It followed me home - can I keep it!!

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

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

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

Seven Things Summer - Week 9

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!!!

Seven Things Summer - Week 8

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...

Seven Things Summer - Week 7

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...

Seven Things Summer - Week 6

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

Seven things Summer - Week 5

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

Seven things Summer Week 4

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.

Seven Things Summer Week 3

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.
  

Seven Things Summer - Week 2

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....

Seven Things Summer - Week 1

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.

Where have I been all week

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