and a few more

Some hot chocolate layered jars for the kids teachers for Christmas. /instructions here:

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1011198

And a couple of other things I had made for a swap.

A few other things

A couple of crocheted toys for the kids I made and a rag doll I made for a craft swap I was in

Mr Sparkles

You can't see it from this picture (was taken on my phone - too late to be bothered uploading from camera) but it is a black sock monkey with gold and silver stripes. The only pair of new socks I could find in the house.

I think his ears are a little big but overall a great beginners project. There was a little too much hand sewing for my liking though - the parts I did on my machine were super easy!

So, introducing Mr Sparkles :)

And, the easy as tutorial I followed here:
http://www.web-goddess.org/writing/tutorial/Image0.html

I did it!

Sewed a sock monkey that is. It was SO easy - the perfect beginners item I think. Though the socks were a little tricky to sew once they were cut as they curled up. But, I did it.

I am just about to hand sew the finish of it, then shall post pictures. Hope he looks ok lol.

My new Toy

Got myself a new sewing machine for Christmas. It is only a very basic Brother machine - but it also only cost $150 brand spanking so was pretty chuffed at my half price special!

I have lots of plans and am already of dreaming of things to make. But, slow and steady I think as I haven't sewed on a maching for a very long time (think 15years+)

I whipped myself up a pin cushion last night while trying to work out how to use it. Have also cut out the pieces for a dress for Abbey (my 4 year old) so am going to try to attack that soon.

I am waiting on a new Amy Butler book to arrive and have plans to attack some projects from that.

Also going to try a sock monkey which I think is something simple for me to make while I am still trying to get my head around everything!