A virtual thank you!

For those of you coming here from 'Twelve Crafts' for stocking stuffer ideas, please make your way through the waffle to the ideas...

It's time for me to say a great big thank you to all of those people (and you know who you are) who have made me feel so welcome to Blogland with your very kind messages or silent visits.

When I started this blogging lark, I loved having my own private piece of cyberspace, but back in February I decided it was time to go public. I got myself one of those free little hit counters and never thought it would go beyond 20 hits. Well, today it got to 500!!!

I wanted to give all my visitors a special gift each, but sadly the budget won't stretch to that. Then I thought I could do a giveaway, but only one person would get the prize. Eventually, I hit on the idea of a virtual giveaway.

This is how it works: I've put together a list of some of my favourite crochet patterns, sewing patterns and printables from all over the internet and one of my favorite recipes. These make up your virtual gift hamper from me to you. Thank you so much for your visits and support they are so appreciated! I should clarify that everything is free and I have credited the creative people who have made these lovely things available!

Now the fun starts! Get ready to print, sew, crochet, cook, craft and enjoy:

Gift #1
First up is a gift for all those 20 Minuters and crafty crafters out there:


I love the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster, but I think this is more cheery. Moleitau designed this, and he's made it available to anyone who wants it. You'll need to click this link and print it out. Some people print it onto transfer paper and put it on t-shirts, I'm going to make a small poster, I might even frame it... What will you do?

Gift #2
Right, on with the unwrapping! My next gift to you is courtesy of Nigella and Jane Grigson, it's the easiest and best recipe for Yorkshire Pudding ever! I swear, you can't go wrong with this one, it is absolutely fool proof and produces a billowing pudding that always impresses. OK, enough with the sales pitch, here it is:

Yorkshire Pudding (serves 6 at least!)

You'll need:
300 ml milk
4 eggs
250g flour (sifted)

Heat your oven to 220C. Put a small roasting tin in the oven with a tablespoon or two of oil, dripping or goose fat. Beat the eggs and the milk together with a pinch of salt. Then let it stand for 15 minutes, now whisk in the flour. Pour the mixture into the scorching roasting tin, and put it back in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. I usually check it and leave it in a bit longer if it isn't golden enough for my liking. Enjoy!
P.S. This was particularly for Alison! Alison - I did remember, hope this one works for you. I used to be useless at Yorkshire Pudding too, but now I rock (Little Man is a very bad influence)!

Gift #3
I'm always short of note cards for thank you notes, but I found these recently, and they've solved my problems! I thought you might like them too:



The lady over at Creature Comforts has loads of free printables, but I really like the apples! Here's the link, get printing next time you need to say thank you via snail mail!

Gift #4
Next up is something for anyone with little girls out there. I used to love dressing paper dolls when I was little, so have fun:


These (and more) are from rustyvalley.com via Moms and Kids Couch. I think they would make perfect party bag gifts! Here's the link, just scroll down and print them out. I love the vintage feel of these, have fun!

Gift #5
I fell in love with this little chap the very first time I saw him.



There's a fantastic tutorial here, if you want your very own bunny. I keep meaning to make him, but you might just beat me to it!

Gift #6
I've started to make these, and thought you might like a pretty pair of slippers too. Look aren't they beautiful?


The (very easy) tutorial/free pattern is here. You may need to subscribe to Ravelry, if you haven't already, but it's free and gives you access to more free crocheting and knitting patterns than you could shake a stick at!
I made these for my daughter using this pattern.

Gift #7
Finally for all of the sewing fans out there, I found this
huge list of sewing patterns for every eventuality. Happy sewing!

Well, that's it for the BIG THANK YOU! I hope you enjoyed the unwrapping, and you found something you liked!