent!! Sending you much love xoxo

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  30. Lovely Hannapat hello! I'm so glad you like all my bits and pieces - I've so enjoyed making them! Yes, this book is definitely worth having, there's so much that would suit little Es, and even her big brother! Thank you so much for all your lovely kind words, they are so encouraging! Hope to hear from you soon when you have a wee window of spare time. Much love and huge smiles, Joy xoxo

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  31. So pleased to hear all is well with you Joy, and to have a little nose at all those lovely crafty bits and bobs. Those skies are beautiful too. Look forward to all that you share with us in the coming year x

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    1. I'm always so happy to see you here Sharron, thank you for your sweet message and as usual I'll be keeping tabs on your lovely makes as the year progresses - I hope it's the best for you and your loved ones! Love, Joy xo

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  32. What fun things you've created! I love the girl on the swing. And your flowers are gorgeous! Thanks for introducing me to A Celtic Prayer - I'll have to look it up. Those lines you quoted are just lovely. :)

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    1. How lovely to see you here Susan, welcome, and thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to leave your sweet message; I hope you'll pop over again soon - happy days to you! Joy x

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  33. Hello Joy, so pleased to have found your gorgeous blog, after your lovely message on my page yesterday! LOVE your embroidery of the little girl on the swing and your Amigurumis are fab! My friends and I are booking up beginners crochet classes soon and I can't wait to be able to do things like that! Looking forward to seeing more of what you make and do now I've found you. Julie x

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  34. I'm very happy to see you here Julie, thanks so much for your lovely message! All the very best with the classes - oh you'll be absolutely hooked, crochet is such fun and so relaxing - you'll be carrying a hook and yarn with you wherever you go! I'm so looking forward to spending more time over at your place and keeping up with you and your lovely work! Joy x

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  35. Hi Joy, what a beautiful embroidery , so cute and delicate. And the arumigamis are just the cutest. Love your pictures and as always your blog is delightful.

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    1. How lovely to see you again Taci, and thank you so much for your sweet message! Happy Weekend to you and yours! Hugs, Joy x

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  36. Hi Joy, Happy New Year to you and thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. I enjoyed looking at your makes - I especially love your amigurumi animals. I think one of the best things about winter is that we are able to enjoy both sunrises and sunsets, a treat we don't get in the summer, not unless we get up extremely early! x

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    1. Hi Gillian, thanks so much for popping in and for your lovely message - do come by again soon, you're most welcome! Joy x

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  37. Hi Joy, found your blog on another. You have made some lovely things, the gift you received looks happy and bright I like the look of the fabric. I love the colors in the sky, we do get some beauties over here sometimes, today it was rather grey though!

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    1. Hello Gail, and thank you for your lovely message - I'm so glad you found me and please feel welcome here any time! Joy x

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  38. love that amigurumi bunny! Did you use a pattern?

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