February Review

So where did February go? these months seem to speed by but at least by setting myself some targets each month I can see that I haven't been wasting my time and there has been something constructive going on, because February was a short month and I've been decorating I really didn't think that I would manage to complete everything I planned so I have to look back to see what I actually hoped to achieve...

Make two Teddy Puppets a month for Operation Christmas Child

February Teds

These little puppets are such fun to make, I have to stop myself from making more so that I can get on with other things.  Great stash-busters too you can find the pattern here

I have challenged myself to make a sweater a month for the boys...

February Sweater

Complete the second front of my cardigan..

I managed to do that too and now I have only the sleeves to do

Make a preemie item...

Made with a few grams of stash yarn so simple and so sweet one of Marianna's lovely patterns you can find it here

start some socks

I have forced myself to stop at this point I was only going to do the rib but honestly I really love making socks and could quite happily make those and nothing else and that would never do now would it.

start some mittens

Well as you know not only did I start them but I finished them too and let me tell you I'm enjoying wearing them, these are designed by Christine and you can find the pattern here.

Finish The Cheerful Child Blanket..

I loved making this blanket and may make another in the future but strangely for the first time in a long time I'm not following a single CAL!

Although I challenge myself with certain tasks each month sometimes these have to be put to one side because something crops up and I have to devote myself to that project, either to make something for a child in desperate need or in fact in this case for a much sadder reason.  Last month a member of Loving Hands passed away, she was such a lovely selfless person and always kept us entertained with her lively personality on the Loving Hands forum. When one of our members pass away we all contribute a square which are sewn into a comfort blanket for the family.  In Maureen case we will be making one for each of her two grandchildren and one for her husband. 

These were mine...

Block 55 Centred Square 

Block 99 Baby Bow

Block 89 Spinner

All made from the book 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton

To do list for March...

1. March boy sweater.
2. Two Teddy Puppets.
3. Complete a sock and cast on another.
4. Make a Preemie item.
5. Work on my totally scrappy blanket.

I hope everyone is having a great week. :) 

Linking with...



Snickerdoodle Sunday
Hookin on hump day
Cooking and crafting with J&J
Handmade Monday
Lunamon Design
Scrapability Saturday

Link and Share Wednesdays

Five On Friday

A Little Chat 

ONE
 I haven't decorated my living room for many years, friends have redecorated, changed colour schemes and furniture several times since I last decorated, dare I say it must be at least ten years ago!  I've never seen a reason to change it because I have always loved the colours, the furniture, carpets and curtains have all blended in nicely and I felt very content with the way it looked even though some would say it looked dated.  Then a couple of months ago to my horror a tear appeared in one of the seats of my settee covers yes they are now so old, the material has worn so thin in places tears are appearing.  I turned the cushion over and tried to ignore it but I know it's there and I know that really the whole settee has had it. I had to look at my living room with new eyes and admit it does need updating and a lick of paint.

I'm not one of those people who love decorating I don't enjoy it one little bit but it looks as though now I have no choice because I have ordered new settees! They are the simplest design I could find and in a neutral taupe/mink colour that can be tarted up with bright cushions. I have  six weeks to get rid of the old settees, and paint the living room before the new ones arrive and I need to decide on colours, at the moment it's painted in shades of terracotta which would probably go but I'm actually sick of it now. What do you think? bearing in mind I would like to sell this house and move on in the none too distant future.

TWO
The first week of february is almost over already and I haven't set my crafting targets which I feel I must do or nothing will get done so..

February boy jumper. (I have set myself a target of one boy jumper a month).
Two February Teds to keep up with my two a month target for operation christmas child
Finish the Cheerful Child Blanket crochet along blanket
Finish the second front of my cardigan
Make a preemie item.
Start some socks.
Start some mittens.
I need to remember it's a short month but fingers crossed I will managed to get it all done.

THREE
I'm trying to resist temptation! as regular readers of my blog will know I am a stashaholic and have at present the equivalent of almost 300 balls of yarn in my stash.  No wonder she is crocheting and knitting her fingers to the bone I hear you say haha anyways I went to my local Garden Centre for coffee with my daughter and a  friend yesterday to learn that the present owner has sold up and has massively reduced his stock and HE SELLS YARN! it's Hayfield bonus which is a lovely quality acrylic in lots of lovely shades at present there is 25% off my daughter had to drag me out of there! I can hear it calling to me HELP!

FOUR
I'm pleased to say the health is improving, I went to see the GP last Monday he has given me a course of antibiotics and I had a blood test and xrays of my sinuses and will go back on a couple of weeks for the results.  I'm breathing through my nose again and the dripping has stopped, I have even been on the treadmill for a couple of sessions so fingers crossed it's onwards and upwards from now on.

FIVE
I want to buy one of those wristbands that track the number of steps calories burnt etc but I haven't a clue which one to buy, I have seen some of you mention different types but any advice would be great. It needs to meet the following criteria..
It can't be too expensive.
I has to be comfortable.
It has to be accurate.
I would like it to give the number of steps, calories burnt, tell the time.
It needs to be easy to set up and understand.
I would like it to have a decent sized display.
I know not much then but if any of you have one and love it I would love to hear about it.  

Now what should I do? go look at paint charts or go for a coffee in the Garden Centre not that I want to buy any yarn you understand.....it's still calling to me!!!

Have a great weekend. :) xx

I'm joining in with Amy's Five on Friday