Yarn Along

I've been listening to an audio book once again, while adding rows to this garter stitched cot blanket. Not my usual choice of novel, 'The Rosie Project' was a book club obligation, and one that took me awhile to warm to. It's been wildly popular, apparently, so you may not like my assessment of it. I really wanted to love it. A friend's Nana recommended it to me with such joy at a children's party, and it sounded wonderful. But I just couldn't. It is still not my kind of book. I can't put my finger on what it was exactly - the predictability, the cliched rom-com moments, the make-over? Parts were charming, as was Don, the main protagonist. Though I found elements of his character difficult to digest. I enjoyed the idea of a neurologically diverse novel, though I wondered at the accuracy on several occasions. 

There is a follow up book, but I have decided to leave it to the adoring fans and find something else to knit to. 

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What have you been reading or knitting?

Joining in with Ginny

On Ravelry here.

Yarn Along

There is a delicious chill to the mornings and evenings now. The kind of cooler weather that invites a spot of yarn shopping and the addition of a basket of yarn to the side-table in the lounge room. And the kind of weather that makes you want to lay in bed all day reading a wonderful new book - Dear Thief - one for your to-read list for sure.

I am thoroughly enjoying knitting another of my favourite cot blankets - the Purl Soho Super Easy Baby Blanket. Miles of delightful and satisfying garter stitch. Perfect for school holiday knitting while suffering from a cold, curled up on the couch with hubby, whilecatching up on some tv watching of an evening. I look forward to gifting the finished blanket to a lovely school Mum and friend expecting her fourth baby. 

After all, every baby needs their own hand knit blanket, right?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry here.

Yarn Along

My, oh my. When I checked Ravelry for the start date of this project, Ravelry informed me that it was May, 2012. And we all know that Ravelry does not lie. Poor dear 'Larch' cardigan. I had such high hopes when I began this knit. My first adult garment. It seems children's knits, I can do. Baby blankets, I can do. Adult knits? Well, they will sit in knitting purgatory for years, only to be pulled out to have a few rows added before being condemned to the knitting basket once more. 

I do wish I could knit faster. 

Lets see how much further I this time.

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry notes here.

Yarn Along

I have had such an urge to knit since taking a break from the jewellery bench. I've quite missed the quiet moments spent with needles and yarn. I rummaged through my knitting basket and rediscovered an almost finished baby sweater. Ravelry informs me I started it over a year ago...

I fished out all the pieces. Front and back complete, one arm complete, one arm unravelling where a certain toddler had removed the knitting needle. I lay it over the top of one of Oscar's shirts and the finished sleeve looked too short anyway. I dismissed it, picked up the stitches around the neck and knit the final ribbing on a vest instead. I tried it on my little one and love it! I think it will still fit by Winter. The dear little elephant buttons were in my stash and add just the right amount of cuteness I think.

In terms of reading, I have been dipping in to Monkey Grip by Helen Garner, after being reminded of it by an ABC Arts story. We studied the film, starring Noni Hazelhurst, in my high school Film and Television class. I wonder if it would still be allowed on the curriculum these days?

A classic of modern Australian literature, Monkey Grip was published in 1977 at the height of the punk movement and thriving counter culture scene. Considered to be Australia’s first contemporary novel, it quickly became the voice of a generation. - ABC Arts

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry. 

Windy Weekend

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I spent as much time as possible this weekend indoors, out of the wild winds that whirled through Brisbane, only braving the breeze long enough to fight the flapping laundry. Instead I cleaned, baked, crafted, napped and nursed the sniffles. I finished the striped garter stitch blanket I've been working. After a wool wash it will be tucked in to my hospital bag. I also finished my first ever cross stitch, Alicia Paulson's Winterwoods ABC, which I am so pleased with. I do believe I will frame it and pop it on the picture ledge above my bed. I've pulled the half finished striped scarf out of my knitting basket now, and there's a few other projects still waiting in there once it is finished. 

I'm looking forward to a few more quiet, crafty weekends before the baby arrives.

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PS.  I'm offering a free upgrade to Express Postage in Australia, on any purchase over $50 in my shop. Available until Thursday, 8 May 2014. Just leave the word 'EXPRESS' in the notes section to take advantage of this offer and ensure delivery in time for Mother's Day.

Yarn Along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny

The simple pleasure of making something with one's own hands. I don't think I will ever tire of it. 

I've been watching this blanket grow, stitch by stitch, row by row, colour by colour, knowing that as it does, the days we wait grow shorter. Soon there will be a new baby in our arms. A new brother or sister. A new son or daughter, with their own Mama made wool blanket. My heart leaps at the thought.

I'll be 36 weeks pregnant come Friday and my hospital bag is packed with everything except this blanket. Soon it will be folded and waiting too.

And you, what have you been reading or knitting? I've picked up another Elizabeth Taylor novel, A View of the Harbour.

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny

Oh my, what a day. I spent most of it at the hospital, waiting in the eye clinic. You might recall that last year I had surgery on both my eyes, after suddenly finding I had two detached retinas. Late yesterday I noticed I was having difficulty focusing on objects and faces a meter or two in front of me, which was a new and slightly alarming development given my history. I was told after my surgery to treat any changes in my eyes as  an urgent matter. I called an optometrist this morning, informed him I was almost 35 weeks pregnant, had had two detached retinas and two Scleral buckles and could I make an appointment for an eye check today? He advised me to go straight to the hospital. 

So I sat, and waited, and read my book until the eye drops I was given made that impossible. And I'm pleased to report that a build up of pigment in my eyes may be to blame, but there are no tears, holes or fluid behind the retina. Pregnancy could also be to blame. I was sent on my merry way with a specialist appointment in two months, pupils the size of saucers and a sense of relief.

Meanwhile, I completely enjoyed Elizabeth Taylor's, In The Summer Season (the novelist, not the actress), and am now engrossed in The Help by Kathryn Stockett. My plans for this evening involve putting my feet up, taking up my knitting and eating a slice (or two) or apple pie - while feeling grateful for my vision.

And you, what have you been reading or knitting?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny

It's school holidays in these parts, and our days have been filled with trips to the library, family days out, Easter craft, bench time spent working on custom makes, general pottering around the house, and more time for reading and crafting than usual. My cross stitch is growing, as is the baby blanket, while my pile of books from the library has grown too.

Right now my bedside table holds; Home by Beci Orpin, The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna, Family Album by Penelope Lively, The Help by Kathryn Stockett (our next book club book), A View of the Harbour by Elizabeth Taylor and my current read, In A Summer Season, also by Elizabeth Taylor. I love her subtle observations of every day life, and particularly enjoyed her first novel, At Mrs Lippencote's.

What have you been making and reading?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

Yarn Along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~ Ginny

I've been a little side tracked by cross stitch this week. My 'Winterwood ABC' arrived from America and I was excited to get started. As their weather warms ours starts to cool. I've admired this pattern since I first saw it, and have seen it floating around many of my favourtie blogs in blog land. Eventually I decided to stop thinking about it and just try it. It's my first ever cross stitch, but Alicia's wonderful tutorial covers the how-to so nicely that I haven't had any trouble with it. I've been enjoying it so much that my knitting has only progressed a few rows. 

I've almost finished Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's most recent book, The Amazing Thing About the Way It Goes, then I will be looking for my next read. Any recommendations for me? What have you loved lately?

What have you been making and reading?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

Right Now

1. Oh, the beauty of a napping child. 2. A peek at Jennie's inspiring studio.
3. Modelling clay for the win - sort of. 4. More orders and stock for my shop.
5. The bliss of tea and knitting. 6.Designing new pieces.

Knitting: Working on my scarf and the newly cast on baby blanket, which I will share on Wednesday.

Pleased: To have my lovely husband home after four days of solo parenting. While he explored Sydney with his father and took in the baseball, I discovered that easy meals, long bath times with lots of toys, and simple crafts, were the best way for a pregnant Mama to manage a five and two year old on her own.

30 Weeks Pregnant: After a thyroid and tertiary scan, I can tell you that all is well. This little one seems especially strong! If you see me double over in surprise, you can bet it's from a swift internal kick or punch from my little boxer. After 9 pound 4, and 8 pound 11 babies, the sonographer confirmed that this will be another big baby. Though my bump already feels huge, I know that the next ten weeks is going to make an even bigger difference!

Learning: That while modelling clay will entertain and amuse a five year old for longer than expected, despite several warnings a two year old is still likely to taste a little/ a lot, as soon as your back is turned. Said modelling clay will not digest in the two year olds tummy, and will instead come out again, along with the rest of the contents of their tummy. 

Listening: Still enjoying picking my way through the back catalogue of the 'Stuff You Missed in History Class' podcast. Frida Kahlo! Sei Shonnagon! The Fitzgeralds!

Awed: To have held a $750,000, award winning, pink diamond ring at the JAA Jewellery Fair. It was absolutely stunning. The design. The workmanship. The rare stones. Still, the mind boggles.

Excited: By my lesser priced, but so beautiful purchase from the Fair, a 12 mm Baroque black Tahitian Pearl.

Inspired: By the pearl and the Fair to pull out my collection of gemstones and pearls and spend a quite evening sketching designs and writing up job packets for future pieces of jewellery. 

Happy: To have found a nice balance at the moment, between work, family, and little moments to myself to knit and blog.

Grateful: Every day for my beautiful, healthy, happy children, family and friends. One can't be reminded often enough to be grateful for such things.

Wishing: I could magically weed and turn the soil in my veggie patch, so I could plant out a Winter crop. But this dear bump of mine will not allow the physical labor necessary to achieve such a thing, and I am yet to convince my husband...

Wondering: If you caught my week of guest blog posts over on the Bespoke zine blog.

Doubly excited: To introduce a new series of 'Meet the Maker' interviews I've been working on, on my blog soon. Stay tuned for a lovely selection of Australian makers, from textile designers to fine artists, ceramicists to print makers, doll makers to knitters. 

Yarn Along

The recent hints of Autumn vanished with the heat and humidity of the past few days. However, I have been holding on to the promise of Autumn with my knitting; while sitting in an air-conditioned room. And while I have been knitting, I have been making my way through the back catalogue of the wonderful free podcast, 'Stuff You Missed In History Class.' Clicking on the titles that appeal and settling in, those talented ladies have been keeping me entertained and filling my head with such fascinating facts as I knit. I'm much the wiser on such a diverse range of topics now, from the Hope Diamond, to the Domestication of the Cat. From Jane Austen to Frida Kahlo. From Mount Everest to Laura Ingalls Wilder. There is such a wealth of knowledge, my inner history geek is thrilled.

If you're new to the world of podcasts, and you have an iphone as I do, it's a simple matter of downloading the 'Podcast' app and typing the podcast title in to the search bar. Click on the podcast's logo, and choose from the list of episodes.

While speaking of technology, I have been converted, just a little, to the idea of reading a book on my phone. I don't own an eReader or the like. How I railed against the very thought of it! Until I couldn't get a library copy, or find an inexpensive copy, of our latest book club book, Walking on Trampolines. Instead I begrudgingly downloaded it though the iTunes store on my laptop, downloaded the iBook app, and proceeded to read it on my phone. And, it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. It meant I always had a book with me wherever I went, as I always tend to have my phone. This was handy as I rushed to Doctor and hospital appointments. Once I was used to it, I even curled up in bed with my phone and read during the children's nap times on the weekend. 

When I finished that book, I had in mind to read Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's most recent book, The Amazing Thing About the Way It Goes, thanks to Ginny's glowing recommendation. When I could not find it at my local library, and didn't want to wait to get is shipped to Australia, I went ahead and downloaded it too. (She's such a gem, that Yarn Harlot, isn't she?) While I still prefer a 'real' book, with real pages you can turn and crease. A real spine to bend and crack. A real and beautiful object on my bedside table, or thrown in to my handbag. I must now admit that there may just be room for the occasional downloaded book too...

Have you been converted too? 

Or are you a paper back and hard back lover all the way?

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

PS. Don't forget, you can find me guest posting at the Bespoke zine blog all this week. :)

Yarn Along

My beautiful 'stash market bag from Yardage Design, filled with woolly goodness.

It's been quite a while since I joined in with Yarn Along, as I seem to have hit a black hole with both the projects I was working on. No matter how many rows I did, they just didn't seem to be growing at all, they were just sucked in to a knitting black hole instead. Despite the guilt I felt at abandoning them, I decided to give them both a rest and allow myself a spot of yarn shopping. I have since been working on a simple stripey scarf, and I have the makings of a baby blanket to go on with once the scarf is complete. 

Yesterday, my 28 week bump and I had to spend two hours at Pathology doing a Glucose Tolerance test for pregnancy. I was secretly a little excited about this. Two whole hours of knitting and reading with only a couple of interruptions?! Even if those interruptions were three blood tests, I could manage that. One learns to accept blood tests when you have Graves disease. So, while my dear parents took Cohen to school and kept the little Miss amused, I read the beginnings of Walking on Trampolines for my book club, and knitted away on a Cleckheaton scarf pattern I've long admired. 

It feels good to be knitting again.

And you dear reader, what are you making or reading?

It's so quite out there in blog land these days, feel free to leave a comment. :)

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Joining in with Ginny.

Ravelry.

Right Now

Stashing: Sale wool for a simple striped baby blanket and a scarf (40% off at Spotlight)

Knitting: A Cleckheaton Country Style Stripe scarf. It feels good to be knitting again.

Pet Sitting: The class guinea pig, Cuddles, for the weekend. (Poor wee thing, the life of a class pet can't be easy.)

Excited: About seeing the Designing Craft/ Crafting Design Exhibition on at Ipswich Art Gallery. 40 years of Jam Factory, here I come.

Doubly Excited: There's also a kids clay workshop running at the same time, which I am sure Cohen will love.

28 Weeks Pregnant: And starting to feel more tired and uncomfortable. I'm listening to my body and slowing down; trading nights at the jewellery bench for nights knitting on the couch.

Listening: To the 'Stuff you missed in History class' Podcast - how utterly fantastic. My new go to Podcast while working or knitting.

Writing: A weeks worth of blog posts for the lovely Bespoke blog. I'll be guest posting over there from March 17th - 23rd.

Nesting: I'm overhauling my studio at the moment. I've done away with an old rickety bookcase that will be replaced, I'm upgrading my desk and culling through way too many craft supplies. It''s all a messy pile of boxes awaiting decluttering at the moment. Hope to share some before and afters with you soon!

Reading: Wholehearted a journal, honey & jam, Fast Company

Anticipating: The arrival of a custom ordered logo stamp from a local Brisbane company. Love me some customised stationary!

Smiling: Each time I see the bunch of lipstick pink roses on my dining table. Life is too short not to buy flowers (even if only occasionally.)

Missing: The package delivery driver three days straight, because I have been at the post office each time picking up a package!

Hoping: You are having a lovely weekend!

Autumn Inspiration

There is a loveliness about Autumn to which the other seasons can not compare. The cool mornings, warm days, dappled sunshine, cozy blanketed nights. The allure to read, knit, write, walk. The warm tones of fallen leaves, tweed, yarn and baked goods. I couldn't resist putting together a collection of images to inspire me these coming months. After a particularly hot Summer, I am welcoming each small sign of the change of season.

L-R: Inspiration Board, Autumn, Winterwoods,
Bookcase, Botanical Knits, Cottage in the Oaks,
Craftgawker, Grand-Palais, Heart Handmade.

Eight Good Things

1. Making custom orders for birthday gifts

2. An up to date 'Project Life' album - I love seeing our weeks come together like this

3. Cheeky workshop assistants

4. Brown paper packages tied up with string - la da de da dah

5. Tea and knitting - always always a good thing

6. My gorgeous print by the talented Kylie Hunt of Paravent - and her equally beautiful packaging

7. Learning new skills and making the first part of my table displays for Finders Keepers - my first ever attempt at wood work and I loved it

8. Gathering and foraging in the side streets and on the footpaths on our daily wanderings

What are your Eight Good Things today, or this past week?

Leave a comment or make a post and let me know! It's a lovely way to take a step back from a busy day and notice the little things - the little moments you might otherwise over look, and savor them.

Living Creatively

I overheard the term 'creative life' recently. It caught at my imagination. It snagged their for days. I pondered the phrase and what it was, perhaps, that the person who uttered it had meant.

To me, a 'creative life' means finding beauty in the small moments of your day and slowing down to appreciate them. From a child's milk mustache, to the reflection in your coffee cup, from weathered paint work to pristine envelope. It means appreciating the ordinary and looking at the details. It means surrounding yourself with a creative community that is inspiring and encouraging. It means allowing yourself time to 'play', experiment, dabble, and seeing where that leads. It might lead no where and that's ok, it might be therapy, it might inspire a whole new project. It means appreciating the creative work of others. It means buying handmade. It means admiring design, innovation and technical skill. It means making, growing, learning, challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone. It means reflecting your creative loves in your environment and decorating your home with treasures. An art print. A hand poured candle. A handmade brooch collection. A shelf of craft books. A basket of precious yarn. It means sharing your skills and encouraging others in their creative pursuits. It means teaching others what you know. How to knit. How to make ornaments. How to preserve produce. It means we are all creative, whether we believe it or not, and we can all live creatively if we choose to.

What does a 'creative life' mean to you? 

Made By Hand

 

'Made By Hand' is a weekly creative show and tell, with an aim to foster community, conversation and inspiration.

My aim is to craft a life of homemade, home grown happiness. 

Join in by leaving a link below.

I feel as if I am on repeat lately. I'm still preparing for the Finders Keepers market (two more sleeps). I'm still knitting the same baby sweater (for baby number three) - one sleeve and the neck band to go. And I'm still struggling with the nausea and exhaustion of early pregnancy. I fear the next project I have in mind involves a lot of repetition as well. A hand knitted blanket for the baby, in the tradition of Mama made blankets. Cohen has his crochet ripple blanket, from before I learnt to knit. Emerson has had two hand knitted blankets, after the unfortunate felting incident... This time around I have my eye on this gorgeous pattern. Though I fear I may be setting my sights a little too high in terms of skill, time and concentration. To knit, or not to knit? That is the question.

Do you have any favourite special baby blanket patterns?

What have you been making this week?

Weekending

Spring afternoon light, painting patterns

Simple joy - sitting with a cup of tea and working a few rows of a sleeve

Push, push, push - through the kitchen, down the hall and in to her bedroom - in order to play with her light switch. Clever chicken.

The creative mess in my studio has started to get a little out of control. There are two weeks until the Finders Keepers market and I currently have several 'in progress' piles. I spent a good part of the weekend at my jewellery bench, and ensured I tided it up and put my tools away before I finished up yesterday. The rest of the room may be a shamozzle (thanks in large part to my two little studio helpers) but at least my bench is now tidy. There is nothing like sitting down to a clean bench to work. (Expect lots of jewellery pictures on Thursday.)

I stepped away from the bench as well this past weekend, to find some balance between work and play - exploring the natural beauty of the Daisy Hill forest with my gorgeous husband and our little ones. 

A few weekend discoveries-

This awesome Paul Kelly documentary on iView

New inspiration bombs - Hooray!

More beautiful thread drawn neck pieces (and koalas and Friedas!)

And an old favourtie -

'Make You Happy' Josh Pyke. He breaks my heart in all the nicest ways.

Here's to a fantastic, creative, joy filled week!