I've heard a number of people groaning about the Christmas adverts and the festive cards which have started appearing in early September, and will admit that most years I'd have done the same. But there has been a shift in my perceptions this year and like many other crafters, I find myself with a list of things to make before MID-December (you will note the contingency in my planning!) Not only is there a list, but I am almost finished knitting the first (tricky to photograph) item....
PATTERN: Betty by Nancy Atkinson
YARN: Wendy Norse Chunky in Arctic and Drift
If you've been following my Instagram feed you'll have seen some stealthy late night knitting this week and as a result I now only need to make the legs, sew, stuff and dress it before I can cross the first item off my list! The pattern is a girl bunny, she is wearing a dress, but this may yet become 'Bertie' - I'm not sure Little Miss will like the very dark navy blue on a girl - she is incredibly fussy and usually insists on lighter "prettier" colours. I'll decide once the stripy legs are done.
On the subject of Christmas crafting and handmade gifts, it's time for a giveaway! I was originally contacted about attending two Crafts For Christmas and Hobbycrafts shows at the SECC in Glasgow and the Birmingham NEC, but as I can't make it to the shows myself the promoters have kindly agreed to donate the tickets to a couple of lucky readers. As a result I have a pair of tickets for EACH event. The shows aim to provide you with everything you need for a beautiful handmade Christmas. Whether it's a cuddly snowman for a little one, some festive decorations for the house or a beautiful necklace for someone special Crafts for Christmas offers a huge selection of handmade gifts and cards. The Hobbycrafts show has over 200 exhibitors with supplies for all sort of crafts including jewellery making, stamping, calligraphy and papercrafts. There are also various demonstrations and talks throughout the day.
The shows will be held in Glasgow between 25th & 28th October, and in Birmingham between 8th & 11th November. You can read more information (and pre-book tickets) here.
THE WINNER HAS NOW BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED & NOTIFIED BY EMAIL.
If you'd like to win entrance for two to the BIRMINGHAM show in November, please head over to the facebook page and leave your comment on the giveaway post. If you could click on the "like" button while you're there that would be lovely, but winning is not conditional on liking the page. The winner for this prize will be selected on Monday 15th October 2012.
GOOD LUCK!!!!
Eek, Christmas knitting! Actually just, eek, Christmas!! The older I get the less excited I feel about Christmas. We lean further and further toward the '12 days of' thing, and buying presents and putting up decorations on December 24th has increasing appeal. I think I should have been born 100 years ago!
ReplyDeleteYou'll show us the rabbit when you've finished won't you :)
Yeah!! Christmas knitting!! I think it is great you are already getting started..I just wish I could get moving on my Christmas knitting..smile..
ReplyDelete~~Renee
I have been following your instagram feed and loved watching this lil fella grow & I'm looking forward to seeing him finished too.
ReplyDeleteI keep telling myself holiday knitting is a distant idea, but I have been seeing a bunch of people jumping into their gift-knits! The bunny is going to be really adorable!
ReplyDeleteI've joined a Ravelry Group called "The 12 Knits of Christmas". My list is mostly socks for siblings and siblings-in-laws ... although it looks as if I'll have enough Sea Silk left over from 2 Clapotis shawls to make some really gorgeous mitts for my sister!
ReplyDeleteDon't enter me into any draws - the shows sound lovely but I can't manage the overseas trip at the moment :)
My goodness; can you believe it's September already and Christmas is just around the corner? I can't wait to see what you've slotted for Xmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteI'm just starting to feel the urge to begin Christmas planning; but I'm not quite there yet. Love the bunny though!
ReplyDeleteThe shows sound great, and Birmingham is not too far from us - but with a tiny one on the way I shall leave this great opportunity to somebody who will definitely be able to make it! :)
Good for you. I had a fleeting thought the other day thinking that I need to think about it but that is just about as far as it got! Can't wait to see bunny finished.
ReplyDeleteI am starting an Advent Garland, from Ravelry, for myself and also for my daughter, unless I run out of time! I would love to win the tickets for the Birmingham show, if I am lucky enough. Bunny looks good so far.
ReplyDeleteI knitted 'Bo Rabbit' another Ravelry pattern, but couldn't part with it.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested to see how your Bertie/Betty turns out. Love the bunnies :)
Can I go in the draw for a Glasgow show ticket please.
What am I not making for Christmas??? I need a second worsted hat for my brother n law and today I'm making some quilted coasters. Also looking for more Christmas sweets on pinterest for the men on the Christmas list!
ReplyDeleteEntry is now closed and the winner will soon be contacted and announced on my facebook and Twitter feeds!!!! Thanks for your entries!
ReplyDeleteOh darn, too late :( Hobbycraft at Glasgow is really good..I enjoyed last years :)
ReplyDeleteI had a fabulous day at the SECC. Thank you so much Sarah.
ReplyDeleteLou x