If only I had chocolate

Bunting love...

2012-01-26T21:16:00.003+11:00

My first 2012 finish peoples! Pre printed bunting panels I ordered from Dance in My Garden. I was lucky to get a set early... Contact lovely Luisa if you want a set - they are so yummy she has not even needed to put them on site! So quick and dead easy to make up! Nice and cheery and bright and make me smile stuff.

Ah HA!

2012-01-19T10:49:00.003+11:00

We have found the culprit!

The missing strawberries...

Should have know.

Nothing beats...

2012-01-17T13:45:00.003+11:00

Nothing beats apricots from your own (or home grown) tree hey...

whats with the....

2012-01-15T13:22:00.003+11:00

light coloured zucchini's?

Anyone know?

Well composted ground. Seedlings from local nursery. Were like this last year. Er????

Guess what has arrived?

2012-01-14T10:23:00.002+11:00

Yup - it has arrived.

Building project this coming week for the teen boy.

Three lovely chooklets being picked up from dear Tammy up north at the end of the month . They have been named already people. Mable, Gladdis and Betty. Perfect ha?

Only boys would suggest calling them breast, leg and thigh... seriously people where did I get the parenting wrong?!

a ha! and you thought you knew it all

2012-01-12T14:29:00.002+11:00

No ladies (oh and men if you read this) logic does not rule when it comes to quilting. HA even if you thought you knew it all and could master any block. It will bite you. No matter how much you fight it and wrangle the bugger - it will not work.

At least there are nice bloogy people out there who come to your rescue and listen to your woes and serve you internet chocolate.

1800 QUILT SOLVED!

2012-01-06T10:13:00.004+11:00

Thank you ever so much Vickie who kindly sent me a step by step picture email of how to do my troubled section. I was gob smacked she went into this trouble for me. The beauty of blog friends! The secret was clipping a 1/4" of the ends!

Here is the block...

and here is one of the corners. Impressed? I AM!!!!

1800 QUILT HELP!

2012-01-05T15:59:00.004+11:00

I am working on week 4 of Barbara Brackman's Civil War Quilt.

I, for the life of me cannot work out what I am doing wrong.

HELP!

The section I am having trouble with is the side triangles...

The instructions are:

Cute 1 light and 2 medium squares 3-7/8". Cur each into 4 triangles with two cuts. You need 4 light and 8 medium triangles.

I cut them as instructed... measuresments trippled checked.

Then I sewed one side on...

Then I sewed the other...

The problem is when I sew it to the main black I lose my corner.

So I need to sew the smaller triangles together a different way so I dont lose the corner.

How do I do this?

Thank you to who ever relieves me of quilt hysteria...

That is it for 2011

2011-12-31T18:06:00.005+11:00

As the Little Man and DH read I thought I would reflect on this year. Note the quilt - I know it looks well used. My mum made it well before I was born. It is being loved and used. I prefer that than alone in a cupboard collecting dust. I love it - each piece of reused fabric reminds my sisters and mum of clothes and items mum made when they were little... She rarely crafts now. Such a shame.

We have had a great 2011 here.

* I reconnected with some old friends

* The front is officially a food patch. Lets hope it stays that way! I need to weed it (again).

* Abby joined the family.

* The Little Man has GROWN and developed and still has us all wrapped around his finger (well I like to think not me...)

*DH patent has been approved.

* Both older boys have had such a successful and fun filled year.

In 2012 I would like to achieve the following... in no order

* Welcome and enjoy having three chooky ladies!

* Finish three quilts (all here ready to go!)

* Make a Christmas Tree skirt

* Make the middle boy a Shepard's Bush stocking

* Enjoy the Little Man even more!

* Have a productive veggie patch

* Work out some way of bring more calm and peace in this household!

Hope you all can look back at 2011 with positive feeling and are looking forward to 2012! I am - though hesitant as I don't know what will happen (control freak in me) but I can see some exciting things in the horizon.

Its not like I can back out now...

2011-12-29T14:39:00.004+11:00

How was yours by the way? We had a fabulous time from Christmas eve till boxing day. Well stretched, cruisy and easy. Love it that way. The best thing was "this is the best Christmas ever" from our middle man.

I know I said I would have this done by Christmas. That is done and gone...

But now I cannot back out on this project. With the amount of hours already put in (sigh). I propose to do a little bit each Little Man sleep and evening. Then it will get done. Eventually...

Hope you are all enjoying this time of the year. I love it with all the activities, warm weather, boys at home, hubby at home, summer fruits and the spontaneity of the days. Love it.

Christmas time...

2011-12-24T16:41:00.002+11:00

Hi all,

All of us here at If Only I Had Chocolate wish you all a safe holiday period and a happy and healthy 2012.

30/50

2011-12-17T09:53:00.001+11:00

30 cards made - 20 to go then I can finally start sending them off. Got to do it by tomorrow so people get them before Christmas - that is the point of them after all...

Idea taken from here

Freshly picked

2011-12-15T09:05:00.003+11:00

A total of 1.2 kg of cherries from the tree. Our first serious crop! So sweet.

Another gift cured...

2011-12-13T20:59:00.004+11:00

Honey, oatmeal and beezwax soap

and Caraway and Poppy Seed Soap

Just one more pillow...

2011-12-08T21:49:00.003+11:00

I finished this project!

Just the Christmas Tree left and then I have done what I wanted to do for 2011. Love it.

I have made a plan. 2012 is going to be the quilt year again for me. First I will restart my Quilters Journal Quilt. Blocks done. Need to do the stitching. This will take a while. Then I will commence Life is Beautiful Quilt by Helen Stubbings. Already have the fabric kindly chosen by Helen herself (service ha?). Between all of that... I am going to tackle this project. A civil war block a week. Recon I can do it?

s.l.o.w progress is being made

2011-11-30T13:50:00.001+11:00

I have been finding it hard to sit down knowing I have a good block of time to get on with this project. I will have it done by Christmas.

Almost done the tree - the most intense part.

The thing I dont like about raw edge sewing is you can either miss the edge. Do it to close so it 'shreds' the fabric or to far away that is it obvious... I understand this is not the done thing...

argh.

Salted Caramels

2011-11-28T10:19:00.000+11:00

I know - would never imagined mixing these two flavours together...

Would you ever imagine they were morish?!

Go on make some... here

Check. Check. Check it out.

2011-11-26T13:13:00.004+11:00

Claire from Little Fish Creations kindly encouraged me to learn how to use an over locker. My fear, I realised was unfounded... Look what I made with her support and encouragement... I had a GREAT day with Claire and am rather pleased with myself. The Little Man is particularly pleased with the trains... toot toot!

Those black naughty thingos...

2011-11-18T10:34:00.004+11:00

They are back this year...

I have a lovely surprise for them.

Yes I do.

A allnaturele version to get rid of them.

Vacuum dust. Yes dust from your vacuum bag. They hate it.

Cherry slugs people - they also like quinces AND pears. Shake your vacuum bag over the trees (and under the leaves) regularly and this will - apparently rid of the darn things. Oh I know they don't harm your tree or fruit - but I rather use my vacuum dust efficiently and have pretty trees in my garden all summer! I think I might beat them this year (evil laugh). Next is the slugs/snails...

With a bit of planning...

2011-11-16T15:00:00.003+11:00

I can be disgustingly organised with Christmas gifts.

This year is my best so far. I am really pleased. I think I have competed all my to-make-gifts. Do you make gifts for Christmas?

I still have some gifts to do - but that is because I have NO idea what to get them (sisters...). Darn it.

I got this idea from here. Perfect for the goodies hamper I traditionally do for each of my aunts and uncles...

I REALLY thought

2011-11-11T13:00:00.003+11:00

after raw edge appliqueing this WHOLE tree once I would have the technique down pat.

fat chance - another two to go...

Childhood books

2011-11-09T11:49:00.004+11:00

This is a story I remember fondly from my childhood. My mum read to me before I went to sleep. I cannot remember when she stopped doing it. This is my original copy - what a treasure. Another book I remember and have just sourced is Tikki Tikki Tembo.

Do you know this book?

What was a special childhood book for you?

a bit of this and a bit of that

2011-11-08T20:03:00.003+11:00

I have finished this book. Book club is tonight and I am at home. Been struggling with a head cold the last two days. Damn it. I love the socialness of this group of ladies. I enjoyed it "immensely darling". Would only change one thing. Wonder what the next book will be?

I am also excited that I have managed to source a good, reasonably priced duck bill scissors (here). I will be doing lots of needle turn (yes facing it head on!) in a quilt I am about to start so decided to get myself a pair.

Happy week everyone!

okay... enough pillows for 2011

2011-11-07T14:47:00.002+11:00

I just had to do this project. Personalised it to suit our home. Goes perfectly with the Eiffel

pillow.

Now a bit more positive thinking and progression on my Christmas appliqueing...

You got to feel good!

2011-11-03T09:55:00.003+11:00

When you finish your first attempt at something!

Kris encourgaed me along to finish it - to start clipping rather than wait till I finished another project. Good on you Kris. Thanks to Jan for her teaching and step by step instructions. I have a friend who now wants to make one.

hint: linen raggs up beautifully!

Give me a H!

2011-10-31T18:48:00.001+11:00

Give me an O

(louder people)

Give me a R

(come on LOUDER)

GIVE ME A R

(better!)

GIVE ME AN A

GIVE ME A H

WHAT DOES THAT SPELL????

(shake those pom poms)

HORRAH

(cheering heard all round)

Day thirty one of Blogtoberfest! Horrah

Phew you have managed to trawl through a month of daily blogging from me so you deserve a horrah as well.

I have drawn a lucky winner. All people who posted on my blog during Blogtoberfest were counted. For every post you did - you got an entry. Cool ha! The prize is a Anette Eriksson Chaetaeu Kit. The whole kabudle people!

The lucky person was.....

VICKIE! (woo hoooo)

Day thirty of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-30T15:28:00.003+11:00

Where I would like to be right now

FOR TODAY

Outside My Window... Cloudy and cool.

I am thinking... What will I do next...

The best thing today so far... us all sharing hot chips at the playground when it was cold.

From the kitchen... making chicken ranadang for dinner. Ummm might go and make macaroons...

I am wearing... socks, jeans, black long sleeve top with floral top and hubbies blue polar fleece.

I am creating... need to snip rag quilt and begin quilting the Oh Christmas Tree quilt.

I am going... to the kitchen to start making macaroons.

I am reading... The Kite Runner for book club - really slowly...

I am hoping... the macaroons work!

I am hearing... The older two planning on something to do and Michael shuffling paper on his desk.

Around the house... Gus sleeping, screen free day and new toaster in kitchen.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Monday kindygym and visit Faz. S12 starts new violin lessons with a new teacher and S11 Tae Kwondo. Tuesday Playgroup, S12 rowing and S11 drums. Wednesday swimming, S12 futsal. Thursday playgroup, S12 Orienteering and then exhibition at school that evening and S11 tae kwondo. DH evening course. Oh yes MUST do food shopping tomorrow. (breath!)

Day twenty nine of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-29T14:24:00.003+11:00

Please make welcome Mable.

A garage find - thanks to my local Brown Owl post on FB

Not only do I need to learn how to crochet but also to use an overlocker...

Day twenty eight of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-28T20:24:00.002+11:00

Awesome evening - crap iphone camera.

Fish and chips.

and a walk up to the local milkbar for icecream.

Love evenings like this.

Day twenty seven of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-27T13:50:00.004+11:00

There is something about watching your seeds come to life and grow right in front of your eyes. I will be fiercely protective when they go out in the garden. Warning slugs and snails - you will be dealt with - severly.

Day twenty six of blogtoberfest

2011-10-26T13:16:00.002+11:00

Bandaids solve everything when it comes to the Little Man.

Day twenty five of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-25T11:33:00.000+11:00

Yup. I made this. Impressed or what? Seriously thought there was no way I could do it. Still bought the kit. Then believed there was no way I could actually make it look good enough. Bought the fabric. Then thought there would be no way I would get around to it. Then made it. Happy I am. Poppet from Nicole Mallalieu Design. I have my eye on making one of these this summer.

In the spirit of Blogtoberfest I will be having a giveaway to celebrate the complete month of blogging. Promise. It is coming.

Day twenty four of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-24T15:20:00.002+11:00

The lovely lovely Jan visited us today with her cute little one. We talked about rag quilts and many other things. I am still in the process of adding more blocks. A last minute decision. I loved how she binded her rag quilt. Nothing like I have seen before. Worth the wait. Must be patient Sarah...

Day twenty three of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-23T15:07:00.001+11:00

In my hoop now...

Day twenty two of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-22T13:12:00.003+11:00

Thankyou DH for taking the boys to the show. I got to iron these shapes down. Wonder how long it will take me to actually quilt it. A bit ergy about the thought!

Day twenty one of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-21T09:38:00.001+11:00

Saw this on Reaves,a party of four and thought I would do it as well...

a. age : 37
b. bed size : queen
c. chore that you hate : making dinner - never ending deciding what we will have,shopping and cooking it.
d. dogs : yes - Golden Retriever Abby.
f. favorite color : red but I wear a lot of blue...
g. gold or silver : gold
h. height : don't know. half way I guess.
i. instruments you play : not in my adult life.
j. job title : right now - Wife, Mummy, Daughter, Sister and Friend
k. kids : three - all boys - almost 13, 11 and 2 1/4
l. live : Tasmania
m. mother’s name : Alice
n. nicknames : lots as a child!
o. overnight hospital stays : countless before my adult life with ear stuff, appendix, wisdom's, anaphylaxic shock - you know standard stuff.
p. pet peeves : bad drivers seems to be my biggest peeve. That I can think of at the moment!
q. quote from a movie : ????
r. right or left handed : right
s. siblings : two - both sisters, 7 & 8 years older. I was very unplanned!
t. time you wake up : when I am woken by the Little Man!
u. underwear : absolutely! What people don't wear undies!!!
v. vegetable you hate : cooked you know those big green bean things... what are they called!
w. what makes you run late : because I usually try to fit just that one more thing...
x. x-rays you’ve had : teeth and back.
y. yummy food that you make : lots...
z. zoo animal : what the! Ummm oh I don't know! What ever the zoo has!

Day twenty of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-20T10:33:00.003+11:00

This is going to be a longer post than normal so get comfy.

I thought I would do a post about what I have learned about raising boys. I am sure you could do the same with girls. Just some thoughts today.

There is heaps of research out there proving the effects on girls who miss out on a father figure. Well I believe the same goes for boys and their mums. Did you watch ABC a few nights ago on Life's Hard Questions (or something like that) with gardening guru Peter Cundall saying when soldiers are dying on the battlefield they are heard calling out their mums name. Tear jerker plus.

Boys need to spend time with both parents alone. Fun times. Also I believe it is important they spend learning time with their dads and mums. Dads can tech them the boy stuff. I am amazed at what my boys can do now and how savvy they are with tools. Often if there is a little job - they will fix it. The oldest made a chair for the little man with no help and finding bits of wood around. He even learned what needed improving and redid it. I could not have been prouder.

I also think it is important that boys are given jobs around the house. They need to learn to be independent men. So mum don't do everything for them! So they don't turn out like their dad (sorry honey it is the truth!). We have a job list in the kitchen. They do not get paid for these jobs. This is part of being in a family. The jobs are simple like feed the cat, take out recycling so on and so forth. It is black and white with what they are expected to do and who does it. 99.9% families who do this do find it a task keeping the children to do their jobs. I believe the persistence is important. Any ideas on avoiding the "Do your jobs" routine would be handy. We have tried rewards etc etc.

From when they start toilet training teach them to put the lid down and wash their hands! The toilet routine. When they were old enough I also taught them how to clean the toilet. This way if they ever made a mess they were expected to clean it up.

My boys have messy rooms. I believe their rooms are their sanctuary. It is the only real space for them so I have learned to let go of the tidy room rant. I do once a fortnight ask them to clean it up enough so I can go in and vacuum the floor. The mess is a good mess in one boys room. He is usually creating something. At the moment he is doing a puzzle, setting up his car racing set and has his train set out. The older boys is another story... This is why we have the shut your door rule. So I don't have to see the mess! Now that rule has come handy with a toddler brother!

We also believe the boys should be given opportunities to earn money. They have self initiated mowing our neighbours lawns. They also get 'paid' by us for doing extra jobs. Like cleaning the car. This way when they ask for something we say "that is what pocket money is for". This got rid of the "can you get me this..." battle when we were out. No matter how many times you say no...

We also believe it is important that the boys know we are not perfect and we don't have the answers for everything. We are honest if we don't know and then assist them in finding out the answer. I am so grateful for dh. He is a wealth of knowledge and often the boys like to talk at the dinner table about things they are trying to work out (like currents, amps and stuff I don't remember from school) and he slots right in. I know I have my place in their learning.

Anyhow that is enough form me. I would like to hear what you have learned about raising boys.

Day 19 of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-19T20:19:00.004+11:00

The evenings have been balmy. Unusual for Tassie at this time of the year. We BBQ at a local park last night and tonight we ate outside. Requires effort but oh so worth it. It will be cooling down for the rest of the week I hear.

Day eighteen of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-18T15:10:00.002+11:00

It went very quiet...

I found him 'hiding' in our bed casually flicking through the photos on the iphone waving and saying hello to them all.

Day seventeen of Blogtoberfest - a day late challenge

2011-10-17T22:53:00.003+11:00

The Challenge for day 16 was a self portrait. Challenge it was. For me anyhow. I have done it. Here is me. Hair needing washing. Tired (very late night before - my own fault). I took a gazillion and still was not happy. Seriously what was I expecting anyhow? Now you know what I really look like.

Day sixteen of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-16T19:24:00.003+11:00

At the moment some of my projects require the sewing machine which has resulted in a few on the go.

This is the beginnings of Oh Christmas Tree from Don't Look Now. The cutting out is a slow process...

These are the blocks to make a rag quilt which Jan is kindly guiding me on... May even get some rows sewn up tonight.

There must always be a stitching in front of the tv project. Especially as I am not knitting anything at the moment... I made the blocks for this quilt oh... over 2 years ago... It is good to get a block ready to have a start on it.

How many projects have you got on the go?

Day fifteen of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-15T17:45:00.004+11:00

It has been raining and windy here all day. I decided to get out in the garden this morning as I wanted to get the seedlings in. Not having much luck with seeds (grrr). Worried I am missing prime vegie growing time. Discovered the cherry tree is having its largest crop ever. Must remember to cover it before the cherries change colour this year.

Day fourteen of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-14T16:21:00.002+11:00

I have managed to get some day stitching done. When the light is best to do insanely small stitches...

Day thirteen of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-13T14:05:00.005+11:00

We are out enjoying this sunny day...

Day twelve of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-12T11:23:00.002+11:00

Jan did this on her blog so thought I would have a go...

1. What was the last film that really moved/disturbed/thrilled you and why?

Most movies don't seem to have that effect on me... The last one that really sucked me was The Source Code and there was one before that but cannot remember its name... (similar style of movie)

2. If you could be given ANY gift what would it be?

The gift of patience. Or if I was being really greedy a magic wand!

3. What's your favourite way to wake up and what's the first thing you do?

A sleep in (like past 9:00!) and feeling refreshed. I roll over and give hubby a hug and contemplate my day. Usually by now you will hear "Mummy? DADDY!" coming from The Little Mans room...

4. What crafts have you done?

Scrapbooking, stitching, knitting, quilting, a bit of most things... even if I only did it for a short period like pottery.

5. What were you doing before you started this?

Putting the Little Man to bed and checking work emails.

6. When was the last time you cried laughing?

Oh gosh I am not sure. It was recent but cannot remember why!

7. What did you want to be when you were little?

I honestly cannot remember. I am sure it switched weekly. Still not even sure employment wise I am want I am destined to be...

8. What is your current favourite TV program?

Australian Story, The Slap, Crownies, Packed to the Rafters, United States of Tara, One born every minute (only because I can sit there and appal the midwives care - I am a midwife)

9. What would you name yourself?

Actually I like Sarah. I would prefer my middle name being Jane than Ruth...

10. What characteristics do you hate about yourself?

That I don't chill and am sensitive. I also feel selfish often. Would wish I was a bit less selfish and more family focused...

So that is me! Any surprises? What about you?

Day eleven of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-11T12:58:00.004+11:00

I finished my last book. Now on to this one tonight. It is the next book club book to read. I hope it sucks me in.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Have you read it? What did you think?

Thank you to the little man who held the book for me so I could take the photo...

Day ten of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-10T23:11:00.001+11:00

Worked on stuff for the upcoming school fair tonight.

Sweet dream everyone.

Day nine of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-09T16:17:00.003+11:00

Spent the day cleaning up and sorting my cluttered shelves...

and finishing this 'quick' project. A good reminder when you need it. Inspired from this person who etsy shop was featured in Mollie Makes issue 5. I may be inspired one day to colour the background...

Day eight of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-08T11:43:00.002+11:00

Finished the project from Kellies class.

Horrah!

Day seven of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-07T14:49:00.000+11:00

This is what is on my bed side table at the moment. I thought it was a Dawn French Autobiography... but it isnt. I am a nonfiction type of person. As I have started to read it - I have to finish it! It is an easy read. The mother character is a take off of Dawn I suspect...

Day six of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-06T09:27:00.005+11:00

We are having a PJ's day.

It is wet wet wet outside and chilly. Good for the vegie patch. A quiet day at home is what we both could do with. Cancelled all plans - we are staying home.

Day five of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-05T11:46:00.001+11:00

This book has been highly recommended to me by several people.

Bought it last week and we have had the yummiest meals.

If you have a slow cooker - you must get one. GREAT for busy people. Easy and quick. No pre cooking etc etc and so forth.

Day four of Blogtoberfest

2011-10-04T13:36:00.002+11:00

These are the Little Mans favourite toys at the moment.

The digger is number one (sorry yellow car and fire truck). He sleeps, eats and plays with his digger/collection in one of his hands. Last week it was a car. I find it all rather cute his attachment to toys... The older two did not do this. It is great when food shopping - walking through the aisles making digger/car/fire truck sounds... very loudly.

Day three

2011-10-03T13:55:00.002+11:00

I am having a love hate relationship with this stitchery...

Oh yes and the winner of the Mollie Makes kit goes to (drum roll as Abby chooses and I quickly prise it from her mouth) is Jan (applause)!

Day two

2011-10-02T13:52:00.003+11:00

Rhubarb Crumble Slice

I have two varieties of rhubarb in my garden. The newest addition disappears and regrows and is not as red as the other. It finally has produced enough stalks for me to do something with it. Such an easy recipe. Cooked this morning. Yummy.

Okay here it goes..

2011-10-01T12:14:00.004+10:00

Day one of Bloggerfest! A post a day for October.

Just for the fun of it.

Horrah! Finally the first of our seeds are starting to show! Very exciting. Challange for me this year people (even thought I have enough challanges in my life) is to grow our vegies from seed. It is a patience testing game... Lots of potatoes are appearing which I have no recollection planting. Um. They have even overtaken the asparagus plot - no potato famine here.

Artist in residence

2011-09-30T14:13:00.004+10:00

The day after the Little Man was born my then nine year old son drew this picture.

I remember when he showed it to me I decided I would one day stitch it and frame it for above our bed head.

Today I finished, framed and hung it.

Love it.

P.S. blurred parts are the boys names...

P.S.S. thinking I should stitch the date on the top left... what do you think? There is a mistake on the bottom right so it is covered by the frame... Just now there is a top gap. (insert baby argh). Or just leave. WIll get Boss Man thoughts tonight - he often comes with something good - I know surprises me to...

Time for a giveaway

2011-09-28T13:37:00.000+10:00

I subscribe to Mollie Makes and this kit came in the latest edition.

I have enough iphone covers in this house so thought I would offer the kit to you. I know it is open. I had plans to do it but...

Leave a comment and I will draw it this Sunday by 1700 my time.

P is for pillow

2011-09-26T15:10:00.004+10:00

I seem to be in a pillow phase at the moment.

For the first time I think I have the colourway knitting right. Though I don't think it looks perfect - you have to start some where. My own design (another first).

After all the blogging about this project - I have done it. It was inspired by this blog. Satin stitches was not working for me. I also don't think they would last in this house as a pillow so did it in applique and raw edge sewing.

It.is.done. phew.

It is a hard day...

2011-09-21T13:30:00.002+10:00

I might need a nana nap...

I think...

2011-09-18T15:06:00.002+10:00

I think I might just be getting the colourway knitting actually working!

You will see this project - when it is done. Lets not spoil the surprise...

I will finish this project while I work on the knitting... Just delaying some decisions...

Pox

2011-09-17T10:45:00.002+10:00

A friend emailed this to me... thought you would like it too.

2011-09-15T16:44:00.004+10:00

Sherri and I

Brilliant time. Even Tracy managed to pop in all the way from Sydney for lunch!

It was like we never had been apart.

She is talking of coming down later this year. Double brilliant

Kellie's class

Wow this woman is a HUGE source of information and happy to share.

I am so pleased I attended her class. Really pleased. Wish I have more time to make some of her projects.

Addicted to Fabrics

This shop is amazing with its range of fabrics - perfect for Kellie's class!!! I WISH I had a Kellie pattern on hand I wanted to do so I could go crazy... REALLY controlled my spending. Bought only what I needed.

Jenny - the boss lady was super dupper good.

Canberra

A bit of a worry to see so many inner city shops for lease. Then big building for lease and on the other side of the road building of buildings... Why cannot they just lease the to be leased buildings? Am I missing something?

It will happen...

2011-09-08T15:24:00.002+10:00

Sometimes I rush a project. Just to get it finished so I can move on to the next one.

I knew when I was doing this project I SHOULD s.l.o.w down but the temptation of getting through my to do list is very strong.

The applique worked a treat and I am pleased. It saved me trying to do very long satin stitches that were failing me miserably. However the stitching totally sucked.

I have removed it all and will do this again.

See waisted stitching...

Tackling the to do list taking longer.

Serves me right.

I have therapy planned. I am heading to Canberra tomorrow for three and a half days to hang out with a very dear friend Sherri and we are attending Kellies's class all weekend. How totally awesome.

Chewy appetite

2011-09-04T16:46:00.003+10:00

Do you think she could have at least just chewed one pair of shoes?

She must have known I needed an excuse to go and buy some shoes...

Next time I will not leave the house without shutting and locking the door... I mean what was I dreaming about to forget this!

Problemo

2011-09-02T12:03:00.003+10:00

I had this idea in my head... Finally I get to tackle it.

PROBLEMO

It does not work out. In fact it made me grummble.

Then last night I thought of a solution. In the mist of falling asleep. I almost woke the boss man to tell him - but decide best not to.

Now lets see if it actually works...

Cross your fingers for me please?

Journal de finition !

2011-08-31T11:04:00.002+10:00

Finished and filled! Seriously how do people put together huge quilts with these mini paper piecing!

Priorities

2011-08-29T14:45:00.002+10:00

Are you one of those...

iron-clothes-only-if-you-have-fabric-to-iron type of person?

I am.

This is for another journal cover in the making... time consuming I know but I {love} the finished look. Okay Andrea you can stop rolling your eyes...

One of those projects...

2011-08-26T12:43:00.004+10:00

This is one of those projects...

You know... where you really want to finish it but for some unknown reason it just does not call out to be done.

I started this project... oh say... over three years ago. I pull it out in between projects. My to do list has been followed pretty well and I am sticking to it. However this project just sits on the bottom of the pile and gets pulled out a couple of times a year... It is a four season stitchery that has intense stitching and needle turning... for me anyhow.

Do you have a one-of-those-project like this?

The making of butter

2011-08-24T09:22:00.002+10:00

I was so excited at Playgroup last week.

We.made.butter.

The old fashioned way. Kathy brought in a glass bottle with a wooden peg and poured cream in. We then shook the damn thing for a long time. 45 minutes she said. I do not recommend this process of making butter. Your arms will tell you why the next morning. You wont even be able to take your bra of that evening... But it meant Kathy and I justified this glorious butter on our scones (evil grin).

It was so easy. My previous research of making butter was suppressed quickly with complicated explanations and processes. This.was.easy.

Pour cream into a bowl. I put about 250 mls here... and start beating...

It starts to look like thick cream... keep beating

It starts to look like it is curdling... Keep beating... it even starts to change colour... a bit of yellow... keep beating...

Then suddenly wa la! Butter and Butter Milk. Drain Butter milk to use and clean the butter of residual buttermilk in water.

Butter - pure butter. If you are used to salt in your butter (like me) just add a pinch of salt before you start beating... A pinch is all you need!

I mean seriously how easy is that? AND I know exactly what is in this butter.

Had a wonderful, fabulous and lovely weekend away. Was not long enough. They never are. Achieved what I hoped and more. Have another one planned for September - this time two states away. More on that later.

So good

2011-08-19T09:20:00.001+10:00

So good when I finish something. I get a real kick out of it. Will take it to the framer very soon...

My favourite part? The snowflakes with beads...

I am off and away with some good friends for the weekend. I plan to scrap, stitch and read... Or I might just sit in front of the fire or wonder on the beach... Just some time out and a change of pace. My first time away from the little man...

Look what...

2011-08-17T14:14:00.001+10:00

Look what I found peeping in my garden!

Spring is really coming...

“Synchronised Travel” with Punky and Me

2011-08-16T12:43:00.005+10:00

1. First stage is your starting point (Take a photo).

the street

2.Walk in any direction for 50 or 100 paces, then turn 180 degrees (photo).

3. Continue walking in that direction until you see something blue (photo).

4. Make a left turn & walk 50 to 70 paces (photo).

a church which has been converted to a home... I was interested in their choice of fence...

5. Walk in any direction until you see something that either is or looks like the number 7 or 11 (photo).

6. Take the first left & continue walking until you find somewhere to sit (photo).

Do you see the Tasman Bridge?

7. Choose any direction & walk for 25 or 50 paces (photo).

Boys cannot help themselves...

8. Continue walking until you see an unusual colour, shape or texture (photo). Turn 180 degrees.

9. Keep walking in any direction until you see an archway or an unusual architectural feature (photo).

10. Head for home but continue looking for something that catches your eye. When you find something, take your photo with it.

Join along in the travels at Punky and Me

We have a winner! We have a winner!! We have a WINNER!!!

2011-08-15T14:15:00.003+10:00

I have used a very fair process of choosing the winner... Thanks to Jan who used the same stringent method... the pet.

Abby...

She choose me first... then...

She shuffled and smelt

and choose Claire!!!

L'oreiller de Tour Eiffel

2011-08-13T19:49:00.003+10:00

Vous aimez ?

This is the second Anette Eriksson project I have done. Y for yumo! They are so easy because you just half cross stitch on hessian. Great for when sitting in front of the tv. It reminds me of our trip to Paris a few years back...

Abby was very helpful...

Dust Collectors

2011-08-08T13:57:00.004+10:00

It is VERY rare for me to buy anything that will sit on a shelf. I am avoiding dust collectors. Just more stuff to find a place for.

HA but these - no sireeee these are a league above dust collectors... These are antique cast fonts in wood. special. They can be used. Yes they can but readers they are also o.l.d. LOOK at them! What serious look of yum ha? Girl friend and I went for a little antique shop drive yesterday and I slyly directed us to a particular shop - having known these existed ages ago... We struggled - well we meaning I actually - struggled to decide what letters I was going to buy. A 'M & S' or this or that... Just the '&' at one inch was $45. Flippity heck!!! SO I had to change the idea and eventually came to this (thank you Karen for the idea - take the credit girl!).

I had to share some of the yum of these and bought one for you my dear readers. Yes YOU. The first issue was what letter do I buy! Really people. So we decided on a number. Then what number - of course number 1. Leave a note and I will draw the lucky winner this time next week.

Homemade Laundry Powder and etc.

2011-08-02T14:33:00.006+10:00

My never ending quest to live with a sustainable attitude explains my post about Laundry powder...

I got this recipe from Consumption Rebellion. We have been using this for now... umm ... say at least four years. I got ta say I am very happy with this mix. If I have a stubborn stain or very dirty wash I may add a table spoon of preen. Here it is...

4 cups grated laundry soap or soap flakes (I use Lux)
2 cups Borax (shame I cannot get this in a plastic free container. I did write a letter to the company but no reply... If you know where I can get this in large non plastic version - let me know)
2 cups Washing Soda

Mix thoroughly. Use two table spoons per wash. It does not make suds according to Consumption Rebellion. But mine does... Just for interest sake I worked out the cost to make this powder using my very stringent scientifc measurements and calculations and it is .45 cents (AUS) per wash. EDIT: My stringent calculations were rechecked as it seemed so much and it is in fact .06 c per wash... Much better!

Oh and it is VERY time to spray your stone-fruit for leaf curl and brownrot disease in Tasmania. Just did it today... will do it again every week (or sooner if it rains) till the blossoms swell and turn pink. SO mainlanders if this has not happened yet - do.it.today. Mix 50 g of washing soda in 5 L of water. Dissolve. Then add 50 g of copper sulphate to the water and mix till dissolved. Put in spray bottle and spray well - your trees look pale blue! Keep agitating the mixture while spraying - it can block easily. Thank you Peter Cundall for you informative article in Sundays Mercury.

OH and I am going to take the wash your face with honey challenge. I use an organic face washer which is pricey. I am hoping this is a better alternative... again back to basic pure form.

Here is Abby. After ten days with us. She is beautiful and everything about her makes us all melt... except when she does a wee in the house! Humph.

Maybe not...

2011-07-31T19:38:00.004+10:00

Raisin Bread

Chocolate

Marshmallows

idea from Pinterest... brought back memories from girl scouts...

My review - sickly sweet - I forgot how bad it was.

Boys review - Can I have some more?

Persistence

2011-07-29T12:21:00.003+10:00

It sure pays off...

Loving the changes in colour in the hand painted silk...

Magnifying thingo was more annoying than helpful. Just used good light - that was the trick.

P.S. Did you know there are puppy nappies? Far out! Is tempting though...

Well what do you know...

2011-07-25T12:20:00.005+10:00

I finished the sock. Was really disappointed. Threw out the pattern and put away the wool and needles. Looked odd shaped and would be to big... so I thought. So pouty I even started a new project.

Well what do you know. It is perfect. Now I am scrounging the waste bin so I can do the other side.

While the sun is shining, we took Abby for her first walk to the food shop. She was amazing as it was her first time with a lead and cars and noisy things! But she was so tired when we headed back, I put her in the pram.

Insanely small...

2011-07-22T12:10:00.003+10:00

These stitches are insanely small...

I think I need to give it a rest.

Anyone have one of those stitching magnifier thingos I can borrow?

edit... realised my desk day lamp has a magnifier attached... doh... at least I can get back in it!

Absolutely no excuses.

2011-07-19T14:09:00.004+10:00

You know how we all go on about the wonderful blogging community...

I have been spoilt once again... You know how I go on about wanting to learn to crochet and all? Well - ha ha Vickie made sure I had no excuses... She.made.me.this.

With these inside!!!

How seriously wicked? I have been practising the simple basic starter stitch but now I must get my book and utube out and start to produce something worthy to show on here! I do have a pattern I want to do... Lets see if I manage to score it.

2011-07-14T13:40:00.003+10:00

I have been finding this stitching rather medatative (not the ummm shanti shanti type, duffer). I think because there are n.o. e.x.p.e.c.t.a.t.i.o.n.s. Just when I can. What a difference. I am actually enjoying the process of it. Though (ha ha) yesterday I did do a bo bo and had to redo and was a bit pouty. Seriously readers I can pout baby pout.

I am also for the first time knitting socks. Crazy. Especially when you hurt an knitting important finger by cutting it. Thanks to another crafty project... another story. Back to these sock. These are toddler socks for The Little Man. This is the third go - oh all sorts of reasons. I will do this. I am not giving up. Painful finger and all. No really the finger is much better today thank you.

We visit Abby this Saturday and this is the last week we have to leave her behind.

Woof woof!

2011-07-09T18:54:00.002+10:00

Week six - two more weeks till she can come home.

They were livelier this week. Most looking like fluffy fur balls...

We have come to a family consensus re the name. Thanks to all your wonderful suggestions readers! There was talk of four names but we decided it would be a bit long to yell out the back door (great idea Ange).

You want to know the name?

(she did not want us to leave her)

Abby (cute ha?).

One little stitch at a time

2011-07-06T10:17:00.000+10:00

I am going to have to be patient with this project... The needle is insanely tiny and the cloth is as well. Seriously what was I thinking when I bought this?

A little stitching time during day light would be best - when the little man is asleep. I am sure I can squeeze it in...

Names please!

2011-07-04T21:30:00.003+10:00

Who can resist this sweet five week old?

Three more weeks till she comes home! Yippee

She was to be Molly, but now we need to think of a new name for our Golden Retriever...To many Molly dogs in the family. Shesh.

Preferably a name without an 'e' - long story short - I am always running out of 'e' when I am crafting... A serious dilemma people!

Any suggestions readers?

What was the best thing you did today?

2011-07-03T22:13:00.003+10:00

Made Cathies Lemon Cake and cupcakes with Son 11... Just us alone ... chatting and baking.

What was the best thing you did?

Warm laps

2011-06-29T15:03:00.003+10:00

I finished the quilt.

Just in time for Boss mans birthday today. I am a good wife.

Hexagons swapped from the Tuesday Stitching Group.

Horrah!

Warm in style!

2011-06-28T10:23:00.000+10:00

The scarf and the matching fingerless gloves...

Stylish? ya?

Cute Galore!

2011-06-26T10:09:00.002+10:00

The update of our surrogate baby! We visited her again today - four weeks!

Cuddle, cuddle and cuddle!

Strike a brooch pose!

2011-06-25T12:25:00.003+10:00

Susie from Flowerpress organised a Brooch swap.

This is my brooch with my new hair do. I love it (the brooch!).

Thank you Luisa from Dance in My Garden. I am so lucky you were my swappie - not only do you live a few blocks away from me - you were such great company yesterday afternoon!

SO close yet so far...

2011-06-19T12:55:00.003+10:00

Still knitting this...

Is it me? Or is knitting slow for you?

Okay okay I have a confession - I have spent the last two free evenings on Pinterest ...

icovers

2011-06-17T09:11:00.004+10:00

Have you seen all the chat about Mollie Makes?

I got my hands on to the first issue which has this cool kit (far left) ... which I had to make. The older two saw the cover and asked if I could make one for their ipod and magic mouse. What could a crafty mum do?

Happy Weekend yous all!

Boy Jeans

2011-06-15T14:02:00.003+10:00

Most boys make knee holes in their jeans. It is part of their genetic make up.

It is crafty mums genetic make up to fix those holes... Got this idea from Nydia from Evolution of the home ... very cool.

Thankyou Penguin and Cathy!

2011-06-14T23:14:00.002+10:00

The post man visited while I was in my PJs!

Cathy @ Chunky Chooky had a give away from Penguin Books Australia for this book and I WON! It is perfect for me with the little mans soon to express artistic flair!

Yippie I won something!

Give me one good reason...

2011-06-12T22:02:00.004+10:00

No actually make that three good reasons why I should not join Pinterest...

knitting texture love

2011-06-11T11:16:00.003+10:00

At night, I am furiously knitting a blue scarf up for me. This will go with my new fingerless gloves. The air is chilly outside and we need to rug up.

I have not done this stitch before and loving it - the texture makes my heart flutter. Despite it not looking anything like in my knitting book. I have followed the instructions really and truly!

He.is.two.

2011-06-10T14:28:00.000+10:00

Those of you were here when the little man was born. He.is.two.

Our busy, inquisitive, climbing boy!

I have relished his every moment and have thoroughly enjoyed him. What I have gained from having Gus has been way far more than I ever expected. Looking forward to many more years with you.

Hug and kisses Mum

More Dove Chocolate Advise

2011-06-09T10:34:00.001+10:00

Beauty is in the eye of the chocolate holder.

Some Dove Chocolate Advise...

2011-06-07T09:48:00.001+10:00

"It is the small things that matter. Mainly round brown chocolate small things"