ChickenFlowertots

Nephews and one Niece

2011-12-18T20:48:00.006+11:00

We had family Christmas for my side of the family yesterday. This is the handmade portion of what was gifted to my nephews and niece.

For the older boys (3 - 5) they got a cushion each as I figured they didn't really need anymore toys at the moment.

I used Jodie's technique as a starting point and went from there. The backs are simple envelope/pillowcase style as I couldn't find my zipper stash but did have more than enough denim for the extra width required for some overlap.

My niece received a couple of dresses. The bodice is based upon Tikki's rainbow dress, knit in cotton and then the skirt is just a simple rectangle (one with a bonus ruffle) that has been gathered to fit the bodice.

I'm going to assume the instant request to put one on means she likes them.

Finally my recently born baby nephew received what I think is the best thing I've made in awhile. I had lots of fun making it but was a little hesitant that I had gone too far out on a limb.

It is a pram blanket knit from Woolganic 16 ply (the same as one of the teacher's scarves from my previous post) and backed with some gorgeously soft and snuggly velour knit fabric from craftymamas.

The chart came from the book Domiknitrix but can also be found for free here.

I shouldn't have worried. Both parents loved it!

More Christmas Gifting

2011-12-18T20:23:00.003+11:00

More teacher gifts.

Both got a scarf this year. A bit out of season but then again this is Melbourne when anything goes. For my daughters female teacher I made a slightly modified version of Claudia. I thoroughly enjoyed this pattern. Very easy to remember the pattern repeat and works up quickly. I can see more of these in my future.

For her male teacher, a simple 2x2 rib in wonderfully squishy Woolganic 16ply that I hand dyed.

A November Wedding

2011-12-16T12:03:00.005+11:00

Back in November a close friend of mine got married. Before the wedding another close friend and I decided to make the happy couple a quilt together as a wedding gift.

We spent some time carefully choosing fabrics making sure we had a good range that represented the taste of both the bride and the groom.

Then we added in a few of our own faves for good measure

I had an idea in my head for a design and we got cutting. We put the top and back together quite quickly and the wonderful Andi gave us a hand in basting it together ready for quilting.

Together we hand quilted in 3 different colours of perle thread. Then we quilted some more. And some more.

A rich red binding tied it all together and made for what we hope will become a treasured family heirloom in the years to come.

Did I mention this thing was big. Like really big. Like roughly 2.4 x2.4 metres.

The wedding was beautiful and I even found time to make myself a dress and the hubby a matching tie.

Now, we have more friends getting married in February. I wonder if I could crochet a blanket by then...

Christmas is creeping in

2011-12-14T17:45:00.005+11:00

I was going to show some pics of the wedding pressie I made with a friend for another friend for their wedding back in November but I still haven't found the cable for that camera. So you get a bit of Christmas action instead.

First up I joined in with a great swap organised by Jodie from the Haby Goddess. The theme was red and white and I was lucky enough to receive this beautiful wreath and a very cute little fat quarter too from Sophie. Thankyou so much Sophie. I compromised with my daughter and the wreath hasn't made it to the door and is instead hanging above the kids advent calendar.

My swappee scored a couple of strings of crocheted bunting made using Jodie of Jellywares star tutorial

and a block printed linen tea towel. Gotta love a bit of potato action, I always forget how much I enjoy such a simple process. I ended up making a few of these for various people.

Hmm advent calender you heard me say. Well the young lady of the house declared the need for one on about the 25thish of November. No worries I thought I'm sure I can pick something up at the supermarket. On the 29th she clarified the request. It had to be made by me, had to have pockets and had to be big. Because I am often a total pushover I agreed. No prizes for guessing what I did on the 30th November.

The result is a bit wonky (but we embrace that in this house) and declaring it understated in decoration is acceptable too. The pockets only get filled one at a time as I live with a house full of pocket plunderers.

Next on the list was round one of teacher pressies. Using the pattern from Nicole's book these little zipper pouches were whipped up and filled with some chunky handmade soap. Spot the fabric from Sophie, it didn't even hit the stash as I knew it was perfect for one the the recipients.

A spot of decorating has also been going on. Some for the school in the form of origami flowers

and some tree action at home. Previously we have only had a very small tree, however this year I agreed that we would get a bigger tree. So the smaller tree is being shared between the kids by taking turns in each of their bedrooms. Lucas has developed his own unique decorating style

And the bigger tree, well after agreeing to get one, I went all bah humbug and didn't want to spend any money. So I made one instead.

No pics today just words

2011-11-26T20:33:00.002+11:00

I have kind of been avoiding my blog of late. Our household has been doing the whole roller coaster thing instead. I don't often go into a lot of personal life stuff on here as it is usually too hard to take the effort to put it into words but here goes.

You see this little family of ours has a bit of mental illness to deal with on a daily basis. Some days everything is fine and dandy and we can convince ourselves that it is not really true. Then other days it is all too obvious and cannot be ignored.

A week after we got our beautiful little kitty cat, she died. No reason just did. The vet at the hospital said that there was probably something wrong from birth that just caught up with the poor little thing.

We'll this little family of mine took this turn of events pretty badly and that roller coaster went plummeting downwards. This acted as a trigger that lead to a series of other bits and pieces surfacing that we are still working through.

Life hasn't all be down though, there has been births, weddings and birthdays to celebrate, not to mention a humongous mass of stress relief crafting going on.

I'll be back soon with a few pics of said celebrations and creations soon.

RIP little Lotta.

Meet Lotta

2011-10-23T14:45:00.004+11:00

She is tiny enough to be carried in the palm of my hand

is wonderfully soft and fluffy

sleeps a lot (the kids could definitely learn something from her)

And is very very vocal.

She is our new fur baby

Heart Worm

2011-10-22T19:33:00.002+11:00

Spotted by the 3 yr old on the way home from school drop off yesterday morning.

Library love

2011-10-21T09:19:00.002+11:00

I am very lucky that my local libraries are very well stocked in the crafty sections. This is currently what is sitting on my shelf.

When did you last go to your library?

Some Ink

2011-10-18T14:13:00.006+11:00

Best friends, fabric printing and pillowcases

2011-10-17T20:25:00.003+11:00

Awhile ago Mandy came home from school with a fabulous drawing of herself and her best friend. Not long after that, while we were away on holidays the best friend had a birthday. At the time I was a little stumped on what to give her so dutifully wished her a happy birthday on our return while ignoring the gift giving bit.

Then not long after that I was having a chat to my friend Michelle and the penny dropped.

Lucas and I spent a lovely afternoon at the 'the studio' watching Flo at work, then a quick spot of sewing at home and the end result was two identical pillowcases. One for my little artist and one for the birthday girl.

Thanks again Mich for the lovely day.

** Yes I know this was made some time ago but this has truly been the first opportunity I have had to photograph it as it has been on high rotation since being made as has its twin. Also I do believe this is the first time I have ever ironed a pillowcase!

Today is

2011-10-09T20:18:00.006+11:00

The last day of school holidays here. It has been a reasonably relaxed time for us these holidays. No trips away or big events. Just day trips, play dates, park visits and the odd family catch up.

We started the holidays with a trip to the Show.

We patted chooks

rode the ferris wheel, saw monster trucks,

saw Mack

investigated future career options

and generally had a good day without too big a dent in the pocket.

Later in the week the regular early wake up call was rewarded with some out of season hot air balloons. I suspect the kids woke up the rest of the street too.

We've spent some time with family and are still awaiting the arrival of the new niece or nephew. We visited Healesville Sanctuary and were lucky enough to see a baby wombat being bottle fed. Mandy brushed up on her circus skills and saw the smurfs with a friend while Lucas came with me on a furniture procurement trip that involved a spot of high speed trolley riding in a blissfully empty carpark. I also squished in a kid free trip to the Wedding dress exhibition currently showing at the gallery in Bendigo.

We have also all spent some time taking turns being unwell. Although this makes for miserable small people it did mean the enforced small person rest times meant I had time to organise the stash. (With the help of the trolley riding furniture expedition)

This is the whole lot all in the one space, infinitely more accessible and now hopefully a whole lot more of it will get used. Plus being spread across the bedroom wall it is a constant reminder to shop from the stash.

Today was spent catching up on boring stuff like cleaning the stuff and locating the school shoes but we did take some time out to test out some new bikkie cutters.

Definite winners.

Another hat

2011-09-23T09:17:00.003+10:00

Same hat, bigger boy.

This one is off to live with the drummer.

It's a Tikki Fest

2011-09-18T16:29:00.009+10:00

As I started to write this post to catch up on stuff I've knitted for Mandy, some awhile ago some just recently I realised they are all Tikki patterns. So this post has become a bit of a Tikki fest. I love Georgie's patterns. They are beautifully written, fit well and always turn out how I expect them too. Mandy love's them too and loves seeing the pictures of Lily in the patterns.

So here goes. First up we have an Olearia that I knitted a very very long time ago but only recently got some pics of it. The sleeves are now a little short for her but she says she prefers them that way anyway. The yarn is Tailored Strands Alpaca, in a beautiful soft dusky pink that is almost a semi solid.

Darwinia is part of the spring wildflower series. This one is the babydoll style, with a bit of length added to make it a dress. The yarn is Bendigo Woollen Mills Harmony.

We also have an Eden's Eve. Quick and simple it is a great throw on summer dress. The yarn is Cotton Fizz by Naturally that is a lovely cotton/wool blend, but alas it is now discontinued.

Finally we have Georgie's latest pattern Jane. This is a beautifully simple quick spring cardi, with an unusual construction that uses a teeny tiny amount of yarn. This one used less than 200gms of Sirdar's baby bamboo.

So if you haven't tried one of Georgie's patterns yet and have kids to knit for then you should, they are truly wonderful.

Hat season.

2011-09-18T16:12:00.006+10:00

I've had the hook out and have whipped up a couple of hats for the kids.

They are both made from Pisgah & Co's Peaches and Creme which is wonderfully thick and squishy.

Lucas's is worn backwards more often than forwards so I may have to sneak a fuller brim onto it when he is not looking

Mandy wants another is school colours but I'm out of blue.

I think there will be a few more of these in the near future as I have had a steady stream of adult requests since they were made.

Now that it is Spring

2011-09-02T14:25:00.004+10:00

Let me show some pics of some winter knitting. Both of these have been finished for a little while and worn heaps.

I'm totally in love with this hat. I didn't think I would enjoy the intarsia as much as I did and it brought back fond pre kids memories of when I used to knit things that required more than basic thought.

The pattern is The Whale Watch Hat from New England Knits

Once I have cleared my WIP list a little I will make another for Mandy, however she has requested pink whales. We are still in negotiation on that front.

I also finished this top. A quick simple chunky knit with dolman style sleeves. It was meant to also have a high standy up collar but it didn't look right in this yarn so I attached an icord instead. I may still make a matching cowl that I can use and a fake collar when it suits me.

The pattern is Bond With a few minor tweaks and the yarn is Woolganics 16 ply that I dyed myself. Couldn't help but notice that they are having a sale at the moment too, just in case you feel the need to feel how buttery soft and wonderful their yarn is for yourself.

**just thought I'd add, those jeans, size 12!! Haven't been able to say that for a looong time.

That time of year again

2011-08-28T10:40:00.009+10:00

Birthday season for Mandy's and now Lucas' friends has predominately passed again for another year.

This year we decided that writing sets were the way to go.

So after 3 acceptable but not quite right attempts I went to have a chat to an interfacing expert.

The results being 6 writing sets with just the right amount of stiffness in just the right spots and lots of happy kids.

I used this tutorial as a guide but changed the measurements just a little (I'm a metric girl and so are most of my rulers) and added an additional pocket.

Each set was then filled with a notepad, a set of coloured pens, some stamps and envelopes and some stickers for good measure.

I also whipped up another owl for a younger birthday pressie recipient. I absolutely love every step of making these. From choosing the colours and cutting the pieces to raiding the ricrac stash and seeing it all come together. I must get around to making one for myself one day.

A Belated Holiday Post

2011-08-15T09:27:00.012+10:00

Here are some belated holiday pics. We took the Scenic route to Sydney to collect a Double Bass. Lots of our holidays seem to be shaped around collecting peculiar things from far away.

First up we headed towards Parkes so the man of the household could visit the Dish. you know, that Dish.

We then figured seeing as we had the time it made sense to make the most of our reciprocal rights afforded to us via our Melbourne Zoo membership and headed towards Dubbo.

From there someone in the family had a hankering to see the Big Golden Guitar. Have to say I totally love the cheesiness of Australia's big things and will nearly always stop if in the area. I was however quite content to skip the wax museum.

From there we decided we had had enough of the freezing cold mornings and headed for the coast.

We reached Port Macquarie just in time to meet that big band of bad weather that hit the coast. We had one morning of brilliant sunshine when the kids woke me before dawn to going and play along the beach. In my half awake state I forgot my camera so didn't get any photos of the spectacular sunrise, however the kids did find a very stinky dead puffer fish which Lucas was very excited about as it is his current favourite fish. It was all a bit eeww for me.

We also spent a drizzly afternoon at the Koala Hospital before turning south and heading for Sydney. In the rain. Lots and lots of rain.

The weather eventually cleared and we then spent a week playing tourist around all those iconic sites. We traveled almost exclusively by public transport. Mainly on upstairs/downstairs trains and fairies (ferries) and lots and lots of walking. Or in Lucas' case lots of being carried.

We walked across the bridge

We caught the ferry to Manly

We touched the tiles of the Opera House

We visited Taronga zoo and marvelled at those views

And generally happily exhausted ourselves.

We stayed at Lane Cove River Tourist Park, which for anyone staying in Sydney on a budget I would highly recommend. It is run by Parks NSW and is located in Lane Cove National Park. It is easy walking distance from North Ryde Train Station has good clean modern facilities and you get to share your environment with possums, bush turkeys, lots of other native birds and we even saw what we think was a potaroo.

After rearranging all our stuff to fit in the double bass it was time to head home. We galloped home in one looong day while still managing to squish in one more 'big thing.'

Since our return we have all taken turns getting sick so I think we need a nice big rest after our not so restful but great trip.

Bendi

2011-08-04T09:30:00.007+10:00

The Sheep and Wool show has always had a place on my calendar right back from when I was a kid, it was held in Melbourne and my Grandmother used to have a stall. This year was no different. So the day before we headed off on our holiday I made the trek up to Bendigo with the lovely Jude and had a wonderful time.

Saw lots of gorgeous stuff

checked out the Woolcraft exhibition, one of my favourite parts of the show

Visited the sheep

Won't these fleeces be fabulous!

and came home with a full boot and much much lighter pockets.

Cute

2011-08-03T16:34:00.006+10:00

I picked up some very cute little biscuit cutters and stamps from our local (ish) japanese store that is chock full of cute goodness (sorry I've forgotten the name) a little while ago.

When Mandy's swim teacher left at the end of last term it was the perfect opportunity to make a quick little gift to say thankyou.

While we were busy baking Lucas made himself a very long legged tiger too.

Apparently his stripes were tastier than his legs.

** I've had the plate since I was a kid and still love it although it doesn't get a lot of use these days due to the dirty great big crack across it's surface.

Well what do you know

2011-08-02T13:47:00.003+10:00

Sometimes I can answer some my own questions, I just have to be patient.

When buying Chocolate for others do you buy what you like or try to guess what they'll like?
Try to guess, but buy some for myself too so I don't feel left out.

Can I use my old rice cooker to dye stuff and would it be best to use it to steam it or go the bung it all in method and try to remember to keep an eye on the water level?
Who am I kidding, I am so the bung it all in and hope for the best kinda girl.

What can I do with a massive glut of limes that does not include the obvious such as cordial or the waistline expanding such as lime butter?
Let the kids have 'lime races' down the hill, take a bag to school, drink more vodka and sneak it into any meal that tastes like it is lacking 'something'

Which is better buy or build?
Have decided to let fate decide this one and see which turns up first, the perfect house or the perfect block.

How do I dye 1kg of wool reasonably evenly without having to go out and buy a massive pot?
You score big time in the local oppy and market and now have two massive pots for the princely sum of $5. (but as you had already dyed the wool in the microwave because you are impatient they have yet to be tested)

How can one child consume 26 mandarins in less than 2 days?
Because bananas are too expensive and she had already eaten all the apples and apparently they current loaf of bread didn't 'feel' right. She's a textures kids this one.

If you lived in Melbourne, potentially had 2/3 weeks in the middle of winter and a camping trailer, where would you go?
You take the scenic route to Sydney via various things on other peoples wishlists

If you got offered a job where you could wither include a all expenses paid vehicle supply your own vehicle and get paid more money which would you choose?
You take the car as life is all about stress reduction at the moment.

Back with a real post later

Been away

2011-08-02T13:35:00.004+10:00

We've been away, plus school holidays (which feels like eons ago), changes in employment, both mine and hubby's, it would seem I have not been in here for awhile. But I have been dyeing, knitting, sewing and stuff and have lots to show you but for now I am busy reorganising the furniture and working my way through Mt washmore. I will do my best to update you all over the next few days.

Super Coils

2011-06-16T14:20:00.002+10:00

From this

to this

Thanks to a lovely morning spent with some new found rav friends.

all it needs is a wash and a whack and then to work out what an earth I'm going to make with it.

Questions

2011-06-14T13:19:00.016+10:00

The other day Kate had some questions. Which got me thinking about how I always seem to have a gazillion mostly unrelated questions floating around in my head too. Here are some of the current ones. Answer away if you want or add in your own.

Why is it that here we are in nice dark early mornings winter, yet the kids are still consistently waking up before 6am?

And despite repeated asking when they do get up why don't they turn the heater on?

When buying Chocolate for others do you buy what you like or try to guess what they'll like?

Can I use my old rice cooker to dye stuff and would it be best to use it to steam it or go the bung it all in method and try to remember to keep an eye on the water level?

What can I do with a massive glut of limes that does not include the obvious such as cordial or the waistline expanding such as lime butter?

Which is better buy or build?

If buy, then do you buy before selling or sell before buying?

How do I dye 1kg of wool reasonably evenly without having to go out and buy a massive pot?

How can one child consume 26 mandarins in less than 2 days?

If you lived in Melbourne, potentially had 2/3 weeks in the middle of winter and a camping trailer, where would you go?

What can I do with Red Quinoa and coarse Burghul? (not together though ;))

If you got offered a job where you could wither include a all expenses paid vehicle supply your own vehicle and get paid more money which would you choose?

I had one more question/whinge about being grumpy but have changed my mind at the last minute as it is not really a question rather one of those unavoidable, unchangeable situations of life. And I looked at the next photo and suddenly didn't feel so grumpy anymore anyway.

So, fire away..

Feeling listy today

2011-06-05T16:59:00.002+10:00

1. The big boy is home again and not too worse for wear.

2. The nature strip gods have been shining even if a little left of centre. (Asked for a boy bike, found a girl bike instead so the boy can have the girls old bike instead. He's tuff enough to carry off the hot pink)

3. We now have 3 more violins in the house than we had yesterday.

4. According to the 3 yr old Mango is the funniest word in the English language. Me I'm dubious but this is coming from the same kid who recently declared that Vegemite made him nervous.

5. I appear to have inadvertently gone on a fibre bender and now have some storage issues.

6. Finally got a speaker dock for all the ithingys. Music I missed you! (even if it is now competing with bad violin)

7. I think I need to admit that I am addicted to bad energy drinks.

8. I am no longer fighting with my new wheel and instead we are becoming friends

9. Red letter boxes are ace!

10. I have wonderful friends who give me fantastically appropriate geeky pressies for no reason other than they know I will love it.

And the Winner is..

2011-06-01T20:47:00.003+10:00

I was planning a fancy method to draw my giveaway but after a couple of weeks of an absent husband, sick kids, a funeral and an incident this afternoon involving lots of toddler blood the best I could muster was asking the kids to yell out any number from 1 to 12. Of course I forgot to tell them that I only needed one number and they each simultaneously chose a different number, so...
we have TWO winners.

First up was Fi

and the second Hannah

Congrats to you both I'll be in touch to get your addresses and thanks to everyone for for sharing your reckless moments. I aim to continue to seek out that giddy feeling every now and then.

And one last bit of reckless info for you all, this one however is not at all recent. When in my early 20's my then boyfriend asked me to shave his head for him which was fine by me and without giving it any real thought let him shave my head at the same time. However somewhere between buying a set of clippers and stroking my newly shaven head I had conveniently forgotten that at the time I worked in a conservative library in a very public, customer service roll. Made turning up to work the next day interesting.

Apparently

2011-05-25T11:41:00.005+10:00

word on the street, Blogger isn't being very nice to some of you and is causing all sorts of commenty type issues. So I'm going to extend my little giveaway for those of you that are still wrestling. I've been told that clearing your cache/cookies may help.

In the mean time here is some more spinning. I am trying to stay aloof from this spin as it is destined to be gifted. However it is soo orgasmically beautiful and soft and wonderful. It is a blend of rich chocolately polwarth and silk and love it so!

Another little tidbit for the reckless department, a friend of mine is learning to be a tattooist. So I've been letting her practice... on me.

Been spinning

2011-05-24T20:32:00.005+10:00

Things have been a little stressful around here for awhile now. Some of it good stress some of it not so good. So in an effort to relax a bit more I've been spinning more often. Here are a couple of the latest efforts.

Don't forget to be a little reckless and enter my wee giveaway.
I had a moment of recklessness on the weekend and went to South America. Nice weather I just might make it a regular thing.

Finally made up my mind

2011-05-19T13:43:00.004+10:00

While trying to come up with something suitable for my giveaway I have been having a think about how much I have gained from this great big crafty bloggy world we have going here and just how ace it all is. Well I haven't come up with any one thing that I think is suitable yet so here's the deal.

Instead of having a nice pretty pic of something spesh I have made for you (because I haven't yet) I will do this.

I will send one of you lovely readers a package of goodies tailored specifically to you. It will be a mixture of things I like, a bit of new a bit of old and some handmade goodness.

Now all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. But it can't just be any old comment. I have been busting out of my mould just a wee bit lately and doing the odd thing that for me is a little bit reckless. So what I want to know is what have you ever done or would like to do that is a teeny bit reckless. You know the sort of reckless that gives you that giddy feeling in your tum and may induce girly kind of giggles.

If that is a bit too much then tell me a joke. Laughter is good for the soul.

I'll draw a winner next Thursday :)

*** Just editing to say that due various blogger like commenty type issues I'm giving those of you who had trouble posting a comment a little longer and I will draw a winner on Sunday if I am around otherwise early next week. If anyone is still having trouble commenting please let me know, you can find my email via the 'view my complete profile link' up there on the left ***

Thanks Tan

2011-05-10T10:44:00.003+10:00

Recently I was lucky enough to win a giveaway over at Tanya's, that she held for a very very good cause.

I just wanted to say thankyou for the beautiful dress and due to it's clever design, she will get many wonderful years wear out of it I am sure.

I also want to say thankyou to everyone out there who has donated to the Earthquake/Tsunami appeal for Japan.

Knitting butterflies

2011-05-10T10:42:00.001+10:00

I love Tikki's patterns and I love test knitting for her too. It is always such a wonderfully positive experience. Each time I learn a little bit more about all sorts of things, both from Tik herself and from the other wonderful testers. Seeing small changes evolve and nutting out various quirks as a group is always an interesting process. Even just watching everyone's garments appear is great.

This latest cardi is a test knit I finished for Tik around the start of the school holidays. It was meant to be a birthday pressie for Mandy but I didn't quite make it in time.

The Pattern is called Little Butterflies because of the cute little butterfly stitch that adorns the yoke.

Like so many of Tikki's patterns it is incredibly adaptable. Although the pattern has been written for 8ply/DK weight yarn she has included a clever little conversion table to allow you to knit it in a multitude of other yarn weights as well. There is also the option to knit with a contrast trim.

I am also totally in love with the yarn that I have used for this little knit. It is O-wool Balance, an organic wool/cotton blend that is buttery soft has beautiful drape and holds up incredibly well. Most of the pics in this post were taken after 4 washes and a camping trip and there is not a pill in sight. Mandy also loves it as there is zero itch factor.

I still have a reasonable bit of this colour left over so I might go all matchy matchy and make her a dress as well. I also have enough for something for me in a lovely dark charcoal colour.

* I haven't forgotten about my giveaway just haven't decided on what it should be yet.

Mulgrave Makers Market Stitching Group

2011-05-06T14:49:00.005+10:00

For anyone who reads here you all already know that I knit. A lot! It keeps me sane. Well I now have another outlet to help share the knitting love.

The Mulgrave Makers Market (a super great craft market held in conjunction with a just as great farmers market not too far from my place) is starting a knitter n Quilters Group on the 2nd and 4th Wed evening of the month. All are welcome regardless of whether you are a seasoned crafter or just starting out. For those beginners out there there will kits available for purchase and experts on hand to help you on your way. For more details head on over here and here

* the pic is a Darwinia I am making for Miss Mandy to replace the one she got covered in house paint. Isn't it just the most gorgeous colour.

100th Post

2011-05-06T09:51:00.003+10:00

Obviously I am not that diligent a blogger as I have only just cracked the 100 mark. That however is just fine with me.

It has been super busy around here lately which means the blog is not a high priority but that is not all that unusual for me, this blog is really for my own amusement and a chance to record and share what I make with the odd extra thrown in here and there and even the occasional vent.

I love that you find it interesting enough to read and even more so to actually comment. I gives me the warm fuzzies to be a part of this big bloggy world of ours. So as is often the tradition in blogland and now that I almost have my very overdue PIF wrapped up (sorry Julia it is coming I promise!), I figured in honor of my 100th post I would have a giveaway. No idea what yet, let me have a think and I will be back with more info in a little bit.

I also have to let you know about a great new craft night I'm a part of, show you some pics of Mandy's now finished cardi and I've been spinning and camping and I have the odd thankyou waiting too.

So I'm off to have a little nap (I wish) and will be back in a little bit to fill you all in.

A Quilt

2011-04-14T09:53:00.003+10:00

I made a quilt.

I'm super pleased with myself.

I machine quilted the main bits

hand quilted 80 circles in the not so main bits

I even mitred my corners on the binding

Feeling pretty chuffed.

So is she.

Birthday Season again

2011-04-10T19:42:00.008+10:00

This last week has seen a flurry of birthday preparations and not enough sleep. This year the small managed to wrangle two parties out of us, one for her school friends and one with her cousins.

I didn't pick up the camera the entire weekend so all photo's were taken at whim of the husband.

Party number one involved an Easter egg hunt (and subsequent flattened garden), bucket loads of food, lots of bike riding in the street and a snake cake.

Party number two involved lots of jumping

then lots more jumping

That totally awesome top she is wearing came from here. Sara makes truly beautiful clothing that is incredibly well finished. Miss Mandy also has some matching leggings and was desperate to wear them too but it was too warm on Saturday. She has worn the top two days straight and then to bed. I managed to peel it off her this morning to be washed.

The jumping was followed by the chance to pat Rosie the coastal carpet python

and of course there was more cake

Despite being very tired they were both wonderful parties. The kids all had fun and we had a great day at the Sanctuary with our family on the Saturday. I never tire of watching all the cousins playing so well together.

Oh and a couple of weeks ago I made myself a dress. It is from the Penelope pattern by Patty Young and I have been pretty much living in it since then. It is the second I have made from this pattern and I have a stack of tops cut out waiting to be sewn together too. I love this pattern. Only three pieces, so it is super quick to put together, it is well cut so fits well and made from knit so super comfy too.

The fabric is by JNY designs from Crafty mamas. This print is fabulous, only problem is Lucas seems to think that it is ok to now drive his cars across my back.

I'm tempted to make myself another from the clouds or maybe the stars

Oh and I did finish the quilt in time for the birthday. Pics are coming soon.

So what became of all the bunting?

2011-03-25T14:16:00.004+11:00

The bunting I was madly sewing earlier this week did get finished in time.

My daughter's school has close ties with Japan so as the news of the devastation following the earthquake and Tsunami filtered through it was decided to turn this weeks sports night into a fundraiser as well.

Myself and 2 other wonderful parents managed to churn out nearly 100 metres of bunting. This now belongs to the school to use for all the various events that are held through throughout the year. It certainly added a festive feel to the evening.

It was a great night with lots of community spirit and a good whack of money raised too.

I know that here in Australia we have been asked a lot recently to help with disaster related donations but if you think you may have a little more left in your pocket and have not already, please consider putting your hand in one more time and donating.

**please ignore all the freaky swirly faces, I couldn't get my usual photo editing program to work.

My Creative Space

2011-03-24T09:36:00.004+11:00

This week I have a deadline.

Lots of measuring, cutting, piecing and sewing today. All so that I can do some basting tonight with some help from this ace chick!

More spaces here.

Two less UFO's!

2011-03-23T21:17:00.001+11:00

Everyone I know who likes to make stuff, be it crafting, music, whatever, has unfinished objects. Now I'm not talking about those numerous works in progress that are scattered all over the place. No, I'm talking about those projects for which somewhere along the way you lost the love. Maybe it wasn't turning out the way you wanted, maybe it wasn't interesting enough, whatever the reason they are there hiding in the back of the cupboard or the bottom of a bag somewhere.

Well I now have two less!

First up. I started this skirt in 2009!

It was meant to be for Mandy, but got cast aside for more interesting projects. Plus it needed me to pick up a whole lot of stitches, not one of my favourite tasks.

I finally finished it last month. It no longer fits my beautiful daughter. Luckily I know another beautiful little girl for whom it should be perfect.

Second, is something for me. I started this vest also way back in 2009. I had a few problems, first up I didn't like how the cable was working up in the yarn so I ripped it back and started again minus the cable.

The yarn had a very petrolish kinda smell ad all that stocking stitch with nothing to break it up relegated it to the sin bin. When I fished it back out again all I really had to do was finish off the armholes and neckband (more picking up stitches) I extended the icord trim beyond the hem and swirled it up onto the front as a teeny bit of compensation for the lack of a cable.

Pretty happy with the end result. The yarn washed up wonderfully soft and odor free and the weather has been very vest appropriate of late.

Bunt Off

2011-03-20T10:05:00.001+11:00

63 down only a few more to go. Then to string them all together..

This year

2011-02-22T21:16:00.007+11:00

I am making a concerted effort to make more for myself. Now I don't mean little accessories that are squished in between other projects or casting on for something that then takes me all year to finish. I mean making myself the priority not the 'if I get time' option.

So I have found the time!

It started with some of this in Brindle.

A blend of wool, silk and cashmere, it is chock full of soft tweedy goodness.

A nice bit of texture to keep the knit interesting.

Super happy with the end result.

And thanks to Melbourne's screwy weather I've been wearing it quite a bit since I cast off last Thursday.

The pattern is Ingenue and is ravelled here.

Different sink

2011-02-19T20:20:00.004+11:00

but some things don't change.

This yarn

2011-02-19T20:06:00.003+11:00

This yarn is telling me it wants to be turned into something for my hands. So yesterday I cast on some arm warmers. Yet now I am not so sure. The tucks are annoying to do and make the pattern very yarn hungry.

I'm not feeling the love and I think it is heading for the frog pond but I thought I would throw it out there before I start to rip.

Anyone have any other pattern suggestions?

Today

2011-02-17T15:04:00.010+11:00

Today I am

Wishing my children would learn to shut the door behind them

Drinking Obscene amounts of coke purely for the caffeine

Cursing myself for not having a shower before the painter arrived to paint more of the bathroom

Using up all our broadband by watching old episodes of Doctor Who

Remembering that there are some good days in amongst the not so good days

Letting Lucas play in the dirt with his 'inside toys' because it makes him happy and happy is good.

Enjoying the final rounds of my jumper that is oh so close to being finished

Wondering what will appear for dinner tonight as I currently have no idea

Hanging out washing and marvelling that there is any sand left in the school sandpit as it all seems to come home in Mandy's socks

Planning my next quick knit while trying to decide what cardi to make with either of these yarns.

Letting someone else collect my daughter from school

Noticing my neglected spinning wheel

Realising that I like lists. They let you say a lot with a little.

Oh and I'm also loving kid logic

particularly when applied to photography.

She sews

2011-02-05T08:08:00.004+11:00

I love that my little girl is growing up. That she is both interested and now capable of learning some of the crafts I enjoy so much. Over the holidays Mandy decided she wanted to sew. So after working out what she wanted to make and then raiding the fabric stash we got to work.

The rotary cutter was not her friend. A combination of her being a leftie and a bluntish blade meant that I did that bit and then she was ready to start sewing.

A little more help from me to do a teeny bit of ironing and then back to the machine.

Final product one super happy little girl and one very proud mum.

She's already planning her next project.

The Winners!!

2011-01-26T20:31:00.004+11:00

I have finally pinched a couple of secs to draw the winners of the giveaway. Thank you to everyone for entering my humble little raffle. Together all the auctions and giveaways raised a whopping

$99,089.00!!!

So to everyone who was involved both those who ran a giveaway or auction and all those wonderful bidders and ticket buyers, huge pat on the back.

Also a massive thankyou to Toni and her sister Carli for their massive coordination effort.

So, just before the kids went to bed I asked Mandy to give me 3 numbers from 1 - 16. Her first choice was 32.

So I re explained and we have our winners.

This lovely skein goes to

Number 7, so Bev (Barra). Bev you have not left me any contact details so please get in touch with me so I can send you your prize. (Just click on the 'view my complete profile' link up there on the left and you'll find a link to my email)

Next number was number 15. Petajean. I also do not have your contact details so please also get in touch and let me know which skein you would like. (Just click on the 'view my complete profile' link up there on the left and you'll find a link to my email)

The final number was number 8. Jodie from Vintage RicRac.

Congratulations to you all and don't forget if you are not a knitter then I am happy to knit your winning skein into a simple scarf, cowl or similar just let me know.

Congratulations again and thanks to everyone who entered, as we all know every little bit helps.

Sewing Update - for the kids

2011-01-25T09:51:00.011+11:00

I have nearly caught up with sharing all the holiday makings, this lot being some of the stuff that I've made for the kids over the Christmas period.

First up I brightened up some of Lucas' t-shirts to hide various stains and just generally encourage him to wear them.

Although I made him quite a few this seems to be the only one that has been photographed.
The fabric is Liberty and I just drew the car freehand using the print on the fabric as a guide.

The kids were also in desperate need of some new summer pj's so they both got 3 pairs each for Christmas.

All pairs were variations on these. The tops are store bought with a quick little applique on the fronts and the bottoms were traced of an old pair of Mandy's shorts that had seen better days. Both fabrics were some cute little Japanese prints bought on sale from Darn Cheap.

Every year Mandy usually gets a new 'Christmas' dress. Not necessarily in Christmas colours or anything, just something new that she can wear to the multitude of parties and stuff over the holiday season.

This year I used the Revolutions Frock pattern from Indie Tutes. This has a nice simple construction and the round yoke suits Mandy very well. The pattern fits onto an A3 sheet so it was very easy to just run off a copy and cut it out to save myself the hassle of tracing.

I actually cut it out quite some time before I actually got around to sewing it together so I had to add a little length to the bodice so it fit better but this was very simple to do. I just changed how I attached the sash and added an extra piece at the back.

It also has a beautifully full skirt which is great for twirling.

I still had a litte bit more of the same fabric so rather than putting it away again I also made a quick little peasant top and a pair of shorts.

The pattern for the top is Claire from Portabellopixie This was the first time I have done any shirring since forever and I still need to play around with the tension a little more.

The Shorts were a long ago request to replace some cherry shorts that she had grown out of. They are the same as the pj pants, just slightly longer and the fabric is from the Cosmo cricket earlybird range.

Don't forget that my giveaway to help raise some funds for the Flood Relief ends tomorrow. So if you would like the chance to get your hands on some luscious handspun you can enter here. If you're not a knitter I'll even knit it up for you.

Also with the auctions having ended yesterday, don't forget to check out the rest of the giveaways that will also end tomorrow. Toni has a full list here.

My Creative Space

2011-01-20T09:08:00.005+11:00

Yay Kirsty is back.

This week I have been a bit everywhere in the making department. The week started with a mad and eventually futile attempt to get through my WIP stack before my machines got temporarily put away. I have also been temporarily left without access to most of my stash or my wheels. I didn't forsee the last two so I have resorted to rescuing some very old UFO' from the sin bin. One is very close to going back in! (as mentioned in previous post)

This one is about to be tinked back a teeny bit and done a little differently

And as I have zero attention span at the moment are are flitting from idea to idea I'm also planning a recon on this top.

I think I'll start by pulling the arms off and chucking them in the washing machine to see if they'll felt before I hack into the rest of the top.

I also have this pattern vying for my attention.

More creative goodness here.

Flood relief giveaway here
Auction/giveaway master list here for lots more crafty flood relief goodness.

Handspun Knitting update

2011-01-19T21:19:00.005+11:00

As promised here we are back again with another update, however these are all knit or crocheted with yarn I have spun. Don't mention the UFO though as it is still just that and about 1 inch from going back in the sin bin.

So here we go

From this

To this

A variation on this pattern. Quick mindless knitting, in fact so quick I made two.

Then we went from this

and after adding some pink odds and ends, ended up with this

I wanted nice chunks of colour so some simple crochet did the trick. I'm still yet to trim the fringes but I'm not sure I will, the wonk seems to suit the rest of the scarf.

And finally my favourite. From this

to this

I'm so in love with this quick little cowl. It is soft and squishy and the colours are beautiful and it has even had an outing in December, in the middle of summer!! I suppose that is Melbourne for you.

Don't forget my Flood Relief giveaway that you can enter here. I've extended the entry time until Wednesday the 26th to give you a little more time to enter and give those of you who get pipped at the post in the many super dooper and wonderful auctions being run a chance to enter too.

Knitting Update

2011-01-18T08:04:00.006+11:00

First up Don't forget to check out my little giveaway/raffle to help raise money for the Flood Relief Fund, you can enter here and it is running until the 24th of Jan.

Now onto an update of what I have been knitting and hooking over the last couple of months. You may remember that I was doing a spot of test knitting for Tikki a wee while ago. Well meet Darwinia.

This has been finished for a while and has quickly become a firm favourite in the wee misses wardrobe. It is the babydoll version made from Bendigo Woollen Mills 8 ply cotton in a colour that came from the back room some years ago.

The pattern is available from on it's own or as a part of her spring wildflowers ebook. Alas it is currently covered in red house paint that I need to try and get off.

This has been followed by another little girl knit that is also a summer wardrobe staple.

This is IvyAnna by Shannon Passmore It is a very versatile pattern that can be knit in either 8, 10 or 12 ply and in either cotton or wool.

This is a 10 ply version knit with peaches and cream 10 ply cotton.

The cute little buttons are covered in Amy butler fabric and were gifted to me by Peta some time ago. I think they are the perfect little addition.

Still knitting for the kids, next up we have Fratello and Sorello.

These are both Tikki's patterns and they were originally released to a select group for a 'mystery knit along'. They are now available for purchase and for the month of January Tikki is generously donating all proceeds to the flood appeal.

Fratello has been knit from Bendigo Woollen Mills 8ply Luxury in Ruby.

It has a lovely little cable down the front and this clever little sleeve detail.

Sorello has been knit from Nundle Woollen Mills 8ply in light pink.

I had to play a bit of yardage chicken and almost ran out of yarn. To have enough to finish the garment I have shortened the sleeves just a teeny bit.

I especially like the lace detail on the back.

I'll be back later with a handspun knitting update and I may have even finished a vey old UFO by then too.

A Giveaway with Conditions - Premiers Flood Relief

2011-01-16T19:26:00.015+11:00

As I mentioned in my previous post I would be putting together a little giveaway 'with conditions' to help raise some money for the Premiers Flood Relief fund in Queensland. So with kind thanks to Toni for coordinating and to Jodie for letting me borrow her words, lets get on with it.

Please read carefully:

* This giveaway is open to everyone no matter where you live.

* I will cover all postage costs.

* To enter this giveaway you must donate $5 to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal.

You may enter as many times as you like but each entry / donation must have a separate receipt number that is only used for this giveaway. (eg: donate $5 ten times if you want to donate $50- then comment ten times with your receipt number and yep its a pain in the bum, but that is as fair as I can make it folks)

After you have done this, return here and leave your comment with your receipt number.
If you don't have an account to leave a comment you can click on my profile and email me your name and receipt number and I will comment for you.

I am offering three prizes. One for each winner drawn, each being a skein of my own handspun yarn. Let me know in the comments your order of preference and I will do my best to give the winners their preference.

First is this skein of Merino Optim in beautiful golds, rich purples and hints of reds, oranges, browns and grey throughout. The fibre was handyed by ms. gusset and spun by me and then navajo/chain plied. It is approx 100gms, 8/9 WPI and approx 140 metres.

Next is this skein of Polwarth/Suri/Tussah silk blend (70/15/15) in lovely soft purples. The fibre was handdyed by Ewe Give Me the Knits and spun by me as a two ply. It is approx 100 gms, 5/6 WPI and approx 80 metres.

Third up is this skein of Merino Tussah silk blend (80/20) in delicious chocolate browns and golden yellows. The fibre was handdyed by Ewe Give Me the Knits and spun by me and then navajo/chain plied. It is approx 100gms, 5-7 WPI and approx 100 metres.

For those of you who don't knit or crochet, remember that this would also be a great pressie for one of your knitting inclined friends.

Or if you wish I am happy to knit you a simple scarf or cowl with your winning skein.

So that's it folks. I will randomly choose 3 winners on Wednesday 26th of January. Don't forget to check out Toni's blog as she posts more updates and look out for a master list of auctions/giveaways. So come on people, lets go raise some money!

*** Edited to let you know that in line with Toni's suggestion I have extended the entry date to until 12 Midday on Wednesday 26th of Jan (or maybe even a little later as who knows what I'll be doing on Australia Day)***

***whoops back again. Forgot to add that with many towns in Victoria also experiencing flooding, I'm happy to accept any donations made to the Red Cross Vic Flood appeal as valid entries too.***

Entries are now closed will draw a winner later today :).

Spinning Update

2011-01-12T14:39:00.010+11:00

First before I go on, have you noticed the little pink umbrella on the left over there? Now lots of you will already know what this is all about, but for those of you that don't, Toni over at Make it Perfect is coordinating a whole lot of crafty auctions or giveaways by donation to help raise money for the Premiers Flood relief fund for all those people in need in Queensland.

I am currently spinning like mad and as soon as they are washed and whacked, I'll have a little 'giveaway by mandatory donation' (bit like a clayton's raffle) for a couple of skeins with all proceeds going to the fund. Don't forget to pop over to Toni's on Monday to check out the master list as there are lots and lots of other auctions etc going on too.

Now onto a little update on my most recent spinning.

First up is a Merino Carbonised Bamboo blend from Ewe Give Me the Knits. It is a gorgeous mix of soft greens, purples, blues, greys and blacks, the last two being the bamboo.

This was fairly small, only 100gms and navajo plied so it is not a very big skein.

This next skein is even smaller and from memory was approx 50gms worth of 50/50 blend alpaca and silk.

The fibre came from the 'men in the shed' as they are sometimes known. Also known as First Edition in Euroa. I dyed it sometime ago and have only just got around to spinning it up. I had originally planned to spin it quite finely but sheer laziness combined with another navajo ply (also out of laziness) has made this a teeny bit lighter than an 8 ply. it is not yet fully dry so may fluff up a little more.

Next we have my favourite spin for the month. This is whole mix of fibres from both Blue Mountain Handcrafts and Ewe Give Me the Knits. There is merino, soysilk, blue faced Leceister, mohair, firestar and assorted sparkly bits.

The bigger skein is all fibres spun as two separate singles and then plied together and the smaller skein is missing the hot pink merino/soysilk blend from EGMTK and is navajo plied.

I love them both and are itching to cast on but have no idea what they deserve to be just yet.

Finally I have just a teeny bit of housekeeping spinning where I finally got around to plying together all the little odds and ends that were left on bobbins from previous spins. This is a pic of a small collection of them.

A little stitching

2011-01-10T21:07:00.003+11:00

Ok now that I am getting a little more organised I figured I would update you on the odd thing or two that has come out of the chickentots household over the last month or so. First up we have the teacher pressies that I made to say thankyou to Mandy's teachers for such as wonderful first year of school. There were also a couple for the swim teachers but they managed to escape the camera.

I started by dyeing the wool felt with Mandy supervising on colour choices and shades.

I then gave the felt a good iron to give it back a nice smooth surface and sewed them into quick little notebook covers.

The felt shrunk more than expected (probably because it sat on the stove for most of the day while I did other things) so what were originally going to be covers for A5 sized journals became covers for smaller but way cuter notebooks.

I then stitched on the front of each cover, little images that related to what each teacher taught, with an apple for each of her main teachers.

Mandy also enjoys playing around with felt and made this cute little brooch for her friend for Christmas. She began by drawing a picture of how she wanted it to look and was then let loose on the felt box. With minimal help from me (mainly needle threading) she stitched it all together ready to be gifted.

More are planned before the holidays are over.

Sometimes..

2011-01-09T08:31:00.003+11:00

When you stay away so long it gets harder and harder to come back. You run low on words and those you do have don't seem to be the right ones anyway. You become a different person from who you used to be and priorities change.

So anyway, here I am back again. Over the next few days I'll bring you up to date with the odd bit of making that has been going on but for now here is a pic of the now finished spin that I was working on last time I was here. It is 22 micron superwash merino that I dyed as fibre. It has been najavo/chain plied and I was super happy with the result.

My Creative Space

2010-11-11T10:12:00.003+11:00

Lots going on in my space this week. As usual I have more than enough projects on the go and to top it off I have finally succumbed to the illness that has been haunting our household for the last few weeks.

So in amongst the sniffles I am currently working on a little bit of spinning using the fibre I dyed the other day.

I have also nearly finished a test knit for Tikki called Darwinia. This is the babydoll version knit in Bendigo Woollen Mills 8 ply Cotton. (sneaking into the top of the pic is a pencil roll I finished the other day for a little boy down the road to belatedly celebrate him becoming a big brother)

More on the Tikki front. This is another test knit. This one is called Acacia and it knit in 4 ply cotton. This is the 3 month size awaiting a fitting session from the new(ish) addition down the road.

And yet still more Tikki stuff. I'm also playing along with Georgie's mystery knit along and doing both the boy and the girl version. These are currently waiting for me to find some uninterrupted time to sit down and knit up clue number two. Hopefully before tomorrow when clue number 3 comes out.

I am also about 1/2 way through this years Christmas puddings. The mix is done it is just waiting for me to put it into the various pudding bowls and cook it for eternity. I normally have the puddings done long ago but just haven't been motivated enough this year.

And just in case you were wondering I do still sew around here. At the moment I have this dress cut out, waiting for it's turn to be sewn up.

I'm also patiently waiting for master almost 3 to decide which cake he would like for his birthday next week. He is currently swaying between a spider and a racing car but I am fully expecting some last minute contenders.

For more creative stuff check out Kirsty's place.

Dyeing again

2010-11-07T09:07:00.002+11:00

I did a little dyeing for a swap the other day so I chucked in a couple of things for me too while I was at it.

First up is Sunny Days

This is 200gms of 22 micron superwash merino. It is softened up beautifully in the dye pot and is now nice and squishy.

and I've called this one Metallic

This i 100gms of 50/50 merino silk. I love the way that the silk sucks up more dye than the wool.

Now how to spin them...

Cassia

2010-11-03T16:34:00.005+11:00

Mandy requested a special dress to wear to a recent wedding. So I made her a Cassia.

What is there not to like about this pattern. It is flattering, easy to knit, no seaming and designed by a fabulously fantastic friend Tikki. Specs are here.

I don't have any shots from the wedding as it unfortunately (or fortunately depending on what you believe) rained the entire time. I also completely forgot to take a photo of the cushions I made as a pressie for the lucky couple. Bit annoyed at myself really as I think they turned super fantastic. Oh well, you'll just have to take my word for it.

My Creative Space

2010-10-28T14:50:00.004+11:00

Involves a bit of experimentation this week. Loosely using Jodie's tute and some gorgeously soft organic cotton from Amitie I'm hoping to produce something fit to pass as a wedding pressie for some dear friends.

On other wedding related making The wee ones dress is all made and ready to go, I'll post some pics post wedding when I will hopefully I'll have some better action shots.

I'm also contemplating making something for myself which will prove interesting as the wedding is Sunday and what I have in mind, the fabric is woven and the pattern is not and I'm pretty sure I don't have quite enough. I will report back on whether it is a total disaster or blinding success or if I come to my senses and instead make to with whatever appears from the wardrobe.

On the making for fun rather than necessity front I also whipped up a couple of cute little skirts this week thanks to some inspiration from Kate.

More creativity over at Kirsty's place.

Some things

2010-10-26T13:40:00.004+11:00

that I have learned, realised or knew already and just forgot in the last week or so in no particular order..

1. That I don't listen to enough music

2. I'm not a city girl. I miss the country and want to go home.

3. My stash, both yarn and fabric is way too big and some of it is gonna have to go.

4. I'm not so good at life's tipping points. You know those points where you need to actually be an adult rather than just pretending to be and make all those big hard decisions that need to be made.

5. Friends are priceless and irreplaceable and oh so precious.

6. That if someone leaves a red texta in their pocket and it goes for a trip through the washing machine then yes everything will come out red, or pink, or this weird peachy orange kinda colour.

7. That I then should have run an empty wash so that the same thing didn't happen to the next load as well...

8. I like to read and really got lost in the story.

9. That I'm almost ready to get my next tattoo.

10. That I still really really miss mum. And that is ok.

Navajo Plying

2010-10-25T14:14:00.002+11:00

Thanks to this little video tutorial I am now in love with Navajo plying my yarn. It helps keep the colour repeats together so is great for hand dyed fibre when you don't want to mix the colours up too much. Here are pics of my first and second attempts both spun on the wind wheel.

The fibre in this pic is some Wendy Dennis Polwarth, hand dyed by Wendy in a lovely mix of sea greens and blues and a whole lot left natural.

This fibre is from Mandie's last fibre club and is a Merino/Rose blend. This stuff is super super lush and lovely to spin.

My Newish, Oldish Wheel

2010-10-22T09:13:00.003+11:00

Let me tell you a quick little story. Just before the recent school holidays I became aware of a spinning wheel for sale. Now I didn't need another wheel and at the time most certainly was not looking for another wheel but (and you knew there was a but) this particular wheel was of a type that I had been lusting after for some time. Well at first I ignored this piece of information safe in the knowledge that someone else would buy it instead. Well over a week went past and it was still available and it was still calling my name. So without really consciously making a decision an email was sent, a phone call received and suddenly in the middle of school holidays I was bundling both kids into the car and with the promise of a seaside picnic and extended playground time set off on a road trip.

So without any further fuss let me introduce you.

She is a Wind Wheel. This particular one was made by Hans Kruger in the 1980's and she is in beautiful condition.

I'm still getting to know her but she is a lot slower and dreamier than my other wheel but just as lovely to spin on.

First to hit the bobbin was a random batt from the stash.

This is underspun and underplied but it is all part of the getting to know you process. I've been practicing some new to me techniques on her as well which I will share later on.

Spinning and Dyeing

2010-10-10T14:51:00.000+11:00

A few pics of some of the stuff I have been up to lately.

1st up is two different colourways from Ewe Give me the Knits, I think they are both a merino milk blend.

Spun both as straight singles (no fancy stuff)

and then plied together, still not sure what I think of it the end result but it is lovely and soft and squishy. I reckon I'll like it a whole lot more made up. I'm thinking it may become this neckwarmer (because that is just what I need as we head into summer).

Next we have some blue faced Leicester, bunny and silk blend from Ixchel Bunny It was first spun way back here and plied together not long after I just never got around to taking a photo. This one will probably be gifted.

Last up is a teeny bit of dyeing that was a joint effort between Mandy and myself. We used the injection dyeing method, which is way less messy especially when dyeing with kids. She chose the colours, I did the mixing, she did the injecting then I put it in the pot. It is meant to become a pair of mitts for her but I think I missed the boat this season. Here's hoping she doesn't remember until closer to next winter.

In the interest of maintaining honesty

2010-10-10T14:21:00.000+11:00

I fell off.
I didn't make too much of a crash on the way down through and it wasn't such a big fall that I couldn't jump back on again but I have to admit that the lure of a strong Aussie dollar and free international postage too much to resist.

The batts are from Pigeon Roof Studios and the photo doesn't really do them justice, they are a beautiful luminous rich dark green. I'm still at the patting stage here waiting for them to tell me how they want to be spun.

The book is one of those good staples to have on the shelf as much for ideas as anything else, plus like all Nicky Epstein stuff it is pretty!

** There is no chocolate in the photo as it didn't last that long

Following on from the other day...

2010-09-18T10:53:00.002+10:00

I'm thinking jewellery of some kind?

My Creative Space

2010-09-16T10:26:00.006+10:00

I'm doing deals with myself today. There is some rather boring sewing of the mending variety. A couple of quick little pressies that need to be finished off and the sink is groaning at the lack of dishwashing going on around here so...

If I get it all done this morning then is afternoon I can play with this.

Kirsty has the power tools out today, lets go see what everyone else is up to.

Corespun

2010-09-14T19:16:00.004+10:00

Do you remember this? Well it has languished since then

until last night when as a part of my attempt to finish up my almost finished projects I spin span spun the rest of it up.

Then this morning I gave it a wash and a whack

and then hung it out to dry.

Being such a beautiful day it dried in no time.

It started it's life as a smooth batt from here is a corespun yarn, spun around a mercerised cotton thread,

I'm in love.

Road

2010-09-13T14:51:00.007+10:00

I've been sorting through my 'almost finished' projects and finishing them off before I add a whole new bunch of spring stuff to the list.

First up is the Road* bag from Kelley Deal's book Bags that Rock.

Knitted using two strands of Fibreworks merino held together. D-rings were attached (after being salvaged from a particularly ugly belt)

It then went for a trip through the washing machine. We have a front loader, so no controlled felting processes here. Just chuck it in, cross your fingers and hope for the best. It even went through the spin cycle at 1200rpm.

The original bag suggests using the inseam from an old pair of jeans as the strap. For once I wanted to keep fairly true to the original, so although I didn't have an old pair of jeans to hand I did have an old mini skirt. So what was a waistband is now a bag strap.

In true lazy fashion, I have used the existing button/buttonhole and added one of each extra at each end and then buttoned the strap onto the bag. This also means it is completely removable.

Have to say I'm feeling pretty clever right now.

*Apologies to the non ravellers out there here is a rav link you can access with further details of my version.

** Also for those of you who may be wondering, I have super dooper healing eyes. The patch is off and vision is heading back to what it should be but boy is it itchy!

*** One more thing it just occurred to me that our stork (that secretly wants to become a brolga) is a bit of a ringer for this one, cept his bum is still intact.

More Life Wonk

2010-09-11T15:00:00.003+10:00

Recently I wished out loud that I could have one day where I could sleep all day to catch up on all my recently missed sleep and recharge my batteries just a bit.

Life has a strange way of granting ones wishes.

Yes this is very painful. The most comfortable position is lying down with both eyes closed. Cept I'm now bored with that. Luckily the doc said it should heal very quickly and I won't be like this for long.

Huge apologies to those of you who where booked in for my crochet class with notebook this morning, I was looking forward to it immensely, but as you can see you probably wouldn't have got the quality of teaching you deserve. Lets hope we can reschedule to everyone's satisfaction.

Now once you have all got the pirate jokes out of your system, lets never speak of it again (arrgh!).

PS. As soon as I have my depth perception back the wee ones finger nails will be cut cut cut!!

keeping busy...

2010-08-30T13:11:00.017+10:00

even though I feel like I'm not getting anywhere. Here is a mishmash of stuff from the chickenflowertots house from over the last little bit or so.

First up here is a few things I was lucky enough to win or be gifted (some an embarrassingly long time ago) that have not yet been acknowledged.

First up is a swift from Julia. she runs her own hand knit business and her husband makes swifts and sock blockers. It works beautifully and packs away easily. I have given up trying to convince Lucas that it is not a helicopter. Thankyou Julia and Blair

Next we have a cute little basket that I was lucky enough to win from Sally. Not only did she make this cute little thing for me but it is made from her own fabric! How cool is that. She also included some useful little haby tools including a pair of those super cool little thread cutters. So I have been schnip schnip schnipping ever since. Thankyou Sally.

Then there was this beautifully coordinated package of fabric, buttons and hand dyed silk thread from Wendy. If you haven't been to her store in Fitzroy it is well worth the visit for any fibre lover out there, just prepare to be overwhelmed with choice. You can also find her online here. Thanks Wendy

This was followed by a copy of the 2011 Sewing Calendar which I was lucky enough to win from Ellen over at The Long Thread. I have been reading her blog for a long time and she always has lots of great free tutorials, tips and ideas. The calendar is full of lots of great quick little projects and is chock full of familiar bloggy names. Thanks Ellen

Following on from this the ever wonderful Andi gifted me this book (thankyou again) a little while ago. It is a riot of colour and ideas and Mandy is convinced that lots of them would also make great hats, so you better watch out Andi!

I have also done the odd swap here and there and recently received a lovely big ball of Kauni and some anchor magic line too. I am yet to sleuth out who this was from as it was a secret swap but thankyou nonetheless.

I think that is it on the swappy/gifty/prize winning front of late and I apologise if I have forgotten anything, my brain is not it's usual self at the moment.

Next up here are a few catch up type pics of the odd thing here and there that I have been up to.

This was one of the results from a recent dying session that was destined for a swap that has now been received. I'm still getting used to different dyes but I was super happy with the result.

I have also been doing a spot of ordering, but don't worry I haven't broken my yarn buying ban as this isn't for me. I'm teaching some basic crochet classes coming up super quick smart in September as a part of the Melbourne craft room for Notebook magazine. I am super excited about this and can hardly wait. If you would like to learn basic crochet and come and hang out with other crafty types for a morning or afternoon, bookings can be made here.

The odd bit of reading is also getting squished in thanks mainly to my local libraries, but my new issue of Yarn magazine turned up this morning and as leaped to the top of the heap. If you haven't seen this mag before I reckon you should check it out. I don't seem to ever knit much from each issue (this is more time related than anything else) but the articles are pure gold.

Can't remember if it was mentioned here or elsewhere but I did get around to casting on a citron last week or the week before (feels like it was eons ago) but haven't progressed very far since then. Not sure if I'm feeling the love or not or if the timing is all just a bit off at the moment but it is not getting picked up much.

Finally here is a gratuitous shot of my new knitting/handbag from Namaste. It is a beautiful peacock blue and came via Mandie from Ewe give me the Knits. The colour makes me smile every time I pick it up.

Wow, that turned into a way bigger post than intended!

Intermittent transmission

2010-08-21T18:19:00.003+10:00

I've never really decided how much of my personal life would make it onto here but lets just say, to borrow a term from Tania, that there is a bit of life wonk going on around here.

I may be around lots or maybe not at all, we'll just see how I go. Ok.

Still perfecting

2010-08-16T09:48:00.005+10:00

A little while ago I made another skirt for Mandy so I could write down the pattern.

Then I clean forgot to show you the outfit. The pattern still needs some tinkering, but I promise I will share it when done.

As a skirt was not enough apparently, according to the five year old who I sometimes let boss me around. I also made a hat.

Then I came across this rather horrid ball of poofy acrylic blend yarn that she thought was beeewdiful!! So I turned it into a shrug.

The hat pattern came from here, I think I adjusted it slightly to fit but I can't remember what I did, sorry.

The shrug is knit sideways, I cast on 50 stitches (I think) on 5mm needles and knit in the round until I was happy with the sleeve length. I then knit flat across the width of her back then switched back to the round to finish the other sleeve.

My Creative Space

2010-08-12T12:19:00.002+10:00

This is a very small sample of my current WIP's.

At the back left we have two more coats that I'm making for a couple of friends out of some wool melton that I got for 70% of at Spotlight. Next to that is a fulled/felted bag that is still waiting for a shave and a handle, front right is a vest for me that has been languishing for a long time and is oh so close to being finished but the love just isn't there at the moment. Finally front left is a stack of granny square samples I've been playing around with.

However I'm currently ignoring the lot,

in favour of my dye pot. Hopefully today I will get at least this small bundle in the pot and maybe some fibre too. While it is all bubbling away I can ponder the loveliness that is hiding in this box.

Don't worry Andi, I haven't broken my fabric ban. This is way better than that....

More spaces this way as hosted by the every lovely Kirsty.

A chance to recharge the batteries and some coat pics

2010-08-11T22:20:00.010+10:00

Last weekend we finally managed a little getaway.

Nothing fancy, just some time away in a beautiful location with no plans to do much of anything.

We went for some walks along the beach

The weather was wonderfully kind to us and we had sunshine very day.

Mandy was highly amused by what she has now named 'boob rock'. The beret she is wearing is something I made for her a couple of weeks ago to wear to school and it has barely left her head since. I vaguely used this pattern except it is a 10ply/worsted weight cotton. It is ravelled here.

We saw lots of these furry creatures

and while the kids played in the sand I finally managed to get some half decent pics of my coat.

As you can see I went with all six buttons, however I have left them as false buttons, with some snaps underneath.

The pattern is called Salma and is from issue 5/2009 of Ottobre magazine. The seams are sewn on the outside and then trimmed close to the stitch line. The only real change I made was to make it double not single breasted, and I added pockets.

The fabric is a boiled wool that I got from Tessuti during their recent sale. It is 100% wool in a beautiful rich brown that in in some lights appears to have an olive tinge. The pocket trim (which I have just realised I haven't taken a close up pic of) came from mother's stash and I can recall it being used on clothing that was made for me when I was a child.

I don't think I have been this happy with something I have made for myself in a long time. It fits well, feels good, is useful and goes with pretty much everything in my wardrobe. I quite simply love it!

Here is one final shot for you. It has been so long since we have been to the beach that I had forgotten my husbands predilection for playing in the sand. The kids were more than willing to participate. I was only able to prise them away when the sun went down and it got super super cold.

My creative space

2010-08-05T10:35:00.004+10:00

Not too much going on around here today. I'm tired and a bit cranky and have a headache, quite possibly due to the lack of chocolate in my kitchen.

I've been practicing my corespinning. I'm still getting a little over twisted and need to speed my hands up a bit methinks. That's my super dooper new wild flyer on there too that I picked up from Mandie at the sheep show. Check out the size of that Orifice!

Here's a close up for you.

I'm off to cheer myself up and make cake, then check out some more creative peoples over here.

PS: the coat from last week now has 6 buttons and I love love love it. Decent pics coming after the weekend hopefully.

Production Line purses

2010-08-04T19:52:00.004+10:00

And then there were five

Except one scooted off to another party before the final shot.

All made from Nikki's great pattern.

Confessions and Wagons

2010-07-30T17:10:00.004+10:00

Right back at the start of the year I joined a group on Ravelry called 'Shop the Stash'. The idea is to, rather than buy yarn, you should shop your already gigantuan (in my case) stash first to prevent you from buying more yarn that you don't really need. Only thing is I didn't really tell anyone I'd jumped in this little wagon so I've had a few slips. Not long after I committed to this I had a good look at my stash. It was then that I realised that there were more tubs full of fabric than there was tubs full of yarn. So I sort of thought to myself that I should probably stop buying fabric too. Fast forward a couple of months and I'm also out of book shelf space. No amount of reorganising was going to make more space appear, so I added books to the list. Finally I supposedly swore off buying chocolate awhile ago in an attempt to lose a bit of weight, no suprises here but that wagon has also passed me by.

So after some prompting from Andi, I am now public vowing to:

Buy no more yarn

or fibre

or fabric

or craft books

or (gasp) chocolate (these are super yummy raspberry jellies dipped in dark chocolate)

Until the end of the year! So bring on the wagon so I can jump aboard, I think I'm going to need a whole convoy.

**Teeny tiny disclaimer - I can buy chocolate for others, just not for myself and anything from the Op Shop doesn't count.

My Creative Space

2010-07-29T09:52:00.004+10:00

Buttons or no buttons? I'm still deciding (either that or I'm looking for excuses for why I haven't sewn them on yet.

This is the coat I made for myself and are still yet to get a decent photo of me wearing it. It currently closes with press studs, yet I am thinking of adding false buttons.

I got them from the sheep and wool show the other week, from the button lady of Camberwell Market fame. They are made from resin and have a beautiful depth of colour. Sometimes they look brown, sometimes orange. They match the brown of the coat beautifully and pick up the orange in the trim really well.

So should I add them? Single row? Double Breasted? Just two? Four? All six? In a circle or on the diagonal or maybe on the back? (ok now I'm just being silly)

So what do you think, buttons or no buttons?

For more creative goodness mosey on over to Kirst's place

Birthday party season

2010-07-25T09:10:00.007+10:00

One down

Filled with a cute little storybook mirror from Lark and some patterned sticky tape. It has Alexander Henry Tillbrook fairies on the outside

and Saffron Craig fairies on the inside. Perfect present for a fairy party.

A last minute fairy skirt whipped up from a strip of ribbing and a whole lot of tulle, crown fished out of the dress up box, happy campers all round.

However there are five still to go.

My Creative Space

2010-07-22T11:12:00.004+10:00

Is a bit of a shamozzle this week. I haven't played for a few weeks as all sorts of things have been going on around here. The mini laundry/craft space reno is chugging along nicely and we now have an external door it place that actually locks. The floor is coming along nicely too. I am still however searching for the right sized window that isn't a ridiculous price.

I still suffering through labyrinthitis, which is slowly getting better. Just remember no sudden moves. The boy child is also finally on the mend after almost a fortnight of illness.

So now for stuff that is actually creative. As I mentioned it is all a bit of a shamozzle. I have stuff all over the place and are having trouble focusing on the one thing.

First up is a handful of fabric grabbed from the 'small pieces & scrap' stack waiting to become a bunch of teeny little purses using Nikki's kit. With several little girl birthdays looming these will make great pressies once filled with some extra little treats. The first one has to be finished by Saturday so I think I need to focus a bit.

Next up is some spinning that jumped the queue but is just straight spinning so shouldn't take me too long. The fibre is a merino silk blend I dyed a little while back and it is spinning up beautifully. I'm aiming for something around the 8ply/DK to 10ply/worsted weight range.

I also have this bag in the works. In fact the knitting part is almost done. Then I will felt it and work out what I'm going to use as a handle. It doesn't look like much at the moment but hopefully the end product will live up to expectations.

Lightboxes and some simple jewellery making are also on the cards as soon as I can find a box that isn't promptly claimed as a car or a tower or boat etc... There is a test knitting pattern kicking around too, but it involves lots of cables and therefore a little more attention than I can muster today. Oh and buttons for my finished but not finished coat, pants to sew for Lucas, beanies to knit for husband, baby knitting.....

(my head hurts)

Hope everyone else is having a lovely creative day/week. Lets pop over the Kirsty's and see shall we?

Melbourne Open House

2010-07-21T22:06:00.003+10:00

http://melbourneopenhouse.org.au/

Is on this weekend. Over the years I have been lucky enough to have gained access to some of Melbourne's beautiful old buildings. (yes I'm well aware that old in Australia is new pretty much everywhere else) This has mainly been due to work requirements and/or people I know. As a city we are blessed to have many examples of good and interesting architecture both old and new, within easy access.

So do yourself a favour and go check out some examples this weekend. Some of my faves from this years list are:

Mission to Seafarers in Flinders st, Docklands
Origin Roof garden at 278 Flinders lane
Supreme Court at 450 Little Bourke st
Old Treasury Building at 20 Spring st
and Donkey Wheel house at 673 Bourke st.

OK Ok I know, I've just been a little distracted.

2010-07-09T08:15:00.023+10:00

So here comes a mammoth catch up post, well mammoth for me anyway, in reality it will probably be a bit teeny tiny on the mammoth scale but we'll see how we go.

First let's catch up on what was left languishing.

Andi's hat is done and dusted and much appreciated and looks totally fantastic on her wonderful head I reckon. Plus I got to feel like a superstar for 2 seconds. As Andi herself said I just love how the crafty bloggy world has put me in touch with so many ace people that I now consider friends!

The cotton from the same post has gone into the sin bin for a little while so it can sit and think about its inappropriate behaviour before I allow it out again. But don't worry it won't get lonely as there are plenty of other recalcitrant craft projects in there to keep it company. It may however get a little jealous of the 2+ kilos (Whoops not sure how it became that much, it must be breeding) of cotton yarn that came to live here shortly after. Which reminds me I don't think I ever shared much about the fact that I am meant to be shopping my stash this year, I obviously suck at it so will save an update on that for another post.

The cowl is still waiting for me to weave the ends in,

but I have weighed the yarn and the pair of mitts are one thumb short of being done.

The yarn has been plied and I'm super happy with it and I can see that I am slowly getting better at this ye old spinning bizzo.

Mandy's Cardi is also finished, ish. I did run out of yarn, but I contacted the lovely people at Tailored Strands and despite the fact that shade was discontinued and purchased over a year ago, they were able to match the dyelot for me and save the day. She has been wearing and loving it but I still haven't got around to sewing the buttons on yet. I keep changing my mind on which ones.

Phew, that has made me tired just thinking about it. Now excuse me while I dig around in my brain and try to remember what else has been going on.

I'm still knitting away on various things.

Another bounce for Mandy while I tweak the pattern a bit. This one is in 8ply and I'm still not completely happy with it so there will be more appearing in the coming months while I continue to nut it out.

I've done a wee bit more spinning, not as much as I would like and nothing fancy but some good solid practice. This is a bluefaced leicester, bunny and silk blend from Charly that is patiently waiting to be plied.

I also have this gorgeous batt from Blue Mountain handcrafts next in the queue to practice a little core spinning.

Something rather amazing for me has also been achieved. I have made and actually gifted (without keeping it for myself) a present for my sisters birthday, before her actual birthday.

A patchwork scarf, modeled by miss Mandy and made from kimono scraps that my other sis gifted me a long time ago and an off cut of some beautiful chocolate brown boiled wool from Tessuti that was left over the coat I made for myself the other day. Which reminds me, I haven't told you about the coat.

I was planning on telling you about it right now, honestly I was, but I have now missed the light again for another day so have no photos and I this post has sat in draft for way too long already. So the coat will get a post of it's own sometime soon.

In another return to form I also made a hat for my nephew for his birthday, 2 months late. I seem to only have this one rather lousy photo, but it is basically another cheater hat like Lucas'. The felt is all hand dyed and the colour combo was based purely on what pieces were large enough to fit the pattern.

There is also a vest that I'm plugging away at

and another project in the pipeline

and the odd but of sewing that is waiting to be well, sewn (and is way too boring to photograph). Yet the most exciting thing going on around here (exciting is also code for incredibly slow but that is ok I'm a patient person)

is our teeny tiny laundry reno, that will result in not only an internal laundry as opposed to an external one, but it will also include a teensy weensy little bit of space that will soon be known as the craft room.

Studio is way to glorious a word, in fact room is stretching it a bit, but that is all irrelevant. The important thing is it will space just for me were I can leave my stuff out without having to pack it away before dinner. I can make a mess and no one else can whinge about it and I can hang whatever I want on the walls and who cares if no one else likes it. I can paint it whatever colour I want and rearrange it as often as I choose.

At this stage though I'm still at the dreaming planning stage, while I wait patiently for those that possess the tools to do their stuff.

I'm sure there is plenty of stuff I've lost inside my brain but that will do for now and anything I remember can appear some other time.

PS; Here is a big silly shout out to all those lurking librarians (and Cindy ;)) as lets face it, I know you're out there.

My creative Space

2010-05-20T08:11:00.005+10:00

This week there is lots of waiting in my space.

These are waiting patiently to become a hat for Andi and some cotton to become dish/washcloths.

This cowl is waiting for me to get off my bum and weigh it before I cut the yarn as I need to make sure that I still have enough left over for matching mitts. If not I'll just rip it back a few rows.

These bobbins are waiting for me to ply them together.

I'm still plugging away at Mandy's cardigan. I've finished one sleeve (how gorgeous is that cuff detail) but I don't think I'm going to have enough for a full length cardi. Still deciding what I'm going to do about that.

But, I treated myself to this book yesterday so I may just read instead.

We are also planning a trip to the zoo and I have promised Mandy that I will teach her how to plait on the train.

For more spaces drop into Kirsty's place.

(that fabric in the background is also still waiting. It is destined to become another cushion cover)

My favourite scarf

2010-05-19T19:17:00.005+10:00

I don't think I've shown you this scarf. It is my favourite. It is super long and lovely and bouncy and squishy. I made it last year but didn't finish it until the cold weather was long gone so it didn't really get an outing until recently. Now it gets to go out with me all the time.

It is a simple drop stitch pattern knit in four bags full merino hand dyed by Elissa from The Yarn Cafe. The Colourway is Mont Marte

And thanks to Leonie I can also now wear it without it falling off my shoulders or feeling like I have misplaced bulkiness.

My Creative Space

2010-05-13T08:29:00.010+10:00

I like Thursdays. Thursdays are fun. It is the day that I get to go and peek at what everyone else has been making. It is also the day that I get two wonderfully delicious boxes of fruit and veg from here. Then tonight I get to go to my weekly perle8's craft night and catch up with some super lovely inspiring and funny girls.

Thursdays are also my do what I want day. I play a wee bit of household catch up in the mornings but the rest of the day is for me.

So what have I been up to. Well there is still lots of knitting going on around here. My needles are on fire!! Here are some specs from some now gifted pressies mentioned a couple of weeks ago.

First up is Olearia
Designed by the super talented and great to boot, Georgie Hallam. It is knit out of Bendigo Woollen Mills 8ply cotton. It came from the back room* many moons ago so I'm not sure what the colour is actually called. This is the shrug version but the pattern includes heaps and heaps of other options.

I'm particularly fond of the sweet little loveheart buttons.

Next up is Bloom.
Another wonderful design by Georgie, this pattern is so called as it is designed to start as a dress then as your child grows/blooms, the bodice will stretch and it will become a cute little top. This is knit from Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury in 4 ply. The colour is ruby.

Next up on the finished heap are a couple of hats. They are both made from the same pattern, called Felicity available here or on rav. This is one of those patterns that has gone a bit viral, last time I looked there were over 2000 projects on ravelry. I'm not surprised as it one of those almost instant gratification knits, it takes less than 100gms, is super easy to follow, super quick to knit, easy to customise and looks fantastic.

The one on the left was meant to be for my sister for her birthday. It is made from 100pure wool that I was lucky enough to win late last year from Kirsten. Except when I tried it on to check for fit, it disagreed with me and convinced me that it actually was mine. So I made her another. However when that one was finished I wasn't convinced it was quite right so it has gone to live with my neighbour, who looks fabulous in it. So finally the one on the right is actually for my sister. It is made from pear tree yarn in 12 ply, the colour is sage. I picked it up over the weekend while at the Stitches and craft show and it is oh soo soft. I'm a big fan of pear tree.

I think I will be making a few more of these, at least one for my other sis and one for Mandy, who calls it the muffin top hat (not quite so glamorous or sexy sounding is it)

I'm also still plugging away at Mandy's Olearia cardi. I have now decided what version to do at least and are crossing my fingers that I won't run out of yarn.

Finally on the knitting front, this will become a beautiful cowl, just as soon as I settle on a pattern. It a lovely big ball of Wendy Dennis 8ply, hand dyed polwarth and is super soft and squishy. Any pattern suggestions are more than welcome.

I also picked up a couple of panels from Lisa at The Red Thread while at stitches. They have become very simple cushions for the kids. They will be great in the car for long trips and are the perfect size for cuddling. Lucas calls his 'the captain'.

Now I'm off to make some vanilla orange cordial using Bianca's recipe from the kids issue of mixtape, using my organic oranges left over from last weeks box and then attempt this cake.

For more creative spaces pop into Kirst's place.

*The backroom is literally just that. If you visit the Woollen mills onsite in Bendigo at their factory shop they have a wonderful little backroom full of all sorts of treasures, end of lines, samples, seconds, misdyes etc all at super great prices. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

This is what happens when

2010-05-04T14:48:00.002+10:00

You leave a 2 yr old to wash his hands unsupervised!

teeny tiny

2010-05-03T11:15:00.005+10:00

Yesterday I went to visit my first ever niece! She is a wee little bundle of pure loveliness. Mandy was also very excited to no longer be the only girl. Lucas on the other hand was more excited about getting to play with her brothers all day. So in celebration to another girl being added to the pack here is a little something I made her. I knitted most of it when my sis was still pregnant with plans to dye it later.

Decided on a whim to experiment at little.

I was planning a gradual colour change so that it would be mostly white with a deep pink bottom edge.

so far so good

I then decided that steaming would be the best method to set the dye so that I could keep the white bits from touching the pink. However I later decided that a teeny bit more pink would go astray and changed plans mid way through*

The end result was very very pink!

but cute none the less.

* also known as I can sometimes be a superklutz but it has overdyed beautifully to hide any klutziness on my part.

My Creative Space is all about knitting

2010-04-29T11:38:00.002+10:00

Knitting waiting to be gifted

Knitting waiting to be dyed

Knitting waiting to be finished

and knitting waiting to be started

For more players go visit Kirsty.

Lots and lots of coils

2010-04-27T09:53:00.003+10:00

I started with this, which then became this and is now all done and looks like this.

The technique is called coils and was something that I learnt at the Insubordiknit workshop that I went to over a month ago (and still haven't got around to blogging). They definitely need some work and I think that my workshop 'practice' ones were better but it is all a learning curve and lots of fun. The fibre is 100% polwarth wool from Mandie at Ewe give me the Knits. Love the colours and despite the odd dodgy coil I am very happy with the results. Now what to knit with it???

Half way there

2010-04-20T14:12:00.001+10:00

From this to

this to....

Moving right along

2010-04-19T22:25:00.004+10:00

Ok so I got the hat out of my head and another project has just jumped right on into the slot.

Excited about how good that colour match is, here's hoping that the end product will look as good.

Winter Hat

2010-04-18T11:56:00.004+10:00

Remember the yellow felt that I was dying the other day. Well as soon as it was dry it became a new winter hat.

It started with a nice wide brim.

However this was just a little too big and Paddington Bearish.

So the brim got a trim and we look some time choosing a stitch patten

settled on Diamonds

and voila a new hat

It is a wee bit big,

but not for long I'm sure.

It was made using Nikki's pattern with a few short cuts, all single layer no lining or interfacing.

Another super quick project to add to my repeat list.

My Creative Space

2010-04-15T14:31:00.006+10:00

My Creative space this weeks goes to my father in law. I came home from work last night to two very excited little people who promptly dragged me outside to see this.

It has a cool little kid friendly attachment system to connect it to the tricycle

and he even made tail lights and a number plate. The kids just have to decide what they want it to say.

All made with scrap materials and leftovers. How clever is he!!

Riding of course is a little slower at the moment because we have to keep checking it is still there.

Gotta get it out of my head

2010-04-12T11:20:00.003+10:00

There is so much I should be doing right now. Cleaning up after the whirlwind that is school holidays, washing acres of clothing, hunter gathering to replenish the mother hubbard style cupboards to name a few. Instead I am playing.

I have an idea that I need to get out of my head as it is taking up way too much space.

I also need to slow down and make more effort to find the rubber gloves.

My Creative Space - Birthday girl

2010-04-08T10:52:00.004+10:00

My creative space this week is all about the birthday girl. This week my baby girl turned 5.

First up there were some pressies. In amongst the scooter, books and clothes were a couple of mummy made things.

The skirt passed the rainbow test with flying colours.

And was happily worn for the rest of the day. She even played along with my frequent requests to jump up and down so I could watch it bounce!

Next up was a 'many faced' doll inspired by one I had as a child.

Happy

Sleeping

and cheeky

and this is how each face stays in place.

Presents were followed by a barbeque in the park with family that included cake

and was followed by train rides.

We had a fantastic day and some wonderfully sleepy children at the end of the day.

For more creative spaces pop over to Kirsty's place.

Cushiony Goodness

2010-04-03T09:08:00.005+11:00

I've changed my obsession. The flowers are still getting produced at a steady pace, but cushion covers use up way more stash soo much faster.

I might be able to close those fabric tubs by Christmas after all.

(I had forgotten about that list in the flowers post but I'm now feeling pretty chuffed as I can cross off all but one item)

Seems to be a bit of a theme here

2010-04-03T08:48:00.006+11:00

As much as I love the idea of Carolyn's challenge, I am lousy at keeping deadlines. March's challenge was to make a softie. With my daughters birthday in April and plans to make her a doll I thought to myself that this month would be easy as I had a deadline I couldn't miss.

Well, here are a couple of owls instead.

These were started late last year (or maybe early this year) as belated presents for a couple of new bubs. I finished them in early March and although they were gifted a while ago I held off posting them just in case I needed a softie up my sleeve.

They are made from Jessica Levitt's tutorial for little owl Christmas tree decorations. I enlarged the pattern on the photocopier and stitched the front and back felt pieces to some contrasting wool fabric to make them a little larger again.

I loved making these and actually had a hard time giving them away as the child in me was begging to keep one. However they have gone to homes where they will be much loved and I keep telling myself I can always make more. (hehe like that is going to happen anytime soon)

PS: My daughter will get her dolly in time as I still have a few more days up my sleeve.

I know it is April but

2010-04-03T08:34:00.009+11:00

here is my finished top for Carolyn's February challenge.

It is from Ottobre Woman 2/2008, pattern number 1.
If making it again I would use a lighter fabric for the neck binding as the stuff I used ended up being way to thick for the other fabric and I spent waay to long fighting with the coverstitch function on my overlocker before it looked acceptable. However it was from the stash and I'm pretty sure I never paid for it in the first place, so can't complain budget wise.

The original top was also meant to be a whole lot longer but I completely forgot to cut the bottom half of the top a couple of sizes larger to start with, so have shortened the length so it is a more flattering fit.

Final verdict; I love the black and white fabric and I'm very happy with the fit. Yes I would make it again at both it's current length and as a longer top but I would use a less clingy fabric for a longer top and would make better friends with my overlocker before attempting the coverstitch.

That Skirt

2010-03-22T14:50:00.004+11:00

I have soo much I want to share at the moment as I have finally got around to taking a whole lot of pics of stuff and I got back yesterday from an absolutely fantastic weekend of spinning from which my head is still spinning (hehe) with ideas and new techniques I'm itching to sit down and practice, but right now I need to tell you about that skirt.

Now I can already hear you taking a peek at the (not so good but acceptable for now) photos and going what's the big deal it just looks like an ordinary skirt and you know what it is, but for me it is also a whole lot more.

First up I didn't use a pattern. Although I have a tendency to wing it a fair bit, this is the first time it has all come together so quickly and seamlessly in a way that I can repeat again and again if I want.

It fits me beautifully and is super comfortable to wear and I also think quite flattering over my hippy hips.

The main fabric of the skirt is a woven fabric in a linen rayon blend (I think) and it is one of those fabrics with beautiful drape that only gets softer each time you wash/wear it. I hangs beautifully, feels lovely and swishy when I walk and has a lovely subtle pinstripe through it.

See that bit of black at my waist well that is the waist band of the skirt a la similar to maternity pants etc. Using this sort of waist band has four big bonuses for me.
First it is firm enough to hold my tummy it a little so helps to hid it a bit.
It means I don't need to insert a zip or any other sort of fastener, which makes it super fast to sew.
I like to layer my clothes and have longer tops to make sure my tummy is well covered and this looks like a bottom layer peaking out without the bulk of an extra layer.
If I'm feeling a wee bit cold I can wear it without folding the waist band down so I have a nice toasty layer up again my ribs if I need it.

For the hem I did a narrow rolled hem on my overlocker and this has given it a lovely gentle wavy lettuce effect. It bounces slightly as I walk and compliments the drape of the fabric beautifully.

So how did I do it?

The waistband is cut from a piece of jersey knit that I suspect has a fair bit of elastane or spandex in it. I suppose I would call it medium to firm in terms of thickness/stretch. I folded the fabric so I had four layers (as that is how it would be when wearing it) and measured it across my waist while stretched and used this measurement doubled to cut a rectangle the width that I wanted. I just eyed balled the height I wanted and then doubled it. I sewed it into a loop and folded it in half horizontally so I had a tube half as high as it was.

I then measured the widest point of my hips and using this measurement and an existing skirt for a rough guide to shape, cut two pieces (front/back) ON THE BIAS (super important this bit as it means it stretches enough to go over my hips and attach to the waistband, but still sits flat at my waist with no extra bulk), from the linen.

I overlocked my side seams on the front and back skirt pieces and then sewed the side seams together.

I then divided the skirt waist area and the stretchy waistband into quarters and used these markings to pin the waistband to the skirt. Overlocked them together, finished the hem and voila!

I am super happy that now have a pattern that suits me, fits me, is super quick to make and that I can make with predominately woven fabrics (to help me use up my stash). I can see lots more of these in my future.

When I get my shit together I will try my hand at putting it together as a proper tutorial.

My Creative Space...

2010-03-18T16:36:00.003+11:00

is *gasp* pictureless. You see I made myself a skirt today. I had a vague idea in my head, another skirt that I quite liked, some fabric that was meant to become pants (when will I learn that 2 metres is often not enough to make myself pants from as I'm tall and no where near a size 10) and a 1 hour window of opportunity.

I am now currently wearing the best piece of clothing that I have ever made myself. It usually takes me weeks to complete something start to finish or it ends up in the sin bin where it can hibernate for an obscene amount of time. This time though, not only did I finish something from cutting to sewing up in under an hour, I have even finished all seams and ironed it. I am so super chuffed right now that I keep sneaking off to peak in the bathroom mirror, just to check that it does look as good as I think it does.

However you are all going to have to wait until someone older than 2 is around to take a photo. Sorry.

(For more spaces visit Kirsty)

My Creative Space

2010-03-11T10:10:00.003+11:00

Thursdays are usually a day of playing catch up over here so I have never managed to join in with my creative space before, until today.

I've been getting ready for the imminent workshop I'm attending by dyeing up some of the wool tops I had here. Can't be spinning art yarns in plain old white now can I!

First up is a 60/40 merino silk blend top.

The next two are both a mixed breed top so not quite as soft but still lovely.

Finally this little beauty is 50/50 Alpaca silk and oh so light and soft and squishy!

For more creative spaces pop over to Kirsty's place.

Now to attempt to cut out that top I still haven't found five minutes for so I have something to sew at Perle8's tonight.

Well...

2010-03-10T21:46:00.003+11:00

It all started with this post from Jo. Then Andi got herself some and made this, which she brought along to Perle8's. I promise I tried really hard not to, but in the end it was all too much and I just gave in.

Created in under an hour while the wee boy had one of his now rare daytime sleeps. They are super comfy and would have to be the most hideously fantastic pair of pj pants I have ever had. I even have enough scraps left over to applique a matching top!

I only need 5 child free minutes..

2010-02-22T13:33:00.005+11:00

and I could trace off this pattern and get started on my February Challenge.

Of course the boy has recently decided that day sleeps are just not on. I live in hope that they will return soon. On the plus side my nappy washing days are OVER!! He is very proud to be wearing 'unnies' everywhere.

(And waiting for the optometrist takes 3/4 of a flower)