My Wellington

After a wild, stormy night on Monday - Wellington has said goodbye to the horrid weather and hello to some beautiful summer days. We had a fabulous afternoon at one of Wellington's prettiest spots, Oriental Bay. The beach is still showing the remains of the storm, lots of seaweed washed up on the sand but all we cared about was playing in the warm weather. My little ones rode their bikes then stopped to have a paddle in the sea. Oriental Parade is an amazing place to spend an afternoon. I love people-watching and this is a great place to do it!

Granny Square Update

Nearly there! I have one more row to crochet together then I can get onto the border - yay. So close but yet so far. I still love looking at this blanket - the colours make me smile. I have treated myself to some gorgeous new wool in one of the Boxing Day sales so I'm itching to get started on a new project. So I'd better get a wriggle on and finish this one!

Teeny Tiny Christmas Stockings

I am so in love with these adorable tiny Christmas stockings. These were so much fun to make. My 3 year old patiently sat at the table with me, handing me each piece as I needed it. We had a double doorway that was screaming out for something to keep the wreath company and these are just the ticket. I don't think I'll want to take them down after Christmas though - they're to cute!

Handmade 2011

My gorgeous friend told me about this last week and while I was at Craft 2.0 (our fabulous local craft event) I saw a stall with all the information about it. I absolutely can't wait to find out more about the line up of workshops, lectures etc. Roll on next Queen's Birthday weekend so I can go along and learn some new things!

Steam Train Cake

We were out finishing off our Christmas shopping this morning when my I found a fantastic steam train cake mould. My wee boy is mad about trains so this was a must-have purchase. Here it is, laid out briefly for a quick pic as there were two small folk standing beside me begging to each a whole carriage each! They didn't even want to wait for icing. Next time I'll have to bake them at night so I can actually get them nice and even and with icing! So cute.

Feeling Festive

After a fabulous girly dinner last night we went for a drive along beautiful Oriental Parade as there was 'something' happening at No. 190. A mysterious postcard had arrived in our letterbox telling us to visit so we had to check it out. As we drove around the bay we were absolutely blown away by that 'something'. A whole house was lit up with thousands of lights - it was incredible. The colours kept changing and bursts of colour appeared above the house like fireworks. Today is the last day of school and kindy for the year so as a treat I am letting my small people stay up late tonight so we can take a drive, in their pyjamas, to look at No. 190. I think little faces will be amazed at what they are going to see!

Cute Cowl

I found this pattern on Ravelry (Convertible Cowl by JustessDesigns) and had to have a go. You can also find the details on her fabulous blog http://thecrimsonowl.blogspot.com. I have made it in beautiful NZ pure wool but my timing is a bit off as we have just started summer in my part of the world. I couldn't wait until winter to make it! I'll just have to wait about 4-5 months before it gets cold enough to wear it. It was so quick to make - about 2 and a bit hours from start to finish - so I can see a few more of these being made for gifts all ready for next year.

The joining of squares begins ...

Yay - I have finally made enough granny squares to start crocheting them together. It's been a bit of game trying to get them in the right order so I thought it easiest to lay them on a blanket then roll it up at the end of the night. When it came to joining them I unfolded the blanket on the dining table and started the crochet seams. It was so much easier having it all neat and tidy right in front of me. I think Bella has decided she quite likes this blanket as she decided to keep me company while I did it. I know - it's a bit gross having the cat on the table but I had to forgive her as she knows she's allowed to sleep wherever there's a blanket - poor thing was utterly confused! Only a few more seams to go then it's the big decision ... what sort of edging to do.

Granny Square Update

A quick progress shot! I am bursting to get this blanket finished now so that I can move on to my next project. Now it's just a case of making another pile of squares then doing the puzzle of making the colours fit next to each other without clashing. Now where's that crochet hook ...

More strawberries!

This chocolate fudge cake is amazing and more than just a little bit dangerous. I try and tell myself that if I cover it in fruit then it's actually good for me! We had friends and family around for dinner during the week and to celebrate my brother's upcoming birthday I had to make this cake. It only gets made a few times a year as it needs to be eaten by lots of people rather than just me. Simply divine.

Our first strawberry

There were squeals of delight from Miss J this morning when she spotted the very first ripe strawberry in our patch. We only just managed to get a picture of it before it was devoured. We have planted about 30 plants already, so from here on in it's snacks in the garden for all. Last year the children ate most of them before the grown ups got a look in, so hopefully with all the extra plants we might get to sample some too! Yum.

Spring flowers

I absolutely adore gerberias and lilies. I have had these beautiful flowers in a vase for a week so thought I'd better grab a quick pic before they are well and truly past their best. Mother Nature is just amazing isn't she. Everytime I take a close look at these I am in awe. The detail is fantastic.

It has been officially hot today - long may it continue on the road to Summer which is just around the corner in my part of the world. I sat in the sun for a hour this morning making more granny squares. It was absolute bliss.

Our lovely lazy lunch

Yum. What a treat for a lazy Sunday lunch. Scones hot from the oven with beautiful fresh strawberries bought at the market this morning. Hungry little fingers wait in the background!

Granny Square Blanket

I am now officially addicted to making these squares! I'm hoping it will look a little like a patchwork quilt with a mixture of small and large squares when I'm finished. My kids love playing "which one is your favourite" with the squares. So colourful and cheery.

My first jar cover

Thank you Lucy from attic24 for being so inspirational and showing me how to make this adorable little jar cover. It makes me cheerful every time I look at it! I can't wait to make more of these lovely little covers.

Black Wool Crochet Shrug

This gorgeous crochet shrug was made using a Mary Jane Hall pattern. It's fab!! It's hard to believe it's crocheted - it looks like a rib knit. Crocheted in back loop only - I'm hooked - literally!