Some excellent skating for the first week and some lovely skating costumes although none with more sparkle than Jayne's dress.  Any inspiration there for you?

I love watching Dancing on Ice. I think it’s because I’ve followed Jayne & Chris since they started to become well known when I lived in Notts, just before they won the Europeans. I haven’t watched this week’s episode yet but it’s recorded.
When I do get around to watching it, I will try to pay more attention to the costumes.

I also admire anyone who’s learning to skate when they’re over 40. They’re very brave in my view. The falling over would shock me too much, I think. 

Sadly, despite a few attempts, I can’t get into Strictly. I find the whole programme quite annoying but I’m not really sure why as I love watching dancing at the theatre, a traditional ballet or modern dance performance.

Are there some basic rules about threads? I’ve tried searching but I think I’m using the wrong terms, possibly?

I’d bought some embroidery threads (pretty colours!) and used them to pep up my basic mug mats etc. that I made for Xmas presents but I found them breaking constantly on my more expensive Juki although they sewed ok on my much cheaper Brother machine. I used the same thread for the bobbin as I used on the top, before anyone asks. 

It got me thinking and I wondered if there is a useful guide someone can point me too that explains about different types of threads and their uses?

I was reading some US pages and they included various brandnames of thread (many I’d never heard of) and disparaging Gütermann, which I thought was a top brand, plus used a numbering system that I’ve not seen either

It’s all rather confusing...

That’s absolutely gorgeous. And why not with an artificial tree? 

Did you follow a pattern?
I’d love to make something like that but I’d need detailed instructions as I’m not experienced enough to wing it by myself.

Each item on its own looks fabulous but the two together look really special. 

My brother bobbins are measured in mm not inches.
11.5mm height.

Could you re-do the pics using a metric tape measure?

Yes, I had trouble getting in using Safari on my iPad but I went ahead anyway.
Hopefully, someone will resolve this soon.

@Francesca @Acorn

Also, just remembered, what about a competition that involves making hats and gloves type accessories?

I’ve only made a basic bucket hat so far, but I’m interested in making a fleece type winter hat.