Greedy For Colour

Ice Cream Colours and Beach Smurfiness.

2012-01-31T10:39:00.004+13:00

Only a couple of beachy days left with the boys starting back at school tomorrow. Everything for me now is starting to take on a poignant tinge. However as ever, a splash of colour does a lot to cheer things up. I did a little bit of shopping yesterday and bought these two smocks and the ice cream coloured necklaces.

I could eat them.

Maybe Archie's iced chocolate was the inspiration...

Or the intensity of these colours - my niece was very kind in letting me photograph just her skirt.

The boys have been having a wonderful time with their cousins - I love how bionicles seem to be the most sensible choice of toy to take to a cafe. I almost felt like I should have left my knitting at home and grabbed something similar.

Uncle Boo came up with a brand new beach game - 'Wave Chicken'. The title is probably self explanatory - the gist being that everyone lines up in the shallows, face front to the waves. The first to hop up loses.... sometimes the really brave players wriggle out even deeper into the water.

I think this photo reveals the winning duo.

Auntie Jodie brought her very special vintage collection of smurfs with her to the beach as her favourite childhood memory was making smurf houses and castles in the sand. I think the kids will all remember this forever too.

Very sensibly, she lined them up to count first.

And they all came back home safely!

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Holidays with Grandparents.

2012-01-29T10:19:00.002+13:00

We are very, very, very lucky at the moment having a holiday with two sets of grandparents. The boys are in absolute heaven - can you see how happy Hugo is to have his night-night story read by Fafa (my dad). I don't think Fafa minds somehow.

This is Fafa with his brand new blanket crocheted for him by Granny LouLou. She only began crocheting in September and has now completed two blankets (this one in chevron stitch!). To say I am impressed is an understatement.

Fafa's toes are being kept warm by some slippers I crocheted for him this week. Last night he was very content snuggled up in his blanket with slippered feet.

Hugo's Gran Gran gave him this elebank which he is thrilled with. There was a moment of alarm however when he put his hard earned lolly money (something that only happens on holidays) into the elephant as unfortunately (or fortunately), once coins are put in, short of breaking the bank they don't come out again.

I've also finished some wrist warmers for an imminent birthday. It's a weird pose I know but it is very hard to have a natural shot of gloved hands. I look like I am practicing an Easter Bunny pose.

Time to get back into a bit more colour now that I have finished those little jobbies.

And guess what Granny LouLou did for me - would you believe she tucked in all of the tails for Hugo's blanket, a project I finished about 18 months ago. She just sat down and did it. The joy I feel in this cannot be explained by mere words. But, there is a lot of joy.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

p.s. For people who enquired about how my bike would cope with rain - I keep it in a garage (in fact I really refer to it as being 'stabled') and I don't go riding in bad weather anyway. A little bit of rain would probably give it a good wash so when it becomes a little grubby I may even wheel it outside during a storm - although I cannot imagine doing such a thing at this stage...

Summer Magic.

2012-01-26T16:20:00.004+13:00

Let me first begin by saying we are so, so, so very lucky that Jonno has a good job and that he is an extremely hard worker with a wonderful work ethic, but, it also means that family holidays with us all together are few and far between. It also means that he often works 7 days a week and during the busier parts of the year, this can be for quite a run of months. The thing with Jonno though, is that the moment he is home, he is completely onboard gives his all to the boys (and of course to me too).

As a result, when we do find ourselves on a family holiday, we revel in every minute of it and if the weather is good, then so much the better.

This holiday has found us almost in our own backyard, Waihi Beach way.

We have swum, ridden bikes, walked, explored and even made things...

It has been so good for my soul to see the boys full of adventure, happiness and health. They are almost sleek with it (I must add here that the summer holidays certainly did not begin this way).

I have made batch after batch of melting moment biscuits for the beach - they seem to be the best way of warding off sea water shivers. Fortunately the boys eat them before I can have too many.

And seeing Jonno dolphin about with the boys in the water has just been fantastic.

Nothing like little boy's fingernails covered in nail polish and sand.

And the other thing which is so good about being here - that if Jonno has to go home and roll silage (which he will have to do tomorrow), it only takes half an hour to get there and the boys and I can continue on with our holiday, swimming and swimming and swimming.

Lots of love, Kate xxooxx.

Good Places to Knit.

2012-01-24T16:20:00.003+13:00

These summer holidays, my knitting has come everywhere with me. In the photo above we have just come out of a long tunnel filled with glow worms and stalactites and found ourselves at this amazing swimming hole. Where better to pull out morning tea and continue on with a knitting project....

This tunnel was at least fifty metres long which doesn't sound huge but being quite narrow and full of interesting things, it took a very long time for two little boys to walk through and examine everything. Glow worms are magical, they made it feel like we were walking through a space tunnel.

This is my current project, wrist warmers for a birthday present. I love how quickly they knit up.

Here we have a very crucial operation being undertaken - Ted Ted's tail being reattached with some specially selected gold thread. Hugo loves his little friend so much that he had to hold his paw (even though Ted Ted was under a general anesthetic at the time).

Joy.

And shared relief. I love how Hugo has to keep an eye on Ted Ted.

Still loving Summer - we had a wonderful swim today with lots and lots of waves caught (and released - we are very humane).

Better tootle (make that bike) on home and start dinner.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

The Bribe/Reward....

2012-01-22T11:28:00.002+13:00

First of all, thank you so much for all of your comments - they brought a huge smile to my face this morning (making me look slightly maniacal in the cafe while I use their internet again....).

Archie accompanied me on a big bicycle ride today and was treated to an icy-pole as a reward.... He even posed by the bike for me which was very obliging of him, particularly as he wore a green shirt which provided a wonderful back ground for the crochet.

Can you imagine how happy I was with the yellow shop!!!

Once again, few words as I always feel a little self conscious using someone else's wifi (very grateful though). I promise there will be non bike related posts again but at the moment I it's hard to think about anything else. If only I could crochet a cover for my car seat - I don't think that will happen somehow - it might perhaps be the beginning of the end... or maybe not.

Back on my bike,

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

p.s. if anyone does any bike pimping please leave a comment because I would LOVE to see what you do and how you do it. xxooxxooxx.

My Bike.

2012-01-21T11:57:00.004+13:00

Eeeekkkk - I can only write a quick post as for various reasons, my only access to Internet at the moment is in a cafe and I have spent a ridiculously long time loading photos. They are now starting to look at me as though maybe it's time to either re-order or hop on my bike.

And so - this is my new, extremely pimped up bike. I'll get more photos up at a later date and it is still undergoing construction but I am very happy!!!!

Jonno asked Archie where I was this morning and he said "Downstairs working on her bike". I thought that sounded like a very cool thing for a mum to be doing - even if it was with a needle and thread...

The basket is working well, good for keys, bread, money, Hugo's feathers, etc, etc, etc.

But sometimes it is too hard for a little boy to put his little red shoes in the basket and a bicycle seat will do.

Well, thank goodness summer has arrived in N.Z. at last. We are revelling in it with lots of beach swimming (Hugo has turned out to be a demon boogie boarder) and bike riding. I can't believe the freedom that comes with riding a bike around with the kids. Summer is good.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

More Baskets and Bunting Necklaces.

2012-01-17T08:22:00.003+13:00

Well, the bicycle basket is done and now waiting to be attached to handle bars. I am still thinking about making an oilcloth bucket/bag to slip into but that may be another project for another month.

And the other bit of busyness involves these little bunting necklaces which I am thinking about putting into a shop in town. I have to come up with a price for them though..... always awkward.

Now, a huge thank you for all of your lovely comments on the tutu post - you made me feel VERY happy!!! And yes, I had better to start thinking of more events to wear it to.... maybe just to town?

Well, off to the library - my favie place in the world.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Tutus and Tiaras... and More Yellow Shoes.

2012-01-15T09:46:00.004+13:00

I am going to apologise in advance for this post which is a celebration of wearing my first tutu ever!!!! Last night we went to a friend's 40th with the theme being 'a little bit of glam'. And so I made a tutu by using the no sew method (if you google no sew tutu method, one millionbillion hits will come up). Our very bestest neighbour came to babysit last night and took lots of photos so if you have seen enough in the first picture, stop scrolling now because there are thousands to come. But honestly, how often do you get to dress up and have a photo session to boot?

Now, as for the yellow shoes - they are from a New Zealand chain store called Glassons and were only $30. Irresistible. The whole range of shoes were amazing but the yellow called out to me personally by name. I also made a little silver bunting necklace to wear last night as well - I will have to do a little tutorial on it soon but I am sure many of you will be able to work out how to do it just by looking.

The boys are hammering bottle tops on the shed (their new hobby) so I had better go and make sure they aren't using the other's foot to rest the hammer on or anything.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

p.s. One more big sorry for the gratuitous tutu shots.

Yellow Shoes.

2012-01-13T20:37:00.002+13:00

Agggghhhhhh - what can I say but new yellow shoes.

I love them so much that I had to wear them in the wet grass to hang out the washing.

Hence the splatters.

Tomorrow night I am going to wear these shoes,

This tutu (that I made the other day)

And sparkly nails - I am going to a 'touch of glam' party.

Aside from that Archie has been legoing...

And Hugo was last spotted covered from head to toe in these tattoos.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Behind the Scenes.

2012-01-12T16:51:00.005+13:00

Here are a few sneak peeks of some projects I have been working on at the moment. Above is my wicker bicycle basket which I am so ridiculously excited over - it is still very much a work in progress. Only a few more days though and then I will be able to ride to the shops and put milk (bottled - wicker is quite porous) in it. It will be the most fancily delivered milk ever...

Crown progress is coming on. The pattern for an adult is very similar to the toddler's but ties at the back.

The toddler crown is crocheted in a circle.

And this is the tiny and very much experimental beginning of a new phase where papier mache and crochet get to make a forest together. I have been getting into the habit of showing a piece only when it is finished. This year I really want to show my workings more on the blog and record the making of it to show how things evolve.

So this stumpy thing is the beginning of a tree pattern. I like the logginess of it but am needing to work on tapering the end more.

The biggest whack of inspiration came from Archie's casual draping of the crown over the hill. I love it and now need to find a way to work them together. It's all very castley.

Right now I am revelling in some hard won peace between the boys (they certainly have many moments that are not worth photographing for the blog), marvelling in two days without rain (not including showers during the night) and roasting a chicken in milk which according to this recipe by Jamie Oliver is a very sensible thing to do. And it smells so good already.

Have a lovely day/night.

Love Kate xxooxxooxx.

Crowns and Circus Tents.

2012-01-10T07:24:00.002+13:00

Goodness, a whole week has passed since I last posted - what can I say but that we are in the middle of the rainiest summer holiday that I can remember and most minutes (when I am not crocheting) are going into peace keeping. However, when peace has been momentarily achieved, I have been working busily on two patterns - one for a crown (you can see the evolution of it through the photos - the final product isn't pictured though) and a circus tent. Jonno has promised to weld me little frames for the tents when he has time.

A crown just needing a bit of fancy finishing.

And my new obsession (for kids of course....) Nanoblocks.

I have all sorts of other things to show you over the next few days including a wicker basket I bought for my new bike - at the moment I am crocheting bunting for it. Rainy holidays are a good excuse for manic crafting aren't they.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Projects with the Boys....

2012-01-03T11:45:00.006+13:00

Before Christmas I ordered a couple of these silicon lego trays (from etsy - I can't remember the seller's name), one for a present and one for me. Today being about the zillionth rainy day in a row, I thought it would be a good time to try some plaster of paris in it. So far we have had frozen juice lego men and chocolate lego men.... I can't wait to try pure gold lego men (maybe when we win the lottery?).

After the boys have a rest today (they really need one), we are going to paint this lego army with the 'good paints'. The boys get to have three each and I may have two.

It's actually kind of hard not to eat them.

Aside from that we have been having plenty of snugly, slow mornings.

And dismantling Christmas.... it's always such a good feeling.

Reclaiming window space.

And crocheting bunting big and small - completely inspired by the way, by my neighbour whose Christmas present to me was amazing - I have just been waiting for the right light to photograph it by.

I hope the holidays are tootling along nicely for you too.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Some Makings.

2011-12-28T12:41:00.004+13:00

I won't use many words today as I am still recovering from a wonderful, wonderful Christmas and a lost voice (from a virus). Here are a few little things I made for our neighbours - the donut is a brooch - I hope they realised that.

And for a delicious non-alcoholic Christmas and New Year drink - Strawberry and rose petal cordial to be mixed with soda water.

And as for post Christmas crafting - I am thinking about life on a smaller scale inspired by Ana Hrachovec's amazing book 'Teeny Tiny Mochimochi' - the knitted gnome pattern pictured below comes from it. I actually did the carrots a little while ago but am now thinking more is needed for dinner than just that.

I loved doing the knitted gnomes so much that I thought I would see if I could cobble together a crochet version. It still needs a bit of work but I am sensing a necklace coming on.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and taking it quietly where you can.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

A Quick Crochet Star Pattern.

2011-12-22T18:20:00.006+13:00

I thought as a last little Christmas present I would jot down a new star pattern that I've been working on. Being the eve before the eve I won't do a post with lots of how to photos - just the nitty-gritty directions. But before I do... here are a couple more photos.

A shy snowman...

And a named reindeer - Hugo though Fluffy was appropriate and was very happy to make it official for me.

Now for the star pattern...

Christmas Star.

Abbreviations (U.S.) :

slst - slip stitch

st - stitch

sc - single crochet

dc - double crochet

trbc - treble crochet

Round 1. Chain 2, the 5 sc into the 2nd ch from the hook. Slst into the 1st sc to make a circle.

Round 2. 2sc into every st until the end of the round. (10)

Round 3. 2sc into every st until the end of the round. (20)

Round 4. *Working into the first stitch, 2dc then 1 trbc. The next part forms a picot stitch at the top of star's point - ch3 then slst back into the 1st ch. Trbc once back down into the same stitch (as the first 2dc and 1trbc) then 2 dc. Skip a stitch then slst into the next stitch. Skip anoather stitch then repeat from * 4 more times. Bind off and then use your fingers to gently pinch and shape the points to make them extra pointy.

N.B. It is very important to make sure you are only working into every second stitch and not accidentally skipping more (this is very easy to do).

I hope this makes sense. I have had a ginormous day - as I am sure everybody does at this time of year - and my brain is feeling pretty foggy. Please ask if any parts are unclear.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

P.S. In the photo above I finished the star by single crocheting around the edge to give it a sparkle - I haven't included that step in the instructions but if you want to sc into every straight stitch and 3sc into the points.

More Christmas Peeps AND the Best Shortbread Recipe Ever!!!

2011-12-21T07:27:00.006+13:00

Business first, Jonno cut out the stag head shield for me yesterday and I spent the day spraying it. The unnamed little fellow is now mounted and waiting for a brass plate to announce his name (although he may have to make do with a cardboard one until after Christmas).

The presents are almost, almost done.

And the boys and I are still enjoying our Christmas glamming of the house.

Now, for the shortbread recipe. I do not make this claim lightly but I do think we may have a winning recipe. It is gluten free but please don't let this turn you off if you are lucky enough to be a gluten eater. I made a batch of gluten and gluten free the other day and had my father-in-law (well known as a shortbread connoisseur test it). Jonno and the boys back up his decision whole heartedly. Here we go...

Shortbread.

250 grams softened butter

1 cup of icing sugar

1 1/2 cups of white rice flour

1 1/2 cups of corn flour

Method.

Pre-heat oven to 180c. Cream butter and icing sugar together. Add rice flour and corn flour and mix well until it comes together in a big ball. Add a little extra butter if it is too dry or crumbly. Roll out on a well floured bench and cut into shapes or roll into a log and slice into circles. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. When they come out of the oven be patient, don't test to see if they are cool with your tongue - it took forever for the blister on Hugo's to go away.

Lots of love, Kate xxooxx.

A Very Greedy Christmas Tree.

2011-12-19T08:20:00.003+13:00

Finally, finally, finally we have our Christmas tree up. The rain poured all weekend and I was beside myself with the thought that we were wasting our 'having a gaudily decorated tree in our house' time. Then, for a moment, the skies cleared and Jonno and the boys jumped into the ute and went to Bethlehem (really, truly, it's a nearby suburb) and found the most perfect tree ever grown.

The most exciting part about this tree is the big hollow at the top which I think would be perfect for a giant paper crane to nest in. Note the boys' amazingly large stockings - I will show them properly another day but please know that Santa Claus is not expected to fill them - the size is so that they can put all of their presents in and then transport them to wherever we are spending the day.

Instead of using Christmas lights (mainly because I don't have any), this year I am using a garland of party lights that I bought last year from Cotton On. I love them so much that I am now determined to seek out more.

I love Christmas trees!!!

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Australian Birthdays.

2011-12-18T07:45:00.003+13:00

Hello again - I think I forgot to say in my last post that I was popping over to Australia for my mum's 70th birthday. Archie and I have just returned after a week's holiday, having left Jonno and Hugo to manage the farm whilst we looked after the birthday girl.

Here are a couple of glimpses from Mum's garden. They have had a bit of rain and it is all looking very lush and green - not quite the norm for this area as they head into summer.

This is my niece wearing her new Christmas present. Crochet garlands are my new addiction I think.

I love going home and finding things I made (even from years ago) still in place. This little dog was made when I first started crocheting, the pattern is from Nikki Trench's 'Super Cute Crochet' and is still a favourite of mine.

Archie loved being with the dogs. I think Bear may have thought that Archie was part golden retriever. Very understandable when you take Archie's golden hair into consideration.

And here is the birthday girl herself, 70 years old and in very good nick, her only concession being that she needs a magnifying glass to distinguish between spoons and forks... oh well (actually, her eyesight is very good - I thought I better add that so she doesn't get cross with me - not that she would - Hi Mum!!!!).

Very hard to say good bye to everyone this time but it is so lovely to be back at home now. I am currently writing this from bed having a Sunday morning lie in. The boys are downstairs watching cartoons and Jonno, not working this morning, is reading the final installment of the Eragon series and will probably not speak to anyone for the rest of the day. There is nothing like a good book is there.

My stomach is beginning to growl so I had better pop downstairs and rustle up some breakfast.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

A Christmas Bauble Tutorial.

2011-12-07T19:14:00.006+13:00

Abbreviations.

ch = chain

slst = slip stitch

sc = single crochet

st/s = stitch/es

Sorry I left this out in the original post - I use 8 ply wool (preferably cotton or a bamboo mix) and a 3.5mm hook. Any fibre-fill is fine.

For the bauble.

Round 1. ch 2,

Round 2. 6 sc into the 2nd ch from the hook, join with slst into first sc. (6)

Round 3. *2 sc in each st. *Repeat until end. (12)

Round 4. *1 sc in the next st then 2 sc in following sc. *Repeat until end. (18)

Round 5. *1 sc in following 2 sts then 2 sc in next sc. *Repeat until end. (24)

Round 6. *1sc into the following 3 sts then 2sc into the next st. *Repeat until end. (30)

Round 7. *1sc into the following 4 sts then 2sc into the next st. *Repeat until end. (36)

Rounds 8-12. 1 sc into each st until 5 rounds have been completed.

Round 13. *1sc into the first 5 sts then skip the sixth st. *Repeat until the end of the round.

Round 14. *1sc into the next 4 sts then skip the fifth st. *Repeat until the end of the round.

Round 15. *1sc into each of the next three sts then skip the fourth st. *Repeat until the end of the round.

Round 16. *1sc into each of the next two sts then skip the third sc. *Repeat until end of the round.

Stuff firmly.

Round 17. Repeat round 16.

Round 18 *1sc into every second st. *Repeat until end.

Bind off securely drawing the yarn through the last few stitches with a needle.

For the attachment for which we have decided the name of Toggle.

Round 1. ch 2,

Round 2. 6 sc into the 2nd ch from the hook, join with slst into first sc. (6)

Round 3. *2 sc in each st. *Repeat until end the end of the round. (12)

Rounds 4-5. 1sc into every st until the end of the round.

Bind of securely leaving a long tail of at least 30 cm.

Using the tail, sew the toggle onto the top of the bauble.

After it is attached, draw the thread up through the top of the toggle in preparation for the loop. Pull the thread across the top of the toggle leaving a long loop and then... Draw the needle back through to form a knot and tuck the thread back down into the bauble. Voila!!!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave a message in the comment section. I am away from tomorrow for a week in Australia but I will do my best to answer during that time.

Lots of love and good luck,

Kate xxooxx.

Archie's Poem.

2011-12-06T07:51:00.003+13:00

Here a couple of photos of the wreath I made for Archie's teacher - we will give it to her today....

I don't usually put up writing the boys have done on the blog but I had to pop this in today. I think this is a pretty wonderful poem AND it is about colour and I think he may be a little greedy for it too.

White.

White is... an albino genius all tall and proud.

White is... snowball earth, the biggest ice age of all.

White is... the fog like a blanket on the earth.

White is... Mount Everest, the biggest mountain of all.

White tastes like... fizzy sherbet in my mouth.

White smells like... fresh cut vanilla beans for custard.

White sounds like... the blizzard chilling me to the bone.

White feels like... fresh snow all crisp on the ground.

White looks like... lime icing on a cake.

White makes me... freeze in my tracks.

White is... the blanket that tucks me into bed.

By Archie, age 8.

In the Box....

2011-12-02T12:55:00.004+13:00

What's in the box....

An angel bunny for our school secretary who is one herself - an angel that is, not a bunny.

And what lurks beneath this wrapping....

A little reindeer for our principle who has the most Christmassy surname of Stagg.

This little one is still waiting, I think a little nervously.

Thank you so much for all of your lovely comments on the Christmas baubles. Because I appreciate your words so much and they have brightened up my day beyond imaging, I will write up the pattern early next week.

Until then though, have a wonderful weekend.

Love Kate xxooxx.

Baubles.

2011-12-01T19:44:00.003+13:00

I have for a few years now been searching for a perfect Christmas plate. When I saw the plate pictured above I knew finally that my shortbread would have somewhere to rest this year. The best thing.... it wasn't even expensive - wahoo!!!

Thankfully, I have almost finished making some of the presents... I have been so tired at night that I haven't been getting through them as quickly as I had hoped. This weekend will hopefully see a good bit of making though.

Now for the next round of baubles.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

My Goofy Little Deer.

2011-11-29T19:04:00.003+13:00

This is my papier mache reindeer I have been making to hang on my wall at Christmas.

Even though I have seen him through a lot of surgery,

And decorating (which is still ongoing)...

I haven't come up with a name for him yet. When he is finished I am sure something will spring to mind.

Archie and Hugo are going mad on all of the roses in the garden.

I think they are very well-rounded farm boys.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

Birthdays and Christmas.

2011-11-26T16:35:00.003+13:00

I am still in the middle of Christmas crafting. The count down is really on now isn't it...

Jonno is working again this weekend so the boys and I have been pottering around home. Archie and Hugo were spellbound by an experiment we made, picking daisies and popping them into jars of different coloured food dye and water mixes. We were amazed by how quickly they changed colour (less than an hour).

And most importantly, our very, very, very special next-door-neighbour/babysitter is having her 17th birthday today. The boys completely and utterly adore her (as do I) and so set to work making a card for her. She has started a blog which I will put up on my sidebar but for now here is her link.

I had to take a photo before they climbed the hill to our neighbours.

Is there anything more sweet than a five year old boy carrying a bunch of flowers taller than him.

Maybe an eight year old self consciously holding a bunch of roses.

I do love them.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

Cushions and Roses.

2011-11-24T15:52:00.004+13:00

I do have lots of things to show you and a few more christmassy ideas that are swirling around my head, but for the moment, I will make do with showing you a few little bits from the past couple of days. My roses are finally in full bloom and I have been cutting as many as possible. My yellow rose above, 'Golden Celebration' has produced its first few blooms and I would now say that it is my favourite yellow rose ever. I can't wait for when it coincides with my 'Blue Moon' bush.

I have been steadily working on presents but am beginning to get that feeling that whatever is made is unravelled over night by pixies as I don't seem to be getting through the list very quickly.

I have however, finally finished the hexie cushion over the weekend and it has been put into good use since. Somebody's bottom has made good use of it I can see.

An unsquished version.

And the back.

Thursday night is always a little bit nice as Jonno plays cricket, the boys go to bed early and I get a some t.v. crochet and couch time to myself. There is something so luxurious about it... oh yes and I don't cook. The boys and I have a breakfasty sort of a dinner which takes the pressure off too.

Have a lovely night,

love Kate xxooxxooxx.

p.s. The boys have been obsessed with 'The Labyrinth' for a while now and especially with David Bowie who they think has a very fine singing voice. Hugo just said to me then.... "David Bowie is famous because he can walk up walls and ceilings". I love how David Bowie has a secret life and is a hero to a new mini generation.

Ziss Week.

2011-11-19T10:06:00.004+13:00

I love my little teensy tiny and very old fashioned rose. The only problem is that they are too small to go in even my smallest vase so what to do with them - pop them into a miniature salt shaker which a friend gave to me a long time ago.

This week has been very quiet. Archie recovered well from his bout of croup but we have all been left pretty exhausted. Usually I can't wait until night time when the boys are in bed, the really good shows have started on t.v. and I can dive into a project. However, over the past few nights I have been lying aimlessly on the couch, counting down the minutes until I can slink off to bed. Last night my lights were out before 9pm - unheard of!!!

So not much to offer up on the making front I'm afraid. Hugo and Jonno have been busy though. Hugo decided to make another butterfly house with my cake cover and became very frustrated after setting it up nicely with flowers and leaves, when he couldn't find anything to occupy it. Jonno is such a nice dad that he snuck away, found a cutting stamp/thing and some pink cardboard and made butterflies. He then filled up Hugo's net and came into the room shaking them up as though they could really fly.

Hugo was thrilled.

This is my only contribution to creativity this week. A stripy back for my hexie cushion.

This post is being written from bed. It is mid morning and there seems little point in rushing around. I have an addictive book, Gabrielle Hamilton's 'Blood Bones and Butter', clean sheets, boys doing farmy things with Jonno and a headache. I ask you... what would you do?

Have a good weekend.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

Dad's Scarf.

2011-11-15T11:42:00.003+13:00

I have been waiting for so long to put this post up that in the end I almost forgot to do it at all. That's the problem with finishing a present for someone and then having to wait until they receive it. This is a scarf I knitted for my Dad at the beginning of October and thanks to my non-existent posting ability, he has only taken possession of it now.... just when Melbourne is beginning to enter its hot months. Still, it will be in pristine condition for next Autumn.

I found this pattern on ravelry which appealed to me straight away as it is a very easy cable for a beginner and has such a snuggly finish. To make it extra warm and soft I used Sublime Cashmerino in an aran weight.

Archie was very happy to model it for me (much more so than when I asked him to wear the floral garland...)

And I think was quite crestfallen when I suggested he take it off - actually I think he is just looking at his little toes, maybe checking out what he had for breakfast.

Hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Country and Western Style.

2011-11-14T15:38:00.004+13:00

Over the weekend we had our school's inaugural quiz night with a country and western theme. I was put in charge of our decorating and decided to go for a very subtle prairie look (keep in mind that this is an interpretation of an Australian living in New Zealand).

I recently visited a friend who had been making Christmas decorations with air drying clay and used that inspiration for my own purposes. The above tiles were made by using a normal rubber stamp and and ink pad, pressing firmly to create an embossed look. I also made a few mini tiles for myself to use as present labels.

I then went to the $2 shop and bought a few kitschy decorations to scatter around the flowers (Archie had great fun setting this up at the venue), paper doilies for a little bit of lace and some cotton gingham squares.

For the flowers, I gathered as many weeds - clover, grasses, queen anne's lace, dandelions, wild roses and seed heads as I could and then combined them with a big bunch of beautifully scented sweet pea.

Hugo thought it was amazing and was very keen to work so I set him to filling jars with water.

For the outside veranda I used sedums (a perennial succulent) and tucked glow sticks into them so that they would look a little fireflyish - I thought by replacing candles with glow sticks might prevent a few spot fires. A fire is always such a bad way to end a quiz night I find.

And guess what.... our table came 2nd!!!!!!

This is where I will sign off. I am a little tired tonight as poor old Archie had a terrible night with croup. We almost rushed him to hospital but just as I was dressed and ready his breathing returned to normal thank goodness. A very early night to bed for us all methinks.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxooxx

p.s. I haven't proofread this as I am too tuckered out so I hope it all makes sense.

How to Crochet Angel Wings.

2011-11-10T19:16:00.008+13:00

Abbreviations and explanations:

st - stitch

slst - slip stitch

ch - chain

sc - single crochet

dc - double crochet

cluster - a group of 3dc and 1slst

bridge - 2ch between each cluster.

The wing is worked from sided to side so turn at the end of every row.

Round 1. Ch2 then sc 4 times into the 2nd ch from the hook.

Round 2. *3dc then 1slst into the first st*. Repeat ** into the following 2 sts. (3 clusters)

Round 3. Slst into the middle st of the 1st cluster from the previous round. *Ch 2 then slst into the middle st of the next cluster*. Repeat ** 1 more time. (3 2ch bridges).

Round 4. *3 dc then 1slst once into the middle st of the first cluster from round 2 then 3dc and 1slst into the next 2ch bridge*. Repeat ** until 5 clusters have been formed, ending on the middle st of the last cluster from round 2. (5 clusters).

Round 5. Slst into the middle st of the first cluster from the previous round. *Ch 2 then slst into the middle st of the next cluster*. Repeat ** 3 more times. (4 2ch bridges).

Round 6. *3dc then 1slst into the first 2ch bridge*. Repeat ** 3 more times. (4 clusters).

Round 7. Slst into the middle st of the first cluster from the previous round. *Ch 2 then slst into the middle st of the next cluster*. Repeat ** 2 more times. (3 2ch bridges).

Round 8.*3dc then 1slst into the first 2ch bridge*. Repeat ** 2 more times. (3 clusters).

Round 9. Slst into the middle st of the first cluster from the previous round. *Ch 2 then slst into the middle st of the next cluster*. Repeat ** once more. (2 2ch bridges).

Round 10. *3dc then 1slst into the first 2ch bridge*. Repeat ** once more. (2 clusters).

Round 11.Slst into the middle st of the first cluster from the previous round then ch2 and slst into the middle st of the next cluster. (1 2ch bridges).

Round 12. 3dc then 1slst into the 2ch bridge. (1 cluster).

Bind off securely and hold tight so that it doesn't flutter away. Now make another one to match so that the angel, or bird doesn't get stuck flying in circles.

I am really looking forward to making lots of pairs and hanging them on the Christmas tree maybe on little coat hangers. Angels need somewhere special to hang their spares.

Or even attach them to an angel bunny, or a bird. Or make a ginormous pair and wear them yourself.

Good luck and please leave any questions in the message section.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Family and other Lovely Creatures.

2011-11-08T19:30:00.005+13:00

Mum flew away today, taking with her these friendly little creatures she has been crocheting during her stay.

This is what they looked like before they were packed away in their special ice cream container suitcase. Don't you just love Mr. Pongo and Mrs. Pongo at the back next to the Hogwart's mouse. Mr. Pongo is obviously so proud to be married to Mrs. Pongo.

My niece and nephew are staying with us tonight and my niece Rose was very happy to be a garland wearer for me (Archie rebelled). She did try to convince me into letting her wear it for school photos but I had to explain that it was for an auction and promised to make her one for Christmas instead.... Can you tell that I love making them.

This is the same one being worn in reverse.

This little bear called Dave has been packed away in my Mum's suit case and is heading towards a baby fair my sister is holding for her children's kindergarten in Euroa, Australia. I will have to get the details and post them before the big day - it really is going to be a beautiful event and I wish I could go. It was a poignant moment when Dave said good bye to the dragon. He always found him so easy to talk to.

And this is a pattern for angel wings that I had to write out for Mum before she left this morning. I crocheted a wing and sewed it to the pattern so that she could inspect it row by row. Hopefully (with life finding a way to go to plan), I will be able to post it on Thursday.

My goodness it has been a big day so I will sign off now and snuggle down on the big blue couch to catch up on a couple of episodes of Downton Abbey.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Angel Bunny.

2011-11-07T20:03:00.003+13:00

Apart from the garland/headband, this is the other project I have been working on for our school's silent auction. An angel-bunny-Christmas-tree-topper in the tradition of Julie Arkell combining crochet (or knitting) with papier mache (google her). I left the body hollow so that she can sit proudly on top of the tree but will also attach a little loop to her head so she can also dangle from a branch if need be.

She is very special as she has some of my grandmother's trim sewn around the bottom of her dress, something I rarely use as it is just so precious.

Every angel bunny needs wings, especially if they are a sunny yellow.

I wonder where she will end up...

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

Garlands, Mice and Pies.

2011-11-06T19:49:00.002+13:00

Mum and I have been just so busy with all of our making. I think, with two big school boys, that these holidays have been our best crafty time together ever. And so, I have finished making my second headband/garland and can't wait to see it wrapped (safely) around a small child's head. Mum and I both think it would look sweet on a little bridesmaid.... I don't know any though.

Mum has made a little Hogwart's Mouse. I think it is the cutest, funniest mouse in the world.

Between the two of us we have so much wool and so many needles and hooks and bags of stuffing trailing around the house and multiplying under tables that I decided we needed a container to put everything in. I do like seeing everything entwined, it will be sad when the box is halved on Tuesday.

But thankfully there are always homemade pies and tarts to comfort me when she leaves.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

Happenings.

2011-11-04T18:58:00.006+13:00

Once again, time has slipped through my fingers as the days have sped along too quickly. My mum arrived to stay a week ago and it has been such a special time with all of our favourite things - chatting, tea drinking, knitting crocheting and reading. Why can't time slow down when special people come to stay?

I finished the garland/headband last week for Hugo's friend (pictured above) and have now started another one in ice cream colours for a school fundraiser. They do become quite addictive. Maybe I should work out some sort of version for the boys... Fungus and bird eggs?

My knitting needles have been busy completing another pair of socks for my nephew. I think he will love them however he may not wear them until next year as I noticed on the weather forecast tonight that Melbourne will be 3o degrees Celsius.

Archie has been dreaming of Lego holidays. Do you think that in his mind he has shrunk down to the size of a beetle?

And as for Mum, she has been busy learning how to make papier mache birds and crocheting a few cute and quirky characters.

Look how quickly her hands can thread a needle - she's a blur.

This is Mum's little wren - I LOVE IT. The only thing wrong with it is that I didn't make it.

Have a lovely weekend and with lots of making if you can,

Love Kate xxooxx.

Crafty Joy.

2011-10-27T09:49:00.005+13:00

I can't believe it has almost been a week since my last post... With school holidays ending and a new term starting, the days have slipped through my fingers faster than sand. However, we have all been very busy with our makings over the last week and I've managed to catch a few of them on camera before they were sent out to the world.

Above are Hugo's plans for a butterfly tree hut. Don't you love the flowers and the big smile, our plane tree is very friendly.

I've been crocheting lots and lots of gardenia floral brooches for my friend's shop. I have made so many now that every time I open my hands I seem to find another one unfurling in my palm.

My roses beginning to flower again. There are so many tight green buds springing up that the house will be awash with them in a couple of weeks.

The boys had to have some injections for various things a couple of days ago. Archie was keen to be photographed with his reward... a packet of Smints (they were both desperate for them - I really don't understand, wouldn't you prefer a packet of Smarties?). He was so brave, volunteering to go first so Hugo wouldn't have to and then keeping a poker face during the whole procedure so as not to alarm his little brother.

The day after, Hugo decided he needed to have Ted Ted at school with him. We were both a little afraid his furry friend may get lost so he made a paper one to take with him instead. I wish we thought of this when he was at pre-school as I lived in constant fear of T.T. being left behind.

I love the placement of the face stripes - oh yes, T.T. is really a cat.

One of Hugo's friends is turning six on the weekend. I decided to make her a floral head band which has really turned into one of my highlights for the week.

I still have a few more flowers to stitch on but fortunately Tinkerbell was very happy to model it for me.

She loved it... no, really.

I had better pop away and start making up the guest bed as my mum is flying to New Zealand tomorrow. I can't wait!!!!

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

A Few More Bunnies.

2011-10-21T16:52:00.004+13:00

I am amazed by how focused and inspired I feel coming out of these school holidays. The last three weeks have seen so much knitting, crocheting and reading AS WELL as quality time spent with the boys. I am slightly gobsmacked. I do enjoy school holidays, I do. It's just that usually a huge amount of work goes into keeping every one happy (which of course is not always a possibility) whereas this time, we have all hit the relax button together and been on the same wave length. I even managed to crochet some more Floss Bunnies for my friend Shar while watching the boys play cricket together (which is an incredible thing to happen as we are not particularly sporty).

I love getting them ready to go. Putting the little envelopes (containing their life stories - which are very short because let's face it, their lives are very short) around their neck and straightening their ears, plumping their bellies, searching for whiskers and remembering they don't have any....

And then of course taking the obligatory photo of them swimming in clean clothes.

Miracle of all miracles, we went away for a couple of nights to the grandparent's bach (holiday house) and wait for this..... JONNO CAME!!!! From the end of June when calving begins until almost November, it's virtually impossible for Jonno to leave the farm. Thanks to my parents in-laws' insistence and farmy help, he managed to come with us. AND he is even having most of this weekend off.

The boys have been sent off to buy take-aways as the fridge seems to have developed a strange condition where all of the vegetables have turned yellow and sort of fluffy while we have been away. None of us are willing to eat anything that dwells in there.

Have a lovely weekend.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

These School Holidays...

2011-10-17T16:41:00.003+13:00

With fingers crossed (and aside from the whole Rena disaster), I can happily say that our school holidays have been fantastic. Very relaxing and lots of fun. We haven't really gone anywhere or done anything 'exciting' such as the movies, etc, but instead have been quietly at home having lots of opportunity to make things and chat and read books. Hugo has been especially busy with the whole making business, in the photo above you will see the playground he made for his pokemon. He also buried old toilet paper rolls all over the lawn leaving the ends poking up so he could have telescopes into the earth.

You know he is happy when you hear the rip, rip, rip of masking tape.

I have been spellbound by my jumper, it really is one of the most enjoyable things I have ever knitted.

Ooooh yes, I received something very exciting in the mail yesterday but I will show you more next week. Here is a little glimpse though, I wonder if, by looking at the label you can guess where it came from.

The boys have discovered some clay on the farm... hours of fun.

My new pillow cases are working out well for me - they do help me to have wonderful sleeps. There was a question in the comment section wondering how I made the holes for the crochet. I actually blanket stitched along the edge first and then crocheted onto that.

I have just finished reading 'The Dovekeepers' by Alice Hoffman which I just adored. If you like great historical fiction than this is for you.

And a last little project to show, a birthday card that Hugo and I made together and which shakes. I saw a tutorial on it somewhere online (I can't remember where... I will post when I do) and we couldn't resist. I really want to make a grownup version with vegetable seeds and glitter... a grownup-ish version I guess.

I had better go and retrieve dinner from the oven.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Books and Knitting.

2011-10-13T11:10:00.006+13:00

Thank you so much for all of your lovely and heart felt wishes (not heart welt fishes as I went to write) for our little corner of the world. It does mean so much. Now, as promised yesterday, I have lots of beautiful things for you today. First of all, some snippets from my garden. Above is my Dogwood (what a name) that flowers and flowers and flowers by our front door. It's autumnal foliage is spectacular as well.

And as for my giant 'Awanui' blossom tree, it has had it's best year ever and is only now beginning to lose its petals. This is the first time that rather than mourn the passing of the blossom, I have instead reveled in it. My garden is coated in a thick carpet of pink petals and even my car looks as though it has been part of bridal procession and is covered with confetti. When the wind blows, our tree makes it look as though it is snowing.

These photos were taken at the very beginning of the petals' fall so imagine it even more pink now than this.

I've been making new pillow cases which we have been in dire need of. I bought some 100% cotton japara from Spotlight and they have made the most deliciously crisp pillowcases. Of course... a bit of crochet around the edge made it more fun.

And I have been knitting a new jumper from the book featured below. It is such a wonderful pattern that I almost feel I am reading a great book as I can't what happens next with each new row. This book is the best knitting book I have read in ages, it is very, very rare to find myself desperate to knit most patterns in it.

It's quite hard to make out the authors, they are Cecily Glowick MacDonald and Melissa LaBarre.

The buttons in the cardi above are covered in fabric - couldn't you imagine using a Liberty cotton...

My mother-in-law gave me a gift voucher to my favourite wool shop and these are some of my purchases. I do love circus colours at the moment.

And this is what Jonno gave to me - or should I say made for my birthday on Monday. It is the most brilliant present I could ever ask for, a pergola (or as I call it, my outside garden room). When the weather clears up - it has been raining constantly since Monday - I will take some more photos but this will do for the moment. There are blueberry bushes planted along both sides with wisteria vines to eventually grow over it. I will also plant one of my favourite roses, Pierre de Ronsard at the front... wahooooooooo!!!!!!!!

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

A Note From Tauranga....

2011-10-12T19:33:00.003+13:00

Just a little note to say that I am still here, but just completely devastated by the Rena disaster off our coast. These beaches are the ones that we are bringing our boys up on, that Jonno was brought up on and one of the reasons we live in this part of the world. The destruction caused by this ship's reefing is unimaginable and the impact on our local ecology and dare I say economy is beyond nightmarish.

It is rare that I become angry, but this is one of those times. A shipping company's accountability is capped at 14 million dollars - and our country, already ravaged financially by the Christchurch earthquake will now have to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to take care of this disaster. I do think, call me crazy, that the countries to which the shipping company pay taxes should also shoulder responsibility.

Sorry, I know this post is out of place on my blog and I promise you beautiful things for tomorrow, just not tonight.

A Knitted Hexagon Cushion Pattern!!!

2011-10-07T08:06:00.005+13:00

Okay, here we go, the pattern I have been promising. With this pattern, the hexagon is taller than it is wide but I have found the proportions look a little better (to me) this way. Because they are worked in strips it doesn't impact on the way they fit together but if you are of the school where all sides must be equal, work on a 12 stitch to 24 stitch ratio rather than the 10 stitch to 24 stitch that I have used below - if you do this you should knit five full hexies and one half hexie (which will make sense when you read the whole pattern). Leave any questions or queries in the comment section and I will do my best to answer them.

This pattern will make roughly a 40cm x 40cm square when using 4mm needles and 8ply wool. Of course, it all comes down to you though so experiment away with bigger/smaller needles and fatter/thinner wool. Let me know how you go!

k - knit

p - purl

kfb - knit front and back of stitch.

s1, k1 psso - slip 1, knit 1 pass stitch over.

k2tog - knit 2 together

Cast on 10 stitches.

Knit to the end of the row.

Increase side.

Row 1. p to the end of the row.

Row 2. kfb in first stitch, k to the second last stitch, kfb into the last stitch.

Repeat rows 1. and 2. until there are 24 stitches.

Decrease side

Row 1. p to the end of the row.

Row 2. k1,s1, k1, psso, k to the third stitch from the end, k2tog, k1.

Repeat rows 1. and 2. until there are 10 stitches.

*Change colour on the purl row and repeat the increase and decrease instructions three more times. It is quite good to leave a reasonable tail when changing colour as they are very handy to sew the strips together with.

*To finish the strip so it can form a square, follow the increase instructions until there are 24 stitches. Purl one row and then cast off.

*Repeat the instructions until you have knitted 6 - 7 strips depending on your tension (I knitted six strips and then after sewing them together, gently stretched when pressing with an iron) to make a square shape. Sew strips together and gently press.

Good luck!!!!

Almost there.

2011-10-04T16:29:00.003+13:00

The hexie cushion is almost finished. I just have to fiddle around with the sides and then I can post the pattern.

It has been such a pleasure to knit and a real joy to see all of the colours coming together.

When you knit and watch t.v. do you sometimes then associate the garment and the movie/show forever after. This cushion makes me think of 'The King's Speech' which is a very nice thing.

This little thing I am not so sure of. Lolly teeth never fail to entertain.

The first rose of Spring. Even as I type this I can smell it's perfume wafting my way. I almost feel like weeping to think all of my beautiful roses are beginning to bud up.

I know these birds aren't real but this did strike me as a little cruel.

Well, I don't know how it is for the rest of the world - and certainly not for the northern hemisphere but here, in this little patch of New Zealand, Spring has definitely sprung. The petals from our blossom tree are floating their way around the garden lazily on the warm air currents and coating the ground pink. My broad beans and snow peas are covered in little flowers and I know that it will not be long until we are feasting upon them. I always forget how much I love Spring until it comes... oh of course... and it is almost my birthday.... (the 10th of October if anybody is wondering).

Anyhoo, I had better rescue dinner from the oven. Food would be such a good way to end the day.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Getting Colourful.

2011-09-29T16:04:00.005+13:00

I am still spending a lot of time working out Christmas wreaths for the workshop coming up in November and stumbled across this tutorial through pinterest. I loved making the flowers from felt as originally suggested in the post but then had a go with corduroy and felt they came to life. I am slightly obsessed so all I am saying, is that it is at your own peril if you come to visit wearing corduroy pants.

The birds are beginning to nest which is wonderful to see them so at home.

The flowers are disappointingly nectarless though.

And here is my last project coming along. A knitted hexagon cushion with a pattern that I AM WRITING NOW!!!! It is so easy and satisfying and I know I have a million patterns to post already in line but this one I must put up first.

Oh dear, is that the time. I had better go and pick up the boys from their friend's house.

Lots and lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

Birthdays!!!!

2011-09-27T08:47:00.002+13:00

Saturday saw us giddy with excitement over Jonno's birthday. Jonno lives in a family completely obsessed by birthdays, not just our own, but every single person we have ever met. And because we particularly love Jonno, Archie, Hugo and I spent weeks discussing it and making all sorts of difficult decisions so as to ensure him the best possible day ever.

The day began (after he returned from the milking shed - we are all slightly less enthusiastic at the crack of dawn) with a big cooked breakfast and lots of presents (including a pie maker... more about that later).

Cuddles on the trampoline are also a big part of the day. Would you believe that this is our second trampoline. The boys spend every spare moment bouncing and actually wore out the first one. One moment Archie was reaching for the stars and the next, he was swallowed by the earth.

In the afternoon we took Jonno bowling and out for dinner which was kept as a big secret. We had his family jump out from behind a secret hiding spot when we walked in and shout out "Surprise" -it seemed the most appropriate thing for them to say under the circumstances. he had been told they were all busy and wouldn't be able to catch up on the day. Jonno said to me later he felt guilty because while he was surprised, he found it difficult to act surprised. It is very hard when you are somebody who takes everything in your stride to jump out of your skin at the sight of your loved ones in a bowling alley. But, he was surprised.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the pie maker that Hugo gave to Jonno (Jonno loves making pies). Hugo and I are both gluten free and this little man has gone through his whole life without ever having a pie. I have just found some great gluten free pastry in the freezer section of the supermarket (by Pavilion if you are in N.Z.) and so, Jonno and Hugo busied themselves cooking up lots and lots of pies. Can you see the joy in Hugo's face!!! I have to say that they were the best pies I have ever had and if you are gluten free - a pie maker is a must.

Birthday cake... it disappeared very quickly.

Sadly, this bread is not gluten free. Gluten bread for the birthday boy. I made it for him with love and had to cross my fingers that it would taste okay as I couldn't test it.

The last two photos are of what I got up to on the weekend. I am loving knitting stripy socks, the pink is almost a marl and is so beautiful I could eat it.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

Stanley and his 'Uncle'.

2011-09-23T10:09:00.004+12:00

Stanley sensed something was not quite right with his mother's new boyfriend.

To make matters worse, she couldn't seem to keep her hands off him.

This week has seen a little bit of papier mache, crochet, pompom making and a whole lot of tissue mountains as another cold sweeps its way through our house. Our health record over this half of the year is looking a little dodgy. How much vitamin c and good food can one family consume and still be all milky white and full of germs. There is only one thing for it. Time to get into the bubble. Boys, let's head down to the sterile bunker. What fun it will be!

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Yellow.

2011-09-19T08:55:00.002+12:00

Sunday was a cold and rainy day. The boys were playing with our next door neighbour, Jonno was working and I was upstairs playing in the studio.

I am in the process of playing around with my second Christmas wreath using a more Scandinavian palette (or at least my interpretation of it) with pale blue, cream and lots and lots of yellow.

I still have far to go but it's just so much fun. Now for some papier mache...

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Bird Making.

2011-09-15T18:40:00.002+12:00

Well, the little bird pattern is still under evolutionary development at the moment and I am so looking forward to being able to post it but I just need to do a little more to it's bottom. The wing section however, is pretty well done and I am so pleased as I wanted it to have a feathery look.

It has been a big day with my Dad and Stepmum flying back home to Australia. It's always hard to say goodbye so losing myself in working out a new pattern is a great distraction.

Anyhoo,

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Life on the Table.

2011-09-14T07:03:00.005+12:00

The Spring Equinox has roared its way into New Zealand and we are taking shelter inside with our fire stoked back up again, crochet, slow roasted lambs and board games. Dad is teaching Archie to play Chess and enthralling him with stories of ancient Persia and armies and battles.

Jonno and Hugo opted for Guess Who. They look like an advertisement for it don't they...

Lots and lots of drawing has been appearing while the rain sweeps sideways. This is Hugo's King.

And as for me, more little Floss Bunnies.

Lots and lots of love from a wind swept land,

Kate xxooxx.

Dots......................................................................

2011-09-12T18:28:00.003+12:00

Hugo and I finally got around to making our dot prints. I love his heart...

This is a very short and mildly depressed version of a budgie pattern that I am developing to share with you. There is a long way to go before it turns into a happy little chirpy bird.

Spare moments are going into a new jumper for Archie. It's lovely to be knitting for him while he reads his school reader to me, my favourite time of the day.

Gosh it is good to be blogging again. I am very tired tonight so once again, many more photos than words but pictures do just say so much don't they.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Spring.

2011-09-08T09:09:00.003+12:00

It really, really, really seems to be Spring at long last. The breeze has this new quality which I call (for some strange reason) ice cream air where it wafts by in layers of warm and cold and smells slightly floral. It really is delicious, good quality air in New Zealand at the moment...

My daffodils are all trumpeting about and giving me lots of inspiration to make things yellow and orange coloured - they are such cheerful colours aren't they - and they tend to give such a lift to multi-coloured projects.

Right now in our house it is very exciting because I have my Dad and StepMum (Fafa and Granny Lou Lou) staying. The boys are in heaven as there are always willing eyes to watch their amazing tricks and patient (amused) ears ready to listen to all of their stories.

Fafa and Granny Lou Lou are very, very happy to spend their holidays eating bananas. Apparently in Australia, bananas are between $16-$18 per kg. because of the storms and flooding in Queensland. In New Zealand they are around $1.99 per kg. because they are sourced from the Philippines - not very eco friendly I know but we don't buy them very often, just when our potassium levels begin to dip. Right now I have a banana cake baking in the oven. When bananas are that expensive, they must be eaten straight away and so, a cake is true luxury.

Anyhoo, I had better hang some washing on the line while the sun is shining and remember to take the baking out of the oven.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Another Floss...

2011-09-02T19:18:00.002+12:00

Another little Floss has found her way into a new home.

Have a lovely weekend.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Christmas Wreaths - an early post I know...

2011-08-30T16:57:00.005+12:00

I am still not feeling particularly wordy yet (this is a very rare affliction) but I am feeling very makingy still. Here is an unfinished wreath for my Christmas workshops - the bird will be a different colour and hopefully there will be two of them with the bunting held between their beaks and maybe even Happy Christmas in a beautiful font spelt across the bunting.

I am really enjoying this project because as each piece comes together or another idea strikes, a story begins to emerge (of what though I am not yet sure).

I also keep taking photos of the various stages so I know where to peel it back to in case it all gets a bit too O.T.T.

This is my bunting making station - a piece of string secured by sticky tape and suspended between two chairs. I then cut folded over paper into triangles, gave them a dab with a glue stick and pinched them onto the string.

Poor little paper birds who have suffered from the cruel fate of debeaking.

And this is what I have to do before the boys come home from school. Contrary to their beliefs, not every crafty material or weapon is for them.

Oooh yes, my next door neighbour - dropped these books off this afternoon for me to have a look at - isn't that just the best kind of neighbour.

Have a good night or morning...

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

A Funny Little Bird.

2011-08-29T19:13:00.004+12:00

Hello.... I'm back... And I have been busy. I've been making papier mache birds (or at least bird) and practicing Christmas wreath making for a workshop I will be holding with a friend. I love being busy with crafty things, it is so much easier to stay focused with than say, cleaning the house.

This is how the little bird began. To get the beak right, I tied some wire around its head, as well as tying some around its body so its legs can poke out easily.

A bit of paper.

24 hours of waiting patiently and then a bit of paint and fabric. Give it a go, it's really easy.

And here is another little peek of a wreath - not a very christmassy one though.

I am typing this at the end of the day with my feet snuggled under a blanket on the big blue couch. The d.v.d. player is warming up and we have an episode of 'Downton Abby' waiting to be watched. He he he.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Tid Bits.

2011-08-23T14:36:00.003+12:00

Hello, just a little note to say that I am still around but just going through a couple of weeks where my skin feels a little thinner than usual and a whole lot of work has to go into living a normal day.

I have however, been doing lots of sewing and knitting and crocheting so would you believe I have a back log of projects to show you...

Anyhoo, this was just a quick note and I will have more tomorrow.

Love Kate xxooxx.

p.s. the dress pattern comes from Burda - I'll have to look up the number - I'm not entirely convinced by it. It's made from corduroy and is quite bulky in the pleats which makes me look as though I am perhaps packing a bit more into my body than usual but it is very warm. I added the buttons to as the front wouldn't sit down as well as I would have liked.

Winter...

2011-08-16T17:32:00.003+12:00

I don't know if you have heard, but New Zealand is in the middle of an Antarctic blast, with unprecedented snowfalls even in Tauranga.

The skies are blue and the air is so fresh and clean that I have been doing all sorts of wholesome things like feeding chooks and rabbits, collecting eggs, hanging washing in front of the fire, bringing in arm loads of wood, picking little vases of Daphne and cooking smoked fish pies. The sorts of things I do on other days... but somehow seem more dramatic in this cold, beautiful weather.

When Archie woke this morning, he gathered as many blankets as he could find and snuggled up on the couch until his pie was cooked (that's what his little tummy requires to start the day - I think it's great).

By the way, this is one of my all time favourite Liberty prints.

Even the Japonica is flowering!!! It's just so wintry.

Now, you might be wondering what the boys are staring at, reaching out into the world wide web and discovering something new and life altering and awe inspiring. Two words... Crazy Frog. Grrrrrreeeaaaaat (please note, excessive sarcasm needs to be inserted into the 'great').

Off for a cozy night on the big blue couch with Jonno and a bit of 'Who do you Think you Are'.

lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

A Cup of Tea Morning.

2011-08-11T17:07:00.004+12:00

As much as I love the outcome knitting Jane Brocket's cushion, I am going to crochet a back for it because I just don't have the time to knit a backside that will be hidden and take many hours.

Archie has been very busy with his plasticine and mini furniture (not doll's house furniture). I love how they have a pot plant on the table. It is so civilised.

These hands belong to my cousin Jodie who has very quickly become an accomplished knitter. I spent the whole morning at her house with another of our friends and we chatted and chatted and chatted, all the while with wool flying about the place.

This is a chair Jodie has reupholstered with some Ikea fabric...

As above.

Tonight has been a little tricky with a very tired, small boy. I think this might be a good representation of how I feel...

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

A little hellooo...

2011-08-09T16:08:00.002+12:00

I finished sewing up my circular cushion on the weekend,

And began on my next, this time taken from Jane Brocket's new book.

I am loving the colours and the pattern is wonderful to knit up but it does seem to eat up a lot more knitting than my first cushion. I do love it, but I think the first pattern probably suits me more.

This weekend we went away to the beach again and I packed up my travelling craft basket, making sure to pack as many embroidery threads as I could fit. I have to admit that this little packet lay abandoned as I ploughed my way through knitting instead.

It's good to be back home again. I feel as though I have a lot of catching up to do before becoming human again so please excuse me for such a small post.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Wahoo for Friday!!!

2011-08-05T11:33:00.007+12:00

I made this little crochet creature last year inspired by Julie Arkell's beautiful work. I am sure I saw it winking at me this morning.

Wahoo, it's Friday again and the boys and I are going to head up to Jonno's parents' beach house for the weekend. I can't wait to head down to the beach with a book and some knitting and watch the boys as they dig and discover caves.

Last time we went, I had been sick in the lead up and didn't manage to precook anything. This time I am heading up with a couple of meals and some biscuits which makes such a difference to the pace I am wanting for the next few days. I love not having to cook when we are away...

I have almost finished my circular cushion. I now just have to crochet a couple of buttons to cover the central hole. This project has been such a pleasure I think I will have to knit another one to match (in completely mismatching colours).

This is the last bunch of roses from my garden from the season as all of the bushes are now almost pruned. A pruned bed of rose bushes is such a satisfying thing to look at. I always imagine they feel so free and good to have a hair cut.

I am looking forward to playing around with this jar of pencils. You can find the most wonderful stamping idea here.

I am also going to take away my mini cross stitch projects this weekend too.

And here is a little drawing by Hugo to carry you into the weekend. A stripy snake on a sunny day with love heart clouds in the sky. Hugo made me smile yesterday morning when he said to Archie, "I'm allowed to bring lace and knitting (to school). I actually am". He apparently gave his class a terrific demonstration of how to knit and taught them the Steiner poem:

"In through the front door,

Once around the back.

Peeks through the window

And up jumps Jack".

Have a wonderful weekend,

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

p.s. I am addicted to a new talking book at the moment by Carolyn Jessup called 'Escape' and documents her life in a polygamist marriage under the radical offshoot of the Mormon Church F.L.D.S. I have so much admiration for her and she tells her story with such an engaging voice it is hard to stop listening and answer the phone. It makes me pretty happy with the life I find myself in, I'll tell you now.

A Gluten Free Chocolate Cake!!! Also good for gluten people too...

2011-08-04T16:58:00.003+12:00

This is our family favourite....

Gluten Free Chocolate Cake (also a good recipe for gluten flour)

150 grams softened butter

1 cup of sugar

3 eggs (only 2 if you are making a cake with gluten flour)

2 cups grated carrot (or 2 ripe bananas mashed)

2/3 cup cocoa powder (dark)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup gluten free self raising flour

1/2 cup of milk

Preheat oven to 180c (or moderate oven). Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat in. Next add the grated carrot or banana mash. Mix in dry ingredients thoroughly and then add milk.

Scrape into a greased and lined cake tin and bake for approximately 45 - 50 minutes.

Ice with your family's favourite chocolate icing. Usually I use butter, boiling water, icing sugar and cocoa powder but last time I swapped the butter for light cream cheese and the icing was extraordinary (and much lower in fat... not that it mattered).

Have fun.

Love Kate xxooxx.

Today at Home.

2011-08-03T18:31:00.004+12:00

Today was a day of many projects. Sewing cushion inserts.

Occasionally admiring the light whenever it chose to peep through clouds.

Beginning to sort through Hugo's room.

Not this bit though, I like how these are the things he keeps next to his bed.

Loving these roses.

Planning a teeny-tiny cross stitch.

Making a cake

( I will post the recipe tomorrow - it is the best gluten-free chocolate cake ever).

And spending some time with Bert.

Today was a very good day.

Days like this should happen more.

And the best thing is, I decided to have a good day and voila, it happened.

Lots of love, Kate xxooxxooxx.

Dogs and Roses.

2011-08-01T16:51:00.002+12:00

The last of my "General Galliani" roses have pride of place at my table.

At the beginning of Spring they are bright red and by Winter, they begin to turn all sorts of colours towards cream and apricot. Given the chance they would bloom all year long and they (I have a few bushes) have never suffered a day of ill health in their life. What a rose.

This is my latest project which Jonno is finding highly amusing.

It's going to be a fox terrier for my brother-in-law's birthday and at the moment, Jonno finds it hilarious that I have made a skinned dog for a dog lover. I keep telling him it will look different when it is stuffed. I think Jonno would prefer it if I sent it like this anonymously... brothers - hmmmm.

So hopefully when it is all stitched up, the result will be like this (although I have changed the markings). Hopefully a lot less like a skinned fox terrier.

Well, today has been a busy one, unpacking and clearing some of the gangrenous mess my house is sadly famous for. I was partway through the morning when I remembered that book group was on tonight and horror of all horrors... it was at my house. Needless to say, rather than completely cleaning the whole house, I concentrated on the high traffic areas and then had a nap. So much better a cheerful host with hidden rooms of terrifying mess than a completely clean house with hidden host filled with a terrifying emotional mess. Wouldn't you say. Naps really do plump you up and make you a better person.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

The Beach... and a bit of knitting.

2011-07-29T15:43:00.005+12:00

This is the beach that we have been hanging out at every day.

We are very rugged up as it is still mid-winter, but there is nothing like being by an ocean when it is moody and the beach quiet, especially if you get to wear warm home knits. Hugo's jumper above was knitted for Archie a few years ago by Jonno's mum. It is one of my all time favourite patterns... unfortunately the details are at home so I will post them another day.

And Archie is clad in the jumper I finished earlier in the year.

Cold weather doesn't stop sand castle making and hole digging.

Or general hilarity.

But sometimes it does make you take a quick photo and then flee home before the rain seeps too far through layers of clothing.

During inside time, I have been working on this tea-cosy.

AND I am pleased to say that I wrote down the pattern as I went along and so I will be able to write up a tutorial on it soon.

Drinking tea after a walk on the beach is the best thing to do isn't it.

This is my holiday basket of wool. I always need to take enough so that I can make whatever urge overwhelms me. You know how it is.

My most exciting bit of news however, is that Hugo is learning to knit. I do a few stitches, then he does a few and so on until the row is done. I now have two boys who knit. Jonno will be proud as he feels it is an essential skill for every young man to have. You just don't know when you are going to find yourself in the trenches needing a new pair of socks. Well, hopefully never.

Right now, the boys and I have once again scooted down to the local cafe with Internet access. They have finished their afternoon tea and are now playing about outside with the one scooter which they are sharing wonderfully well!!!!! Who would have thunk it possible. I ate an entire macadamia brittle in peace.

Anyway, I had better hop off the computer and think dinnery thoughts - i.e. what will be the easiest way to get wadding into them tonight... EGGS!

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxxooxx.

Bird Notes.

2011-07-27T15:39:00.002+12:00

Just dropping a little line from our holiday which the boys and I have decided to extend as it is so lovely. We are still unwell but somehow, with a little beach walk in the morning, afternoon rests, game playing and t.v. watching, it just doesn't seem to matter so much.

Thank you so much for all of your bird comments. I forgot to mention that the bird pattern (there is no way that I could have made that up) is from Lesley Stanfield's new book... a book that I have borrowed from my neighbour and accidentally taken away on holidays (sorry Dominique!).

Right now the boys and I are in a cafe with Internet access and they are having a very early dinner (3.45pm) which is such a treat for me - they can have a bit of toast before bed and I am having the luxury of peeking into my other world. I do miss my blog and all of you bloggy people out there when I am away. And my other treat at the cafe? A macadamia brittle... just for me.

Anyhoo, back to our wintry beach holiday.

Lots of love, Kate xxooxx.

Something Little.

2011-07-24T10:13:00.003+12:00

In between the moments I have been knitting something very small.

Something the cat could have dragged home.

Something that has slowly begun to take shape.

And has turned into a little bird.

The boys and I are still laid low by this nasty coldy-virus. However, we have decided to have a few days in the grandparent's bach (N.Z. for holiday house) while Jonno keeps the home fires burning with calving. The odd beach walk when we can handle it, lego, knitting (Hugo is now learning), crocheting and t.v. watching... I think it will help us busy up with the healing process.

In the meantime, have a nice few days.

Love Kate xxooxx.

Hugo's Makings.

2011-07-19T16:19:00.002+12:00

Hugo and Archie have a new little cousin who they are very excited about. Archie was away this weekend being a busy boy at an Indiana Jones party (he went as a cub scout which is a very handy costume considering that he really is a cub scout) so Hugo had a bit of one on one time with me. He decided he wanted to make a toy for the new baby and designed the rabbit above. I cut out the fabric (to his specifications) and he decorated it with fabric markers before it was sewn up on the machine. Voila! It even has little velvet legs poking out the bottom.

The message next to it is one of Hugo's love notes and reads (in Hugo language) "I love you Mum so much". I know I have mentioned his notes before but I really am relishing them as it is only a matter of time until other emotions will be explored through writing. I do recall another little boy beginning of this way and then going onto write the odd "Poo poo Mummy" in fits of rage. Is it wrong to admit I even treasure those notes?

Then when sewing was finished, we went onto origami - this is his dog.

And after that, a little bit of garden harvest.

At the moment I am having a little bit of quiet, home time. The boys have gone to their grandparents for the night, a treat we have all been looking forward to for some time. Except, that I have come down with the most inconvenient and noisy cold so instead of going out to dinner and the movies with Jonno, I am nesting on the couch, kept warm by the ocean of tissues surrounding me. Hmmph. At least we have a couple of good d.v.d.'s to watch the moment Jonno comes home from work and Thai takeaways for dinner. Wahoo. I must say that having a son with a peanut allergy, means that whenever he is away for the night, all we feel like doing is eating peanutty dishes.

Have a nice night.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Milk Time Again.

2011-07-16T16:57:00.007+12:00

This is a whole jar of cream,

Skimmed from this container of milk.

It's calving time again which means the most delicious and fresh milk is coming into the house, filled with lots of probiotics for our lactose loving family. This year with children who are now at a great and capable age, I am hoping to start making cheese. I can make butter and yogurt which is handy, but I am really keen to make feta and halloumi and marscapone and all sorts of other dairy goodness, the list goes on and on.

On the owl front, I have been taking photos of them so that they can go up onto Shar's website. She is bundling them up with a beautiful bunch of flowers and some natural baby soap, moisturiser and bath wash. Almost worth having a baby for... One of the owls has already flown away to a new home so I am feeling very excited.

Well, the fire is roaring, the vegetable garden freshly planted (with lots of actual help from Hugo), a chicken roasting (which was to be served on a bed of lemon and Parmesan risotto until I realised I had run out of rice) and hopefully, a motorbike is about to whip up the track from the dairy shed.

Have a lovely weekend,

Love Kate xxooxx.

Owls and Cables

2011-07-12T14:23:00.004+12:00

I have launched into a new project from a great book I bought in Australia, 'Closely Knit' by Hannah Fettig. There is a pattern for one of those circular cushions I have been coveting and I had to set about making one. Jane Brocket also has a pattern in her new knitting book but I prefer this one as it is made in knit stitch rather than garter which I think gives it a slightly cleaner look.... but I still love Jane's cushions and especially her colours.

I love how the cable joins the two sides together. It has been my first project using a cable and I am loving it, particularly because it is just one rope (?) of it.

At the moment it keeps making me think of an old vinyl record...

Today the owls had a photo shoot. They were very excited about it and preened their feathers furiously before I was allowed to start snapping. They insisted on using one of Hugo's painting as the backdrop. Who doesn't like branches covered in glitter and sticky taped on to paper.

Hugo has finally caught the must write on everything - bug and has started to write his own little books. We really do live on a dairy farm you know.

And these little love notes that he leaves everywhere for me... They melt me.

And as for Archie, he is still addicted to Lego and coloured blue-tack. It is a specialist field.

Time to collect the boys from school.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Owls, Sassas and Scots.

2011-07-09T11:18:00.007+12:00

This week has been a busy one. I can't begin to tell you how happy Archie, Hugo and I are to sink into Saturday with no direction and plans. For me, the week consisted of jobs, jobs, errands and a few more jobs, whereas for the boys, it was rehearsal after rehearsal. I did have more than a bit of fun with these owls (Moreporks to kiwis) that I have been commissioned to make for a friend though....

This little flock are waiting to have their wings stitched on. Every time they try to fly you hear a soft plumph as they fall to the ground.

Archie and Hugos' school spent the term studying 'arts around the world', culminating in the most wonderful concert imaginable. Hugo's class studied Samoa and Archie's Scotland. Hugo above is drumming out a beat to the Sassa.

Archie's class was piped into the concert by a genuine Scottish piper to perform their Highland Sword dance. The pride in the children's faces as they marched their way in dressed in kilts was priceless.

If you want to get boys involved and passionate with dancing, give them a sword!!

And now, some quiet time.

Lots of love and have a cosy weekend,

Kate xxooxx.

At Home.

2011-07-04T18:22:00.004+12:00

Archie and I had a quiet day at home today. Archie was suffering from a bit of a cough and lots of accumulated exhaustion that required an immediate remedy of home time. So, we set up our stuff at the kitchen table, a huge jumble of Lego, pencils, wool, needles, paper and crochet hooks.

Archie was busy drawing rock creatures,

And making reconfigured star wars creations.

I finished a new and improved version of Stella, Stanley's mother. The only thing is that she is looking a little impatient to get on with her photo shoot. I think she was gesturing for a cigarette and martini. She really is much nicer in real life you know.

Here she is in all her striped glory in a sort of running/relaxing pose. She actually has pipe cleaners in her arms so it has been quite fun playing with her. Stella really needs a hand bag. Does it make you feel nervous too when small, inanimate toys start not only talking to you but making demands...

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

A Morning of Knittingy People.

2011-06-30T17:03:00.004+12:00

This morning my neighbour, my cousin and one of my friends (actually they are all my friends) all popped around randomly for a cup of tea. All four of us are knitted and I almost hyperventilated when I realised that we had formed an impromptu knitting group!!!!!!! It was like a dream come true so I think now we have to do some sort of official monthly thing about it. We even talked about knitting!!!!! The two photos below and one above are from my neighbour's bag. She is in the middle of crocheting a beautiful spring blossom blanket for an eight year old and a tie and cardigan for her husband. I think they are the luckiest people in the world.

I love the colours in this tie...

And the chunkiness of the cardigan wool... it makes me very tempted to do something similar for Jonno.

I was working on a vest for Hugo to wear to school over his uniform. It infuriates me that their uniform is completely and utterly lacking any natural wool fibres. Another little boy in his class also has a hand knitted vest so I know he won't be alone.

And when everyone left, I played around with my derwents, planning my next project.

Lots and lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Sunshine in Winter.

2011-06-28T16:40:00.004+12:00

Paper cranes are such a good way to fill in a few minutes at the end of a studio morning.

I haven't been spending much time up in the studio as all of my work seems to be much more couch based with crochet hooks and knitting needles. When all of the sunshine floods in though, it changes my focus as I don't want to waste any of that precious winter light.

The boys revelled in the weekend weather, making bird houses to go with the milk bottle feeder that Archie made at Cubs. Archie decided he had better grind up the bird seed with the mortar and pestle as he thought the seeds might be to big for their little beaks. Awwwwww. I love my big boy.

And to answer a question that keeps cropping up. The pattern for this hexagon blanket comes from Lucy at attic24. Her patterns really are the best.

Time to cook dinner for the fam!

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Nothing says it like socks...

2011-06-24T09:21:00.005+12:00

Just a couple of non-sock bits; I was overjoyed to come home and find my first lot of bulbs beginning to flower.

And to see that the boys had gone into business making beeswax candles...

I finished knitting Jonno's socks in Australia. It was so satisfying to watch him put them on - they almost reach to his knees and successfully keep his toes very warm after a shower.

Archie's second sock is still on the needles Hopefully over the weekend however, I will be able to take a photo of all the male feet in our household lined up clad in their new regalia.

Now, please let me introduce you to a very special pair of socks.

They were knitted for my step grandfather who was the chief officer on a naval ship and sailed to very, very, very cold places like the Baltic Sea - I think I need to ring Mum for a few more details... I will add more later. They are knitted with a very thick wool, either 10 or 12 ply and measure 81cm!!!

I love the slight pattern that has been knitted in and would love to find the recipe for it. The ribbing almost resembles a slight cable and looks quite easy.

And the final touch to stop your good socks from being mixed up with other sailors - a little name tag that has been stitched in with love.

Nothing says it like socks.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Through the Ash Cloud...

2011-06-21T11:10:00.003+12:00

Well, I am home again!!! There was a nice window between gusts of ash (apparently Melbourne Airport is shutting down tomorrow) and I managed to jump aboard a plane and wing my way back to my boys (big and small).

While it was so, so, so, so good to have a bit of extra time with my family, two weeks away from Jonno, Archie and Hugo was a little too much.

The boys were very excited about the socks I knitted for them during my extended stay, but would you believe even more so about the lego I brought back for them... hmmm, youth of today.

I included the top photos of the sun setting on my last night. I think the ash might have made the colours even more intense, it was all very pink, purple, orange and gold. The trees were a little damp and I am sure the raindrops on them were reflecting the colours as well. Beautiful.

And so, today is a day of unpacking, washing and rehydrating (maybe a little bit of catnapping too). Hopefully then I can pull my crochet hook out and do something a little more fun towards the end of the day.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Stranded....

2011-06-17T13:41:00.003+12:00

This is my little nephew who I have flown over to Australia to meet. He is wearing a jumper I knitted from an amazing pattern - the details of which escape me at the moment but I will look them up when I go home. Anyhoo, I was only going to have one and a half weeks with my family, however... my stay has been extended as I have been left stranded by the ash cloud.

While it is so lovely having extra time with the fam, I am desperately missing Jonno and the boys and really feel as though Archie and Hugo have now been without their mother for far too long (although I know Jonno has been doing an amazing job). I need to nuzzle and nibble them.

In the meantime, I have been knitting lots of socks and crocheting slippers, one does have to keep themselves busy during adverse times... and it is so cold I have to do something in front of the roaring fire. Mum and I have been enjoying lots of chatting time, drinking tea time, knitting time and reading time which does soften the blow somewhat.

This sock is being knitted by Sirdar's Crofter wool which is lovely and soft and makes the most fantastic pattern as you knit along. I am just using their sock pattern and it is a very quick knit.

Here is a little craft project from my sister's house which she did with her daughter. I adore the colours and think it would be such a great class project to do towards Christmas time.

And one more gratuitous cute shot. Don't you love his dimples. Lucy doesn't like it when I pretend he is mine. She finds it slightly disturbing....
Lots and lots of love,
Kate xxooxxooxx.

from far, far away...

2011-06-11T19:16:00.002+12:00

Thank you so very much for all of your lovely and heartfelt comments over Willow's passing. I am so grateful for all of your words and they have really helped me. I almost felt guilty over my grief for Willow with all of the terrible things that happen in the world BUT, love is love isn't it and it is something we must treasure in every shape and form it it comes in - especially when it is given in that wonderful selfless way that dogs do.
There are no photos today because I have ducked over for a quick trip to Australia to meet my new little nephew who is so divine I could eat him up and of course, to make the most of my 'been born for a long time nieces and nephews'. Right now I am on my mum's computer and haven't had the time to plug the camera in so there will be plenty of photos when I come back - lots of good knittingy and crochety ones too.
Lots of love,
Kate xxooxx

Willow.

2011-06-05T08:28:00.004+12:00

This week we had the very sad task of saying goodbye to our family dog Willow. One morning she woke up feeling miserable and went down to the bottom of the garden to lie underneath our giant plane tree, nestled in a bed of Autumn leaves.

Our vet arrived mid morning and discovered that her stomach was full of blood and thought it would most likely be bleeding from a tumour that would require urgent surgery. Hugo was at home for the day and we rushed her into his practice, aware that her chances of survival were very slim.

It was monumentally heartbreaking leaving her on the table and saying goodbye. Even though she couldn't walk any more and the light was fading from her eyes, she used her last bit of energy to comfort me by lifting her head to look at me and wag her tail. Even thinking of it now makes my heart physically hurt.

In the afternoon our vet rang to say that while they had removed a tumour the size of a small football, her spleen and liver were riddled with the cancer and there was no way to stop the bleeding. He recommended letting her go while she was still under anesthetic rather than allowing her to wake and die in pain soon after. I consented.

Willow was in our life for almost ten years, almost the entire time I have been in New Zealand away from my family and for longer than we have even had our children for. She was the boys' nursemaid, allowing them to climb all over her and always, always keeping watch over them. She would never let them walk on the farm without her - even to the point of barrelling through fences to keep up. Jonno could ride off on the motorbike to work on the farm and Willow would let him go, however, if one of the boys were on the bike she would insist on coming.

Willow was my dog. After I miscarried my first pregnancy at three months, I stood by the door howling. Willow was still a puppy and had a favourite toy that she loved more than anything. As I stood wreaked by grief, she came to me and placed her squeaky toy on my feet.

Her mouth was so gentle (and she was a big dog), I would peel a banana and hold it for her and she would take little dainty bites, one at a time until it was finished. She could carry an egg in her mouth without breaking it and the other day, I was holding a spoon with something on it and she thought it was for her. With the utmost care, she delicately supped from the spoon as though she routinely ate soup.

We buried her down in the orchard the next morning and plan to plant an avocado tree on top. She was a terrible avocado thief and used to constantly escape into the surrounding orchards in order to feed her addiction. In fact, she used to sometimes bring back whole, unpunctured avocados and we would confiscate them and eat them ourselves... so I guess we weren't any better.

She is survived by our border collie Bertie who we are all helping through this sad time with lots of love, pats and treats.

p.s. If you are wondering, Willow was a labrador crossed with an airedale. We used to call her a Lairedale.

The Last Day of Autumn.

2011-05-31T16:58:00.003+12:00

Suddenly it is not hard to believe today is the last day of Autumn. There is still a little bit of warmth in the air when the sun is out, but as soon as it sneaks away, the air becomes icy. Thank goodness I have finished knitting my new hot water bottle just in time for cold feet. Tomorrow I will include some knitting notes as I have to go back and find the pattern I used.

We have been lighting fires again. The boys decided to bring the big beanbag in for fireside snuggling. It is heaven to curl up on but I have tripped up on it a few times today... all worth it though to know I can sink into it at anytime with cushions and blankets waiting for me (if any newcomers are wondering, the crochet hexagon pattern comes from Lucy at Attic24 - she writes the best crochet recipes.

Stories by the fire. I am so happy to be a day away from winter.

Hugo just came up to me and told me he has the same name as Father Christmas. Apparently the great man himself visited Hugo and told him his true name. Who would have thunk it.

I'm a bit tired tonight, I went into school today and taught Archie's class to felt. I told them that to be good at felting, you must enjoy frightening the living daylights out of wool and also be very violent. It was hilarious watching them roar as they pounded on their wool. Let me tell you, a class of 7 and 8 year olds make wonderful little felt hammers. Hopefully I will get a good photo of their work in the next couple of days. As Jonno would say, toodleloo xxooxx.