The Nutcracker

Sometimes it feels like my friends can read my mind. I had been considering going to see the ballet at Christmas to see a performance of the Nutcracker, I thought it would be a really fun festive treat.... until I saw the prices. So, I had moved on from this idea and was content with watching Billy Elliot on repeat, until my friend said to me "We're going to see the Nutcracker at the local theatre next week do you want to come?" I am still shocked, we had not discussed it once, I'd never said anything out loud, so how without reading my mind did she know!

Yes of course I would like to, my little ballerina heart (not that I know an ounce of ballet) jumped for joy! I spent the rest of the time between then and the ballet dancing around gleefully, considering what was appropriate clothing for such an event and wondering how best to thank her and her family for inviting me to go along with them. 

All good things lead to crafts! It's been a long while since any character based crafting has happened, no princesses or mermaids or witches, but if anything could rekindle the crafting joy then the subtle mention of "wouldn't ballerinas be fun to make" ought to do the trick! And that is exactly what it did, the craft factory is back in business! 

Seeing my Mum enjoying herself making pegdolls again was already enough, but when the first ballerina was complete I knew it was a resounding victory. Adding legs to the original princess design, brushing the skirt out some more to create a tutu style design, all topped off with bows on the feet, total perfection. She then even tried and entirely different design, adding in some sparkly fabric under the wool to add a bit more structure to the dress, with them both side by side it is not possible to decide on my favourite as they are both so adorable. 

I can't take credit for the ballerinas at all, I can only say that inspiration can come from anywhere and when it strikes it should be acted upon! Although I do fear my friend and her family will suffer the consequences of inviting me to the ballet and will soon be inundated with ballerinas and before long all other crafts that occur in my family! The ballet was such a fun experience, in the end I settled on wearing a tulle skirt, which received rave reviews from many people - although I did realise I was dressed more for Swan Lake which means we will all have to go again another time!