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30 August, 2011

Rock-A-Bye Baby

About a month ago I purchased this Dala Horse fabric from Carina at Carina's Craftblog.  The fabric arrived two days ago, I had been waiting so long.  That's what happens when you live 'down-under'!  Anyway, I just had to make something there and then and seeing I have a little niece arriving in the world mid-October, I thought, can't have too many baby bibs.


The one above is for a 3 month old baby and it has velcro fastening with a bright yellow fleece backing, with blanket stitch edging.

This one above is for a 6 month old baby and pulls straight over the precious little head, it's got a bright yellow fleece backing as well with an easy to pull on stretch-knit neck, again with blanket stitch edging.


And this bib is for a 9 month old baby and has the same bright yellow fleece backing with velcro fastening and machine stitching around the edge.  All made super durable, with speed in mind because I remember how my children were crafty dodgers when it came to wearing bibs.  Get 'em on quick and get 'em off just as quick.


Well, I can't help myself, I made this fibre filled ball awhile ago, with the arrival of my niece in mind.


And for the unborn babies big sister, I made this, Mali the elephant.  Little miss 3 year old will get Mali, so she doesn't feel left out.


28 August, 2011

Say Goodbye to Winter - Crochet Slippers for Spring



A gift for my son, who although given a hard time by his mates wearing such outlandish slippers around the house at least made his dear old mum feel good about her efforts with the crochet hook.


The only trouble is that now he thinks he's Tom Cruise and slides all over the house, the slippers won't last long if he keeps on doing that but at least the floor with get a shine.

26 August, 2011

Friday What's on my mind

From Tablecloth to Knitting Bag 


Welcome to What's on my mind today.  Thank you for taking the time to visit, I hope you enjoy what I've been up to and please feel free to leave a comment.  Take some time out of your day and visit Rhonda at Down To Earth and share with everyone what's on your mind today.


I had another tablecloth belonging to my MIL's that's been in the cupboard for years and I'll never use it because I don't like the colours for my kitchen, it doesn't match anything.  My MIL has always been a quality buyer and the material in this tablecloth reflects that.  I soaked it in napisan for several days, as it was quite yellow from being stored away for years.  The soaking brought the cloth to life and there is too much goodness in the material to just put to away again for another 5 years.



I have this messy area in the family room where I 'dump' my knitting and crochet needles and wool.  I've been 'thinking' about tidying this corner up for some time now but I usually find other interesting things to do instead.


It's not like I don't have anything to do, there's heaps of projects on the go and many more running through my head, but with Spring fast approaching (it's here really, but not technically) I need to get some order into my life and house.  At first I thought I would turn the tablecloth into a baby blanket for my niece who is expecting her second daughter next month, but she assures me she has plenty of blankets.  So back to the messy corner and with the tablecloth in mind, I decided to make a large bag that would hold the needles and anything else I had in mind to store in it.


By the end of the day I made this and today I have been tidying up the corner.  I've taken some time out from cleaning to have a 'cuppa' and visit Rhonda at Down To Earth for 'On My Mind' day.


I have hundreds of knitting needles, because friends keep giving me their stash when they decide they no longer want to knit.  It's a conditional share, they can borrow them back any time they like.  I'm kinda the storage lady.  Now I have the ideal storage and all the needles are grouped in size.


Months ago I made a valiant attempt to tidy my knitting corner up (this is one of many hobby corners around the house) by making a knitting needle roll.  But it wasn't big enough and I could only store the largest needles.  But at the time it was a start.


So the corner is a tad neater.  I've been able to discard some paper bags that held needles and wool and everything is together which is the main thing.  I like this bag much better than it's intended use - the tablecloth.  I recycled all the material, used a sheet no longer used as the interfacing and found an old piece of grey material for the lining and scraps for the handles.  I can think of a hundred uses for this bag and it only cost me my time and the electricity to crank up the sewing machine.

Link back to Rhonda at Down To Earth and check out what all her readers have on their mind today.

If you would like the pattern for this bag, I would be happy to post it out to you, just send me an email with your address.  Cheers

25 August, 2011

Polymer Orchids - made by me

I've participated in a number of wonderful classes learning to make 'air dried' polymer clay orchids using the traditional Thai method "Dok Mai Jark Dinh". 

Patti, my teacher can be found here at patty clay flowers, there's even of photo of me and Patti on her site and I am absolutely focused on what Patti is saying.  Lately, I 've been thinking about having another go [on my own] at this wonderful craft.  I've got all the equipment, even still have some of Patti's special clay.

The classes were great fun, we were all their for much the same reason and that was to learn an exciting new craft, get to know new people and take some time out for ourselves.  

Patti has designed hundreds of orchids and she is a regular exhibitor at The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.  That's where I met Patti and you can't help but be charmed by her and overwhelmed by her flowers.  



Cattleya Orchid



Dendrobium Orchids

Slipper Orchid

23 August, 2011

My Favourite Blogs

Photo belongs to GLC
I have so many favourite blogs I get excited just thinking about them.  At present I don't know the owners from a bar of soap but I’m slowly getting to know them and even like them.  Strange how this new-fangled web works.  You meet the nicest people.  I know; I know; sometimes you meet creepy people too, but I haven't had the privilege yet and I’m keen for them to leave me alone thank you.

Photo belongs to GLC
I started today going through my blog roll and well all I can say is everyone is hard at it - blogging that is and doing an amazing job – well, except me of course because I spend so much time following and commenting everyone I run out of time to do stuff that will make YOU want to follow ME.

BTW I think I have finally worked out the commenting dilemma I had some weeks back.  If anyone is reading this, I’ve worked out that you have to comment heaps and if you’re lucky you might, just might get an acknowledged comment.  No holding your breath, it might not happen.  By you I mean me of course.
Thanks Clip Art
One thing I have discovered is that if you are a high profile blogger, you just ignore the little folk like me.  That’s okay, one day I will be a famous blogger but I won’t do the same.  No, no, not me.  I will sit at my computer and talk to you all, even  if I have to stay awake 24/7, because I know how hard it is to take the time to visit and leave a worthy comment.

Any way I bet you’re just about sick with anxiety wondering what I’m babbling about.  Well, I just wanted to share some good blogs and if, my dear blogger I have not put you in this blog it’s not that you’re not good, it’s a time thing.  You will get mentioned in the fullness of time, because I love what all of you do, otherwise I would not visit so much.

Crafty Pod is doing some fun stuff like a craft along with Mr Gorgeous Gene Kelly.
Photo via Crafty Pod
If you are not already familiar with Jodie at Ric Rac then I suggest you take a peak.  Particularly at this post experiments-in-screen-printing if you love Dr Who check it out, even if you're not so keen, she has made Mr Dr Who look incredibly handsome.  She is a hard working funny young lady and she is very kind and sharing.


Photo via Ric Rac
Also, one of Australia’s top bloggers and highly accredited crafter is Pip at Meet Me At Mikes.  I know if you follow my blog I’m always going on about Pip.  I love her work, what can I say.  I promise to leave her alone after today, but if you feel inclined, take a peek at her blog, this is a goodie a peek-at-some-pom-poms.


Photo belongs to GLC
Well, that’s it, time for a sunny walk and then I have some herbs to plant.  Have a wonderful day or night whoever you are or where ever you live.


I live here  




Um, I don't live in the tree, this tree lives beside my letterbox and I live down the drive in a house.

Inspiration comes in many forms

Easy Crochet Slippers
The pattern was designed by Pip from  Meet Me At Mikes .  They are so easy to make, I've actually made two pair.  The pattern is clearly embedded in my head I hope to make more for friends.  Pippy Slippers pattern can be found here.


Lavendar Heart Pillow
As part of the Dala Horse Craftalong I purchased this pattern from Carina's Craft Blog and after having some fun with the embroidery pattern decided to make a lavender heart pillow.  This was an easy pattern to work with and could be modified to suit your own style.  The possibilities of what you can make with this design are endless.


Brilliant Bread
I found this great recipe for Brilliant Bread from Cath at Elastic Mom.  Again, another simple recipe and it tasted great.  What I liked most is that I could improvise and add whatever I had in the cupboard in the way of herbs and spices.  Or I could make a sweet version if I wanted.  Check out the recipe for yourself at Elastic Mom.



Mother Earth
Last but not least, I just have to give Mother Earth a round of applause for the beautiful day she presented today in Australia.  Ipicked these Freesias from my garden but only did it once the sun went down as they were all facing towards the sun in adoration.  They are now in the house and the perfume wafts throughout.  Picking these glorious flowers means more will pop up tomorrow and the next day and many more days to come.  Thanks Mother Earth and everyone else that has inspired me today.



21 August, 2011

Spring has Sprung

Freeisa's are out in their full glory and I so wish you could smell this divine plant.  These gorgeous flowers will come inside later today to make way for more blooms in the garden.





18 August, 2011

Friday What's on my mind

Today's blog is all about linking back to Rhonda from Down To Earth once you have enjoyed my blog.  Or if you are visiting from Down To Earth I hope you can stay awhile and get to know me.

I have been recycling tablecloths my MIL gave me many months ago.  I don't use tablecloths but as I use lots of tea towels and was in great need of a large oven mitt, I got this tablecloth out of the cupboard.


I set about cutting it up using the outside section for tea towels.  I got four tea towels from this one cloth.

And from the centre section of the table cloth I made a large oven mitt.  There's three different shots of the oven mitt because I'm not sure if you can see it clearly.  The two ends allow me to put my hands in and it's wide enough to lift a large pan from the oven.  I managed to burn my one and only other oven mitt.




I love my tabletop too much to cover it with anything but I'm learning to use what materials I have in the house and recycle rather than rush out and purchase a replacement oven mitt.  Plus I got extra tea towels.  Plus I got the size oven mitt that I wanted.  If I can do it, anyone can.

Have a great day and don't forget to visit Rhonda and also check out some of the other contributors on her blog.

17 August, 2011

When The Dogs Come To Play

It can be bedlam at my house when the dogs come to play
Just as well I have a big back yard
They all love lots of running
Rosie likes lots of laughing
Panda likes lots of waiting 
Tilly likes lots of hiding
Goldie likes lots of television
Lilly like lots of snacking
When nobody is looking, a bit of napping

16 August, 2011

Happy Hour

Finished reading The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet,


Drinking freshly brewed tea,


Listening to the rain outside and dogs snoring at my feet,


Best friends with the English Dictionary,


Following baxter street and watching Sister Wendy video,


Planning to clean up the house but not too much,


Commenced re-reading Pride and Prejudice, just because I can,


Hoping to invent a beautiful dinner tonight for my two sons,


Sewing a new oven mitt because I burnt my one and only last night,


Discarded a large pot of lemon marmalade jam because it didn't set and I don't know how to make it,


Have to get out of my PJ's - Jane Austen would be horrified,


Hope you get to have a happy hour like me.




Cheers





09 August, 2011

Meet My Dala Horse Babies - Tiny 3D Soft Toys



This is the very mischievous Laila who won't sit still and is often missing from the group.  I had trouble getting her to sit quietly for the photo below, hence it's a bit blurred.




Her brother Thor is featured below.  Thor is already displaying signs of leadership, whether that will change or not remains to be seen, I don't think his brother Bo will give him much grief.  Thor's been having a bit of trouble with Laila, but he is very young and Laila is a handful already and only a couple of days old!  What will become of her?



The other siblings in this decorative family is Inga, she is so shy, oh my goodness, she is cute though.  Quite often she can be found hiding behind Thor and I had a bit of trouble getting her to look at the camera.




Brother Bo, who we think might turn out to be the romantic, was found once or twice peering into the mirror admiring his beautiful adornments.  He can be so vain.






Their mother and father, Darma and Winter were presented to the world last week and it goes without saying that they are very proud parents.  Darma is slightly exhausted with the effort of delivering the four babes into the world and is currently resting.  Winter, the proud dad is keeping an eye on them whilst mum is resting.  Winter has a lot to learn about keeping four frisky, delinquent foals at bay but he has great pride and in time will have the kids under control.

If you would like to see more traditional Dala horse craft then pop by here at Gingerbread Snowflakes as Pam is one of the organisers of the Dala Horse Craftalong.  There is a link to the Craftalong at the top of this page if you would like to see photos of Dala horses made by participants of the Craftalong or click here to view the flickr group.  The other organisers of the Craftalong are Carina at Carina's Craftblog,  Kathryn at the The Pickled Herring and Hanna at  ihanna blog.  These ladies know what a traditional Dala is all about and you'll learn heaps from them.  I, on the other hand have adapted what knowledge I have about these deliriously gorgeous horses and gone completely overboard with their decorations.  I had so much fun, that that was how four more were born and now I have a family of Dala horses.


                              Hope you enjoy my babies.

08 August, 2011

Crochet Woolly Socks - All For Me

I was determined to get these socks (for me) completed over this weekend.  But of course, I didn't plan it too well, I ran out of the main colour so I had to improvise.  Loving colour as much as I do, I'm happy with them and they are so warm.


It was great doing each section in a different colour as I could get a better understanding of exactly how a crochet sock is constructed.  I've never knitted or crocheted socks before in my life.  A couple of months ago I bought this "I can't believe I'm Crocheting Socks" pattern from Karen Whooley at KRW Knitwear and I'm hoping I can crochet all 9 patterns.  Hopefully, they won't all be for me, have to share my work around.


My dog, Goldie, got into a bit of a pickle last week.  She put her foot in a gap in our backyard fence only to have the dog next door bite her foot.  As a result she had to have one toe amputated and she has some nasty cuts on her leg.  She's much better, but was licking the wound like CRAZY today, so I had to get her a buster collar.  She is not a happy puppy, so I wrapped her up in a cosy blanket and she is 'resting' in a spot which will get the afternoon winter sun.  I've been housebound all week because of this unfortunate accident.

On another note, I am off to the Craft and Design as a Career seminar on Friday in Melbourne at the Melbourne Museum.  It's a chance to get out of the house, the daggy trackie pants and pretend I'm an active community member.  I follow Pip's blog Meet Me At Mikes and she will be one of the presenters there.  Just to mix with humans again will be nice.  I'm a bit in awe of the whole experience as I've not interacted with the human race much these past months.

Any way, that's it from me today.  I wonder what the rest of the day and week have in store for me?

06 August, 2011

Pom Pom Project

If you want to see what the Pom Pom project  is  all about, check it our here at Meet Me At Mikes blog.  I can see a couple of mine in Pip's third and fourth picture.



They look fantastic.  Pip is closing her shop and this display may be her last hurray.  But I think she has more to post about this so check out her blog it's full of interesting and fun stuff.