tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368760512024-03-19T15:59:42.293+11:00tikkitikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.comBlogger538125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-33050683942035424162013-05-13T13:02:00.000+10:002013-05-13T13:02:07.138+10:00moving....I've got a bit of a flash new website.<br />
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I'm not sure if you've visited it or not, but you can find it over here<br />
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<a href="http://www.tikkiknits.com/">www.tikkiknits.com</a><br />
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That's much easier to remember, isn't it?<br />
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This new website also has a bloggy bit. It sort of makes more sense for me to blog over there in the knitting sphere, rather than here, where it's really a bit confusing as to what the blog's about. That's not to say that I won't be blogging about fabric! I have some sewing projects on the go that I hope to share soon.<br />
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Anyway, you can find my new blog here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.tikkiknits.com/blog">www.tikkiknits.com/blog</a><br />
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Pop in and say hello so I know that you're still reading!<br />
<br />tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-90838834193106825922013-04-17T18:45:00.002+10:002013-04-17T18:47:31.071+10:00our new tent!!!Excuse me, while I squeeee just a little bit, but we have a new tent!<br />
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A brand spanking swisho new tent!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8657403048/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Bushblock April 2013 by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Bushblock April 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8126/8657403048_efa0fdc4c6_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And truth be told, I can't stop raving about it or gazing at it or dreaming about it.<br />
I just want to live in it and camp every day!<br />
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I think most people I know in person are sick of hearing about my new tent; my Facebook and Instagram Friends are probably sick of seeing photos. So now it's your turn.<br />
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Can you see why I'm crazy about it?<br />
Is not she the most beautiful tent you have ever seen.<br />
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It's so light and airy and peaceful... and just full of soul and beauty.<br />
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Camping in her is just pure bliss. So so SO lovely.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8657391470/" title="Bushblock April 2013 by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Bushblock April 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8657391470_f5f2145997_c.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Look at her roof-line! Isn't it magnificent!<br />
It's just like being in a circus tent.<br />
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And yes, I do believe that with a tent like this bunting does become one of the essential camping ingredients.<br />
DK is not so sure.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8656296959/" title="Bushblock April 2013 by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Bushblock April 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8656296959_9b151fa866_c.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Ours is the SoulPad 4000-Hybrid. That means it is a glorious 4m x 4x inside; so quite roomy. <br />
And yes, I do like to keep a tidy tent.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8657389700/" title="Bushblock April 2013 by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Bushblock April 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/8657389700_173ab6c324_c.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We camped for the last week of the school holidays at DK's family bush block.<br />
It's lovely and peaceful and isolated; you know you're not going to see another soul there.<br />
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It's near the Grampians.<br />
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It's very dry at the moment, and it is here we see the other side of our extended glorious summer. The countryside is soo dry. Terribly, scarily dry for this time of year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8656285541/" title="Bushblock April 2013 by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Bushblock April 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8126/8656285541_878fde2236_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Nevertheless, it was a glorious time. The weather was perfect. And we had a perfect little relaxing family holiday. We sat around our campfire at night, walked during the day, picnicked, rode bikes, swam in the dam and knitted. Well, I knitted. Lily and Toby drew and DK either dozed or read.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8656288135/" title="Bushblock April 2013 by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Bushblock April 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8122/8656288135_c3747a0954_c.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Every morning we awoke to the most glorious sunrise as the kids scampered out to collect firewood for our morning campfire which they would toast their bread over.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8656282923/" title="Bushblock April 2013 by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Bushblock April 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8656282923_fe942171ab_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It's hard to return to reality.<br />
It's hard to remember what I was doing before we left for our impromptu break.<br />
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We're settling back into school, kindy and routine; not without a few tears on everyone's part. <br />
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The kids miss the freedom of the bush.<br />
We miss the solitude, peace and lack of pressure.<br />
We all miss the sense of togetherness.<br />
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Luckily, we can go back there whenever we like.<br />
And for that, we are very grateful!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8657388978/" title="Bushblock April 2013 by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Bushblock April 2013" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8657388978_98a6dd9bb4_c.jpg" width="640" /></a>tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-12767535663536516462013-02-18T17:08:00.000+11:002013-02-18T17:08:27.888+11:00summer memoriesWe've had a very unusual summer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8485002600/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8485002600_70a78b2d3f_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Unusual, in that the weather has consistently been pretty much perfect.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8483901773/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8483901773_c9fa93e069_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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There's been a cooler day here and there, and not too many ridiculously hot above 40 degree days.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8485005266/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8485005266_4619e80a1f_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the whole it's been deliciously lovely.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8485003710/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8485003710_4d9c773b46_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Such great weather means it has been action packed.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8483911515/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8483911515_48948b28df_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Morning and evening swimming, surfing and playing at the beach or the river.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8484997426/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8484997426_e0b632bc28_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Great adventures to be had all in our own local area.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8485008828/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8485008828_73a1c9a341_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Amazing achievements attained.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8483904323/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8483904323_ca4966d186_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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New experiences gained.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8483948063/" title="Untitled by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8483948063_9534641645_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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There's been a little bit of knitting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8485009634/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8485009634_c3743b8f7c_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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But it has had to take a back seat to all the fun and kiddie centred good times.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8485007028/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8485007028_006286b4eb_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I've watch my kids grow so much this summer and start on new journeys in their lives.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8485004388/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8485004388_04de9d257f_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We've eaten loads of peaches and shared many with family and friends.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8483905341/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8483905341_ff80b42aef_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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But now school is back, and summer is beginning to draw to an end.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8485000726/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8485000726_7b7c3b4786_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I'm thinking about the plans I have for my wee business this year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8483900929/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8483900929_b196cf6cee_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It's going to be the start of a new journey there, for me too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8484992200/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8484992200_972c4f61f6_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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But right now, we've still got a few more memories to make.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14496414@N04/8485001532/" title="Summer memories by tikkijane, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer memories" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8485001532_60cc4888f9_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I've been documenting our summer adventures on Instagram.<br />
Do you Instagram?<br />
I love it so!<br />
It's now desktop/computer friendly, which is ace!<br />
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I'm<a href="http://instagram.com/tikkiknits" target="_blank"> tikkiknits on Instagram</a>. Pop on over and follow me!<br />
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P.S. There's also a quick linky in the side-bar, should you ever require it ;)tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-37219817786696141942013-01-16T23:10:00.000+11:002013-01-16T23:17:52.072+11:00Yarn along Wednesday Wednesday: a yarn-a-long one.<br />
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This week on my bedtime table you will find:<br />
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I bought Andy 'A Visit from the Goon Squad' last Christmas and have only just now gotten around to reading it. The Sunday Times described it as, "Moving and Life-enhancing... a must read." </div>
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While I possibly wouldn't take my praise that far, I did enjoy reading this novel. </div>
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The phrase 'Goon Squad' is a reference to the passing of time, and hence the book explores the passing of time and its consequences for a number of interconnected characters</div>
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It is a story of my generation, one that does remind me so much of my youth and made me reminisce about some of the souls that got lost along the way. At the same time, it beautifully explores some elements and concepts of the future, such as technology, the youth of the future and the effects of 9/11.</div>
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It is tinged with sadness and in some ways it reminds me a little of my favourite poem by Allen Ginsberg, 'Howl' but whereas, the sadness for that generation was directed at their current state, in 'A Visit from the Goon Squad' the sadness comes with the passing of time for those who, I guess, were trapped by the craziness of youth; unable to escape from some of more lurid temptations that come with growing up. </div>
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I've thought a lot about some of our crazy friends from our days of youth and where they are now; those that are now high flyers, those who didn't survive those times and those who are still lost as a result of shit that went down all those years ago. So many of the characters in this novel resonated with me and reminded me of people I knew.</div>
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The second novel is one by one of my favourite authors, Kate Grenville. I started this at Christmas time but left it at my sister's house and have only just got it back. I shall re-commence my reading of it tonight. I know I will love it ever so much as I do with all Kate's books.<br />
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I once did a master writing class with Kate and it was so inspirational and so completely fabulous!<br />
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This week I've been enjoying knitting with some glorious 5ply. The photo above is of the lace detail in a new cardigan pattern I am working on. the prototype is knit with Plum Tree Yarns Kona Sport.<br />
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Since finishing this I've started on Lizzie, and adult version of Elizabeth in some madtosh pashmina.<br />
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Join in with <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/" target="_blank">yarnalong</a> over here.<br />
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What's on your bedtime table or in your knitting basket this week?<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadtikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-41558072411728502272013-01-07T18:50:00.000+11:002013-01-07T18:50:39.014+11:00bishiLast Friday I released my first pattern for the year.<br />
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I was quite amazed at that, usually by the end of the year I'm so burnt out and exhausted it takes me awhile to get into the swing of things in the New Year. In fact, last year I was so drained I took a break for pretty much all of January and February.<br />
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This year I'm feeling a little different. This year I've started the year feeling fresher and excited about all my plans for the year; hence, a new pattern already!<br />
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This is bishi.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfpVaqf-qissMMF2mTnuBly3Wb6mbeJ4_6QHYyGJKM5Ks-aTfzPNoYShImfo8x1mpAp-NGyXxxU4y64pN_R_kSmY0dedsZAgxT9Ou6SqWZ0jcoCdkhxiQhmwGR_5AHobgOmn6sg/s1600/bishi8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfpVaqf-qissMMF2mTnuBly3Wb6mbeJ4_6QHYyGJKM5Ks-aTfzPNoYShImfo8x1mpAp-NGyXxxU4y64pN_R_kSmY0dedsZAgxT9Ou6SqWZ0jcoCdkhxiQhmwGR_5AHobgOmn6sg/s640/bishi8.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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A simple knitted water bottle carrier. </div>
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I love the practical nature of this, it's gender neutral, a great quick knit, makes a great gift (everyone drinks water.......or at least they should!) and is a good stash buster. Bishi uses less than a ball of 10ply cotton, about 40grams to be precise.</div>
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It's knit in the round from the bottom up and has two different options for the handles; either a garter stitch strap or stocking stitch handles that can be tied for ease of lengthening or shortening. </div>
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The mesh is super dooper stretchy and fits everything in it from a boutique beer to a nice chunky Sigg water bottle. My kids like the carrier to completely cover the bottle and its lid, so you'll notice that while on my bottle (the Sigg in the red Bishi) the carrier finishes at the lid, on Lily's, her whole bottle fits in and the lid is completely concealed (the striped bishi).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic221w_QBvcGw4L2DzBNdSF0HCMNqI117txAPU01k7gcwf9RUqxldlbjm7QeQu4fRP3QzxvKzcSz0SI5m5zRhlL7h6VIFXh8qNtc1AAxU0xf4oZA9348D5MK9KyUGLb-8a7Y6cSA/s1600/bishi6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic221w_QBvcGw4L2DzBNdSF0HCMNqI117txAPU01k7gcwf9RUqxldlbjm7QeQu4fRP3QzxvKzcSz0SI5m5zRhlL7h6VIFXh8qNtc1AAxU0xf4oZA9348D5MK9KyUGLb-8a7Y6cSA/s640/bishi6.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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There have been quite a number of bishis popping up on Rav already, and I've noticed that those who are knitting for shorter kids' bottle have knit fewer of the lace rounds to suit. So that may be an option you may want to consider if you're knitting for a smaller bottle.</div>
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The smaller water bottle in the striped carrier is a Beatrix NY bottle which is quite a squat 400ml bottle. Lily also carries a Thermos Funtainer 355ml bottle in hers. This is taller than the Beatrix NY and the top of the carrier reaches the top of the bottle when resting. My larger Sigg is a 700ml size.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3BpGdDJaalQ85L4xPUqaZ31jmA3ClNgxe_avztxUl499xAA2tsrLGIp6gz1WNm47zgvN2dKt_Sgmwgmk7EwRl-Ky5q1AoJoNfLwfU6T_DJJVVHtQ-qWuowjDs7BZTPxQhlJ9Bw/s1600/bishi3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3BpGdDJaalQ85L4xPUqaZ31jmA3ClNgxe_avztxUl499xAA2tsrLGIp6gz1WNm47zgvN2dKt_Sgmwgmk7EwRl-Ky5q1AoJoNfLwfU6T_DJJVVHtQ-qWuowjDs7BZTPxQhlJ9Bw/s640/bishi3.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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One question that I have been asked a lot is what is a bishi? Where does it come from?</div>
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It's the name of a friend of mine, the recipient of the first knitted water bottle carrier, in fact. </div>
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Yes, it is her real name, it is of African origins.</div>
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Quite coincidentally, Lily has a childhood doll named Bish, which I guess makes the name seem quite normal and everyday for me. Lily's doll was named after the sound of running water, biish biish biish, a name Lily came up with when she was about two. Perfect name really for a water bottle carrier. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFXy5hyphenhyphen9p8ke_MGPfsDZkztISIw-nuX-dS4U8bGp2gOqFGwb1I5A8JOIVrRhalN6sDaiTaNF7iD4Y4bZbRnQFm4YlNLK3VW_Knt0Brip-9S1BbDevmSfs6625imtEnJj-775k_w/s1600/bishi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFXy5hyphenhyphen9p8ke_MGPfsDZkztISIw-nuX-dS4U8bGp2gOqFGwb1I5A8JOIVrRhalN6sDaiTaNF7iD4Y4bZbRnQFm4YlNLK3VW_Knt0Brip-9S1BbDevmSfs6625imtEnJj-775k_w/s640/bishi2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Bishi is a free pattern and you can <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bishi" target="_blank">download it here</a>.</div>
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These would make a great quick knit item for school fetes, markets and the like. For that reason, I've decided to make pattern license free. All the normal copyright applies except that you can make these to sell if you wish without a license. All you need to do is refer to the product as a bishi water carrier and credit the design as being mine. </div>
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<br />tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-78350628116501874372013-01-03T23:16:00.001+11:002013-01-03T23:19:53.577+11:00gift knittingI probably don't gift knit, or even gift sew for that matter, as much as I'd like to. I try to knit the smaller members of the family something for Christmas, and hopefully their birthdays as well. But that doesn't always happen, and this Christmas just gone it was only the wee girls who got something.<br />
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I'd like to change that this year. And I guess that all falls under the umbrella of being more organised. It means calenderising birthdays and thinking about them a month out, not a couple of days. Thinking about how I can incorporate the gift knits into my business knitting regime.<br />
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The first birthday of the year for our extended family has already been and gone, but there was no knit I have to admit. I DID think about the required knit in December sometime but then I was too busy wading through the Christmas knitting. Shall I get to it? We'll see! But there are two more birthdays to knit for in February!<br />
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One gift that I did manage to knit last year in a very organised fashion was this shawl for Lily's teacher.<br />
I even had it finished with plenty of time to spare!<br />
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The pattern is Ishbel by Ysolda Teague.<br />
I knit it out of some Patons Patonyle that Lily and I hand-dyed a number of years ago. It has been sitting in my stash earmarked to become some socks for me. The reality is that I often don't <strike>have</strike> find the time to knit myself socks. The colour was just perfect for Lily's teacher, she has lovely reddish hair and she wears this colour a lot and it looks awesome on her. It was fated really!<br />
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I've made Ishbel twice before and it is a super quick knit. This really only took three days to knit. I love how the stocking stitch flows so nicely into the lace sections. The stocking stitch makes it nice and quick but as it's only a small shawl and a small section of stocking stitch, you don't get too bored.<br />
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It's a lovely pleasant and easy knit. No wonder there are nearly 12 000 Ishbel projects on Ravelry!<br />
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Are you a gift knitter?<br />
How do you keep up with your gifting?<br />
Or do you resort to gifting a ball of yarn or an IOU on occasions?<br />
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Or are you more of a knit for yourself type?<br />
January is supposed to be the month for selfish knits. I'm trying to get there. I'm on my second project for the year, and it's a gift. A Christmas IOU actually, but I have good intentions of a selfish knit for me next!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tikki/ishbel-3" target="_blank">Ravelled here.</a><br />
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<br />tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-45705115657958087122013-01-01T21:09:00.002+11:002013-01-01T21:09:36.711+11:00a new day, a new yearI love the start of a new year.<br />
The plans, the goals, the resolution.<br />
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The juxtaposition of the freshness of new ideas running through my head and the optimism that comes with the fresh year ever so slightly tinged with that grungy feeling of overindulgence. </div>
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I love doing my blog roll read on January First. I love the wrap ups, the goals for the next year and the resolutions. I particularly love the ridiculousness of crafters and their stash resolutions. I love the positiveness that comes with the new year. It's like the new year gives everyone a fresh new beginning, and all in the past is forgotten. I really like that. </div>
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It's like a universal agreement of forgiveness. </div>
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It doesn't matter that you didn't finish the jumper you were knitting your niece, that was last year. The new year gives you the permission to cast on something new. </div>
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2012, hey?</div>
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<li>In 2012 I knit 19, 335 yards. </li>
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It's always my aim to knit 20, 000 yards but I've not managed that goal yet. Maybe 2013 will be the year.<br /><ul>
<li>In 2012 I published 13 new patterns. </li>
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It didn't seem like a very productive year at the time, particularly as I didn't publish my first pattern until March, but I guess it wasn't too bad. I'm pretty pleased that I finally got around to publishing my first adult garment pattern.<br /><ul>
<li>In 2012 I finished 61 projects. </li>
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11 dishclothes, one bag, seven vests, three cardigans for me, one cowl, a peach cozy, a bikini top (ok, that was crocheted), four doll garments, six dresses, a plethora of eggs, 12 kids cardigans, one kids jumper, five pairs of mittens, two bells, a star, two monsters, one shawl, nine tiny gnome hats and a water bottle carrier.<br />
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<li>In 2012 I started seven projects that I didn't get finished.</li>
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So what's in store for 2013?</div>
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What are my plans/goals/resolutions?</div>
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To knit from stash? </div>
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I'd love to say yes, but truth is I'm not very good at it. I guess my aim is to try and use more of my stash and only buy yarn if there is nothing suitable in my stash, and only if I plan to cast on straight away with it. Sounds almost feasible, doesn't it? Don't be fooled. Chances are I'll fail dismally at that and be filling my cart by the end of the week. (The sale at Suzy Hausfrau is already tempting me! *sigh*)</div>
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To publish some more adult patterns?</div>
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Yes, indeed. I have one adult pattern almost ready to go. The prototype is knit and the pattern is part way written. It should be ready for testing at the start of February. I'm also planning to cast on this month a few of the adult patterns I've been meaning to knit for ages. I think either a Suzanne or an Elizabeth will be first on my list. I just have to fight the urge to cast on first for the cute little shrug design that's haunting me at the moment. I suspect it will win in the end, but it will be a quick knit. And very cute too! </div>
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To blog more?</div>
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I would hope so. I had hoped I would keep the habit began with Blogtober, but it just didn't happen. It was a crazy time of the year for our family and something had to give. It was my blog! So instead, I'll begin the year as I intend to continue it, with good blogging habits. A bit of encouragement will help keep me on track, dear reader!</div>
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My key goal for 2013 is one of organisation. </div>
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I am terribly disorganised, easily over-whelmed, incredibly forgetful and a bit flitty. I flit all too easily form one thing to another. I'm not testing anything major in January, just a handful of smaller patterns that I've been meaning to finish off for ages, so I'm using my work time to employ some good organisational habits. Some tactics for keeping on top of emails and pms, keeping my website, blog and FB page up-to-date, getting all my book work organised so I don't have a last minute rush at tax time, maybe, just maybe, even creating a pattern release schedule. Doing all the day to day small business stuff that is just too much some days. Routine, I think it's called, that's perhaps what I need.</div>
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What about you?</div>
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What are your goals/resolutions/promises for 2013?</div>
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P.S. photos are off the wee Christmas gifts the kids and I made for some of their little friends. You can read more details on my <a href="http://ravel.me/tikki/hmuwp" target="_blank">Rav project page.</a></div>
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tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-82206764029835755882012-12-30T22:48:00.000+11:002012-12-30T22:50:35.495+11:00Olinda<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sitting here sewing buttons on what will more than likely be my last FO for the year. Eight little wooden buttons for a sweet cardie for Toby.</div>
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I feel like I've sewn a lot of buttons on this last month as I've busily knit away the festive season.</div>
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How about you?</div>
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Was the last month a crazy frenzy of gift creating?</div>
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Before all this crazy gift knitting began, I did release a new pattern. A pattern I love very very much. I mentioned this pattern in the last blog post back at the start of the month. See I've been too busy knitting to even blog!</div>
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My new pattern is called Olinda.</div>
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Olinda is a really lovely lace cardigan flowing from a circular garter stitch yoke. It is completely seamless, knit from the top down with lace panels running vertically.</div>
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What I really love about Olinda is that it is reversible; while it's not the same on both sides, each side of the garment is equally lovely.</div>
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In the photo above, Lily is actually wearing the cardigan what would be considered the wrong side out.</div>
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And below here, she's wearing it the right way.</div>
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Can you see the difference?</div>
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/tikki/121800835/olinda9_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/tikki/121800835/olinda9_medium2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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This cardie is named after a sweet little town in the Dandenong Ranges, just outside of Melbourne. I planned to name this cardie after Lily's favourite place. Up until our visit there in July, her favourite place was the Bollards in Geelong!</div>
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Olinda is such a pretty little town perched up high in the forest and surrounded with such lush green vegetation. It was like a winter wonderland for our kiddies, they hadn't really experienced weather that cold before. And the possibility of snow while we were there was just unimaginable for them. They fell in love. It is such a far cry in terms of landscape and weather for coastal dwelling folk like us.</div>
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While we were there we took the kids up to Lake Mountain so they could experience snow for the first time. What an amazing experience for them!</div>
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The lace in Olinda is quite intuitive and easy to follow once you get going. If you're a bit of a stop and start knitter I'd probably suggest using a life line to help you keep track of where you are up to and guard against too many accidents!</div>
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Having said that, Olinda is more suited to an intermediate knitter who is comfortable reading their own work. There are places in the pattern where you do need to be able to read what would be the next stitch in the pattern or the previous stitch.</div>
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The lace is both in written and charted form in the pattern and options are included to knit Olinda with either short or long sleeves.</div>
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Olinda is sized for chest sizes from 15 - 30", in one inch increments so will fit from newborn to around age 12 or so. It is available as a downloadable pdf from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/olinda" target="_blank">my Ravelry store for $6</a>.<br />
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Give her some love.<br />
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Right now, I'm going to finish sewing on my buttons (I have seven to go!), and then ponder how much I've knit this year. I'm going to get out my scales and weigh those last few items and tally up my knitting yardage for the year.</div>
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Will it be more than last year?<br />
What do you think?<br />
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<br />tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-78110131681023822022012-12-02T21:35:00.001+11:002012-12-02T21:35:12.674+11:00buttons doing double dutyTomorrow I have a new pattern to release, which is always a very exciting and just a wee bit nerve-wracking kind of a day. There's all kind of hecticness involved as I quite often leave some part of the release to the last minute; such as converting the yardage lengths to metres, or adding the name of the testers or the pattern page for Ravelry. I often feel like I'm fighting the clock and wrangling both the kids, dinner and DK to pull it all together. I'm really not the most organised of people. And I am so easily distracted.<br />
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But anyway, tomorrow I have a new pattern to release, and this time I'm sort of super organised. Perhaps. So much so that I've pre-prepared a little blog tutorial that I want to share with you.<br />
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Tomorrow's pattern, Olinda, is reversible in the sense that there's no real wrong side to the garment. You can really wear it either way, which is great for grublets. But to make it so, you really need to sew on what I call "double duty buttons" so you can button the cardie from both sides.<br />
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Here's a quick peak of Olinda worn as the pattern is written, there's plenty more pics over on my <a href="http://ravel.me/tikki/j05vx" target="_blank">Rav project page</a>, and I'm sure you'll see more tomorrow.<br />
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<b>So how do you make double duty buttons?</b><br />
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You need two buttons for every buttonhole, some good quality sewing thread and a hand sewing needle.<br />
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I find this style of buttons works really well for two-hole buttons and I always sew my two-hole buttons on like this.<br />
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When threading my needle I always half the thread and thread the two ends through the eye of the needle, leaving the thread looped at the end.<br />
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Locate where the buttons need to be placed. I always use the garter ridges in the garter edging and the placement of the buttonhole to help line up where my buttons need to be.<br />
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Once you've got the right spot, sandwich the buttonband between the two buttons and bring the needle and thread through the two buttons leaving the loop at the back of the work.<br />
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Making sure the loop remains at the back, thread the needle back through the other front hole. The loop and the needle will both be at the back of the work now.</div>
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TO secure the thread, simply thread the needle through the loop and pull tight. <br />
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Sew on the button as usual, threading back and forth through both buttons securely a couple of times.<br />
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To finish off the buttonhole neatly, on your last pass-through with your thread to the back, only go through the front button and come out next to the back button. You will need to angle your needle and the buttons to be able to do this.<br />
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Loop the thread around the button, and the thread the needle through the loop a couple of times. Pull the thread to secure. Wrap the thread around a few more times and cut the thread. The tail will be neatly hidden behind the button.<br />
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Voila! Neatly sewn buttons perfect for double sided garments!</div>
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If you were a perfectionist, you would probably create shanks for each of your buttons as you sew them, but I'm a bit lazy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmweCBRLsKgMJoyLK3Je6kbJJ3DFgTUdYnMIAVsAY0GHP9qGO6l3-gNBwlmeFVNis19xzxPMq3t44kX-yknQRQmk3Bx2D5h4ZLK9R2DUYyX-odA2Fol_NVk_bxBAW_nr50ymBMw/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmweCBRLsKgMJoyLK3Je6kbJJ3DFgTUdYnMIAVsAY0GHP9qGO6l3-gNBwlmeFVNis19xzxPMq3t44kX-yknQRQmk3Bx2D5h4ZLK9R2DUYyX-odA2Fol_NVk_bxBAW_nr50ymBMw/s400/IMG_0941.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I love this way of doing buttons. I use a lot of two-hole wooden buttons and I find that buttons sewn like this don't come loose. Nor are they placing a lot of stress on the garment itself, as in effect they reinforce each other.<br />
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Nice, hey!tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-10111221647865397472012-11-15T12:46:00.001+11:002012-11-15T12:46:09.482+11:00my creative space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The theme for my creative spaces this week has been polygamy.<br />
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Yesterday, we ventured out to the Melbourne Museum for the milo boy's birthday excursion. I took with me my basket of polygamy and knitted all the way to Melbourne and back. I even <strike>hopefully</strike> insanely carted a project around the museum imagining time to sit, relax and knit while the kids explored. Who was I kidding? We ALL explored!<br />
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The contents of my basket?<br />
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Two projects toured with me yesterday but my basket does contain four current WIPs. All prototypes of a sort.<br />
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Yesterday, I had for company:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7o2o4ZAbj9D6PpxGfQAQTYPCGMNkiANYgyQOt_hU1JQUXytdmfaYjI9QAxUJ5uWSw6IAWeoppJ5N-3aSlxnRdNAf3cxqp1u7qPfDhZqRt4y98xg5qvRiZGV2L_TtXi8wUK5HkgQ/s1600/IMG_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7o2o4ZAbj9D6PpxGfQAQTYPCGMNkiANYgyQOt_hU1JQUXytdmfaYjI9QAxUJ5uWSw6IAWeoppJ5N-3aSlxnRdNAf3cxqp1u7qPfDhZqRt4y98xg5qvRiZGV2L_TtXi8wUK5HkgQ/s640/IMG_1267.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Beear</div>
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Olinda.</div>
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Both these prototypes are named after two very different places in Victoria. </div>
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Beear is a small state park near the Grampians. You could go there and not see another person all day, it is that quiet and unknown. It has an awesome fossicking site for smoky quartz there that my kids adore. Coincidently, Lily was really stoked to find a piece of that smoky quartz on display in the museum yesterday!</div>
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Olinda is a quaint little village set in the Dandenong Ranges. We visited here in the Winter and it was cold and wet, but oh so beautiful and gloriously lush and different from where we live. Lily would like to move there, but alas, I feel it is too far from the sea for us.</div>
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Olinda is not that far from being ready for release, maybe the start of the month. Beear is a design for next year.</div>
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Beear is for Toby and I'm knitting the tiny wee baby sized Olinda for one of my baby sized nieces. I have two of these who are under the age of one and I decided it would be quite remiss of me if I did not take the opportunity to knit such small cardies for them for Christmas.</div>
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The other WIPs in my basket are:</div>
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dolly Olearia</div>
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This poor WIP has been woefully neglected. If I just stayed committed I could be finished today, and I really need to be as I want this pattern to go to the testers this weekend! </div>
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This is an unnamed WIP that I have been flirting around with for quite a few months. Obviously, the flirting isn't too serious as I haven't gotten very far with it! I suspect it needs a rip out and a wee reassess. This was for another niece but I might have to whip her up something a bit more straightforward..we shall see.</div>
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This week I've also been having a play with some fabric, which was so lovely, and on Monday my little crafting chickadee and I whipped up 50 hair ties. Does she need 50? Possibly not, but they will make great Christmas gifts for her friends, if only I can get her to part with some of them!!</div>
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More creative spaces over<a href="http://blogs.kidspot.com.au/villagevoices/making-the-cut/" target="_blank"> here....</a></div>
tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-53825085126121318692012-11-13T14:52:00.003+11:002012-11-13T14:54:20.567+11:00fourMy baby turned four yesterday.<br />
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Isn't it funny, how as parents every year our child is older is a significant milestone?<br />
This year for us four is so big, it's the crossing over from toddlerhood into a big boy. He's no longer really a baby. And then next year, he'll be five! And five is old enough to go to school!!<br />
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Every year they get older, it's significant, no doubt about it, and as parents it's hard not to dwell on their growth and mourn the stage that has just passed. Particularly when it's a move away from babyhood. Despite the sleepless nights (which don't hate me, I'm sorry to say we never had!), the nappies, and all the other traumas of babyhood, we still really mourn it's passing. I guess it says something about our stage of life too. <br />
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Today I'm not going to mourn the passing of my boy's babyhood. I'm going to celebrate all that he becomes now he is four. I'm going to reflect on the past year and cheer him for all his accomplishments, all the things he's learnt and conquered. All the growth and maturing he's done to become the wonderful little boy that he is. I'm going to amaze in his new found understanding of his emotions and behaviour. But most of all I'm going to enjoy all those four year old cuddles because four year old cuddles are so much bigger than three year old cuddles!<br />
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We celebrated last night with a special birthday dinner of Toby's favourite food; salmon sushi.<br />
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His cake, the second for the day, was chocolate and coconut. It comes from Jude Blereau's book <a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Wholefood-for-Children-Jude-Blereau/9781741966787?redirected=true&gclid=CM6psN2Ey7MCFQhapQodOxAA8w" target="_blank">Wholefoods for Children</a> and is my standby chocolate cake recipe. It is soooo good and sooo easy to make!<br />
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I iced it with an icing I made from rapadura and coconut icing sugar (whizzed in the TMX), avocado, cacao powder, vanilla bean and a touch of rice water. It was an incredibly smooth and deliciously chocolatey flavour, it was a bit of an educated gamble, but it paid off!<br />
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The kids adored the icing, particularly Lily who hates avocado. I didn't tell her there was an avocado in there!tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-76240974158491263292012-11-08T22:56:00.001+11:002012-11-08T22:58:35.154+11:00a teeny tiny cardieIn all honesty, the biggest attraction of getting a Blythe doll was the fun in dressing her. Changing her outfits, finding the perfect shoes and getting her cute look just right. It's like playing Barbies again, but in a much cooler way. Blythe carries off clothes so so much better than Barbie does. ;)<br />
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The first ever knitwear design I ever did was as a kid. I used to knit clothes for our Barbies, they had an incredible array of knitted garments that I made up the patterns for all by myself. I used to have a little notebook where I had all these little patterns written down. I wish I still had that notebook, and I wish I still had at least a few of those Barbie clothes.<br />
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I've been desperate to knit something for Blythe ever since Lily got hers, I've just never quite gotten around to it. I probably should have started with my own pattern, but the need for a quick cast on and some mindless knitting saw me cast on the smallest February Sweater I've ever knit!<br />
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This was super quick and easy. Given I've knit the February Baby Sweater twice and the February Lady Sweater once, the gull lace is a bit like an old friend. It's probably one of the lace stitches my fingers would resort to knitting automatically.<br />
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This pattern is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/february-pullip-sweater" target="_blank">February Pullip Sweater </a> by Megan Nordyke. It's a free pattern.<br />
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The original pattern calls for Crochet thread, of which I only had black and I wasn't going there. I subbed with some random Shepherd Baby wool leftover from a jumper I knit for Lily when she was just a wee baby.<br />
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I think I knit this on 2.75mm needles, perhaps they were 2.25mm. <br />
Either way, it was one of my smaller needles.<br />
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<u>Modifications to pattern:</u></div>
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When separating the body and sleeves, I worked the first and last stitch as a kfab, as per my patterns. This minimises any holes under the arms. </div>
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This also gave me an additional four stitches which I worked as a two stitch edging at the front of the cardie.</div>
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I also picked up more stitches under the arms and reduced them down, while working the sleeves seamlessly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRD4JRD9_UHbg8YWilM4qy9gvRQ6F-f25bILcGzR3s-8yj0VtYDj0PYh2mq_SrMTWKErUDd9TNq8NvUSx2KnkxNJp7EAzCr6C8BnlcIvlNPohEhKDXtd4M705yqimCFg0-idUcA/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRD4JRD9_UHbg8YWilM4qy9gvRQ6F-f25bILcGzR3s-8yj0VtYDj0PYh2mq_SrMTWKErUDd9TNq8NvUSx2KnkxNJp7EAzCr6C8BnlcIvlNPohEhKDXtd4M705yqimCFg0-idUcA/s640/IMG_1034.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Blythe, as you can see, is pretty happy with her new cardie.<br />
It goes perfectly with her favourite skirt.<br />
She's been bugging me to knit her a few more things.<br />
She's also been rifling through my fabric stash picking out fabric for a few dresses.<br />
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She's even more incorrigible than Lily!!!<br />
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<br />tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-83797827707614366922012-11-03T10:53:00.000+11:002012-11-03T10:54:11.226+11:00And the winner is......My apologies for not announcing the winner sooner. I was waiting for October to end in the Northern Hemisphere, and then Friday sort of got away from me.<br />
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I've had a wonderful time reading all the entries. They all really resonated with me. Some made me smile, some made me cry, some made me feel quite nostalgic.<br />
Thank you all for sharing your lovely stories with me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1c6ZwG-iMx7k6Iod1FHryGCvLn6ooY7ltNJg5QhAtYmZycJgoJap8Ex-M3ZYdKGf046ym2qb_fChuIYe-syGaXDwF_iBAeFUfDaZJzX5YbzXzCvISKxotLTR-fHL8OSdva96bSw/s1600/IMGP9951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1c6ZwG-iMx7k6Iod1FHryGCvLn6ooY7ltNJg5QhAtYmZycJgoJap8Ex-M3ZYdKGf046ym2qb_fChuIYe-syGaXDwF_iBAeFUfDaZJzX5YbzXzCvISKxotLTR-fHL8OSdva96bSw/s640/IMGP9951.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My random number generator has selected the post from: </div>
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ColJud </div>
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to be the winner!!</div>
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Congratulations!!!</div>
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I shall be in touch via Ravelry shortly.</div>
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ANNND, while I'm giving away patterns, in my first post for October I asked for suggestions of what to blog about. The following lovely people made suggestions that I used, so they each will receive a free pattern of their choice as well:</div>
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Annwen</div>
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Sea Star</div>
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Psylova</div>
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Brave New Fiona.</div>
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I shall be in touch shortly with all of you too!</div>
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I shall be returning to this list again and using some more of these ideas, as there were some fantastic ones that I really want to use but time was my deciding factor. </div>
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Thanks everyone for sharing the Blogtober love with me and getting me over the line. </div>
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xxx</div>
tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-59480346701748825482012-10-31T21:55:00.002+11:002012-10-31T22:02:32.884+11:00October 31Well, well, well... it's with a great deal of tiredness that I greet you this morning, dear last day of the month. This tiredness is not from my relentless blogging for all of blogtober. No, no, no, dear last day of the month I am made of stronger stuff than that.<br />
Am I pleased I made it? Hell, yes. <br />
Did I for one tiny minute consider joining the <a href="http://blogs.kidspot.com.au/villagevoices/my-creative-space-a-challenge-for-fun-community-and-creativity/" target="_blank">daily my creative space posting for November</a>?<br />
The most teeny tiniest of minutes I did. Then I shook myself out of it.<br />
Will I continue to blog regularly? Only time will tell, dear last day of the month, only time will tell.<br />
<br />
I'd like to say yes... but you know me and my organisational skills.<br />
<br />
So how has your day been, last day of the month? What about you, dear readers?<br />
Was it a pleasant day? Did you have such jolly lovely weather as we did?<br />
How did you spend your day?<br />
<br />
Mine, went a little like this:<br />
<br />
12:30am: Went to bed. Bed nice and cosy thanks to the two already sleeping bodies in there.<br />
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7:00am: Woke up very tired and remembered that despite this being Andy's day off, I had promised Lily I would help out at school this morning. sigh. Got up and made lunches and did all the boring morning mum stuff.<br />
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8:30am: Rode to school with the two shorter family members. Beautiful warm morning. Bliss.<br />
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8:45 - 11:00am: Helped out in Lily's classroom's Working Bee for their school fair's stall on Sunday. Finished it off with a wee bit of macrame.<br />
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<br />
11:00am: Rode home with this wee lad, stopping at the shops for something to eat and some chai.<br />
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From thereon, time seems a bit vague and I'm not sure what happened.<br />
<br />
I attempted to lay down and sleep, no real luck as Toby just wanted to play and jump all over me. *sigh*<br />
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I got up when Andy came home with his catch of the day; some snapper and squid.<br />
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I spent about five hours this afternoon working on a pattern in testing, ironing out a few issues and making it easier to follow. Lace can be a real bitch at times, I tell you.<br />
The pattern? this one.<br />
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All sorted! Had some yummy dinner cooked by Andy, who also took the kiddies off for a walk after dinner to visit a few neighbours.<br />
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Completed and submitted my tax return. 9:04:34pm. Even in quite early this year comparatively!<br />
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Had copious cups of tea, and looked in despair at the unmade beds and toys scattered everywhere. *sigh*<br />
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Did not get to finishing off de-pilling Toby's cardie. That can wait until tomorrow.<br />
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Wrote blog post and thought about the final touches on this pattern:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisgGYZPy0XIp3B73ncyv17tkub2IsPEENsfGqPew2SEATHOgshAY1wC8eJD-PjCaBlOZrTEnL8wMFYvkgcorTokG8Gq0Uqj2TYKH_LD79UYOHEqlD2nCnCT5Qhio_55aCBRbI0g/s1600/gwendk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisgGYZPy0XIp3B73ncyv17tkub2IsPEENsfGqPew2SEATHOgshAY1wC8eJD-PjCaBlOZrTEnL8wMFYvkgcorTokG8Gq0Uqj2TYKH_LD79UYOHEqlD2nCnCT5Qhio_55aCBRbI0g/s640/gwendk5.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Decided it could wait until tomorrow.<br />
Thought about all the pms and emails I have to answer.<br />
Suddenly felt very tired.<br />
Decided to go and knit for awhile before bed.<br />
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xxxtikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-81595873338051090872012-10-30T23:07:00.000+11:002012-10-31T21:27:35.508+11:00my absolutely essential I couldn't live without it crafting gadgetDo you have a nifty little crafty gadget you can't live without?<br />
I don't mean like a sewing machine or something obvious like your knitting needles.<br />
I mean something that's not really considered a necessary gadget for your craft, but for you it is.. absolutely.<br />
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I'm sure if I thought hard enough I'd have quite a few.<br />
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But my utter favourite and definitely couldn't live with out gadget is my flash-ass depiller.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT3jXnM7Ki_N44Kns6rnmaSmLN_HB6PJCX5hv4QHr9FPLgKu1-zsNNwsCCvOQoZwKR7QDgBK_9YZfcJitHkpDXVZEtKD67hgypsmMpCTmPsBo9cMgLhbNA6a_bdJr84_tol-n_w/s1600/depiller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT3jXnM7Ki_N44Kns6rnmaSmLN_HB6PJCX5hv4QHr9FPLgKu1-zsNNwsCCvOQoZwKR7QDgBK_9YZfcJitHkpDXVZEtKD67hgypsmMpCTmPsBo9cMgLhbNA6a_bdJr84_tol-n_w/s640/depiller.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love this baby so so much.<br />
It's electric, which means it's got some kick-ass guts to it. But not too much.<br />
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If, like me, the general recipients of your knitteds are rough little nuts who go hard. Or if you love certain yarns that do tend to pill like crazy (I'm looking at you WOOLganics and Malabrigo Worsted!!!); this baby is for you. It seriously makes knits look like new again! <br />
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Tobes, in particular, goes hard. Check out his normal treatment of his clothes..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4wDiVNrN0P9HcpOR5c-WapyfkvlGW7ixh2QRQGQxi2akFIO174H1fFwYhRzcCzW7BnK3m2zKrotqG8H7rmlNZ1BN0LmwKcxn0nDfmVthQuZ3soM6ts9LUsOBCNCUx9t84X0LSA/s1600/depiller4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4wDiVNrN0P9HcpOR5c-WapyfkvlGW7ixh2QRQGQxi2akFIO174H1fFwYhRzcCzW7BnK3m2zKrotqG8H7rmlNZ1BN0LmwKcxn0nDfmVthQuZ3soM6ts9LUsOBCNCUx9t84X0LSA/s640/depiller4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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All that rolling around in the grass and rubbing himself along the ground like a tiger creates a very pilly WOOLganics cardie. I tried to take some photos today but it was a wee bit bright and I'm not sure you'll see how bad it is. I might try and get some better shots of the worst of it tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZ0oIz8MbMgdZzpAD8Jq2dFsra4sodOSwuYNWasZck_xpqVwT-lbF1WM99N84M6qZir0Kl67NYiE4vFl8vuQF6VOP6Rv4PSAGqlkxihK-meO_T37A2zs02L-AkDLkIrlg4j7eog/s1600/depiller2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZ0oIz8MbMgdZzpAD8Jq2dFsra4sodOSwuYNWasZck_xpqVwT-lbF1WM99N84M6qZir0Kl67NYiE4vFl8vuQF6VOP6Rv4PSAGqlkxihK-meO_T37A2zs02L-AkDLkIrlg4j7eog/s640/depiller2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm partway through depilling this baby, picking Lily up from school got in the way. I shall finish it tomorrow and take some after photos. And blow me away, it will look like new again! gotta love that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sXa62oA64zFwv5YLOWsYM5FYMi-cHz0Y8o4FvxPboHcM8cAK4oA3y9CA1FjHuo3LdlpGNz85TVyohnI18jocMa2LQj8jeg_lufumZRkgmgkYEDdVV4qKueZ-RfgPVhAb0UTWbQ/s1600/depiller3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sXa62oA64zFwv5YLOWsYM5FYMi-cHz0Y8o4FvxPboHcM8cAK4oA3y9CA1FjHuo3LdlpGNz85TVyohnI18jocMa2LQj8jeg_lufumZRkgmgkYEDdVV4qKueZ-RfgPVhAb0UTWbQ/s640/depiller3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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P.S. Link to the retailer where I bought my electric lint remover; <a href="http://www.fabriccare.com.au/cart.php?target=product&product_id=316&category_id=60" target="_blank">The Fabric Care Company</a>.<br />
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation at all with this company, just love their product.<br />
<br />tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-71478166974579716332012-10-29T23:32:00.002+11:002012-10-29T23:34:02.162+11:00looming deadlineAs we count down to the end of October and the end of Blogtober, I realised another deadline was looming. Tax return deadline. Yep. <br />
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For those not in Australia, the financial year runs from July 1st to June 30th of the following year. I have no idea how that compares with other countries. It only just occurred to me now to wonder whether that was universal. I don't know, you tell me. :)<br />
<br />
You can start submitting your tax return from July 1st. The deadline to have it done by is October 31st. There are other extenuating circumstances, but if you're doing your own tax; you have that four month window. Seems plenty doesn't it.<br />
<br />
A few people have asked how I manage to fit it all in.<br />
<br />
The answer is badly.<br />
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I have not done my books for many months... many many months. So many that doing my tax is a bit of a chore. <br />
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And typically, as with every year here I am working to submit it at the last minute before the deadline.<br />
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Once my tax is done, and I'm nearly there! My next deadline will be the Gwendolyn pattern, which I hope to have ready for release on Thursday.<br />
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/tikki/126681122/gwendk15_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/tikki/126681122/gwendk15_medium2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Are you just as hopeless at things like tax as I am?<br />
How do you stay organised?<br />
<br />
My plan is that every fourth Monday (I have every second one without Toby as he goes to his little bestie's house for the day) I will spend some time making sure my financial paper bits are up to date. Yep, that's going to be the new super organised on-top-of things business-type me!<br />
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Can't wait!<br />
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<br />tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-40213106550427138382012-10-28T22:59:00.002+11:002012-10-28T22:59:31.570+11:00rockin' good time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I missed a day of blogtober.</div>
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I had been doing so well until this weekend, I'm even managed to prepare blog posts while away on holiday, amongst house reconstructions and painting, while releasing new patterns. But this weekend did me in. I don't mind though as we had a hooting good time.</div>
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I had a real weekend off, took my pleasure knitting and headed with the family down to the south west for Kennedys Creek Music Festival.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr7Paagl51cInQUYA0qLblIsBGCwBKIBpSOlZbtDuN2XvsJUbhYJcDFZdtgLcqUsVTwgvOPRe20HDN0WohinaJf902gV86idbj3IEEekebfx0xQsQ_TXTtLMXGaLM-qUlo1HBeg/s1600/KC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr7Paagl51cInQUYA0qLblIsBGCwBKIBpSOlZbtDuN2XvsJUbhYJcDFZdtgLcqUsVTwgvOPRe20HDN0WohinaJf902gV86idbj3IEEekebfx0xQsQ_TXTtLMXGaLM-qUlo1HBeg/s640/KC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And what a fabulous little music festival it is!</div>
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It was like returning to the days of our youth, a fabulous little non-commercial music festival in a bush setting. In this case it was a wee cute hall in a bush clearing, with campsites for anyone who desired one in the bush. </div>
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The music line-up was incredibly awesome! And we got to feast on the silky tunes of <a href="http://jacksonmclaren.com/home/index.do" target="_blank">Jackson McLaren</a>, the thumping awesome beats of <a href="http://www.triplejunearthed.com/RedEagle" target="_blank">Red Eagle</a> and this year's Splendour in the Grass winners <a href="http://www.kingswoodband.com/" target="_blank">Kingswood</a>, plus heeeeeeaps more great music. Every single band was awesome!</div>
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What we particularly liked is that it is a family friendly festival. And our little people had a ball!</div>
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Lily was the fashion hit of the festival. Both Lily and I had sooooo many people ask us about her dress. Apparently she told one lady, "This pattern hasn't been released yet but my mum will releasing it soon." bless!<br />
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And in between all their dancing, exploring and playing with cars and other assorted toys, there was drawing to be done.<br />
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More dancing.....<br />
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and back to the drawing..<br />
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and then when night time came there was still no stopping them...<br />
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more dancing..<br />
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and more drawing (by torchlight!)</div>
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The kiddos did really well and rocked it out until almost 10pm. We took them back to our tent, tucked them into their sleeping bags and wondered how on earth they'd get to sleep. Lily nodded off pretty quickly. Toby was a bit more of a monkey, and I had to lay down with him. Finally, both Toby and I succumbed to sleep despite Kingswood playing in the background (what I did hear was great, and Andy said they were his favourite!) <br />
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It was a bit of disrupted sleep, well for me but Toby and Lily slept through any outside noise and appeared bright eyed and bushy tailed the next morning.<br />
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Sunday morning was a more relaxed pace, which the kids took full advantage of and stormed the stage while it was vacant. </div>
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And doesn't every little boy dream of playing guitar on stage?<br />
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Did you have a good weekend?<br />
Did you party like we did?<br />
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P.S. Looking back at these photos I realise how full of knits they are! I just counted 10 different items I knitted, not to mention the giant granny square rug my mum created!<br />
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Wool rocks!tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-22225779868456831352012-10-26T23:30:00.000+11:002012-10-27T01:24:25.532+11:00stash storageHow do you store your stash?<br />
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Are you one of those knitters who has it tucked away in every possible crevice and hidey hole in your house? Or are you out and proud about it?<br />
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My approach is a bit of both.<br />
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The majority of my stash is incredibly organised, mostly. Which for me is something pretty amazing. I have a number of larger tubs in my craft studio (which is so not as impressive as it sounds ~ trust me!) dedicated to Cotton, Organic Yarns, 8ply, Worsted, 4ply, etc. You get the picture, all wool yarns are all organised according to weight. I have to admit I do have one or two random tubs that are basically stuffed full of all the extra stuff that has arrived since I did that wonderful organising. For the majority, it works for me as I know where to look if I need some 8ply wool or cotton. It would work a lot better if I just organised those last couple of tubs properly too.</div>
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I do, however, like to have some yarn on display. I'm not a cabinet type of display person for yarn. I prefer yarn in more unexpected places. </div>
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This is my favourite spot.</div>
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I like to also have a small basket inside of the yarns I'm planning to use next, for a quick swatch or reminder of we're I'm heading. I haven't been getting much knitting done at all the last few weeks so this little basket is looking quite full.<br />
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Do you have any interesting or unusual ideas for displaying your yarn?<br />
I'd love to hear about them.<br />
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Today's Spring KAL sponsor is:<br />
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<a href="http://www.suzyhausfrau.com.au/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvb62gNR3DZeS4A4try0DB5Mx73YJqXGeFJRqx6Gd22PHP2Y9ZcyfAkQfOdNCT9aUsz0Yu0YnSLrRYzAKMiuVwH5_kMIw6brKD0eYD4EXFF0BP6WkGxMEWrJi-D-2m5MuvURVOw/s320/Blog+shop+button+4+-+Version+20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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who is donating a gorgeous selection of yarns. I love that Suzy Hausfrau stocks such a wonderful array of organic yarns, all of which I am very eager to try. I have some gorgeous Swan Islands 4ply that arrived from Suzy a few weeks ago that I am super eager to cast on.<br />
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P.S. I am really enjoying reading everyone's knitting stories. Some have bought a tear to my eye, some have made me clucky, some have made me laugh but they have all made me smile; they are all such gorgeous stories. Thank you every one for sharing them with me!<br />
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Don't forget you have until the end of the month to add your story if you haven't already. You can add it<a href="http://tikkifabricaddict.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/blogtoberfest-halfway-there-giveaway.html" target="_blank"> here</a> and be in the running to win 10 of my patterns!! tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-52810618451936316512012-10-25T22:44:00.002+11:002012-10-25T22:44:34.626+11:00todayI have been so so tired.<br />
A combination of late nights, too much work and an overload of pressure.<br />
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I tried to have an afternoon nap, which I never do, but Toby would not let me. He thought I was lying down so he could jump on me and cuddle me. Sweet boy!<br />
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Today I forced the kids down to the park for some photos of them in their Griffin and Gwendolyn together. They were complete ratbags and I gave up on Toby after awhile, thinking the photos were going to be crap. He kept squinting and putting his hand up to his eyes like a pirate.<br />
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But perhaps I should have persisted as the photos were really pretty good.<br />
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WARNING: Photo overload coming!!<br />
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<br />tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-90825768946213020192012-10-24T23:36:00.002+11:002012-10-27T00:42:41.651+11:00new pattern: GriffinYou know, the excitement of releasing a new pattern never goes away. The nervous anticipation. The relief. The just crazy feeling of excitement. It doesn't matter that this is my 47th pattern release, I'm still pretty stoked about it.<br />
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I'm particularly pretty stoked because this is a special pattern that I wrote for a special friend of mine to knit. I wrote this especially for a special yarn, Noro Kureyon. O how I love thee, Noro! It is without a doubt the crack of the yarn world. Terribly addictive. Terribly.<br />
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Have you knit with Noro before?<br />
How addictive are the colour changes!<br />
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So this is<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/griffin-2" target="_blank"> Griffin</a>. </div>
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I blogged about Griffin and the whole process of the design development <a href="http://tikkifabricaddict.blogspot.com.au/2012_09_01_archive.html" target="_blank">back in September</a>, and it's pretty exciting to see it come to final fruition.</div>
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Griffin is a fun and relatively easy knit, but it's one that's definitely not boring. It has some unusual and fun techniques, that many of my test knitters learnt something new from. </div>
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The most quirky aspect about this design is how it starts. It starts from a saddle shoulder construction, but it is a wee bit different and I haven't seen another garment constructed like this. It makes for good knitting though as there are less ends to sew in and less stopping and starting. </div>
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I have no idea how I came up with it now, but gosh, I am sooo glad I did! I really like to challenge myself by mixing the usual construction up a bit and subverting it. You might have noticed that ;) I love little moments of amazing insight like those, when something spectacular comes to you in an otherwise mundane day!</div>
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Griffin is all seamless and knit topdown. The pocket is knit in as you go, with again minimal finishing. It has a cute split seam hemline and you can knit it with a hood...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNV7woP5LdJGe_5SttYl18I-1sF1uzGduWa_3EML78HeLLfMGj3DmFHsKWChZ8Ud9kCdBqv7QBRmf7R_T241PSPFaZS9ff4Gn3MtvNhcD7w6jELj14SxPLru2b8zFpKqP-NCIGQ/s1600/griffin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNV7woP5LdJGe_5SttYl18I-1sF1uzGduWa_3EML78HeLLfMGj3DmFHsKWChZ8Ud9kCdBqv7QBRmf7R_T241PSPFaZS9ff4Gn3MtvNhcD7w6jELj14SxPLru2b8zFpKqP-NCIGQ/s640/griffin2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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or without.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8XmgPS4BChwojnsSGRW4-H77zFvWzlkVgSeeW6hIl0FjodgwFiCZgjnomQxYI8xnMMdqtfG53cAzg9jy_YKsYuMwYZlNI9P-JcFfHGtPH9XgPhil_PsaWPUBUq1-ydKuDB_kEA/s1600/hoodlessgrif7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8XmgPS4BChwojnsSGRW4-H77zFvWzlkVgSeeW6hIl0FjodgwFiCZgjnomQxYI8xnMMdqtfG53cAzg9jy_YKsYuMwYZlNI9P-JcFfHGtPH9XgPhil_PsaWPUBUq1-ydKuDB_kEA/s640/hoodlessgrif7.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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You can even choose which yarn weight to knit it in; aran weight(heavy worsted) or dk(8ply).<br />
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I really love the mitred neckline that finishes both versions.<br />
For me, that is probably the key to the design. There's something about it that reminds of classic 70s styling; particularly in the Noro. And I really like the shaping in the collar that works in an opposing way to the mitred part of the neckline.<br />
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My testers have knit this up in many many different colours and yarns, and they all look sensational; variegateds, self-striping, solids and semi-solids. The pocket and neckline looks great in a contrast.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ7cWXe_fCwyqnEv-AoMZlsBC5uj2iTHs_fliY_Y1Q_diMyNOrBaoFjg5L2PliZwis8ZZ7D0W2nBY6Ojn3oBwZ4x5I_U_X5orDYVsQdhDxxoEbC7zP-C9jYKW4hsx_75SpTu8sQ/s1600/hoodlessgrif10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ7cWXe_fCwyqnEv-AoMZlsBC5uj2iTHs_fliY_Y1Q_diMyNOrBaoFjg5L2PliZwis8ZZ7D0W2nBY6Ojn3oBwZ4x5I_U_X5orDYVsQdhDxxoEbC7zP-C9jYKW4hsx_75SpTu8sQ/s640/hoodlessgrif10.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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There's a sister pattern to Griffin, that will be released next week.<br />
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Meanwhile, if you want to know a bit more about Griffin or even purchase the pattern, you can do so over here in my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/griffin-2" target="_blank">Ravelry store</a>. You don't need to be a member to access it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4I0Cl3k3Gbze8jZKMkcdmuVWQWvXnXCFdcMJUGena2ZFjkfrnGRA1l3RYtLOZqQpU7IH83TFnoGJkMHKeRX1mFD8X6FNxYes5YHEAd8ntfAMMbzVaZflhv7HG4BaevfKjl2K1w/s1600/hoodlessgrif9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4I0Cl3k3Gbze8jZKMkcdmuVWQWvXnXCFdcMJUGena2ZFjkfrnGRA1l3RYtLOZqQpU7IH83TFnoGJkMHKeRX1mFD8X6FNxYes5YHEAd8ntfAMMbzVaZflhv7HG4BaevfKjl2K1w/s640/hoodlessgrif9.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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P.S. I'll introduce another KAL sponsor tomorrow!!<br />
<br />tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-16544896569884290292012-10-23T22:39:00.003+11:002012-10-23T22:40:42.023+11:00some knitting booksWould it surprise you if I said I'm quite fond of knitting books?<br />
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Today, I thought I might review a few of my favourites, but with a little twist.<br />
These are knitting books that we share as a family, that we read together. We are big readers here in this household and we do like knitting books!<br />
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(I should point out here that it is not unknown for my kids to take one of Barbara Walker's stitch dictionaries to bed to look at. )<br />
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But you guessed it, I am talking about our favourite knitting picture books.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizqS3PTkwThieJ0AyhgB17-gAiBp6lgyhohKY7TcsdPsVSGsDIHWOCdcWhd54nvf3wbkYYz4JVpnnqwkcPCMORxrqWiezYjJcZoMiaVFSwj5_IIc3k9W8xHDg18wrXfW0d9Azlg/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizqS3PTkwThieJ0AyhgB17-gAiBp6lgyhohKY7TcsdPsVSGsDIHWOCdcWhd54nvf3wbkYYz4JVpnnqwkcPCMORxrqWiezYjJcZoMiaVFSwj5_IIc3k9W8xHDg18wrXfW0d9Azlg/s400/IMG_0308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm sure I'm not alone and quite like it when I find a portrayal of someone knitting in a kid's book. Just tonight, Lily was reading Roald Dahl's 'Danny the Champion of the World' and she very excitedly read me a passage about his mother knitting.<br />
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Have you read any of the books above?<br />
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We've had 'Milo Armadillo' the longest. I was quite excited to find a picture book about knitting with the name Milo in the title, I have to say. I bought this for Toby for perhaps his first birthday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2GkpdnhaDc4MiM37fRkVcotdcJ_VoWpmPP6CaEs7eG3eGzZK97uhUHypsgSENWPSeJv_WsEVlCezUR42zfsKTqAeeXho1nf_8aD5TD19YFLxic60Kwzd46IZrB4QnbRqCa_Xkw/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2GkpdnhaDc4MiM37fRkVcotdcJ_VoWpmPP6CaEs7eG3eGzZK97uhUHypsgSENWPSeJv_WsEVlCezUR42zfsKTqAeeXho1nf_8aD5TD19YFLxic60Kwzd46IZrB4QnbRqCa_Xkw/s400/IMG_0311.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I love the illustrations in this. I love the way the illustrator captures the fabric of both knits but also other textiles. Have a look at the clothes and the backgrounds, it almost feels like you can touch and feel them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD54O5DHwYl8_gHgZHpgH0AIChXRfEjSO5NKdN0q96o3H4iEnCBHF7hgyhhOdRFVqW7iTx25jwQe2AIcw2iHUpj2pecxy9uPVjNFmt84aRpCT4F9Fii2wcfJe9nTe2PXTZYduH6Q/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD54O5DHwYl8_gHgZHpgH0AIChXRfEjSO5NKdN0q96o3H4iEnCBHF7hgyhhOdRFVqW7iTx25jwQe2AIcw2iHUpj2pecxy9uPVjNFmt84aRpCT4F9Fii2wcfJe9nTe2PXTZYduH6Q/s400/IMG_0324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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'Milo Armadillo' tells the story of a little girl who desperately wants a pink rabbit. Unable to find one anywhere, her grandmother franitically knits her one. It doesn't quite turn out right as you might expect...it's more of an armadillo than a rabbit. <br />
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It's a beautiful story about learning to appreciate what you have, and that sometimes being a bit different is a bit better.<br />
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I so love that there is even a link to the pattern to knit your own Milo Armadillo.<br />
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I love this picture of the grandmother knitting.<br />
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'Knitting Nell' reminds me a bit of our Lily.<br />
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Not that Lily can knit that well though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlqXHCGnrzUxaxdlcXSPuxTSrzU1-p4Kxp9YDrnF1ZbigTuTg91bHXMGEYZv4MXMXmNOLUCD0M9HAzyFF9vV0zN4cwwLOsIhPdOv8N3bZ0P62WcXEdV-UrXmUSckjcG3zHuKRug/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlqXHCGnrzUxaxdlcXSPuxTSrzU1-p4Kxp9YDrnF1ZbigTuTg91bHXMGEYZv4MXMXmNOLUCD0M9HAzyFF9vV0zN4cwwLOsIhPdOv8N3bZ0P62WcXEdV-UrXmUSckjcG3zHuKRug/s400/IMG_0315.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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'Knitting Nell' tells the story of a wee girl, who at the start of the book is perhaps a bit shy, doesn't like to speak up too much in front of others. Through her talent, which happens to be knitting, she learns to do her own thing and also develops a sense of herself and her confidence in who she is. This is something we've really watched Lily come to terms with over the last year or so. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwfMg40z6SCsLie4dvFrCqok6TGNQly6MSimQE0zS9bmWXk3usjZUsvbfhcziUOj_oaha_oETDoVKHIUiGj4RQQfEjHIsjQeZ-qpAPf7vVlz8UiiJUw4cut6y8A7caQBJqFfKUA/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwfMg40z6SCsLie4dvFrCqok6TGNQly6MSimQE0zS9bmWXk3usjZUsvbfhcziUOj_oaha_oETDoVKHIUiGj4RQQfEjHIsjQeZ-qpAPf7vVlz8UiiJUw4cut6y8A7caQBJqFfKUA/s400/IMG_0317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the juxtaposition of these two images from the near the start and end of the book.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g5zpLPjE8uxlq6sX5SQutnk3Aka5pIa_eu5w06XAx2lgIozaVlaA3NuFP7XEIeEdNS7-uBdqWI85EVy0o9EIwovnQ-r6t8mt4_4rwQE3IE7NRlBQ9qBlr2M9G2h-qPFAE2H-6A/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g5zpLPjE8uxlq6sX5SQutnk3Aka5pIa_eu5w06XAx2lgIozaVlaA3NuFP7XEIeEdNS7-uBdqWI85EVy0o9EIwovnQ-r6t8mt4_4rwQE3IE7NRlBQ9qBlr2M9G2h-qPFAE2H-6A/s400/IMG_0323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The final book, is, I think my favourite.</div>
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It's just stunningly beautiful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbzBJJlhlBZ11y0K4Ksmb3uscBbw6cpzb9fhyphenhyphenTvcspKav8Wz56mUSR08VJw6X8bESJICyk0HDUS6EjSk-Dblj9GcRKft80TU4rMhLCqR3wkp8azbctDLkxaaXPhBuatPH4I5qrQ/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbzBJJlhlBZ11y0K4Ksmb3uscBbw6cpzb9fhyphenhyphenTvcspKav8Wz56mUSR08VJw6X8bESJICyk0HDUS6EjSk-Dblj9GcRKft80TU4rMhLCqR3wkp8azbctDLkxaaXPhBuatPH4I5qrQ/s400/IMG_0319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the fairy tale nature of this story about a young girl who finds a box of yarn and starts knitting from it. and knitting. and knitting. and knitting. It's bottomless. Of course, a bad man comes to steal her box of yarn but it is worthless to him and so he throws it away. It finds its way back home to her.</div>
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I think what I really like though, is that the little girl runs out of people to knit jumpers for so she yarn bombs the whole town. Ok, they don't call it yarn bombing in the story, but that's what she's doing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5lETEzt718lFIzKnUSvlqhBwYo839cLJQlCrYsWet_1bswr-d9X2bz0F0uwe6-ROI5u7LsnPqJTdWxgjIi_a2OsWRthGsX4jlR-EIj4-DlztQYGnwY5Na3TtNr90Ov2qE0Ws7A/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5lETEzt718lFIzKnUSvlqhBwYo839cLJQlCrYsWet_1bswr-d9X2bz0F0uwe6-ROI5u7LsnPqJTdWxgjIi_a2OsWRthGsX4jlR-EIj4-DlztQYGnwY5Na3TtNr90Ov2qE0Ws7A/s320/IMG_0321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do you have a favourite knitting picture story book?</div>
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I'd love to hear about it if you do. </div>
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Christmas is not far away and traditionally my children always get a couple of books each. If I can sneak in a knitting related one, all the better!</div>
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ANNNNND, before I finish up. I'd like to introduce you to my second sponsor for my Spring has Sprung KAL.</div>
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<a href="http://yayforyarn.com.au/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyJlhNDJKh7CZ9ha5a8t63pr3Migya6J5LvTN6xK_l8VvXL65LwAWtTdx3PpviQrMPeG4u-j4neLgw3omajuOgYBiv5son26k1IpFPh4AeafMnzzRaNzRaBlqm5Yt8LdFj1uVvw/s400/yayforyarnlogo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yay! for yarn is an Australian based on-line store that stocks some fabulous yarns that you don't find in your normal LYS. Ella Rae, Cascade, Noro and Dream in Colour are just a few. Kiri also stocks the Knit Pro range of interchangable needles. </div>
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Yay! for yarn has generously donated a $40AUD gift voucher to her store.</div>
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I asked Kiri what Spring meant to her and this is what she had to say:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Hmmmm, Spring nights, there is something special about those warm evenings when the days start to get a bit longer and you linger in the gardern a bit longer than you should before starting dinner/baths/dishes/stories (all those joyful chores before that wonderful moment when the kids are in bed!). What else, I'm looking out my window and even though it's actually raining today (yay!) everything is various shades of yellow, brown and yellowy-brown greens; dusty, dirty and dry. </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Spring in Brisbane is hot and dry.</i></span></span></div>
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<br />tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-69573497612271012902012-10-22T22:01:00.000+11:002012-10-22T22:01:10.231+11:00Spring has Sprung KAL If you know me well, you know organisation is NOT one of my strongest points.<br />
I am easily overwhelmed by everything.<br />
I take on too much.<br />
I get snowed under.<br />
I procrastinate.<br />
I am unbelievably easily distracted and am very very very forgetful.<br />
I live in a chaotic state masquerading under some semblance of order.<br />
And sometimes, it's all just a bit too much.<br />
Well, perhaps I'm not really fooling anyone.<br />
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ANNNNNy way, that's a long winded way of saying, here it is halfway through <strike>September</strike> October and OMG, while I was pondering what to blog about tonight, I realised I actually haven't even blogged the KAL I am hosting on my Ravelry Group!<br />
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<i>Do you know about my Ravelry Group?</i><br />
My dear BKFF (that means Best-Kntting-Friend-Forever) the very very talented <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/shannon-passmore" target="_blank">Shannon Passmore</a> of <a href="http://crafty-desires.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Crafty Desires Fame</a> set it up for me many moons ago.<br />
I think she knew I was too dis-organised to do it! <br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tikki-love" target="_blank">Here's a link to it.</a> Go and check it out. There's loads of chatter and you get to see what everyone is knitting from my patterns. I quite like that, it's a bit spesh.<br />
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Soooo basically, I'm hosting a Spring has Sprung KAL to celebrate the gloriousness that is Spring and well, you know, knitting.<br />
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There are a few basic guidelines, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/tikki-love/2334347/1-25#1" target="_blank">which you can read here</a>. pssst: if you read through that you'll find a discount code you can use for my patterns for the duration of the KAL.<br />
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The KAL runs for all of Spring, so will finish at the end of November. yippeee!<br />
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The idea is to be inspired by Spring, and knit something Spring worthy.<br />
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Ask yourself the question:<br />
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<i>What does Spring mean to me?</i><br />
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To me, it's all about the Sunshine and wattle blossoms. My husband proposed in Spring in a volcanic crater rimmed with Blackwood blossoms (if you've ever knit my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/buninyong" target="_blank">Buninyong</a> pattern you may know the story). The colour yellow and love feature pretty strongly in what Spring means to me.<br />
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And there are prizes!<br />
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I'm donating some random patterns here and there, but I have some real true sponsors, which is all very exciting! <br />
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I'm going to introduce one of my sponsors tonight.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thewoolshack.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39wnFM44xpZVi5uxQB9LQknIYDnYAd6Xq1MyFfqsm5fKETL2gHY9P_DGh0LthJ8Fhb6lgup9-t_S-VqeQuR0DXiRQE3GR_5lSbPibgucFWD37ofiQZ9hbU29Ejwuvquf8PPDXkQ/s320/woolshackfacebooklogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Wool Shack is one of my favourite online yarn stores to drool over. Jemma stocks some awesome stuff. Did you know she also stocks my patterns?</div>
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Jemma has generously donated a Namaste Better Buddy case and a circular needle case in colour of choice. Don't you just love the yellow one? I do, I reaaaaaally do!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmqNuG9ERxtNyv6od7_8f1WHT7naHNSzODXJQyuUTz5Hn1j6jPDzb3pE9HKMWpdxdK7VtrAWRtVxd89WV4LC7VBHDWvZEkwNF3UgYTqzuog-KSgejNxSHLNMW-klKVVGOgh5Gkw/s1600/tikki-KAL_namaste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmqNuG9ERxtNyv6od7_8f1WHT7naHNSzODXJQyuUTz5Hn1j6jPDzb3pE9HKMWpdxdK7VtrAWRtVxd89WV4LC7VBHDWvZEkwNF3UgYTqzuog-KSgejNxSHLNMW-klKVVGOgh5Gkw/s320/tikki-KAL_namaste.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I asked Jemma what Spring means to her, and this is what she said:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Definitely colour! I love colour, so as the weather starts to change I get excited about the possibilities of Spring shades - love, love, love the sorbet shades and the retro feel they evoke. I look forward to knitting some light weight, drapey cardies for the tran-seasonal weather.</span></i></span></div>
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Sooo... are you keen to join in?<br />
Have you already joined in?<br />
What are you knitting?<br />
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Come and join in and share your FO and your chatter <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/tikki-love/2273795/1-25" target="_blank">over here in this thread</a>....<br />
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See you there!!tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-59348279578740614862012-10-21T22:22:00.000+11:002012-10-21T22:27:58.778+11:00swatching in the round<div style="text-align: justify;">
When it comes to swatching, I'm pretty much like any other designer, and I'm going to tell you, that it is indeed, important. </div>
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Sorry to sound like the Knitting Police, but if you want a garment that fits properly, you need to swatch (that and knit the right size for your child, but we might save that topic for another post!). </div>
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I'm going to be honest and tell you, I don't swatch every time. *Gasp!* </div>
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There are certain yarns that I knit with all the time at the same tension and same stitch pattern. If I'm knitting with one of those yarns I don't often bother to swatch if I've knit with it in the past three months. Any longer than that and I will. </div>
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Why? </div>
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Because your tension does change over time. It can even change depending on your mood, your state on mind, or how relaxed you are. I used to be quite a tight knitter but as I've gotten older, my tension has changed.</div>
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I've just finished knitting quite a lot of projects in Red Riding Hood Yarns 'Belle' 8ply. I didn't bother swatching this yarn after the first garment, because quite frankly I was pretty sure what my tension would be and like any other knitter, I will take shortcuts if necessary. The Knitting Police will tell you I should have swatched for each project, but nah....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpNWHRH5LdULNmvz3h08qeSxiEsNtxaq2QcBPLL5T0QnikXiYjlf2sgdcN_j95FvTavmnygqCrFT4eXoP_zQquLgnDmcisiGll3Mevbm6VDAXBRWc1TDKZOB0qKQHqbiiiYaCPg/s1600/swatching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpNWHRH5LdULNmvz3h08qeSxiEsNtxaq2QcBPLL5T0QnikXiYjlf2sgdcN_j95FvTavmnygqCrFT4eXoP_zQquLgnDmcisiGll3Mevbm6VDAXBRWc1TDKZOB0qKQHqbiiiYaCPg/s400/swatching.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Recently, I've added the following note in my patterns in relation to swatching;</div>
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<i>It is advisable to swatch both flat and in the round, and adjust your needles accordingly to ensure you maintain a consistent tension throughout this project.</i></div>
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I'm not sure why it never occurred to me before to be specific. To point out that a flat swatch isn't enough, or is even irrelevant if you're knitting the garment in the round.</div>
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Let me show you why. </div>
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This is a dress I knit in 2005. It was knit all on 4mm needles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFtFUtk4ASoBvjRqHxDIP1hDODJKGiFUn7dk8IYrgiDFGdy9GOpvHVEzpEP9r_uDao2avMqlBcUkoeaTrkX_Ea8pWgHs3kMQVjHxNd8vnneX51d_EXcftyQJBEQgd1WSjf_3lrg/s1600/swatching3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFtFUtk4ASoBvjRqHxDIP1hDODJKGiFUn7dk8IYrgiDFGdy9GOpvHVEzpEP9r_uDao2avMqlBcUkoeaTrkX_Ea8pWgHs3kMQVjHxNd8vnneX51d_EXcftyQJBEQgd1WSjf_3lrg/s400/swatching3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Can you see how in the top part of the photo the tension is tighter? That's where the knitting has gone from knitting flat to knitting in the round. Obviously, I used to knit tighter in the round than I did flat, which is not unusual for many knitters, but it's not something that we as knitters often consider, or take into account when we swatch.</div>
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Had I swatched for this dress, both flat and in the round, I would have discovered that I needed to use a needle sizes smaller on the bodice, the flat section to obtain a consistent tension. The difference in tension is only one stitch over 4 inches, and it's not really that noticeable at a distance. If this was an adult garment, that one stitch difference could make a big difference in the finished size as opposed to the size you're expecting. Even with children's garments, a one stitch difference in tension can mean your finished garment will be at least a size out.</div>
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So how do you swatch in the round?<br />
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The first thing to remember is to swatch in the manner that you are going to knit. It sounds pretty obvious, but most links on the internet for swatching in the round use circular needles. It's pretty pointless to swatch on circulars if you're going to be knitting using magic loop or dpns. If you're anything like me, your tension may be tighter when you use magic loop or dpns.</div>
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If, however, you're swatching for something like my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rainbow-dress" target="_blank">Rainbow dress </a>pattern, you can swatch using circulars like this:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ivCho4KvB3g" width="420"></iframe>
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you tube video from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/knittinghelp">knittinghelp</a></div>
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or quite simply you can swatch on a 40cm circular. Seriously, it's not a great deal of stitches that you need to fill a 40cm circular and knit 5 inches. I really like the idea of turning your swatch into a hat. I am contemplating including a matching hat pattern for every pattern I write from now on to be used as the swatch!</div>
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If you're knitting something like a sleeve for a cardie and you're using my favourite needle length, a 30cm, there's no reason why you can't just swatch using your 30cm circular. You mightn't be able to accurately measure 4 inches, but if you can measure 2 inches that will be close enough.</div>
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As you become more experienced with your knitting, there are things that you learn about yourself as a knitter that you can apply to your swatching. You may know that you knit tighter in the round than you do flat, so you might start off your swatch with a needle size larger than suggested for the tension. I magic loop tighter and have generally found if I'm magic looping using 4ply yarn I usually need to go up a needle size or two to get tension. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwx1fEkbUuwyg6cp9naXSiD-ktx3ry_nWFwnsV9qv0Ml3rf9hWyPnXioS4LjXhlPZRHZpwwrRE62AWjAaLKQluUUvwfyKcPP3h75yE-FkPDPLel5jKZY8k-sfM0R9TVRM8R2Flw/s1600/swatching7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwx1fEkbUuwyg6cp9naXSiD-ktx3ry_nWFwnsV9qv0Ml3rf9hWyPnXioS4LjXhlPZRHZpwwrRE62AWjAaLKQluUUvwfyKcPP3h75yE-FkPDPLel5jKZY8k-sfM0R9TVRM8R2Flw/s400/swatching7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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illustration from Monste Stanley's 'Knitters Handbook'</div>
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It is important to knit a good size generous swatch, not one that measures just 4 inches or even a couple of inches! </div>
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The Knitting Police will also tell you you need to wash, possibly hang and pin out your swatch to measure your tension. Honestly, I'm not always that accurate when I 'm just personal knitting, even though I know I should be. And I know that most knitters aren't either, particularly busy mums who knit for their kids. </div>
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If I've been a bit lazy with my swatch, I do try to think about the behaviour characteristics of the yarn I'm knitting with and take that into account. For example, if it's a superwash yarn, I know I can expect a bit of growth, possibly both ways, upon washing and blocking. Some of this can be counteracted with a quick trip to the dryer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQ2GdslVzkch3pI16JKvw9ePcclJh8YvzlFvH49JGLOHimkwnJgQToFvjlPmzh67wqa3YvtaLNeD4UgVUIY-YTlpaTDZziOg7u2IRwtNDRKDMn7JzmMREoz_u3d8bixz7t1kD-A/s1600/swatching6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQ2GdslVzkch3pI16JKvw9ePcclJh8YvzlFvH49JGLOHimkwnJgQToFvjlPmzh67wqa3YvtaLNeD4UgVUIY-YTlpaTDZziOg7u2IRwtNDRKDMn7JzmMREoz_u3d8bixz7t1kD-A/s400/swatching6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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What about you?</div>
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Are you a good swatcher?</div>
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Do you swatch, wash, pin and measure religiously?</div>
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Or do you take a more laissez-faire approach?</div>
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tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-19526535110211090132012-10-20T23:30:00.000+11:002012-10-21T00:20:26.145+11:00a tale of anoukA very long time ago I knit Lily a dress. This was way before I was designing my own kids' designs. In fact, this was when Lily was still a wee little baby, and it was the only dress I knit her as a baby! Hard to believe, but yep that's true!<br />
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This was knit way before the time of Ravelry, way before knitting became the new yoga.<br />
I found the pattern online on a site called Knitty, the pattern was <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/anouk">Anouk</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-UGLvqWxEVy_agjV8hwc2uRS0faGsJnD3h5NHvs0t2Aa8cajwOKwe6icr25SjQBPB9EAB7li6aR1mBz3ItNqCwja2zd7U0r4XnjmyMZk1XwaPj932UktUDiFJnFRhJWJnW7F-w/s1600/anouk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-UGLvqWxEVy_agjV8hwc2uRS0faGsJnD3h5NHvs0t2Aa8cajwOKwe6icr25SjQBPB9EAB7li6aR1mBz3ItNqCwja2zd7U0r4XnjmyMZk1XwaPj932UktUDiFJnFRhJWJnW7F-w/s400/anouk.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Lily is just four months old in this photo. She was an alert little thing, hey! Look at that cheeky grin!</div>
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I knit this in Cleckheaton Country, subbing the aran weight yarn for a dk. I also modified the pattern to knit it circularly. </div>
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This dress has done some hard yards since it was knit in 2005. Lily wore it heaps and for many years. I have a photo of her in it at 29 months of age, but suspect she wore it way past then. In fact, I once <a href="http://tikkifabricaddict.blogspot.com.au/2007/08/anouk.html">blogged about the longevity of this wee garment</a>. It's been passed on to cousin Sage, who is now about 3 and a half and Anouk has found her way back to us.</div>
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This morning I gave Anouk a de-pill and debated whether my other sister would like it for her wee girl when Lily found it and oohed and aahed over it. The temptation to try it on was just too much!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwadenQPHk-Zdh7yfGbEUQa-0MrlpUHJm74YjCSz2R9LxVrl-iTXRruYa6FATnUYhmebkQF-iu5_TEINhB7Gp4UYPv8jWrEsBZ_9v2diHcfLk-5iC1lvfEU_cb3RpsXs2TkDKe8w/s1600/IMG_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwadenQPHk-Zdh7yfGbEUQa-0MrlpUHJm74YjCSz2R9LxVrl-iTXRruYa6FATnUYhmebkQF-iu5_TEINhB7Gp4UYPv8jWrEsBZ_9v2diHcfLk-5iC1lvfEU_cb3RpsXs2TkDKe8w/s400/IMG_0282.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's no longer a dress, and to be honest, it's barely just a top but she's taken it back and declares it hers and she'll wear it. Obviously, the poor child is so short on knitted clothes she can't give this one up!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85VG-JshmMdwmfFeYOBab6X_qMF6RPyzV2z1aZP64mkDTlA7tYZcSjRKMBR8jMvYNT6hkMaxgTkA4vK7N8cB5nqqy3pDOvHJ3dSu-TX_BUHCk-bKWE-nkfiMfGBt_bMFi-UofWg/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85VG-JshmMdwmfFeYOBab6X_qMF6RPyzV2z1aZP64mkDTlA7tYZcSjRKMBR8jMvYNT6hkMaxgTkA4vK7N8cB5nqqy3pDOvHJ3dSu-TX_BUHCk-bKWE-nkfiMfGBt_bMFi-UofWg/s400/IMG_0283.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The microphone.. DK gave each of the kids an old microphone each today. They have been constant companions. We have had a rock-star cafe in the cubby house and an odd sort of game of charades. I had to pry it out of Lily's hand after she'd fallen asleep.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcug2xH-Uopk_8HSxqvxGGsXmC-uCnaLYnJAoIq_CUvNFGW0wv-DBMzwz-GKH19LN12FNIz5Zgo3fNyFKXTmO6M6vHy3Kz1-GPX8Y9iyuU8TIhZbZspzwKcUEYmlx_92Bt-HGAkQ/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcug2xH-Uopk_8HSxqvxGGsXmC-uCnaLYnJAoIq_CUvNFGW0wv-DBMzwz-GKH19LN12FNIz5Zgo3fNyFKXTmO6M6vHy3Kz1-GPX8Y9iyuU8TIhZbZspzwKcUEYmlx_92Bt-HGAkQ/s400/IMG_0286.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I'm going to try and wrestle Anouk from her tomorrow to pass on to another baby girl. And who knows, in three or so years time when it returns home she can try it on again! </div>
tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36876051.post-28116352679250859062012-10-19T23:04:00.003+11:002012-10-19T23:04:47.061+11:00my creative space: retrospectiveYesterday was my creative space day; another blog-hop, meme, link-up thingamajig. <br />
I took some photos yesterday, which I completely forgot about when it came to blogging last night.<br />
As it's never too late for creativity, here's what my creative space has entailed over the last 24 hours:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4p1I4sa3IbUIFbW2f9E7zb4Oco5C-tkMo6wTGNy9XrctxOSXqGEvR2Ioo0nGpiYqgN22df5kwuaflcyKmPOw_RArBdIi9OdxhkJH2-Y99AXqpT1WrcYnR4JOh8ux3ikpgpYRfA/s1600/friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4p1I4sa3IbUIFbW2f9E7zb4Oco5C-tkMo6wTGNy9XrctxOSXqGEvR2Ioo0nGpiYqgN22df5kwuaflcyKmPOw_RArBdIi9OdxhkJH2-Y99AXqpT1WrcYnR4JOh8ux3ikpgpYRfA/s400/friday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Some pattern editing. <br />
(I'm working on Gwendolyn.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKBBsAqs9jUiSjz4T3wFtte2hyTf7ZK5cF9bwu2mPrVyVAcQ-AnDoaeFhiAUV0Ei80mx47q8Q4sFdveSmOkhQjLrzCyWW_gVWp4LCjS4ggKOfKUQN_DiUC7BPf_88yS-Jeg5VwA/s1600/friday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKBBsAqs9jUiSjz4T3wFtte2hyTf7ZK5cF9bwu2mPrVyVAcQ-AnDoaeFhiAUV0Ei80mx47q8Q4sFdveSmOkhQjLrzCyWW_gVWp4LCjS4ggKOfKUQN_DiUC7BPf_88yS-Jeg5VwA/s400/friday2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Some blocking. <br />
(This is a new pattern and this garment is something for meeeee!!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi556UOYX-WzCJ-uwrORHkk-UbZjkgVAwp9QZ6dI-H1KMg-dWdk-sW2ZOEVKAEPgtILttLJzjt8HKR5hY-28582D2znS-j3KX_NFPTD_Btogox-mYrtHxP7wlhsqhs_ZhTERVqGEA/s1600/friday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi556UOYX-WzCJ-uwrORHkk-UbZjkgVAwp9QZ6dI-H1KMg-dWdk-sW2ZOEVKAEPgtILttLJzjt8HKR5hY-28582D2znS-j3KX_NFPTD_Btogox-mYrtHxP7wlhsqhs_ZhTERVqGEA/s400/friday3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Some baking.<br />
(These are chia and linseed spelt cheese and vegemite scrolls whipped up in the TMX. The thermos has hot chocolate in it. These are the kids post swimming snacks on a Thursday night.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ja_acEcNU_DZ-YQ4Va9Eh95fl9vy-X74vyd7FahaVEftdZW-v_QuhtDJQmHFPmUS53lEmL2iKgjf7w9qSp23EZ4wNTZbYFc4aSQ1UzwSpvGhYk8wu9ANKMOaeGz0JtnSqu6pTw/s1600/friday4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ja_acEcNU_DZ-YQ4Va9Eh95fl9vy-X74vyd7FahaVEftdZW-v_QuhtDJQmHFPmUS53lEmL2iKgjf7w9qSp23EZ4wNTZbYFc4aSQ1UzwSpvGhYk8wu9ANKMOaeGz0JtnSqu6pTw/s400/friday4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
And because it seems that 12 swimming lessons over the past two weeks (thanks to the school's intensive swimming sessions as well as her regular weekly one) is not enough swimming for Miss Lily, my creative space had a lovely outdoor vista today.<br />
By the way, this wee lass really rocks that board!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8t6W14MAthCZ9cxe3dZzmy28ZG1RDvLRtwzEa04VdJJvHWbQFlIfvvjE3BgEh56CjvJu0ZRYUibRntbdhrzDEtYP9uVGrWZX-3UD-yib8TeNoSh8zBcDGzDNGPXyeFXxrXoz-Aw/s1600/friday5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8t6W14MAthCZ9cxe3dZzmy28ZG1RDvLRtwzEa04VdJJvHWbQFlIfvvjE3BgEh56CjvJu0ZRYUibRntbdhrzDEtYP9uVGrWZX-3UD-yib8TeNoSh8zBcDGzDNGPXyeFXxrXoz-Aw/s400/friday5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
This boy is just damn cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjT72JWyAeDwR2cGQ-S3id42e9c95dANSPjloh35Z0MBYcksD10DPma_P-Zq2FKfwkmbSbGKq3NRIPzf8eMsgHrLJIJeThSFo3UMeFDStbTtylYnrTaUIrFnFckbubDo9CC1ujA/s1600/friday6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjT72JWyAeDwR2cGQ-S3id42e9c95dANSPjloh35Z0MBYcksD10DPma_P-Zq2FKfwkmbSbGKq3NRIPzf8eMsgHrLJIJeThSFo3UMeFDStbTtylYnrTaUIrFnFckbubDo9CC1ujA/s400/friday6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It's a tough place to have to spend your time sitting and knitting. The view really is shocking.<br />
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Today I finished off a sweet little cardie for our Blythe dolls. Once I've weaved in ends, added buttons and blocked, I'll share some photos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxRmfcILDybnge08b1ZB5vpxD45U2-SRsHQZnxsqx2Bfx669bCuli3N_7vlR-xlE9jMh5xR2QRIjMJTVr5t135DM-vW2Aei6yY_i-jKWD1P-BRX95GfRKwxhVvZlP6_P2Bwa8jQ/s1600/panaramafun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxRmfcILDybnge08b1ZB5vpxD45U2-SRsHQZnxsqx2Bfx669bCuli3N_7vlR-xlE9jMh5xR2QRIjMJTVr5t135DM-vW2Aei6yY_i-jKWD1P-BRX95GfRKwxhVvZlP6_P2Bwa8jQ/s640/panaramafun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I've been having so much fun playing with the panorama setting on my new iPhone5. I love the fisheye look you get.<br />
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I've taken some awesome photos but also had some rather interesting results. I'm not sure what the blob in the middle is. And the weird black bits at the top is from where I haven't quite stayed in a straight line and perhaps moved around a bit quickly. Look to the left of the photo. There are two Tobys, but one has no head!!!<br />
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I am so glad the weekend is here!<br />
I'm hoping to get stuck into a new pattern.<br />
What have you got planned?<br />
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more creative spaces can be found<a href="http://blogs.kidspot.com.au/villagevoices/my-creative-space-further-adventures-with-rope/"> over here!</a>tikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820604543895773860noreply@blogger.com3