Tuesday 18 December 2012

A Whopper....

I must admit I had started to fall out of love with my blog...you know how it is? 

But this week my love returned thanks to two SUPER talented ladies. One of the reasons I continue to enjoy the creative blogging community is because it continues to inspire me, and these two are up there in my favourite places to visit.

I was extremely lucky to receive a parcel from each of them - both as part of an ongoing swapping party!

The first was from Susan from Mary Jane's Tearoom. If you haven't been there GO! (not right away, look at these pictures first!)

Susan not only makes the most wonderful knitted creations AND sells the patterns, she also takes fantastic photos. It's always a lovely way to pass a spare five minutes.

A while back Susan asked me to make her some blocks in readiness for a new design she had in her clever head - and in return she sent me the finished article: Romeo himself.
(of course this is NOT a fair swap and I clearly owe her now...!)
Susan's photographs!
Isn't he the most beautiful bear? And he's so soft.  
I never wanted to be the sort of Mum/Aunty who didn't let you play with things...but this bear is staying off limits! 
He's a 'look with your eyes ONLY' kind of bear.
Susan's shop



As if that wasn't lucky enough I got another parcel at the end of the week from Helen (Philipps)...here's the link to her blog if you haven't been already.
Helen makes amazing quilts and other gorgeous creations...AND takes wonderful photos and is another perfect place to waste some time (remember: time you enjoyed wasting isn't wasted time)
We have enjoyed swapping our work all year (literally any excuse!) and look what she sent for Christmas:
How beautiful?! Such wonderful detail.
She's got her Christmas get up on...but a Little Nell is for life, not just for Christmas! 
Another treasure for eyes only (harsh?)


So, that's my treats shown. What a wonderful week!
What else have I neglected to blog about recently?
 

Well, it's been a very busy Christmas in the chipper workshop. My biggest seller by a MILE has been the little block for baby boys/girls first Christmas. I literally couldn't make them quickly enough.
After that my next best seller was the magic keys

I only got round to making these little deer blocks near the end of the season....and they also flew out. 
Luckily I have plenty of paper left for next year!
I loved these little vintage deer blocks too - they are definitely on the list for next year
I made my first set of blocks for twins:
 And some more pictures like this one
 
I was also introduced to a new vintage favourite by Sam who sent me a lovely little version of
'Christmas is a time for giving'
by Joan Walsh Anglund.
I must have had one of her books as a child - the images are SO familiar.
AND perfect for blocks:
 Thanks Sam - so glad you liked your blocks!! (I did too!)
 Definitely also on the list for next year...
I've spent any remaining spare time finishing off crochet projects (and starting new ones!)
I became addicted (again) to those bangle frame things
This one is for the bathroom which has had a mini makeover - will share pictures soon!

To justify the addiction I decided they would make nice present tags...obviously I got bored after the first one but once I'd started.....
AND hanging decorations!!
I finished another massively chunky wool blanket - which has been very popular round here of recent weeks!
See Lucy's pattern here at Attic 24
I must just share these photos of 
THE most beautiful hair salon in the world. 
It's owned by my friend (through blogging!) Amanda - who not only has THE most amazing salon but also does a mean cut and colour!
Every time I go I mean to take more photos and always forget...
not this time.
The salon is in Sale, Cheshire. If you live anywhere remotely near do visit. It's such a pleasure.
Here's the link to her shop blog

I hope to be back before Christmas with a decoration share. Before then I have a works night out to plan for (the whole team...just me and Cleggy...he he!) and the traditional 'official start of Christmas hols'...snowballs at littleteawaggon's!! Cant wait x 2.
Fee x
(It's 8.30pm and GB has just announced he needs a homemade hat for the 'Christmas parade' tomorrow...GRRRRRR!!!)

19 comments:

  1. Gorgeous Swap goodies (green with envy!) Have a great Christmas & good luck with the hat making! Sue x

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  2. That teddy bear is simply to die for, SO CUTE. Absolutely gorgeous swap goodies. Your blocks...what can I say, beautiful, you are such a talented lady.
    Have a fantastic Christmas,
    Anne xx

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  3. Wow Fee how lucky you are to get your bear and bunny. Susan and Helen are both so talented and such lovely ladies. I am proud to call them blogging friends. The world of blogging is such a delightful place to share...I just love being part of it. Your recent blocks are fab....love that deer paper...keep some for next year. Merry Christmas, Jane x

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  4. well who's a very lucky girl then?? delights from two of the most talented blog lady's out there!!!!

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  5. Well deserved Fee, what wonderful gifts. Loving your Santa keys and wish I'd thought to look see in time.

    Have a cheery merry christmas all of you, which I know you most definately will.

    Lisa x

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  6. Your products are absolutely gorgeous!
    I've been to Mary Jane's Tearoom and even knitted up one of her patterns - her blog is divine (like this one :-D ) How lucky of you to receive Romeo!
    Have a merry Christmas!
    xx

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  7. Such a lot of lovely things - the bear & bunny and also all those gorgeous blocks :)

    Enjoy your works do :)

    Last thought - so typical of a boy - he must think you're magic!!

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  8. Gorgeous swaps Fee, but your things are equally beautiful and please don't fall out of love with your blog ... I'd miss it so much! I follow both of these lovely ladies and their blogs are fabulous too. I've had 3 sets of blocks from you now and all have been gratefully received ... one is still pending so can't say too much!

    I have 3 boys so know where you're coming from ... I was just leaving the house for the day to go on a shopping trip and my son announced, "oh Mum I need a Chinese outfit for cubs tonight" ... hastily located a karate suit from a nephew and arranged its collection ... "oh, and we need to bring Chinese food too"

    Good luck with the hat!

    Love Claire

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  9. ~ Always a pleasure to read your beautiful blog, Fee. LOVE those blocks!!!!
    Sending you 'Twinkles'***** and wishing you a Joyful Noel.
    love Maria x

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  10. Wow this is a whopper of a post, and a real treat for us chipper nelly fans!! I have sooo loved our swaps, and it was a real pleasure to make you a special bunny! Your blocks have brightened up my life and my blog this year.....they so appeal to me with their collage/scrapbooky/bit-of-magic style and I always love to see what you have created....such lovely ones here today.....and the delicious crochet.....and adorable Romeo bear from Susan!!
    Hope you made that hat ok! And enjoy your wonderful works outing :)
    Helen x

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  11. Good morning dear Fee,

    I just adore Romeo; I had seen him on Susan's blog a while back and I FELL IN LOVE WITH ROMEO! And that rabbit is super.

    I know what you are saying about falling out of love with your blog. I feel exhausted. But I go on in my style only because as a writer wannabe, I MUST COMPOSE, regardless if I loss followers or if I don't feel as if I am getting anywhere.

    Your world is beautiful, happy and please continue. Your creations bring great joy, and I am sure as you have discovered through the talents of these friends, that we blog because we love to share our art and for the friends we have made.

    I wish you and the family a fantastic holiday. Anita

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  12. What lovely swaps they are too! Have a fab Christmas and New Year x PS I am saving old books for you :-) x

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  13. Hello! So excited to find your lovely blog via the rather random route of a comment you left on Lucy's Attic24 blog! What a delicious blog, full of lots of lovely inspiration - I could lose myself here for a good while with a cup of tea...and so many other wonderful blogs to explore on your side bar too - that's my Christmas time off sorted. P.S. I love the pics of your cheeky boys - I have 5 of my own xx

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  14. Lovely goodies..Makes me feel all creative and Christmassy!

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  15. Nice swap gifts and beautiful blocks!It was nice to red one of your posts. :) Merry Christmas.

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  16. Please don't feel despondent about writing your blog. I love it! It always makes me happy to see a new post. Keep up the lovely work and words - I definitely appreciate your hard work.

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  17. Jammy ... a bear and a rabbit! Seriously Fee, well deserved, I've seen your blocks on Helen's and Susan's blogs ... they are always gorgeous. I recommend your work to, oh, everyone!

    Don't fall out with blogging m'dear, we'd miss you :)

    PS Did you ever get those laser prints?

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  18. Luck you!!! What gorgeous treats!!! :-)
    And busy you, too!!!
    Hugs,
    Carly
    x

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fee x