Saying goodbye doesn't have to be sad.

The difference between

stumbling blocks and

stepping stones

is how I use them.

Anon.

Well, a glorious good morning to everyone and how are you all? I had a super sleep in this morning and my batteries are fully charged. My holidays are coming to an end, so I am trying to cram in as much craft work now as I can. These holidays have been pretty amazing in many ways. I’ve had a few surprises that have made me feel like I’m on a roller coaster ride. From the fantastic news of my niece Lisa, having a baby boy, to the news of a super cool young friend of mine getting a transfer with her work.  I have discovered saying goodbye doesn’t have to be sad.

I also celebrated my birthday on the 17^th January and received many birthday wishes and gorgeous gifts. Here are a few things from Heather the feather.......

I was rather spoilt!!!

Heather and I went out to lunch together and as Heather gave me a huge bag of presents, I gave her a gift too....I made this cute little ruffle bag.

Just love the ruffles!!!

Interestingly or scarily enough, if you notice the button I used on the bag....

....it is the same button Heather put on the red alien as well. How scary is that? We think too much alike. What about this creation, what is it you ask? It is called a what-not.

Heather made this for me and it holds things like needles, pins, tape measure...all the things you need in emergencies.

Very handy.

So what else have I been up to this week???....

My neighbour Lorraine gave me these goodies to use....

A banner to use in the library for displays...

An Australian Bushranger banner in the making.

This is going to fit the size of a free standing pin up board. A trip to the local library, some wonderful books.

I have had countless emails about this Christmas puddings that I had knitted and posted about a little while back.

I made some of things puddings as instructed in the pattern but also made some as ornaments and added a crocheted circle and filled them with toy stuffing. I will share the pattern with you and these will be good for the gals that join in the 1 Xmas Item a Month.

That’s it for me today folks....I’m off to stitch away at my bush ranger banner. Have a terrific week ahead and enjoy each glorious day.

Cheers, Anita.

Christmas pudding pattern.
25gms of white or cream for pudding top
25 gms of brown for pudding. Size 10 needles.
Cast on 28 sts in brown.
Row 1: Increase into each stitch (56sts)
Row 2: Purl
Continue in stocking stitch for 10 rows
Row 13: k2 brown, k2 w, *k5 b, k2 w, * repeat last 3 sts brown
Row 14: Purl previous colour pattern
Row 15: k1 brown, *k4 w, k3 b, repeat to last 2 sts, k2b
Row 16: Purl previous colour pattern
Row 17: *k6 w, k1 b, * to end
Row 18: Purl previous colour pattern
Row 19: Knit white
Row 20: Purl white
Row 21: k3 tog, to end (k2tog at end)
Row 22: Purl 2tog to end (k3 tog)
Draw up and fasten off. Join side seams, turn right side out and fill with sweets, nuts or whatever.
Decorate with a holly sprig. Place on foil cup and wrap in cello.
* If making a pudding ornament, make a circle to fit over covering of base of pudding. You could sew a felt circle, crochet or knit a circle and attach. Fill with toy stuffing instead of sweets and sew circle on. Have fun!!