Hello my friends, I hope you're all well and having fun as we begin the sprint towards Christmas! A big welcome to my new followers - you are most welcome here, I'm happy to see you!
I've been busy making bits and pieces that I can't show at the moment, because, as most of you would understand, they are probably going to be gifted here and there, but, there are a couple of projects that I'd love you to see:
I think these three would make a nice little group on a wall - the little birdies and the Christmas trees fabrics were purchased from Spotlight a few weeks ago as craft squares, after seeing the idea in magazines - they were quick and easy to do and I did what I usually do - cut a circle of cotton webbing same size as the linen to back it with, and then ran the gathering stitches through to secure them on the back. I like the slightly padded look that this gives the little pictures. The little angel stitchie is similar to those I've seen in various places so, with the aid of such inspiration, I drew it myself and kinda made it mine! These are small hoops, around thirteen cm (or five inches) in diameter.
And still on the subject of Christmas, I have been busy with a few little decos:
I do have plans for some of these, but that will keep for another time. I made snowflakes from this pattern last year as well, and found the little stars a few days ago on the same blog here - they are rather sweet, don't you think? The little stuffed deco is from Attic 24, also from last year. The flowers - well, I'll tell you about them another time!
On Saturday morning I was up early as usual, trying to keep up with my ever increasing blog reading, and saw something on Attic 24 blog that really got me excited and, to cut a long story short, followed the link that Lucy gave to Liz Ward's site on Ravelry where I duly bought the PDF for this little baby hedgehog. This little darling is also available on ETSY, as well as from Liz's blog here. Wow Liz does make some little cuties, but I just fell head over heels in love with this little girl and that was a little project that couldn't wait - I might add that doing all those little spikes into each crocheted stitch took a little bit of time, but I thought she was well worth the effort. What do you think? By the way, this little baby has a Mum and Dad - so the PDF covers three sizes, if you are interested!
My darling elder daughter Tracy sent me another lovely surprise gift last week - isn't she gorgeous!
A lovely 'Women's Weekly' pattern book full to the brim with sweet animals (the tall pic down there is the back page) and also a Mollie magazine which, as most of you know, is always filled with wonderful crafty projects and inspirational ideas. The pic of the Koala from the WW book might have you wondering about it's arms - they can be found on another page but one can also make him without any - oh, poor little thing!
I think my post would be missing something if I didn't include something from my garden, and so at the risk of being boringly repetitive, I've included, firstly, my 'Playgirl' rose - and isn't she gorgeous; do you see the happy bee in the first pic, enjoying breakfast?
And here are a few poppies - I'm sorry that these pics are not as successful as I would have liked but the wind was blowing strongly and I just had to wait with my finger on the button and click when I thought my chances were better. We also have the bright happy orange anemone-type blooms there and a yellow rose that we inherited whose name I don't know, along with ever-friendly daisies! So many varieties of daisies available and I love them all!
It's been quite a busy week, all in all, with comings and goings with family and visits to and from friends - and our number three grandson having a sleep-over on Saturday night. We've also had him here for a couple of hours today after school, during which time he enjoyed his 'afternoon snacks at Nana and Pop's place' - oh they all enjoy that bit - then his guitar lesson with his talented teacher, before being collected and taken home. Because they live out of town a little way it's much easier to organise things like music lessons at our place, and they always enjoy coming here! Of course I don't need to say how much we enjoy our boys' company - it's a foregone conclusion! You can tell can't you!
Till next time, take care of yourselves and happy crafting, reading, gardening - whatever brings smiles to your lovely faces! And be well!
Warm hugs,
❤Joy xoxo
Your garden looks like a lovely place to wander around in. x
ReplyDeleteThank you, yes, we love our garden and it's at it's very best right now! Joy x
DeleteHello lovely Joy! I love your pretty trio in the hoops, they are most certainly going to make your room look very festive! What a clever idea! I also love your pretty Christmas decs, I have also been busy over here making a few and over the next two weeks I will share a few of my makes. I have been so looking forward to having a go at making that pretty hedgie as he was in a recent issue of simply crochet, I think?! I love how yours turned out and I think you did a lovey job and her prickles are very pretty!! It is so lovely to see those pretty oriental poppies especially when it is so grey and wet here. thanks for bringing a little colour into our world. I think you are so fortunate to be close to your family and for you to be able to have the grandchildren over, what a lovely opportunity for you to build a special relationship. I often think that the relationship a child has with their grandparents are very often something they take with them for life, it has the potential to really change a child's outlook and I so wish my kids had that in their life. Enjoy your week and sending you much love as always. Thanks for always leaving such lovely comments, you really do put a smile on my face. xoxo
ReplyDeleteAnd hello again to you lovely Hannapat - once again a lovely message, thank you so much, you don't know how much I appreciate every word! I hope you can find time to give little hedgehog a go, she really is gorgeous, and I'll certainly be looking forward to seeing your other makes when you have opportunity to post them. We do have a special relationship with these three grandsons Hannapat, and we treasure it - the extended family is very important in a young person's life, and I'm sad for you that your parents are so far away. On the other hand we see very little of our other three grandsons who live quite a way from us, and that is sad! We all do what we can don't we, and always with our kids' best interests at heart, but we can't be everywhere! I hope your week is a happy one too lovely, and I'm sending you much love and blessings too! Joy xoxo
DeleteA very full post! The embroidery hoops are very cute, and I love your very own angel. I never use patterns for things like that either as I enjoy drawing them myself. That hedgehog is sweet! We don't have hedgehogs in Canada, and I think it's a real shame. It's so nice to see a garden in full bloom now that everything here is brown & being dragged into the earth. Such a gloomy day today, and your beautiful flowers have brought the sunshine back ;) And of course your grandkids would love being at your home ... I think it's great that you get to host your grandson's guitar lessons. My son also plays guitar and has just been asked to take on a student himself where he takes lessons! Have a great week Joy! Wendy x
ReplyDeleteHello Wendy, and thanks so much for your lovely message! I'm so glad you like 'my own' angel, and hey, I didn't know that hedgehogs hadn't made their way to your garden! That's a bit sad for they're such beautiful creatures! That's good news for your son - the guitar is a lovely instrument and he must be doing a grand job with it. I hope your weather doesn't become too miserable - we will be having a fair bit of heat once ours settles and whilst I really need sunshine, I tolerate the heat very badly, so I make the most of warm sunny days and hide myself away when the sun becomes relentless! I'm happy that my pics have brightened your day and I will try to keep posting lovely blooms to cheer you! I hope your week is a wonderful one too Wendy! Joy x
DeleteHello JOY, I really like your embroidery hoop art. Your stitchery is so very pretty.. All your crochet Christmas decorations are lovely.. Lovely gifts from your thoughtful daughter..I have the pattern for the wee hedgehogs.. I look forward to making them after Christmas.. Lovely gardens as always.. Have a wonderful week. Hugs Judy
ReplyDeleteHello my friend, and thank you so much for your sweet message - always so lovely to hear from you - I'll look forward to seeing your little hedgehogs, it sounds like there is going to be quite a large family of them worldwide - how lovely is that! I'm looking forward to hearing what you've been up to of late! Warm hugs, Joy xo
DeleteHi joy, you never fail to please. Your blog is beautiful has always.I love the little fabric hoops, and you are so creative designing the little angel.it is stiched well.your Christmas decs have given me some good ideas for a Christmas swap I have entered.lastly your kind daughters have again treated you again, how lovely. In the mag with the knitted toys lazy koala, caught my eye.he would he good to make. Enjoy your week xxx
ReplyDeleteAnd hello to you too Joy! I'm so glad you are enjoying my little makes and specially happy that you have gained some ideas for the swap. Tracy also thought the koala would be a good one to knit - great minds think alike eh! At the moment it's all Christmassy stuff that's foremost in my mind but I will certainly get stuck into that lovely book soon! I hope your week is a happy one Joy, and thanks so much for your sweet message! Joy x
DeleteOh my, j'adore the baby hedgehog Joy, such a little sweetie. You do have such a lot of patience. I have to get myself moving and create some artwork for my new red wall :) I'm very happy that you show us your garden at the end of each post..look forward to it!
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup Grace - isn't he gorgeous! I'll be looking forward to seeing your work, I expect you'd like to have it done before Christmas - well doesn't everything have to 'get done before Christmas' once we find ourselves at this time of year, haha! I really appreciate hearing that you look forward to the garden pics at the end - I was afraid my posts might be becoming a bit 'set in their ways'! Have a great week Grace. Joy x
DeleteWhat a busy Christmas workshop you have! ;-) your hoops make a pretty and festive trio - and I love how you mixed an embroidery piece with the holiday fabric ones! The crochet is super sweet and fun! And what fun to have music lessons at your house, I know how it makes for a happy house! Hugs to you and yours, cxxx
ReplyDeleteHello lovely Chrissie - and thank you, I'm attempting to 'stretch' myself with ideas - that's what contact with you and other gifted blogger friends is doing for me, for which I am very grateful! Yes, music certainly lifts the energies and it's so wonderful to hear young F develop his talents! Have a wonderful week lovely, hugs and love, Joy xoxo
DeleteA lovely post full of so much loveliness! I love the hoops, your little angel is very sweey and I love the bird fabric. I'm going to follow your link and see if I can find your snowflake pattern, and the hedgehog - wow, no wonder you bought a pattern straight away. It's dark and dismal here, so I shall soak up the pictures of your beautiful garden. Have a lovely week :) xx
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely message Cheryl, thank you so much - I hope you find the patterns okay, Michelle (The Royal Sisters) gives a great easy to follow tutorial on the snowflake. I'm happy that the garden pics are bringing some brightness to you. Hugs, Joy xo
DeleteAll of your crochet things and your flowers are so beautiful. I especially like the hedgehog, so cute!! I do have a soft spot for hedgehogs. Love your snowflakes too, I'm trying to make some, but they are not as good as yours, I will keep going until they get better! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Amy, you're too kind - maybe you might feel happier with your snowflake if you give Michelle's tutorial a try; she does explain it so well. All the best with it for they are such exquisite little things aren't they! Hugs, Joy x
DeleteYour posts always bring smiles to my face. I am really enjoying looking at your garden flowers especially as we don't have any at the moment. I love making those snowflakes, so simple but effective. I made one with size 2 crochet thread and the tiniest hook today and it was so delicate. Love to you Jo x
ReplyDeleteHiya Jo, always lovely to hear from you and thanks so much for being here. Oh size 2 thread and little weeny hook - well done you - you will post about it won't you, I'd love to see it, I'm sure it's a beautiful snowflake! Love to you too lovely, Joy xo
DeleteYour beautiful makes are wonderful. I love the embroidery and the fabric in the hoops; that's a style I really love. Your daughter is so sweet sending you lovely things and I'm sure it's because you are a fantastic mother and grandmother.
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet Jennifer, thank you so much for such a lovely message - I appreciate every word! Making up the fabric hoops is so quick and easy for a display or for gifts so I'll be watching out for special fabrics for future uses. Love, Joy xo
DeleteThat little angel is so sweet! and so clever to frame the matching fabrics. I have been thinking about that little hedgehog since seeing it on Lucy's blog, so possibly going to just have to get the pattern. All your flowers are looking so cheerful -my garden is at its best at this time of the year after the last Spring rains and before the long hot Summer dries it all up! Working hard to get your goodies ready to post...have a good week!
ReplyDeleteHello Lee-Anne, so the little hedgehog has got to you too - she has started a craze I think - who could resist such a little beauty! Sounds like your garden is at the same stage as ours right now - and then the hot sun comes and the poor plants struggle. I'm getting excited about the arrival of the 'goodies' already, and thank you, but please don't do too much. I was happy to get yours away a couple of days ago so trust that the delivery services will be good!!! A good week I wish for you also, hugs, Joy x
DeleteJoy, your handiwork is ALL so lovely. You make very beautiful Christmas decorations. Often I look at home made decorations and they seem a bit tacky. Yours definitely do not fall into that category ;-) The stitched angel is especially sweet.
ReplyDeleteOops, I thought I'd replied to your message already Joyful, sorry about that!
DeleteI really appreciate your kindness in your lovely words, thank you for all your encouragement! Have a great week, hugs, Joy x
As I read your post I was thinking "you have been busy as a bee, Joy" and then I saw the bee on the flower you photographed :) I'm glad you are able to be close to at least some of your family for frequent visits, it is very precious to have those visits, isn't it. Thanks for the links to the patterns you have been working on! And thanks for sharing the bouquet of flower photos...so beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and yours :)
Gracie xx
Gracie, so good to hear from you again, and in your extra busy life I do thank you for taking the time to leave me your lovely encouraging messages. It is very special to be close to family Gracie, as you well know and appreciate - I love them all to bits and am a sucker for big warm hugs - and isn't it wonderful when teenage boys will demonstrate their love for Nana, even out on the street in the company of mates, with big hugs! Life is good!
DeleteBlessings and warm hugs to you and yours too, Joy xo
Hello Joy.
ReplyDeleteHow are you? Sounds like you've been really busy again!
I love your lovely stitching in the hoops they look gorgeous. You Christmas decorations are beautiful the stuffed one is particularly lovely. Attic 24 is great for tutorials I practically learned to crochet using that blog and Bunny mummy too.
Aw dear me how cute is your little baby hedgehog does she have a name? Hetty maybe? She's very lovely.
What a thoughtful gift from Tracy I really enjoy a flick through mollie makes its one of my favourites.
Sweet Koala no I couldn't leave him without arms!
The play girl rose is delightful so pretty and your other blooms are making me green with envy! They are all stunning, I love poppies so much I named my kitty after them!
I used to love visiting my grandparents when I was child (mostly because I was lavished with attention!)
What lucky grand children to have such a lovely Nana.
Until next time Joy have a lovely week FBxx
You are sooooo sweet FB! What a lovely message, thank you!
DeleteI too learned a lot from Lucy and Jacquie - both fantastic sites and these days I'm also really appreciating Jacquie's pics from her walks around the countryside - huge measures of nostalgia for me!
I've been wondering about a name for the little hedgehog and I think that Hetty is ideal, thanks FB, and she'll remind me of you too - not that you've got spikes of course, haha!!!
I've always had a soft spot for poppies as well - so fragile and papery and the colours are just wonderful, it's such a shame the blooms don't last very long isn't it!
I always loved being with my Granny too, such a comforting love, and yes, lots of attention and spoiling - and now I say, no reason not to! Bring it on!
Looking forward to next time FB, and I wish you a happy week too, warm hugs, Joy xo
Lovely Joy always something wonderful to look at - you are such a treasure Joy, I adore the hoops, both the fabric and the lovely embroidery one, you are such a clever thing. Your flowers are perfect and I am certainly going to have a look at the pattern for the tiny hedgehogs - aren't they just the cutest things in the world - not sure I am ready for these yet though but would love to have a go. Joy I always look forward to your posts as they are full to the brim with delight, just like you - have a fabulous week and big hugs as always
ReplyDeleteLots of love
Dorothy
:-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ah how lovely Dorothy, my Dad used to say I was a treasure - it brings tears to my eyes! Happy ones though I must add, before you think you've upset me! Thank you so much for all the lovely things you say, you're a sweetheart! You know Dorothy, everything starts with 'having a go', so one step at a time .. .. .. the little hedgehog (now Hetty) is quite easy to do but the spines are just a wee bit tricky at first - I'm sure you could manage them fine if you allow some time, but with your busy schedule that could be a wee bit of a problem couldn't it! I'm sending you loads of love and warm wishes for a great week, and - take time for you lovely! Joy xoxo
DeleteJoy, a truly lovely post. I love the hoops all displayed together, I am especially fond of the gorgeous little angel embroidery. I am starting to feel all Christmassy now after seeing that! What lovely gifts from your daughter and I am very much looking forward to seeing what you make from the gorgeous knitting book! Glad you had a lovely time with your grandson. Hope you have a wonderful week and thank you so much for the lovely words you leave on my blog.
ReplyDeleteMarianne xxxx
Lovely Marianne, thank you for another sweet message and I'm so glad you like little angel - simple and sweet seems to make a strong statement in these little hoopy things, I think! I am feeling very blessed to have such a wonderful family, they mean so very much to me! There are so many cuties in that book that I can see the difficulty I'll have in choosing which one to do first - I may have to stick a pin in - the book not the toys, ouchee!
DeleteI love your blog Marianne, it's so easy to leave you nice messages, thank you! Warm hugs, Joy xoxo
Though I enjoyed everything on your post today, I have to tell you that the hedgehog... Oh my goodness... GORGEOUS! I love your Christmas crochet as well... You are a very talented woman!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week,
Tammy
Hello Tammy, and welcome to my little spot - I noticed last week that you had become a follower but couldn't trace you so now I'll be over to visit you! Little hedgehog (Hetty) is adorable isn't she - it's a great pattern and I think I should probably give her a Mum and Dad one of these days so she's not so lonely! Thank you so much Tammy for your lovely message. Joy x
Deletejoy, as soon as I saw the red colours in the thumbnail pic for the blog I thought that you must be busy with doing christmassy things! I was right, and what a delight they are too! I like how your post varies, and it goes along many topics and is new-sy! I love that rose, and the other flowers too! I especially love poppies but, have never been able to grow them here! Its v v windy here today and quite cool again which is a bit of relief! have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteps I saw attic 24's post on the hedgehog, its just lovely!
Hello again, what a lovely message thank you, I really appreciate hearing this cause I was beginning to think that perhaps I had got myself in a bit of a rut with the way I was putting things together in my posts. You have really encouraged me thank you!
DeleteWe've had similar weather to yours today, cool and windy - probably cooler than Perth! It is Denmark after all and we're usually a few degrees lower! I like it that way too!
Have a great week, hugs, Joy xo
I love the hedge hog and his little flower! I missed too many of your posts, I need to follow you properly! Thanks for lovely messges, hugs! Heather x
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you got around to following, Heather, thank you! Little hedgehog is delightful isn't she - her name is Hetty! She's sitting on my desk with her nose up in the air staring at me right now - I love her! There are lots of folks from all over the place making these little things now, seems to be quite a craze starting up! Hugs, Joy xo
DeleteLovely makes Joy. I'll be pinning later I can see!
ReplyDeleteMollie Makes mag is a lovely read, it's so prettily done.
Rachell - the little room of
Hiya Rachel, nice to see you here again - you're more than welcome to pin - I tried to put up the little gadget weeks ago but couldn't work out how to do it - wasted so much time on the things! Some other time it might work for me - when I get around to trying again. Joy x
DeleteDear Joy
ReplyDeleteWow! You have been so busy again with some more beautiful projects. I particularly like the crocheted flowers, but the hedgehog and stars and angel are all lovely too. I always enjoy a peek at your lovely garden and to enjoy roses when we have had our first frost today is a treat!
Best wishes and have a happy crafting week!
Ellie
Hello Ellie,
DeleteWhat a lovely message again - thank you so much - I'm very happy you enjoy popping in and like what I've been doing, and it's always so nice for me to read your lovely messages, thank you! I hope all your crafty work is going well too - I'll be paying you a visit soon!
All the very best to you too and have lots of fun with your makings! Hugs, Joy x
Such lovely things Joy, things have been busy around here too this week and I'm just finding the time to catch up. I love your little Angels how do you manage to get such sweet faces, I am useless at faces they always turn out looking quite scary, lovely decorations too, I have been making a few Christmas stockings and trees but I never seem to get anything completely finished as something else catches my eye and I have to start that too, everything seems to get finished in the end though. The little hedgehogs are lovely too, I have made some in the past but with the eyelash yarn, I got quite addicted at the time. Your flowers are beautiful as always, I love the poppies. Have a great week. :)
ReplyDeleteHello Linda, lovely to hear from you again - and yes, it looks and sounds like most folks have quickened their pace somewhat in preparation for Christmas - it does become a bit difficult keeping up with all the lovely blogs doesn't it, whilst still making progress with crafting. I'm similar to you in that I keep getting distracted and start another project before finishing something else but sometimes it's good to have a change then start afresh I think!
DeleteRe the little angels, I try to always keep the faces very simple with minimal stitches - and usually aim for a little curvy smile and only a suggestion of eyes mostly with lids closed as in prayer - the larger sized angels are another story altogether and can be tricky! Nice to hear you are another hedgehog fan - they are delightful aren't they! I hope your week is going well too Linda, thank you! Hugs, Joy x
Joy, your posts are always so special and you are just such a dear!!! Well, first I have to say that I love your little trio of holiday hoops for the wall. Your stitched angel is darling! Your snowflakes are so pretty and that hedgehog is just the cutest little guy! You've been SUCH a busy bee, Joy, you always are! That garden of yours is so, soooo beautiful! I think in my next life I'd like to be a garden fairy... but only if I can live in your stunning garden! That white picket fence is so pretty against all your perfect blooms. It's always such fun seeing what you're up too, my friend, and it's always wonderful! xo
ReplyDeleteHello my lovely friend, and many many thanks for your gorgeous message of encouragement! You can come and be a special fairy in my garden any time sweet Paulette - I have loads of time for little nature spirits! I wish you happy days and peaceful nights! Warm hugs, Joy xo
ReplyDeleteWell, I liked to almost missed this post Ms Joy...how sad would that have been! I just love all your makes. Goodness you have been a very busy little bee. Love that little hedge hog...he is the "cutest" little one I've ever seen but I am really loving your little embroidery angel....she is the sweetest. I've sort gotten away from my embroidery and cross stitch patterns. I am not back into my routine of crocheting doilies and now I am TRYING to knit!....I think I have ripped out a washcloth about six times now but I am determined to get it right!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day sweetheart!
Shari
Shari - thank you so much for your kind and lovely message, and for loving my little makes! It sounds like knitting practice has been taking up your craft time, and I'm so glad you are persevering with it - you will reap the rewards down the track for all your hard work my dear! I am missing seeing all your beautiful quilts and stitchies but look forward to seeing a little knitting sample one of these days perhaps? Happy days to you and yours lovely,
DeleteHugs, Joy xo
Joy, you are so sweet and every time I visit you put a smile on my face. I was so tempted by that cute hedgehog myself, I almost dropped everything I was making to make one, Too. Love your poppy pictures, they are such a gorgeous flower.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you,
Meredith
What a lovely thing to say Meredith, you are lovely, thank you! Yeah, little hedgehog is a darling isn't she - everything was dropped here in order to produce her - Hetty - I love her!
DeleteI hope your week is going really well my dear friend, take care!
Warm hugs, Joy xo
I love your little embroidered angel and all the other lovely things you have been making for the Christmas period, including that cute hedgehog! Your fingers are certainly kept busy with all your fun creations. You'll have a lot of Christmas gifts already made!
ReplyDeleteWe had our first snowfall today and I LOVED it!
Ah the first fall is so beautiful, I do hope you will share some of your wonderful photography with us, Sandra! Thank you for all your lovely comments, I do enjoy reading them. Joy x
DeleteYou've done a great job with the hedgehog she looks wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteOh thanks so much for that Liz - I really appreciate your kind message! Joy x
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ReplyDeleteLinda Gilbert22 November 2013 07:54
Well Joy thank you so much for popping in and leaving a comment. I hope your daughter does sprinkle some magic for you x
I simply love your little hedgehog... William's favourite x
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HI Linda - it's always a pleasure to visit your spot thank you and I see you have made some progress on the tech side of things now - well done - you're braver than I am!
DeleteShe's a lovely little hedgehog isn't she - and Liz's pattern is popular world wide. Joy x
Hello Joy! I found you through Chrissie's blog. I am your newest follower. I bought some embroidery hoops in the summer from a charity shop and recently a book full of ideas what to do with them. I am trying to think of something to make with a christmassy theme and love your angels.
ReplyDeleteHello Anne, and welcome to my little spot, I'm so glad you're here! I haven't seen any books on hoops but would love to know more about it - perhaps when you have your little Chrismas angels sewn you might blog about it?
DeleteHave a great weekend! Joy x
The flowers and your crochet creations are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, I'm happy you enjoyed them!
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