It's that time again.

Time to get started with plans and patterns and lists of things to do this year.

I just wish sometimes that the weather wasn't so miserable in January because it's hard to get-a-going to it's so blooming miserable outside. I'm fed up with winter woollies and welly boots and could do with a bit of sunshine to get me going again.

On the plus side, I have a lovely new framed certificate as my reward for coming second in the Christmas window competition... yay.. go me...

My next competitive challenge is come up with something wonderful for a Valentine's window display. I'm thinking of perhaps not crocheting my display this time, but you never know. 

I'm currently waiting for marks for my latest OU assignment. I submitted it during the Christmas holiday, which now feels like ages ago and I'm feeling a wee bit anxious. Hopefully all will be well but it's a bit distracting and seem to have lost the ability to think of much else. The funny thing is that I really only signed up for the course for fun.... Who thought I was going to take it all so seriously ? I'm loving the fact that I'm learning new things and really challenging myself in a whole new direction. It's definitely good to try new things. It would all be a bit boring if we didn't.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve...

So... after major surgery to realign his little legs Rudy stood up for the first time.

Still not quite as stable as he might be, he used Andy's lovely wine table for a bit of additional support.

Then headed off to take up his position in the window.

Mrs Claus is keeping an eye on him, so hopefully he will be ready to fly in time for the big night.

( I think I might need to get out more.... keep telling myself he's just a toy...)

Windows are going to be judged this week.... ooh exciting..

My Creative Space

I learned two very valuable lessons today.

No.1 Stitchmarkers are awesome little things which help you to make less mistakes, and save you from having to count to 124 sixteen times a day. (slight exaggeration there on the actual numbers but you get the idea)

Lesson No.2 Never rush a reindeer.

Poor wee Rudy here had two front legs at the back and two back legs on the front. It was all a bit wobbly and not a good look for one of Santa's little helpers. Hopefully we're on the right track now but he's just going to have to lie down till tomorrow. It's been a bit of a day...

Time now to link up with more effective creative spaces

And there are only 24 sleeps to go.

Fiona x

My Creative Space

My Creative Space today was ever so slightly hi-jacked at lunch time when a text message reminded me of a deadline I had forgotten about.

The simple question "Is your bear ready for the Teddy Bear Trail ?" lead to the one word answer "oops"

I've mentioned a few times about our various window competitions here in Alyth.

The teady bear trail is slightly different in that there is no prize for any shop keepers. The idea is that by having a Teddy Bear theme in all our windows over the summer will encourage people to take a walk around town, looking in windows and answering the questions on an entry form along the way. The hope of course is that people will become more aware of what is available in local shops and will therefore be more supportive to local businesses.

This years teddies will all have different flowers which have to be identified.

The long answer to the question was that my flower was ready but Teddy ( who I had decided, perhaps a little rashly, to knit ) only had one arm, his head was in the bag with his ears and his body was only half stuffed. Poor Teddy.

So this afternoon, instead of making jewellery, I was knitting, stuffing and sewing him all together.

Before he got down to work, posing in the window with a fetching button-hole flower, he had a wee shot on the rocking horse.

To be honest, he is a wee bit chubby, and his head is a wee bit wobbly but he is quite a cutie.

I hope people will recognise what kind of flower he is wearing because for once in my life I actually followed a pattern for this one.

Feel free to answer that one but unless you are prepared to walk round Alyth on a rainy summer afternoon there's no prize for getting it right.

Visit other creative spaces by clicking HERE



Bunnies Galore

There appears to be an abundance of bunnies in Alyth today.

We have just enjoyed a beautifully sunny and warm weekend and I'm full of hope for a lovely summer this year. I do hope I'm right.

With only two weeks till Easter, and full of the joys of spring I decided that today was the day to start putting my Easter Window display together. Oh yes.. there's another shield at stake but I fear the competition will be fierce this time round.

So would you like a sneak preview ?

I'm not quite finished and I think I will rearrange things a bit more until I am satisfied but here is the progress so far.

I've been crocheting bunnies and carrots and daisies to my heart's content for the last couple of months. I think somehow I would like to create a hill for the little guys to play on though that's going to require some thinking about.

I love my 'easter tree' decorated with eggs and ribbons. It reminds me of our holiday in Eastern Europe this time last year, where the trees in the town squares were decorated in ribbons, and where the fabulous Easter markets were an absolute treat.

I'm not liking how bad the paintwork on my windowsill looks. A reminder of how harsh our winter was and a reminder that I need to speak to my painter to get things tidied up again. 

And here are some more bunnies along the street in my friend Mel's window.

I love her daffodils on the back cloth. They are made from cut out paper petals and fairy-cake cases.

It's such a simple idea but they are really effective.

Hopefully I'll have some more windows to show in the next few days.

Happy Bunny

He looks a little bit startled actually, but I'm a happy bunny to have finished this little chap.

Does anyone remember me talking about the window competitions that we have here in Alyth ?

I may have mentioned that I won the Christmas competition...

I was rather chuffed about that.

Last year we had a competition for valentines day which I didn't win BOOO !!!

This year we an Easter competition and I have been giving a lot of thought as to how my window should look. Obviously, big bunny here will have to take prime position. I still have about a month to let my imagination run wild so who knows just who or what will be there in the supporting roles.

Any suggestions will be gratefully received as I have a tendency to get a bit silly.

Can't believe I just admitted that ...

Fiona x

Reasons to be cheerful

Two weeks since the snow started falling on Alyth we are enjoying (???) a bit of a thaw today.

With temperatures soaring above freezing point to the dizzy heights of 2 degrees it's a great chance to get the paths and drives cleared up a bit. Icicles have been falling steadily off of door and window frames. My son 'helped' to dislodge a massive icicle yesterday from the back of the house, which in one way was good, ie it's not threatening to pull the drainpipe away from the wall. However it landed on my rotary clothes line and left it totally mangled. Hey ho... I wasn't planning on hanging my washing outside anyway.

The big reason to be cheerful though is that I won the Christmas Window Competition. Yoo Hoo..

If you didn't see my previous post then click HERE 

I'm really chuffed to have been picked as the best window in town.

Now that the streets are getting a bit clearer of snow I will get out and about and show you some of the other window displays over the weekend.

Wherever you are, stay warm xoxo

We're walking in the air......

So here it is in all it's glory.

This years Christmas Window display is The Snowmans Christmas Ceilidh

Good old Santa sitting in the corner waiting patiently for his guitar solo, while Jock Bon Jovi, the famous Perthshire Piper plays 'Highland Cathedral' on his pipes.

Tough competition this year with some really good windows around the town.

Judging isn't for another week or so, so I will keep you posted on how we get on and show some more of the windows just as soon as I get them photographed. Bit tricky to do that today as what feels like a mountain of snow fell over the weekend. But hey ho.. at least it feels Christmassy around here.

My Creative Space.

It's been all go in here this week.

It started on Sunday morning, bright and early with a collection of tractors and cherry-pickers on the street as the 'boys' of the town started to put up the Christmas lights.

The average age of the 'boys' can only be imagined but they are a hardy lot who work really hard every year to make our little town gorgeous over the festive period.

I was hoping for an action shot but got out with my camera just in time for tea break.

Believe me though, they worked really hard and we are all really looking forward to the switch on parade this coming Saturday.

Saturday 27th November is Victorian Day. This is the day when the shop workers (and anyone else who feels like it) get the chance to dress up in fancy dress and just enjoy ourselves and be a little bit silly. I can't wait to get our costumes out this year as we had such a good time last year.

The end of the day sees the torchlight parade up the street and the switch on of the Christmas lights.

There is a prize for the best-dressed staff on the day, but really it's just good fun.

Victorian Day is also the target for getting our windows ready for the Christmas Window Competition.

I'm just about there now.

A quick break now for dinner and I will be back with the results of what went on in My Creative Space today. In the meantime have a look at other spaces HERE at Kootoyoo.

( little confession here.... I can't get my photos to load just now and I really want to hit the computer... so in the interest of my sanity I will leave and come back later..)



My Creative Space

If you have been reading my blog for a while you may remember me telling you about the Christmas Window competition here in Alyth. If not, then have a look HERE

So it's that time of year again and my Creative Space has been taken over with plans for this years window.

I seem to be knitting and crocheting non stop with stuff for the window and for customer orders.

I am having a Christmas Shopping Evening with ginger wine and mince pies on Wednesday 17th November which is less than a week away..... and really want to have my window dressed nicely for the occassion.

Most crafters and makers are really busy at this time of year but still seem to find the time to share their work on kootoyoo . Well worth a look if you can spare the time from your busy schedule.

Love from Fiona x

RSVP

Dear Buy Design

I am sooo looking forward to your Christmas Window Ceilidh.

I got a lovely wee tartan shawl to match my favourite hat.

Is it true that Jock Bon Jovi will be playing his pipes ?

See you soon.

Love from Maisie McSnow x



RSVP

Dear Buy Design,

Thank you for inviting me to your Christmas Window Ceilidh.

I can't wait to see all my friends again.

I have my outfit sorted and all I need now is a bit of lipstick.

Lots of love from Sally McSnow.

xoxo



Sshhh

On Thursdays I like to visit kootoyoo where creative people from all over the world post links to their blogs and show a little bit of what they are up to.
There's not much that I can show this week as I have been busy with top secret projects. I really really really want to show a lovely set of jewellery that is now finished and waiting to be collected. It's really really nice and I am really really pleased with how it all turned out but it's a special order for a wedding next month. The bride is being very generous and giving all the bridesmaids and flower girls matching jewellery to wear on the big day. I was dead chuffed when she asked if I could do this for her and we spent a long time considering all the possibilities. I'm sure the girls will all be delighted with their gifts.
Now I know it's a long time till Christmas but I have also been making some things for this years' display. The window competition is very serious here in Alyth...  Last year I was knitting like mad throughout November to get everything finished so I am starting early this year. Of course, this is another Top Secret project. You never know who might be reading.
Third project of the week is ( a bit late I know ) an Easter Bonnet.. My friend Mel sets a challenge to a group of friends each month, and this month it's an Easter Bonnet. We are off to Mel's tomorrow night and no doubt she will have made little rosettes for the top 3 bonnets. No doubt she will also have the kettle on and some lovely things to eat. I'll try to get photos of all the hats tomorrow. So much better than just the one.
Have a lovely, creative day where ever you are.
Fiona x

Valentine's Windows.

As promised here are some photos of the Valentine's Windows here in Alyth. You will probably notice the photographer (me) reflected in just about every one. I have never claimed to be a photographer though so I think I can get away with that little mistake.

So what can you see then? Lots of hearts and flowers, teddy bears, beautiful Barbie smiling out from the bakers. It is lovely to see so many shops taking part and these are just the shops neighbouring Buy Design. There may well be some more round on the square so if you are local you will just have to pop round for a look.

More Valentine's Windows

Love is definately in the air here in Alyth. I've just been out to buy milk ---- bit of a last minute dash as we had run out ---- and as I was going down the street I noticed just how many of the shops have risen to the challenge of decorating their windows for Valentine's day.
It's a bit too dark right now but I will be out tomorrow with my camera and by lunch time I should have a nice bunch of pictures on here.
Time for a nice cup of tea now (with milk)

Love is in the Air(lie Street)

Well here are a few photos of my Valentine's Window. It's all been a bit of fun really. Started with the notion to learn to crochet and ended with a crocheted window. I may have lost the plot with the wine bottle on the left but hey ho !!

The little red roses are brooches and would make a nice and lasting Valentine's gift. Why have real roses which are only going to die in a vase when you can wear a lasting reminder of how loved you are.

Sylvia has brought down some very pretty Valentine's cards along with some others which although they do not have a Valentine's message, would also be very suitable for the occasion.

Window Dressing

If you have been here before you may have read about the window competitions here in Alyth. The Christmas Competition is always the best and every shop takes part. Easter, last year was pretty good too. But now we have the challenge of the Valentine's Window.
I have been busy making lots of little goodies : mostly with my newly learned crochet skills. It's been lots of fun and I thought I was well prepared.
I only went and forgot just how big my window is. Off I went today, climbing the step ladder, hanging crocheted hearts, full of the joys of life.
An hour later I stepped outside to have a look and was soo disappointed. It all looks a bit minimalist, and while that might be seen as a good thing, it's not quite the look I was after.
I'm taking a wee break now from the crochet hook but have just finished another heart pillow and rose corsage to add to the display.
Hopefully be back tomorrow with piccies of the finished display.

Christmas Window

I think I mentioned before that we have a Christmas window competition here in Alyth. We also have an Easter Window competition, sometimes a Valentine's Day Window competition, and a Teddy Bear Trail in the summer. It's a fun way to encourage people to take the time to have a walk around our little town and hopefully get to know more about what is available locally.

Then of course if you are lucky enough to be in the top three your shop or business will get the equivalent of a free advert in the Blairgowrie Advertiser when photos of the winners are published.

I think I may have got a bit carried away this year. I had great fun knitting Santas, Snow families and Sledging Penguins. The kids passing by love them and the parents keep coming in and asking if they are for sale.

Maybe knitting baubles for my little tree was a step too far but think they are rather sweet.

Two postings in one day !!! Think I have been catching up for missing a whole week.

Fiona x

Victorian Day

Just A quick note to remind everyone local that this Saturday is Victorian Day here in Alyth. Megan and I were off this evening to collect our costumes and can't wait to wear them on Saturday.
Christmas window is just about finished, though I think I will be adding a few more bits along the way. I really want to have it all done by Saturday since there will be a lot of visitors in town and we want to be looking our best.
I will be taking lots of pics on the day and will share them as soon as I can.
Just a bit more knitting to do tonight, so bye for now.

Christmas Shopping Evening

I have just set the date for our Christmas Shopping evening which will be on Wednesday 9th December. We will be open from 6.30 till 9ish. Last year I made mulled wine for the first and since I wasn't entirely sure what it should taste like, I wasn't entirely sure if it was any good. Apparently it was, so I will try to do the same again. There will be seasonal nibbles too, so you can always pop in on your way home from work instead of rushing home to cook.
Not sure if I mentioned before that 28th November is Victorian Day here in Alyth. Coffee morning in Airlie Street hall in the morning, Charity Stalls there in the afternoon, and Christmas Lights switch on at 6pm.
We will be open till 7pm. Not giving too much away, but along with the other shops in the town, we will be in Fancy Dress on the day. Megan, my Saturday girl (and daughter) and I were off trying on our costumes last week and can't wait to wear them for real.