*Clears throat*
Ahem.
IIIIIIIIIT'SSSS CHRIIIIIIIISTMAS!!!
Well, no, as i type this, It's not. It's the 1st of December. And December does not Christmas make.
And I am not Noddy Holder.
But still, close enough; One more so than the other.
However, I shall admit, since about mid October, I've been itching to make Christmas decorations.
I've been googling in secret, hiding various combinations of red and green wool and private browsing Christmas recipes (among other things) so they wouldn't show up in my browser history.
The only problem is, I click save, add to favourites... and then completely forget about them whilst i continue browsing through things that i could do with Mason jars. (I have no Mason Jars to make things with, why do Americans have such a surplus of Mason Jars?! What are Mason Jars? Are they just American jam jars?!! Answers Below please)
So, In order to legitimise my hours spent procrastinating on Pinterest, I present to you dear reader(s):
Cue fanfare...
Ahem.
IIIIIIIIIT'SSSS CHRIIIIIIIISTMAS!!!
Well, no, as i type this, It's not. It's the 1st of December. And December does not Christmas make.
And I am not Noddy Holder.
But still, close enough; One more so than the other.
However, I shall admit, since about mid October, I've been itching to make Christmas decorations.
I've been googling in secret, hiding various combinations of red and green wool and private browsing Christmas recipes (among other things) so they wouldn't show up in my browser history.
The only problem is, I click save, add to favourites... and then completely forget about them whilst i continue browsing through things that i could do with Mason jars. (I have no Mason Jars to make things with, why do Americans have such a surplus of Mason Jars?! What are Mason Jars? Are they just American jam jars?!! Answers Below please)
So, In order to legitimise my hours spent procrastinating on Pinterest, I present to you dear reader(s):
Cue fanfare...
Perhaps not the catchiest of titles... but it does what it says on the tin.
And I've just realised it looks like a Christmas tree. Completely planned...
I aim to make something festive every day for the 24 days leading up to Christmas,
Be it making, baking, or whatever Pinterest/Instagram/Ravelry throws at me, I plan to out-festive Buddy the Elf himself.
Think of it as a modern day 12 days of Christmas. Only, less giving of jumping men and swans and more cinnamon.
Deep breath, tighten the tinsel...
Here goes...
And I've just realised it looks like a Christmas tree. Completely planned...
I aim to make something festive every day for the 24 days leading up to Christmas,
Be it making, baking, or whatever Pinterest/Instagram/Ravelry throws at me, I plan to out-festive Buddy the Elf himself.
Think of it as a modern day 12 days of Christmas. Only, less giving of jumping men and swans and more cinnamon.
Deep breath, tighten the tinsel...
Here goes...
Day 1.
01/12/2014
Sleeps till Christmas: 24.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: Christmas tree.
Day 1 of the great 24 Days of Pinterest/Instagram/Ravelry-Christmas-Challenge-on-ice is brought to you via the medium of Instagram.
I make no secret of the fact that i love a good hashtag, as long as you don't get too carried away.
I won't name names, you know who you are. I find them a really good way of being nosey and see what other people are making. And if there's one thing i love more than hashtags it's being nosey. If there's one thing i like more than hashtags and being nosey, it's using hashtags and being nosey to get a tonne of likes on a photo. (I have no shame, i shall admit it.) This is how i found Bhooked Crochet! I hash tagged a photo of a hat I was making, she liked it, i spent about an hour browsing her Instagram feed thinking "I could make those", pressed follow, and forgot to do anything about it. Typical. Whilst thinking what to make for day 1 of the #24DoPIRCC (catchy, no?!) I thought it was best not to start with something massive, as anything that followed would only be a bitter disappointment. As the youngest child of three, I know how that feels. So I thought - start with something small, that won't take much time (pantomimes won't perform themselves) then i remembered the Christmas Tree Decorations i'd seen on bhooked's feed, and thought i'd give those a go! They're really quick and easy, I got so carried away i made 2 within about 20 minutes! Another reason i made 2 was because my tension seemed a bit out on my first one, so i swapped to a smaller hook and voila! Nice snug candy cane striped Christmas tree decs! |
As you can see, they are meant to have hooks on them, but I've not got round to that.
This is either laziness or uncertainty whether i want to use them as singles or a garland. But probably just me being lazy.
This is either laziness or uncertainty whether i want to use them as singles or a garland. But probably just me being lazy.
Day 2.
02/12/2014
Sleeps till Christmas: 23.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: To be honest, I'm not sure. It sort of looked like a thumbnail or a tennis ball. Sort it out Cadburys.
Day 2 of the Strictly Come 24 Days of Pinterest/Instagram/Ravelry-Christmas-Challenge-on-ice is brought to you via the medium of Ravelry.
After yesterday's indecision of what to do with the finished product, (I won't lie to you, they're now coasters. Festive coasters. Coasters don't need hooks, told you... I'm lazy) I decided to make something that was definitely recognisable as...whatever it was going to be.
I promise there is logic in my rambling, somewhere.
Each year, in the panto dressing room, we decorate a little tree. So i thought i would make something for that.
TO RAVELRY!
I wanted to make a star garland. I felt a dressing room full of singing and dancing men in tights just wasn't quite camp enough.
After a while of perusing star patterns (and there are LOTS. More people out there making stars than i would have guessed...) I found Attic24.
A quick ,simple yet effective pattern, which considering the time frame i'd given myself for this, was exactly what i was looking for!
I made the star, chained 25, then repeated.
It's now 9.30 and i'm done for today. It's finished and ready to adorn the tree! Unfortunately the tree is at the theatre, and i am not.
We'll just have to cope with some pictures sans tree for the moment. Will you cope? I'm sure you will.
After yesterday's indecision of what to do with the finished product, (I won't lie to you, they're now coasters. Festive coasters. Coasters don't need hooks, told you... I'm lazy) I decided to make something that was definitely recognisable as...whatever it was going to be.
I promise there is logic in my rambling, somewhere.
Each year, in the panto dressing room, we decorate a little tree. So i thought i would make something for that.
TO RAVELRY!
I wanted to make a star garland. I felt a dressing room full of singing and dancing men in tights just wasn't quite camp enough.
After a while of perusing star patterns (and there are LOTS. More people out there making stars than i would have guessed...) I found Attic24.
A quick ,simple yet effective pattern, which considering the time frame i'd given myself for this, was exactly what i was looking for!
I made the star, chained 25, then repeated.
It's now 9.30 and i'm done for today. It's finished and ready to adorn the tree! Unfortunately the tree is at the theatre, and i am not.
We'll just have to cope with some pictures sans tree for the moment. Will you cope? I'm sure you will.
Day 3.
03/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 22.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: Again... not sure. I think i may have bought a dud one. Still, chocolate for breakfast, won't complain.
We are 3 days in to December, and already the sniffles have started.
Coincidently we are also 3 days in to the Panto run, and i'm sure having 2 lots of 400 school children per day breathing on you does absolutely nothing to help the immune system!
Coincidently we are also 3 days in to the Panto run, and i'm sure having 2 lots of 400 school children per day breathing on you does absolutely nothing to help the immune system!
I refuse to be ill. Point blank. I shall not be ill.
I say this every year, and no matter how much Berocca, First defence and vitamin C i pump in to my body, it's like the horrible Santa of colds and sneezes sees a "Please Stop here" sign on my nose, and does.
So i thought I would combine this impending cold with my challenge.
I know, a cold is "festive" in the most tedious of links, but go with it.
Whilst scrolling down my Facebook feed and blocking anyone who posted too many TimeHop photos, I saw a link for an 'All Natural Cold and Flu Remedy' from 'Simple Green Smoothies'.
I'm not a massive smoothie advocate, as i like carbs and solid food too much, but I thought it was worth a try! I love a hot juice, i like ginger, lemon and honey, I needed something for day 3, and if it stopped me having a nose like rudolph's then everyone's a winner.
As discussed before, Pinterest is chock full of Americans doing all sorts of clever things with Mason Jars, whilst us Brits are left dazed and confused at the starting gate googling our nearest Hobbycraft.
This recipe called for said sort of jar, I just used an empty jam jar that i found in the kitchen. So far... it's doing the same thing.
So i thought I would combine this impending cold with my challenge.
I know, a cold is "festive" in the most tedious of links, but go with it.
Whilst scrolling down my Facebook feed and blocking anyone who posted too many TimeHop photos, I saw a link for an 'All Natural Cold and Flu Remedy' from 'Simple Green Smoothies'.
I'm not a massive smoothie advocate, as i like carbs and solid food too much, but I thought it was worth a try! I love a hot juice, i like ginger, lemon and honey, I needed something for day 3, and if it stopped me having a nose like rudolph's then everyone's a winner.
As discussed before, Pinterest is chock full of Americans doing all sorts of clever things with Mason Jars, whilst us Brits are left dazed and confused at the starting gate googling our nearest Hobbycraft.
This recipe called for said sort of jar, I just used an empty jam jar that i found in the kitchen. So far... it's doing the same thing.
Even if it doesn't work in keeping the nasty cold away, it's really tasty, and i've just realised how massively stagey it is...too late to get sponsorship from Elaine Paige on Sunday?
Plus, if you do decide to make anything from Simple Green Smoothies and have any questions, they are so quick at responding to any questions you may have! Well done them.
Definitely on the nice list.
Plus, if you do decide to make anything from Simple Green Smoothies and have any questions, they are so quick at responding to any questions you may have! Well done them.
Definitely on the nice list.
Day 4.
04/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 21.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: A snowman! Which is fitting because...
DO YOU WANNA BUILD A SNOWMAN?!
I apologise. I really do. I know adults everywhere are sick of Frozen. But i couldn't resist. And i still love it. I have zero shame in admitting that. Let it go.
But rather than just sing about it, I thought i'd actually make one!
Ladies and Gentleman, i present to you, Stanley the Snowman!
I apologise. I really do. I know adults everywhere are sick of Frozen. But i couldn't resist. And i still love it. I have zero shame in admitting that. Let it go.
But rather than just sing about it, I thought i'd actually make one!
Ladies and Gentleman, i present to you, Stanley the Snowman!
Now, forgive me Rudolph for i may have sinned. I confess, today may be considered cheating as I started making this chap in October, but i finished him today. But it's my challenge and i make the rules, and it's not cheating, so no sin here. Hurrah. So yeah, definitely still counts.
I found the pattern on Ravelry. A lovely free pattern. I love a freebie. Which is also in the spirit of this make, as the only things i had to buy were the eyes, the stuffing and a charity shop t shirt for the hat!
I had a load of t-shirts left over from some promo jobs I did in the summer (let's hope no agencies read this!) which i had absolutely no use for. Rather than throwing them out, i made them in to T-shirt yarn. I was then left with a ball of T-shirt yarn, which i had no idea what to do with. Just as it was about to be sent to the cupboard where projects go to die, it hit me; Yes Anna, I would like to make a snowman, of course i would. That's when i put the gin down and stopped talking to animated characters. Just kidding. I'll never put the gin down. Ever. |
So a carrot nose, some felt buttons and smile later, I've got a little festive friend with a penchant for sledging in a basket..
Now, to make him come to life....
Day 5.
5/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 20.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: Again, nondescript circle with a line through it? I definitely have bought a dud.
It has dawned on me that i have missed a MASSIVE opportunity in not calling this some sort of Advent-ure!
I do love a good pun, but we live and learn....
Anyway, today's make has been sat on my "Christmas" Pinterest board for a year. I think anything that wasn't a square stocking stitch was way beyond my comprehension when i pinned it. Nice to see i had some form of aspirations.
It's a tiny Christmas stocking pattern from Little Cotton Rabbits! I've not knit (knat?) for a while, so i forgot how painfully slow it was compared to crochet. But several episodes of Archer, a pizza and half a twirl (chocolate not pirouette) we got there in the end:
I do love a good pun, but we live and learn....
Anyway, today's make has been sat on my "Christmas" Pinterest board for a year. I think anything that wasn't a square stocking stitch was way beyond my comprehension when i pinned it. Nice to see i had some form of aspirations.
It's a tiny Christmas stocking pattern from Little Cotton Rabbits! I've not knit (knat?) for a while, so i forgot how painfully slow it was compared to crochet. But several episodes of Archer, a pizza and half a twirl (chocolate not pirouette) we got there in the end:
Everyone can expect tiny presents from me.
Day 6.
06/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 19.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: A bell. Row number 2 seems to look a bit more promising.
Confessional: It's the morning of the 7th of December.
I did not finish yesterday's project during the day.
However, I think I had a valid excuse: Three shows in one day, delirium and then a bottle of rose. By the end of the day I barely knew my own name, never mind what stitch I was on.
But as i said before, It's my challenge and i make the rules.
I enjoyed the pattern from yesterday so much, I thought I'd make another one! Mini Presents means lots of presents, lots of presents means lots of stockings!
Little Cotton Rabbits has got lots of different variations for the body of the stocking, so I thought I'd give the Fair Isle one a go!
I've never tried Fair Isle before. It's something i've pinned, favourited and then put on the back burner till a later date.
Turns out, in the spirit of this challenge, yesterday was my date with knitting destiny...
I did not finish yesterday's project during the day.
However, I think I had a valid excuse: Three shows in one day, delirium and then a bottle of rose. By the end of the day I barely knew my own name, never mind what stitch I was on.
But as i said before, It's my challenge and i make the rules.
I enjoyed the pattern from yesterday so much, I thought I'd make another one! Mini Presents means lots of presents, lots of presents means lots of stockings!
Little Cotton Rabbits has got lots of different variations for the body of the stocking, so I thought I'd give the Fair Isle one a go!
I've never tried Fair Isle before. It's something i've pinned, favourited and then put on the back burner till a later date.
Turns out, in the spirit of this challenge, yesterday was my date with knitting destiny...
In reality, it was a lot less dramatic than that sounds, but i'm pretty pleased!
Day 7.
7/12/2014
Sleeps till Christmas: 18.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: Wise Man. Make of that what you will...
Today's project comes to you from John Whaite's ("Hot John" from GBBO 2012) 12 bakes of Christmas download from his website.
In the intro, he says that Christmas, to him, means togetherness and food.
Particularly apt for today's challenge, as this evening we had the majority of the panto cast at my digs decorating the Christmas Tree and indulging in as much cheese and wine as humanly possible. It's Christmas, it's allowed.
I thought i'd try and make the Hot Chocolate from the 12 Bakes of Christmas, as what is more festive than a hot chocolate around the christmas tree whilst listening to Bing and Doris.
It's not a hot chocolate for the faint hearted: Whole milk, sugar and dark chocolate with lots of spices. Possibly not the best idea to have had it after a block of cheese and a few glasses of red. (If this challenge has taught me anything, it's that i need to curb my alcohol intake. I'll wait till January.)
But it was delicious none the less.
In the intro, he says that Christmas, to him, means togetherness and food.
Particularly apt for today's challenge, as this evening we had the majority of the panto cast at my digs decorating the Christmas Tree and indulging in as much cheese and wine as humanly possible. It's Christmas, it's allowed.
I thought i'd try and make the Hot Chocolate from the 12 Bakes of Christmas, as what is more festive than a hot chocolate around the christmas tree whilst listening to Bing and Doris.
It's not a hot chocolate for the faint hearted: Whole milk, sugar and dark chocolate with lots of spices. Possibly not the best idea to have had it after a block of cheese and a few glasses of red. (If this challenge has taught me anything, it's that i need to curb my alcohol intake. I'll wait till January.)
But it was delicious none the less.
The only thing I would say if you try it at home, is really fish all those spices out! I had a few stray spices sneaking in to a few mugs. Not to say they were unwelcome, but just a bit of a surprise! And if you don't like bits in your OJ, you really won't like a clove in your hot chocolate! Maybe next time a bit of sieving action wouldn't go a miss! We live and learn.
I also didn't bother with the meringue topping. Again, mainly through sheer laziness. I'm sure had i not started making them at 9.30 i would have been all over it, whisking egg whites with an elfish fever. However, I was tired and full of cheese. So that went by the way side.
I also meant to take a picture of the finished product, but I didn't, I just drank it. Sometimes Instagram can wait.
But I did take a picture of the tree...
I also didn't bother with the meringue topping. Again, mainly through sheer laziness. I'm sure had i not started making them at 9.30 i would have been all over it, whisking egg whites with an elfish fever. However, I was tired and full of cheese. So that went by the way side.
I also meant to take a picture of the finished product, but I didn't, I just drank it. Sometimes Instagram can wait.
But I did take a picture of the tree...
Cheers John.
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas!!
Day 8.
8/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 17. Really should start my Christmas shopping...
Advent Calendar Chocolate: A snowman, or Baby Jesus. Genuinely unsure.
Today's is one of my favourite makes. Mainly because it absolutely reeks of Blue Peter, which coincidently would be one of my dream jobs.
As I said earlier, every year in the Panto dressing room we have a little Christmas Tree.
And every year I make a fairy for the top of the tree, just incase anyone was really unsure of which team i played for.
As I said earlier, every year in the Panto dressing room we have a little Christmas Tree.
And every year I make a fairy for the top of the tree, just incase anyone was really unsure of which team i played for.
And what made today even more exciting was THAT I GOT TO USE THE GLUE GUN.
I haven't used a glue gun in years, not since the one was removed from my primary school because someone was stealing the glue sticks. True story.
I had 24 sharpies and I had a glue gun. I was in heaven.
And so, to work:
I haven't used a glue gun in years, not since the one was removed from my primary school because someone was stealing the glue sticks. True story.
I had 24 sharpies and I had a glue gun. I was in heaven.
And so, to work:
Maybe not the most productive use of the show's marketing material.... but shh.
Day 9.
9/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 16. Still no further on Christmas shopping.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: Nobody knew. It was a circle, with a line and a dot. If you have a Cadbury calendar maybe you know?!
Apparently I really like Snowmen.
I wouldn't have put myself as a snowman-ophile, however this is the second snowman of my challenge, so go figure.
My nephew, like most small children (and adults that i know), is a massive fan of Frozen. If you want a laugh, you should hear him sing Let it Go. I mean, even Idina can barely sing it on a good night, never mind a 3 year old with a developing Derby accent. But he gives it a good go.
His favourite character, as is mine, is Olaf the Snowman.
I wouldn't have put myself as a snowman-ophile, however this is the second snowman of my challenge, so go figure.
My nephew, like most small children (and adults that i know), is a massive fan of Frozen. If you want a laugh, you should hear him sing Let it Go. I mean, even Idina can barely sing it on a good night, never mind a 3 year old with a developing Derby accent. But he gives it a good go.
His favourite character, as is mine, is Olaf the Snowman.
I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I don't want to be that person who makes everybody's presents.
But I don't think a hand made Olaf would go a miss this Christmas?!
I found a free crochet pattern for an 'Olaf Inspired' Snowman (yay no copyright infringement!) from Yarn Wars. It comes with videos, so if you find yourself staring at the pattern wondering what on earth it means, then you have something to go off! Helpful.
Again this is something I started making a few weeks ago, but have finished tonight. My challenge, my rules.
But I don't think a hand made Olaf would go a miss this Christmas?!
I found a free crochet pattern for an 'Olaf Inspired' Snowman (yay no copyright infringement!) from Yarn Wars. It comes with videos, so if you find yourself staring at the pattern wondering what on earth it means, then you have something to go off! Helpful.
Again this is something I started making a few weeks ago, but have finished tonight. My challenge, my rules.
I know it's a bit strange posting someone's present on the internet before they've received it.
But he's 3.
And can't read.
And is on no social networking sites.
And if my sister shows it to him, then that's just bad parenting*
*I can't keep a plant alive, never mind a tiny human, i am nobody to judge anybody's parenting skills.
But he's 3.
And can't read.
And is on no social networking sites.
And if my sister shows it to him, then that's just bad parenting*
*I can't keep a plant alive, never mind a tiny human, i am nobody to judge anybody's parenting skills.
Day 10.
10/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 15.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: Supposed to be a fairy. Wasn't. I only know this by looking at the plastic imprint.
I have done no Christmas shopping, and I have only made tiny stockings.
So far, this makes for a disappointing Christmas morning for all involved.
Today's challenge to the rescue!
No, I have not knitted all of my Christmas presents. But i have finished my big Christmas Stockings, all ready for tomorrow's adventure in to late night Christmas shopping. Help me.
It's a free pattern from Gleeful Things. And what is more gleeful than a Christmas stocking? Nothing, that is what.
Again, this is one I have been working on for a while, so much so I've made 2. One for me, and one for the boy. Unfortunately, we are that couple.
But today, despite nearly missing several calls, i finished them during the second show.
All the while I have been making this, Dame Doo Doo/Ben has been trying several stocking patterns, deeming them unsatisfactory, unpicking them and saying he should really try this one, before moving on to a different pattern, because...logic.
So far, this makes for a disappointing Christmas morning for all involved.
Today's challenge to the rescue!
No, I have not knitted all of my Christmas presents. But i have finished my big Christmas Stockings, all ready for tomorrow's adventure in to late night Christmas shopping. Help me.
It's a free pattern from Gleeful Things. And what is more gleeful than a Christmas stocking? Nothing, that is what.
Again, this is one I have been working on for a while, so much so I've made 2. One for me, and one for the boy. Unfortunately, we are that couple.
But today, despite nearly missing several calls, i finished them during the second show.
All the while I have been making this, Dame Doo Doo/Ben has been trying several stocking patterns, deeming them unsatisfactory, unpicking them and saying he should really try this one, before moving on to a different pattern, because...logic.
Work in Progress...
Finished Products.
Now, who wants to do my Christmas shopping for me?!
Day 11.
11/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 14.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: Again, Baby Jesus/tiny snowman. Still unsure.
I'm writing this in Bill's restaurant as my boss debates on whether to order the cheese plate.
Antisocial? maybe. But all in the interest of time efficiency.
We've had a few bottles of red, all in the name of Thursday and late night shopping. And so begins my first inebriatedly written post. All in the spirit of Christmas, i have eaten, drank and am merry.
Dear reader, I wish you luck.
I made today's challenge during today's show; In between reblocking a show due to being a dancer down and turning a dance that consisted of two duets in to two solos. I probably should have concentrated on that instead of a challenge, but oh well.
I hadn't budgeted for 24 days of buying stuff, so today's challenge came from my thrifty side, and my desire to be Kirsty Alsopp.
PLARN!
Plastic yarn. It's free. It's colourful and it's free.
Did I mention it was free?!
Antisocial? maybe. But all in the interest of time efficiency.
We've had a few bottles of red, all in the name of Thursday and late night shopping. And so begins my first inebriatedly written post. All in the spirit of Christmas, i have eaten, drank and am merry.
Dear reader, I wish you luck.
I made today's challenge during today's show; In between reblocking a show due to being a dancer down and turning a dance that consisted of two duets in to two solos. I probably should have concentrated on that instead of a challenge, but oh well.
I hadn't budgeted for 24 days of buying stuff, so today's challenge came from my thrifty side, and my desire to be Kirsty Alsopp.
PLARN!
Plastic yarn. It's free. It's colourful and it's free.
Did I mention it was free?!
What to make? A snowflake. Clearly, a recycled tesco bag (other supermarkets are available) needs to be a snowflake. Obviously. As the other dancer said to me whilst i was making it - "other people see a plastic bag as another bin, you see a snowflake". I think that's a compliment?
I'd tried to make one previously...and it went wrong. I think i may have jumped in at the deep end. Fingers crossed for today..
I found a simpler pattern from Sarah London! Obviously the plarn and wool create a different look, but both have their charms!
I'd tried to make one previously...and it went wrong. I think i may have jumped in at the deep end. Fingers crossed for today..
I found a simpler pattern from Sarah London! Obviously the plarn and wool create a different look, but both have their charms!
Yay! It worked!
Back to your business and lives.
Back to your business and lives.
Day 12.
12/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 13.
Advent calendar chocolate: A finally recognisable Christmas pudding.
I have finally started my Christmas shopping, it is nowhere near complete, yet it is started.
Ergo, I cannot i spend all my money on wool and ingredients for this challenge. Try as I might want to. (And actually did yesterday- there was a sale on wool, judge ye not). So today's craft comes from the thrifty side of Pinterest. All I needed was paper, which I had left over from the Christmas fairy, yet more productive use of the show's marketing material. I won't tell if you don't.
I used this tutorial. Nice, quick and easy, though there's lots going on about a pentagon that threw me for six. Or five. Sorry.
Ergo, I cannot i spend all my money on wool and ingredients for this challenge. Try as I might want to. (And actually did yesterday- there was a sale on wool, judge ye not). So today's craft comes from the thrifty side of Pinterest. All I needed was paper, which I had left over from the Christmas fairy, yet more productive use of the show's marketing material. I won't tell if you don't.
I used this tutorial. Nice, quick and easy, though there's lots going on about a pentagon that threw me for six. Or five. Sorry.
I've just got home from an evening at a carol concert.
A few glasses of mulled wine and a rendition of 12 days of Christmas that got me far too excited later...
I must admit... It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
Day 13.
13/12/2014
Sleeps till Christmas: 12.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: SANTA!
A quick one today, as I am mid panto. Good has won the day and Beauty and the Beast are about to get married. I have done a 60's medley and am about to dance at their wedding. Standard Saturday night.
Today's was a crochet Gingerbread man. Tutorial available here!
Today's was a crochet Gingerbread man. Tutorial available here!
I'd love to stay and chat, but these green sequins won't wear themselves.
Day 14.
14/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 11
Advent Calendar Chocolate: I don't know. It's my day off and I am temporarily separated from said calendar. The suspense is palpable.
Hurray for days off, Boo for Christmas shopping, but yay for Home Alone 2!
This is how I have spent my evening: watching Home Alone 2, ignoring the pile of wrapping that needs to be done and knitting a Christmas Pudding.
Christmas has officially started.
I found a pattern from the Innocent Big Knit a few years ago - what's better than a Christmas pudding? A Christmas pudding that's really a tiny hat for a bottle. That's what.
This is how I have spent my evening: watching Home Alone 2, ignoring the pile of wrapping that needs to be done and knitting a Christmas Pudding.
Christmas has officially started.
I found a pattern from the Innocent Big Knit a few years ago - what's better than a Christmas pudding? A Christmas pudding that's really a tiny hat for a bottle. That's what.
Day 15.
15/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 10.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: A present!
Today's make is one that has been sat on my Pinterest board for a while gathering dust.
And to be honest, I think in that time, it may have bigged itself up in my head, for when i finished, i felt i a bit... meh ... about it!
Don't get me wrong, it's a good pattern, and hers look lovely. Mine is by no means awful, I think it just needed the precision, time and attention to detail that i did not have.
As my mother would say: You can't win them all.
I did ask for a cutting board and stuff for Christmas. But that was in October, and I don't think that my Santa has that good a memory. Maybe January sales.
And to be honest, I think in that time, it may have bigged itself up in my head, for when i finished, i felt i a bit... meh ... about it!
Don't get me wrong, it's a good pattern, and hers look lovely. Mine is by no means awful, I think it just needed the precision, time and attention to detail that i did not have.
As my mother would say: You can't win them all.
I did ask for a cutting board and stuff for Christmas. But that was in October, and I don't think that my Santa has that good a memory. Maybe January sales.
I decided to make it more complicated for myself, because, why wouldn't you? and cut stars in to the centre, rather than a heart. And I didn't have any beads, cause I'm not THAT gay, so I just ignored them.
As I said, it's not horrific, but I don't think it will be taking pride of place on the tree any time soon...
Day 16.
16/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 9. We've moved in to single figures. Holy Crackers.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: Santa. Again. Real imaginative Cadburys.
I started one make today, and scrapped it about 95% of the way through.
It was another crochet snowflake. I didn't enjoy it. So i unravelled it.
I'm glad i did, cause I much prefer what i made next.
It's something I've seen on my many (many) hours browsing Pinterest, acknowledged, filed away for another day, but again never bothered to make.
I've no link to any tutorials as i sort of made it up as I went along.
But i'm sure if you search Button Christmas Tree you'll find something similar!
It was another crochet snowflake. I didn't enjoy it. So i unravelled it.
I'm glad i did, cause I much prefer what i made next.
It's something I've seen on my many (many) hours browsing Pinterest, acknowledged, filed away for another day, but again never bothered to make.
I've no link to any tutorials as i sort of made it up as I went along.
But i'm sure if you search Button Christmas Tree you'll find something similar!
Again, in the interest of saving pennies and spending them on Christmas presents (nearly finished!) I used whatever materials I had with me at the time.
I would have liked a wider variety of button sizes (I've tried several wordings of that sentence, and there's no way of it not sounding weird - so just go with it), but I think it works with what I had!
I would have liked a wider variety of button sizes (I've tried several wordings of that sentence, and there's no way of it not sounding weird - so just go with it), but I think it works with what I had!
Day 17.
17/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 8. One week till Christmas Eve. Flipping Heck.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: Christmas Pudding. As we get closer to Christmas Eve, they are getting more recognisable. This is pleasing.
Today's is another strange one, as in some of you may see it here before you receive them in person.
However, i'm counting on the fact that not many people read this that it won't ruin too many surprises. Swings and roundabouts. 1
The problem with making your own Christmas Cards, is once you've made them, people come to expect them. No matter how nice a cards you buy from Paperchase, I think there is always that expectation. But that probably says more about me than it does about other people. And should also probably be directed at a psychiatrist of some sort, not you. Sorry.
Anyway, my 2013 Christmas cards involved Bows made out of last years panto's leaflets. (Abusing promotional material is becoming a strong theme here...).
However, i'm counting on the fact that not many people read this that it won't ruin too many surprises. Swings and roundabouts. 1
The problem with making your own Christmas Cards, is once you've made them, people come to expect them. No matter how nice a cards you buy from Paperchase, I think there is always that expectation. But that probably says more about me than it does about other people. And should also probably be directed at a psychiatrist of some sort, not you. Sorry.
Anyway, my 2013 Christmas cards involved Bows made out of last years panto's leaflets. (Abusing promotional material is becoming a strong theme here...).
As you can imagine, this was time consuming, repetitive and i was regretting my decision by card number 3. But in stubborness i persevered.
But this year, I have learnt my lesson.
2 buttons, a sharpie and a stamp. Done.
Again, it's something i've seen on Pinterest and stored away in my head - somewhere near the place where i store song lyrics. So there's no tutorial, but if you search button Christmas Cards, I'm sure something will come up!
But this year, I have learnt my lesson.
2 buttons, a sharpie and a stamp. Done.
Again, it's something i've seen on Pinterest and stored away in my head - somewhere near the place where i store song lyrics. So there's no tutorial, but if you search button Christmas Cards, I'm sure something will come up!
Now just to finish the rest and write them!
But that can wait, I'm going to a production 'Gold, Frankincense and Mirth' ( I do love a good pun) this evening, so hopefully that should crank up the Christmas spirit!
:) x
But that can wait, I'm going to a production 'Gold, Frankincense and Mirth' ( I do love a good pun) this evening, so hopefully that should crank up the Christmas spirit!
:) x
Day 18.
18/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 7. That is one week.
One week until the big man pays a visit down your chimney.
Mind out of the gutters please.
I don't normally do requests; mainly cause the stubborn part of my personality does not agree with it, partly because i don't enjoy the pressure but mainly the stubborn thing.
But it is the season of good will and giving, so I thought I would acquiesce (there is your big word for the day). Plus i was beginning to run out of ideas, fingers crossed inspiration will hit for tomorrow?!
My friend Gillian saw one of the links to the blog on Facebook and requested a bell decoration.
I don't know why a bell, but I once poured wine in to her laptop, so ever since then i've been in her debt. I'm amazed we're still friends.
A bell she shall have!
I found the link here. It promised a finished product in 5 minutes, which was ideal as i was trying to do in between dances.
Mission accomplished.
But it is the season of good will and giving, so I thought I would acquiesce (there is your big word for the day). Plus i was beginning to run out of ideas, fingers crossed inspiration will hit for tomorrow?!
My friend Gillian saw one of the links to the blog on Facebook and requested a bell decoration.
I don't know why a bell, but I once poured wine in to her laptop, so ever since then i've been in her debt. I'm amazed we're still friends.
A bell she shall have!
I found the link here. It promised a finished product in 5 minutes, which was ideal as i was trying to do in between dances.
Mission accomplished.
When i finished, it kind of looked like something Lady Edith might wear in Downton. So i customised it to make it a bit more... Bell- like!
Going to pop it in her card and pop it in the post to her!
Now, off you pop!
Going to pop it in her card and pop it in the post to her!
Now, off you pop!
Day 19.
19/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 6. Jeepers.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: We have moved on to Bigger chocolates. That is BIGGER CHOCOLATES. I am happy. It's also a cracker.
We've had a massive break between shows today. I say massive, it's been about 6 hours. In panto terms, that's massive.
I've been for a hair cut and then sat in the dressing room with some buttons and some cards and some glue. As we all do at some point in our lives.
I've tried a few different designs (which i won't lie to you, may be used on other days. As i said: my challenge, my rules.
But this one is my favourite:
I've been for a hair cut and then sat in the dressing room with some buttons and some cards and some glue. As we all do at some point in our lives.
I've tried a few different designs (which i won't lie to you, may be used on other days. As i said: my challenge, my rules.
But this one is my favourite:
You can still see the pencil marks as i don't have an eraser with me. So... use your imaginations.
I saw a similar card on Pinterest, but they used a different song.
I had lots of red buttons, and Rudolph had a red nose.
Christmas logic.
I saw a similar card on Pinterest, but they used a different song.
I had lots of red buttons, and Rudolph had a red nose.
Christmas logic.
Day 20.
20/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 5.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: MASSIVE CANDLE. Looked slightly caninely phallic, but not enough to make me not eat it.
Today has been a day of panic. When i was supposed to be lying in, I woke up and realised that it was the last posting day. I had neither bought, written nor sent any cards to family. I had not wrapped presents. I had not iced the cake. Worcester has no mincemeat.
But I am watching Love Actually and I have cider. So there's that.
Today's make is a bit of a none entity.
As i don't know what it is.
It could be a decoration, but it would be a bit of a weird one.
It's just a granny square with festive colours.
I never said any of these days had to be particularly innovative... again, my challenge, my rules.
But I am watching Love Actually and I have cider. So there's that.
Today's make is a bit of a none entity.
As i don't know what it is.
It could be a decoration, but it would be a bit of a weird one.
It's just a granny square with festive colours.
I never said any of these days had to be particularly innovative... again, my challenge, my rules.
I started following the pattern for a sort of bauble type thing, but then lost interest, so just kept going and made it in to something else.
I've never made a circle in to a square, so i'm quite pleased with how it turned out!
However, I have learnt today, that I prefer things that start with a magic circle rather than a chain and slip stitch (which this is).
Every days a school day!
And I have another festive coaster. Fantastic.
I've never made a circle in to a square, so i'm quite pleased with how it turned out!
However, I have learnt today, that I prefer things that start with a magic circle rather than a chain and slip stitch (which this is).
Every days a school day!
And I have another festive coaster. Fantastic.
Day 21.
21/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 4.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: It's a day off from panto land, which also means a day off from Advent Calendars. 2 chocolates tomorrow though!
One of my favourite Christmas traditions is icing the cake.
When I was younger, I would Ice the christmas cake my mum had made, but for the last couple of years i have been away from my Mum and Dad's house and not been organised or grown up enough to make my own.
This year, despite having not finished my shopping and done very little wrapping, I have been organised on one front, and that front is the cake front.
More details about how it started here.
I confess, I did not make the marzipan or icing, but 21 challenges in and after the 12th show of the week i was in no mood to be faffing about with glycerin.
I'll write a formal apology to Bezza.
I marzipanned (now officially a verb) the cake last night and iced it this morning.
I was a bit worried about getting pleats in the fondant (first world problems and all that) but found lots of nice tutorials online on how to avoid them!
When I was younger, I would Ice the christmas cake my mum had made, but for the last couple of years i have been away from my Mum and Dad's house and not been organised or grown up enough to make my own.
This year, despite having not finished my shopping and done very little wrapping, I have been organised on one front, and that front is the cake front.
More details about how it started here.
I confess, I did not make the marzipan or icing, but 21 challenges in and after the 12th show of the week i was in no mood to be faffing about with glycerin.
I'll write a formal apology to Bezza.
I marzipanned (now officially a verb) the cake last night and iced it this morning.
I was a bit worried about getting pleats in the fondant (first world problems and all that) but found lots of nice tutorials online on how to avoid them!
One of my favourite things about Christmas is all the traditions it brings. I'm sure every family has their own.
The little things like having to watch Home Alone 2 whilst wrapping presents that really make it Christmas to me!
One such tradition in my family is that every Christmas Eve my Mum brings holly branches in off the tree in the garden to decorate with.
That, to me, screams IT'S CHRISTMAS!
It's something I've missed being away from home for Christmas for the past 5 years, so I thought i'd incorporate it in my own little way here.
I bought a holly shaped cookie cutter from a shop in town, some green and red fondant and set to work...
The little things like having to watch Home Alone 2 whilst wrapping presents that really make it Christmas to me!
One such tradition in my family is that every Christmas Eve my Mum brings holly branches in off the tree in the garden to decorate with.
That, to me, screams IT'S CHRISTMAS!
It's something I've missed being away from home for Christmas for the past 5 years, so I thought i'd incorporate it in my own little way here.
I bought a holly shaped cookie cutter from a shop in town, some green and red fondant and set to work...
My plan was to let them dry so they curled like holly leaves do. But either I didn't leave them long enough, or they were too thick...as it didn't really work out as planned. Not a distaster by any means! Holly leaves none the less!
Et Voila!
Day 22.
22/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 3(!)
Advent Calendar Chocolate: Cracker!
I confess, today I may have bent the rules of the challenge.
I woke up with a horrible mixture of mulled wine, prosecco and gin soaked gummy bears coursing through my system. Other wise known as a hangover.
I was in just about a fit enough shape to do two shows, never mind make something.
Though, i've arranged to meet one of my friends for a pre Christmas coffee tomorrow, and of course we will exchange cards.
So i thought i'd use one of my pre made cards from day 19 as a buffer of sorts!
I woke up with a horrible mixture of mulled wine, prosecco and gin soaked gummy bears coursing through my system. Other wise known as a hangover.
I was in just about a fit enough shape to do two shows, never mind make something.
Though, i've arranged to meet one of my friends for a pre Christmas coffee tomorrow, and of course we will exchange cards.
So i thought i'd use one of my pre made cards from day 19 as a buffer of sorts!
Now i'm off to finish wrapping presents!
Day 23.
23/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 2!
Advent Calendar Chocolate: A candle. Again.
It's 2 days before Christmas.
My shopping is finished.
My presents are wrapped.
My bags are packed and ready to be put in the car.
But I have not made anything today.
I feel like I've let you down. But at the same time, I don't. It's Christmas, the time of goodwill to all men. Show me some good will.
No I have not made anything today. But today I am reaping the benefits of a previous make:
Mary Berry's Christmas Chutney.
Who doesn't love a bit of Bezza? Mary Berry, Christmas and a cheese accompaniment? Where do I sign up?!
As I write this I have a plate of cheese, crackers and the chutney that i made in October and left to mature.
I may procrastinate with most things, but when it comes to chutneys...I'm on it.
As I made it way back in October I can't really remember how it went. But it's damn tasty, so it mustn't have gone too awry!
There's a bit of a kick to it as well which I enjoy...but not too much, if you prefer things on the milder side!
I do however remember that it's ALOT of veg in the pan at first, more than our largest pan could hold. So when it says a large pan... it means it.
It was enough to make 3 jars:
My shopping is finished.
My presents are wrapped.
My bags are packed and ready to be put in the car.
But I have not made anything today.
I feel like I've let you down. But at the same time, I don't. It's Christmas, the time of goodwill to all men. Show me some good will.
No I have not made anything today. But today I am reaping the benefits of a previous make:
Mary Berry's Christmas Chutney.
Who doesn't love a bit of Bezza? Mary Berry, Christmas and a cheese accompaniment? Where do I sign up?!
As I write this I have a plate of cheese, crackers and the chutney that i made in October and left to mature.
I may procrastinate with most things, but when it comes to chutneys...I'm on it.
As I made it way back in October I can't really remember how it went. But it's damn tasty, so it mustn't have gone too awry!
There's a bit of a kick to it as well which I enjoy...but not too much, if you prefer things on the milder side!
I do however remember that it's ALOT of veg in the pan at first, more than our largest pan could hold. So when it says a large pan... it means it.
It was enough to make 3 jars:
Jar number 1 went to my Mum and Dad's. They had their friends round for a cheese and wine evening and apparently it went down very well.
Jar number 2 came to Pantoland with me, and we opened it with our cheese and wine when we decorated the tree (Day 7).
Jar number 3 has gone with the boy to the big family Christmas! From which we are less than 24 hours away! Eek!
Jar number 2 came to Pantoland with me, and we opened it with our cheese and wine when we decorated the tree (Day 7).
Jar number 3 has gone with the boy to the big family Christmas! From which we are less than 24 hours away! Eek!
Day 24.
24/12/2014.
Sleeps till Christmas: 1.
Advent Calendar Chocolate: A massive cracker. Well done Cadburys, we got there in the end didn't we?!
So here we are, it's the 24th of December, and to quote the green frog himself "there's only one more sleep till Christmas"!
It's been a bit of a funny one today. This morning I packed my car up with presents, Stanley the snowman's sat on the passenger seat all ready to go to Wales for Christmas day! Then got to work and found out Beauty (of Beauty and the Beast fame) had no voice! In to reblock mode I went!
But now we're at the interval of the second show, I'm almost an hour away from singing 'Driving Home For Christmas' at the top of my voice in the car and I'm feeling very very festive!!
But I've not made anything, mainly because if I've not been reblocking dances I've been stuffing my face with celebrations or doing some last minute wrapping!
But I have had time to look through the past 23 days and everything I've made and it's made me very happy!
More importantly, it's given me that warm Christmassy feeling!!
Every so often in this blog,I say I don't want to be the person that makes everyones presents. This challenge has changed my mind.
I would much rather give a gift that has thought, care and love go in to it than something plucked off a high street shelf...
Which reminds me of this:
It's been a bit of a funny one today. This morning I packed my car up with presents, Stanley the snowman's sat on the passenger seat all ready to go to Wales for Christmas day! Then got to work and found out Beauty (of Beauty and the Beast fame) had no voice! In to reblock mode I went!
But now we're at the interval of the second show, I'm almost an hour away from singing 'Driving Home For Christmas' at the top of my voice in the car and I'm feeling very very festive!!
But I've not made anything, mainly because if I've not been reblocking dances I've been stuffing my face with celebrations or doing some last minute wrapping!
But I have had time to look through the past 23 days and everything I've made and it's made me very happy!
More importantly, it's given me that warm Christmassy feeling!!
Every so often in this blog,I say I don't want to be the person that makes everyones presents. This challenge has changed my mind.
I would much rather give a gift that has thought, care and love go in to it than something plucked off a high street shelf...
Which reminds me of this:
So there we have it. The 24 Days of Pinterest/Instagram/Ravelry-Christmas-Challenge - Complete!
I hope you have a lovely Christmas wherever you may be and whatever you may be doing!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!
I hope you have a lovely Christmas wherever you may be and whatever you may be doing!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!