Deck The Halls With...

One of the best parts of having children is going to their concerts. Last night Daughter No.1 was participating in a World Vision "Shake, Rattle and Roll" concert.

Daughter No. 2, Nana, Papa and Great Gran came along as well. It was an amazing show, really loud, awesome songs and lots of happy faces singing their little hearts out. No. 1 thoroughly enjoyed herself. The woman in the black and purple is Suzanne Prentice, a NZ singer, and she and her team have been doing these concerts for 15 years. I'm hoping I'll have someone in it next time as it was a great night's entertainment. Rather late too! We didn't get home until just after 10pm.

I find conductors such good entertainment. They appear to be looser than the rest of us, a bit like a marionette. I could have watched this man for hours!

Here are the singers. Papa counted about 400 I hear! He has a bit of a counting and sorting of colours obsession! I thought I'd leave all the heads in the photo as I quite enjoy this too. It's amazing how many balding men there are in the world!

And now we have a World Vision sponsored child. That's our little gift to someone this Christmas. She is 7 and will now be able to start going to school. Our girls were horrified, or perhaps jealous, that she didn't go yet! I'm thinking we might be able to raise a bit of money by selling our goods (the girls participating too) at Market Day before Christmas. We'd better get a jolly good wriggle on to do this.

Now on with the pretty Christmas pictures I promised you! These stood out as rather lovely and simple'ish' projects. I've tried to find something for everyone.

No.2 is actually going to make some bunting like this one for around our Christmas tree this year. My dear friend Hazel has kindly lent me her pinking shears for this job. Friends are just so perfect aren't they? She also gifted me with some lovely looking Christmas mince this morning! Gosh some people are organized.

How about some little bags with a message on them...

Here's the bunting around the tree... See the teddy with the gingham bow? It's all seriously gingham isn't it?

These oven mits would be a wonderful gift this season. You could put anything on them, but I do like the patchwork trees.

How about some little wooden or felt decorations hung on some bare branches. That always looks nice. And those cushions are a real winner for a festive feel in the lounge.

Maybe a nice new table runner is in order... Nice for a bit of quilting practice.

And for the scrapbookers out there, a very colourful Advent calendar...

Those who quite like a bit of hand stitching, this cushion would be perfect... I love the reindeer around the border.

Well I'll have to have a look in a few more mags and see what else I can find for you. Ooops I forgot the crochet lovers. Check this lovely crochet design out... http://selvageblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/sarah-london-will-teach-you-how-to.html I'm thinking strung up as a garland would be perfect. I wish I could crochet at times like this. Well more than Granny squares anyway!

Now I'm itching to get back to my sewing as I didn't get time for anything yesterday. I'll love you and leave you all for now.

Hope you are getting a bit more excited now!

Sarah xxx