Sew simple

I love the simplicity of cross stitch.
And I thought I'd try something new with a small, manageable project.

I took a tea towel and using some canvas webbing (there's probably a proper name for this material, but I can't remember what the lady in the embroidery shop called it ... but it means you can cross stitch on just about any fabric).
Anyway, I digress.
I followed an easy pattern and cross stitched some red cherries.

They look rather festive don't you think?

I've placed the cherries randomly on the tea towel, varying the pattern each time.
And I couldn't resist this ant ...
Maybe I'll cross stitch a slice of cherry pie nearby.

The idea is when you've finished the cross stitch, wet the webbing to soften it and then pull out the canvas threads - leaving the tea towel with the cherries and the ant in tact.
Well , that's the theory.
I'll let you know how I go.

Sew long

It's been sooo long since I've done anything remotely crafty so I made the most of a few hours on the weekend to crack onto a new project (I mean, why finish off projects when there are so many new ones to begin!!)
I raided my fabric stash and added some new fat quarters to make a summer picnic blanket.
I love the pinks, greens and yellows. Such pretty summer colours Don't you love the green and white spot?

I got the pattern from the queen of craft Pip Lincoln at Meet Me At Mikes.
I love her philosophy that when you craft it doesn't have to be perfect.
I'm quite a fan of the 'wonk' ... and the end result is delightfully wonkily imperfect.
Will post some pics of the finished picnic blanket soon. Can't wait for our first summer picnic or a dreamy afternoon sleep when you need a little light cover.

A hat trick

We're in the middle of organising a Melbourne Cup party next Tuesday, at home. Living in Melbourne means we enjoy a public holiday. (Isn't that so Australian where a public holiday is declared for a horse race!)
Anyway, it's a wonderful day to dress up, drink bubbles, eat lovely chicken sandwiches .... and wear a hat.

While I'm still planning what to wear (eeeeekkkk!) , Eliza has got her outfit sorted..... but what to wear on her head?
So, we scooted into Lincraft on the weekend and made a couple of purchases - a headband and some ribbony bits and pieces.
The plan was to put it together with a hot glue gun at home...

But then a lovely young lady approached me as I clutched my ingredients and asked if I knew about the free hat making service in store.
Well um no .... actually.
A few minutes later and the bit and pieces turned into a lovely headpiece for Eliza.

It's simple and lovely and PINK of course.

The trusty hot glue gun did the trick and ta da .....

She loves it.

Something I whipped up

I'm mad for the hook this winter and in between clusters of trebles for my granny stripe that I'm making for Eliza, I whipped up this scarf for James.

Gotta share the love, you know.

It's a simple pattern made with rows of double crochet.

I started this scarf when we were at the snow for a week but pulled it all out because it was too short. Oh well.

The wool is gorgeous and so soft . The pictures don't do the colour justice, but it's a lovely grey/sea greeny colour which looks very distinguished on my distinguished man.

He's a little bit shy!

The colour tones nicely with that greying stubble don't you think?

Everyone say 'Awwwwwww ...'

My friend Caroline is having a baby
and today is her baby shower.
We're off to her mum's house for a special afternoon tea and I'm sure I'll have a glass of bubbles as well.

Caroline is one of the most creative people I know.
She is totally awesome and I know she loves some
crafty goodness so I've been racking my brain what to make for the baby shower.
After spending nearly a week in bed with a bad back (I'm sounding so old aren't I), time was against me .... eek!

What to do ?
What to do?

So last night, in between cooking dinner, doing the washing and updating facebook, I found a brilliant idea (Thanks Martha!)



Can you guess what I'm making?


A gift card ...

Isn't it the sweetest thing?
Perfect for a precious new arrival.

The template for the nappy makes it all so easy peasy.
I stamped the message, but of course you don't have to ....
Take the idea and make it yours.

Hope you're having a lovely Sunday! I'm looking forward to that glass of bubbles and a tiny cupcake (maybe two).

Granny Stripe - Work in Progress

A quick blog post to show off the granny stripe to date.

Progress is being made!

It's sooo easy thanks to Lucy's instructions at Attic 24. Check out her blog if you haven't already. She has inspried me with her gorgeous creations.

I try to fit in a couple of rows of crochet whenever I can.

We made a trip to Bendigo for a family birthday this weekend and I made good use of the 90 minute drive by adding several more stripes

I'm making this blanket for Eliza ..... but I am loving it too much!

Do you think she'll understand? Maybe she'll be prepared to share!

Hooked on .... stripes

My love affair with the hook continues. I've been totally inspired by Lucy at Attic 24. Her gorgeous granny stripe has got me hooked. So I checked out my stash of wool and thought .... I can do that!

And after seriously hurting my back and neck (by stretching - of all things) I was confined to bed for two days . It was too painful to lie down so I propped myself up on pillows, heated the hot water bottle, threw back the painkillers and got out the hook ....

Lucy's instructions are very straight forward and I quickly got the hang of it after the first couple of rows, which are a bit tricky. Then it's just clusters of treble, clusters of treble, clusters of treble - the rhythm is quite mesmerising (or perhaps that was the painkillers!)

And the wonderful thing about crochet is the progress you make. It's soooo quick. I'm making this granny stripe blankie for Eliza who just loves the colour combination. It will be perfect for her to snuggle in front of TV, take in the car on cold mornings and as an extra cover on her bed.

I love it all ready.

Three cheers for three hats

The three little crocheted hats are all finished and this afternoon the little girls tried them on.

Getting everyone to stay still, smile and look at the camera was a challenge ... but you get the idea.

I'm very happy with how they've turned out. Retro Mummy's pattern was easy peasy (which is so my style) and I'll certainly whip up a few hats for friends' children in the future.

The girls love the colours - and what's more they're wearing them - always a bonus I think.

Even Georgia kept hers on!