Mini Tote Swap & Crochet

Thanks for all your embarrassing parent stories I'm glad that it's not only me who is embarrassing their kids!

This week has been a painful one as I trapped a nerve in my back and is been giving me a lot of gip!!! I had lots of plans of trying to blog daily in December but because of my back I haven't really felt like sitting in front of the computer too much.

But with Paul playing nursemaid and dishing out the painkillers and anti inflammatories I'm feeling much better. Today here is Chelmsford is has been a snow day with both schools closed so we have stayed wrapped up warm indoors. we did venture out for a short while but brrr it was nippy out there!

Now I've started writing  I feel that I have so much to say that this could be a very long blog post, so I think I might have to blog again tomorrow...anyhow...

A little while ago I signed up to Quirky Hannah's Mini Tote Swap. I was partnered with Claire who tweet's under the name of Claire E Poppin's over on Twitter. The idea was to find out your partner's likes and dislikes and send a mini tote to them, well Claire really spoilt me as she not only sent me a lovely biggish mini tote but I also received some gorgeous fabric, a pretty necklace and some very tasty Mr Broon's (which i initially thought were toffee but they turned out to be delicious fudge (nom! nom!)

a close up of the wonderful quilted panel

and the inside which is lined is a beautiful green and blue fabric.

Thanks Claire for being a brilliant swap partner I love my new bag and all my extra goodies too.

I completely forget to take a photo of the bag that I made for Claire so hopefully she will take a pic or two and I will be able to show you but I went with her love of all things Chihuahua!

I've decided to use this bag for my latest crochet project....

which take me nicely on to my next subject

Mum (I love the fact that that when she leaves comments on my blog is says Mum - i had to check first to make sure it wasn't my Mum!!!) over at Mum's Simply Living Blog mentioned at the end of November that she was going to be doing a crochet Christmas advent countdown, with the idea of crocheting Christmas trees (last year it was snowflakes) each day to make a lovely garland to hang up on Christmas eve. Now I always up for a challenge even if I am very busy but i thought it would be nice to crochet them in the evening in front of the TV. Well I have to confess that I haven't quite managed one a day, BUT i have managed ONE!!! (don't laugh I will try and catch up) I haven't even got a photo to show you yet but hopefully I will take a couple of pics tomorrow and show you if I have made any progress.

If you would like to join in then pop over to Mum's blog where there is a lovely pattern to follow, they are quick and easy to do, I just need to be a bit quicker!!!

Okay having said all that there is probably just enough time tonight to make another tree so I'm off to find something to watch on TV and to get busy with my hook.