Tagged part four

You guessed it, I LOVE SHOES (What girl doesn't?) and these are my current favourites. They are very soft mauve/blue with lovely cream detailing. Dear Husband will certainly attest to my love of shoes! Today is an unbelievably hot day for our last day of winter, must be a very cold change on it's way, this is too weird, but at least I could break out into some more summery shoes. Gotta run now, off to restock the pantry before the family arrives home for the weekend of eating us out of house and home.

All dressed up with no where to go

Finished the beading last night, couldn't photograph this one till I had found some sort of closure embellishment to really set it off. This is a small bag just room for your essentials for a night on the town. The frill remains quite flexible after felting and the holes just add a little bit of texture to the black surface. I really like the row of dots on the handle, I think I will be using this feature more in the future. Would any of you use a bag like this? Is it a bit over the top? I need some opinions girls!

Opera bag

Just finished this off this morning. Added the cream I-cord detail down the centre of the handle which will add strength as this little bag feels weighty because of the three deep frills around the base. Don't worry it isn't heavy by any means, less than 250g of wool! Off to the machine now for a thorough roughing up. Will report in again this evening probably with the finished results.

Little black bag

Now it is said every girl needs a 'little black dress' so why not the 'little black bag' to go with it. I know this looks like a frilly tissue box cover at the moment but be patient and you will see what comes of this girly idea for a special events bag. I started knitting this bag last night with only a vague idea where I was heading but so far I am pleased. Should end up being a lovely girly little tote just perfect for a night out on the town perfect to dress up a plain outfit. I endeavour with all my bag patterns to have the most minimal amount of sewing up so I knit up stitches wherever I want to add details, this time frills.

I must be the only girl on the planet who hadn't watched 'You've Got Mail' till last night that is, I knitted and watched and got annoyed with the ads but now I can say I have seen it. Dear Husband headed off to bed early which is very rare but he looked a wreck after 6 days at work and a few on call and still more to complete. I had the TV remote to myself as the kids also took themselves off to bed early. I am only telling you this because it doesn't happen very often in this house that I get to watch a girly chick flick, I went to bed near midnight feeling good.

A happy family snap

This photo arrived last night and I think it is just wonderful. This is my great grandfathers youngest sister and her young family, around 1905 I think. I love how it is a formal family sitting but then to be able to see their slab hut home and outbuildings, yards, paddocks, fencing, horse cart and a perfect reflection behind them is just beautiful. Click on the photo for a closer look around family life a century ago on the land. There is also a fourth child on the other side of the water. Life was obviously hard but the children look like they were thriving. Sarah went on to have 11 children with only one dying in childhood which was quite probably the babe in this photo. Living in the digital age is fantastic for sharing family history, no one has to let their treasured photos and documents out of their hands but it is so easy to send them to interested others. I love hearing the stories of their lives, not just getting the names and dates. Everyone has a story to tell even if they think their life is ordinary. I just wish I could sit down and talk to some of the very interesting characters I have found on our family tree. If your parents and grandparents or other rellies are still kicking sit down and listen, you won't know what you have missed out on until they are gone then it is too late to ask!

First quilt and a funky monkey

Isn't she the cutest sock monkey! This little series of postcards is from Darling Daughters schoolhouse sampler quilt class that she has been attending this year. There were two colour choices and she chose the pale one which is the Sanctuary range from Moda Fabrics. She only has one more class so today she chose sashing, border and binding fabrics to co-ordinate with the pretty soft florals. In the one hour class each month they receive a demonstration on the block construction for that month and they must then go home and complete the next block so they will receive the next block pack and postcard that gives construction information next lesson. She is going very well for a 12 year old, she has done all the sewing and has only asked for a bit of help with rotary cutting and some of the trickier pinning, this is her first quilt. Hopefully it won't be too long before you will see the completed quilt which will be about 48" square.

Looking forward to summer

This caught my eye today, June 2007 issue, the fashions look lovely and feminine this coming summer season. I think I might enjoy making a few of these items up for myself this summer. These Burda magazines are very good value, they cost less than one pattern and all you have to do is trace their patterns onto vilene or tracing paper, not too difficult at all. Maybe I will have to meet my sister in Canberra again and do some fabric shopping for a new summer wardrobe!

Kaffe is coming along quickly

Another rainy afternoon so decided to complete the centre of my Kaffe quilt, quite pleased with the mix of wild prints and the riot of hot colours. I have two borders to go then it will be off to my machine quilter for an all over treatment as this is going to be a couch quilt for the whole family.

This is a better wrap

It clouded over this afternoon so I went down to the beach to photograph this quilt a bit better than the last photograph that had way too much western sun on it. I tried laying it on large rocks artistically and by the time I got into position to take the photo the wind had whipped up and rolled the quilt all up. Frustrating, tried this 3 times then I moved onto flatter ground, wind still causing me grief....... I jumped up on a rock and snapped one photo very hastily and then you know what the camera needed a battery change............arghh. I hadn't packed those as you can take about 550 photos on each charge and it couldn't possibly happen this afternoon..............it did!!! This is the only photo, not too bad but definitely could be better. Will try again another cloudy afternoon, but don't hold your breath waiting.

Working with Kaffe

Just what everyone needs on a rainy day, a beautiful bright Kaffe Fassett quilt. These blocks are huge and they really do show off the 16 different red/orange/pink fabrics beautifully. This is a very loud quilt kit but it looks wonderful laying on the floor, probably best viewed from a distance. When I have the whole quilt top pieced I will take another photo for you. I have loved Kaffe's knitting, needlepoint and quilts for many years and I have a number of his books in my collection which are just so lovely to sit and flick through, the stylists are so creative when showing of his creations.

Been out walking

Today I pinned on my pedometer and off we went again. Just did a circuit of our village and ended at the local store for cappuccino and hot chocolate, so I guess I need to go for another circuit now! This old photo is at the store and shows our village 50 years ago, dirt roads and just a few holiday shacks. The village is planned out similarly to areas of our nations capital Canberra, the street names are suburbs of Canberra and most of the early investors in the area were from Canberra.

Tagged part four

I love my greens and I'm very good at hiding them in family meals, as most mothers are!! I am not a great fruit eater but veges are a different thing, especially fresh from the garden. I have to say I don't think I will ever like Brussel sprouts. We are having a spinach quiche tonight and our broccoli isn't too far from being ready to pick.

This post is for Cindy of 2paw as she has been a very regular Australian commentor right from the beginning of this blog and she loves green it seems.

In vogue

Printed in England in the 1950's, these were a fabulous find on Ebay, they contain so many lovely fitted and feminine knits. The advertising throughout it priceless; gorgeous underwear, knitting accessories, lovely wools, knitting patterns and books, even perspiration protectors to strap on your armpits to protect your woollens.

10,000 steps each day

My sister has encouraged me to get my trusty pedometer out again and start on the 10,000 steps program. It's very simple, wear a pedometer from the minute you get out of bed till you retire to bed again at night and log the number of steps you have done each day on the 10,00 steps site. What could be simpler. The aim is to walk at least 10,000 steps for health and weight maintenance and if you want to lose weight do more. You can also log extra activities and record regular health assessments of your weight, height, measurements and it will convert this information into Body Mass Index. Check out the site, it's great, very simple to use and there are monthly challenges you can also participate in.

This morning I have been out for a stroll with Dear Husband and the faithful old dog and have so far logged 4609 steps and I got to see what was going on in the neighbourhood after a few days of rain has stopped me from getting out for a walk. The aerial photo was taken from a real estate sign I spotted while on my walk around our village, we live right down near the bulbous peninsular.

Will let you know how I'm going in a few weeks, hopefully will be feeling a bit fitter, a few inches trimmer and my daily average will be over 10,000!

Lace and Addi's

This post is simply to let you all know that the new Addi Turbo 'Lace' circular needles with the pointier points and finer more supple red cord ar simply a pleasure to knit with. I don't think I have dropped one stitch yet, the finer shaped tips stop that first stitch from slipping over the end, they are so light and easy to knit with. You need to try them for yourselves or at least read this review. I am knitting up my Rowan Kidsilk Haze scrap, this is very good isn't it, 'waste not want not', then I can justify working on my new Colinette Parisienne that I picked up last week. Click on the photo for a closer view, will take an air shot when complete so you can see the lacey design better.

Tagged part three

Now I know this will come as no surprise to any of you who know me well, but this comment was on my school report when I was 6 years old, good effort don't you think for my personality to be showing it's self so early! You are what you are and I love communicating, maybe that is why I love blogging.

I have been tagged by the lovely Abby so I hope she will be happy with my separate tag entries as I am finding it difficult to tell you 8 things about myself, I'm not really very interesting it seems.

Pay It Forward exchange

Thank you to all who commented on the Pay It Forward post. I have selected randomly 3 people who will be receiving a handmade gift from me in the post soon. They are gnat of Bark n Knit Meggy of Meg - A Day In The Life Of and Nan of Nannybird Crafts. Now girls all you need to do is make sure you have posted a Pay It Forward exchange promise on your blog and then email me with your postal addresses and don't hold your breath but very soon a little parcel will make it's way to your home from mine.

I have really enjoyed participating in this exchange and I hope it might encourage my blog readers out there to randomly go out of your way to do a kind deed for a complete stranger who crosses into your life sometime, it will make their day just that little bit brighter. Try it!

Sisters converge in capital

We finally did it, we met up in Canberra and stayed overnight without husbands or kids..........fabulous fun. Donna and I met at the Canberra Craft Fair and checked out all that is new and creative. The quilt exhibition was wonderful, lots of very creative members in Canberra Quilters. I bought a few new knitting books, I love learning new techniques so I'm set for quite some time now.

We managed a quick look around the gallery level of the Canberra Centre just to check out what the new spring and summer fashions will be ready for some dress making very soon. So feminine, lots of florals and soft flowy dresses, and very cute flat shoes in lots of gorgeous colours.

ANU House is a very retro styled comfortable accommodation choice, so quiet. Loved the central courtyard garden and reflection pool. Boffins Cafe provided us with a great full breakfast ready for our second day of retail therapy. Dinner was simply delicious at a Turkish restaurant called Meccah Bah, the decor is so sumptuous, lots of eating nooks and comfortable soft furnishings to make you very cosy. We shared four entrees all so full of interesting flavours, my favourite was the Beetroot and Rocket salad. Dessert was just perfect, homemade date and vanilla, and rich chocolate ice cream and raspberry sorbet, yummy.

Addicted to Fabric filled in Friday morning, what a fantastic fabric shop. So full of colour, you have to visit to appreciate all we saw. I am now the proud owner of a Kaffe Fassett quilt kit, so simple but the colours are so rich, redecorating here I come. My niece will be wearing the most fantastic dress to her primary school farewell at the end of the year, another Kaffe fabric, there were so many vibrant fabrics to choose from it was just so difficult to settle on one. This shop also has the best collection of dressmaking fabrics, day and evening. We will be back when we both sort out what we want to make for spring/summer. The staff were very friendly and helpful it was a real pleasure to shop at A2F.

I can highly recommend a 'Sister fix' to you all, it's years since we have had quality time together and we will be repeating this at regular intervals from now on.

Belated birthday bag

I can finally show you my latest bag creation. This one was made for a special friend who had a birthday last week and I managed to get into town today and give it to her although I didn't manage to find wrapping paper but it's the thought that counts isn't it? This was made with Cleckheatons Vintage Hues pure wool that I picked up locally because the colours were just perfect for my friend and I had to hide the wool when she visited last. I did have that naughty little helper in the late stages of the bag, I think it met Miss Puss's approval! It did get a very good washing after she tested it for comfort. I hope you enjoy your bag dear friend and I know you will enjoy "Priscilla" this weekend. We went up to see this show for my 40th birthday, it is a fantastic spectacle and so very entertaining.

100 years ago today

This is my grandad and if her were still with us he would be 100 years old today. He was a farmer all his life and this photo is exactly how I remember him. I spent a lot of time with him on the farm which was my favourite place when I was small. He grew the best watermelons, he would slash them open on the loading dock of the shed and we would all sit up there dangling our legs and spitting seeds in all directions.

I have many fond memories of times on the farm with my grandparents but early mornings were my time with 'Papa', we would rise early and toast a piece of bread in the fire box of the old fuel stove on the end of a long wire fork listening to the strains of the ABC radio news announcement tune then off to the milking shed (above). While he leaned into the old cow and hand milked for the household I played with the tadpoles in the concrete water trough. We would walk back and he would slop some warm milk in an old metal dish for all the farm cats, rinse our boots at the tank stand then head in for more breakfast!

He had a sweet tooth and this well worn tin sat on the mantelpiece always full of his favourites and all the grand kids knew he would have a few in the bottom of his trouser pockets when he was out in the paddocks and he loved to share them.

I dearly wish my own kids could have known this gentle and loving grandad of mine.

Tagged part two

• I am commonly known around these parts as 'The Knicker Police' by a few girlfriends and my car number plate amazingly also used to be TKP by chance! I have always loved nice undies and after many years of study and then beginning work at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney I finished my shift on my first pay day and rushed straight to Chatswood and spent my entire pay on loads of pretty underwear. Extravagant it might have been but it was so good to finally have nice smalls after years of very basic necessities. My girlfriends are some what scared of my gazes when we meet as I often find the wrong underwear poking out or shining through their clothes for the world to see, this is when 'The Knicker Police' will strike. Now having worked in a hospital the old saying about 'never leaving the house in holey underwear should be remembered', I have seen some very bad specimens! I have even gifted new undies to my girlfriends one Christmas and we have a lovely group photo of the girls proudly wearing their undies as Christmas hats..............this was at a private home!

Now remember girls these are the rules

1. No flowery or patterned knickers under whites
2. No visible G-string above the outerwear
3. Definitely throw holey undies in the rubbish, don't even use them for dusting
4. Large above the waist knickers look like parachutes on the clothesline so save them for when you are REALLY old and you won't even remember you are wearing them or care who sees them on the clothesline
5. Lastly something to post on your refrigerator for those weak moments, "Fridge pickers wear big knickers!"

Tagged part one

I have been tagged a few times by fellow bloggers (one I can think of at the moment was Lisa the amazing bag maker at Pink Lemonade Boutique) and I have just simply not known what to write about myself. Eight interesting things are difficult to come up with so I am going to try and deal with it one at a time.

• I am the mother of two great kids (Darling Daughter and Surfer Boy) who are both almost taller than me now, I'm only 5'5", no great challenge for a son who has size 12 feet or a 12 year old daughter who still has years of growing to do. One of my grandmothers was 6' tall and the other was 4'10" so I am somewhere in the middle which suits me fine as I can buy clothes off the rack and not have to alter the length very often. My husband is 6'2" so I am rapidly becoming the short one in this family!

Winter veges

Surfer Boy is a very enthusiastic agriculture student and here are the veges from his school garden plot. With veges being so very expensive lately for whatever reason it has been great to receive regular bundles of very fresh produce every couple of days. Fortunately we all love our veges and they don't go to waste here. Our own vege garden is just starting to produce it's crop of English spinach, broccoli and sugar loaf cabbage so there won't be any vitamin deficiencies in this household.

First tentative stitches

Darling Daughter picked up my knitting when I was working on the felted string bag a weeks or so ago and she did a few stitches. I suggested another set of needles for her and my bag of scrap wools and she could knit something for herself, so a new camera case was her decision and it worked out beautifully, she is secretly pleased with herself too. Actually once she started she couldn't stop knitting, it is addictive we know, and she loved working with all my scraps changing colours whenever she wanted. I did do the little flap and buttonholes for her but it is a fabulous first foray into the world of knitting.

With Darling Daughter starting off on her knitting pathway it made me think of my first projects and it was of course a scarf that took sometime to complete and I still have it. I also have a huge bag full of the jumpers and things I knit when I was a teenager and they are made from some of the most delicious wools from a time when our family lived in New Zealand. I have washed some of them up so I can include them today.

Pay It Forward

I want to participate in this because it really means something to me. I have always loved the idea of randomly being kind to another and then they in turn will then 'Pay It Forward' as we say.

I noticed a new friend of mine Sarah had a post regarding this exchange and I decided 'why not' participate, so I am. What does this all mean.................well this is what Sarah said and it works for me.

I will send a handmade gift to 3 random people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this Pay It Forward exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do if you like, is in return pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

I have had some lovley things happen to me in the last few weeks and I would just simply like to make someone's day when they receive a little hand made gift in the mail soon. I started my blog back in March and it has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in some time. Blogging is a great motivator and organiser for me, it also opens up your mind to opportunities to fulfill your dreams. The best thing of all is the number of wonderful people I have met through my blog, I love contacting the people who leave comments for me and learning about their lives and that we really are all just seeking contentment in this life.

Please participate and goodluck to you all, looking forward to a great respone from all you crafty bloggers. You have till midnight Wednesday the 8th of August to make your promise.

What a wonderful place it would be if we would all do more of this more often.

These two photos are of my mum (the youngest) and her two sisters, the first photo depicts the girls ready to head off to their one classroom school in the 1940's with flowers for their teacher. I love the second photo of the girls and playing dollies.

Who says number four misses out

This is a baby quilt my very clever sister has whipped up for friends who have just had another blue bundle of joy arrive. For a farming family four sons is just perfect. This latest little fellow won't be able to complain that he missed out on special gifts when he was born because he was the youngest. This quilt was made from a pack of mostly Amy Butler fabric strips, then the favourite was added for the border. Very simple and effective with the added texture of hand tied quilting.