Underground

It feels as if it has been an eternity since I last wrote something here.

Two days until Spring and all of a sudden I feel like cooking, gardening and making art. Things I have not done for so so long!

I almost have forgotten who the hell Marshmallow Beanie is. I'm starting to think that you can never find yourself again no matter how hard you try, primarily because changes in life happen so fast. The question of 'who am I' becomes totally redundant, rather it is 'where am I going' and 'who do I want to be'.

Something in the universe has forced me to stop. 3 days in bed with the flu and I feel like something has re-awoken in me. All of a sudden work does not seem as important and all-encompassing as it did.

So I got out of my p.js and with a groggy, stuffy, dizzy head I went to the supermarket to make Osso Bucco. The meat was heavily discounted. Heavily discounted. The use-by date indicates that it goes 'off' tomorrow. Rubbish. I have bought so much meat on special lately. I need to save what few pennies I have, and it has all been perfectly fine.

So, browning of the flour covered meat. Deglazing with red wine (the recipe said white but I have two bottles from a convention which has just sat there considering I am a non-drinker) then a bottle of tomato passata. Cooking covered very low for an hour and a half. Will serve with polenta (quick cook of course) and sprinkle with parsley and garlic. Green beans with the very best olive oil and salt and pepper on the side.

Now I sit wondering what now? Back to work tomorrow and I know it won't take long for the madness to kick in. But, just my luck, it's Friday.

Time to emerge from the underground.

A Granny A Day? Ok.

Well...it's coming along...

I am making a Granny Blanket. Pink. Pink pink pink.

Inspired by 'Meet Me At Mike's a Granny a Day Challenge'. I told you I would put up pictures didn't I?

I have to admit, I don't know if my joining of the squares is any good - I kind of made this part up myself ;-) This is a bit funny because 'Meet Me At Mikes' has just published the next of their wonderful Granny video series which tells you how to join the squares. Oh well, I can use this for my next project. And I have no idea what to do with the straggly ends on the reverse. But then, who cares really? I didn't even know how to change colour before!

I feel I really do need to also credit this site again: Linda Permann - you rock! So so easy to follow. Thank you!

Cup of tea anyone?

Bless

x

Granny go lucky

The Lovliest thing has happened. After so many attempts, and so much pure frustration, I have made a 'granny square'. I made one!!! And guess what? I am on my second granny square! And guess what else? I reckon I could make quite a few a day - it does become easy, please trust me! Ok, once more, guess what else? I reckon I may even be able to move on to a more difficult pattern now!

I will show you the pictures when I can I promise...for now...A couple of pointers.

Find wool colours you know you will LOVE to use. I chose pink and navy, yummy.

Get the right crochet hook to wool - I got 8ply wool and a 4mm hook

Research and play with the basic stitches - 'slip stitch', 'chain stitch', etc.

Remember, a treble stitch is also called 'dc' or double crochet (Aussie vs US crochet language).

Use different web sites/books until you find the ones you like. For me, the Meet Me At Mikes video demonstrations were awesome and a really great starter. After that I did not want to keep watching each video so I found the 'craftstylish' blog which means I can have the pattern up on the computer and keep looking at it while I stitch - great pictures and very very clear.

Here is the granny this page helps you to make.

Finally, keep dreaming of the beautiful pink crochet granny blanket you can make for the sister in law for Christmas...

Now that's a treat.

Bless

x

Meet Me At Mikes - A Granny a Day Craft Challenge. What Have I Got Myself Into?

I have been absolutely hectic, doing anything but preparing for the new school term next week. My days are spent drawing, reading, explorations with felt (to be continued), ebaying, etc with sounds of Kerri-Anne Kennerly on TV in the backgound. I am looking after a friends house and the photo above is my makeshift studio mess.

I have been looking at Meet Me At Mikes - 'Granny a Day'. Yes, a definate craft challenge. I have been desperate to learn how to do granny squares but avoiding because of so many things to do. So...meeting my mum last night for dinner I had to sneak into Lindcraft for some late night shopping...

I came out with...

3 x 8ply wool - Black or navy (I can't work it out but it is a rich lovely black if it is black), baby pink and hot pink.

1 x 4mm crochet hook

Fabric chalk,

lots of colourful felt squares.

The beautiful Burmese cat I am looking after (Cherry) loved my goodies as much as me...

So, 7am this morning, ruthlessly following Pip's videos. It is risky to document my progression because it is somewhat pitiful. You know, at first I thought 'what??? A granny a day? More like a granny a week - maybe a month!!!' But I am actually thinking I may master this today - maybe tomorrow. I do think it is possible...

A couple of stuff-ups

Finally taking shape!!!

Her videos are really, really good. Worth following. But I won't pretend it is easy (neither does she!). I feel lucky I have been playing around with the wool and crochet hook for about a year, making only a couple of silly random crochet, made-up toys and many mistakes. So I know my chain stitch but that's all. I have now learnt treble stitch and even made my first little square.

It was when 9am hit and I changed colours that I ran into trouble. I have no idea where to go now. Time for a break - more ebaying, a shower, some toast, playing with my felt and MAYBE some lesson prep for next week.

Oh no. Don't know how to keep going after change of colour...

Break time.

Simultaneously rewarding and frustrating, a series of problem solving efforts. I think that is what art and craft is.

Bless,

x

A Blog I Love

WREN Handmade

I love looking at the blogs of so many beautiful bloggers who make very fine wares.

Just look for yourselves. Stunning.

She has an Esty store too.

Crafty Genious

Such a long long time between entries. It can't be helped really. I am in the middle of an honours thesis, teaching almost full time, moved again, house sitting, blah blah blah. There is honestly no time for any crafty fun times. But all is not lost...

So, instead, I live my craft fantasies through others and boy, have I found a little gem!!! You HAVE to check out http://aprintaday.blogspot.com

Yes you HAVE to! Trust me. 

This genious blogger's magazine 'Parasol Craft' is AWESOME. 

Heaps of pages on delicious crafts and ideas - and the best thing is that it is a fully online magazine that costs only $2.50! I bought edition 1 and 2 and I am looking forward to the next. So, not only have I bought myself an awesome read, I am also helping the planet (no paper) and helping a fellow blogger's business. What a neat idea. 

So, when I wonder who will be saving the world from nuclear testing, horrid dictators, violence and unrest, I just have to think about all the lovely peaceful crafty bloggers I have had the pleasure of running into in my search for crafty bliss.

Amen.