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 ...