...well, when I started writing this post last week I would have answered that by "not even close!", but this weekend I felt a bit like an elf in Santa's workshop... You see, my two youngest, Eva (just turned 13 yesterday!) and Nico (10), decided this year that they would like to give everyone gifts handmade by them. Of course, their initiative put a big smile on my face, so this weekend, which fittingly begun with going to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Nutcracker, we spent most of it together sewing, soapmaking, and baking, and had an absolute blast doing so! And I have to admit that, in light of Friday's Connecticut tragedy, I can't imagine a better way to spend my weekend than hanging out with my children and relishing my every moment with them... How fortunate am I?!...
I know I promised a pillowcase giveaway in my last post and it is coming... Perhaps it's this time of the year, but I'm flying in too many directions at the moment and I still haven't quite finished putting the final touches on this new batch of pillowcases of mine; it's coming though and I figure my giveaway will be up on Christmas Eve or day and run until New Year's day, so please come back then to enter the draw! One of the things I have been working on is starting up my lunchtime crochet and sewing workshop at Nico's elementary school. I have had a lot of fun putting together the following bag project for them which will involve a bit of sewing and some basic crochet work (they are mostly all beginner crocheters): as you can see in the photos, the bags will be made of two pieces of felted wool sweaters which they will blanket stitch together. They will then use their newly-acquired crochet skills to make the handles for the bag and, lastly, have fun adorning it with some simple crocheted flowers I will show them how to make. The best part about the project is that they will end up with a bag where they can keep all the yarn and supplies they will need for my workshop! I think the girls (yes, they are all girls...) are quite excited about the project and I will keep you up-to-date on their progress as we make them...
Now, changing the subject entirely... I have been blogging for over 6 years now and I haven't yet done something in my blog that a lot of bloggers do as soon as they first set up their blog... What do you think that is? Well, I haven't show my face yet to you! As much as I love taking photos, I'm absurdly camera-shy -- I cringe when I have to be in photos... Well the time has come for me, dearest readers, to show my face to you as well as the readers of the November issue of a lovely UK crochet magazine called "Inside Crochet" since, a little while back, they flattered me by asking me if I would like to be featured as their "favourite blogger" for their November issue. Of course, I said yes despite knowing that I would have to include a photo of myself... Yikes, so here goes... here I am!...
...and if you want to read the sweet blurb they put together from their interview questions I answered:
It was quite the feeling to happen upon this issue at a Chapters bookstore (Canada's answer to Barnes and Noble or Waterstones), nervously flip through the pages and then see yourself staring back at you!... I have to say that I'm very pleased with it all and especially thankful to all of you who read my blog because you are the reason I got this opportunity! It's also so very gratifying to be included in a magazine which seems to get lovelier which each issue I pick up (suprisingly, I can actually find this magazine in Vancouver which isn't always the case with a lot of overseas magazines!); here are some of my favourite pages in this issue...
Sweet, aren't they?!... Well, now that I have shown my face to you, I must run and work on Christmas prep as well my pillowcase giveaway which I hope you'll come back for... Talk to you soon and thank you so much for all your lovely words about my lampshade which I showed you in my last post!!....
Beata so nice to SEE you!! Love that you were featured in this way...I love what you do! ....and since you asked...no. I am not ready, but getting there. Lost sleep last night over thinking...should have just got up and made a list! xoxo love from Muskoka!
Posted by: leanne | December 18, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Sounds like a lovely weekend with you sweet kids!! Congrats on the magazine and so pretty and lovely you are!! Wishing you a Merry Christmas!! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | December 18, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Congratulations...I flipped through the magazine in the supermarket and decided it was too extravagant but I missed you, perhaps I should treat myself?! Fiona x
Posted by: Fiona | December 18, 2012 at 02:34 PM
You are so lovely! Congratulations!!!
xo Kris
Posted by: Kris | December 18, 2012 at 09:29 PM
Super exciting! i am new to your blog but will look forward to see you LIVE, IN PRINT! How delightful! Well done!
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=654943233 | December 19, 2012 at 06:54 AM
Dear Beata,
Because of you i started to crochet!! I am greatful to you and you are beautiful,inspiring and a very creative, so thank YOU!!!
astrid, you now maybe, from amsterdam
Posted by: astrid | December 20, 2012 at 03:02 PM
Look at you! Such a cutie! Congratulations on the wonderful article and thanks for all the inspiration throughout the year. All the best to you and your family.
Posted by: Emily | December 20, 2012 at 06:00 PM
Congrats! You're a beautiful woman! I haven't left any comments before but I do visit your blog almost daily and love all that you do! Happy Holidays :)
Posted by: May | December 21, 2012 at 01:50 PM
Congratulations, lovely photo.
Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Christmas.
Carol xx
Posted by: Carol | December 24, 2012 at 03:55 PM
Merry Christmas, dear Beata!
Posted by: Susana@citrusandorange | December 25, 2012 at 04:26 AM
yousa lovely! congrats on the article! well done! (PS...I'm so glad I discovered your blog!)
Posted by: Dana | January 03, 2013 at 05:08 PM