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Hooray for finally having a clock on my bench. I have wanted one for the longest time, but just never seemed to get around to it. Thankfully my lovely sister brought me this clock from Typo. Now I can stop relying on my mobile phone to keep track of how long I've spent on a piece, or how much likely nap time Cohen has left. 

In between filling orders and working on some new ring designs yesterday, I've been experimenting with a Scotty dog design. What are your thoughts on Scotty dog stud earrings?

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Half right...

And half wrong. 

My first pair of crochet booties. Using this sweet pattern and some Debbie Bliss DK cotton,  I followed the directions carefully and ended up with one perfect bootie. Encouraged by my success, I quickly hooked the other one. 

But something went wrong. The booties do not perfectly match. There are separate directions for the left and right bootie. But somehow the straps on my left bootie are further over than the ones on the right. I think I might have put the tongue one stitch too far to the right? I'm not sure how noticeable it would be once they were on? 

I think I will have to make them again and see where I went wrong. 

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Ravelry.

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Did you gasp too? 

See that blanket, over the bottom of the bed? It's fantastic, no? I want one. I'm going to make one. Eventually. But really, I want to make one, only what pattern is that? Could it be this stitch pattern, or this one? Any ideas?

Found via mackapär.

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Crochet baby sweater inspiration...

L-R: simplebean, ferferfly, WickedPyssa,

One Flew Over,  fujimama, Yarn Theory,

hogan wren, mon petite violon, yarn attack.

I have spent way too much time this morning enjoyably browsing Ravelry and Flickr for baby sweater patterns. I have plans to crochet a tiny, warm little cardigan as a gift for a dear friend who is expecting. This has also resulted in a little bit of online wool shopping... 

I am still enjoying crocheting the hexagon blanket, which is growing bit by bit and of which I am still endeavoring not to share too many photo updates of, else this blog become a painful blow by blow description of the biggest project I have ever undertaken. But it will be nice to have a few more little projects to work on depending on my mood.

Anyone else making plans for crochet projects?

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Tonight there was a little shindig in celebration of Cohen's Grandfathers birthday. Food, laughter and horse banter ensued. Night fell, the lights blinded the sky, the horses trotted and even I managed to back a winner. Despite my decision to choose on the basis of name alone.

And honestly, look at the carpet in the foyer! Where do they find such a thing!

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(Image)

I was most excited when I spotted this on Catherine Campbell's blog tonight. Colouring in for grown ups! Collaboration on a grand scale! Catherine's partner is creating a music video and everyone is invited to participate by colouring in the individual frames. What a fantastic and ingenious concept. I can't wait to see it all come together. Join in here if you like colouring in too.

My frame is printed out and all ready for colouring. Now to dig out the pencils...

My Creative Space...

We kept the best paintings and collaged with the remainder. After demonstrating the use of the pot of glue and showing Cohen how to stick down the squares of paper, Cohen mimicked my actions momentarily. Then fell in love exclusively with the glue pot and did not want to let it out of his hands. 

Glue pot in one hand, brush in the other, he proceeded by blobbing glue on the large sheet of paper, pointing the glue brush at me demandingly and babbling. 

He put the glue on, I stuck the paper on. A happy little collaboration.

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More Creative Spaces here.

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Happy Australia Day!

Loving...

These cards, that came in the post yesterday...

I love you more than...

Hello Birdies...

I must admit to being a lover of cards. Perhaps part and parcel of my stationary addiction? I love receiving cards on special occasions, with a heartfelt, handwritten message. The most special of which find their way into my journal. I also love giving cards. Half the fun is choosing the perfect card for a loved one I think. My Mother still has cards that I made her as a child.

I happily stumbled upon Amanda's Madeit store, Lemon Tree Lane, before Fathers Day. I brought two of her lovely cards at that time. Those sweet cards, her great service and lovely packaging tempted me back when thoughts of a Valentine's Day card crossed my mind. (Feeling incredibly organised too I am.) On top of that, the fact that the cards are made from recycled 100% post consumer waste, and cost less than cards from the grocery store, made me feel much better about my card addiction. 

And because I love handmade, and because I love to support fellow crafters, I thought that I should definitely share my card finding goodness with you. Sweet, are they not?

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Summer days...

Last minute plans for lunch at the marina. Driving past fields of sugar cane bending to the wind. Pink wildflowers along the roadside. An owl found in a boats' window. A lady offering Cohen bread to feed the hungry fish. The fish wildly splashing. Cohen's hat blown into the water. An old man using a long pole to rescue said hat.  

Little moments on a Summer day.

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Things that always make me smile...

Overhearing Cohen talking to himself in his bed each morning

A toddler painting before bath time

Hanging a new art work on the fridge

Helping our little one do the dishes

Listening to Cohen call out to the dog in the same sing-song manner we do

Nappy clad running, as only toddlers can

Chubby hands blowing kisses

This list could well be endless. What's making you smile?

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Finished and added to the shop today, the 'Bright Star' Brooch.

"Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art--" John Keats

For the poetical and the romantic, this handmade sterling silver brooch is a piece to be cherished as much for it's vintage inspired simplicity, as for the agatised coral within; it is a combination of strength and fragility captured forever in a one of a kind curio.

Pair this darling brooch with a cardigan and a vintage scarf, or add a touch of the romantic to your favorite little black dress and those heels saved for special occasions.

A handmade one of a kind brooch by Christina Lowry, this piece features a 27x20mm cabochon of fossilised agate with a detailed lacey pattern, set in solid Sterling Silver and stamped 925. Clouds secretly float across the back of the piece for added whimsy. Secured with a strong pin, it is housed in a handmade bag made from sweet vintage fabric and a lovely vintage button.

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With an apron tied round my waist and my trusty assistant standing upon his little green chair beside me, the mix master whirred into action yesterday.

Is there anything quite like freshly baked choc chip cookies? Or a toddler sifting imaginary flour?

Knowing that hubby will be taking these biscuits with him today, for the volunteers cleaning up flood ravaged parts of Ipswich, is added sweetness.

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I so enjoyed reading your additions to the lists on the last two posts. And I'm grateful too.

Sometimes I need to remind myself, if I'm feeling unappreciated in my role as mother and house wife, of the satisfaction to be had in the small things. Of the worth of my job. The significance of my role. And the importance of doing something for myself, in honor of my identity.

I make time each day to either read, write, craft, photograph or catch up with friends. I'm as at home with making play dough, as I am with reading classic literature. I enjoy watching children's films with Cohen, as well as watching foreign films myself. I love being surrounded by my family and friends, as I love being surrounded by fine art. And my role as mother, wife and home maker is important. It is challenging, enjoyable and satisfying. And I wouldn't want to be doing anything else.

But maybe, like me, you also need a little reminder sometimes?

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Things that I find it difficult to resist...

A monkey back pack

Stationary

A second cup of coffee

A nap on a rainy day

Smiling at babies while shopping

Pretty books

Vintage brooches

And what, pray tell, is tempting you?

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Things that give one a sense of satisfaction...

An empty laundry basket

A full pantry
A freshly baked cake
Weaving in the very last end
Reading the last page of a very long book
A perfectly clean kitchen
Opening a bottle of cold white wine on a hot day

I'd love to know what would make it onto your list today?

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Four more softies have joined this little guy in the post today. Soft and cuddly, with long ears for little hands to grab. Perfect for little ones I should think. They are now on their way to visit Steph, who is kindly taking them to meet their new families.

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The monkey and the rabbit softies were made up as I went along, inspired by the many beautiful softies I have seen on the web over the years and the ones I used to make. Although the original pattern for the monkey seems to have been packed away, they are very simple patterns to draw up, if you are so inclined. The little teddy softie pattern is by Crafty Carnival and can be found here.

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I have assuaged my thrifty regret by going back for the matching bowl. I also chanced upon this rather fine array of ribbons while I was at it.

Hope your having a lovely day.

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I'm still struck by the news coverage of the flooding and clean up. And I'm so proud of the 50,000 volunteers who spent their weekend making such a huge difference, my husband amongst them. 

The clean up sites are no place for a two year old. So Cohen and I have stayed home, baking for the volunteers and making softies for children in emergency shelters. If you are handy with a needle, perhaps you would like to make a softie too? The lovely Steph has organised 'Hope Softies' and I think it is such a wonderful idea.

Flea Market Finds...

A meter and a half of fabric, six zips, crochet cottons, hooks and eyes and a self cover button kit.
'Let's make it five dollars, shall we?'
Says the lovely lady behind the counter.

I do love op-shopping.

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More Flea Market Finds here.

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A quiet day. A newly thrifted bowl. Progress on the crochet blanket.

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(Photos taken by Dave on his way to work.)

My thoughts and concerns are with all my fellow Queenslanders during this tragic time. Those who have lost their lives and their loved ones. Those who are still unaccounted for. Those who have lost their houses, businesses and possessions. Those who are without electricity and supplies. Those who have experienced many anxious hours. Those who have begun the clean up effort and those who are volunteering to help. 

I'm grateful that my family and friends in Ipswich, Toowoomba and Brisbane are all safe. I'm grateful for the stories of survival and kindness. I'm grateful for my family and friends who are volunteering with the SES, or helping locally. I'm grateful to have been able to take in a friend affected by the flooding. I'm grateful for those who are selflessly making donations. I'm grateful for the ways communities are banding together and supporting each other and I hope we can all hold onto a little bit of that spirit for as long as it takes.

There are so many ways to donate, volunteer and help. 

Please join in any way you can.