Costumes for the Ball... and the Fate of the Crochet Caravan.

This costume was really supposed to be a macaroon tower but I ran out of time so it's more of a macaroon safety vest. Still, if you are ever feeling a bit tubby around the middle, it's a wonderful disguise.  If you have read my blog before, you may have picked up that I have been preparing for a school ball fundraiser for quite some time now. It was held last night and went of without a hitch. 

 It had a french theme so Jonno went as a frenchman (with a crochet snail which I am squashing) and I seized on the chance to wear a tutu and as many flowers as I could squeeze on without repeating my meadow costume.

So please excuse me for the selfies - it's just so exciting.... and I don't know about you but I am always so curious to see what bloggers look like. 

Thank you so much for all of your lovely comments of the crochet caravan. I am happy to say that it went for a really great price at the auction AND to a wonderful home so am feeling very lucky.

Lots and lots of love,

Kate. xxooxx.

Sundays AND Another Giveaway - with Kat Goldin!!!!!

We are having a quiet one today. Yesterday saw the boys dressing up as characters from Lord of the Rings for their cousin's party. Lots of fun and LOTS of preparation. Always handy having real bows and arrows on hand for costumes though.

Archie and I are still in our pyjamas this morning. He has been up in his room having a serious Lego morning with another cousin and Hugo is busily writing a speech on magic (which has to be performed tomorrow.....).

I couldn't resist showing you Hugo's cork castle that he made earlier in the week - complete with a Japanese kokedama ball in the centre.

 So much care and love went into this project - it was made as a thank you present to Jonno for our trip.

 I love the happy person at the top.

And now for some more exciting news, Kat Goldin - my absolute hero and author of 'Crochet at Play' and the soon to be released 'Hook, Stitch and Give' is holding a 'Stanley and the Hot Air Balloon giveaway  over here! Go and visit her now and say hello.
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
Lots and lots of love,
Kate. xxooxx.
p.s. don't forget to enter into the crocheted Stanley giveaway in the post below.

Squirrel Boy.

 During our travels, Hugo fell head over heals in love with squirrels. So when his cub-scout group announced they were having a 'come as your favourite animal night', his choice was swift. These nights though are a bit of a trick. Lots of work for something that is worn for maybe an hour or two if you're lucky.

 Instead of making a whole suit, we bought a grey hoodie jumper, some fluffy fabric and stuffing.

 We cut out a rough squirrel tail shape (very rough), sewed it up on the sewing machine and hand stitched it onto the jumper. Too easy.

 And then of course a little crochet acorn to finish off the costume.

Don't you love it when a squirrel hangs out with people gathered around a computer.  

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

On the Ground Running.

Well, life in New Zealand has picked up pace again. It is amazing how fresh my brain feels after our sojourn to Australia even though it was quite physically and emotionally challenging. 

Archie and Hugo had a dress up day at school where they had to wear gold or go as a miner. Archie decided to be a canary and his little brother followed suit. So cute!!! They both made their own costumes and looked so sweet. Once again I missed taking a photo of Archie because as soon as it was made he packed it away to keep it safe in his school bag.

 I love costumes you can staple rather than sew. Archie is a professional.

 And my roses are out again. They are such a joy, especially my 'Pierre de Ronsard'.

 On Friday I finally made it back to the library where I had 11 holds waiting for me. I think the boys thought it was Christmas when they arrived home from school. I love that 'safe' feeling when you have a stack of books waiting to be read. Nothing worse than running out….

 I have also been working on some mysterious projects which I will hopefully be able to tell you about soon. In the meantime, let's just say that it looks as though a plague has swept through.

And here is Birdboy number two!

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Vikings and Teapots.

 This is me dressed up before the school ball as Freya, goddess of the north. This is also me before ingesting a particularly potent and delicious honey mead. By the way, I am wearing black wings.

 Our next door neighbours and viking worshippers. Savage and cute.

 This is the teapot I quietly crocheted on the couch the day after the night of honey mead. 

And I made this little fella too, another Stanley.

Gaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh - we are coming towards the wettest winter on record since 1953. Today was supposed to be sunny so I hung two loads of washing out, the sky looked, laughed and dumped a whole bucket of water upon my efforts.... I know I shouldn't take it personally but sometimes it is hard not to.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Wings and Other Things.

Finally Christmas Tree Angel Fairy Girl - perhaps not the best name in the world - is complete. I love here so much and it will be a little hard to say goodbye but I am sure she will go to a good home. I also must keep in mind that it is for a good cause.

 Jonno isn't wearing his viking helmet with the flowers wrapped around it - they are for my hair... but I kind of wish they were for his costume.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Vikings!!!

 Jonno and I are going to a medieval ball dressed as Vikings. I was going to make very traditional costumes but then I saw this fur at Spotlight and decided to go for a more Abba inspired version.  We also have silver tunics, white vinyl, feathers, white fluffy trims. Thank goodness Jonno is such a good sport.

 I painted up Jonno's helmet today - I didn't even know it was possible but Dominique has painted her's and it looks amazing.

 Isn't that just the best combination!

 Thanks for the beautiful flowers Gran Gran....

And these are two of my photos ready to be taken to an exhibition....  the first one I have ever been a part of... Opening night is on Thursday and I can't wait.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.