Friday, 16 January 2015

Yarndale Gifts

I didn't have much in the way of purchases to show you in my Yarndale 2014 post. There were so many things there that took my fancy but I found it all a little overwhelming and I came home with fairly empty bags. Mick, on the other hand, did quite well. He watched closely what I was admiring and went off shopping on his own, only for some things from Yarndale to turn up in my Christmas stocking.

One of the things which I fell in love with on the day was needle felting. There was so much of it shown around the show, it really caught my attention. I loved all the little felt animals on jennymade's stand so I was thrilled to bits to find that Mick had bought me this needle felt hare kit.


A couple of purchases I did make myself, but which I couldn't share on my blog at the time, were a couple of needle felting kits I bought as Christmas gifts. This is the one I bought for Eleanor.


She's already started it and has managed to make the ball shape for the head, but it's been put on standby while she does her exams, she's had mocks all this week and last week, but now they're over I'm sure she'll get back on with it.


I've been wanting an apron for ages, I'm so messy in the kitchen and I get whatever I'm cooking all down my clothes. I came across the Quince Pie stand but there was such a wonderful choice of designs that I couldn't make up my mind. Mick made his mind up though and bought me this one in a fabulous sheep print for Christmas.


I stood admiring the Edward's Menagerie animals for ages wondering if I should buy Kerry Lord's book or not.




I've never read or followed a crochet pattern before so I thought it would probably be too hard for me and decided against. Mick obviously has more faith in me than I do myself as not only did the book turn up in my Christmas stocking but so did the most beautiful ball of Toft Alpaca yarn.


I did know that these ceramic pig earrings would be in my stocking as Mick bought them while I was there. I love all things pig so I just had to have these, they're so cute.


I may not have bought very much myself when I attended Yarndale, but I've now got plenty of things to remind me of a wonderful day out.
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38 comments:

  1. PoppypatchworkFriday, January 16, 2015

    Well trained hubby you have.

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    1. JoFriday, January 16, 2015

      I certainly do. I've had twenty five years to mould him in to the man he is today.

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    2. Stitches and SeedsFriday, January 16, 2015

      Love it!

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    3. JoFriday, January 16, 2015

      I wouldn't have him any other way.

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  2. UnknownFriday, January 16, 2015

    My Mum gave me the book for Christmas too. I haven't dare pick it up yet as have never followed a pattern yet, but so excited to get going.

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    1. JoFriday, January 16, 2015

      I haven't started on mine either yet. I'm going to start with Emma the Bunny, I think this is supposed to be the easiest.

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  3. AnonymousFriday, January 16, 2015

    You did rather well one way and another. Flighty xx

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    1. JoFriday, January 16, 2015

      I certainly did. I think I'll take Mick with me again.

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  4. crazydazyFriday, January 16, 2015

    Ah how thoughtful Mick is.......such lovely gifts!

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    1. JoFriday, January 16, 2015

      I think he was quite pleased to get some ideas for gifts, he didn't mind being dragged along to Yarndale afterall.

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  5. Amy at love made my homeFriday, January 16, 2015

    What wonderful things Jo! I look forward to seeing how you get on with them all, especially the needle felting! The earrings are gorgeous aren't they! xx

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    1. JoFriday, January 16, 2015

      I've never tried needle felting before, or followed a crochet pattern, so these projects may be tricksy, I'll let you know. I love the earrings, I haven't worn them yet, I'm saving them for something special.

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  6. Lazy Days & SundaysFriday, January 16, 2015

    Somebody has been a very lucky girl haven't they. You've certainly got some lovely things to keep you busy over the coming months. I've never tried needle felting. I'm not sure I would have the patience. I do however love your apron with sheep on. I may just have to go and have a look at the website myself. As you will see when I get around to posting this weekend. One of my very lovely friends at work made me a cushion in the same fabric and it is now sitting comfortably on the bed otherwise I think a little furry bottom of a cavvie might think he can sit on it.

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    1. JoFriday, January 16, 2015

      I've been very lucky, I'm going to be very busy. Eleanor's had a go at needle felting before so she knows what she's doing, I'll be looking to her for advice. I'm looking forward to seeing your cushion, it will look lovely in the sheep fabric. Archie loves my crocheted cushions, cavvies do like a bit of luxury.

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  7. PamelaFriday, January 16, 2015

    Mick did really well - lucky you, what lovely gifts!

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    1. JoSaturday, January 17, 2015

      I was definitely spoilt. I've got plenty of things to be getting on with now.

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  8. Susan McShannon-MonteithFriday, January 16, 2015

    You did well Jo.
    Love the little critters both the felted and the ones to crochet. A piece of advise though mind the sharp needle when you're needle felting it can be deadly!
    You'll have to share the finished results.
    Susan x

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    1. JoFriday, January 16, 2015

      Eleanor's done needle felting before so I know about the barbed needles, they look lethal. I will definitely share the finished results, good or bad.

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  9. MumFriday, January 16, 2015

    You are one lucky lady. Hang on to Mick - he's a good-un.
    xx

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    1. JoFriday, January 16, 2015

      I intend to. I think he knows me better than I know myself sometimes.

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  10. ChrissieFriday, January 16, 2015

    What lovely gifts, your husband certainly was paying attention xcx

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    1. JoSaturday, January 17, 2015

      I have to give credit where credit's due here, Mick always buys me really thoughtful gifts. He listens all year for things I mention I'd like so I'm never disappointed when it comes to Christmas.

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  11. Susan SmithFriday, January 16, 2015

    You did well after all and Mick is very thoughtful. Now all we need is to see everything made up (giggle). That will take time so lots of posts planned we hope. You'll have to post about the needle felting as I have the punch thing and the sponge, but have know I idea what to do with it. I could have made you an apron, as I make them for lots of friends. Have a great weekend and stay cosy. Take care.

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    1. JoSaturday, January 17, 2015

      It may take some time before you see anything made up, but I'll show my progress as I go along. Eleanor's had a go at needle felting before and found it fairly easy so I hope I do too.

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  12. AnneFriday, January 16, 2015

    Mick should give "I pay attention" lessons! He'd make a fortune! :oD

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    1. JoSaturday, January 17, 2015

      He does like to make me happy, I'm very lucky.

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  13. Jennifer HaysFriday, January 16, 2015

    Wow, I love them all! He really knows what you like. I think my favorite is the hare kit, that looks like it will be fun to make and really cute.

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    1. JoSaturday, January 17, 2015

      I fell in love with the hare when I saw it on the stand at Yarndale. I think needle felting is so clever, I just hope I can do it.

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  14. Jo@awholeplotofloveSaturday, January 17, 2015

    You have some fabulous presents Jo. Mick seems very well trained I really should work on Mike a little more. He would more than happily buy me something there & then but to get a crafty surprise is a little more special isn't it!

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    1. JoSaturday, January 17, 2015

      I'm really pleased with my gifts, they should keep me busy for a while. Mick's so thoughtful when it comes to present buying, he likes to buy things I want but also likes to get me surprises so he listens well.

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  15. AnonymousSaturday, January 17, 2015

    Lovely gifts! Felting is fun, me and my girls have made a few things, watch your fingers though, that needle is sharp!! :)

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    1. JoSaturday, January 17, 2015

      I've never tried anything like needle felting before so I'm looking forward to giving it a go. I was worried about Eleanor's fingers when she had a go before but she was ok, it's me who's accident prone.

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  16. JanSaturday, January 17, 2015

    Aw - Mick is lovely! I look forward to seeing how you get on with all your projects. I hope Eleanor's mocks went well. Jx

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    1. JoSaturday, January 17, 2015

      There's so many things I want to do just now that I don't know where to start. I've got the supplies for lots of projects so I'll be kept busy for some time. Thank you, we're still waiting to hear how Eleanor's got on with her mocks but she did plenty of revision for them.

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  17. AlisonSunday, January 18, 2015

    It looks like Mick is very good at shopping. Let us know how the needle felting goes, I fancy having a try, but would probably end up stabbing my own hand accidentally! Knitting/crochet is safer :-)

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    1. JoMonday, January 19, 2015

      It has to be said that Mick's better at shopping than I am. I haven't started the needle felting yet but I'll let you know how I get on, I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

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  18. LisaTuesday, January 20, 2015

    What a thoughtful selection of gifts Mick bought for you. I love the shape of the hare. I know who would love that giraffe!
    I hope you enjoy making all your new things, whilst wearing your apron and earrings I hope!
    Lisa x

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    1. JoTuesday, January 20, 2015

      It was the giraffe which attracted me to Edward's Menagerie in the first place, Eleanor would love it. I hope to progress to that once I've made one or two of the other animals.

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