Arty Lady's blog

Handspun - BFL and silk

2012-01-30T15:27:00.000+11:00

I managed to spin just over 1 kg of the most gorgeous and soft BFL and silk in a couple of weeks - I cannot remember the last time I spun so much and in 30+ degrees heat! The fibre was purchased from http://woolznyarnz.blogspot.com/ where I purchase the majority of my yummy fibre.

It was glorious to spin, although I did end up covered in silk fragments which I just brushed off and spun. My intention is to knit a hooded vest with this yarn.

Art Yarn - Textured

2012-01-25T09:59:00.001+11:00

Recently I purchased Jacey Boggs' new book "Spin Art" and her group on Ravelry is working through the book, one yarn per month.

The first yarn is "Racing Stripes" and I enjoyed spinning this yarn so much that I did it twice - I am hoping to use the yarn from Jacey's book in a vest so will be attempting to use similar hues/tones (greens/blues/purples) for the spinning along.

Street Art/Graffiti

2012-01-10T14:58:00.000+11:00

I spent a wonderful day in the CBD yesterday, getting there at 7.30am, to take photos of various alleyways in Melbourne including infamous lanes such as Hosier and ACDC. Here is the result of my fruitful day.

Weave It Loom/Weaving

2012-01-09T19:33:00.000+11:00

I spent a wonderful day at the Victorian Handweavers and Spinners Guild learning to use a "Weave It Loom". Whilst fairly simple to set up and weave, I did find it time-consuming.

My first square was with sock yarn and turned out very open weaved and really quite useless for anything. The second square was with thick and thin textured yarn and was aesthetically more pleasing but also firmer in texture; the only problem with the second sample - very difficult to weave due to the thickness of the yarn (a slighter thinner yarn would have been perfect). Whilst Weave It Looms are vintage, you can make one yourself and there are a couple of sites on the internet which show you how to do it. I think even I could manage hammering a few nails into a frame (perhaps picture frame).

Lerderderg Gorge

2012-01-05T14:56:00.000+11:00

Just got back from visiting a local State Park - Lerderderg Gorge at Bacchus Marsh. Whilst there wasn't a great deal of water there was enough for the kids to have a play and get wet.

(From a website) the Lerderderg River rises in the Great Dividing Range and has cut a 300 metre deep gorge through sandstone and slate, almost bisecting the park. The park has a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife and some interesting relics of goldmining. Lerderderg State Park offers a true bush experience. Walking is the best way to get to know the park - there are several tracks for a range of walks from short, easy strolls to strenuous overnight hikes for experienced bushwalkers.

Repeat Performance Socks

2011-12-30T12:07:00.000+11:00

Phew, completed the second part of the Triplicity KAL just in time for the closure of the year. Repeat Performance socks (see here for link http://knitpurlhunter.com/kal/repeat-performance/repeat-performance-revealed/).
I purchased 100% spun BFL from my wonderful fibre supplier Karen at http://woolznyarnz.blogspot.com/ and dyed the yarn purple (it actually turned out a burgundy colour) and ended up twist the BFL with Gutermann glitter thread (not only to give it sparkle but to also add nylon to the mix)

Flowers

2011-12-29T11:00:00.001+11:00

I don't work in acrylics very much, in fact, I haven't really painted much of late neither. Anyhow, after watching a Channel 31 show, I was inspired to do this painting using enamel black paint. I had so much fun using the enamel, dribbling it over the painting and highlighting areas with bigger blobs; this type of art is very "messy" for me but enjoyable. I found the enamel gave a dimensional effect where I used it thickly.

Christmas Advent Garland

2011-12-24T18:36:00.000+11:00

I did it! I kept up with a Christmas KAL which finished today. During December, every day we received a new pattern from Frankie Brown (sorry there is no link but you can search the name on Ravelry), the end product being a countdown to Christmas (Advent Garland).

I wish everyone out there a very happy holiday season and may 2012 be filled with love and happiness for you all!

Christmas Gifts

2011-12-19T16:28:00.000+11:00

It has been a long time between posts. I have been busy trying to keep up with my KALs and making Christmas gifts - here is a sample of what I have made.

Firstly, some Goats Milk Soap with French Vanilla. I must say the soap smelt nice before adding the oil, but smells even nicer (if possible) after the few drops of Vanilla were added. This was my first attempt at making soap and I got my supplies from http://www.hobbygalaxy.com.au/soap-making.html. Next time, when I have a little more time at hand, I will make the soap from scratch.

The next item I made was some Bath Salts with Mandarin fragrance. Basically I used Epsom salts, colouring and Mandarin oil (pure essential oil, naturally). Mandarin has some wonderfully beneficial properties including antiseptic, good for circulation and calming.

Lastly, to tie all gifts together I knitted some cotton dishcloths. If you look closely you will see a picture of a Goat (the purpose of this is to link the Goats Milk Soap to the dishcloth).

Big Snowy Owl

2011-11-27T15:38:00.002+11:00

This was an incredibly quick and easy project to knit up - mind you, it is EXTREMELY large. If I was going to redo it I would use the same chunky yarn but instead of a size 12mm needle I would probably go down to a 10mm to make it a tighter knit. Anyhow, it is sitting on my bed very alert.

Click here to check out the pattern http://www.purlbee.com/big-snowy-owl/

Vinyl

2011-11-18T19:33:00.005+11:00

I have made many bowls and bangles from used LPs, purchased on my Opp Shop travels. After discussing various crafting ideas last night over coffee and cake, with a group of lovely ladies, thought I would share two photos. The LPs are easily heated in the oven and then moulded or cut to design.

Sunset

2011-11-12T11:43:00.004+11:00

Went out with my photography group last night and took photos of the sunset from a field in the middle of no where. The sunset was spectacular, and magically appeared and disappeared just as fast.

Note to self - must wear sleeves next time I do a night shoot so I don't get eaten by mozzies!

Doll

2011-11-12T11:23:00.004+11:00

I'm not one to overlook a photo opportunity, even of a small doll run over by a car!

Zombie

2011-11-08T06:26:00.004+11:00

This is one of my favourite Zombie photos, taken two weekends ago. This Zombie was extremely tall (I'm assuming he was on stilts) but I wasn't not game to either get up close to have a look, nor ask him.

I have also entered the photo in a weekly competition found at http://www.iheartfaces.com

Art Yarn - Beehives

2011-11-02T06:34:00.009+11:00

They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. ..........

After spinning a skein of beehive yarn I was wondering what to do with it - I didn't think there was enough for a hat - and then I remembered seeing beehive yarn in a frame. I thought I would also try to do this - I'm sorry I can't remember where I saw it or who originally made it, to give the credit where it is due, but who ever you are rest assure I made this only for my benefit and not to sell.

Here is my beehive yarn before and displayed in the frame -

Melbourne Zombie Shuffle

2011-10-30T16:16:00.004+11:00

Melbourne's annual Zombie Shuffle was held this weekend with hundreds of wonderful zombies and gouls lingering around the CBD. This is the fourth year it has been held and gives all creative people a chance to flaunt it, and not to mention us budding photographers another photo opportunity.

Triplicity Shawl

2011-10-28T20:26:00.006+11:00

Another KAL - this time it consists of four items spaced (generously) over equal months.

The first KAL was the Triplicity shawlette which I have just completed (and within one day of receiving the last instruction - can you tell I am pretty pleased with myself for achieving this). I knitted the shawlette in Lincraft's Supersoft which is 50% nylon and 50% acrylic - the yarn is very soft but splits when knitting, therefore extra care is necessary.

The next three items for the KAL will be socks, mittens and more socks and details on the KAL can be found here http://knitpurlhunter.com/kal/kal-info/

Tea Cosy

2011-10-27T16:07:00.003+11:00

It took a while (not the knitting but the sewing up) but I finally finished my mouse tea cosy by Debi Birkin http://www.debibirkin.com/. Debi has many wonderful and unique designs which are very easy to follow.

Rhubarb Muffins

2011-10-17T16:14:00.004+11:00

I made some yummy rhubarb muffins on the weekend whcih are just right for kid's lunches. I'm not sure where the recipe came from but it has been tweaked a little and thought I would share it.

Ingredients:
500 gm plain flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
250 gm brown sugar
350 ml milk
2 eggs
3/4 bunch cooked rhubarb (cook with some sugar and touch of water)
vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

Topping:
4 tablespoons castor sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat over to 180C. Grease muffin tray with oil spray.
Sift flour and baking powder and then mix in brown sugar.
In a separate bowl mix milk with eggs and add to flour mixture.
Add rhubarb and if the mixture is a little dry add some oil so it
is cake consistency.
Spoon into muffin moulds (2/3 full) and sprinkle topping on top.
Bake for around 20-25 minutes and let cool before removing
from tray.
Makes 20-25 muffins.

Sassymetrical

2011-10-17T14:08:00.007+11:00

A lesson in what not to do! Do not start a project unless you are 100% certain you have enough wool to finish it.

I started this mini cardigan over one year ago using Malabrigo Cotton. Unfortunately I ran out of the cotton whilst doing the last of three bands. The cotton is not available in Australia and it took me months and months to find one skein (well I actually only needed probably 1/3) to finish the cardigan. I am TOTALLY over the project and will probably never wear the cardi.

Anyhow.... it's no longer a UFO.

BTW, the pattern is Sassymetrical

New Spindle

2011-10-14T14:09:00.005+11:00

Look what arrived in today's mail - a new Spindle! This gorgeous spindle is from Whorled Domination - I am participating in the Spindle Club so every few months I get to build up my collection. This 63gm spindle has black lacquered bamboo shaft with a 50mm Lapis Chrysocolla Whorl. It feels and looks beautiful - now to put it to the test...............

Dairing Wool and Fabric Yarn

2011-10-10T10:45:00.004+11:00

I had tremendous fun knitting this scarf (BTW, the photo doesn't really do it justice). The "yarn" was purchased from Dairing in Richmond and consists of wool and fabric strips attached randomly together. It is another example of arm knitting and knits up very fast indeed.

There is no need to actually purchase the yarn, it would be quite simple to make yourself from at least a 12 (but preferably 20) ply yarn and strips of fabric. I may try it again in purples/greens/ blues - my favourite colour combo; but then again, how many scarves does one need?

White Swan Scarf

2011-10-09T12:36:00.004+11:00

In a previous post I shared the wedding winter batts from Nunnaba which I spun up into fine yarn; here is the finished scarf (designed by Kit Baldassara) and spun in the merino/glitz. I love the dangly bits. My daughter modelled the scarf for the photo and decided there & then the scarf was for her :(

Creepy Cute Crochet - Queen Vampire

2011-10-03T16:24:00.003+11:00

Continuing on from my favourite book at the moment, I'd like to introduce Queen Vampire. Don't you just love her coiffured hair and attire.

Handspun Merino/Glitz

2011-10-02T14:10:00.009+11:00

I busily spent the last three days spinning and plying some merino/glitz batts from Nunnaba for a scarf project I have in mind http://www.etsy.com/shop/nunnaba

It is the first time I plied on my Majacraft Little Gem and it was such a smooth process - I really enjoyed it and didn't find it tedious (as I usually do when I ply).

Stayed tuned for the scarf....

Hard Core Spun Hat

2011-10-01T15:00:00.007+10:00

This hat was spun using Southern Cross fibres as part of a SAL challenge. I spun the yarn using core spun technique and the pattern was "Hard Core Spun Hat" by Linda H ("Coollinda" on Ravelry).

Bridge of Roses Socks

2011-09-28T11:29:00.004+10:00

I participated in another KAL and again with Knitters Brewing http://www.knittersbrewing.com/ whom I think has the best sock kits/yarn and also superb customer service.

The socks were fun to knit - I wish I could say the same as the embroidery (which I haven't done for years). The bullion roses were certainly a challenge and this is what delayed the finishing of the socks.

Creepy Cute Crochet - Nosferatu

2011-09-27T06:49:00.004+10:00

Number 2 complete - I am really enjoying working through this book, and the items are not that large, so can be completed in one day. Unfortunately because of the contrast between (black and white) it didn't photograph too well, very overexposed.

Pendrell Dragon - Puff 2

2011-09-26T06:49:00.005+10:00

Phew. It took a few months but I have finally completed Puff, a pattern by Wendy Chapman and Alison Dews. Whilst bobbin lace is not new to me, fillings are - and this has a number of fillings including simple spider and tallies, 8 thread armure and plaits. I worked it in silk which gives it a lovely sheen.

In the future I think I will make a different Dragon so there is a pair.

Creepy Cute Crochet - Devil

2011-09-21T12:06:00.005+10:00

I am in love! At a recent lace meeting a lady introduced me to a book she had worked through called "Creepy Cute Crochet" - I fell in love and just had to get the book; whilst I had every intention to make the items I could contently sit there and just oodle the pages http://www.amazon.com/Creepy-Cute-Crochet-Christen-Haden/dp/1594742324

I have set myself a personal goal to work through the book at make the little creatures, from beginning to end, starting with The Devil.

Art Yarns - Coils and Beehives

2011-09-18T09:11:00.002+10:00

Purchased some specifically dyed fibre from Kathy at http://www.kathysfibres.com/ in order to have a play with beehives and coils. Here is my first attempt using this technique. I have fibre left over so intend doing some more shortly.

Hermione the Unicorn

2011-09-13T16:38:00.003+10:00

Just completed another one of thge wonderful Dawn Toussaint's CAL's - this time I would like to introdeuce Hermione the Unicorn. This was a fun creature to crochet thanks again to Dawn's exceptional instructions http://dawntoussaint.blogspot.com/2011/08/september-cal-hermione-unicorn.html.

Wildlife Photography

2011-09-09T08:51:00.003+10:00

Recently I participated in a Wildlife Masterclass with Sarah Louise) you can see some of her amazing shots at http://www.sarahlouisephotography.com.au/).

We visited the Ballarat Wildlife Park http://wildlifepark.com.au/ and besides taking hundreds of photos we picked up some tips along the way. I experimented with photography through glass panes and it seemed to have worked, I took very few photos with reflection.

Crochet Ripple Quilt

2011-09-03T09:30:00.005+10:00

I finally completed the crochet ripple quilt which was started last year. Acrylic was used to make this Lucy of Attic24 quilt; a very easy pattern, just a lot and lot of rows to make a decent sized rug.

Knitted Hat

2011-08-21T16:10:00.008+10:00

Finally made something out of the handspun Corriedale yarn. Here is a knitted hat using DROPS 85-12 pattern nib. I modified the hat closure as I didn't particularly like the DROPS top and preferred a rounder finish.

Curly Scarf

2011-08-13T13:52:00.005+10:00

These types of scarves are the latest trend with knitters. The yarn I used was Panda Sashay which is a polyester blend (basically it's got netting on one side and a more dense binding

which is used for the curling effect) - the Panda wool has glitter in this binding. Rather than knitting this yarn, I wanted a curlier effect so I used double crochet in the netting.

Cropped Vest

2011-08-07T17:34:00.002+10:00

Here is a little vest I just finished knitting using a variety of yarns (I cheated, I bought the various yarns together in one yarn! - if that makes sense). I wanted a neutral vest to wear over long sleeve tshirts, hence I knitted this vest to my own pattern (which of course I didn' think to write down).

Carrickmacross Lace

2011-08-04T16:51:00.002+10:00

I attended a one day Carrickmacross workshop at our Lace Guild quite a while ago and here is my second piece, mounted on a Torchon lace mat. I really enjoy making Carrickmacross and have an excellent instruction book by Mary Shields which guides me all the way.

A Series of Reflection

2011-07-24T16:26:00.007+10:00

On a recent visit to Echuca, on the Murray River, I decided to do a series called "Reflection". It was a beautiful cold and crisp morning with the sun shining. The river was still and the reflections breathtaking. Here are a few of the many photos I took (aperature priority, no tripod necessary)

Tailspinning

2011-07-11T14:18:00.002+10:00

I really enjoyed the SLOW process of making tailspun with English Leicester, using Lexi Boeger's technique. It is very time consuming (and I thought lace making was time intensive) but rewarding. I have a lot of other "tails" to spin including some magnificant Wensleydale from Namaste farm and some Mohair too.

I'm not sure what to do with this sample - I would need a lot more to make a hat or scarf.

Dandelion Beret

2011-07-07T15:29:00.004+10:00

Just finished a Ravelry KAL - Dandelion hat by the talented Jen Adams http://www.littleyellowcat.com/. I intended on spinning the yarn but in the end decided "no", and bought some Heirloom Merino Fleck which I just love. The pattern was a dream to knit, and it's a lovely slouch hat which won't flatten my curls too much.

Thick n Thin spinning

2011-07-06T16:03:00.005+10:00

Just finished another thick n thin spin using some fibres from Kathy's amazing shop http://www.kathysfibres.com/. I used the technique described in Lexi's Intertwined book, which is now my bible for art yarn.

Arm Knitting - scarf

2011-06-27T17:02:00.004+10:00

Thanks to the wonderful inspiration from Teresa at Dairing http://www.dairing.com/ and some awesome (old) notes from the Marta's yarns, I successfully made a scarf by arm knitting. It certainly isn't as complicated as I thought, and oh so quick. To get this really long, and cosy, scarf it took me probably 15-20 minutes. Once knitted, I then (tried to) felt it in the washing machine (having a front loader, makes felting very difficult).

2011-06-22T10:30:00.002+10:00

Recently I discovered an Australian aromatherapy company whose products and oils are the bedst I have come across. I recently attended one of their workshops and we made mouthwash and tooth powder with all natural ingredients (and a little alcohol!). Making your own products not only allows you the opportunity to see all the ingredients but in the long run, it is very economical. Next on my agenda is homemade shampoo, conditioner and face cream.

There website if anyone wants to have a little browse is http://www.amazing-scents.com/.

Anyhow, I don't think I am breaking any trade secrets, here are the recipes for the mouthwash and tooth powder -
Mouth wash
Water
1 tablespoon vodka (no drinking it first!)
12 drops peppermint oil
10 drops spearmint oil
8 drops lemon oil.
Shake it.

Tooth powder
1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt (love this)
2 tablespoons bicarb
3 drops clove
1 drop cinnamon
7 drops lemon
7 drops peppermint
7 drops spearmint.
Mix together

Fairy Floss

2011-06-21T12:00:00.004+10:00

Well not really, but it certainly looks like it. I received these lovely goodies from SPIN FUSION http://www.spinfusion.net/and the "fairy floss" is actually merino, tencel, bamboo, faux angora, firestar and angelina (I think I'm in heaven). It is part of a WIZARD OF OZ Spin-Along and I chose the Glinda, The Good Witch pack. There is also some pearl beads, sequins, ribbon, gorgeous stitch markers and a really sweet Glinda magnet. I'm really looking forward to putting on my thinking cap to see how to incorporate all the add-ons.

Coode Island

2011-06-20T16:55:00.003+10:00

It was a 5.30am start but the photography groups managed the early morning (and dark) start and bused it to Coode Island to take some photos of Melbourne's skyline and port not only in the dark but at sunrise.

Queens Park

2011-06-20T06:36:00.004+10:00

Photography has been my life of late - and all other crafts have been put on the backburner.

I must say I really enjoyed our night photography assignment at Queens Park. Here I attempted to pan vehicles to get the light trail. I also learnt to shoot in low light using a tripod and NO flash - amazing how some of the photos actually turned out (much brighter than IRL).

I have learnt a tremendous amount at the photography workshops and would highly recommend the course, if you live in the vicincity and like photography, the Club - details can be found at http://essendoncameraclub.org.au/

Pipemakers Park

2011-06-10T06:33:00.003+10:00

As part of a photography expedition we visited a historial park surrounded by Maribyrnong River. There was so much to see and snap; I even attempted (and fell in love with) panning. We also photographed gorgeous models at the park, however unfortunately I cannot share these photos as there was no waiver form signed.

Storm

2011-05-22T13:54:00.001+10:00

One of the many photographs of Melbourne Storm I took with my telephoto lens. I quite like this photo because it shows Cameron Smith in action.

Art Yarn - Thick 'n Thin

2011-04-30T14:41:00.001+10:00

Had a play with some wonderful fibres from Kathy http://www.kathysfibres.com/ and spun thick 'n thin, using Jacey's video for guidance. I really enjoyed spinning this, although it does take a lot of practice to get away from even spinning, which is drummed in to every Spinner when they first learn the craftr.

Basketweave Hat

2011-04-23T16:25:00.003+10:00

I knitted a beanie for a friend's birthday; quite a while ago he asked me to knit him a collingwood beanie and I really struggled with this however this is the closest I could get to that team's beanie using their colourway.

BTW I made the pattern for the beanie myself using basketweave for the body of the hat. The pattern can be found here at
http://www.scribd.com/doc/53667256/Pattern-Basket-Weave-Hat

2011-04-22T10:50:00.004+10:00

Using the art yarns I recently spun at Lexi's workshop I made an art yarn scarf, bound together with silk thread.

I have already received some lovely comments on it; in fact one person asked if I would make some more and sell them to her for her business - unfortunately I just don't have the time at the moment to make more, but I will consider her offer in the future.

Close up:-

Bushfire

2011-04-21T16:43:00.001+10:00

Travelling through Victoria, past Beechworth I spotted a humbling reminder of the horror hundreds of people lived through; remnants of the bushfire still present.

First Editions Merino

2011-04-21T16:35:00.007+10:00

I finally finished spinning and plying 250 grams of First Edition Merino. The colour is lovely, and quite different from what I am usually attracted to. I'm not sure what I will knit from this yarn, perhaps it will just hibernate with my other yarn for the moment.

Art Yarn - plied with Silk thread

2011-04-13T18:37:00.002+10:00

I spun this art yarn with a scarf in mind. But I think I may have changed my mind - I'm now thinking of (bring them back in to fashion, and hope it's not a fashion faux) - LEG WARMERS!!!

Back to the yarn - it's an odd mixture of bits and pieces plied with Japanese silk thread.

Branching Out

2011-04-05T18:30:00.001+10:00

The Sketchbook challenge for the month is "branching out" and it came quite easily to me. I just used the tutorial from the previous month and just altered it slightly. Drawn with watercolour crayons and ink.

Photography challenge

2011-04-03T12:32:00.004+10:00

I'm struggling to keep up with my photography challenge, one photo per week (it doesn't sound like much). I'm savng madly for a new lens so am rather unmotivated at the moment. Here are a couple in the meantime

Art Yarns

2011-03-28T18:39:00.013+11:00

I just had the most enjoyable weekend I have had in a long time and met (and made) some wonderful new friends along the way.

A group of us attended Lexi Boeger's (aka Pluckyfluff) art yarn class at Footscray. For those who do not know anything about the talented Lexi, have a look here http://www.pluckyfluff.com/. We made numerous different yarns over the two days, even more techniques than are shown here (I didn't attempt the tail spin nor fabric - I want to do the former in my own time and I have done fabric spinning before). I am so inspired at the moment.

I look forward to meeting my new friends very soon - in fact we will be meeting monthly xx.

Core spinning and knots -

Navaho plying (eats up yarn) -

Mohairy (gets up your nose) -

Core spinning/quick coils/plying -

Here are some other photos from the workshop - have a look at Janet's awesome Tail spin (she is wearing it).

Lace Bobbins

2011-03-23T15:49:00.005+11:00

Here are my latest two bobbins - yes, they are rather presumptious but if something happens to the wedding plans from now until the wedding date, my bobbins will be collector items. BTW, I'm not a royalist but rather I like to take advantage of adding to my bobbin collection.

All nubbied out...

2011-03-20T15:53:00.002+11:00

I'm going to a two day Camp Pluckfluff workshop next weekend - I am very excited about it and have been waiting patiently since I booked in late last year. I have all my supplies together HOWEVER,I'm rather sick of making these felt nubbies (I'm not sure if I have enough, but I just can't make any more).

Green Grocer

2011-03-14T18:57:00.002+11:00

Another CAL finished on track. This is a shopping bag for a Ravelry group - saves on using those nasty environmentally-unfriendly green bags.

Belfrey the Bat

2011-03-10T19:10:00.003+11:00

Belfrey the Bat - Another wonderful Dawn Toussaint pattern. I crochet him in homespun and hand dyed BFL.

Cabled Globe Ornament

2011-03-05T14:11:00.001+11:00

Here is March's Christmas KAL completed - a Cabled Globe Ornament knitted in Patons Jet (I particularly liked this yarn because of the colour variegation). I also love the DOF in the photo using my fave 35mm Nikon lens.

Spilling Over

2011-03-05T13:58:00.002+11:00

The March theme for the Sketchbook Challenge is "Spilling Over" http://sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.com/. The first thing that came to my mind was a strawberry plant, full in fruit, hence the sketch. I always struggle with backgrounds so thought I would include a poem by Debby Rosenberg.

Photos

2011-02-26T14:32:00.004+11:00

More photos from the weekly challenge.

First one is Torquay. Funnily, I remember the trees from a childhood memory when we used to visit Torquay during our holidays. It was a long trip to the beach back then, now it is just over one hour away.

This is a photo of Jack looking out at the Bay at Williamstown.

Photos

2011-02-25T06:40:00.005+11:00

Here are some photos from my weekly photography challenge.

The first one is of our lab., Bauer (named after Jack Bauer, 24). BTW, our cat is named Almeida (after Tony Almeida, 24) - we are some die-hard 24 fans.

I didn't realise how old the dice were until I took this photo! -

Just happened to stumble on Chinese New Year celebrations and also just happened to have my camera with me - here is one of the many dragons.

Roman, The Love Bird

2011-02-24T18:01:00.003+11:00

Finished my "Roman The Love Bird" crochet-along, thanks to Dawn's generosity for supplying the pattern (Dawn's website is found here http://dawntoussaint.blogspot.com/). The nice thing about this pattern is that each bird can be so individual, and embellished any way.

Alveoles Lace Bobbin Mat

2011-02-22T06:49:00.003+11:00

I completed this lace mat last night (apart from mounting on fabric). The mat IS square although it doesn't look so in the photo - I obviously took the photo on an angle.

Interestingly this pattern was not difficult at all and I really enjoyed making it.

My next lace project will be a fun piece - a Dragon.

Family Jewels - Completed

2011-02-20T16:28:00.001+11:00

Well I certainly enjoyed knitting these socks. The heel was probably one of the best I have ever knitted, and the cuff was unique and not your standard rib. I can't wait to do the next KAL (which has a beach theme!).

TIAS - It's a Plane, It's a Plane

2011-02-10T06:25:00.004+11:00

It's finished and it is a plane! I had no idea up until the end what this tatting along would turn out to be. Thanks Jane for running the challenge, it was so much fun with easy-to-manage clues.

Family Jewels Pt4

2011-02-09T06:09:00.002+11:00

I just love these socks and the heel is awesome, very pretty and so easy to do! The added jewel bling to the sock just makes these so pretty. It is also good to say I am on track with the KAL and actually waiting for clues to be released!

Coleraine Blacksmith's Cottage

2011-02-06T21:13:00.002+11:00

Here is the same photo in colour and B&W. I never thought of changing it to greyscale, but I think because of the age of the building the B&W is more appealing.

TIAS Pt 7 and Pt 8

2011-02-03T15:13:00.002+11:00

Completed parts 7 and 8 - only two more parts to go. I have no idea what this will be (although I think I may have scanned it upside down??)

Family Jewels Pt3

2011-02-03T09:44:00.001+11:00

Phew! Finished clue 3 just in time! I found this one took quite a while to knit but at least I'm up to date, ready for clue 4.

TIAS Pt 5 and Pt 6

2011-01-29T08:24:00.005+11:00

Two more finished clues - day 5 and 6. I still have no idea what this will be therefore have no idea which way to place the tatting to take an image...

Family Jewels Part 2

2011-01-26T08:31:00.003+11:00

I completed the second clue for my Knitters Brewing sock knit-along. I must say this is such a lovely, and simple, pattern and I am really enjoying it. This is not the first Knitters Brewing KAL I have done and it certainly won't be the last.

Portland

2011-01-23T18:43:00.003+11:00

At our recent trip to Portland I took some photos (naturally). I am also trying to teach myself Photoshop - what a big task - and have "tweaked" these photos slightly.

I think this is the first time I have been so close to a waterfall called Wannon Falls. Whilst there was a viewing platform, I did feel a little nervy taking this photo, although I didn't want to leave but rather keep on shooting for the sake of capturing so much water!!!
Portland has many jetties and nice areas to photograph. This jetty was one of those; in particular I found the jetty rather unusual because cars are allowed to drive down it which makes it handy for those fishing.

TIAS Pt 4

2011-01-23T13:03:00.004+11:00

What I like about the TIAS is Jane releases the clues every few days and they are of manageable content (i.e. I am keeping up-to-date with them - LOL). The lock join was not as complicated as I had thought and made it - DOH. I am also really also enjoying split rings - I think they make tatting rings a little less tedious (if that is the right word).

It's certainly not too late for anyone to join this tat-along. I'm sure you can catch up with the four clues within a couple of hours. http://tatitandsee.blogspot.com/

Peace

2011-01-22T19:56:00.002+11:00

As a participant of Creative Every Day and The Sketchbook Challenge I am not a very regular participant. I have all the materials necessary - water crayons, watercolours, textas, pencils, cartridge - just the inspiration is a little lacking.

Here is my contribution from one week ago, which I am only sharing now. The saying is from the Dalai Lama.

TIAS Pt 2 and 3

2011-01-19T16:15:00.004+11:00

Here is day 2 and 3 complete; lock joins were introduced on day three and I certainly hope I got it right as I could find no diagrams on this technique when googled. Hopefully a Tatter will tell me if this is incorrect before day 4 instructions are released.

I still have no clue as to what the finished item will be????

Day 2 -

Day 3 -

Alveoles Lace Mat

2011-01-17T18:59:00.002+11:00

I am currently working on Alveoles - Patron mat using Bockens Linen 60/2 and over 76 bobbins. This definitely isn't a complicated pattern so I hope to have it finished by the end of the month, ready to start another lace project.

Tat It and See

2011-01-15T15:31:00.000+11:00

Here is another A-long I am participating in this year, a tatting challenge run by Jane. Here is part 1 of the "secret" challenge.

Family Jewels Part 1

2011-01-15T07:14:00.004+11:00

Here is my first KAL for 2011 - Family Jewels socks by Knitters Brewing. http://www.knittersbrewing.com/. Whilst it was a difficult decision choosing colours, I couldn't go past my fave colour purple(aka Plum Wine). I completed the first clue - hence here are my toes.......

Button Necklace

2011-01-14T18:49:00.001+11:00

Confined to a motel room because of torrential rain, I had crafty supplies with me (was this a coincidence, I think not!) so made a button necklace. Basically is it a set of complementary buttons threaded on a wire/elastic thread.

Sketchbook Challenge - Highly Prized

2011-01-11T15:20:00.002+11:00

Here is my contribution to the Sketchbook monthly theme "Highly Prized" http://sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.com/. All wildlife comes under that category and unless we take care of them and stop the unnecessary slaughtering, we will see them only in books and photos.

Tat It and See

2011-01-06T20:50:00.005+11:00

..Supplies are ready for my second year of Jane's TIAS challenge. My colours are a plain green and variegated LizBeth thread (Springtime), both #20, with some dark multicolours beads as a contrast (and no I do not know what we are making, all is revealed as we get further along with the challenge. Details on TIAS can be found here http://tatitandsee.blogspot.com/2011/01/happy-new-tat-it-and-see-to-all.html.

Last year, when all the pieces fell in to place, it resulted in a lovely Rooster.
..

Cosmos

2011-01-05T08:29:00.002+11:00

As a participant of the Creative Every Day Challenge http://creativeeveryday.com/ I wanted something rather "freeform" for my first challenge "Cosmos". Lots of yummy ink mess too (I am new to this type of style).

Gingerbread Man

2011-01-03T14:45:00.003+11:00

Here is my first completed craft item for the year - as part of a Ravelry monthly Christmas decoration group I knitted the Gingerbread Man. I think he is rather cute, and am actually looking forward to making more Christmas decorations for our tree at the end of the year.

Craft FO's 2010

2011-01-02T09:43:00.003+11:00

Please disregard the previous post, I decided to do a collage on my crafty FOs - I tallied up the projects and they were around 23, so I averaged it out over the year and didn't think the quantity was too bad.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-02T08:50:00.003+11:00

Here is a collage of all the photos I took in 2010. Unfortunately there was no need to make a collage for my craft work because my FO were only a few. This year will change though...................

Eynesbury - ThreeSixFive Challenge (Dec pt1)

2010-12-28T16:07:00.004+11:00

I love visiting the "breakaway" town of Melton called Eynesbury. It is so picturesque with old buildings, shacks and lots of blue stone to photograph. I particularly like the little shed (? butchers) with hanging hooks.

Advent scarf

2010-12-17T13:22:00.002+11:00

I'm busily participating in an Advent Scarf KAL through Ravelry. We receive a new clue/ instruction every day up to Day 24. To date I am around 15 days behind - I didn't realise I had so many activities on in December that keeping up would be so difficult. I will finish the project, but not before Christmas, perhaps in the New Year.

Shuttles

2010-12-06T18:02:00.001+11:00

I recently bought some tatting shuttles from an estate, and to my surprise they arrived today and there was a lot more than expected! There are metal ones, bone ones and plastic shuttles. Now I just need to get motivated and do some more tatting.

Floods - ThreeSixFive Challenge

2010-11-28T14:32:00.004+11:00

Melbourne's 10+ year drought is almost over. It's almost summer and we are experiencing some of the heaviest rainfall. This makes not only news (particularly for kids who haven't seen creeks, rivers or dams flowing with water in the past) but also a photo worthy experience.

Roads are closed because they are now rivers, spillways are overflowing and dry water beds are full.

Spun Merino

2010-11-26T16:29:00.002+11:00

Today is the first time I have spun in months (and first time I have done any craft for two weeks). I am currently spinning some lovely First Editions merino (which is more green IRL). It is a first for a few things; it is also the first time I am seriously spinning on my Majacraft Little Gem and I am certainly enjoying using her.

Flowers - ThreeSixFive Challenge November

2010-11-20T14:26:00.007+11:00

As someone who NEVER receives flowers I was overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and family who wished me well following an operation, and bombarded me with stunning flowers. Never to pass up a photo opportunity here is a sample of some of the gorgeous blooms I received - hugs and kisses to all.

Three Six Five Challenge - October

2010-10-31T13:27:00.003+11:00

Here are a few of the 31 photos I took this month for the challenge. Some of the photos were taken on a lovely summery day in Carlton; so glad I took my camera on that day.

Crochet Ripple Blanket

2010-10-28T17:31:00.003+11:00

Here is another project I have started (surprise, surprise). It's a crochet ripple blanket in acrylic yarn. Whilst I can't remember the last time I used acrylic, I'm enjoying it the experience and the colours are really lovely (not quite so bright as the photo shows).

Details on the pattern can be found at this wonderful site http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/neat-ripple-pattern.html

Urban Graffiti

2010-10-25T10:06:00.007+11:00

Graffiti always amazes me. The time, effort, and expense creative artists put in to work, often unrecognised and (at times) unrewarded. A while ago I discovered this artwork in Richmond Victoria but it was only this weekend when I had the foresight to photography it, fear of one day it being vandelised. Unfortunately I do not know who the artist is, I only hope his/her talent does not go unrewarded.

High Tea - ThreeSixFive Challenge (October)

2010-10-20T06:47:00.002+11:00

A couple of weekends ago a few of us had a great day in the city. We went to a Craft Expo, out for a quick snack for lunch and then to High Tea (and between all this two of us took lots of photos). This was second High Tea, this time at the Westin Hotel. We ate some scrumptious food, and some not to spectacular. All in all, it was a lovely day however I must say when comparing the two venues I prefer The Windsor.