Update on the Great Half term Must Finish List

Well what an eventful few days that's been! We tried to unblock the drains ourselves using rods and pipes and things. That didn't work, so desperate to try and avoid the Bank Holiday call out fees for Dyno Rod, we called a friend to see if he knew anyone local who did that sort of thing. 'Yes, me' came back the reply. It turned out that unbeknown to us, this friend has a side line in maintenance, he is normally a farmer. So along he came, worked his magic, and we're now all clear! (It was next door blocking the pipes - not our fault after all). Anyway, I shall just leave you all to imagine the mood of Mr Stressy - sunny bank holiday, garden all done and just about to relax in the garden when youngest son noticed lots of water in the toilet...)

Oh yes, and as if that wasn't enough, I looked out of my kitchen window the other day to see what was enjoying the bird seed on the bird table. A humongous, blinking enormous RAT!!!!! I freaked out. I can cope with mice, but rats? Ugh.

They say bad things come in 3's don't they. Oh heck, what's next?

Anyway, enough of my troubles, let's get on with today's exciting news. I have been busy trying to plough my way through the half term must finish list.

Presenting 3 felted jumper blankets. 3 more just have the border to do. These will be parcelled off very soon to my sister in law's care home.

15 Wiggly Bags for Gina. It seems that some of you don't know about the Wiggly Bags. Well, they are used to house the tubes that children with cancer have to have permanently attached to themselves. They are very easy to make - more info can be found here, but I'm sure if you asked Gina she would send you details on how to make them.

Quite the most exciting news is that the Posh Poppy Socks are now finished. They are, if I can be so modest, fantastic! I am so in love with this pattern - I would always far rather make things in loads of colours and stocking stitch rather than one colour and fancy stitches (lace knitting? No way!) I love the way stocking stitch looks, so neat and even, making a soft fabric with no holes or bumps. This is a very bad photo - forgive me, the light is terrible today. But believe me, they are very lovely socks! (My modesty astounds me at times!)

And last but by no means least, the Golden Wedding Blanket is started! I am going to do this in cream, golds and greens. Yes, I know it doesn't look very green in the picture, but it is quite gold don't you think? 2 squares done, only another 97 to go! If anyone out there has any scraps (or indeed whole skeins!) of Posh Yarn Helena 4-ply in suitable colours, I would love to hear from you...

I know that Kitty is very keen on making a blanket, does anyone else have the urge to make one? Blankets can be as easy or difficult as you like, they are very portable, take up little space, and great for stash busting. I am already a bit of a blanket freak as you know and would love to spread the word and get more people joining in a knit-a-thon. Anyone want to join me and Kitty? (This time I'm not asking you to knit a square and send it to me, I'm saying keep your squares, sew them together and be cosy and warm in the winter.)

Oh, and Saturday Pudding has been named. Boudoir Tarte, as named by Anonymous Sally. When I write a recipe book, or indeed any book, I promise to use it in there Sally and give you the credit! Not that I'm planning on writing a book, but you never know!