Mistea crafts

Two for one

2012-02-12T18:45:00.001+11:00

One finish and two starts that is...

So I worked on these purple spots this past week.

The fabrics I showed here a week ago were cut and sewn together yesterday now some hand sewing to do before the next bit at the sewing machine.

Just because she is too cute I started this stitchery 'Annie' by Liz at Teddlywinks.

Today I finished the purple spot pouch.

Some things just go together nicely and some take a lot more effort!

Hope your weekend has seen some progress on whatever caught your attention.

Sunday Snippets

2012-02-05T22:30:00.001+11:00

Playing along with Tinniegirl this week,

Tunic finished

2012-01-31T21:15:00.002+11:00

Now I get that seeing this on a body instead of a hanger would make for a better photo but there is no one here and the weather decided to turn a shade of late Autumn today with cool winds and some light showers so there was no chance of it having it's first outing.

So the Trillium tunic pattern found in Interweave crochet summer 2011 edition was my purpose for buying the magazine back in September and now it is done!

The edging is crocheted in the opposite direction to normal crochet and gives a nice sturdy but not bulky finish.

The colour is a yellow green not anything like what I see on my screen so please imagine a light leaf shade, the yarn is Moda Vera Jalap 100% cotton from Spotlight.

Pink spots are colouring my commuter time this week and they are being edged with a denim blue colour.

Well that's all for January.

Tomorrow begins a whole new month with new possibilities and for me a whole new sound experience!

Enjoy.

Sewing, stitching and shopping

2012-01-30T19:30:00.000+11:00

Taking advantage of the extra day off last week - I put Nomee to work and made two more triangle pouches.

I completed the Blue polka dot squares at NCB last Wednesday and they are still waiting for another turn at the action. That is another Biscornu pincushion there - just because I could.

The weekend saw me stitch the little Christmas Tree which was already traced - thanks June. It is Gail Pan's free Tree from 2010.

Saturday I took myself to the Eastern suburbs to participate in Fabric Frolic - I added just a few new pieces to the stash.

And today because I organised a long weekend I sewed the fabric I collected last week on my bonus day off.

Presenting Summer Tote a project designed by Jody Anderson which appeared in Handmade Vol28No4.

Some fabrics just work together!

Hope your Monday has been perfect.

Progress and more fabric

2012-01-23T16:30:00.000+11:00

Nothing was completed on the weekend - Sunday was used up mostly by unimportant stuff.

I enjoyed a lovely early morning walk along the beach and then decided after breakfast that my eyes were too sore to craft so I need a little rest - which turned into a rather long nap, followed by lots of reading and then the boring chores.

By the end of Saturday all my spotty blocks were joined together and the top of the bag was done. There was a slight problem as I am using scraps and do not have enough yarn left to do the handles as per the pattern.

I found appropriate matching fabric for the lining and decided this version will have fabric handles, just need to get cutting and sewing on those bits.

The colours are a little brighter here than in real life, as the yellow is more mustard. I am very happy with this combination.

Sunday evening I sewed the Trillium Tunic top together, now all that is required is the edging which should go quickly.

Both of the above projects are from the Interweave Crochet magazine Summer 2011.

Today after having an extremely good start to my day which included another beach walk before I took the train to work, I arrived to be told that there were computer problems and I was free to do as I liked for the next hour. Well on arriving back at the office after an hour we were all told to take the remainder of the day off.

What's a girl to do with a very promising Monday?

I took the tram to GJ's for batting and purchased some new fabric.

And I spent my commuter time and waiting time making spots.

It really was a wonderful Monday morning, I got back in time to have a picnic lunch in the park opposite the beach. Perfect on a day whose temperature is above 30C.

Happy Monday

Spots won

2012-01-21T13:00:00.000+11:00

I know I said I was going to complete my top for FNSI but I got distracted by the spots. After two days of commuter craft, which was assisted tremendously by a late train and computer down time at the office, I had almost enough spots by the time I got home on Friday night, so I started doing the brown borders and didn't stop until they were all done.

A very successful FNSI.

Now it is Saturday afternoon and I have two projects ready for sewing together - so that is what I will be doing just as soon as I get off here.

It is possible I may have a finish or two by the end of the weekend unless I get sidetracked again.

Hope your Saturday is a pleasant one.

Crochet

2012-01-19T23:00:00.000+11:00

Coming late to the yarn along, but I really wanted to share. I enjoy seeing what everyone else is up to and adding potential projects to my list.

I finished crocheting the front and back of my top last night at NCB, now I just need to sew it up and do the finishing touches.

Today I started more polka dot blocks with the yarn I was gifted in December.

And I am reading Real Life by Dr Phil McGraw, very interesting so far. I like his style and acknowledgement that life is not always rosy.

I am listening to Happiness by Matthieu Ricard, very enlightening.

I will be joining in with Friday night Sew In tomorrow and I'll be putting my top together.

Hope you get to play along too.

Enjoy Friday.

Two projects

2012-01-15T18:30:00.000+11:00

The hooky commuter project is progressing nicely.

Two weeks -

two pieces.

I have spent my evenings working on this piece designed by Lynette Anderson which has been progressing rather slowly. Fortunately a looming deadline has seen me focussing this weekend and my part of this is almost done.

I am looking forward to working on something different this coming week.

May the sun shine in your creative space this week.

A days work

2012-01-14T15:10:00.000+11:00

While SJ was in town for a quick visit last week she requested a detour via a fabric shop - so GJ's it was.

I collected this assortment to make a quilt to contribute to the Aussie Hero Quilts project which I had read about only the day before. It seems lately everyone I talk to knows someone who has recently returned or is about to be deployed to Afghanistan.

'Boy' type fabrics, the subject of the panel may not be popular with the general population but it appears it is still a popular sport with the boys.

Last night after work I set to cutting squares and arranging them - I really have a lot of difficulty with random.

After a walk at the beach today I put Nomee to work and now I have an unironed quilt top.

So happy to have a whole Saturday with no obligations.

Hope your Saturday is a happy one.

Great Start

2012-01-03T20:15:00.000+11:00

Today was return to work for me after a ten day break and whilst I was not keen to return I did look on the bright side - commuter craft meant I could get back into some hooky action.

This project has been waiting patiently to start - I got interrupted by all the Christmas crafting, now I am free to make something for me.

A tunic pattern from my interweave crochet magazine purchased quite a few months ago.

There was a little hand stitching action on my break but not enough to show an update - should be finished soon.

Hope you have all had a wonderful start to 2012 and you have managed to stay cool.

Advent Gifts from me

2011-12-30T18:15:00.000+11:00

To June

More of the goodies that I made and bagged up for the Advent Swap.

Reindeer triangle pouch - you never know what Santa might need to hide.

A Santa sack filled with gold coins - chocolate of course.

Some of the goodies together including coasters and some still in progress.

A pretty notebook cover.

A beaded chain for the scissor protectors

A small red and white crochet purse the perfect place to keep spare change.

A snowman ornament to help keep things cool for a Hot Aussie Christmas.

A special Santa Sack,

Concealing this sewing set for the final present.

The stitchery is a design from Leanne Knell of Petals and Patches, I only made the pincushion as per the instructions, the needle book and note book are my own interpretation.

It has been a very lazy week here with lots of sweet eating, reading and a little stitching.

Hope you have had time to relax and enjoy the things you love this week.

My Sewing Angel

2011-12-29T17:30:00.000+11:00

A design by Helena Brorhed of Syverkstan.

While I planned ahead and cut and stitched, this project was fraught with set backs.

I use a water soluble pen for all my tracing but the weather has been unseasonably humid here for the past month and the design kept disappearing before I could stitch it.

Then when I had the top together my iron attacked it and I had to restitch the panel with the words - so this little hanging was not finished in time for Christmas giving. She is still part of the present and I shared it with J's mum while visiting on Christmas Eve, where I also did some hand stitching. I am happy to be done and really like the way she came together.

There is nothing wrong with Helena's pattern but as I can be a bit challenged at following the details my version is slightly different from the original design.

Wishing you a friendly Iron in the craft room.

Perfect Presents

2011-12-28T10:30:00.000+11:00

From family

From SR this very fun book - just when I was thinking tea cosies may be on my craft list in 2012.

and fabric from SJ who thought I may need stocking up after the Christmas making frenzy.

We do like cats and we do like Coffee - Lots of fun to be had here.

Enjoy the countdown to the New Year - I have stitching planned and no day job until next week.

Advent swap Finale

2011-12-27T13:20:00.000+11:00

The final week of gifts from June in the Advent swap

For Christmas I received this gorgeous table runner with three Christmas stitcheries.

Cute prairie points on both ends and a lovely combination of dark and bright with dark red stitching.

Just beautiful.

The week leading up to Christmas revealed these gorgeous and delicious goodies.

A pretty Christmas bowl with chocolates, a cute decorated hand towel and a pretty flannel with soap.

Hand towels for the kitchen and a hanger for a light switch.

Super cute painted raggedy which says 'Friends warm the Heart'.

Ooops, should have got the photo before all the goodies went.

Thanks June, you sure have many talents and willingly share, for the lovely gifts it was a very nice way to count down to Christmas.

Thanks to Fee for inviting me to play and for hosting this fun swap.

Hope your Christmas was full of family, friends and fun.

Advent swap fun so far

2011-12-18T18:30:00.001+11:00

Okay so there are a lot of photo's and blogger goes backwards I am not going to try to rearrange them as I will end up losing something.

So first up these have nothing to do with the swap, but are the completed Ms Snowy and Santa whose body parts were displayed here a couple of days ago. All done ready for delivery to their new home tomorrow.

Lots of fun gifts have been received from my Advent swap partner June.

Such a nice variety of goodies have come to live at my house.

Days 14-18 saw me open packages containing a photo frame, a mug with coffee, a tree ornament and green fabric, a scissor keep which should be perfect for my big scissors, today I found two lovely appliqued tea towels in my package.

Below are some of the presents that I sent to June

This amazing little bucket came to me from June filled with scissor, buttons and thread. Perfect

Some of the other goodies include a pretty flannel with a crochet edging, pins in a tin, a Ham Bag, a sewing machine hanger, quilt hangers, Christmas napkins, notebooks, and a pin cushion pattern from Anni Downs and a seam ripper.

Very generous goodies

Thanks June.

Thanks Fee for hosting this swap, it sure is fun to open a surprise each day.

Wishing you all a wonderful week.

FNSI -

2011-12-17T22:00:00.001+11:00

let me make enough progress on my projects that I was able to complete them after work today.

The jewellery pouches were not pictured yesterday as they were all sewn up just waiting for their ribbons.

A Christmas centrepiece made using the blocks I sewed earlier in the week.

Two more biscornu pin cushions now that I know how easy they are to make.

Four finished jewellery pouches, I even purchased a little something to put in each one.

So the snowman and Santa are incomplete but they now have stuffing and should be done in no time.

Wishing you all some time in your creative space between the celebrations.

Are you joining in?

2011-12-16T17:30:00.001+11:00

Friday night sew in for the last time in 2011.

I am looking to make some progress on these projects -

some finishes would be nice.

So nice to sew in company. I look forward to seeing what projects every one else is working on tonight.

Thanks to Heidi and Bobbi for hosting.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Generous Friends

2011-12-14T23:00:00.002+11:00

Another Santa has made an appearance here - he was completed during the week.

My current crochet project is more of the same - Santa and the Snowman are popular, both are from patterns found over here.

The title of this post refers to the goodies below.

I have been loaned this amazing book which contains very detailed patterns for some popular dog breeds, my kind of dogs, quiet and clean. The large bag of yarn came to me following a discussion about the lack of five ply yarns available. When a member of my craft group said 'I have some scraps can I share?' I was expecting less than half of what is there and part balls not all this, but I am planning to put it all to good use, just could take me a while.

Joining Ginny and the others in the yarn along - lots of lovely projects to drool over as always.

May your week be filled with creative moments.

Sew fest

2011-12-13T09:15:00.001+11:00

Monday night when I got home from work I decided Nomee needed a work out - she has been taking it easy lately, just a little bit here and there.

This is serious and I had been cutting after work this past week so I had plenty of projects ready to go - well can I just say we had a very successful session and concluded with a finish and an almost finish before midnight.

As work has gotten exceptionally busy with a major deadline looming I have been spending too much time there to get very creative with Christmas presents so my five nieces will all be getting a variation on the same theme this year.

I used some of the blocks cut from the Christmas panel to make these two patchwork blocks which will become part of a bigger project.

I made this Biscornu pincushion just because the pattern was there and it looked much easier to construct than I had previously imagined - it was a breeze. Yay a finish - well it was the almost last night as I neglected the button, but I fixed that this morning first thing. I have today off to go to my craft group Christmas break up - a girls gotta get some time out for good behaviour.

Here is the first finish - a small jewellery pouch only four more to go, but three more are already started in the picture above.

All of these projects were inspired by projects in one magazine - convenient that I didn't have to shuffle. Handmade Vol28 No4 from sometime in 2010.

Best get myself sorted and make something for afternoon tea then I can sew some more.

Hope you get to share with friends this week.

Weekend wonders

2011-12-04T19:00:00.001+11:00

Introducing Mr Frosty and Mini Brrrrr!

Same pattern the large guy is made with 8 ply yarn and a 3.75 mm hook and the little guy is made with pearl 8 thread and a 1.25 mm hook.

Another free pattern from Lion brand which is quick to make.

Today there was a little cutting and

even less sewing.

I did start the stitching on the following project but it is slow going when the attention span is short.

This list maker is one of the items included in the Advent swap package I sent.

I used the Christmas tree stitchery from the Red Brolly design and appliqued it to the tree fabric for the perfect place to make Christmas lists.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week in your creative place.

The Beginning

2011-12-03T19:30:00.001+11:00

December has started which means I can open a present from my box every day - ooh what fun! My loot so far and a little helper.

Thank you June for my gorgeous gifts and Fee for co-ordinating this swap.

Enjoy December it is the month of Festivities - today my Knitting group enjoyed a delicious lunch together. Perfect.

Because..

2011-11-30T21:30:00.001+11:00

I just can't focus on one thing at a time.

I pulled out blue thread and started something new.

I am still working my way through this book which is very interesting with lots of useful information.

I finished the white project from last week and it's winging its way around the country about now, I can't show you yet though because it's part of a surprise.

Just a friendly wave for now.

I am currently listening to 'Breath' by Tim Winton a novel and 'Quiet' by Paul Wilson an alternative meditation practice.

Playing along with Ginny in the yarn along.

Happy December.

Almost December 1

2011-11-29T21:30:00.000+11:00

So I did what Santa does and called in the paid help when I realised how late I was with this swap.

A cheerful fellow too, as well as a great help.

All sorted and off to June - hope the mail people get their skates on and get this lot delivered super fast.

Fortunately June had a similar problem with 'Flying November' and I received a starter package from her today. (I did send her a similar package last week so she has something to open come December 1st.)

How cool is that a little package for everyday in Advent? 25 surprises all for me.

Thanks June and thanks to Fee for organising this amazing swap.

Have a wonderful week - mine is soon to get much better with all these goodies.

More squares

2011-11-23T23:45:00.000+11:00

and a little white hat?

After the success of the last batch of polka dot squares I started playing with some different colour combinations - Very cheerful indeed. Making my daily commute a happy occurence.

At NCB tonight I started a new project because I could - that would be the white one.

I am making progress on the book 'Refuse to Choose' and it makes perfect sense. Lots of useful information and exercises to keep those of us who like to do lots of different things busy doing what we love most in the current. My favourite quote so far has to be 'Boredom makes my brain hurt.' Probably why I spend half my day at my current paid employment plotting and planning new projects, oh and writing my Christmas lists.

Joining in at the yarn along mostly because I like to see what everyone else is working on.

Wishing you smooth stitches in your space this week.

Packing

2011-11-22T19:30:00.000+11:00

With Santa's help of course - he was just checking to see I got things right.

Hope your week is off to a fun start.

Purse...

2011-11-20T19:55:00.003+11:00

is what the polka dot blocks became.

It was the NCB Christmas gathering today and we had a little handmade exchange, the polka dot purse was the gift I made.

If I would have been in my sewing space this morning instead of outer space the following would have made a lovely matching lining! Instead it ended up with a pink lining but I was unable to get a good picture so can't show it here.

I was lucky enough to receive this gorgeous purse made by Bec - Perfect.

This is a good size - made on a 5" frame with a nice round base.

Thanks Bec for hosting after the recent rains.

Hope the sun is shining on you today.

Friday Night Sew In

2011-11-19T18:15:00.002+11:00

Lots of bright happy fabrics came out to play in my sewing room while it was raining outside last night.

There was plenty of cutting -

and even a little sewing.

Then for a change of pace I moved to the other room where the lighting is much better and did a little hand stitching - appliquing the Christmas Tree stitchery and a little dress.

Played join the dots.

And then it was bed time.

Today on the way to work I made Santa a sack with some of my leftover yarn.

I know I still need to deal with the ends but I am happy and Santa looks happy too.

Thanks to Heidi and Bobbi for hosting FNSI every month, sure helps me to stay focused at least for one evening.

Hope your weekend is fun whatever you are up to.

Seeing Spots

2011-11-16T22:00:00.001+11:00

Thread crochet polka dot blocks in pink and purple - Perfect.

Reading 'Refuse to Choose' by Barbara Sher exploring the concept of scanners - people who are able to pursue many different interests and careers.

I am currently listening to 'Monsoon' by Di Morrisey, an interesting novel based on the Australian participation in the Vietnam war during the 1960's & '70's. The main characters are two young Australian women - one has a veteran father and the other a Vietnamese refugee mother.

Joining the yarn along over at Ginny's - lots of yarn and reading inspiration to be had there.

May your days be coloured with threads.

Christmas preparations

2011-11-13T18:30:00.001+11:00

Surely buying fabric counts as preparation.

Too many cute Christmas designs to choose from.

Pretty blues and purples.

I finished the last of the stitcheries in the first Christmas set from Bronwyn at Red Brolly

These cute Gingerbread men had me wanting to rush out and get the ingredients to make some.

This little tree is very sweet.

I finished these words last week but forgot to photograph them so here they are - the perfect Christmas list.

Lastly the little fat man is putting in an appearance - he is all done.

You can find the pattern for him over at Lion brand - free.

As I brought 100g balls of each of the four colours, you may just see more of these here sometime soon.

May the sun shine in your creative space this week.

New projects

2011-11-12T06:25:00.003+11:00

I finished the leftover yarn with a final tally of eight little booties - four pairs.

Just the right amount, in case some get lost in transit.

Moving right along to some new projects...

Miniature polka dot squares,

and a Christmas decoration.

Both of these are progressing nicely and may even be finished before their respective deadlines.

Wishing you a bright and stitchy weekend wherever you are.

Finished - ripple and book

2011-11-09T23:00:00.000+11:00

Yes, that means I finished the Ripple blanket I was working on last week and the book I was reading - 'The Best of Me' by Nicholas Sparks. Excellent on both counts.

The White and mint/yellow was perfect for MsE and she is very happy with the blanket.

Finished dimensions - 41"x38" so not quite a metre square but the perfect size for pram or cot and for a toddler to cuddle.

The yarn was Baby Grand from Lincraft a very mother and baby friendly, soft easy care Acrylic Nylon mix. Almost three 100g balls of white and two of the coloured yarn.

A request for some little boots so I hooked these up from the left over yarn.

Please ignore the ends waiting to be woven in - this is first size so very small and easy to complete on my commute.

Joining Ginny and the other participants in the yarn along over at Small Things - lots of inspiration in one place!

Wishing you a week of stitches in whatever mode you choose.

Coming soon

2011-11-08T21:50:00.001+11:00

More from the free design by Bronwyn at Red Brolly.

Hope your week is full of stitches.

Ripples and stitching

2011-11-02T21:45:00.000+11:00

I got distracted while at home on my extra long weekend and I did some stitching..

This is from the new pattern which I purchased on Friday last,

and so is this one.

Some words that appealed to me - I stitched them up to remind me it is time to get started on Christmas gifts.

The two following are part of a free pattern available over at Red Brolly, she has lots of free patterns available over there.

I love how the little snowman is all prepared with his umbrella - there has been a lot of rain around lately.

Of course all this staying at home and stitching has meant that the ripple has progressed very slowly, but I am getting back on track now with a couple of days at work before the weekend.

I did finish my other book too, so I got to start a new one. I do like Nicholas Sparks' style so when I saw this one at the library I thought I would give it a go. I just started it, but I think it will be a quick read, if I can just keep my eyes open long enough.

Playing in the yarn along again - always inspiring to see what others are up to with their yarn and needles or hook.

Have a wonderful rest of the week.

Spoils

2011-10-29T20:00:00.001+11:00

From a pleasant Friday afternoon spent at the Craft and Sewing Show.

New fabric and scissors - purple to match my Polka Dot bag, which received lots of compliments while playing shopping bag.

A new pattern from a local designer, Leanne Knell of Petals and Patches. I had fun working on one of these designs today.

I picked up this free pattern from the ladies at Dabbles who have lots of ideas for dressing up everyday items.

A fabulous way to start an extra long weekend.

I intend stitching my way through the days.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Polka Dots and Ripple

2011-10-26T19:30:00.001+11:00

Take the crocheted Polka Dot bag

Add my version of lining - I sewed up this one with a zippered pocket to keep my hooks and scissors in,

Now I have this perfect project bag and nothing can slip through the cracks.

See perfect for the latest commuter project.

A few days of commute hooking and the ripple blanket is growing up.

Still using baby 4 ply in a soft acrylic/nylon mix. This one is in white and a mint/lemon combination.

Subtle enough for any new born.

I'm joining in the yarn along - I'm reading the same book as last week and listening to 'Heart of the Dreaming' by Di Morrisey, much more listening than reading lately.

Happy creating and reading or listening.

Celebrating...

2011-10-25T22:00:00.001+11:00

Ms Nomee is celebrating...

She invited some friends around,

for a little drink.

She even has proof of her age.

I inherited this machine from my grandmother who was a very meticulous record keeper - the receipt is taped inside the back cover of the manual which came with the machine. I really like this hand written receipt which is signed by Mr Reynolds, the printed receipts of today would no longer be legible.

As I use the handy reference book often I am reminded that my faithful sewing machine is now a young lady with lots more stitches in her future.

If you'd like to join the celebrations you can leave a comment here and we will whip up something to send to a lucky someone.

Hope you're celebrating this week.

Playing Hooky

2011-10-24T19:00:00.002+11:00

Oh - sure that would be a new project you see in the picture below - at last I started a ripple.

She will be my new commute project as the Giant Granny is done.

I finished all the yarn literally. I have less than 50cm of both the blue and grey and I used all of the white.

Simply edged in a double crochet row of each colour this one is 47 rounds and measures a metre square.

I used 400grams of Baby Grand an easy care acrylic/nylon mix.

Now to weave in all the ends - best I get to it.

Happy Creating

Sew Fest continues

2011-10-23T19:45:00.001+11:00

It sure was good to get reacquainted with the sewing machine, we've been avoiding each other lately while I have been obsessed with yarn and hook.

By Sunday afternoon I had sewn all the pieces that I cut on Friday night - they are still works in progress.

The 9 patch blocks spun out and now I have an 11 " square. I am thinking this will feature on a bag but more cutting is required and today was all about sewing.

Next I sewed up these two cute little triangle pouches - way easy.

I'm calling these two finished.

This small bag with a front zip pocket is looking very sweet but I need to decide whether it will get a shoulder strap or a short handle - currently we are at a stand off.

Lastly I stitched a lining complete with pocket for my Polka Dot bag.

Now I just need to attach it and as this is a hand project I think that is what I will work on tonight. I need to be finished for NCB this week, right Cathie?

If you're thinking I spent the entire weekend in the craft room you would be correct.

I managed to fit in some hooking as well and only left the room to make coffee and forage for food.

Hope you had a fun weekend doing what you like best.

Cutting (and sewing)

2011-10-22T19:30:00.001+11:00

My Friday night sew in was all about cutting - some mathematical challenges meant that there was no actual sewing.

Lots of little squares and some purse parts.

Fast forward to Saturday and the sewing machine got to work!

Four Mosaic blocks joined to make a 13" square destined to become a cushion.

Four nine patch blocks waiting for their next move!

With rain falling down outside - playing with fabric has been the perfect way to spend my Saturday afternoon.

Thanks to Heidi and Bobbi for hosting FNSI.

Hope your Saturday was spent doing the things you like best.

Random numbers

2011-10-20T22:00:00.000+11:00

So the Polka dot blocks became a bag - just like the pattern in my Interweave Crochet magazine. Instead of lining it with another set of polka dots I am going to make a sewn lining - hasn't happened yet but soon, real soon, so here she is just showing off her outer shell.

And there has been a little stitching this past week - some Random Numbers are popping up.

Love this red!

October's Friday Night Sew In is tomorrow night and I really need to kick start my Christmas stitching - I'm going to be there, are you?.

Have a wonderful Friday.

Granny blanket

2011-10-19T19:20:00.003+11:00

I am enjoying the simplicity of the Granny blanket for my commute project and a little frivolous bedtime reading, very light and airy. I do enjoy being entertained.

Growing nicely - now at 40 rounds and just over 30 inches square, I'll keep going until those balls are finished.

The yarn is super soft 4 ply baby acrylic and nylon mix making this a very light and durable project.

If you'd like to check out other yarny projects or join in pop on over to Ginny's place.

Hope the sun is shining in your corner of the world,

Delicious

2011-10-18T21:45:00.002+11:00

And very late posting these..

A pretty blue version of the crocheted vest for J's mum - she's had it for a couple of weeks already.

Found at my local library this delightful book from Melly and Me - I'm still deciding which critter to make first.

I need to make a decision before I head out for some photocopying, the book is fantastic and there are lots of pictures of each of the critters but the patterns need to be enlarged, unless I want to make miniatures?

There has been a little stitching and lots of hooking happening.

Hope your week is full of fun projects.

Progressing nicely

2011-10-12T18:00:00.001+11:00

This week I am putting my purple squares together and adding the finishing touches.

I really like the way this is coming together and I even got some of the squares correct.

I followed the pattern in the my Interweave crochet magazine which I purchased last month, it is the summer edition. As this is an American magazine I understand that means it is a few months old, but perfect timing for our coming summer and there are a few more projects which I would like to try.

There hasn't been much reading, but there has been lots of listening to audio books currently on the go are The Broken Bridge by Phillip Pullman I do enjoy stories where the main characters are teenagers and this one does not disappoint.

I have also been listening to American Scoundrel by Thomas Keneally which is full of lots of detail so have been taking that one in short bursts.

Okay, I'm off to join Ginny and friends in the yarn along. I am inspired each week by the variety of projects others are working on, right after I get back from NCB of course where I get to be inspired by real crafty friends.

Happy creating.

New - yarn and project

2011-10-10T20:00:00.001+11:00

Pretty green cotton yarn for a summer top for me and nice soft baby yarn for a new little one.

MsD's first grandchild arrived late September but as he lives somewhere warm I'm thinking I have plenty of time to make a little blanket.

Going with a simple giant granny in three colours, this will be my commute project for as long as it takes to crochet those big balls of yarn.

Fortunately I had the right size hook in my bag so I got started on the way home on the same day I got the yarn, at 50% off - what a deal!

These colours are perfect for a baby boy.

The yarn is an acrylic/nylon mix, it is super soft and easy care.

I really needed to work on a project that is all in one. I already have three projects at the joining stage, I just need a little more at home, awake time to get them connected.

Hope you had a productive Monday and managed to stay dry.

Purple squares

2011-10-09T20:00:00.002+11:00

This past week I have been getting in the usual 2x30 minutes crochet sessions on the work commute. I started making purple polka dot squares, I guess the real colours are mauve and violet - just purple to me!

They sure are happy colours to work with.

The squares are small at 3" and come together quickly.

Lined up they look like this.

I have started joining them together instead of waiting until I have the total done.

Should be finished with these this week - a nice quick project, if I don't get distracted by something else? Always a possibility especially when I have more new yarn waiting patiently.

Spent this afternoon with J's mum checking out the NOTY quilt show - I was particularly inspired by the pin cushions which the memebers made for their challenge - lots of creativity there. Sorry no photo's but they will probably have some over on their blog.

Hope you had a fun weekend.

Inspired

2011-10-07T21:00:00.001+11:00

Playing along with Favourites over at Quilting in my Pyjamas.

Tonight I took the long walk home - and went via the beach.

While the day was mild the weather was overcast.

I hope you can get an idea from these pictures - children's sand fort and castle - quite an elaborate construction and still in tact even though there had been rain this afternoon.

Shells and rocks placed throughout the construction, along with the leaves and twigs from nearby trees and some seaweed to depict gardens.

It sure was my favourite thing today. Oh, and the fact that I finally recovered from DSL - otherwise known as Daylight Savings Lag - does anybody else get that at the start of Daylight Savings?

I love daylight savings it means there will be more evening beach walks, after a long day at the office, when I can check out what the children have been creating in the sand, but the first week just throws me right out of whack.

You should go on over to the House of Pyjamas and check out some other favourites.

I have still been hooking on the train so there will be an update soon - I think blogger has decided that I am allowed to play again (guess we'll see if this works?).

More new projects and even one finished one!

Hope your week has been a good one.

Have a wonderful weekend wherever you spend it.

In bloom

2011-09-29T21:20:00.000+10:00

Inspired by an article on Irish crochet in my magazine that I got a couple of weeks ago and the fact that I have a lot of fine thread to use - I have started making motifs.

This is a three dimensional flower that I completed today - it is minute - okay so that is my big hand but really - this flower is less than 5 cm at the widest part!

Very cute though.

My guess is this project will be on going for quite some time.

There was some crochet activity when Misses 12 & 15 were visiting last week but we were having too much fun to be taking photo's.

I have been in the kitchen too - inspired by a post over here I have been making kid friendly Rocky Road when required to bring a plate.

This lot is for work tomorrow, but I also made a batch to take to the family gathering last weekend, there weren't any left overs so I guess that means it passed the family test.

I'll try to remember to get a pic tomorrow before it is devoured.

Hope everyone has had a fabulous week.

Growing slowly

2011-09-26T19:50:00.002+10:00

Lots of distractions.

I'll be back soon with some progress pictures.

Hope there are lots of flowers in your garden.

Now they match...

2011-09-19T07:00:00.000+10:00

Apparently the new job is going to be stressful. How could I know so soon?

They gave each of us a boring white (with logo) stress ball on the first day!

Add a little red yarn and crochet - now mine will stand out in the crowd.

I made a matching mug cozy and coaster - just to brighten up my workstation.

Coaster is made using the free Granny in the Round tutorial from The Royal Sisters and some rich red wool.

Now I am all set for week two and my 1 hour a day of hooking on the ride.

Progress was made on some of the other projects, I will share photo's soon.

Have a colourful week.

Flowering...

2011-09-17T18:00:00.000+10:00

(or what I do when the universe conspires to make me a responsible citizen of the world!)

So I started a full time contract this week which requires that I attend a workplace every week day for the next four months.

Fortunately this requires me to take a 30 minute train ride twice daily - read two half hour crochet session everyday - Guaranteed. Perfect really.

So this week apart from finishing the blocks for the blankie,

I have made lots of red flowers,

and started a new blue number.

I did do a little crochet at home too, joining some of the blankie squares.

And as I will be required to spend time with my hook and yarn I treated myself to some inspiration.

Lots of cool projects in here to keep me busy in the coming months.

Hope your week included some crafty inspiration too.

Count 49

2011-09-14T19:10:00.000+10:00

I'm playing in the yarn along again. I am very excited as I have the exact number of squares required for this blanket.

What do they look like?

The pattern is from Royal Babies, a Patons publication from the early '80's. Most of the yarn is from the same era, though some of it is from even earlier than that.

No preciousness about this I used whatever was there and discovered that not all 3 ply baby yarns are created the same. The yarns are all synthetic - mostly nylon or acrylic or a mix of the two as in the white border yarn, of which I did have to buy one ball.

All laid out to get an idea on size and how the colours look together - I am very happy.

I will be using double crochet to join the squares rather than sewing them and the yarn for that is from the stash too.

All ready - now I just need some time at home to get it done.

Hope you have a colourful week.

More Hooking

2011-09-11T16:00:00.000+10:00

Playing with leftovers - working on Cozy toes.

Needs a little refining but overall very cozy.

Another vest this time in Chocolate brown Alice, requested by a member of my craft group.

In the past week I completed more blocks for the blanket. The tally has passed 40 so just a few more to go and then I can join them up. I really am optimistic that this can happen this week.

Saturday for something different, some members of my craft group took an excursion across town and to check out the Embroiderers Guild exhibition.

A most worthwhile excursion and there were lots of interesting pieces both large and small to admire. No photography was allowed, so I can't share the amazing work which incorporated a good variety of embroidery and other needle arts within the exhibition theme.

This exhibition runs until September 25th so there is plenty of time to go for a look if you are in Melbourne.

Hope your weekend has been an inspiring one.

Fossick:

2011-09-06T20:00:00.000+10:00

-to search unsystematically.

I found this stitchery completed more than five years ago - wonder if this will be the year it will become something to display at Christmas.

A design from Barb Smith when she was the Woodcutters Daughter.

What I didn't find was the times table cards that I was looking for - best check some other places for those.

Still hooking - more squares and another vest.

Hope your week is full of wonderful finds.

Building blocks

2011-09-01T13:30:00.000+10:00

Adding to the block count this week and reading 'It takes a village' by Christine Stinson.

Set in post war Sydney. the main character is a young girl who grows up an orphan with her grandfather and cared for by neighbours. A story about community at its worst and best.

The current stack - count 29.

More to come.

Joining in the yarn along this week - and getting lots of inspiration from the other participants.

Hope your week is colourful.

Orange and Blue...

2011-08-28T17:00:00.000+10:00

vests that is.

(If you want to see something new and interesting you may need to leave now! It seems I am stuck in a groove with the hook permanently attached to my hand while I am seated and am mass producing this vest.)

The blue yarn is Ella which is Acrylic but feels and acts like wool when working with it. I am hoping it washes well as I am in love already. Yes, I've been wearing this one today.

The orange sparkly is Wisp and this one is for MsJ.

As you can see the Orange one is a little longer as MsJ is much taller than me.

I like how changing the yarn changes the look and feel of the garment.

This colour is called carrot so yes it is quite bright but perfect for MsJ.

The blue yarn consists of three different coloured strands and has lots of spring in it.

There have been a couple more squares added to the stack. I had to go out for emergency yarn shopping this afternoon as I ran out of the off white for the outer rows - now that's sorted they are back in production.

That price tag on the pink ball band says 57c - yes, I have had some of these balls for quite a long time and this project is turning out to be a lot of fun.

Hope you have had a sunshiney day.

Same or Different?

2011-08-27T13:17:00.001+10:00

What do you think?

Hope your weekend is full of creative goodness.

Orange Sparkly

2011-08-24T21:26:00.002+10:00

Lots of quality crochet on the Orange Sparkly project - almost done.

'Parents Behaving Badly' by Scott Gummer makes interesting reading as it shows how precocious children are really just the same as their parents. It is a novel, and I can laugh at the behaviour of the parents, but I am sure for some it would be too close to the truth, like when your children's friends parents use you as a free babysitting service.

Joining in with the Yarn Along this week as there is still plenty of hooking happening here.

Oh, and more yarn has entered the house this week so I am hoping the hooky groove stays for a while longer!

Hope your week has been bright and sparkly so far.

Oops!

2011-08-22T15:50:00.000+10:00

The block count is currently at 20.

Just a little distracted by some Orange sparkly yarn that I picked up at the Spotty sale yesterday.

I'll be back to those blocks soon as I am only about half way through the bag of yarn.

Sunshiny Monday wishes to you.

Library Favourite

2011-08-19T14:30:00.001+10:00

This week my favourite thing is my Local.

Library - that is.

Just some of the books which are currently residing at my house.

I like that I can borrow a selection of books on any subject that takes my fancy and just bring them back if I decide I am not interested. I don't feel like I have to read every thing - sometimes I just look at the pictures.

The real reason for this weeks favourite is now they have these talking books which are compact and complete - BYO headphones and you're good to go.

I have been listening to Kathy Lette's 'To Love, Honour and Betray' while crocheting a few squares - perfect!

Another reason to love my Local is that it is the venue for the monthly knitting group, we get to sit in the comfy chairs while we chat and knit. To see who else is playing favourites go check with Mrs P.

Have a fabulous weekend doing whatever takes your fancy.

Who Knew??

2011-08-17T16:00:00.001+10:00

If you stick with one project for a week or more, instead of flitting between several, progress becomes obvious.

I have made a dent in the bag of yarn which I showed here and I am currently working on block 15 - Yippee!

(Oh, and that would be why all the blog posts for the past week are about these blocks.)

My book this week is 'The Salt Road' by Jane Johnson. It is a novel which parellels the lives of two women one from ancient times and one very modern woman. It is set in Morrocco and as with most foreign novels, the descriptions make me want to go and see the place for myself.

Joining the yarn along again this week.

Hope your week is full of colour.

Making Squares

2011-08-14T21:30:00.001+10:00

Still making squares - of the crochet kind, in between working.

Working on number 10 after finishing two already today.

So far I have finished two whole balls of yarn and they made three each - considering there are a lot more in the bag I may be making lots of squares if I don't get bored with this pattern.

Playing along in Pyjama Party Sunday as I enjoyed some crochet before I headed out to work today - oh and I intend to get that started one finished before I turn out the lights.

Hope your weekend was colourful.

Yarn Along

2011-08-10T21:00:00.001+10:00

Joining in over at small things.

Yarn and books have been my best friends this winter.

Currently reading 'The Birthday Party' by Veronica Henry - borrowed from the local Library - I probably picked it up because of the sparkles on the cover. It is light and entertaining bed time reading.

Crocheting squares for a blanket to use up some of the odd balls in the stash.

Making progress on both - I am happy with that.

Want to see what yarn project others are working on or to join in hop on over to small things.

Hope there is some colour and sparkle in your week.

Just Because...

2011-08-08T21:00:00.001+10:00

I finished the Red and Sparkly number.

(The pattern is a free one over on the Lion Brand site called Crocheted Vest.

The yarn is Wisp from Spotty - Polyester and Lurex)

and found this stash in 'The Warehouse'

An old favourite book with this pattern.

I just had to make a start.

Perfect for using up odd colours of yarn.

One down - many more to go.

Hope you had a colourful Monday.

Hooking on Sunday

2011-08-07T20:15:00.000+10:00

My first entire day off in 10 days - I made the most of the cooler weather and spent most of the day in my PJ's with a crochet hook in hand.

So the Red Sparkly number just needs some ends woven in and the closure organised then I can call it a finish.

This blankie is a project which has not seen the light of day in more than a year, but I pulled it out Wednesday last week when I needed a new go anywhere project. It has grown by six rounds since then - I took it to NCB and my Saturday knitting group where I managed a couple of rounds between socialising. Today I have put another three rounds on, creeping closer to a finish.

Oh, and I made some giant flowers for the other red project I started last month - just 10 more flowers and I'll have enough to finish that project.

The flowers are the same pattern I made in miniature from the tutorial shared over at Happy in Red.

Playing along in Pyjama Party Sunday.

Hope your week is full of creative opportunities (I'm hoping for a few finishes).

Rainbow Favourite

2011-08-05T18:45:00.002+10:00

So this week we had some very unseasonal weather - who ever heard of temperatures in the 20's C in Melbourne in the middle of winter?

I was very happy as my current job has me working out in all kinds of weather and I enjoyed doing that a lot this week.

Yes, that is a big cloud and I could not resist taking the picture because I was standing in bright sunshine and the temperature was still around 19C extremely mild.

Most of the trees in this picture should have lost their leaves by now.

Before I finished work tonight I got to see this most amazing rainbow...

the top

one end

and the other.

It felt like it was just there in front of me - though it is quite difficult to capture in photo's especially when in suburbia.

Looking the other way the sun was setting and creating the most amazing colours in the clouds.

Nature never ceases to surprise me its colour shows.

Hope your Friday was Fabulous!

If you want to see some more favourites pop over and visit the house of pyjamas.

What's red and sparkly?

2011-08-01T20:00:00.000+10:00

My new crochet project with the metal hook kindly sent by Marina.

Matching sparkly hook - Perfect

It's currently living in the go everywhere bag and is growing quickly.

Another vest top like the green one I made last week - this time in a Red polyester chenille yarn with sparkles of lurex.

The metal hook is making things a whole lot easier - I think I would have still been trying to do row one with the plastic one and this yarn - they were not playing nice together at all.

Hope your week is bright and sparkly.

Favourites

2011-07-29T19:30:00.005+10:00

My favourite thing this week was spending an afternoon with the Mother indulging in a little sweet delight.

I can't show you the yummies we had yesterday as I am experiencing a technical tantrum - you know how it is one bit refuses to play nice with the other bit.

These photo's are from a couple of years ago but you get the idea.

A delicious High Tea for two was devoured in a very leisurely fashion - think hours.

Lovely!

If you want to see some other favourites go check out who is playing here.

There was a little crochet on the go yesterday too.

Wishing you a restful and creative weekend.

Catty done

2011-07-28T18:00:00.001+10:00

There has been some activity in the sewing room.

The cat projects are complete and were delivered to the Mother today.

One phone pouch and the Mother put her phone in there immediately - perfect.

The bag is from the pattern in Simple Pleasures by the talented Anni Downs with Mistea modifications of course.

The big Cat stitchery makes a pocket on the front and there is a pocket on one side.

I didn't put any internal pockets but I did include a swivel hook to keep the keys from falling to the bottom of the bag - forgot to photograph the inside.

My new green vest is done and I wore that today with a little button closure - it is not fixed and may be changed as out in the daylight it was not the right green colour.

Perfect for a little celebratory outing with the Mother.

The yarn is 'Alice' an acrylic and wool blend from Spotlight and the pattern is a free one from Lion Brand.

Below is a close up to show the pattern.

It has been a productive week in the craft room - Perfect.

Hope you have had some time in your craft space this week too.

Pressies for me

2011-07-25T12:30:00.000+10:00

I won again!

(I know there has been a lot of that going on lately)

This time it was the June OPAM monthly draw and look what pretties turned up in my mail box late last week.

Love the red polka dots and that is just the wrapping paper.

That card is just the cutest.

Inside there was this super cute shopping list - now I can tell by the pics on it that it is a shopping list for fun stuff only!

Under that there is this super pattern and kit for some bears from the talented Toni over at The Red Boot Quilt Co. Everything is there except the stuffing and there is sure to be some of that in 'the warehouse' somewhere.

How cute are they?

Look buttons too.

Now Kris did mention that these might show up on my OPAM list?

You'll have to wait and see on that one.

Thanks to Kris and Peg for being amazing OPAM Team leaders.

Hope you are warm and dry where ever you are today.

In the craft room...

2011-07-24T20:45:00.002+10:00

definitely a PJ day here as the weather was not suitable for outside activities.

I made some progress with the cat projects - after cutting all the fabric in the right shapes and sizes. I succeeded in attaching the pocket to the front of the bag and sewing the outer bag pieces together. I feel like I am almost done!

The pouch pieces are still waiting to be sewn but they are all cut out.

A large portion of the day was spent on the couch with my new hooky project.

I know you can't see it very well here but I have made good progress and it is even the right shape and everything so far. The yarn is a super soft Acrylic/wool blend in a pretty green colour.

Not sure about the plastic crochet hook though - when did they change? All my others are old and they are metal, it actually feels like you are holding onto something when working with them.

Will be looking for a more solid alternative as I didn't buy just one new lot of yarn yesterday, how could I when it was on special?

Playing along in Pyjama party Sunday over here.

Hope your weekend was a creative one.

A little stitching...

2011-07-23T16:00:00.001+10:00

I started out by gathering some supplies.

A girl's gotta have a little sustenance for serious creative activities - Right.

I finished off the little cat stitchery and,

gathered some fabrics for a little bag making.

Then I curled up on the couch and indulged in a little hooky activity.

Green hat started at Tuesday craft group and worked on at NCB is now finished.

More of the red crochet. I started the second piece on Thursday, it is growing really quickly.

I used some leftover white yarn to try out a pattern and today I went to Spotlight for some yarn to make the real thing. I could have a big whine about not being able to find the colour that I thought I needed, but I got something pretty anyway. May just have to replan my outfit around the new colour.

Thanks to Heidi for hosting Friday night Sew in even if I did get distracted from my sewing projects by the crochet ones.

Hope your Saturday is filled with creative moments.

Winter sunshine

2011-07-22T11:00:00.001+10:00

My favourite thing this week is winter sunshine.

What a difference a day makes - yesterday was overcast and dull for most of the day and today I was greeted with blue sky and sunshine.

When the sun is shining outside I like to be out there and winter sunshine is perfect for wandering around checking out the sights.

Up early today and look what I saw.

Okay is that a better picture - they move fairly fast even without a lot of wind.

This one was closer to the landing field and was just above the roof tops when I passed it.

It would have been a perfect morning for floating over the city checking out the sights.

The following were taken earlier this month in the parks and gardens which are right next to the city in Melbourne.

Difficult to photograph from the street but this is the floral clock which is replanted regularly with pretty flowers in interesting designs.

An Hellenic monument.

One of the interesting old buildings near the entrance to Melbourne's Royal Botanical Gardens.

There is no information on this building except the no 1899 - looking good for something so old.

Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance -a rather grand structure.

The Friendship fountain with water flowing - something that was not happening during the drought. All the rain earlier in the year means that this area is once again green and the fountains are bubbling nicely.

Perfect stroll in the winter sunshine.

To see who else is playing favourites run on over to Mrs Pyjamas.

Tonight is Friday Night Sew In hosted by Heidi and Bobbi - thanks ladies I'm almost organised and hoping for some serious sewing action tonight. It's been a while.

Hope your Friday is Fantastic.

Picnic time

2011-07-21T11:00:00.001+10:00

Hi there. Geoffrey here - mum said I could tell you about the picnic today.

While mum had a nice hot coffee - I went exploring in the park by the water.

There was this really cool thing to climb on. I just had to get up to inspect it closer.

Who put all those big bolts in there? This structure is mostly metal and looks very old.

I wonder why they need it here by the water.

Holding on tight while I climb across this bit, it's a long way down for a little bear like me.

I see now why they need this here by the water. It is to protect the city which is just over there.

Another rather cool grey day here but we had fun out exploring this morning anyway.

Hope you can join the picnic today, we'd love to see what you get to explore.

Edit:

OOoops - apparently there has been a change in the picnic schedule so we won't be joined by the others today. Just when we got a bit organised too.

Hope your day was a good one where ever you are.

Slowly

2011-07-18T19:00:00.000+10:00

Taking things slowly yesterday I sat with stitching in hand and got quite excited when I thought this was finished - but a quick look at the pattern pic reminded me my cat is missing something/s.

Oh, yeah that would be the whiskers -everybody knows cats need whiskers.

All done.

Then I started this mini version - which is the actual size for the Simple Pleasures quilt the design fits within a 2&1/2 inch square - yep titchy and requiring lots of concentration on this pretty fabric.

Coming along nicely so far.

I didn't mean too, but while I was out today gathering some essentials I found this yarn which is perfect for trying out a new design - if I am successful I will even use it.

The colour is more red than orange and yes it is bright unlike today which was quite dull.

You know how it is just had to make a start - no point putting it in the cupboard where I'll never see it again! I really didn't have enough of anything in the warehouse to give this design a go.

I'm hoping it grows quickly because it could be very useful.

Have a wonderful Tuesday - I hope it is happy and bright.

Double duty

2011-07-16T22:00:00.003+10:00

Lots of things happening around these parts these past few days, a bit of a shock after my recent inactivity.

So yesterday while I was waiting and waiting to submit some paperwork I started the requested mittens from the yarn I showed a few days ago - the colour is more true in previous post.

Well as I was in the neighbourhood I called in on some excolleagues and while I was there catching up on all the office gossip, I kept my hands busy. Ok so I can talk a lot in real life too, and by the time I left the office one of the Mitts was as good as done.

I made the matching one in the evening ready to be delivered to their new owner this week.

Today I had an all day training session - big yawn!!

To keep myself awake in the morning, (unlike my colleague next to me who took a nice nap) I kept my hands busy and got this little number done.

Yes, it is miniature - a baby sized crocheted beanie.

As you can see I had yarn leftover and as I finished before the lunch break I was thinking I should have made it bigger.

The yarn is very pretty and not plain white at all but with subtle shades of pink, blue, lemon and purple, it also has a sparly thread through it. No clue as to its identity as it came in a mixed bag none of which have labels attached.

Fortunately the afternoon session required some activity on our part so I managed to stay awake.

So as you see I have been doing double duty - hope I can continue this pace in the coming weeks.

Have a creative Sunday in your part of the world and Stay Warm.

Favourites

2011-07-15T15:30:00.002+10:00

I visited the Hottie Exhibition again yesterday with The Mother, as there were only a few people there this time it was easy to take a closer look at some of the amazing creations and take a few photos.

Here are some of my favourites...

Yes, I included my entry, she sure is keeping excellent company.

Just a few of the 100 plus entries all as individual as their creative makers and all truly amazing.

If you are in Melbourne the Hotties will be on show until July 24th, it really is worth a visit.

Playing Favourites with Mrs P today so pop on over and see what other favourite things are on show.

Hope the sun is shining on your world today.

Catty

2011-07-13T17:30:00.000+10:00

This pretty yarn came to my house yesterday with a request to make a pair of mittens for a crafty friend. A lovely soft Merino yarn which will be very nice to work with.

Guess that isn't catty at all - but do you see something else in the picture above?

Inspired by this little kitten hanging out in the garden.

I decided to stitch this kitten on this pretty fabric with a soft vine print.

Cat from Anni Downs book Simple Pleasures. This little book contains a number of stitch designs and little projects with instructions to increase the design size for some. I decided this one would look good on the bag featured in the book.

Having fun with needle and thread.

Hope this week is productive in your craft space too.

Its a bag

2011-07-11T20:00:00.001+10:00

A couple of months back I used a leftover ball of yarn and crocheted this piece with a vague idea that I would make a bag. Alone it was a bit boring just a pretty mint green piece.

Yesterday it was transformed.

Playing with some more flowers - these really are fun for decorating things.

Pretty pink and white this time.

I sewed a lining with a zip in the top and attached it to the outer bag with blanket stitch around the upper edge.

Sewed a pretty pink strap and attached it on the outside.

Enclosed a little treasure and sent in on its way to Miss8.

Sure hopes she likes it as much as I do.

Wishing lots of fun in your happy place this week.

Its a finish

2011-07-10T08:00:00.001+10:00

Hooking right a long here.

A new hat and

matching mittens.

The photo above is the best colour representation - it is a very pretty yarn with light and dark colours in blues, brown, pink and green. A mixture of mohair, acrylic, polyester and viscose, this is a thicker yarn than I normally use and while I am very happy with the end result the process was hard going.

Finished just in time to send to MsM.

I am making a small indentation on the yarn stash - now if I could just curb the incoming yarn I may free up some space.

This hat knitted from a generous donation from a member of my local craft group.

I am enjoying experimenting with hat shapes and sizes from the different yarn donations.

This one is knitted in Cleakheaton Country pure wool. a very nice yarn to work with and a lovely natural colour.

Planning for some action in the craft room today - I'll be back later if anything actually happens.

Hope your Sunday is a good one.

Gadget pouches

2011-07-08T22:00:00.001+10:00

Finally put the finishing touches on these three Gadget pouches this week.

Now I need to send them on their way to their new home.

Going to Miss12 - a lot late.

I stayed with the crochet accents and made the ricrac for the matching lanyard on this one.

For SJ a bit late.

Used every last piece of the blue print - great to use some of the smaller scraps from the bucket.

And Miss15 only a little late.

Happy with the way the lanyard for this one turned out with the black on either side of the front, even if it did cause me a few issues in the making.

These are all going to the same house - even though they have the same purpose they are all a little different.

I am really happy with how these turned out and could easily have kept any one of them for me, I think I need to put my name at the bottom of the list.

More hooking this week too - just waiting for some day light for a decent pic before it's off to a new home too.

Hope your weekend is full of happy crafting moments.

Curly and Monty

2011-07-07T10:16:00.002+10:00

I have some visiting bears today that want to join in the picnic.

Here is Curly and his little puppy making friends with Fred the frog.

Curly is a design by Barbara Hayes and appeared in Bear Creations magazine Vol4No4.

The pattern came with the little dog too and I made these for my brother who lives on a few acres.

As you can see they are very happy with their country lifestyle.

They live with another special bear which was the first one my SIL made.

Introducing Monty who has just popped into the picnic basket to make sure all the goodies are packed ready for a little adventure in the great outdoors.

He just needs to get his scarf and hat and he'll be ready.

Hope you have the opportunity to picnic with friends this week.

Playing with fabric and yarn

2011-07-03T21:15:00.002+10:00

Mixing it up here with some crochet, knitting and sewing - I think I have found my happy space this winter.

Friday I had an appointment in the city so I took public transport and of course a nice easy project - started another hat, I worked on it some more Saturday at my knitting group but I had to leave early to go to a family function.

So today's first priority was to complete this little number - I am very happy with the way this one turned out. The yarn is an old Bendigo Woollen Mills variety called Monet which is a mix of mohair and some synthetics the colours are pinks, blues, greens and browns.

Very warm and cozy.

I'm joining in the Pyjama Party again this week and I did complete this in my PJ's this morning.

The project which Lucky was checking out in the last post is another mittens and collar set. This yarn is super soft and light another mohair mix - this time mohair, wool and soya fibres from Spotlight - Moda Vera Boutique in multiple shades of red/pink/purple which makes for a unique set.

Seriously little bits of fabric for my sewing this week -really wanted to use these pieces left from a project which I completed last year.

Lots of strips became another gadget pouch - just needs a button and it will be done.

Oh yeah - more little strips of fabric ready for some action in the sewing room this coming week.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend and got to play in the sunshine just a little bit.

Lucky

2011-06-30T14:30:00.002+10:00

That's the name of my little dog.

And she want's to go and meet some bears at the picnic today

She was created by Lesa Cowin of Lesa's Bears and I was fortunate enough to adopt her at a bear show in Berwick a few years ago.

She is such a sweetie and has glass beads in her belly making her very pose able. She is bringing her bone and hopes that someone will join her in a game of fetch.

To see who else is picnicking today check with our hostess Melody.

Lucky is testing a new project I am working on - will reveal the finished items soon.

Hope you are all having a lovely Sunny Thursday.

Okay so now it is Friday and Blogger has finally decided that I am allowed to play again so I am sharing this now, We really were out picnicking in the sunshine Thursday.

Yarn goodness

2011-06-28T18:50:00.000+10:00

Busy with yarn and hook putting together this collar and mittens set.

The yarn is a lovely golden brown colour, I know it doesn't look like that in the picture, as it is a tencel mix it is very soft and snuggly.

The gorgeous green bamboo yarn became this pretty froggie dishcloth.

The pattern for this is a freebie over at frogiez place - she has lots of other free knit patterns there too just check the list on the side bar. It was very easy to follow and turned out just like the picture - amazing really.

I started on some more mitts today at my craft group, this time in a pretty mohair mix, I want to keep them for me but these are all contributions for family birthday season.

Hope there is some snuggly warmth in your world this week.

Sewing on Sunday

2011-06-26T22:00:00.000+10:00

I declare today a productive sewing day!

Finished another of the Kristen Doran designs,

and actually made something with it.

Mounted with matching red ric rac.

Then I played with some crochet flowers and buttons,

oh, and little left over chambray.

Back pocket

Front.

Now I have two new gadget pouches almost done.

The Fronts

and the backs with a pocket.

Just need to finish the button closures and these two will be done.

It was a lot of fun playing in the sewing room and I have finally started on the gifts for family birthday season starting Now!

Playing along with the ladies in the Sunday pyjama party go on over and see who else got to play today.

Hope your Sunday was a fun one whatever you got up to.

Who's picnicking today?

2011-06-23T13:00:00.002+10:00

But it's cold out mum - I can feel in my nose.

Hurry up or we'll miss the fun.

Quick let's get out to meet the others while the sun is showing her face.

Okay, yes you can wear the new shawl.

Cuddles is a very reluctant picnicker today, probably has something to do with the cold breeze coming under the door.

See who else is braving the elements for a little picnic fun today.

Hope you're snug where you are.

Night Magic...

2011-06-22T19:00:00.001+10:00

is the name of my creation for the Hottie Challenge.

I was thinking glamour on a 'Hot' Night.

I enjoyed the challenge of putting the pretty flowers to good use and I think they portray what I imagined.

All the different designs I have seen so far are amazing and reminds me that no matter what the project everyone creates an individual piece.

I am so looking forward to the display of all the Hotties - you will find them at Open Drawer in Melbourne July 1-24 hope you get a chance to take a look.

Thanks to MsCurlyPops for organising the blogger group entry.

Wishing you some heat in your evening.

Almost...

2011-06-21T11:00:00.001+10:00

but not quite.

I just needed to start something new first.

A little green knitting with the softest bamboo thread.

Late last week I went visiting a few yarn stores looking for something to fill the colour gap in the incomplete challenge project. I got to pat lots of lovely yarns most of which I successfully left where they were - I now know where to go for an excellent selection!

My mission was successful though I found something with the right tones in the same ply so I just had to start the next bit to ensure it fit in nicely - I'm very happy with the match.

And the almost done challenge from a very different angle.

Okay so now it's time for a little social crafting, I wonder what I will work on there?

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine today - stay warm.

Hot Flowers

2011-06-19T17:00:00.000+10:00

Making a change from cool breezes!

All will be revealed just as soon as I sew in a few dozen thread tails.

Hope your weekend was warm with lots of time for creating.

Mistea

2011-06-16T09:00:00.001+10:00

Yay it's picnic day - I grabbed my scarf and hitched a lift, my legs are really short.

I'm off in search of cake!

Look I'm going on the train.

Lucky it wasn't crowded.

I got a seat all to myself.

Mmmmm - yummy chocolate cake just for me!

Hope you all enjoy the picnic today.

A mouse, presents and a new challenge

2011-06-14T19:50:00.001+10:00

One of the surprises in the goody bag at Daylesford Craft Experience was a pincushion, there were a variety of designs and I just happened to get this super cute mouse. I really like her and she is a welcome addition to the sewing room, but I am not happy that she has invited her real cousins to come and hang out here too!

I won this charm pack over at Melody's a couple of weeks ago and it came with the cutest bumble bee buttons and chocolate bugs. Thanks Melody.

I may just enjoy looking at these fabrics for a while they are all too cute.

While visiting the old people on the weekend, The Mother showed me this incomplete project which had been left at the OpShop where she volunteers.

A quick look in the bag which contained multiple skeins of yarn, a completed back and two fronts as well as the pattern book with the design and I decided I would attempt to finish it.

A closer look at the contents revealed that one colour is missing. The exact yarn is no longer available but I am thinking that as the design is in multiple colours, if I can get something similar I will attempt to complete it.

The yarn used is Alice Stanmore, Scottish Heather from Jamieson Spinning Shetland Islands.

Hope you are warm and cosy wherever you are.

Hooking good times

2011-06-13T09:00:00.002+10:00

Still making flowers, this time from the gorgeous red cotton I recieved from Liri, I need quite a lot of these so just doing a few everyday making a nice stack.

The cooler weather had me reaching in the yarn stash for this gorgeous mohair mix, Studio from Cleckheaton, to make a shawlette for myself.

The design is the South Bay Shawlette from Lion brand yarns it is a simple two row pattern and works up really quickly.

Lovely, light yet warm wrap.

Thursday last I took a train trip to the City to meet a friend from the country, I grabbed some yarn and a hook and whipped up this pair of mitts on my trip. These are super warm and toasty and leave the fingers free for working.

Patternless - simple rectangle design with thumb hole and a little finishing, now I'm ready for more winter adventures.

Hope the sun is shining in your part of the world.

Presenting Evidence

2011-06-11T17:15:00.001+10:00

that I remember how to stitch.

This became...

this coaster.

The instructions said to use the thread and fabric enclosed, it didn't say I couldn't add to it.

Last Saturday at Daylesford Craft Experience I stitched this gorgeous design from Kristen Doran - very easy as it was printed on the fabric all I needed to do was choose colours and thread the needle.

Oh and most of the red you see is printed, I am not that neat at stitching.

One day I will include it in something, but for now it is stitched.

Lots of other gorgeous designs to dream about creating but no further action in the sewing room at this time.

I have been busy with hook and yarn again this week and will have some things to show soon.

Have a fabulous weekend - hope the sun shines on you where ever you may be.

Favourite things

2011-06-03T11:00:00.001+10:00

What I want to share as my favourite today is all my creative friends both real and 'imaginary' (those would be the ones I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting).

This week has been a lot about the special people out there who encourage me through their own writings on blogs and in print, and through the comments they leave on my posts here.

I received two special packages this week -

after winning a give away over at RicRac

I got this big box (the box is way out of proportion to the contents and surely if they are going to pay for all this space they could have filled it with something more interesting than bubble wrap) containing

Nikki's new book - see here it is.

Now I have had the pleasure of meeting both these lovely ladies who are very generous in sharing their knowledge and tricks.

After a recent post I had a generous offer from Liri to share with me some threads that she had no use for and these lovelies arrived in my mailbox this week.

Let me just say I have begun with the big red ball and am enjoying using this gorgeous thread, all should be revealed soon I hope.

Thanks ladies for sharing so generously.

Now this here is a picture of something I have been working on - I'll get a clearer one to share later but the creative friendly goodness continues this weekend as I am off to the Daylesford Craft Experience with some real life stitchy friends.

The guest designers for the weekend are Jodie, Melly and Kristen - should be lots there to inspire me to pick up a sewing needle again.

There may be some stitching with needle and thread this weekend, but I guess I'll have to wait and see?

You can see who else is playing favourites today here.

Have a fabulous weekend however you choose to spend it.

Miss Milly...

2011-06-02T09:30:00.000+10:00

got her hat and scarf on ready to venture out for the first winter picnic today. Oh, she's bringing the honey pot and is very willing to share or trade sweets.

Interesting that she decided it was her turn today as she is related to both Timmy and Ruby.

The pattern used is Muffin designed by Gerry Warlow, the same as the one I used for Timmy and the fabric is the leftovers from making Ruby. It is a very soft curly mohair and the paw pads are velvet, the colour is a deeper red than I can get in the photographs.

The sun is shining out there and I hope we meet lots of other picnickers.

Slowly...

2011-05-30T15:00:00.000+10:00

is how things are progressing here.

More flowers in my garden.

I am having fun making these flowers in different colours.

There is a plan but it will be a long time in the making.

A little knitting with this pretty pink yarn.

Here we have one five and half inch square of fabric and a piece of grey thread which needs to be transformed before this Saturday - I am uninspired by this colour combination.

I'm guessing the deadline will get me moving on it very soon.

Hope your Monday is full of sunshine and colour like mine.

Ruby

2011-05-26T10:00:00.001+10:00

Is playing at the picnic today.

As you can see she is guarding the bowl of malt sticks, if you look closely you can see that she has quite a large tummy - maybe she has eaten too many already.

Sure hope the others join us soon before she eats them all.

Made from red curly mohair and the design Hattie from Gerry Warlow, she has glass beads in her belly arms and legs which gives her the laid back look.

She likes life in the slow lane and has been known to wear a flower in her ear, here she is modelling one of the recently completed crochet flowers.

Not sure if purple is her colour?

Hope it doesn't rain on your picnic.

Finished, finished, and finished

2011-05-25T15:30:00.000+10:00

I know makes a change from starting multiple items, hope no one is too shocked.

The warm collar matches the green hat, just right for Mr4 on these chilly mornings.

This purple rabbit has been waiting months for some stuffing - all finished now and sent off to her new home. I just found the old picture I completed the stitchery back in January obviously I got distracted and she was left languishing on the unfinished pile well not any more. This is a design from Melanie Hurlston's Sew Little range of patterns.

Finally, I sewed the buttons on my purple textured vest to finish it too, only a month after all the other work on it was completed and buttons acquired. It sure is just right for this weather and has had more than one outing already, cosy.

After taking a lot of photos's and not being happy with the way the colour looks on the screen I decided to go to the Bendigo Woollen Mills site to look at the colour swatch there and it looks very similar to my photo colour when in fact the actual colour is deeper. The name of this yarn is Purple Storm from the Luxury range.

That's two things off the just need a little attention and I'll be done pile. Yay.

Still playing with yarn and hook here more cosiness and a little frivolity.

Happy Creating in your cosy place.

Flower Hat

2011-05-23T21:00:00.001+10:00

First let me show you this leafy dress, knitted in a pretty mint green yarn by me in the early 1980's and never gifted most likely because 'it' ended up being a boy. It has been carefully stored with some other unwanted items, some of which were made even earlier than that.

I unearthed this recently and decided that maybe it would be suitable for baby V.

These leaves are knitted on the bottom band all the way around - I delivered to the intended family and it was much appreciated.

While I was still playing with the flower tutorial from Happy In Red, I made this little hat by joining the flower petals with chain and then working rows of dc to the required length.

Wishing you a week with happy creative pauses.

Green...

2011-05-21T15:30:00.000+10:00

Yarn that is.

It seems to be dominating all the creative goings on here.

Friday I started with this - reusing some yarn that I unstitched on Thursday because the scarf was all wrong. It is a much nicer verigated green colour than the photo's show in a soft tencil and acrylic mix.

And finished with this - a green beanie for Mr4.

Moving right along to more green this time softer and prettier - hooking a little something up.

My Friday night Sew-In was actually a yarn in and plenty was achieved. Yay me.

My only connection with the previous post about the Tea Cosy exhibition was as a willing admirer - there sure were a lot of amazing articles to admire all of them filling the function of humble tea cosy. Just Lovely

Have a sunny weekend.