my creative space...

this week there has been crochet,

I am enjoying the mindlessness of crochet - a great craft to do late into the night and I have to remember to tell myself to go to bed.

For those that are worried that I have given up pointy sticks.  (husband is now calling me a crocheter and is quietly worried that he will not get a knitted beanie as promised)  Knitting has also been happening.  

Come back tomorrow and check out what I finished for Me this week.

Oh, and look what arrived in the mail box.  A package with a little sheep on it.

Thanks to Kristy for another fun week.

Kids behind the lense...

I love...

Amelia 4 years

Baden 2 years

Allowing the kids behind the camera - the two of them had so much fun. I think that Baden may just have a career in photography - he insisted on having the flash up.

To join in the fun - make your way over to Great Fun For Kids

at our house...

I am attempting to get organised. 

Not sure if it is the change in the weather or that I have this head cold that will not go away and leave us alone (we have now all had it and I am a little over it - so head cold - your bags are packed!) But at the moment I cant seem to get myself organised.

I have fallen off the Domestic Guru cleaning wagon and the house is humm - well you get the picture. 
I sat down the other night and decided that I have to be a little more organised.  The days are getting shorter and cooler and dinner has to be on the table a little earlier than what is allowed during the warm months of Summer.  So I headed to the bedside table to collect the recipe magazines.

To my surprise there were 4 there waiting to be read and cooked out of.  How did that happen?  Four - The shopping trolley did it honest- or maybe deep down I knew that I needed to find a few new recipes to cook and make into family favourites.

So I have a list - and I am going to stick to it.  That also includes having the ingredients for them and not having to run out to the shop.  Oh and knowing what is in the pantry - maybe that can be another job on the list of 'to do's' this week.

Monday:  Roast (a family fav) with veges and steamed Broccoli

Tuesday:  Tomato and Chicken Korma Curry (slow cooker mini book)

Wednesday:  State of Orgin Night - Calzones (good taste)

Thursday:  Shepherds Pie (family Fav)

Friday:  Creamy Mustard Prawns (Better Homes and Gardens)

Saturday: Burmo's Beef (Family Fav)

Sunday:  Silverside with Veges

Freezer:  Pumpkin Spice Cake and Sausage Rolls

Baking:  Banana ad Maple Bread, Carrot and Zucchini Slice

My Creative Space...

looks a little like this.

This week I have spent way to many hours on the phone.  Hours that I will not get back.

All because some lovely soul thought that they would go for a taxi, grab themselves something to eat and go for a ride on a train in Egypt.  Lets hope that they put my money to good use at least and saw the pyramids!

So while on the phone, I have had time to crochet, clean out the fridge and dream of my next big project. I would love to do the kids a blanket each.  It is turning cool here and blankets are being dragged into the lounge room for slumber parties.

For many more creative spots all over the world make sure you head over and find them at Kootoyoo.

A Weekend of Colour

As I mentioned on Friday I was lucky enough to spend a weekend knitting at Tangled Yarns.

What an experience.  To sit with so many talented women for a weekend of fun, laughter, food and yarn  What more could a girl ask for (thank you lovely family - it was my mothers day gift)

Sitting beside Biggan Dups and being taught by her.  What a weekend.  If you ever get a chance to attend a workshop by Biggan, don't pass it up.  This women is amazing and the 7 of us on the course have walked away with a mass of knowledge from this talented knitter. (there is another workshop at the store on the 5th/6th of June)

Now onto the class.  With balls of yarn (Biggan's of course) pointy sticks, a pattern and coffee we set out into the unknown world of Colourwork. 

Knit, Knit and Knit some more with a few new skills thrown in and a helping hand from the colourwork expert

 we walked out with 7 (almost) completed Cowls.

We also learnt how to do Steeking. 

(aka - knitting and then cutting your
yarn, a scary thought previously)

What a fun and interesting technique

it is going to be to use and will open up the world of knitting for all of us.

And if you are on Ravelry and have been watching me favour and queue, you will know that I am a little excited of the possibilities of Fair Isle knitting now.

A Market Swap

Do you recall these?  Well they have arrived in their new home.  Go check them out and just in time too because it is turning cold.

And in return this arrived in the mail.

A little Waldorf inspired doll made by Kelly.  Isn't she the cutest with ties in her hair and a knitted hair band. 

The most beautiful eyes.

She has her own little friend and comes complete with stripy leg warmers (move over Flashdance)

She has made herself at home and if she is missing can be found smelling the flowers having a rest or attempting to fit into the doll house.

Now, to decided if I give her to Amelia or keep her for myself.  I am already dreaming of what else I could knit for her.  Her name?  I have no idea - Kelly - did you have one for her - if not suggest away.

If you would like your own Waldorf inspired doll or maybe lil mim! Kelly has a store on Etsy

Hoping that everyone has a great weekend.  I am off to a colourwork workshop in at Tangled Yarns.  I cant wait.

My Creative Space...

hooking again.

As part of a huge Guerrilla Knitting Bomb to descend on Brisbane soon. 

For more information on it go here.
We are also on the search for people to help set up.  You do not need to be able to knit to be part of it!
And to join in the fun head once again to Kootoyoo

Spoilt two days in a row

Not many Mum's are lucky enough to be spoilt two days in a row (or double on the same day as last year)  A busy family weekend and the baptism of a friends little girl was our Sunday - I did not mind - we do not go over board with Mother's Day and instead I enjoyed spending time with my little family at our friends for lunch.

This morning I was greeted by two little ones singing Happy Birthday and with presents under there arms.  So cute - Tim is away for the remainder of the week - so although it was an early wake up call on ones Birthday it was much appreciated. The rest of the day was filled with the normality that is our Monday morning (playgroup and lunch at the park) Finished off with chocolate mud cakes (thanks Betty) because a little girl kept telling me that "You have to have cake on your birthday Mum"

For those that have been following my blog for a few years will know that May is my month - I attempt to sew, knit or craft in general for me in the month of May - so watch this space.

Finally happy  Mothers Day (belated) to all those in blogland and to my own mother, mother-in-law and the three Great Grannies.

Getting Hooked!

In my creative space so far this week I have been hooking - I taught myself a few nights ago and I can not stop. 
It all started with this one.  Karen sent me a photo and asked it I could knit one for her - humm only problem was it was not knitted but instead crocheted.  That involved a hook.  And the hook and I did not have a love for each other - I know how to crochet - but following a pattern is a different story.  Anyway -I got my fingers and head together and just started to make a circle and went from there.

Then, there was the talk of a swap with The Handmaiden and more crochet beanie pictures were shown - sure, I can do that.  So I set to work to see if I could work it out.

And then

and finally a boy one because they always miss out on all the fun.

So what do you think?  I am thinking of making up a few and listing them on the Crafty Mama Congo stall that I should be opening very soon - would you buy them? I would just hate to see them sit there and not be worn to warm a head.  I will also have to find a head model for me.  So, the beanies are nice and fresh and new for there new owners (although all beanies were blocked after the photo's were taken - some people might get a little funny about my two munchkins trying on there hat) So if you know of where I can get a fake head I would love to know.

Be sure to pop over to Kootoyoo and to all those at Stitches an Craft in Melbourne this weekend, have fun.

Two Pointy Sitcks

Have been busy around here - I worked out that I have knitted 630grams for April.  Mad really.

There will be warm heads all over the World.

These two are on there way to Canberra via Jennie for the http://www.calvary-act.com.au/foundation-volunteers.html Cancer Shop.

This one was a request from my brother "Sis, can you knit me a beanie to take over to Germany"  About three days before he flew out.  What are sisters for.

And this one is in the post to Karen

Eden's Adam

The cluckiness is continuing with more little knits this week.

Fresh off the needles is an Eden's Adam.  Yet another pattern from the talented Georgie (you may know her as Tikki)

A little singlet worked seamlessly and top-down. This one is was knitted up in some Debbie Bliss Ecobaby (5ply) and is so soft and perfect for a newborns soft skin. This will be off to the new babe in the next few days (as soon as I have knitted a pair of booties with some left over yarn.

Knit One, Cluck One

Have you ever knitted or crafted something and the whole entire time thought that you were a hen about to lay an egg?  Please tell me that I am not alone.

The April KAL for Tangled Yarns was the new and ever so cute pattern from Amanda Keeys (She has released a book with over 30 of the cutest beanies in it for little ones: Baby Beanies - Happy Hats for Little Heads) Sugar or Spice is her new pattern, a bonnet knitted flat and then joined in the round.

I could not help but pop into Tangled Yarns and grab the kit to knit one up for my niece. 

Then with a few days left in April and the knowledge that we have a dear friend about to have her third little miss any day now I popped back in and grabbed a second ball.  This one is new born size and oh my what more can I say (yes, there was clucking!)

Looking forward to getting these in the post and fingers crossed I get a photo or two sent back to me.

Best make a move.  Pubic Holiday here today and the working Mr is working:( 

I have heaps more to share, April was a mad knitting month and there is so much that I am yet to share.