Little little Elves

Here I am blogging about my last YOE swap, December's theme was Elf - what a year of making enchanted Christmas ornaments all year long!  These themed swaps have really expanded my crafting abilities and especially the packaging of the gifts as well.  All my partners have been based in USA, with me been the only Australian.  Our wonderful host was Val from Yarni Gras!  She did an amazing job each month keeping us all on track, not an easy job I'm sure.  Thank you so much Val for creating this year long swap!

Onto my Elf - this one challenged me the most, I really wanted to make something where I didn't have to cut out fabric or felt to sew.  After much thought, one afternoon I got out my beading supplies and away I went - improvising as I went & here is my little sweet Elf I made - I just love her!

Complete with felt booties, felt elf hat & a jingly bell!  I really enjoyed making this!

Here's some of the other goodies I sent to my partner Courtney:

So now all my swaps are finished for the year, I am taking a long well deserved break from crafting & swapping & now preparing for baby #2, due in 7 weeks!  With lots of rest and enjoyment over Christmas, I just love this time of year - & extra special this year as it will be the first time in a long time that all my brothers & sisters (there's 6 of us kids) will get together on Christmas day & with 2 new babies too experiencing their first Christmas!

I do have a bit of cloth nappy sewing to do & nesting - lots of cleaning, cooking & preparations to be enjoyed before bubs comes along! xxx