Elving

Oh my goodness me, I am glad it's Friday. What a week! It doesn't matter how well I plan, how organised I think I am, the last week of term is always busy. Add into the mix a birthday, Christmas preparations, lots of socialising and evenings out, plus a foolish plan to hand make all my gifts, and it gets hectic. It's been lovely though - there have been school carol concerts in the church, Indian meals and all sorts of festive get gatherings. Yesterday I made 72 mince pies. They were mini ones, but still. Last night at book group I drank mulled cider for the first time; it's wonderful stuff, and I'm not someone who particularly likes cider. 

Thank you so much for all Bella's birthday wishes. We started the day by opening presents in bed, then she chose Nutella on toast for her breakfast. After school we went out for pizza for tea. She had a nice day, I think. Plus her second upper-front tooth fell out while she was eating her garlic dough balls so the tooth fairy visited on her birthday, which was very exciting, and she now has a huge gap which is adorable. Do you remember the two dolls I made for my nieces? Well Bella liked them very much and requested one for her birthday. She picked out the dress fabric and everything - really, I was powerless to resist! The arms are straight this time but the legs are a little wonky. I was worried she wouldn't be that interested in her, but ever since she unwrapped the doll she hasn't left her side. She sits her up at the dinner table (where I moved it far away from the spaghetti and meatballs - I would have actually cried if there was a tomato sauce incident) and she sleeps next to her in bed, and when we go out she and the doll (who is called Maddie, apparently) "hold hands". Honestly, I cannot tell you how deep-down happy this makes me. It was worth it, the hours spent hunched over the sewing machine, for this, and it gives me high hopes that she'll enjoy her rabbit for Christmas. 

I also made Angus a dog* this week for Christmas. I felt that Bella had received a lot of handmade love and I wanted to make him something too. It was an absolute bugger to make - very, very fiddly, it's actually quite small - but incredibly cute. I'm not sure if he'll like it or not. I'm worried it looks a little feminine, but when I wrapped it in a piece of wool felt for a blanket and tucked it in the suitcase I liked it a whole lot more. I've made him a t-shirt with a fire engine on it too, to be on the safe side. They'll have other toys and books which we've bought as well. I'm not putting all my eggs in one handmade basket.

We've almost finished wrapping the presents. I have one left to make - a scarf for John - which will be an eleventh hour job but something I can do anywhere, like in the car. It should be ready in time. On Sunday we drive down to my parents' house where we'll be spending Christmas this year, hence my urgency to get these last minute things done now. I am woefully behind with all my blog reading, I really am, but I will make some time to do this over the weekend. And hello new followers, it's lovely to have you here!

* The pattern is from issue 18 of Mollie Makes.