Family holidays

Hello all, 

Yes it does feel like I have been absent from the blogging word of late, but I have had a good reason.  My family and I finally went on a well deserved holiday.  It’s been just shy of 15years since we went on our last holiday.  Yes I know that’s pretty bad and hopefully it won’t be that long for the next one. 

So my time before we left was spent busily making stuff for our holiday as we were heading to Tasmania (the cold part of Australia).  I made lots of nice things to keep us warm but in the end the weather was just beautiful, sunny and warm, no need at all for beanies, scarves, gloves and cowls.  I don’t think they even left our suitcase. Here's some photos of our time away...

The Boat House at Cradle Mountain.

Looking out across the bay from Sarah island.

The old church at Port Arthur.

Jumping waves ninja style at Swansea.

Beach finds at Swansea.

Looking out across to Wine Glass bay.

Rain forest walk at Columbia Falls.

We had such a fantastic time doing the touristy things that I may have even been too busy to do the crafty things (she says in a hush tone).  I did get to squeeze in a little but definitely not a lot.  Although I did buy myself a few little crafty gifts along the way (new and op shop variety).

So lets do a little show and tell:

• I bought two pure wool blankets (a single and double), not sure if I want to use them as a quilt backing or cut them up for softies and hot water bottle covers, or even just leave them as they are with some crochet edging added.

• One of the best embroidered doilies that I have, the embroidery is in excellent condition and there are no stains or tears.  I fell in love the minute I saw it.

• I picked up two sets of knitting needles; Art viva and a handmade set.

• Another pure wool blanket, baby crib size for 50 cents (could not pass that up).

• A cute little bird brooch and hair tie by Elliot my Dear.

• Another little ceramic Easter Bunny. I might have a slight addiction to these.

• And my most expensive buy a ball of the most beautiful Alpaca yarn.  It’s so fine (a 2 ply).  I am not sure if I will make a set of lace gloves or a shawl, or it may just be left as is so I can just hold it and gently rub against my face (yes I am one of those people).

(I did buy some yummy chocolates and fudge from Anvers, but really did you expect me to keep that for show and tell.  They was gone almost the minute we left the shop he...he..).

And finally a show and tell of the handmade, homemade variety, a special little Easter friend for Little O. Everyone please met Jenny-Benny (yes that is her/his name given by Little O).  Jenny-Benny’s pattern can be found here.








I had to quickly take this photo before the little hands came in and took the eggs away to be eaten.


I hope you all had a fantastic time celebrating Easter with your loved ones.

Anna
XO

A month in review...May

Just a little visual something to share with you all in this post.  I felt like I didn't achieved much in May but looking back on it now through my pictures I was a little busy.

This beanie won a prize for "Best Autumn" themed beanie over at Little Red's Craft Cupboard (which is a fantastic local craft shop run by Kate.  Kate also has a blog by the same name).

A cushion for my nephew's bed (not happy with how the iron on interfacing buckled when I ironed it on).  I told my sister in law I would re-do it and she laughed at me. In her words "he's not going to noticed, he's 5 yrs old, he's just ecstatic that he has a cushion with his name on it to show to all his friends".  Boy to be that young and made happy by the smallest things.

A special little present for a little girl moving into a big bed

(out growing the cot).

A hot water bottle cover for my Mum (a felted jumper found at an op shop).

Mum has a thing for the colour green and it suits her just perfect.

And finally a special bit of knitting for a very special little boy.  Dear Master M, may this keep your little head warm while you stay in hospital.

For the life of me I just can't get this picture to go the right way.  Every time I upload it, it wants to turn on it's side.

I love this pattern for this beanie, a great Ravelry find.  It is such an easy one to knit up, even with all the distractions a 2.5 yr old can throw in the mix.

So this was my month of May and June is looking to be a busy one too.  As busy as I get I must admit I do love every part of the creating and making, and the best part is the giving it away to someone special.

Do you have a busy creative May?

Anna

XO

Pretty Little Finds

I was going through some of the many photos that we have (is it just me but since having a digital camera there seems to be hundreds more photos that we now have compared to what we might have had with an old camera that takes a film roll?). Anyway, I came across some photos of some op shop finds that I found a few months back and thought I might do a little sharing.

I love the embroidery work that has gone into these.  It's makes me wonder about the past and who might have been sewing away to complete them.  Was it some young girl putting together a set for her hope chest, or someone who already had an established home and wanted to pretty it up, or were they a present for some one's kitchen tea? 

I know there has been many a debate on line about finding treasures like this in op shops, should they be kept in their original state or can they be re purposed to make other pretty things?  For me at this stage, I think I will leave them just the way they are and admire their pretty-ness.

And also included in my finds was a wonderful little egg cup.  I try not to create collections on purpose, but I have noticed that I already have about 8 of these little beauties all in different colours.  Oh well, if they make me happy then what can it hurt?

What's your best treasure find?

Anna
XO