tiny happy

We're nearing the end of December. How can that be? I hope you are doing well, despite what is probably a busy time of year, wherever you are. 

I've found myself making some Christmas gifts this year – something I don't always do. Somehow planning and making these gifts has brought me a lot of joy and I've even had Keira join me for some projects, which is a rare thing these days.

Anyway, I've included above some photos of things I've been making (along with a pic of a peach poppy from the garden, just because):

+ + Some crochet squares using leftover 4ply yarns from other projects. I have gathered a stack of these now, and one day (probably far in the future) I'll make them into a blanket.

+ + A little knitted set for a new baby in our friend-circle. For this, I used some lovely lightweight cotton-merino yarn in an undyed colourway. The vest pattern is a free one on Ravelry, and is called the Louise Vest. The little slippers are from a Debbie Bliss book I own. More details on both patterns can be found here on my Ravelry project page.

+ + Like all the other makers in the world, I've been sewing up lots of masks. I've tried out a few patterns now but also revert to the good old seam-down-the-middle plain design. I've made a few from vintage embroidered linen too, just because.

+ + Handmade perfume, lip balm and eye pillows! Keira has been helping me with the homemade cosmetics and it's been fun to try our hand at these! I've published posts with tutorials for each project here on the blog:

d-i-y lavender eye pillows

homemade perfume, two ways

rose + geranium lip balm

I've also updated the links list to the left of this post, with lots of past projects, patterns and tutorials. Most of them are of the older variety, but I hope you find them useful!

I feel I could write another whole post about music, books and other things I've been enjoying lately. I'll try and do that before logging off for a few weeks over summer. Take very good care of yourself!

Lots of love,
Melissa