Happy 40th. Grettings Cake

I crocheted two pretty cupcakes - one is for sale in my etsy shop and I gave one as a gift for a work friend who was 40. I made a lovely tag which said "Happy Birthday 40". She absolutely loved it. It was passed around the office and there were lots of oohs and aarhs and requests for more. I'm not sure when I'll get round to making them as I've been quite busy lately both designing and knitting and crocheting gifts . I've designed a gorgeous little pair of baby bootees and matching hat which I'm just writing up the pattern for along with a few other designs that I can't wait to get posted.

I also need to start making some bits for a couple of craft fairs that are coming up. Cakes seem to be really popular, so I'd better get a batch of those ready. I've seen a gorgeous cake stand that I would love to buy to display my knitted cakes. I'll check my finances later this month and see if I can buy it. I'm also working on some amigurumi toys. I'm trying to make sure they're different to what's already out there, which isn't easy. There's so many different designs out there for toys, it's hard to come up with something different.

Also, it's a long process from idea to finished pattern. I tend to start designing something, making notes as I go along. Then I re-work on the design to make sure I'm completely happy with every aspect. Then the pattern needs writing up, which takes me ages, as I include photos of the different stages. Then I have to test the pattern and I usually find a few mistakes. So the pattern needs to be re-checked and re-tested. It's a long and vicious circle. By which time I'm usually completely fed up with the pattern and I put it to one side. Not a good idea as I end up with loads of unfinished patterns.

My current task is to finish the patterns that I've started. I'll let you know how I get on..........