Blogmas, day 20

Good morning, all.  Happy Saturday to you!

I have a question to start with, please, if anyone knows.  I know Craftsy is an online subscription tutorial thing that covers all sorts of crafts but is it good and does it work for UK crafters?  If you know, I'd really appreciate  some info.  Thanks.

I got onto Amazon yesterday and ordered what I hope is the rest of my Christmas presents.  A bit of a cop out but at least I've done it now.  Phew.

(As I typed this, I remembered someone else - a quick visit to Amazon and it's all sorted)

Usually, I would go to somewhere like Lathcoats or Longacres but I just don't feel up to pushing through the crowds.

The pigs in blankets are now in the freezer but I didn't do the rest because Alex didn't come but asked could he come Sunday instead.  He really seems to want to spend time with his old Nan.  It gives me a warm. cosy feeling.  

And I made the mince pies.  Lovely pastry but - I managed to overcook them.  I just can't win with mince pies.

I started the border of the blanket, using the shiny yarn but two rounds down I frogged it and tried with ordinary.  That doesn't sit right either so, today, more frogging, I will do some more dc stitches round first to make it a firmer edging and then, perhaps, I will try a cluster every fourth stitch instead of every third.  I will get it right - I have time.
(If you have any good border ideas, please do say in the comments)

It does also need a very light steam bit I will do that when it is finished and steam the back, not the front.

My head is buzzing with new ideas but I will get this finished and then the maple leaf blanket done before I start anything else.
I want to have a go at Dorset buttons, I want to make a virus shawl with a yarn cake I have had for years and I want to make that crochet cardigan for Beth although she said wait until middle of next year for that.  and then there's maybe a concentric  circle blanket - and other ideas from Anita's book.

Here it is with a link to Amazon - if you enjoy crochet, it is well worth considering.

Here's today's advent stuff - all the usuals plus the last Jo Malone freebie (another hand lotion - my hands have never felt so good), the tea bag is 'peachy keen' (no idea) and there's a pair of Santa earrings.
These earring have all been part of a stupidly cheap set but, luckily, they don't seem to have caused any irritation or reaction so far.  I will store them in a couple of those wee tins for use next Christmas.  😀

Today's Advent of Change charity is Shout, which offers free, accessible and confidential support for people in crisis.

Today you have helped someone in distress have a conversation with a trained volunteer who could save their life.

Wow!

https://giveusashout.org/

On my Little List today - I want to make Beth's vegetable crumble and get it in the freezer and I need to make some loaves of various kinds.  I'm getting my sense of smell back more and there's something a bit whiffy in the fridge so that needs a good clear out.  I'd need to do it anyway - I will be doing my Morrisons Christmas shopping early Monday morning and, I gather, with the points card, selected veg is 5p.  Somewhere down the line, someone loses out there, probably the farmers*, but I'd be foolish not to take advantage.  I gather it includes carrots, parsnips, sprouts and swede while their best roasting potatoes are also on offer

I also need to do some washing, I've driven a coach and horses through my pile of hankies again this week.  xx

And later on, it is the annual sparkle-fest that is the Strictly Final.  I always enjoy this one - usually I have a very strong desire for one celebrity to win but this year I don't which makes it feel less personal but I will still vote and I will still enjoy it very much.  And probably shed a tear or two when they say goodbye to Tess and Claudia.

Well, better got going, I suppose.  My coffee is cold and I need another one.  And I need to light the candles - the Advent one and the tealight in the tin.

Have a lovely Saturday, everyone.

* having said that, I found this on their site:

Morrisons has announced that its festive vegetable offer has been developed in close collaboration with UK farmers, ensuring that seasonal savings are delivered without compromising the price paid to producers. By protecting farmgate prices while reducing the cost for customers, Morrisons reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional value during the Christmas period, alongside its dedication to quality, fairness and strong partnerships with British farmers and suppliers.

Interesting and, if true, good for Morrisons!

Here's today's Advent Calendar music.  It's two versions of the Carol of the Bells.

Libera . . .

. . . and Pentatonix