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Sunday, December 29, 2024

Christmas Socks and Goodies

 My girls assure me that they love my hand knitted socks, so that's what they got for Christmas again this year.  Three pair of 4ply socks, one each for them, plus a couple of other small gifts too.  They probably don't realise how long they take me to knit, but I started early, and had them done with time to spare.


Three pairs of socks

The pink ones are for my daughter Nicky, and I can't remember what brand this wool was.  The middle pair was for Emma, made with Happy Feet yarn.  And the last pair was for Megan, who has a much shorter foot length, so I have to remember to keep that in mind when I'm up to the feet.  This pair was knitted with all those tiny odds and ends of left over wool from previous socks, and I used Happy Feet yarn in plain blue for the cuffs, heels and toes.  I'm pleased how this scrappy pair turned out.

I came home on Christmas Day with two gift baskets, a gift bag, and a Christmas Stocking.  It was about time I unpacked them, I thought, on Boxing Day.

Lots of goodies here

Mmm, what's all this?  A big jar of my favourite cheese stuffed peppers - but there is a problem, I can't get the jar opened.  Also a big jar of strawberry jam, some bottled plums, plus a jar of preserved pears in mulled wine.  All so delicious.

Yummy preserves

What else?  Plenty of biscuits and chocolates to keep me nibbling for a while.

Biscuits and chocolates

Plus an assortments of soaps, creams, talcum powder, a sun hat, plus a lovely bees wax candle.  I'll be lighting that in memory of Robin soon.  And two crochet flannels/dish cloths from Nicky, I'll have to decide how I want to use them.

Haven't I been spoilt.

And lastly, Nicky spotted this piece of patchwork fabric so popped it in the basket as well.

From Nicky

I've taken down all the bereavement/sympathy cards today, and re-read all the messages again.  I particularly liked the words in one of them.

The memories shall never fade

The thoughts will last forever

A love so clearly Heaven made

Apart..... but still together

So many cards

I was really moved that a couple of people took the time to write me a letter, that is so special and thoughtful.


19 comments:

Kim said...

The socks you gifted, Jenny, are lovely. I imagine a pair of hand knitted socks would always be most welcome. You received some lovely and thoughtful gifts, too. Such a lovely verse to warm your heart at this difficult time. Such poignant and beautiful words. I love the thought that you light a candle in remembrance of your beloved Robin each evening. Take care, dear lady. Xx

Kathy S. said...

The socks turned out great. I love the scrappy ones. Your girls will enjoy them for a long time to come. Lovely gifts. The beeswax candle is so pretty. Yum on all those goodies.

Julierose said...

Happy to see all your lovely, thoughtful gifts, Jenny. The 3 pairs of socks are in delightful colorways--nice work...Take care and be easy in your heart...
hugs, Julierose

The Cozy Quilter said...

Lovely gifts given and received! Your daughters will feel your love every time they wear the cozy socks you made for them.
I have trouble opening jars too. I bought myself a handy gadget at the kitchen store and now it’s easy to open any jar. Google jar opener…the one I have has a handle with a triangle attached. The jar lid goes into the triangle and then you just turn the handle. The lid comes off easily.
Take care, Jenny.

Maria said...

Gorgeous socks you knitted for your special girls.
So many beautiful gifts of goodies to eat and nice smelly things to use….
Lovely to have received so many thoughtful cards. 🤗

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

You came home with quite a lot of goodies! What a fun time to unpack. I hope you get your jar open, sometimes I thwack them with a utensil to help break the vacuum. The sentiment you received is lovely. Those held in the heart will always be with us.

Tired Teacher said...

It’s difficult to experience the loss of a loved one so near the holidays. I’m glad your family and friends have rallied around you. Praying for you each night and sending virtual hugs.

Nancy J said...

Jenny, a lovely assortment of goodies. The pepper jar, I take mine outside and gently tap the rim of the lid on concrete. Several times all round the edge. That fabric is so unusual, a real treat to be able to play with it for something for yourself maybe.

Karrin Hurd said...

I love your socks, they are all so beautiful. Looks like you made quite the haul.
Thinking of you beginning this new chapter in your life this next year. Hugs!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I bet your girls love those socks! They're so pretty, but also look very warm. Looks like you got lots of fun goodies for Christmas. Hope you made it through this first Christmas okay. That is a lovely poem from the card.

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

Jenny, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear Robin. You and your family are in my prayers. The socks are so lovely and are such a wonderful gift. You received many fabulous gifts as well. I am intrigued by the cheese stuffed peppers. Warm hugs and blessings.

Janice said...

What a lovely assortment of gifts. I agree, the scrappy socks turned out beautifully. I like that your gifts are all things you can “eat up, use up, or wear out”.

Janice said...

PS. We use a Jar key which releases the vacuum seal on lids. It works a treat. We also have the like a triangle on a handle. It was Mum’s and is good as it works on all size lids, right down too bottle tops.

Jackie said...

Lots of lovely gifts, and the socks you gifted your girls are perfect. When our daughter died, I took all the cards we were given and put them in an album. Now when I start to feel lost, I pull the album down and read what everyone wrote. It has helped me get through some very difficult times.

God bless.

loulee said...

Wonderful gifts. I'm sure your girls love them, especially on the cooler evenings.

Vivian said...

Oh those socks are so lovely, they are lucky girls to get them! As someone else suggested, a jar opener is a god send --- I have and like the one by Kuhn Rikon that they sell on QVC. I am sorry for your loss, as others have said it is a hard thing to happen right before the holidays. Keep your memories close and your remaining family closer as you move into the a New Year.

Jenny said...

PS. I finally got that jar of delicious stuffed peppers opened. I have a jar opener, but this kid was too big and it just didnt fit. Someone mentioned tapping all around the edge of the lid, which I did, and that broke the vacuum seal inside, so I could then easily open the lid. Thanks for all your tips.

ButterZ said...

Oh Jenny. I have had the pleasure of enjoying your socks. They are well expired now. I love that you still enjoy knitting them. It must have been so hard taking down those cards. I still get my sons out 12 years later and read them. Keep them close by to help you get by. Love that your gifts will last a while too. Hopefully one day we might see you on Chooky’s zoom. We had a great day with many countries stopping by. Take care. xxxxxx

CathieJ said...

The socks that you made are so pretty. How wonderful that you were able to use some odds and ends to make one of the pairs. You received a whole bunch of wonderful gifts. I like that you will be lighting the beeswax candle as a remembrance. Those heartfelt sentiments are wonderful to receive. Wishing you peace and joy in the new year.