Stitchy n Crafty is ME

Finally! the Moggy Doggy socks are done!!

2012-01-29T14:23:00.000+11:00

Yay - the Moggy Doggy socks are finally done!!! I just hand-washed them and they are currently being dried but I couldn't wait to post the pics! I think the blue or purple might have run a little and got on to the white but I don't mind too much.

Phew - these have definitely been an experience. A good one even with all the mistakes I made and there were plenty. I learned a few different techniques from making these and I am really happy with that. They fit well and the paws on the heels are in the right place.

I am so glad they are done cause these have been the only yarny projects I had for weeks and I can't wait to start others.

It's time to shave!

2012-01-22T19:30:00.000+11:00

I am so excited that my husband has signed up to participate in the Leukaemia Foundation's The World's Greatest Shave this year!!

He has had long hair his entire adult life but it has never been this long... He has not had a trim for 12 months in anticipation for this event and I am very proud of him.

Moggy Doggy socks - update

2012-01-15T12:00:00.000+11:00

Taken a while but I have finished the 2nd Moggy Doggy sock. It fits!!!

I am not marking this project complete because the first sock didn't fit and I am going to fix it but I just so pleased with the outcome of this 2nd sock.

So the plan is to rip back the first sock to just before the heel and reknit. For the moment, I am just savouring the victory of this 2nd sock... SO HAPPY... I am a process crafter as I tend to enjoy the process and want to master whatever technique or skills the project has installed for me.

Cheers to more learning!

First post 2012

2012-01-15T11:49:00.003+11:00

Well, it's 15 January 2012! I can't believe it has been more than a month since I last posted. There was Christmas and New Year in between with the festivities and visitors and truth be told, I hadn't crafted very much anyway and this is a predominately crafty blog...

On that note, since I last posted, I received some crafty goodies (apart from other nice gifts from family and friends):

My first experience shopping at the Missouri Star Quilt Company. I came across this company from the Quilting Quickly online classes I took on Craftsy. The staff is extremely friendly and their daily deals are really good.

one yard of Forest Life On Cotton flannel from Michael Miller Fabrics

one yard ofMax & Whiskers Bubbles - Black by Basic Grey for Moda Fabrics

A Moda Always Forever Charm Pack & Kona Solids Snow Charm Pack by Robert Kaufman Fabrics

Stranded in Oz Socks club December shipment - so squishy! and I love this red

Skein Yarn Lace club January shipment - so pretty & soft

Also for Christmas, my mama got me a Kindle 3G. It's so good!! I didn't think I would like it cause I still prefer physical books but I am totally hooked. I have already read 2 books on it! So now I have reading books on the Kindle and patterns on the iPad2. How lucky am I?!

I also got this little book from my mother-in-law for Christmas. It's full of cute crochet animal patterns for kitchen towels.

I decided not to make any new year resolutions but I would like to be more crafty this year...

iPhone wristlet pouch

2011-12-10T19:37:00.001+11:00

Last weekend, I started making a simple pouch for a dear friend who recently got herself a new iPhone. Since blue is my friend's favourite colour, I used some of the remaining IKEA fabric I used to make the Amy Butler Blossom Bag and the All Purpose Coin Purse. It's just rectangular shaped, I cut the pieces on the fold.

For the wristlet piece, I followed this tutorial.

I think it has turned out ok, I hope she likes it.

Gone on a binge!

2011-12-10T19:00:00.001+11:00

A shopping binge that is... still an addiction problem isn't it? Oh well, I don't have any other life threatening vices so I don't think my periodic crafty shopping spree is posing any major drama on our life... Believe it or not, I do have some self-imposed rules when it comes to my crafty habit... so long as I can fit every crafty related items in my crafty room, neatly, I haven't gotten out of control. That's what I am sticking to anyway!

So this week, postman brought me these two skeins from Skein Yarn. One is a merino cashmere fingering weight yarn in the Envy colour and the other one is the first of the 3 from the lace club I signed up recently. This month's yarn s vintage lace in the Cherub colour way. They are both incredibly soft and squishy. This is the first time I bought from Skein Yarn and I am certainly not disappointed. I have been searching for Aussie indie dyers and Skein Yarn is one of the few I found recently, of course the other one is Stranded in Oz which I have mentioned numerous times.

Then today is Morris & Sons' Christmas sale, I got an email yesterday telling me that everything is 20% off and some are up to 80% off! Well, need I say more? I had never been to their sales on the first day before and because of that I missed out on some great bargains. So this year, I decided I learned from experience and I would visit the store on its first day of sales... the result is this...

...and a small fortune later, I walked way feeling like a kid in a toy shop! I did feel bad for the bank account but it was only a fleeting moment... sign of an addict? I told hubby how much I saved him because the bag of 10 Paton Emotions alone is over 50% off! huh? no brainer right? I felt so happy cause at the shop everyone spoke the same language and best of all, my little loot would have been considered small (nope, I am not alone)...

Unfortunately for hubby, I have to go back on Monday as I picked up a pair of 60cm Knitpro 2mm circular rather than the 80cm that I asked for so I have do an exchange. I will try my hardest (I said I would try) that I won't look at the yarns.

On a serious note, I think I need to have a strategy at the next sale. For example arm with the patterns/ projects rather than trying to figure them out in my head : ) I am still happy!

Moggy Doggy socks - one done but....

2011-12-04T13:52:00.001+11:00

Well I finished the first sock and it looks great.... only if it fits!! : ( I am so gutted. I don't know what happened as I was doing fitting regularly up until the mosaic pattern where I thought if the foot fitted surely the rest would too... Well, that just shows my inexperience.

I even gone ahead and modified the ribbing cuff a little as I like them longer....

Last night after I picked myself up from the pit of failure, I casted on the second sock and with the hard learning I did on the first sock, I am using some larger needles when I get to the leg and make sure to fit as I go. I am planning to rip out the first sock (it pains me to say this....) when I am done with the second sock...

Let's put this down as a learning experience... SIGH....

More Christmas sewing... almost done

2011-12-04T13:45:00.001+11:00

This is for a 6 year old girl who is very dear to us... I used the same simple pattern I whipped up last weekend.

Christmas sewing...

2011-11-30T18:28:00.001+11:00

This year I decided to give the 3 older nieces handmade gifts.

I had always steered clear from making gifts for Christmas to avoid that "rushing to deadline" feeling... especially when there could be so many to make for. I am also very pedantic when it comes to picking gifts, they have to be meaningful, fitting to the personality or useful. So when I really ran out of ideas from the commercially available (& reasonably priced) pool for their age group (10 - 14) this year, I decided to make them these purses & bag. Hopefully these lovingly handmades will fit in with their activities : )

I used the Zip Pockets purse pattern by Keyka Lou.

well, slightly wonky but i unpicked it twice already and Terry assured me that it looks good!

Doh! I forgot to take pics of the inside of this purse! I used the Chic Chain purse pattern by U-Handbag.

yep, this one too, double doh!! oh well, it has matching lining with a pocket inside...

This is just a basic pattern I whipped up...

The last bag is just a simple pattern I whipped up in rectangular shape. It has two handles and a 4cm gusset on the bottom. It is big enough for a hardcover book or some paperbacks books and some other bits and pieces.

I booked the tickets for mum to come down - another tick!

Ah... I am relax a bit now and head back to the day job tomorrow... next is to put up the tree...

Getting ready for Christmas

2011-11-30T18:08:00.001+11:00

You can't get away from it, everywhere you go, there are Christmas things around to remind you that it is roughly 3 weeks to the big day.

The closer it gets, the less I felt ready for Christmas! That is until today when I had most of the presents ready and they are all wrapped... The other main focus of my week long annual leave is to get organised for Christmas as we have to mail most of the gifts away. We have 12 nieces and nephews scattered all over the country plus a handful of close friends' kids I would like to get something for... as these kids get older, the more I struggle to get the suitable presents... I have also found that I am getting less and less organised as the years go by and the number of little people around us increases.

Nevertheless, I feel much more calm today then last week... These will be off to the post office in the next day or so... happy days!

More pics of the Christmas sewing to come...

While we were in Austinmer...

2011-11-30T17:54:00.001+11:00

I did some knitting too!

The first of mine Moggy Doggy sock by Stranded in Oz is coming along nicely albeit slowly. I haven't been working on it a lot but it certainly got some love during on those rainy days.

Austinmer and our wedding anniversary

2011-11-30T17:03:00.001+11:00

We recently had our 12th year wedding anniversary and we went away to Austinmer for a couple of nights.

Despite the shocking weather (I did book for good weather but they ran out!), we had a really relaxing time and Austinmer is beautiful. Hubby has had crazy few months with work and this quiet getaway couldn't have come sooner. We just have to go back when it is sunny so we can hit the beach with Sally... We stayed at the Austinmer Beach House, in a lovely 2 bedrooms unit (Adrift at Austinmer) and only one small block away from the beach! I didn't take any pictures of it but it's cute, modern and comfortable, best of all, it's pet friendly. We will definitely go back there next time.

On the way to Austinmer!

Still on the way to Austinmer....

Second day - still raining...

Got to get out to walk the famous Sea Cliff Bridge

Look at the rain...

Sally was looking at us like we were nuts walking in that weather!

But what about all the locks! We are definitely going back to do this!

Come on humans, can't you see I am soaked??

On the way home the next day

Yep still raining!

oh what do you know, we got back to Sydney and the rain was starting to clear! Grr

We had wonderful weather on the actual anniversary day back in Sydney so we had a nice lunch & drinks at the Newport Arms Hotel.

Then for dinner, we went to Bacar Restaurant in The Pullman at the Sydney Olympic Park. These are our desserts - really yummy!!

Lots to catch up on...

2011-11-30T16:49:00.001+11:00

I thought I would have been able to keep up on the blogging being on holidays! Nooo of course not.... I have been on leave since last Thursday and today is my last day : ( and only now am I sitting down to catch up. I blamed the internet service provider! Of course I do!

On Friday I got a throttle warning email from our ISP saying that we had less than 20% of our peak download limit left until the end of the billing period which was yesterday. I honestly couldn't see how we used up almost 23GB worth of internet data but anyway since then I was limiting our internet use.

That's the main reason for not blogging I have been telling myself, and nothing to do with all the mad Christmas sewing and shopping and of course the two nights away we had : )

More details to come...

Three buddies to Softies for Mirabel

2011-11-20T17:42:00.001+11:00

They are off, all three of them, to Pip's of Meet me at Mikes today for Softies for Mirabel... I hope they put a smile on some little people.

Shrug knit-along - finished!!

2011-11-20T16:07:00.001+11:00

This week I finished the Craftsy workshop by Stefanie Japel. I have had heaps of fun knitting along and I am actually surprised at my progress. I would highly recommend the workshops and the online classes (I enrolled into the Quilting Quickly classes too) by Craftsy. This workshop is free so perfect opportunity to try out a learning experience like this. I had questions along the way and they were answered quickly by Stefanie who is very friendly and supportive. I also found comments by other people in the group very helpful.

This shrug has inspired me to venture out of the accessories & softies comfort zone I thought I would never get out of and try making other garments. Eventually and all in good time...

Meanwhile I am very chuffed with this result : )

I was just going to just wear a tee shirt with the shrug but my photographer (aka hubby) insisted that I put on something nice on to compliment the shrug... and I think he is right as it looks nice enough for a night out! Although not in this heat...

I did worry about running out of yarn! In the end, I had 10 grams left out of a 200 grams ball!

So happy.... summer has just started in Sydney and we have had sweltering heat already... this week I found myself wishing for cooler weather to come sooner!

Weekend sewing...

2011-11-13T15:50:00.001+11:00

I really should be thinking about Christmas shopping but I just don't feel like it. Maybe it has something to do with the 15 presents I have to get for kids ranging from 7 months to 14 years... I decided long ago that I love making gifts for most occasions like new baby, birthday etc, Christmas gifts making is not fun, it's more stressful than anything.

So instead of making plans for Christmas shopping, I did what I do best on Sundays - I procrastinate and then gone on a crafty tangent. Ha, brilliant! : )

Today I made another knitting project bag. You never have enough of them and I am still practising on zippers sewing, of course! what else?

I based this bag on Amy Butler's Origami Bag Set from the Amy Butler's Style Stitches book, minus the origami affect, plus a wristlet. I love this fabric which I bought a long time ago and then I found in my stash another fabric with woodlands animals on it : ) light bulb moment so here we are... : ) I wish I remembered to put a pocket in the inside - oh well, next time.

It's 35cm wide and 12cm tall with a gusset of 10cm - perfect size for the shrug

Yay! CRAFT ON!

Moggy Doggy socks by Stranded in Oz

2011-11-13T15:31:00.001+11:00

I have been a little preoccupied with the Moggy Doggy socks by Stranded in Oz and I am very happy with how my first sock is turning out! The yarn is so soft and smooth and the semi solid colours are so pretty...

Like the shrug, I really want these socks to fit me properly and as I have particularly small feet for an adult, I made extra effort to test the gauge. I measured my feet and measured again, read up on how to do colour work, etc... I ended up purchasing a pair of 2mm Addi Turbo circular as I didn't feel confident adjusting the charts to fit me.

I am so excited to see that the doggy paw on the heel is looking like it should - yay! and the sock is fitting perfectly - double yay!

Next challenge is the leg charts... fingers crossed : )

One skein shrug knit-along

2011-11-13T15:24:00.001+11:00

This shrug has been coming along slowly as I haven't touched it for over a week and only on and off working two rounds at a time. But I am enjoying it and quietly amazed at how it is turning out... the arm holes are fitting so nicely! Maybe I am overcoming my fear of making garments...

Monkey for Mirabel

2011-11-06T15:02:00.000+11:00

During the week I dreamt that I was drawing a monkey! So I used the base pattern from last week's softies, rearranged the ears and added the monkey face and a belly. The result is this:

I am going to send him with the other two for the Softies For Mirabel as well.

Softies for Mirabel 2011

2011-10-30T17:19:00.000+11:00

This week Pip over at Meet me at Mikes posted an update on this year's Softies for Mirabel. I was too slow to participate last year so I am determine to join in this year.

So this weekend, I made up a couple of softies from an improved basic sketch I did a couple of years ago. As I reviewed this sketch I drew, I realised how raw it was and more importantly how much I have learned since.

I am so proud of and excited about the progress I have made with my crafts. Looking at the first bear bear I made back then, I am so glad that I have continued to craft. Even better that I am able to make these for a good cause. I would like to make another softie either a knit or a crochet and another one with socks. I will see how I go with time.

Meanwhile, I am pleased to introduce Miss Pinky and Mr Forester... They will show up the Softies for Mirabel Flickr page soon!

Zip pockets pouches

2011-10-30T16:43:00.002+11:00

Last weekend I made Keyka Lou's Zip Pocket Pouches. I made the small and medium sizes and I am very happy with how they turned out.

I must say since I did the first zipper project, I have found myself gravitated towards zippers projects...

The small one is perfect for cards and coins or keys. The bigger one is ideal for storing a phone (ample room for iPhone), notes and coins in the zipped compartment. I really love this fabric so I might have to visit Spotlight again for more as I only got half a metre last time I went.

They were actually quite quick to make, I made one in less than 3 hours and I am a slower sewer. So I think I will make a couple more for Christmas gifts!

Stranded in Oz - October instalment

2011-10-22T16:08:00.002+11:00

This week I received the October sock club instalment from Melissa at Stranded in Oz. I think the green is just beautiful and I can't believe she threw in a pair of Hiya Hiya circular needles as well! I never owned a pair of Hiya Hiya needles before so I am keen to test these out.

So I had wanted to cast on the Moggy Doggy sock this weekend but now I also want to get started on the Glinda socks with this lovely yarn... dilemma...

My first ever shawl is done!!

2011-10-22T15:40:00.001+11:00

Wow, I can't believe this! The Liliaceae shawl is done! Well, it is being blocked at the moment but I am counting it done. All the ends are weaved in and I am just waiting for it to dry. I am so proud of myself, it even looks the part!

I don't have any blocking mats but I do have a yoga mat and a really big dining table that only get used when we have visitors! So that's what I am using.

yay!

Craftsy and their classes and workshops

2011-10-19T20:58:00.000+11:00

I recently discovered Craftsy and signed up on their Quilting Quickly I & II online classes. I had always thought that quilting was one of those things I admired but no way I would have enough patience to actually do. So when I discovered these online classes, I must admit I was curious. I think the fact that a dear friend has been trying to convince me to quilt with her also sparked the interest further.

So I got hooked with Quilting Quickly I and been watching II. I really like the teacher Jenny Doan's relaxed teaching style and she makes everything look so easy!

I have not been able to stopped looking at the many online quilting shops, I also visited a couple of my local shops and asked if my existing machine would be sufficient etc etc Then at the same time thinking this is just going to be another obsession I am going to have!

For now though, I have been restrained enough to just look (I call that research) as the logical me knows there are so many more knitting, crocheting and other sewing projects I want to do...

While I am on the subject of Craftsy, I found out about their new Workshops and I am participating in the One Skein Knit Shrug knit along with Stefanie Japel. This is where I am at so far. It's actually not as hard as I thought! I am using Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 10 ply in the Stone colorway.

Happy crafting...

A box shaped project bag

2011-10-19T20:27:00.001+11:00

On Sunday I had a go at making another project bag for my yarnie projects... I used this pattern... since I recently braved using zippers, I have had an itch to keep making stuff that needs zippers!!

This will fit a small project like socks or mitts or amigurumis.

More update on the Liliaceae shawl

2011-10-19T20:19:00.002+11:00

So very close... once I worked out how to do these short rows, I was steaming ahead!

My first sock club - Stranded in Oz

2011-10-12T21:02:00.002+11:00

A few weeks ago I had this strong urge to find an Aussie indie dyer and after spending hours scrolling through many pages on google search, I found Stranded in Oz by Melissa Deutsch Scott. They have Yarn & Fibre clubs and I love how you can join anytime. I signed up for the Part II of FAB FOUR PLY (Fingering Wt) SOCK KNITTERS Club straight away. This is my first yarn club and I was giddy with excitement. As soon as my order went through, I got an email from Melissa telling me that she was overseas but would get on with my order as soon as she got home. I really like how I was kept up to date.

So last week I got a message from Melissa telling me that my order was on its way! I was just so excited and also really pleased with the great service I got from her. She got the order to me quickly and she added a few goodies!! Apart from the Moggy Doggy socks kit, she threw in some extra HiyaHiya DPNs (I didn't have these sizes), a really cute HiyaHiya puppy snips (I never heard of this product before and it's so cute!) and TWO stitch markers (doggy bone and a pair of cats). There is also a Stranded in Oz bag too! Oh did I say the yarn is gorgeous? They are, they are extremely soft and the colours are beautiful. I haven't had a chance to take a good look at the pattern yet but this will be my first proper colour work in knitting! Thanks Melissa!

I am keen to start the socks so I have to hurry to finish the Liliaceae shawl and I also signed up to knit the One Skein Knit Shrug along with Stefanie Japel via Craftsy. I feel like I am surrounded by yarny goodness!!

On this note, I am going to work out how to do these short rows for the Liliaceae shawl!

Drawing drawing drawing

2011-10-09T18:28:00.003+11:00

... that "rowing rowing rowing" music keeps creeping in my head!

After a trip to IKEA this afternoon, without seeing anything that's to our taste and requirements, we have decided to get some things custom made. So I started sketching first for the bed head (what we went to IKEA for), then I went on to the wardrobe... then I went on to the laundry room.

So we will see how we go with the carpenter...

The Blossom Bag it's done!!

2011-10-08T18:54:00.000+11:00

Yay! I am so excited about finishing this bag. Goodness, it took me ages! On and off over 2.5 weekends... That's a long time even for a slow sewer like me. Anyway I have definitely enjoyed the process but I must say as much as I love Amy Butler's designs and beautiful fabrics, I found the pattern instructions challenging and laborious to follow. For me, I would have preferred patterns with more diagrams or pictures to go with each step. Having said that, I have learned heaps in making this so perhaps having to think a lot more at some steps is part of the learning curve. Nevertheless, I love this and all of Amy Butler's designs. Thought I would also credit some of my favourites bag designers I have tried patterns of are Lisa Lam and Nicole Mallalieu as they both have excellent instructions with clear instructions and pictures. They have great tutorials which I have found to be extremely helpful. I have consulted both Lisa Lam's The Bag Making Bible (installing the zipper) and Nicole Mallalieu's online tutorials (magnetic snaps & purse/ bag feet) while making this bag as well.

The outside fabric is a home deco weight from IKEA and the interior fabric is a quilt weight fabric. I think lighter weight fabrics can also be used for this pattern. I mentioned all the cutting and interfacing etc in my last post and my little basic Janome was really working quite hard having to sew through so many layers. Not to mention the broken needles (completely my own error!). I had to fix the handle bands by hand as I couldn't get the stitches straight with the machine. I also did the tacks on each sides by hand using DMC embroidery cottons.

I have deviated a couple of times from the pattern. I added bag feet and extra tacks on the sides at the front of the bag. The feet allow me to put the bag on the ground when I am out and about if I have to. The extra tacks has created more structure as well (I think that's just the way I sewn it!)

The All purpose coin purse fits nicely for my iPhone here!

All in all, I am glad to have made this bag as it really did intimidated me initially.

Next on the sewing list is the Napkitten's 27 pockets wallet as mentioned in this post I did recently.

sewing sewing sewing... knitting knitting knitting... I also hope to get my amigurumi mojo back soon too....

PS - after I did this post yesterday, I googled to see what other people's Blossom Bag looks like and I came across Poppyprint's post last night... I feel somewhat relieved that I wasn't the only one finding this pattern challenging... Thanks Poppyprint! I think I will start researching on future patterns before starting them to pick up some pointers!

Sunday sewing... Blossom bag - work in progress

2011-10-03T11:01:00.000+11:00

A bit of Sunday sewing, I made some progress on Amy Butler's Blossom Bag I started last weekend. The bands around the handle ties are wonky but I am not unpicking and redoing them : ( I broke 3 needles on the machine and my finger tips are sore. I am definitely a clumsy sewer (sewist?)! Even with these booboos, I am still enjoying this as I knew this bag was going to be a challenge for me and I love the difficult bits as that's how I learn...

Back to sewing more on this October labour day holiday!

Pressie from NZ

2011-10-02T11:57:00.003+11:00

Well actually from in-laws. They went to New Zealand recently for an well earned overdue holiday and they came home with a skein of Touch Hand Painted yarn for me : ) How lucky am I!

It's 60% merino, 30% possum and 10% nylon in a red & orange colour way. There is 210 yards in one skein so I should be able to make a pair of mitts or socks or maybe a cowl. The skein is incredibly soft. I had never heard of possum yarn until this year when I picked up a skein at the Rosehill craft expo in March which I am using for the Liliaceae shawl. I have since read up on how possum yarns are made, I feel a little better that possums were not killed to just give human yarns! There is a controlled culling process in place in NZ as they are considered pest and threatening other animals like the kiwis that are close to being endangered.

Anyway I have added this beautiful yarn to my stash on Ravelry and can't wait to find a nice pattern for it.

Erasable ball point pen?

2011-10-02T11:31:00.001+11:00

I came across this really cool product recently. I don't know how long it has been around but I just found them a few weeks ago and instantly had to have one.

There are different brands from other stationery shops but I found this one at my local supermarket! It's made by Pilot and it's called Frixion Ball. It comes in many colours as I discovered from their website after I picked this one up.

I use it everyday with my knitting. I make notes and mark where I am up to on the pattern and when I finish the row, I rub off it off and mark the next row.

Liliaceae Shawl update

2011-10-02T11:18:00.000+11:00

Another update of the Liliaceae shawl! I am about to start row 31 so I started the decrease this week. Still so far so good : )

All purpose coin purse

2011-09-27T14:48:00.003+10:00

Here is my version of Amy Butler's key keeper coin purse. Cute shape and great size. I think I will definitely make it again but using lighter fabrics next time.

This will be a nice companion to Amy's Blossom Bag I am making : )

Stay-cation

2011-09-27T14:43:00.000+10:00

As I didn't end up going to Japan earlier this year, before I knew it, I have accumulated quite a bit of annual leaves. It's a good problem I guess... so earlier last week I put in a few days off over the weekend just gone.

I did have grand plans for the unscheduled 5 days break, apart from sleeping in and lazying around... also last Thursday 22 September was our 19 years (dating) anniversary. Yes, we were just finishing school then, back when we were still using films for photos... he didn't take any time off work as he has loads on but we had a really nice meal at a Japanese restaurant that night and he has had dinner cooked for him these last few nights (a novelty for him I have to say).

So today is the last day of my 5 days stay-cation and I can't help feeling a bit disappointed... Out of the long list of things, I picked 6 I wanted to achieve, ok, maybe a bit too ambitious but I try to aim high, I completed two (and a half) things and made a start on the others... Not my definition of being productive...

The 6 things are:
1. sketch up the plan for the new wardrobe I have been promised
2. sketch up the plan for the new laundry I have been promised
3. Sew two things
4. Visit Hobbysew
5. Tidy up the linen cupboard
6. Clean the house

I measured up the wardrobe - that's a start, right?

Instead of sketching up something for the laundry room, I pinterested... well, I counted that as research, so that a start, right? I added a button my blog to link to my pinterest boards too, that took some time seriously, it did...

After meandered in my craft room for half a day, unfolded and folded all the fabric I have in the stash and rearranged them (is there a word for that? ah yes "inventory"), I finally picked out the fabric and all the bits and bobs for the first sewing project - the Key keeper coin purse by Amy Butler, from the Amy Butler's Style Stitches book.

Yep, it's made - a BIG TICK!! I will do a separate post on this shortly...

The second sewing project I had wanted to make was Napkitten's 27 pockets wallet. I have been trying to work out my own wallet design for so long but I got stuck on the pockets so when I found Napkitten's patterns at her etsy shop, I didn't hesitate. Anyway I didn't make any progress on this other than picking up the materials... which leads to Hobbysew...

I spent over an hour just browsing in the store - ah bliss! I asked about quilting classes and the cost of getting a quilt professionally quilted and general chit chat with the lovely lady there. I really should visit that shop more often, esp now that I know there is an alternative way to get out on to the main road!

I did move on to another sewing project though and that's Amy Butler's Blossom bag. I loooove this bag but I have somewhat been a little intimidated by it.

I thought what the heck, let's do it. So I cut up all the fabrics, the interfacing, the stabilizer, ironed them up etc, an entire day has passed (there are 33 pieces in total!) and so has a chunk of my extra long weekend : ( at least majority of the prep work is done, right?

Phew... what else??

Ah yes the linen cupboard - total mess! That will have to be the next stay-cation's task !

Freshly painted spare room with new carpet and I was using the bed to lay and sort out the neatly folded sheets and doona covers... good intention... these are all going to get stuffed back into the cupboard as we have visitors this coming weekend... SIGH

Finally and I am pleased to end this post with a completed task... I did clean the house. Not the professional, scrubbed kind of way but cleaned and tidied all the same : )

CRAFT ON!

Liliaceae shawl update

2011-09-25T11:34:00.001+10:00

Progress so far... 2 repeats to the end of row 21.

I have actually found this pattern easier than I thought - such a relief! It's my commute to work project so it is going slowly but I am happy with what I have done to date - yay!

Me so bad today.....

2011-09-10T21:02:00.000+10:00

Ahm... so hmm, I went to Spotlight today. Well they had a quilting expo at their stores and with all the sales emails I have also been receiving lately, I thought what the heck, right?

Well, I certainly had a good time! The "expo" itself wasn't much though I did watch a demo of a bias binding machine but there weren't other demos when we were there. Anyway I spent a small fortune... luckily I went to my friend AM (Aidan's mum) and she kept me in checked (thanks AM).

If you put things in perspective and compare my fabric stash to others, you will see that I am not that bad, really... anyway, I don't think this is a life threatening addiction...

Remember this Amineko ?

2011-09-10T20:23:00.001+10:00

Well this just made my day! My heart melt seeing how my handmade Amineko has settled in its new home and makes a gorgeous little boy happy! See how baby Aidan clutches his little mate there? His parents have named this Amineko "Manda" which I thought was very cute. Out of habit, I stitch a little label "Manda" on each of the little toy I made for friends and family but I never thought it could be referred to a Manda! It makes me happy to know that there are a few Manda's out there being loved by their own little owners!

Liliaceae shawl

2011-09-10T20:17:00.001+10:00

This week I started the Liliaceae shawl, it's my first shawl and so far I am following the pattern ok! yay!

I am using Knit Pro metal circular needles 80cm size 5.0 mm. The yarn is Touch Yarns Possum Merino Naturals from my stash.

This might take a while but I will keep at it and see how I go!

Ton of Wool

2011-09-07T21:34:00.001+10:00

What a great idea! I am glad I am able to do just this little bit...

This isn't a blogging marathon.... but...

2011-09-04T12:31:00.001+10:00

This isn't a blogging marathon but I have so much to write this weekend... I feel compelled to share the two great movies I saw recently! Those who know me know I am not a frequent movie goer but the two movies I have seen this month have to be one of my all time favourites!

A few weeks ago Terry took me to see Red Dog. As dog lovers, it's a no brainer for us to want to see the film. Oh, it was so beautifully done, the Aussie landscape, the Aussie humour, our mentality and the truth about the relationship between dog and human. I cried and cried but everyone did in the theatre too... We also laughed and laughed. I feel so glad to have seen the Red Dog!

Last night I saw The Help with a girlfriend. Where do I start? The official blurb from IMDb says this "An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960's decides to write a book detailing the African American Maid's point of view on the White families they work for, and they hardships they go through on a day to day basis." I know it is fictional and I am not an expert in American history, but with the little I know, the story is confrontational in an inspirational way. Isn't it just basic to treat one another the way they like to be treated? I cannot understand how these people thought the "maids" were good enough to raise their children, made their dinner but not good to use their toilets!? WHAT? I couldn't help feeling embarrassed about the way some people were treated. As far as stories go, there is triumphs in the end but I wonder how much things have changed since then?

It's about courage to speak up and to do the right thing. And that's an universal struggle still in today's world. Every parents should watch this movie with their teenage children (age appropriate of course) as the behaviour of these characters are no different to modern days bullies and those standing-by....

Pretty deep for a Sunday morning write up but I felt I ought to! On this note, I am off to do some crafting...

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

2011-09-04T11:50:00.000+10:00

This week I also finished Kate Jacobs' The Friday Night Knitting Club. Wow, I didn't expect how much I would like the book. I heard about this book from one of the many podcasts I listen to and thought sounded like something I would like so I got it.

I didn't expect The Friday Night Knitting Club, a novel, to have such a powerful & inspirational message. Without giving too much away, it's about a group of women from different walks of life forming a sisterhood through their Friday night knitting club. With the support of each other, they get through their own life struggles. The idea is not original but I didn't see the twist of the story line coming and felt a bit sad (happy sad)... well, that's real life I suppose, things aren't rosy all the times and you just have to deal with them.

I am almost half way through the second book Knit Two and for fictional characters, they seem very real to me. I am not literature expert but I do love to read and can be a fussy reader but to me Kate Jacobs is such an engaging writer and I have found myself really drawn to her stories. I just realised that there is a 3rd book called Knit the Season which I am on the look out for now.

Tasting Mamak

2011-09-04T11:20:00.003+10:00

This week a bunch of us went to Mamak for lunch. I have been hearing a lot about this place for a long time and always curious to find out what all the big fuss is. Well now I know why! The food is delicious! It's a trek from where our office is but so worth it. Here are some pics of our special outing...

Yep, the 5 of us really did finish all these food!

YUMMY! and this is why the camera was invented to capture moments like this with my gorgeous friends! Thanks guys!!

Bunnies iPad2 sleeve

2011-09-04T11:05:00.000+10:00

When I got this iPad, I also had a shop bought cover. It's leather and very sturdy and can be folded up like a stand for the iPad. But it is so bulky and... black! I just couldn't think of anything more boring! So I bought the smart cover which is very snazzy but I didn't think it was protective enough...

So I made a simple sleeve for my iPad this week. I didn't device a pattern, just measured up the iPad, added 1.5cm on each side as seam. I added two buttons, using the same fabric, with elastic hair bands closures at the top of the sleeve. The reason that I didn't place the closures in the middle is that I want to be able to charge the iPad while it is in the sleeve. Well, it is very snug so there is no fear of it sliding out! Learning experience as I think it would have been better if I took into account height as well, right?!

Anyway it has turned out nicely with the cute fabric I picked up many months ago at Hobbysew and very practical.

Some sewing this weekend...

2011-08-28T18:56:00.000+10:00

I did some sewing this weekend... actually I started last weekend but got distracted with a couple of unexpected events. Both good though but since this is a predominately crafty blog, I am just going to write about what I have sewn : ) YAY!

First one is a drawstring bag based based on this tutorial using the sheepie flannel fabric I got the other week. I have found the tutorial well written and easy to follow. This should fit a medium sized project like a shawl/ scarf.

Second thing I made is also a knitting project bag... Yup I have the sewing project bags itch! So I experimented with a basic flat bottom bag with a zipper. I also wanted it to be handy so I added a wristlet as well. I had never sewn zippers before and needless to say I made a few mistakes which I have now learned from. I also broke a needle on the machine - oops - another first for me having owned a sewing machine for more than 1 years... hmm, this little bag has its dodgy bits but it works and I am fairly happy with the outcome of my first go at a zipper. I have called it my "Babushka zip baggy with wristlet". I bought this cute Babushka fabric from Retromummy last year and the inner spotty corduroy from Lincraft a while ago. This bag fits a small project like socks or one or two amigurumi.

Big Herringbone Cowl - finished!

2011-08-28T18:28:00.000+10:00

Finally I got some pics of the finished Big Herringbone Cowl! I have enjoyed knitting this cowl but it took so long I was running out of interest. Not the fault of the pattern, in fact, I find the stitches very classy, just me being impatient. I did make a scallop edge around, inspired by Hanna-Gijsje on Ravelry and I now have a really warm and versatile piece of winter accessory.

Look what the postman got me this week!!!!!

2011-08-13T18:45:00.000+10:00

Maybe I have a problem but I can't help drooling over these books... and I was giddy with excitement when the packages arrived this week!

All of these except for the Handmade magazine came from Fishpond.com.au. I have a 12 month subscription of the Handmade magazine, last Christmas' present from a family member.

First up, Spud & Chloe at the Farm by Susan B Anderson - so cute!!!

Then Socks from the toe up by Wendy D Johnson. The socks are just gorgeous!

Check them out:

and I like these

and these

oh and these too

Then The big book of Knitted Monsters by Rebecca Danger... need I say more really... it's full of cutesy goodness!

I smile everytime I see these:

and these

and ah these - so cute!!

Oh, and the Amy Butler's Style Stitches... OMG, how pretty are these fabrics and the patterns???? I had wanted this book ever since I heard about it last year. I stalked it on all the online book stores I did... until recently I decided to just get it! Just some prettiness below:

While I am sharing purchases, I ought to include these as well! I bought these patterns from ETSY last week from NapKittenPattern

Lastly while I am at it, I am sharing this too! Last edition of the Handmade magazine has the quilt of my dream! I am not quilter though I must say seeing this pretty quilt is enough for me to want to learn more.

Looking at all of these crafty goodness around me, I have that full belly feeling... : )

So I really should get on with actually doing some crafting...

An iPhone sleeve in a road trip

2011-08-13T16:38:00.001+10:00

Recently a friend asked if it would be possible to knit a sleeve for her iPad with a slit in the front to slide it in. I said sure why not. So last weekend when we took an 8 hours drive to visit the family, I decided to work on the sleeve in the car. The result is this:

Maybe some eyelashes or teeth?

Anyway, my pattern is for an iPhone 4 though it can easily be modified to fit an iPad or Kindle or any other tablets.

Magic cast on 16 stitches on each needle, 32 in total
Rotate work, slide top needle through
Knit in the back loop across the 16 stitches, rotate
Knit across the 16 stitches, rotate
Put stitch marker on. Knit in round until work measures 9cm
Knit 1, bind off 14, knit 1
Knit across 16 stitches
Knit 1, cast on 14, knit 1
Continue to knit in the round for another 3cm approx
Bind off using kitchener stitch.
Weave in ends

My green apple cabled mitts

2011-07-31T16:13:00.000+10:00

All done! My green apple cabled mitts feel so nice and warm and soft!! I am definitely going to make more mitts and mittens.

What's really cool is that I have successfully made a pair of mitts. I learned how to make the thumb gusset which is a really valuable technique for future projects. I have beat my dpns fear! I know I could have used the magic loop method but I am comfortable with that and wanted to get better at using dpns.

...and I don't have to freeze my mitts off on the train when I want to use my iPhone or knit or crochet!

A big basket and a mini basket

2011-07-31T14:32:00.002+10:00

I felt like a really quick project this weekend so I decided to make the basket by Hoooked Zpagetti, a kit I bought when I went to the Craft Expo in March this year.

But as soon as I pulled out the balls of cotton from the kit and read the pattern, I changed my mind... I don't know why but I did. I just started crocheting in the round, increased evenly each round until I liked the size of the base. I also decided to make two handles rather than one across the basket.

Two hours later I got one made. There is still half a ball left so I decided to make a mini basket, together with some leftover grey colour cotton from the Roma Bag.

The result are these two sturdy baskets:

They look similar size here but the little one can actually sit inside the big one

Perfect size for a knitting or crochet project. It also fits a paperback and some knitting nicely

The mini basket holds loads of bits and bobs.

Also good for small projects like amigurumis and motifs.

Oh and I have to share this too...

2011-07-24T11:48:00.000+10:00

I strolled into Lincraft yesterday and realised that they are having a store wide sale. Anyway, I picked up a few home items as I really don't need any more craft related supplies, do I? But my eyes quickly wandered to the fabrics sections and I spotted this cute fabric, of course I did.

And it's only half price!! For $4 a metre, what a bargain!! I am planning to make some project bags for my knitting & crochet. I haven't decided how these bags will look yet but sheepie fabric for yarnie projects - how fitting!

light flannel fabric

Fingerless Mitts - more progress

2011-07-24T11:37:00.001+10:00

This is an exciting progress update... I have finished the left cabled fingerless mitts I started couple of weeks ago. I made some modifications which are documented on my Ravelry project page.

TA DA!!

I still have to block it but I will do both of them together. I am very happy with how this one turns out and I think the second one won't take as long as I now know how to do the thumb gusset.

Can't wait to get the second one done now so I can use my iPhone & iPad on the train and still have warm hands!

Progress update - Big Herringbone cowl

2011-07-24T11:27:00.000+10:00

Gosh, this is a project in epic proportion - for me anyway. Once I got the hang of the pattern, it's very simple and great commuting or TV project. Actually so simple that my mind wonders and I have made a few booboos. I am not going to worry too much about them though, they will (have to) just blend it! The 10mm needles also tough on my wrists and I can only manage couple of rows at a time so likely to be next winter's wear I think.

So cold...

2011-07-10T16:41:00.000+10:00

It's been so cold and windy here which inspired me to knit more. So this week, I finished the simple stockinette beanie for a friend's new baby boy.

This is loosely based on Katt Walker's pattern "All Ears" on Ravelry but I made some decrease rows before grafting it shut. I wasn't going to made the ears but without them, it seems a bit too plain... so I knitted up a pair of bear ears. I made these ears up as they are not in the pattern though they are very simple, just very tiny version of the toe up socks toes! I used the magic loop cast on and it's a good practice for me as I always crochet little objects for the amigurumis and never knitted them.

Anyway, the whole beanie knitted up very quickly and it has turned out quite nice. I can't wait to give it to our little baby friend!

I also started the left mitten of the One Cabled Mitts. It's going so far so good. Simpler than I thought though I haven't used double pointed needles for a long time and found that I am still as clumsy as I first used them.

So hopefully my tension will stay the same and the mittens fit my hands properly!

It is still cold...

Another (last minute) baby gift - Mr Stripey the dinosaur

2011-06-30T20:05:00.000+10:00

Just before I went to mum's last week, Terry announced that we have been invited to a 2 year old birthday party this coming Sunday. Normally for friends and family's children, I knew in advance (I have an extensive ever growing list of children's birthdays) and would plan for a suitable gift for the individual child, whether it is shop bought or handmade. However this time, I haven't even met the little boy and at such last minute, I decided to make a quick little sock softie. Another little boy, what could I make for a little boy?? Anyway rummaging through my stash of socks, I found a pair with black & white stripes... a zebra? a horse? a monster?? I started sketching and came up with a dinosaur - BINGO!

Sally was watching over her queendom during the photoshoot of Mr Stripey

He has turned out ok, although I should have put some weights on this body so he could sit up by himself... : ( pooh!

I hope the birthday boy doesn't mind that his dinosaur doesn't sit up properly!

A simple stockinette baby beanie

2011-06-30T19:49:00.000+10:00

The other project I brought to Brisbane with me is a simple stockinette beanie for a new baby an old friend of mine just had. I always struggle to make things for boys but when I saw this colourway (#835 Pier Dyelot 9005) by Morris & Sons called Morris Empire Superwash Merino, I knew it would be perfect for a baby boy.

I am using knit pro interchangeable 40cm 4mm circular needles and it is knitting up quickly.

Back at work for me tomorrow so there will be the morning and night train commute knitting time.

Mum's impatience cowl - finished!

2011-06-30T17:54:00.000+10:00

Goodness! has it been that long since I last blogged? Where has the time gone?? Anyway, I have done a few things since...

First up, I finished the impatience cowl for my mum. I must have been the world slowest knitter as I started this on 9 June! My mum had a cataract operation last week so I flew up to Brisbane for a few days to be with her. I wished I could stay longer or living closer... I took up a couple of knitting projects with me as I knew there were going to a lot of waiting around. Anyway the op went well and she is now in recovery mode. So Mum wasn't in any state to model her cowl so I had to although the quality of the pics aren't great cause I only had the iphone with me.

I am happy with the final product and as I made this bigger, I have discovered that there are a few ways she can wear this. One is just long way, second is wrap it around twice and lastly just drape it over her shoulders. It's extremely soft and warm so I don't think she will get to wear this often in Brisbane but certainly a nice accessory for when she comes to Sydney. It is also light weight enough to keep in her bag for when she is in air-conditioned places!

WWKIP Day

2011-06-18T20:07:00.002+10:00

My first year to join a group of really cool people at the World Wide Knitting In Public Day (WWKIP)today at the Customs House in Circular Quay and I had a great day! Even though I didn't know anyone, I quickly joined into conversations with the ladies at my table. Everyone is so friendly. I do think I need to be braver next time to talk to people!

Mum's cowl

2011-06-13T15:00:00.001+10:00

When my mum saw the cowl de printemps I finished the other week, she promptly decided that she needed a cowl too. Except she wants something that's wide enough to cover her shoulders. So I scrolled through Raverly and found the Impatience cowl pattern designed by Swampette.

I rummaged through my ever growing stash of yarn and found these three balls of Busse Wolle yarn. From what I can work out from the label, it’s called Vicuna and it's 100% alpaca. I got given these from a friend who had to move overseas some years ago. I believe she got these from Hong Kong. They are just so soft and black is my mum's colour. Personally I am not a big fan of black but it's for her and I know she will like this.

So I decided to cast on 240 stitches instead of the 180 in the pattern to make sure that it fits mum (since I don't have her here to do proper measurement). I am using the Knitpro Harmony 4mm wooden circular needles (60cm) but I am starting to think the Nickel ones might be better for this yarn. Simply because I can't see the black colour yarn properly... These are all interchangeable so I can easily unscrew the tips, I will see how I go after a few more rows I think.

Hopefully I can finish this in time for end of June as I am making a quick trip to Brisbane to visit mum then.

On that note, it's time I quit surfing the net and get back to knitting : )

Cabled beanie

2011-06-13T12:54:00.000+10:00

I can't believe it has been two weeks since I last blogged, where has the time gone?

Well whilst the time went quickly, my crafting hasn't and I have only managed to finish one thing - the cabled beanie.

I casted on 96 stitches rather than the 72 stitches the pattern has called for as the baby I am giving this to is a big bubba. Anyway I think it has turned out nicely. I have enjoyed this pattern a lot although it wasn't all smooth sailing and it was just me not paying attention.

When I noticed the mistakes, 10 rows down, I thought I could fix this easily surely... just drop the stitches were the mistakes are and pick them up again right? ahmm, no not really... anyway after spending a few hours trying to unpick and pick up the stitches to their rightful places, I realised it wasn't going to work. It looked awful! I asked Terry what he thought, if I should just pull it out... : ( he looked at me sympathetically and said "babe you know you will only be happy if all the stitches are the way they should be." So I did. He watched as I pulled out 10 rows with a sad face.

Fast forward a few days and this story has a good happy ending! : )

More progress!

2011-05-29T20:27:00.000+10:00

Big Herringbone cowl - so soft!! I have done a few more rows and the pattern has turned out to be very easy - not as daunting as I originally feared. This is going to be a great social/ train project as the stitches are all the same.

Cabled baby hat - oh this has come up so nice!! Just finished first pattern repeat and one more set to go then I will start decreasing...

So happy with these progress : )

Cowl de Printemps - it's really finished!

2011-05-29T20:17:00.001+10:00

Yay!! My Cowl de Printemps is really finished!

I have learned that I have to better control my tension but I have really enjoyed making this cowl!

Next I am going to wrap this up and give it to my friend for her birthday tomorrow!

What's on my needles at the moment?

2011-05-26T15:55:00.003+10:00

I have two projects on my knitting needles at the moment...

Big Herringbone Cowl

I started with a pair of 12mm Knitpicks interchangeable Harmony wood circular needles but I found them to be too heavy and hard on my wrist so I exchanged the needles with a pair of 10mm Knitpicks interchangeable Nickel Plated circular needles and they feel pretty good so far. The ladies at Morris and Sons in Sydney were very helpful and allowed me to exchange the needles : )

The first round was a killer I must say and it took me 3 go’s to be happy with all the stitches and continued on with second row...

Cabled baby hat - pattern by Heather Tucker

I have decided to use the magic loop method with a pair of 4.5mm, 80cm Sullivans bamboo circular needles. The pattern said 100cm but I found them to be too long when I first cast on. So far so good and I love learning the new Twist technique (T3F and T3B). The pattern has very clear step by step instructions and I have also watched Cotton & Cloud's videos for the cool twisty stitches!

Little pink vintage bonnet hat and tear-drop booties

2011-05-26T14:37:00.001+10:00

With the arrival of another baby in our extended family, I quickly worked up a hat and a pair of booties modified based on this pattern. I hope they fit our newest niece, Saraya who was born on 7 May.

I used 5mm hook for the booties so that they are bigger than the pattern called for.

Also I decided to leave the strap as I was making the first slipper as I thought the tear drop opening looks so cute. Then I added on a little green and white flower. When I got to the second slipper, silly me, then realised that I would have to work out how to make the tear drop opening in mirror image to the first slipper... After some trials and errors, I worked it out, as symmetrical as I could. I think I have to make another pair and write down what I do!

At last... update on the Cowl de Printemps

2011-05-15T18:23:00.000+10:00

At last... this is the last post for this weekend!

Update on the cowl de printemps I started at the end of April. It's finished!!! well, not quite but 98% there. I have just blocked it and waiting for it to dry but here are the photos so far.

I knew the baking tray would come in handy one day - I bought it thinking I would make a cake or two but never did...

The camera hasn't really picked up the nice stitches but they are there...

fingers crossed, after blocking, the edges won't be curling up much...

Crocheting on the plane

2011-05-15T18:10:00.000+10:00

My sister in-law asked me a couple of months ago to make a winter hat for little girl. I came across the cutest hat for a little girl and decided that this would be perfect for little Georja. The pattern I chose is Petite Purls Little Sister by Linda Permann.

The weather here turned suddenly from autumn brisk cool air to freezing starting roughly a week & half ago so I thought I'd better get cracking on this hat. I started it a day before we had to go to Melbourne for a wedding. I checked the Virgin Blue's rules and I found out that I could knit & crochet on the domestic flights. See also this. So I packed a little project bag, brought a cheap hook (just in case). I got through security without any problem and no one said anything to me about it when I was crocheting on the plane. I think this is a very exciting discovery, at least for me anyway as I had once had some nice knitting needles confiscated at Brisbane airport coming back to Sydney... that was a few years ago but I learned my lesson!

Anyway, since I was able to take the project with me on that long weekend, I finished the hat very quickly!

I used some of the beautiful soft Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 8 ply and it crocheted up very quickly.

Hopefully some decent photos of Georja wearing the hat are not too far away...

Something for me...

2011-05-15T17:45:00.001+10:00

I had been making a few things for others in the last few months so I was eager to make something for myself...

Over the Easter break, I started on the Hoooked Zpagatti Roma bag kit I bought at the Rosehill Craft Expo in March.

I really enjoyed making this bag. I think it has turned out quite nice and most of all useable although a little different to picture in the pattern. I think mine is little longer width wise and contrasting sides give my bag a different look again.

Overall, I love the material and marvelled at the designer's creative ideas. Whilst the pattern is quite simple, I do think that my crochet experience definitely came in handy. It didn't take me very long, I think all up, probably 36 hours including sewing up a liner for the inside. The pattern didn't call for a liner and I think I could get away without it but I never know what I put in my bags, better to have something to cover up the little cracks so nothing can fall out of it. Speaking of the liner, I think I will make another one with a drawstring as well. I will see how this one works. It is also worth mentioning that this is one heavy bag but I like to see it as very sturdy!

Bendigo Woollen Mills

2011-05-15T17:28:00.000+10:00

Next on the list was my parcel from the Bendigo Woollen Mills! I had known about this wonderful shop for a while now but since I didn't make much garments, I never had the need to look for really good quality yarns...

Until now... lately I have been drawn to making cowls and in my research I came across this Big Herringbone Cowl by Whits Knits... I printed out the article and I drooled over photos of this beautiful cowl for days on end! I was however afraid to take the plunge as I tend to lose interest in big projects (only those with the same stitch pattern). I studied this pattern for a bit and decided that learning this herringbone pattern should keep me interested, I think... anyway I dug out some old Bendigo Woollen Mills shade cards I picked up from a craft show a couple of years ago and decided to go for it. I also had help to validate my choice of yarn, who better than the Retro Mummy! Corrie kindly and patiently answered my silly questions.

Long story short (relatively), here is the parcel I got... so exciting! Especially while I was working on some extremely boring spreadsheets at work...

I got one ball of the Luxury 8 ply in Lotus (more on this in the next post...) and two balls of the Luxury 10 ply in Stone (should be nice and soft for the cowl!).

This is the first time I ordered from the Bendigo Woollen Mills and won't be my last time! They are Australian, very high quality, great range, excellent value and best of all speedy delivery! I am now on their mailing list and I think some disciplined is required so I don't go crazy : )

So watch this space for progress on this big cowl...

Sally's tee

2011-05-15T16:54:00.000+10:00

A few things have happened since I last blogged so now I am catching up on the blog posts!

First up, the T-shirt I bought Sally from Cafe Press for Handmade for Japan arrived!

It's looking a bit tight there but it is very stretchy and now fitting her nicely! I couldn't help thinking she needed some shorts or something on the bottom... heehee

Sally loves the t-shirt so much that she went to sleep with it on!

Nuts about podcasts!

2011-05-01T22:03:00.000+10:00

I have been nuts about podcasts for a while now but since I got my iPhone 4 last September, I have found more and more cool crafty podcasts and videocasts...

These are the ones on my iPod at the moment (in alphabetical order):

Cast-on - she is funny!
Knit Knit Cafe - I love the banter between mother and son
Knit Picks'
Knitmoregirls - a mother & daughter combo - their excitement is very infectious! They have some videos on youtube too
Knitting up a storm - finally an Aussie voice!
Never not knitting - Her theme song itself is enough for me to tune in!
Sew-Stitch-Create
Sew Forth Now
Sticks & String - another Aussie voice and David is from the Blue Mountains (another Sydneysider by my book!)
Subway knits - this podcast makes me want to go to New York!
YarnCraft by Lionbrand - this is my first podcast experience and I have listened to every episodes since 2009.
90% Knitting videocast - I love videocast! I love being able to see the beautiful yarns or the interesting projects Lisa talks about.

Yeah - there are a few there! I have not listened to the music on my iPod for weeks now. I am still searching a podcast just for just amigurumi, in the meantime though these interesting voices have been keeping me company on my way into and back from work while I am either knitting or crocheting... I love their detailed show notes and interesting, yet so real, stories. This craft community is awesome!
xx

Amigurumis

2011-04-26T11:39:00.000+10:00

When I started writing this blog in late 2009, I was completely in love with all things amigurumi. Although I still love making and designing them, I have also picked up other techniques and craft along the way.

Over this extra long Easter and ANZAC Day weekend, I started tidying up my files and noticed some earlier days amigurumis I made when I discovered this cutest Japanese crochet technique. All of these were designed by others and most of these were never blogged about so this morning, in honour of the craft that started my blogging journey, I have made a mosaic picture of the first amigurumi creatures I made.

It is still on my to-do list to finish the 12 Zodiac animals I started designing since March 2010, only 6 more to go...

So back to more crafting less surfing the net!

When husband helped winding a ball of yarn....

2011-04-25T14:36:00.003+10:00

A couple of weeks ago my darling husband agreed to help me wind up a ball of yarn from a skein. He sat patiently with his hands up holding the 455metre skein of yarn and little did he know he how long it was going to take. When his hands got tired, I transferred the skein to the coffee table and kept winding... well I didn't get too far before everything was all tangled up! oops. Eventually, two nights later, I untangled and got a nice ball of yarn ready for knitting...

Whilst the result is a fairy tale, my husband was traumatised! So yesterday, on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I told him that I had to wind up another ball from another skein of yarn, he had a horrified look on his face... heeheehee

He shook his head and went out to the garage... two minutes later he came in with a cardboard which he improvised as a ball winder for me! He said that's the best he could come up with in such short notice : ) made me smile!

From one of these:

To this...

He thought of all the details, there are slots on the side so the skein won't fall down too far and there is another slot to hold on to the tail...

To finally this:

In less than 10 minutes!

YAY!

New cowl in the making - Cowl de Printemps

2011-04-23T15:58:00.001+10:00

Another cowl in the making... This one is for another friend's birthday at the end of May. I think there is going to be some serious blocking when I finish as the purl rows are all curled up!

The pattern is from Ravelry and I did struggle to understand the chart in the beginning but after Jeni of The Knitist! patiently explained a couple of the unfamiliar stitches to me, I was ready to go.

Summary:
Yarn: Touch 4ply pure merino wool
Colourway: 205 (I think it is powder blue)
Dye lot: 39
Needle: Knit pro 40cm 4mm circular

I am really enjoying this project as I am learning new techniques though I must say what I have knitted so far looks nothing like the designer's pictures... : (

I am ready for the Easter bunny...

2011-04-23T15:37:00.002+10:00

This week I stumbled on this cute website called Origami Spirit. They did a really cool blog post on this origami rabbit lantern by a Hong Kong designer named Jacky Chan. I only saw the headline and got all intrigued!

Leyla of Origami Spirit did have a warning on the bottom of the post about these rabbits... they do tend to proliferate! Oh how very true.... I made these within half hour after watching the youtube video.

They have now gone to my neighbours in preparation for Easter bunny's visit tonight!

I picked up these cute paper from Kinokuniya on Thursday afternoon with these rabbits in mind...

Another new baby.. another Amineko...

2011-04-16T21:05:00.000+10:00

Another friend had a baby boy recently and an Amineko seems like the right choice for a quick pressie.

Small Joys for Japan... update

2011-04-10T15:26:00.000+10:00

Lexi over at pottymouthmama did an update post on the toys collected so far. My three crazy sock softies are in the photos. They look like they have great company : )

Collection closes at the end of April, I can't wait to see the final lot!

Artemis cowl - finished!

2011-04-10T15:16:00.000+10:00

Yay!

Amineko - finished!

2011-04-02T16:41:00.001+11:00

So I finally got some proper stuffing to weight down this amineko! The babyshower is tomorrow which I can't wait!

I got two adorable jumpsuits as well...

My darling husband...

2011-04-02T16:32:00.000+11:00

My darling husband has a lot going on at the moment, I mean loads. Apart from his own business, he is building a bike (deadline this weekend for a race meet in Sydney), restoring a ute (so he has a proper work vehicle) and home renovation (to please his full of ideas but not so handy & a bit impatient wife). In the midst of all of his chaotic busyness, he still took time out to pick up some craft supplies from a shop at Castle Hill for me. Not that my life depended on it or anything...

I have been looking for some proper "beanie babies" beans (official name I believe is poly pellets) for a while now and finally I found some online from a shop in Sydney but I was too cheap to pay for the postage which is dearer than the bag of pellets. So I asked the nice lady from the store and she said we could drop in there to pick it up... Well that's great but they only open during the week which meant I couldn't do that myself since I only go to work during the week and that's miles away from the store. Anyway my darling husband saw me frowning and said he could take a detour and drop in at the shop one day this week. So I printed out the direction and the exact product code on Sunday night thinking he would just drop in whenever. I came home from work on Monday night to find the 1kg bag of poly pellets sitting on the kitchen bench! Hippee!! I was so excited! Yeah, who would have thought a bag of plastic beans would make me so happy?

Thank you darling husband!

A kilogram of poly pellets is actually a lot but this just means I can now add more structure to any amigurumi I am going to make! In fact, I was waiting for these to finish an amineko (cat) for a babyshower gift (next post).

: ) brilliant!

Doug the Ducky - update

2011-04-02T16:09:00.001+11:00

Here is a photo of Doug with his new master Lucas... I know Doug is in good hands!

Sock softies marathon this weekend

2011-03-27T17:08:00.000+11:00

For the Small Joys of Japan toy collection, I am donating these handmade sock softies. As hubby went away for work for the weekend, I thought I would make a softie or two... I promptly invaded the coffee table area...

First one done! I think he looks a little like a ninja... these sock softies are inspired by the Stray Socks Sewing book.

Taa Daa! Finished them just before earth hour, hence the candles in the background... and messy table

I wish I could do animation because I imagined these creatures dancing in a circle...

Then stepping in single file move...

Going off the stage...

Close up!

Take a bow - Thank you, thank you very much!

Initially I was going to give away two softies I had made a long time ago and maybe make one new one. On closer inspection, the two softies I had in mind wouldn't be that suitable for children, I don't think. They had small plastic beans as eyes so they are not safety eyes and they were my earlier softies so the stitches weren't very nice and neat. Anyway I thought sock softies would work up quickly, I would make a couple and see how I go.

Before I knew it, I had three made up and the tips of my fingers were starting to numb as I hand stitched all of these. I didn't mind though cause I like practising my needle work and they have turned out pretty good.

So I will mail them off to Calico & Ivy at Balmain tomorrow : ) I don't think I can get there until next weekend and I can't wait to drop them off!

I am so honoured to be able to help out just a little bit!

xx

Artemis cowl - progress update... again...

2011-03-27T16:26:00.000+11:00

I have got 3 rounds left!! Hippee!!! It is still on the needle so it looks like it has a narrow top but once I finish and bind off, it should be just right. I am so excited!

Save the Children Australia

2011-03-24T21:24:00.001+11:00

I just want to mention Save the Children Australia as well. They are identifying partners in and around the impact zone in order to assess the services available and to efficiently meet the needs of children and families. They are working tirelessly with relief agencies and authorities to ensure children's rights are protected.

This is what they have done for the Japan Earthquake Appeal efforts so far:

Set up two child friendly spaces in Sendai City servicing six evacuation centres. Two more child friendly spaces are due to be established soon.
Distributed a range of essential items, such as warm clothes and blankets, to 615 people in five locations in Ishinomaki City.

Small Joys for Japan...

2011-03-24T21:15:00.004+11:00

This is awesome - I just discovered that Lexi of Pottymouthmama and Jac of Operation Angel have started a Toy Collection. Why don't I have initiatives like this? This is so inspiring!

I am hoping to participate and wrote to Lexi to find out more details...

Lexi said this and more updates here too.

PS - thank you Lisa of the red thread for directing me to Pottymouthmama!!

Help Japan - recap

2011-03-21T21:30:00.001+11:00

It has been 10 days since the really bad earthquake and tsunami hit Japan and a few generous people have gathered and started fundraising to help Japan. I put forwarded what I had for the QLD Floods Appeal so I thought that least I could do is spread the word and have a go at bidding for some of the auctions!

Here is a round up of what I know:

Melanie at Kimono Reincarnate listed two auctions for Japan Relief via the Red Cross. See this and this. they are so pretty. Very generous of Melanie.

Japan Quake Appeal - a great list of auctions co-ordinated by Jo at a bit of this and a bit of that

Handmade for Japan & Arts & Crafts United for Japan

Poppytalk has also posted a list of artists on their "Love for Japan" list too

Check out Toni at Make it Perfect has an amazing auction to raise funds for Save the Children

I know there are many more but these are the ones I have come across so far. What an amazing bunch of generous people!

Chasing Cottons Quilt Class

2011-03-20T13:59:00.001+11:00

I came across the Chasing Cottons blog this morning and thought I would do a post about this.

I have always shied away from quilting. Too fiddly, too time consuming and I know I am not that patient. It's like cooking a stir fry, by the time I cut up all the ingredients, I have lost interest in the actual cooking of the dish! However this "class" seems pretty interesting and I am keen to check it out... I love the idea of an online class allowing people like me to take in everything slowly.

Amineko in progress

2011-03-20T13:47:00.000+11:00

I have invaded the coffee table in our lounge room...

I have decided to make another Amineko for an upcoming baby shower. The parents of this pending baby used to have a cat but had to give him up due to an unforeseen event in the family... Anyway whilst I had planned to customise a little toy for the newcomer, I thought an Amineko would fit nicely into the family. Since I don't know the sex of the baby, I am going neutral...

Yarn: Patons Merino Deluxe DK (100% Australian) for the main body
Colour: Terracotta (?) Number 2 on the label (Lot 757117)
I don't remember what the white colour yarn is but I am pretty sure is of the soft 100% acrylic yarns
Needle: 3.5mm crochet hook

Artemis cowl

2011-03-20T13:31:00.000+11:00

I got this pattern from Ravelry (see wouldn't it be great if I could get the button working!) - grrr...

Anyway, no point grrring.... I am doing this for relaxation and I am really enjoying this pattern. I hope the eventual owner will too. I am making this for a friend's birthday in April!

Yarn: Harmony 100% Pure NZ Merino DK 8 ply by Naturally Hand Knit Yarns
Needle: Knit Pro 40cm 4mm circular

New blogger design

2011-03-20T13:21:00.000+11:00

This morning after much frustration in trying to put the Ravelry button on my sidebar, without success, I decided to completely revamp my blog design (as a compensation)...

But, I am not finished with you yet, Ravelry Button! I will attempt again, just not yet and I have to nurse my confidence back to health first.... plus there are more important things I need to attend to...

Help Japan

2011-03-15T21:26:00.000+11:00

It has been a heart wrenching weekend for Japan and well, all mankind I think... I was on my way home from work last Friday afternoon when Terry told me by phone that Japan was hit by a 8.9 richter scale earthquake. My first thought was my friend Belinda and her husband as they were holidaying in Tokyo at the time. I proceeded to contact them via sms, whatsapp, email, viber... all without any success. I must have a trace of hysteria in my voice as my husband kept telling me not to panic as communication network there was down.... When I got home our telephone screen was filled with the devastating images.

My next thought was this is the last thing Japan needs....

Then I thought, ahmmm, I have booked flights to Tokyo at the end of May. My mum turned 60 in January so I had planned to take this trip with her as part of her birthday present. I have been doing a lot of research on places to go while we are there, onsens and ryokan to stay at, craft shops to shop at, ramen places to eat at... well all these seem so insignificant now... when so many sufferings are going on.

Anyway eventually Belinda and David made contact on Sunday at 2am - I was so relieved! They were both fine, just couldn't make contact easily as expected. They are now back home in Hong Kong.

The Japanese people's resilience is truly amazing but how will a country rebuild from such damage?! I have seen heard some inspiring stories via Twitter and FB, how people are band together and helping one another.

I believe the only thing we as fellow human being can do is to help in any way possible. Unlike the QLD Flood Appeal, I have not worked out if there is a dedicated charity set up by the Japanese government but there are a few fund raising going on, just to name a few:

2011 Craft Expo at Rosehill

2011-03-15T20:53:00.000+11:00

I went to the 2011 Sydney Craft Expo at Rosehill on Sunday. Whilst I was a little disappointed that the show had less exhibitors this year then previous years, I still had a great day checking out all the stores and displays. I bought a few things and spent a small fortune but I can justify everything, I promise - sure I can....

There was a new store this year and I was so excited to have found them... I mean I thought I would do a final round of the show before leaving and came across Hoooked Zpagetti! I bought two kits and they helped me choose the yarns and handles etc...

I can't wait to start on these but there are a few things in the queue before making something for myself I am afraid... so much crafty things to make and so little time!! SIGH - sometimes I wish I could just sit at home and make stuff...

Bag kit from Hoooked Zpagetti

A mini steam iron for my sewing craft projects, another kit by Hoooked Zpagetti, two skeins of merino & possum yarns by Touch Yarns

Gorgeous hand dyed vintage throw from Pitt Trading at Ramsgate

Doug the Ducky

2011-03-15T20:27:00.000+11:00

I made this duck for a friend's new bub... I hope he likes Doug... he is big enough for a baby to cuddle up to.

My camera is not good enough to pick up the labels I handstitched. The one of the side of Doug says "Manda". The one hanging on his neck says "To Lucas".

Christchurch....

2011-03-02T20:29:00.000+11:00

I am a bit slow in posting about this but it is not too late!

A group of generous crafty ladies in NZ have got together and set up Handmade for Christchurch after the devastated earthquake in the City on 22 Feb... This is an initiative where crafty people are donating quality, handmade goods to auction to raise money. ALL proceeds from these auctions are going to both The Salvation Army and Christchurch Womens Refuge. The amazing result from the Queensland Flood Appeal tells me that great things can be achieved when a group of people band together!

The auctions are held on trademe and I am definitely going to place a few bids, there are some gorgeous things there!

Sun hat - finished!!

2011-02-13T18:44:00.000+11:00

Yay! I also finished the sun hat this weekend!

Slight modifications from the pattern (210-37 Celebrity Sunhat) by Pierrot Yarns:

1. Instead of the ribbon, I did a really long length of single crochets, like a string and treaded through the hat (every second stitches in the 28th row from the top). I pulled the "string" a little to pucker the hat like pleats, a different affect to the original pattern.

2. I didn't worry about inserting a cord to the last few rows for a stiffer brim

3. I used contrasting colours, not because of a sudden creative burst of idea rather I ran out of yarn... I was horrified to find that I just used the last ball of the Cleckheaton Natural Cotton 8 ply! I bought so much (ok so it was a long ago), I didn't bother making sure that I had enough for this project... I was thinking maybe to buy some more but found out that Cleckheaton has discontinued this yarn. Then I couldn't find any to match on ebay or other places, I thought well a contrasting colour for the brim might have to do. Then my friend Thuy also suggested the same thing so I didn't feel so silly then. So I rummaged through my stash and found this Japanese yarn (Olympus Sweater Boy Soft Tweed) in charcoal colour. I thought the colours mixed well.

I am quite happy with the result and I am definitely going to wear it at our next outdoor event.

So... what's next on the list for my train project??? I will be consulting that to-do/ wish list!

Georja and the purple hat...

2011-02-13T18:07:00.001+11:00

Meet Georja - the newest addition to the family. Well, she is not that new, almost 8 months old now... but she and her family live 8 hours drive away so we don't see them every often. This weekend, we had a visit and isn't she adorable.

I made this hat about a year and a half ago and unfortunately I can't even remember where I got the pattern from. It was my first ever crochet hat and I was really just mucking around. It stitched up so quickly and the result was very cute but I didn't have anyone at the time to give it to. No one I knew had a little baby so I packed it away. This weekend when I saw Georja, I thought maybe the hat would fit her and it did! I was so excited and it suits her so well.

Sun hat

2011-01-29T14:52:00.001+11:00

Oh yeah, I have also started making a sun hat using this pattern I got off Raverly.

This is my train project cause I am resisting to buy a book which would only take me a week to finish... diversifying of my hobbies...

This photo makes me giggle, like I have a "Snugglepot and Cuddlepie" hat on my head!

Anyway the hat started off really quick but when I got to the forth row of the brim I feel that I am losing momentum. It is getting to 150 stitches per round and I am getting slower and slower.... and to top that off, the increases are at different spots each row... a bit hard to keep count with songs on my ipod! I think it might be time to switch music so I can concentrate!

I am really wanting to finish this soon so I can use it for this summer...

New yarn...

2011-01-29T14:04:00.000+11:00

Not that I need anymore but really what could one possibly do when someone gifted you with some cool merino yarn brought over all the way from NZ...

I think they would make really nice cowls... I wonder if one skein would make one cowl.... yup, they goes on the list as well... together with the half sketched amigurumi dragon, cow, snake, goat, horse, rooster.... and a wallet I drew up but not tested...

Oh well, better than nothing on the list, right? heehee

Awesome goodness of people....

2011-01-28T19:14:00.002+11:00

Phew... busy couple of days... anyway... Just a quick note to marvel at the awesome goodness of people!

What an awesome end of the 2011 Australia Day!! The grand total from the flood appeal auctions came in last night!!!

$99,089

Incredible efforts but none of this would have happened without Toni and Carli and their many crew behind the scene... Thank you ladies

Another thank you to Trisha who won the bid for Honey the Bear. Trisha donated an extra dollar so my grand total is actually $150! YAY!

THANK YOU!! The QLD Flood Appeal Auctions ended

2011-01-24T22:10:00.000+11:00

Thank you to those who have bided on my auctions. All of you very generous people...

My total tally is AU$149

I would also like to thank Toni and her crew at make it perfect for organising this inspiring opportunity.

Honey the Bear - final highest bid AU$7 (click here for full details)

Doraemon - final highest bid AU$20- click here for full details

Marcel the Cat Artist - final highest bid AU$50 - click here for full details

Mister Blue the Dinosaur -final highest bid AU$22 - click here for full details

Hilary the Hippo - final highest bid AU$50 - click here for full details

13 Hours to go...

2011-01-24T08:20:00.000+11:00

WooHoos!!! 13 Hours to go to the end of the QLD Flood Appeal Auctions... My auctions finish up at 9pm Australian Eastern Standard Time. Click here to check what time it is.

Here is a quick summary of my auctions - total tally at $149

Honey the Bear - current highest bid AU$7 (click here for full details)

Doraemon - current highest bid AU$20- click here for full details

Marcel the Cat Artist - current highest bid AU$50 - click here for full details

Mister Blue the Dinosaur - current highest bid AU$22 - click here for full details

Hilary the Hippo - current highest bid AU$50 - click here for full details

THANKYOU!!