Hayestackhayes

My pretty hat

2012-02-05T11:38:00.000+08:00

A book is a friend.

-American proverb

You may be able to tell I’m back at work, the postings have dropped off a bit! Even though I’ve had the best week and a very busy week, I have still had time to make a pretty hat, knitted some more bootees and started another knitted jacket for a baby. There is no rest for the wicked, truly. I am so pleased with how my hat turned out.

I just love my new hat

The pattern came from one of Heather’s Homespun magazines and I fell in love with it and thought it would be great to have a new hat for school. I have to admit I cut off about 2 inches from the brim as it was way too big for me. But with some adjustments, a fine hat was made. I added the flower to the hat and the flower pattern was from another book.

I did promise to share with you some of the cushions I had made while on holidays. The photo’s came out a bit better than last time. We are waiting for our new lounge to be made so the cushions will go with the new lounge. We have an Italian leather lounge suite on the way and it is in a light shade. Can’t wait!!

These are so comfy!

I went to the library yesterday and found some terrific books. I had to grab the cross-stitch in blue and white, it has fabulous ideas to create. The puppet book will come in handy too.

I had taken the Ancient Egyptian cross-stitch book out before and will get a few
more patterns out of it for future reference.

Walk like an Egyptian.......

I will now continue with my weekend. The weather here has cooled down quite a lot so it is easier to get things done. I even managed to get the ironing done this morning without melting away.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend doing what it is you love to do. Fingers crossed the weather stays nice and nobody bothers me!!!

Cheers, Anita.

Too hot around here!

2012-01-28T16:08:00.000+08:00

Friends are kind to each other’s hopes,

They cherish each other’s dreams.

- Henry David Thoreau

Today it’s just too hot to do anything. The temperature under our patio is 45 C. All I have done today is visit the library, do a quick bit of shopping with hubby, hose down the chooks and dog. We also have another cyclone brewing up the north of Western Australia. Fingers crossed it won’t do too much damage anywhere.

This week I found a tutorial to make a thread catcher, I found it over at Val’s blog.Just look on the right hand side of her blog and you will see the tutorial of it. Thanks Val. I thought it would be great for me to have one of these handy things because I have always got threads all over the floor. Easy to make and I’m already using mine!

This is will come in handy

Since the stork will be visiting around our way soon (friends not me!!), I have been making and tucking away little bits of clothing. I made the same bootee’s in the baby 8ply and had enough left over to make a beanie as well.

The stork will be coming soon

Out of one of my favourite knitting books I decided to make a baby vest. I am rather a traditional girl myself and would’ve made this in cream, but the young people love the bright colours these days, so I ran with that. I haven’t put the buttons on yet so the bottom doesn’t sit right just yet.

How sweet is this?

A favourite knitting book of mine

I’m going back to do some sewing now as it’s too hot to do anything else. How sad? Lol. If I don’t melt away I’ll return another day to show you what I have made this weekend.

Cheers, Anita.

Miss Mousey

2012-01-20T13:13:00.001+08:00

Hope gives wings to

the wishes of the soul.

This is the second time I have done this new posting. The first time round I managed to get rid of it! I will try again. I think I have come to the end of the toy making fetish and moved on to other things for the time being. Miss Mousey has been on my mind for a while now, so yesterday, I decided to do it.

How lovely you are Miss Mousey!

She will make a lovely addition to some library shelves and no doubt will be carted around the library too. I hope the kids have fun. I have now turned my attention to some cushion and cushion cover making, thanks to watching some decorating shows on Foxtel. The first two cushions have also been made for a library and the material was kindly given to me by a kindly friend. Being fair, I made a boy cushion and a girl cushion.

His and hers

I am a ‘red’ girl and had a few pieces of material hanging around, well they’ve turned into cushion covers. The left over bits of material that I had used to stuff Paul the scarecrow with, have gone into stuffing for the cushions. You need tough stuff when it comes to kids.

When will I ever get the hang of this photography bit?

This morning the weather was nasty looking so I took a couple of photo’s to show you. January is a hot month here in Australia, but it is also cyclone weather.

This looks nasty....go away.

As some of you may remember last year Australia had some of its worst cyclone, floods and storms. Well it is only 1 week or so, this time last year when that all happened. Fingers crossed xxxx!!!

In my quest last night to find a nice newborn baby pattern for a jacket, I came across something very interesting. Years ago I used to wish that baby patterns were knitted in 8ply, instead of the traditional 3 & 4 ply. Well, almost every pattern I came across (the newest designs) were.....all in 8 ply! If you visit Ravelry you will find lots of terrific patterns, mostly free downloads. If you knit or crochet, it's worth joining up with them, it's free!

Had a fossick through my sewing shed today, I found a couple of bags of beads that I’d forgotten about. What can I make with them?

Seriously folks, it’s time I went and did something. Pixie will be home from work soon, and what have I done today? Not much! Ha Ha.

Regards, Anita.

Scarecrow Paul

2012-01-18T08:40:00.000+08:00

Happiness seems made

To be shared.

-Jean Racine

I have good intentions to be productive today. I am happy to say Paul the Scarecrow is made and it wasn’t as easy to make a scarecrow as I had expected. I suppose because he will live in the library, I had to make sure everything was just right, safety wise.

Scarecrow Paul

As a guide, I checked the Internet for different scarecrow faces, because I was after a friendly faced scarecrow. While I was making ‘Paul’ I have to admit, every time I walked into the lounge room I kept thinking someone was there. The clothes are Pixie’s old clothes, so at first I thought it was him. I knew it wasn’t my hubby because there was no head on the body...yet!! Even Brandon and Cory kept getting a fright. My hubby kept getting a fright too, but I love it when he gets a fright, keeps him in his place around here. Lol.

This is some of the stuff that went into making Paul. Lots of cut up bits of nothings that weren’t really good for anything.

Have a look at this sweet little guy. Notice the banana’s sitting next to him? This cutie is a Banana’s in Pyjama’s fan so he ~~wanted~~ needed a banana toy. I’m sure he will get many hours of fun out of him. I really want to press his nose.

Isn’t he the sweetest little guy you ever did see!

Now that my big project has been completed, I have managed to knit a couple of sets of bootees. I purchased some 8 ply baby wool recently and set about finding the special pattern I had for knitting with 8 ply for babies. I have two friends who have babies coming in around May this year, so I’ll have to get cracking with the needles.

Baby bootees are so cute

While I have been on holidays I have watched a bit of home designs and decorating on Foxtel. Have seen some wonderful makeovers and some new ideas have crossed my thoughts. I haven’t told hubby yet, his teeth will start to chatter and his knees will knock, not out of excitement either. giggle giggle.

Well guys, time to start my productive day. Remember to enjoy each and everyday you have. If today doesn’t turn out too flash, then there’s always tomorrow.

Cheers, Anita.

Raymond the rooster

2012-01-15T11:52:00.004+08:00

Remember the day’s blessings,

Forget the day’s troubles.

- Early American proverb

I’d like to introduce to you Raymond the Rooster. A sweet pattern I found whilst investigating my next possible project. Raymond is stunning with all his lovely colours and his height is about 38cm, so he is pretty tall. I was really surprised at how big he ended up being.

I went to my neighbours house with my pieces of wood, intending on asking him if he had any ideas to make the legs of the scarecrow. Next thing you know he was searching for different lengths of wood, nails, hammer, and in a few minutes he whipped up this frame for me. I was stunned!! It would’ve taken me ages to construct that, and he did it in minutes. I left my pieces of wood there for him and wondered off home with my ready-to-go scarecrow frame. I have decided to name the scarecrow after my kindly neighbour Paul. Many thanks for your help Paul. I thought a scarecrow would be fun to use in my book displays. So Raymond the rooster will be with him.

Just on the subject of our neighbours, it is Magpie season over our way. This is the view we have of Paul’s house with the flock (not sure of the correct collective noun) of magpies waiting to be fed. Every year Paul and Lorraine feed these magpies...and kookaburra’s. They have made a feeding tray for the birds, but if they don’t get the food outside in time, the maggie’s peck on the kitchen window. ‘Where is our food!’ It is funny to see.

I’m getting very excited about my passion fruit that is starting to look very healthy.

It is only a young plant and hopefully next year there may be some fruit. I have even seen one flower on it!!! I remember when I was young, we used to love picking the passion fruit flowers off a neighbour’s vine and sucking the honey from it. Yum, it was so sweet, however the neighbour used to get very angry at us. I know why now!!!

I’m off now to get any last minute jobs done. I have listened to the radio and we’re going to have a scorcher today. The Internet says 36 C, the radio is saying 46 C, however at 10am it was already 38 C. Have to wait and see what happens. I’m searching for things to stuff the scarecrow with and I’ve just found a bag full of small bits of material. I’m in luck.

Find happiness and joy in what ever you are doing today.

Kind regards, Anita.

Meet B1 & B2

2012-01-12T08:22:00.001+08:00

Good friends, good books, and

a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.

-Mark Twain.

I’d like you to meet B1 and B2, the Banana’s in Pyjamas. These two guys are going to a couple of cute little kiddies that I have recently met. I’m sure B1 & B2 will provide many hours of fun for both children. The pattern is from a favourite book of mine by Robyn Earl-Peacock called The book of knitted toys.

I have another project on the go, a big fat rooster. I spotted this pattern in a magazine of Heather’s and he is a stunning boy. He is going to be quite big when he is finished and I will show him off to you.

While I have been on holidays I have come across a home design and decorating program called Sarah’s summer house. Sarah does some fantastic things in the way of redesigning a home and also fresh tips in using colours. I love the way some people put colours together, that I wouldn’t have the courage to, and the outcome looks a million bucks. I will keep watching the program to give myself some tips and ideas for my house. I have gone to the local library already and come across these interesting magazines.

Today I am going to visit my niece and her children for afternoon tea. I’m hoping our weather isn’t too hot as I don’t like driving in tricky conditions. At the top of Western Australia we have Cyclone Heidi buzzing around and making her presence felt. I’m hoping our friends living in that area stay safe and there’s not too much damage. Have a cheerful day.

Regards, Anita.

What a hoot!

2012-01-09T08:58:00.000+08:00

Fine weather and some glorious time allowed me to get lots of projects completed this weekend. Heather and I went out to a cafe to celebrate her birthday. We indulged in some yummy cheesecake and tea, and enjoyed teasing people (we knew) as they walked by. We had fun. Hope you had a lovely birthday Heather.

I managed to paint the front verandah, a project that was long overdue, some rearranging in the garden, trimming back of bushes and making these sweet little owls. I image googled 'handmade toy blogspots' and oodles of things were available. I came across this blog and was smittened by owls.

The body comes to about 4 inches and when you join the legs on, it is quite a good size. Incredibly easy to make and fun for kids. I wanted to show you the zebra I have been knitting as well.

What I liked the most about this pattern was the simple pieces. Toy patterns, both sewn and knitted, used to be very detailed ie darts, decreasing, increasing etc. But with patterns that are coming out in the magazines these days, more than not, the patterns are simple. I like that and it makes you want to give new patterns a try. At this very moment I have Banana’s in Pyjamas on my knitting needles. I want to make two for two sweet little kiddies.

Today is washing day at my place, no doubt it will be ironing day as well. I suppose I can’t have it all my own way, I’ve had a good run on my holidays. Have to admit though, I am starting to miss work and all the madcap friends I have there. Not long to go, only 2 and a half weeks. Enjoy this lovely day we have been given and craft to your heart’s content.

Regards, Anita.

Here chick chick chick

2012-01-05T15:45:00.001+08:00

Hopeful eyes perceive the light

Where other eyes see only night.

I’m going to immediately defend myself by saying....yes I will make ‘grown up’ stuff, but not just yet. Again, with the help of my fine feathered friend Heather, I have had to make these deliciously gorgeous chicks.

Heather has lent me some of her magazines to use in my ~~obsession~~ desire to make toys. In the Australian Country Threads (Vol 9, No 10), there are a heap of other animals to make....horses, pigs etc. In another magazine, Handmade (Vol.20, No.2) there is a sheep pattern and I used this to make some cows.

I still need to put some fluff or wool on the top of their heads. One is coming to live at my library and I’m going to name her Julie.....for affectionate reasons. As I didn’t have any cord to make the legs, I have just used the cow material and sewn 4 legs with knots at the ends for hooves.

I went to the shops yesterday and found some baby wool that I simply had to have. I will be knitting for babies coming in April/May so I really needed to have some boy and girl colours on hand. I found a ball of 8ply baby wool, which is very soft to knit with.

With warmth and laughter I share this photo of one of my bantam hens. You would not believe me unless you saw a photo. I have put 2 go kart tyres in the chook yard and not long after I started to find eggs inside them. Not believing that the chooks could fit or would lay eggs in the tyres, I sprung them one day. I laughed.

How's it going sneaky eye?

On our way back from a trip to the city yesterday, we noticed the weather change very suddenly, it became very windy. In a matter of 20 minutes we had a sudden hail storm and down pour of rain. The wind is starting up again just now and I’m wondering what we have in store for us. I might take this opportunity to sign off and check it out.

Kind regards, Anita.

In comes the New Year

2012-01-03T06:07:00.001+08:00

As the New Year comes rolling in, I have made a start on one of my New Year’s resolutions.....to maintain my flow of craft Work. That resolution clearly works for me!! I have started off With this colourful dolphin, pattern found in Homespun No. 79 Vol 10.12). The finished size is 42cm, simple as to make and Whips up in no time.

I rather like the sweet face and the cute little head piece. The dolphin’s name is Dee Dee.

From the knitting book I received from Heather, titled Cute creatures to knit and crochet, I have knitted Antoinette the little hen. I have changed her slightly, only because I couldn’t cope with no wings on her. I cast on 8 stitches and knitted a few rows, now she has wings.

A while back, someone gave me an older pattern called Shelf sitting dolly. This pattern has been around for some time but I never got my hands on the pattern. I have now though, so here she is. It says to stuff her feet with soya beans and rice, but I went for good old toy stuffing and marbles. I wanted to be able to wash her, so that was what I could find at the time.

Some lovely handmade biscuits.....just wish I could honestly say they were homemade by me, but I can’t lie. They taste yummy.

The start to our New Year saw the weather go a bit sad and over the days we have had clouds, the threat of rain and storm, and wind, the horrid wind.

This year I also plan to get back to making ‘grown up’ stuff. I have wondered off the path a bit, getting totally wrapped up in toy making. See how my plan goes hey?

Regards, Anita.

Mr Owl says Shhh

2011-12-29T13:37:00.001+08:00

We can be wise from goodness

And good from wisdom.

Marie Von Ebner-Eschenback, Aphorisms.

Today we are just sweltering in the 42 C. Clouds have started coming across the skies but we still are at 42 C. Just the beginning of summer, so just as well we are on holidays. I have gone down to the chook yard and hosed the water tubs down and they're all enjoying the cool water. We have an edition to the chook pen.

We have a cute little yellow and black chick who hatched yesterday. Cory and I watched as the egg was being chipped away at from the inside. It was funny to hear all the cheeping going on from inside the egg. By the looks of things, we have another girl clucky sitting inside a nesting box. This girl is quite territorial and does not like you to come near her right now.

This is what happened when I hosed the water tubs down, the chooks plonk themselves in the wet ground straightaway.

Two cute little owls I have made. The owl on the left looked a bit plain and I asked Heather her advise on how to jazz him up a bit. Quick as a flash, Heather suggested 'Shhh' stitched on him. Great idea. They stand about 6 inches high and will be great to sit on library shelves.

A great new book to my collection. Kindly given to me by Heather as a Christmas gift. Great ideas for puppets, stuffed toys and things to make out of french knitting lengths. I am knitting the chook right now from this book and it's turning out real nice. There are some wonderful crochet patterns in there too. If you see this in the shops and you love stuffed toys, I would recommend you buy it.

As it is so hot, this afternoon I have decided to do some sewing. I have some free downloads for dolls. I might give them a go. I'm so happy Heather and I went out early on this morning to a cafe down town, we beat the heat, had pleasant conversation and teased everyone walking by!!! Have a terrific day.
Regards, Anita.

Australiana

2011-12-26T17:09:00.000+08:00

Letter writing is the only device for

combining solitude with good company.

-Lord Byron

I hope everyone who celebrates Christmas had a lovely day. We stayed close to our swimming pool and the fridge. Santa was very kind to us this year and we are thankful. I made several handmade gifts for friends and family, and I'm just mad over this lovely gift bag I made for my niece Lisa.

With Christmas over for another year, I'm back at my knitting and toy making. I have completed this cute little koala, made from 8 ply acrylic. Love the fluffy ears. His nose is a bit special too.

From the same book comes Mr. Wombat looking all gorgeous. It stands about 6 inches high when finished and is very quick too knit up.

The lady who cleans at the library gave me this book as she had found it in an op shop and couldn't leave it behind. There are lots of different themes in this book, Antarctica, deep sea, farm and Australian wildlife animals. It is rather a fun book.

Well, it is getting close to tea time and I think we will have something other than cold meat and
salad. It has been a cooler day here today, a break from the very high 30 C's we've been having.
Enjoy these lovely days off and I'll return soon.
Kind regards, Anita.

Big man in the red suit

2011-12-20T10:41:00.001+08:00

We are rich only through what we give,

and poor only through what we refuse.

- Anne Sophie Swetchine, The Writings of Madame Swetchine.

I'm just doing a quick trot through blog land, thought I'd stop and show you my latest completed projects. I was looking through an edition of Handmade and came across these cute little cats.

There is a pattern for cats and kittens, so I've made the cat size 5 inches high. Simple, easy and very effective. I like the simplicity of the finished product. Kids love simple. The edition I found this pattern in is Vol 28 No. 7 Handmade Christmas gift-giving.

Now for my little ladybird friend, I'm sorry but there is no pattern for this girl. I just did a rough shape and went with it. I have used goggle eyes, and a piece of left over black for the antennae. I have appliqued the black spots on to the red material. It will bring joy to some child.

At the night time I have been knitting a koala and have almost finished it. As I am on holidays, I am planning to do as much craft work as I can, having teenage boys right now has given me the opportunity to have some 'me' time. I enjoy their company too though. I am really waiting for the big man in a red suit to visit. Pixie and I are both excited to see the look on the boys faces when they open their gifts.

On Saturday Pixie and I are planning a quick trip out the metro area. I will have him to annoy all the way there and back. What fun!! Have a great day.

Regards, Anita.

Teddies

2011-12-17T18:51:00.000+08:00

Let us pursue what makes for

peace and for mutual up building.

-Romans 14:19

These little darlings have been so much fun to knit. Using scraps of 8 ply wool leftover from various projects have come in very handy to make these teddies. The pattern is from a Guardian Angel book issued from Guardian Chemists. If you are a beginner knitter then you will find them very easy and fast to make.

Another bunny has also popped up, this time using 8 ply orange. The link to this pattern is in a previous posting, so if you are interested in knitting this bunny, just flick back through my previous posts.

As I have now switched into holiday mode, there was little concern to move very fast. Pixie and I went to the shops and then stopped off at a cute little cafe down the main street for coffee. It is nice to watch the traffic putt by, and meet up with people you haven't seen for a while.
After dropping my hubby off at home, I returned to visit the library and the Op shoppe. I found some great treasures. These silver beads almost remind me of cherries.

Packets of golden beads, an aida cloth purse and a few other bits came home with me today. There was a stack of wool that I didn't dare touch, that stash of mine really has to get used before more wool comes home.

I have been given a big bag of material to use to make toys and a ladybird pattern is the go at the moment. Nothing to show you yet, but when they are finished, I will share them with you.

Not long until that big boy slides down the chimney, getting all excited. Regards, Anita.

I'm on holidays!

2011-12-15T16:58:00.000+08:00

In Charity there

is no excess.

- Francis Bacon.

It is officially holiday time for me as of midday today, and I'm really looking forward to these holidays. These little sweethearts were taken to work on Tuesday, wrapped in cello and accompanied with a chocolate. Included was a safety pin so they could wear their Christmas dolls straightaway.

One of the girls at work spotted my reindeer in the Christmas display and said she would love 2 for her Christmas table. The pattern for the reindeer is in the Homespun magazine No.18 (Vol 4.4). It is an older edition, but a favourite.

I have used yoyo's instead of Christmas trees as in the pattern, only because I had so many yoyo's laying around that they needed to be used up. The legs have bells on the bottom of the hooves and material wrapped around the ankle.

I am hoping to get a good start on some housework tomorrow, the afternoons will be reserved for crafting. I'll be able to blog a little more now and have a bit of time to check out other wonderful blogs.

Tick, tick, tick, Christmas is getting closer, see you soon. Regards, Anita.

Three and a half working days to go.

2011-12-11T13:48:00.000+08:00

Just as water reflects the face,

so one human heart reflects another.

-Proverbs 27:19

I'm counting down the days left to work because I've been asked to make some toys for another school library in town....and I can't wait. In the meantime I have finished this cute little knitted mouse. Sweet eh?

To my surprise, I actually managed to take a decent photo of the mouse!!! Crikey, I must be getting a hang on how to use this camera. If you would like to knit this mouse, click here. I have slightly changed a few things, like how I have placed the legs. It is knitted in 8ply, so it doesn't take long to make. Have a go!

I'm really getting into the Christmas spirit, here are two Santa's, no pattern sorry, just out of the top of my head. The bodies are made from my basic doll pattern, but the red costume is just hit and miss.

Pixie and I took a quick trip to the suburbs today, to do some special shopping. I had to stop in at Spotlight (how dreadful) and found this sweet thing. It is getting tucked away for a special 'chick' friend of mine that I bother all the time.

Was anyone lucky enough to see the lunar eclipse last night? Over in the Eastern states of Australia there was going to be a red glow to the whole thing, I don't know yet how that went. but here in the west you could see the eclipse unravel. I took a photo of the beginning of it, but as the night wore on, the whole moon was covered. All of us were outside with binoculars, telescope and camera, just enjoying the view. I didn't dare talk about vampires and stuff, my lot would quiver!!

We've got tiling, washing, watering and cleaning going on here today. Very hot in this part of the world, however we are at the start of our summer season. I so can't wait to start the holidays and getting stuck into making toys. Enjoy the last part of the weekend and take care. Kind regards, Anita.

Feels like Christmas

2011-12-04T11:02:00.001+08:00

Peace to you. The friends send you their greetings.

Greet the friends there, each by name.

-3 John 15

Once the Christmas tree started going up that was it.....I'm feeling the Christmas spirit. I have a small gathering of Christmas characters welcoming friends at the front door.

Cory helped me decorate the tree, and he asked me about the decorations Brandon and he had made at primary school.....they were there! Our tree has many of our handmade decorations on there too.

For my work mates, I have started to make some Christmas beaded dolls. As you can see they aren't finished, but will be when they are required. I still have to attach their dresses, hair and faces. I have had some gold material sitting around for ages and thought their knickers would look good in gold.

I love all the help I can get for new ideas for Christmas and on a visit to the local library, found these great magazines just loaded with great cooking ideas, crafts and decorating tips. I was naughty and grabbed all of the magazines to look at.

As I have mentioned, I now have a new sewing shed, and during the shift I came across a loved treasure. This is the cot cover both of my boys used as babies. It fits an average sized cot and was used as a lay-down blanket on the floor. Each section was done in colonial and french knots. The blanket is about 18 years old and I will hang on to it so another baby can use it.

I rather love the train, probably because my husband works with them.

For the rest of the day I plan to hover around the yard and generally bum around. This morning I was up at 5.30am doing the ironing. No I'm not mad, but as we are expecting 35 C today, I thought I would get the ironing and vacuuming done before the weather comes in hot.

I have 7 more working days and then I'm on holidays with the boys. I can't wait to have some holidays and to test out my shed. Catch you soon. Regards, Anita.

My Haven

2011-11-27T08:05:00.000+08:00

A friend's smile

leaves an imprint

on your heart.

To anyone else this is just a shed, to me it is my haven. Pixie put on the final touches during the week and the exodus from house to haven started immediately!!

I have wanted my own little space for a long time, but as always something else popped up. The shed is 3m x 2m and I can't believe how much I have collected over time. I have also moved some of the boys toys in there and have started 'culling' what we don't need. I have to say, I'm a happy camper right now.

Though I don't feel as if I managed to do much crafting due to the move, I did get to knit this cute little owl from a Handmade magazine. He is only about 3 inches high, but cute as a bug. I am taking him to live in the library. He has a felt nose and felt eyes. Knitted in 8 ply wool, it could easily be made bigger by using a double yarn of 8ply or even chunky wool.

Yesterday Pixie and I went for a trip to the city by ourselves and did a bit of Christmas shopping. We buy locally first but in the city there were some bargains that were worth the trip. It was nice to go for a drive by ourselves, the only one I had to compete with to get a word in edgewise was my hubby. lol. We did drop in to Spotlight on the way back home for some Christmas coloured beads. I was good and put my blinkers on, straight in and straight out. After just organising my sewing shed, I know I have to leave the material alone.

On the knitting front, I have found an adorable pattern to knit using 8 ply wool. I have about 230 stitches on my needles right now and getting along nicely with the pattern.

The things you find when you are having a clean up. I had to empty out the carved chest in order to move it into the shed. What did I find? last year's Easter gift to Heather!!! I knew I put it somewhere.

I quickly made up this little pouch for some gadget my husband has. I can't remember the name for it, but this gadget tells you when you are speeding. Pixie wanted a pouch made for it when it isn't in use. Pretty good gadget actually.

For the rest of the weekend I plan to enjoy my sewing room, do the yucky ironing first and get some pavers from Heather's house. I can't tease Heather on my blog anymore, I've been sprung by one of her spies!!! Ha Ha. Hello Suez. Regards, Anita.

Small knits

2011-11-19T10:59:00.000+08:00

Friendship is

a sheltering tree.

-Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

It's the weekend again, my, it came around so quickly! I am right in the Christmas mood and this week I complete a cute little Christmas gift bag. I have used some of the material Heather had purchased while in QLD and used a stitchery pattern I had tucked away in my file. This bag is about 10 inches long and 8 inches wide. I plan to tie it with a white craft rope.

I have found lots of free downloads and had fun sewing these birds. I am desperately trying to do the right thing, and use up as much material as I can without purchasing more. Until I give my craft boxes a good cull, I'm really being good.

As I am in the Christmas mood already, I decided I would make a Christmas bird as well. I've taken this to work and stashed it away in my ever expanding Christmas collection.

I knitted up this cute little girl during the week, she is called Little Red. She has turned out rather nice and as I am knitting fairytale characters (all the time) I have added her to the library. Click here for the pattern. Have fun if you are going to knit her, she is fun to make.

Another cutie I found in free downloads is this rabbit,made from a knitted square, can you believe that? Well it's true. When I saw it I wonder how you could possibly make this whole rabbit just by using a square. So I made one. Want to try the pattern? click here. Have fun.

I have a busy weekend so I must dash. I picked up the new edition of Handmade this morning, looks like the housework will have to wait! Have a wonderful weekend. Kind regards, Anita.

The Sewing shed

2011-11-13T08:44:00.000+08:00

Every blade of grass has its Angel that

bends over it and whispers "Grow, grow."

The Talmud.

There's much excitement going on around here this weekend. The construction of my new sewing shed is happening. We started building yesterday and boy it was hot. In typical Mother Nature style, as soon as we were piecing the sections together, the wind started up. It was a bit tricky going for a while there, but eventually all the sides and roof were up and bolted. Today the weather is much cooler and the trimmings are going on the shed and the whole shed will be bolted down to the pad.

Pixie's little helper, Cory. Cory has just woken up but couldn't resist coming outside and inspecting the progress.

During the week I found a cute bird pattern to knit and it was a free download, so I had to make one. Its name is sweet little bird and it certainly turns out sweet. Very quick and easy to make. Here is the link if you want to make this dear little bird.

The eyes were done in black wool and using a french knot, the yellow beak is just felt stitched on. You could really do your own thing with it.

Today I am also going to drop off some knitted bootees to the local hospital. Just a while ago I made some beanies for the hospital and asked them if they would like some bootees as well. They were glad to receive them. You could check out your local hospital and see if they need anything. I know our hospital would take sewn cross-over tops, so you never know how you could help your local hospital.

The bootees are mostly the same pattern, however the pink smaller bootees at the front are a different pattern. I was please to have used up more wool and have almost used up the excess baby wool laying around my house. Well now, I am off to make a cooked breakfast for my hard working husband, just to make sure he knows how much I appreciate him building the sewing shed. Enjoy what's left of this weekend and take care. Regards, Anita.

Animal crafts

2011-11-06T08:20:00.000+08:00

This week I have been concentrating on making animals, oh and finishing my Christmas table runner. I did have a giggle at work this week, one of the teachers asked if these were pigs?

I'm sorry but I can see a ton of stirring starting up here. This crew at work don't take much to start up, so this is going to be great fun. I did snicker at the teacher after she had said that, and the mirth started up on the spot. We'll see where this leads us.

Heather came over to show me her frog, made from the latest Homespun magazine, left the magazine with me, and I couldn't help myself.

The frog below on the left is Heather's and I love the material she used. I found some green and white material for mine. Both of the frogs live at the library and have been carted around by the children.

I did manage to finish my Christmas table runner, that I must say, I'm very happy with how it turned out. It is quite long, over 100cm and sits well. I have taken it to work to use as part of my display.

Each end has a stitchery on it and as red is my favourite colour, it is done in red thread. I saw a table runner in the Homespun magazine and made my own design, using leftover pieces of Christmas material.

Today, I have already done some sewing, before even eating any breakfast. I have bags of scraps and over many months, stitching them up to make a table cloth. I now have to do some housework and feed the chooks. The weather here today is a bit iffy, dark clouds and patches of blue, it will be another one of those days. Take care and enjoy what is left of the weekend. Kind regards, Anita.

Brandon's Year 12 Graduation

2011-10-29T09:46:00.000+08:00

What a wonderful night Brandon's graduation was. A couple of photo's didn't turn out, hence, the missing family photo!! Isn't that always the way. Here Brandon is with his favourite Mum (me in red) and much loved Heather. It didn't take long for all the formal bits to get undone and removed!! The school really presented the night well, very organised, and everyone was in such a happy mood. Pixie and I are just full of pride. After having completed so many years of schooling and to graduate Year 12 is a huge effort. Well done Brandon.

Here is a photo of a bunch of them! Pixie was trying to be one of the kids too. Brandon, Pixie, Peter and Cory.

These two are great mates. Peter on the left and Brandon. Brandon has chosen really nice friends.

Best wishes and a successful future ahead for you all.

Back at the home front, Chester has become a father already!! This little chick was hatched 21 days after Chester came to live with us, now that's quick work. There are no other roosters, so Chester is the father for sure. The little chick also has the line of feathers up each side of his/her legs, just like Chester.

I am going to visit the hospital today to drop of some of the beanies I have knitted for them. It is just a donation for the hospital as they are always after beanies. Perhaps you could visit your local hospital and see if they need anything made too. The beanies are knitted in stocking stitch and garter stitch, nice and plain.

I have been making a Christmas table runner for work and here are the two stitcheries I have done so far. Grand old Father Christmas.

And some stars with sweet words in them.

We are having a long weekend this weekend for the CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting). The Queen is here with other delegates and here's hoping they come to some worthwhile decisions.

Hoping the weather stays nice this weekend, lots of things I want to do. I now have to look for another knitting project for the night time, so a bit of searching will be done today. Have a great weekend. Regards, Anita.

My wonderful life

2011-10-22T12:56:00.000+08:00

My own mind

is my own church.

Thomas Paine

A friend gave me some advice about how to get rid of aphids. All I have to do is wait for the ladybirds to come......and they have.

There are so many ladybirds, I can't count them all. I do know they are having a wonderful picnic though. This year I don't know where the time went, but I forgot to cut back my rose bushes. I can't believe how the roses have bloomed this year. What is that? The roses have bloomed in bunches this year and the weight on the flowers are pulling down on the branches. They have actually covered over some of my other native bushes.

On the craft scene, a lot of knitting has been done around here and also last weekend I found one of the best editions of Handmade ever. I rather like Handmade and in this edition there are so many projects that I want to make. All nice Christmassy ideas. Here I have made Mr. Pudding.

I happened to have some brown velvety material in the cupboard along with leftover wadding. The wadding has been used to make the custard on his head and red felt for the berries. This will be a great addition to my Christmas display.

We are having one of those warm days today and this morning I managed to do some weeding. I am trying to get as much weeding done before there are any chances of snakes hiding in the bushes. That time of year I'm afraid. Apparently there is some forecast of rain so I'm not sure what the end of the day will bring.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and see you soon. Kind regards, Anita.

A day at the Toodyay show

2011-10-17T19:19:00.001+08:00

On Saturday Heather and I took a nice slow drive over to the historical town of Toodyay. It was the time of year for their annual show and it was fantastic. We went through the craft pavilion of course and were captured by this wall hanging that children had made at school. The dolls are made from calico, a few stars and a border, how great is that!

I was so happy to see that someone I know had won first prize with her gorgeous crocheting. There were so many entries in the crocheting and knitting section, not to mention all the quilts.

I didn't remember to see who was the clever person that made this quilt, but isn't it interesting? There are so many different idea's out there and so many talented people.

Of course Heather spotted the thimbles. I had to have a good look too.

This darling creation was made in 1927 and she is a member of the CWA. Looks like someone I went to the show with!!

Thanks for letting me share these photo's with you, I really enjoyed the day out with Heather and looking at all the creative work that people do. I have a cute little something to show you next posting. Hope the week ahead is a happy one for you. Kind regards, Anita.

Christmas doll

2011-10-16T17:16:00.000+08:00

I received a wonderful bag of goodies from Heather on her return from Queensland. The gift bag was full of wool, material, beads, gadgets and so many other pretty things.

I couldn't keep my eyes off the wool and do admit I had to use my manners and not be distracted by it while Heather was visiting. I did restrain myself, however the minute Heather left I was cutting into some of the lovely material to make a cute Christmas doll.

I have made this doll before, and of course, she is from Homespun magazine. The original pattern has buttons spaced over her dress, but I thought this material was pretty on it's own without the buttons. Also whipped up very quickly was a scarf for next year. the pattern is feather and fan, and will look rather gorgeous with next years winter colours.

The material below is already marked for a couple of Christmas bags.

I am right into the Christmas spirit already and whilst the boys were away go karting, I stitched up this cute little stitchery.

We had a very hot day here today, an unreal temperature of 35 C!! No wonder we were all out of energy. I'm so excited about going back to work tomorrow and seeing all my work mates. All the best for the coming week. Regards, Anita.

Getting ready for Christmas

2011-10-11T11:43:00.001+08:00

For it is in giving

that we receive.

St Francis of Assisi

Yesterday we had all seasons in one day. The morning started off with sunshine and clouds, then it became very warm and towards the end of the day we had rain. At night we had thunder storms, which didn't go down very well with our dog Max. The rain was a continuous rain that would slowly soak in, good for our farmers.

I have decided to make a start on Christmas decorations, the first completed item is a reindeer.

This sweet reindeer is from an older edition of Homespun No 18 (Vol 4.4). I have changed the idea a bit, instead of Christmas trees on the side of the body, I chose yo-yo's because I had some left over and wanted to use them.

I love the cord legs with bells on them, the kids are going to love this reindeer in the library. Oh that's where the reindeer is going to live, at the library. I am slowly gathering and making things for a Christmas display for the kids.

I have made a cloth doll today but as she is not finished I will save her for my next posting. I am still chugging away at her dress. Have a wonderful crafty day. Kind regards, Anita.

My own Parliament of owls

2011-10-06T09:26:00.000+08:00

Whilst browsing my favourite blogs I came across a delightful photo of owls at Karen's blog. I could feel owls were going to be happening around here!!!

The two owls at the front are about 8 inches tall and the dear soul behind them is a fair bit bigger. I just hand drew the shapes and went from there. The owl on the right has been made with material and felt, but the other owls were made with material. There is something special about owls.

Today Heather is coming over for morning tea, after being away for so long on holidays. I have some nice carrot cake and cream horns awaiting her arrival. I don't want to wish time away but I can't wait for the end of the day when Pixie comes home from working away.

After almost 22 years of marriage, I still miss him like mad when he goes away.......no-one to tease!!!!

Have a great day.

Regards, Anita.

Introducing Chester

2011-10-02T11:17:00.001+08:00

The difference between

stumbling blocks and

stepping stones

is how I use them.

Anon.

I would love you all to meet Chester, my new rooster. I'm not sure what sort of bantam he is, but he is cute. The girls think so too and since Chester has been in the chook house with them, no more arguments. He was kindly given to me by a farmer friend of mine.

Chester has a stubbie kind of tail instead of the traditional long straight-out-there type. He even has feathers on the outsides of both feet, oh and did I mention he is cute? The girls had started to squabble since Benjamin died and the presence of another male has stopped that.

On the last day of school I went into the staffroom and discovered a tea party going on. There was Mr. Octopus and some other of the library toys with a tea set on the table. The culprit(s) set them up and I was so happy to see Mr. Octopus. That lot had no mercy for me at all. I had many suspects in mind and the one I suspected the most finally fessed up. I do hope they all believe in the old testament.....an eye for an eye. tee hee hee. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of the tea party as I had no idea it was on!! lol.

The school holidays have now started and my full-time stint is at an end. I now plan to enjoy the time off and try to finish up the knitting and crocheting I am doing for the volunteers traveling to Botswana. I am very happy with this rather cute blanket I have crocheted using odd bits of wool. It would fit a regular sized baby cot and someone will get good use from it.

I forget to show my stitchery I purchased from our annual show. Through the grapevine, on the day of the show, I heard about a craft stall that was there and that I must see it. I am so glad I had only taken a small amount of money to the show as I would've spent the lot just at the craft stall!! A beautiful Bronwyn Hayes stitchery.

I will start the stitchery once all the knitting and crocheting has been finished. I now plan to spend the rest of this glorious Sunday doing rounds of the backyard, sewing and tidying up. Not so much with the tidying up bit. I managed to get a photo of a busy bee going about his business in my lavender bush.

I do hope you are having a lovely weekend. Well done to the Geelong footie team for winning this year. Regards, Anita.

Viva Botswana

2011-09-25T07:38:00.000+08:00

Happiness is like a butterfly,

the more you chase it,

the more it eludes you,

and if you turn your attention

to other things,

it comes and sits

softly on your shoulder.

Henry David Thoreau.

I have met some rather interesting people. A team of people travel to Botswana on missionary projects and a couple of years ago this team was responsible for building a school and delivering much needed clothing. That year several of my friends were asked to knit beanies, which we did lovingly. This year these amazing people are off again to help another community there with clothing and other help.

Unfortunately, I got a late start but have knitted several items that will go with them.

With all the wool given to me this year, I have started to crochet all the little balls of leftovers to make a blanket. The African baby top, that is available free online, has come in very handy at this point. I have knitted it some of the wool given to me and it has come out bigger than usual. Still cute none the less.

A friend of mine who is involved with this amazing group of people came over and shared the photo's that were taken on one of those trips to Botswana. I saw some of the beanies I had knitted and it felt rather strange to think were my beanies are. They were in Botswana! The photo's were very raw photo's, the way these people live, mud huts, hot dry land, no running water, salt of the earth, but smiles on the faces of these people.

I realize that sometimes when we are complaining about the water not running from the tap fast enough, or it's too hot, too cold (which I myself am an offender!), we are very fortunate.

Hoping the week ahead brings you all you could wish for. Kind regards, Anita.

Show weekend

2011-09-18T12:23:00.000+08:00

Life is like a cup of tea,

it's how you make it.

Irish proverb.

Finally I have resurfaced. All the hard work getting a quiz night ready, show entries finished

and dropped off to the show and show day over. It has been an amazing week and the last hard

mile is ten days of full-time work. I had so much fun at the show and I managed to win 9 place

cards, 3 firsts, 3 seconds and 3 thirds. Heather did very well too and her entries were just lovely.

My short sleeved cardigan was a winner.

I was happy with my rabbit family who came in third. Notice to the left is a green frog, that is Heather's work. Sorry about the wire in the way, I was too late to snap photo's before the gates went up.

I found the loveliest vintage child's bonnet pattern knitted in 2 ply, gorgeous to knit up and impressed to see her win 1st prize. Ratbag Heather's work is the knitted pieces next to mine.

Had to show this photo off. Not my work but a very clever lady who won 1st prize in the crochet section. Isn't it lovely? I kept going back to check it out, such fine work.

I help out as a volunteer at the show and the members are a cheeky bunch of trickers. This morning was clean up day and I took my shoes off to stand on the benches. The guys kept saying to me 'come on it's time for a cuppa'. I finally said OK I'll be there in a second. When I went to see where my shoes were, they had taken off with them. One of the other ladies helped find them and I marched into the kitchen were all the culprits were sitting and immediately grabbed two offenders by the ears. They blamed everyone else of course but I knew the real purps.

I am so ready to start making things for next year's show, I'm really hooked!!! I hope you will all enter your local show with fantastic things you make because it really helps make it a great community for all. The rest of my weekend will be spent ironing, which is a far cry from any sort of fun. See you soon. Kind regards, Anita.

Happy Father's Day

2011-09-04T11:45:00.000+08:00

To the world you are

one man,

to us you are the

world.

Happy Father's Day to all the Father's out there, I hope you are having a glorious day. Here in our neck of the woods the sun is shining (right at this moment anyway) and Pixie thinks he is in heaven. A cup of coffee and a cooked breakfast, he's on top of the world. My male tribe are all up the back yard right now fitting a stereo system into Brandon's car. It's quite funny to see them all buzzing over a new sound system.

I on the other hand have been buzzing about my craft work and what I have managed to finish this week. I have made to cloth dolls and a cushion to use as prizes in our Quiz Night coming up in a couple of weeks time.

I had a little stitchery that I wasn't too sure what to do with so it has become the centre piece of the cushion. I wasn't really wrapped in the cushion as I was making it, however, now that it is completed it isn't half bad.

On the show front, I found a cute little hand puppet set to knit from an old book. The funny thing was that by the time it came to knitting the tongue, the instructions on how to knit the tongue was not listed!!! so I just made my own. The puppets will go to the library after the show, they will be loved there.

And still having fun with knitting, I thought just for something different at the show, I might make a cup with yummy cakes to wet the appetite. I must say, while I was knitting the cup all I wanted was to drink tea.

I have almost finished knitting a baby top for someone special, so I won't show and tell that one until the stork has arrived. Kind regards, Anita.

Annual Show

2011-08-28T12:47:00.000+08:00

What lies behind us and

what lies before us

are tiny matters

compared to what lies

within us.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The excitement of our Annual Agricultural Show is stirring wildly inside me. I love all the work, gathering, thought process and the time to finish all the projects I wish to enter in the show. The whole atmosphere is tingling, I'm odd I guess. Seeing the kids reaction when they enter the show grounds and I imagine to myself how big everything looks through children's eyes. I had this weekend to myself and managed to finish some things, get half way through some things and start new ones as well.

A cute knitted shoulder bag and matching glass case below. I have lined it with soft white material and top stitched the material to the knitted bag.

'
I have decided to make a couple of those special dolls without the wings. The first edition of Homespun has this pattern in it and it is a favourite of mine. It was designed by Wendy Brigg and I'm sure glad Wendy came up with this great design. I had made another doll using the same material but I've added a big blue button to this one.

I am waiting for the paint to dry on her feet and I still need to add her bandanna. The doll below needs the same gear and this photo came out a bit dark. These two girls will be prizes at our Quiz Night we are holding for the school. That is just around the corner.

Well I'm off now to spend some special time with my tribe. Pixie and Cory had a good stretch of go karting this weekend, so they're mellowing out. Will probably catch up with you guys next weekend.
Kind regards, Anita.

Sunny Sunday

2011-08-21T12:57:00.000+08:00

To accomplish great things,

we must not only act, but

also dream, not only plan,

but also believe.

-Anatole France

Feeling a little overwhelmed this week with all the events happening, but charging ahead

all the same. Children's Book Week, a big celebration in libraries everywhere is being

held this week. In the past few weeks I have been slowly making and gathering items for

my display for the school. In my next posting I hope to have some pictures to share with

you.

I have been busy getting my show entries ready too. I had made one Mr. Bunny and now I

have finished the family. It is one of the one child families, not the typical bunny family of

50+ bunnies.

It was such fun making the whole family. Someone had given me a pattern recently
and I couldn't resist. The whole family is knitted in an 8 ply wool and size 11 needles.
I kept the needles small so you don't see the stuffing show through. It is a beautiful sunny
day here today, about 25 C and starting to warm up for our long awaited spring season.
I have done a fair bit of gardening this weekend and the bush below was planted last year
and is now taller than me.

I'm a big lover of nasturtiums and my plants have busted out all over the yard. My chooks are
checking them out too. They love to eat them.

I have kept up with some knitting during the week, even though I have still been very
busy with the quiz night we have coming up soon. I managed to get a bit of a head
cold too and didn't pick up my knitting one night. My darling Pixie didn't cope very
well with the sight of no knitting going on. He knew I wasn't feeling flash. I'm back on
track now though.The little red and pink number below is the start of a shoulder bag. It is
done in blocks of knitted and purled stitches across the row. I am making a glass carrier to
go with it.

I am off to check of Heather the feather today. I have some nice mud cake to take with me,

that will cheer her up....it will certainly cheer anybody up. Love mud cake!!!!! Well I'm out of here.

There is just too much gorgeous sunshine outside to stay still. Enjoy this lovely Sunday. Regards, Anita.

Getting ready

2011-08-14T09:25:00.000+08:00

It's a slow turning wheel

but it does turn.

-Anon.

Slowly but surely, I have been making and gathering items to enter in our Annual Agricultural Show. On top of the bedroom cupboard is a collection of handmade dolls, toys and bags just waiting to pop out and be looked at. Even though there has been a flow of babies around here, and I've been knitting like mad, I still managed to keep going with my own pieces of work. This morning I finished Mr. Bunny and have loaded my knitting needles with stitches just waiting to be Mrs. Bunny.

There is also a baby bunny to make and I will just have to be patient to finish them all. I noticed at last year's show, there wasn't much in the way of toys and dolls, so that is my plan for this year. Below is a knitted child's bag, with cute lazy daisy stitching around the holes. I knitted this in 8 ply and it can be filled with a satin cushion stuffed with pot pourri. The handles are just chain crocheted.

Once again my photography skills have let me down, but this cute little bib is a free download from the net. The picture on the bib is a cow and though you can't see it in this photo, you can see it on the real thing!!!

On my return to work a few weeks ago, I also gave Hannah her finished scarf. I just needed to make some chain stitched flowers and sew them on with buttons. Hannah also helped make this scarf and when I gave it to her, she just loved it.

I can see rain clouds outside my window and the wind is blowing like mad. I was a little annoyed to have woken up so early this morning (4.30am), I have a few things on my mind but in some ways it was good. My ironing is done, Mr Bunny was completed and I only have two small loads of washing to go. The way the wind is today, I may have this washing all dried and folded too. Enjoy this lazy old Sunday, and may you get lots of stitching done. Kind regards, Anita. P.S. They still haven't returned Mr. Octopus yet!! lol.

Mr. Swagman

2011-08-07T10:14:00.000+08:00

Life is not

measured by the number

of breaths we take, but

by the numbers of moments

that take our breath away.

-George Carlin.

Unable to believe how fast another week has gone by, I can't believe it has been some time since my last posting. I've been head down tail up with organising a quiz night, and also consumed with excitement over Mr. Swagman. I have been given a knitted toy book to look at and when I spotted the swagman, I knew I had to knit him up.

One of my workmates bought some wool for me and return for knitting her some tea cosies. The colours looked suspiciously like Fremantle Dockers colours, and as she looks the Dockers I decided to knit the swagman in Dockers colours. I'm hoping to knit him up again in more traditional colours and enter him in the show.

Still found the time to knit some baby gear. There are baby girls popping up everywhere right now, must be something in the water.

I had a lovely surprise from Sue, a parcel with goodies......treasure actually!! Lovely buttons. Thanks a heap Sue, I just adore buttons, more than Heather does. Heather is a great friend of mine, but I have more buttons.

We have a lovely spring-like day outside today, yesterday was much the same. Last night it rained and it's a crack up when it rains at night and is sunshine during the day. It's almost every one's dream. I'm on the prowl today near the chook house. One of my chooks has started eating her eggs and any one elses. I have just put a big bowl of shell grit in the pen, apparently they are not getting enough calcium so they start eating their eggs. Don't want this to happen on a regular basis.

My three darlings have all gone for a drive to get petrol for Brandon's car. He's still wagging his tail about his new car. He's a pretty good driver, now Cory can't wait to drive. Gulp!! Have a great weekend one and all. Kind regards, Anita.

Some culprits I know.

2011-07-29T19:37:00.000+08:00

Happiness is something to

love, something to do and

something to hope for.

-William Blake.

I work with some ratbags! Monday was our first day back at work and so I set up all the book stands, filled them with books, unpacked all my toys and one toy is missing. Mr. Octopus has been kidnapped!! No-one is coming forward to own up but a letter has been dropped off....

The buttons are actually off Mr. Octopus. Someone is in real trouble. I have warned them all that I can sew calico dolls and have pins at home, just don't let me get a lock of their hair!! lol. There is some skulduggery going on around here. In the meantime I have had a swap with Sue and this is what she sent me....

A cute bunting with my nickname on it 'Dragon'. It is a fun nickname I earned while working at the town library. It was fun doing the swap with Sue and I love the colours she used to make the bunting. Thanks Sue. I made Sue a knitted elephant and sent it off with a couple of extra goodies. I love the card Sue sent me. Though, my photography skills have let me down again!

Of course, I can't go a day without some knitting. This is a favourite baby cardigan that I have knitted over and over again. I have taken a photo of the back of the cardigan to show you the pattern on the yoke. I have knitted the cardigan in four ply and just need to find some cute pink buttons.

I am surprised that I feel so happy today, a visit to the dentist can always shake you up. I had to have a tooth extracted as it was just a food catcher and was being a nuisance, so out it came. My lovely dentist asked me how long it had been since I had a tooth pulled. My response to him was 1885!! He struggled getting it out as it had roots that spread out everywhere! It was a monster but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. So I'm all happy. Hey, hope you all get a heap of sewing and knitting done over the weekend and stay happy. Kind regards, Anita.

Busy holidays

2011-07-22T16:55:00.000+08:00

It's not about

counting the years....but

making the years count.

-Michelle Amand.

My husband and sons have driven off together for a bit of 'mantime'. Oh boy! I thought I would show you what I have been up to the last few days. I have finished making another Mammy doll and she turned out really cute. The material I used was from a shopping spree Heather and I went on several months ago to a farm near Meckering.

Mammy still needs hair and maybe a ripped piece of material to tie on her head and some shoe laces. I'm going to make a couple more dolls in the next few days. During these holidays I have also been given a big bag of wool from one of my lovely friends. It is full of 8 ply mixed colours. I can think of a few good things I can make from this stash.

I had to laugh today, I go out the backyard to find all the boys together huddled around Brandon's car. A new exhaust system is being fitted and they're all excited about that....give me wool any day!

I have attacked some of the 100 weeds that have sprung up in our yard this winter, and millions of nasturtium's are also popping up.

I had myself a visit to the craft shop a couple of days ago and just couldn't resist buying the baby wool. There are a couple more babies about to come into the world soon, so I can knit up a few cardigans for them.

The school my boys attend will be holding a quiz night, and it's been hard work organising everything to make the night a success. This is my first time being involved in a quiz night, but it should be a great night. That has kept me on the trot these holidays. The local businesses have been very supportive and lots of lovely gifts donated.

I have met up with several friends over these holidays and enjoyed ourselves going out to the local cafes around the town. We are off to the city tomorrow for a spot of shopping, lots of craft shops down that way!! Hope you all have a great weekend and take care. Kind regards, Anita.

A quick post

2011-07-14T14:09:00.000+08:00

If I had a flower for

every time I thought

of you, I could walk

in my garden forever.

-Alfred Tennyson

Coo-ee! It's lovely and sunny out our way today. I have just come

inside from doing some weeding and thought I would sneak in a

quick post. My adorable friend Heather joined me for an overdue cup of tea on Tuesday and gave me a couple of copies of Homespun. I haven't been the same since!! lol. The minute Heather stepped out the yard, I was cutting out material, pinning things together and was on my way. What got me all excited was Chookie Dee.

I fell in love with the eyes, this chook looks a little bit like a bandit. Which is the opinion some of my friends have about me.
Hmmm? I also love the red buttons on the knee caps. The edition I found Chookie Dee in is No.97 (Vol12.6). The blue issue.

You all would realize that Chookie Dee is going to live in the library. Oh and on the sewing scene I found a great free download on the net for these dolls. They're called Silly girl dolls. Just click here for the pattern. Have fun with her. Love the eyes.

Well I did say this would be a quick post, and I can't resist that sunshine outside. More weeding for me, after all the rain we've been having. The weekend is approaching also, cross our fingers for a bit of warm sunny weather. Hugs to you all.

Kind regards, Anita.

Holiday time

2011-07-10T13:29:00.001+08:00

Go back a little,

to leap further.

-John Clarke

I can't believe the school holidays are here again!! It just seems like five seconds ago school started for term 2. It is our winter and these holidays will be used to sew some toys, knit a cardigan for myself and whatever pops up in the mean time. I found a cute little knitted elephant pattern on the net, I just had to make him/her. You can use any ply wool you like. This is mine.

When I make my next elephant I will use smaller needles. I used size 8 needles knitting this one and you can see the toy stuffing, so maybe size 9 needles would be better. The elephant even has a cute little plaited tail. Elephant only stands about 4 inches high. Like to make elephant? click here.

I haven't put my needles down much lately, today I finished a vintage child's bonnet. A favourite book of mine that I love dearly has many lovely patterns to knit including bears.

I need to check out my cupboard for some cream lace now to make the bonnet ties.

I made some yummy jam drop biscuits too but thought I better take a photo quick smart or there will only be crumbs left.

Well it's back to the sewing machine for me, I have two girls on the go and they're coming along nicely. It's pretty cold here today so I'm not moving too far outside. Maybe another piping hot cup of tea for good measure. Have a terrific weekend. Kind regards, Anita.

Softie toys

2011-07-03T11:00:00.000+08:00

The most important

thing a father

can do for his children is

to love their mother.

Theodore Hesburgh

Happy Sunday to you all. I have had one big sewing weekend and now have lots of goodies to take to work with me......sneak to work with me. I have shifted in to my new library and now I need to add a few more toys to the collection. I found some nice softie patterns on the net during the week and thought I might test them out. One of the girls in my knitting group tenderly nagged me to make a blanket for her favourite toy in the library, so that's what all these toys are sitting on. The pink cat pattern is simple and easy to make. If you want to make the pink cat, click here.

I couldn't resist this little chick. She is adorable and about 4 and a half inches high. For this little chick pattern, click here. I didn't put ric rac on this chick, but I will on the next lot that I make!!!

Now this little guy in the photo below I did find him on the net as a free pattern, I just can't remember where. I know I drew him free hand, that's why I don't have the site address.

I quite like birds, as it shows with the toys I made, and I also had to make Mr. Owl, below, from a Handmade magazine. I still have to put eyes on him, he looks a bit scary right now. The Handmade I found him in was Volume 25, No. 3. He'll be a real hoot in the library.

I had so much time this weekend, that I continued to join scraps of material together, in a quest to finish this table cloth. I just find it very hard to throw away bits of material. I have it ingrained into me to never be wasteful, perhaps reading about life in the early days when women used up every bit of anything they had is etched in my mind as well.

I had the pleasure today of dropping off the premie baby items I knitted for a friend who can no longer knit. The beanie and bootees below were the last to be made. I read in an article that premie babies love bright colours and helps stimulate their minds. The friend I knitted these for wanted to pay me, however no money need exchange hands as she looked after my husband for years when he was younger. Now I have the pleasure of spoiling him.

Another interesting piece of information for you. The lady at our local craft shop attended a craft seminar where they learn the latest updates about the craft world. Apparently people are now starting to lean towards practical crafts, making items they can use, things such as bags, tea towels, making children's clothing and cloth nappies!!! Yay, help the environment. I was a bit staggered about this information because I wasn't aware the trend was changing. It has to do with the economic situation and many young people are now starting to make their own things. I'm thrilled to bits about the whole thing, perhaps more people will really appreciate handmade gifts now. I mean that in a nice way. I so enjoy receiving a gift that someone has spent time on making for me.

Well. enjoy what is left of the weekend. I am waiting for two of my boys to return from their go karting weekend, I miss them always when they go away. Brandon and I have spent a lovely quiet weekend at home, both nursing colds. We're on the mend and feeling much better. The fire has been burning away and it's toasty inside. Kind regards, Anita.

Tiny babes

2011-06-26T09:16:00.000+08:00

In the middle

of every difficulty

lies opportunity.

-Albert Einstein

We held a Wood raffle last weekend to raise money for our high school P & C, and while I was sitting there selling tickets, I met up with an old friend. A member of her family had given birth to a 750gm baby and as my friend is unable to knit any more, she asked me to make some bootees and beanies for the baby. You know me.....

I thought I would make an assortment of sizes, starting from the extreme small (left side of the screen) to bigger sizes. I'm sure it will take an awful long time for baby to fit into the pink bootees on the right. I couldn't help but get the old ruler out to measure how small the tiny bootees were. Pretty unreal.

I found the pattern for these small bootees on the net and if you would like the pattern, click here. The pattern is very simple and I knitted it with 3 ply and 4ply wool. I suppose for a normal sized baby you could even try 8 ply, see how that goes. Might try it myself. If you would like the pattern for the beanie with the cord, click here. I did a lot of net surfing and found many sites that had free premature baby patterns. Using google images saved stacks of time in my quest to find the best patterns for me. I have a bright yellow beanie on the go at the moment and then I will give the pretty bundle to my friend.

On a recent trip to the local library I found some fantastic books to read through and get lots of ideas from. Our annual show is a few months away and I want to make as many things as I can.

As I looked through this book, boy did I get some great ideas. You might take a trip to your own library (or book shop), and find a copy of your own.

My week was taken up with moving into my own new library at work and a friendly bunch of parents happily helped me move. I'm so thankful they helped, I would still be there moving!! Everything is sorted out now and it will be business as usual. Oh, oh I have to make more toys now as I have found more places I can put these new toys in the library. Any excuse will do.

I can't believe Brandon has his own car now and has his learner's permit to drive. The years are just ticking away and I do recall a friend telling me to enjoy your children because before you know it, the time goes. I was already enjoying and loving my boys to bits, but my friend was right, the time goes fast.

Today I plan on baking and catching up with housework.....and sewing. Not long now until the school holidays and over this break I am going to relax with the boys and catch up on the Supernatural series that I missed out on. I'm not a TV person, especially not in the daytime, but the guys on Supernatural are fairly easy on the eye! giggle giggle. Make the most of Sunday. Kind regards, Anita.

Baby knitting

2011-06-19T08:34:00.000+08:00

Life is what happens

to you while you're busy

making other plans.

John Lennon

Ever felt like you are chasing your tail? That's the week I've had! Busy but enjoyable none the less. Though I have been sewing and knitting I didn't really manage to finish much. I have, however, stumbled across a cute little baby pattern. A beanie and bootee set.

This pattern is called Puffin baby hat and booties set and is suitable for a small baby. The bit I fell in love with was the tied cord on top of the hat! If you want the pattern, click here. I will say that I changed the instructions a bit. When it comes to knitting the booties, it says at the beginning of the row Sl1, turn. I did this at the end of the row instead. I loved the pattern so much that I knitted it up again in different colours and without using the fancy pattern, due to the colour wool I was using.

This weekend our high school P & C run a wood raffle over Friday and Saturday, to raise some much needed funds. I might add, we were pleased to have raised $990.00. It is great fun getting out there in the community and catching up with people while they purchased tickets. I'm usually a hermit, but enjoyed the two days out. An older gentleman stopped in to buy a ticket, had a chat and bade me farewell. Half hour later he came back with a hot quiche and gave it to me. He felt sorry I was sitting outside in the ice cold wind. (Must say, I did have icicles hanging off my nose!). I thanked him so much, waited until he left and scoffed it down with gusto!! Boy it was nice and it warmed my insides.

When it was time to draw the lucky number, I grabbed the first person I could find and asked them to draw the ticket. A lovely lady happily drew the winning ticket. Even nicer still, the winner was an elderly lady and both she and her husband were thrilled to bits. I was so happy for them. I dropped the wood off to them, and the lady gave me a present as well. Two big bags of wool!!! Like a mouse in a cheese factory!!

There is only one problem now......where am I going to hide this from my husband. If he spots the bags of wool, I just know he will be thinking 'What is she going to do with all that wool'. lol. After all our happy years of marriage, I'm sure he knows I will knit it all up. Now that I've been out all weekend, I am going to catch up on all the house work and nurse my head cold. Hope to show you some finished projects next posting. Kind regards, Anita.

Hannah's bag

2011-06-11T15:33:00.000+08:00

The good return

for my life's work

is my family.

Besides having a busy and fantastic week, I have also concentrated my time making a knitting/sewing bag for lovely Hannah. I have a little group of girls I am teaching to knit and they are enjoying themselves so much. There is a special girl named Hannah and I thought this lovely bag would be a nice gift for her.

I had some cute girly material left over from previous projects, material that I have adored actually and kept it in hope of finding a special pattern to make out of it. The colours running across the top of the bag is from my jelly roll collection, and the bottom colours have been used on children's things that I have made. I will find some nice coloured ribbon to use as drawstrings. Oh and notice the special beaded doll, I thought I would make her to go with the bag.

As promised, I have taken a photo of the last tea cosy I knitted. This one has gone to a new home and will be loved to bits.

Today has been baking day, lots of different things on my chopping block. A vanilla cake at the back, some pumpkin scones and a sultana cake, my husbands favourite cake. I'm thinking they won't last long and I'm too scared to have a look in the kitchen and see what is left!!

Beautiful vegetable soup was made for lunch today, and see how much was scoffed down!! I've hidden the rest.

I know I usually sling off about my darling friend Heather, but I really do love her to bits and she's real special to me. Heather has given me this wonderful book of proverbs and I just go through it over and over again. Not only is it sweet with words and thoughts, but on the back I noticed it says the purchase of The Book of Giving, enables women in poverty to establish the business of their dreams. How great is that?

Two of my darlings have taken off shooting with friends for a while, Cory is playing his computer game, racing of course, and I might take this opportunity to do a little knitting. I have been knitting this week and have to just finish off a few things for the next posting I do. Pixie and I went for a lovely stroll together at the shops this morning. It's funny how suddenly your children don't want to go to the shops with parents anymore......especially teenagers. Friends have told me this will change again. So I look forward to that. In the meantime, I can have my husband to myself and torment him all on my own. lol. Hope you are all having a lovely relaxing weekend and I'll be back again. Kind regards, Anita.

A favourite of mine.

2011-06-06T08:32:00.000+08:00

Be the person

you always knew

you were meant to be,

but never quite had

the courage for.

-Anon.

Here in Western Australia we are having a long

weekend to celebrate Foundation Day, and that means

more time to spend with my three darlings, sew, knit and catch up with things. On Friday night, Pixie received a request from his best mate's daughter. "Pixie, can you ask your 'Mum' (meaning me, his wife) to make me a Banana's in Pyjamas?" I roared with laughter. Miss 5 is at preprimary, and they are funny at that age. I loved knitting Banana, he is one of my favourites. The book is an old favourite too.

It didn't take long to knit old Pyjama's up either. I have always enjoyed making this guy, and I must say, I've made a fair few of them. The kids love him, in fact they just love knitted toys anyway. Today, BJ is going to be delivered to his new home. I have been busy in the patch working department as well. I have been trying to get through the bags of material that have found their way to my home. I made this 9 block square using blue tones and I'm not sure what it will be yet, but that's the fun of it, being creative.

A few squares ready to be made up. I was given blocks already sewn up, with the materials to make more, which I have done. Unwanted by a friend, but welcomed with love to me.

The picture below shows the blocks already made up, with a few of my own stitched up as well. I'm thinking this could turn into a baby quilt for someone. I'm hoping to stitch this up today if I get time.

The blocks are only pinned together at this stage, I organised the blocks into their position and as I have to move my work off the kitchen table, I didn't want to have to work out the positions all over again!! Depending on how many blocks I get to make up, this will turn into a good sized baby quilt.

As I have finished knitting Banana's, I needed to find my next knitting project. Heather had given me this interesting wool, bubbly textured and great to knit with. It is Moda Vera Cinderella and I have used a strand of 4ply white and Cinderella. I have two balls of it and am crossing my fingers it will be enough to make a capsule cover. It is knitting up nicely and I have used size 5 needles to get a good tension. It feels nice and fluffy, not too heavy either. Some little baby will love this, perhaps make them want to sleep a little longer?

I have just looked outside and what a glorious day it is going to be, by the looks of now anyway. It wasn't too long ago I was complaining about it being too hot and now I'm just loving the toasty warm sunshine. Can't win!! I'm about to go and investigate the chook house and see what mess those girls have made with the new bail of hay. They scratch around like mad. Enjoy the week ahead and happy crafting to you all.

Kind regards, Anita.

Sweet Mammy

2011-05-29T13:38:00.000+08:00

A wise old owl

sat on an oak

the more he saw

the less he spoke

the more he heard

why aren't we like

that wise old bird?

An old proverb

Today I have sat outside and enjoyed the warmth of the sun and relaxed with my stitching. I have finished my gorgeous Mammy doll and she's turned out wonderful.

This sweet design came from an old edition of Homespun no.9
(Vol 3.1), and one doll I have always had intentions of making.
Mammy ends up being about 26 inches in height and very easy to make. I love the collar and pocket, which just has a touch of stitching around the edges to give it a warm feeling.

I have used leftover black wool for her hair and used colonial knots. I found some rather nice material for her dress and very pleased with how good she looks.

I am not the only creative person in my household I must say. Each of us has a special talent. It seems that both of the boys have an artistic flair in the way of designing posters and different styles of writing. Brandon and Cory are both very gifted in this field and some of the things they design is incredible. My husbands talent is he is a good boy and does nothing wrong!! giggle giggle. Cory has a favourite hat and has started a hat trend at his school. He asked me to make a hat in the same style of his very favourite one......but in fluro green. I have to own up and say I did make the hat below, but I did feel like pulling my teeth out whilst making it. You see it had to be perfect.....'no it's too tight ; it has a bulge here ; the front flap is too big!!' Patience is a virtue and I didn't bite anyone while all the complaints were going on, and eventually the hat was made.

On to some more interesting things now.....during the week I made two more tea cosies and forgot to take photo's of them, 2 short scarves to sell and another few baby items.

Yesterday I went to an embroidery display at the arts society and was impressed with so many pieces of work made by a local craft group. Some of the works were made by women in their eighties and if you could have seen how intricate the work was, it would blow your socks off. I take my hat off to them, the work was so well done, I was impressed indeed. Sadly my camera was not charged up to take any photo's.

I'm off to attack my washing again now, it seems the washing never ends. Being such a sunny day it will not take long to dry. All the best for the coming week. Kind regards, Anita.

I want to bite my sewing machine!!!!

2011-05-22T11:00:00.000+08:00

We shall never know

all the good that

a simple smile can do.

- Mother Teresa

I have been given the Versatile Blogger award from Dawn over at Quilts and pieces. Thanks sweetpea for choosing my blog and how funny to sit and think about seven things about myself that people might not know. After you all read the seven things I have selected about myself, you may all be a little concerned about me. Giggle giggle.

Seven things about myself.
1. I eat avocados like they are chocolate
2. I can't eat my tea if there is a pen or pencil on the table, it makes me feel ill. (strange but true)
3. I wear contact lenses - great when you are having a shower, you can see what you are washing!!
4. I love squeezing pimples - almost anybody's (LOL)
5. I am a prankster
6. At all times throughout my marriage, I have managed to turn my husband's hair grey and make it fall out in some patches.
7. When I see lights on in a house that has been vacant for a very long time, I get the biggest, buzziest warm feeling and I don't know why.

Now I have shared seven things with you about myself and you are probably thinking who is this cuckoo, well.....it's just me.

Over the week I have been making a Mammy doll and though the photo doesn't do it justice, she has turned out rather cute. I have used gingham blue and a dotty blue material for her dress and apron. She also has a headband in the matching colour. As always I have made some knickers for her, I can't cope if a doll doesn't have knickers on. Pretty good for me since, as a child, I always used to throw my knickers away because I couldn't stand to have them on. I used to chuck them to the chooks, flush them down the toilet, anything to get rid of them!!!! I don't do that now!!

This is what I was working on when my sewing machine decided to not work for me. Another Mammy doll, she is much bigger than the dolly shown above. The one above is about 30 inches high, this one is about 47 inches. I have used some lovely red printed material for her dress. I found the pattern in an old Homespun of mine.

She will have a stunning stitched collar and pretty heart shaped pocket attached to her. I will show her all finished in the next posting I do.

In the knitting department, I am almost on the homeward run with a teacosy that is looking real flash. I can't wait to show you...you won't have to wait long. Today being Sunday, I am going to finish all the chores that I should have done yesterday, however I was busy wanting to bite that sewing machine of mine. I reminded myself that patience is a virtue. Ha Ha.

Hope the rest of the weekend is fun for all of you. Kind regards, Anita.

By golly!

2011-05-17T18:57:00.000+08:00

Many people will walk in

and out of your life,

but only true friends will

leave footprints in your heart.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

My tail has been wagging the last few days, very proud of

myself actually. A friend at work asked me to make her two

golliwogs and of course I said yes. Lovely Heather kindly let

me use her golliwog pattern book that she has had for ages.

The instructions in the book were very clear and easy to follow, however, as with the older patterns, there were lots of darts, pleats,

and tiny bits. When I made the doll up it was too small and I decided to make my own pattern. This is the result.

I wanted to keep a traditional look about the golliwogs and decided to make red coats with white shirts underneath. The pants were stripes and checks, with black wool for their hair. The pair stand about 9 inches, I believe, and I am so happy with how they turned out. I think the lady I made them for was very happy too, I'm sure she was going to lick them any second. lol. This lovely lady is into country style things, shabby chic and golliwogs, so she's a pretty good sort!! I must say that the book Heather gave me to use has knitting patterns in it too for golliwogs, so I'm going to knit some as well.

I realized that in the back ground is my old antique sewing machine, the sort you hand turn to make it work. I have used it many times when the power has been out, my sewing machine is out of action etc. It is wonderful to sew with.

I now have an order to knit a tea cosy for another lady, so I will be busy for a while. I'm also sewing some Mammy dolls to sell, it's all happening around here. Not long ago someone gave me this cute piece of material, I can't believe someone wouldn't want it. It's turned into a table cloth and now lives at the library.

We are all cheering around our neck of the woods, the rains have started and it is just beautiful to hear the rain. Crossing our fingers for our dear farmers in our community that they will have a bumper year with the crops. I had a phone call from Pixie today, saying he has a letter in his hands from the high our boys attend. Oh no!!! Oh yes, it was a letter of commendation. Brandon had the highest score in Math out of four classes!! We are both so proud of him. When Pixie and I went to Brandon and told him how proud we were of him, I'm sure I spotted his halo shine bright.

I'm going to make a nice cup of tea, start my knitting and listen to the sound of the rain coming down. All I need now is to convince my husband that the fire should really be lit!! That'll spin him out. Wishing you all a wonderful week, wherever you are. Kind regards, Anita.

2011-05-14T12:36:00.000+08:00

Approach life

with a generous heart

and everything

you receive is a bonus.

-Comissa Fischer

The last week has had me clicking away fiercely with my knitting needles and the inability to put them down! When you see smoke coming off your knitting needles you know you're addicted to knitting. It's funny how a little bit of cool weather really puts you in the mood.

I have managed to complete my stitching in amongst all the knitting. My lovely 'knitting' bag is now ready to use.

The inside of the bag is lined in calico and I have made two pockets inside the bag to hold my knitting pattern and needle. I have also used a thick wadding to prevent my knitting needles from poking through the material. That sometimes happens. On each side of the bag is a little stitchery, the first one I had shown in a previous posting and this one below is a favourite saying of mine.

'Joy' is the middle name of a ratbag friend of mine, so it's very special to me. Now lately I have taken a fancy to scarves and have gone wild knitting some. I found a gorgeous pattern to knit a scarf and it is similar to feather and fan stitch. Very nice
and knitted in 8 ply.

This week I found a little treasure that I had misplaced for sometime. A sweet little knitted purse that I use for when I go to church and keep a stash of coin in there. It is knitted in a black cotton and trimmed with gold beads. The friend who made this for me has the patience of a saint. I am glad to have found it again. Another find is this packet of tags and buttons. Of course I was hunting for it ages ago and just could not find it for the life of me. Now it has been placed back where it belongs.

This afternoon I am making a start on some golliwogs for a friend. I have never made these precious guys before so it will be fun to see how they turn out. I love the olden days toys and it is a pity they aren't played with these days. The computer seems to have over taken most things now.

To all of you, have a great weekend. Our weather is looking a bit strange today, a cloudy and then sunny sky, cold wind and when it stops, feel very warm. Not really sure what to wear!! Kind regards, Anita.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T10:31:00.000+08:00

It is better to be

defeated on principle

than to win on lies.

-Arthur Calwell.

Happy Mother's Day to everyone out there!! May your day be filled with all the love you can fit in. Pixie cooked me up a wonderful breakfast and I have had hugs and kisses from all my favourite gang. My lovely Heather has returned from her holiday in Queensland and it is so good to have her back with me. We caught up yesterday and had a nice long afternoon tea and of course, she was full of cheek. Heather and I celebrated Mother's day yesterday and today she is off to terrorize her family in the city. Do you love my little owl Heather gave to me?

The owl reminds me of a friend of mine that has just returned from Queensland.....oops!

I have been very busy getting stuck into my knitting and was very pleased with the finished short sleeved cardigan I knitted. It is a cute little pattern I found on the net and it is knitted in 8 ply. Because of the lace pattern, the finished item is very light and just right for those days when a long sleeved cardigan is a bit too hot.

Once again my photography skills haven't really done any justice to the cute pattern it really is but.....

I had taken a book out from the library called Knitting year round (Better homes and garden) and found a lovely top to knit. It is made from a cotton and the front cable pattern is so easy to follow. If this turns out well I will stash it away in my show box and enter it in this years annual show.

Hmm. I think I can hear that kettle calling me and I am a bit parched!! Any excuse for a cup of tea. I'm planning to finish off some of my other projects today and generally just mooching around, doing Mother's Day stuff. I hope you all enjoy your day.

Kind regards, Anita.

Mother's Day is coming!

2011-04-30T15:02:00.000+08:00

Flowers are loves

truest language.

-Park Benjamin.

I have just noticed how close it really is getting until it's

Mother's Day. I have been talking about it, making gifts

for the Mother's Day stall at school, but it has just hit me!

How silly am I? Giggle, giggle. Today I have been making

these cute little gifts and made some of them for last year.

It is a quick and easy gift idea and especially great for fetes

and stalls.

All you need is: plastic spoons, sweets such as chocolate drops, jubes (I have used chocolate eclairs), tulle?, flowers and ribbon. Each spoon I have made has just one eclair in it, cut circle shapes out of the tulle (I used a 6 inch plate as a template). Wrap the spoon with the tulle and use the flower stems to twist around the spoon and this holds up the tulle.

Then cut ribbon to the length desired and wrap that over the stems of the flowers and tizzy up the ends of ribbon. These all sold at last year's stall. I found this pattern on a blog site somewhere but sorry I can't remember which one. I don't lay claim to this project but I do enjoy making them.

I have been busy making plastic card wallets as well, and have a big bowl of sweets ready to fill my calico dollies. Only trouble is I bought the wrong wrapping paper today, I thought I picked up clear cello, but nope.

We had a guest over for afternoon tea, so I made some yummy apple and cinnamon muffins. Nice big chucks of apple in them and they were very much a success.

Last night I finished knitting the last of three tea cosies while watching Kate and William get married. I'm not a big follower of the Royal family but do like to hear how they are going. The wedding was just fantastic and the couple are so cute. I waited patiently to see the kiss (I feel like bit of a stalker now), but it did make my toes curl and I felt so happy for them. I loved it when William took Kate for a spin in the car!!

I need to scrounge through my wool now, I want to knit myself a short sleeved cardigan. As the weather is cooling down, I know that I am in short supply of the autumn weather clothing. Better get cracking now. Beside all the fun of crafting, sewing and knitting, I have been at my housework as well. I am feeling a bit smart about myself right now. Enjoy this fantastic weekend and catch you all soon. Kind regards, Anita.

Cherish your children

2011-04-28T15:03:00.000+08:00

Cherish your children,

they are yours for only a

short time.

I have had an interesting day today. Met up with a friend

for morning tea, Cory had our other Corey over for a sleep

over, and talked to several people sharing different conversations. I hold my children dear to me and nothing will change that. Patience is a virtue.

I still have another six days holiday to go and I plan to use the

time wisely. I started a small stitchery and am very pleased with it. I was scooting around the net and found this cute pattern to stitch.

I decided that the jelly roll heather had given to me for my birthday would match in really well with the colours of the stitchery. I stitched them all together and I'm happy with the result.

I thought you would like a close up of the colours. I just love jelly rolls, they ensure the correct sizes and I don't have to worry about cutting the right measurements.

I've been on a roll with sewing lately, below is another plastic card wallet. Great for using those bits of material left over from other projects. This one is done using blue tones.

I have a lovely tea cosy on the go. I am knitting it using 8ply wool and two colours. I forgot to take photo's to show you, but perhaps by the time I do a new post it will be finished and ready to ~~showoff,~~ oops! I mean show you (sorry Heather).

Yesterday we had a spot of rain which was so welcomed by all, including Fred, my bird. When it rains, he hangs upside down on his perch and starts flapping his wings. I think he might have been a bat in his last life. I wanted to get a closer shot of him for you all, but if I get too close to him while he's upside down, he spins back the right way up and stares at me!!!

I'm off to check my chooks and see if they have finished their Easter break yet. Yes, that's right, not many eggs the last week or so. I might have to chop some wood right near their cage. I'll catch you all in a few days and remember how special your children are. With warm regards, Anita.

ANZAC Day

2011-04-25T13:08:00.001+08:00

Anything done for another

is done for oneself.

-Boniface VIII.

As I had lots of time to myself these last few days, I have managed to get my fair share of sewing done. I happened to do some blog surfing and came across a rather sweet plastic card wallet. I simply had to make one and the instructions were very easy to follow.

A great way to use up bits of material left over, which I have stacks of and can't bear to throw away. The photo below is what greets you when you open your wallet.

I found the pattern to make this wallet at Lisa's blog. Scroll down to Scrappy Loyalty Wallet and there you will find this wonderful pattern. I emailed Lisa and told her I had made one and to thank her for the great pattern. I can see a few more of these being made. I also like the idea of making strips of materials for the cover of this wallet.

My girls have also been finished and are now waiting to be filled with lots of yummy lollies and sweets.

I thought I might use felt for the hair this time instead of wool. It was easier and quicker this way, and still has a nice look to it. The cheeks were painted on and the insides of these girls have different coloured linings.

Our local nursery had a 50% sale off everything, so I made my way down there.......twice!!!! As this summer was so long and hot, my garden took a beating, even losing some very established plants. My front yard has always been a cottage garden, but I'm thinking I really need to think about native plants. Perhaps I can just fill my verandah pots with the cottage plants instead. They will have a bit of protection from the harsh Australian heat.

This is what I've done in the front yard so far. I have added an extra row of bushes and then a row of cottage bricks to line the area. What is left of the lawn (which is hardly any) will be pulled out and a brick path added.

Along the picket fence there used to be bushes and now it is empty. The plants I have added will grow rather large and hopefully it will fill in the gaps. A row of pots now line both sides of the entrance to our home, and another row of old bricks to go with it.

The succulent under the bush has just exploded!! I planted a small piece of it last year and out of everything in the front yard, that's the only thing looking real good.

I have to say that I am well known as a hermit around my parts and these few days at home without two of my darlings has been spent happily doing the things I want to do. Brandon and I shared time together and I made all the special foods he loves. Last night I was over the moon to greet Pixie and Cory who had returned home from their go kart trip. Cory gained lots of experience at this meeting, as their were go karters from all around Australia.

My husband can always be counted on to have chunks of meat missing from different parts of his body, and this trip was no exception. He is prancing around with two big scabs on the top of his head.....phhffmm! oops....didn't mean to laugh.

While we were sharing their adventure stories last night, I did have my stitchery on the go.

I haven't finished stitching yet, but if you like this design it is a freebie. Just click here for the pattern. Today in Australia and New Zealand we are celebrating ANZAC Day. A day in which we remember all the fallen soldiers and thank them for our freedom.

Lest We Forget

See you for now.

Kind regards, Anita.

With love at Easter

2011-04-21T15:08:00.000+08:00

The greatest thing in this world is not so much

where we are, but in what direction we are moving.

-Oliver Wendell Holmes.

I managed to make some cute little beaded rabbits for my workmates and on the last day of school I roamed around the office giving out the gifts. I so much loved the beaded dolls I had just made, and that's where the idea came from to make beaded rabbits. They were well received by my workmates and of course having chocolate wrapped in with the rabbit is always going to be popular where I work!!!

Funnily enough, I had just about come to the end of my bead collection, when suddenly a workmate of mine came in one morning recently and gave me a big bag full of beads. The bodies of the rabbits are just different pieces of scrap material. The ears and cheeks are made from felt. With a fabric pen I just made two dots for the eyes, a cute smile and a dot for the nose, nice and simple.

With the holidays now beginning, I intend to do lots of things that I haven't had time to do, such as my garden. This summer was long and hot, so my garden took a beating, with several plants not surviving. Now that the weather has cooled down, I have started to plant native bushes in the front yard. A small row of cottage bricks have seen their way into the new garden. A gave one of my neighbours a big shock this morning. They were driving along the road towards my house and suddenly they saw this body coming from under the bridge, pushing a big wheel barrow!! When they realized it was me, they laughed.

Also I have made a start on the Mother's Day gifts for school. I have made some of these before and thought they would go down well as gifts for Mum.

This pattern is from a Homemade magazine of Heather's and it is actually a child's bag. I love the pattern so much I thought it would be nice to make it as a purse with lollies and sweets. You could put whatever you liked in them. I'm thinking I might make the hair across the top of the head out of felt. Still thinking about that. The face will also have red cheeks stitched on it give the girl's a cheeky look to them.

I couldn't resist knitting this gorgeous helmet from one of the books I scored from the library!! This helmet was knitted in 3 ply and I wish you could see the true colours....just lovely. I keep saying I have just about finished with the baby knitting for now, but I may have changed my mind.

Tomorrow is cousin's day in the country and I'm looking forward to catching up with some favourite boys of mine. Pixie and Cory have kept us updated with the gokart details and all is going well. It seems weird that they won't be here for Easter but they will return soon. Heather has also flown the coup and is visiting one of her daughter's. I miss not having Heather to tease....oops...I mean I miss her company!! lol.

I can hear the garden calling out to me again, so I will make haste. I take this opportunity to wish everyone who celebrates the Easter spirit, I wonderful Easter. A time to remember the true meaning of the Easter story. Kind regards, Anita.

Long awaited holidays

2011-04-16T12:10:00.000+08:00

Promise is most given

when least is said.

-George Chapman

Here in Western Australia the school terms have been a bit different for the year and first term has been very long. I am really looking forward to these holidays as I feel worn out. It has been a very productive time in the way of crafts so it has been a joy in that sense, lots of babies being born, beaded dolls, Mother's day stall coming up!! I have also knitted a doll to go along with the baby gear I'm gathering for friends...

This cutie will go home to whoever has a boy. It was from one of Jean Greenhowe's knitting books. There are so many lovely patterns in that book that I might have a go at each and everyone of them. My doll has been knitted in 8 ply and he is quite big. I managed to have a little win too this week. While visiting the library one of the girls put me on to a trolley full of books for sale and these are a few I scored.

I couldn't believe my luck! They smell new and certainly hadn't been used...but they have now. Lots of lovely more modern knitted items, which I tend to stay away from, but these patterns are cute.

Even though I have been flat out with school matters like P & C meetings, Council meetings and such, I have still found a bit of quiet time to knit. I need to sew buttons on to this cute little cardigan, knitted in four ply wool with a beanie to go with it.

I think I need to just knit a couple more items and the stock I have will be enough to share around the baby crowd. However, a little birdie has whispered in my ear.......!

Two of my darlings have gone to gokarts today and Brandon is at a friend's house, soon the sewing machine is going to be dragged out and used. I will make some gifts for the Mother's Day stall for the school I work at. Maybe some lolly bags made from calico might go down alright. Anyway I'm out of here to do my magic. May you all have a lovely weekend and enjoy the sunshine.

Kind regards, Anita.

We're a weird mob.

2011-04-06T15:57:00.001+08:00

Art and knowledge

bring bread and honour.

-Danish proverb.

A kind workmate of mine presented me with a gift on Monday morning at work......

This isn't going to help me get my housework done!!! lol. These little beauties were in an old house and things were being sold and rehomed. So the beads came to me. I am so happy to have them I must admit. They just need a scrub and a soak and they'll be as good as new.

I am still slowly knitting for some favourite people of mine and I have now got a large collection of knitted baby gear. Soon I will be knitting for the premature babies at one of our hospitals in Western Australia. The size of the jackets are tiny and unbelieveable.

On Friday we all managed to go out together as a family and it was wonderful to have both of our boys with us at the same time. The day was spent shopping together and then stopping off for lunch and a nice browse through Spotlight. When we got to a shop called Big bubble, we had the time of our life. Cory and Brandon found the dress up section and what a laugh we all had. Some things never change and when the boys were little, we had the best dress up box you ever did see. So when we were in Big bubble all the hats had to get tried on.

I know the photo's are blurred, but I was so excited that we were all together and I was allowed to take the pics!!! Talking about 'Pix', even the Father of those crazy boys is into dressups. Looks lovely in pink. lol.

My two petals below!! Some things never change.

So as you can see we had a great day in the shops and I might add things didn't change on the drive home. We had such fun. The weekend just got better as it unfolded too. We had a cousins day, with Ryan and Jarrod coming over on Sunday for the afternoon. They played with the toy animals and people collection. Yesterday I had a phone call from Heather asking to come over for a quick not-for-any-reason visit, and in her hot little paws were yummy home made biscuits. She is such good value and fun to be with.

Looks like it's time for a nice hot cup of tea and another one of those lovely home-baked biscuits. I hope to have a baby jacket finished tonight and can show you next time. Cheers, Anita.

Fundraising dollies.

2011-03-30T17:24:00.000+08:00

Let your speech

always be gracious.

-Colossians 4:6

My beaded doll making has come to an end, so now the sewing needles have been put down, and the knitting needles are on fire!!!

I gave a helping hand to the fundraising committee at my school by making beaded dolls for Harmony Day. The grand total of dolls made were 175, and I loved making each and every one of them. The money raised was almost $900.00, and has been donated to the P & C Committee.

My little partner in crime, Heather, came over on the weekend....with more beads! So kind of her to help feed my doll making addiction. lol. It was nice to raise that amount of money, but the best thing of all was the smile on the faces of the children who had a doll pinned to their shirts. That was the best bit.

My knitting needles were calling out to me every night that I was making those dolls, I could hear them. Now I'm flat out knitting a fantastic baby coat with 299 stitches on the needles.

I found a very old knitting book stashed away in my cupboard and thought I would have a bash at knitting this cute coat. The bottom is brimmed in moss stitch and the rest of the body is stocking stitch. I am using 3ply to knit this up and it is coming along well. The clock is ticking for these adorable babies to arrive, so I am having fun and using all the excuses in the world not to do too much house work.

I also picked up some great books from the library, one a knitting book and a toy making book. They both look great. I plan to look at them tonight. I have been busy with School Council and P & C meetings this week. So things have been hectic. Hopefully next week will be of a slower pace.

Well now, it's almost time to think about cooking tea and doing a few chores around the house, better get on with it. I will also try to answer some of the emails that have been sent my way. Not long until the weekend now, hope you all enjoy yourselves. Kind regards, Anita.

Busy weekend

2011-03-22T06:08:00.000+08:00

Water is the driving

force of all nature.

-Leonardo da Vinci

Oops! I was very busy on the weekend and missed saying

hello to you all. This week we are celebrating Harmony Week.

It is a week of friendship, tolerance, loving for people just for

who they are and appreciating all cultures. I had made some little beaded dolls awhile ago and thought I would put them to good use. I approached a work mate Lyn, to get some ideas about selling the dolls to raise money for the school. Lyn is just full of fantastic ideas and plans, so I knew she would think of something.....and she did. We could incorporate the dolls into Harmony week.

As this weekend was a sewing weekend, I had stacks of time to get stuck into it and that I did. Pixie and Cory went gokarting, Brandon invited a friend over, so it was open slather for me. I had made several of them before the weekend and at the end of the weekend there were over 120 little beaded dolls sitting there all pretty.

I made different coloured girls.....and boys! Can't forget the boys! In the photo below, check out the boy doll on the bottom left hand side! I didn't realize at the time, but he seems to be looking up a skirt....oops.....that was accidental. But never fear, the girls have pants on under there. Most of them do. I added bushy eye brows, bows and ties to the boy ones. I think they're very cute.

The dolls made with black and gingerbread colours have painted eyes and smiles. I didn't have any cream or softer coloured paint than the white, to paint them on with. I did think they looked a bit....harsh? and then I made a mistake. On one of the dolls I put the eyes too far over to the right. I didn't want to waste the doll, some I decided to put cheeks on her to see if I could cover the white dot. Guess what it worked!! And looked so much better, more child friendly to look at. I pulled all the coloured dolls back out of the box and gave them all cheeks. What an improvement.

I really enjoyed myself this weekend and was so excited to go to work. There is something really special about seeing joy on childrens faces. I was going to start selling the dolls at lunchtimes, but when I got to work, children were already coming up to me asking about the dolls. I got to the library and there were parents waiting for me too! So I started selling them. By the end of the day, I had $247.00. I will sell them until stock runs out and all monies raised will go to the P & C Committee.

Someone asked me if I had had enough of making so many dolls. My response was, I only stopped making them because I ran out of beads!! On Sunday night I continued my pleasant knitting. I will also cut out 2 doll bodies to make for the Mother's Day raffle going on at the high school. Never a dull moment around here. Hope to catch you up on Friday for Colourful Friday, have a great week! Kind regards, Anita.

Raffle gifts

2011-03-13T13:00:00.000+08:00

Hope is the

parent of faith.

-Cyrus Augustus Bartol.

Lately I have been busily working on raffle items for the

swimming carnival at the school I work for. I thought three

items would be nice to raffle off and this weekend I finished

the projects I had been working on. I always have to make one of the special cloth dolls I enjoy making so much.

I had purchased this material on a trip to Collingully Barn with Heather, my little partner in crime. We had spent alot of time choosing the right matierals. I very much fancy the material used on the pants of the doll.

The pattern is from my favourite Australian Homespun magazine, the very first volume, but I have not included the wings for this doll. The cup/mug carrier is also a favourite pattern I do on a regular basis and this pattern is found in another favourite magazine of mine Australian Country Threads Vol. 2, No. 12.

The cup would have the person's name on it where I have stitched 'my' and in the centre of the stitched flower and vine you would put the person's initials. As I do not know who will win the gifts I have just left it plain. The last gift I made will be first prize, a carry-all bag and a matching purse.

I can't give you the pattern to these two items, I just made them up as I went along! lol. I do love the materials though. Now I can get back to making my beaded dolls and knitting. I love being busy, in a crafty way, there is always something to try out.

I am going to kick back and take it easy today, still trying to get along with a sinus headache that's plaguing me. I've been a good girl and done the ironing and lots of dusting this week, so this afternoon I'm wanting some relaxation. Hope you are relaxing too. Enjoy. Kind regards, Anita.

Colourful Friday

2011-03-11T09:21:00.000+08:00

In see time, learn; in harvest,

teach; in winter, enjoy.

-William Blake.

Can you tell I'm waiting for winter? I have had enough of our summer with temperatures reaching 40C +. Today is Colourful Friday in blogland and a group of us have fun looking and searching for whatever the theme is for the fortnight. This week is Spotty and Dotty, so I went on the prowl to find different things in that collection. Robyn hosts this fun game, so you can pop over to her blog and check out what the other players have found. Here is my collection:

This game has given us hours of fun and giggles at our home. The pieces are very heavy as well. They are ceramic pieces.

The word Spot was very appropriate for today!!

This little collection of dalmations belonged to a niece of mine and they were just loved so much by my own boys. We still have them.

Of course, I had to include my most favourite things - buttons!

An piece of aboriginal art, that was given to me many years ago. I love the way the dots give such an effect to the work.

I can't show you any more of my spots and dots, the camera went flat. I better put it on charge before hubby finds out!!!! I'm a bit of a repeat offender for letting the camera get low on energy considering

I use it the most.

I'm buzzing off now to see what the other bloggers have found in the way of spots and dots. Wishing you all a great weekend of happiness and relaxation. Kind regards, Anita.

Pretty bits.

2011-03-06T15:49:00.001+08:00

Make us happy and

you make us good.

-Robert Browning

Can someone please tell me where the time has gone?! I have just had one of the busiest weeks I can remember, but it has also been very constructive as well. I have been busy making baby clothes for several people I know who are having babies and the first baby has made their entrance to the world. So the baby clothes will be walking out the door to their new homes. I am making gifts to raffle off at the swimming carnival for the school I work for and am very pleased with how the two bags have turned out.

The bag with two handles is a carry all and is lined with a homespun material. It is a very simple patten as the colour of the fabric lends itself. For my birthday Heather had given me two jelly rolls and this one is African fabrics. It is very pretty. The smaller bag is a toilet bag using the same material. I now plan to make myself a bag using this material.

The High school P & C is holding a Mother's Day raffle as well and I have stamped enough raffle tickets to send out to 600 odd families, so you can imagine the work involved in that project!! So between doing this and other things like housework, I have also just finished a cute baby set to give to the first baby born.

I just need to sew the buttons on and stitch the beanie up and away he goes. I knitted a plain pattern because the colours form a pattern of their own and it was a nice wool to knit with. The first few rows are done in moss stitch and then the rest in plain stitch.

Another project I have just about finished is the bead dolls. Pixie and I went for a quick trip to Perth and bought some more beads. I'm really liking beads at the moment and have enjoyed making all those little dolls.

I am going to be on the look out now in the Op shops for beads, as I didn't realize how expensive they are. Now that the weather has cooled down a bit I hope to get into the garden and give it a revamp. The summer was cruel this year and even though it is officially autumn, the weather is still muggy, hot and taking it's time to switch over to the new season.

Well it's time to keep plodding along and get a few more jobs done. Catch you all up another time. Kind regards, Anita.

Colourful Friday

2011-02-25T06:06:00.000+08:00

Ah! there is nothing like

staying at home, for real comfort.

-Jane Austen, Emma.

What was that noise?.....sound like rain? Yes we had a wee drop

of rain in our part of the world and I'd almost forgotten what it sounded like. Our dry old gardens were very happy yesterday and lapped up every drop it could find. Only trouble was the rain didn't last very long and the humidity was murder! Today is another day, infact it is Colourful Friday and if you visit Robyn's blog you can see what other bloggers have found that have black and white colours. Here is my little collection.

My much loved collection of moo cows in the kitchen, way up high on the shelf. I have another one of these girls somewhere in the kitchen.

An adored piece of fabric that I just can't part with, but haven't done anything with yet......but will do.

Who loves cows then?

My faithful tape measure who has seen many projects with me.

Hmmm......more cows. I have to say, I am a cow lover!! My kitchen has many moo's decorating it, along with chooks. These two girls are salt and pepper shakers and they have been with me for a very long time.

I had wanted to take snaps of Cory and Brandon's plastic animals, one being a Zebra. Only trouble is that they are in the bedroom and there is no way I'm waking up a sleeping teenager!!!

I had to do my posting early this morning as in a couple of hours the power will be cut off due to repairs in the area. I am staying home today to do some sewing and just as well I have my antique sewing machine that doesn't require electricity. I will have to zoom around later in the day to have a look at the other Colourful Friday girls and see what their great collection of black and white will be.

Thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful weekend. Kind regards, Anita.

I Spy

2011-02-20T11:06:00.000+08:00

I do not concern myself with things too

great and too marvelous for me. But I

have calmed and quieted my soul.

- Psalm 131:1

Having decided to get stuck into those scraps that continue to infest my home, during the week I really made a good start on a scrappy table cloth. On Saturday at about 1.30pm I returned from a lovely, fun filled morning out with Heather. Pixie and Cory were at a gokart meeting, Brandon being a teenager was happily tucked away in his room and I had a heap of time. I put my foot to the metal (so to speak), and sewed....and sewed....and when I looked up at the clock it was 9pm!!!! Smirking to myself at how much I had actually accomplished, I realized I had made myself an I spy looking table cloth.

Ruth if you are out there, you will notice the material won't you! lol. ~~Most~~, all of this material has been given to me. There is a wonderful dent in the material heap, that is so dear to me, but a reassurance that I do use the material. Of course the table cloth is going to work with me tomorrow.

I have had a very busy week, still knitting for all these babies, sewing, oh....did I mention housework?.....that too. I have cleaned lots of those weird little places that only get done now and then, all the other chores that never end. But yesterday Heather and I took off to Toodyay to check out the wool shop, and found some beautiful wool. I laughed when I saw the name of this wool......

My honey bunny is nicknamed Pixie. It is absolutely nice to the touch, he's not bad either. Oops.

I also managed to find some 2 ply wool and I can't wait to get stuck into knitting something with that.

Getting back to that material subject I have also made a couple of library bags for some special kiddies that I know. I will be whipping up a couple more today, because I just can't give one child in the family a library bag without giving them all one. They are all special.

I can't remember why I bought this material, I think I just had to have it!

Another bag for a special boy I know.

I had a win recently in a giveaway, and very stoked to have won this fantastic knitting book. It is full of patterns, information and lovely inspiring ideas. It was a giveaway at Knit and tonic, many thanks to you Wendy.

I would love you to see the latest knitting project I am doing right now. I must admit I am trying to knit fast, to finish it and start on my newly purchased wool.

The pattern is very lacely and not hard at all. There are 3 patterned rows and purl on every second row. That's how simple it is. Here is a close up of the pattern.

I am about to donate some clothes to the Good Samaritan bins in a second, so must bid you all farewell....for now. Can't wait to start that knitting. hee hee hee. Kind regards, Anita.

Cute Koala

2011-02-13T12:10:00.000+08:00

Love, all alike, no season knows, nor clime,

Nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time.

-John Donne, "The Sun Rising"

Could I keep my hands to myself when I found this cute little koala in an Australian Homepsun magazine? Nope! This is Kira Koala....

This was one of the easiest patterns to follow and the brown material had been waiting a long time to be used. My photography has failed me once again, so you can't see the nice running stitch around the hem of the pants. My ambition is to actually get good at photography...one of these days.

I just loved the bright green material that I found to make the pants with. It was in the material scrap bag, along with the pink used for the ears. I found Kira Koala in the Australian Homespun Yearbook No. 80. (Vol.11 No.1). The write up in the magazine was very interesting to read. Kira was created in honour of all the lives lost in the bushfires in Victoria, Australia in 2009.

Where will Kira go you ask?....to the library no doubt. lol. I am planning to make an Australian animal display sometime through the year and will need to make more sewn animals. I have a pattern for a platypus and lizards somewhere around this house.

I went to check on the chooks while doing the round of the yard yesterday and found them spread out in the sand. They looked like little teardrops in the sand.....not that my photography picked it up!!!

I love the way the chooks just plop themselves sideways on the sand and start flapping their wings and doing strange things. The other girl on the left is checking me out to see if I have any food. No throwing herself in the sand if there is a chance of food the little guts ache.

This was such a lovely weekend, nice and peaceful, no hassles. Just the sort of weekend you could handle all the time. As for me, the rest of today will be spent finishing off one library bag and knitting. I hope your weekend has been as wonderful as mine. Kind regards, Anita.

Colours of Valentine

2011-02-11T06:35:00.000+08:00

Love is patient; love is kind; love is

not envious or boastful or arrogant.

- Corinthians 13:4

I can't believe another week has flown by so quickly. It was one of those weeks that was just full of things to do, work, school, food shopping and all those jobs that have to be done. That's why I love the night time, we all seem to settle down, catch up on each others news. The lovely thing is it's Colourful Friday!! You can have fun and jump over to Robin's blog to see what she has collected for Colourful Friday. Today we have taken photo's of things that remind us of Valentine's day.

I am a lover of red and at Valentine's Day the colour reigns supreme. Here are some of my Valentine's reminders.....

These cute little bears have been collected over the years, I just love them to bits. The cuties below are some of the things I have sent to my husband Pixie. I made sure to send them to his work place, to also see him turn my favourite colour - red!!!

Gift wrapping paper that I expect to receive a gift in.

I think of love as soon as I see hearts. Another favourite of mine.

Years ago at the annual show there was a craft stand with lovely gifts there and I found this gorgeous heart done in folk art. The words have stayed true for all these years together.

I've a great time sharing my photo's with you and can't wait to see what the other girls have collected to share with us. I would've loved to show you some chocolate, but hey.....that stuff doesn't last around here. See you. Kind regards, Anita.

Op shop treasures.

2011-02-04T09:08:00.000+08:00

That man is the richest whose

pleasures are the cheapest.

-Henry David Thoreau.

Today I'm joining in the Op-Shop & garage sale finds being hosted by Bev. So many of us just love a bargain, or rummaging through Op shops. A friend of mine finds many antiques that people get rid of, not knowing what they have in their possession or the value of it. I am one of those people who just love, love, love to find bits and pieces. Here are some of my finds...........

I just adore finding lace and ribbon, especially those with a different texture or a bit more added to them. Wool and toy stuffing makes my toes curl when I find those. lol. Another interesting find were the gold tassels which I intend to use on some Mother's Day gifts for the school Mother's Day Stall.

A great pile of material made me go into orbit!

You certainly can't leave a tub of beads behind, they have to come home with you.

Another wonder treasure I found in an Op-shop was this lovely wodden paper towel holder. I thought I was super duper to snatch this one up. It is well used in the kitchen I might add.

I hope you have enjoyed sharing my Op shop finds and do go and visit the other girls and see what they have.

As we are all still getting our homes back into order after our nasty storm, there has been less crafting going on around here. But that will change soon I think. Two of my boys are going gokarting this weekend and the weather is going to be nasty hot, I'm sure. Pixie found a pattern on the net to make some neck coolers. We made some....

They are about 46cm long and are filled with half a teaspoon of water crystals, in each section. We don't know how good they are yet but after the weekend we should have some results.

Enjoy the coming weekend and take care. Kind regards, Anita.

Mother Nature

2011-01-31T07:15:00.001+08:00

We had Mother Nature hit our town this weekend. An alert for cyclone Bianca had been sent out, but we received an unexpected visit from Mother Nature...big time. On Saturday Pixie called out to me and said "Come and have a look at the sky". Because of the excitement in his voice, I grabbed the camera and came running. This is what I saw.....

I started clicking away with the camera...and then noticed that this big cloud was moving very fast. By the colour of the cloud this was a nasty dust storm coming and the temperature was 44C.

I quickly took off to our elderly neighbours to warn them, as they probably would've been inside due to the heat and may not have even spotted this coming. Paul and Lorraine came outside with me and they couldn't believe what they were seeing.....

These first few pictures were taken within a matter of minutes. while I was standing there with my neighbours, the pace of the wind sped up and you could hear howling of the wind.

This is when I took off running back over the road and when I got to the back door this is the colour the sky turned.

And continued to get darker until you couldn't see an inch passed your nose. We were all inside, even Max our dog came in with us. The boys were pretty calm considering what was going on. Max was scared to death more because he knows he is not allowed inside, so he was more worried about that I think.

This next shot is looking out the front yard, the howling, crackling of things being ripped apart, and the speed of the wind was incredible.

Now... the damage. This is over the road, a giant limb from a tree came crashing down.

The only damage we had was this tree branch that fell and missed absolutely eveything!!

We had a big family chat and listened as the boys had many questions and told us their feelings of what had happened. After we shared our thoughts with each other of the event that just took place and did a bit of cleaning up, we decided to have a look around and see the damage. It was everywhere.

The damaged gutter on this building was down, but the sheeting on the ground belonged to another building nearby.

The damage was so great, with buildings torn apart, houses with no rooves, we just feel for those who experienced so much damage to their property. This all started at about 3pm on Saturday, with the power going off at that stage. The power returned to our house at 7pm Sunday night. There were about 80 power poles down in town, and have to give it to Western Power, those guys worked and worked on restoring the damage. It was such a big job. We also had 44C on Sunday, so we were all fit to be tied!

Oh and by the way.....I didn't do any sewing or knitting!!! WhaaWhaa!!! It was too hot! Oh and the cyclone fizzled out! That was a no show. To those in Queensland who are expecting cyclone weather, we are thinking of you. May it go easy on you. Catch you next posting.

Kind regards, Anita.

Colourful Friday

2011-01-28T07:58:00.000+08:00

Clouds filter through

sharp branches that unravel

threads of sky tapestry.

I so love Colourful Friday!!! Robyn hosts this fun game and we all join in. My most favourite colour is definately red. Here is a little gathering of red around our home. I thought I would start in the kitchen.....

I had great delight in worrying my husband and had a look through his shed.....I might add it didn't take long for him to wonder up to the shed and check out what I was up to!!! lol

Of course you all knew I would have red buttons stashed somewhere around my home, and red threads......

It was interesting to see exactly how much red was around the home, even the kids toys.....

When I return from my short visit to the city today, I will come and visit other bloggers who have joined in on Colourful Friday. See you then. Kind regards, Anita.

End of holidays

2011-01-25T16:38:00.000+08:00

A book is a friend

-American proverb.

My holidays have almost come to an end and I can't wait now to get back to work and see what the crew got up to over their time off. I have just been given a pile of material, and naturally had to use the bits up. I have made one side of a banner and am still working on the other side. I will show and tell before it goes to school with me.

I have been knitting of a night time for a wee little person still waiting to be born. How precious babies are.

You might recognise some of the colours.......leftover wool from previous projects. I love them all and I have tried to use colours that go with either sex. What ever is not according will go to another baby that I have just found out is on the way. Never a dull moment in this neck of the woods.

As one of my boys slept in until 10.30am and the other one until 1 pm, I thought I would give my sewing machine a good thrashing. It was fun. I have been needing table cloths and colourful prints to use in the library as displays for different subjects. I found some really nice prints.

Ballooning and sailing.

I have lots of bright coloured letters to pin to the display board and can surround these lovely pieces of material with words that go with the subject. I am really ready to start work!!!!!

I had a little rummage through some of the material stash Ruth had given me and found some bits stitched together already, so I thought a plastic bag holder would come in handy for the library.

I then thought how great it would be to have a giant sized bag to put.......hmmm.....some of the toys in, that I have made for the library. I may need to make a few more of these so they all fit in. At the end of term I always pack the toys away and at the moment they are in boxes. The bag is almost 2metres wide and I've used up bits of floral materials.

It is about 4.30 in the afternoon and I think it is high time to do some housework....oops!! Well I have just been so busy today...sewing. I'll be back on Friday to join in the Colourful Friday group. Happy sewing to you all.

Kind regards, Anita.

My birthday!

2011-01-19T13:44:00.001+08:00

Happiness seems made

to be shared.

-Jean Racine.

I celebrated my birthday during the week and was spoilt big time by my boys. Heather and I went out for a lovely morning tea....lovely tea for two and cheesecake!!! Heather then presented me with a beautiful basket jammed full of goodies.

There was absolutely everything yummy you could think of in that basket. I was really surprised to see buttons in there, as we are both a bit clingy to our buttons. Can't wait to get that wool on my knitting needles.

This would be me and my partner in crime Heather. We have been friends for so many years and knitted miles of jumpers together.

I had a wonderful birthday aside from all the presents. Lovely visits and phone calls from lots of friends and family. Sorry to the people who phoned up to wish me Happy Birthday and I couldn't talk for long. There were people in and out visiting me all day, so I was a bit pressed for time. Thank you for your kind wishes.

Here is a photo I said I would should show you. In a previous posting I showed the Girls Corner banner come wall quilt. Here is the cushion I made out of the leftover material. And the cushion itself is made out of the rows of wadding someone had given me.

I plan to sew some more cushions for the girls corner and at the moment I am stitching the Boys corner banner as well for the boys.

It should make a nice display when I get everything completed.

As I am on holidays I also have found the time for knitting as well. A friend of ours is expecting a baby and I have every excuse to knit as much as I like!!! lol. I have made sure to make blues and pinks and here is what I've made recently.

I am so happy with how this jacket turned out. I just love the fancy collars. The pink jacket also has a cute collar and a herringbone stitch on the top part of the work.

I have only just finished stitching this one up right before my posting, so I haven't stitched on buttons yet. I have to say, I love the old pattern books to knit from.

I just adore this old book and the pages are falling apart everywhere, but I keep it in a plastic folder to make sure I don't lose any of the patterns.

Today I painted our bathroom, with help from Cory. Brandon would've helped but he was still sleeping. Pixie and I are off to the shops soon to see what fixtures can join the new bathroom. Have yourselves a great week and I shall return soon.

Kind regards, Anita.