Black Crow Knitting

alas poor Chauncey

2011-03-20T17:14:00.000+11:00

See I have been knitting....

Trying to squeeze more hours into the day to do something pleasurable like knitting has been pretty tricky lately. My painting has taken off quite quickly I've had to exhibitions recently and a third on the way plus keeping up supplies to galleries that are selling my work!

I've also hit the market scene so the hours between sleeping and breakfast are reserved for making items to sell, like dolls and pin cushions.

I have been missing my knitting quite a bit so I figure those lost in minutes when one is procrastinating before starting the next painting could be better spent knitting...and this is what I made Chauncey by Dee Brown.

I've been wanting to knit this guy up for a while now and because I've been sooooo good, finished on of my UFO's, I told myself that it was ok to sneak a new project in before finishing off another UFO!

As for my finished UFO I haven't managed to get a good shot of it on my head..might need to get an extra pair of hands to help! But as soon as possible I'll post up pic of my new hat!

gotta dash!

Ok who did it?

2011-02-24T07:47:00.002+11:00

I am so impressed with whoever it was that knitted up Doyle street in Hobart! I spotted these just before Xmas but around Valentines day I noticed a heart had been added to the pole at the roundabout. I notice one other day that the knitted graffiti went well past Doyle street and ventured towards Melifont St! An amazing effort..well done to our local knit guerrillas!

Guerrilla knitter Agata Olek

2011-01-07T09:54:00.000+11:00

OLEK AND THE CHARGING BULL ON WALL STREET from olek on Vimeo.

Best happy thing I've seen all year!!

happy knitted Xmas

2010-12-30T12:56:00.000+11:00

Hey see what I've been knitting!! We didn't have a green tree this year we have one made from dead branches which I love but kinda missed that splash of Xmas green. I found this quick pattern on Ravelry and knitted up in some recycled wool that has been in my stash since I was a teenager! Topped it off with a handmade felted bright pink ball!
How was your knitted Xmas?
Have any knitted related plans for the New Year?

Artisans Creating Outside the Lines: Ornament Contest and BIG E-GIVEAWAY! YAY!

2010-11-25T08:21:00.001+11:00

Artisans Creating Outside the Lines: Ornament Contest and BIG E-GIVEAWAY! YAY!: "Hi Everyone! We all had a wonderful time creating our ornaments for the ornament contest - but now we need your help deciding who will win a..."

Garters at long last

2010-09-12T17:43:00.000+10:00

Karren showing a bit off the red garter!

These are the garters that I knitted while I was away. It's been about three months since I finished these and am able to look at them without feeling nauseous! The first pair I made went by relatively easy but for some reason this time around I almost went out and bought one from the "Two Dollar Shop"!!!
At least they looked nice when finished, they fitted the bride was happy and they didn't fall off as she walked down the isle! Will I make another one...hmmmm...where did I put that vintage crocheted garter pattern?

knitting therapy

2010-05-05T23:36:00.006+10:00

Yes I'm back!! Did I scare you? Well I do scare myself sometimes....especially late at night...in a strange place by myself in the middle of the bush! What wast that...oh just possums on the roof...why do they always stomp, can't they just walk lightly! I think they do it on purpose!

The only answer to my frayed nerves is to knit....on size 20mm needles with my beautiful 'Alien Bumps' yarn from Guttersnipe! I love it...look at the close up photo..it looks like strange alien cocoons!Scary photo....but look how happy I am with my new scarf!

close up of alien worm cocoons

finished it in just a couple of hours!! Pattern by Kathleen Rogers, 'Vitreous Humor scarf' or otherwise known as the 'eyeball boa', unfortunately mine is without the eyeballs! You can find it for free on Ravelry.
I guess now that I've finished i should get back to my lacy red garter and socks:( all knitted on 2.50 needles...now that's not therapy!

My weekend of High Tea!!

2010-02-21T10:11:00.009+11:00

It was a beautiful morning yesterday and looked like a perfect day for a spot of high tea in the garden. First though I had my domestic duties to preform. Clothes washing, which I don't mind doing especially on warm days like today which is the one thing I'm thankful for. As last years summer only lasted for 4 days, so we had winter temperatures and rain for nearly a whole year!
Garden needed to be watered and veggies harvested.

Thankful that we have no water restrictions like other parts of the Australia.

Corn in the wind, can you hear it rustle Lady Euphoria?
Thankful too that BF grew and planted all these veggies in the garden last year for us to eat, bottle and freeze.
I had picked some pickling cucumbers a couple of days ago and had them soaking in salty water for a bit too long so they needed to be bottled ASAP!!

After bottling them, Ned came home from his early morning wanderings and wanted food and somewhere to sleep. he found this!

Yes I'm thankful for Ned even though he is sleeping on my black jumper! But he makes me laugh!
Big Bunny needed feeding too. As I was outside I noticed it was starting to get pretty warm and overcast.
I then remembered that I needed to pick the blackberries from the front before the neighbor hood foragers got to them first!

So very thankfull that the council didn't spray them this year. I collected a bowl full and had an indulgent breakfast of blackberries and yogurt!

By the time I was ready for my cuppa tea it was so hot and windy outside that I had to change my plans and set my day up inside. so out came my lovely blue Japanese tea pot a few video's and all my sewing wips for the day! Oh and here is a secret...well not anymore but I'm in love with Tony Curtis, always have been always will! At five I named my panda bear Tony Curtis. I used to watch all his movies and make clothes for my bear from Tony's movies. I made the complet white outfit that he wore in 'The Great Race'. 'Houdini' is one of my favorite movies and 'The Boston Strangler' Very thankful for Tony Curtis!!

Yum this looks so good I might brew up another pot and continue on my High Tea for another day. I wonder what Mouse and Lady Euphoria are up too!!
Green tea set for high tea take 2! Out in the garden just now. It is very hot and windy today to.

But I was in for some pleasant surprises! Bees!! Everyone should be thankful for bees!
And cabbage moths! I know their little babies do a lot of damage in the garden and I was thankful that BF wasn't home as he would have gone out with his net trying to catch them! But aren't they beautiful? This reminds me of High Tea last year when Lady Euphoria came to visit in person disguised as a black moth....I wonder did she disguise herself once more?

Oh what sweet little shadow!!

While peeping at the corn I spied this beautiful flower. It is from a radicchio that I've let go to seed.just going for a little walk around the garden. It's getting too me out here but let me just show you our tomato plants.ooooo and look here are some tomatoes! Do you like green tomatoes? I've fried some up once and they where yummy. BF made a green tomato chutney once that was nice too.
This is inside our hot house, Basil on the left and peppers on the right. A couple of tomato and an old cucumber plant in the back.

And a special photo for Lady Euphoria, I'm very thankful to have met you!!

Happy NEW YEAR....oops I'm a little late!!

2010-02-17T17:25:00.001+11:00

I kno, I know I haven't been playing on my knitting blog for a while, spending all my time over at my arty crafty blog! But then wouldn't you be hiding too if you had a back log of UFO's threatening to take your eyes out if you ignored them just one more day???!!

So I took the ones I could find and gave them a good airing. It's weird how even though I had separated all my ufo's into neat little bundles putting some into their own bags only to find several months later that magically they had all tangled them selves into knots again!! See they are evil, out to destroy!
I 'don't even know what some of them are anymore!!
There is a 'Some What Cowl', Vintage knickers, Alien Scarf, two hats, Squarey, that long stripy thing that I just need to sew the ends in, Burtonesque's, a pair of socks, camisole and Belladonna arm warmers!!
Well I guess this is my New Years projects right here...dam I wanted to knit a black jumper or cardigan this year oh and the sideways spencer and.....................

something xmessy going on around here

2009-12-09T15:13:00.006+11:00

The tree that Pig and I built. Made from found sticks, string, glue, varnish and mosaic tiles.
The fabric on the table is from Saffron Craig, the owl range. The wonderful booklet displayed is The Bright Red Star, designed by a team of Etsy Artists for sale here. The snowmen ornaments are made by ME! The little Snowman on the tree was made by Jess from Little Dirt Lane. Her Etsy shop is here. The "Stangel" was made by Yve from Freaky Little Dolls, her etsy shop is here.
A lovely folk art Santa tag by Danita and a traditional Santa tag by Ruby Victoria, you can find her etsy shop here.
The lovely little tags are from one of my favorite artists Danita. You can find her shop here!!
It's still cool enough down here in Tasmania to keep knitting and what better way than to knit and felt some Xmas decorations! I adapted the pattern from 'Hand Knit holidays'.
Ned, Ned, Ned!! I don't think you can fool me by pretending Santa put you under my tree!

I'm still in the land of the living!

2009-11-07T16:15:00.000+11:00

Just to let you know that I'm still alive and kicking but not kicking so much here these days.

I've been very busy over at my arty crafty blog making lots and lots of dolls for myself and for sale!

here is little Veronica Vampire.

You can check her out and other stuff I'm working on by clicking HERE

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-01T10:09:00.000+11:00

Mutti and swallow tails

2009-09-19T08:57:00.003+10:00

Mutti and I knitting the 'Cap' n Crunch', scarf, by Jenifer Adams

We had a relaxing few days just knitting and chatting.

Which was just wonderful, as I was made to brush up on my German.

My mum is Austrian, and this was my first language.

edge before blocking

Swallowtail shawl, was finally completed even though it was a couple of days after my mothers birthday.

Edge after blocking

I had to improvise and use safety pins on the tips and attach them to the blanket.

As you can see my mum loved it, and proudly modeled it for me.

Doesn't she look lovely!
The weather was lovely, we all had a great time cooking, laughing, eating and reminiscing.
All of which makes it so hard to leave.

Happy 80th Mutti!!

2009-09-04T06:09:00.005+10:00

My mum turns 80 in a couple of days and my brothers, sister and myself are all sneaking up on her today!!For some of us it's been a few years since we've been with here, so it should be quite emotional. I'll be away for 2 weeks so enjoy yourselves and take care!!
I'll be back with lots of photo's and new stuff for show and tell. Cheerio!!
Oh no I haven't finished the swallowtail shawl I'll be knitting it well into the wee small hours while I'm there!!

2009-09-04T06:09:00.001+10:00

LAST DAY OF WINTER?

2009-08-31T21:18:00.003+10:00

Happy last day of winter!!!
Well that maybe what the calender thinks but not here in Tasmania. We have three more weeks of predicted snow, rain and wind, Fortunately I'm heading for Sydney in a couple of days for 2 weeks!!

At least there are some pretty bulbs flowering in the garden to make me smile.

Beach Market DAY!!

2009-08-31T18:27:00.005+10:00

The weather was just awful on Saturday morning but I was determined to get to the Beach Market in Blackmans Bay and meet some fellow crafter's that I've only meet on line and I was seriously in need of some shopping therapy!!:)!!
So bribing BF with coffee and crepes for breakfast he caved in and drove me to the markets...I don' know how to drive you see:(
Anyway we made it there in safely as did so many others, they are a hardy race these Tasmanian's!
As we squeezed our way into the front door the first person I noticed was Rosie from NOTIONS!!
Even though it was very busy we where able have a few chats each time I passed.

Her work was so beautifully displayed I could have stood there admiring just how everything looked when I noticed this little brooch with a little black ~~crow~~ bird perched on a cage..Rosie must have known I was going to be there!! So yes I had to buy it!!
Next door to Rosie was Ruby Victoria with her beautiful lino prints, printed tags and lables. We talked for a while and she gave us a demonstration with her awesome printing machine, go check out her blog there is a great post there now with a photo of her press!!
And then in the middle isle was Loopy Designs!! Loopy makes very desirable bags, purses, needle and pencil rolls and heaps of other necessities. All in beautiful fabrics. Loopy's little zipper purse with the little babushkas was too hard to resist!!

There were lots of other lovely stores and people I wanted to meet but time was running short lots more things to be done and places to go!
A great day was had despite the rain and wind!!

PINK mind control!!

2009-08-31T17:24:00.001+10:00

For the longest time I avoided going to Molly chickens blog, she hasn't posted for a while and her last post was of a sweetest of sweet log cabin pillow quilt...in lots of pretty pink fabric!
Well yesterday it was just too much, I went by her site and saw the quilt again and zap there I was in the sewing studio making templates and rummaging through my just tidied fabric stash and pulled out all my sugary pink fabric.

And here SHE is a traditional log cabin pillow!!

Not finished just yet but a nice Spring project and the colors definitely cheered me up as its been gray, cold and windy again and will be for the rest of the week. yuck:(

tiny knitting in GREENEST of GREENS

2009-08-21T16:49:00.001+10:00

finally my little $2.00 doll has a new dress. Poor little thing was naked for so long:(
The pattern took no time at all you can find it on here as a pdf. It's by Mrs Misanthrope.
And called the Lati yellow dress...I think Lati is a type of doll, like Blythe.

a terrific post

2009-08-19T07:14:00.003+10:00

Just dropped into Yarn Harlots blog to see what was going on there and began reading one of the best knitting stories ever...It's titled 'Dear Tina'. Nearly 500 people left a comment! So if you haven't read it go check it out and see if you aren't touched by it:)

A photo a day in August #15

2009-08-15T18:36:00.004+10:00

Another splendid day, sunny, light breeze and I even wore a t-shirt, the first time in months!
But to top it off the bees are back, not many but enough to make me run and get my camera!
They where rather slow maybe they were enjoying the sun too.
One thing my camera is great at is extreme close ups and I love taking photo's of bugs and bee's.
I have a photography blog...if you want to take a look just click!

SALE

2009-08-14T15:37:00.004+10:00

Yes Little Black Cow's Etsy Shop is having a big, big Winter SALE.
The sale will last for 6 days only!!
I've also added three new designs "kittens who lost their Mittens"

A photo a day in August #13 and 14th

2009-08-14T12:05:00.004+10:00

Ahh forgot to post photo's here yesterday... I posted photo's yesterday here instead.
Today's photo was take just minutes ago in my garden. It's the first time in weeks that I've seen blue sky and sun..So Big Bunny and I went for a run in the veggie garden!

Off, off of the computer and out to do some long awaited domestic duties and some painting!!

A photo a day in August #8-12

2009-08-12T18:12:00.007+10:00

One of my oldest dolls, Princess Grace, I've had her for ever...today I made her a new dress. She is the sunny little spot in my otherwise cold gray studio!

a little glimpse into my studio. recently I've come to the conclusion that I'm just not one of those clean surface, everything in its place and a place for everything type people. For months I've wondered how can I organize my studio better and why doesn't it look like my favorite artists studio's? (here,here and here) The truth is that I just can't work like that. I need to be able to see what colour fabrics will work with which buttons. And the things around me also inspire me

Trumpets!!!!! Here they are two of my Kittens who Lost their Mittens!!

...................................................And here is one of their tiny mittens!!

A photo a day...boy who put there hands up for that?? This proved harder than I thought!
Not only has the weather been dismal and gray it's also been wet, cold and windy!
i was kept rather busy to by making my bunnies and elephants plus my secret new design, which is finished!
In honor of finishing a new little critter to add to my Etsy shop and because I slacked off and missed 4 days of photo taking...I'm going to make up for it today! I had to enlist the help of my halogen lamp as the natural light was very dull.

A photo a day in August #7

2009-08-07T22:55:00.003+10:00

or should that be a cake a day.......I'm liking that maybe I could set a challenge for a 'bake a day'.
bloggers should post up pics of their daily bakes! Any takers??
I'll be posting up the recipe for my cointreau and chocolate swirl cake over at my cooking blog..Pig and Duck Cooking...sometime over the weekend.
It may be a bit tricky to get a photo in tomorrow we have a catering job, hence this big cake....I may not even get to eat it:(
Gotta go ...early night...fired up in the morning to add the finishing touches to the cake. I'll be dreaming of pots of beef bouguignon, meat balls, salmon and prawns.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

A photo a day in August #6

2009-08-06T15:45:00.004+10:00

Finally I gave myself some time away from the sewing machine to do a bit of painting. started it this morning and I've nearly finished it. 'Anni and the white rabbit'. I've several other sketches for small paintings lined up.

A photo a day in August #4 & 5

2009-08-05T11:21:00.006+10:00

My first daffodil for spring!!

Big Bunny shnoozing in the sun

oops I forgot to post my photo last night....feel asleep at the wheel! 2 photo's then today to make up for yesterday. Bit of a nagging headache for most of the day but still was able to get a bit of painting and sewing done AND I got the tomato seeds sown early for the first time in years!! Fingers and toes crossed that they grew into nice big juicy healthy plants.
At the moment though I'm unkitting my swallow tail shawl...don't know what happened last night but it was all wrong!!

A photo a day in August day 3

2009-08-03T15:41:00.002+10:00

x-treme close up of one of my dolls...you can see what I did with her here..

Yes I have been knitting

2009-08-03T15:06:00.005+10:00

arm warmers

by Sylvia Hager

from Blue Sky Alpacas Pattern
A wip I started early last year.
I love em'

6 feet of glorious pink ropes and ladders scarf
Even been know to wear it to bed!

started a new project the Swallowtail Shawl..for my Mum. It is her 80th comming up and I wanted to knit her something. I've never knitted lace before and it wasn't east at the beginig but after some good advice from my knitting buddies on Ravelry I progresed.
I've finished a few other projects but haven't been able to get a good photo of them.
Went to see Coraline yesterday and it was fantastic...how perfect an animation movie that incorporates all my favorite things, a bit of creepiness, a bit of sewing, buttons, dolls and stop motion oh and 3d glasses. How cool!!

A photo a day in August day2

2009-08-02T23:29:00.005+10:00

With only half an hour to go before midnight....there was a great doco on TV about the making of Hedda Gabler, the stage play. Now in my bedroom I took the camera and snapped a few shots of my newly purchased model of the Stay Puft man from Ghost Busters!!
With no other light but the naked light bulb from the ceiling , (the flash didn't work for some reason) I don't mind the blur of the photo as I did move it intentionally, in this light I knew I wasn't going to get a great photo anyway. The only editing I did was cropping it in photo shop.

A photo a day in August

2009-08-01T16:39:00.004+10:00

As a little extra something to do I've decided to join Megan from The Byron Life in her 'A photo a day in August'
I use a Sony Cybershot
specs are 7x optical zoom, 8.0 mega pixels
4 colour super HAD CCD, Zeiss lens,.
And a lot of buttons!

My model for my first photo is a tiny 2inch frozen charlotte doll that I won on Ebay!
She has been a favorite prop of mine for background paraphernalia when I take photo's of my own art dolls.

anna's library tote

2009-07-16T20:11:00.001+10:00

anna's library tote, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

Library tote bag from 'The Crafters Companion'. Made for my BF's little niece, she turns 9 soon.
I used a very nice plum coloured corduroy for the outside, inside the fabric is candy coloured stripes which happily match the colours of the bird fabric which I used for the pocket.
Now to make one for me too!!

Tiny knits

2009-06-19T11:26:00.002+10:00

A 10inch knitted doll's dress made to fit my little elephant! After I finished it I washed it in a nice bath of warm coffee! Felt just like being a kid again. Go check out the news on my Arty Crafty Blog!!

knitting tiny things

2009-06-08T15:36:00.003+10:00

Barbies knitted cardi is a perfect fit for my little bunny Eva!

Barbies cardi pattern for the cardi and 10 inch dolls hoody pattern for the hood. Sewn together to make the perfect Little red ridinghood outfit for Little Red.....note her litte wolf doll? Yep needle felted that one the other day....doesn't really look like a big bad wolf but one day he will.
My 6th Etsy bear is up for sale. Loved making his little striped beanie with a felted pom pom.
The pants are made from beautiful wool felt and to hold this bear in the palm of your hand is just so nice...even if I do say so myself!!

still teetering on the edge of 13 UFO's

2009-05-17T15:20:00.007+10:00

a little brown cardi knitted for one of my artdolls..it getting very cold down here and the poor little buggers are turning a bit blue! UFO number 14...just need to sew on the button.
Kevin's Mittens!! a test knit for lady Euphoria....easy Peasy. These are the child size. I started these 3 days ago, but I know I could finish a pair in a few hours. These will go off to a charity as soon as I can find one. UFO number 15...but nearly finished.

Finally started knitting my green socks!! This brings me up too 16 ufo's!!

airy scarf, nearly finished will be UFO number 17.
I've also very nearly finished a few other object on my Ravelry list of wips...so I may still be stuck on LUCKY number 13 by the end of this week!!

fabric eye candy

2009-05-08T13:21:00.005+10:00

Can't find that perfect fabric for your sewing inspiration then shop in Canada. Tliss at Etsy.
The prices are pretty cheap compared to some of the prices of I've seen locally for good quality fabrics. The only hitch is it may take up to 8 weeks to arrive, but well worth the wait.
There are lots of different fabric sizes and scraps, bag patterns and more...go have a look and enjoy!
Now what to make with these, some are too nice to cut I may have to frame them. The others I can see bags and a quilt or two!

Treillage/finished!!

2009-05-05T18:42:00.004+10:00

Treillage by Anita Peluso

Very happy with my new socks, they only took a year to finish!
The pattern was easy and the Opal 4ply was very nice to work with.
These would have to be the brightest thing in my wardrobe now....oo maybe my shocking pink fury jacket is???
I noticed on Ravelry that I only have 13 more wips! Now 13 is unlucky so I think I'll need to add a new wip just to make it 14:)
Oh and if you want to see some thing truelly dark and creepy have a look at my arty crafty blog!

Hoppy Mothers Day!!

2009-05-03T21:05:00.005+10:00

A bunny for mutti. I made this little girl bunny for my mum. The button on her cardigan was one that my mum gave me last year. It came from a cardigan she owned that came from Austria.
I'll be making a few more like her that are a little more child friendly. These have not been distressed with coffee or tea and have no varnish coating.
I'm really enjoying the tiny knitting, however I still dislike sewing the pieces together.

little knittings

2009-04-28T14:45:00.005+10:00

I know you all are probably just as surprised as what I am to find me knitting dolls clothes!!
But they are so cute and quick and VINTAGE!
I sourced these books from our local market and from ebay.
Things are getting rather cute around here I'll have to darken it up a bit soon!!

meet Georgette

2009-04-19T14:44:00.003+10:00

Just finished my fastest knitted project to date! Only 2 hours to make Georgette.
I found the pattern on Ravelry, it was free and was made by Alejandra Quiroz.
Made for my wonderful SIL. I missed her birthday a couple of days ago ....no excuse other than senility creeping in. She only lives down the road too!
I catch the bus into work with her most mornings. We waffle on and walk to the coffee shop together were she usually buys her Skinny Cappuccino. We then walk and waffle on for a bit more till we get to her work. A bit more waffling on is done until I notice I'm going to be late and run off to my work 4 blocks away.
During this whole time poor SIL has to hold onto a hot cuppa coffee, well not any more! Hopefully Georgette will rescue her burning hands and also feel warm and cozy as the weather gets cooler.
I'll be dropping it off later on today!
Perfect present for Panic knitting!

Just one more sugary drink!

2009-04-18T11:31:00.002+10:00

The little pink chickie was a little surprise from Vivian our wonderful host of the Easter Egg Hunt Swap. If you have a couple of hours to spare check out all the other blogs from our swap, there are truly some lovely talented people making and decorating away not just for themselves and their family but for others.
Looking forward to next Easter all ready!!
Oh and I finally found who received my Easter egg hunt tea cozy, Meredith from "These are the Days"

The hunt for eggs goes on!!

2009-04-17T14:39:00.001+10:00

The lovely little blue bird fantasy egg was made by the very talented Pam Kern

And this little cutie was made by Sherry Wescott
All my eggs and happy and warm now!
thank you to my swap pals for these lovely little Easter themed crafts!

happy Easter!

2009-04-12T11:33:00.001+10:00

Have I mentioned how much I love Easter?? As I kid it was my favourite holiday. I loved the early morning egg hunt with my brothers and sister. My mum would stay up late into the night to colour the eggs and in the early morning hide them. I swear though I once saw a huge white rabbit with a basket hiding the eggs. Great memories! Anyway here is my little tin egg collection.
Have a wonderful Easter everyone and thank you to all those that pass by and post on my blog.

Easter Big Buns!

2009-04-05T08:54:00.002+10:00

Lovely portrait shots of Big Bunny taken by my friend Nickolay. Checkout his other wild life photo's here!

Found one!! The mega Easter Egg hunt is on!!

2009-04-05T08:07:00.003+10:00

Easter Egg hunt Tea Cosy

When Vivian invited me to join the Easter Egg hunt swap I hopped at the opportunity even though I had no idea what to make. After days of searching for ideas online and not finding anything really inspiring I thought about what I loved about Easter as a kid. The colouring of the eggs the night before and the excitement early in the morning of hunting for these eggs with my brothers and sister in our backyard. Wouldn't it be nice to put this idea across??

It just so happened that I had just purchased ' Wild Tea Cosies ' by Loani Prior, while looking through the pages an idea started to form. I took the knitted base from the book, found a site online how to knit Easter eggs and the flowers and leaves came from Knitting over the Edge by Nicky Epstein and Knitted Flowers by Nicky Epstein.

I hope that my swap partner is happy with this cosy. I had fully intended to make myself one before Easter but it doesn't look like it's going to happen!

Thanks Vivian for the fun swap and crafty motivation!

Looking forward to receiving mine real soon!!

fern glade KAL

2009-02-22T15:41:00.001+11:00

Progress so far on Fern Glade, I thought I'd be knitting this on the sofa but as you see it was such a dreamy day outside, and about time too.

I'm hoping to see some more pics from others that started yesterday.

teaparty with Lady Euphoria

2009-02-22T14:27:00.005+11:00

Inspired by the invitation put forth by Lady Euphoria, I and other have joined her for a tea party...read about it here.

No, Bunny this is not the set to Alice in Wonderland!!

To start the morning a short black set the scene.
How could I not invite my oldest friend Tony Curtis (Panda bear), to tea. We have been together for 40 years!
I'm thankful that he is still around.

Boiled egg with toasted soldiers! Yum. The egg came fresh from a farm near by.

I thought I was alone but still I felt I was being observed...sure enough Fat Kitty was spying on me from her look out!

Yummy!!

The tea party was accompanied by my music box. About 40 years old too. Imagine the notes to the blue Danube played out of time and very slowly and spontaneous....just how I like my music boxes to sound! My new teapot gets its first day out. Yum Jam shortbread biscuits! What a morning I'm having!!

Another thing to be thankful for is organic Earl grey tea!

pretty petunias in bloom!

Bluest of blue sky!

Thankful to Crude Things for making me these sporty pair of bloomers!

Bottoms up!!

And look this must be Lady Euphoria's familiar come to visit!

Look at her lovely lace trim on her wings. A very goth moth!

Being such a cynic at the best of times I thought long and hard about what I was thankful for, however in the end it was pretty simple. Everything I have mentioned above from all the small frivolous things to that of family, friends and pets both here, over the wires and those that have departed.

As for whom I'm thankful for all these things well that's difficult and too long winded for me to discuss. Plus it would ruin the atmosphere of a lovely day and might upset a few readers....I'll leave that for another time:)

Thank you for dropping by we all had a lovey yummy time!!

Hope your tea party is going well Lady Euphoria and Mouse!

morbid eye candy

2009-01-26T17:43:00.001+11:00

Just some of the examples of the beautiful masonry work from the past, circa 1880

St Colman's Catholic church, Fentonbury, Tasmania

dream home

2009-01-26T17:40:00.001+11:00

Only $75 000.00 and this building could be yours! I love it. It's just past New Norfolk on the way to Bushy Park. Beautiful park just across the road and 2 very cool cemeteries near by.
What a fantastic studio this would make. The only draw back is that it comes with no land:(
We had a good look around it and round the back had a scary looking little room stacked with some very old wooden chairs.
This place has be empty for years!

I felt as if I was being watched

2009-01-26T17:26:00.003+11:00

I'm sure that's Robert Smith from the Cure!!!

CREEEEEEPPPPPYYYYY

Photo's taken in an Antique shop in New Norfolk, Tasmania

These dummies were every where in this shop, fantastic

is there are doctor in the house?

2009-01-26T17:24:00.001+11:00

Wow, look it's all the Doctors!!!! A big discovery made yesterday while visiting a antique shop in New Norfolk.
The owner is a big Doctor Who fan and she purchased these in London.

A little disturbing, but very funny! Tom Baker with his patient....I didn't think he was that sort of a doctor!

buttons are a flu remedy

2009-01-06T15:02:00.002+11:00

this flu isn't much fun but at least I can still knit. The weather is improving and it's been hot outside apparently, but inside I'm rugged up with my cardie and blanket! Just dropped 2 more pills hoping this will do the trick so I can get back to work soon. Mother's garlic tea remedy doesn't seem to be working.
I started this very cute bootee pattern the other night, and do you think with all my buttons I would have 4 that would work!!! No such luck. I just have to track some pink buttons down, not that I mind too much, buttons are good therapy!
The green cap is part of the Pea pod baby jacket set I knitted a few weeks ago. I've started a few other projects like Sheldon, the turtle and a couple of crochet fingerless gloves and necklaces. I'm also trying to teach myself to Tatting but I think I need to get my brain back before I tackle this again.

We have a bun in the oven!!!!

2009-01-05T12:35:00.005+11:00

Oops I meant Bunny, :) We haven't named him yet. he is very cute and the cats so far are bemused by him. Well maybe that is not the right word Ned was OK with him until bunny started to hump him!! I don't know much about bunnies other than they like to chew electric cables and books. We've bought him a nice mix of bunny grains for him that he seems to love. He also has a fondness for nasturtium leaves and apples!

He is quite a strong little bugger, those back legs and claws could do some damage. At the moment he lives in the laundry but gets to go out into the yard everyday for a huge run and dirt bath! Pig is starting to build him a hutch so he will have a proper home!

Any bunny advice welcomed!!

Oh and this little bunny will not be making it into the oven!

Comfy Log Cabin Socks

2009-01-05T12:07:00.002+11:00

I loved knitting these socks. And have enough wool to make a couple more....hmmm one for me and one for my sister and one for?????
Don't know what the yarn is as it was given to me by a friend and she had kept it for some years.
At the moment I have an awful flu, I'm supposed to be back at work today but wouldn't wish myself upon anybody just yet. well off to make another cup of my mother's tea remedies....
1 knob of ginger, sliced,
1 clove of garlic crushed,
1/2 slice lemon, chopped, black tea,
1 tablespoon of honey and dried mint leaves.
Mix with 2 cups of water.

Bring to the boil, turn down heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain into mug and drink!!

xmas pics

2008-12-30T13:02:00.002+11:00

My xmas knitting corner,

ginger bread men iced up!!

I had to use a recipe new too me as my old one the text disappeared with time:(

Every good Xmas tree needs a little devil (krampus)

a little late, but here are a few pics from our tree. Most of these ornaments I've had for years and a couple I've made and a few are from my mum, brought over from Austria.

I'll be laying low for the next few weeks finishing off projects and of course starting new ones.

2008 was a good year for meeting a wide range of people from all around the globe, very talented and inspiring. Thank you to all that have visited and took time out to comment it's been appreciated, even though I have not had much time to reply to many but I do read them all!!

So a good night and a happy and safe productive new year to you all!!

a little anti crafting and cables

2008-12-14T18:06:00.001+11:00

Gothic glam yule hat, 'Anticraft'

Knitted in just 3 days. No sleep is good for productivity....I plan to sleep after Xmas!

A little Skelly detail

Log Cabin socks, Hand knit Holidays

Hopefully I can finish these for my mum too!! The wool I'm using unknown but I have lots of it. It looks like it's a blend of merino, nylon and something hairy.

more handmade gifts

2008-12-14T18:02:00.001+11:00

Guardian Angel, for my Mum

Trevor the Pirate, for Patrick

These two little characters are made from patterns found in the 'Softies, 22 friends to sew, knit and crochet', book. A much used book this time of the year.
I'm pledging to not buy any more fabric and use what I have which is making it tricky to mix and match patterns and colours.
I seem to have no problems with colour when I draw or paint but some how when it comes to fabrics I find it a little daunting.

Bitsy Elf clogs

2008-12-08T07:15:00.001+11:00

A little Jenny B Harris design. If you don't know about her blog Allsorts I strongly suggest you get yourselves over there. I would warn you however it has a huge amount of sugar content!:)

I'll be making more of these little clogs all the way up to Xmas!!

Oooooo off to work for me....cheers!!

pea pod

2008-12-07T19:41:00.001+11:00

I finished the pea pod jumper today!! It still needs to be washed and blocked but I'm very happy with it! I still need to make the little hat....may start on that tonight!

I have quite a bit of this wool left over as I bought in bulk as I loved the colour, I may make a larger one for a bigger baby!

bub, bib, bib, bibs

2008-12-07T19:16:00.004+11:00

Busy, busy, busy that's all I can say when people ask me what I've been up to!
Well it's Xmas time and as I made my pledge last year to only make and buy hand made and this takes time, but it's time well spent!
I went on a little bib making frenzy, they are so easy peasy to make and I love rummaging through my fabric stash finding just the right pattern to use for so and so's little bub!
Some of the fabric I bought online from japan and others are from local shops.
The little doll is off to Austria next week to stay with one of my relatives little daughter!

I've so many other things on the go that I had to take over the lounge, poor BF has to sit on the tiny space I left for him on the sofa to eat his dinner. the poor cats a shooed off their regular sleeping spots as I've had to use all surfaces to lay things out on.

Well I best get back to it as I'm sure that BF's and the cats good will will only be stretched so far!!!

It's a very kitty Xmas!

2008-11-30T20:30:00.003+11:00

FAT KITTY WATCH OUT!!

9 knitted mice, heading for Bulgaria! There is a home there with 9 lovely cats, that I know will be loving their new little playmates!
Sorry Fat Kitty they are not for you...maybe Santa has a little something else for you and Ned if you both behave!! A wonderful way to use up your odds and ends from your stash.

The pattern is again from Stitch and Bitch, a book that I just seem to go back to all the time for projects and tips.

Such an easy pattern, particularly after making 9 of them I now know it off by heart.

Aliens

2008-11-19T20:23:00.004+11:00

Finally I've got around to knitting that Alien scarf from 'Stitch and Bitch'. What a great pattern and so cool seeing Alien faces appering!
I did try the skull and cross bones a while ago but the yarn was all wrong and curled in at the edges. I like this yarn much better, I'll fill you in on what it is a bit later when I find the label!!

Ok hope nobody held there breath? The wool I'm using for this is Patons merino deluxe, DK.

US 7 / 4.5 mm

Bought from SPOTLIGHT!!, at a sale they had on a few weeks ago, there was no way I was going to buy it at the pre sale price...it was more than some Jo Sharp yarns!

I do like the almost cotton look to it and the way it drapes.

pea pod baby jacket

2008-11-19T19:55:00.001+11:00

Almost off the needles after nearly a year! I've knitted many of Kate Gilbert's patterns and they have always taught me something new about knitting, be it a new stitch, pattern or her construction. I've only the sleeves to go and I hay even knit the hat as I've plenty of green yarn.

sock mushrooms

2008-11-09T12:05:00.001+11:00

Here are some sock mushrooms that I've started collecting!
The one on the right end belonged to my great great grand mother!!
The other three are from eBay. The woman I bought them from told me two came from her grandmother in the UK and the other from a friend.

More Mutti knits!!

2008-11-05T07:46:00.002+11:00

This is my favourite cardigan I wear to knit in!! I bet a lot of you out there are surprised???

My mum made this to wear with her traditional Austrian costume which is called a 'dirndl'

It's so warm and toasty to wear on those chilly mornings and nights.

I think she loves the fact that I'm getting good use out of it. She did say that if I ever decide to give it away 'please, please cut the buttons off'. Apparently the buttons came from Austria.

They are very nice metal buttons.

Mutti's knits!!

2008-11-05T07:40:00.005+11:00

Some of my mothers knitting.

I'm not really into the big chunky knit cream jumpers but I can appreciate the work that's gone into them. My mum is a great knitter!

She was once even a great sewer. I have so many photo's of her modelling clothes that she made herself. One of my favourite is a beautiful blouse she made from a linen pillow case that her mother gave to her as part of a wedding dowry.

I don't want to let go!!

2008-10-28T20:43:00.003+11:00

Nostalgia, memories, hanging on, letting go, another year older, another year nearly gone. These are all things have been mulling in my head for months now.
It's been a year today since the death of my very dear friend Julie, her voice and face seem to be slowly fading. Every time I passed her bus stop in the morning I could visualize her standing there waiting. Even visiting her husband at home her presence seems to have quietened down. I'm sad that I'm finding it hard to keep her but I guess that's what time does. I do have photo's of her and even a little movie clip that I still can't bring myself to watch.
A lot has changed in my life and in our " close knit group of friends". No longer do we meet at the local every Saturday afternoon, no weekend or week night swarays,no dancing or singing, champagne doesn't taste the same, cocktails no longer are fun and worse the Richmond Tigers did well this year and I didn't have a footy buddy to share the joy in!
I let a few friendships slide. I'm not sure why that happened. I made more friends online and kept in far better communication with them than with people I've known for years. Strange, but I think deep down I know why.
I'm still angry at the world but at least I'm starting to enjoy some new interests like nature photography. Its the small day to day goings on in the garden and in our environment that I'm drawn too and not the big picture.

Well if I keep going I'll be here all night rambling!

still in the pink

2008-10-23T12:39:00.003+11:00

Boo!! Yes I know I've been bad, very bad not blogging or replying to posts, not leaving a gone fishing sign, not a word or a peep. Nothing!!

What can I say? Work has been draining my creativity quite a bit, and where before I was able to indulge in many things a few creativity's had to be put on hold. Knitting was one thing that I hadn't been able to enjoy for a while....maybe it's the over whelming stash and UFO's strewn around my studio?

Last night after deciding not to clean up the studio I spied a bag of bright pink wool beckoning me to come closer! I didn't resist and a few moments later I was riffling through old pattern books and came across a pattern I had downloaded 2 years ago...Ropes and ladders scarf by Jennifer Tallapaneni, perfect!! So now I'm 28 rows into the project!

And I must apologize for not showing of my prize from PenCraft, not in shot is a daily planner..hmmmm I've put it away till next year:) and this lovely yarn just begging to be socks!!The yarn comes from Cat Mountain Fiber Arts, it is hand dyed superwash merino wool. 480 yards!! colour is "Evergreen"....YUM YUM!!

Thank you again!!

Now I'm off to disappear into the studio if you don't hear from me here you may find me either here, here, here or here!!

I'll promise I'll start visiting my neglected blog buddies soon too!!

Neds New Bed

2008-09-13T23:31:00.005+10:00

One thing Ned loves doing is sleeping. We thought it was high time that he has his own bed.

He really isn't keen to sleep on the bed...mostly due to Fat Kitty hissing and growling every time he tried.

Ned now has a cute little basket with a bunny and teddy bear quilt. but the best thing about it is its ability to be moved to follow the sun.

by the sea side

2008-08-26T07:42:00.002+10:00

by the sea side, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

by the seaside

2008-08-13T10:19:00.005+10:00

by the seaside, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

My new purchase...by the seaside, spun by Guttersnipe. Its named after the song sung by Helen Bonham Carter in Sweeney Todd....could that be the reason why I was so attracted to it?

Purple Raison

2008-08-12T09:02:00.004+10:00

raison, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

My new favourite beret!! Plymouth tweed. a lovely yarn over k2together and ssk pattern!

before and 4 hours later

2008-08-08T15:27:00.005+10:00

I DID IT! I finally did it and boy am I relieved I went and had a hair cut.

No more self strangulation in bed, no more hair dipping into the kitty litter or cat food!!

before, unhappy

after, very happy

Look little chocolate berry crow...that has a nice ring to it!

I've never been to this hair dresser before and it has been a long time between cuts but they came recommended and were near by. I must be a bit of a weirdo because I kinda like the experience, the banter and watching what everybody else is getting done, it's weird old ladies in tight little curlers, young girls with thousands square bits of aluminum in their hair looking like bad alien costume designs from early Lost in Space episodes.

I knew I was going to take the best part of the day to get done and already having a sneaky suspicion that they would have a hefty stock of schmaltzy magazines I came prepared with a good book...Edgar Allan Poe's The Narrative of Arthur Gorden Pym of Nantucket, the only trouble was it was too good and was annoyed everytime I was interrupted at all the good bits!

stormy seas!

2008-08-08T08:14:00.009+10:00

When my eyes first glanced at Knit It Up, the 'Stormy Sea Scarflette', These lines from Poe came surging through me!
My visions where of shipwreck and famine; of death or captivity among barbarian hordes; of a lifetime dragged out in sorrow and in tears, upon some grey and desolate rock, in an ocean unapproachable and unknown. such visions or desires- for they amounted to desires- are common, I have since been assured, to the whole numerous race of the melancholy among men - at the time of which I speak I regarded them only as prophetic glimpses of a destiny which I felt myself in a measure bound to fulfil. The Narrative of Arthur Gorden Pym of Nantucket. Edgar Allan Poe.
Have you ever had an experience like that when viewing knitting?
What grabs you when you come across a pattern you like?
For me its the name first that hooks me in to take a look and then its the colour and if it goes hand in hand with the name ie, Stormy Seas is a cold grey blue colour, very reminiscent of storm clouds. And the look takes third place and if I can imagine myself wearing it. Stormy Seas uses Rowen Big Wool Tufty, which has the appearance of an aged cloth tied to a pier worn down by sea spray, wind and rain. How romantic!

HuRry yoUr BiG ChaNce To SWAP!!

2008-08-05T08:40:00.003+10:00

TDDDAAAA!!! Roll Up, Roll Up!!! Come one come all.....well the first three anyway!

Go to littleartycraftycrow to check out the details!!!!!!

Hurry!!!

Treillage progress

2008-08-01T10:19:00.002+10:00

Treillage progress, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

One sock down......errr.......one sock UP!!

block of chocolate socks

2008-07-26T11:54:00.002+10:00

block of chocolate socks, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

finally finished these scrummy warm chocolate socks.
The free pattern came from the crafty mind of Cindy at 2Paw.blogspot!

mini me in my pretty blue dress

2008-07-25T15:30:00.002+10:00

mini me in my pretty blue dress, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

sad teddy page 6

2008-07-18T07:54:00.003+10:00

sad teddy page 6, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

mini ragdoll

2008-07-13T17:29:00.001+10:00

mini ragdoll, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

Just over 3.5 inches!!
I really should have been wearing my glasses to make this.

sad teddy

2008-07-13T13:27:00.001+10:00

sad teddy, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

If I was to die tomorrow this is one book that I would be burried with!!
I thought I had lost it but yesterday I searched in the old trunk stored in the shed outside and there he was!!
A little mouldy smelling, locked away for 5 years!! My mums hand writing is on the inside and se wrote " This book belongs to Grace, 3 years and 3 months old" 1966
I loved this book to bits! The eyes are hologrames and I remember so many times my mum and I had to glue and tape them back on. I'll post more pics of the inside later!!

good Little Bad Little Girl

2008-07-13T13:26:00.001+10:00

good Little Bad Little Girl, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

What was my mum trying to tell me with this one?!!
I obviously thought that this book needed to have more colours and coloured in the cover and the first few pages! VERY BAD!
I did date this book back to 1967!

My ETSY favourites

2008-07-10T14:48:00.006+10:00

I've been meaning to do this like forever! Here is a list of my favourite places to shop and lurk on ETSy!!

Sunshine.etsy.com wonderful stitch markers. This is where I bought my skull markers from.

Junkhouse Dollyard Designs beautiful handmade clothing. And quite affordable. My skirt arrived in the mail the other day and it's so well made I can't wait to wear it out!!

Minni500 Handpainted leggings!! I've bought 2 pairs and I just love'em!! She works from Melbourne so postage is cheap! I'm tempted to get custom made pair to go with the skirt I bought from Junkhouse Dollyard Designs !!

Betty Jo Designs I'd love to buy the pony!!!

Crude things Check out the bloomers!!!!!!!!!

Obsidian Kitten I think I just about all her vintage buttons!! There are some lovely hats, mitts and scarves that she has knitted using wool spun from her own lama's!

Allison Strine the moment I saw her work I was hooked! I've bought many pendants from her and they just make me happy wearing them!

Little Elfs Toy Shop some of the cutest, tiniest, wee, small needle felted critters ever!! Checkout her bunny's and mice!!

Margo Lamp works little glass beads of frogs, rabbits and sea creatures!!

cherrybuds in detail

2008-07-10T10:35:00.001+10:00

cherrybuds in detail, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

to make my walk to the post office fun I took my camera to take some pics of little things close up. The mood was perfect, a slight chill in the air and a fog nearly lifting!

somethings finished, somethings started

2008-07-09T13:14:00.011+10:00

The Kim Hargreave's Pagan take two is finished!!!!!! It only took a year longer than expected!!
I think I knitted it better than the first time and I definitely finished it off a lot better.

I took it for show and tell last Saturday to our knitting group and everyone was suitably impressed, and I don't think I had to even prod them with the pointy end of my 15mm needles!
Only a few more days to go before I'm back at work, so I'm trying to get as many wips and I've been meaning to make this like forever list. Pagan was first off the rank and now its time t0 complete my 'block of chocolate socks', designed by the one and only 2paw.

Finaly finished "Flora"! frilled to bits with this and looking forward to flashing it around town!
Like the use of all my F's?

The lovely green vintage button is one I bought on Ebay, I think it works...any comments?
Still having lots of self stirpping sock wool and in need now of more projects...I was online this morning checking out sock patterns on Ravelry...I found these two, Twinkle Twinkle and Treillage
And here is my next new sock pattern knitted with Heirlooms "Jigsaw"

Treillage

my friend

2008-06-30T19:51:00.004+10:00

my friend, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

garter stitch fingerless mittens! The pattern was designed by Ysolda, and its a free pattern.
These look very much like the ones Johnny Depp wears in "Sweeney Todd

The skull stitch markers are the creations of SUNNESHINE, you can find her shop on ETSY .

A NedMorning 3

2008-06-30T19:35:00.002+10:00

A NedMorning 3, originally uploaded by _BlackCrow.

I'm going to miss my mornings with Ned when I go back to work:(

a snake in the grass

2008-06-29T14:47:00.005+10:00

A cute little snake pattern from Jess Hutchinson, he has been on of my WIP's for a while. So happy that he is finished as he has fast become a real favourite.

Much to my surprise I've been slowly sewing together My Pagan Jumper which I re-knitted last year and its not too bad.

There is a pair of garter stitch mittens, Ala Sweeney Todd style on the go too.

Bunny and elephant sales have been doing quite well and I've nearly reached my first 20 sales!

I'd love to do a little arty crafty sway with a few people maybe with a theme, any ideas?? Something tactile would be good.

I'm back to work soon so will have to be really, really disciplined and organized at home if I'm to get work done in the studio too. Don't know how that's going to happen.

I'm already dreading a few things like the cats will really miss me and I we were all doing so well at communicating with one another, being able to walk in the garden when the sun is out. Making copious amounts of tea and coffee, do a bit of baking when I feel like it and of course late night horror movies. Hmmm wonder if I can work from home?

Any way back to the studio for me!!

cramming in some knitting time

2008-06-05T20:40:00.007+10:00

Now that the bunny's have taken off I only have my nights to cram in a bit of knitting.

I spotted this striped shawl at Interweaveknits and thought Yum I like that!

Its called Candy Striped Kerchief. I've knitted just over a meter in length and started the decreases. Fast, fun and not too much to concentrate on. What more could a midnight knitter want?

Already I can see myself knitting this in purple and green or orange and purple...or red and white........

A few weeks ago whilst in Ravelry in my Tim Burton knitting group I spotted an add for Jaquelyn Landry's Burtonesques needless to say 1 second later I had the the pattern downloaded and printed!

I've my eye on the Letterman and Zeebad , but for now I've enough on my plate!

The Burtonesque's are not for mindless knitting as you have to do a bit of counting!

I've only used a cheap wool as i couldn't find a nice wool in the right colours...at spotlight:(

I chose to knit it in pencil grey colours....F and 2B!!

little mummy hens

2008-04-28T16:26:00.012+10:00

what are these two girls hiding?

Surprise!

Mollychicken's 'Chickens', I made these two yesterday. As mothers day is approaching I thought my mum needed one of these!

indiknits harvest garland scarf

2008-04-28T08:00:00.006+10:00

Garland scarf is finished and even though I'm not sure I fully understood the pattern I'm happy with the result.
The yarn used in the original pattern was a multi coloured Peacefleece or Karaoke, but I didn't have any so I used 4 different colours manly Jo Sharps Aran Tweed and one unknown purple wool.

When I first saw this scarf at knitpixie, I thought the berry's where little balls and not open like this...which makes me want to experiment with a few of my own variations.Notice the colours are the same as my garden scarf, I've still quite a bit left over which is good cos' I love the colour combinations.....maybe some granny squares or the 'Luncheon Date Hat'?

Have a guess and win a prize!!

2008-04-25T10:51:00.008+10:00

peck, peck, peck!!

Lucky prize to who ever guesses where I was last weekend!

Go have a go its easy!! Little black crow needs some space in her studio and has to unload some stuff. Win a original lino print of 'Nelson', the black cat.

More giveaways later, so stay tuned!

Garland scarf

2008-04-19T21:56:00.005+10:00

It was such a beautiful day today, birds twittering outside, the sun so warm on the sofa.

And even though I had so many other things to do I couldn't resist finishing off the garland scarf.

I really didn't have much to do to finish it but you know how it is when you have to make everything just right before you begin...cups of tea, something to nibble, a toasty cat or two, your favorite music and just borrowed crochet library books at arms length, in case you need to take a break from making berry's and leaves!

I used Jo sharp silk road aran tweed for the majority of the scarf and some unknown bits of yarn for the rest.

happy hooking

2008-04-18T08:51:00.007+10:00

I've been wanting to make this forever and finally have got around to making one. The wool is Jo Sharps Aran Tweed...just love it! I've not seen anyone use Jo Sharp to crochet with, I could be wrong but I did search on Ravelry and didn't find any saying they've used it.

I didn't do it exactly to the instructions as I couldn't work out how one flower attached itself to the other, so I'll just join them up individually. Last night I sewed in all the loose threads, phew!

I also started 'The Garland Scarf' from Indie Knits, I bought that pattern ages ago. Its a little hard to understand and the pictures could have shown a little more detail. But even if the way I've crocheted it is wrong I still like the way its turning out.

And look what the cat dragged in!!! Poor little mite!! I was able to rescue her from the jaws of certain death and put her in a shoe box to rest. I think one of her legs is damaged but she can fly.

This morning I set her free into the bush just a few blocks from my place. She took off and disappeared into the trees. I stayed a while and listened and was totally amazed at just ho many little twittering I heard and the flaps of wings, although I could hardly spot any birds, they are so well camouflaged. But I was reassured that she was in good company...well except for the crows, but then I'd rather a native critter eat her than a silly domesticated cat! I'm off to buy Ned a cow bell to tie around his neck!

robin in a box

Other new's is that I sold my second little bunny!! Ole is headed for the USA!! At this rate I might have to set up breeding programs!

My first ETSY sale!!!

2008-04-12T06:31:00.003+10:00

How exciting was it to get up this morning and checkout how my little Etsy shop was going and to find that Little Flossy Bunny was sold!!

She is on her way to Denmark!!!

This morning too I've a appointment with Sona Gallery. I'm hoping that they'll exhibit my little stuffed Naive art dolls. What a morning...I better get out of my dressing gown and scrub myself up a bit before meeting the public!!

more bunnies

2008-04-11T11:58:00.008+10:00

Little Flossy. This little bunny is made out of calico ad distressed using tea and coffee staining to give an aged look. She is hand painted and hand embroidered. Flossy is just one of many bunny's that will be popping up here and on my little ETSY Shop!!

BunnyPincushion

Urban Anarchy starts at home

2008-04-05T12:19:00.007+11:00

Inspired by certain persons and conversations I decided to do a trial run of Knit graffiti at home...Looking around the yard for my first victim I spotted my letter box looking rather cold and neglected...What better way to keep him warm than to knit him a little collar..And the snail...well that's a joke, get it? Snail mail of course.

After only being put up 30 minutes ago already passer byes have noticed him.

I couldn't help myself, the possibilities around the yard are endless. Eventually I think I will need to expand my boundaries!

jaywalkers are finished!!!!

2008-04-04T13:42:00.003+11:00

I wore them into town today with my runners on and boy did they get hot in there. I thought when I get home they probably will be all felted as it is 100% wool. But to my relief they where fine. I'm learning to get over the fact that the second ball I used didn't stripe the same way as the first, I tried several time to get the same result but had to give up in the end as it was never going to happen. Looking at the photo now you can't really tell anyway!
Now whats next on my UFO's to finish!!

Annie Oakley

2008-03-26T17:45:00.004+11:00

Did anyone play Cowboys as a kid? When I wasn't playing the Indian I was role playing Annie Oakley and used to try and hog tie my older brother!

This is a watercolour I'm working on at the moment. You can have a look at the progress pics at my other blog artycraftycrow.

some nearly finished projects

2008-03-26T17:32:00.005+11:00

Jaywalkers nearly ready to walk on their own.
I did undo the whole lot one day and try to work out a way I could match the rounds like the original. But it was impossible so I have to live with it. The colour is different too..maybe I should leave it out in the sun to fade a bit?

The Belladonna Sleeves from Anti-craft. I posted a question on Ravelry about how to knit the added increases. The pattern doesn't say wether to purl or knit it. Just to knit the pattern which is K2, P3. The increase is made at the end of the round after 3 purl stitches.
There are more increases latter at the same spot. I can't go on until I find out what to do...POO!

Fortunatly I have these to keep me busy..I'm sooo in love with the Blue sky alpaca 'melange', it so soft and makes a great sound on the needles....is that weird??