Hurrah!! :D
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Ta Da!!
Well the anticipation for the contest has certainly been building these last *ahem* ten days... and I not only have a prize, but a lovely somebody to present it to also!
Thank you all so so very much for all the suggestions - there is such an amazing buffet of information out there to keep a novice quilter researching, bookmarking and craving for more!
Since I've already kept you all waiting for so long I shan't delay any longer in declaring the prize and prizee!
I assigned each recommendation a number and cruised over to random.org for my first ever random number generator experience!
4? Number 4 = ERIVEN!!
I was so delighted that Eriven's number came up since I had in mind sending a little thank you parcel independent of the contest anyway since she provided such an incredibley expansive tome of suggestions!! So clearly the gods of random also thought you deserved to take the booty home!
And what is the booty I hear you ask?
The main component is a skein of this delicious, delectable and delightful Handmaiden Sea Silk!
It is an absolute dream to knit with - I hope you enjoy it Eriven!
In keeping with the Quilty Theme I have a couple of fat quarters to pad the parcel and I'm sure I'll find some other goodies too ;)
Thank you again to everyone who contributed, sorry for the delay, congratulations to you Eriven and a big thank-you hug!!
p.s The delay has been so long I actually have some quilty style projects to share already!
Thank you all so so very much for all the suggestions - there is such an amazing buffet of information out there to keep a novice quilter researching, bookmarking and craving for more!
Since I've already kept you all waiting for so long I shan't delay any longer in declaring the prize and prizee!
I assigned each recommendation a number and cruised over to random.org for my first ever random number generator experience!
4? Number 4 = ERIVEN!!
I was so delighted that Eriven's number came up since I had in mind sending a little thank you parcel independent of the contest anyway since she provided such an incredibley expansive tome of suggestions!! So clearly the gods of random also thought you deserved to take the booty home!
And what is the booty I hear you ask?
The main component is a skein of this delicious, delectable and delightful Handmaiden Sea Silk!
It is an absolute dream to knit with - I hope you enjoy it Eriven!
In keeping with the Quilty Theme I have a couple of fat quarters to pad the parcel and I'm sure I'll find some other goodies too ;)
Thank you again to everyone who contributed, sorry for the delay, congratulations to you Eriven and a big thank-you hug!!
p.s The delay has been so long I actually have some quilty style projects to share already!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Quilt Inferno
Lately I've become increasingly fascinated with quilts and patchwork. The feeling has been simmering for a while, but I always tried to leave it at bay since I seem to have limited time for my currant craft passions (and limited stash space!) so I couldn't fathom adding ANOTHER such obsession to my life!
But then we went down to stay with Mum in her lovely new home, kitted out with so many of the gorgeous elements she always spoke of when we would talk about dream houses etc.. In the lovely guest room the bed was all made up with bedspread and such, and laid across the top of the covers was a beautiful square quilt. I think that was the spark that has lit my quilt inferno!!
1. Quilted Gelati Log Cabin, 2. The 'Forever' Quilt---Finally Finished. . ., 3. Detail of "Spot On" Circle Quilt
I've been having a little squiz around at various books and things, trying to find inspiration and, perhaps more importantly, education. I'd like to have a few great books of colourful, textural quality magnificence to inspire me and fuel the fire, but I feel it's very important to get at least one decent book that will cover all the basic How-Tos, hot tips and so on.
After having a bit of a trawl around the internets, I thought I would put it to you, gentle reader, with your cumulative score of wisdom to share your suggestions of wonderful quilting and patchwork books and sources.
I'll be making this a little more fun, and encouraging the wall flowers out there to get involved, by adding a priiiiize!
I would love to hear your suggestions, so please leave a comment with firstly, your recommendation for inspiration or educational quilting/patchwork books or sources, and secondly what you love about that particular volume! I'll draw the prize from all suggestions received - and I'll try to cater the prize to suit the crafts of the prizee!
Let the inspirations roll!!
But then we went down to stay with Mum in her lovely new home, kitted out with so many of the gorgeous elements she always spoke of when we would talk about dream houses etc.. In the lovely guest room the bed was all made up with bedspread and such, and laid across the top of the covers was a beautiful square quilt. I think that was the spark that has lit my quilt inferno!!
1. Quilted Gelati Log Cabin, 2. The 'Forever' Quilt---Finally Finished. . ., 3. Detail of "Spot On" Circle Quilt
I've been having a little squiz around at various books and things, trying to find inspiration and, perhaps more importantly, education. I'd like to have a few great books of colourful, textural quality magnificence to inspire me and fuel the fire, but I feel it's very important to get at least one decent book that will cover all the basic How-Tos, hot tips and so on.
After having a bit of a trawl around the internets, I thought I would put it to you, gentle reader, with your cumulative score of wisdom to share your suggestions of wonderful quilting and patchwork books and sources.
I'll be making this a little more fun, and encouraging the wall flowers out there to get involved, by adding a priiiiize!
I would love to hear your suggestions, so please leave a comment with firstly, your recommendation for inspiration or educational quilting/patchwork books or sources, and secondly what you love about that particular volume! I'll draw the prize from all suggestions received - and I'll try to cater the prize to suit the crafts of the prizee!
Let the inspirations roll!!
p.s. Forgot to give a closing date for prize entry! Let's say, have your suggestions in by the end of Sept 18th if you'd like to be in the draw for something lovely! But if it's past that date and you'd like to comment - please do!
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Very Happy Very Rainbow
I have a wonderous FO to share!
Many months ago, perhaps even into the years stakes, Bekk of Bowerbird Knits sent me a most frabjulous skein of handspun!
It felt such a special skein to me, and the colours so vibrant, changeable and the yarn so finely and beautifully spun (look at the wee barberpoling!) that I lingered for a long time in contemplation.
Oohhh! It could be THIS or it could be THAT! Hmm... will that do justice to such a wonderous skein...? How about THIS!
And so it went on for some time..
Eventually I decided that the Lace Ribbon scarf would be lovely as the zig-zag bars of stockinette would show off the fabric of yarn, and the laddered bars would show of singular strands.
But the mojo never took off, though it started well.
While lovely and full of potential, this project was not the TRUE love of this yarn, so I frogged it out and sat for a good while longer, contemplating
Finally I decided to throw caution to the wind as this is a HAPPY rainbow yarn and shouldn't be tied down and caught in restraint by serious contemplation - it needs to LIVE!
And with that gusto in mind and the magic flutterings of a joyful project conception - I cast on and the creation began! It hibernated on and off for a little, but once complete I wasted no time in the magic blocking ceremony!
(plushie bread for size comparison)
Macro shots of blocking lace/knitting are my FAVOURITE!
It turned out much larger than I had anticipated so is wonderful to wear, and is a lovely light drapey article like a technicolour gossamer web - all things wonderous and delightful!
I am so very very happy with my very happy very rainbow knitkerchief!!
(Here making also making friends with my new winkle-pickin cowbies!)
Many months ago, perhaps even into the years stakes, Bekk of Bowerbird Knits sent me a most frabjulous skein of handspun!
It felt such a special skein to me, and the colours so vibrant, changeable and the yarn so finely and beautifully spun (look at the wee barberpoling!) that I lingered for a long time in contemplation.
Oohhh! It could be THIS or it could be THAT! Hmm... will that do justice to such a wonderous skein...? How about THIS!
And so it went on for some time..
Eventually I decided that the Lace Ribbon scarf would be lovely as the zig-zag bars of stockinette would show off the fabric of yarn, and the laddered bars would show of singular strands.
But the mojo never took off, though it started well.
While lovely and full of potential, this project was not the TRUE love of this yarn, so I frogged it out and sat for a good while longer, contemplating
Finally I decided to throw caution to the wind as this is a HAPPY rainbow yarn and shouldn't be tied down and caught in restraint by serious contemplation - it needs to LIVE!
And with that gusto in mind and the magic flutterings of a joyful project conception - I cast on and the creation began! It hibernated on and off for a little, but once complete I wasted no time in the magic blocking ceremony!
(plushie bread for size comparison)
Macro shots of blocking lace/knitting are my FAVOURITE!
It turned out much larger than I had anticipated so is wonderful to wear, and is a lovely light drapey article like a technicolour gossamer web - all things wonderous and delightful!
I am so very very happy with my very happy very rainbow knitkerchief!!
(Here making also making friends with my new winkle-pickin cowbies!)
Monday, September 07, 2009
Ishbel!
At last... Ishbel!
I have yearned for so very long to cast on for Ishbel, using the fabulous skein of Solis malabrigo sock yarn I've had marinating in my stash since being so kindly gifted to me byJolene.
I've always thought the yarn would knit up so beautifully into an Ishbel, with the lace resembling kelp fronds in shades of aqua and teal - delicious!
So now at least Ishbel is on my needles and I am LUFFING it! :D
I have yearned for so very long to cast on for Ishbel, using the fabulous skein of Solis malabrigo sock yarn I've had marinating in my stash since being so kindly gifted to me byJolene.
I've always thought the yarn would knit up so beautifully into an Ishbel, with the lace resembling kelp fronds in shades of aqua and teal - delicious!
So now at least Ishbel is on my needles and I am LUFFING it! :D
Friday, September 04, 2009
Social Knitworking, - awesome!!
OH my goodness!!
I just love stumbling across these fantastic knitterly inventions, experiments and new gadgets!
Check out the Social Knitworking new to the scene and in development!
I just love stumbling across these fantastic knitterly inventions, experiments and new gadgets!
Check out the Social Knitworking new to the scene and in development!
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Forecast for spinning
I've had spinning on the brain lately, so this R&R the forecast was for spinning!
This fibre has been marinating in my stash for some time - it's the lovely Forecast from my time in the Spunky Eclectic Fibre of the Month club, and the subtle shades are just gorgeous!
Truth be told I started spinning it up last R&R but was glad to go back to it again this break to finish it up...
I still have a little to go though as I got sidetracked with other spinning projects (more on them later) and now I'm glad I was delayed actually, as the Spin Control I ordered has arrived - WOot WOot! SO now I can look through the book and figure out how I want to ply this up. I had been pondering attempting a Navajo Ply perhaps...
This fibre has been marinating in my stash for some time - it's the lovely Forecast from my time in the Spunky Eclectic Fibre of the Month club, and the subtle shades are just gorgeous!
Truth be told I started spinning it up last R&R but was glad to go back to it again this break to finish it up...
I still have a little to go though as I got sidetracked with other spinning projects (more on them later) and now I'm glad I was delayed actually, as the Spin Control I ordered has arrived - WOot WOot! SO now I can look through the book and figure out how I want to ply this up. I had been pondering attempting a Navajo Ply perhaps...
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Settle
Where to start after such a long time of blog absence?
Well, with the biggest, juiciest, most exciting news of course!!
We..
are...
LAND OWNERS!!!
6 months ago we first saw this block and began our journey of research, deliberation, excitement and the roller coaster ride of finally reaching settlement! In March we flew over to view the property (blog post 'Trippin to Tassie') and found that every need, wish and possible imagined element was ticked off our checklist by the the joys this block has to offer!
It's a big commitment, and we've taken a mortgage which is something we never wanted to do, but after doing an extensive, far-reaching, no-money-limit search of the rural market in Australia we couldn't find anything else like this - so that sealed it.
The biggest issue to face us is moving states, moving all our gear across to the other side of the continent, and the biggest upheaval - moving away from family and friends. I'm a very family oriented person so it was a big decision but I've come to terms with it and made the conscious decision to take on board all that it involves - so now I'm happily looking forward to our times on our block!
We still have to build, so it will be at least a year before we can be working ex-Tassie, but we have finally taken that first step towards the life we aspire to, and it feels like coming home! Whoooot!! :D
Well, with the biggest, juiciest, most exciting news of course!!
We..
are...
LAND OWNERS!!!
6 months ago we first saw this block and began our journey of research, deliberation, excitement and the roller coaster ride of finally reaching settlement! In March we flew over to view the property (blog post 'Trippin to Tassie') and found that every need, wish and possible imagined element was ticked off our checklist by the the joys this block has to offer!
It's a big commitment, and we've taken a mortgage which is something we never wanted to do, but after doing an extensive, far-reaching, no-money-limit search of the rural market in Australia we couldn't find anything else like this - so that sealed it.
The biggest issue to face us is moving states, moving all our gear across to the other side of the continent, and the biggest upheaval - moving away from family and friends. I'm a very family oriented person so it was a big decision but I've come to terms with it and made the conscious decision to take on board all that it involves - so now I'm happily looking forward to our times on our block!
We still have to build, so it will be at least a year before we can be working ex-Tassie, but we have finally taken that first step towards the life we aspire to, and it feels like coming home! Whoooot!! :D
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