Dear Kel

Mrs Bendi Craft

2007-09-14T14:15:00.000+10:00

As you know, I am at home on the Sunshine Coast visiting the parental units. I realised that we havent posted on here for over a month!

MORE THAN A MONTH PEOPLE!!!

So here is a photo of some craft to get you in the mood to post.

This is on of the quilts that Mrs Bendi has made.

Come on peeps, lots of exciting stuff has happened recently. Post already, I dare you!

How Rude

2007-07-29T19:17:00.000+10:00

Oh my gawd. Someone asked me if I was having twins yesterday! It went like this at the check out of the green grocers.

checkout chick: How long have you got to go?
Fat pregnant lady (ie me): about 10-11 weeks
COC: REALLY????? Wow! Are there 2 in there?!
FPL: hahaha (weak laughing) um nope definitely 1.
COC: WOW you're HUGE!
FPL: Har Har. Well 2 Drs have commented in the last 2 weeks how our baby is a 'good size' for which I think is polite dr speak for 'shit your baby's HUGE'.
COC: Haha, well you are big.
FPL inside my head: this is all very wierd. Although I'm not really that bothered by it for some reason.

And so it went on and even inlcuded her asking me if I think it will hurt. Arrr der. Yes.

But I have actually popped again:

Bump. 26.5

2007-07-08T23:20:00.001+10:00

Can someone come clean my mirro please?

Don't wanna be left out

2007-07-01T19:26:00.000+10:00

I saw there's been a posting frenzy....well 2 posts within one hour of each other on the same day. So I didn't want to be left out.

This is the yarn I'm using for my practising knitting without looking project.

Pre-rolled

rolled:

And soon hopefully a knitted photo to follow.

2007-07-01T13:34:00.001+10:00

So after his first encounter at a buck's party last night, JD has decided he does not find strippers sexy.

My new red shoes on the other hand...

What's going on??

2007-06-30T12:31:00.000+10:00

Got these little cuties at Spotlight about a month ago. I couldnt resist.
I know I am just a kid at heart!!!

The half way mark

2007-05-27T22:38:00.000+10:00

And this is what it looks like:

There's kicking and or punching and movement at the station. There's also indigestion and a slightly sore back and the verge of no more work clothes that fit.

Haha I look at that photo up there and think I'm just poking my tummy out - you know like you did when you were a kid and pretended to be pregnant.

stitch and bitch - in the real world!!

2007-05-09T18:43:00.000+10:00

I watched these ladies in San Sebastian sitting in the hot hot sun mending their husband´s fishing nets with awe......

I, of course, was enjoying a beer and relaxing but was amazed at the way they worked together, telling stories and plowing through the pile of work..... Now THIS is being a starter-finisher!!

I went over and had a "chat" (they speak basque and i speak spanglish, so it was basic) and she said that its only required every few weeks, or when the nets are damaged enough and it takes all day!!! I told her about my crafty chicas at home!!

Hats off to these snb-ers!!!

the coming home options.....

2007-05-09T18:38:00.000+10:00

hmmm, its definately time for a visit downunder, it seems and im doing all the necessary research to get a flight...... either in August or December, depending on costs etc...... its really bloddy expensive though - plus ill be paying rent here and there is no pay coming in between july and september........ so need to think carefully about it so i dont bankrupt myself!!

BUT, that means that ill let you know when something is organised and hopefully we can get together while im there...... Aiming for 4-5 weeks at this stage....

Main reasons for aiming for august are beacuse my grandfather is really sick and getting dementia quite badly and id love to see him..... plus James is due to be chrsitened and id like to meet him!!! PLus of course i am really missing my friends and family.... even though Im mostly pretending that all is well (for sanity purposes mainly) its hard and Id love to touch base with some "real" people again!

thanks for being real!!

ok, thats all for his post - one more to come!

proud aunty update #342

2007-05-09T18:32:00.000+10:00

well, sadly i have no electronic pics of james willow, but time is a´passin and he can now hold his head straight and sit up - apparently!!! He doesnt look so big in the pics but bigger than JS at this age so I think Ill have body guards for nephews soon enough!

Also Snowy has been doing a bit of crafting himself and is drawing hin family..... aunty kel kel got a look-in too - I was four lines and a dot, but it sounds perfect...... mainly becaue the lines were curvy!!!

thats all.......

ps. can you tell i miss them??

Back to Dear Kel

2007-05-08T15:52:00.000+10:00

Shaz, thanks for the kick up the pants I'm here now to attempt a post. I don't have much to say though -I've got a cold and I've got no energy but I'm OK.

Kel I was wondering what you thought about me giving you a few preggers updates via this blog? I don't really want to turn SadieandLance into a baby blog but figured you might like some updates via here seeing as you're always asking us to tell u what we're up to? What do the rest of you think?

While you ponder it here's me and Sam baking. He was very excited to help. He very dilligently sprinkled the crumble on the top of the raspberry yoghurt crumble cake that 'we' made. It was fun and for just a brief few minutes I jumped up the popularity list over Uncle Matt and Gang Gang (Grandpa).

It was of course short lived, but I enjoyed my temporary status!

Shazmina's "Other" Blog

2007-04-30T15:35:00.000+10:00

Just a quick update.

Dont Faint.

I finished ANOTHER project on the weekend.

AND it has a new home with AL.

Payment for a Jumper Al knittted and gave to me.

Project: Quick Knit Jacket from Jo Sharp Knit 3. Yarn Lambs Pride, Chianti

Shazmina's On A Roll!!

2007-04-22T09:58:00.000+10:00

And I am on Fire, metaphorically speaking!!

Got some new yarn, not sure what I will do with some of it, and some of it is already lined up for a project. Lambs Pride worsted, colours are creme, sable, roated coffee (reddish brown) and chianti.

Got some completer action happening. Welcome to the Clap(otis).

And finally the Forest Canopy Shawl was completed, and photographed RS up!! Just got to send it to Mum.

What have you been up to??

Here I am, again

2007-04-15T19:49:00.000+10:00

And again I say, where the bloody hell are you people??

hey hey hey

2007-04-02T18:05:00.000+10:00

hey shaz and chicas...... I read this every few days... but adly due to a total lack of craftiness I am unable to post..... BUT i have just received knitted slippers from Rubens mum (!!!!) so I can photograph these little beauties and post..... let me just figure out all the techo bits involved...

Just read your little piece on your blog and totally agree...... you deserve such a fella..... then it made me realise that so many of my friends have wonderful fellas and that they are very lucky/clever!!! WELL DONE LADEES!!!

Now, how was the celebration of the nation - B´´s birthday???? I have been stalking her with phone calls but not able to make any kind of human connection - although her answering machine and i are on good terms.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHICA GUAPA!!!!! (again...)

Going to pick up mum from the airport today......ooooooooooooooooo........ will be strange and exciting to have her here..... will update as the holiday unfolds. We leave Madrid on Wed for a driving tour of Portugal and southern Spain - two ladees in a manual car on the wrong side of the road...... brace yourselves.....

So that means twoweeks of leisure and no work - hooray!!

Love to you all ad POST (like shaz said) I want to hear your REAL goss (ie. the non-crafty stuff)

love Kel

Where the Bloody Hell are you??

2007-04-01T18:24:00.000+10:00

No seriously, where?? OCC? BrownPants? Sadie and Lance? And when was the last time Kel posted on here??

So here I am, the person with the most severe case of ADCD, and only I am posting. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE PEOPLE!

POST.
NOW!
I DARE YOU!
YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! ;)

ps this is part of a surprise I am working on. secret Squirrell stuff!

OOOHHH LA LA!

2007-03-21T22:02:00.000+11:00

I finished a project! Check out my Beret!!

Be Careful What You Wish for

2007-03-14T09:49:00.000+11:00

Just a quick one. Here is a picture of the quilt Mrs Mc made for sister. Sister wanted a Kombi, so sister got a Kombi!Better be careful what you wish for!

I am off Biscuits!

2007-02-26T12:02:00.000+11:00

Hard to believe I know! I find they don't go well with braces. Yup folks that is right I am now the proud owner (for the next 12 months) of braces. Thankfully they are only on my bottom teeth, but still they are a little challenging. I am not used to having to think so much about what I can eat. And I am not used to eating slowly. And I am especially not used to stopping mid meal because I am bored with eating. What is that about??

On a good note I have lost a couple of kilos, which is good for my cholesterol. And I am eating healthy food. Again, what is THAT about! Although I have discovered a new found/remembered love of ice cream!!

So what are on my sticks?

Well I am still finishing off the shawl for my Mum. I am EXACTLY 4 rows from finishing. I nearly finished it while visiting my parents but had to frog it due to a huge mistake made in row 1 of the edging. Unfrickingbelievable! IT'S FINISHED!!!!
Jo Sharp Cardigan for my Mum. This one is a birthday present.
Headband for Al. Made a couple for sister, will post picks soon.
And finally, I have yet to cast on a cardi for myself. It is from here, and will be made in a grey tweed colour. Love it love it love it!
I also have two secret squirrel Birthday presents. Not of the knitting kind, something a bit different, noice, unusual! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Bali

2007-02-20T19:24:00.000+11:00

Howdy Peeps, we're back!

Had a fabulous time in Bali, a week's a pretty good time period for a holiday there I reckon. Didn't get much of a chance to sit next to the pool drinking Gin and Tonic though. Apparently JD doesn't go on holiday to look at the inside of hotel rooms. I know, his argument is so screwed up. It wasn't a hotel. And if you're next to the pool then you're not inside the room anyway. Der him. Anyway, he's not coming next time. And I still got to drink the Gin and Tonic.

Brief photo tour? No worries

The view from out little porch where we sat and had breakfast everyday (how fricken good are banana pancakes? ho my god). I read here when I was allowed in for the afternoon too. Lovely.

Walking through rice paddies to temples. I like that these things are called 'rice terraces'. They do steep the same way as some of the terraces in the back of newtown.

And we spent most of our days with these things. I hate monkeys. Really, really don't like being around them. JD, on the other hand, adores them. (Don't be deceived by the photo. Nasty, vicious things they are!

This lot weren't too bad, I guess. Although I prefer the photo to the real thing.

And this, for you Kel, was our room door. Now why you wouldn't want to look at this I don't know...

Stuff

2007-02-18T22:42:00.000+11:00

There hasn't been an update for a while so I thought a general one was in order. Here's what I've been up to:

Going to the zoo

Going on the Puffin Billy

Baking cake (raspberry yoghurt crumble cake)

And squeezing in the smallest amount of time to make my 15 gifts for the blog meet up yesterday

Sockalicious!

2007-02-03T09:50:00.000+11:00

I have been trying to post about these little beauties since I recieved them last year. So here they are, socks a la OCC!!
Isnt she clever! the yarn is Lorna's Laces, but I am not sure what the colour is called (they are rainbow coloured!).

Lookey here

2007-01-28T18:50:00.000+11:00

I'm knitting socks!

I'm just on the easiest bit for now - which is probably why I'm having so much fun. I'll report back in when I'm on the heel flap.

My projects for 2007

2007-01-24T16:28:00.000+11:00

Well, it is a new year and this year I decided to organise the patterns I want to try.

First up, and keep this quiet because it is for my Mum's birthday, is the Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl.

In the always lovely Lorna's Laces, Vera this time. BrownPants and Shazmina Bendi have been whipping these up and I know my mum is going to love it.

Next up is one for me. Actually, the rest of my projects are for me. After a spurt of knitting for birthday and Christmas presents, I'm going to get around to those projects I have wanted to do for myself for months.

Jo Sharp Beret. I knit this for my sister and fell in love, so decided to knit myself one. I'm going to use the Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran cotton in Onyx.

Jo Sharp Sweater. I fell in love with this pattern the first time I flicked through Shazmina Bendi's Knit book. It's the reason I bought the book myself! I love the way the Desert Garden Aran knits up! I was a bit scared about taking on a grown-up item of clothing, but kniiting with this yarn is making it a joy. My progress so far...

Stitch 'n Bitch cardigan. This is another one I fell in love with straight away - over two years ago now! How long it has taken me to get the confidence to take on an adult size piece of clothing. I am still a little intimidated as it is on 3mm needles, but I am determined. It will be a long term project.

So these are my top projects for 2007. I'm sure a few other things will slip in, and I have a few things on the needles at the moment that I have to get finished (including the second of my boudoir booties), but I have put these patterns out there now so I stay on track.

I'll keep you posted...

My mum stole my socks

2007-01-22T14:34:00.000+11:00

Despite a 40 degree day I finished the socks.

Things I learnt:

1. It is a popular misconception that socks naturally occur in pairs. They don't. At all. The pairing process is a long and painful one.

2. Do not knit socks in front of your mum if she has the same shoe size as you. She will take this moment to recall all of the times she didn't get to wear the shoes she purchased based on your logic that since you had the same shoe size you could share them. Then she will steal the socks as some form of compensation and before you know it you're sockless again.

3. When you cast on your own compensation socks (or socks number 2) you will realise that magic loop is much easier for sock knitting than double points.

p.s. these are mum's shaved, tanned legs. Just in case any of you thought I had gone mad with sock grief.

I really need that Cabana boy

2007-01-16T15:56:00.000+11:00

You know I was thinking last night, as I drifted off to sleep, that I really need a live in man maid!

After getting home from work and
1. Sitting down with a cold, non alcoholic drink (the fridge was bare!).
2. Then getting up and feeding Princess Meena,
3. Then feeding her again because you know there is a vast difference between Fishermans Basket Snappy Tom (she hates it) and Seafood Platter (she loves it)
4. Then watching Neighbours (yes, I watch it and I like it!)
5. The making my dinner
6. Then putting on a load of washing
7. Then washing up
8. Then having shower
9. Then trying unsuccessfully for an hour to get Princess Meena inside for Sleeps.
10. Then Finally going to bed.

I didnt have any bloody time to knit

AGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Cape bleugh

2007-01-15T21:58:00.000+11:00

I've been complaining about the increase sections in the cape i'm making at the moment but haven't been able to explain it properly. This is what I'm talking about:

You basically turn your work every so many number of rows to get it to flare towards the bottom. Problem is it leaves these dent-type stitches through it. I don't know if I like that, it looks a little sloppy.

But then I look at it from a reasonable distance as a whole and it seems to look OK.

But the I see the collar, which is even worse.

There must be a better way to increase stitches without leaving such messy spots. I just don't know it.

If the sock fits

2007-01-04T20:58:00.000+11:00

You better make two (sorry for the crappy photo, I was too excited to wait).

Hoorah for losing sock virginity!

ho ho ho

2006-12-29T23:25:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas kids - you especially Kel! Did you get my postcard? I hate to ruin the surprise but I've been waiting for ages to hear you mention that you got it....

Mr Sadieandlance and I have been busy running around the country side doing family visits north, south west and back east again - all directions. It's been great and lovely to see everyone. And look what I got up to at Grandma's:

Spinning! And here's my end product:

It was really really really hard (you need some sort of co ordinatioon or something) and so my end product wasn't exaclty mind blowing but I managed (just). And we even pulled out Grandma's carding machine and had a go at carding the wool old skool.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

2006-12-23T10:13:00.000+11:00

I know we're spread all over the place for Christmas, but i'll be thinking of you all while i'm sunning myself on a beach in Queensland.

Have a great Festive Season everyone.

(Funnily enough, Christmas season coincides with homebrewin season. And it's a serious affair this year!)

Christmas Deco's

2006-12-18T22:32:00.000+11:00

Hi All,
Robyn asked me to post these to ya'll so I thought this would be the logical place to do it. She received these yesterday and loves them!
There's some little globes

And some lovely kimono's

Sammy loves them too (isn't she beautiful! Even if she is flashing her lady parts!)

Robby said she had an audience for her photo shoot too :)

Great job Al!

To do 2007

2006-12-16T11:45:00.000+11:00

I have a backlog of projects. Not the unfinished object kind (although I have those too), the 'take a mental note and make that one day' kind. So I have decided the end of the year with new beginnings etc. Is a good time for some of these projects to make their appearance. This is a 'live' list, but I thought I might document the beginnings of it here. But really I'm just hoping the rest of you will put up your 2007 ambitions, craft or otherwise.

1. Buy more craft books.

I recently got this haul in Melbourne. Melbourne rocks for all things craft related. Shits all over Sydney. Anyway, these books are fabulous. Especially the Elizabeth Zimmermann one. I was telling B that her books are more like knitting philosophy than pattern books. I love it. B wasn't so keen on the idea, so maybe i'm demented. But it works for me :)And it leads me to:

2. Knit this
This is the best pattern for a piece of baby clothing i've seen. I think it's gorgeous. It also gave me an excuse to buy the book. Now can one of you please add 'have baby' to your list so that I have someone the make it for :) Thanks!

3. Make this
This is my most ambitious (and unlikely) 2007 project. I just don't think I have the sewing skills for this. It involves piping, and unless they have a cheating foot for that it sounds like it's going to be rather painful. But I think they look just fabulous finished. See here, and here. The fabric is ready and waiting:

I expect i'll need this too, with all the traveling to Down by the Beach in Country Victoria, Melbourne (I'm inviting myself :) and the Sunshine Coast (the parents have decided to cease the itinerant lifestyle and have purchased a block of land. They say the house will be built by Christmas next year. They have already invited John's parents and brothers to a big family Christmas next year. Hooray......? This makes me mildly nervous. Only Mildly. They already spend time together without John and I.)

4. Oh how I love thee, Shetland Triangle (Three rows down, second one across)
I have seen some fabulous versions of this. Interestingly, most of the ones I've seen that I really like are in dark or scarlet reds. I reckon I've got me clap to cover off on the days i'm feeling like a scarlet women (I wear it a lot) so I've got this instead

It's bloody hard to find deep green yarn. I get a bit swoony whenever I walk past this. I can't wait :)

5. I will felt
In brighter colours of course! I still don't have a 'knitting bag' and I think this would make a good one. Especially in Noro or bright stripes. And felting looks like fun. Once I get over the fact that you intentionally sabotage perfectly good knitted items.

6. I sock, therefore I am
Oh how I covet thee, Pomatomus. Especially after seeing this (I'm not stalking you, Elliphantom Knits, really i'm not). And I already have the yarn:

Martini anyone? Tis the season. This obviously means I need to make a pair of simpler socks first. I'm thinking this will be good Christmas knitting while Robbie (JDs mum) and I sit on the balcony and use her army of boy-children to bring us Pimms and Dry (with just a slice of cucumber, thank you very much).

7. On the crochet front
My grand plan is to finish a garment (not an accessory). I'm thinking either this or this. So whoever it was with 'have baby' on their list, you better make it twins. And make one a girl. A girl that likes to wear dresses. Shaz, i'm thinking this is sounding remarkably like your genetic gene pool (hahahaha, only teasing). Gorgeous patterns though aren't they.

8. My oldest and dearest UFO

Sometimes you carry baggage, both literal and emotional, this is what this is to me. I don't really feel ready to write about this yet. But it's about time I dealt with it.

Did I tell you?

2006-12-15T16:37:00.000+11:00

That I got this for my Birthday?

I dont think I will be getting much work done next year!

Except for knitting of course!

Baking Fiasco (or How Shazmina LOST the Xmas Spirit)

2006-12-11T09:22:00.000+11:00

Ok, so yesterday was the day I was to make the THREE Xmas cakes I had decided to bake for gifts to some of my peeps. What a DRAMA it turned out to be!

Was aiming to start the process EARLY Sunday morning. First fatal mistake, forgot to buy Treacle. Made an early morning (9am) dash to local Franklins, no treacle. Ok, made a dash (9.37am) to local Woolworths, not open until 10am. WHAT THE F*****! Waited for it to open. Purchased missing ingredient and a couple of extra things, did some quick xmas shopping and returned home by 11.15am.
Started step one, which involved boiling Guinness and treacle and soaking fruit. Second Fatal mistake, had to wait until the mixture was room temperature to go to next step. Do you know how long it takes for something to go to room temp in the middle of the day in summer??? TWO HOURS MINIMUM!
First time I have baked in the oven in my apartment. Fatal Mistake Three, trying to bake TWO cakes at a time in an untested oven.
After 45 minutes of the baking time, the cakes had blackened edges and bounced back to the touch AND skewer came out clean (very weird). So I pulled them out. Fatal mistake Four, they were very well cooked on the outside but not on the inside. Top of cakes collapsed under the strain.
TWO delicious Guinness fruitcakes ended up in my bin. What a waste! All that beautiful Guinness, treacle and fruit and it ended up in the bin! And the people who were going to get these cakes, will miss out on their deliciousness :( Luckily they didn't know they were receiving them!

What about cake number three I hear you ask? Well I cooked it on a lower heat and checked it every 15 minutes and it came out beautifully! AND it is all mine!!! MWAHAHAHAHA! After all the work I put in, I figure I deserve it all to myself! Ok, I may share a piece or two with you guys, but they will be very small pieces and you only get one each!! MWAHAHAHAHA!

So there you have it. Sunday 10th of December 2006 will be forever known as the Xmas Cake Disaster of 2006 (or how Shazmina spent a quiet Sunday sweating over a hot stove FOR NOTHING!!!)

100 degrees in the shade...

2006-12-10T01:09:00.000+11:00

That's what my poor Caccie is thinkin'... poor luv.

Actually truth be told it was 40 degrees today (not 100) and 37 degrees expected for tomorrow...not 100 but you know, might as well be.

The whole of Victoria is on fire and unfortunately my Sister chose this weekend to come and visit for bridesmaid shopping, poor thing.

(( That's me in one of the 15 dresses I tried on and this is us and our sneaky dressing room photos taken while fake coughing. Aren't I a Good Maid of Honour?!))

So, 40 degrees indeed...luckily I've been sustained, not by cider but, by this...

"Hmm...hot country thirsty colonists"...

Ahh James Squire Golden Ale, quaffable indeed, summer dinking - I concur. (read the label). Thanks for the inspiration Brownpants!

I Love a good Fart Joke!

2006-12-07T12:15:00.000+11:00

You know I do! :)

And this is HILARIOUS!

Reasons to smile

2006-12-06T18:15:00.000+11:00

Things that made me happy today:

A $2 Santa for the Pot at the front door

Some Christmas presents in preparation (apart from the onions. They're destined to become version 2 of below)

JD's Spring Onions. The only thing in the garden he claims as his. He inspects them and waters them every day, commenting on each little bit of growth. I don't know if he'll be able to eat them, they're almost part of the family now!

And an old favourite found

Things that made me not so happy:

Spending most of my day with these and this. So sad.

Life of a frustrated Crafster x 2

2006-11-24T12:38:00.000+11:00

What a craptastic week! Work has been hilariously stressful! I say hilarious as it was all I could do to stop myself from crying on Monday and Wednesday nights! I will fill you in on the details over the weekend on my blog.

AND to top it all off, EVERYONE, and I do mean EVERYONE, I know is out of town this weekend. AND it is my birthday tomorrow! WHAT THE HELL IS THAT ABOUT?????

But luckily after this week, I am really looking forward to having some Shazmina time, so it has actually worked out quite well. I plan to blog, knit and spend some quality time with the love of my life, Albert. Yep, you heard right here! I have been left in charge of the munchkins for a week, so I am ditching Princess Meena and hanging out with my new crew at BP's house!
Sweeeeeeeet!

Life of a frustrated crafster

2006-11-21T12:28:00.000+11:00

I must admit to being a very frustrated crafster at the moment.

I'm not frustrated by a lack of gorgeous yarns or fabulous patterns, but by the fact I can't show them all off!

All my recent projects fall into the secret squirel category of birthdy and Christmas presents.

However, I have just started a project for myself which will mean I can finally post something with actual content (unlike this post which is purely a vent).

So where did I put that camera...

Ok, time for me to weigh in!

2006-11-13T02:59:00.000+11:00

Target or Kmart?
Target normally...... but loving Zara and H&M here in madrid

Beef burger, chicken burger of veggie burger?
chicken always tops..... but love mums beef ones....... with beetroot

Coles or Woolies (Woolworths/Safeway)?
coles is good...... but love woolies whenever i am living near one.

Pasta or Pizza?
Pasta...... bolognaise or lasagna the favs. if going a pizza, like the frozen one dressed up with few added bits like ham, mushrooms and onion..... was dinner last night... yum

Thongs or sandals?
thongs-..... always

Backyard pool or beach?
pool.... have issues with sand flying around..... and a bit scared of the waves not a great swimmer

Chocolate or Vanilla?
choc! prefer the mint choc or the straciatelli right now. caramel swirls are always appreciated. vanilla works if there is some Choc Magic in the cupboard

Hair product or no hair product?
too lazy but know the "do" would look better if i did

Cats or dogs?
cats..... like an animal that can look after itself

Coffee or tea?
tea but only the herbal ones.... not a fan of the black ones..... preference is for a nice lavender and camomile combo at bed time

Would you rather be a Teacher or a Nurse?
teacher - hate site of blood.

Camping on the beach or camping in the mountains?
moantaynes! see above about sand issues..... BUT if the mountins overlooked the water id be a very happy camper (pun intended)

You've got 10 minutes before you leave for a party and you don't have a gift to give the bday girl or boy. What crafty goodness do you whip up?
hmmm, stash theiving definately. Like a home made card, always have ribbons o han to dress up something that is otherwise a little dull and not adverse to whipping up a gift voucher if necessary

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.
i talk too much.....oh, no you all know that...... um, i currently have an inappropriate crush on a spaniard!

Upload a random photo here: a madrid taxi - love their stylish stripe

bugger!

2006-11-10T12:25:00.000+11:00

I stood on a nail this morning and now I have to go and have a tetanus injection!! Bugger!

Ms who?

2006-11-08T14:06:00.000+11:00

Target or Kmart?
Target. I really like Target for the basics. A white t-shirt is a whit t-shirt. I don't need to pay $80 for one

Beef burger, chicken burger of veggie burger?
Chicken burger. Don't know why, I just always do

Coles or Woolies?
Woolies. It has always been closest to where I live. Although now I shop more at the IGA because it is closest.

Pasta or Pizza?
Pasta. Though I do sometimes get a craving for pizza. Usually when I am travelling. Go figure...

Thongs or sandals?
Thongs lovely thongs. I have 4 pair. No, 5 pair. I even wore them in the rain on Saturday which wasn't such a good idea as I flicked mud all up the back on my legs. That is the only downside to things though.

Backyard pool or beach?
I'm with BP on this one - river. I grew up on a river too and there is nothing like buying a kid's pool toy, jumping off a weir and floating down the river on it.

Chocolate or Vanilla?
I can't believe you are all answering vanilla! Chocolate. Preferrably with chocolate chips and chocolate sauce.

Hair product or no hair product?
No product. I am the only female in my team of 16 women that doesn't die her hair.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs. Sorry to all those cat lovers, and my god kitty...

Coffee or tea?
Tea. Do you think 4 cups a day is bad for me?

Teacher or a Nurse?
Tough one. My dad was a teacher and hated it but a good friend is a nurse and she isn't all too happy either. I think teacher, but only for primary school before they get too obnoxious.

Camping on the beach or camping in the mountains?
Mountains. Rich and I camped at Mount Wilson int he Blue Mountains a couple of months ago and had a ball.

You've got 10 minutes before you leave for a party and you don't have a gift to give the bday girl or boy. What crafty goodness do you whip up?
Earings for a girl. I would probably tie a bow around a six-pack for a guy.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.
I hate silence. If I am at home by myself I have the tv and radio on. I don't mind being home by myself, I just don't like it to be silent.

Upload a random photo here:

This is actually a flock of birds. It was on the Sydney Morning Herald website one day and I saved it because I thought it was so amazing. I love the way the sky goes from purple to cream as well. Note that one Shazmina - it could be good for yarn.

Who am I? I am Shazmina Bendi , thats who!

2006-11-07T09:16:00.000+11:00

Target or Kmart?
Neither, I am saving money to buy more Yarn! It actually depends on the need, but currently love clothes in Target.
Beef burger, chicken burger of veggie burger?
Duh, all of them. Not together though.
Coles or Woolies (Woolworths/Safeway)?
Franklins, I live close to probably the only one left in Sydney!
Pasta or Pizza?
Both, unless they have peas in/on them, then neither.
Thongs or sandals?
Thongs. Everyday in Summer. And unlike BP, I like both versions!
Backyard pool or beach?
Both. Although after my experience with nearly vomiting at my first waterpolo training a couple of years ago, maybe the beach is better.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Definately Vanilla. Then you can add stuff to it, like coco pops. Try it, it's like having an icecream breakfast! Yummmm.
Hair product or no hair product? No hair product. Just conditioner, both wash out and leave in (kind of defeats the purpose huh!).
Cats or dogs?
Can I please pick Meerkats? They are almost a combo of the two. If I must choose, well Meena will kill me but definately both.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee and Irish Breakfast tea. Love the Irish!
Would you rather be a Teacher or a Nurse?
Teacher. All the whiny people and Doctors bossing you about, I know I wouldnt like it. Something you dont know about me, I applied to be a Nurse (in QLD) when I finished High School, but was too smart (ha!! They dont know me too well), so I got offered a teaching position instead. Ended up in NSW studying Urban and regional Planning, go figure!
Camping on the beach or camping in the mountains?
It has been so long, but I like camping. Beach in Spring/Summer, Mountains in Autumn.
You've got 10 minutes before you leave for a party and you don't have a gift to give the bday girl or boy. What crafty goodness do you whip up? Definately earrings for a girl. Or something completed from the craft cupboard. Ha ha ha ha! Like there is anything completed in that cupboard!! :) For a boy, no clue.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.
Ok, this is hard because I tend to tell people everything! :)

I sing in my car on the way to work
Farts make me laugh
I will own a new Mini Cooper S in the next 12 months
I have a boyfriend. There, I admit it. I have a BF. AND I am planning to knit him socks. Not right now, but when I figure out the colour and when it is the appropriate time to start knitting for a BF.

Upload a random photo here:

I bought this dress to wear to speed dating but it was too cold on the night, so I wore clothes I already had!

BrownPants Meme

2006-11-01T19:05:00.000+11:00

Target or Kmart?
Target, definitely. (I worked at Kmart at school. Did Ya’ll know that?)

Beef burger, chicken burger of veggie burger?
Um, der, Veggie burger. But no ‘antipasto’ bits thanks. Home-made lentil or chickpea patties only. Don’t forget the egg and beetroot.

Coles or Woolies (Woolworths/Safeway)?
The Grocer at metro. If not woolies at metro. If I actually got to choose main providers though Coles.

Pasta or Pizza?
Pasta

Thongs or sandals?
Sandals. Everyday in Summer. I can’t reconcile myself with thongs (either version. Possibly too much information).

Backyard pool or beach?
Um, I realise I’m being difficult, but the river. Grew up swimming in the river and that will do nicely thanks!

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla for sure. I actually had a vanilla panna cotta for lunch-desert. Yummmm.

Hair product or no hair product?
No hair product. My solution to bad hair is to wear a head wrap. But I don't have any objection to hair product.

Cats or dogs?
Both. I refuse to choose ☺. If that’s not acceptable then take a wild stab in the dark!

Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Large flat white in the morning and a short black after a good meal.

Would you rather be a Teacher or a Nurse?
Teacher. Definitely. I’d rather educate than heal.

Camping on the beach or camping in the mountains?
Camping anywhere! Favourite is camping in the bush by the river though. Want me to show you how to gut a fish? (eeeeewwwwww)

You've got 10 minutes before you leave for a party and you don't have a gift to give the bday girl or boy. What crafty goodness do you whip up?
Hmmmmm, been there before! I went to the beadstash and made a couple of pairs of nice earrings. Takes about 5 minutes (presuming I can find the pliers…”John! Where are the fricking pliers!” No idea if it's a bloke.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.
1. When I moved to Sydney I was 6 months short of being a qualified dance teacher. True. I am not always a finisher-completer.

2. I am just about to jump on a plane to spend a craft Friday with our favourite Melbournite!

Upload a random photo here:
This is a little penguin that came out of the ocean when we were looking at a fossilised forest in NZ! It was calling out for its mate and wandering around the rocks. So cute!!

Products of a road trip

2006-10-30T09:39:00.000+11:00

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That is a finished PAIR of lovely Lorna's Laces socks. Very nice for when you are sitting on the couch crafting and your tootsies get a little cold - which is what happened to me in Dubbo while I was knitting these cuties...

If only I had a mini me!

Who are you, who who who who?

2006-10-28T13:59:00.000+10:00

I was reading Pea Soup today and she's been back into the Meme thing lately. Meme's were flying all over the blogisphere about 6 months ago, but they seem to no longer be the flavour of the month. But they're fun and I thought we should all do one, so each of the Dear Kel'ers can consider themselves tagged - make a new post to answer, k. Non Dear Kel-ers feel free to participate on your own blog, post a comment and let us know you're playing.

(I'm taking a bit from here and a bit from there...are Meme's copyrighted? ;))

Target or Kmart?
Target

Beef burger, chicken burger of veggie burger?
Veggie burger

Coles or Woolies (Woolworths/Safeway)?
Coles, always. Although once upon a time it was Franklins always - remember Franklins?!

Pasta or Pizza?
Pasta

Thongs or sandals?
Thongs, Sandals make me think of being in primary school.

Backyard pool or beach?
Either actually both please.

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla any day of the week.

Hair product or no hair product?
These days hair product, but I'm not precious about it.

Cats or dogs?
Focaccia. She's a cat that thinks she's a dog - actually she thinks she's people.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee please

Would you rather be a Teacher or a Nurse?
Teacher

Camping on the beach or camping in the mountains?
Camping on the foot of the mountains near the beach! I've done that before and it was ace. If I had to choose I think I'd choose beach.

You've got 10 minutes before you leave for a party and you don't have a gift to give the bday girl or boy. What crafty goodness do you whip up?
That's so typical of me! A handmade card with a piece of fabric sewn on the front - to be attached to a bottle of wine I'll buy on the way to the partay.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.
I lived in a NSW country town for 6 months when I was 8 years old. And I loved it, but am really grateful we moved back to the city.
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Yum! Roast dinner for 25 people - from Papa's 80th bday family weekend away.

Fetch!

2006-10-27T18:23:00.000+10:00

Fetching? Yes, they are rather.

Look Ma, no double points!

2006-10-23T09:26:00.001+10:00

Sorry for my long absence, but it took me a little while to get my mojo back after my holiday. Actually, it only took one lunch session with Shazmina Bendi, a little encouragement from Brown Pants to overcome my ebay fear, and I made a rather significant purchase from Yarnbow.

But thank you ladies for introducing me to Lorna's Laces - Yum! I love knitting with this yarn.

With new yarn, new needles and rejuvenated mojo, I decided to tackle a new challenge - socks (dum de de da...)

They really aren't that bad! The double circular trick is much better than double points (well for me anyway, I didn't really enjoy the double point experience). The heels are a little fiddly, but far from impossible.

Thanks to a cold Saturday at Shazmina's house indulging our obsessions for crafting, trash dip and chocolate paddle pops, I managed to finish my first born. Here are some progress shots...

And finished! Well, one anyway.... The next challenge - a pair

The Benjamina Post

2006-10-17T21:49:00.000+10:00

(posted on Ben's behalf)
'The disbelievers thought it could never been done, BUT I DID IT!!!. After a period of about ten months (off and on), I have completed what has been affectionately known as the 'Navy-blue' blanket. The 'Navy-blue', given my colour blindness, is a mix of different hues of navy blue crocheted in single and double-crochet. Will I do it again...maybe. Will I do it in Navy...definitely. '
- Ben -

All the Ladees

2006-10-15T19:07:00.000+10:00

Hey, I haven't been here for ages - well no posting for ages, I've been checking every day to see what the hell you guys are up to, but other than Kristie I guess you're up to about as much craft as I am - thanks for holding the fort dear Brown Pants.

Well it's not strictly true I have done some craft...a couple of small badges here and there, the start of some special soft toys, knitting of some pairs of slippers, and lots and lots of day dreaming of ideas for future projects...mostly I've been doing my craft day dreaming in the shower, it's a good place I recommend it!

So, I live up to my place in the Association of Attention Deficient Crafters, but that's OK I kinda like it that way. I've been taking on some tiny porjects to give me the occassional sense of achivement and I've forced myself not to cast on my brown Martha's mohair cardi until I finish at least one of those 2 baby cardys I have on my needles at the moment. This has been very good for me, I'm excited about being nearly finished one of them and so I think my excitement is maintained for the new cardy project - but of course Spring is here and Summer in the crap shack is fast approaching....and I was sposed to be finished my cardy in ahhh well winter of course.

Anyway I won't dispair who cares if I live in the crap shack that cooks you up like a boiling prawn on hot days? I don't - well actually I do - iut';s usually 10 deg hotter inside our house on a scorching hot summers day but oh well here's my desired knitting list anyway...

- Clap
- some form of basic lace - even if I knit a dolls shawl just to try it out!
- My cardy
- Finish those 2 bebe cardys off
- Buy Happy Hookers and get going on some crochet projects (another reward for getting at least one baby cardy off the needles - see how I have to incent myself!)

Um..that'll do for now OK.

I can't blog without a photo it's against my blogligion or something. Here's a random for you...in case you forget what I look like? (it's as close to a sefl portrait as I'm gonna get on the net)

2006-10-11T20:55:00.000+10:00

I finished my Shawl! Yay for me (on that note I was giving a speech today and was thanking someone from Govt. and said "And yay for scott* . He's been excellent throgh the whole thing" then everyone turned to him and said 'yay for Scott' now i'm paranoid 'yay for' hasn't made it into vernacular...but how could it have not? And as I was leaving he was being teased about it. But maybe that's just an NGO/Govt thing. Maybe we're not supposed to be nice to each other.)

But I digress. I would like to talk about blocking. I blocked the shawl I just finished (check it out ladies, I rock the block!). This was the shawl off the needles (i only did close ups, sorry)

This was the shawl while it was blocking (sorry, no light.)

And this is the shawl draped over something. This is it's new natural 'sit' (i'm sure that's not what you call it but i'm going with that).

Pretty ha? I would very recommend the pattern if any of you wanted to try lace. I am thinking of using the Artyarns we both got Al to make one for my own. I'm giving this one to someone that's doing something very special and generous for me at the moment.

My main problem with this pattern was knowing when to stop the pattern repeats. Looks like I got it right without that last repeat Shaz (or after I stuffed it and had to frog it). This was all I had left after casting off. Not enough for 8 200+ rows...

Garden Craft (although I suspect I've used that title before)

2006-10-09T18:51:00.000+10:00

Finally got around to the first nursery trip of the garden craft season on Sunday. Given that it hadn't received much attention lately the garden was in good shape. Surprisingly good shape, actually. JD found this little lovely hiding behind a jasmine bush that had gone feral. This little pot of orchids came from my 'Nan' (of the extended family friend variety) and I put it up there to get it away from a little bug that seemed to be eating it. Then I forgot about it, but it was worth it for this sweet surprise.

There are also three buds on it that I'm keeping a close eye on now! The tomatoes (black russian and roma) went in with the Basil. This is the only part of ground-earth in the backyard that gets full-sun (everything else is in pots or shade) and basil just loves it here. One year little plants like this were over 1 metre tall. Honest! Can't wait to watch these little ones grow.

The Ice Skating Post

2006-10-04T12:15:00.000+10:00

As some of you know, I went Ice Skating a few days ago. I have recovered enough to laugh at myself, so now I am sharing the lurve!

Last time I went Ice skating was over 10 years ago, so enough time had passed for me to forget how uncoordinated I am on the ice. Action man had mentioned several times that it would be "fun" to go ice skating, I decided (finally) that I was up for it, after all how hard could it be?? As long as I didnt break any bones I would be happy.

The morning of D-Day, I was a little stressed (control freak issues). Enough to iron a tshirt. Who irons tshirts???? By the time we got to the rink I was freaking out. You will all be happy to know that I kept it all very well hidden from Action man, that is until I strapped on the skates and hit the ice, and I mean that literally!

I was very thankful that Action man was very patient and calm teacher. That and the fact he is 6'3" and hopefully could keep me on my feet with little effort, made me relax. Yeah relaxed (not!), until he gave me a wedgie, trying to stop me from falling over. Note to self, when ice skating, dont wear a g-string! So after 2 hours on the ice, I only fell over 3 times and got 1 wedgie, pretty successful session!

So picture me, or rather picture the cartoons where someone's legs are all over the place and arms are flailing widely in the air (my shoulders are really sore still!) and that was me. I made quite an impression, particularly my last, less than graceful fall. I actually managed to graze my elbow. Who knew you could get a graze off ice?? Well if I did I would have worn long sleeves!

So, I as I retired to the bench to stem the blood from my elbow (ok, there was only a little blood), this little girl came and sat next to me and started talking. She saw my last fall, thought it was pretty funny (ok, even I admit it was funny!). And then proceeded to tell me that she hadnt even fallen over that day, in that self righteous "I am 10 years old and I am WAAAY cool" way that little kids have. And then she just kept on going, with telling me how she just picked ice skating up really easily. I kept wondering if it would be wrong to push her off the bench while screaming " There you go, didnt fall over ice skating, but you cant even sit on a bench!! At least I can sit still on a bench, mole!!!!"

So as we left the rink, when Action man mentioned we should do that again, I smiled sweetly and said "that would be great, I had alot of fun!" while inside thinking " AAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!".

Put this in ya biscuit barrel and eat it!

2006-10-03T21:31:00.000+10:00

Wow, that sounds kinda rude, doesn't it? Anyway, there is clearly no end to my talents (ha!): I baked!

These were so yummy. Thank you Betty Crocker Packet mix biscuits. Your warm jam stickyness made me very happy (wow, that sounds kinda wrong too...)

What a Glorious Day!

2006-09-28T09:07:00.000+10:00

So today could have started as the worst day. I woke up with a suinus headache and was running late as I needed to iron a shirt. Then I got into the car and the fuel light was flashing on empty, so a further delay to get more fuel! I could have been really frustrated when I got to work and had a crappy day, BUT a series of amazing things has happened to make me think today is going to be the best!

1. I am glad I ironed the shirt because I look cute.
2. When I pulled in to the service station, the man was changing the price. It was going up by nearly 10c. I went to bowser and accepted the fact that I was going to pay $1.27 per litre and that I should have got petrol last night (instead I got my mojo back and knitted 20 rows of my suprise!). So after a few deep breaths, and some acceptance of how crappy fuel prices are, I looked at the bowser and the price had not been changed yet! How lucky did I feel! I went in paid for petrol had a happy chat to the man behind the counter (complete with a huge smile and have a nice day) and left. I cant tell you how good the trip to work was!
3. Took tablet for Sinus, it has kind of worked but still have lingering headache. Drinking lots of water seems to be helping.

And finally......
ok, you know you can tell it is going to be a really great day when all your favorite biscuits magically appear in the bickie barrell!! Today we have iced vovo's, passionfruit ones, spicy fruit rolls, and hundreds and thousands. AND to top it off in the savoury bicckie barrell there were chicken crimpy's!!! :) YUMMO!!!!
I feel like I am being thanked for working my behind off over the last couple of days! Can't believe how busy I was and it is only a taste of things to come. I can see many late nights coming up in the next few months..........

In Craft related news, I am in training for the Clap-a-long. I am setting myself a challenge to finish 3 projects before I start the Clap. So far so good. I completed 20 rows of one of my suprise projects last night and am now on the decrease. Will post photos at some stage, but dont want to spoil the suprise! :) Will start on suprise two on the weekend.

Game on CraftStars, Game on!

Do your thift shopping homework

2006-09-24T12:59:00.001+10:00

Cause vintage shop finds like awesome old pinking sheers

can sometimes be found to be very blunt when you get home and test on fabric!

Of course the 1950s hair ribbon is just fine.

I wonder how many other thrifters out there who post all those perfect, beautiful, amazing, one-of-a-kind finds on their blogs ever find their new purchase to be a dud when they get home? They never really speak about that stuff though do they? Not me, I have dud sissors and I'm proud, at least they look cool, maybe I'll start a vintage sissor collection? Which reminds me, while I was doing all that work travel, I started to collect hotel sewing kits!

Cake Love

2006-09-21T15:40:00.000+10:00

That's right, cake love, yum.

Those sugary flowers look cool so Adam and I decided to go a bit crazy and decorate a bit - but 5 on a cupcake doesn't make for good eatin!

In other news on the weekend I bought a pair of vintage fabric pinking shears and a gorgeous hairribbon from the 50's. Sadly, aside from yet-another-pair-of-slippers that's about the extent of my craftin report for now....hopefully there will be more to come.

Oh in completely non crafty news...Sister Sadieandlance got engaged!!! Yay! Soon to be Sadieandlance brother in law asked her on a beach in Fiji. Nice huh.

Ahar there scurvy sisters!

2006-09-19T19:50:00.000+10:00

MrBP and I have been going through the old Women's Weekly Recipe cards (they're good cause they're simple!). Check out what I found:

I have one of those!

What a coincidink ;)

Grin.

2006-09-17T23:04:00.000+10:00

*Smirk*. Look what I did:

They're sweet peas! Aren't they...well...sweet? I'm a bit proud (just a pinch) cause I grew these from seeds. Seeds, people! Not the cheaters-shortcut-sprouted version! Aren't they lovely? I like to look at them and sigh. You know, one of those dramatic, i'm-wearing-a-corset-and-you're-lucky-i'm-breathing sighs? Well one of those. Not that I would ever wear a corset (I'm not in to bondage like some, and she knows who i'm talking about).

It's Spring, ladies. Bring on the garden craft!

Clapotis

2006-09-13T19:53:00.000+10:00

Is done. And I love it!
It was a bit of a drama at the end. I ran out of yarn 2 metres before the end, but luckily managed to get another ball in the same dye lot. The Specs:

Pattern: from Knitty
Yarn: Noro Kureyon No 128 from yarnsonline (highly reccomend yarnsonline!) 6 balls + 2 metres.
Comments: Love it, love it, Love it. I'm not a very clever knitter, but after a couple of rows of each section I was knitting with no hands (by which I mean I went into autopilot and wasn't really paying attention to what I was doing). I found it really theraputic to knit this. It's essentially sets of repeats, so once you understand the theory (methodology? Ha! That's for you Kel) it's very straightforward. In the end it only took me about 8 days to knit, but that's probably because I was sick. It was reassuring in the same kind of way maths is: there's an answer, you just need to learn the rules and you'll figure it out.
To block, or not to block: While I was knitting this I just assumed I would block it. Especially so given I wanted to get rid of the cast on and cast off edges curl against the rest of it. However then I checked out some that have been blocked and some that haven't and I tended to prefer the ones that weren't blocked. Cause they do this:

Isn't it lovely the way it twists? And the ridges, yum. (On another note, I wore this top to work. Was I flashing a bit too much boob? Haven't noticed it before. Maybe it's just the angle. Or maybe my boobs are just difficult to miss...)
Any reservations: Although I love Noro, i'm not sure Kureyon was the best yarn for this pattern. It's a bit more 'rigid' than some of the silk/merino ones i've seen. But I love it anyway!

In other news. I have finally decided to move out and start my own blog. I hope you will come and visit me. I'm worried i'll have commitment issues, but I've decided to give it a go.

Craft Goddess can be Naaaasty!

2006-09-07T11:01:00.000+10:00

I have been contemplating my good Craftin' Buddy's last post, and while my current week and it's frustrations dont compare to last week, I feel I have an understanding of where she is coming from.

Yesterday I decided to be 25 again. Just for the day. And boy did that tempt the Craft Goddess to hit me with the stupid stick. NEVER, EVER, decide to pretend you are younger again. It will bite you on your ever lovin' craft rear end!

So yesterday, at band camp, I like, decided that I was going to think that I was waaaaaay better than my actual job. So then like, the gnarly Craft Goddess, she like totally made sure that I had many boring things to do which are just such a waste of my like totally awesome talents, you know?

Ok, so I was very quickly, totally over being 25. I want to be 36 again. I dont want to be hit with the stupid stick anymore! I promise I will never tempt her again, but I dont think the Craft Goddess will let me get away with it!

Ouch, she just hit me again! I think I tempted craft fate writing this post!

Clapotis v.1

2006-09-05T20:28:00.000+10:00

Well, I think we're all aware by now that I go through pretty intense craft obsessions. Meet the latest:

First 2 sections (the 'increase rows') of Clapotis v.1 finished. I say 'v.1' because I've already ordered the yarn I want to use for my next one. The pattern is that addictive! Since I took this photo i've actually gotten to the 'dropping stitches' section, but i'll save that for another time! I was knitting it on 5mm straight needles but there were so many stitches towards the end of the increase section that i've transferred it to a pair of Addi circulars. I haven't used these before and i'm finding them a pleasure. Very light and the yarn slips easily. I'm using Noro Kureyon and it's coming up pretty well I think. I'm always impressed by how Noro comes out, the colours really are amazing.

In other news the start of Spring has been heralded in the garden by the blossoming of Freesia's (finally!) I've been waiting for these to flower for a while, but it was worth it!

And this is for Shazmina and V:

Don't Tell Meena!

2006-09-04T20:05:00.000+10:00

Albert is the love of my life. Dont tell Princess Meena, she would be very put out if she knew. When I come home from visiting Albert (and Brown Pants :) ) Meena ignores me for at least 1/2 and hour. But I can't give him up! He is possibly the most wonderful cat I have ever met, and the only cat worth cloning!

I heart Albert! ( and Zeus and Buzz and Brown Pants!)

A gauge! What the!

2006-08-30T21:58:00.000+10:00

I've been discussing knitting a clapotis with sadieandlance for a while now. As usual, she gave me some very sensible advice: practice the stitches before you start. I'm usually waaaaaay too impatient for anything that organised, but I looked at the pattern a couple of moths ago and it totally confused me. So I put the yarn I had for it away (Der! Of course you buy the yarn before you're actually ready to knit something!) and did some other things. Until the other day. For some reason (I think it was a conversation we were having B?) I looked at the pattern and realised it actually made sense to me now - Hallelujah! So I knitted a practice version:

And it (kinda) worked! There was much joy and celebration. Hint: for this practice version I just knitted the first part of each section and not the repeats, so it means you can get to the section where you're dropping the stitches faster.
My joy was short lived, however. Upon walking in to retrieve the camera and share my joy with the world, I found this:

Sorry for the bad photo, the anger was fogging my vision. This may look relatively harmless, just some yarn lying on the ground, right? Wrong. While you've been away Kelly Albert has learnt a new trick. It's called "whacking yarn around every piece of furniture you possible can until it is so hopelessly tangled it's impossible to unwind." or WYAEPOFYPCUHTIU (ok so it has a slight identity problem). He's already done it several times, including to a very expensive ball of colinette yarn...
I absent-mindedly left this project on the table while I was knitting the gauge and voila! Destruction. Hang on a minute...Maybe that's the problem. It's the craft goddess expressing her frustration at the production of said gauge! But that would mean that Albert is/was momentarily the craft goddess incarnate....
Well he's not sleeping with us tonight. He's been sleeping in JD's crotch lately, and there ain't no way I'm sharin' that pieca pie with another chicky-babe! (ohmygod what did I just say? I'm turning in to flipping Mark Holden. Shame on me! Shame!)
XXX

Fridge Cake

2006-08-29T22:31:00.000+10:00

Hurry up it's almost gone!

Post 102

2006-08-28T23:25:00.000+10:00

Hardly significant, post 102 but I'm laying claim to it - it's all mine mwahahaha.

Anyway, HEY where'd you all go??? Hanging out doing real life crafty stuff without me in Sydney aren't you? Well not you Kel, you're off the hook - or perhaps you'd like to join me on my out-of-towner sookfest.

Hmm now did one of you come into the study and borrow my camera? I did such a good job on cleaning the study (lie: it's actually still a work in progress - just don't look beyond the desk to the floor) that I can't find where I put the camera. The irony is that the desk top is clean of all it's clutter - but I never had trouble finding the camera when the clutter was still there on the desk (you saw it Shazmina you can attest to the piled upon pile state of the mess).

Anyway I wanna take a photo of my leftover hummingbird cake that's sitting regally on my lovely white ceramic cake platter in the fridge - but alas no camera. So, you'll just have to take my word for it - CRS (Cake Related Surprise) of the Hummingbird variety was enjoyed last night after a meal of good ole corned beef and vegies - shared at the last minute with 2 lovely friends of ours who we really do enjoy spending time with - but I couldn't help feeling sad that there was no corned beef left over to make sandwiches with for today's lunch...which in my opinion is the best part of any such meat boiling (doesn't that sound disgusting) /roasting (ahh yes that sounds much yummier) activities.

But I digress - back to imagining my Hummingbird cake please friends (and you'd better be enjoying your imaginary cake -afterall it had two whole bloody bananas in it - do you know how expensive that is??!). It has cream cheese icing and is sprinkled with crushed walnuts. There's plenty of leftovers to go round - even after I sent our friends the corned beef stealers home with half the leftover cake.

3 More Sleeps!

2006-08-24T09:14:00.000+10:00

Dear Kel,

It is only fitting that, as this blog is to keep in touch with Peregrina Kel, you made the 100th post. You rock!!! :)

I am starting to get even more excited (is that possible?) about SNB on Sunday! I have many, and I mean many projects that I could bring on Sunday. I think my theme is going to be Eliza, our newest member, because I have one really cute project in mind to make for her, and it is not clothing!!! Although I do have wool set aside for a really cute cardigan for her, but that may have to wait until next winter!!

Anywho, lots to do and organise before then. As I have finally admitted to myself (and others) that I am a control freak, I am trying not to freak out about all the things out of my control between now and Sunday (I will fill you in then) including making trash dip for the first time and hoping it turns out like Sadie nd Lance's!

ooh and Kel, saw your boyfriend last night. He is still as cute and funny as ever!

Toodles for now
Shazmina

Is this the 100th post?

2006-08-23T21:04:00.000+10:00

OOOOO, i couldnt resist the glory of the 100th post!

I wish I could come to snb this weekend! I miss my crafty chicks!

Love the look of your tomato soup Bee. Will try that one. Am into all things tomato right now. They are everywhere and mostly homegrown and taaaaaaaasty!

OCC - I have been seeing your twions everywhere over here. Keeps making me look twice.

So, this isnt crafty but is a project of sorts. In Italy I decided to do a gelati tour sticking to the same flavours to assist in making easier comparisons. In 1998 I did the lemon sorbet, mango sorbet and fragola tour. THis year I delighted in trying choc, mint choc and choc chip! hmmmm, life is tough when you have to work like this. I also made a committment that I would have a gelati every day to keep my hand in.

Then i was tempted by the devil himself and HAD to try the limoncello, fragola, choc combo! WOW! It was worth jeoparising the research for that!

I walked into a wool shop in Florence and wracked my brain for the wool that Brown pants was looking for but couldnt recall..... so I fondled a few balls and tried to channell the powers of teh usiverse for the brand name. The lady in the shop was very helpful right up to the moment where I said that I couldnt buy anything. The very next ball that I stroked, she lifted her hand and siad something in ITalian that rougfhly translated to " Dont touch the balls lady unless you show me the money!"

BUT, the wool isnt terrible expensive and not terribly different to what Ive seen in Aus. Maybe in more specialised places that I havent found yet.

Im continuing my little squares and they are proving to be very handy on the train journeys. Also ensures that noone wants to sit next to you so you can stretch out a little. Maybe ill just pick up cotton where i can and eventually will have a wee blanket made.....

Ok, chickas, best get out there and see this bustly, sweaty town of Barcelona. Feeling a little tired and ready to see some familiar faces in Madrid. THink today will be a casual shopping day. I found my fantasy handbag yesterday in a market stall after not seeing anything close in all of the bag shops in ITaly, so will rtake that as a good shopping omen.

Love you all and happy stitchn´
Sabiha

4 More sleeps!

2006-08-23T11:31:00.000+10:00

Until the SNB at Kristie's. YAY!!!

I am very excited, although I have a lot of preparation to do before then. As some of it is secret squirrel business you will have to wait until Sunday to find out! :)

I was planning to make Trash Dip in honour of Sadie and Lance, but am trying to figure how to fit in time to actually make it. Will see what can be done on Sunday......

Not much else to tell at the moment, will catch you all up on the goings on on Sunday.
Shazmina

reporting in

2006-08-20T22:12:00.000+10:00

Dear Kel,

Glad to see we've corrupted you and you're back into the knitting despite your adventure!

I have nothing to report other than the fact that I am reporting in. I have been travelling for work and I am completely buggered. I ambitously packed a small supply of craft (mini felt projects) but didn't even get it out of my bag. Oh well.

Oh I am nearly finished another pair of slippers.

Although not a craft photo perse here's one anyway...crappy I know but I'm trying!

I felt like crap when I got home last week (four days of nothing but aircondioning, bad food and fluro light will do that to a grrl) so I made a fresh tomato soup - pretty much just tomatoes, stock, salt and pepper. Yum. I feel better now, almost.

Love Bee

PS I noticed we're nearly at our 100th post - who will it be, who will it be? Hardly likely me given I'm not doing much craft right now.

hot head instructions?

2006-08-17T19:12:00.000+10:00

ciao bellas
Sice my last post I have had a few train rides and made some wee squares from my bargain basement wool. Great to have the sticks clicking again!

BUT, as Aus warms up I will start getting colder and thought I would knit me one of them thar hothead beanies!

BUT, I dont remember the pattern but I do recall that we had come up with needle sizes/stitches that suited us more than the snb ones!

Bee - perhaps you have it - do you mind posting it for me? Im craving some more projects ;-)

Love to you all
Kel

where oh where has my craft mojo gone?

2006-08-17T14:43:00.000+10:00

In true AADC style my skully jumper has stalled. I am still to commence the sleeves...... BUT to be fair, I have only been able to pick up the needles last night. I have started on a tea cozy made out of Noro Kureyon (colour #88) for my Mum (Mrs Bendi). This is my bring to work project as it is alot less bulky than the jumper (that is my excuse anyway!). Also wanted to make somehting for Mrs Bendi as she is complaining about not receiving any of my craft (little does she know it is becuase I rarely finish anything!).

Looking forward to catching up with OCC tomorrow, she has been very busy with work and not in the office much this week, which is a bit of a blessing for her.
Well I better go and find something to do BESIDES dreaming of knitting!

Moop-me

2006-08-15T21:54:00.000+10:00

I cut this out quite a while ago, but never actually got around to sewing it. Shazmina saw it in my sewing box the other day and said I should, but mostly I was inspired by sadieandlance's handiwork.

The patterns is from here (there are some gorgeous things on this site. very clever!) I made a few mistakes with this (i'm not good at fiddly sewing), but i'm going to gift it to someone that I think will appreciate it. I can see why you're in to this softie thing Bee.

The overalls have been passed on and they were very well received. Now they're off to Italy!

It pains me

2006-08-15T16:03:00.000+10:00

But I thought you might like this, Shazmina. It's from here

Oh, you have changed man! You are not the same girl you once was.......

2006-08-14T10:49:00.000+10:00

Ok NOW for the Skully update.........

I have FINISHED the front and back! That is right FINISHED them! BUT not only have I finished the front and back, I have mastered the 3 needle bind off AND have knitted the neck!!!! ONLY the sleeves to go! :) No photos as yet, I finished late last night and had to do the neck BO twice, so in the end I downed sticks and went to bed! Will take photos tonite and post. Today I am starting on some fingerless gloves from 2nd SNB book.

In related news, I think that OCC is having a bad influence on me. I am becoming a completer/finisher. Soon I will be kicked from the AADC committee! On the brighter side, I am being a bad influence on OCC, who now has multiple projects on the boil. Maybe there can be only one AADCer for every two crafters......... weird???!!

And here is my favourite biscuit that was found in the biccie barrel today.

ENJOY!

Tada!

2006-08-12T15:22:00.000+10:00

I have finally finished the suffragette overalls. I'm not sure if this means I have my craft mojo back, but at least I am a finisher-completer, if briefly. Seams are done and ends are sewn in, but god it was painful. I wish you could just finish the knitting and 'poof' it's done. Well, one can dream... I got the pattern from here, and used jo sharp cotton purchased here. This pattern is very easy to knit, and I think they're very cute!

I am hoping that my current finisher complete status will rub off on these projects. They're so close to being finished, but I just can't motivate myself for that final bit. Possibly because I know i'll have to sew them up and weave in the ends. sigh. As an attempt to shame myself into finishing them, I am posting them here. Please feel free to harrass, cajole or simply bully me in to finishing them. All I have to do on this one it sew it together and do the seed stitch around the neck (then sew in the ends, but let's ignore that part, i'm trying to motivate not deter). I finished knitting this weeks ago, but it's just been sitting there.

All I have to do on this one is finish the sleeve, sew it up and add some buttons. And yes, it is knit from one side the the other - pretty cool ey! This has been sitting like this for weeks too.

With two projects nearly complete but not quite, of course I cast on another one! Ha! So now I need to finish this one too. It's the sari-silk bag from Knitty. I included a picture of the hyacinths just for you sadieandlance!

Right, am off to test the longevity of my completer-finisher powers. Wish me luck.

Gawsh! Is it Christmas?

2006-08-10T20:58:00.000+10:00

Well, I walked in the door this afternoon and I had packages. Lots of packages! Guess that's what happens when you find a new craft hobby. A woman needs tools people! Especially when she locates some lovely brittany crochet hooks here.

While I was looking around (of course), i grabbed some cotton. Mmm.......cotton.

When I got the fabric in the picture above I got very obsessed about the colour combination. Amy butler does it to me every time. Anyway, i found similar colours in cotton, very cheap, on the same website, and had to get them. Yay!

I had to get the green as well becase I can never follow any instructions 100%. It's my tokenistic rebellion! Well, that and I heart lime green at the moment. Any green really come to think of it.

That was package #1, package #2 was just as exciting. It was lovely lorna's laces 4-ply sock yarn. I got it here. It was very reasonably priced, even with international postage. Socks here I come!

And package #3. What can I say other than Florence Broadhurst. oh my, florence broadhurst. How I have coveted thee. Many a time I have drooled at the pictures and thought 'one day...maybe.' And now, thanks to Applehead's advice, I have you. Ah, here's some high class fabric porn just for the ladies:

Only problem is now I want more!

Dia Del Los Muertos

2006-08-09T15:53:00.000+10:00

That is Spanish for the Mexican Day of the Dead. Somewhat appropriate as I am knitting a skull inspired jumper and I purchased this cool bag in Melb. The designer was obviously inspired by this Mexican holiday! it is know my favorite knitting bag, best thing to store Skully in!!

I am absolutely motoring along with my jumper knitting, I must be a third of the way through the back. I heart bulky wool! It knits up so quickly, I just lurve it!!! OCC has helped alot with her praise at my devotion to one project, what would I do without her and Kristie saying how clever I am!!! :)

So now that I have posted 3 times in two days, POST A COMMENT!! I dares ya!!!!!

Yours in skulls and cross bones

Shazmina

I craft therfore I am!

2006-08-08T11:04:00.000+10:00

ok kids, I have updated my own blog.
In craft news, I have finished the front of my pirate jumper (also known as Skully from the first snb book!). Looking to complete a few of my existing projects or perhaps start my fingerless glove project with my ball of magic yarn from Martas yarns.

Will keep you posted.................. eventually!!!!! :)

That is as good as it gets!
Shazmina

Sundays

2006-08-06T15:31:00.000+10:00

I heart Sundays. Mr BrownPants isn't too keen on them though, he says I make him do too much houswork. I say he wouldn't mind if he wasn't so hung over. But I digress.

Sundays. In my wanderings around the garden I noticed a lovely smell (which very easily could have been a terrible smell given the cats like to 'use' the backyard). I eventually traced it to my flowering daphne. The winter garden continues to surprise me!

Daphne has such a powerful smell for such a small plant with petite flowers, you can smell it right through the backyard. It's such a noticeable smell I think most people associate it with a place or an event or a particuar time in their lives. I think I am one of only a few people who have no particular olfactory memory of daphne. We didn't have it in the garden when I was growing up and I don't remember ever 'knowing' it, other than that it was a plant (and the name of that chick from Frasier).

When I first got it I was chatting to MrBrownPants' mum (let's call her MrsD) about it and she was saying that she always associates it with the house she grew up in and her mother. Both MrsD and MrBrownPants adored their mum/grandma, and miss her very much, so the daphne became the GrandmaD-daphne. It sits right next to PopBrownPants' orchids in the garden. I love that little corner. Anyway, I was so inspired by this smell that I sat in the backyard for a while. See:

This leads me to the craft (oh my I really do digress!) On Friday I received my long awaited package from amazon, which included The Happy Hooker. The instructions in it were great, and some of the patterns are so cool, I sat down yesterday and started to crochet. I've always been pretty intimidated by crochet, it seems much more complex than knitting. I'd done some granny squares and simple shawls, but that was it. After i'd practiced all the single crochet, half-double crochet (yes, Sam, you would think it would just be single crochet!), double crochet and triple crochet I realised that I actually knew all of these stitches. I remember my grandma teaching me. I just never knew what they were called. I had so much fun I started making flowers. It is so much easier to make crocheted flowers than knitted ones. I think they look better too (the green one sitting on the book is one I made and you can see some other ones near the scissors).
Now I heart crochet. I mean it, I really, really heart crochet. Given that I already heart cotton, I can see that this is going to be a long, productive realationship.

As an added bonus, I now associate daphne with crochet flowers. Funny how we make up memories as we go. I know you've been making some lately Kel and they've been a little painful. I know better ones will come your way soon, if they're not already. XXX

2006-08-06T15:17:00.000+10:00

Firstly, thanks BrownPants for the lovely Friday Flower and even more lovely comment. Motherhood is a tough job but I get through the bad days by thinking of lovely thoughts such as yours....thanks:)

I hope you all had a lovely weekend. Aunty OCC it was lovely to see you on Saturday.

I have to say having read all your comments over the past week I feel I may be getting the hang of what all this blogging stuff is about. Its funny, I thought I was kind of computer savvy until Sabiha went OS and I heard the term Blog....must have been hiding under a rock or something in recent times.

Im soo excited to be chatting with you all again. It seems like such a long time since Ive seen Shazmina and BrownPants and even longer since ive SnB'd. I feel my creative juices have floundered but I now feel re-energised. Just need to find a project......I was given a scrapbook (for those who dont like scrap booking you can now moan, groan and cringe) by a cousin-in-law but think ill just slap the photos in for the sake of using it rather than getting creative. Just dont think scrap booking is my thang.

My mohter-in-law has given me a sewing machine that is older than me, 1970's I believe. Its apparently one of the first automated machines and its pretty good and even I can use it. Now that's saying something!!!. I made Eliza's muslin wraps with it (havent done anything else with it since...oops).

Maybe I should try some cushion covers???? I bought two covers from that great Swedish chain, Ikea, but dont feel they hit the mark so may make some friends for them.

Cant wait to see BrownPants, OCC and Shazmina in a few weeks time, and to be in touch via Blog in the interim.

Oh, for those ex-Hearties I was sent all the photos from the last few Christmas partie held as there is pretty much no one there would know may of the faces. There are the fabbo photos of our ferry party, the love boat and Gisela's hen's party. it was so nice to see Sabiha and Sadie's faces....if nothong else the HF introduced me to some great friends and their great friends (BrownPants & Shaz)...what more could one ask for.

My most recent craft explosion

2006-08-04T09:19:00.000+10:00

After wearing Sadie and Lance's headband to master cables I have been using it all week to make sure I crafted my little but off in time for my sister's birthday (all finishing is powered by looming deadlines).

Now please don't start threatening me with expulsion from the AADC (Shazmina will tell you how many projects I have planned and not started, and wool still without a planned project), but I did have a bit of a craft explosion this week.

I did finish Gayle's pressie - here is the full package...

Then I indulged myself in a little more Japanese crafting. I wanted a brooch for Gayle and another for me, so I bought a heap and sold them to the girls at work. Now it looks like a lot, but it is just easier to do lots at once because I only have to clean up after myself once.

And I am still going on my own beanie (complete with cables). I'll post a pic of it once it gets big enough to tell what it is.

Friday Flowers

2006-08-03T21:34:00.000+10:00

Friday flowers for everyone!

For sadieandlance because she's working so, so hard. And doing a great job as always, i'm sure

For Kel because she's posting more and we all love it (she can give them to Gunther from me if she likes, hahahahaha.)

For OCC cause she's doing cables! CABLES people!

For Katie Mac cause she's got one of the most important jobs of all.

And, for Sharon, and she knows why. I am still so, so sorry. (Don't worry everyone else, it's not serious. I'm just a bimbo).

You can have the leaf too Shaz. That's how sorry I am.

hmmmm, I have lapsed............

2006-08-02T19:43:00.000+10:00

Hi chickadoodles! I will start by saying how much I LOVE this blog!! Have been having a giggle all morning. Feels like we are at a stitch and bitch because you all write like you talk, so feels very real..

Now as a backpacker I was meant to cast aside all luxury items and non essentials for the purpose of travelling lightly, but yesterday, after reading your posts, I lapsed....

I went into town and stumbled across a store with a lovely lady who wanted to show me every ball of wool she had.................... and with great restraint I chose a few from the bargain basket and some needles, so take the edge off my craft cravings....

Now, because I am a knitting moron I am only committing myself to easy squares BUT I suggest that I send them home and they can be the start of the next baby blanket that is required for the fertile ones amongst us.

I bought cotton and using 4 1/2 needles (ick, i know..... these arent my speciality!) and inthe interests of keeping it simple I am knitting 30 stitches and ?? rows...... Havent finished one yet, but will update when I do! but aiming for a square)

Of course I have dropped a stitch already so I have 29 stitches on my first square but as the spanish say..... "mas o menos" (more or less - he he..... my craft motto)

No I feel a little more involved in this blog and less of a voyeur...............

Love you all and thanks again for all the updates!

love kel

Garden Craft

2006-08-02T17:53:00.000+10:00

I completely loose my yarn mojo in summer. So last summer, in the absence of a sewing machine, I started gardening. I became totally obsessed (for those seeking a timeline this pre-dated the ebay obsession and followed the George Eliot* obsession). Trips to bunnings, trips to flower power, trips to random nurseries took up every weekend and most afternoons. This went on until I ran out of space in the bakyard (I ran out of money long before that but persevered!) Kel was my design consultant throughout this whole process.

Garden Craft lasted until the start of bulb season, and then gracefully gave way to the cyclical beginnings of yarn season (and thus began the great baby cardigan explosion).

I got home a bit earlier than usual today, having finished the report i've been working on for the last six months, and it was light! So I wandered into the backyard. I had always thought that in winter gardens kind of died back and had a well-earned rest, preparing themselves for the excitement of spring. How wrong I was.

My grape hyacinths are starting to flower and they're the most vibrant purple. I wish I could get yarn in that colour! Hey, I just realised that they're purple and green, they're my suffragette flowers, they match the suffragette overalls! (Which I picked up again last night, finally, and will post on soon)

Looks like there's more in store too. The tulips have taken a lot longer to come up than everything else (i didn't refrigerate them, naughty naughty). I noticed they're just starting to peak through!

Must be because buzzy's giving them a helping hand by nesting them.

When I started gardening I made an off-hand remark to mum about orchid's being my favourite plant, but I didn't think i'd actually be able to look after them and they were too expensive anyway. Mum was kinda silent for a bit and then she told me that my grandfather loved orchids.
She had collected some of them after he died and kept them. She gave them to me for Christmas. I repotted them and have done my best to keep them alive. Turns out I haven't done too bad a job. They're blooming.

It had such a lovely feeling when I walked outside and saw this. This plant is my spoon.

*Remember at the height of this I was going to name my hypothetical girl-child George?

Trash Dip By request

2006-07-30T19:04:00.000+10:00

By special request...

1 ripe avocado
1 container of sour cream (full cream is best)
1 tin of kidney beans (drained silly)
1 packet of low salt taco seasoning
1 tin peeled tomatoes
1 roughly chopped brown onion
2 crushed or chopped garlic clove
fresh lemon juice
salt, pepper
2-3 shallots sliced
grated cheese
1 ripe tomato, diced

Fry the onion in some olive oil till soft. Add the garlic, cook for a minute or so. Add the beans and then a quater of the taco seasoning, peeled toms and a splash of water. Stir it together, bring to the boil and then turn down and simmer for a bit. Till it cooks down a bit is good. Once cooked, set aside to cool.
While the beans are cooking make a quacamole. Mash your avocado with a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper and a little bit of fresh garlic. Mix it all together good. If you want to make it go a bit further add a spoon of sour cream.
Now make your sour cream layer. Mix the carton of sourcream with about half of the remaining taco seasoning. Taste it, and add some more if it doesn't tast flavourful enough (did I just make a word up??).
Now, it's a good idea to set put everything in the fridge to cool/re set before you layer the trash dip, but if you have no time at the very least make sure the beans are cold first.
Use a plate or a platter...whatever you like. I like that square black dish in the photo above but I've used a regular dinner plate before, no hassle and Mum used to use a rectangular glass baking dish.
Spread the beans across the bottom of the dish. Now spoon big spoonfuls of the guacamole on top and gently spread it to kind of cover the beans. Now spoon and pour the sourcream layer over the top and gentley spread it to cover the guacamole layer. Easy peasy.
Now sprinkle grated cheese, diced tomato then the shallots over the top and if you feel like it some chopped continental parsley.
YUM! Serve with corn chips or water crackers.
Double yum!

Oh how I have struggled against the craft oppressors!

2006-07-28T15:10:00.000+10:00

Ok, so the only oppressor of my crafting is me but Meena has to take some credit for my lack of crafting this week.

I had a FABO time in Melbourne. Sadie and Lance is too kind, I was WAY spoilt and had a great couple of days. LURVE Melbourne, it helped that I had great people to hang with and the weather was really mild, so I was one lucky little visitor.

But what has happened since then? Well not much, I have been getting limited sleep thanks to my little furry, four legged friend. Princess Meena was a little ticked that she was "abandoned" (those were her words, I deny everything) so I was greeted with a hairball vomit bomb when I got home on Monday night. And then there have been the 5am wakeups, one with another hairball vomit bomb. If you have a cat, or have seen Shrek, you know the delightful sound effects associated that go with this. Last night, for the first time in I think ever, I had to kick Princess Meena out of my bedroom and close the door to get a full nights sleep. But inspite of it all I love her to bits and would'nt trade her for anything!!

So Back to craft. I finished a beanie before I went to Melb and a matching scarf while I was there. See photographic evidence below.

I also now have even more wool for other projects, including some Marta's yarns yarn for fingerless gloves for myself. And because of OCC's fearless crafting, I am going to attempt a pattern for them that has cables in it!!

So this weekend is a quiet one, I plan to get stuck in to my pirate jumper. That will be a first for me, only one project at a time!!!

Ciao for now Shazmina

She's Crafty

2006-07-26T22:42:00.000+10:00

Ack Focaccia get out of my face. Right now I am tyring to type this and my arms are at weird angles because Focaccia has developed a bad habit of jumping up on the desk and sending me signals that I am neglectful or maybe that she wants to become a blogger whatever signals she's sending I can't quite figure it out but her arse is resting sweetly on the space bar right now, see:

Anyway I had a really nice weekend with Shazmina Bendi, she spoiled me rotten. She thinks I spoiled her by taking her to craft shops but what she doesn't realise is that it was ME who was spoilt by having a partner in crime for a craft shopping extravaganza.

We played with fabric and yarn and more yarn, plus some clothes shops, shanghai dumplings and other non craft activities in between. And she got to hang tuff with Marta of Marta's yarns and play with yarn colours. What a weekend, we even introduced her to the meaning of being Victorian, AFL footy!

We capped our Saturday arvo craft tour special with a trip round the Chappel St Bazaar where we visited the antique lace lady - remember her Kel, you bought some needles off her last yr. Well she was in fine form this weekend, cranky as all get out. Shazmina was only allowed to look - not touch the knitting needles she wanted to buy and I was scolded for taking some vintage pattern pieces out to look and see if they were actually all there before I bought them. It was all a laugh really, she's kinda crazy.

We found all sorts of cool things in there (not crazy lady's stand but the bazaar in general) including a collection of vintage mini sewing machines

And I found a roll of snoopy ribbon!!!

And Kel, look I found your welcome home pressie - a coral table lamp, isn't it beautiful?

Must be the rage cause I spotted about 4 on different stalls.

So in summary Shazmina and I built on the choose your own craft adventure that Kel and I started last year. You guys should all come and visit and try it out it's seriously fun and you get to see priceless collectables like coral table lamps.

Great, Caccie's now removed her arse from the keyboard and relocated to the basket of un-ironed new fabric I bought all those weeks ago. Serves me right for not taking all ur ironing advice I spose.

Welcome Katie Mac!

2006-07-26T08:46:00.000+10:00

Welcome Katie Mac! I'm so glad you have joined us. I hope we can get regular cutie pics, even though I am going to post the first one of gorgeous Eliza!

Here's a very SnB picture - Eliza, the reason why Katie isn't stitching and apparently the reason we are all stitching because she is modelling the cardi I made and the pants and booties Sadie and Lance made (PS Sadie and Lance - great choice of colour!).

On to a bit more craft news from me. I 'finished' my sister's scarf. 'Finished' because I still have to iron it and sew the tails in... I got distracted because I had enough wool left over to make her a matching beanie. So last night I put my headband on to ensure my craft mojo would be flowing and took on two new skills - circular needles and cables. With great success so far!

I need to ready myself for new skill number 3 - double points - to finish it off, but I have bought point protectors to stop my stitches falling off (my great fear). I'll post the finished product when I finish (when - optimism is the key!)

2006-07-24T20:20:00.000+10:00

Hi Gals and most importantly.....Dear Kel
I think I may have worked this Blog business out.....??????? Well lets see how this post goes before I get too excited.
Hope you are well beloved Kel. We are all OK in the Sutton house Eliza is good and is now a whopping 4kg!!! She has the cutest little fat thighes and now smiles and "talks" back to you. Lucky she does or she may have been farmed off to the grandparents by now.....mummy and daddy do not cope so well when sleep deprived.
KatieMacaroni

Gifted

2006-07-22T11:34:00.000+10:00

Remember this from the great cardigan explosion? It got me temporarily kicked out of the AADC, but it was worth it for this:
Meet Frances. Isn't she lovely? Her mum says she gets lots of attention when she wears this (I think she'd get lots of attention anyway ;-). I'm just glad it appears to fit her. I'm going to recruit her mum to our next SnB. When her big brother came along her mum started knitting and apparently I thought it was amusing. I won't believe it!
...but my how things change.

In the name of Progress

2006-07-20T18:11:00.000+10:00

What an entertaining day! You guys crack me up.

I have totally abandoned Fruit Tingles lately (don't tell anyone on Sadieandlance I have a Fruit Tingles cheer squad over there!). Anyway, this wool was calling to me, it's true wool can really do that. I couldn't ignore it any longer the damned thing kept squealing, so I picked it up and got started, this is my mobile project (remember) and it has been on numerous tram and train trips and also even a good stint on the Hume Hwy from Sydney to Port Macquarie and back! It's a well travelled garment this one.

Um the pink and white Mr Friendly things are pins keeping the photo shot in order and professional (ha). I haven't ironed it so it was curling in and would have looked like a pile of knitted nothing, hence the pinning - not fancy pants buttons or anything.

One and a half sleeves to go before I need to pluck up some courage for sewing together. Uggh yuck when will they invent a machine to do that?

ADC in full swing

2006-07-20T12:15:00.000+10:00

Shazmina will be very proud of me. My ADC is in full swing now. I am a convert!

Current projects completed = 1. Another Japanese brooch...

Projects not completed = many...

First, the scarf for my sister's birthday. I was actually making great time on this, but then I ran out of wool. I have ordered another ball so while I am waiting...

Project 2 = frilly scarf for me. Current staus = 7 rows. I think it is just trying to do the same project twice in a row. I love the wool, but to get excited about this pattern...

Project 3 = booties for newly pregnant friend at work. Sorry, no picture. I am about to start these when I meet Shazmina. So on to...

Project 4 = button and ribbon brooches. Again, I was doing ok until I couldn't fit all the ribbons through the button holes and had to come up with a way to attach them. So, in a brain wave, and Shazmina finds this hilarious, I asked Rich to help me because he knows lots of fishing knots. He looked at it last night and thought of an entirely different (and better) way of doing it. Good news for my crafting - no signs of trauma, rather definate interest showed (note, should I be concerned that he proved himself better than me at my own craft project? He figured out how to read a knitting pattern one night too...)

So ladies, I hope this proves my AADC membership is worthy and that I am fully embracing the group's vision.

Where did this come from?

2006-07-20T09:39:00.000+10:00

Hi People,
Did anyone send me this?

I walked out the front door this morning and it was sitting there, and I have no idea where it came from (and it's not like my head didn't hurt already). It's from Woolshop Direct in Melbourne, and someone paid for it! I actually don't have a dog, so i'm really confused...

Update for the Ladeez

2006-07-20T00:06:00.000+10:00

Kel - Van She played Kelly. I had a tear in my eye (the watery-eye kind, not the ripped-skin kind). Was thinking of you.
Bee - I wish I did wear your bra (and mine) to throw. She's Hot Hot Hot. But not like the song.
I miss you both so much. Lots of love XXXX Am going to bed to sleep off the booze.

What could it be?

2006-07-19T17:56:00.000+10:00

What could it be?

Patterns!
(She may not look it, but Zeusey was very excited!)

I ordered these from sewingpatterns.com last weekend, so I wasn't expecting them for a while yet. I had to order them online becasue they don't stock these particular patterns in Australia (yet?). The dress on the bottom left is that pattern I want to use for my dress for Vana's wedding, but with the neckline of the dress at the top (but without the sleeves). The wrap dress pattern (bottom right) is just because I like it. Hmmmm...suspect a pattern addiction is taking over from where ebay left off!

We're going to see The Yeah Yeah Yeah's tonight*, remember I was telling you Van She are supporting them? Anyway, i've got an extra bra on to throw at Karen O for you Bee ;-). It got me thinking about who I would actually throw my bra at...PJ Harvey perhaps? Although her songs aren't really conducive to bra throwing, unless she broke in to a cover of 'What's new pussycat'...which would actually be quite odd. There's actually an automatic connection in my brain between Live Gigs/Boobs/Kel - remember when you got Lior to sign your boob Kel? He was so embarassed! And you said you were never going to wash it again. Or maybe I made that part up (OCC, did she say that?). Better go, talk later. XXX

*Going out on a school night, I know! I'm such a rebel.

P.S. I've got verbal agreement for a day off work in August to come and visit you Melbourne ladies. Will talk to you about it soon to lock in a date. Clapotis here I come!

First born skirt

2006-07-17T18:19:00.002+10:00

I am still unable to locate my craft mojo. In the meantime, I made a skirt. It's a simple wrap skirt that only took a couple of hours to make, and I got to use my binder foot. Joy! This is some of the fabric that I was gifted a little while back, lovely batic-ey cotton. This is in turn being gifted to a very special friend, I hope she likes it!

I heart Sadie and Lance!

2006-07-14T11:08:00.000+10:00

My slow postie finally delivered my gorgeous surprise from Sadie and Lance. I heart the material almost as much as I heart Sadie and Lance! Will get a pic of me wearing it on the weekend.

In my craft related news... I have got halfway in the Creative Knitting frilly scarf which I am going to give to my sister for her birthday. It will be my weekend project since my Jo Sharp wool has arrived for knitting project number 2.

I still haven't managed to start my button and ribbon brooches, but I did manage to do another Japanese craft necklace.

And I'm looking forward to our August craft under the doona day because I have been playing with my Japanese material and know what I want to do with some of it (and I think I want to make a headband out if it now I see how great they are).

Aren't you proud of me Shazmina. My ADC is beginning to take flight, and I owe it all to you!

Oh My!

2006-07-13T09:57:00.000+10:00

As I have mentioned previously, I am the "go to" girl in my office. So imagine my suprise when I am sorting the mail and see that I have a letter from Sadie and Lance. I thought it might have been some adittional instructions for my upcoming trip to Melbourne (which is in 7 & 3/4 days). Imagine my SUPRISE when I opened and saw this!

I heart headbands and I especially heart Sadie and Lance. She just helped make a very ordinary day special (along with the chocolate Choc chip muffin I just ate!).

Shazmina

SURPRISE!

2006-07-12T22:39:00.000+10:00