The C Word

This is a strange time of year for a lot of people. Autumn has most definitely arrived, the nights are drawing in, the bulk of the year is behind us and then the big C is looming...yes, I mean Christmas. For many, the mere mention of this C word sends them into a state of complete panic/denial but for people like me, it plays on your mind right up until the last minute. I mean this in a good way. I LOVE preparing for Christmas and now that I have my own home (this is our 3rd Christmas as Mr and Mrs) it is a serious Event requiring long term planning.

For me, the thinking about Christmas officially starts after my birthday (27th October) and it snowballs from there - pardon the pun. For me, half the excitement is in the planning and organising of presents, menus, new decorations and The Tree. The other half is seeing it all come together  - The Tree being exactly how I want it, the presents looking too good to unwrap, the fridge bursting with goodies (everyone comes to us for Christmas Eve dinner - an new tradition now that I'm a married lady), the making and eating of mince pies, ah the list is endless...

I'll get to the point now, owing to financial constraints,  I have decided that this year is going to be a Homemade Christmas, more so than in previous years. This year I shall be making probably about 90% of the gifts I shall be giving and I can't wait to get started. I have so many great ideas for (nearly) everyone that I am worried I won't get them all done in time! My hubby is even getting in on the act and will be producing some great pressies with his homegrown delights from the garden, so looking forward to seeing the results!

As well as all the regular things, each year I like to find new decorations to add to the collection - something that me and Hubby don't agree on. I am regularly accused of getting carried away and I regularly reply with something along the lines of 'I don't care, I'm doing it anyway'. However this year is a bit different and I shall be making the new additions instead of buying them. More about this in future posts.

Here are a few pics of my recent projects:

Stocking shaped bunting 

 Frosty the Snowman bunting

This bunting will be in my shop soon so keep an eye out!

This all leads me to the question: What is best a Shop Bought Christmas or a Homemade Christmas? I'd love to hear what you are all planning for The Big C, please leave a comment or two!

Birthday Giveaway - NEW winner is.....

In light of the previous two winners of the birthday giveaway not having come forward, I have decided to draw a another new winner. This will be the last chance so if it is you, you must make yourself known asap!!

Picked at random, the NEW winner is Clara Smeaton!! Please get in touch either by leaving a comment here or on the Princess Crafts facebook page.

Last chance for a surprise treat!!

My name in print...

... well almost!


Imagine my shock/amazement/surprise when reading my latest copy of Cross Stitcher magazine when I found this:

It's a small thing but it definately brought some excitement to my bedtime reading! I love the Cross Stitcher mag and def recommend it to anyone who is remotely interested in cross stitching, and they have just had a complete revamp so it's even more cool and modern that it was before! Check out their website to see what's on offer.

Birthday Giveaway - And the NEW winner is.....

Laura Carrol!!

The original winner of my birthday giveaway did not come forward so I have selected a new winner at random. Please get in touch if it is you and I'll arrange for your treat to be sent to you.

Christmas is coming, must start making things!

This year I am having a handmade Christmas. I have lots of great ideas for presents for people which for the moment I shall keep under wraps, but I can't wait to share them with you at a later date!

Last year, when I was watching Kirstie's Homemade Christmas, I was inspired to make some stockings like she did but the programme was on too late to do them in time for Santa's visit. I bought the fabics to make one for me and my hubby ages ago but they are still languishing in the fabric box... It all stems from the fear of the sewing machine but if I am to get it done in time for this year, I'd better get my skates on!

If you fancy making your own, here's where to find the instructions: Stockings

Here are some pics of Christmas things that I have managed to finish and which are available in my Etsy shop:

Confronting the fear of needles...... (part 2)

You may remember my post from a week or two ago about starting to learn to knit, well needless to day, the novelty has worn off!

My "knitters' thumb" got better but my knitting technique has not! At the weekend, my auntie tried to help me but it was a lost cause really. And among the various hints and tips and fiddling about with the wool, the whole lot got unravelled and Barbie's scarf no longer exists. If you've no idea what I'm talking about read this post.

So, the knitting is out the window, so to speak. Glad I didn't buy decent needles...! I may pick it up again one day but for the time being I'm happy to leave the knitting to those who enjoy it! Does anyone else struggle to knit or is it just me?

Cushie number!

I made my first ever cushions last week and now that the recipient has received these (my auntie who does the knitting for me - it was her b'day), I can show you some pics!

I used a fabulous cotton fabric with lots of girlie pictures of shoes, bags, dresses and makeup. These pics don't do them justice really, they are a very girlie combination of pinks, blues, greens and purples.The cover is removable so you can wash it or change the cover altogether so I think that's pretty cool! I did sew on some cute pink buttons but you can't see them in this pic sadly. I was sad to part with them although will be excited to see how they look in their new home! I love seeing things that I've made for people when I visit their houses : )

I am a bit scared of the sewing machine so tend to shy away from these sorts of projects but I was surprised how straight forward it was to make! I used the instructions from Kirstie's Homemade Home that was on channel 4 last year. You can find them here if you want to have a go at making them. For those of you in the know about these things, they are envelope cushions. Probably the easiest cushion to make for a scaredy cat like me!

Is anyone else scared of the sewing machine?