a pattern review of sorts

I have a back log of posts to share, so instead of swamping you with information I have resolved to keep it to single bite-sized reading. I'm nice like that :)

I recently purchased 'simple gifts to stitch by Jocelyn Worrall'. I had seen it reviewed somewhere but for the life of me can't remember which blog it was (if I find it, I'll let you know). You may remember that I used this book recently to make my own version of the Accordion Wallet. I was impressed with how easy this came to gather, so decided to try another pattern. Next up the Tri Pocket Ticking Tote, which is featured on the front cover. As I'm trying to be a little more efficient in my craftiness I cut out two bags - one in oil cloth and one in some cool fabric from aunty cookie and that nifty measuring tape fabric. Once again the instructions were extremely easy to follow, and the bag itself was whipped up in a 1/2 hour.
Ta da, Miss L's new ballet bag.

This oilcloth was much easier to sew with than the version I used for the accordion wallet. I bought it ages ago at one of those craft fairs, and I haven't been able to find it any where else. The only issue I had with the finished bag, is it is quite deep which I didn't think would be ideal for a knitting bag. Thinking cap on (doesn't happen often) I decided that instead I would cut each of my pre-cut fabrics for the second bag in half (even the handles) and make two from one. Thrifty!!

So, here is the Aunty Cookie knitting bag, which got some very positive feed back at the market. It is a great size for carrying around a project or two and some bits and bobs.

The down side - I don't like the unfinished look inside - so I have decided to line the inside of both knitting bags. It doesn't bother me so much with the oilcloth version (?!) but it really bugs me every time I open it and see all those nasty seams.

Final results - a biga - two from two for this book.
Details
Pattern: Tri Pocket Ticking Tote
Bag One Fabric: Polka dot oilcloth
Bag Two Fabric: Aunty Cookie Knit One(now available) and American Jane Building Blocks Measure Dark (available here)


P.s. Reprodepot have the book on sale.

catching up

(the post could also have been link bonanza - you have been warned!)
well with the lurgy all but gone it is time for me to knuckle down and get this blog here up to date! Firstly the little holiday was a lovely break for our small family. We stayed at a cosy old house in a small little town, Stanley. The heating was on, and the fridge provided local produce for breakfast. We stopped on the way up on Friday in Beechworth to purchase more local produce for dinner - sensational. Saturday we ambled our way to Rutherglen, did some antiquing before venturing to All Saints Estate for a sumptuous lunch, wine tasting and more local produce buying. Sunday after sitting around the fire and playing games we headed up to Mt Buffalo to partake of some snow play. Miss L and I made a snow woman (very p.c.!) and R and Miss L did some tobogganing, while I watched with a comforting cup of homemade soup. It lightly snowed while we were there, which was magic. Before we knew it was Monday and time to be heading home. We did managed to stop in Beechworth so I could make some small purchases from The Ardent Alpaca,
and we could enjoy the Beechworth Bakery and Beechworth Sweet Shop. Some wine and cheese tasting stops before getting home and falling in to bed. (Holiday photos can be found here).

Now of course I had to take some crafting with me - which was fortunate for Penelope, as Miss L decided on Saturday that she needed some more layers, especially if she was going to be hitting the slopes the next day. Of course I had my trusty little case of fabrics, needle, thread, buttons, elastic and scissors - ready for just such an occasion. Miss L decided that Penelope would be most warm if she wore all her clothes, and I think it makes a lovely ensemble. I am certain Penelope does as well as she hasn't taken them off yet!

My main project however was to finish my scrappy scarf, which I started on my bestfriending weekend away. Finished. I am very happy with the result - stripey, soft, goes with anything! and just the right length.I knitted this scarf on 4 needles, size 12 (4mm) with odds and ends of 4 ply from my stash. The majority of yarn is Rowan 4 ply or from Greta's yarns. I sewed the ends closed using Kitchener stitch which provides a neat and smooth finish. I made the dimensions and length up as I went along, but I noticed the other day that Interweave Knits as a free pattern for a similar looking ribbed scarf if you wanted to make one.

With all the time spent in bed last week, I was craving some crafting time. Lucky for me the Master Chef wanted to cook all weekend, and Miss L had a friend to play. So Saturday Miss L and Miss H and I spent a few hours making softies, with an idea from this book.
Although all the text is Japanese the pictures are easy to follow, and the girls had a lot of fun designing, choosing fabric and buttons and watching their softie come to life.

Although this little craft session with the girls required quite a bit of sewing from moi there were also several hours where the girls disappeared to play their own games, leaving me like the proverbial pig in pooh!

I managed to finish up quite a few WIP's that have been sitting around for quite some time but they are for a future post and shop update coming soon. I also mucked around with another idea from the Japanese craft book used for the girls softies. The book produced a cat and mouse balancing toy made from paper and wire. I decided that it would be nice if the cat and mouse were softies - so I set to work. It works a treat, and Miss L has spent quite some time seeing what objects they will happily balance on.

Next I put together my prototype bunny for an idea I have for the shop. It has been floating around in my head for ages, so it was great to finally get this one made. Meet Pebble. She is quite a shy little bunny, and only 15 cm tall, but I am hoping that as time goes by you will get to know her well.

Lastly, I decided to try something from one of the new books I have (there are a few, and that's a whole 'nother post). Having recently treated myself to a new wallet, I wanted to make something to hold all the extra cards I seem to have that usually bulk my purse up and make it hard to close. Jocelyn Worrall supplied the answer with her Accordian Wallet from 'simple gifts to stitch'.
This pattern was very easy to follow and came together really quickly, despite the pain of sewing oil cloth. I altered the pattern slightly so that my cards are vertical and provide more pockets. Even one for my moo cards. I'm not sold on the magnetic closure yet, but I'll give it a few outings before making any judgements.
Fabrics used are oilcloth from Sew Mama Sew (that particular one isn't there) and stripes from Amitie Textiles.

Now I am going to give the tote from the front cover a go. I have some great Aunty Cookie fabric which is dying to be used. And Moonstitches has enticed me with another of those beautiful chevron scarfs so I'm winding some yarn as you read - who doesn't need another project?!

P.s. Nanna and Poppa there is some photos for you here.

a little bit of this, a little bit of that

so Harry Potter is finished and I'm sad that now there will be no more, but I was satisfied with the ending - don't worry there will be no spoilers here - you'll have to read it for yourself. I guess I'll just wait for the movies now! Anyway, thanks everyone once again for entering the giveaway I wish you could all win, and I have even included an extra prize this month, because I have so many magazines taking up precious space, so here are the winners

please email me your address at whizzme(at)bigpond(dot)net(dot)au so I can send your goodies to you. And for those of you who didn't win this time, there is always next month's giveaway. However, as I do have so many magazines that need to go I have the following magazines available to anyone who is interested to swap or purchase, once again just email me: whizzme(at)bigpond(dot)net(dot)au.

Piecework issues:
2007-July/August, May/June, March/April, January/February
2006 all 5 issues
2005 - March/April
2003 - November/December

US Knitter's issues:
2006-Summer
2005-Spring, Winter, Fall, Summer
2004-Fall

UK Knitting issues:
2006-March
2005-November, August, April, March, February
2004-October/November, April/May, February/March, January/December
2003-October/November

Australian Creative Knitting issues:
1 to 10, 13 & 15

Now, on to some crafting items that were finished before Harry Potter arrived on the scene.

I entered in the second round of the Doll Quilt Swap. This is my finished quilt sent of to my partner.

I was very happy in the end result, which is hand pieced, embroidered and quilted. It isn't the original idea I had for this swap, that little mishap is still sitting waiting to be saved from "stupid thing" pile!
I received a beautiful quilt from Ros in the UK (who studies in the US).


A little project commissioned by Miss L when we were in Wangaratta - a poncho for her elephant. Yes, elephant's get cold too. As it happened I had just that day bought some sock wool and mum had picked up a poncho pattern, so with a little bit of swatch testing and guesstimating it wasn't long before Elle was sporting her new winter wear.


And here is proof of just how much my mother loves me! A wonderful cardigan from Knitscene, with some beautiful wool I purchased a year or two ago from La Lana.

It was originally planned for a shrug from Interweave Knits, but once the wool arrived I wasn't so sure anymore, and had never started. Mum and I flicked through patterns, worked out tensions, wound skeins, re-wound skeins trying to figure out how best to balance out the hand-dyed colours. Unfortunately I cannot show you the finished beautiful product, because my part of the project is the sewing up - ah yeah, any day now!!!

I have so many other projects that are in varying stages of chaos production, but the next two days will be spent sewing with some friends. Catch you soon....Oh and here is Miss L's latest photo shoot.

scraps - literally!

The pleasure of using up odd ball's in my stash with beanie's knitted for charity and modelled by Miss L's teddies, and wiggly woo hat's (coming to my shop soon) while also continuing to add stripes to my scrappy scarf,
and enjoying the smell of rhubarb cooking - mmmm
after repairing tea party mishaps,
then having a little girl who was excited about having Dad home again.
But, starting to become nervous about having 5 little girls for a sleepover tomorrow night.....

what do you mean I didn't win?!

No, sis, you didn't - but - there is a bag of yarn heading your way as I write this - OK? :)
Sheesh! the pressure you can get from family!! Only joking.
As for everyone else, I won't keep you in suspense for much longer, but even if you didn't win this time I will be having another giveaway next month - craft books- and I know you all love them, so keep your eye out for it. So, the winners for this month are:


Please ladies send your snail mail details to whizzme(at)bigpond(dot)net(dot)au so I can pop these gifts in the post.
I was going to have a shop update to tempt those of you who weren't so lucky this round, but the light hasn't been great for photo sessions this week. My main task now for next week is to update the shop - I have a few things up my sleeves and um, clogging up the crafting area so I will let you ASAP.

Otherwise, Miss L this week has been keeping me busy with science. Yes, we have been donning our lab coats after school and playing with fire - literally! (all under supervision of course) In fact our experimentation has been so successful Miss L got to show a couple to her class - and suitable ooh's and aah's were given.

Which, reminds of me of this morning's little soiree where there was an abundance of oohing and aahing. I had a Tupperware party. Yes, I have always loved the plastic fantastic, and am now hocking everything to afford all the pieces i need want. Excited about the little hostess gift I received (shown below - egg separator, small sieve and funnel) Mostly, though I am trying not to eat all the leftover cake and biccies.

Speaking of which, Miss L is being quite insistent about my attendance at her tea party, so must go find my gloves and hat. And, so the school holiday's begin! Below are some things that have cheered my week. Hope yours has been a good one too.

-eating pizza at a new restaurant with Miss L and telling really dumb jokes.
-finding the latest little fabric mail out from Amitie in the mail.
-lying next to Miss L at bedtime and reading The Folk from the Faraway Tree
-having dinner with bestfriends as their leaving date gets closer (the dinner cheered me not the leaving date!)
-having an old friend from school email me about joining them on facebook
-watching a great off the wall movie (Thank you for not smoking) in the middle of the day while,
-knitting up odd's and end's into little finished projects
-applying to volunteer at panda

and a few links too
-admiring Jen Corace's artwork
-amazement at the Dirty Car artwork
-loving Bill Wadman's 365 portrait project
-spending too much time browsing on sk*rt

Show and Tell = Giveaways

Friday turned into the mother of all spring cleans for my crafting stuff. At 3am I finally called it a night to get up Saturday and continue on the rest of the house. The car boot is now full of packages for the local op shop, fabrics and papers but aside for friends and best of all three yes 3 bundles of fabric to giveaway. Well now that I have your interest I must warn you that this post will contain gratuitous photo's before you get to the how to win some fabric part. Of course you could cheat and just skip to the end, but then you will miss out on all the stuff my spring cleaning turned up for Show and Tell! And you wouldn't want to miss that - would you?!

Firstly a selection of just some of the fabrics that have come through my door of late.

-The gorgeous green japanesy print I bought from pyglet and she threw in the other green fabric and patch. Spoilt.
-The scraps are all from Patchwork on Central for only 50c each! I so love a scrap box. Why don't more fabric shops have these? Edited: Sorry should have been clear that I got the scraps from the store- not from the website - sorry.
- A selection of fabrics i just had to have from Cia's Palette. (please excuse the bad spelling above.)
- And finally an even larger selection of things, including some great oilcloth from Sew Mama Sew.
There was also a small parcel from purl with some of this and one of these - but shh it was only small!!


I have also had some wonderful finds while thrifting lately.

-Gorgeous old children's patterns, including little ballerina outfits - I am moving that one up the to do list as we speak.
-A pattern making book complete with stencils for drawing pattern curves - for all that pattern making I do - NOT!
-A vintage Rowan knitting pattern book, and a lovely little book of crazy knitting projects.
-But finally my new pride and joy, is this beautiful vintage, electric sewing machine that I bought for only $20. It is in perfect working order, came with its original toolkit and instruction booklet, and carry case. It is perfect for Miss L to use as it only sews straight stitch (backwards and forwards), and is so heavy it won't move from under her. Even R admitted it was quite lovely to look at. I am a very, very happy camper!!


And despite all the fabric buying and op shop hunting that has been going on, I have managed a few crafting bits and pieces.

-Bibs for some newborn babies that have just joined us.
-A ballet bag for a friend of Miss L
-More doll quilts coming along....

But finally, we come to the part that will really interest you....

I have three bundles of fabric (and a few little surprises) to give away. I have bundled them into this month's Project Spectrum colours (more on that in another post) Yellow, Green and Pink. All you need to do is leave a comment saying hello, and telling me which colour bundle you would prefer. For all those shyer readers, now is the time to dip your toe and leave a comment. Family members are allowed to enter but will not receive any preference - ha! And I will post to anywhere - so get commenting.

I will draw the three winners sometime on Wednesday night, so stay tuned to see if you won.

sensory delights

The last few days have been full of pleasures for both Miss L and myself. On Thursday Miss I from Miss L's class came to play and we made cupcakes - well I baked them and the girls had a wonderful time eating the icing decorating them!

On Friday I spent the morning visiting some of my favourite shops -
Artisan books to pick up some copies of Selvedge they were holding for me, Porter's Paints to get some sample pots to paint Miss L's bed (I think weshe has decided on Loralie in Duchess Satin), then, Aesop where the lovely Joshua massaged my hands and customised my beauty routine for me (bliss!), onto,
Zakkaya where I picked up some cute cards, a little bird and some lovely trim then a visit to
Kimono House (thanks to Bianca) where I signed up for the fabric club and also purchased some thread and a handbag kit. Phew! what a morning - so full of things I love. I also spotted the Mag Nation store but ran out of time (probably a good thing for the bank balance) but-must-go-back! All this shopping has meant that projects are dawdling along, and in fact the bathmat took a dive when Wally the dog knocked red wine all over it - grrr! All those hours of hand stitching. And why hand stitched? I'm not sure, I know it would be much quicker on the machine but I love the calming effect hand sewing has. Which I guess means it will be years before that bath mat ever gets finished. Oh well!

I did however, finish a little Cinderella for Miss E which I based on Claire Garland's vintage lady pattern from embroidered treasures (I didn't enlarge the pattern so Cinderalla will fit in a pocket).

And finally a wip for Master H which was 6 months over due got finished and delivered. Master H drew a picture of a squid which I turned into a softie for him. I think it was a success!

With all this activity I'm slightly extremely behind with housework so today is washing day - blah! But that too has hit a snag as I was folding some washing and realised what I need is a peg bag, so I'm just off to find the pattern....

follow the yellow brick road...

It was a long weekend here, and our little family was looking forward to catching up with friends, a bit of day tripping and general family enjoyment. Instead Miss L woke up early Saturday morning with a fever, followed closely by vomiting. At times like these all you want is your Mum, so that meant that I wasn't allowed to be more than arm's reach away for the next 24 hours. Not the best way to spend some family time together. By Sunday afternoon Miss L was feeling on the mend, so I managed to get out with Ms J and stroll around Bridport street shops - a small but apt selection - yarn shop, book shop and boutique! We also stopped to partake of some yummy juices at Husk (a wonderful store but too, too too pricey)- the colours I just loved let alone the taste.


Then Monday morning I awoke with a sewing project in mind - no not the bath mat that has been hidden from sight for the moment. As my lovely husband said "at this rate it won't be finished until 2015" so I figured it could wait another day or two. No, my little itchy fingers wanted to make some finger puppets. Miss L is currently enjoying The Wizard of Oz at school, (the original story, not the movie) so I thought it would be great to have some finger puppets to play out the story.

I whipped these up Monday night, to be greeted by Miss L Tuesday morning with such excitement that I too beamed. The only thing now is I have been ordered to make Glinda the good witch, and the wicked witch too. Never rest as they say... I would have thought that by now Miss L would have learnt that her mother's attention span is minimal at the best of times! I have already moved on to the next project (again not the bath mat!) which hopefully I can post in the next few days. If you are looking for a good version of The Wizard of Oz for a 5 year old, I bought this one from Usborne.

tis the season to be buying

So, I've been busy, no not crafting but buying. Making sure everyone on our list has an appropriate gift. I always have grand plans to make gifts, but before I know it December is here and the grand plans are nothing more than dreams - again! I have only a few more gifts and I'm done for another year of present buying - I think a drink will be called for to celebrate the occassion. To add to the logistically nightmare Christmas shopping is, Miss L has also already finished school for the year. My sister and I used to love that being at a private school meant more holidays, but now I'm cursing the fact! Thank goodness for school holiday programs to take some of the load of 'mamma look at me, mamma help me do this, mamma what can I do now, mamma can we go somewhere' etc. etc. I'm sure you get the drift. only 7 weeks to go before school starts again - not that I'm counting!!

If you are still hunting for a suitable gift I have put some of my handmade bags up on ebay just click here to see them.

And finally, Mrs Davey tagged me, so here goes with the data:
4 jobs I have had...
1. mcdonalds
2. after school carer
3. wedding coordinator
4. food & beverage manager

4 movies I could watch over over
1. Pride and Prejudice (the BBC version thank you)
2. Possession (also a favourite book)
3. any Harry Potter
4. Wallace and Grommit (any again)

4 places I have lived apart from where I live now
1. Cambpelltown a suburb in Adelaide
2. Parkside another suburb in Adelaide
3. Toorak Gardens another suburb in Adelaide
4. and yep you guessed it, Norwood, yet another suburb in Adelaide

4 tv shows I love
1. The West Wing
2. Desperate Housewives
3. Midsomer Murders (I think Decetive Barnaby is pretty cool!)
4. Dancing with the Stars

4 places I have been for a vacation
1. New York
2. Bologna, Italy
3. Rome
4. Paris

4 Websites I visit Daily
1. Bloglines (75 feeds keeps me busy!)
2. Flickr
3. Ebay
4. um, not sure, wherever someone's links take me!

4 Favourite foods
1. Tom Yum
2. Chicken Rice
3. Chicken Marengo that Dad makes me
4. Mum's cherry cheesecake

4 places I would rather be
1. Bologna, Italy
2. anywhere in France
3. the Shangri La in Singapore
4. the Hyatt at Coolum (preferrably the Spa)

and instead of tagging anyone, because everyone seems to have been done, I give you
4 random facts about me
1. i grew up blonde but am now chocolate brown
2. i'm scared of heights
3. but I love flying
4. I've never been to Bali (very unAustralian!!)

what's with the eights?

I seem to have a thing about 8's at the moment, so it is pretty fitting that this is my 88th post. I've always loved writing the letter 8, two little circles, and yes, I have a thing about circles too. Anyway, before I tell you about my current 8, I have some finished wip's - done!

Firstly this mended quilt has been done for some time. I bought it looking like this from the market for 5 aussie dollars. It is now happily washed and patched and looking comfy like this....

This post is also hosting a patchwork theme, as I finished my current skirt project. This has been in the back of mind for nearly a year, so I'm glad to finally cross this one off the wip list. It is made up of some old jeans and a group of liberty cotton patches. One of the patches is the great liberty balloon fabric you saw here. I bought so many liberty patches to make this skirt that I now have enough to make a doona cover for Miss L - what was I thinking?! so a new wip to add to the list too :) but the skirt is nice and summery, even if Miss L's friend Miss E told me my skirt was falling down the other day!!!


Finally, I am participating in the Hot Socks swap, and I recieved this

lovely parcel from Barb, all the way from Sweden. There were in fact more chocolates but well, you know, they just beg to be eaten!!

And, as for those 8's? well, here is a clue - they are very Australian, and they hop!

super girls

We are in the process of buying and selling houses, well hopefully anyway, so not much concentrated crafting here this week. I have managed to finish my skirt from last weekend's sewing group (hi ladies!) but no pics yet. However, I can always trust Miss L to come up with new projects for me - today's was to make her and partner in crime, Miss V, 'super girls'. Well for once I was able to do said project. I nipped out to Target who were luckily having a 20% off sale, bought two t-shirts - pink of course! Home, whip out sparkly pink cap material from stash and I was half way there. Then, quick couple of clicks with the mouse, a hot iron and TA DA!! Two happy little super girls....



now if only I could whip up our new house so easily - fingers crossed for the auction on Saturday.

a superhero, a fairy princess and a handbag

Today was all about a care package for my best friend who is having a horrible week, or even month. Tomorrow is going to be a chaotic, horrid day, so I thought a care package might bring her and her two beautiful munchkins some sunshine. Of course this being me, I left it to today to pull the whole thing together!

I bought a t-shirt weeks ago to make H a superhero shirt with cape and this time I wanted to try that freezer paper thing that did a great tutorial for. But leaving it for posting today sort of canned that idea, so I quickly printed out an iron transfer, which actually came up okay.


Next a little fairy dress for E. Again I've had the tulle and tank top hanging around for a few weeks. So first I sewed on the tulle, sleeve ruffles and ironed on some flowers. Okay done. Until I held it up and you could see right through the tulle - not every little fairy wants to show off her underpants! So I hunted through the fabric stash and found some lilac chiffon to add a little modesty skirt!! A few quick sequin addtions and da dah.
And thankfully about a month ago I had a spurt of making handbags, so J's bag just needed a few final stitches and an iron.


I really like these bags, so must get to and finish the other 6!!
So after a solid afternoon I managed to get the whole thing posted before 6 pm in an express bag, so it will reach them tomorrow. I hope it does bring some sunshine for them.
Now off to do several swaps I've organised this week. Hoping to make the post office tomorrow. I'll let you know how that goes....