How Bizarre Ruby Star

Nearly there

2011-11-25T12:58:00.000+10:00

We got the keys to our new house today. hooray! So I will take the most delicate items across to the new house myself. We have packers coming in on Monday to pack the house up and sometimes they aren't always very careful.

I will take the Xmas tree over too and put it up this weekend so it will be ready when we move in. I love Xmas, who doesn't hey? Oh well, don't answer that perhaps..lol

So... the cake... well cakes... because you know Fox got jealous when I said what I was making for the kids. Men...

No less than four layers high. I made them gluten free of course. And wow it tasted so good. Only one small piece gave me a belly ache. I'm too used to eating well now since starting Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation back in May this year. More on that later :) I promise.

Also this morning I finished the secret Santa gifts for the twins classes. Just something small, it's supposed to cost no more than $10.

I had to do a boy & girl gift so they are each getting a small zippered pouch with some treats inside.

Now I'm done. I don't have anything else on my craft list although I would love to make another Xmas stocking like the one I made for last years stocking swap but I really think my time is running out.

Now I'm off to move house. x

There's busy and then there's keeping busy.

2011-11-22T20:45:00.001+10:00

Today I baked TWO black forest cakes.

One for my 12 year old who has an assignment due on Germany.

Yes that's right, I'm doing HIS assignment, well part of it anyway.

Once that's done it's on to the secret Santa gifts for school. Only have to make 1 boy & 1 girl gift.

Then it's on to packing boxes for our move next Monday,.. gasp!

After making the cakes today- that will be completed tomorrow I made this cute Army pencil case for a Birthday Party this weekend.Cool huh..

I'm keeping busy. My dad's in ICU in Canberra tonight.

Last week he just had a sore throat.

Today we're faced with Cancer and a lot of uncertainty.

I don't know what else to say except that I'm feeling both lost and very calm..

Really... Xmas?

2011-11-20T14:50:00.002+10:00

Well this year has just gone in a snap. So much happening and not enough time for blogging.

My sisters have been ON MY CASE about my blog. More of it they say.

Truth is, I go quiet when things are not good, and I've had some worries with the kids that are ALL fine now. And we were told a month ago that our lease is being cut short and have had to organise a move prior to Xmas. One more week and my life will be packed up in boxes and into a truck.

In the mean time, I have a mile long To Do list that keeps growing by the day.

But today I have checked off one thing on the list. Teacher gifts.

My sisters can tell you, our mum was not the best cook however she rocked the sweet home cooked treats. My Lord she could whip up a novelty birthday cake in the blink of an eye and look out dentists... her Xmas treats were best only eaten at Xmas. .. sweet and moreish :)

So I though it best to make some coconut ice and wrap it up all lovely in cellophane and give that to the teachers. I had never attempted this before but figured, hey if I can bake a cake and a mean pav, i can do coconut ice.. right?

Not so. It turned out crumbly and cracked when I tried to cut it. So that idea quickly went out the window at the pure delight of my sugar deprived children (thank you Michelle Bridges - will fill you in soon enough).

I made these cute little gift bags today. they were meant to fit the Xmas ball inside but yet another plan that quickly got changed.

So now the teachers are getting a massive gingerbread cookie that upon closer inspection could very well be a dog biscuit, a candy cane, a chocolate Santa & said Xmas tree decoration that has a bell in it.

Not my best effort, but certainly good enough I say.

My little 'picjacker' loves to jump into the blog pics and do funny faces.

So there you go sista's - How not to make Mum's coconut ice... or is it Nana's... or Mum's Nana?

How to adapt a plan under pressure and a cute pic of your nephew.

xox

Crazy birthday month

2011-08-18T14:15:00.001+10:00

We all have them. Ours is July... we have no less than 13 birthdays and had a few kids party invites thrown in there too.

So you can guess what I've been up to.

Always trying something new I decided to do vinyl covered pencil cases for the girls, I've never sewn vinyl before. And the boys got peek a boo toy sacks after I found THIS cute pin on Pintrest.

I bought the cute Sprout turtle fabric after Dman spotted it while I was buying fabric online. But of course how do you use white fabric for a boy? So it became the lining of his toy sack and I've made sure you can see a whole turtle through the front peek hole.

Now it's August, I'm working through my unfinished projects. You know I have a quilt that I made for Fox last year and all it needs is binding. I'm guessing it will be done in time for Father's Day :)

Celebrating 5

2011-08-02T05:58:00.000+10:00

6 months in the nagging... I mean planning. Yes, for 6 long months I have been asked 'when can I have a party, I want a party with my friends". So did you think we could let another year slip by without an actual party... not on your life! We decided on Lego as a theme, he loves Lego... and cars... and guns... but mostly Lego.

I found some lovely ideas on another blog and had to make up some Lego Bunting, I downloaded, laminated then used bias tape and sewed them together.

We hired a face painter, she was an absolute hit.

Lego cake, Donna Hay showed me how in her latest Kids Magazine, I just tweaked it to fit in my cake carrier.

being outdoors in fresh Townsville sunshine right near the river was perfect, all the kids had so much fun and no personality clashes... oh i love it when you get the right mix.

One happy Birthday Boy :)

This week I'm grateful for... Time

2011-07-30T09:33:00.002+10:00

This weekend my baby turns 5.

4 years and 9 months ago we made the conscious decision not to have any more children.

At times I've wondered if it was the right decision to make.

Now, I think it was.

Time helps us all to see with more clarity.

Over the past 10 weeks I have lost 12 kilos.

11 weeks ago I did not see this coming.

Next weekend I will run 5km in the Townsville Running Festival.

My whole life I never imagined I'd be a 'runner'.

Time changes everything... It's up to us to decide if it's for the better... or not.

See what others are Grateful for with Maxabella Loves...

My first attempt at patchwork

2011-07-28T17:44:00.000+10:00

My very good friend has just had a baby boy and so I have decided to make a baby size patchwork quilt for him.

I will make 9 blocks i think and back with flannelet. I have seen others do patchwork in strips but I have opted for blocks because I don't trust that I could make the patches line up. Maybe when I have more confidence this will be the easier option.

I think choosing colours is probably the hardest part of making patchwork and I'm always amazed at how well different colour combos go together. Cross fingers my fabric choices work out as a whole.

We'll see soon enough :)

Canberra school camp... more awesome than expected!

2011-07-18T19:21:00.000+10:00

Despite the twins and myself coming down with colds/flu/stomach bugs the day we arrived back in Townsville, I'm pleased to say Canberra was awesome!

Found craft & colour inspiration in the most unlikely of places...
Parliament house was pretty cool, loved the colour graduation in the public galleries of The Senate & House of Representatives.

The huge Tapestry inside the great hall was impressive.

Mt. Ainslie, looking down from above the War Memorial toward Capital Hill.

The War memorial & amazing Lead lights & Mosaics inside the unknown soldiers tomb.

Coolness indeed!

The AIS pool where the Australian Olympians train.

Got to catch up with family, including my dad & a nephew I'd never met.

Somehow wrangled the night off on Friday and nip into Civic...
Shop Handmade, but no Posie Patchwork in sight, she was on Holidays in Queensland :)

And finally a day trip to Thredbo.

Phew, now off to heat up the wheat bag & make a cup of honey & lemon tea.

Thanks Canberra we had a great time on school camp :)

My Creative Space

2011-07-06T10:33:00.001+10:00

Here are some of the dolls I mentioned in my last post.

As you can see they range in size, so I have quite a task in front of me.

Most of these dolls were cast back in around 1986 and most have my Aunt's initials but two are quite unique with having the mould number and designer on the back of their heads.

I asked my daughter to chose a doll as a starting point for me and I would make that one hers.

She chose this doll. After researching the numbers on her head it turns out her name is " Just Me" and the doll designer was Armand Marseielle.

Now the challenge will not be dressing her, I have been making barbie clothes since I was a kid, it will be in finding the right hair and figuring out how to put it on her.

If anyone knows how to do this please share. I'm new to the world of dolls and apart from one my beautiful mum had made for me I really have nothing to compare to.

PS funny, I just read the post with the china doll from my mum and said, 'i wish i could get one for my daughter'... cool huh, just have to put it out there. Now what shall I wish for next ?? lol

Well hello dolly

2011-07-05T00:53:00.000+10:00

Yes it has been a while.

I'm still here and everything is just fine, no dramas, just busy.

Well the truth is I've been on a fitness kick and really haven't had much time or energy for much else.

I have been crocheting though and made a beanie & scarf for my eldest son. A scarf & beret for my daughter and a beanie and still in the process of making myself a scarf.

She just loves her beret. It was meant for the Canberra Camp which is next week! But after completing it looks more suited to summer than a Canberra winter.

I have some exciting stuff to show you but I just haven't got around to taking pictures yet. My gorgeous cousin has sent me up a box of fabric & dolls that are incomplete from my very crafty aunt who sadly passed away not long ago. When I say Aunt I mean my mums aunt who made it all the way into her 90s. She always kept herself busy making things and I still have a ceramic bathing jug & bowl she made for me way back in 1982!

So over the next few months I hope to complete these dolls that have been hand moulded and painted by auntie Yvonne herself. All they need is some hair and clothes and they will finally be finished.

But before that I have a camp to attend and also a baby gift to complete for a very special friend who's baby boy decided to join this party early .

Back soon i promise :)

My Creative space...

2011-05-05T20:09:00.001+10:00

This week I came across enormous luck when I won this gorgeous Queen Anne set on ebay for seriously less than it really is worth. I was relieved when the lady who I bought it from said she was happy I had won the auction and not someone who possibly was just after cheap furniture.

The fabric is amazing and although it looks faded it is not at all, it's just the nap showing up lighter. The cushions are heavy and super comfy like a hug from granny.

The kitchen hutch has old style locks on the doors that the kids are fascinated with.

And then there's the old phone chair, I had to explain to the kids what it was used for! You know back in the old days when phones where plugged into the wall and If you wanted someones number you had to look for it in the phone book...lol Oh the memories, you'd think I was like ancient and not in my 30's.

The set also has a set of 3 stacking tables too.

SO now to clean and freshen up this beautiful set, needless to say I'm over the moon and amazingly so are the kids even the delivery guys said " they don't make furniture like this anymore'.

Check out some more creative spaces at KOOTOYOO.

Anzac Day

2011-04-25T14:36:00.001+10:00

Anzac Biscuits

1 cup Plain Flour

2 cups Rolled Oats

1/2 cup sugar

125g Butter

2Tbs Golden Syrup

2tsp Bi Carb Soda

2 Tbs Boiling Water

• Preheat oven to 160°C

• Mix together dry ingredients

• Melt Butter and syrup together, I put it in a microwave jug for 30 – 60 secs

• Add Bi carb to boiling water, stir then combine with Melted butter mix.
• Make sure you have a big enough (1/2 litre) jug because it froths up.

• Pour into Dry Mix and combine.

• Use a tablespoon of mix and roll into ball then place onto baking paper lined trays, should make 2 dozen.

• Bake for 20 min, a little less for chewy or a little more for crunchy.

I usually bake them for 18 min; the kids don’t like them too crunchy.

Make sure you only use teaspoons for the bi carb, we once used tablespoons and they tasted horrible. :)

We had a fairly quiet Anzac day this year. It was the first time in 23 years that Fox didn't go to dawn service. He took the twins to march in the parade with their scout group .

I should also mention he has a tooth ache, not from chocolate though, he got it on Friday but being on holidays he refuses to go in to work to get it seen to. Men!

I hope that next Anzac day we will all be able to attend dawn service together.

Lest We Forget.

Can just about smell the chocolate

2011-04-23T16:00:00.000+10:00

It occurred to me only 2 days ago that we're going to be in Canberra for school camp... in WINTER and none of us have been through winter since Perth 4 years ago. Yes the twins want me to come on year 6 camp with them. Crazy huh... so i whipped out my crochet hook and made these.

He pulled that face knowing I wanted a pic for the blog, he dances to his own beat and that's cool i think.

SO with yesterday being good Friday and me happening to find a guy who owns a prawn trawler only a few weeks ago through my plumber, we have a mountain of fresh prawns to eat.

I thought we'd try something different for dinner.

Garlic prawns with Poh's Egg Custard. I was really going out on a limb here, I mean custard and prawns with shitake for dinner sounds disgusting but amazingly it was a hit and not just with the adults, the kids really enjoyed it too.

So now we wait patiently for the Easter bunny to arrive and ponder the effects of Lenten promises on their makers. It really is great to see the kids stick with their and funny what they chose to go without for lent. One gave up his bed and slept on a camp mattress and the other promised to be nicer to her brothers. They both did very well.

Happy Easter to you, time for the count down :)

My Creative space...

2011-04-14T08:55:00.002+10:00

Forever nostalgic and trying to emulate the crochet creations of my beautiful Nana, I hunted for the pattern online a while ago and saw it for sale but thought i could figure it out by looking at the blanket Nana made for the youngest. I was wrong. later stumbling across the pattern in an old Mon Tricot Book... again I could not figure it out!

So, when my cousin hinted that I should try making one of these baby blankets a few weeks ago I thought I should give it a red hot go, She gave me THIS link that has a video tutorial and so I sat in front of the PC with my soft cotton yarn and hook and followed and copied and paused and rewound and...

I think I've finally mastered it... the Mon Tricot call it harlequin stitch,Teresa in the tute calls it the square wheel stitch and others the wool eater. I call it Nana's crochet baby blanket.

Amazing what a sense of achievement it has brought, I could not be happier that now I can create what my Nana created for my children's babies and whoever may be lucky enough to get one before then!

Check out Kootoyoo for more creative spaces.

Craft book challenge April

2011-04-04T23:46:00.000+10:00

Here is my April edition of the Craft Book Challenge. It's another gorgeous little creation from Scandinavian Stitches. It's a zippered pouch that is around double the depth of a coin pouch. Thought it would be perfect size for a tween birthday girl to put her treasures in. I think it would make a gorgeous 'just in case' pouch actually.

I made a couple of crochet flower clips to go with. Needless to say the birthday girl was happy and her mum wants to know where she can buy my stuff... I hear you loud and clear people and I'm working on it! promise :)

I'm grateful for...

2011-04-02T00:44:00.001+10:00

My darling husband who makes me feel special every day.

Can you tell he's been away for 3 weeks and got home a day early?

Needless to say we all miss him when he has to work away from home.

He's the hook to my yarn, the chips to my gravy, the tea to my gluten free toast.

He works and gives everything he's got to make sure his family is cared for and happy.

And I'm grateful he's home because now i can get some sleep :)

Hop on over to see Maxabella loves... where there are many more grateful types.

My Creative space...

2011-03-30T21:47:00.001+10:00

This is my creative space, it's a reclaimed office desk that my lovely husband painted for me years ago when we were living in Perth. It's where the magic happens.

Behind all the stuff is my inspiration board, it looks rather drab to the untrained eye but the few things on it speak volumes to me. Lovely prints from 74 lime lane, my Bronze Medallion and my mum's id for when she worked at air services Australia... it's the best picture i have of her. Behind her is my 'best mum ever' badge the kids gave me last mothers day. All these things make me feel special and that helps me create.

I claimed these shelves from my daughter today ( she's getting new furniture) to neaten up my desk.

Under the desk is 3 plastic tubs, one full of yarn and the other 2 fabric. I did a clean out today and donated a bag of fabric and a bag of yarn to pre school,. You know how your tastes change and get a bit more fussy about what you really like. I'm there.

So that's my actual creative space all nice and clean for now...

For more creative spaces pop on over to Kootoyoo.

Ever feel like you're chasing your tail?

2011-03-28T14:42:00.002+10:00

I do, I feel like I've been doing it for a good few months now, well since the start of the year. And now it's time to stop the crazy and to start 'moving forward'... as our prime minister keeps saying.

So I'm doing just that. I hope to have my little etsy / made it shop up and running within the month. It's going to have a mix of baby stuff like crocheted cardies and hair clips and little nappy covers and maybe dresses (not sure yet) along with some of these gorgeous pillowcases...

Are you chasing your tail? What's stopping you from moving forward? At the moment its the silly little banner needed at the top of the shop and wait for it... time. I'm sure i can get one done if i could just spend some time sorting it out. Simple as that and I'm ready to get it all happening.

Have a lovely week xox

I'm grateful for...

2011-03-19T08:24:00.000+10:00

Nature...

It's amazing really how nature can create the most beautiful things like trees and butterflies and rainbows and just as quickly it can take it all away.

My sister called me after the tsunami worried that the world was ending. I guess with the list of random natural disasters that have happened in our part of the world since the end of last year it would be easy to think that.

But really these events have been happening for hundred & thousands of years. We have only had colour TV since 1975 and the way we get information has changed. Before we may not have heard about certain events but now we have rolling coverage of disasters. I know it serves a purpose but frankly it's depressing.

So what I'm trying to say is that i want to see the beauty in nature again and I'm grateful for the small wonders it creates like this very full Caterpillar who had feasted on our basil seedlings and could barely move.

Move grateful peeps are hanging out with the lovely Maxabella Loves...

Craft book challenge - March

2011-03-12T19:08:00.000+10:00

I joined the craft book challenge to give me a push to get into all those craft books i have collected.

This month's project was from Meet Me at Mikes first craft book and was made just this morning.

Eldest son gets a phone call from his friend late yesterday and organises to go over to his place today. No worries. Then later last night he tells me ... well actually it's his friends little brother's birthday and his friend was allowed to choose a friend to come over. OHHH Right... So mum can you make him something out of that camo material that you have and can you put his name on it too... That camo material is jersey and i can't really make a pencil case or bag out of it. Don't worry I'll sort something out in the morning.

Looking for something super quick to whip up that was suitable for a 10 year old boy and pow... make a little pouch, the mmam's one would be perfect.

So after only a few hours from start to finish the gift was ready. We put some Australia postcards inside along with pencils and International post stamps. My son's friends have been posted here from America.

I was pleased as punch when I went to collect my son this afternoon and the birthday boy was well impressed that I had made him this bag. He had questions about how it was made and really was thankful.

Now that's what it's all about hey!

My Creative space...

2011-03-10T12:19:00.001+10:00

So very close to finishing this quilt that started a long long time ago... sounds like the start of a fairy tale so I'm looking forward to the warm fuzzies and the end of this creation. It's fox's quilt. he's been on my tail to get it finished and i tried so hard to make a 'masculine' type quilt only to be told otherwise. Never mind, I'm sure he'll enjoy snuggling up under it very soon.

My second project on the go is my Quilt for Queensland. Just after i started making this baby the foot pedal on the pfaff gave up in the humidity and who can blame it really, it's been a hell of a wet season to put it nicely. A replacement pedal arrived from the states last week and I'm just it the process of quilting it together.

I decided to hand quilt it to give some extra loving to it's soon to be new owner. Never hand quilted before... it's a bit harsh on the finger tips but amazingly relaxing and fulfilling at the same time. You should try it.

I have one more project on the go but I will save it for later. Have fun checking out all the lovely Creative spaces over at Kootoyoo.... looks like the lovely Kirsty is trying something new too :)

I'm grateful for...

2011-03-07T08:00:00.001+10:00

The people who work behind the scenes to make our lives as they are.
We moved to Townsville a year ago, it's a small city in the Queensland tropics. The roads North and south flood often and sometimes for weeks on end as we experienced over Xmas and new year. That meant that fresh food became scarce along with many other things essential and non essential including mail.

I know that a parcel bursting with new fabric (that i forgot i bought on some up late bender of etsy & flickr) makes my day. And just last week i received a lovely hand written thank you note from a lady who lost all her sewing gear in the floods.

This picture was taken from the passenger seat of our car while we were travelling back to Townsville from Mackay after Cyclone Yasi. When we saw this Australia Post truck we new the roads where open. What a lovely sight indeed.

Pop on over to Maxabella loves... to see what's making peeps grateful

I'm grateful for...

2011-02-20T11:13:00.002+10:00

The ability to create...

I taught myself just over a year ago how to crochet and this week I'm thankful for crochet.

I whipped up 3 baby cardigans this week and after they were done I found out 3 of my friends are pregnant... 2 of which had given up on even entertaining the thought of getting pregnant!

I'm also grateful for new beginnings... my daughters room has been uninhabitable since cyclone Yasi dumped her stuff a few weeks ago. She's bunking in with her twin brother, something they haven't done for over 5 years. It's been good for them. We now get to create a tween room for her.

I'm also grateful for quick sewing projects and the ability to make gifts rather than buying them.

See what other sweet peeps are grateful for this week at Maxabella Loves.

My Creative space...

2011-02-17T14:36:00.003+10:00

So much stuff to organise with insurance due to cyclone damage and endless phone calls to a telephone company that is not playing the game fairly and also to the ombudsman because someone has to stick up for the little guys. Along with that the telephone company say they can't find me in their system yet continue to sent out bills... SO frustrating because it's been going on since the first week of January.

Also dealing with our landlords DHA, who have my daughter without a room due to water and black mould in her carpet that has been removed but not replaced. It's such a circus here right now and I'm feeling a little ripped off as I thought this year would be awesome and so far it has totally sucked. What's more annoying is I'm not one to mope about and yet that is what I've been doing. I have put all my other projects in the too hard basket for now and started making a few quick little crocheted cardies'. I wanted instant gratification to lift my spirits a bit.... It took me a whole day of browsing through crochet books to finally decide what to make. I'm driving myself nuts...lol

However it's not all bad, I did manage to teach my daughter the beginnings of crochet. She has chain and single crochet sorted and has been eagerly practicing her new skills.

Sorry about the rant, my creativeness has been stood on. Can we just restart 2011 on the 1st of March and maybe things will be awesome from then on in.

Check out some less whiny Creative types at Kootoyoo :)

Blogger's Pillow Party - February 2011

2011-02-08T14:33:00.005+10:00

I have decided to enter this gorgeous pillow in for February's Blogger's Pillow Party

This pillow was made for the Queensland flood appeal auctions during the week the disaster was unfolding in front of us on the TV. I wanted to make something pretty and immediately knew what i would make. As most of you know I have fallen in love with my Scandinavian stitches book I got for Christmas. This pillow is inspired by the mini art quilt in the book and I stitched on the words 'Fly Away' as I hoped the new owners troubles would do just that. I couldn't be happier that I managed to raise $150 for the appeal with this pillow.

Since January Australia has experienced cyclones in North Queensland (where I live), heatwaves across the whole South of Australia, fires in Perth and flooding in Victoria that have been ongoing since January. I'm not THAT old but I can't remember a time in my 30 something years where there has been so many events occurring at once. Of course we live in a Country that is used to having all of these things happen but seriously not all at once and not in such a short time frame. I think we're all wondering when it will end so we can breath easy again.

I will share my cyclone story soon. When things calm down a bit.

Take care all xox

My Creative space...

2011-01-27T07:53:00.004+10:00

Okay I'm just going to come right out and say it, granny squares look pretty yes but what a pain in the but to make. I had grand plans (again) of doing a granny rug but it quickly changed in to a pillow after it took longer to sew in all the threads than crochet the squares. I think in future the two tone version will be just dandy. My hat is off to the grannies and granny makers.

Some more creativeness can be found right here at Kootoyoo.

and the winner is...

2011-01-26T13:26:00.006+10:00

Wow, let me start by saying a big thank you to all you lovely people who have donated to this Appeal. If I could hug each and every one of you I would, really!

My sister & I are happy to have been able to raise $170 from our auction & raffle. Hooray.

Now to announce the lucky winners...

The Bunny Raffle that ended today at midday was won by Rachael. Thanks to Random.org. I have sent you an email to sort out the details.

The Pillow Auction that finished up on Midnight 24th Jan was won by my super grogeous Canberran cousin. I was so suprised when I realised who had won. I didn't even know my family read my blog!

I'm sure both will be well loved in their new homes. x

time flies... yes it does.

2011-01-25T08:35:00.005+10:00

This year marks the last year of primary school for my babies. It wasn't that long ago that I sent them off to their first day of kindy, they were SO excited to finally be kindy kids after watching their friends hop on the bus from daycare (was a fulltime working single mama back then) they were over the moon it was finally them getting on the bus.

This was their first 'family' school portrait - Darwin style. The black tooth was from his sister pushin him off the couch. It has gone now... thank goodness.

We moved from Darwin to Perth and this was their First day of Pre Primary. We stayed in Perth for another 4 years and they have very fond memories of this time.

We moved to Queensland 3 years ago and boy how quickly they have grown during this time. We have had to buy complete new wardrobes every 6 months for both as they have taken off like bean shoots. They are both taller than me now and have size 11 mens & 12 ladies shoes and still growing!

They are equally excited about going to high school next year and have never had a problem with changing schools as they've always had each other. I have to admit this has helped me too.

xox

I'm grateful for...

2011-01-21T23:30:00.005+10:00

Being blessed with twins.

These guys turned 12 on Monday and I can't even begin to explain how very awesome they are.

They don't look like twins anymore, well they haven't really looked alike at all.

Everyday they tell me how I'm the best mum in the world and i answer them with... how would you know because I'm the only one you've got, there could be others more awesome. I'm cheeky like that.

Going to miss the company when school goes back but not the bickering.

This photo says it all... someone blew all the candles out first... can you guess who? lol

From this day forth there will be two cakes to prevent any future birthday caketastrophies!

Bless x

What are you grateful for? Come along and play with Maxabella Loves

My Creative space...

2011-01-20T20:45:00.004+10:00

This new year i have hit the ground running trying to finish off projects that were started a while back, then i decided the get some granny action happening seeing as i signed up to 'a granny a day' last year and well failed big time.

So I thought I'd start small and do a little cushion cover, i seem to be gravitating towards cushions of late... finishing off with grey edging and i might even try attaching a zip to the crochet... walking on the wild side hey!

Now I'm not the only creative person in this house, my husband Fox has made a massive scalextix table and track in the garage over the school holidays. It's been a perfect project to keep the boys busy while we've been house bound by the rain.

Trying to get a good shot in the dark of the lamp post because Fox made it ! I'm so impressed he's really trying to be creative and make accessories for the track by himself. He now has a production line happening in the shed and his track should have a bunch of street lights up by the weekend.

Now head on over to Kootoyoo for some more crafty inspiration :)

Flood appeal raffle

2011-01-19T08:46:00.010+10:00

EDIT - This Raffle is now CLOSED. Congratulations to Rachael.

My sister has kindly offered to donate one of her lovely handmade rabbits. She doesn't have a blog and has asked me to raffle a rabbit on her behalf.

This is my daughter's rabbit, she will make you your very own and has said it can be either a BOY or GIRL rabbit, it's your choice.

I have made this raffle available for anyone who donates to either The Qld. premier's flood appeal, The Victorian Red Cross Flood Appeal or The Australia Zoo wildlife warrior flood appeal.

Here's the deal...

Donate $5 for one ticket for any or all or these appeals and leave your receipt number with your comment entry. This raffle is open worldwide and I'll throw in fee postage too.

***ALL RAFFLES END AT MIDDAY, WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY ***

The lucky winner will be contacted by email on Thursday 27th Good luck!!

Queensland Flood Relief Auction

2011-01-16T15:14:00.007+10:00

I have up for auction a gorgeous 16 x 16 inch pillow made by me using beautiful light blue linen and machine appliqued syko birds in Amy Butler's soul blossom and love fabrics. Framed with Heather Bailey's Bijoux at my husbands request.

Edit - This Auction is now CLOSED. Thank you.

Fly Away, hand stitched as I hope the owners troubles will do just that.

The reverse side has three snaps / press studs to close.

Please note... Due to the high cost of International postage the Cushion Cover Only will be posted. Australian residents will receive the Cushion Cover & Insert.

How this auction works:
1. Bidding will start at $30 (Australian).
2. You can place a bid by leaving a comment on this blog post with your bid amount and email address. Please make sure that your bid is higher than the previous bidder.
3. Your bid must be in whole dollar increments.
4. This auction is open to everyone.
5. The auction begins NOW and will END at midnight on Monday 24Th January 2011.
6. At the close of the auction, I will contact the winner (please make sure your bid comment includes your email address). The winner will pay the winning amount directly into the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal and send me proof of payment via email. Once proof of payment has been received, I will post your book and slippers to you.
7. Thank you for participating and happy bidding!

Auction Sneak Peak

2011-01-15T19:55:00.002+10:00

Nearly finished making the pillow I'm offering for Make It Perfect's Qld FLood Appeal Auctions.

I hope to have it finished tommorrow and up for auction shortly after.

Keeping busy indoors

2011-01-12T13:48:00.007+10:00

Like the vast majority of the country we've had rain daily since well before Christmas so when normally we'd be out and about exploring the place we've been bailed up at home.

Cut off by flood waters but not directly affected by them. We have family and friends in Brisbane who are all fine so far, just one has water coming up their street but others are pitching in with sandbagging etc. It's heartbreaking to watch it all unfolding on TV and we have no clue what's happening anywhere else right now, it's 24/7 flood coverage. So I do hope you are all well.

It really puts in to perspective how small my troubles are.

The mothering skills have been well tested these holidays. My youngest got around in nothing but jocks for weeks and refused to get dressed, he is such a homebody and also a socialite, so he has been in his element having the whole family at home. He will be lost when they all go their separate ways when school and work go back in a few weeks and then I'll really have to get on my game.

Trying to find things to keep the kids occupied I came across Hip Hip for the Holidays, a joint effort between two crafty ladies. What a great way to keep us all occupied toward the end of the holidays.

The kids just loved doing this especially the boys, the painting...

the hammering...

The twins chose the same shape, as they do.

Dman chose a love heart as his shape and once it had the string on he got around the house strumming it like a guitar humming the star wars 'darth vader' tune...

My kids love going to the museum, It's always very hands on and interactive so you can really spend hours here.

So brave holding a leafy stick insect.

View from the balcony of the museum with the Ross river and Castle Hill in the background. I took this picture for the patch of blue sky, it didn't last long, by the time we left it was raining again. It is the wet season afterall.

How do you keep the kids busy on rainy days?

How to help Queensland

2011-01-11T11:50:00.004+10:00

Make it Perfect is rounding up the crafty blogging community to auction items where the proceeds go to the Queensland Flood relief appeal.

If you are wondering how on earth you can help as I was, well here's your chance!

If you don't have a blog or online shop you can still donate HERE.

Thank You x

Gluten free doesn't have to mean flavor free too

2011-01-10T10:23:00.005+10:00

I'm going off topic for this post as i thought it was time to share my secret gluten free favourite products. I'm usually not one for advertising a particular brand but when you are new to the world of gluten free (GF) eating it can be an expensive lesson to try out new products only to find they taste horrible.

These brands will mainly be found in Australia and perhaps New Zealand also, so I apologise to my overseas readers if this doesn't relate to you. Maybe you can keep these tips in mind if you are coming here for a holiday and perhaps you'd like to share your favourite products for those who visit your country. I know I'd love to see what's available in your town.

I have been gluten free for 2 years now and have tried nearly every product available to date. How it works in my house is everyone makes there own breakfast & lunch but any shared meals are made gluten free. Anything I cook is made entirely GF, birthday cakes the lot.

So this is a bit of a link festival, I have all my faves saved to bookmarks.

Breakfast favourites :: Woolworths freefrom gluten free buttermilk pancake mix (a weekend & camping favourite). Hans small goods make gluten free bacon, sliced meat etc. If you are a tea and toast person try Golden Hearth seed loaf. We use Nuttelex butter and Black & Gold (from IGA) jam is GF. Carmen's GF muesli is my latest fad topped with Nestle vanilla diet yoghurt and blueberries.

Lunch :: to me is always the hardest meal of the day as it usually requires preparation which is not always easy if you're out of the house. I usually make wraps, Old Time Bakery Wraps (IGA or Woolies) are the business, they don't crack and fall apart when you roll them and they taste awesome. Copperpot make nice mini GF hommus that fit in a lunch box with veg sticks et al. If not wraps then I go for salad of some sort that has protein in it to get me through to the afternoon. I'll share my favourite recipes in a later post.

Dinner :: is always interesting, I have served up some bizarre stuff to my family and yet they still eat it and say thank you...well all bar the youngest who is known to protest daily anyway. We usually go for fresh food and steer away from packet sauces etc. I like to make from scratch because then I know exactly whats going in our mouths. But you always need a back up plan for when things get busy, again Old Time Bakery have beaut Pizza Bases that you can top whatever you have in the fridge, they aren't the thick type which makes them crisp up on a pizza stone, which i think is yum. McCain Healthy Choice frozen fries/chips are GF you really have to check the ingredients in stuff like this though as companies love to add in wheat flour i guess for added crispiness. I'll share dinner recipes later too.

:: Baked Ricotta & Thyme Pie - 4 Ingredients GF book

Desert :: is a weekend treat in our house unless it's a special occasion and Ice cream what is normally called for. We go for Peter's Vanilla Ice cream. This is where it gets a little tricky trying to figure out if there is wheat in the ice cream or not. Glucose syrup from wheat is totally fine for the GF diet as all the actual wheat has been driven off through the processing although the source of the glucose is from wheat. So companies put in the ingredients list CONTAINS WHEAT even though it is really GLUTEN FREE. That being said you still need to check through the other ingredients to see if any wheat is in them. Anything Malt or cookie dough related is sadly never going to happen but that's fine because there's plenty of other options like the Creative Gourmet French Style crepes. Found in the frozen desert section, enough can't be said about their awesomeness.

Out & About :: for on the plane, road trips, to have in your bag if you get stuck somewhere longer than you thought (and if the kids don't get to them first). Artisse chewy coca aribar, Eskal tea biscuits and St Dalfours chicken, duck or salmon with vegetables, these are especially good for plane flights and camping. I normally get around with a snack cup full of dried fruit & nuts and a banana in my hand bag too.

:: St Dalfour - Duck & Vegetable - Lunch while camping at Paluma.

Back when I was diagnosed I joined the Qld Coeliac Society as my nutritionist told me they had members discounts on GF products at Coles. Monthly the specials change and it's usually 10-20% off certain GF products. To be honest I haven't used it all that much but still think it's worth having. After i joined I bought This low GI GF living, since been updated with THIS book, which I found to be awesome. I especially like the lentil & feta salad, Italian rice & lentil soup (kids love this) and the tangy tuna rice paper rolls mmm. Funnily enough some of these recipes have popped up in Weight watcher's magazines too. Joining the society had other benefits though and they are so helpful with helping you know how to chose GF and also if you are having to travel.

I'll leave it there for now. These are my own recommendations, I don't think the society likes to recommend specific brands I guess due to sponsorship butI know this type of post would have helped me save a bunch of cash so I hope you find this helpful if you are newly diagnosed or have a friend that is GF.

Scandinavian Stitches

2011-01-05T17:11:00.006+10:00

Finished my Finnish herring 'silakka' pillow.

Totally in love with my new craft book Scandinavian Stitches made by Syko, it has the sweetest little projects.

I made this pillow as a present but after completion I really really want to make one for myself. Or keep it even.

I picked up a few new techniques making it. The first was pulling the top thread through to the back and tying off. It really does make the top look neater rather than reverse sewing back and forth etc. And the second technique is using an embroidery thread to top stitch around applique. I didn't realise how much it would affect the look of the appliqued fish.

This pillow has been entered into Stitched in Color's Bloggers Pillow Party.

Wish me luck.

Out with the old...

2010-12-31T21:05:00.004+10:00

And in with the new...

I just love this time of year and who doesn't, you get to eat happy food, enjoy family time and with any luck relax a little.

My gorgeous kids bought me Scandinavian Stitches for Christmas and I just couldn't wait to get into one of the sweet little projects. My fancy Pfaff machine had other ideas and the foot pedal seems to have given up. I don't think it is liking this humid weather all too much. So I got out my old trusty Janome (Jan) and I can't even describe the joy it brought me. Getting her out was like having an old school friend come round to visit and we just picked up where we left off.

Attempting to make this cushion with Jan has had it's obstacles. The directions call for machine stitching the word 'silakka' across the bottom but after realising the feed dog cannot be lowered It had to be hand stitched. I'm not a stitcher of the hand variety but somehow it worked out.

Machine stitching on the little fish I also picked up a new technique of pulling the top thread through and tying the thread instead of reverse stitching. It really does make it neater on the front. The first fish started off a little dodgy but i got it more stream lined.

So I'm nearly done and so is this year...

It certainly has been eventful here. I've had many battles this year, some i won, some lost.

My plans for the new year are BIG.

I want to join the etsy community and share my creations with others.
I know my family love them so it's only fair to share right?

I want to try and share more, I have a tendency of hiding away (true cancerian style) when things are tough instead of verbalising I wait it out in silence.

I want to include myself in the list of those who i look after. you know how that works.
And I also want to run the mother's day classic, a 5km run. Not that huge really but coming from a large chested family something that doesn't come as second nature.

I'm sure this list will grow through the year and also get checked off along the way.

So that's it my friends, thanks for all your lovely comments and words of encouragement this year. It has meant a lot to me, really.

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year full of joy and happiness

Our tree...

2010-12-22T12:25:00.006+10:00

We have had this purple Xmas tree for 10 years now. Each year we collect more clear glass balls to go on it. It's not always easy to find them but this year Myer had a great range so I snapped them up while we were in Perth.

I know it's a little weird having an angel sitting up top of our non traditional type tree... but that's the way we like it. My mum had an angel on her tree and so it is that we do too.

last minute xmas gift making

2010-12-20T21:17:00.005+10:00

Yeah, I thought I was so organised but have somehow found myself making last minute gifts as you do. I did join in to the handmade xmas meme but had to make a hasty retreat when i realised that some of my family do indeed read my blog...

So I went to ground with it all and totally forgot about it until Sunday, of course!

Last year my 3 nephews received a pair of gorgeous handmade shorts. This year I went with pencil cases because they're quick although I'm still trying to master the side seams near the zip but I think I'm getting it after only 2 quick unpicks :)

the flash has washed out the colour on the denim diaper covers

for my newest nephew. Baby clothes look terrible without a model but trust me these are the cutest ever, It's hard to find cute/cool stuff for baby boys, I think I'll be making more of these.

And I made this crocheted rug earlier in the year and put it away for my little sister . I know she won't read this because she's on holiday's in Sydney and she's either opened her present early or taken it with her to the in laws. Either way, i think it's safe. I hope.

And that's it, I'm ready for Christmas.

Last year we moved house and the twins were in Perth so this is going to be an awesome Christmas with my family together in the one place, not moving house... just relaxing and spending time together... big smiley face

Count me in ...

2010-12-20T02:03:00.005+10:00

retro mummy is having a giveaway much like the mega lotto draws held at the end of the year this is the crafty blogland equivalent... look at all those gorgeous fabrics! Bonanza!

Gosh, so many possibilities...

Go on, check i out :)

Been busy... you know...

2010-12-13T15:19:00.004+10:00

Wow, it seems ages since i last blogged, it's not because i haven't got anything to blog about it's just a busy time, . We had a little trip to Perth, not for a holiday but for a family matter, it wasn't fun but we did enjoy catching up with family and of course i made most of the opportunity and I picked up some lovely glass balls for the tree... will show you these later :)

I seem to go through colour phases with my latest fetish being red white and red white and blue. The stocking I crocheted for Kitty n Kitsch in Selina's stocking swap was Red & White, I borrowed her picture, i hope that's okay, it's dark in my house but glare and super bright outside, being the wet season it's not a great time of year to take good pictures. Well I'm having loads of trouble taking good pictures :)

I made this Santa sack for a little boy who didn't have one. Apparently this is an Australian thing to have a Santa sack I just found out from an American friend that they only do stockings and have never heard of this sack caper. What does Santa do at your place?

And finally a pretty little Christmas outfit for a gorgeous little girls first Xmas. I have to confess that I have never made baby clothing before and let me tell you it's not as easy as you would think. My mind was telling me that little clothes would be easy but trying to sew around arm and leg holes that don't fit around the sewing machine arm is kind of tricky so I am quite pleased with myself .

Teachers gifts

2010-11-17T09:55:00.003+10:00

I don't even remember if I made teacher's gifts last year.... oh that's right I moved house last xmas and made quilts for the twins in the weeks before we moved... because that's what they wnated :)
So no excuse this year to whip up a little something for some absolutely lovely teachers. We have been lucky this time round with the kids loving their new school, making friends easily and having great teachers tooo. Can't ask for more than that now can you!

I came across this cute coffee cozzies tutorial and couldn't go past them.

While out xmas shopping yesterday I found some silver star tree ornaments and mini bonbons with truffles inside and thought they would go nicely with the coffee vouchers that all manage to fit inside the coffee cups. Now cross fingers they love a good cuppa!

And here is a sneky peek at the stocking I made for my swap partner in Selina's Great stocking swap of 2010. I had a lot of fun making it, I just hope my partner likes it too.

My creative space...

2010-11-04T12:01:00.004+10:00

A little home making... iv'e been sewing and putting up sun-out curtains in the bedrooms. I chose this rather dark curtain material for good reason. We have windows on two walls and two walls of full length wall to wall, floor to ceiling mirrors...oh yes. At present the only window coverings are vertical blinds (dha standard) and well they aren't all together private or very good at keeping out light considering the cupboard doors are quite reflective lol.

We have taken down the verticals and replaced them with the curtain tracks. Probably illegal according to dha, we will put everything back as it was before we leave but considering we expect to be here for another 2 years I think it's worth the effort.

You see, the sun shows up here anywhere from 5.30am onwards and Dman gets up not long after that.... usually to tell the native birds to be quiet! We have a plan for that too. Bambini Pronto have these alarm clocks that light up when it's okay to get out of bed and so far it's been working! We set it to turn on at 6am and will slowly make it later.

So excited for more sleep ans a cosy bedroom.

Check out more creative spaces at Kootoyoo :)

Christmas Stocking Swap

2010-11-02T11:34:00.004+10:00

This delightful package surprised me today when it arrived on my doorstep...
I wasn't expecting a parcel, so it could only mean one thing! It HAD to be from my swap partner for 'The Great Stocking Swap of 2010'

I opened the parcel to find it bursting with goodies and as i pulled out the pretzels i thought - oh that's okay I'll give them to my husband - but wait... it says gluten free... (loud squeal) ... next thought - hey i didn't even know they made GF pretzeles, wow this lady's done her homework... how lovely - !!!

I seriously love this stocking, it's perfect and will fit right in with our crazy purple christmas tree.
The mixed media work is amazing, i have no clue how this was achieved at all but it's ace.

Pam, thank you so much for all the effort you went to putting my special parcel together. You are one clever lady! I feel very lucky indeed.

Check out Pam's blog Cloth to Creation for everything from chenille xmas angel patterns to yummy looking desert recipies!

Silence

2010-10-07T14:20:00.002+10:00

The silence is over, I'm back after nearly a blog free month.

Firstly I had a wisdom tooth removed a week and a half after being on the wrong antibiotics and told it was sinus... finding a new doctor i think!

Then I flew to Brisbane for some R & R and reembered on the plane that i forgot my camera! Clever me packed a bag inside a bag though and felt silly doing it but seriously the second case was full after a week so I was glad I did it.

I picked up some lovely yarn & the Nov/Dec issue of Crochet Today! Sept/Oct hasn't even hit the shelves here yet.

Next I had a shopping list of all the things you can't get in The Ville, the hardest thing to find on the list was the size 11 ladies thongs required by my 11 year old daughter. Yes that's not a spelling mistake, the girl is tall and since returning home I'm now sure she's taller than me but I'm not pointing it out to her anytime soon :)

I also caught up with some lovely friends, my auntie, uncles and cousins. love those guys to pieces and didn't realise how much i missed them!

This is my beautiful friend Dani who used to work with me in Darwin many years ago. She is very special to me and actually had a dream about me being pregnant and told me about it. I took a pregnancy test (we worked in pharmacy) to prove to her I wasn't pregnant and it turned out positive. Hello twins!

One of the many Bizarre stories of my life!

Right now I'm busy making a xmas stocking for Selina's swap and I don't really want to spoilt it for my partner if she happens to peak, but I might take some sneaky shots so you can sneak a peak.

Bringing back the good stuff

2010-09-10T13:35:00.005+10:00

This is me aged 2 and a half I'd say. Our family went to visit Nana in Enoggerra for Christmas and my parents must have loved me because they bought me the best present ever. I remember playing with this Tree house for hours and hours. I bet mum thought it was the best present ever too!

Over the years I have wondered what happened to my Tree house. I even stalked eBay for a while to get one but they were all incomplete or cost half my grocery bill in postage and I just couldn't justify it.

So you could imagine my joy when I found out they had reproduced it and pimped it up a little. I asked my older 2 kids if I should get one and they convinced me i should so i went ahead and ordered it (because you should always take advice from 11 year olds when there are no other adults around :) Dman will be getting this for Christmas i think, breaking all my rules of buying and supporting hand made. Forehead slap! I just had to... damn you awesome childhood memories. I'm thinking I'll make a playmat for it so it will come complete with handmade goodness aswell...

Now to convince fox that the price is okay and that it's a unisex toy...lol

PS. since i ordered it, I have found it cheaper and in stock on other sites

PPS. don't tell fox

My creative space...

2010-08-26T06:49:00.004+10:00

Is more like a creative adventure, and this is the begining.

It's going to be a blanket much like Amelie's but this time I'm using some rather bold Kaffe Fasset fabric just for fun.

And now for some more viewing pleasure, turn the channel over to Kootoyoo the home of Creative Space's.

For the mermaid lover

2010-08-24T18:29:00.004+10:00

I made this mermaid pencil case using denim & appliquing the mermaid on first using The same pattern as Dman's Pirate Quilt. And ofcourse I had to use the fish fabric for lining.

The birthday girl seemed impressed.

This arrived in the mail today from Bendigo Woolen Mills and I couldn't be more excited. I've been using Lion brand cotton yarn, which is nice but too thick for the project I'm about to start. I love that they sent me colour charts too with actual yarn samples. Big toothy grins all round.

Now to create...

This week...

2010-08-13T14:15:00.005+10:00

I was surprised to find out both my older kids qualified for shot put in the zone inter school sports representing their school.

And my eldest son has been chosen to represent his school for rugby union.

My youngest son went for his 4 year old check up and was supposed to get vaccinated but got a script for an ear infection instead.

The doctor tells me he should be able to draw a detailed picture of himself but all he can manage is a scribble. will have to work on that! His gross motor skills are normal.

I have ordered some cotton yarn from bendigo mills and while i wait for it's arrival I made...

rhubarb & lemon cordial, just improvised on this recipe a little by adding citric acid. So delish, and I made mini rhubarb muffins using the left over pulp from the cordial.

Made a drink bottle holder for my cousin who moved to Virginia, USA this year. I made her son one for his birthday earlier this year and she has been 'borrowing' it from him. So now she can give it back!

Inspired by the lovely Pip Lincoln and her yellow box project

portion controlled devil's food cake :)

And this is what I'm working on, it's going to be a pencil case for a mermaid fan's birthday.
will post more on this later.

Enjoy your weekend, ours will be spent cleaning up the garden on Saturday and dusting and cleaning walls on Sunday. Who wants to come to my place?

Toby's Blanket

2010-08-10T11:04:00.002+10:00

It's finished and on it's way to the brand new owner as we speak.

So soft & spongy, i want to make one for keeps now.

To make this blanket -

Make a chain however wide you like in an uneven number.
Tr in the second chain from the end and in each chain to the end.
Chain 2 then Tr around the post, then do a normal Tr all the way to the end.
Repeat for as long as you like. It's that simple.

I started with 7 rows of main colour then 8 rows of contrast and continued doing 8 rows until the last colour and made it 7 rows . This was so the edging didn't make that colour band too wide at the ends.

After completing the last row of main colour make 1 chain then single crochet all the way around, slip stitch in first SC, 1 chain then turn and SC around again, SL ST then 1 chain. the edging is crab stitch, which is reverse single crochet. So instead of turning you SC from left to right . I had not attempted this stitch before but it's not hard, I looked up you tube and was away in no time. Thank you You Tube for teaching me the ways of the hook :)

I found it took longer than I had first thought and chose this one piece blanket to avoid sewing squares together. Trying to take a short cut and it back fired, hehe, oh well.

Also, the stripes were meant to be horizontal but when Toby decided to stun us all and make an early entrance into the world I changed plans and went for a bassinet / pram sized blanket instead.

An eventful weekend

2010-08-01T16:13:00.006+10:00

After cleaning up my stash I thought I'd give this sweet tute a go and polish up my zip skills at the same time and Meeka snapped it up as soon as she came home from school :)

Then on Friday my big boy received a rugby injury and ended up getting carted off in an ambulance. I met him at the hospital and was shocked to see a golf ball sized egg above his eye. He's fine but now it's a very black & purple shiner. So I won't put any pictures up as it is quite shocking and this is the reason I haven't put too many birthday photos up. Not a good look.

So, Dman celebrated his 4th Birthday yesterday, we made cupcakes and opened pressies, his favourite was the buzz light year lazer gun that has a zurg he can shoot. He played all day and was not impressed when we had to leave home to go to the shops. his daddy is away at the moment so we'll have a real cake & a party when he comes home.

today while Con was making himself a Lego movie using still shots on my camera I made him a little guitar pick & string pouch.

And when I gave it to him he immediately scrunched it up and threw it in his guitar bag... ahhh boys... got to love them .

Hoping your weekend was much less eventful than mine xox

My creative space

2010-07-29T08:19:00.003+10:00

After reading Bianca's blog yesterday I decided it was time to sort my fabric stash because so far my 'sorting' has really just been folding and putting it into a large plastic tub.

So I've seperated the plains from the prints and kind of put them into coordinating colour piles. I wonder how you sort your fabric stash? By designer, colour, florals, stripes...etc?

Soon it will be put back into the tub in their piles but I'm guessing it will not be long before it has to get done again... more fabric arriving soon... shhh :)

So maybe not such a creative space, but soon to be a tidy one in prep for some sweet creations.

Pop on over to Kootoyoo for some really exciting Creative Spaces!

Adam's Birthday blanket

2010-07-26T10:26:00.004+10:00

I played around with the embroidery stitches on my machine and made a little name tag. I'm not really a big fan of machine embroidery and that's probably why I haven't given it a go until now, but Fox is really on my case about making labels and thinks I should make my own too. So bossy!

Adams blanket is fleecy one side and flannel the other with cotton binding. and I quilted the two sides together with a large square pattern. It's funny how something that looks so simple to make can actually take a whole day to complete.

Anyway, I'm so glad I got this done yesterday because Adam's little brother Toby was born yesterday & I'm no where near finished on his crochet baby blanket. Time to get the hook out and go for it. Oh & it's my sister's birthday on Thursday, so I'm hoping to fit all three pressies in the one post parcel. Express of course!

Thanks for dropping by, hope you had a lovely weekend!

cute tote

2010-07-23T13:43:00.003+10:00

As the name says, it really is cute. I was worried it would be too small while i was putting it together but it has turned out perfect. It fits the matching cosmetic purse i made and still has room to stash more goodies inside. I hope my sister likes it. She is having her 4th boy in a few weeks and i though something pretty just for her might be appreciated.

Now to get cracking on my youngest nephews birthday blanket, which just happens to be next weekend and the day after dmans birthday. Oh and Fox is away for the next few weeks for work again so he misses dman's 4th birthday. I'll put off his party until daddy comes home i think.

My creative space

2010-07-22T09:08:00.006+10:00

My eldest sister is having her birthday next week so I decided to make her a Cosmetic purse using Nicole Mallalieu Design's Kit. And a matching little tote with Jennie McClelland's cute pattern out of the Meet me at Mikes book.

And now I'm off to a friends birthday lunch... hope you have a lovely day and keep warm down there in the southern reigons of Australia. It's a bit cold here too in Townsville...lol no really I have a cardi & jeans on :)

Pop on over to Kootoyoo and see what other crafty types are up to.

Edit - My husband keeps telling me (nagging) i need to put my own label onto the gifts i create, but i have no clue where to look for them, any hints on where i could pick up some cotton tape labels? thank you, trying to keep the man happy, you know x

It's all about the kids...

2010-07-17T11:30:00.005+10:00

Fox has been away for a few weeks now and we've all been missing him a lot. He comes home this weekend but only briefly before he's off again.
When he is away I really don't get much of a chance to sew or crochet at home because by the end of the day I'm so exhausted my eyes can't see straight. So the only time I've had time for crafting is on Wednesdays craft group (and this week got hijacked by the RAAF Air Commander coming to check out the Family centre). As a treat on Friday I popped in to see Kirsten at Pompom Rouge and did manage a bit of crochet.
But I'm starting to worry a little about the lack of craft/me time as I have 4 birthdays in the next few weeks and have not finished one gift. Watching my hair turn white by the minute. No really, red hair turns white... none of this grey business. Nevermind, I know I work well under pressure so it will get done!

So Miki had a friend over last night and today I took all the kids to The Strand. It really is as nice as the pictures if not better. There are many play grounds and grassed areas as well as a FREE water play area along a few kilometers of Townsville foreshore which also overlooks Magnetic Island.

The Rock pool & magnetic Island in the background

Rock pool

The port to the left & Mt. Stewart on the right.

The flying fox was a big hit

And ofcourse, the ice cream bribe.

Now maybe, just maybe they will be relaxed enough this arfternoon that I will have a chance to get my craft on. :)

Another year older

2010-07-13T12:32:00.002+10:00

July is crazy birthday month with 13 friends & family celebrating this month including myself.

My birthday is 4Th July and it's great because no one forgets it. I do hope that one year I'll get to spend a birthday in the USA ... just for fun.

This year I got totally spoiled. My beautiful neighbour made this gluten free toblerone cheesecake. Lets just say it was so good it was gone in 1 day. I'm not asking for the recipe because that would be dangerous.

The next lovely surprise was this amazing cross stitch from my little sister. Personally I am fascinated by cross stitch and have made a few dismal attempts but always abandon it in a tangled knotty mess. So this to me is amazing. Thank you Ren I will treasure it forever.

And finally this lovely number arrived on my doorstep today. When Fox asked me (on 3rd July) what I wanted for my birthday I showed him a few of my favourite things and even suggested local craft store vouchers. So I was totally surprised when he and the kids chose this granny square necklace.

But, The most special of all presents would have to be the hand written notes from the kids in texta and crayon with love hearts, kisses & flowers telling me how special i am. They certainly know how to make me feel loved.

Happy Birthday Indeed xox

Simple simplicity

2010-07-10T20:59:00.002+10:00

Built by Wendy Simplicity 3835

Finally finished this Cream top for SSS. I had to put down the hook for a bit & I'm happy I did. There's nothing like the feeling you get when you finish a garment especially when it's for yourself :)

Modeled by my daughter, who really really likes it.

Guess I'll be making a lot more items from this pattern range.

My creative space

2010-07-01T08:58:00.003+10:00

On the countdown to my newest nephews arrival in 5 weeks.

I'm crocheting him a waffle cot blanket to keep him warm in chilly Goulburn.

He will be my 14th niece/nephew but hopefully not the last.

Kootoyoo has a mountain of creative spaces, check it out. x

Winter holidays

2010-06-30T15:11:00.009+10:00

An hour and a half on the road from Townsville we drove through Paluma. The kids were amazed that we were actually driving through a cloud.

The turn off to the Lake had a cassowary warning sign. Our eldest son being petrified of birds was not at all impressed. Thankfully we didn't see one up close..

Wasn't long before the tent was up and we were ready for camp fire action.

I threw a few spuds in the coals and we had baked potates for dinner. It was totally gourmet with garlic butter, bacon, cheese, sour cream & shallots. Is now the time to mention that we forgot to pack the bbq utensils and only had plastic knives and forks & a wooden spoon to cook with. Yep, it was intresting.

The camp kitchen. We learned quickly that all food stuff must either be put in the fire or the car overnight because we were kept awake the first night by a persistant native, wait for it... giant white tailed rat!

Looking at this sign I'm glad it was only the rat and not say a snake!

Next day we drove back in to Paluma and took a stroll to Witt's lookout, a 3 km round trip through the rain forest.

It was such a beautiful walk. The smell, the shade, the colours...

The art of nature... a strangler fig having it's way with it's host. love it.

And we made it.

I think the river down there is Crystal Creek and in the distance is the ocean & some islands, i seriously can not see that far.

Fox had the gps in hand and there was a cache near by.

Many adventures to be had with geocaching & treasures to be found (& swapped).

There is a lot of wildlife around this area and each morning we woke up to the beautiful sounds of literally hundreds of birds making their morning calls. It was like a bird symphony at the crack of dawn with the most amazing sounds, you know like the ones on the meditation cd's.

Some birds didn't mind being seen and Dman enjoyed watching the "turkey lurkey show" where the brush turkey's would come down from the forest and try and grab any bits of food that might have been dropped. I guess they're the seagulls of the rainforest.

And after a relaxing few nights with nature it was home time before we knew it. We all really enjoyed staying at the Paluma Dam and can not wait for our next trip out there.

7 Years ago

2010-06-29T10:19:00.003+10:00

I eloped with this awesome man,

he wore a paisley shirt & I made my own wedding dress because I couldn't find what I wanted at the shops.

We hired a luxury cat from Cullen Bay and got married on Darwin Harbour with 7 ace friends on board.

Best day ever.

My creative space

2010-06-24T09:27:00.004+10:00

More beanie making for our camping weekend. Meeka chose the colour to match her cardigan and I actually followed a pattern with this one.

But sadly it does not fit. It won't even fit Dmans head so I guess it's suited for a 1-2 year old and I just so happen to know a little girl who will be one next winter.

So it's back to the hook to whip up another...

Check out Kootoyoo to see what's going down in craftland.

Rugging up

2010-06-22T15:05:00.002+10:00

Oh my goodness, who knew that North Queensland could get so cold? It's been freezing ... well in the mornings anyway and when I say freezing I mean 11 - 13 degrees celcius. So maybe not freezing compared to say Canberra but when you're use to 30 c days it really is cold. So, this week I have located my box of winter clothes (packed away when we left Brisbane) because we're going camping by a lake in the mountains this weekend and if we're cold here in the city, I can only imagine what it's going to be like there. Luckily I still fit my winter gear from last year but the same cannot be said for the smalls. So I got to crocheting a beanie for Dman. No pattern, just mixed up the yarn & crochet stitches etc. And ta da one happy boy who cannot wait to wear it & try out his new sleeping bag. I made a pompom for the top after fox said i should (he always tells me what i should do to improve my projects, bless him) and with inspiration from posies latest efforts but i think it looks better without.

And while we're on the topic, I went in to PomPom Rouge today and met Kristen who has a sweet little fabric/yarn shop & craft/sewing place out back. I think i'll be hanging out there a bit.

And now to make beanies for the big kids... i really need to find a pattern.

My creative space

2010-06-17T10:27:00.003+10:00

This week I have made some crochet trim to go on a top for self stitched september.
It was a little tricky sewing it on because of the bulk, but I tacked it first which made it easier.

Thanks for checking in.

For mor creative spaces check out Kootoyoo.

Thanks for a good yarn

2010-06-16T14:26:00.006+10:00

Recently sew mama sew had a massive giveaway day and I won some absolutely divine yarn from Johanna at Star-Cooked . It really is gorgeous stuff.

I was so excitied when it arrived that i didn't even take a pic of the yarn but got straight to crocheting an earwarmer for my early morning walks. I know I live in the tropics but it really does get cold in the mornings and my big ears catch the wind... :)

So I used Johannas yarn for the middle section with some grey yarn on the outside. Iv'e never made a headband before but it really was quite easy. Just do 60 chain then either single crochet or mix it up with a row of triple until it get's to the width you're after then sew the edges together. it's that simple.

Trying to get a shot of the head band... not so easy.

And I finally got the headband. Those colours are even more awesome in real life.

Thankyou Johanna, I love it. And thanks also to sew mama sew for holding such a fun giveaway. Next time I will have to get involved and give something away too.

Take care you xox

sewing and so on

2010-06-10T13:33:00.003+10:00

Haven't blogged for a week. It's been crazy with fox at home after having elbow surgery. He's really enjoying hanging out with me and the Dman and I have to say it's been very nice having him around. It's not often that we actually get to spend time together.

I took the opportunity to create and over the weekend i whipped up this snugly pirate blanket for my sisters eldest boy. Happy Birthday for Tuesday Jo xox

I made this skirt too. Not sure if it goes with my whitey white legs but really i just wanted to see how the pattern looked and used up some remnant fabric i picked up from spotty for a few dollars. I will make it again but in a plain fabric next time.
I have to get cracking on making some more clothes because I have entered into Self stitched September with So Zo and otherwise I'll be going naked in September and well that's not the aim.

It's the Queen's birthday long weekend and we'll be putting up our tent and checking all our camping gear for an upcoming adventure into the Queensland wilderness.

Ciao, enjoy your weekend x

My creative space

2010-06-04T09:21:00.002+10:00

It's all about Lego, buliding, creating, smashing & creating again. Dman likes me to copy the catalogue pictures and recreate the scenes before he smashes them apart and makes his own.

Fox went to the big smoke (Brisbane) this week and picked up this awesome toy story lego.
Toy Story is the one movie that our whole family is happy to sit and watch together. And it looks like this Toy Story 3 will be the first ever moovie we take Dman to see at the cinema. He seriously can't sit still, which kid can? I'm game... So it will be interesting to see how that goes...lol.

In the mean time, it's back to playing lego.

Visit more awesome creative spaces Here at Kootoyoo

Morris the sensitive bear

2010-06-02T17:19:00.004+10:00

.

Little Morris is now complete. I finished him today during our craft morning. In my rush to get out the door (and take full advantage of the kid free time) i remembered, then forgot to put my copy of Meet Me at Mikes in my craft bag. I had already finished the crochet part and just needed to stuff him and put on his nose, arms, legs & head.

I think he looks cute, and already there has been great debate as to who will own him here...

Eenie meenie miney moe... lol

Parenting stuff, Lego & Red skies

2010-05-31T21:20:00.005+10:00

The Dman (our 3 year old) has been driving me nuts lately with jumping from one thing to the other and tipping out the whole box of Lego or Thomas just to find one thing then leaving it all in a mess. I know this is what kids do but it doesn't mean i have to like it. Trying to teach the little one to only grab what he wants and leave the rest of the stuff in the box. We will get there.
I guess the randomness is partly my fault. It turns out the poor kid was most likely bored. We rotate his toys and put stuff away then bring it out. But that totally lost it's charm and the toys were not getting played with after only a day. Dman really enjoys playing with the duplo Lego and has been making all sorts of planes and the like. So we thought we'd add to his tiny collection and this is what we got. Lets just say, we should have done it sooner, he's been so happy creating all sorts of things with his Lego. Even copying the pictures on the box and matching the numbered blocks with the right number group. (so proud of his brilliance) :)

The big Lego man is actually a torch that i really wanted but it looks like i have a fight on my hands for it. It's definitely a winner and Con, my big boy already has plans to use him in one of his Lego movies. He's already made a few but sadly our graphics card died and we're still waiting to get another good one, so that project is on hold. I will post it when he's done. It's really cool.

And here's a gorgeous shot from the weekend. It has to be the prettiest sky I've seen in a long time. I'm still getting to know my new camera, but I think I'm getting better at choosing the right settings.

Beautiful night Skies over Townsville

Finally something for me

2010-05-28T11:54:00.003+10:00

while i do enjoy making stuff for all the lovely people in my life i thought it high time i make something for myself. And finally it's done. It only took 2 weeks to complete so it didn't take that long really. I just had a crash course in getting to know my new machine better after it ate a side seam and was determined not to let go of it I read the instruction manual and performed some maintenance. To my horror the little oil bottle that came with the machine had never been opened. So after a quick clean out and a bit of lube she was ready to purr again.

I should now mention that before I resorted to the manual I got my old faithful Janome out and could not figure out how to turn her on. I felt like I had betrayed her after she had been so faithful to me over the years. She helped me make my wedding dress for goodness sakes, how could I forget. But something worse had happened. It seems like out jealousy she has given up. Yes my old Janome is broken. Sob. I wanted to give her to Meeks so she could learn to sew on it but I'm not convinced she has fully given up though, I think she just needs her electrical cord checked so I'm crossing fingers it's not over between us.

I originally wanted to make it all out of the patterned fabric but it's very thin and snags easily so when I cam across the tshirt material in a matching colour from the oppy for $1 I knew it was a sign.

So needless to say i'm pretty impressed with myself and keen to get some more me made garments happening. Just not sure what to do with the meter and or so of pattern fabric that i'm not really impressed with. I bought it from spotlight and it was not cheap so i'm annoyed that the quality was not a reflection of the price. Nevermind, i'm sure I'll think of something.

Hope you have a super weekend. We're doing a big house clean, you know the one where you end up cleaning out the kids rooms because you can't stand what their version of clean is any longer. See you later... if I make it out alive! xox

my creative space

2010-05-27T07:16:00.005+10:00

Every wednesday morning i meet up with a bunch of crafty girls and a very lovely lady takes care of our kids while we get our craft on.
At the minute, apart from dreaming about what kind of quilt i'd like to create my other project is making some clothes. But not wanting to carry my machine to and fro, I thought i'd attempt to make Morris the sensitive Panda from Pip Lincolne's Meet Me at Mikes book so I had something to do this week.

Check out what's being created in crafty blogland this week right here with Kootoyoo

Next...

2010-05-25T14:20:00.002+10:00

So my little sister (hi ren, love you x) has been on my case to blog more and to be honest I have lots to blog about Iv'e just been preoccupied with life. You know.

My next project is to make a king size quilt for fox & I. Iv'e made pretty stuff for everyone else so now it's our turn. I have been eyeing off this fabric range for alittle while and when our dollar went above the 90 cent US mark I took the opportunity to grab the whole range from etsy.

It's hilarious to me that I can buy designer fabric and get it shipped from US for less than what it costs to go to the local big chain fabric store. I'm still unsure what design i'm going to use or even if i'll design it myself but i don't want to mess it up.

I like this style from Make it... A wonderful Life. but i'm not sure it will work with the straight lines in my fabric.

What do you think?

P.S. I am still working on that top, my machine and i have had a few misunderstandings that started when the feed dog decided it was hungry and ate a chunk of material. I'm still working on it but just in very slow steps.

Check it out!

2010-05-22T23:19:00.002+10:00

My beautiful purple bag arrived this week all the way from Spain!

I took a quick pic of it next to the Buzz Lightyear Backpack before moving on in. I raced around the house getting all my girly bits and pieces together before promptly stashing them inside. My face just beaming.

The inside is equally as lovely as the out side.

Now I have a proper bag that does not resemble a crazed mother grabbing what she can to stash her purse in & some kiddie snacks and drink bottle as we fly out the door with hair everywhere and hoping to find a mint in the car because she can't recall brushing her teeth either!

None of that with this perky purple bag! Thanks again So Zo. I just love it.

My creative space

2010-05-13T09:43:00.004+10:00

After watching a documentary on the throw away fashion industry and getting an insight on how the sweat shop workers live I really want to cut back on feeding this beast.

I don't really trust my skills to be able to grab an op shop dress and turn it into something beautiful just yet. So Iv'e bought a pattern with a few different styles so I can make some mix n match clothing. It's always summer here so this pattern will be perfect I think.

I'm making bathers for my big girl & a top for me. The bather's pattern I made myself using an old bevknits master pattern for bikini briefs and just kind of put a top on it, we'll see soon enough if it works out or not. wish me luck!

Find more creative spaces at Kootoyoo

Shorts from shirts

2010-05-08T12:28:00.006+10:00

I saw this done somewhere and thought it was brilliant so I gave it a try when I found 3 long sleeve shirts in brand new condition at the oppy. Please if you know who's blog I saw this on let me know so I can thank her. Iv'e been trying to find her blog again since first seeing it probably a year ago with no luck. Our PC crashed & I lost all my bookmarks.

With Kwik Sew pattern 3398 I cut out the pattern using the shirt pocket on the back of the shorts.

Ready to get started. I don't bother with pockets on these short. really they are just for getting around in for play or daycare.

This is all that was left of the shirts.

Almost there, just need to hem & put the elastic in.

All done, and dman loves his new shorts.wearing RM Williams here.

Country Road shirt shorts

And Pierre Cardin !

Amelie's Blanket

2010-05-07T14:21:00.003+10:00

This is for a very special friends baby girl who is now a month old. There was a slight hold up with running out of yarn and waiting for more to arrive from Brisbane. But now it's all ready to be sent to a precious little bub.

My creative space

2010-05-06T19:58:00.003+10:00

Amelie's Baby Blanket

Nearly finished, just putting the edge on and it will be on it's way...

The camera (or me) makes it look shiny, but it isn't at all.

More creative space's right HERE

And the winner is...

2010-05-03T08:47:00.003+10:00

Me! Still pinching myself... I mean I have not won a thing since my dad & I won a chook raffle at Tracy Village in Darwin nearly 20 years ago.

Last week I entered into a giveaway that was made by Zoe from So Zo. I came across her blog after reading Mixtape Zine. She makes her own clothes and is very good at it. I think.

So you can imagine my excitement when I found out I won this gorgeous bag.

I'm going to look so fine getting about town with my one of a kind bag. It sure beats the buzzlightyear back pack my purse has called home for a year now.

a few of my favourite things

2010-05-01T20:55:00.006+10:00

Nana & Mum.

You can tell by her colour that she was very sick. She had Primary Biliary Cirrhosis or PBC and was on a waiting list for a liver transplant. This photo was taken in April 98 the last time I saw her, she died 5 months later, 2 weeks after having a liver transplant. I was 5 months pregnant with the twins.

Organ donation could very well have saved my mother's life, but she just had to wait too long for it. Sign up people!

Mother's Day is next Sunday here in Australia and for me it is a bitter sweet occasion. Sad because this year marks my 11th Mother's Day without my mum and Happy because this is my 11th Mother's day as a mum and I love love love how gorgeous my kids are on Mother's Day and every other day.

When we lived in Perth a few years back my sister and I heard about Trees for Mum. where you can plant a native tree in honour of your mum on Mother's Day. We went down there and it was really special. It's hard not having a mum on Mother's day so this certainly helped us feel like she was still apart of it. If it was here in Townsville, I'd be doing it for sure. I think I might get a special plant anyway, just for us.

I'm seriously not trying to sound misserable, the lead up to Mother's Day is just hard that's all. Mother's Day itself is always a happy day in our house, it reminds me of how lucky I am to have a gorgeous family who think I'm the absolute best. Even if I think I'm doing a terrible job they still think I'm awesome.

Now for the fun stuff... These are a few of my favourite things...

How cute is this necklace! I want it.

some Postcards by SYKO sure to brighten the day!

love this Parfait dress by Colette Patterns, check out how cute this one is.

The gorgeous Zoe has inspired me to start making my own clothes. She's going a whole month just wearing clothes she made herself! So I need to upsize my pattern department to include adult clothing and these Japanese pattern books look sweet. The scary part is they are only in Japanese but hey, who doesn't love a challenge? I need dresses and summer clothing, living in the tropics it's always summer here. I still have no clue why it never occurred to me to make my own clothes earlier! I made my own wedding dress 7 years ago, you think I would have realised then that it was a good idea...

I hope you get spoillt for mother's day and if you're lucky enoogh to still have your mum, squeeze her tight and tell her how much you love her.

Now I want a baby girl too

2010-04-28T12:08:00.003+10:00

Early last month I started this little dress and I'm pleased now to say that it is finished.
It will be sent off for baby Amelie this week and now that some more wool has arrived in the mail I can get onto finishing her little blanket. I hope her mum likes it! I think it would look fabulous in black & white photos with a little teddy bear too. ... sigh.

I'm not the best on the photography front so they are a little blurry. I'll have to do a night class or something to hone my happy snap skills.

Was going to say, I hope you have a great week but then I realised it's Wednesday already so enjoy the rest of your week. :)

A peak at Townsville

2010-04-24T21:26:00.005+10:00

Having my father in law visit recently was a great opportunity for us to get out and check out some more of what Townsville has to offer. We have been here since January and have seen more of it's surrounds than "The Ville" itself.

This is Townsville from Castle Hill, you can see the Ross river snaking through the city.

This picture was taken from Mt. Stuart and you can see Castle Hill to the left of the city and Magnetic Island behind Castle hill. We haven't been to Maggie Island yet but we will, most likely when it's not stinger season so we can enjoy getting in the ocean and playing around in the sand.

We took a short trip up Hervey's Range road to the Heritage Tea Rooms. There you can buy a $50 cup of Kopi Luwak... Cat poo coffee! Nope, we weren't brave enough to try it, maybe next time. Apparently its quite nice. It sure is pretty up there and what's even more awesome is that you have to go past a cute little fabric shop in a caravan park that is the only place I've found so far that sells Amy Butler fabric & the likes. : )

We are quite surprised at how flat Townsville is considering all the Hills & Mountains surrounding it. It's great for bike riding & running and is very green right now. It's just about the end of wet season though so it will be interesting to see what the dry is like in comparison.

It's here it's here it's heeeyer...

2010-04-16T09:47:00.003+10:00

Look what arrived today...

So beautifully packaged and wrapped with pattern paper...

The more I unwrapped the more there was to find....

sweet little handmade 100% gluten free cupcake pins & star pins tied up in ribbon.

a needle book, oh my goodness you have no clue what this means to me. i don't have a needle book and it's so soft and the colours are lovely.

then i unwrapped the paper pattern wrapped parcel and inside was the prettiest little teacup pincushion with fabric in my favourite colours. just devine.

Thank you muchly to Selina from Selina's Vintage for being an awesome pincushion swap partner and for all the lovely gifts that came with it. You're the sweetest.

I also want to thank Kate from Foxs Lane. How sweet that she organised this pincushion swap and I just found out she wasn't even in the swap!

Just for fun... I tried to make him look like he was smiling... i get silly when i'm happy!

Check out the pin cushion swap pictures on flickr.

My creative space

2010-04-15T06:49:00.007+10:00

This week I'm trying to finish this baby blanket.
My beautiful friend Dani had a baby girl Amelie on Easter Monday, this is for her.
I saw a blanket like this somewhere in blog land but cannot remember where. I loved it so much and now I know how to get crochet on to fabric, thought i'd give it a go.

Four more squares to go.

Meeka has created some lovely Owl drawings (she did 3 all up, pink, purple & green) they are on her bedroom walls now and certainly brighten up her room. The little Dman kept running through the shots...

Con has been coming up with some lego beauties. He likes me to guess what they are and I always get it wrong! Can you guess what it is?

This is a cannon ship with a star wars clone flying it. It is a cannon and it flies.

The home of Creative space's is over at Kootoyoo, check it out.

Craft overload

2010-04-11T17:03:00.002+10:00

Townsville had the craft expo come to town this weekend and I went on Saturday with a friend then decided to go back Sunday to grab a quilt kit I decided I just couldn't live without. So I took the twins along and they found the craft corner where they could paint a figurine and I was left to do my own thing. Perhaps it was a good thing that the shop had sold out of what I was after because the kids painted for 3 hours and I did laps of the expo while they created their masterpieces.

I got to chat to the lovely Prudence Mapstone and asked her many questions about crochet and picked up some super soft tencel yarn, markers, patterns and even a tunissian crochet hook. Ahh bliss.

Then I found some absolutely divine japanese printed fabric and realised that my new favourite colours are blue & white. I'm going to attemp some Sashiko and make new couch cushions.

And I also couldn't go past a gorgeous Morris & Sons crochet pattern & hand dyed felt to finish off my pin cushion swap gift.

This is my haul from Sunday only!

Feeling utterly inspired and happy now I had some good felt on hand I set to making a needle book to go with the pin cushion for the swap. I'll say good bye to this cute little guy tommorow and cross fingers that his new owner thinks he's alright.

Easter trip to Mackay

2010-04-07T15:07:00.007+10:00

Still recovering from Easter here having had too much chocolate & alcohol & not enough water.
Thank goodness it only lasts a weekend so now it's back to watching the weight and running.

This is how our Easter went...

Grandad arrived from Perth on Good Friday night then next morning we took off down to Mackay for a short break.

The hotel we stayed at had an easter egg hunt for the kids on Easter Sunday and the kids all had a ball finding the eggs Inside the hotel & out in the garden

We then ventured out for a bit of Geocaching to walk off the sugar rush..

This cache was found just over the edge. It turned out to be one for the adults only.

We found this beach but sadly you can't swim in the water because of the poisonous jellyfish that like to swim here too.

The rain came in so we headed back to the hotel.

Monday morning we went up to Airlie Beach but it was very rainy so we didn't get out. It was just so grandad could say he'd been there.

An hour north was Bowen.

Well Bowen are famous for their big Bowen Mangoes...

And of course Meeka spotted some wildlife, she just loves lizards and stick insects!
Grandad got to have a hold too. Dman thought it was fab but wasn't quite brave enough to have a hold.

We stopped at Horeshoe Bay in Bowen for lunch before heading home. The next day a tourist was stung here by a jelly fish.

Two more hours in the car and we were home safe. the traffic was really good, there is such a big difference between how the city drivers behave to the country folk here. And I like it a lot.

Hope you all had a lovely relaxing easter too xox

last one I promise!

2010-04-01T21:28:00.004+10:00

So I decided that I'd try making a pincushion that wasn't crocheted and found this gorgeous little pattern in an old Woman's Day Handicrafts Book. It looked easy enough and all I had to do was make a larger pattern from the one in the book. I did this in an art class in high school! Yes, finally something I learned in high school was used in my real life!
It took me only a few short hours. But looking back now I probably shouldn't have started at 3pm and neglected to make dinner! It made Fox very unappreciative of my constant crafting and pin cushion perfection that has been occurring since I joined this darn swap! But it did manage to get some leftovers used up from the fridge. So win win really. Right? lol

And now I'm finally done! This is it. Definately!

this & that

2010-03-30T15:28:00.005+10:00

So I've gone all OCD and made a few pincushions for this swap I'm doing.

Actually, there have been 4 made so far... I think this is the one I'll send, because I just realised that heart one looks like the one pictured on the swap button and I wanted to be a bit more original.

And, I made these cute little eggs & chicks for Easter. Dman loves them and we all get kisses from the chicks : )

The Crocheted Pillow Case

2010-03-24T12:53:00.004+10:00

After a month of following along with You Go Girl's Crochet a Long I have finally made my first ever pillowcase and put a pretty crocheted edging on to make it a look a little posh.

The fabric

Pillowcase done

And finally the pretty edge.

And Here is some of what the other clever "On the Edge" peeps created. Now that i've done the first one, there will be a few more of these made I think. They just look so pretty.

All fine

2010-03-22T08:47:00.002+10:00

After all the preparation for the Cyclone last week, Ului decided to visit Airlie Beach & Mackay instead. We didn't even get any rain out of it but it was overcast and cool for a couple of days which was a nice change. So it looks like my FIL will be the first to visit after all : )
I'm happy now it gave me a kick to get our emergency evacuation kit sorted and a good stock of water & tinned... ahem food?
Thank you for all your kind thoughts, big hugs to you and I hope you have a super lovely week xox

First visitor

2010-03-20T07:30:00.004+10:00

It looks like our first visitor will be here sooner than expected. My wonderful Father in Law is flying over from Perth for a week over Easter. For him, it's a well earned carer's break. Yes at 70 years of age he's caring for his wife (who has MS) as he has done for years. It has only been during the past 2 years that we have managed to convince him he needs a break. So i'm incredibly excited that he wants to spend his break with us. We will try not to wear him out and send him back refreshed not exhausted this time.
He was to be our first visitor in our new home but it looks like Cyclone Ului wants to visit first!
I'm ready for you Ului. The yard has been tidied up, iv'e purchased excessive amounts of tins and non perishables (they call it food but i'm still not convinced). I've backed up the hard drive with all the new photos etc and checked the first aid box & added sunscreen & tropical strength insect reppellent to it because of the dengue & ross river fever issues they have here. I've located all our important documents and will double bag them with the photo albums today.

Did I mention that Fox is away? He left on Tuesday and they're saying he'll be back on Sunday but the Cyclone's due to hit Saturday night so i'm not sure how that works but that's Army life for you. Why do things happen the second they go away? Not saying I can't cope without him... it's just nicer to have someone else here to calm the nerves and go and get the panadol. You see Dman got tonsilitis this week too.

Omg. ** Warning - Rant Alert ** I took him to the doc on Wed and explained he gets tonsilitis, (he'd been complaining of a sore head, throat & stomach & had a high temp.) and that we need a referal to an ENT specialist while we're there. This by the way is probably the most annoying part of being a Defence Familiy... always having to explain to new doctors etc past histories because you know they don't give you your mediacl files to take to the new Doc anymore? It all has to be released... forms, signatures etc. SO we were going to get his tonsils out before xmas before we moved but the ENT guy in Brisbane didn't have a time available until this year & after we had moved. So the process begins again here.
So the doc on Wed didn't want to give him anything because he really didn't look too bad and was still up and running around her office touching everything. I explained that this kid would still run around with a fourty degree temp. Nonetheless we decided to wait (for her benefit) to see what would happen and come back if it worsened. Sure enough we were up all Wed night and then the vommiting began Thursday morning. I took him back to the doc with a high temp & vomiting, this time he refused to walk and made me carry him. So he laid on her bed and it was very obvious to her that he really was sick. She kind of apologised and wrote him a script for antibiotics etc. I understand why she did it and next time I know she will realise i'm not tyying to over medicate my child. Deep breath **there rant over**
Dman is on the mend now and trying to milk it by getting everyone to run around after him. Oh hang on, he's like that normally. He must be better now. lol : )

Crazy week for sure! There's more but i'm not going to bore you with it...I still managed to get some craft going though. Crochet is so good for relaxing I tell you. I'm working on something for Mumbles (aka Con) room... here's a peek...

One for you... two for me

2010-03-14T16:36:00.007+10:00

I have been eyeing off this gorgeous Bloom Journal Cover tutorial for a while now and yesterday I had some time to fling one (or two) together. My first attempt (not shown) was a dismal failure so I think next time I try to get fancy and convert inches to centimeters I really should write the measurements down... duh. But this one fits my craft notebook well.

And today saw time to make a pin cushion. Yes Iv'e signed up to Fox's Lane pincushion swap!!
... seeing as Iv'e never made one before I thought it be best to practice first so as to be kind to my swap partner.
I think it's sweet and it was quickly swept away by my 3 year old pretending to have cups of tea. Will somehow steal it back when he's not looking.
It was also my first attempt at Amigurumi, so look out kids, mumma's going to making a few more cute little crochet creations.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend x

Pillow case... check

2010-03-12T18:21:00.006+10:00

Following along with You Go Girl's Crochet Pillowcase Create a long, today I completed the second task - making a pillow case.

My first choice of fabrics didn't work out because I somehow misread the instructions and didn't get enough fabric... Oops.

But I do enjoy a challenge and decided to change direction by making a matching pillowcase for meeka's xmas quilt. Mostly because I had plenty of that gorgeous Wendy Slotbloom fabric left over.

And here it is...

The front - with appliqued flower

The Back - I wanted it to be just as pretty as the front.

All ready to go now for week 3 - crocheting an edge on... I'm sure this will be my favourite part :)

My creative space

2010-03-11T07:43:00.004+10:00

This week iv'e been crocheting a sweet baby bonnett & short sleeve dress. I want to do the booties too to make a cute little set.

And i finished the blanket too.

Check out some more creative space's HERE

crochet pillow case supplies...

2010-03-08T09:40:00.005+10:00

Reday to create a long with You Go Girl.

Here are my supplies ready to go ...

loving these colours right now.

My creative space

2010-03-04T13:26:00.005+10:00

This week i've been making crocheted coasters for a swap i'm in on swapbot.

The theme is spring time coasters and i had to make 2 coasters for 2 partners.

They turned out quite nice so i'm thinking of making a set of 6 in some more neutral tones just for me.

Here's the pattern if you like. It's from Ravelry so you may need to sign in for it.

Check out some more Creative Space's

playing along

2010-03-02T07:29:00.003+10:00

Wow, okay... trying to contain myself... but just SO excited... squealing with delight and jumping up and down excited.

You Go Girl is holding a 4 week tutorial on how to make pillowcases with pretty crochet edging.

Hers look so gorgeous, i'm hoping i can make an eqaully gorgeous/funky boys style too.

Again the twin boy/girl thing kicking in... everything has to be equal and fair so neither feels less/more spoilt than the other. Mind you, i may need therapy for this, but for now i'm going with it! lol

This is SO fun... i'm off to get my supplies ready for next week. I Hope you have a lovely day today too x

PS It's not too late to join in the fun if you want to.

super sunday

2010-02-28T14:09:00.006+10:00

My new love...

Last year a lovely cousin gave me her mother's sewing machine & overlocker. My Auntie went to heaven couple of years ago & she wanted me to have them because i guess she new i'd use them.

I call the sewing machine the fancy pfaff because it is compared to my $50 janome oppy find from 10yrs ago.

I didn't get to use it straight away because the manual was missing in action. I was getting around to ordering one when out of the blue my Uncle called to say he'd found it... woo hoo.

So, today was the day i finally got to have a go. And suprisingly easy to use ... now i know what all the buttons are for.

I can not tell you how excitied I am about this machine, she is just beautiful and has a lot more control than the janome.

From now on in, sorry Janome, it's going to be Pfaff all the way...

Iv'e been looking for a good time to make this cute drawstring bag from the Meet Me At Mikes craft book. so today was the day. Not sure if i read the instructions wrong but mine turned out quite small, i'd recommend adding 1cm to the entire pattern and go with that. My pocket turned out very small and i had to cut a new pen holder piece with the extra allowance for seam as my original would never have fit a pen.

Anyway, i think the bag is really cute so I will make one for myself next time to keep my crochet gear in for on the go.

Hope you had a super Sunday x

My creative space

2010-02-25T08:53:00.004+10:00

This week has been very slow but with lots going on and doctors making more money out of us.

I've been working on a blanket for my little sister, it's going to be for xmas, early i know. I started making the blocks while we were travelling but ran out of yarn.
She doesn't have any kids YET and it seems to be that i am only making things for the kids and I didn't want her to miss out on some handmade goodness this year.

I couldn't decide on the pattern so fox decided it should be like this...

So I had to do more cream blocks. They are finally done and i'm now piecing it together.

But not finished yet...

For more creative space's tootle on over HERE.

My creative space

2010-02-18T14:13:00.005+10:00

This week i've been making capes for some special boys.
I bought some magnetic clasps to use as the fasteners but they ended up being so strong i couldn't pry them apart. SO i had a change in tactic and put a piece of elastic at the front.
It was hard trying to get a pic of the cape in action... dman was running so fast so his cape would fly and looking backwards so he could watch it! A disaster waiting to happen, but so much fun :)