Leia's 21st Birthday...

My step-daughter, Leia, was 21 yesterday.  She's very practical and asked for a couple of "good" saucepans.  We obliged, but we wanted to get her something pretty for herself too so we got her this cute little Pandora charm.  We thought that the Union Jack bus would remind her that she was 21 in the year of the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics.  She was very pleased with everything.  Of course, I stitched her a card.

Happy New Year!!!

Albeit a week late! We had a very quiet one, just me and Dave at home, me desperately trying to stay awake until midnight, just managed it. I was at work on New Year's Day, but was sent home after an hour and forty-five minutes because we were so quiet. Still catching up with Christmas stuff and I thought I would share with you the presents I made for the girls, chocolate cupcake kits, they went down very well indeed. I got the idea from here, and they were great fun to make. Jars from Ikea, ribbon from E-Bay, wooden spoons from Wilkos and the rest of the stuff was in my pantry. Leia thought I had bought them from somewhere and claimed they were "even better" for being home-made! I find it a great compliment when people think my homemade gifts were bought. Emma thought that her Can Can scarf was bought, too.

So thrilled was I with these gifts that I have made my sister-in-law Jill, one for her birthday.

Leia's Birthday ...

Last Sunday was my step-daughter, Leia's, 20th birthday. We bought her a blender, how things change in a year - last birthday we bought her and her boyfriend a weekend away, this year she's a new mum and she wanted a blender. My only hope is that she uses it to make the odd Margarita and not just pureed baby food! This is the card I made for her.

Baby Stuff...

OK, my step-daughter, Leia, is in labour as I type this. Deep breath and relax. OK I'm alright now, I think I can carry on! This is the little jumper and pods I have knitted for baby Jack. It buttons up the back, like a little straight jacket (!) Very practical for dressing a little one.

Of course I've made them a card, and here it is:-
Love the little stickers, perfect finishing touch.
Right then, back to pacing the floor and checking my mobile every ten seconds!

Hospital Hat ...

While talking to my step-daughter, Leia, about the jumper I was knitting for her imminent baby, she said "you know what I could REALLY do with is some little hats, for newborns". Consider it done! I put my I-Pod next to it to show how little it is. The pattern is a freebie from Ravelry, and you can find it here. It was done on four needles and only took me an evening to knit.

Leia's Baby Blankie ...

Last night, while watching Silent Witness, I finished knitting Leia's baby blanket. I'm in love with this one, I want to make one bigger to wrap myself up in, it's SO soft and cuddly. This took me just under two weeks to knit and was a joy to do, albeit a little heavy on the hands towards the end!

Leia's Driving Test Card...

Now, bit of a story about this one. Leia was supposed to have her driving test on the 25th October so I frantically whipped this card up in an evening in case she passed. Well, the test never took place because she couldn't find her driving license (I know, I know!!!). Anyway, there's a card ready for when she does pass!

Adam & Leia's New Home Card ...

Dave's youngest, Leia and her boyfriend Adam have got their own house. They're renting a lovely little terrace in nearby Mansfield and we moved them in on Saturday (sniff!). I was frantically trying to get this card finished before then but failed so I've posted it to them this morning, hopefully this will be the first thing they get on their new doormat!

Leia's Birthday Card & Present...

This is the card I've made for Leia's 19th birthday on Saturday...

... and these are the socks I've knitted for her. Talk about a homespun birthday! We've also treated her and her boyfriend to a night in a hotel in Scarborough.

I'm writing this post through the haze of a migraine that I've had since Tuesday afternoon. Haven't had one for years and I'm wondering if it's connected to my high blood pressure. I've had to take two days off sick from work and I hate doing that as we are so short staffed but I can't even think straight at the moment, never mind do my job properly.

First "proper" socks ...

I made these for Leia's birthday but I was so chuffed with them that I gave them to her now. I loved making these and I am SO pleased with how they turned out. Mum wants me to make her some now!