They're in the mail!

Well, here they are, MIL and my contributions to the Softies for Mirabel 2011 campaign.

The little dolls are courtesy of MIL.

Stripy Ted was handmade by me . This was my first attempt at toy making, I'm pretty happy with the result! His face was really, really hard to get right, so while it's not perfect I'm hoping that the cuddliness of Ted will compensate for his facial features!

Softies for Mirabel

Courtesy of Meet Me at Mike's

Some of my creative energy over the last few weeks has been spent trying to finish my contribution to the Softies for Mirabel campaign.  I have a really bad habit of leaving projects until the 11th hour to complete them, and with submissions needing to be sent early next week, it's going to be a push to the finish line.

I've been making a stripy teddy bear and hopefully he'll keep a special little person in good company for the next few years.  He's been made with love and I hope that he brings love to his new owner. 

I've also inspired my MIL to get involved and she's been beavering away knitting a few softies of her own.  Unfortunately MIL is a huge worrier; if there is something to be worried about, she seeks it out and worries on it for days.  On our recent road trip to Bendigo (to see The White Wedding Dress exhibition, which was totally wonderful...) she was talking to me about some of her worrying. I encouraged her to find a way to feel like she had some control over her worries and maybe finding a way to give to someone in need could help with this. As a result, we've both been crafting, making our softies and taking back control by finding a small way to make a difference.

I'll be sure to post a few pics of both hers and mine before they get sent on their merry way next week.

Phew

I've been working on this baby blanket since August, when one of my close friends had her first baby. 3 months later here were are... project finished!

It was a real chore to get through all of the moss stitch which makes up the body of the blanket; easy, but tiresome.  Knitting the lace border was much more interesting and was something that I hadn't attempted before.

I'm absolutely in love with the finished product; it's nearly as sweet as little baby V herself :)  

Giving

Giving:  the transfer of something without the expectation of receiving something in return...

I really love this sweet little pair of fingerless gloves and I hope that a certain 6 year old will too!

While the weather is probably starting to get a little too warm for gloves, hopefully there will still be a few cold mornings when they can be worn on the walk to school.

I know I've said it before, but I get a real kick out of giving handmade presents; I think it just means that little bit more when the recipient (or in this case, the recipient's Mum!) knows that I have spent time and effort crafting away and creating something lovely just for them!

In other knitting updates... I'm still working on the purple moss stitch baby blanket that I posted a photo of a few weeks ago. I've finished the body of the blanket and am just finishing the edging. I've also started knitting a teddy bear to donate to the Softies for Mirabel campaign; if you're able to make a toy of any sort then you should jump on board as well. You could knit, sew or crochet, anything would be OK, as long as you can do one of these things then I think you should join in! Go on!

Knit and Sew

Last week I roped in a few of my lovely colleagues to spend the day volunteering with me at Save the Children.

We worked our little fingers to the bone, as we stitched knitted squares into blankets. I had also knitted a few squares to donate to the cause and while I didn't have enough for a whole blanket, they got included with some other dontated squares to make up a blanket.

The finished blankets will be sent to India, Cambodia and Laos to help children keep warm in the hope of preventing pneumonia; one of the biggest killers in children under five in the developing world.

Volunteering is one of those things that I've always wanted to do more of, but to be honest I've never prioritised it or really worked at making it happen and that's about to change... as of now. I want to find a regular avenue to volunteer and to give service to the local or global community. I believe that having a more active service role in my life will help me to 'feel right' (one of my recently crafted personal commandments). Being involved in the Born to Knit campaign has been right up my alley; a fantastic combination of my craft and my interest in volunteering.

Now to get knitting for next years Save the Children campaign!

Big wool!

Check out the size of my new yarn! No wonder it's called, Big Wool! I was sucked into buying this yarn and knitting a last minute winter garment for myself (seeing as I didn't finish my blue jumper this season, it's been put aside for completion next year!)

I've also started a blanket, for a new little baby who was born on Census night. The body of the blanket is in moss stitch and there's going to be a special lace style border, that will be a bit more challenging to knit. The moss stitch is getting a little tiresome, but at least it's something easy to work on while watching something nice on TV (like 2 episodes of Mad Men Season 4 on Sunday afternoon!)



Now it's hard to choose which one of these new projects I should be working on right now!

Winter into Spring

I finally finished this man's snood that I was planning to send to Jock Palfreeman, but bad news... I just checked the details for postage and there have been changes to what he is allowed to receive in prison.

I'll contact the administrators of his appeal group and hopefully I can still get this snood to him.

I'm really pleased with the finished product; it even looks good dangling in my tree, imagine how much better it will look on!

It certainly is pretty dreary outside at the moment, but I'm sure that I can feel Spring in the air.  While outside taking these photos the sight of my daffodils certainly lightened up the drab front yard. I love that daffodils make the effort to get you through these last few weeks of a long winter and it's not long to go now, we officially have 2 weeks of winter left and until Spring springs into action.

Keep warm and enjoy the last days of hot chocolates and snuggling in front of the heater.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

I've started reading 'The Happiness Project' by Gretchen Rubin and I've signed myself up for her daily 'happiness' emails.

I'm really enjoying the book; it captures Gretchen's challenge to self to be more happy, more fulfilled and appreciative of the great life that she has. Over the course of a year, she creates her personal framework for happiness, her 12 personal commandments and each month sets herself a few themed tasks (pick up the book to find out more!).

Yesterday the 'happiness' email popped into my inbox with an incredibly tantalising subject line; 'The Joy of Craft'. As a self confessed crafter I was keen to read more. The article was about Frederick P. Brooks' book, 'The Mythical Man Month: Essays on Software Engineering'; what on earth does this have to do with crafting? Well, craft can come in many different forms; maybe software engineering is one of them and maybe knitting is another one. Each to their own, I say.

Here's the part of the article that really struck a chord with me:

Nothing is inherently fun. Some people find computer programming fun, or skiing, shopping, drinking wine, doing crossword puzzles, playing tennis, knitting, fly-fishing, watching American Idol. I find none of these things fun. But then, some people wouldn't enjoy blogging -- or reading books about computer programming! Which I do find fun.
But apart from the particular fun (or not) of computer programming, Brooks had a great list of the reasons that "craft" is fun:

1. "The sheer joy of making things." Not to be underestimated.
2. "The pleasure of making things that are useful to other people." Seeing other people take delight in what we've created, or benefit from something we've done, is enormously satisfying.
3. "The fascination of fashioning complex puzzle-like objects...and watching them work." Getting something to WORK. An under-appreciated joy. Gosh, when I finally got some songs to load into my iPod, I thought I would break into song.
4. "The joy of always learning, which springs from the nonrepeating nature of the task."
5. "The delight of working in such a tractable medium. The programmer, like the poet, works only slightly removed from pure thought-stuff." True -- but the opposite of a profound truth is also true, and I think there's a mirror pleasure to be gained from dealing with actual, physical, tangible materials.

Source: http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2011/07/i-recently-read-sort-of-frederick-brookss-the-mythical-man-month-as-i-understand-it-its-a-cult-classic-and-i-was-very.html

Like wow. How awesome is that. Reading this reminded me of why it's so important to have a 'craft', whatever it may be and how much enjoyment it can bring to your life. It feels like I'm having all of these little 'a-ha' moments over the last few weeks and this little article gave me another one.

I encourage you to have a think about your 'craft'; do you have one? If not, have a think about getting one, or maybe two or three. And make sure you let me know about it!

Deja vu

Did I actually experience the last week, or is it still last Sunday? It feels a lot like I'm doing the exact same thing that I was last weekend; rugging up, knitting and watching movies.  The Melbourne winter sure has set in today; it's been sleeting and it's very cold outside. 

No harm done for me though; this weather just creates more time for me to indulge in indoor activities (and no, I don't mean cleaning, washing clothes and cooking; although all of those things have been done this weekend too!) I mean, knitting, of course!

I cast off these cute fingerless gloves (but I still need to sew them up and sew in all of the thread ends), which will be for a girlfriend's daughter's birthday in August. I think she'll love the bright colours and the novelty of gloves (the pattern is Debbie Bliss).

Another girlfriend is having a baby in a few weeks; whaddya know, another baby! There are babies left, right and centre in my life these days.  I have a feeling that she's having a boy, so I'm starting on this hat and booties combo (the patterns are from Sublime) for her little one. Fingers crossed it is a boy, or else I'm going to have to start something else!

I've also been buying a few new albumns and songs on iTunes this afternoon. Have you heard, 'Beautiful Trash' by Lanu featuring Megan Washington? It's really ace.

Lastly, I have the slow cooker switched on and it's full of lots of veggies, some red meat, lots of herbs and some stock. All Jason need do is cook some rice and dinner is sorted. What better end could there be to a rainy Sunday.

Have a good week x

Rainy Sundays

What better days are there than rainy Sundays.  They're the perfect excuse to knit the afternoon away.

I'm trying to finish this man's scarf and also a scarf for me.  The man's scarf (or snood, it should really be called), is going to be posted to Bulgaria; you can read about why I'm doing that here.

The one for me is in a lovely angora, grey flecked yarn. It's so soft and will be incredibly snug. I've finally just started the last ball of yarn and my goal is to finish it today.

So, with that deadline in mind, it's back to the knitting sweat-shop for me!

(P.S. I do have some company, this little critter is also spending Sunday afternoon on the couch!)



Another project finished

Another project cast off, sewn up and ready to pop in the post!

This little pinafore dress may just be the cutest thing I have knitted. I think it's such a sweet little pattern and it was so quick and easy to make. I think that the next few baby girls that come along will also be receiving one of these little gems.

If only the projects for me were as quick and easy to complete!

Addiction

Some people suffer from horrible, debilitating addictions. These addictions ruin people's lives and cause great pain and suffering.

I also suffer from an addiction; but it's a lovely, life enriching addiction... I'm addicted to buying yarn.

My addiction often rears it's head on a Saturday morning and it plays out a little something like this;

• Hmmm, I know I have so many other projects to finish, but it sure would be lovely to start a new one on this cold Melbourne weekend.
• The yarn shop is only a short drive away; I can get there and back in no time at all.
• Anyway, I don't spend a lot of money on me anyway; I don't smoke or gamble (I do drink though!) or waste my money on silly things.... I deserve it!
• OK, I'm doing it; keys are located, purse in hand and I'm out the door.
• A short drive later I arrive and the browsing begins.
• Half an hour to 45 minutes later (this can be longer if I have a friend in tow), I've had a wonderful time looking through books and gazing at the lovely yarns.
• Needless to say, I have spied a few things that I simply MUST have.

At the end of my escapade, I walk away a few dollars poorer, but all the more enriched and glad that I have a lovely hobby to help me unwind and de-stress.  And that, I think, is priceless.

Finished!

The result of a few hours spent knitting this weekend!

I started this cable hat over the Easter break, but I had only knitted the ribbed band before this weekend.  So, after many episodes of Season 2 of 'The House of Eliott' and cups of coffee, here's the finished product!

I'm sure that this lovely little hat will be just the thing to keep me warm on frosty Melbourne mornings.

Knit, purl, knit, purl

My vintage jumper has had a change of pattern. The first one I chose became a bit too fiddly and I had to concentrate too much; I'm someone who knits and watches TV at the same time, so too much concentrating on the knitting is not a good thing! This new pattern is working out very nicely; I've already completed the back and have started working on the front. I have lengthened the pattern as it looks quite short in this photo; let's hope my estimating works out!

I've also been working on a project for a new baby. I really love knitting for little people; the projects are so sweet and quick to finish. The other wonderful thing about knitting for little people is that the Mum's really appreciate your time and effort; nothing feels better than a new Mum thanking you for the little gift that you have made their new baby.  This photo is a sneak peak of a new baby present that I'm just about finished. I've just started sewing the seams and threading the ends in; not long to go now!



There's 24cm less of me!

Today was my month 2 anniversary with Curves and I was excited to be told that in that time I've lost 24cm of myself! Hopefully it wasn't any of the good parts!

I'm really enjoying my more balanced lifestyle, with a dedicated exercise routine to balance the time I spend sitting on the couch knitting (I joke not!) I know I've said this before, but it's quite dangerous to have a sedentary hobby. I could happily spend the afternoon knitting and purling and now I can do so without guilt!

Speaking of knitting, I haven't posted many updates lately, so I'll endeavour to do so tomorrow.

Until then, I'll be working on my vintage jumper this afternoon and then out for dinner tonight at Phamish (the pumpkin, parmesan and sage risotto sounds divine, as does the crispy skin barramundi...)

Nice things to do

In the middle of another busy week at work, I took some time out tonight to think about some nice things to do over the next few weeks. I've been so flat strap during the weeks that I want to make sure I have a few special things 'just for me' coming up.

Here's the list:

• Mulgrave Makers Market on 26th June. I haven't been before but have heard good reviews.
• Go to the movies and see The Hangover 2. It looks like a repeat of last time but if I laugh half as much as I did during the first movie, it will be money well spent!
• Book a weekend away for our wedding anniversary.  We made a pact on our first wedding anniversary that we would always try and get away for a weekend to celebrate. Pet friendly accommodation, of course!
• Make time to knit. I have a new baby project to finish; I've finished knitting and now just need to sew the garment together. I think this little item is the cutest thing I have ever made! Photos to come...
• I'm staying with my sister in Sydney for a couple of nights this week and am back again next week. While it makes for a long work week, it's great that she's back here now and we can catch up more often.
• We're having dinner at Phamish on Saturday night. I've not been before but have heard good things; watch this space!

I'm sure that getting through the work week will be a little easier knowing that I have this great list of things to look forward to. Here's to the weeks getting a little calmer very soon.

Relaxing on a Sunday

There's nothing better than a relaxing Sunday.

My Sunday started with a delicious brunch at Tre Bicchieri @ 623 Rathdowne St, Carlton North. I had baked eggs with prosciutto and tomato. It was so light, tasty and moreish.

My girlfriend and I then proceeded to sip our second lattes and pulled out our knitting. We sat in window seats, taking in the few rays of sunshine that peeped out in between the showers, we knitted a few rows (or unpicked a few rows!) and caught up.

After the coffee was drunk and the conversation came to a natural pause, we pounded the pavement and checked out some of the cute little shops in the vicinity. I bought some cute vintage cards at Belki (the cards are made by Writeables.) Aren't they just divine...

We hit a few more shops and then headed home to see what the afternoon would bring. And so another week finishes and a new one begins. 

Busy, busy, busy

This week and the one to come have one word written all over them; busy. My work life balance is definitely out of skew at the moment. I've not even had the time (or the inspiration) to blog or do much knitting. What a sorry state of affairs.

Maybe I didn't help myself by having Monday off work, but I had my Mum here for the weekend and we had a lovely time catching up and doing lots of wonderful things.  We saw the King Tut exhibition, which I blogged about here. We went out for dinner at Italy 1; it was good, but the food was not quite as special as I had hoped. We went to the movies and saw 'Something Borrowed'; again, good but not spectacular, definitely something to see with your girlfriends and not your man! We went to my favorite yarn store, Sun Spun; we browsed through the lovely patterns and yarn. Then we both made some purchases and proceeded to spend the afternoon on the couch casting on. All in all, it was a pretty great weekend.

I've also been trying to finish off a couple of items that need to be returned to the library (as much as I love the library, I dislike being on a reading/watching schedule to get things back on time). I'm reading 'One Day' by David Nichols. It's about 2 people who meet at University and then how their lives cross over, apart and hopefully back together again (I'm still reading, so not sure how it finishes!) I've also just noticed through my googling, that there will be a movie based on the book coming out later this year. Anne Hathaway will be playing the main female character, Emma Morley. Sounds like another good movie to see with your girlfriends or Mum.

The other item that needs to be returned is 'Mad Men' - season 3. I've written about why I find 'Mad Men' so interesting before. By season 3 the plot really has thickened and we know a lot more about Don Draper than I did back in March when I first started watching. I'm still loving the series; mainly for all of the cultural references and for what we see of life being lived in the 1960's. The role of women, the prejudice towards people who are not Anglo-Americans, homophobia and the lack of productivity in the office are all so interesting to me. While we don't by any means live in a perfect world now, I'm thankful to live in a time when some of these major prejudices have been largely ironed out and even legislated against.

I'm off now to enjoy my Sunday at home. Hopefully I can find some time for myself this week to write another post or two.

Casting on and off

As the cooler weather continues to set in, I've been busy casting off a few projects.

I finished a lovely little baby blanket for my work friend and her new bub, Felix. The squares are knitted individually in garter stitch (the easiest stitch!) I'm really happy with the finished product and I received a call from Felix's Mum during the week; she thinks it's pretty nice too!

I also finished a little hat for me. I actually started this last winter in a flurry of wintry enthusiasm for knitting. It was knitted on teeny tiny needles, so actually took a while to complete. I'm looking forward to having it keep my head toasty warm this winter.



So surely finishing a couple of projects justifies buying more yarn for new ones? Well, combine that statement with the knowledge that two more friends are expecting babies in the coming months and the justification seems clear! I went shopping with Mum yesterday and we had a great time browsing, deciding and purchasing new yarns.

I also found this Sublime pattern book which has the sweetest little designs; lots of beanies, booties and cute as jumpers and pinafores.



With today's weather forecasted to be 17 degrees and showers; guess what I'm planning...

Round up from my days away

We woke up to a crisp Hepburn morning.

I got some knitting done; this is going to be a hat/beanie for me.

We filled up our water bottles at the Hepburn Springs.



I found some old knitting pattern books in an Antique store.



We found this cute gift store where I bought a copy of Spaces; a really lovely interiors magazine from the people at Frankie Magazine. I've also just bought the latest edition of Frankie; it was out last week and it's wonderful (as per usual).

And now we're back home! 2 more days of the long weekend to go...