Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Well, it's that time of year again, and Christmas is almost upon us. I hope you've enjoyed the run-up to Christmas as much as I have. We've enjoyed Izzy's Carol Service in the most beautiful setting of Chester Cathedral and I've enjoyed meeting up with old friends and family whom I  haven't seen for a while. I've sent my cards, cleaned the house, almost wrapped the presents and finished most of the shopping. I just have one last gym session at 4pm today (let's hope I can walk on Christmas Day), leaving tomorrow free for a quick tidy up and preparing veg.

 

I had grand plans for making lots of Christmas presents using up my huge yarn stash, but sadly time and commissions got the better of me and all that I managed was a scarf and a little snuffly hedgehog from Julie's pattern over at Little Cotton Rabbits. But I did make two batches of rocky road which is super delicious. One batch was dispatched to my knitty friends at our last meeting of the year, and the other batch is safe in the Conservatory ready for distributing on Christmas Day to family. I've made paper bunting and used up all my leftover cards and wrapping paper from last year, so I didn't need to buy any this year :). So all in all, my handmade Christmas wasn't such a bad effort. Next year I'll make an early start on those handmade presents.

 

I also finished off the year with some lovely commissions in some of my favourite magazines. I'm so grateful to all the editors and staff who continue to support my craft business and help me to make it a success. I hope you all get the chance to relax a little over Christmas.

 

My published patterns for December include a gorgeous fair isle cushion in Homemaker Magazine, a cute little blue tit and a jar cover in Let's Get Crafting and 3 knitted projects in The Knitting Collection - a collection of 47 amazing designs. I was delighted that 2 of my projects are featured on the front cover. what an achievement. All of these magazines are packed with gorgeous projects which will inspire you to get knitting and crocheting. They're all worth a read over Christmas and the New Year - perfect to enjoy whilst relaxing and chilling over the festive season.

 

 

 

 

 

 So all that's left is for me to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and all the best for a FAB and CRAFTY 2014. Thanks  to all my facebook and twitter followers and thank for reading my humble offerings on my blog. Love to you all, Lynne x

Turning 50 (eek!!!)

Welcome to my cosy corner - I hope you're well and looking forward to Christmas. I blogged here about our recent milestones - children growing up, learning to drive and my first book release. Well now I can tell you about another milestone passed by little old me (old being the operative word here!!!). Last week I reached the grand old age of 50. Wow!! I'm glad to say I don't feel any older than I did before, which is a good thing. Infact, due to my personal training sessions at the gym, I'm actually feeling a lot fitter than I did before which is great. I love going to the gym (infact I think I'm addicted to it!!) as it counteracts all of the sitting around that I do whilst designing and working up samples. It also helps me to clear my head and I always come back energised and refreshed, which has a great impact on my design work.

 

So back to my 50th. We enjoyed a takeaway on the Saturday night and the girls came home which was lovely. The children bought me a gorgeous ring, which complimented the equally gorgeous bracelet from hubby. The takeaway was delicious and was from our friend's restaurant. Their food is always really yummy and they always provide gluten free options for me. They also bought me a gorgeous Chanel scarf which was extremely generous. Izzy spent the day baking a gorgeous gluten-free cake for me, which was also super delicious. We had champagne and a nice chat together and thought how lucky I was to have such a lovely family.

 

Then the next day hubby whisked me off to a Spa break at Crewe Hall in Cheshire (not far from where we live). He arranged for his mum to stay with Ollie, he even had money in his wallet!!!! (now that's an unusual occurrence). We enjoyed the pool, sauna and steam room and I went in the gym, followed by a gorgeous meal at the hotel and off to the cinema to watch Gravity (which was amazing). The next morning we had a huge breakfast followed by some relaxing beauty treatments. Then back in the sauna, steam room and gym before enjoyed a tasty two-course lunch. We arrived back in time for Ollie's return from school and I felt refreshed and relaxed after my indulgence. Crewe Hall is stunning and it's background is really interesting - I would highly recommend it for a relaxing break. 

 

The rest of the week was equally as exciting. My crafting friends surprised me with a tuneful rendition of Happy Birthday at our monthly meet-up (along with gorgeous flowers and cute knitted lavender bags). I was asked to design a simple cowl for a fashion magazine, I received my copy of The Knitting Collection and there on the front are 2 of my projects - I even got a mention in the editors welcome. I was so excited that I squealed out loud. Then, Inside Crochet arrived and there on the front cover (small image at the bottom) was my Rose bolster cushion. I was thrilled as I'm sure you can imagine, especially as my cute crochet penguin is also the cover star of Let's Get Crafting.

Finally, to round the week off, I had a day out in Liverpool with my lovely Izzy who was having her first photoshoot for her dance portfolio. It went well, and then she was asked by the next client to stand in for a model who couldn't make it. So Izzy was overjoyed and she now has some amazing images for her portfolio. All images supplied by Rory Lewis Photography (www.rorylewis.co.uk)

 

Now I'm back in the swing of things and trying to knit and crochet some Christmas gifts. I'm knitting a stylish Men's scarf on my needles, and as soon as it's finished I'll take a photo and share the pattern so that you can knit your own for the man in your life.

I hope you're looking forward to Christmas and are including some handmade gifts (if you have time). See you soon and happy crafting, Lynne x