Tag Archives: christmas

Christmas and Beyond

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Happy Christmas! As is always the case, this Christmas is not at all as I originally planned it. Covid had other ideas, after all, but I had success in making my favourite knit so far for my mother. When I first started knitting the frogs I thought smaller was cuter, but I made her a chonky Christmas frog and it’s probably my absolute favourite.

It’s roughly twice the size of my usual favourite frogs, which probably means nothing to you, but there you go. I still want to get together a little stash of frogs, so you will see what I mean soon. I’m looking forward to making them as the mood takes me on any given day. Big, small, and everything in between.

My second favourite ever knit is froggy’s little jumper. I love the addition of the glass beads. Next year I’ll be making more of those for sure.

Christmas is of course not about the presents, but regardless, I got some really cool ones this year. I come from a family of really good gift-givers. I was absolutely blown away by the handmade gift from my brother – a little wooden boat and oar.

He knew I wanted a little boat for use in future froggy photo shoots, but this is something else. It looks like a boat a hobbit would have and I’M IN LOVE.

Mother got me an Etsy gift card, and I’ve had my eye on a number of knitting/crochet patterns for some time. Today I went ahead and bought them, which makes such a wholesome purchase. I love that I’m happy and the Etsy sellers can make an instant sale without having to worry about postal strikes and such. I’ve made some fantastic choices if I do say so myself, which will make up my first knits of 2023.

I’ll share links to the patterns at the end of the post. But oh my god what a selection I have chosen. What talented people there are in the world! I’m actually feeling so happy today that I could almost do a happy cry. Maybe I’m not dead inside after all!

What’s that sound? Ok, I can hear the chocolates calling me so I’d best be off.

Merry Christmas one and all x

Original frog pattern (link)

Elephant pattern (link)

Octopus pattern (link)

Cardigan pattern (link)

Frog dress pattern (link)

Change of Plans

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So much for plans. The bug I had turned out to be covid, AGAIN. Can someone please explain to me how it’s fair that I’ve had it twice now? This time around was in some ways worse and in some ways better than the first time. This time I felt a lot worse but for a shorter period of time, so that’s something I guess.

I feel wiped out now, so to take the pressure off, my handmade Christmas has been cancelled. That’s two illnesses I’ve had whilst trying to get it done, and one of my knits didn’t turn out as I wanted so that would mean a re-do I have neither the time nor energy for. I just don’t have it in me to get everything done, and that’s OK. The fun part is that I still have loads of gift ideas for friends and family so I will give them as and when they are completed (to my satisfaction – they have to be to a high standard). I prefer giving gifts for no reason, so it will all work out well in the end. You don’t need a holiday to give people stuff!

I did gift my mum the rejected item, as it was for her anyway. It was a little elephant, which I renamed a wonkyphant. I knew she’d love it regardless, but it’s not quite where I want it to be. The first wonky time I try something is always special, so I knew she had to have it even though I wasn’t happy with it.

I have actually found an INCREDIBLE crochet elephant pattern, which I’m not sure I can even pull off. But if I can… it’s going to be spectacular.

I have so many things I want to make next year, but I’m keeping it very much loosey-goosey. I need to focus on my health as I said in the last post, so I’m looking for a very relaxed balance of fun things and things that are good for me, as well as things that fit into both of those categories, of course.

I want to get out for walks in nature and such, but I am very much wholeheartedly embracing the slow-living movement. Instead of going out and burning as many calories as I can, my walks will be for taking the time to pay attention to my surroundings whilst getting gentle exercise. If I can’t enjoy it at all, I’m not doing it.

Someone who’s enjoying relaxed crafting is Pea. For a bird who is exceptionally wary of hands and fingers, I’m surprised at how interested she has been. Although I do believe she was disappointed to discover that none of it was edible.

As far as knitting companions go, she’s fairly perfect.

Hayley x