2011...

What do you have planned for 2011.  2010 seemed to be the year to 'create'.

I don't really have any hard and fixed plans for 2011 - I got a little stressed towards the end of the year with things that I wanted to make and ran out of time for.  Lucky my Mum was understanding with the shawl that she recieved on the 25th of December still on the needles and with ball still hanging (thanks Mum)

Gifts - I would like to once again make most of my gifts this year - I am starting soon - really soon considering that the first of the birthdays occur in the family on the 24th of January and another following on the 25th. 
I am dusting off the machine and sewing gifts as well this year.  Sewing takes alot less time than needles going clickity clack click.

The Kids - With Amelia beginning Prep, I am dreaming of what I will get done during the days.  But am mindful that I have Baden here who really needs some one on one time with his Mumma.  I am in the search of a playgroup for him and will continue to take him to the local library for story time. 

Me - I would like to knit and sew more for me, then I might stop complaining about not being able to find clothes that fit me (thankyou Esprit, Colorado and Cue for changing your sizes and body shapes)

Garden - Spend time in the yard - it is small, but I am learning to look past that - the thing that I am enjoying at the moment is running out with the kids to see if the strawberries are right for the picking.  The herbs are also growing very well with very little care (lets not talk about the tomato plant)

Selling my Skills -  make and sell a few more things that I have made.  This includes looking into setting up a little store (maybe BigCartel or Madeit/Etsy) Input and knowledge appreciated. Top of the list is to make a few things out of the cottage licences that I have already paid good $ for.

Community - I am going to stop talking about inviting people over for morning tea, lunch or dinner and actually do it.  Steph, you are the first on the list so clear your diary :) 

Take part in the meal drive at our church (a drive where meals are provided and dropped around to members if they are sick etc)

Home - Be more organised (I can dream), try a new recipe each week.

The end of 2011 will see us once again pack our boxes and move our family to yet another area of Australia (destination unknown at the moment - will know more in July)  So, there is also a list of things and places that I would like to do and go to in the area before Brisbane is no longer 'home' (these will also be documented)

2010...the year that was...

Knitting...

If you follow or visit this blog than you will already know that the knitting needles were smoking in 2010. 

I sat down and worked out how many things slipped off of the needles. Total count came to 70 wow - I know that I was busy but in my wildest dreams never thought that I had done that much.  No wonder comments included 'knitting queen' along the way.

In that I managed 35 beanies, 13 test knits, 45 gifts, 2 fundraisers and 3 things for me.

I set out the year wanting to take full advantage of being in a capitol city and I think that I did achieve that.  I lept in and took part in the 'I knit Brisbane'.  I also attended two knitting related workshops one being the Colourwork Workshop with Biggan Dups and most recently the Dying workshop with Kelly both of which were held at tangled Yarns.

Other things for the year included teaching myself to crochet and selling a few beanies through Steph of Mon Petite Poppet.  Thanks so much Steph for taking them along to market with you.  I also over came my fears of cables and now spend many an hour looking on Ravelry at amazing patterns.

 I will leave you with the last thing off of the needles for 2010.  A shawl for my Mum.  This was a year long project for me (one of two shawls in 2010) I love the end result but don't think that I will be rushing out to knit with black again in a hurry - it is not something that I could work on at night (being the hours that I get most of my knitting done)  For pattern details and a few more photos make sure you check out Ravelry

Marching on...

March... The start of cool mornings and shorter days, but ALREADY.

Who's bright idea was it to make February a short month, I am sure that it would sound better being
...30 days has September, April, May, June, July and November?  Share the love a little.

So I am living in my own little world and time zone at the moment, my watch reads Wednesday, 31st.  How about yours?

If you have read till this point you have possibly clicked to the fact that I did not get nearly what I wanted to do this month completed.  I did however catch up on January's list (so a positive), however I failed to knit the Feb Lady Sweater - did not even cast it on.  I descided that I would concerntrate on the shawl and of which I only managed to achieve an extra 5 repeats. Lace work is hard going with toddlers and I take my hat off to anyone that enjoy it.

For the 12 in 12 I only managed to sew up a pair of knickers that I had cut out back in hummm July.

I enjoyed making them - but they are HUGE.  And will fit Miss 4 when she is 24 (and I am not being dramatic here - LOOK) (and the other underwear in the picture are big on her to start with)

 So March... Come on down

On the knitting front I have singed up for a challenge, that being to only work on one thing at a time.
I would like to say that I can do it, however I am feeling a little blahblah about the shawl that is on the needles at the moment - it is hard to pick up and put down as I walk around the house chasing the kids, So I think that I am going to change the challenge a little for me and work on the shawl + one other project


Rainbow Dress for Amelia
Finish the Shawl
Milo for Baden
Socks for Tim - finish in time for his birthday - have to make a trip into Tangled Yarns to pick up yarn.
Baby gift - sex unknown - due 16th March

Sewing
I am also going to try and get what I have started finished and then make a start on the kids winter wardrobes.
The 12 in 12 this month is a softie - so something little is in order there.

For the one per month I have a list of recipes and websites that I search when I am looking for a recipe - so will try something from them.

I would also like to try and get a few veges growing - I am missing having a vegetable patch and having that excuss to get outside although it has been raining for a few days here at the moment.  I smiled nicely to the green grocer yesterday and he gave me three boxes and thought that we could start with some lettuce or something in them.

...the tool man

A new little outfit for Baden.  I was a little worried that they looked too much like pj's, so next time I make him shorts I will put on a pocket.  I did do a double stitched seam on the sides and gave him a fake fly. 

The shirt has a machine outlined hammer (a clip art  that I changed slightly) and followed this great tutorial from Clutterpunks blog. (still to get a clear photo of it - a little hard on a moving model)

Have you been following along with the Celebrate the Boy month at Made and Made by Rae?

I have enjoyed seeing lots of the ideas and have an extra long tutorial list now and over flowing ideas.  I recently went to the Matilda's Markets here and was a little disappointed with the lack of boys things available.  I would love to say that I would like to have a stall there and concerntrate on all things boy, although we all know that girls things are oh so cute and yoyo's area quick fix and bring in the $.  I might start small.  There is a new congo cart that has just opened and the sellers are exclusive regular Crafty Mama forum members (of which I am) So keep your eyes open for more info on that in the coming weeks.

The list of Tutorial that I would like to try:

Newboy Cap pattern and tutorial - uses an old mens suit

Dino Mitts - so cute - would make a great gift for a little man or even as a puppet

Soft Baby Book

Pockets for Pants ideas

Boys Sweater Vest

Freezer Paper Stenciling

By Onesie

Car Caddy - this would be great in my bag for Church, Mr B is still 12months off of going to Sunday School

The tie shirt

90minute shirt

Boys Tie

Drawstring Backpack

Fold up cuff pants

Wow - that is a long list - will see how I go.

Feb 1st

...how did that happen - a month already.

How did you go with the first month of your New Years Resolution?

And how many Memes and Challenges did you manage to sign up for?

I started off the year with this list

Lets see how I went:  Red - not completed, Blue - finished, Purple - Added and Completed

Baden's Birthday - Hat, Tool Belt, Shorts and Appliqued top

Baby Gift - Whirligig Shrug

New Niece (unborn) - Knitted Socks and Beanie, Sewn Nappy Cover and Dress

Amelia - Finish off Kindy Sheets and Bag, Hat

Baby Shower Gift - (sew unknown) knitted socks

Baby Gift - Matching Cross Over Outfits for her and big sister (Yet to be blogged)

January Challenge - Something for me, A new pattern and new recipe

Not too bad - still a few things to finish or take pictures of and blog.

We tried a few recipes out of the Deceptively Delicious Book.  They were nice (expecially the cakes and slices and the chickpea and choc chip biscuits did not last long at all) but dont thing that I would bother with some of the main meals agan.  My two are fairly good eaters and I dont really find the need to hide vegetables for them.

So full steam ahead into February.

The One a Month Challenge will see me create a little something out of Felties and  Cook  up a storm out of 501 Low Carb Recipes.

The 12 Months 12 Sewing Challenges  for February- Something in Knit fabric. Thinking at this moment in time a polo for Baden.

I have also signed up for the 2010 Ravelymics (where crazy knitters from around the world will cast on and knit there little hearts out from the opening ceromony on the 12th until the torch goes out on the 28th of  February) I have the dream of  knitting  February Lady Sweater I will see how I go - but I may even sign up for a few little things - like a pair of easy socks that can be knitted during the day or on the nights when brain power is low.

New Year - New Me...

With the new year and the beginning of another Decade I am going to attempt to be organised.

Now no promises - But everyone has to start somewhere.

I will yet again attempt to do a list month by month.  But have also written up a specific knitting intention list which can be found over and the KandK Blog.

This year I am also going to attempt to be oganised at home - after 7 years of marriage and 4 being a stay-a-home Mum, I think that it is about time I start getting the whole housewife thing sorted.   I have a few aids to help me with this; the Mum's Plan it Diary and a Kikki-K Family Planner Calander at the ready. 

I will also attempt to keep on track with the Domestic Guru and have that clean house - I might also inlist the help of happy points.  The idea of knitter Elizabeth Cobbe and can be read in the Interweave Knits Weekend 2009.  It is basically where you give yourself a marble (which = $1) everytime you do your morning house work etc before picking up the needles.  There will be more thought on these Happy Points, so stay tuned.

I would also like to furture my career and am going to look into further study so I am ready to hit the workforce when Baden starts school.

Completed Craftiness in 2009

Wired Santa
Christmas Dress and Shorts
Spring Garden Tee and Skirt
Washcloth Swap
In Full Bloom
QLD Milo
Horsey Milo
Earflap Beanie x 2
Fetchings
Bloom 4ply test
Vneck Vest
A Neck Cozy
A textured cowl
Noble Cowl
Neck Warmer #3
Neck Warmer #2
Polar Fleece Skirt for A
Neck Warmer #1
Newborn Milo Vest
Cord Pinni and Pants (NB)
Hanging Knitting Solution
Sockyboxy for Kelly
Pink Lace Beanie for Gracie
Noro Scarf
Cable Jumper
Noro Inspired Beanie
Newborn Socks - Pink
Coffee Keeper
Cowl Neck Dress
Vintage Berried Cardigan
Cinderalla's Slippers
Aviatrix BeanieVanilla Soaker
Ladybug Loops Longies
Felted Easter Baskets


I will leave you with January's list:

Baden's Birthday - Hat, Tool Belt, Shorts and Appliqued top
Baby Gift - Whirligig Shrug
New Niece (unborn) - Knitted Socks and Beanie, Sewn Nappy Cover and Dress
Amelia - Finish off Kindy Sheets (Mum has almost finished these for me, Thanks Mum) and Bag, Hat
Baby Shower Gift - Sex Unknown - knitted socks
Baby Gift - Matching Cross Over Outfits for her and big sister
Happy New Year to all and see you in a new Decade.

Blue = Finished
Purple = Added and Completed

Blogtoberfest #7 - Finished Knits

It is amazing how much one can knit in a car when they are a passanger.

Approx 14 hours in the car back and forwards to the inlaws (and a little extra at the destination) helped to produce three items and three ticks off my long list. (I still have one to photograph - but here is a taste of what had the needles click clacking)

A QLD Milo for Thomas' second birthday. It is so cute and I am glad that there is enough of this maroon in the stash for Baden for one next year. I did a different cable than what is given with the pattern, I was attempting to achieve something that looked like a Q - what do you think?

In Full Bloom, the second test knit for TiKKi. This one is for Amelia and she is so in love with it.

I entered these in the little country show at my IL's and recieved first place for the Bloom and second for the Milo (well done Georgie on such great patterns)

It's Tuesday and I Can't wait...

...to make another list.

Photo from http://static.bethsoft.com/blog/lists-full.jpg

I did so well in July with my list and felt that I achieved so much that I thought that I would do another one.





Sewing:
Tracksuit pants for me
Undies for Amelia - three sets at least:)
Shorts for Baden
Round Neck Dress (that*darn*kat) Amelia and Isabella
Hat for Baden
Look into Summer Clothes for Amelia, Baden and Myself (think that we will need them in QLD)
Recover the kids couch - if it does not get done not a biggie - will be on the list to do when we
move.

Knitting:

Bloom test knit (finished and gifted)
Baby Sophisticate for Alex (03/10)
Knit MIL a tea cosy
Shrug for Amelia
Milo (23/09)
Bloom - 4ply, 8ply (30/09) and 10ply (I can dream:)
Baby Booties
Something for a newborn little man

Red = completed (or working on)
Blue = Added to the list

Half way there...

Half way through the month and half way through the neck cowls from my list.

Three little Cowls all piled up...

I present to you Cowl #2 and #3

Will be back later with pattern and yarn details.

Making a list and checking it twice!

Well we are half way through the year and I had visions of being on my way to having some Christmas presents started. Humm that is not the case.

Saying that - I really think that I should make a list of things that I would like to achieve. Instead of making a huge list like I have in the past and not achieved anything I am going to attempt to just put the things that I want to do this month.

Lets see how I go.

July List

* Make purple table cloth for BBH market stall - Finished 3/07

* Finish Newborn Ladybug Loops Longies - Finished 4/07

* Knit neck warmers and cowls for A's Kindy Teachers and Aides

(think I have to do 6) - Four completed

* Cord Pinni for Gracie - Finished 7/07

* Cord Pants for Gracie - Finished 7/07

* Post gift to Gracie so she can wear it and I can get a picture of

her in the cute things that I have made her!

* Anna Dress for Amelia - Material Cut

* Yoga Pants for Me - Material Cut

* Milo Vest for Baden - Finished 17/07

* Order wool from Bendigo Mill - humm still waiting for it to arrive!

* Knit bike beanies for Mum and Dad - Waiting on Yarn to arrive

* Put elastic in PJ pants for Baden and take up (mum has done the rest for me - thanks Mum) Done 9/07

* Find the perfect over nappy pants pattern for Baden

* Fingerless gloves for Mum

* Polar Fleece Skirt for Amelia - 9/07 (in my defence it has been sitting cut out for some time)

* Undies for Amelia - four sets cut out.

Ok - I think that is enough for the time being - lets see how I go. Off to boil an egg for the kids for morning tea and make a cake with some sad looking bananas.

And because I can't post with out a photo. We had a roast the other night and I roasted some beetroots - Masterchef style. Baden grabed another off of the bench and this is what I found!

He looks rather pleased with himself doesn't he.

Updated - Red = Finished

Blue = More things Added - opps

How time flies...

Well that is a week and what do I have to prove for it. Humm - I have made a little progress, but was secretly hoping that I would have more to prove for my time.

This seems to be the reason that I have not done as much as first hoped.
Our darling, beloved, purebred (saying all of this cause I really do love her and would not have it another way) Jumped into the dam last Thursday night and tore her leg and chest open. She has jumped into that same dam at the same place every day - but it appears that some delightful children in the area with nothing better to do had dragged a 4by2 piece of timber and dumped it. DH was right behind her and carried her home. And two hours of surgery, an overnight hospital stay and what was going to be my new sewing machine money that I had been saving for she is home. But (there is always a but isn't there!) The delightful mutt darling bit off the stitches and we are now back to the very beginning of the healing process, needless to say she is now looking like something that has just landed from Mars!

Off the list:
Tim's socks are finished - unfortunately the foot is too tight (humm - my tension square for the rib compared to the stocking stitch is completely out. So, they will be keeping my feet warm next winter, not my first choice in colour, but in all reality who is going to see them under long pants and inside boots anyway?

Pattern: Globe Trotter Socks by Jodie Danenberg
Yarn: Zwerger Garn Opal Musica

Needles: 2.25mm
Started: August 8th 2008

Finished: October 25th 2008

1 x tea cosy - finished and I am really happy with how it turned out. I have not stitched the lid in place (thought that I would check it against the recipients tea pot before doing that last final step (note to self: remember to pack spare wool and needle when packing bags to go away for Christmas) This one will be for my Nan, she is a lover of roses. Tim seems to think that she will not use a tea cosy in Mackay - but I beg to differ. (am only showing a sneak peak at this - if you would like to see it in full you will have to go and check it out on Raverly - Have to keep some surprise for Christmas Day!)

Pattern: Grand Purl Baa's Rosie Posy Tea Cosy
Flower: Simple Knitted Rose and Leaf
Yarn: Cleckheaton Country Naturals and Shepherd Colour 4 Me

Needles: 4.5mm Hook: 4mm
Started: October 24th 2008

Finished: October 25th 2008

I have also added to the list (I know I am hopeless) I seriously think that I have CADHD (Crafters AHDH) - there is sure to be a place to send me and like minded people.

Lots more to share and tell but that will leave it for another post.

Making a list and checking it twice!

As I promised myself, I now present you with the list - I hope that I am actually able to manage half of these things - if not, I will be buying handmade from someone to make myself feel a little better about not getting things made myself.

Tim - humm - maybe I will wrap up his socks for him. He has plans of making us a camping trailer next year - So I think that I will get him the how-to book that he has seen.

Washer and Library bag for Kinder x 2
Kindy bag
Dress
Skirt and Matching Tops x 4
Skorts and Matching tops x 1
MellyandMe bag
Crochet Blanket for dolls
Tshirt and Short sets
Knitted Beanies x 2
Knitted Slippers
Shirt with MM print appliqué x 2
Knitted Tea Cosy x 3 (finished 1)
Tissue Holder and Needle Case
Knitted Bag
Appliquéd Onesie/Tee x 2
Crayon Roll
Knitted Washers x 6 and handmade soap
Knitted Fruit and Vegetables
Knitted Neck Cozy
Handmade Jam and Relish
Make, Address, Send Christmas Cards
Write and Email Christmas Letter
Blanket stitch around Santa for Baden's Christmas Sack


and a few random things that I would like to get done before Christmas

Finish Tim's Socks Now mine because they are too small for him (opps!)
New skirts for ME

Links will be added when I get a chance and I am sure that I will add to this list as I think of other things that I would like to do. Am going to aim to have a few things crossed off each week - lets see how I go.

On that - I am going to give myself a little blogging break. I really really need to make a start on said list. We leave for holidays on the 9th December - so I really dont have that much time up my sleeve and would like to have most of this done before then (that being said I will have use of Mum and Grandma's machines)

Christmas Planning!

Can you believe that it is only 64 days till Christmas - where on earth has this year gone.

I have to get organized for Christmas. I had huge plans at the beginning of the year to start a list of what I was going to make through the year and be ready - Humm I am far from ready, I seriously think I need another 9 months...

So - I am going to update the list and print it out and will leave it somewhere that I will see it on a daily basis. (will also pop it on here so I can cross things off and update it - just so I can prove to you all that I will not get anything done and I am dreaming!)

But at the moment I am chasing this little man around the house, he is almost 9 months old and on the move! He is commando crawling and rolling everywhere, it is so cute - but boy he is going to be fast when he finds his knees.
And Amelia is learning to ride her bike - She is doing so well and we are both so proud of her.

Birthday and Random Gift List!

I feel as though I need to get some focus and what better way to do that then start a list!

Are you a list person - I never though myself as one - but becoming a mother has changed me. Lists are great - I have lists for everything it seems and even 'make the bed' gets put on the list of things to do - just so I can tick it off... A little sad I know

So this is my Birthday and Random Gift List - what better place to start!

January
* Amelia - Finish dolls quilt and cover for her doll cot
Make table cubby house cover
Something for her to take up to the hospital
* Friends Newborn & Big Sister - Smock tops and Hug Me Tight!

March
* Easter - Knitted Bunnies, Knitted Finger Puppets, Rocky Road Eggs

April
* Cousin's new babe - MellyandMe bag for big sister (sex of babe unknow)

May
* My Birthday - Big 30 - Humm now what to make for myself! I like this

July
* Grandmother's B'day - Tissue Holder and Needle Case to match her Christmas Present
* Friend turning 29 again - ??? (cause she'll look)
* * Cousin's new babe & Bib Brother gift


August
* Friends B'day - Amy Butler Nappy Bag
* New Cousin Due (boy) - Gift for big sister

September
* Amelia turns 3 - Not sure yet - maybe a kindy bag and a few things for her dolls!

October
* Mum's Birthday - Might get the D9P finished for her!

November
* Friend turning 40 - Something special - not sure yet

December
* Christmas - oh it is just too far away at the moment


If any one has any other ideas let me know - I just remembered that I left out ALL of the nieces and nephews (so will have to come back and do those!) And if anyone can tell me how to put the line through them when I am done that would be FAB!

I have added links of things that I have found on the net - so I hope that helps if you would like to do the same or similar thing!