Miss Aine

Its party season around our way. We have a party to go to next Saturday for a little guy who was born six days after Emily. I wanted to take a little break from knitting so I decided to sew a present for him. And out came 'Toys to Sew' by Claire Garland. I got it last year at the Knitting and Stitching show but actually hadn't made anything from it yet. I picked the elephant to do and chose some nice stripey fabric that I actually got at the same show. I'm really pleased with how he turned out. I changed some things - I gave him a plaited tail rather than a sewn one, and sewed circles of contrast fabric to the base of his feet rather than circles of felt. It was a pretty easy and quick toy to make. Sewing the body was a little tricky and it took me a little bit to understand how I was supposed to do it but once I got into it it was fine.

The last few days have been a bit of a blur. Smem didn't sleep so well on Thursday night so I was a bit of a zombie on Friday. But I had loads of baking to do for the party so I was kept going and only started to crash in the afternoon. Friday night I stuck up the decorations for the party - lots and lots of flowers. Everyone thought they were really nice, and C kinda wants to keep them up as they're so cheery! Friday night Smem did not sleep well again so I was a fully fledged zombie on Saturday. But there was more baking to be done as I had bread to make for the dinner part of the afternoon. Most people came around 2 and left around 5 so it wasn't a very long party but it was good fun. I was a bit too tired and harassed trying to look after everyone to enjoy it properly but it seemed to go well. And all the other kids who came were very happy with their kitties when leaving! Smem got some lovely presents, and not too many. Lots of books as she loves looking at books ...

Today didn't start to great as somebody didn't really feel the need to sleep last night. However, there was much baking to be done in preparation for the party tomorrow so I got straight down to it once we were dressed. First up was the birthday cake - a chocolate victoria sandwich (pictured left). I still need to ice it, which I had intended doing tonight but I'm feeling rather tired so I'll have to see. Then I made blueberry cookies, which I forgot to take a picture of, and little fairy cakes (pictured right). Last up was a no-bake biscuit cake which is in the fridge setting at the moment. Hopefully it will turn out okay. I'm just surprised my oven didn't break - it's never seen this much action!

The birthday preparations are in full swing for Saturday. I've already started cleaning the house and mowed the lawn this morning! Yesterday I made a little present for Smem. I had bought her a book about a little dog called Woof and his tea-time with his friends. He reminded me of a little dog called Scamp in Jean Greenhowe's McScarecrow Clan book. I just added a few brown patches to fit him in with the dog in the book. This evening I started to make little gifts for any kids who come to the party. My Little Mochi has a cute pattern for a chibi bunny and kitty. I used that pattern but changed it slightly. I love it! And today during the day I started making paper flowers to decorate the house. Again, I love them! I can't wait to put them up.

*** Update *** This giveaway is now closed *** Well, only 4 people entered the giveaway so I've decided that each of you can have a free pattern. So the winners are: Je55ie Momma Lynne Jbyrd Eumama I don't have any of your emails so please email me (aine.mahon@gmail.com) or pm me through Ravelry (missaine) and I'll send you your pattern. Thank you to everyone who took part!

** Update *** This giveaway is now closed *** My March Giveaway is up and running. This month on offer is a pdf knitting pattern for Bob and Babs, the Easter Bunnies. These cute little guys just love hunting for easter eggs! Leave a comment to be in with a chance to win. Three winners will be chosen randomly on Monday morning. Good Luck!