Fiberific!

Ummm, Is it bad that I completely forgot to blog?

2012-01-29T19:19:00.000+10:00

It is?.............oh fiddlesticks!

Well I have good excuses, well....I think they are good. My little person only went back to School this week, which for me was Wonderful, I think she is happy to be back too. I have been trying to keep her occupied for the last 8 weeks thats right 8 weeks holidays, that is too many days to be at home, and in 10 weeks time she has another 2.5 weeks off..... So standard holiday stuff, plus she has been knitting a scarf from some roving wool a friend gave her, and also working on her french knitting as she is going to use it to cover a headband, even at 6 she has more than 1 wip lol.

I have been getting into my garden again, anyone who has been here, knows that even getting near the garden is a feat.... it has been a tad neglected for a while and I am trying to remedy that, and the Little person and I have been growing some herbs flowers and our cucumbers are about to flower.

And Crochet, I have been crocheting up a storm! I realised my Mum's birthday is next week so I thought I had best get a wriggle on lol. ( I can't give away any hints, because my Mum reads my blog, but after, I promise pics)

I am still working on my Ned Kelly Socks.... CHARLY, no pressure indeed! Knitting my personal projects does get back seated a bit, and then sometimes I just forget and start something else.hehhe..

Look see, I am still going on them, after the heartache of having to put out the needles and pull back nearly 15 rows on 2 socks then get the needles back in... I needed a rest from the heart ache, but I think I am back where I was before the trashing.

I have also reclaimed my love for the Audio book, while I am working away, I have been listening to the Dragonriders of Pern, so far I have finished one book and am neeearly finished another one. That and Words with Friends on my phone.. I know bad huh, I LOOOOVE IT!! I loose a lot, but I don't mind, it is heaps of fun! There is also photographic evidence (thank you sneaky little person photographer) of me crocheting away in the recliner....watching Deep Space Nine. I know tragic, and guess what, just for that, no pic for you! Ha.....don't feel bad, I was never gonna put that one up! Oh no.

I even got some spinning done, I know shock horror. My plan as of this week is to blog every Thursday, thats right every single Thursday.

I turned this

Into This

I have lots of plans at the moment, I am having some serious fun with some commission work, so I will keep on with that, but also this week, I am putting the studio back into working order, you know so that you can walk all the way in, not just to the doorway. Maybe by Thursday I will have a picture that I am willing to share with the world. There will be NO before shots...just so you know. Yes it is that bad. No it is, just trust me.

Well if all goes to plan, I will have a lot more to share on Thursday.

The UFO's are taking Over

2012-01-11T10:09:00.000+10:00

Arrrgggghhhhhh!!! I have working on lots of bits and bobs of late, and keep back burnering all my personal projects. My excuse and I am sticking to it. Nothing what so ever to do with the fact that I get new yarn and absolutely MUST cast on or start crocheting!

I feel that I must be accountable for my Works in Progress or UnFinished Objects. So in no particular order they are...drum roll please..............dadadadadadadadadada

Tims socks aka Charlene Schurch's Baby Cable Rib

Cream Cardigan aka Jenny King's Blue Wrap Cardigan

Purple Poncho aka Jenny King's Diamonte Poncho

Space Invaders Beanie Aka Catherine Paul's Invading Your Earspace

Lovers knots Wrap I have no pattern for this one, but I have made it before, so this how it should look.....

Green Peppercorn in Bamboo Soft Jenny King's Peppercorn

CrystalRose's Koi Gardens Shawlette

Weaving, oh dear the weaving, it should really go to the top of the list, I borrowed the loom from a saint 18months ago!! And I still haven't finished, it is not even a hard project, a couple of tea towels it just always seems to get pushed to the back of the pile.

Oh and Tims Saranac Jumper, this jumper honestly has been a very long time in the making, actually the knitting I have done only took a few weeks, but then it has been hibernating for 2 years, I wonder if if will still fit him? Hmmm.

I don't want to look for more projects any more... I know they are lurking in bags and crates around my house, they peer out and look at me, I shudder and they creep back and wait in the darkness for the moment that I wake them, finish them and take photos and blog about them, then they are happy there is no more lurking..... Until I notice them lurking in my wardrobe waiting to be worn and brought into the light again...the Lurking Cycle...ooooooo...

Then there is the queue, I am not going into what is queued up waiting to be started but Abbie wants me to make her an Aliyah we have even bought the yarn. It is taking all of my strength not to start it until I have finished off a couple of the others!!!

Hmmmm. Now I have a bit of a favourite pattern it is the Mooloolaba Shells by Jenny King, I love this top and I think everyone needs one, so I will be starting a Crochet A Long for it, any of you who have been wanting to make this top, NOW IS THE TIME!!! We can all do it together! Come and give a shout out at

Mooloolaba Shells Cal on Ravelry .

Well I spose I had better go an work on 1 or 10 of my UFO's before they breed more.

2012......what happened to 2011!!!!!!!

2012-01-01T16:28:00.000+10:00

Wow, it has been one of 'those' years, that just disappear, well that is not fair! My life since we last chatted has been a bit mental.

I crashed the Friday Girls Christmas lunch at Jenny King Designs, and then all of us Jenny King workers had our own Chrstmas get together, a gorgeous dinner across the road from the surf beach, followed by drinks and hanging out at Jenny's place. It was just a fantastic night all round. Next night was my husbands work party, and I did my bearded lady thing. Can you believe that out of 1400 people and a circus theme, I was the only female beaded lady, there was a man, but how can that count, I mean really??????

I decided on short notice to have a little holiday, which was the best thing I could have done I think.

I had a fantastic time with Charly of Ixhelbunny fame!! Met up with the lovely spinners at the Spin and Eat at Linlydale. Also managed to slip in a Spin In. I had some much fun just hanging out and Chillin' patting bunnies (which are illegal to keep as pets in Queensland). 5 days away of quiet. Who can ask for more? Now I kid you not, if you can manage to get to Charly's for one of her spin in's you have to do it, there are bunny's to pat and lovely people to chat to, I met some seriously awesome people! And you don't have to spin, you can knit or even just chat and drink coffee!!!

I got home from my 5 days away and my Little Person was very happy to see me as was my DH. It was very nice. My Little Person and I had one last chance to visit Jenny King Designs before they closed for Christmas, and LP found something instore that she just couldn't live without!!! The Aliyah, the one I will make will be pink and orange my LP's to current fav colours!

While I was there, I got a task, keep an eye out, and I will eventually get some pics up!! And talk more about it, but for now it is a bit secret squirrel! Oh and I might just have to make me one of these too

The Eclectic Necklace

We had Christmas with DH's family (2 hours south) then Boxing Day with my family (2 hours North West) and then we have had some time at home. We have not been lazing about relaxing oh no, DH has been attacking the yard work that has piled up over the last year or so. It has been amazing, LP and I now have vege patches and herb gardens!

I know this year has been one of many changes for our family, I hope that 2012 can be generous to you all, I hope that we all get just a little bit more time to do the things we love, not just the things that need to be done. I hope that we all just get our fiber on!

Good Bye 2011, Hello 2012

Hapy News Years!!!

Oh What a Month and we are only a week in!!

2011-12-07T20:12:00.000+10:00

I have much excitement to share!!! I bought a dress that is right a dress and matching shoes, and what pray tell is the reason for this unusual event. My DH's work Christmas party, it is themed Carnival, I can't pull of a trapeze artist or one of those chics that stand on the horses. I am going as the Bearded Lady, in my gorgeous new frock and big shoes and the Instant Beard available on Ravelry!

I also have the Jenny King Designs work party! Which is gonna rock, I have a night away hanging with the girls drinking wine, and I am sure that at some stage there will be crocheting, we are not addicts. We can too put down our hooks, we just don't want to.

Then next week I am winging my way to Ixchelbunny Farm for a nice few days away from the family, having a little holiday, there will be much bunny patting and grooming going on. And there will be hanging out, wine drinking and possibly some crochet. Do you see a theme here. I don't have a problem with drinking and crocheting, I may have to pull out a few rows and change some design features, that,s right features. Not drunken mistakes!

What have I been working on? Well I am in the process of finishing of the Diamante Poncho by the delightful Jenny King herself.

except I am making mine in this

It is Filatura Di Crosa Brilla in Grape Jelly, I can't wait to wear it!!! I only have about 10 more rows and sewing up to do, I may even get to wear it out Friday Night!!

Well I have procrast.....blogged enough for this week, better get back to work. And you had better too.

Have a great week

Oh Noes Not Again!!!

2011-11-22T21:00:00.000+10:00

It has yet again been nearly a fortnight between posts, Can someone please remind me that I want to do this weekly!!! Hey Chantelle, write a weekly blog why don'tcha! I don't know if it is because I have been UBER busy or if I am UBER slack! I am going with busy! I am not slack..RUDE!

I have been busily working on some bits and bobs for Jenny King Designs... Keep your eyes peeled! Nope lips are sealed, you cannot pry the details from me.. NO.. I am serious, you will just have to wait.

I have also been working on some sewing projects - Sewing? I hear you say, I didn't know that you sewed! Well that's because it is not something that I do very often. This particular sewing project is an Angel Costume for the Little Person. I know I know I could have bought one, but I look a the commercial ones in the one wear category and think, even I could knock up something, so this time I am. Hello White Calico and spotlight 30% off sale!

I shipped a nice big box to Charly aka Ixchelbunny, you know the snakes in a tin, well this box was kinda like that, peel up 1 piece of tape and BAM!!! You have been yarned!!!I know that she loves what is inside, keep an eye on her blog and you may find out what we have been working on! BE PATIENT, I can't reveal all the secrets, then there would be nothing to look forward to would there.

So today was a great day, I was invited to chat to some Kindy children at a local school. They have been raising silk worms gorgeous little zebra silk worms. And the children wanted to know what happens to the cocoon after the silk worm/moth is finished with it. So I took in the trusty little gem spinning wheel, and my basket of touchables. I showed them a silk hanky and passed it around and spun some silk sliver for them, I had 'prepared' some earlier and also gave the teacher a little ball of silk to share amongst the kids. Well the kids oohhed and aahhed appropriately so much so that I decided to let them all have a little go on my wheel, WELL they were chuffed with that and one by one all 22 children had a little spin. I also passed around little bags, one each of angora, mohair, wool and alpaca. I know, not silk related, but I think the kids were ok with that. The kids had a great time, and so did I.

Oooh Can you keep a secret, well Don't tell my LP at least. I am setting her up her own craft box "KEEP OUT OF MUMMA'S STASH LP" no I mean oh look you have your own stash with yarn and books and supplies. And where do you go if you wants storage stuff IKEA of course. It will be all wrapped up as a christmas pressie so if she finds out I know it was you who told her. So While I was out giving Megan her "How to buy Yarn" Lesson .....thats right it was a lesson, you ask her, we didn't just shop at spotlight, she learned stuff! She DID I tell you. Megs bought her first project yarn some lovely red cotton blend, I believe the plan is a nice red Peppercorn I picked up a french knitter to add to LP's Craft Haul. And as my Local Spotlight store is right next to IKEA we had to go in, so LP's Stash will live in here, the one I got has a lid

Also got her this one, for her needles and hooks and notions and stuff

the pink and green look really cute together! I have been collecting up all her little crafty things that are about the house, and I will pop them all in here with her Drop Spindle from Daniel at Whorled Domination and her bit of roving from the Qld Spinners Emporium (Luckily mummy is a member 8-b)

Well I better get back on with some crochet! And so should you, that's enough reading, get out your project! Logging off.

Mental Week

2011-11-10T21:17:00.000+10:00

no really, has it been 2 weeks, I am such a baaad person.. I completely did not realise that I had not popped a post up for last week. And so much has been happening!!!

Well lets start out with Miss Megs. Miss Megs and I went to school together oh so many years ago, and we caught up recently using the technology of FACEBOOK...ooooohhhh I hear you say. Turns out Miss Megs has always wanted to learn how to crochet, and funnily enough I TEACH CROCHET lol. So we got together, and do you know what, I think Miss Megs crocheted in a previous life, she is a natural soaking up the single crochet like you wouldn't believe. Believe it! Meg has moved on from her single crochet facewasher that she has taken to calling Florida. as somehow it turned into a map of Florida, I know weird. But moving on and so has Megs, she is now making Sebastian Le hamster, from Mr Funky's Super Crochet Wonderful, really it is the name of the book, I know Awesome! Sebastion is on the left, handsome devil too.

oh and this is Miss Megs working so very hard getting started on Sebastian....ignore the chocolate... I said Ignore it... Oh now I want some chocolate!!

Moving on to other non chocolate related things.

Lincraft my local chainstore craft shop had a sale. One I could not walk past. Really who can walk past a yarn store sale. If you said me, I doubt your sincerity!

Anyway I would like to Introduce the newest member of the Fiberific! Family

Heather Smallhead

"What have you done today to make you feel proud"

Well Heather, Heather Smallhead, I dressed you, you were Nekid! How Rude and now you have one of my t-shirts ( I only wish it looked as good on me) and my latest creation. As in last blog post, Peppercorn, Designed by my good rockin' buddy Jenny King!

Well I need to crack on with the next outfit for Heather, and I am of to Jenny King Designs tomorrow, Road Trip!!! I love my visits, she has a new yarn called Winter Sun, apparently I must pet it and so I must.

Have a great week!

Those Days

2011-10-24T13:21:00.000+10:00

You know those days when you want to throw your mobile phone on the ground and stomp on it. I am having one of those days. Luckily for me it has not been one of those weeks. I have been hitting the WIP pile and have finished off 2 projects, and nearly finished a third, but have started another lol..

I love my little Peppercorn top, I have worn it 3 times since i finished it off, it is a great little modesty cover!

I also finally finished my Kauni Cardigan, in Lotus Yarns Autumn Wind

I am nearly finished my Mooloolaba Shells, probably in the next night or two.

The project started is some funness, just for me lol. I love Christmas it is my favorite time of the year, I love the celebration of life, I love gift making and giving, I love having the family in once place (Christmas is the only time this happens). Kids running everywhere laughing, wrapping paper all over the house, the Christmas Lunch with the naughty foods that I only make at Christmas (Trifle I am talking to you!) So funnily enough I am making a Christmas based toy.

A Snowman, but not just any snowman, A donut snowman from Jean Greenhowe's new book

Donut Delights. I have made the body and arms, and I am onto the hat, I am hiding this from the LP or she will claim him. I know her all too well! I want to decorate the tree this year and hide a few little Christmassy Peoples in the tree.

Christmas is not very far away now, and I have a lot of things that I want to make this year, so I had better crack on. Have a great week.

Incidental Excercise

2011-10-13T09:29:00.000+10:00

Who says crafting is a sedentary past time!! Not me, at least not today. Hello Knitercise. I know sounds a little ummm different doesn't it. Well if you stand in front of your knitting machine, feet spread so that you are at a better height for the machine, then 2 hands on the carriage push left push right push left,push right, now do this 110 times, you tell me that you don't get a work out, now do the 110 pushes x 5 and see how you feel. Knitercise, exercise, but with a crafty outcome (no photos of me doing this pass time will ever see the light of day.... you know just to reassure you). I love it, oh and it is about the only way I get any exercise, that and Just Dance on the Wii, who can help groovin' along to fun music!

Well lets crack on.

What am I up to? Thank you for asking. I am up to so much at the moment I think my head will just POP, either that or my hands. I have been having heaps of fun with the girls in the Jenny King group on Ravelry, we are working on a CAL together (Crochet-A-Long) We are all making a Peppercorn top. Some of the girls have worked so quickly and finished it in the first weekend. I however am having a plodder on this one. I am loving the yarn that I am using Trinity (it is a Japanese yarn, I know nothing about it, as I can't read Japanese) it feels gorgeous. There will be some new people starting up this week I think, we chat about the pattern, areas that you may need help and just spur each other on. I am up to the second sleeve, so nearly done. Can't wait to wear it.

I am also working on a secret squirrel project for ixchelbunny. Keep your eyes peeled over the coming months on Charly's blog www.ixchelbunny.blogspot.

I have been ~~playing~~ Researching in Ravelry.com, a lot, there are so many awesome designs and idea's you can't help but be inspired. I am resisting the urge to start up any more projects. I still have a little pile of not quite complete things, you know the last sleeve, sewing up, and the second sock! Grrr second sock syndrome. Sorry honey, you may get you socks in time for Christmas...Oh no Christmas..... I have yet to start the Christmas pressies that I want to make, it seems most of the menfolk want hats of some description. I am still working out who is getting what. And are they knitworthy. That is a serious topic, Knitworthyness. And we will NOT be going into that today.

Today's post has come and some books I had ordered have arrived. I have been ordering a lot of things of late, but one of the books I have been really hanging out for is this one

I ordered it from Dianne's Knitting Yarns in the UK. This book is awesome for beginner knitters to use their beginning pieces all the toys in the book are made from basic garter stitch pieces. I think my Little Person is going to MENTAL over this books there are heaps of patterns, food toys Halloween things (which she is unusually obsessive about, being Australian and all) I think I will need to whip out the hot glue gun and googly eyes soonish. And they are quick little pieces for the not quite so beginners to make fun things.

I also have a new toy winging it's way from the Strauch workshop. A jumbo ballwinder. I can't get here too soon as far as I am concerned. I have been tracking its progress around the world.. I just want it HERE so I can play with it. All I need to do now is stamp my foot for a good tanny.

Well I suppose, I should crack on with my day. I hope get you some fibre time, or maybe some knitercise!
Have a great one
Chantelle.

Back to School Tomorrow!

2011-10-02T11:36:00.000+10:00

I have loved having the little person home, and she has been having a great holiday, we did lots of stuff, but I think it is good that it is back to school tomozipan. One thing that we did, that was completely unexpected was a knitting lesson, the little person is 6 and last time we had a knitting lesson, she got so frustrated she had a tanty and snapped her ducky knitting needles, I realised that was about a year ago. So when she demanded her lesson Thursday arvo, I thought "Give her the cheap needles" noo... I though "Ok, its worth another try". Well much to her happiness and mine, we had a "by Jove I think she's got it moment" We started with a row I had cast on and I knit the next row, then LP took over and she has done a row or two everyday since. I can tell you that there are worse ways to wake up than having your LP tapping you saying help me get my knitting started at 6.00AM grrrr lol.

So whats cooking for this week? I am going to give my knitting machines a once over, its been a good few months since they were last used. I have finished off the Mooloolaba Shells I was working on in hand painted silk, and I am halfway through another on in Bamboo Cotton (this one is for me..YAY) I have a couple of little projects that I want to get finished up, a sparkly top for the LP, some socks for DH, I have a couple of commissions coming up, so I want to clear off the deck a bit. I am also ironing uniforms (ugh) and other school things for the LP for tomorrow.

Have a great week and get some Fiber into your day!

Cables and Lace Throw Workshop

2011-09-22T13:23:00.000+10:00

We had the Crochet and Cables Workshop with Lindel, Flossy and Colleen.. I had such a great time! We looked at how to crochet cables and lace which was a lot of fun. The ladies worked really hard to learn the new techniques, but I think that they had a good time. By the end of the day we had covered reading patterns, crocheting cables and lace in both American and english patterns.

This is the ladies working really hard.

I am still busily working on the Mooloolaba Shells for my good friend (secret squirrel). I am getting ready to start my next project. I am a little bit torn over what I want to make next. I am tossing up between

this one is the Peppercorn

and the other one that I am thinking of it

City Chic, I like it with the big buttons

I will probably end up making both, I can never have enough cover tops lol. But I just can't decide on which to do first.

Have a great week and I will chat more next week!
Happy Crocheting!

Mooloolaba Shells, We all need one!

2011-09-11T09:02:00.000+10:00

Earlier this year while on our family holiday I made myself a Mooloolaba Shells Top designed by the ever talented Jenny King from Jenny King Designs. It is the BEST thing I think that I have made for myself I wear it alot, so much that I have now started another one in a dark rich brown Bamboo Cotton Blend called Lotus Bamboo DK, I have used this yarn for another project and thought, now I need to make something for me with it.

I wore my gorgeous Olive Mooloolaba Shells to the Qld Spinners camp in July this year and Charly the powerhouse behind Ixchelbunny was enjoying the sun with us this year, she seemed to like it, so I offered to make her one. Charly dyes the most gorgeous colourways and low and behold not long after camp a package arrived on my doorstep. It was a huge 350g of pure silk in a 4ply hand painted by Charly for her own Mooloolaba Shells. I am working away on Charly's Shells, and don't want to put a pic up until she has hers in her hands, so in the meantime you can check out mine, this one has been well loved (maybe a little too much)

If you have any garments that you would like for me to crochet for you, please let me know, use the comments area.

Or you could have a crochet lesson so that you could learn to make these pieces for yourself.

Get some fibre into your Universe!

Busy Busy Busy

2011-09-06T18:23:00.000+10:00

Well I am hooking up a storm, working on some pretties. Just need to sew up the arms and shoulders on a Kauni Cardigan, I am making it in the most beautiful yarn, called Autumn wind, you have to try to get your hands onto some even just to pat it!

I started a lesson with a new student who I thought was going to be a beginner, the second she picked up the hook and yarn I knew, this isn't a beginner! Wrapped the yarn around her fingers like and old pro. Muscle Memory is amazing, she told me that she hasn't picked up a hook in 20 odd years and before that was never a major crocheter had just done a couple of things. Well she can add one more to her list

In about an hour and a half she has made herself a gorgeous coin purse, her plan is more purple things! (please ignore the alpaca filled rubbish bags in the background...alpaca...must spin alpaca) And for those of you in the know, this is my Mum. Really, I would have thought that Mum and I would have had a crochet discussion by now, but we hadn't. Well now we have, and her next visit she wants to make more things. I think she may have caught the bug, maybe just a teensy bit.

Bethania Community Centre, Station Road Bethania
(cross the train lines and it is next door to the pool)
Every Wednesday
$10 per 2 hour session

9.30am - 11.30am Beginner Knitting
12.30pm - 2.30pm Beginner Crochet

Supplies: You are welcome to bring your own 8ply yarn, hooks and needles, or I have some available at a low cost.

Welcome Yarncraftgallery readers

2011-09-05T09:44:00.000+10:00

I know it has been a long time between posts, but I have been very very busy, setting up Fiberific!

So I am moving blogs so please change you links to www.fiberific.blogspot.com

I have been very busy teaching lots of lovely people Knitting and crochet, come check out Fiberific! for times details and even some photo's of the brave ones!

Hope to see you soon
Chantelle.

Fibreific Is Up and Running!!

2011-09-01T07:55:00.000+10:00

Well hello there, this is the first of what I hope to be many posts, keep us all updated on what is happening here at Fibertific. Fiberific is a fun word isn't it? Fiberific....FIBERIFIC!! Thats it keep on saying it! We love fibres and everything that can be done with them spinning, dyeing, knitting, crocheting, felting, weaving you name it, if it is fibre related we want in on it!!

A little bit about me, ok.... I am a crochet addict, I love crochet the best (see favoritism already lol) It is my first craft so it holds a special place. A few years ago I learned to knit in the continental style, this opened up the knitting world to me, before that I was a scarf only girl. I now see a knitting pattern I love and instead of groaning, I add it to me ever increasing queue, or worse cast on and add it to the pile of WIPS (work in progress). In July I attended the first ever Craft Yarn Council Teach the Teacher Program, in Australia. This is the first course to be run outside of the United States. So having undertaken both Knitting and Crochet Certified Instructors Program, I have been having a blast teaching. Initially I have been teaching privately in my home, but I want to teach more people so I am starting up a couple of beginners groups, details will be a bit further down. I also pattern test, tech edit and some production work for the lovely ladies at Jenny King Designs on the Sunshine Coast.

Each week I will write up what I have been doing and what I have been working on and what classes and workshops are on.

So lets get the show on the Road.

This week, I have been madly organising a venue for my Beginner classes and the lovely booking staff at the Bethania Community Centre have been extremely helpful.

So new Classes info.. ready for it.

Bethania Community Centre, Station Road Bethania (cross the train lines and it is next door to the pool)
Every Wednesday
$10 per 2 hour session

9.30am - 11.30am Beginner Knitting
12.30pm - 2.30pm Beginner Crochet

Supplies: You are welcome to bring your own 8ply yarn, hooks and needles, or I have some available at a low cost.

I have also been invited to run a workshop at Queensland Spinners We will be learning about crochet cables and lace, and make a cushion cover using these techniques. For more information and booking details look here.

Queensland Spinners Weavers and Fibre Artists, 12 Payne Street Auchenflower
Sunday 18th September 9am -4pm
Queensland Spinners Website has the supply list.

Get your fibre on! Have a great week!
Chantelle.

I feel like a crocheting Energiser Bunny

2011-02-18T20:52:00.000+10:00

I just keep going and going and going, but it feels like I have finished nothing, and that is because I haven't finished anything since the discovery socks.
On the hook right now, is the Cables and Lace throw, I am finishing off the final few squares and crocheting it together, I am very happy with how it is looking and can't wait until I have some photos to post. I am working on some other bits and bobs when I need a break, more details on those coming.
On the needles I have another pair of socks from the Charlene Schurch Book "Sensational Knitted Socks" The Baby Cables, which have been fun to work on, just not getting much time for them at the moment.

Last Friday I had a great day out with my husband, started off with a visit to the newly renamed "Yarn Over" formerly American yarns you can find them here at www.yarnover.com.au. I bought a new hand bag, a gorgeous Namaste Zuma in Red, I love it so much!

While there I also found myself unable to leave without a couple of balls of Mini Mochi in Berry Compote

And then just as I was about to leave I realised that in stock was a book I had been on the hunt for, it happens to be a sock book... I know shocking isn't it! More Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch.

Now I just need to get some time to play with my new toys! Thanks for a great time at Yarn Over, Gabrielle, next time I hope I will get more time to chat!

My Discovery Socks

2011-02-04T18:17:00.000+10:00

Discovery socks? These are from "Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Kniters"by Cat Bordhi. I have made the discovery socks which means I now have a template that I can use to make me the perfect fit socks for my size 7 wide feet. I love them so much they are very comfy and while I have cast on another pair of socks, I can't wait to go back and use my new template. For this pair I have used Ixchelbunny sock yarn, wool and angora. All I can say is "do yourself a favour, and get some yarn from www.ixchelbunny.blogspot.com, you won't regret it, I promise"

Socks Are DONE!!

2011-01-15T18:39:00.000+10:00

This is one thing to tick of my must do list. Completed, ends tied in, ready to wash and wear. DH seems happy with, I think he is just glad that there are 2 of them. Like lots of other people, it is easy to not want to get the 2nd sock done. As these were done in worsted weight they were finished a lot quicker than I expected.

I was gifted some lovely patonyle in Bue for Christmas in July. My treat once I have completed my must do's is to cast on socks for me.

The socks is not all I have done, I have also finished another couple of sqaures for my Cable and Lace throw, there will be no sneeky pics for this one, but I will get shots up once it is all finished.

How are you going on your WIP list? Is it bigger than Ben Hur?

My Crafting Goals so far....

2011-01-08T18:05:00.000+10:00

I have a few wips (works in progress) on the needles and hooks. So my crafting goals mostly are to do with clearing out the old, so I can come in with the New!

1. Finish the Cable and Lace Throw, for my Crochet Workshop in April. If you are interested in coming to the workshop or any of the other workshops offered by Queensland Spinners Weavers and Fibre Artisit, Check out this link. Photo's coming soon.

2. Tims Socks, which I started on the 2 Jan 2011 and got the first one done by the 3rd of Jan, now no heart attacks please, I am using worsted weight yarn, 10ply Luxury from Bendigo Woollen Mills, I am by no means a fast knitter.

3. Abbie's version of the Shortie Sweater, an awesome pattern I am using Moda Vera Ballroom, a seriously sequiny yarn in hot pink, 5 year old girl special LOL. I only have to sew up 1 side and crochet the sleeves onto it, a nights work, but not quite high on the priorities list.

4. Finish Weaving my tea towels, my very first weaving project, my good friend Karen helped me to warp up at the Annual Spinners Camp back in July 2010, and I have not done much on it, but I want my tea towels, and I would love to return Karens Loom sometime this century. I am sure she would appreciate that too.

5. Finish Spinning the Optim so that I can ply it with some of the lovely Ixchelbunny Super Angorino fibre that I have already spun, so that I can free up some bobbins. I really think that 6 is not enough, I may have to purchase more.....

Well who has been a blog slacker..... That would be ME!

2011-01-07T12:37:00.000+10:00

Well, it is amazing what gets "not done" when DD5 is home on school holidays. And it feels like pretty much nothing has been done. So I am sitting in the quiet of my home, DD5 having a little nap (very unusual for her) and realised that it has been too long since my last update.

Christmas has been and gone. I did not really make too many pressies this year, I was a little time poor and hit the shops. We did get DD5's bedroom renovated and refurnished, it is now more of a girls room than a baby room.

But I did make this one for my lovely little neice, it is the Shortie Sweater by Lisa van Klaveren Designs, you can buy it from her etsy store here or from ravelry . For this one I used Yarn Bee Down to Earth 55% Acrylic/45% Cotton

Pretty as a Princess Finished!!

2010-11-15T11:02:00.000+10:00

As you can see, I changed a couple of the colour choices as I went, dropped the dark purple and added a lovely blue. I made this using www.bendigowoollenmills.com.au cotton 4 ply and a 3.75mm hook.

I loved making this and hope that Abbie wears it, as I would love to make more.

Pretty As A Princess

2010-11-15T10:57:00.000+10:00

I am using the Jenny King Pattern Pretty as a Princess, this pattern is awesome value, it has sizes for girls aged 2-14 years old and 4 different styles of edges. I am using the pattern for age 6-7 year old. With the bobble edging. So all pieces made, ready to assemble. Oh pattern is available here http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pretty-as-a-princess

Ok got it all assembled, ready for edging, trying to work out colours

These are the colours Abbie chose. As you will see the finished garment went slightly different, I used a lovely blue instead of the dark purple and didn't use the other pink at all.

The Mystery Round Pillow

2010-11-12T15:39:00.000+10:00

I still have a couple of tops and things of that sort to pop up here. I am waiting on a yarn order, I am designing a new blanket for a workshop in April at QSW&FA. More details are coming. But instead of not starting anything new, I am gonna have a look at the cushion my DD teacher bought at a thrift shop. I can't seem to find the pattern, so I am just going to reverse engineer it. If you have any ideas where to look for the pattern let me know!

Derek Bag

2010-11-11T13:21:00.000+10:00

Derek bag was made as a swap gift. The pattern is available from ravelry.com.

Surprise Jacket for Baby

2010-11-11T13:20:00.000+10:00

Surprise Jacket for Baby, was made as a gift for one of my daughters friends newborn little brother. I used Jenny Kings pattern, which is available from Ravelry.com or jennykingdesigns.com. I used Bendigo woollen mills 100% wool.

Phoebe Jane Vest

2010-11-11T13:10:00.000+10:00

I have now made 3 Phoebe Jane vests, 2 as commissions and 1 for me. I realised I only have photo's of this one. I used 100% Dk from Spotlight and 4.5mm hook. This pattern is available for $6.99USD either from Ravelry.com or Jennykingdesigns.com

Harlequin Shawl

2010-11-11T13:09:00.000+10:00

The Harlequin Shawl pattern was so lovely to use, the Kauni Rainbow came up beautifully, I am very happy with this one! I will work on getting a photo with it not in blocking wires.

Inca Jacket

2010-11-11T13:04:00.000+10:00

Inca Jacket, designed by Jenny King I love this top, used New Zealand Wool Te Awa Wool 14ply and a 12mm Hook. I worked this up in 3 days.

Seraphina Shawl

2010-11-11T13:01:00.000+10:00

Seraphina Shawl came from the mind of Doni . I made this one for my mum, 100% Australian wool from Bendigo woollen mills. This one took some time but was so very worth it.

Love Me Mary Janes

2010-11-11T12:51:00.000+10:00

These beauties where made as a pattern test for Theresa Grant I used sockweight yarn that I had dyed using food colouring. Love the marled effect of the dye, These Love me Mary Janes, still get popped on little feet to run about the house in.

Soft Serve

2010-11-11T12:47:00.000+10:00

Doris Chan Soft Serve is published in her book Everyday Crochet. I made 1 small change for my Soft Serve, I do not like ties, so I left them off. I love how you many sizes are available for Doris' patterns, makes them available to nearly everyone!

All Shawl

2010-11-11T12:45:00.000+10:00

Doris Chan has many wonderful patterns and is also very generous, she has made the All Shawl a free download. My Silver All shawl was made with a few modifications, mostly becuase I ran out of yarn, it made a lovely shoulder wrap for my friend who it went home with. My little model was very dissappointed when she realised that she didn't get to keep this one.

Pastel Rainbow Teacosy

2010-11-11T12:40:00.000+10:00

This teacosy was created due to necessity, I had no teacosy to keep the tea....cosy.... If you are interested in this pattern please let me know. I used Spotlight Harmony and 4mm hook.

Wineberry Meret

2010-11-11T12:36:00.000+10:00

My lovely model has on a handknit pattern from Woolie Wormhead 'Meret'. It is a free pattern, it was so lovely to make, this one was made for the Pink Table at the QSW&FA Open day in 2009. I used Bendigo woollen mills Rustic in the colour Wineberry. Hence Wineberry Meret.

Cerric The Horse

2010-11-11T12:31:00.000+10:00

Cerric the Horse is a pattern test for Inner Child Crochet using the Sweet Little Horse Pattern. This pattern is available for purchase. My Daughter loves her horse, and named him Cerric, I have no knowledge where she got the idea from, but it seems to suit him, don't you think? I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease and 3.5mm hook.

Diamond Hat

2010-11-11T12:24:00.000+10:00

I made this Diamond ridge hat for my Mum for her birthday. I used Diamond Ridges by Kristy Ashmore. And 100% Australian wool from Bendigo woollen Mills.

Knotty Pines Scarf

2010-11-11T12:20:00.000+10:00

The Knotty Pines scarf was made as a pattern test for Rachel van der Hoek, it has gorgeous texture and the pattern had excellent photo tutorial. Loved making this and will make another one soon. I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease and a 4.50mm hook.

L'il Red Bag

2010-11-11T12:13:00.000+10:00

I was given a copy of Encyclopedia of Crochet Techniques by Jan Eaton as a Birthday present from my best friend, this little bag is the first thing I made out of it, another handy resource to have.

Purple Round Ripple

2010-11-11T11:20:00.000+10:00

The first week of December 2006 I finally decided on what I was going to do for my mum for Christmas, a Round Ripple Afghan. I knew it was a herculean task when I decided to do it, but somehow I managed to make a queen sized Purple Round Ripple afghan in 3 weeks. Lets say I didn't crochet for about a month after this as my hand was very sore. I got it washed, dried, wrapped and under the tree 1 hour before my my mum came to visit, and she did all the right oohs and ahhhs it deserved, I felt very content that afternoon. The pattern I used was from Sew on Fire Ministries for a baby afghan, I used various DK weight acrylics and a 4.5mm hook.

Rainbow Cardi

2010-11-11T11:15:00.000+10:00

I made the Rainbow Cardi using an old baby pattern, I used a much thicker yarn, and larger hook to get it to fit my then 2 year old. She is now 5 and it still fits as a little bolero.

Piggy Beanie

2010-11-11T11:10:00.000+10:00

The Piggy Beanie was made for my new nephew, I bought the pattern from Crochetroo's Etsy Shop. It was a lot of fun to make and really how cute is it!! I used Spotlight Acrylic and 4.5mm hook

Solomons Knots wrap

2010-11-11T11:04:00.000+10:00

I made this wrap of Solomons Knots or Lover Knots for My Mum. Purple is her favourite colour in the whole wide world, so I made it in some Purpley Grey (can't see much purple here, but it really was there) mohair acrylic.

Peonie Duffle Bag

2010-11-11T10:54:00.000+10:00

The Peonie Duffle Bag is based on the pattern designed by C L Halvorson. I did make a fairly major change, instead of using the Daisy square pattern, I went with the Peonie pattern, which I found in 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton. I find Jan Eatons instructions to be really clear and very pretty, this is my go to book when I am making throws and afghans.

Bunny in a Dress

2010-11-11T10:48:00.000+10:00

Bunny in a Dress was made at my daughters request, bunny now has a couple of dresses, all the same, but using different colours and different buttons. The pattern for Bunny in a dress is found in Mr Funky's Super Crochet Wonderful, by Narumi Ogawa

The Stylin' Tote Bag

2010-11-11T10:32:00.000+10:00

The Stylin' Tote Bag
Crocheted as a pattern test for Cathy Phillips of Caps Crochet
Made of Lion Brand Cotton Solid. I really enjoyed making this bag.

The first of Many

2010-11-11T09:33:00.000+10:00

I am a prolific crocheter. There I have said it. I love to crochet, knit, spin and dye, I have found that short of giving people a link to my flikr account or get people to join Ravelry.com (which I think anyone and everyone who likes yarn craft should do) I had no way of showing my completed crochet garments and bits and bobs.

So Gallery of Yarn craft has been born.