Happenings

I've been all over this country side in the past week. Well, not entirely, but it sure can feel like it when you travel nearly 800kms back to my home town and then another 200kms further to visit our family farm.

A little distance never stopped me.

I absolutely LOVED getting back to my home town last week to see my friends and family. It was the best week, and I managed to cram as much as I could into almost seven full days.

A few snap shots of what has been happening with me lately.

Firstly, I finished off Kate's Mary-Jane's which no longer resemble the typical "Mary-Jane's" but are adorable and comfy none-the-less.

I also managed to whip up a squishy cowl neck warmer for my dad on Tuesday afternoon. Dad spends some mornings on the motorbike on our property and it can get mighty cold this time of year. I hope this warmer will do the trick. I felt so at peace sitting and knitting in my parent's garden. I miss it just thinking about it. Sitting on the patio with our family dogs beside me and the sun going down over the yard is pure magic to me.

[Both project details can be found on Ravelry here.]

Also pure magic - visiting our family property. A few friends and I headed [further] west and spent two nights 'roughing it' in our swags in the bush. I love camping and it is becoming a tradition with our friends now. I love every bit of it. Even when my hair starts to smell of smokey campfire. I love it.

Seeing my horses was definitely a highlight. I miss them so much.

I can't wait to get home again. If we lived closer I feel like I'd be there all the time. There really is no place like home.

E, x

Kate's Mary-Janes: a WIP

Happy Easter friends! I hope you are spending it with family or friends. Unfortunately I couldn't be with my family this year with the distance too great for me to travel for just the weekend, so I am bundled up in my house doing the 'house-y' things and about to get stuck in to some more crochet!

I have rekindled the flame that is my love for crochet. I knew it would happen sooner or later and I am loving it!

Thanks to the second instalment of the Jellywares autumn yarn club, I have a yummy skein of Malabrigo Rios yarn in the shade Jupiter all the way from Peru (via Cobar, NSW, hehe) to use for my next project.

I have been promising my big sister Kate a pair of these Mary-Jane slippers since about 2010 when I first started crocheting (slack sister award goes to….), so when parcel two of the yarn club arrived I knew it would be the perfect time to make a pair for her.

So far I have completed the bulk of the first slipper, I managed to get hooking last Sunday afternoon while procrastinating uni studies ( and the slack student award goes to...)

I am loving how they are turning out! The variegation in the yarn adds a little something special too. What do you think???

I am hoping to have the pair finished this weekend so I can pop them in the post first thing next week!

Enjoy the Easter break! I'm off to eat some warm hot-cross buns and sip on a cup of peppermint tea I purchased from these lovely farmers at the Orange producers market a few weeks a go.

I'll see you soon,
E, x

A little crochet catch-up

Boy have I missed crafting! When I first learnt to crochet from this talented blogger I fell in love hard and fast! There's something about sitting on the couch on a Sunday afternoon with your fingers busy hooking away at a little something special.

I have been off the 'hooks' for a little while due to all of the happenings in my life in the past year or so, but as soon as my good friend Jodie announced she was starting an Autumn yarn club, I knew it was the exact excuse I needed to get some 'me time' back and pick up the crochet hook again!

It took me an entire month before I actually got around to starting the first project of the seasonal club, in fact, the second instalment to the club showed up on my door step last week so I knew I couldn't put off starting any longer!

I got a little nervous just thinking about crocheting again. It sounds silly, but I thought I might forget everything I learnt. I was even panicking thinking I might not remember how to tie the little knot in the yarn to connect it to my hook! I laugh at this now because, like they say about riding a bike, I hadn't forgotten a thing!

I sat down on Friday night after a long day at work with a glass of red (I know, how classy of me) and a chick-fick on TV, and started hooking. If it wasn't for the red wine putting me to sleep I probably would have finished that night, but in stead, I poured myself into bed and finished the next day.

A lovely, plum coloured facecloth to adorn our bathroom for the start of the Autumn season.

This little pattern was so nice to work on and was such a cinch! If you're thinking of learning how to crochet any time soon, this pattern is a must for beginners! It works up super fast and you learn some good basics, plus the pattern made by the 'tulip stitch' looks quite detailed (so you can fool all of your friends into thinking it's a tricky pattern - how clever of you! *wink*)

You can find the rest of my project details here on Ravelry.

Also last week, as well as finding my yarn club parcel tucked under the door mat by my postie, so too was my book delivery from  Local Is Lovely.

The book is just gorgeous and with some great yarns about Aussie producers and some amazing recipes too! I was so excited to get two parcels at once - the old fashioned 'snail mail' gets me every time!

E, x

A perfect circle

I have been resorting to my old love of crochet to keep me busy when uni work slows down. I had a gorgeous ball of Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino yarn here with me and I wanted to whip up something quick yesterday.

The yarn was probably too precious and soft for this mini project but I used it anyway because I love the colour!

I made some super-simple circle coasters for my house (a set of 4). They turned out perfectly and were the easiest thing to make, EVER! I modified the pattern slightly (you can find my project on Ravelry with notes).

I still have a tonne of left over yarn from the ball so I am going to make a matching dishcloth too!

I love a quick, handmade project!

Elle xo

Procrastination

I should probably be doing some work on my uni stuff but I am too distracted by this gorgeous new yarn that I purchased today.

'Noro Silk Garden' is such a pretty yarn to look at and work with. The colours throughout are gorgeous and its exciting to work with this type of yarn because the more you work with the more the variations in colour come out!

I am using this Noro ball for my crochet Queen Anne lace scarf (posted on revelry here).

I haven't done much of the pattern just yet and its looking a little wonky but I am happy to plod along with this project as it helps me to stay calm and get some sanity back in stead of stressing about uni work all the time!

I'm so happy to be crocheting again. I love this craft!

Are you knitting or crocheting anything at the moment? 

Once upon a time...

Once upon a time, before I started studying full time again, I was an avid crafter.

I loved knitting, sewing (or attempting to sew) and my biggest love was crochet. Now, don't think for one second that crochet is only for the Nana's and the lonely old biddies. Crochet is a great, relaxing craft that I hold close to my heart and is very trendy if done right.

A good friend of mine opened my eyes to the wonderful world of yarn and handmade crafting a few years ago and lately I have been missing it! I haven't picked up the crochet hook in I don't know how long and I really miss the humbling feeling it gives me when I finish a project that looks great.

There is something about crochet that reminds me of home, the country and I guess the way things were once upon a time.

One of my goals this year is to attempt to moderately get back into crochet (and maybe knitting - its the sad truth that I am not a good knitter, you can ask the tangled and hole-y, unfinished pieces in my yarn stash).

I have a lot of things on the go at the moment, including hopefully something very exciting that I can share with you all soon, so crochet will be something to make me happy as a small side project.

Until then, here are some 'pins' I love for inspiration in all things yarn and crochet.

Source: muitaihania.blogspot.com via Jodie on Pinterest

Source: houseofanais.onsugar.com via Foxs on Pinterest

Source: whatsnewtablet.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Source: this-is-unique.tumblr.com via Ellie on Pinterest

Do you craft?

Yarnin'

Brrr Winter is really starting to set in down here in the South of NSW. I've dragged out my winter woollies and my hot water bottle has made many a nights appearance! The chilly months always motivate me to get back into the crafts that I love and are still learning about; crochet and knitting.

I have been crocheting for a few years now and knitting for a little less time but haven't really found my full stride with knitting just yet but I am determined to get into it again and at least see some improvement by summer time!

I have been working on some simple patterns lately to ease myself back into it all. At the moment on the crochet front I am working on a hex-y blanket for my couch. I wanted to use some bright and happy colours so I am using 4 different colour-ways of the Cascades Heathers. They are lovely and soft and really easy to work with!

Its coming along nicely. In amongst my busy schedule I have been attempting to keep up with Kate over at Fox's Lane with her "motif-a-day-in-may" pursuits. She is attempting to crochet a small motif a day all throughout May which inspired me to get on board and attempt a hex-y a day. Of course I am slightly behind but determined to catch back up and have 31 nicely made hex-y's by the end of the month! Check out Kate's motifs on her blog, they are GORGEOUS!

(lots of ends to sew in!!!)

On the knitting front I was very excited to hear the postie pull up at my house this morning with a special yarn delivery! I ordered some Spud and Chloe Outer yarn last week in the colour-way "Peat" and it showed up today and is divine! I'm in love! This is my first time using Spud and Chloe yarn so I am even more excited to get cracking!

This lovely yarn will be transformed into a chunky knit scarf (possibly cowl - still deciding) for a Graphic Design assignment I have at the moment. Its hard to explain but will work in fabulously with what I have planned! :)

More crafty news to come soon hopefully with progress piccies!
What are you hooking or knitting at the moment?

Still at it...

I'm still working D's niece's beanie... and am just adding the final touches!

More (and better) piccies to come once I've sewn everything together and made it look super pretty! :o)

Ellie ........x

Malabrigo Love and Crochet Goodies...

Ahhh Malabrigo...

Now I know this yarn is the most blogged about yarn in the history of yummy yarns but let me tell you... there is a reason! This stuff is just so darn nice and squishy and yummy and Oh! It's just too good!!

I'm bustling in the nights to get some crochet beanie's whipped up for one of my bestie's niece's and for the first beanie I am using more of the gorgeous Malabrigo worsted weight (like what I used for the Little Red Beanie not too long ago).

This time I'm making the little girls beanie in a hot fuschia pink and the colour just pops! Perfect to adorn a little girls little head this winter!

(Below, Beanie # 1, still a WIP)

Because my friend D loved the last beanie I made for her she wanted another 2 made using The Dainty Daisy's shell stitch beanie pattern again, and I'm loving this pattern even more everytime I use it! It's a winner for sure - so quick, easy and effective!

So tonight I am hoping to have beanie # 1 done and # 2 in motion.

Stay tuned for finished piccies!!

How has your week been so far?

Ellie........x

Makings...

Amoungst the other busy things that I have been doing lately is this little project that I have been working on here and there when I can.

"The Claudia Scarf" by Rebecca Jackson.

This pattern is so simple yet looks so effective, especially in the gorgeous Malabrigo sock yarn! I love the colours and the flecks and different shades of purples through it. Everytime I sit down and work on this pattern I'm excited to see what colour will work up next!

Once I got the hang of the pattern sequence it is smooth sailing for 85 rows and then another 85 along the other end! Its repetitive but one of those patterns that doesn't require too much concentration (I like to call them "TV patterns" because you can still glance up and watch your fav tv show whilst working on the scarf! lol)

This yarn is soooo soft and beautiful, its such a dream to work with and would reccommend it to anyone to use. I can't wait to see this little project all finisnhed and ready to be worn out and about. We've had a cool change in the weather here today and its getting me excited about winter and all of the yummy things a knitter and crocheter can make!!

See you soon

Ellie.......x

My creative space

This week in "My creative space" I'm working on another order from a friend and work colleague for a baby flower beanie for her God daughter.

I decided to use The Dainty Daisy's shell stitch pattern again because it is just too cute all worked up and would be perfect for this little baby girl!

I'm using Malabrigo worsted yarn again in a yummy apricot colour. This yarn is sooooo nice to work with and these beanies hardly make a dent in one skein!! (Gotta love that!)

I'm just putting the finishing touches on the beanie and then I'm going to make a start on the BIG flower I plan on adding to the side of the beanie. I can't wait to see it all finished, its so cute already!! (No clucky jokes please hehe!)

Even though my friend told me that this little girl is a newborn I've opted for making the next size up (3months - 6 months) at the hope that the baby will get more wear out of it.

My pictures aren't great but I'll definitely upload some more once its all done!

I'm also still plodding along on my Lady Kina cardi... its working up nicely and will update again soon!

Ellie x

The Little Red Beanie

In my last post I mentioned that a good friend of mine had asked me to make her a cute little beanie for a friend's two year old daughter. Well I finished it and here it is....

The Little Red Beanie, made using this pattern. Oh so cute!!

The Malabrigo was absolutely BEAUTIFUL to work with just as I had heard and I hardly made a dent in the ball with this super quick pattern! It feels sooo soft and squishy, I can't wait to give it to my friend to give to the little girl that will be calling this beanie hers!

The beanie flower was made using some left over Alpaca wool from my stash. It Its fluffy and whispy and adds nice texture to the look of the beanie. I decided to add a rustic-y wooden button as well to finish it off. I'm loving this beanie.

The pattern was so simple to follow and comes in sizes for a new born all the way through to a 10 year old child - gotta love that!!

I hope you love it D, and I hope your little friend loves it even more! This was such fun to make expecially knowing that its going to be a gift for somebody!

What have you all been up to this weekend??

Yummy Yarn

This week I am feeling very chuffed! One of my best friends has asked me to make her friend's daughter a beanie for her birthday. This is my first "official" order to make one of my crochet beanies for someone and I feel so happy that I've been asked to craft something special for a friend!

So I got asking... "What size beanie... what colours... pinks, purples, girly??" because I'm so excited to start this little project and get back to my "crochet roots" so to speak. I love to crochet and it was the craft that lead me to be so in love with handmade goodness and also lead me to blogging about all things handmade!

So my friend D informed me that the little Miss that the pressie will be for is 2 years old and our colour scheme is to be red and cream. I'm excited to use these colours because for a little girl its a little different than your standard pinks and purples (even though I'm such a girl and LOVE these colours too!! hehe)

So when I raced down to my local yarn shop Jellywares to load up on the yarn I need to get this baby started I found that Jode had finally received her order from Malabrigo yarns Uruguay and I was really excited! Its always nice to try out a new yarn especially one that is suppose to be really really nice to work with. So I though, yep, I better be getting myself some Malabrigo yarn for my first order project!

This yarn is YUMMY! Soft and squishy and comes in so many pretty colours (hand dyed colours to be exact!)! The red is beautiful and perfect for what I need.

Now all I need to do is get this project started and luckily it happens to be Friday and the weekend seems like the perfect time to get this beanie hat started!

What have you got planned for the weekend??

Ellie x

On the 4th day of Christmas...

On the 4th day of Christmas ... I finished my crochet zippered purse!!

After a lonnnnng night last night at the infamous bush Tilpa Hotel on the Darling River for our work Chrissie party, I managed to crawl from my bed (after only a couple of hours sleep) to get down to Jellywares for a very "relaxed" crochet class.

(Roger out the front of the pub)

Jode had also been at Tilpa last night so we were both keen for a slow class and I managed to finish off my zippered purse and I LOVE IT!!

It's a perfect size to fit some coins, some notes, probably a lip gloss or keys. I think I might take this little cutie out to the markets tonight!

There wasn't too much to this purse and I'm thinking that I'd love to make another, for the next one I could make it a little bigger so it could hold a little more stuff, but this little one will suit for now!

Such a cool little project starting out as a "Mystery"! Can't wait for the December mystery project!!

How has your weekend been so far? I hope that wherever you are, you're not getting washed away with all of this crazy rain!! It's raining here this afternoon, its definitely snuggle up on the couch weather!!

Happy crafting :o)