The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Tuesday 19 January 2016

The Christmas Challenge. Yarn ideas and labelling.

Last week I totally forgot to include the three big bags of stretch knits in the supplies I have on hand. There is so much I can do with it all. I am working through it dividing it into what it is suitable for. It will make a lot of gifts!

This week I want to think a bit about yarn. Many of us have heaps of wool or cottons in our supplies. I also have quite a bit of luck with finding yard in op shops.


There are so many beautiful things to make! There are easy things for beginners through to heirloom worthy things that take a lot of work. The good thing is that hand knits and crochet items are in all the shops and homewares stores and at huge prices. We can get so many ideas browsing those stores. Last winter I saw so many thing I knew I could make and took a lot of photos on my phone to remind me. (otherwise I will forget).



Often we tend to have a stash of left overs. Mum makes a lot of hats and things with stripes to use hers up. I think a multicoloured blanket is quite gorgeous or a pram rug or something like that.
If you have lots of bits a rug, scarf or hat for charity is a really good thing to work on.


A soft knee rug I made as a gift.

I am going to share something for anyone with a large yarn stash and you are not sure what to do with it...
Our climate here isn't terribly cold. We don't usually go below freezing at all and do not have snow. But still winter is cold and it's cold to us as it is all we are used to!
When the girls were little and I had my first home and I had chickens. One day they escaped through a hole behind the shed into the neighbours out the back. I had not lived there long so I didn't know who the neighbour was. I went round and knocked on the door... an old lady answered and I explained and apologised about the escapees. And so I met Janet.
We became firm friends. She had been in a concentration camp in Germany and worse she had a baby in there. She was there when the US troops liberated them. She had an envelope of pictures that she showed me one day. They were amongst the worst things I have ever seen even until now.
Janet lived alone, the house and water were heated by an old fashioned wood stove.
One day in winter her house was really cold. I just happened to ask her if she was warm enough and did she have plenty of warm blankets on her bed?
The answer was no. She was cold at night as her bedding wasn't really adequate.
I was horrified. How long had she been like this?
I went home and told Mum.  Mum always keeps pure wool crochet blankets and knee rugs on hand and works on new ones constantly. So within 24 hours I returned to see Janet with three beautiful warm rugs. She was so over the moon! She couldn't believe it.
Before that it truly never occurred to me that I would even know someone who is not warm enough at night. Since then I have knitted and crocheted many rugs to give away.
So if you have yarn and you don't know what to do with it get knitting or crocheting. It is going to waste in your cupboards. The world is full of Janets.


My winter blanket I made a couple of years ago with a new stitch. It weighs a ton and is really warm.


I have some 8 ply cottons, fine cottons and some odd balls of wool. Also a lot of pale pink chenille yarn that is so soft and nice.
Once the weather cools I will be starting on the chenille and I think I will make Harper a pram or car rug.

Some of the gifts I like to make using cottons are dish cloths, face washers, baby face washers, edgings on linens, bath mats...


I love to edge things from pillowcases, towels, sheets, face washers, t towels, bibs, baby socks, soft rugs, muslin face cloths and wraps...



Left over bits and pieces also make great decorations for parcels.




For inspiration I love Cocoa Rose Diaries. She has just stopped posting sadly but I am hoping all the content will remain as I get so many ideas from here! Following craft blogs really is encouraging. Don't forget Pinterest for ideas and You Tube for lessons.

Presentation is always an important thing when we are gift giving. I really feel this is the bit that helped me to feel confident about giving things I have made myself. The "Crochet with Love" bands are free printables available here.
They are also available for knitted gifts here.
I love them! They make your work look so nice! I hope this is useful.



I also love to make scarves. They are a lovely gift especially if you know someones colours and taste.

For gorgeous free scarf patterns and sheer inspiration look at Flamingo Toes.
Browse the crochet section for links to endless free pattern for accessories, blankets, you name it! Sheer heaven! Also she has lovey dish cloth patterns. They are lovely gifts!

I am really pretty hopeless as I can't read a pattern but I can copy things. To learn I watch your tube videos as if I see it I can do it whereas if I read the instructions I feel like the more I read the less I understand it! There is a crochet section here on Bluebirds where I have shown some past things I've made and attempted to show how.

Yarn projects are a joy. And basic skills are easy to learn. Once you have the basics you just improve as you practice, like anything else.
They are also something you can do while watching TV or sport. If Andy is driving I am crocheting!

There is nothing wrong with having more than one project going at once. It can be a help. For instance if it is still daylight I will stitch a bit more if I have time but in the darker evening I will crochet as I don't need to see so well. If I am going to be waiting in the car I will take some crochet ... it is really good to have one project that you can take with you when travelling or away and use that time. Some things are more mobile than others. So I always have a few things on the go. Using snippets of time really adds up!

I hope there are some ideas amongst all of this. It is really fun and you will increase your gift cupboard and reduce your yarn stash!

My actual Christmas Challenge progress this week was printing out a heap of these crochet gift bands for my supplies, cutting out two dozen hankies from my lovely floral cottons and learning via an online tutorial how to do hand rolled hems to hem them. Pictures soon. I also worked out my packaging for all my hankies. I am aiming to make at least 30.
Keep in mind next week I will be asking for photos! I will think of this too so I can include hankies in our show and tell for January.

I hope you feel you have made progress, reviewed your supplies, found some ideas and now started working on your gifts! It will help momentum to finish a couple of gifts or have something well underway.

I want to have a good start to my gift cupboard and finished items to put away before the end of the month! I better get moving. I am drowning in peaches though and have to finish them first! xxx









62 comments:

  1. Dear Annabel,
    Beautiful yarn - it makes me wish I knew how to crochet or knit (LOL).
    The story of Janet really touched my heart. So many people suffered in the Holocaust; total families were wiped out. Such an evil time. I am sure you blessed her so much by your thoughtfulness and kindness.
    We have over 3,000 children here that need brown bag lunches for the weekend. There are over 2,000 homeless adults in the city. Knit gloves and scarves would be a blessing to them.
    Many people in nursing homes have no visitors and no family. Flannel is very inexpensive here and nice shawls can be made quickly; lap blankets are another blessing to them.
    I look forward to seeing everyone's wonderful pictures.
    Love and hugs,
    Glenda

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    1. Dear Glenda, When we open our eyes there is so much opportunity to help be it warm scarves or packed lunches. I cannot fathom people who are bored when there is so much to do. I have odd wool left overs and can easily make some spare rugs again this winter. And you are right, flannel, fleecy, soft fabrics can all make just lovely scarves, knee rugs etc. Many thanks, with love Annabel.xxx

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  2. Annabel, your work is absolutely beautiful! I love those labels, thank you for sharing the links. I want to print off some of those labels too as I plan to have some crocheted items in my gift trunk this year too! Can't wait to see what you're doing with the hankies!

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    1. Thanks Patsy, I hope the labels might be handy for you. I love how they look! I have a fair few printed and ready for use during the year. With love Annabel.xxx

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  3. The story you told gives me thought to always care for others and make sure they are okay. You also gave me inspiration to do something with a hanky I have. One last thing you make me feel better about having more than one project going! Have a blessed week

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    1. Dear Vickie, oh yes I always have a few projects going! Its nice to have a change sometimes but overall I get them finished and thats lovely too.
      I really love hankies. Glad you found some inspiration! with love Annabel.xxx

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  4. Hi Annabel. I love reading your blog! I think I would like to learn how to knit and crochet. Could you recommend how I can do this? Would you suggest you tube and if so is there anyone in particular I should watch? I need the real beginners / dummies version!! xx

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    1. Dear Michelle,
      I cannot encourage you enough in this as you will have so much fun. Yes go to You Tube. Search "learn how to crochet for beginners" and start from there. You will find teachers you like better than others and just note and follow the ones you like. I like Yolanda Soto Lopez. But try a few. Also if you are left handed search with that included. Sit and learn chain then single crochet and double crochet. One at a time and just practice. Everything I have ever made is just these stitches in different orders! Let me know how you are going! Good luck! Love Annabel.xxx

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  5. DearAnnabel, I love all your work shown above in photos! The links will be helpful as I have a suitcase of wool and tend to get so overwhelmed or bogged down when I try something and get stuck so I will try and focus on one thing.I love the link to the scarves they look good for gifts too. That was a touching story about Janet,I feel at times that I carry the weight of my father's land and stories he's told,as he lived a block away from where Anne Frank& her family hid, although he was much luckier than them and many others.
    Have a lovely week ,love Maria xxx

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    1. Dear Maria,
      Really?! I never knew this... it is easy for me to say but that weight does not belong to you. But I don't know the answer to that and I know others who feel the same in certain ways. You always spread goodness and kindness thats all I know.
      If you have a suitcase of wool then you have lovely possibilities and winter is ahead of us still which is when wool projects are nicest I think. I get lots made then. And I love scarves especially the continuous cowl style ones in flattering colours and soft yarn... I made a few last year and I wore them all the time. I will make more this year.
      Have a browse of Flamingo Toes knitting and crochet sections... I know you will see things you just love. Also ... we need to put a photo of your hats in show and tell! With love Annabel.xxx

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  6. I love your blog, feeling blah now, but just reading your frothy pinkness, yarn, love and warmth I feel a little better for reading it. Thank you Annabel. Fi xx

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    1. Dear Fiona, HUGS, I know you are in recovery mode, amongst other things... and thank you. Pink softness does me good too! Its lovely. Will email you. Love Annabel.xxx

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  7. Annabel, lovely post as always! You are such an artist!

    I was really touched by the story of Janet and how you responded with a heart of generosity. It prompts me to want to reach out more to share what I have (or can make).

    Also, I can't wait to see what everyone has been making too! I am pretty much a one-trick pony at present (I make cards, but I used to quilt a lot), yet I am learning to think more creatively and your posts are really helping me to expand what I think I can possibly do.

    This past week-end, I purchased a huge package (180 sheets) of floral papers, and immediately thought of you. I will take them with me on vacation ("holiday") next month and make stacks of cards with my dear mother-in-law.

    With love from USA, Teresa

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    1. Dear Teresa,
      Thank you so much. There are so many needs and it can be easy to focus on other countries (where there is much need for sure) but also it turns out my neighbour was in need. I sort of learned a lesson in that.
      Floral papers! This sounds lovely to me! You know me well! Have a great time making cards. They will be handy to use and packs of a few would be very nice gifts too. Thanks Teresa, love Annabel.xxx

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  8. Dear Annabel, thank you for another beautiful blog post, I also want to knit and crochet but if there is an extreme beginner that is me when it comes to knitting and crocheting. I can relate to the story about the rugs/ blankets , there are people who really need it and fortunately there are people like you Annabel who help out. It is such a kind thing to do. My card making for Christmas gifts is coming along nicely, I am trying out some new ideas and slowly I am growing more confident . That sounds silly after years and years of card making but I like to play it safe!. My gift cupboard is looking great, I have many many gifts already . I will be able to be extra generous this year I hope. do you know if there are any card making labels anywhere Annabel?, to say that a gift is a set of cards?Thank you Annabel , Love Barb.

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    1. Dear Barb.
      I know you have used You Tube to learn skills. Search "crochet for beginners" or "learn to crochet" etc and just start a little practising. There is extra benefits. First it is super fun. Next I feel content when I have spare time to go on working on something and it certainly helps the no spend, stay home days. Then you also end up with a skill and new gifts to put away. Learning patterns is good for our brains too, its like crosswords are good for the brain, so is knitting and crochet especially pattern learning!
      Well done on all your card making already this year! You are off to a very good start! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  9. Dear Annabel, the pictures of your hand work are beautiful! So is the story of Janet!

    Blankets are so warm and cozy! They make wonderful gifts! Love all your ideas! Love, Teri

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    1. Dear Teri,
      Thank you! Quilts of course are just as warm and good to give as you have done. I find crochet I can do in the evening and sewing I do in the day. I like a bit of both!
      I hope you are having a good week! With love, Annabel.xxxx

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  10. Annabel,
    Everything is so beautiful I especially love the pink knee rug that is so pretty and the pink ribbon just really tops it off. The ladies that can crochet have a real gift! I am loving this challenge because I know you will have lots of pretties to show.
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    1. Dear Vicky, I will have you crocheting next! If you have one minute of spare time that is!
      I had a good saving today, came home and wrote it in my book happily! Thinking of you as I did it! With lots of love, Annabel.xxx

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    2. Annabel,
      I love all of the things you have shown so you seriously have me considering it. I have some Walmart GC's I got for Christmas so I am going to look at a few things while I'm there. I really, really love the pink knee rug and the other pink things you've done! So maybe I will give it a try!
      XOXO
      Vicky

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  11. So many ideas as usual Annabel, you must lay in bed at night thinking lol!

    I love those gorgeous labels, and I look forward to seeing the hankies you are making. Cant wait.

    What a heart warming story about Janet. I crocheted my best friend a warm blanket from scraps as she needed one when she went into hospital for dialysis. She was overwhelmed when I gave it to her. You have inspired me to make another one!

    Thank you.

    xTania

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    1. Dear Tania, That was a beautiful gift for your friend. No wonder she was thrilled with it. I want to make spare rugs over winter. I know the needs will come up and my Mum makes then and gives them to the Sisters (of charity and others) as they always know someone in need and give them out. I am always watching for yarn too.
      I know you must be having a hot time this week. I hope your garden is holding up! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  12. What a lovely thing to be able to do for someone Annabel, it must have meant so much to her. I thought I would just mention the website ravelry.com, many people probably already know about it. It is the most amazing place to find patterns for knitting and crochet, with many free. You can also search for things like stash busting projects, and search by the yarn you have. Members often write notes on projects that can be useful for other people making the same thing. I have just started crocheting a rainbow granny stripe blanket, it's my first crochet project. I learnt from you tube clips as well, absolutely love the tutorials by Bella Coco. Went through fabric yesterday and I won't lie, put it all back in the 'too hard' basket lol. Have so many ideas, but apparently yesterday was not the day for me to get my head around them! Ah well, still hoping to have something to show next week...

    Hope your week is going well
    Jen

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    1. Dear Jen, Thank you and thank you also for mentioning revelry, I need to use that more often myself.
      Now I will look for Bella Coco. It is really handy to know things like this and lovely for a spare moment to have a look.
      I guess its better to have too many ideas rather than not enough! But it can be kind of overwhelming! Take one thing at a time.... we have a whole year! With love Annabel.xxx

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  13. Annabel, you have such a generous heart. You must be a blessing to all who meet you. Yes, it's astounding that people in a civilised society could go cold or hungry, yet it's true. That's where we can all help in our own way. I always make sure I have a stockpile of tinned veges, teabags and coffee, home made honey-lemon-ginger infusion (for sore throats), sprigs of lavender (for headache), home made chest rub, and polar fleece rugs and scarves to gift in comfort baskets as soon as the weather gets chilly. I drop these to the local community food bank to deliver to those who live alone and have nobody to care for them when ill, and they are always welcomed. Don't think you have to be able to crochet or knit. I've made the most rudimental slipper boots from polar fleece, as well as fingerless gloves from recycled jumper sleeves and these are lapped up. When you have no heating or can't afford heating, these things are an enormous comfort, and nobody who is cold, is looking for perfection. They just want functional and warm. I do about two dozen comfort baskets at the start of every Winter and they never go unclaimed. I love the hand crafted labels too. They are gorgeous! You are such a wealth of good ideas! Much Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. Dear Mimi,
      This year I want to make the soft polar fleece blankets and that other soft fabric Minky? It feels gorgeous and I am thinking crochet edges. They would be beautiful winter gifts.
      The idea of comfort baskets is just beautiful. Love.
      Many thanks Mimi, I am inspired! With love Annabel.xxx

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  14. Your mum is like me! Except I usually knit , rather than crochet, stripey chevron pattern rugs out of oddments and have them ready to give to anyone in need or to anyone who just needs a 'cheer up'. But the amount of yarn I have, I'll be 120 before I use it all!! Lol

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    1. Dear Maria,
      I love that you do this! It is great you have a big supply! Truly rugs are a gorgeous and thoughtful gift. Well done, I think what you are doing is wonderful. With love Annabel.xxx

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  15. Annabel you really are a clever chook with a beautiful soul shining through. This week is school start up for me. I am sharing a class with a lady who loves owl motifs. I made her a pencil case out of owl fabric and found some owl erasers, owl pens and pencils. I gave her this today and it was like I'd given her the moon. This has made me think of adding some simple pencil cases to my present cupboard. I also made two more modern cloth nappies to add to the stash. My 'Call the Midwife',pram blanket just needs the edging done. Life is good.

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    1. Thanks Jane that is a good name! I love your gift with the owl theme. I quite like owls too and I noticed owl cushions on pinterest and a few things I thought were adorable! And the baby things are going well too! I hope I get to see the finished pram blanket.
      You have already made a lot and we are still in January! well done.xxxx

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  16. These are packaged so beautifully! I am going to learn how to crochet edges now.. you have me convinced and I know my daughter would love to teach her mother something :)

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    1. Dear Jes, I am very happy to hear this! You will be so glad once you get going. Edgings give you a lot of gifts. Later I will have a post just on edgings and trims. They transform ordinary things into something really special and very inexpensively. Sounds like good time with your daughter too! With love Annabel.xxx

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  17. I love the bands for the gifts. Thank you so much for sharing. Can't wait to print some off.
    Paula in Kansas

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    1. Dear Paula, Im glad you like them. I think they really make your work look professional and lovely. Many thanks, Annabel.xxx

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  18. Such beautiful gifts and so beautifully presented.

    Your story of Janet made me quite emotional ... help is often needed in our own backyard.

    I'm quite pleased with my gifts so far - 2 small totes (very small, think cosmetic bag size), a travel bag with luggage tag, document folder and travel jewellery purse. All have been made with supplies on hand. I feel like I'm on a roll!

    I guess I'm a bit OCD, though, as I can't bring myself to start the next project if I haven't finished the current project - several years ago I would routinely cut several garments at a time, but with young children at the time, on one occasion I didn't get to sew them until much later ... by then I'd outgrown them ha, ha, ha. At least the charity they were donated to appreciated the work, so it wasn't a total waste.

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    1. Dear Janine, Thank you. I think we have all had that happen! Now and then something is deserted due to goodness knows what and found much later!
      Well done on the totes, tags and travel items I am really liking the sound of all of this! Hope you will take photos. You are off to a fantastic start! Many thanks, Love Annabel.xxx

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  19. Dear Annabel, I looked through my stash of things and I have lots of calico fabrics, fleece and some lovely bits of cotton velveteens. I have quite a lot of yarns, acrylic and wool and a small lot of cotton for washcloths. I have lots of pretty embroidery floss too. I am still looking for the plain pillowcases I bought a few years ago - I hope I didn't declutter them as embroidered pillowcases seem like nice gifts to make. I will need to shop for blank cardstock and envelopes as I have used up most of the package I have which is good to know. And today I got brave because I do love your crocheted roses and found a youtube on how to crochet a simple flower and armed with a crochet hook and yarn and a fortifying cup of tea, I sat and watched and tried to make a flower. I don't crochet so I think I watched that video five times trying to understand what to do and I made 3 practice flowers. The first one was very ugly, the second one better and the third one actually looks like a flower - success! I think with more flower practice I will soon be able to attempt your crocheted roses tutorial. I have to get comfortable working with a crochet hook. Thank you for hosting the Christmas Challenge and encouraging all of us to be creative and make something with our hands and heart. And thank you for the links to the wonderful labels - they look lovely! Now, I must get busy so I will have something to share and show next week.

    Love, Midori

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    1. Dear Midori,
      You have fantastic supplies! This is great, imagine the things you can make plus the money you will save.
      Well done on the flowers! I think the first few are "experiments" and if you have it worked out already you are doing well. Plus it is good fun isn't it!?
      Also if you don't crochet you have gone in the deep end and coped very well. Just keep practicing its like anything.
      Thank you so much! With love Annabel.xxx

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  20. Dear Annabel, What a touching story about Janet. After I read it I even told my husband about it. (He is familiar with the name "Annabel" by now lol.) I am so glad you were there to help her, and I'm sure she was so thankful. I also like the idea of Mimi's comfort baskets.
    I'm thinking I would like to learn to crochet after seeing all of your lovely creations! But I should probably just stick with learning to knit for now. I am currently working on a scarf, which is my first knitting project. I was having some trouble, so I took your advice and went to youtube and my problem was soon solved :) I can't wait to see what everyone else has been making! Love, Kelsey

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    1. Dear Kelsey,
      I am laughing that your husband knows my name. Poor guy I hope I don't drive him crazy!
      Yes stick to knitting for a while and sometime when you feel like a change try crochet. Actually handling yarn and needles will make learning crochet easier also.
      I am glad you tried You Tube and sorted out your problem. I hope you are enjoying knitting! My tip for when learning is to use gorgeous textured yarns to make something like a scarf as if it is soft and divine imperfections don't really matter or show.
      I hope you have had a great week! With love Annabel.xxx

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  21. I am a few weeks late to the challenge but started making some homemade gifts straight after Christmas. I have heaps of felt, so have made some felt ornaments and am currently making a felt fishing set. I already had a stockpile of preserves made earlier in the year so I made pretty toppers with paper and added labels ready for gifting. I am getting together with a friend for some card making as we both have a large supply of papers. Over the next few days I will make a list of my craft supplies and see what other gifts I can come up with. Im super excited about this challenge! x

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    1. Well done Mel. Felt is great. I love the idea of the fishing set!
      Also I love the idea of preparing pretty jam toppers ahead. If you have a lot of paper that is good, I have a lot of paper projects coming up.
      You are off to a good start. Reviewing your supplies is great and a big money saver. With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Hi Mel, I would love to see your felt fishing set! I also have tons of felt and am looking for ideas. I posted a thread in the craft and Hobbies section of the cheapskates forum if your a member?

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  22. Hi Annabel!!
    I wanted to say that your work is absolutely beautiful. I notice it has already been said. That confirms it!! Thank you for sharing. Your work is encouraging & inspiring.

    In Australia here, it frustrates us when money collected for natural disaster victims just doesn't reach the people for whom it is intended. We have a general rule at our place - to give directly to those in need around us. When we worked in the forestry, the changes from state owned forestry to privatisation meant some were employed by state forestry, then changes were made to pay under labour hire & the rest of us worked for contractors. In this situation, we found workers who were grateful for a simple drink of water, a cup of tea or some tucker. On one memorable occasion, we were lending a couple of Japanese travellers our woollen army jumpers - & they were grateful! I find, also, that there are older Australians who just do not keep warm.

    I know a lady who, as a child, with her mother, was a prisoner of war in Singapore. She was seriously ill, yet has a remarkable story of survival. This brings such suffering closer to home. One funny thing is that this same lady gave our family an old Singer sewing machine for use as spare parts. It had continual tension problems. I adopted it, have spent plenty of time on it, & am proud to use it as my sewing machine. After all, it has so many wonderful feet!!

    I love your stories!

    Rachel Holt

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    1. Dear Rachel, We have the same rule. Direct only. I have seen too much. My husband once drove deliveries here in Adelaide for a well known charity at Christmas. It was huge hampers of food donated by the public to those who needed it. It went to some of the wealthiest homes in Adelaide.He has never recovered from that day.
      I have a friend who travels to India to volunteer in a school. through her I can do things directly which I love. (as I trust her 100%) but really we have plenty of opportunities right around us, every day!
      How wonderful about that sewing machine. I loved my Nans old sewing machine it was fantastic!
      Thanks so much Rachel! With love Annabel.xxx

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  23. Annabel
    The labels really do add a touch to your gifts. You always say that the presentation is important and truly it makes a difference. This week while I was out and about I took several pictures of gift baskets. Once I got to looking carefully the baskets were almost empty! But the beautiful packaging and styling made it seem very lush and abundant.
    Lately most of my gift making has been toward birthdays and little Valentine gifties. I did set aside some recipes for baking and canning that I may use for Christmas. Also I set up a three ring notebook with dividers for birthdays, Christmas, Valentines, Kitchen gifts etc. Then I added lists with names, gift ideas or patterns, presentation ideas, materials on hand etc. I think it will be very helpful with being
    organized.
    It is good of you to remind us that there are a lot of people in need all around us not just "over there". So I am determined to be intentional about finding ways to help those around me. Beautiful post. Do you know I always feel so uplifted when I come to this site? Thank you.
    Ginger

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    1. Dear Ginger,
      I love your folder! Next week that is kind of what I am talking about, being organised, tracking things and gathering ideas. It is a big help!
      You will see ways to help I am sure as things crop up where we hear things or see them. One time a while back my husband was shopping in the supermarket (rare event) and in the meat department there was an old man who spent ages looking over all the roasts etc. Ages! Andy went away and came back and he was still browsing. So Andy asked him was he looking for something, did he need any help? The man said no, he couldn't really even afford anything he just loved roasts and was looking at prices etc. So Andy picked up a roast and went to the check out and paid for everything. He then waited until the man came out and he gave him the roast. Well next thing the check out chick is crying and the old man is just amazed and thrilled to bits! That was a pretty easy thing but sure seemed to make that mans day! So little chances crop up and I was very proud of what my husband did that day!
      Thank you very much Ginger for your encouraging words! With love Annabel.xxx

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  24. Dear Annabel,
    I enjoyed your lovely post. The story about Janet was really touching! A few years back, I learned that some longtime neighbors, with whom we weren't close, were really struggling financially. I was able to get them some help from our church pantry and also shared from my pantry. She has become a dear friend and has told me many times how much my caring and encouragement meant to them. Like you, I had no idea how much they were in need, nor how much my little bit would mean to them.

    I have started refreshing and organizing my linen closet. I found some sheets that still are good but don't fit beds we now have. Some are floral and some solid. I think I can use them as fabric for some of my projects.

    I also found a stack of pretty hankies that I have had for years. I saw the idea of making a table runner by sewing them together. I would welcome other ideas if anyone thinks of anything.

    Wishing you a lovely weekend, Elaine

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    1. Dear Elaine, That is beautiful and how wonderful you became good friends as well! Someone needing help can be right next door. Its good to remember this. I have never forgotten Janet.
      It is great about the sheets! Yes they will be suitable for a lot of sewing projects. I love sheets!
      Elaine I love pretty hankies. Maybe I should do a post on them? I have seen tablecloths, cafe curtains and doll dresses make of them. Also bunting... where they are cut in half diagonally to make the pretties bunting ever.
      Many thanks, you have a good weekend too. Love Annabel.xxx

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  25. I love your pictures Annabel, i plan on trying lots of crochet this year for gifts and home and your photo's are very inspiring xo

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    1. Dear Karen,
      Crochet has so many possibilities! Thank you so much! With love Annabel.xxx

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  26. Thank you for the crochet links and sharing your gorgeous work. Your sad story about Janet will really spur many to look for others to bless.
    The labels are a great idea. There are so many in my life that would appreciate a gift more by adding a printed label. Odd fact, but true. I think they see it more as tailor-made rather than homemade. Homemade gifts leave some with a bad taste in their mouths...harkening back to crocheted toilet paper covers. :)
    I'm not making much progress on the Christmas challenge but did sew some gifts for my daughter's 6th birthday.
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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    1. Dear Leslie,
      I totally understand what you mean. A few little touches take something from homemade to "shop worthy" and it is just a little thing but if it increases our confidence with giving what we have made then its a help. Presentation is probably what has increased my confidence to give or sell goods. Really the shops and traders do this too. They know that appeal is everything and many things after you take away the wrappings and labels are a bit of a disappointment! Marketing I guess is what it is!
      We can turn this to our advantage though!
      Well done on the birthday presents. Keeping up with birthdays is just as important as Christmas. I count them all, plus Easter etc also.
      Have a great week Leslie, with love Annabel.xxx

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  27. Hi annabel,
    I've picked up quite a few bits of yarn from the op shop and savers I also bought some from lincraft for 1.99 I think it was called Esther wool. But wool is wool and the cheapest price I can get it for then I'll buy it. The most I'll pay is probably $2-$3.
    I have started in a few projects some are through the year gifts as there are baby's coming into my life. My best friend is about to pop and my sister is due in June.
    I bought Christmas boxes from the reject shop at 20c each marked down from $3.50 they will be my "gift wrapping" for home made gifts or crochet gifts. I have been watching you tube I'm following a lady that explains amigurumi so well! And am currently making an amigurumi bunny I'm also going to make other little amigurumi animal scented balls filled with things like potpourri and lavender etc used for air freshiners or cupboard freshiners etc this will be fun though I need to juggle all of this between kids house work and dinner! My there's just not enough time in a day
    Though I don't know how to post pictures here in comments but hopefully I can next week and if not then I'll post on Facebook :)
    Have a lovely week

    Love Anne

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    1. Dear Anne Marie, Next week I will post the email address so everyone can sent pictures into our show and tell. You are welcome anytime on FB as well. I have seen really gorgeous little animals crocheted and made into mobiles and toys to hang across a pram. They are beautiful! I haven't attempted anything like it though yet! I would love to see what you make!
      With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Oh thanks annabel I didn't think of pram toys! I could possibly do one that jingles because I have little bells woo! Great inspiration right here! I was thinking a felt mobile not a crochet one but that's a great idea too! Ok great can't wait to share what I have made! :D
      Anne

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  28. Hi Annabel. How lovely to meet you. It's always nice to meet another Aussie at the Thriving on Thursdays linky party. (I'm in Brissie.) What a beautiful post. A woman after my own heart. I love making do with what I have and thrifting, using up stuff and giving handmade gifts. This is such a beautiful post. I'm featuring it at tomorrow's party. I do hope to see you again and can't wait to see more of your lovely things.

    Anne @ Domesblissity

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    1. Dear Anne, Thank you. I know I have found a kindred spirit! Thank you so much for featuring Bluebirds! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  29. Hi Annabel. I love that you shared this at Five Star Frou-Frou. It's gorgeous. Love, Mimi xxx

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  30. My goodness, you made me cry with your story!! Thank you for sharing, and I love your caring heart. Makes me wonder if there are any cold neighbors nearby us, too. What a wonderful use of your time and talents. Lovely!!

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    1. Dear Mrs. Hyde,
      Thank you so much! I am sure there is always someone cold or hungry even somewhere around us and we don't know. Mum makes blankets and gives them to the Nuns as they visit a lot of people and if someone needs a rug they have one with them. And they continually go and Mum makes more.
      Thank you for your kind comment! With love Annabel.xxx

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