On my hook...

I have been quietly crocheting away at any and every opportunity which unfortunately for me hasn't been as much as I would like.  We are slowly getting back into a routine now that school has returned, so here is a little peak at what I've been doing.

...this lovely little pixie hat for the wee one, done in a pretty shell stitch.  I ADORE this stitch - it's so lovely and repetitive, and so so pretty.  I also did some leg warmers for her in the same colour and shell stitch, but sadly I underestimated the chunkiness of her thighs.  I had to unravel them as they were WAY too small.  Would you look at those cheeks??  A babe with cheeks like that AND a pink bonnet - it doesn't get any sweeter for me. (Did you notice that I put her hat on upside down in the last photo.  The scalloped edge is supposed to be at the front - oops!)

I have started on a cot/pram blanket in a lovely ripple pattern.  My little sister is due to have her third babe in June and I have several friends due in August/September so my plan is to have a few small blankets done in different colours and patterns.  I'm loving the browns and blues in this one and the ripple pattern is another favourite stitch.

I have had a skein of Alpaca wool sitting in my basket for a few months now.  It is the most divine earthy, autumny red, russet colour,  I love it.   It sat in my basket for a while because I just couldn't decide what to do with it.  I only had one skein of it, so I was a bit limited with choices.  In the end, I decided to do a simple double crochet cowl for myself.  When I finished it though, I just wasn't happy with it; it didn't seem to be long enough and the stitch just didn't seem to do the wool or the colour justice.  So, I unravelled it and did another cowl in a ribbed stitch.  Again, it just didn't look and feel right, so I unravelled it again.  It is sitting in my basket all rolled up, just waiting for me to something else.  Any suggestions with what I should do?  It's just too lovely a yarn to have sitting in my basket for too long.  Any suggestions would be most welcome!

tina x

A christening....

Last weekend we celebrated the christening of our two littlest ones...

It was a beautiful day, surrounded by our family, most of whom travelled long distances to be with us.

 There was lots of food ..... great conversation......

hubby's birthday ...... backyard cricket .... cake ....

and of course two beautiful little people ....

we are so very, very blessed.

tina xo

I actually didn't take my camera or phone to the church so I didn't get any pictures of the little ones at the christening service!  I am eagerly awaiting emails and pictures from family who were (thankfully) snapping away with their cameras at the church.

Op Shop Doilies and The Nappy Collective...

On our way back from the library today, the little man and I passed the local Op Shop where I found these little lovelies. I know I'm in the middle of frugal February but I figured they only cost me 50c each, are second hand and are destined to be up cycled into garlands, and stitched onto the front of t'shirts and dresses for the wee one.

I also picked up these two embroidery hoops for up cycling in Miss 'I's room.  I haven't decided on what I'll do with them yet, but I've been inspired by the clever ideas here.  Loving the doily and fabric covered ones.

....... And this lovely little beaten silver bowl (all of $1) which is now at home amongst the other succulents.

Just on a side note - all you mamas out there with leftover disposable nappies from your little ones and you don't know what to do with them - go and check out this site, The Nappy Collective.  A group of mamas have formed a website to collect all of these leftover nappies which are then given to families in crisis or in need.  Fabulous idea!! 

Hope you're having a great week,

Tina xx

Christening Bonnet

"It always seems impossible until it's done"

Nelson Mandela

I finished the 'practice' bonnet a few days ago.   I must say, I am rather chuffed with it.

It was about 7 months ago when I first saw this pattern and I immediately fell in love with it.   I had only just started crocheting, and I remember looking at it and wondering if I'd ever be able to make something so delicate and elaborate.  It looked very complicated and really not something that a beginner should attempt (I was still all thumbs if you know what I mean).  I printed out the pattern though and kept it in the back of my little project book.  When I started to get more confident with reading patterns I got it out again and the little symbols and abbreviations started to make sense.  I read it and re-read it until I could see the pattern forming in my minds eye and then I took the plunge.  It really was a simple pattern which didn't take all that long to work through.  I think that's why I love it; it's simple, feminine and beautiful.  

❤❤❤❤ I loved every minute of making it ❤❤❤❤  

I did intend to get a few photos of the said bonnet on Little Miss 'I', but it was very difficult to keep an almost 6 month old from moving around, particularly when mama has a very interesting clickety click thingy in her hand....

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For those of you who are interested I used a 4.5mm hook and 50% Acrylic/50% cotton in a light brown colour (Moda Vera 'Gelato').  The pattern can be found here at Aesthetic Nest.   The bonnet is a bit big for Little 'I' but I'll adjust my tension and maybe use a 4mm hook.  Although, the rate she is growing each day it will fit her by March!

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Have a great weekend,

Tina xx

Christmas Reindeer

Whenever we have travelled overseas I have brought home a Christmas decoration for our tree.  We have a wood candy cane from the ancient redwood forest near San Francisco, a blue and white Snowman from Belgium, and our Christmas star is made by a silversmith in San Diego, USA.  I love that our tree tells a story.   Once upon a time the decorations on the tree were all the same, usually balls of the same colour.  It was pretty, but now our tree is full of little stories from our life; our travel souvenirs and decorations made by the children each year.   They are all different sizes, shapes and colours.  It is very us and I love it. 

I have been looking for a Christmas reindeer for some time to add to our story.  Not just any reindeer though.  Nothing too sparkly or shiny, too precious or delicate.  I haven't been able to find the 'right' one.   Today as I was Christmas shopping I saw the perfect little reindeer in a window.    She is beautiful.   I love her sweet, gentle face.   She sits on our cupboard like she has always been a part of our family.  

As I was paying for her I saw this gorgeous little owl too.  It's made of glass and the surface looks aged.  Well, I just couldn't leave him there.  Isn't he lovely??

Although these new additions haven't come from far away lands, they form part of our story; when I get them out each year I will remember that they joined us the year my fourth babe was born ..... a most wonderful year indeed.