In June - some things got finished

(But a whole lot more got started).

First up there was the cape that didn't quite make it to the finish line in May.

Collared cape in Cascade 220 paints - Caribbean sea

Welcomed into her new home in time for some truly wintery weather.

Three pairs of fingerless mitts made from my first published pattern.

Kallan Mitts in Vintage Patons Totem - Blue

I had two matching balls of mauve wool in the stash so I decided to play with the pattern a little and extended both the cuff and the hand for cold days.

Kallan Mitts in Vintage Cleckheaton Country - Mauve

For a friend who tried her best to appropriate my original mitts, that'll teach me for pulling them out to show off!

Kallan Mitts in Bendigo woollen mills Serenade - Platinum

 A little sewing made it over the finish line too - My new bag even got her buttons on before the end of the month - I only used it for a week before adding the buttons.

Afternoon Tea Bag design by Ann Francene Dimmer from Handmade Vol 24 No9 

I made this pattern a couple of years ago in different fabrics and use it for my work bag. Interesting how the fabric choices give it a very different feel.

The scrappy squares I was playing with became a new knitting home.

Extra large triangle pouch perfect for hiding knitting projects.

Last week I received a special request for a beanie similar to the one I made here but as the yarn has been discontinued I needed to be creative and added stripes in two colours of brown that complimented the original yarn, of which I had a little left over. 

I think I like the second beanie better. I duplicate stitched the kangaroos, which makes them stand out more.

Hopefully the recipient will be pleased with their new beanie.

Thanks to Peg and Kris for hosting OPAM again this year, there are always lots of lovelies to see around blogland at the end of the month.

Happy July. 

Not much

All I managed this week was a few rounds on the rug. When I showed this project before I was thinking it would become something else but that is one of the benifits of crochet, it is easy to change direction even after you have begun.

Moda Vera Hope in Grey and purple - 5.5mm hook

I'm thinking it will make a perfect mat for standing at the sink. While it is warm and squishy the yarn is completely synthetic so it won't hold moisture (oh sure I'm messy at the sink).

I spent some time this past week flicking through my collection of vintage pattern books, most of which I inherited from granny. I spied this sock pattern and have the specific yarn called for in my stash. I found my inspiration for the father's next pair of socks.

Patons and Baldwins Stitchcraft #169 (most likely late 1950's)

While there are some lovely patterns in this booklet for women's knits, boy are they on the small size! It is interesting to note that most of the patterns have instructions for one or two sizes only, even the children's garments.

Now it's time for me to go enjoy the sunshine.

Hope the sun is shining in your space too.

Lovely - thanks

A lovely package arrived from Katherine this week - I won her giveaway of the pattern which she has finished with, she made it not once but twice. Oh and she included some little extras to accompany the pattern - gorgeous red buttons, cute stitched note card, chocolate and a wooden handmade sew on.

Lovely thanks Katherine.

The first sock is complete. Nice if a little on the snug side!

The clever heel construction has the cable continue around each side of the ankle.

This month's previously 'resting' project - just happens to be another blanket using a 4 ply acrylic/nylon mix - lucky really or there could not be any progress while the sun continues to shine in this part of the world. This picture was taken when I pulled it out of the project bag and it is currently around 75cm square. The centre is a multicoloured yarn crocheted across and back in rows, then I am using complimentary colours for the outer rounds.

This will not be a big blanket but I have a wide border pattern chosen to finish it off, just a few more rounds before I start on that.

Have a wonderful weekend wherever you are.

Spoils

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.

Shopping at Stitches and Craft

Saturday afternoon I ventured over to the Stitches and Craft show at Caulfield.

While it was quieter than it has been in past years I enjoyed catching up with all the crafty bloggers who were featured there and of course I couldn't come home empty handed.

I picked up this bundle from the lovely ladies at Ink and Spindle - it was way easier than trying to choose just one or two fat quarters.

These pieces are various sizes - all large enough to be useful.

I couldn't go past Jodie at Ric Rac one more time without picking up the pattern for these cute guys - figured I'd get the felt pack at the same time and I may even get one done.

There is a plan with a deadline - lets see if I make it?

I already decided before I went that I was going to get some hardware for purses from Nikki and well how could I choose just one - so I got enough to make a few.

I had a lovely afternoon and got to chat with some shopping bloggers too. Enjoy your week with lots of creative spaces. Happy Crafting

Shopping and making

So I just spent 4 days in creative fabric heaven and what do I have to show for it? Just a few purchases - I forgot to take my camera to get pics of the amazing quilt display or the amazing textiles of India display - hope there are some other bloggers who have pics for you to see. This super cute pattern from Millimac - to make into a pillow for Ms13 and some pretty fabric - the plain and sparkly ones

and these cute little prints -

Coming to a project soon! What have I been working on this week? Something warm for me for these cooler days.

This knitted vest in navy blue is coming along nicely with not too many creative variations from the design.

Hope you have enjoyed your weekend with plenty of creative spaces.

Happy Creating

Winning...

I won over at the Raggedy Blog Party and my pattern for this super cute Annie turned up in my mailbox this week. She is SingNoel designed by the talented Denni Bowles from Denni Doodles -she has lots of cute patterns available here. I ran off to Spotlight and got the supplies I needed to make her - but I haven't made a start yet I got distracted by these...

That's right just a few Happy House blocks - I participated in Lurlines Happy House swap last year - I managed to make a whole lot more blocks while I was perfecting the houses so I had some up to swap standard. Now I have plenty to make a good size quilt. I found some suitable fabric for sashing in my stash, I know it is hard to see but it is a chocolate with blue spot from the Bella Baby range purchased from My Place in Bowral in 2008. Great shop if you happen to be in the neighbourhood. Now that I have figured out how to put it together I may just get it sorted??

So is it too ambitious to think that I will get the blocks sewn together and a doll made before visiting Quilters Bazaar on Sunday to help their first birthday celebrations??

I'll let you know how I faired!

Hope your weekend is full of many crafty opportunities.

Happy Creating