Under the tree!

Here is the last of the presents that went under the tree.

Mittens and mug rugs,
and two hats one crocheted and one knitted. Very uninspiring photos, I know!

And that's all for this Christmas!

Christmas swap 2013!

This was my first time in the Secret Santa Christmas Swap held by Chookyblue and Googygirl.
And oh boy what a lot of fun it was, Thank you so very much ladies!
Early in December I got my parcel from Michelle in NZ. Here it is after I had opened the ornament, which was allowed. I love the mitten with the snowman on!

And on Christmas I got to open all this

A beautiful stitchery with bells on and everything, I love it!!
A calender which is all my style, ornaments and Christmas chocolate.
Thank you so very much, Michelle, I love it all!
- - - - -
I sent my gifts to Sandi.
First was the star ornament to be opened at once,
and on Christmas Day she got to open the table runner I had made her.
I'm so glad you liked it, Sandi!

This was a really fun swap, Thanks again all of you!

Merry Christmas / God Jul

                                          I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

For Me, for Christmas

Yes for me, or for my couch.
I wanted to make a lap quilt for Christmas but for once I realised there wasn't time for that and decided on a cushion.

It came together very quick and easy. I started with the middle block with the ornament, you could find it HERE, and then just added fabric to it.
On the back it's closed with a zipper.

I'm very pleased with it and am linking to Ms Midge

About Lucia!

Lucia is traditionally celebrated in Sweden on the 13th of December.

Originally it coincided with the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere when it was on the 13th. Early popular belief believed it was a dangerous night, with the animals being able to talk. All Christmas preparations sholuld be finished before this day and was celebrated by eating and drinking some extra. Even the animals was fed a bit more than usual.

The tradition with Lucia as we celebrate it today started around early 1900.
Lucia, with candles in her hair, and her followers singing comes with light when it's the darkest in the year usually offering the people lussekatter and gingerbread biscuits.
Lussekatter is a form of a bun with saffron in it, only eaten around Lucia and Christmas. The buns could be made in a lot of different variations where the lussekatt is the most common.

Lucia!

I know Lucia was on Friday but I never got around to do a post.
I didn't celebrate very much but as usual I found Lucia and her little helper in the cabinet to take out, they will stay with us over the Christmas.

The candle I light every morning, it starts on the 1st of December until the 24th of December. Have to keep an eye on it so it's not lit for to long , wouldn't want to miss out on the next day.
On Friday I also baked Lussekatter and today we had a delicious afternoon tea.

FNWF - December

My Friday Night With Friends I spent on my couch. You could go and see what all the others were doing if you visit Cheryll at Gone Stitchin'.
First I finished these socks for me.

At this time of December I always could use some extra hours in the day. It's not until the beginning of this month I get all the ideas for Christmas presents all made by me.
One year I made 11 hats/beanis for my children, niece and  nephew and their boy/girlfriends.
This year I'm a bit late for that much, but I will make some mittens to put under the tree at least.
So on Friday I crocheted the green mittens, the smaller ones I knitted a few days ago. I do hope they will be used.

This weekend they could certainly have been needed. The weather has been terrible with a storm and a bit of snow. Brrr!

SSCS - parcel received

Today I got my parcel from Michelle in New Zealand!
OMG!!

I'm overwhelmed, not one but four gifts for Christmas day and a pretty card and a very cute ornament, a mitten with a snowman, that will hang in the tree when I put it up on the 23rd.
Thank you so much Michelle!

It's time to sign up for FNWF again, pop over to Cheryll's to sign up you too!
Because who doesn't need to get a few things finished this month!

1st Sunday in advent!

Today has been the first of advent and the first candle has been lit. As always our red pig comes to stay for a month with us, and for every Sunday we light one more of the four candles!

He has lost his tail and some paint but we still love him and the time to come!

Quite some time ago I received a parcel from Peg for being picked in the OPAM drawing one month. Just look at all the goodies she sent me, I felt really spoilt!

A beautiful charm pack, a kit for making a pear pincushion and a card of her own, all wrapped in the green fabric. Thank you so very much, Peg!