tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22907093333591709462024-03-13T09:54:33.874-07:00Jo.Knit.SewJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-31096441439962188012013-04-30T06:00:00.001-07:002013-04-30T06:00:41.967-07:00Bootie MayhemIt seems like a long time ago I did anything other than crochet booties, I am really not the most organised person but at least try to fake it! My sister is having a baby in a couple of weeks and I really want to make something for them, my niece is 6 next week and still I want to make something for her - maybe a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/silversage" target="_blank">silversage</a> to go with a little peasant dress??<br />
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In the meantime, bootie orders keep coming in - I've managed to pay for our ferry in the summer from my business account, so I know that all this crochet actually has a tangible outcome! I'm really grateful for all the people that have ordered and while it can be a bit repetitive I have no inclination to stop making them any time soon!<br />
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In amongst the booties has been a couple of sewing projects. Sewing is so gratifying, it happens quickly (in comparison to yarn crafts!) and the results are great. One of my regular customers needed a crayon roll and a girl from Alice's birth board wanted a cross back dress in the Magical Garden Flower Fairy fabric by Michael Miller - it's such beautiful fabric I could fill my house with it. Not that the husband would approve however - he says it's a bit 'Mildred'<br />
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<br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-67108056881312268482013-04-19T08:26:00.000-07:002013-04-19T08:26:04.766-07:00Busy Busy BusyFeel like I've had my head stuck in the craft sand recently, busy busy busy -which, I'm sure you can imagine is a GOOD thing for a WAHM to be. <div>
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Booties have been flying out the door faster than hot cakes. I think I've done 10 -15 pairs this month and more being ordered near enough every day. Some of the yarns I've used have really looked gawjus made in to booties and I'm glad that people seem to like the yarns I already have in stock.</div>
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There's been the odd hat too!</div>
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I'm expanding my skill set to include yarn dyeing at the moment, which to date has meant dyeing my own yarn to use for Dino Sling Rider booties. I'm hoping that now the holidays are over there'll be sufficient nap time (someone needs to tell my daughter about naps) to do more and more yarn dyeing, it's fun, and you mess with chemicals and stuff - crafty geekery at it's best! </div>
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Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-75858544832885536792013-04-08T07:54:00.001-07:002013-04-08T07:54:55.362-07:00More Sling RidersThe orders for sling rider bootees are still coming thick and fast which is great. Here's the latest batch which are awaiting buttons and sending off to their new feet!<br />
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I had a slight problem last week as we were away visiting family and Miss Alice came down with yet another ear infection and then got a sickness bug :( poor baby girl. I spent most of 3 days holding her while she tried to sleep it off so things went a lot slower than I'd hoped, but I'm back up to speed again now (as us Alice thankfully!) <br />
<br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-13830028568618532432013-03-31T07:33:00.004-07:002013-03-31T07:33:35.410-07:00Sling RidersSo, what was a quick request to make some booties suitable for use in a sling has turned into a craze! Yay for crocheted booties!!<br />
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See, loads of booties!</div>
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<br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-66978804259037270242013-01-31T06:46:00.001-08:002013-01-31T06:46:27.846-08:00Here we go againI was thinking about the blog the other day and realised that it had been an absolute AGE since I'd updated it. I could make all sorts of excuses but I won't. I'm pretty shoddy at keeping up and an ad hoc posting schedule (see, even the word schedule sends shivers down my spine!) is evidently what works bets for me!<br />
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It seems like an age since I was doing the embroidery I posted about last, I found it really therapeutic and since then have got a few more hoops for more embroidery for Miss Alice's bedroom. Her owl applique is still ongoing, just need to do the eyes but have been procrastinating too much.<br />
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I have had a peek through my photo's since the beginning of December and there's lots I have completed. Christmas has been and gone, we went on lots of woodland walks, and I've even finished (and submitted...scary) my first ever tax return!<br />
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I finished the tea cosy I'd been working on for ages. It was my first stranded knitting project and was defnitely worth the hassle of those tangled wool moments, I also managed to FINALLY knit up some sock yarn I had from the lovely Jill at Knittybots. It was a custom dyed gradient yarn that I asked for and I have knit a lovely Kuura shawl from it. I haven't blocked it yet however - must find time for that! My sister was the recipient of the purple Route Call Cowlette (pattern and yarn from Michelle at Woolly Wumpkins) and the apron and squirrel embroidery went to my lovely friend Jo as a secret squirrel Christmas Gift. I got some lovely stitch markers and a sewing book from my secret squirrel. I love the whole secret gifting thing. Such fun!<br />
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Until next time, get your craft on!<br />
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<br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-75674246217335514082012-11-30T07:46:00.002-08:002012-11-30T07:46:44.728-08:00I might be a little bit in lovewith hand embroidery....<div>
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Seriously! It's awesome, get yourself a hoop, some thread and go go go. I'm in a little gift exchange with some pretty lovely friends of mine, we have a very close affinity with squirrels and I found this fabric which I am in the middle of embellishing with hand embroidery.</div>
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I love it, like totally love it. I can envisage myself doing this for years, until my eyesight fails and my hands are too arthritic to use a needle. Of course I will be curled up under some crocheted blankets by a real log fire.</div>
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Christmas is here pretty much, I need to dig out the mini stocking advent calender I made a couple of years age and find some gold coins to go in it. I love it when the house starts to get all decorated and festive. I haven't been able to find an advent candle this years so far, I'll have to look this weekend and hope that there's one out there. I love advent and everything that goes along with it, we thought about going to the Advent service at our nearest cathedral, but I think the children are just a little bit too young. Maybe in a couple of years. </div>
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I was checking the fabric stash in the week and found a fat quarter bundle I'd bought last January, I have always wanted some Christmas bunting in the conservatory and this time I think I've finally got the size of flags right, (nb. LOVE my rotary cutter and mat!). I think I'll make some more soon, it's so satisfying.</div>
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We have a rope light all round the conservatory in a little groove thing. I think it looks lovely reflecting off the roof :o)</div>
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Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-631166783841620762012-11-18T10:20:00.000-08:002012-11-18T10:20:14.293-08:00What to do when your yarn takes over the loungeWell, that's the question I pondered last week as I looked down the side of my chair and saw LOTS of woolly goodness. My husband was getting slightly alarmed at the mess (and probably the amount of yarn I seem to have acquired) so I thought I ought to do something about storage. Most of it is yarn in use, or yarn have just finished with so it's kind of separate from the main yarn box (I'm not painting my yarn stash hoarding habits in a good light here am I?). A quick browse on Pinterest and found it, the perfect yarn box. I delved in my fabric stash (fairly large, but not in a room take over kind of way) and whizzed up this little beauty. It matches my project bag too - Hurrah for IKEA Rosali fabric and it's yummy floral cheapness!<br />
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The tutorial I used to make it can be found <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=204022.0" target="_blank">here</a>. My box is 10 inches square, it's so easy and obviously I need to make another one judging by the picture!<br />
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In hooky news I have been making a couple of Owl hats for customers, this is one of my favourites. I love the sleepy eyed look and loooong beak!<br />
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And I finally finished Alice's hummingbird longies, they look lovely knitted up and she wore them to a party last week (pre-lanolising) so they've already been out in public.<br />
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I'm also part way through a Mystery knit-a-long on Ravelry. It's being done through <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/anadiomenas-adventures" target="_blank">this group</a> and s by designer <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/elena-nodel" target="_blank">Elena Nodel</a>. She has designed some beautiful things, I particularly love <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wild-vanilla" target="_blank">Wild Vanilla</a>. I think one of those will be perfect for Miss Alice in the spring! Here's a picture of the MKAL so far after clue 3!<br />
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<br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-11244486908137211752012-11-06T08:27:00.002-08:002012-11-06T08:27:54.661-08:00More HooplaI've started Alice's hoopy thingy for her newly decorated bedroom. I think it's going to be lovely (but I <i>may </i>be slightly bias). She has owl wallpaper on one wall so I took inspiration from that (for inspiration read traced) and decided to do the main bit in felt, and some little embellishments in hand embroidery. I really need to learn some embroidery stitches, so this will be my project for doing that!<br />
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<a href="http://www.needlenthread.com/tips-techniques">This whole site</a> has some pretty comprehensive tutorials on it, so I think I'll use that as my reference and generally wing it.<br />
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Alice's Hummingbird longies are knitting up nicely too, the pooling could be better, but part of what I love about variegated wool is that you never really know how it's going to knit up.<br />
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There's a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/pooled-knits">group on Ravelry</a> for pooled knits, some of the examples are amazing. Some are not so, but really, what's not to love about anything hand knitted? Oh, you need to see the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/for-the-love-of-ravelry/708992/1-25">Ugliest FO thread!</a> Hobby craft have 3 for 2 on all their yarns at the moment, with that in mind I just bought some Sirdar Click to join in a Mystery KAL on Ravelry, hopefully it'll look nice. With my 2 free balls I bought some Click Chunky, I might make a hat for me with it, what do you think of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/capucine">Capucine</a>?<br />
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Anyway, best get my craft on!<br />
<br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-65653876249284308072012-11-03T08:48:00.001-07:002012-11-03T08:48:49.929-07:00Hurray for HooplaI am a little bit obsessed with hoopla these days. For those of you who don't know what hoopla is you are in for a TREAT! You know those wooden embroidery hoops? Well, take those hoops, mix them with quality fabrics, cute designs and hand embroidery and you pretty much have hoopla.<br />
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I just started following a million hoopla boards on Pinterest, look at this one - awesome, non?</div>
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I'm desperate to do one for Alice's bedroom, she has Owl wallpaper and if you've looked at my <a href="http://pinterest.com/joosyjo/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>recently you'll have seen a million pins for her room, there might be a few over there on the sidebar --->> (love being able to put my Pinterest feed her on the blog, tres handy)</div>
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There's a lovely one <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/99780907/owl-nursery-wall-hanging-applique-owl-on" target="_blank">here on Etsy</a> that I like, but I want something more. I think I need some embroidered lettering too, I'm not sure what though. I'll keep you all updated with what I decide though (I do know the backing will be a pink gingham!) and I hope you get bitten by the hoopla bug too, I surely can't be alone in that?!</div>
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In the meantime, I've been knitting up some super cheap Red Heart yarn I got from Sainsbury's, it was reduced to about £1.30/100g and 3 balls has made a tunic for Alice and a teeny tiny Granny Square blanket (it won't stay that way, I just need to buy more!). </div>
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Next on the list is some more longies for Alice using some gorgeous yarn I got from Jill at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knittybots/106698196055028?fref=ts" target="_blank">Knittybots</a>. I gave her this picture and this is the yarn she dyed me</div>
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I've done a couple of full circle skirties recently too. One for a friends rainbow baby's 1st birthday, and the other a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jo.knit.sew">jo.knit.sew</a> customer. I've been really please with how they turned out, particularly as I improvised the pattern. </div>
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For now.....get your craft on!</div>
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Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-28872147037945399312012-09-03T11:24:00.001-07:002012-09-04T01:53:58.050-07:00Chez Jo.Knit.Sew ...I have a school age child! How has that happened? One minute ago he was but a newborn scrunchy baby wailing and feeding and wailing some more, surely?<br />
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School jumpers have been bought, shoes, book bag, lunch box, tie (wtf, he's only 4, why does he need a toe?) and pe kit. On Wednesday he'll be crossing the threshold into full time education and he won't be able to escape for at least another 12 years...scary!<br />
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Part of me looks at him getting ready to go to formal education and seriously wonders if it's the right thing? Is 4 too young to be going to school (even if you're in age 7 trousers?!) Jone education was always something on the periphery for me, not my husband, but I always thought it would be a good way of ensuring my children had a love of learning. Turns out school is what is probably best for my exuberant, boisterous, busy, inquisitive 4yr old, so that's where he's going. Still, it'll give me more time to make stuff, every cloud and all that!! (well, until the baby starts crawling!)Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-83390191284757081802012-08-30T02:47:00.001-07:002012-08-30T02:47:17.156-07:00There has been an elephant in my lounge.No one has mentioned it, but a granny stripe blanket I started last September has been shoved down the side of the sofa for about 6 months. <br />
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We had a furniture shift round and I could see it, staring at me, willing itself to be finished, do I gathered all my crochet enthusiasm and set to it. 2 days later it's finished. I'm actually really happy with it and all it's blankety goodness! <br />
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I used cheap acrylic from Wilko's and the blanket weighs in at 740g so the total yarn cost was about £15. Well that plus the 11 months of hard and tedious labour!<br />
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Enough I hear you cry, show me the blanket. OK, here she is!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WsK1p3zQplk/UD82o4VIfQI/AAAAAAAAAE0/N0LWU9vrhqY/s640/blogger-image--1718008544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WsK1p3zQplk/UD82o4VIfQI/AAAAAAAAAE0/N0LWU9vrhqY/s640/blogger-image--1718008544.jpg" /></a></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-38220155406310602812012-08-29T12:52:00.001-07:002012-08-29T13:31:52.111-07:00Seems like a long time since I posted.And obviously it has been, lots has happened since then, another baby being the most significant event. Miss Alice was born in April at home, as planned.<br />
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Craft wise I've been doing lots of girls knitting, hurrah! <br />
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And I have a new toy!!<br />
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Exciting stuff, Mr Attitude starts school next week **gulp** so I'm hoping I'll have more time to get my craft on, my to do list is rather large!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-4804378340113854722011-12-18T10:59:00.000-08:002011-12-18T10:59:50.065-08:00Dolly Tai - TasticI had a couple of people interested in Dolly MT's last week and I'm really happy with how they turned out. I love the Russian doll fabric from Fabric Rehab, and the IKEA Jungle fabric is always great!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvG1ezZQbzg/Tu44DAv6H_I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/47SQkEPVP3w/s1600/Dolly+Tai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvG1ezZQbzg/Tu44DAv6H_I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/47SQkEPVP3w/s640/Dolly+Tai.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-66693971529924960432011-12-06T09:02:00.000-08:002011-12-06T09:02:54.064-08:00Long Time no BlogI appreciate it's been months since I last updated the blog. I haven't entirely been resting on my laurels though, Sam has had a<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hotshot"> Hotshot</a> from my Snugglebots yarn, and I seem to have caught the hooking bug! I'm really enjopying Crochet at the moment and have added Hooty Hats to my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jo.knit.sew">shop</a>. I love them, they're so cool looking. I did the first for a nappy swap on a forum I use as a little extra, but decided I loved them so much I would happily make more!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I seem to have grown more yarn as well since I last posted - some Thomas TNG yarn with a blue trim and some Gorgeous yarn I recently got from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Knittybots/106698196055028?ref=ts">Knittybots</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've seem to have been consumed by all things owly recently! I've done a few owl applique T's of late, again inspired by my secret nappy swap, but other people seem to like them so again, I've added them to the shop along with a bunting t-shirt I made on a whim. Cute huh?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EuIRS8iwQqE/Tt5KcQdnMfI/AAAAAAAAAEI/QQMOoR97xTM/s1600/BuntingT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EuIRS8iwQqE/Tt5KcQdnMfI/AAAAAAAAAEI/QQMOoR97xTM/s320/BuntingT.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think that's probably more than enough for now, Happy Crafting...back to the Christmas knitting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know, right!! I can't wait to knit with them, if no-one wants them then Sam will get lots of yummy longies for winter! I promised last time to show pictures of my holiday knits, so here they are. I love the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/33932203/sleuthing-hoodie-for-little-ones">Sleuthing Hoodie</a>, and love even better that it fits both boys! My <a href="http://helloknitty.net/">Multnomah </a>has gotten lots of compliments too, so must be pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WtQOGtZ0fc/TkQ7Kv463VI/AAAAAAAAAD0/0yEOrODMhSw/s1600/sleuthing+hoodie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WtQOGtZ0fc/TkQ7Kv463VI/AAAAAAAAAD0/0yEOrODMhSw/s640/sleuthing+hoodie.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtijzJ7Jz3I/TkQ7Gz6toTI/AAAAAAAAADw/j2TPAsRAhnc/s1600/Multnomah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtijzJ7Jz3I/TkQ7Gz6toTI/AAAAAAAAADw/j2TPAsRAhnc/s640/Multnomah.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-78141412501120083162011-08-01T02:38:00.000-07:002011-08-01T02:38:59.698-07:00Hello Blogspot My Old FriendIt's been aaages since my last blog post. In that time we've been to France where it rained. A lot. I managed to finish Sam's Sleuthing Hoodie - which fits Geoprge now and will probably fit Sam at Christmas, as I hoped!- and am onto the feather and fan section of a Multnomah. (photo's will follow at some point!)<br />
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My mum, unfortunately washed Sam's boardies, they ended up about newborn size, with the flexibility of cardboard, so they went into the bin. I was gutted, but mistakes happen.<br />
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Sam is also growing out of most of his longies now. He seems to have shot up recently and the rise on most of them is getting too short for over his night nappies. I think I see a wool splurge coming up!<br />
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I'm awaiting wool from both TNG coop and Snugglebots coop at the moment, as well as a couple of nappies and t-shirt from Tweedlebee and Tweedlebum, I'm hoping they arrive soon before I spend too much money we don't have!<br />
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In other news, I just became a Cheeks & Cherries Champ for the Cannock area, hopefully this will help spread the fluffy love locally, I'm quite excited about it. It's busy busy busy in the Jo.Knit.Sew household!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-84250106419819918282011-07-01T03:44:00.000-07:002011-07-01T03:46:26.536-07:00Wow, it's been a week alreadyI seem to have time on Fridays to update my blog, I should do it more often I know, but looking after 2 whirlwind boys who don't sleep very well in the evenings mean that time is pretty minimal!<br />
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Wasn't last weekend a scorcher?? We were so hot, the boys were scorchio and I needed to whip up some shorts for Sam, as all of his are a little *ahem* tight around the backside area. I tested the sizing with some cheap IKEA fabric I'd got, the children's fabric at IKEA is so cheap it's brilliant. We love it in our house! Turns out, a pattern hat fits Sam as trousers fits George as Boardies, who knew!! Anyway, seeing as the pattern was the right size I made Sam some shorts out of some slightly posher IKEA fabric I'd bought.<br />
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Cute aren't they. I used<span id="goog_1739381889"></span> <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-and-pattern-kid-pants.html">this tutorial</a><span id="goog_1739381890"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfZlyLuIfyo/Tg2fiIeJehI/AAAAAAAAADM/J_4AoWSDM14/s1600/trousers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfZlyLuIfyo/Tg2fiIeJehI/AAAAAAAAADM/J_4AoWSDM14/s640/trousers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am falling a bit in love with making little reversible crossback dresses. Obviously I live in a house of testosterone and I'm not sure this will fit either me or the dog, so this is for the<a href="http://www.facebook.com/jo.knit.sew"> jo.knit.sew Facebook Shop. </a>The fabric is just gorgeous, so girly, but the blue means it's great for those no so girly girls too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div> Last week I mentioned the Packer Boardies I knitted for Sam from some BBM wool. Well, here they are :o)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AdPqzIcixM/Tg2jd1e4E-I/AAAAAAAAADQ/EigEY70NR4M/s1600/Packer+Boardies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AdPqzIcixM/Tg2jd1e4E-I/AAAAAAAAADQ/EigEY70NR4M/s640/Packer+Boardies.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-88514986905711147282011-06-24T02:46:00.000-07:002011-06-24T02:46:21.593-07:00Neglectful Blogger -Well, not so much neglectful, more busy with children, sewing and knitting. So many things on the go at the moment.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iVJaZQQ8ck/TgROvS-1yeI/AAAAAAAAADA/rss45pc4cv8/s1600/TNG+Coop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iVJaZQQ8ck/TgROvS-1yeI/AAAAAAAAADA/rss45pc4cv8/s320/TNG+Coop.jpg" width="320" /></a>I got woolly post from <a href="http://thenappygarden.co.uk/">The Nappy Garden</a>, unfortunately it's not all for me but look at this scrumminess .<br />
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</a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFic5nWiuT4/TgROPBtWVhI/AAAAAAAAAC8/ZYrjJ9jJU5k/s1600/Firebird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFic5nWiuT4/TgROPBtWVhI/AAAAAAAAAC8/ZYrjJ9jJU5k/s200/Firebird.jpg" width="200" /></a>I've started knitting the firebird on the left for a friend of mine, they are going to be Packer Pants, but without the knee detail. So far so good, I'm into the leg knitting now and the colours are gorgeous. The blue and white is set to be a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/33932203/sleuthing-hoodie-for-little-ones">sleuthing hoodie</a> for babySam and the Thomas colour way more longies for a friend.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaXqjlPfn8Q/TgRNqTYaTXI/AAAAAAAAAC4/WCRtskA9er0/s1600/Finished+Packers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaXqjlPfn8Q/TgRNqTYaTXI/AAAAAAAAAC4/WCRtskA9er0/s200/Finished+Packers.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Sam's Packer Pants have been lanolised and worn a number of times now, in fact I've since done him another pair of boardies which are knitted with some lush <a href="http://www.pixieknits.co.uk/">Pixie Knits </a>wool I got in Buy British Month over and the <a href="http://clothnappyaddicts.co.uk/">Cloth Nappy Addict Forum</a>.<br />
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Other important things happening soon include an<a href="http://www.facebook.com/Twinkle.Twinkle.Elizas.Star?sk=info"> auction to raise funds for a neonatal unit </a>where a very special little girl lost her fight for life. I'm donating this dress appliquéd with an elephant, as we all know elephants never forget. I for one will never forget Eliza or her story and hope that the auction raises a load of money in her memory.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKwoOubUJpU/TgRcn75HyLI/AAAAAAAAADE/CxPaF4kG4ZQ/s1600/ElizaDress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKwoOubUJpU/TgRcn75HyLI/AAAAAAAAADE/CxPaF4kG4ZQ/s640/ElizaDress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Here's is Eliza's story, taken from her facebook page.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Eliza Peggy was born at 41 weeks on 12th October 2010.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> Due to complications during her birth Eliza was born with no heartbeat. </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><i>After attempts to resuscitate her, Eliza suffered a number of fits. </i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>She was quickly transfered to St James Hospital for a new cooling treatment.<br />
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Unfortunately, there was no brain function and on 15th October 2010,</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><i> Eliza was taken off the ventilator and given to her Mummy and Daddy.</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> Eliza became a star cuddling her Mummy's boobie that day.<br />
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In memory of Eliza Peggy, we're trying to raise money for </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The Neonatal Ward at St James Hospital in Leeds.</i></span></span></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-22494050315896246072011-06-16T06:58:00.000-07:002011-06-16T06:58:04.086-07:00Big Wol Vest, and other exciting things<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejIiVava0Vk/TfoKZRH8d7I/AAAAAAAAACM/D7Hm8ukF2Xo/s1600/BigWolVest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejIiVava0Vk/TfoKZRH8d7I/AAAAAAAAACM/D7Hm8ukF2Xo/s400/BigWolVest.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Isyoc0bv8Rc/TfoK2qn0eLI/AAAAAAAAACQ/vl3zV7QxTZA/s1600/BigWolVest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Isyoc0bv8Rc/TfoK2qn0eLI/AAAAAAAAACQ/vl3zV7QxTZA/s400/BigWolVest2.jpg" width="181" /></a>Sam, it seems, suits a tank top. I have no idea why, George never did, but Sam looks CUTE in a shirt and tank, so I set about making him the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owl-baby-vest">owl vest</a> (link to free Ravelry pattern). It's a 9-12 size but I changed up the yarn and needles and hoped it would fit. Good News!! It fits great!<br />
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He's totally rocking this look right??<br />
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In other exciting news, I finally published my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jo.knit.sew">jo.knit.sew facebook page</a>. Head over and 'Like' me to see what I'm offering!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-40023079219469940982011-06-15T03:21:00.000-07:002011-06-15T03:35:40.746-07:00And I'm back in!Thank goodness. I remembered my Rav email address so was able to get back in, it only took 24 hours for me to get the memory jolt I needed.<br />
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I've been mainly boy crafting recently. But with a few girly things thrown in for good measure! The boys are forever wanting to colour, but my house just gets covered in scraps of paper and babySam ALWAYS eats the crayons, which then need sharpening, but someone's hidden the sharpener. A solution....Chalking!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mfkdI6BbIM/TfiEXGZJTlI/AAAAAAAAAB8/c8VRwlKlj1I/s1600/blackboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mfkdI6BbIM/TfiEXGZJTlI/AAAAAAAAAB8/c8VRwlKlj1I/s400/blackboard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I wanted George and Sam to have an outside chalking area, with a big enough chalkboard for them both. I bought some <a href="http://www.international-paints.co.uk/products/info/one_coat_blackboard_paint.jsp">International Blackboard Paint</a> and painted a piece of plyboard I found in the garage...as simple as that, we now have an outside chalking area (looking very well used!).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EX1hg21iWZ4/TfiE5OqU2UI/AAAAAAAAACA/AMrLKs41SkE/s1600/bookbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EX1hg21iWZ4/TfiE5OqU2UI/AAAAAAAAACA/AMrLKs41SkE/s200/bookbag.jpg" width="137" /></a>We go to the library a lot. We never remember to return all of the books that are loaned however, and then I have to scrabble round the house for them ready for the next time. I always use one of the cheap calico bags I got from Hobbycraft to carry books, so I decided to make one a bit easier on the eye, so George could hang it up in his bedroom. I added a little bit for his library card too, as we pretty much always lose that too. I'm hoping it helps us to keep everything together for the next time we need to go to the library.<br />
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As an aside. Staffordshire Libraries allows you to borrow children's Audiobook CD's for free. How great is that!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCCtB0sHX1A/TfiFhF-llGI/AAAAAAAAACE/9r0GX_ayNyQ/s1600/JenVersa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCCtB0sHX1A/TfiFhF-llGI/AAAAAAAAACE/9r0GX_ayNyQ/s200/JenVersa.jpg" width="200" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-df513weAOUU/TfiFxSok_gI/AAAAAAAAACI/LrTysqbgv-4/s1600/squizzabag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-df513weAOUU/TfiFxSok_gI/AAAAAAAAACI/LrTysqbgv-4/s200/squizzabag.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Finally, my friend has just given birth to a gorgeous baby girl after having had 2 boys. What better gift than this dress and tunic I had lying around. I appliqued another of those calico bags to wrap them in, cute!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-44996650318335801632011-06-13T14:03:00.000-07:002011-06-13T14:03:33.860-07:00AaaaarrrrrghI changed my Rav password the other week as directed by the Rav staff. Now I can't remember what it was....I'm locked out of Rav, it's like my right arm has been cut off!<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5sWi1aS5YMA/TfZ6_p9WymI/AAAAAAAAAB4/7HMYTSLXVAM/s1600/ravdeny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5sWi1aS5YMA/TfZ6_p9WymI/AAAAAAAAAB4/7HMYTSLXVAM/s640/ravdeny.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>So, I'm waiting for it to be reset, as I can't remember the email address I used to sign up either, normal service will be resumed soon I hope. In the mean time, back to Pinterest!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I do have some crafty things to show you tomorrow, when they're photographed.</div><div><br />
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</div></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-72475540360750360132011-06-08T06:13:00.000-07:002011-06-08T15:00:54.274-07:00Charentaise<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1RzHnisZ5Qs/Te9ze9drSFI/AAAAAAAAABw/S2qDWbgMuaY/s1600/chreantaisecomplet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1RzHnisZ5Qs/Te9ze9drSFI/AAAAAAAAABw/S2qDWbgMuaY/s400/chreantaisecomplet.jpg" width="266" /></a>It's finished, it's blocked and it's GORGEOUS<br />
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I totally love it. I wore it on Monday afternoon to town and a lady stopped me to ask if I'd knitted it (yes), and asked where she could get the pattern, so I left her the details for Ravelry and the name of the pattern. She was lovely and it was so nice for someone to speak to me about me, rather than about the boys (who were impeccably behaved whilst shopping -Hurrah!).<br />
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Here it is in all it's finished gloryJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-59394752533919450392011-06-06T02:47:00.000-07:002011-06-06T02:47:55.617-07:00PinterestI just signed up to <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>....Eeek, I can see it's going to be an even bigger time sink than <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>. I wish there were more hours in the day!<br />
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Things I already want to do<br />
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<ul><li><a href="http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/12/there-was-old-lady-who-swallowed-fly.html">There was an old lady who swallowed a fly game</a></li>
<li><a href="http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/11/upcycled-t-shirt-dress.html">Upcycled T-Shirt Dress</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.sewastraightline.com/2011/03/scrappy-polos.html#more">Upcycled Boys T's</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.sewastraightline.com/2010/10/because-i-am-too-much-woman-for-just.html">Changing Bag</a></li>
</ul><div>And that list is just from about 30 minutes browsing this morning!</div><div><br />
</div><div>The other thing that's going to be taking some of my time is blogging with the <a href="http://www.fourmums.com/">Four Mum</a>s Team, I'm quite excited about it all and looking forward to chatting about numerous things there.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Big news though. I finished the Charentaise, it just needs blocking now. I had loads of yarn left in the end. What was I thinking!!</div><div><br />
</div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-90410805677428295702011-06-05T07:58:00.000-07:002011-06-05T07:58:33.655-07:00Half Term...busy busy busyHalf term is always really busy. I like to get out with the boys as much as possible (and to keep my house in one piece) so there's never much time for crafting. I've mainly been knitting things in the evenings so there's not been a massive amount of progress.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbJ09VB3yp0/TeuYXMAirRI/AAAAAAAAABs/aDbOjoKQHA4/s1600/charlieb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbJ09VB3yp0/TeuYXMAirRI/AAAAAAAAABs/aDbOjoKQHA4/s400/charlieb.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>Charlie Bear is progressing. I have no idea why his head is larger than his body, that's how the pattern worked it, seems a bit odd but I'm going with it! I think it'll be brilliant when done (modest as always!) but I've semi hibernated it for a while until I finish my Charentaise, whic has 5 rows left, and maybe enough yarn...eeek.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nY9E7f5Kuok/TeuYD1GDn-I/AAAAAAAAABo/soHAdJIp-kk/s1600/charente.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nY9E7f5Kuok/TeuYD1GDn-I/AAAAAAAAABo/soHAdJIp-kk/s640/charente.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The Dinky Toy is one of a few that came home from my mum and dad's. My sister and I played with them when we were little, they were originally my dad's and come with a handmade wooden garage. I love having them in the house!!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290709333359170946.post-39244584880912782392011-05-30T08:09:00.000-07:002011-05-30T08:09:12.597-07:00Oooh, new stuffYuck, I hate the rain! It does mean however that we can have crafty days at the table, colouring, drawing and playing while I get little bits and bobs done around the generally boy induced chaos!<br />
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I went to Hobbycraft yesterday, I think I need to make some placemats for our dining/conservatory, the fabric there is so expensive (it's probably the same everywhere right?) so I didn't bother. I'll probably use my Laura Ashley remnants that came from my mum's.<br />
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While I was there I did pick up a new magazine, <a href="http://www.molliemakes.com/">Mollie Makes</a> which had a cute little phone holder kit on the front. While it was absolutely tipping it down this morning and the boys were occupied elsewhere I thought I'd whip it up.<br />
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Isn't it sweet??<br />
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The other thing I've been getting on with this week is my niece Hannah's <a href="http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/fileBank/goodtoknow/PDF/charley_bear_knitting_pattern.pdf">Charlie Bear</a>. It's knitted with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/sirdar-snuggly-snowflake-chunky">Sirdar Snowflake</a> Chunky and I have one word to say about it...YUCKY! It's awful to knit with. I'm hating every minute of it but in fairness, it does look quite a bit like Charlie Bear, and I am in the running for most helpful and wonderful Aunty Jo by knitting it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/253693_10150202942691956_661181955_7594190_8035914_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/253693_10150202942691956_661181955_7594190_8035914_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As for those boys....look tricky don't they!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255128_10150202942556956_661181955_7594187_3057557_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255128_10150202942556956_661181955_7594187_3057557_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538593887827926089noreply@blogger.com0