I ordered some brush pens for my niece's birthday and some origami paper for school from this website on Monday night: http://www.studioartshop.com/ . I had a phone call today apologising because one of the items I ordered (origami paper pads) had not come into stock as expected and I was asked how I wanted them to proceed. I was offered (and accepted) different papers which were better quality but had less sheets per pad and were therefore cheaper than the ones I ordered. So instead of 2 bigger pads, I am getting 3 with less sheets - the cost of 3 is more than the 2 I ordered but they aren't charging me the difference by way of apology. I was impressed with the guy who offered me different options and was happy to spend time sorting things out for me, he has also emailed me since to say the order has been posted.

More a balaclava really! I made this for my son's birthday - he loves hats!

It's going camping tonight and on an overnight sailing trip tomorrow!

My first amigurumi project - an owl for the student we have had placed at school all year - tomorrow is her last day. My daughter made the card.

I've started knitting, crocheting, sewing and making cribs for Loving Hands, a group that crafts for charities and good causes(I know I'm not the only member on here). We have just started our summer challenges (extra makes on top of the ongoing ones) and one of the things on the list is Chemo Dolls for children dealing with cancer treatment. The dolls have no hair but are to have hats or headscarves, just like the kids. I've never knitted dolls before and this is my first attempt (no face yet - too chicken!)



Also on the list are balaclavas and 'cool ties' (neckbands containing water absorbing granules to keep the wearer cool) for the troops and dog coats for abandoned dogs in Romania.

The ongoing wish list covers almost anything you could wish to  make from prem baby hats and burial gowns, children's clothes and toys to hats, scarves and lap blankets for the elderly.

This is a link to my facebook album of stuff that has been made so far: Loving Hands album

I have been knitting and crocheting for Loving Hands http://www.lovinghands.org.uk/index.html - a group that send many different things to charities. I have made prem baby hats and a 'sleeping bag' for one who didn't make it, bigger hats and scarves and a crocheted boob for helping midwives teach breastfeeding! Mum has joined in too and has made some beautiful gowns for the babies who die at birth or soon after - they are so tiny, as well as blankets and toys. I haven't got photos of that lot yet but will do before I send it off.

As a little light relief I made this for my sister's birthday:


and this for a friend's new baby grandson:

I bought a peg loom and I have taken it to school (primary school with 13 pupils). I've been cutting up old t-shirts donated by pupils and staff so they can contribute to and participate in the making of a rug.

Loom set up:


Getting going:


Today:

I got a 20mm crochet hook made by Pete (Bodrighy) for Christmas - I ordered it and then dad took it saying, I'll give you that for Christmas! So I eventually got it and have made this using strips torn from 2 old flannelette sheets of my mother in law's. The rug measures 24 x 28".

The daughter of a former colleague of mine lost her fight with cancer yesterday, the lovely lass was also the niece of my brother in law. Give her family a thought tonight, give your own a hug and if Christmas isn't the way you would like it to be - does it really matter?