Winter Project Link Up Party

I fear I am a little late to this party as there have already been two link ups this Winter. I've been so busy with my stitchscapes and moving in to TWA that I didn't get a chance to participate. But, better late than never and I have also picked up my crochet hook again after several months away from the hooky world. I had such a lovely afternoon yesterday catching up on NCIS and managed to work 15 rows! Quite an achievement for a blanket that hasn't progressed forwards since January (another WPLUP post).

This is a simple, near mindless blanket that enables me to engross myself in the exploits of the NCIS team without having to also concentrate on difficult hook sequences. Granny squares are a timeless stitch, and each colour stripe is made of two rows of each colour, with clusters of three treble stitches in each gap. Even the colours have already been set up as I am working the same pattern of colours, separated each time with a cream colour. Light, fresh and should be finished in time for Spring whilst keeping me cosy through these chilly days.

Also keeping me cosy over the weekend is this gorgeous smelling candle from the 'trose, and very festive activities that begin this time of year. So many people have put up their decorations over the last couple of days- it's charming to see the twinkling lights on my bus journey home.
I collected some greenery from the hedgerows around my home and spent a couple of hours putting together a wreath for our front door. There's something really lovely about making your own wreath (although I cheat slightly and use a pre-formed base), and in this case, the smell of Rosemary is intoxicating.

It's the first time I have used holly in my wreath and I think my top tip for next year is to wear gloves to avoid getting prickled! The little red berries, ribbons, cinnamon sticks and small apples have been recycled from last years wreath.

Annoyingly our front door doesn't have a knocker or a hook for the wreath to hang on and every year is a new challenge of how to get the wreath to stay there! It usually involves string attached in creative ways, and last year I managed to make a threaded Christmas tree on the inner side! This year is a little more subdued, although hopefully effective in keeping the wreath welcoming (and prickling) guests through the festive holidays.

Of course, the final part of any comfort weekend is food! And part of my Winter project is to make as many mincemeat (the fruit version) foodstuffs as possible! Actual mince pies are to follow but these all butter puff pastry mince puffs are delicious and take a maximum of 15 minutes to put together. Pre rolled puff pastry split into eight squares. Jarred cranberry mincemeat dolloped at one corner, brush the edges with beaten egg and fold the pastry over. Seal the edges and brush the top with more beaten egg, make a small hole in the top to allow steam to escape. Sprinkle the top with brown sugar and bake in the oven on 200°C (fan assisted) for 10-13 minutes or until golden and puffed! Definitely give it a try.

So, to end this party post I must thank the lovely Jen at ThistleBear for hosting, and I must also encourage you to follow the link (here, or in the right hand side bar) and catch up on other party goer's winter projects! Thanks for joining!