JMcK Crafts

2009 Here we come...

2009-01-02T17:06:00.002+11:00

Everyone seems to be reflective at this time of the year, and writing out their New Year goals. Got me thinking it did...

In 2009 I will:

Find relief from the ongoing health drain of Atrial Fibrillation. Hopefully I will undergo an ablation early this year, and hopefully it will work properly
Get back to losing weight again - and be able to undergo some regular, ongoing exercise
Continue to enjoy being with my family - in particular my two wonderful grandsons
See the establishment of my dream "Gentle Footprint" - Chick's Studio

Simple goals... but lots to do to acheive them

Janet

I love Freecycle

2008-12-31T20:37:00.003+11:00

Today, we received the best present for the New Year through freecycle. It is a three piece display/storage cupboards for our dining room. My dolls will have a new home now for display - and I have a plastic container (somewhere) which has some lovely things in that I can put on display. Thanks to our friend R who was a wonderful help to get them home.

If you haven't checked out Freecycle in your area - do so.

The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,658 groups with 6,292,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free.

A Meme about me.

2008-12-14T14:05:00.003+11:00

I don't usually do these - but this one captured my imagination...

I have bolded anything I have done - at least once....

Feel free to tell us about you on your blog too...

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited The Great Barrier Reef.
5. Stood under the stars in the outback, the real outback – think Uluru.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to the Gold Coast’s theme parks – anyone, you take your pick.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sung a solo.
11. Bungee jumped, jumped out of plane, been paragliding or hang-gliding, hot air ballooning – you get the idea, you’ve been hundreds of metres about earth in a seemingly flimsy contraption.
12. Visited Melbourne.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Had a child. Raised a child. Worked with children.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Been to the Snowy Mountains.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Visited the Brett Whitely studio in Surry Hills, Sydney.
20. Slept on an overnight train or bus.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Been backpacking.
23. Taken a mental health day.
24. Been buried in sand with just your head and toes sticking out.
25. Held a possum, kangaroo or koala – or any other native Australian animal.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Been in a fun run.
28. Been on the Blue Mountain cableway.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Played, or watched, summer cricket.
32. Sailed, kayaked or canoed our beautiful waterways.
33. Seen the Daintree.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Visited an Aboriginal settlement or mission.
36. Learned a new language.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Toured the Sydney Opera House.
39. Tried rock climbing (indoor or outdoor), abseiling or just simple bush walking.
40. Visit Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art.
41. Been to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
42. Sunbaked at Bondi.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Broome.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone fishing.
49. Seen Tasmania’s old growth forests.
50. Been to the top of Q1, on the Gold Coast.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Driven the Great Ocean Road.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Norfolk Island.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Guide biscuits.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone jet boating.
66. Visited Port Arthur.
67. Bounced a cheque.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Australian War Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Federation Square.
74. Been on the Murray River.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Travelled, or climbed, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Three Sisters at Echo Point, Katoomba.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited St Mary’s Cathedral, in Sydney.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Been to Hermannsburg.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited Parliament House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Saved a pet.
95. Been to the site of the Eureka Stockade.
96. Swum in The Whitsundays.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a mobile phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

The dream continues

2008-12-05T07:13:00.002+11:00

My dream - you know the one of a "Chick's Studio" - is progressing. I have accumulated 5 sewing machines, a weaving loom, a spinning wheel, a bin of Hobbytex, countless balls of wool and crochet cotton, knitting needles, ohhh and goodness knows what else. The possibility of a room to set up is very real, and with a kitchen attached...

Like most things - it will develop slowly which can be a pain because I can see the whole thing in my mind...

Keep watching - probably in the New Year I may be able to give more details.

Happy Christmas / Holidays everyone.

Frugalling Fun

2008-11-22T15:14:00.004+11:00

This morning, on my weekly date with my darling, we visited some fetes - first one useless, and then called into tss for a comfort stop, and managed to convince her to become my "voice of frugal reason". (Hahaha - she can't do that!!) After checking out two places which seemed not be open yet, we finally found a garage sale that was open, and I found what is possibly a silver tea pot.

The second garage sale was a bonus - Look - 2 sewing machines - well and truly vintage) - for NOTHING - nada - free - gratis. The owner was pleased to have them go to a place where they could be loved.

Then to the Catholic Church fete in Dickson - and found... 2 bead door hangings, some baking trays, a couple of dolls and this gorgeous teapot... TSS found the mother load - a box full of sewing goodies (watch her blog for more details.

When life says NO ...

2008-11-15T13:06:00.000+11:00

I needed to renew my license - as you do on your birthday divisible by 5 in the ACT. I had a pile of questions to answer - you know the usual - do you have epilepsy?, do you have diabetes?, are you taking illicit drugs? - NO NO NO. Do you have a heart condition / disease or paralysis? Ummm YES. If you have answered YES to any of these - you are required to obtain a medical statement from your own doctor stating you are a medically fit person etc...

So off I go with confidence - picking up the most lovely cards from Lester and Mum on the way - feeling really good about life.... I ask him for a statement, and he hesitates... and eventually says No Janet, I can't give you that.
Ohhhh Come on - I am not that bad, and I really don't drive when I am feeling sick.. Come on...
No Janet - you could black out and be a danger to yourself and others. You would never forgive yourself if you hurt someone else...

Geez - I lose my license BEFORE Mum does. NOT FAIR.... Just as well Bob still has his, even though he can't do too much driving. It is just stressful for him. So no more long trips up to Queensland for us.

There is a chance that when I go and see another specialist in Sydney in December, that an ablation may (or may not) fix it all up, and I will be able to drive again. In the mean time, life changes again...

Time to adapt to new circumstances.
Time to be grateful for living so close to everything we need that we can walk there.
Time to be grateful for a reasonably good bus system which leaves from my front door, and goes most of the places around Canberra.
Time to remember that no matter what life throws at me - God is still with me, and there are a lot of people worse off.
Time to remember that you can adapt to anything in life - and here I am complaining about not being able to drive.
Time not to have my sense of identity and purpose wrapped up in a little piece of plastic giving me permission to use a lethal machine regularly

Birthday Books

2008-11-14T07:12:00.006+11:00

Thank you Lester for your book voucher. It was wonderful to indulge in some retail therapy yesterday - without guilt, and just when I needed it.

Here are my choices
Mary Webb - 400 Embroidery Stitches - beautiful collection of embroidery stitches to have fun with.

A lovely collection of embroidery samplers found in Glasgow Museums. How inspiring - and I want to make some samplers...

And the Magazine from one of my favourite shows

After getting the books, I relaxed at the Canberra Museum and Gallery to listen to TSS talk about her DollsHouse Collection on ABC radio.

When Fifty feels like hundred

2008-11-13T08:04:00.002+11:00

Tomorrow I turn fifty. I was proud of this - thrilled, and pleased that Fifty is the new Thirty... and all of that

until I needed to renew my driver's license, and because of my heart condition (Atrial Fibrillation), I had to get a letter from my Doctor to say i was OK to drive. All is well - until I asked him, and he got 'that' look on his face. In the end, after umm and arhing, he apologised, and said he couldn't...

So I have my wings clipped - well and truly. As of tomorrow, I cannot drive, until I find a Doctor who will allow me to.

That's OK isn't it - there is always Bob - that is another story... So he can, but should he.

Yes, I am spirally down in depression - won't go too far I hope, but this significantly changes my life doesn't it. Feeling a lot of loss at the moment.

What have I done???

2008-10-25T12:51:00.002+11:00

I have done it now ... went out on the garage sale hunt this morning... and bought a table loom - a 4 draft loom. Now I have looked up instructions on how to use a loom, and I have to admit that it is phasing me... what have I done?

never mind - I shall sit on having read the instructions for the moment, until it bugs me to give it a go...

Also - can you ever have too many knitting needles. I got another bundle this morning (probably 40 pairs) after getting nearly the same amount - including double pointed needles last week. Yes Mum - I can only use one pair at a time - that is if I have only one project on the go at a time. One day.....

Well I am here - at least

2008-10-21T07:24:00.003+11:00

tss picked on me on the weekend for being slack on my blog. She couldn't be right could she.

What have I been up to - picking "stuff" up at garage sales and the like - much more than I like to admit. However, it all has a good purpose. Oh and an unexpected, but delightful two week drive up to Queensland to see my relatives and friends. naturally, I had to visit the op shops and garage sales there didn't I, and got some bargains (see tss.

I have long thought that the Mens Shed movement was a great idea. But why should the men have all the good ideas. How about a Chick's Studio? Can't you see it - a place where we have all the big equipment available, community resourced library of patterns and recipes, a kitchen to play around in, and lots of comfortable lounge chairs to sit on and craft and chat. Well that is my dream - and keep looking here for more ideas forthcoming...

Ohhh - my camera has decided to fritz itself - have to find a way around that, and I promise you some pictures of my finds over the last month or so....

My Shop

2008-08-11T13:10:00.007+10:00

Well I have finally done it - and put some items on my MadeIt shop.
A cross stitch badge - 5cm circle
Plarn clutch purse
Plarn hand bag

another plarn hand bag
Cotton coin purse
and matching hand bag

Guess what this is...

2008-08-11T12:13:00.003+10:00

This is my first sale from my MadeIt shop. Yippeee

Now I am putting up some new products - go and see shortly

The best laid plans...

2008-07-28T10:58:00.002+10:00

You know how it goes - we were all packed up to go to the markets yesterday - packed the car Saturday night to be ready - and then I wake up at midnight with my heart all racing, and out of rhythm - in Atrial Fibrillation. Se we couldn't go to the markets - :(

Anyhow - here are some things I have been making. These two bags were crocheted out of plarn. What's Plarn you say? It is yarn made out of cut up plastic bags - and then crocheted up. They are both lined with some fabric.

Also I knitted up this floor mat from a torn up sheet. It is so cuddly and warm on my feet.

So, if I haven't got enough things to make up crafts from - here I have some freebies to add to the pile....

Hello World...

2008-07-25T08:14:00.005+10:00

This Sunday I am introducing Gentle Footprint to the world at the Tuggeranong Indoor Markets. So today and tomorrow, I am working on arranging my tables for the markets. I have two collapsible tables at home I will use, and I will be setting them up in my lounge room. Should be fun.

See you there if you are in Canberra this Sunday ... and yes I will try and remember the camera!

Janet

Pincushions, crochet and hankies

2008-07-20T18:48:00.011+10:00

I have been making things this week ... first there are pin cushions...

And crochet - around mats

and hankies...

If you are lucky, you will see these in my shop by the end of the week ;)

Garage Saling - again

2008-07-19T16:34:00.004+10:00

I've been at it again - checking out a garage sale or two - and collecting fabric. This collection of sheets from en estate sale for $20

And these two bags of material for another place for $30.

I have to admit - I have no where to put them!

(Sorry about the quality of the photos, I don't know what is happening to my digital camera, but it is a nuisance....)

Things to do in the cold weather

2008-07-11T11:58:00.009+10:00

So... what do you do with your nearest and dearest who does your washing - love him of course. But when he takes a lambswool jumper, and washes it, and then dries it in the tumble drier - and ohhhh well I will have to lose a LOT more weight for it to fit me again...

Never mind - I cut off the sleeves, and they make very good hot water bottle covers don't they! I have been wanting to make something with felted jumpers - so here goes.

Michelle has been crocheting alone as a part of the Tour de France knitalong going on. So I told her I would join her with some crochet I am doing at the moment...

Firstly - I started making these cute little flower medallions - and I had to join them together and make something out of it didn't I. Don't know what it will finish up being...

Then I made a circle out of some cotton... and thought it would make an interesting pot holder...
so I crocheted a bit of fleece on the back

Then I have been patching some potholders / hot mats
and these are backed with an old towel - actually they make really good face cloths for in the shower - I love mine.

And some more hot mats...

You know you've spent too long at hospital when...

2008-07-08T20:17:00.002+10:00

You go to the Supermarket to buy some food, and two nurses stop you to ask how you are now... people I have only met once or twice - one at emergency, and the other at the Nuclear Imaging place...

Refashioning

2008-07-03T19:20:00.005+10:00

I have joined the Wardrobe Refashion" and have put up my first entry - making aprons from a repurposed circular tablecloth.

Misery

2008-07-02T07:49:00.004+10:00

I have a cold - and I want it to be a Man Cold. I want to be miserable, and demand attention... You see, it has to be a man cold - I got it from my man. I want my share of sympathy and care that I have had to dispense for the past 5 days.

Well - I should not complain, some wonderful man just filled up my hot water bottle so I can stuff it inside my dressing gown and enjoy the comforting warmth.

Funny thing is - I am finding it hard to resist going down to the Chemist (which is right under our Unit) and stocking up on every variety of cold medicine there is. Then I remind myself, we have been getting colds for centuries, and survived quite well without all sorts of mixtures and potions.

So what natural remedies do you use for a cold. The old lemon and honey I remember. I took a few Asprin last night for the raging sore throat - and then remembered why I need to avoid them - it has irritated my stomach already. Hopefully that will settle soon if I don't continue with the Asprin.

Living a simple life

2008-06-28T13:58:00.003+10:00

I have just found this wonderful site about living the simple life.

These people are motivated by their Christian faith to live a very simple life. There are some wonderful instructions on making home made washing soap, and how to care for a house.

Some of us are going to have to accept the choice these women make to be 'servants' of their husbands - but you gotta admire their commitment to live using a minimum of the earth's resources.

Have fun looking through the site - and then tell me if you find their simple approach to life just so attractive.

Bless the Post Man

2008-06-25T14:02:00.003+10:00

Look what just got delivered to my place....

Thank you Christy who sent it as part of aswap organised by Tracey (when I have more time, I will find the link to her blog)

Got to go...

Anzac Biscuits

2008-06-21T12:23:00.005+10:00

Anzac Biscuits (NOT cookies!!!) are much beloved in Australia and New Zealand - in recognition of our brave soldiers (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps - ANZAC).
They are easy to make - and always appreciated.

Heat the oven to 180 degrees C (350 F)

1. Measure into a mixing bowl
....1 cup rolled oats (I prefer the quick oats kind)
....1 cup plain flour
....1 cup of brown sugar (actually I prefer half and half brown and raw sugar)
....1 cup coconut.
2. Melt 125g butter in microwave (or in saucepan on stove top)
3. Add to melted butter:
....1/2 teaspoon bi-carbonate of soda
....2 tablespoons (40 ml) of boiling water
....2 tablespoons Golden Syrup
4. Mix the two sets of ingredients together
5. Put some baking paper on a couple of metal cooking trays (you can spray oil on the trays, or rub with a little bit of butter if you prefer - I love using baking paper because it cuts down on the washing up later, but not necessarily the greenest option)
6. Place spoonsful of the biscuit mixture on the tray - leave a little gap between each biscuit to allow the mixture to spread when cooking. You should get about 28-32 biscuits from the mixture.
7. Cook in the heated oven for about 12 minutes. Biscuits are cooked when they just turn a lovely golden brown colour. Don't overcook - they will come out of the oven a bit soft.
8. Leave the cooked biscuits on the tray to cool down - they will become a little firmer as they cool.
9. Keep from husbands, children and visitors if you want to keep them - otherwise, they will disappear at a very fast rate if you leave them out. The delicious smell of cooked Anzac biscuits acts like a beacon to hungry stomachs, and husbands who want to relive childhood memories...

Some days are diamonds....

2008-06-21T11:22:00.005+10:00

I just love Saturday mornings when Bob and I go checking out garage sales. Sometimes, you just come home with a car load full - look....

It includes:
7 netball skirts from a garage sale $8.00
about 10 pieces of material from the Kippax Uniting Church Garage sale - $13.00
A pile of sheets, pillowcases, doona cover and curtains - Kippax Uniting Church Garage sale $20.00
2 Big plastic containers of fabric pieces (less the containers) - Garage sale $20.00
and...
The most gorgeous set of cups and saucers from Kippax Uniting Church garage sale $5.00

They are for sharing real cups of tea with my visitors, and if you are lucky, you may get some Anzac biscuits with it too. I am most happy for you to come and have a cuppa tea sometime - just email me and make arrangements.

OK - if you aren't happy with the jumble photo of my finds - I will sort them out soon, and take photos to show you what is in there...

Introducing.... The Green Granny

2008-06-17T03:32:00.003+10:00

OK then - after the little grumble below... I must introduce you to the newest member of our house.

The Green Granny is my alter ego - she is full of wonderful advice on how to be more earth friendly by learning and using the "Gentle Arts" - of course leading to a more Gentle Footprint on the earth.

The Green Granny will be starting up her own blog before too long too... watch this space

Grumbles...

2008-06-17T03:21:00.004+10:00

Life is a little sucky around our place at the moment. I have been having episodes with my heart playing up lately. Sometimes it is in and out of Atrial fibrillation - where the heart beats in the top parts of my heart go all wonky, and try to beat many times too fast. Kinda hard to get around when this happens, and they (the Emergency Department) take it seriously to get things back to normal. But on top of that, I am also having other little wobbly episodes of dizziness, and ... well you know - just not too well. Kinda gets to you after a while. I am awaiting an appointment with the Heart Specialist to see what is going on...

So I haven't done any sewing for three days - and I am missing it. Just losing the capacity to concentrate - and every couple of hours I head to the bed for another snooze. I think that explains why I have woken up at 2.00am...

Just to add to my grumbles - boy it is been cold around Canberra of late. Inside the unit is not too bad, but go outside, and you know about it. I am struggling to enjoy the crisp air, and frosty mornings - prefering the warmth inside.

Now I have finished my little grumble (I hope).

Frugalling Finds

2008-06-16T06:32:00.006+10:00

This has been a good weekend for me with finds. Sometimes it happens, at other times you don't find much. Better still, I actually took photos of them to show you...

The St Ninian's Book Fair turned up these treasures for $2 each. Some interesting things to do in there.

Then I picked up these books from a free-cycler. 70s crafts, and what memories they bring back. Remember macrame?

Then I picked up these patterns from Aussie Junk in Mitchell. I paid $20 for these and a bedspread (forgot to photograph that one) which will make some interesting bags I suspect.

We went to the Trash and Treasure market in Jamieson, and a lovely young lady was cleaning out her material stash - all for $2. it was a freezing morning, and they were keen just to get rid of what they had, and go home to warm up. A few stretch Tshirting material...

and a number of upholstery fabric samples - make interesting patchwork, or pot holders, or little bags... or something I am sure.
Yes I have been busy making things - I will be having a stall at the Tuggeranong markets on the 29 June if you are interested to come along. These markets will be introducing "The Green Granny" to the world. More later...

Stitch & Miss

2008-06-05T21:05:00.003+10:00

I am so disappointed. I decided I was going to my first Stitch and Bitch tonight in Civic. So I get ready, drive in from Gungahlin, and park my car in the Canberra Centre. As I get out of the car, I think my bag is a bit light - yes there is some knitting, but where is my purse? Not there!

I realised I had driven in without a cent (or a drivers license) on me, and I had taken a ticket in the car park. Fortunately I found out I had about 10 minutes to leave without paying anything for parking - which I promptly did. I wasn't feeling so sure of myself to walk into a bunch of strange women with knitting needle weapons and ask for a loan to pay my parking fee. So it was back home again, to watch Hell's Kitchen.

I am sorry not to meet a group of women I have been wanting to meet for a while... Oh well, next time I guess.

Wow - is it God, or the Universe, or Serendipity

2008-06-04T12:39:00.004+10:00

Sometimes - things just come together and you can't explain it.

On Sunday, we went to an auction, and there was a fairly new sewing machine which I bought for $45. We had to download the instruction manual - another $8.50. I hadn't got around to checking it out... Then today, old faithful decided it had enough - and just stopped... jammed stop.

So there I got the new sewing machine out - and actually made it worked!

Is it God - well I can accept that - or the Universe making sure everything goes together ... or just serendipity. Sometimes it just all comes together.

Bags and hats

2008-06-03T18:55:00.009+10:00

I have been making some bags and hats. they are all fully lined, and I love them. They are for sale. All materials has been obtained either from op shops or other frugalling expeditions, or has been re-purposed from no longer used clothing. The quality of material is outstanding.

This matching beret and hand bag is made from pure silk, and is lined with polyester material.

Here is the hat
and bag

Another bag and hat set made from cotton velveteen, and lined with acetate rayon lining.

A hat made from cotton damask - an interesting texture

and another one made from re-purposed suiting. It is a delightful jade colour.

An Etsy shop is coming soon...

Recovering an ironing board

2008-06-02T18:45:00.021+10:00

I bought this new (for me) ironing board at a garage sale a couple of weeks ago for $2.It needs a new cover. One of the things that annoys me with purchased iron board covers is that they are thin, and small, and always slip off while I am working on the board. So I make my own cover.
First of all - replace the padding that was supplied with the board
Then I add two layers of an old woolen blanket to add further padding, and the wool makes it really secure with the heat of the iron. I cut the size of the blanket so that there is about 20 cms (8 inches hanging over the edge of the board.
Then using safety pins, I secure the blanket onto the board - folding the ends in carefully
On top of this, I place a piece of recycled fabric. I used a piece of cotton damask - which was a tablecloth which had a wear hole in it. I use this because the fabric is nice and thick, and strong (at the end of the tablecloth where there is less wear) and it is cotton - the fabric that takes the highest heat setting on the iron. I prefer white ironing board covers so that the dyes from the cover don't run any risk of colouring delicate fabrics.
I place the cotton cover onto the board - right side facing down. It overhangs the pointy end of the board by about 40 cm - 16 inches
Fold back this end of the fabric under the ironging board
And pin the shape of the fabric together reflecting the shape of point of the board. Don't pin it too tight - just firm
Do this on both sides of the point
and sew where the pins are. The material will NOT fold back even on each other to make the final seam towards the bottom of the board on the side.
Trim back the extra fabric - but go right over to the edge just above where the folded over fabric ends.
Zig Zag all the edges of the fabric
Fold the pointy end through to the right side
and slip over the pointy end of the board. Carefully arrange the fabric over the board smoothly. At the bottom end of the board, fold over the edges of the cover, and safety pin into place - use hospital corners to make the corners neat.

At the pointy end, fold over the edges of the fabric, and safety pin it up under the folded over piece.
There you have a new ironing board cover - very generous and well secured so it won't move when you are using it. It is also easy to remove, with all of the safety pins, and wash when the inevitable stains show on the white cover.

Gentle Footprint

2008-05-30T09:32:00.003+10:00

This is the name for my dream. I am going to take a risk, and publicly talk about my dream as it develops.

I have made things all my life it seems. I remember sitting on the back steps of our house (a typical Queenslander house on poles, and the laundry was under the house), learning to knit a head band on a day home from school - my mother was washing the clothes. It was orange wool, I remember, and I proudly wore that head band.

The perfect birthday present I remember from my childhood was 2 pieces of material and a pattern - and then the privilege of making up those dresses. I remember one was light blue floral, and the other was pink. I think Mum made up one, and I made the other. It was a princess style dress pattern. The house I can picture this in means that I was younger than a teenager when this happened - my 10th birthday I suspect. I told my mother recently, that SHE is to blame for my obsession with crafts and sewing - and she is, and should be proud of it.

I went on to do Home Science throughout High School, and through the enthusiasm of an extraordinary teacher, 8 of us went on from Year 12 to become Home Economics teachers. Sewing was always my favourite part of Home Economics.

Life has proceeded, and I left the teaching field, and brought up my children, making all their clothes for many years. For some time I earned some pocket money making clothes for others.

I have seen home made clothes move from a necessity in life, to the a sign of being "poor", to a freakish, unusual thing to do - and now I see the tide turning again where making clothes is a valued and precious skill to have.

It is my dream to pass pass on the skills of making your own clothes and home essentials to other people.

The other side of this dream is the need to live gentler on our earth. We are all finally becoming aware of the need to make sure out footprint on the earth is lighter and gentler. My dream is to be a catalyst for encouraging people to tread lightly on the the earth in our home and family life.

Watch here as this unfolds.

Do you want to join me in this journey? If this ignites a passion in you in any way - please let me know. I don't know how things are going to develop - and maybe there is already something happening out there that is achieving this dream that we can work together with.

Cheers
Janet McKinney

Life changes...

2008-05-28T16:55:00.002+10:00

I give up with the fast changes of life.

I have been working on a Maternity fill in situation - for a while it was part time, and then it was full time. This didn't work out satisfactorily with all the health issues etc I have had, and for a couple of weeks, I went back to part-time. Today, I was informed that this does not work for the position - they need me there 5 days a week, without breaks for Drs visits etc.

The upshot of it is that from today, I am not working again - well I am fortunate enough to be paid out for 4 weeks notice so I will have a chance to look for other work etc.

As I said yesterday, there are a couple of ideas I have been working through in my mind - I will have time tomorrow to tell you. Sometimes these things happen to force you into a change that you suspect may be needed in your life.

Long time no ... well ... write I guess

2008-05-27T10:14:00.003+10:00

Yes it has been a couple of weeks hasn't it. I keep checking up on lots of other people's hauls, and overhauls, and stashes... and creativity too.

Life has seemed a little hectic lately - family stuff that needed attention.

I went to another auction, and this time got the contents of a sewing cupboard to bring home - lots of nice materials, and bits and pieces. This has meant a major overhaul of my crafting area. Out of desperation, a lot of "stuff" got packed into big plastic bins, and placed in our storage area downstairs at the units. So my cards, and miniatures, and many dolls, and wool have been stacked up and stored for a while. Just think of all the fun I am going to have when my mood changes, and I want to take up a different hobby! I have rearranged the craft cupboards to store the piles, and piles and more piles of material I have gained over the past month. Many of the clothes I bought at the auction that I didn't want to wear have been prepared for re-purposing, and I have added to my collection of zippers and buttons.

Now it is sewing time. I have been doing some - but the camera needs charging, and the charger is .... well you know what happens. I will take some photos shortly. This is all with the goal of setting up an Etsy / Made-It shop online, and also going to some markets.

In the midst of all of this, I have gone from full-time at work back to part-time - 3 days a week. It seemed the best thing to do in all sorts of circumstances, but there is a definite gap in the finances as a result - hence the sewing ideas.

There are some other ideas on the back burner - I will get them into writing some time soon too - I will be looking for your feed back about them

Cheers - I have to finish the big move around in my crafting area - and make the lounge just a little tidier....

I have been counting...

2008-05-04T18:47:00.002+10:00

I have hung 25 dresses and 32 jackets,cardigans, jumpers into my wardrobe. I am trying on the three winter dressing gowns one at a time, - discarded one. The second one is yummy and warm. One more to try out. I only need to keep one!

I have enough nighties now to stay in hospital for a week - yippee. I was a bit concerned when I spent a couple of nights in hospital recently that I didn't have any winter nighties to wear.

Now I have to sort through the 50+ skirts, and as many tops...

The good news is that I have also scored a heap of coat hangers to assist with the hanging up crisis. But I am running out of poles to hang them on!!!

Unbelievable

2008-05-04T15:45:00.004+10:00

This morning I went to an auction - they had some sewing material and such like for sale. I didn't get much sewing material just a few bits, BUT....
I bought the hugest collection of clothes - probably 300-400 pieces. I have yet to sort through it and identify exactly what was there.
What is unbelievable is that I had lost so much weight since last winter, that I have almost no winter clothes to wear - and it is getting COLDDD in Canberra. You would have thought that whoever bought all these clothes fitted them on me first. Everything I have tried on fits - now that NEVER happens in a shop for me. They all fit over my generous hips and thighs, and even accommodate my batwings/ large arms. There are a few in colours I don't wear - but so many of them are my favourite colours.

So far I have identified - 8 winter nighties (I had NONE), 3 winter dressing gowns - and all I need is one - and I need one, as well as 3-4 summer satin nighties. Skirts so I could wear one a day for a month and not run out - and I have only sorted through 1/3 of them. Dresses by he dozen - including a fully beaded (as all over beaded) silk sheath that fits me like a glove. There was a little disappointment with a half a dozen gloves - and only one of each :( A fur (imitation) lined jacket - fits me perfectly, and just the thing for a cold night out in the cold air. A woollen Jade green jacket - perfect as a cover up in the cold Canberra winter mornings. Oh and hundreds of more still to be sorted out. So many things I have been in desperate need of, and been looking for in ops shops with no success for several weeks.

What did I pay - $35 for the LOT!!!
UPDATE:
I told a lie - in the end it cost me negative $4 - because in one of the jackets I found $39...

Wheeeee

I lurve being a Nanny

2008-04-20T13:18:00.003+10:00

I had the two cutest little boys over for the morning - and their Mummy of course. Mummy learned how to thread her sewing machine, and wind a bobbin. And then she made 2 skirts for herself with an elastic waist. Both were from pieces of batik material - and she has enough for two more. next time we will make some little boys trousers with elastic waists - same process, adding the crotch seam.

Two boys helped Nanny made (and then eat) Anzac biscuits, played in their big cardboard box cubby house, tipped the toy box out, and had a long time playing while cleaning it all up, did some painting, including the balcony tiles (Poppy is asleep - he is not going to be happy!!), and waited and waited and waited for the cake Nanny made to get cooked in the oven.

The absolutely best bit was while driving them home I hear this little "Excuse me Nanny". "Yes love" I replied. "I love you Nanny"... Are their any sweeter words in the universe - I don't think so. Of course the same little munchkin was in charge of the plastic box with the freshly cooked cake in it to carry to the car - and couldn't resist opening the lid to get a smell. Of course you know what happened... so it got put in a plastic bag with the handles tied together to reduce the temptation involved.

All in all, the best possible Sunday morning - and now I am ready for a Nanny nap I think...

Artwork on my walls

2008-04-19T22:20:00.010+10:00

I thought I would show you the artwork I have on my walls. They all have a story, and precious memories.

Firstly there is these family trees made by my Mum. She cross stitched the pictures in the centre to represent her side of the family (top) and that of my father. The top picture has pictures of my daughter Rosie, to my great-great grandmother of the women in the family tree. The bottom picture has my three brothers, Dad, Grandad and my great-grandfather Polley. The photos were printed onto fabric by a local fabric printing store, and she attached them with a piece of fine cotton lace around each picture. They are precious family heirlooms as you can imagine.

This is a couple of needlepoint tapestries I made during a couple of years of deep depression and illness. It is the Earnslaw on Lake Wakitipu, in Queenstown, New Zealand. We spent a number of holidays in Queenstown, and it reminded me of good times there.

This is another tapestry I made at the same time, of the Church of the Good Shepherd, at Tekapo, Central Otago, New Zealand. We visited that church a couple of times, and the view of the lake through the window behind the altar was just remarkable. I found it a place of great peace.

Mum made this one in long stitch, and Dad made the frame by laminating the timber strips together, and turning them on the lathe. They are precious to me.

This peacock - again needlepoint tapestry, was made by Bob's mother, and a keepsake we were able to keep after her death.

This oil painting was done by an elderly neighbour of mine when I first returned to Maryborough from New Zealand. It is of Ibises and was a scene on the Mary River wetlands between Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

Bob's mother made this leather work, and she gave it to me before we were married. It was a sign to me of a real acceptance, and is much treasured. It was a scene from the Australian Bicentennial celebrations of the tall ships arriving in Sydney Harbour.

This precious appliqué hanging was given to me by a friend just before we left to come to Canberra. She was nervous giving it away, as it was the first hand made object she had given as a gift. it is precious, and so many little pieces of material were used and embroidered in such detail. I love it.

Finally this is the fabric painting I found this morning in my frugalling / garage sale hunting. I just love the colours, the fact that it is hand made, and the birds are beautiful. I stapled it over a canvas and have hung it on the wall unframed.

Health update

2008-04-19T21:26:00.002+10:00

I have updated my report on health below.

Frugalling Saturday 1

2008-04-19T19:42:00.003+10:00

This morning, we got a newspaper, and marked some garage sales to visit. What fun, even if we had to drive 80km to do it!

I found two boxes of scraps at garage sales - and people who understood the principle - "She who dies with the most stash - wins!" (there was another box of scraps, but no picture...)

and a pile of remnants I found at a church garage sale for $10

A bag of fabrics - including these curtains and the wool (shown later on) for $5

In the boxes I found these little treasures - some silk fabric

This tablecloth - what a cutie

Some Solomon Island place mats - make nice bags I think

A couple of Malaysian theme batik fabric

and this beauty - made with batik, and something like silk painting (on cotton fabric though) and signed by Arka. It will be stretched over a canvas and placed on the wall - I love it...
And of course, a bag of Totem bluebell wool bits... Nice for a patchwork blanket I have started.

I left home with $50 - and I spent it all (including the stuff below). But I think it was incredible value.

Tomorrow, Liz and the grandies come over, and we are having a sewing day. make some skirts for Liz, and some pants and shirts for the boys - as well as teaching Liz some sewing techniques. Will be fun. I will take photos.

Frugalling Saturday 2

2008-04-19T19:32:00.008+10:00

As well as the material, I bought some more interesting things.

Firstly - all the bits and pieces I need to learn a new craft. Something I have been wanting to learn for a long time.

It has a styrofoam pad to pin the lace onto, a dozen bobbins (I already have four - so this is enough to do quite a wide lace piece), instructions and some cotton. Hmmm looks interesting.

A cool apron. I have been thinking about making myself one of these, in fact when I was thinking through what I could do today, making an apron was considered. Now I have one... and love the patchwork printed material.

Two little babies rescued from Aussie junk for $2. Twins I think.

And two more little celluoid dolls - much older, and rescued from Aussie Junk at Mugga Lane. They cry out for love. I love them.

And at a garage sale - bundle of Childcraft books - full of stories and poems and things to do, to be read with the Grandchildren.... because we finished the Winnie the Pooh book when they stayed over on Wednesday night - well actually we finished it Thursday morning before dropping them off home on on my way to work, because we were all dressed and fed, and wanted another story. We all love the cuddle together in Nanny's bed reading a book... ($2)

70s Bed Sit

2008-04-05T17:57:00.003+11:00

Thanks Charlene for the photo of my 70s Bed Sit display at last week's miniature fair.

It was fun making it - including the two little girls in their cheese cloth dress, and poncho.

Look what I made

2008-04-05T17:32:00.008+11:00

It may have taken me all day - and I only managed one at a time, but look what I have made today. At last I have organised my knitting needles and crochet hooks. Yes I know they are too short for the long needles - but I recycled some matching material squares that I bought at the church fete last week - all in matching designs (3 fabric designs in 4 colour ways).

Now I have the needles sorted by size - under 3.75mm, 4 and 5 mm, and larger, as well as another one for my crochet hooks and miniature knitting needles. I don't know if I have found ALL the hooks and needles in my house - maybe I will find some more over the next few weeks/months/years.

Immediately before I went to Emergency, I called into a freecycler's place for some material pieces. She had managed to find my blog, and worked out my crafting obsession/interest. I also got three balls of wool, which I knitted into a beanie at while waiting Emergency (which was immediately snaffled up by my daughter when she visited yesterday - it was cool apparently), and I have started a matching scarf - for my grandson. Now he has no matching hat!!

Also I have received a knitting needle case of needles to include in the bundle, and some beading / jewelry bits and pieces. A real treasure trove really. Thank you Lorelle.

Re my health: I really appreciate the prayer time with our church elders - and this afternoon, perhaps I am feeling a little better - not quite so breathless as I walk around. We shall see how it goes over the next couple of days. It feels good to hold your husband's hand as wonderful friends take time to pray for you. When I come to think of it - I am due to take a tablet, and I usually am incredibly exhausted at this point in the medicine cycle. Hmmm.

Love to all

UPDATE - Saturday 19th April:
I forget to tell you - on Monday I went to see my GP, and was put on Warfarin to keep my blood thing - stop any potential slots forming, dissolve any if they have already formed. I also had an ultrasound for Deep Vein thrombosis because I was experiencing muscle pain in one leg. Anyhow - the upshot was no clot, and because I have been a good girl and wearing my compression stockings, they could easily see the veins (for the first time).

Then on Tuesday morning, I woke up all well again, and ready for work. Sometime on Monday evening, my heart went back into normal sinus rhythm - and everything is OK again. I am so grateful. Since then I have been OK most of the time. A couple of short episodes which passed quickly.

Lost week

2008-04-05T08:59:00.004+11:00

I have lost a week - no, not one of those I have been so busy that I don't know where the week has gone, but one of those weeks where life has put me on hold from life for a week.

On Monday evening, my heart decided to beat super fast, and all out of rhythm. I have atrial fibrillation - one of the non-lethal heart problems, where my heart has extra beats - more so when I do anything besides lie in bed completely still. I spent most of 2 days in emergency, and the 2 nights in National Capital Hospital seeing a cardiologist. So I am on medication to slow the heart beat down, and try and make it regular again. If this doesn't succeed, they are threatening to give me the electric chair - nooooo I mean those electrical paddles that you see on TV where they say "Clear" and then you jump off the bed involuntarily. I feel perfectly OK when I am lying down - feel a proper fraud. But if I need a reminder, all I have to do is stand up, nearly pass out, and then walk 10 steps to my desk, and feel like I have walked a couple of km or more.

The elders from church are coming over later this morning to pray for me. What do I expect - a miraculous healing? Not necessarily, although I would accept it.

However, I do expect a sense of calm and peace that comes from getting in touch with the Divine. I do expect the sense of community and care that happens when people in your life are prepared to take time to visit, and pray for you. And I do expect that I will gain an inner strength and peace to deal with the situation I am presently in.

Now, God is God, and we are not in the business of telling (non-gender specific personal pronoun) what to do. But I believe that the way he chooses (non-gender specific personal pronoun) intervene with us as humans is in a partnership manner. there are times that (non-gender specific personal pronoun) wants us to request intervention in our lives. This is one of those times for me. I am seeking intervention, and would like this disabling condition to be gone from my life.

It has been my experience that sometimes after requesting intervention, it happens in a manner that has no other explanation than divine activity. Other times the intervention happens through medical assistance, and at other times it happens through change of lifestyle and activity. Sometimes the intervention happens within my heart and mind - I view things differently, find acceptance for things I cannot change, gain determination to do what is necessary to help myself, and find comfort and strength in having people around me who care about what is happening in my life.

Any and all of the above are acceptable to me - as is something else I don't have a clue about at this time.

Well - we have visitors in 45 minutes - and I now have to go and get dressed out of my jamas. This is not an easy task at this time, and totally exhausts me. At the moment, my Darls is applying the suction from the vacuum cleaner to the floor of the lounge. Don't tell anyone that most of what he has to suck up is threads and left overs from my crafting!!!

See you all later

Super Saturday

2008-03-29T17:34:00.008+11:00

Boy am I glad I am not counting ins and outs...

It all started with a visit to St Andrews fair this morning... and found Betsy and Paula who just cried out to be loved again.

Then I searched through a box of material and found this stash (well that is what was left after MiniBella took some out of it).

Then it was the ACT Miniature Enthusiast Doll House and Miniatures Fair at Weston Creek. More photos from that later on (I hope if TSS shares hers... I forgot my camera didn't I!)

Anyhow, I bought some fabric pieces from Jen. 80 pieces of beautiful fabric - even if it is only 10cm by 10cm big.

Then at the end of the show - the unbelievable happened. I won the basket of Minis Raffle. Apparently buying 6 tickets and stuffing them into one box worked...

That is kitchen furniture, an old cast iron stove, some crockery, little pots, books, a tea set, and oh so much more... Thank you people.

Sleeping Bags for Very Important People

2008-03-22T15:30:00.005+11:00

I am having a pair of wonderful grandies staying over tonight - and in a little unit with 1 bedroom and the boss's office, spare beds and bedding are light on.

I found a couple of old blankets, and some fabric from my stash - and now I have two individual sleeping bags for some little boys

Both of these blankets have provenance. The brown one was my mum's - and the blue one came from an uncle. Now they are being used for the fourth generation...

They still have to sleep on the couches though. Some blow up mattresses won't go astray. Must check out freecycle and see what I can get a hold of.

Spring Contest - oops that is the Northern Hemisphere isn't it

2008-03-22T08:21:00.004+11:00

Connamon Girl is having a spring giveaway, and I get extra chances to win it by telling you about it.

Don't you just love the colours of this wool?

You can have a chance to win the wool as well if you go to her site and leave a comment. And because you are feeling generous, say you saw this on my blog, and give me another chance!

Ohhh what the heck - it is autumn here anyhow!

Good Friday sewing

2008-03-21T21:15:00.004+11:00

I have had a productive day, and an enjoyable one, making these - all 50 of them.

Here is a closer look of a few - they are glasses cases, or mobile phone covers ... or even for an IPod.
They are made for a special occasion where they will be given away to some special people.

Book Pusher...

2008-03-08T08:51:00.007+11:00

Yesterday my Darls and I had the day at home (last one for me for a while because I start working 5 days a week from next week) and we went to the Lifeline book Fair It is the most remarkable collection of used book you can ever find, and lots of browsing time is needed. We went with a budget - and My Darls was very good and came in well under budget, but found his beloved Isaac Asimov series he really wanted. He even bought me a Scrabble game to put on my computer.

I went in a bee line to the craft section to check out books. I was doing well looking through the titles (where I could get close enough tot he table of books to see them) and ran into Taph. This girl is a book pusher. She kept finding these treasures for me - and they were treasures. Even with the added peer pressure, I came in under budget also - but only JUST.

There are two books there with dolls clothes in it, the A-Z book on Embroidery (I love that series), 3 books in Good Housekeeping series on sewing and knitting/crochet, patchwork book, Aust Womens Weekly Craft book (delightful instructions in there) and the best one - "The Gentle Arts - 200 Years of the Australian Women's Domestic and Decorative Arts". Taph's experience as a librarian showed through with the beauty of this book. I love it Taph - and it inspires me to make some of the beautiful artwork in there.

A little part of me wants to go back again today... but I must not... I must not... the budget has been spent.

Been a bit quiet -

2008-03-08T08:39:00.004+11:00

Well on here it has been a bit quiet... but I promise life has gone on as normal.

Ohh dear I see i Haven't posted since the conference in the Gold Coast. Well to make you jealous, this is the view from my Hotel balcony... Not that I had much time to enjoy it, but it was nice to wake up to . I was responsible to make sure the conference ran smoothly with 200 construction managers - what a great bunch of blokes they are.

Well since then, I have been recovering, and - doing I don't know what. But two weeks seem to have disappeared.

But how could I forget to show you this surprise which arrived home with my darls one afternoon after work! Lots of brownie points there!

Raibow scarf & Log cabins

2008-02-17T21:27:00.003+11:00

Here is the finally finished rainbow scarf. It is knitted in double moss stitch, and where the colours were joined, I decided to make into a fringe. I have never seen this before - but it looks like an interesting collar on.

These are log cabin patchwork squares from Sew Mama Sew patch for the week. I love the look of the shadow and light in the smaller one. They are little mat to put under a tea pot and a cup. I guess I will make some more square patches to make more coasters over the following weeks.

I have been busy ... again

2008-02-16T14:04:00.002+11:00

This is my lovely two grandies - and their Mum Liz - and the new T shirts they all got made for them this morning. Liz's is made from material I picked up at Vinnies this morning - the boys chose theirs a couple of weeks ago. So that is three things completed, and three things out!

It followed me home - can I keep it!!

2008-02-16T10:02:00.005+11:00

First of all - here are the three premmie hats I made - and the latest wash cloth made from the cotton yarn I picked up at Salvos with TSS

I was such a good girl - I took the Shopping trolley FULL of things to Vinnies - and these all lept into my hands, and pleaded to be taken home. I am resistant to most dolls calling out to be loved these days - but these two just snuck in under the radar. Just love the orange knitted jacket - it cries out for a little dress under it, and matching booties.

Look at that wool - 10 balls of 50g Sirdar Pullman for a man's scarf and what else for $7.50 and 5 balls of Patons Caressa for$4.! The material would make a nice T-shirt for Liz.

Which reminds me - I promised two young lads a new T-shirt from my material stash - and they are coming to visit some time soon - so I really ought to get it out and make up shouldn't I?

So that makes totals for this week (including an extra shoe rack and laundry hamper taken to Vinnies)

Ins 287
Outs 662
TIAA still 111

Seven Things Summer - Week 11

2008-02-16T08:49:00.003+11:00

It has been another busy week. I have been creative with the knitting, and knitted a rainbow scarf, finished a wash cloth and three premmie baby caps - photos later. the socks are coming slowly, but this week I go to the Gold Coast for a conference, and the socks will be my companion there.

INs: 37 items
Oh dear - it is just as well I write my ins down when I get them - I was thinking this has been a good week, then I forgot last Sunday lunch with fellow Can Bandits, where I collected a pile of clothes. And I did buy some yarn (that is short for the fact that it was acrylic from Lincraft) to make a rainbow scarf. So here goes:
1 black dress
1 voile jacket
1 corset
1 skirt
1 knickers
1 top
3 pieces material
1 pjs
1 swim top
1 wooden doll
3 wedges
2 rolls lace
2 small hats
6 cross stitch kits
2 knitted dolls clothes
2 stamping mags
1 vintage picture book
7 balls yarn - rainbow colours

OUTs - 59 - that is good.

I hope this goes better, or I will be raiding the storage cage downstairs to get some more outs!!!

3 tops Vinnies
10 hair bits & pieces Vinnies
2 foam alphabet floor mat sets Vinnies
11 12x12 paper storage bags Vinnies
2 skirts Vinnies
1 top Vinnies
18 Green bags - surplus to requirements Vinnies
2 Jackets - too big Vinnies
1 Dressing gown - too big Vinnies
1 crochet poncho - last season, big girl's image Vinnies
2 sofa covers - not used Vinnies
1 doona cover - not used Vinnies
1 electric blanket - refuse to use Vinnies
1 crochet doiley - surplus to requirements Vinnies
1 pair PJs - far far too big Rubbish
1 doona - ripped and useless Recycling place
1 Cutlery Drawer divider - surplus Vinnies

TURN IT ALL ABOUT: 4

1 wash cloth
3 Premmie caps

The rainbow scarf is still awaiting the last of its fringe. Will finish it later today.

TOTALS:

IN - 269
OUT - 660
TIAA - 111

I have nearly finished going through the unit decluttering cupboards. - Downstairs storage to go, kitchen cupboards could do with a 6-monthly clean out and Bob is working through his room this morning. That doesn't count in the OUTs because I refuse to count the INs he has... I am sure it would upset the balance.

Unfortunately, he found some things of 'mine' (read stash) on 'his' side of the cupboard - but there was space there, and my side was super full!!! They are on the floor now, I guess I had better go and see what needs to be rescued... May even have a second list this week yet!

Seven Things Summer - Week 10

2008-02-10T10:18:00.001+11:00

Until Friday - life was good for my collection/decluttering. Then I went and paid TSS a visit - always a dangerous thing to do on a Friday when she gave me...

IN: 34
30 tiny weeny pieces of material
3 broken dolls house toys
1 dolls clothes book

Then my darls bought home from Dola Auctions where he works now!

4 Boxes of 120 gsm card - approx 5,000 sheets (anyone want some nice white card?)

So this morning, I had to do something about outs didn't I - and I knew the bathroom cupboard sure needed sorting through. It was the one Rosie (daughter) used when she lived here. Stop it, she only left 6 months ago, and I have never gone through the cupboard to see what was left behind. Well I have now and I have a heap of outs:

OUT: 58

Gifts:
3 pieces of material
4 cards
1 lap sized patchwork quilt
To Vinnies:

3 pieces of material
2 cards
1 lap rug - patchwork
2 cards
1 pet comb
2 bath scrunchies
6 light bulbs
1 defluffer
1 shaving foam
1 moisturiser
1 sorbelene cream
1 hotel soap
1 body mist
1 bath gel
1 shampoo
1 conditioner
4 nail polish
1 hand lotion
1 moisturiser for men
1 paper carry bag
1 charity bracelet
1 little glass bottle
5 Christmas decorations

Rubbish

1 dead hottie
8 bottles old vitamins & medications
1 bunch old rags
1 old razor set
7 shampoo bottles

TURN IT ALL ABOUT: 4

1 lap sized patchwork quilt
1 patchwork bath mat
1 beanie
1 dolls house size cushion for 70s bed sit

TOTAL:
IN - 232
OUT - 609
TIAA - 109

This had better finish soon - because I will have to resort to sorting through my craft cupboards before too long to get any outs... and that would be terrible. I guess there is still the bookshelf, and there is the second shower that has a whole heap of boxes and things stored there, and there is of course the downstairs storage. Ohhh there are heaps of things I can do before raiding the craft cupboards... Yippeee

Disappearing 9-patch - complete

2008-02-09T17:56:00.000+11:00

Here is the completed disappearing 9-patch quilt which I have quilted onto an old towel
and put in use as a shower mat.

Done...

Disappearing 9 Patch

2008-02-09T06:17:00.000+11:00

I started playing with patchwork this week - inspired by Sew Mama Sew . (You will need to scroll down to see the disappearing 9-patch)

Beauty I thought - this will be an easy one, I can sew the colours in strips of three, cut them off, all the same size, and then stitch them together in a row

to make the original nine patch. All went well - exept the corners didn't match, I had to pull them out, each seam, and resew the 9-patch to make the corners match. Notice, I had made the appropriate arrangement of colours - dark centre which would be split, purple corners and cream centre patches.

Then you split the 9-patch into 4 patches Not bad I think. Should be easy, because all I have to do is turn the squares around so that I have two dark small squares diagonal in the centre, and the other two diagonal in the opposite outside corners.

Two problems - It looked easy, only the centre corners had to match didn't they. BUT - at first, I didn't get the sizes of the centre squares identical, and the long strips - well they weren't the same width. Also - look at those two dark purple large patches on one side, and the two floral ones on the other side.
So it gets pulled out again. In future, before I cut the 4 squares out, I mark the finished size of the final patches. At least I know they will be nice and regular. I sewed them up again - and ended up with the arrangement above with the unequal intensity of the purple squares

So it got pulled out again... and rearranged so the darket purple squares are diagonally opposite...
Of course, I had to complete three patches before I discovered the colour problem didn't I?

OK - This time I should get it right to complete the rest of the 9 patches to make a little blanket, or something...

And what is more, Sew Mama Sew already has a new patch for me to experiment with...

Crazy Nine Patch Quilt

2008-02-02T23:20:00.001+11:00

Sew Mama Sew has February as Quilting month. There were some basic nine patch samples this week, and this Crazy Patch got me interested.

I couldn't help making to make one like this for my son.
Fabrics were all sorts of fat quarters that I had in my stash given from a freecycler. Backing, borders and binding - some interesting suiting I collected from a fabric sale. Each square finished about 25cm square - total width approx 120cm.

You Have A Type B+ Personality

2008-02-02T19:40:00.000+11:00

Here I go around - a pleasure to be around (if you believe this anyhow)

You Have A Type B+ Personality

You're a pro at going with the flow

You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer

A total joy to be around, people crave your stability.

While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity.

Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done

You're passionate - just selective about your passions

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

Me?? Can't be - there are wrinkles there...

2008-02-02T13:23:00.000+11:00

TSS took this photo of me in Cassidys... well it just looks like my glasses, and my hair cut, but it is NOT me with those wrinkles. Never...

My excuse is that is the worst of losing weight... too much skin for what fills it now.

Scrap Blanket

2008-02-02T10:02:00.001+11:00

What do you do when you have a basket full of left over wool. (Actually the basket seems quite depleted from what it used to be!)

Turn them into a scrap blanket of course.

I have been having great fun making these squares which will be patched up into a scrap blanket. Every square is made from different wool/s, and in different knitting stitches. The only rule is that need to be the same height so they can be joined in long strips, and then stitched together to make a blanket. To make the most of the interesting squares, I am thinking of bordering each piece with some material.

The greatest fun is when I use up all of a little bit of wool - whether it only is enough for 2 rows of knitting, or to make half a square. I celebrate each one that is no longer there.

If you have some left over wools (from bluebell to double knit) you would love to donate to my blanket, don't be shy will you!

Seven Things Summer - Week 9

2008-02-02T09:32:00.000+11:00

Well - until yesterday, I was worrying about the low number of outs I have had this week - and I was making up all sorts of excuses for my slackness to TSS - all the while we were visiting op shops - and buying more Ins...

The results of a good afternoon with a good friend

Well this morning, I got, and says to myself - "Self, it is time to sort through some junk in this bedroom. I am convinced that you have stuff in here you don't need".

Self was most compliant, and sat up and started on the drawers beside the bed - Good Self. What a productive morning for OUTs I have had - as you will see.

This week's report is
IN: 18

4 garments worth of wool
1 ball sock wool
2 knitting needles
1 knitting pattern
2 balls white cotton
1 x-stitch bookmark fabric
2 skeins cotton yarn
5 pieces of material
1 dolls house cupboard

When you remember that this included visiting op shops, and Cassidys - not bad all around I say

OUTS: 155

I am not going to bore you with the details of this - just a description

42 items to freecyclers - including handbags, old jewelery, wedding garter, hats, souvenir spoon, hand crafted cushion cover and pictures, and all sorts of goodies

38 items as a gift to a fellow bandit -including 25 card making kits, some cards, beading and other little treats for someone who is finding it hard at the moment

33 items to the garbage - including 20 defunct lymphodema bandages and padding, unmatched socks, knickers and bras no longer holding things together and so on. On top of this was a couple of bags of rubbish paperwork and such like from cleaning out drawers

42 further items to Vinnies - clothes that are just far too big on me, don't suit, haven't worn since they have been hanging int he cupboard, and such like.

Arhhh - now my bedroom seems so much more organised and lighter. I have a couple of other shelves to do, and then it is all done :)

TURN IT ALL ABOUT: 4

I have been busy, but not a lot finished. Some things I have been making will come later on today.

I have made myself some clothes - of course now I have room in the cupboard for some new clothes, and I have a cupboard full of material to sew up. Now I have two new tops, and a new dress...
Also, I finished a time thief cap.

TOTAL:
IN - 198
OUT - 551
TIAA - 105

All in all - it finished up a successful week, and feeling lighter in the house.
I am motivated now to go through a few more cupboards - BUT... I have to admit, that I am procrastinating from doing another project which HAS to be finished by Sunday - 15,000 readers of the community newsletter are awaiting my words!!!

I have given in ... and gone to Cassidys

2008-01-28T15:12:00.000+11:00

3.15pm
I have succumbed to the pull to Cassidy's. First of all I was making this time thief beanie - using acrylic from Big W. I love the colours, and appreciate the ease of caring for acrylic over wool...

But I told you earlier, I could feel the pull of knitting socks coming up on me. It was irresistible. So I just had to check if Cassidy's was open today - and yes the Jamison store was open. I rang TSS to help - but she was no help at all - she was going out herself to some movie or something ... just not there when a fellow addict feels the call of wool. Enabler, that is what she is.

So I succumbed, and went shopping, and came out $70 lighter with all of this. There is enough wool there for 4 jumpers for the Grandies, and a sock for my Darls. Of course, I needed a pattern, some DPNs and a small circular needle to enable me further didn't I?
OK I promise I will finish the time thief cap first before casting on the socks. I promise, I promise... I have a blanket on the go also using up scraps of wool - but that can wait to be continued.

5.00 pm Update: Beanie finished - I can cast on the socks now

5.45 pm Socks cast on ... not yet impressed. Had better give it more than three rows to be happy with it. I am having to use the dpns to do the sock - yuk. At $17 a ball, it had better work!!!

I am a rare creature - so who didn't know that!!

2008-01-28T10:50:00.000+11:00

You are that rare creature- the one who both knits and crochets with equal skill and ease. We need more of your kind.

You probably have a medium-to-large stash, filled with a grand variety of fibers. Go shop the stash instead of the store.

Take the quiz Are you a Knitter.

Help - my Canberra knitting friends

2008-01-27T10:55:00.000+11:00

I have given in to the sock knitting craze. I was washing my darls socks on Friday - and realised he liked thick, wool socks - a perfect description of hand knitted socks. So I must make him some. I have downloaded some patterns to follow - now I need to know what kind of wool / wool mix is sock making wool, and where from do I glean some.

So I am counting on you to lead me into paths everlasting (I am watching the program The Battle For Britain's Soul hence the ecclesiastical language ).

Janet

Seven Things Summer - Week 8

2008-01-26T08:00:00.001+11:00

Oh Dear. This is not the sort of week I want to confess to.

IN - 35
24 pieces of material
1 bag fabric scraps
1 knitting rugs book
1 background stamp
1 set 12 month flower stamps
1 bag yarn pieces -TSS
1 miniature dolls furniture
3 sticker sheets
2 packets Chrissy cards - sale

OUT - 1
1 suitcase - freecycle

Turn it all about - 2
2 face cloths

TOTAL:
IN - 180
OUT - 396
TIAA - 101

That sure sounds like I have had a lazy week doesn't it. I certainly haven't been deliberate in moving things out of the house. I have been knitting - I have made several knitted squares in a variety of stitches using left over wool in stripes. It will eventually be patched into a rug for my daughter. That means of course that I am getting through the left overs section of my wool collection. I enjoy it when each little ball of wool gets finished.

AND... I did clean up my fabric stash - now I look at it and think of all the things I could make

I had yesterday off at home, and had our carpets cleaned. This meant moving all the babies out of the lounge room so he could actually clean the floors. So they got a little cuddle, and a couple are sitting naked on my desk awaiting some new clothes.

Arhhh Taph - I love my collection of dolls, they bring me so much pleasure. the babies get a little cuddle every now and then, and the big girls join in a conversation. No, I am not going crazy - well I don't think so anyhow. They don't really talk back - well most of the time. Sometimes they do though.

I nursed (you know - cuddled) a brand new baby last Sunday in church. What a pleasure - and she was the size of my babies, but so much more cuddly, and soft and warm...

What do you do with a drunken stash???

2008-01-20T19:29:00.000+11:00

A drunken stash you say! I am sure I am not the only one with a drunken stash.

You know the characteristics - when everyone else in the room can clearly that the stash has had enough, it says - just one more, one more can't hurt. But you know that it will never stop at one more.

Then when you have something you want it to do, it cannot be found. If you insist that it gives up what you want - it disgorges its contents all over the floor. But will it clean up its own mess? Never. It is still there 3 days later waiting for you to clean it all up again.

OK - tell me I am not the only one with a drunken stash.

So what do you do - the stash was in a total mess yesterday, and it had spewed its contents all over the floor. Pity the floor was Bob's office too. He was none to happy.

So what did I do - remember what my Mama did with her stash - though it was never a drunken stash - she would roll up the material to store it. Hey that is a good idea. It compresses the material into a smaller area, and if you stacked them right, you could see everything on the pile. Also. going through the pile would mean that it would not get into a complete mess.

So here is my sober stash. Lets see how long that lasts. As you can see, there really is NO more room for more...

Seven Things Summer - Week 7

2008-01-19T10:10:00.000+11:00

Well this has been a better week for INs - so far. And given that I am back at work, the crafting hasn't been totally neglected either.

So here goes:

IN - 14
10 Paper craft magazines (gifted)
1 rubber stamp (gifted - came with a magazine)
1 packet of embellishments (gifted - came with a magazine)
packet of 6x6 papers (gifted - came with a magazine)
1 huge box that came around a machine we got at work - figured it would make a wonderful cubby house for two little boys

OUT - 33
10 shirts
11 skirts
9 jumpers and jackets
3 vests

I did a clean out of my wardrobe of clothes I was not wearing. Truth is I have been wanting to make myself some new clothes, and there was not room in the wardrobe for anything new - so a clean out was necessary

TURN IT ALL ABOUT - 3
2 Time Thief beanies
1 dolls outfit (see below)

Note - no clothes for me as yet... Will have to do something about that won't I!

TOTALS:

IN - 147
OUT - 395
TIAA - 99

It is a lovely WET Saturday in Canberra today. It has rained since about 4.00pm yesterday, and the ground is just soaking it all up. The temperature is about 20 C, and so it is a perfect day to stay indoors and knit... So that is what I am going to do. Bliss...

Hilda - reloving my dolls

2008-01-18T21:57:00.001+11:00

Meet Hilda. She is all dressed up to go out in her new satin outfit - which comes with a petticoat and bloomers. Isn't she wonderful.

P.S. I have decided that the bonnet is just too small for her - so it has been donated to another doll, and I will make a larger, more generous one today.

Time Thief Beanies

2008-01-16T19:53:00.001+11:00

Well I have been busy with the knitting needles - all from Taph's Time Thief Cap pattern. This one is for me...
This one for Bob ...
These two are my first attempt at using circular needles - not too bad really.

And this one for Liz (the two most beautiful boys in the world's Mum)
I am pleased with my output this week so far. There is a delightful cool breeze coming through the house tonight - very nice after a hot day.

Seven Things Summer - Week 6

2008-01-12T17:11:00.000+11:00

This has been a reverse week for me - so much "stuff" came into my house, and not too much went out. Well, I guess it will all balance up in the end. So here goes my confessions:

INS:

First of all there were two wonderful surprises in the post for me. M1K1 sent me the most exquisite miniature knitting for my Granny - a little shawl, a wicker bassinet and knitted little blanket. They are made from such incredibly fine thread, a sight to behold. (3 tiems)

Cass sent me another little parcel with the most wonderful tapestry style cushion cover (to be made up) - just look how it matches our sofa.
... and two parcels - one with a maroon satin pillowcase kit (Exactly the right colour for my bedroom - I have some jaquard maroon pillowcases already - and I have about 6 pillows on the bed), and a huge bundle of ribbons and satin bias strips (2 items - well that is all I am counting anyhow)

Then there are my freecycle gains - two boxes of goodies - fabric left overs, enough special yarns for about 3 big projects, and some other wool/cotton yarn. (probably 25 items)

Knitting needles - much appreciated, including some tortoise shell ones.

Then today - I went shopping in Covic - spent a gift voucher for Christmas and got the tin of DERWENT water colour pencils - a luxury I have been wanting for many years, as well as some stamps, ink pads, little dolly ornaments and some buttons for cards

2 packages of knitting yarn - frugalled
2 pieces material
2 Zapf dolls
1 very large Dulux dog (Bob)

So the total of INS this week: 49

OUTS: (Total 5)

2 T shirts - grandies
1 card and wash cloth - in return for knitting needles
2 Cards - grandies

TURN IT ALL ABOUT: (Total 7)

2 Tshirts - grandies
2 wash cloth
1 mini blanket
1 baby doll booties
1 Time Thief Beanie

That is very definitely a reverse from the last couple of weeks - and I guess there is balance in the world somewhere...

TOTALS:

IN - 133
OUT - 362
TIAA - 96

Re-loving dolls

2008-01-05T09:27:00.001+11:00

The clean up of my dolls brought to light that I have many babies just crying out to be loved, and clothed. So I have been working hard to meet their basic needs, and be a good mother.

These two dolls have had little jackets made for them. It is an interesting pattern where you create the jacket all in one piece, and join it up along the shoulder/top arm seam. It involves a lot of increasing and decreasing, and looks really weird until you cast off, and pull it into shape - and hey presto, it fits. OK, OK. I know the little one is a little rudey - she has the fabric and lace for a little skirt all placed beside my sewing machine. Just need to get and do it hey!

This little one has a nautical theme - sort of. He could do with a sailor cap couldn't he ... and white shoes I suppose.

These two were created from the same pattern. The dress starts from the neckline, and increases in a raglan style pattern. Then increases at the waist creates little holes for the ribbon. A nice little easy pattern to make.

Sure, she is not quite as cute as the others - but I love all my babies equally, even when they are a little 'different'.

This time, I created a lace pattern in the skirt.

Now you can see why I need to make the "Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe" dolls house to put all of these babies in. A lot of the Cupie dolls are out of scale though, and I am getting quite a little collection of them - they will need a display of their own soon.

Pictures - Gothic House - incomplete

2008-01-05T09:23:00.001+11:00

This is a kit house I got from the Reject Shop - and like the others, not yet complete.

But this week, the fun has been making the furniture from printies I found on the Internet. It is in 1:24 scale, and so not as easy to get dolls and so on at the right scale. But it is coming together slowly. There is another floor to be done yet - really must get that out again.

Pictures - Craft Shop - incomplete

2008-01-05T09:15:00.001+11:00

This is the miniature craft shop I am making - again for the Show in March.

The top floor is a Christmas Shop - and in the customers from the Post Christmas sales have left it in a real mess. It needs lots more attention.

The second floor has two rooms - the right hand side is a paper shop with wrapping paper, cards and lots of scrap book supplies, as well as paints.
the left hand side is the threads and beads shop. As you can see, the stock is still being set up.

The bottom floor is the fabric and patchwork shop. Some completed quilts are available for sale. I wish I could find the miniature sewing machine (an old singer model) that a friend gave me 12 years ago when I had a dressmaking shop. But it seems to have disappeared somewhere.
The shiny cover in front of the material bolts is a piece of sticky tape to help hold them in place. Without that, earthquakes were far too often, and the fabric spilled all over the floor.

Still to do:
Lots more to the Christmas shop - there are quite a few things available, and I need to decorate the tree - beads I think for baubles.

More things in the paper shop - some scrap booking albums, and display the stickers I have and all sorts of little things

More threads and beads, and patterns, and books, and ... well I am sure you can imagine what else. Maybe some knitting and embroidery to display.

Some patch working books, sewing notions, some patchwork in progress on the table, and sewing machines etc.

Pictures - Old woman who lived in a shoe house (incomplete)

2008-01-05T08:54:00.001+11:00

Here are some pictures of my dolls houses - works in progress.

The theme of this one was "The Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe" - the house is to be based on old Queenslander style houses from my childhood. Now no Queenslander was a 3 storey house - that is my artistic license. But is has weather board outside, painted walls, tongue and groove interior walls, corrugated iron roof, perched up on posts, and will have verandahs on the first and second floors.

But the motivation for the house was my ever expanding collection of re-loved miniature babies and child dolls which needed to be displayed.

Top floor is Adult's Retreat and the nursery. That is Granny on the rocking chair - and she eventually will have some knitting to do - you can never have enough knitted goodies when you have more than 20 children!

The second floor is the bedroom - with a distinct lack of beds at this stage. I need to make some bunks to include, and probably a hammock or two. At the moment it is the play room. the section where the kids are playing on the mat will be the verandah.

And finally the kitchen/dining room. With 22 kids, they had to eat in rotation I am sure. It must be family allowance day because there seems to be plenty of food available at the moment.

Still to do - making the essential "posts" under the house - thus creating a new area for play. Curtains, windows, food and kitchen equipment, more beds, carpet in the Adult's Retreat/nursery and lots of little things... - oh as well as a "greenhouse" under the front verandah, thus creating the toe of the shoe.

Just when I thought I was nearly done - there is a LOT more to do!

Card Challenge - 4x4 Textured Papaer

2008-01-05T08:48:00.000+11:00

Another Card Challenge - I picked up from 4x4 Friday
It is to be made using textured paper.
All paper was found in my stash. Card made from pastel A4 card. Charcoal and yellow matting - shimmer card. The gold textured paper is wrapping paper, and the corrugated card came from a Dollar Shop. The patterned paper used for the medallion and corners was a print out of a patchwork design I had collected when planning my Christmas presents.

I love making cards from bits and pieces I find in my stash.

Seven things Summer - Week 5

2008-01-04T21:21:00.000+11:00

My goodness - is it week 5 reporting already! That means more than one month of summer has gone.

This week - I was very good with the ins - in fact there was nothing until yesterday morning when the Darls wanted to go for a drive so we went to the Jamison and Belconnen Op shops... and came back with

INS - 4:

2 lots of knitting cotton
2 pieces of material - total $7.50

Now the outs were a much better story

OUTS - 84:

5 dolls chairs Freecycle
1 doll cradle Freecycle
15 barbie doll clothes Freecycle
15 barbie (type) dolls Freecycle
1 bag barbie accessories Freecycle
9 stuffed toys Freecycle
1 bratz doll Freecycle
2 toy phones Freecycle<
5 toys Freecycle
2 girls purses Freecycle
1 Spice Girl keyring Freecycle
3 hair combs Freecycle
1 knitted bag Freecycle
1 rose ribbon Freecycle
1 bag handmade Chrissy decs bin
1 bag small plastic dolls clothes bin
5 dolls clothes beyond repair bin
1 Stuffed toy - repurposed the stuffing bin /stash
11 printer cartridges recycled
3 baby clothes freecycle

Also another 32 items of clothing I have cleaned out from my wardrobe. But they haven't left the house yet, so that is for next week.

It has been a productive week too - great fun crafting on my week off from work. Better still, I have really got into 4 dolls house projects and progressed on getting them ready for the Show in March 2008.

TURN IT ALL ABOUT - 24:

6 cards
4 wash cloths
2 mini doll jackets
1 mini doll cape,
1 mini doll hat
2 mini doll skirts
3 mini doll dresses
Miniature Craft Shop - organised threads and cards and quilts
Old woman in the shoe doll house - completed weather boards and painted, completed the attic walls etc, and started on window frames
Gothic House - furniture
70s bedsit - wallpaper, and bathroom

TOTALS:

IN - 84
OUT - 357
TIAA - 89

Fairy Card - CPS Sketch #45

2008-01-03T10:04:00.000+11:00

I found this challenge at Prairie Paper and Ink. I am sure one of my purple loving friends will enjoy this one.

I am sorry I cannot name the source for my things. The teabag folding medallion came from some tiles I printed out - with a little bit of bling in the centre. I got the fairy stamp from a closing down sale, and the rest of the paper just came from my stash - scrap booking left overs, shimmer card and so on.

Card Challenge

2008-01-03T08:47:00.001+11:00

I am enjoying this idea of card challenges. This one comes from Card Positioning Systems
It is made it from a clip art image - the easter egg is layered into a 3D design, with some puffy paint embellishing. The braid is a vintage multi-coloured ricrac, and the the background papers were made on Paint Shop Pro.

Easter is early this year, and if the shops already have Hot Cross Buns, then I guess it is time to make some Easter cards.

Card Challanges

2008-01-01T20:13:00.001+11:00

I have been noticing a number of Card Challenges available through blogs - and I decided to join in.

This one is from here

This one uses two copies of a stamp and embossing in reverse.

Things that make me happy

2007-12-29T22:57:00.000+11:00

I accepted the Shopping Sherpa's invitation to blog about seven things that make me happy. So here goes...

Top of the list - my bald darling...And my lovely, beautiful creative daughter ...
And wonderful son and his girlfriend...
cheeky grandchildren...
my changing shape...
wonderful memories - especially of my children when they are young...
being creative...
and being part of a community that cares for others.

Seven things Summer Week 4

2007-12-29T22:38:00.001+11:00

IN:

1 calendar
1 brooch
1 card making supplies
1 Suitcase
1 bunch Used Christmas cards ( - craft supplies)
1 Hair wrap
1 huge white bear
2 handbags
1 set candles
3 dress hangers
54 miniature bits & pieces - courtesy TSS

OUT:

6 surprise boxes with

25 mini cards
6 miniature boxes
1miniature crochet duchess set
2 miniature crochet blankets
7 - 3D images
1 beaded Christmas decoration
3 beaded bracelets
1 beaded necklace
1 beaded bangle
1 miniature doll with dress & hat
2 Christmas hot mats
1 miniature crochet cushion
1 miniature "Home Sweet Home" wall hanging
2 miniature Christmas cracker boxes
1 packet miniature Christmas cards
8 miniature wool skeins
7 miniature ribbon skeins

1 apron
1 pot holder
2 hot water bottle covers
4 hot mats
1 wash cloth
1 knitted teddy
1 knitted beanie
2 little boy aprons
1 pin cushion
1 needle case
3 santa stockings
4 dolls

TURN IT ALL ABOUT:

Christmas fabric lining for 9 baskets for Christmas Feast
1 potholder
1 apron
1 stuffed ball (trial)
1 knitted beanie
1 mini crochet mat
5 mini dolls hangers
1 mini crochet cape, skirt, hat and bag
1 mini knitted pants & top
1 mini knitted stripe top

SUMMARY

IN 67 Total December: 82
OUT 92 Total December: 273
TIAA 26 Total December 65

But... this is Christmas, and I knew that I had a pile of gifts to supply for the Christmas Feast, and I made all my Christmas gifts, so they counted as outs. For those who disputed the Gift tags I used - they were ones I made, and I had in stash... so they counted as outs!!! Let's see how January goes now.

Doncha love holidays

2007-12-28T10:44:00.000+11:00

Arhhh Holidays - time to do what you want. I have been sorting through my craft gear - in particular the dolls corner.

Here is a cute little baby doll - all of about 8 cm long, with her new knitted layette. She needs a name doesn't she? How about Holly?

This year for our ACT Miniature Enthusiasts Show, we are doing Break-away rooms (see Charlene's here).
This is my contribution - not yet finished with all its little bits and pieces, but getting there. It is a bedsit for a Uni student/s in the 1970s - when I went to Teacher's College. Need a bean bag, lots of books and paper, a granny square rug for the bed, put up the macramé hanger - with a pot plant (probably dead!) oh and lots of posters - PEACE, LOVE and so on!!

Back again

2007-12-27T15:54:00.000+11:00

You probably didn't notice me gone did you? But we had a scare just before Christmas - Bob tells me we had used up the 24 Gig of download for the month, and we were being charged per MB. I couldn't believe it, but we went Internet free (just about) for several days - until we found out we have 5 Gig left for the month. I was beginning to think my fascination for craft blogs was going to be an expensive hobby!

Anyhow - I got some tidying up done - and even organised what Bob calls "my family". There are more - they are just the decent ones, clothed and in one piece. I have a couple of boxes of dolls that need some tender loving care - and horror of horrors (please don't report me), in those 3 drawers are - well probably hundreds - of little babies. They all need clothes.

Talking of clothing the dolls - Here is Nicolette - so named by TSS because she is nicoless - or is it knickerless. It all started crocheting a cape, and then she needed a skirt to go under it, and a hat of course, and then a little bag. The tiny doll in the hand bag is from TSS - part of the 54 items she gave me yesterday - just to stuff up my INs and OUTs and to make hers look better! Wicked woman.

Christmas Baskets

2007-12-23T23:15:00.000+11:00

Here are eight Christmas Baskets I have decorated to go on the tables at the Christmas Feast. They will be used in the centre of the tables and filled with nibblies and goodies to eat.
Have I told you about the Christmas Feast. The church I go to is having a Christmas Feast for people who don't have family to share Christmas with this year. We have contacts through the Foodbank, disability groups, old people's homes, and mothers with preschoolers etc.
This is my ideal Christmas - sharing your goodies with others who cannot necessarily return it. We have a lot of people from the church, and from other contacts who are coming to volunteer to make and serve the dinner.
These baskets I received from Caryn when they left Canberra - and they are being put to good use. The materials and decorations I received through freecycle from someone who used to do scouts group crafts.

Best link for de-cluttering

2007-12-23T17:49:00.000+11:00

I have just found this fabulous link to decluttering your house. My Mum seems to do this naturally, and so never really accumulates clutter. Me - things accumulate all by themselves, though I have used this exact method of decluttering in the past. I think I need to do it again.

Walk Slowly, Live Wildly

Janet

I have some little boxes of surprises for you

2007-12-22T21:59:00.000+11:00

It is nearly Christmas, and I promised a little surprise box for you - and here they are.

Therefore - please contact me at janetmckin@gmail.com with your contact details:

Melissa
Casp
Gemma

Taph, M1K1 and TSS - I have a box for you coming too, but I know your addresses!!

( I know Caryn also left a comment - but she is my step-wife-in-law so she gets a present anyhow for Christmas. Can't work that one out - well you see, we share the same wonderful grandchildren ... Her daughter is my step-daughter ... she is my darls first wife ... does that make it clearer. Ohhh not to forget - she is a good friend too!!!!)

Thank you for your comments. I read all of your blogs regularly, and I get so much inspiration from what you do too.

Janet McKinney

Seven Things Summer Week 3

2007-12-22T14:02:00.000+11:00

IN:
I am trying to remember if I have any ins this week. That is right:

A little miniature face mask from TSS bought in ?? Bali ?? (Was it TSS)

OUT:

A wine bottle apron (gift)
1 Christmas Hot Mat (Gift)
1 Miniature Japanese Doll and Oriental mat (Gifts)
Knitted Jumper, 3 face cloths, doll - donation gift
One Diana Ceramic Doll - gift
150 plus hand made cards and rolls and rolls of Christmas Wrapping Paper in my stash cupboard - wrapping presents for the Christmas Feast
45 dolls - gifts for the Christmas Feast (note: Many of these came back, so I didn't count them in the totals for December. I now have a lovely display of International dolls)
6 gift boxes for surprises

TURN IT ALL ABOUT:

After such a creative weekend, I don't think I have finished anything this week. Been working on a doll's blanket made out of garter stitch knitted square - 16 of 25 squares finished.

More creations - again

2007-12-16T08:26:00.001+11:00

Well I am having fun still with creating things. Meet Camille. She is a real sweetie - and will be adopted by a little girl (I hope) at the Christmas Feast.
A blue teapot cosy for the teapot at work - knitted in Fisherman's Rib. I want to be able to make a cup of tea at work, and actually use the second cup in the pot before it gets too cold.... (Work in Progress - needed to be sewn up to be finished.)

A special Granny Square Christmas mat - to be given away at the Christmas Feast. (work in Progress - just required final rows to finish off)

Seven Things Summer - Week 2

2007-12-15T19:45:00.000+11:00

IN:

I have been so good this week. I have only one in... well that depends on whether Taph counts it as one or many... - One bag of cotton yarns for making wash cloths

OUT:

4 Christmas Gifts for family (gift)
7 cards (home made) (gift)
One box of bits and pieces no longer needed - in sorting through my craft pile (Rubbish)
2 rubbish bags of bits and pieces from the Pre-Christmas clean up

TURN IT ALL ABOUT:
Arhhh this is where I have been busy...

Two patchwork hot water bottle covers
8 aprons
1 wash cloth knitted
3 hot mats
Matching needle case and pin cushion (gift)
Knitted teddy
Doll's Outfit
Crochet Christmas Granny Square mat
Knitted Tea Cosy

I will add tomorrow (Saturday) any more I actually get finished.
More coming - I have put the UFO (unfinished objects) or WIP (work in progress) box on the sofa - it is to be worked through BEFORE starting anything new - well except of course a matching teddy bear for the other little person....

More creations

2007-12-15T11:04:00.000+11:00

I have been making more Christmas Presents. Firstly a needle case, and matching pin cushion for the daughter of my heart. (sorry, I wrapped it before taking a photo of the pin cushion). it is made from some reused Indian style embroidery I fruggled from somewhere.
And of course it needs the personal touch - hopefully it will still be around in 2047!

Then there are some little boys who all they need to say is "Nanny, will you knit me a teddy bear for Christmas?", and it happens magically....

Christmas gifts

2007-12-14T17:55:00.000+11:00

I have had a wonderful week sewing Christmas gifts

Two log-cabin hot water bottle covers - His and Hers version.

An apron for Mum...

And daughter....

]

For Dad and Son....

Two more aprons for little girls

And aprons for two gorgeous grandsons.

Seven Things Summer - Week 1

2007-12-08T01:29:00.000+11:00

IN:

10 facecloths - Best & Less $4.00
3 balls of knitting yard - Revolve Better bits - $1.50

OUT:

2 Facecloths - donated to Christmas Tree Appeal
1 Doll of the World - donated to Christmas Tree Appeal
2 rubbish bags of countless pieces of paper - clean up around my desk - Rubbish
2 cards - to my grandsons

TURN IT ALL ABOUT:

Crocheted edges on 10 facecloths
9 Hot Mats for Christmas Gifts

The week started well with lots of craft things done - but then heated up and got so busy that nothing more got done for the rest of the week. Lots of running children (grown up variety) around this week, including Madam 23 yr-old birthday. She hasn't got her present form me yet - it is coming from Ebay...

IN: 13
OUT: 7
TIAA: 19

Not too goof - but Christmas is coming and there will be lots more out soon.

What's in the box

2007-12-02T11:17:00.001+11:00

OK - in the spirit of the giving season, and to bribe you into leaving comments- I have a mystery parcel for someone who leaves a comment on my blog this month. In the parcel there will be something - or maybe more than one thing - made by my own fair hand...

What could it be I wonder?

It could be one of my re-loved dolls cleaned up and with a new outfit (where available, the original outfit will be included). It could be a stash of my beautiful home-made cards, or even one of my famous Christmas Hot Mats. it could be Christmas Decorations, or an ornament or jewelry made from beads. It may be some miniatures for your dolls house. It could even come from my not inconsiderable stash. I will decide what to give when the name is chosen. You may even have a choice - Shopping Sherpa - you will miss out on the Christmas Decorations...

Well actually - I will give away five boxes before Christmas.

Your name will go into a box for as many of the following reasons as you like...

Just for leaving a comment on any of my posts this month (until I decide to make the draw)
If you tell me you have made a blog posting about my site
If you tell me you have placed me on your blog roll
If someone else leaves a comment, saying they followed a link from your blog
Or if you can convince me that we have met, talked, or emailed before...

So - there will be five boxes in which your name can go - and as many times as is appropriate. You can cheat by doubling up on your comments - well not replicas, but more than one post, and bribery is definitely an advantage.

No 5 is especially for those of you who say they look at my blog, but never comment. Get off your ... whatever it is you sit on ... and leave a comment.

I promise to return blogroll anyone who blogrolls me - well if I am OK with your site of course. No porn, corruption or real bad taste blogs included. Craft, miniatures or blogs that make me laugh are guaranteed inclusion.

Crafting

2007-12-01T22:28:00.001+11:00

I purchased these 10 facecloths this morning from Best and Less ($4) and I have crocheted around all 10 edges today. My hands are feeling it a bit - but they look good. I always think that facecloths that are crocheted around last a lot longer.

Then there is Nellie - I made her a new dress this week. She is so sweet.

Where have I been all week

2007-12-01T12:05:00.000+11:00

Dolls and Crafts
Oh dear - it has been a busy week, and I haven't been here. What has happened. I made up a dress and jacket for a baby - will include a photo later on. She is a beauty.

Liz came over yesterday - and she and the kids were here when I got home from work. She raided my material cupboard, and took 4 pieces of material to make stuff for the boys. Rosie gave her a sewing machine for her birthday - and so it is fun for her.

I finished another facecloth.

Seven Things Summer
I am going to start the record of what I buy (in the way of craft and other non-essentials) each week, and what I get rid of during the week - as well as what I use to make into something else. Here are the rules... The idea is to try and get rid of at least 7 more things out of the house in a week more than you bring into the house.

Today is the first day of summer... so what I get from today on counts. Bother - I just bought 10 facecloths to crochet an edge around and give away as presents at the Christmas Dinner. I guess it has to count, because I am going to do something with them.

Christmas Feast
I have also been collecting gifts for a Christmas Dinner I am part of planning this year. It is being held at our church for people who don't have family to share Christmas with. Actually, for those of you looking for an outlet for unwanted items, I am interested in collecting anything you may like to donate to use as gifts. I will include some more information on it later on. thankfully, what you bring in, in order to give away doesn't count on the list :)

OK then - I have some accounting to do - not the most pleasant of jobs, but the appointment with the accountant has been made fro Wednesday - got to get it finished...

Blessings
Janet McK

Miniature Dolls

2007-11-26T18:43:00.001+11:00

The last of my Ebay miniature dolls arrived today from Germany and England. I am very pleased with them.

Here is a small Scots man and Dutch woman, and two little teen dolls.

The baby is a cute hard plastic miniature, and the ceramic one has non-movable limbs and both are sitting nicely on the floor

This is an interesting mixture of German dolls mostly. The little soldier one could be composition - an interesting texture.

And finally the little ones from Germany - including a composition doll on the right. One of the little babies needs restringing - and all of them need some clothes. Time to get knitting and crocheting I think - can't be naked for Christmas. I am pleased to have two lovely little composition dolls - much older. Now I must chase up the meanings of some of the markings on their backs.

The thing is with miniature dolls - they don't take up near the space of the bigger ones. Out unit is in dire need of reorganisation - I have moved the material stash around and made it accessible. I have tidied up the corner where the dolls have taken over. Have to finish stashing away the wool yet...

Janet

Frugalling Saturday

2007-11-24T16:08:00.000+11:00

This was supposed to be my haul for today - fabric from The Bargain Place (or whatever it is called) in Queanbeyan for making dolls clothes. The black and white reversible was irresistible - make an interesting bag or something. Spent about $12.00 There is some pastel pink crystal organza - can't you see a delightful party dress for a doll there!
and of course some wool - baby wool for baby clothes, and white cotton for face cloths - $3.50
Then this bag of curlers - just perfect for curling dolls hair - and plenty of them. Dunno what I paid - they came with some fabric.
Then young Madam rung up - "Mum, there is an ad in the Canberra Times for bargain material at a church in Chifley. Will you take me?" She won me over. In the process, we visited the Salvos in Woden - and this doll jumped into my hands. I resisted several other beautiful dolls that just wanted to talk to me, but they didn't have the urgent need for love that this one showed. 50 cents
BUT - at the fabric sale - four large garbage bags of remnants for $5 each. They all jumped into my car. I am sure glad I don't have to count every piece as an "in" - $20. The fabric is wonderful quality and most pieces are at least 1 metre in length. Make some interesting bags, dolls clothes, and I think I will HAVE to give some away.

Two pieces in particular just cry out to be made into tops for me - just lovely. If I needed any more skirts, there is plenty of material here (I think 20 skirts is enough at the moment - but some of them are getting too big, so I guess they won't last forever).

Introducing Trinity

2007-11-22T12:39:00.000+11:00

This is Trinity. One of my babies from Taphophile She is a beauty - a fairly modern doll made with a porcelain head and arms/hands and legs/feet, with a soft body.

But to make Trinity more interesting - she has three faces (inside the bonnet). Depending on the mood she can be asleep...

awake with a wicked grin ....

or crying.
This is Trinity before her makeover...
She is in a beautiful baby dress which used to belong to Taph, and which I have altered around the shoulders to fit her a little better. I also lined the basket for her to lie in. She just calls out for a cuddle when you see her. She is called Trinity because of her three faces.

I have never seen a three faced doll before, but they come from a long heritage.

Ideal Dolls from America have one. Here are some pictures of some more.
And a story of a doll which frightened this actress.
Some history of a three-face doll maker.

I think she is beautiful

2007-11-20T17:48:00.000+11:00

I have finshed rolling up all the material for my craft shop. Recognise it TSS?

Also I have started cleaning up my baby dollies - here is Marjorie after a tub, and hair in curlers. The curlers are chopped up straws with bobby pins... I washed her hair with shampoo and conditioner - supposed to make it soft and shiny again. We shall see how it goes.