Melbourne in Autumn

We were lucky enough to spend last weekend in Melbourne with some very dear friends. Hubby and I lived in Melbourne for 5 years and we still love it!

Melbourne in Autumn is breathtaking. Not only is there that slight chill in the air, all the trees wear Autumn foliage and the whole city seems to just hum.

We caught the tram everywhere (super cheap and super easy!)

We went to Acland Street for cake (and I found chocolate cannoli so I was a happy camper) We wandered along the beach at St Kilda. We went to Vic Markets for breakfast (and bought way too much food because it was all so glorious) We spent time in pubs and cafes just soaking up the Melbourne night life. It was WONDERFUL, and the very best thing about it was sharing time with special friends who make every moment count.

These are my "forever" friends - the ones that know you better than you know yourself. Lou and Ness and I flatted together at uni. They took me to my first concert, bought me my first drink, and gently rubbed the square edges off me! They have been there for me ever since, despite the fact that we all live in different states! About 10 years ago we caught up in the Fitzroy gardens and a total stranger took a photo of the three of us on this bench. This time we had hubbies along to take the photo for us! Can't wait to scrap the two photos together on a layout!

Anyone who has been blog surfing from my blog will know that I have a bit of an obsession with following "Meet Me at Mikes" Pip constantly reminds me of things I had forgotten about my childhood (and even her header is from one of the books my sister and I had) Because we had such limited time I had not mentioned dropping in to the actual store but I was delighted when we found ourselves on Brunswick St, on dusk, and walked right by it! Amazingly it was still open and so I was able to have a lovely (albeit quick) walk down memory lane - vintage mugs like my grandmothers, gorgeous little girls dresses, and a wonderful illustrated copy of Little Black Sambo that I would so have taken home if the budget hadn't been so tight!

My one and only regret about the weekend was that I didn't get to see any of my Melbourne buddies. Knowing that we had such little time and that we were there to catch up with my forever friends I didn't even publicise the fact that we were in town. Hopefully now that James remembers how great Melbourne is we can go back soon! Apologies Lisa, Sharon and Jude - next time I promise dear things!

Keep smiling,

Nell

Ta Da! Finished!

Finally it is finished! This is our new Summer quilt made from the beautiful City Girl range. Very simple but I like it. Now I just have to declutter the rest of the bedroom and make some European cushions with the leftover fabric. Ironic that I finish our Summer quilt just as the weather cools!

Adelaide Hills Spinners and Weavers are having their Open Day at Littlehampton Memorial Hall on May 1st. This is always a great display of handspun and handmade garments and it is worth going just for the free mulled wine! Unfortunately we will be in Melbourne catching up with two of my bestest buddies for a child free weekend (yes, I know, life is so tough!) but I have been stockpiling some little knitted hats for the Guild table. This is the world's easiest beanie pattern and perfect for mindless knitting in front of the telly. Also great for using up odd bits of wool. I love to spin and knit in winter!

BAA TO BEANIE PATTERN:

Cast on 80 stitches.

Knit 10 rows garter stitch.

Knit 20 rows stocking stitch.

Knit 8 Knit 2 tog, knit 8 knit 2 tog to end.

Purl 7 Purl 2 tog, purl 7 purl 2 tog to end.

Knit 6 Knit 2 tog, knit 6, knit 2 tog to end.

Continue like this until you get down to Knit 2 tog, Knit 2 tog, Knit 2 tog. Then thread wool back through remaining stitches.

You can alter and experiment with this basic pattern to use favourite stitches, make wider or narrower brims etc. I have been playing with adding tassels and felt shapes and crocheted flowers. Lots of fun!

How wonderful is it to have the rain? I have not been sleeping well lately (very frustrating) but the last two nights ... drifting off to the sound of the rain on the roof has been bliss! Somehow it always seems fitting for it to rain on Anzac Day too. Did anyone catch Better Homes and Gardens last night? Fast Ed had a luscious looking Anzac cake - thinking that might have to be an option this week!

Before the wet weather hit the kids and I were enjoying the lovely Autumn days. Our front verandah has become the favourite spot for lunch (we have an unfortunate lack of lawn and shade) Note the tea set with the teeny tiny cups and Hannah's revolting but treasured granny square blanket (she wanted one like the ones for Wraps with Love) And yes, they are hot chip sandwiches (my favourite!)

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing today, ENJOY!

Keep smiling,

Nell

Thrifty finds

I love blog surfing sites like "Little Jenny Wren" and "Little Cotton Rabbits" and "Eleanor and Ruby" and seeing all of the gorgeous homey things they uncover when looking for bargains. I am lucky enough to have a wonderful op shop in our little town - Nairne Market is a treasure trove of lucky finds and I have to share three of my recent purchases.

Look at this beautiful needlepoint that someone finished only to never use it? I'm thinking this will be a cushion for my crafty room (as the girls are complaining that the new table is a bit high for the old chairs!)

Then there was this bit of Autumn loveliness for the princely sum of $2.00. There are a few faint spots on it but I can live with that! I am imagining this on a table with a vase full of glorious autumn leaves and rose hips? Come to think of it I don't think I should have left the $2 cream jug behind at the op shop as it would have been perfect for the leaves - arggghh!

This sweet little Easter bunny cost me 50cents and he was our only easter decoration this year as we didn't get around to dyeing eggs or making an easter tree and I couldn't find my big raggy bunny who normally guards the easter baskets.

Funny how you can get such pleasure out of spending a few dollars on a few simple things? I look at Nairne Market as being a little like a trip to the movies - it is money well spent on something you don't actually need but something that gives you pleasure. I've always had a thing for old and handmade things, and I feel good about rescuing someone else's handiwork.

It is a beautiful Autumn day here in the hills. I'm thinking we might go for a walk to the park later and just soak up the last few days of the school holidays.

Have a great day,

keep smiling,

Nell

Happy Easter

We had such a lovely Easter - a quiet one to enjoy friends and family. Snapped these photos of the cherubs as we were on our way to a barbecue yesterday. Hoping everyone enjoys first week of school holidays.

keep smiling,

Nell

p.s. didn't get nearly as much crafting done as I would like but did manage some binding so now have only 1/5 of our bed quilt to go LOL

What a long time it has been since I last blogged! We have been SOOOO busy. We have just come back from Kangaroo Island and also had Mum and Dad down from Queensland for a bit over a week. Wonderful family times! These photos have nothing to do with Kangaroo Island but might show you a bit of what we have been up to before that.

First is a bunny I made for the Kindy raffle - this is loosely based on "Miss Milly" in Rosalie Quinlan's beautiful book "Gift". I have since made two others for the cherubs for Easter. The nicest thing about this project is that they were made from flannel squares I bought cheap in Melbourne about ten years ago (I think the bundle cost me $2) They were even stuffed with leftover quilt waddding offcuts so essentially cost nothing to make! It was also quite a nostalgic project for me because when I was a tiny girl my Nanny made me a corduroy bunny (with overalls) and I always wanted to make a similar one for my kids.

Second is a shot of my mischievious toddler. The Mum in me was not amused to find that he had dragged a kitchen chair over to the sink to empty a full bottle of handwash into the sink and proceed to "wash" dishes that were already clean but the Early Childhood Teacher delighted in the sensory nature of it all (and he was having SO much fun!) Dan's clothes were just soaked and there was water all over the floors and benches. He even washed the toaster for us (thank God it wasn't turned on!)

Hannah recently went to her first ever sports day at the local primary school. She was so anxious about it and a bit reluctant to go but had a WONDERFUL time.

This beautiful bunch of flowers really made my day. Thanks Althea.

You have to love Autumn in the Hills for roses. Will try to post a few photos of my own garden over the next few days. We have also enjoyed the Autumn goodness of a loaded plum tree in our backyard (we made plum jam!) and the kids have delighted in finding acorns on Autumn walks - now Hannah is quoting poets: "live yon life like an oak..." One day we will have a big enough backyard to plant an oak and then I will really feel like I have gardened for the children of the future.

Last but not least (and no photo yet but it will come once I've cleared the 300 or so photos I took on KI off the camera!) on the day before my birthday I got the most wonderful little surprise package in the mail with a matroyshka angel and a big packet of my favourite turkish delights. It was from the delightful Catherine of "Made by Maisie". We met through a Melly and Me fabric scrap swap and Catherine has been a wonderful inspiration and crafty buddy since! On her blog you can see a picture of the little Miss Polly doll she made for Hannah (which keeps migrating to my front room because I love her so much!) I received a copy of the Softies book for my birthday and the pattern for Miss Polly is in there so maybe I'll have to try it! Anyway Catherine, you really made my day so THANK YOU. The new little angel is watching over my scrapping supplies and she just looks so cute! I also received some other super special news that day but it is not my secret to share just yet so I'll have to keep you posted on that one at a later date!

All in all March has been a busy month full of fun, family and surprises.

This weekend I am hoping to finish off my bushfire charity quilt (machine quilting) and sew down the binding on our bed quilt. Hopefully next week I'll have lots to show for my efforts!

Until then,

Hope Easter Bunny finds you,

Happy Crafting,

Nell

At long last the promised pictures of what we've been up to.

At Spinners and Weavers this month Kathy showed us rainbow dyeing. This was my first attempt (modelled by Hannah).

Hannah was quite taken with the idea and so I let her choose the colours and dye her own wool for a hat and scarf set. Bright and colourful like my little girl LOL

These are projects finished for Asha over the weekend.

The giraffe is a Melly and Me pattern - Mrs Perkins.

Last night at Christmas Club Jane showed us another Melly and Me pattern called Pippi (think I might have to put it on my to do list!)

These little squares are part of a long term project. I fell in love with Melly and Me's scrap log cabin and even entered their scrap swap 12 months ago (how I met delightful Catherine from Made By Maisie) but when I found that it was all foundation pieced I lost enthusiasm. Then I borrowed this from the library and found that Rita and Karen's version is all just 1 inch strips - perfect for using up my scraps. I am having fun with this and my frugal nature likes the fact that even fabric as little as 1inch by 2inches can be used!

Several people have asked me about the Restash a Crafter project. The details can be found at handmadehelpsout.blogspot.com or meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com If you are looking for other ways to help the Vic Bushfire Appeal then why not knit a square, or a whole blanket for Wraps With Love (I think Better Homes and Gardens is running a Wraps With Love promotion this month) If you live local enough I am happy for you to get the squares to me and I will stitch them up like this:

Not the world's prettiest blanket but it will keep someone warm and that is what counts!

"We make our living by what we do.

We make our life by what we give."

Danny Glover

Happy Crafting,

Until next time,

keep smiling,

Nell

Hello to Quilty Friends and gluten free brownies!

Sorry, no pictures this time but wanted to say a big hello to my quilting friends from Apple Pieces II who have just found out I have a blog and promised to check it out! We had a lovely day at the Patchwork Apple yesterday. They are such a lovely bunch to work with and I am always inspired by our collective wisdom and quilting abilities (that said I am definitely the amateur of the group!) These girls are all so productive that they make me want to finish things so today I finished one hat for new baby Asha (my friend Kelli's 3 day old daughter) and I also finished Asha's giraffe. Last night I put the binding on our bed quilt so now I am just waiting for a really good movie to get it stitched down and finished!

While we were stitching yesterday I met two more bloggers in the shop - the internet is definitely making the world a smaller place hey?!

Anyway, just for the Apple Piecers, here is the gluten free brownie recipe!

200g ground pecans or almonds or hazelnuts (I used almonds)
1/2 cup rice flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1 3/4 cups sugar
250 g melted butter
1 tsp vanilla essence
3 eggs
200g chopped milk chocolate

Combine ground almonds, rice flour, cocoa and sugar in bowl and make a well in the centre.
Add cooled melted butter, vanilla and eggs.
Stir, then add chocolate and stir again.
Spoon mix into a greased and lined slice tray. Bake at 180 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into squares.

Recipe from Country Style Magazine November 2003.

I do have some photos of recent projects but that will have to wait until later on in the week!
Keep smiling,
Nell