It’s the quiet time of year, when craft fairs are over and there is time to check stock, fill gaps and try new ideas.

There were quite a lot of craft fairs on in different parishes the last few weeks of December but the DragonLady only attended the KGS big fair and the one at Cromarty Hall, St. Margaret’s Hope. Two of the DragonLady’s knitted toys were donated as raffle prizes at the KGS and Cromarty Hall fairs: Barnaby Bear and an unnamed dog.

Incidentally, there came a commission for a knitted dog from a lady at the Cromarty Hall so that was a priority at the start of the winter off-season. Done, finished off with a ribbon collar and delivered before our big snow of the 3^rd week of January.

Never been ‘snowed in’ in Orkney but it was a pretty significant snowfall this time and minor roads were blocked until farmers and machinery operators got to work with their diggers. Not being able to get out is not a problem with enough food and warmth and plenty of crafting to get on with.

DragonLady is still meeting up with a friend once a week (weather permitting!) to try new crafts and develop new skills. I think we are learning what we can’t do, and what we don’t like doing and this year we will be using what skills we already have to craft around different themes, events and red-letter days. Next up is Chinese New Year in February. And very special it is to DragonLady because it heralds the Year of the Dragon.  Apparently pineapples are an important symbol at Chinese New Year and my friend is probably going to concentrate on them. But it is a ‘no brainer’ for DL… there has got to be a dragon lurking somewhere!

My embroidered hoops sold well last year. Obviously each one is an original and even if I do more than one on the same theme, the stitching for each one will be unique. This year I am looking to do 3inch, 4inch, and 5 inch hoops and as many as time permits. Unfortunately house and garden also vie for attention as the year wears on so as much as possible needs doing now.  Therefore…..

Back to the workroom, pick up my needle and thread and craft on.