triskele-threads

Kippers

2012-01-16T21:53:00.000-08:00

What ever happened to kippers for breakfast. I finally found somewhere that served fish (sardines) for breakfast this morning, Dench in North Fitzroy. It was on the 'specials' board, so it may have been a once off. It was delicious, served on their bread with a salsa on top. I am more and more surprised that given I live in the Brunswick/Fitzroy area of Melbourne that there are not more dairy/egg free options available on menus. Occasionally there will be a gluten free option, but even the baked beans have goats feta or a dollop of ricotta at most places. The hardest part of this diet I'm on is eating out.

I've added a few new hats to my ETSY shop triskele-threads this week, and I'm still working on knitting patterns. I'm learning a lot along the way. Its not as easy as I thought it would be, but I'm enjoying the process. I'm going to do my own technical editing. Technical editing, something I didn't even know existed as a career a few weeks ago is beginning to appeal to me as a career, however it looks as though you've got to carve a name for yourself based on experience and recommendations rather than any formal training, which I would struggle with I think. Well the lack of formal training bit anyway.

My man and kids are away. They've been gone since yesterday morning. I weaned my 13 month old baby at Christmas and last night was the first night in six and three quarter years that I slept in a house devoid of children. They will be back tonight. I hope I will be calmer for the break I've had from them.

The house is relatively tidy and clean. I've washed and dried the sheets on six beds. That in itself took a day. I even lifted up the mattresses and vacuumed underneath. I have never done this before, man it was gross under there. I did five loads of laundry yesterday and scrubbed the cooker.

I feel there is a constant struggle between me needing to clean and tidy and put order on things in my house and spending quality time with my kids. Like sitting down to play snakes and ladders or to just draw with them. Or maybe its just having a baby around means that there really is no time to sit down. Any way I look at it I'm always behind trying to catch up. Hopefully I can try to relax with them more for the next few weeks. Soon I'm going to have a prep and a grade one in school full time. This year will be easier for sure.

Hello Monday

2012-01-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hello Monday morning, opening the windows and letting the freash air in.

Hello tomatoes from the garden for breakfast.

Hello a boot load of 'stuff' for the Op Shop.

Hello a coffee and one of these.

Hello a day of pattern writing and photographing hats - in a quiet quiet house!

Oh - and hello this clip making me smile!

Have a good Monday.

Vegan Baking

2012-01-04T23:17:00.000-08:00

I've been (almost) vegan for about six months now. I'm a 'vegan' for health, not beliefs, so I'm still eating fish and seafood and egg white, so I can't quite say vegan. Its been a challenge that we've overcome quite easily really. I've substituted butter for olive oil and meat for a huge variety of beans, and we've discovered the amazing world of spices. I thought I was pretty adventurous with the spices before. I'd toss in a bit of cumin with my avocado for example, but now we make an Ethiopian lentil curry that has 13 spices in it! We are buying cumin and turmeric by the truckload from the Indian shop.

The hardest part of the diet change for me has been the lack of sweet and baked stuff. (I'm missing chocolate desperately). So I've been searching and trying out vegan baking recepies all over the place. A couple of days ago when it was 35+ degrees outside Osgar wanted to bake something, so I knocked of two birds. A no-bake vegan cookie.

Ok, so I need to work on the presentation, but seriously, these are so yummie that you would have a hard time believing they are vegan. You would have a harder time believing that they've got no sugar in em. Anyway. I'd like to share the recipe for fudge peanut butter and chocolate cookies which I found here. These are a massive hit with me and the kids and the man.

I've been working away on my crochet hats this week. And a few fairy wands and crowns These colours that I'm using are feeling all summery like the weather and by chance match the colours in the painting there. My mum painted it and gave it to me this Christmas. Its really beautiful.

For years now . .

2012-01-02T21:08:00.000-08:00

For about six years now family, friends and a few random strangers have been admiring the stuff I make for my kids. It makes me happy that they have something of me with them and its quite normal at this stage that one of the four of them is usually and quite by accident wearing something that I've made or embellished. The line I hear the most from people commenting on my made stuff is 'you could sell that/them'. So I have finally decided to do it. I uploaded the first item to my new Etsy shop just now.
You can look at it here if you wish . . . . .

Yarn Along

2011-12-11T05:07:00.001-08:00

Joining in with Ginny today.I am working on a pattern for a baby vest which I hope to have available early in the new year. It will be in sizes newborn to two year old, and I'm lucky enough to have a newborn niece to model for me. She is of course devine. I just picked this book up of my mums bookshelf last night.It's called Discovery of the Child by Maria Montessori. I'm not sure that I'm going to get very far with it as the writing is absolutely tiny and it is very technical. I think it is aimed at a teaching student rather than a parent.

Yarn Along

2011-11-23T00:29:00.001-08:00

I am off to my women's knitting night again this evening. I've baked some vegan cookies to take along. I recently found this recipe through a friend and I've made them 3 or 4 times now. I use olive oil instead of coconut oil. They are very yummie, especially considering they have no sugar.

I am nearly finished another Vanilla soaker for the almost one year old. Its her birthday on Sunday. I'm using up the leftovers from both of my Tea Leaves cardigans. Its always a good feeling, almost like getting something for nothing!

I'm reading the kids this old Enid Blyton book. Its very, very old and the main character smokes a tobacco pipe. I keep having to make bits up as I go along, because its not really appropriate these days to read to your kids about people smoking and I'm not ready to deal with that particular topic before bedtime! More here.

Yarn Along

2011-11-10T00:22:00.000-08:00

Joining Ginnys Yarn Along.
I am still knitting my Tea Leaves, though I'm very close to finished now, thanks to a lovely evening of knitting with some great women last night. Sadhbh is turning one this month, and its only now that I feel like I've got enough energy to go out and do something on a school night.
I've been leafing through a library book called 'The Shyness Breakthrough' looking for some guidance in helping Tadhg. Shes had her first orientation this week for Prep, which she will start next year. I think she will be just fine. This book is all common sense, and I like the way he gives you a step by step approach to overcome shyness. Now - to knock off this Tea Leaves!

Spun

2011-11-07T00:21:00.000-08:00

I was very (very) happy when my man surprised me with an Ashford Spinning Wheel for our 7th wedding anniversary in September. He got it on ebay and it needs some tweaking (I'm not sure the fishing tackle is standard issue) .... however, it is doing just fine at the moment. I've done some spinning, in fits and starts using a drop spindle over the last year and a half, but man, the wheel is just so much faster. This is my first bobbin of hand-spun 2-ply mixy matchy, what was to hand at the time, wool.

Now I'm just wondering when my 3 year old boy is going to be old enough to be in the same room as the wheel without trying to dismantle it. For the moment its home is on top of the chest of drawers in my bedroom, a little inconvenient, but I think me and the wheel (like me and the man) are looking forward to a long happy future together.

Yarn Along

2011-10-13T02:05:00.000-07:00

This is my first time joining Ginny's Yarn Along. I'm reading Charlottes Web to the kids, a chapter a night at bedtime. I think I missed out on this one as a kid, because the story is totally unfamiliar to me and incredibly enjoyable. This very old copy is falling apart at the spine and I'm not quite sure how to fix it. Its like all the old glue has gone brittle and cracked.
I'm knitting a Tea-Leaves. This is number two for me. I finished the first one around autumn this year and I've worn (read - trashed) it every day since! Its holding up well despite the fact that the wool is a relatively cheap merino. I'm using the same wool for this one in a black this time. I haven't decided whether I'm going to keep this for good wear or rotate it with the current one. Such a beautiful, simple and easy to wear cardi.

Cloth

2011-09-16T02:47:00.000-07:00

I use cloth nappies. I've used them on my littlest since she was about six weeks old; Shes now nine months. I use flat terry toweling nappies in a kite fold with a snappy and wool covers. I was skeptical that this would work, but amazingly I have not had any leaks. It took me a while to figure it all out, so I hope this helps someone else who might be contemplating their nappying options.

Six years ago when Duv was born, I got the nappy service as a gift. It was expensive enough, I can't remember now how much, but they would come once a week and pick up the old smelly nappies and replace them with laundered new ones. In theory it was great, but it never worked for me. I didn't have any proper covers, I struggled with plastic tie on things, and they were flannelette, so the snappy didn't work. I remember having to change her clothes nearly every time I had to change a nappy because they leaked all over the place. I gave up after about four months.

I used disposables for the next two kids and it was only when I saw my sister in law using wool covers over flat cloth nappies with her son that I learned about using wool as a nappy cover. Well if only I 'd known six years before! Knitting I can do. When I found out I was expecting again I went on a huge knitting spree and one of the fist things I knit was the Vanilla Soaker.

To make it 'waterproof' you mix a tablespoon of Lansinoh (or lanolin) with few drops of wool soak and a quater cup of boling water in a bowl. Stir this briskly to dissolve the lanolin, then top up with a few cups of cold water. Let the soaker sit in the lanolin mix for a while then squeeze the excess water out and let it dry - this can take a few days. The idea is that the soaker absorbs the lanolin, which gives the wool waterproof qualities, while also drawing the urea out of the wet nappy. Repeat this on the soaker if you start to notice it loosing a little of its waterproofing.

So I've knitted a few soakers since then. My primary goal in using cloth is to save money. I picked up a half a dozen Baboonies that were factory seconds, another 12 terry toweling nappies and most of the soakers I've knitted using leftovers. The bamboo nappies are the most absorbent, so I use these if we are going out for the day. I also have four all in one nappies. These have a waterproof outer and a pocket that you stuff with a pad. These are also bamboo and they get used overnight. Sometimes I use a disposable overnight. It has worked out very economical. I've got about four soakers on the go at one time and I rotate them with each nappy change. My two favorites are the Vanilla soaker, which is a great pattern and a great soaker. And the Spare Ribs soaker which ticks all the boxes for me. A ribbed crotch is a great benefit when it comes to fitting your soaker over a flat terry nappy. I've also used the Itchy Fingers pattern, which is in this picture. Its a very versatile pattern, but lacks the ribbing at the crotch and the Curly Purly soaker, this one has a great waistband.

Next on my list to try out is the Franatic Mama soaker. I'll let you know how it goes. . . .

2011-09-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

I'm supporting this project and i really hope Kylie reaches the goal before the weekend.

Tissue Box Cover

2010-12-09T21:00:00.001-08:00

PC090012, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Inspired by Crochet with Raymond and instructed by The Royal Sisters is my tissue box cover! My first finished masterpiece since the birth of my baby girl two weeks ago. Its easy to crochet and feed while lying down, which is how I'm spending lots of my time since I've got Coccydynia again. Which is a pain in the ass - LITERALLY!

Amigurumi

2010-11-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

You know when you see a picture of something very cute on the web and you just have to drop everything that you're doing and make one straight away. Well that happened me yesterday.
For some bizarre reason there was nothing more important than making and having a little black amigurumi teddy . . . . for the baby of course. So I used this great cute free pattern from Teddy Bears Wednesday, et voila . . . .well almost. I struggle with faces. So he remains faceless until I further inspiration grips me.

This is my second go at amigurumi and I'm struggling with keeping the stitches tight, especially on the smaller pieces, such as the arms and legs, so the stuffing is poking through the dc holes a bit. Is there a secret?

This is a picture of Jazzie (a sister for Zoe), the doll I made for Tadhg for her 4th Birthday. I was quite pleased with her hair in the end, her face however is another story! Told you I'm crap at faces! It truly is an art form.

And one last doll, again for the baby, for her first Christmas. Both these dolls are based on patterns from the Making Waldorf Dolls book I have mentioned before. Highly recommended book.

My Creative Space

2010-10-20T16:30:00.001-07:00

PA120036, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Its so wonderful to have some bright shiny weather this week. I had to take the winter coats out of a premature hibernation last week!

I'm working on this bassinet quilt for the babe. So far I haven't had to buy anything, its 100% leftovers, even the backing which is such a cute fabric. I used it to make the party bags for the four year olds birthday party a few weeks ago.

I'm going to have a try at machine quilting it today, so I'll probably need to get some quilting thread and needles. I really wanted to try out the free motion quilting, but I don't have a darning foot and according to the Metro sewing centre the one required for my machine (janome 419s) is sold out across Australia and on back order at Janome!

So I'm going to try to do one long spiral starting at the centre and working out to the edge. Its a bit exciting and a bit scary - I sort of feel, oooo what if I f it up and on the other hand, shr its only leftovers, the only investment so far was time. Here goes.

My Creative Space

2010-10-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

Experimenting with a few different felting techniques this week. I got a book called Felt - Handmade Style from the library as I've always wanted to make some felted baby slippers and needed some direction. This book has a different felting technique to the one we normally use. The main difference is that I'm using soap instead of washing up liquid! And the felt feels different and smoother, which is nice. I'm still to embark on the slippers project though! It really is quite amazing what you can do with a sheeps coat!

My Creative Space

2010-09-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

Practice makes, erm, ...... slightly better? This is doll hair for the doll I was working on last week. I'm wondering how different or how much easier it is to use a wheel as opposed to the drop spindle. Not that I've got any room for a wheel here in our titchy house! Unless it was suspended from the ceiling and I could levitate its just not gonna happen. This spindle method requires much pre-draughting (drafting?) before you even get to the spin part. I've got waaaay to much twist, causing my wool to twist back on itself and my pre-draughted roving keeps breaking at inappropriate moments! Anyone know a spinning teacher in Melbourne? Think I'm going to drop in to the Spinners and Weavers tomorrow for some guidance. More creative spaces over here - http://www.kootoyoo.com/

My Creative Space

2010-09-01T18:39:00.001-07:00

P9020002, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

I was sure it was Wednesday today, until I saw My Creative Space on my reader. Ha! Its no wonder I'm confused as we've all got a head cold this week, boooring....snot and coughs. I'm slowly working on a doll for my little girls birthday at the end of the month, and another for the baby, both from the Making Waldorf Dolls book. It seems easier to make two or three at a time for some reason! More creative spaces over here - http://www.kootoyoo.com/

Root Children Tutorial

2010-09-01T02:06:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of spring. It was wet and cold in Melbourne. Do you know The Story of the Root Children by Sibylle Von Olfers ? I had these little root children, Bluebell and Buttercup ready for my girls to discover in the garden in morning, but it was too wet and cold to hide them out there, so they found them on the nature table instead. Heres a tutorial on how I made them.

Supplies
wooden doll body
cotton pipe cleaner 5/6cm
circle of flesh tricot/t-shirt cotton - 4cm diameter
rectangle of tricot/t-shirt cotton - 6.5 x .5cm
elastic band
strong crochet cotton
scraps of wool felt
scraps of wool roving to match.
embroidery thread to emblish as desired.
blanket stitch for seams

Starting with the circle of tricot cover the head of the wooden doll. I used an elastic band to tie this off and then pulled the cotton taut all the way around so that there were no creases at the neck.

Once you are happy with this tie it off again using the crochet cotton. Then snip the elastic band off. This is the easiest way I have found of creating a crease free even head.

Using the rectangle of tricot create a casing for the arms of the doll. Fold in the ends and use back stitch. Flip this in the right way.

Fold the ends of the pipe cleaners in to round of the pointy bits then insert into the casing. Sew these arms to the body at the fabric that is sticking out from the head. This is the view from the back.

Time to dress her. Cut out two dresses according to the pattern below. Now is the time to embroider on your flower if desired. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust adjust the dress length and width as you 'dress' your doll.

Starting at the left had shoulder use blanket stitch to close the seam. Place dress on doll and close the right shoulder seam. Trim any excess felt from the width and length of the body and close the underarm and side seams.

Using a small amount of wool roving about 6cm in length fold in half and attach to the center of the head at the fold using back stitch. I used a scrap of green felt to make a little headband and sewed this to the hair all the way around. Decorate to your hearts content!

Hide in the garden to be discovered (if its not wet and cold!)

My Creative Space

2010-08-25T19:41:00.001-07:00

P8250019, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Clearly I'm no expert, but I've been chancing my arm at some spinning of late. Using the drop spindle. Its almost alchemic - transforming these tiny, short pieces of sheeps roving into a strong wool yarn. It was this wonderful blog that woke me to the idea. I hadn't considered it before, but I needed hair for a doll and just couldn't find what I was looking for. This is my second attempt, more doll hair, for a mermaid this time. I'm quite happy with how its turned out. I'm going to need quite a bit more practice and maybe a lesson or two before I'm spinning quantities worthy of knitting a garment with, but for now I'm satisfied. More creativity can be found here today.

Finished

2010-08-24T20:34:00.001-07:00

P8110023, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

A second lap blanket for the second girl. Trying to find some inspiration for 'boy' colours granny square crochet. I think I might try four or five shades of the same colour for the next one. All ideas and inspiration welcome!

My Creative Space

2010-08-17T18:25:00.001-07:00

P8180005, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Divining Spring - I am trying to call this my last knitting project for a while, as I've got some sewing projects on my mind and every time I stop knitting something I've got a desperate urge to cast on something else - Its out of control and taking over my subconscious! And really how many woolly things does a newborn summer babe really need. Its this pattern from Drops.

My first attempt at this (6 weeks pregnant I might add) was disastrous, but the picture on Rav was just so cute I tried it again with a nicer wool in a better colour and on smaller than the recommended 4mms and its nearly finished in less than two days. So there you go.

Here is a photo of the finished Cocoon from last week.

More creative spaces over here - http://www.kootoyoo.com/

My Creative Space

2010-08-11T21:10:00.001-07:00

P8120003, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Casting on for this and watching the kids play out the window.
Wishing I owned this as my spotlight metal/plastic circular needle makes the most irritating noise.
Its still too cold for me out there and the sun keeps teasing today!
C'mon Spring!

More creative spaces over here - http://www.kootoyoo.com/

Crochet Dishcloths

2010-08-09T20:12:00.001-07:00

P6230049, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

These are some of the crochet dishcloths I made for Soozs Useful Things swap. There was a lot of crochet! I made eight dishcloths and two pot holders and by the time I was finished I was sick of my crochet hook! I wish I'd had the patience to whip up a couple for myself! It was a lovely swap and so exciting to get all the goodies in the post a week later, almost like Christmas.

My Creative Space

2010-08-04T22:07:00.001-07:00

The felted Winter Faerie is finished and after a trip to the park in between the showers so is our nature corner. Its nice to have this corner in our house reflect the seasons outside, especially as we seem to be spending a lot of time inside at the moment, due to the rainy weather, two out of three sick kids and a pregnant mama!

More creative spaces over here - http://www.kootoyoo.com/

I can't stop knitting!

2010-08-03T00:05:00.001-07:00

P8030027, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Especially pretty things for baby girls. Well - one yet to be born baby girl in particular actually. She is due in on the first day of Summer so unfortunately (for me!) probably won't be too partial to woolly knits for the first few months.

This is the Vanilla Soaker in newborn size knit with 12 ply and 6mms. Its on Ravelry.

And this is the Swirl Hat also in newborn size also on Ravelry.

My Creative Space

2010-07-29T02:29:00.001-07:00

P7290015, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Mini needle cases. I made the wee blue one a while back to hold my wool needles. Its never been used for that purpose as my wee daughter took a fancy to it for herself. She likes to carry pretty things around.

So I decided to make a few more. I used this tutorial on Duo Fiberworks and some Winterwood wool felt, which I try to stock up on at every opportunity. So simple and pretty.

The white one is embroidered using this free embroidery pattern with a great tutorial on french knots! And the pink one has a little crochet butterfly - pattern can be found here. I've got one more to go, but thats to be kept under wraps for an upcoming birthday.

More creative spaces over here - http://www.kootoyoo.com/

My Creative Space

2010-07-21T21:53:00.001-07:00

P7220077, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Its funny how I subconsciously knit all winter and sew all summer. I have two different pairs of socks on the go and my ravelry queue is out of control. I don't mean to, it just happens. So, its nice to have set myself a little sewing project. Some very cute fabrics and a very simple goal. Two little tie on cushions for our ikea bekvam step stools and maybe some matching place-mats.

Visit http://www.kootoyoo.com/ for some more creative spaces . . . .

Slouch

2010-07-14T00:04:00.001-07:00

P7140073, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Decided I needed a slouch hat after seeing a beautiful one on a head at Ikea last week. Chose the Star Crossed Slouchy Beret by Natalie Larson on Ravelry. This knit up so quickly an easily over the weekend for me. Despite the fact that I misread the pattern and knit an extra 12 rows it turned out great - extra slouchy! (Note to self - no knitting before breakfast)

This is compensation for my ill fated simple knitted wrap vest, which I am now wearing on my head, with enough yarn left for some matching fingerless gloves.

My Creative Space

2010-07-07T17:27:00.001-07:00

P7070037, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

A little needle felting for the nature table. Our nature or seasonal table has suffered in the last few months as we have been renovating the floors throughout the house. We have been excluded from rooms for months at a time as we are doing the work ourselves over weekends and holidays. Meaning a lot of 'stuff' is in storage (piled up in the garage!)

School holidays, wintery weather and trips to the park coming home with pockets full of dried leaves and gum nuts reminded us that we usually have a place in the house to celebrate the season. So I'm needle felting a winter faerie and the girls are wet felting some blue felt. A trip to the park today should see our table back in action.

Visit http://www.kootoyoo.com/ for some more creative spaces . . . .

Inspired

2010-07-04T04:39:00.001-07:00

P7040016, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Inspired by this - and then this - I started to knit on Wednesday, hoping to have one by the weekend just for me.

Of course I didn't get enough wool and when I went back to Spotlight (on a quick in and out mission) with three kiddos in tow, in the rain on Friday afternoon there was none left.

Damn damn triple damn I let slip, to my kiddos delight. Damn Damn what mama? All three singing damn damn triple damn to the tune of ba ba black sheep in the wool aisle of spotlight while I searched desperately for another ball of Vera Moda Mousse #34 !

Anyway - I was going to have one of these finished for the weekend - even if it wasn't for me! So I cast on in some pink Patons Jet that I had left over from the childs shalom that I knit for Kiddo #1 a few months back - and here it is, a Simple Knitted Vest for Kiddo #2. So simple, so rewarding. Thank you Leonie.

My Creative Space

2010-07-01T02:00:00.001-07:00

P6280017, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Knitting socks this cold Melbourne winter. I'm using my new beautiful Symphonie wooden needles - so smooth a good to hold. And fingering weight hand dyed (by me!) yarn. This is my second attempt at knitting socks and I'm hoping to have a least one by the end of winter!

Visit http://www.kootoyoo.com/ for some more creative spaces . . . .

My Boy

2010-06-28T20:23:00.001-07:00

P6250010, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

And his 90Minute top. This top has been worn constantly since I made it a few months back. There will be more of these in the near future for sure!

My Creative Space

2010-06-23T18:47:00.001-07:00

P6230057, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

I started two of these blankets last August! I am finally getting around to finishing the second one for daughter #2. I don't have a space where I could plan the layout properly - so I've just winged it and whatever square came out of the bag of squares next got added next. I'll post the finished blanket on Rav next week (I'm giving myself a deadline! Surely I'll be finished by then).

http://www.kootoyoo.com - for the 'Creative Spaces' of many talented folks.

Holiday Crafting

2010-06-04T12:12:00.001-07:00

Holiday Crafting, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Bursts of creativity in long car trips. Days in between with little or none.
Working on my pieces for Soozs 'Useful Things' swaps.

More creative spaces here - http://www.kootoyoo.com/

My Creative Space

2010-05-20T10:36:00.001-07:00

P5190143, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Crocheting and nursing my sick son. Getting started on some items for Soozs 'Useful Things' swap.

My Creative Space

2010-05-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

P5120030, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Is looking a bit tidier this week. Just finished (well I still have to sew up the inside seams, but for the sake of the photo they are finished!) two satchel bags and matching pencil cases. They both have inside pockets that fit their dolls respectively so they stand up with their head popping out!

I couldn't find a good (for me) tutorial for a lined zippered pouch so I came up with a super easy way. I intend making a few more of these and hope to post a tutorial next month.

Visit K ootoyoo for more Creative Spaces.

Goodies

2010-05-11T19:21:00.001-07:00

P5120032, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

My haul (ok, its not quite big enough to call a haul!) from the Stitches and Craft show. I had a lovely weekend working in the Mend a Make Do area, helping people with sewing and creating. I was very impressed with the show and will definitely be going back next year. I was really surprised by the number of 'free' activities that you could get involved in. Embroidery, pin cushion making, scrap booking, knitting - well worth the ten dollars entry if you ask me.

My Creative Space

2010-05-06T22:07:00.001-07:00

P5070099, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Is a big mess! I'm currently working on two little knitted dolls and pouches for them, a messenger style bag each for the girls for their 'big' dolls and other essentials - like lip balm and crayons. An embroidery piece for the boys backpack - of a hammer! And a pair of cord pants for Tadhg. Phew - No wonder its a mess! Hopefully I can knock one or two of these off before tomorrow, as I'm helping out at the Make and Mend Do bar at the Stitches and Craft show all weekend!

Visit K ootoyoo for more Creative Spaces.

This is Zoe

2010-05-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

P4270034, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

This is the doll that I made for my daughters 5th birthday. She is based on the pattern from Making Waldorf Dolls, which I highly recommend and wish I'd bought two years ago when I began making Waldorf dolls for my kids!

I hand spun the wool for her hair using a drop spindle. I followed this tutorial and with a little practice I was very pleased with the results. Its not quite up to knitting yarn standards, but It worked out perfectly for hair.

So far shes brought love and friendship to our biggest little girl. I find myself obsessed with making pretty clothes for her. Can't help but wonder if somehow I missed out on the doll thing as child.

Rainbow Quilts

2010-04-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

100_5480, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

My first major quilt project! Here are the rainbow quilts that I made for the girls for Christmas - drying in the sunshine before Winter set in. The tops are made from 90% recycled Op-shopped pillowcases . Orange and red pillowcases were the hardest to come by, with an abundance of blue! I hand quilted parallel lines across each width in different hues of the corresponding colour. The backing is the top sheet that matches their fitted bed sheets. And the batting is a wool blend. I think I would pick cotton batting if I was gonna do it all again.

My 90 Minute (three week) shirt.

2010-04-27T19:38:00.001-07:00

P4280040, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Here is my 90 Minute Shirt from Made - It took me about three weeks, no joke, to finish this. I'm really happy with how it turned out. I love this look and intend tweaking and making several more.

Not so bad after all

2010-04-07T22:05:00.001-07:00

P4080132, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

Once I'd mastered the Kitchener it worked out very well. I really enjoyed knitting this hat, but I'm a bit disappointed at how big it turned out. It fits my five year old! I had been worried it might be too little from my nearly two year old. I used the Stella Pixie hat pattern - I guess it gives me an excuse to knit it again in a smaller size. Also I always seem to have trouble getting the button strap to sit nicely. I had this problem with the Aviatrix pattern too.

Kitchener Stitch

2010-03-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

The only thing worse than Kitchener stitch is ripping out Kitchener stitch.

Handmade Wool Felt

2010-02-15T21:20:00.001-08:00

P1010457, originally uploaded by triskele-threads.

We made wool felt recently using wet felting techniques and I was surprised and very happy with the results. I've always put 'Wet Felting' into the way to hard - way to time consuming - way to many things required basket. But on a 38C day when it was impossible to leave the house (again!) without being scorched and the youngest was asleep I decided we were gonna give it a go, the easy way, and not expect amazing results, and to my delight an hour later we had three pieces of felt hanging up to dry. One each made by my three and four year olds and one by me.

I thought we must have fluked it, but we repeated the process a few days later and the results were even better. I'm not sure where I got my unfounded fear of wet felting from. I had always assumed that it was something I would have to maybe attend a course to gain the secret techniques required to get wool fibers to bind to each other. So I'm going to let you in on our method, maybe it really is as easy as all that. I would love to know what you think.

Sorry I didn't take photos of every step, as really I didn't expect it to work! But If I'm not clear here or you need a better explanation of any of the steps, I'll be happy to oblige.

1) Tease out your roving into almost transparent layers.
2) On a piece of bubble wrap, bigger than the length of your roving, bubble side up, place a layer of wool with the fibers going left to right.
3) Place a layer of wool with the fibers going top to bottom on top.
4) Repeat steps 2 & 3.
5) We used a mix of dishwashing liquid (eco store brand) and hot water and sprinkled it on top of the wool.
6) Place a layer of bubble wrap on top. Bubble side down.
7) Sprinkle more hot soapy stuff on top and start rubbing, gently at first and all the way out to the edges.
8) Rub Rub Rub, use your knuckles, give it 5 minutes or so and lift the bubble wrap to check your progress.
9) Turn the bubble wrap sandwich over and rub the other side.
10) When it is ready to pick up in one piece (ie - it sticks together) give it a rinse under the cold then hot tap.
11) Using a sushi mat roll the felt out, like sushi a few times.
12) Put the felt back on the bubble wrap, sprinkle with some more soapy stuff , this time use your fingers to rub rub rub.
13) Rinse and roll again
14) Repeat steps 12 & 13 until you have the desired felt quality.

The more suds the better as far as the girls were concerned! And this seemed to work brilliantly it was when they ditched the bubble wrap sandwich and started using their fingers directly that the felt really started to shrink and come together. They could have done this all day, I think. I gave them a tub of hot water and they rinsed their felt out and then soaped it up again and rubbed, slapped between their hands to 'shock' the fibres as my four year old reminded me . . haha!

I will definitely repeat this with the kids, we made little Molly Chicken inspired pins and an needle book with our felt. This is also something that I feel you could do at a kids party for 4/5 year olds. Its got water, bubble wrap, sushi mats - the works. I will also definately repeat this myself. Good quality felt is expensive, so if you can get cheap roving, dye it and make your own felt at home, exaclty the colour you want it - well, everyones a winner.

A quick and easy Crochet Star

2009-12-21T20:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a pattern for a quick and easy crochet star.

Ch3 and form loop.
Ch4, sc into 3rd chain
* ch2 dc into loop, ch2, sc into top of dc *
rep * * 3 times
sl into first Ch3

You can make this star bigger by incrementing the number of chain stiches to 3 and substituting the dc for a tr.

Notebooks

2009-08-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

My sister sent me Making Stuff for Christmas last year. By far the best craft in there is the notebook made from recycled record covers. I've been stocking up on funny old record sleeves for a while now and just got a few birthday presents together. I'm not really into paper crafts, but this one requires the use of needle and thread, so it was right up my tree.

The girls wanted in on the action, so we used a few of their gelatine collages as covers for a few machine sewn numbers. Stocked up on birthday presents till November!

Rainbow Wool

2009-08-11T00:50:00.000-07:00

Using the great tutorial over here, we got to work (it was quite easy actually) this weekend and dyed this lot up. I really can't believe the results. I think I may have to invest in a microwave just for this purpose. I've spent the whole day casually walking by and admiring it! The wee girls did the food colouring part and have decided they want rainbow scarfs. Highly recommend trying this.

I Made This!

2009-07-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Yes - I made this grumpy little girl - ah yes, and I knit the jumper too. Its a Debbie Bliss knit and I can't remember which book its from now, one of the kids ones I guess. It took me forever, and I knit it way too big for her, cause shes gotta wear it forever, ya hear that girl . . forever!
I'm posting it for the 'I Made This!' give away at Meet me at Mikes

Natual Plant Dye Tutorial

2009-05-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

This is a great one to do with the kids. My two and four year old did most of the work. Waiting for the wool to 'cook' was the hardest part! And they were thrilled with the results.

Step 1.
wind the wool off the ball into a loose skein

Step 2.
peel the skins off some brown onions and place in an alluminium pot

I found that using an alluminium pot was a reasonable substitute for mordent, as I didn't want to use any chemicals with the kids.

Step 3.
wet the wool until it is soaking wet

Step 4.
put wool in pot with onion skins and fill with water until covered
The actual amount of water is not important.

Step 5.
simmer - but do not boil for up to three hours
Do not aggitate the wool or it may become matted.

Step 6.
wait!!!

Step 7.
pull wool out of pot and drain - then hang it up somewhere out of the sun to dry.

The ratio of skins to wool and the amount of time the brew is left to simmer will both impact on the depth of the final colour. We used 6 medium onions to 50g of white wool.
The fact that it changed colour at all was enough for my kids to be delighted!

A Pair of Slippers for a Fairy

2009-05-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

A pair of slippers for Tiggy. They are incredibly simple to make. Just garter stitch a square. Seam in half at one end and folded in thirds are the other. I've sewn some leather soles on and embellished with a crochet flower. She hasn't taken them off for three days. I had to sneak into her bedroom and remove them while she slept to get the photos. Love it.

Dolly

2009-03-28T02:50:00.001-07:00

Polly, Holly and Molly. Three dolls for three best friends turning four this month.
Who can believe they are four, we cant!
These are made mostly from opshoped sheets and vintage fabric scraps and using a Carly Schwerdt pattern from Softies.
During our week in Rye I managed to get to a Morning Star stall at Mornington Park primary and pick up some beautiful hand dyed felt. I cant wait to cut it up into pieces and make stuff with it!

2009-03-10T02:58:00.000-07:00

I got a coffee machine for my birthday! The fabulous El Mirage may soon go out of business now that I can whip up a cafe latte at home. Thank god I've got three demanding kids to watch or I'd be downing more than my current two a day.
I've finally finished my felt make-along yokie. Yes - Its March. You really do miss those three extra days in February. My sew mama sew dolls quilt is getting its finishing touches. I've got two weeks 'till the fourth birthday of its recipient.

And I've finally gotten two bags of craft projects together for handmade helps re-stash a crafter. I'm looking forward to the excuse of dropping them off to visit meet me at mikes this week! Each one has a sewing and a knitting project inside along with all the necessary haberdashery. I've also put a wee knitting one together for a kid somewhere.
My laptop ate my xD card today along with all my current photos and now it refuses to cooperate with my camera. So I'll stick up some pictures when I get it working again. . . . . dont hold your breath!

Felt Again

2009-01-30T03:41:00.000-08:00

I'm going to do Meet Me at Mikes Make-a-Long. This months theme is Felt. I've no idea yet what I'm going to make. Felt reminds me of winter and being cold - its been 40+ for the last few days and so nothing is popping into my mind (actually, I think I've lost a few cells up there to the really quite stupid heat its been exposed to). And now - I'm going to try adding the button to link back to the Meet Me at Mike site - bear with me head . .
.

Knitted Gloves

2009-01-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is hitting 29C outside today - and these are knitted gloves. Thats what happens when your family live in a dirrerent hemisphere. You are always making out of season gifts. Knitting in the middle of Summer. Which got me thinking. My mums birthday is at the start of winter, and I'm always giving her winter related gifts, hats, gloves, scarves etc etc. My mother in laws birthday is in the middle of Summer, and i always lament that I've never had the chance to knit her some gloves or a scarf. Is it wrong to give someone a knitted Winter hat for their birthday, in the middle of Summer?

Work Ahead.

2008-12-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

Put my Happy CDs in the post yesterday and got my first one through the letterbox. yea.
Such a great idea. Feels like when I was 12 and had (lots of) penpals.
This is what my little girls Christmas presents look like this morning. . . I've got a bit of work ahead of me!
Its my first go at Warldorf dolls. I think I'm getting it. I'm kind of making up the pattern as I go along and I've never done so much hand sewing before, but I'm enjoying it.

Note to Self

2008-12-05T02:15:00.000-08:00

Don't buy anything from Aldi - especially don't buy 50 blank CDs for $15 (thinking its fantastic value) and then waste your whole day trying to burn music onto them only to realise that they all stop playing half way through right in the middle of your favourite song.
Ok - they have good Nappies - but - stop at the nappys.

Hands up if you hate weaving in the ends.

2008-12-02T21:41:00.000-08:00

This is the blanket that I have made for my first (yet to arrive, but not long now) nephew.
I LOOVE it and I just hope its not too GREEN for him. I've got 50% of the ends woven in and I have to say it is my least favourite part of any project. In fact if I'd taken the time I should have woven them in as I crocheted - next time. The wool is from Yarn Barn in Coburg. It took me three trips to pick the colours and get the right amounts - at least thats my excuse.

I've wanted to make a granny square blanket for ages and after the epic amount of time it took me to knit Osgars blanket (made completely from left overs, donations and op shop finds) I decided that Crochet was the way forward! It was so quick to whip up these squares, and I've found that this is both the easiest and "safest" craft for the car. All you need is the yarn and the hook - and no stabbing yourself with a felting/knitting needle at sharp corners or sudden stops!

I've just finished compliling the music for my "joyful music" CD swap that Soozs is organising. Its such a great idea that everyone in my family is getting one for Christmas too. I've been listening to it on repeat all day and the house has been joining in on most of the numbers. Its gonna be in our player for a while I think.

Uncle Monkey

2008-10-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

A Sock Monkey for Uncle Monkey on his Birthday. Made from his nieces socks, which I now realise is why his growth has been stunted. They did not want to part with him, and have put in orders.

Felt

2008-06-06T04:27:00.000-07:00

I just learned how to dry felt with the needle and have been flat out. Made some toadstools, a tree and pipecleaner people with babies for the dolls house.
Trying to come up with some patterns for farm animals, I've got the sheep and pig down, but finding the hen pretty tricky . . .
I've also made a heap of sea creatures. Fish, jellyfish, seahorses from flat felt.
And following my soft toys/softies class I've made nearly every softie I've got a pattern for. Lots of practice hand sewing. Here is a picture of my Mini-Moopy . . .

New Year

2008-01-10T02:32:00.000-08:00

Its not easy to knit during summer, especially when its a hot one like this.
So I've kicked the sewing machine back into action. I made the girls dress-up capes and aprons for Christmas and a sun hat, which we have lost . . . Their room has a new orange and purple laundry bag and I've got some great retro Japanese fabric to make a similar one for the bathroom.
I finished a carry cot for the girls doll. Knit from a scarf that I knit years ago and made too wide. Its my third project with this wool and its the third one that hasn't turned out like I expected. There is a lot to be said for using(sticking to) patterns!
Next on the list . . .
finish that stupid jumper that I started a year ago
a hat & sweater for number three
- If I can find some Clekheaton merino bambino I'll be very excited
I've got a new book on felting and some colourful merino roving - get started on felting stuff

sidetracked.

2007-09-10T04:35:00.000-07:00

I got a bit sidetracked. In the meantime I've knit two little friends, five little duckies and a mama duck, part of a steiner baby and a pair of wristies for my sister. We'll have to make do with lettuce sandwiches for now as I'm bored of knitting food.

Tomato

2007-08-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

I knit a cupcake instead. Then an apple and a pear. Now I'm gonna knit that tomato. . .

A Lettuce Sandwich

2007-08-02T23:49:00.000-07:00

Last night I knit a lettuce sandwich. Today I'm going to knit some tomato slices and some cheese to go in the middle. Solo lettuce is a bit bland.