ivy nest

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2012-02-26T12:15:00.000+11:00

Hello all. Hoping you all had a lovely weekend. I will be away from this space until next week. See you all then. Enjoy your week.

at the park

2012-02-24T08:34:00.000+11:00

Every now and then during Summer, we treat ourselves to some take-away noodles and eat them at the park. So much less stressful than eating in a restaurant. These were taken a few weeks ago.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

in the knitting basket

2012-02-23T10:13:00.000+11:00

I don't know quite what it is lately, but I seem to find myself knitting more and more often. Perhaps it's the crisp mornings. Perhaps the rain that keeps coming and going. Or perhaps I'm feeling like I'm finally getting my head around the whole knitting thing. It is a new thing for me to read a pattern and not have to constantly google you tube videos. Not that that will happen every time. I still have so much more to learn. But I'm feeling more confident these days about this whole knitting business.

I've discovered the fun that is to be had in having multiple projects on the go at once. It always used to bewilder me as to why knitters did this. Didn't they get confused with the multiple projects? Did they ever get them finished? So far no to the former and hopefully yes to the latter.

Because, you see, some projects lend themselves to different things. Some are quite challenging, and require a certain amount of concentration. Best done during nap times and while kids are in school. Or late at night when all are asleep. If you still happen to have your concentration by then.

Some are almost easy enough to do with your eyes closed. These are the ones with rows and rows of garter or stocking stitch. The ones where the yarn is not too slippery. These are my favourite to take on a car trip or when the lights are dimmed to watch a movie.

Here is a bit of what I'm working on right now.

This is to be a Tiny Tea Leaves cardigan for Julia. Should be lovely for Autumn and Winter. The yarn is a beautiful soft DK weight wool and angora blend. I've been making good progress on this one. Probably my favourite knit at the moment. Only the sleeves to go now. Ravelled here.

I absolutely love this ultra soft and smooth bluey-grey Baby Alpaca yarn. Lovely to work with. This one sits beside my bedside and is sporadically worked on. It is to be a pinafore dress from the Debbie Bliss pattern in The Ultimate Book of Baby Knits. I'm hoping to have it finished for Autumn wear, so I will have to pick up the pace a little. Ravelled here.

This is my quick and easy knit on the go. It is a Kina for Violet in Debbie Bliss' Baby Cashmerino. This is the first time I've used this yarn and let me just say that it's a dream to work with. Particularly with Addi circular needles. I don't think I've slipped a stitch yet. My first project in pink too. Ravelled here.

This is the latest one and a result of me itching to trial out some of my new yarn. I found this lovely Japanese style pattern, Like Sleeves for Kids, while hunting on Ravelry late at night. I knit this up over the space of a day or two, it was that quick. There are a few tiny mistakes in it, but overall I'm very happy with it. Now just the other side to do. There is a crocheted cord to make up at the very end. I have never crocheted, but I suppose I will deal with that when I get to it. Ravelled here.

This wool is lined up for the next little project. I'm not quite sure what that is yet. Any suggestions?

What's in your knitting basket right now?

the chairs

2012-02-22T09:44:00.000+11:00

Some of you may remember our dining table we bought at auction some months ago. With it's lovely chipped green legs, it's been happily residing in our space for quite some time. It's turned out to be the perfect size for us. Quite a bit bigger than our last table, but not so big that you look like two people in a movie sitting at a ridiculously large table. Did I mention that I love this table?

Then there was the chairs. None of the chairs fitted from our old setting. It seems people were rather petite back then. So we needed to find some chairs of the petite sort. As most older chairs are.

After months of op shopping, I had collected an assortment of old, tatty chairs.

The ones in the worst condition had a few minor repairs involving a nail and hammer. I left that part to the expert.

The spray painting was also left in the hands of the expert, as apparently, my efforts were a not quite up to standard. I was happy to work on the blue number with a paintbrush and some leftover old paint.

I left the white, chipped Thonet as is. As well as the little maroon chair. I was originally going to paint this, not being a big maroon fan, but it has grown on me, and I quite like it now.

I recovered the two chair pads in oilcloth from Fabric Traders. Much nicer than the brown vinyl.

And then there was the other chair. The one left entirely up the "expert". When the yellow paint ran out, the black came out. I have christened it "Bumblebee". Hmmm. Perhaps another paint job is in the works.

Hoping your is a good mid-week.

kitchen: making

2012-02-21T09:44:00.002+11:00

There has been much making and baking going on in this house. Not to worry about our fairly unproductive garden of late, as our neighbours have kindly given us much of their excess. A very slight shift in weather has re-ignited my interest in the world of preserving and other such things. I'm starting to feel Autumn. Which, I think, has to be my very favourite season of all. Have you been feeling it too?

Back to the food.

Baskets of sour apples and over a kilo of blackberries landed on our doorstep. Some were made into the most delicious crumble (Nigella's recipe from this book). Twice.

Even more were made into Blackberry and Apple jam.

And once that was done, I think I may have caught the preserving bug all over again. There is still a whole basket of apples left. I'm thinking of making this.

You might remember me saying a little while ago that I wanted to make sweet chilli sauce? My chilli harvest this year has been one whole chilli. So far anyway. But that's one whole more than any other year, so that one chilli was cause for some excitement. That, of course, wasn't anywhere near enough to make a sauce. So I simply bought a big bag of chillies (from that place that we don't like to talk about) and made a batch from that. The recipe made seven bottles worth. I left out the ginger because I didn't have any on hand.

As much as I would have liked the chillies to be organic, they weren't. But I do know what went into it. Let me just say that there is a world of difference between bought/processed and homemade sweet chilli sauce. But I think you may already know that. I used this recipe (I used a mixture of whatever vinegar I had on hand).

And then I made yoghurt. I've made yoghurt before, just not in a long time. To tell you the truth I was a little tired of the whole temperature, oven and thermometer fussing involved. I always told myself that when I had more time I would get back into the swing of making it weekly again.

Then I remembered Tammi's method and thought to give it a go. The method seems to suit me very well. Kind of like the lazy guide to making yoghurt. Using that favourite appliance of mine, the slow cooker.

It worked. Just remember to leave it to strain in the muslin afterwards. It really gives the yoghurt that thick, rich quality. It puts a smile on my face when I open the fridge. Funny how making things yourself can fill one with a certain sense of satisfaction. I'd been missing that lately.

Have you been feeling a little Autumn-like too? What have you been making/planning to make?

#

2012-02-20T08:42:00.000+11:00

Ours was a weekend full of baking and food. While it stormed outside I did a little knitting and reading. I tried to dry the washing.

The last picture was not retouched in any way. The end of a storm combined with the sun setting, cast a surreal glow over our valley. It was beautiful.

How was your weekend?

on instagram

2012-02-17T08:50:00.000+11:00

I've been enjoying the handy, compact benefits of iphone picture taking lately. Particularly when out and about.

I took the advice of many of you and joined Instagram. If you want to find me on there search for ivynest.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Nonna lessons

2012-02-16T09:36:00.000+11:00

While attempting homemade pasta the other night, I had a visit from my mother-in-law. This Nonna knows the ins and outs of her pasta, so I was more than happy to let her step in. Pasta by hand is rather hard work isn't it? I'm not really sure why I haven't bought a machine yet as it is something I've made from time to time.

In no time at all the dough was transformed into delicate little fettuccine strips. Unlike my chunky larger-than-pappardelle strips (as seen in the last two pics).

Nonna told us about her mother-in-law disapproving of the new pasta machines when they came onto the market. She used to make it all by hand, often in large batches for the coming week. It was a big family, afterall, with six children to feed.

Over dinner we talked about these harder times. Of bombings during the war. An entrepeneur-type great-grandparent.

Which makes me think that food shared can be so much more. A chance to learn, a bringing together of different generations and cultures, and reminders of those that came before us.

And the pasta? Bellissimo!

just peachy

2012-02-15T08:35:00.000+11:00

Iced Ginger roses from the garden.
Wool from the weekend.
Working on a new pants pattern for Violet.
Washing and ironing new fabric.
A nice little read from here.
For the hubbies dream camping trip, also found on the weekend.

Wishing you all a peachy Wednesday.

a garden tour

2012-02-14T08:41:00.000+11:00

It has been a rather strange summer her weather-wise. Rain, even a light frost and temperatures soaring into the forties. Unfortunately this erratic weather has played havoc in the garden this year. The year before last I successfully grew many vegies from seed. But it wasn't to be this year. Almost every seed I planted failed to come up, and those that did mysteriously disappeared. I think it may be to a big increase in snails in the garden.

Lettuce, though so successful the year before, shot straight to seed as soon as the temperature soared.

There might have been one or two tantrums involved.

Though it has been incredibly frustrating this year, it is not all doom and gloom. Let me show you around.

This picture was taken last week, and the perpetual spinach, silverbeet and parsley have now tripled in size after the latest rains. Purchased as seedlings.

The corn seedlings have grown huge and you can see many husks developing. I'm quite excited as I've never grown corn before. Some locals plant them all around their vegie gardens as a protection against our harsh Summer weather.

Tiny tomato seedlings have been growing like crazy. About four have survived. I had one full sized tomato plant survive despite planting about 6.

Here is the back of the garden. Needing weeding. Everything there is from last year and has completely gone to seed.

Let's move onto the rest of the garden.

Two of the apple trees we planted the year before last fruited this year. Above is a Lord Lambourne. You can see some hail damage there, but they were all still edible. Actually, they were delicious. That combination of a crisp, juicy but dry crunch that you just don't get in supermarket apples. Sweetness with a tang.

Our Leighton Green Leylandii has grown to head height. We have a few lines of them running around the boundary, mixed with privet, photinia, butterfly bush and vibernum.
On the subject of Leylandii and neighbours I read a very interesting article here.

I couldn't tell you what this is - a day lily? Note the dead grass in the background.

Perhaps the Autumn plantings will be a little more successful that the Summer.

As each season passes, we are learning more about the micro climate on our block, which will change as plants grow. The general climate here is rather harsh and with some altitude. With drying winds and scorching sun. There are ways around it, and many seasoned local gardeners are willing to share their experiences.

It is all a learning curve.

How has your garden been growing? Have you had a successful /unsuccessful season? Or are you in the planning stage of your garden?

out and about

2012-02-13T11:47:00.000+11:00

Perhaps the best thing about hubby and son attending a four wheel drive show on the weekend, was the the close proximity to several large op shops and that big craft shop. It had been several years since I'd visited the area. Somehow, I think in comparison to where we live now, it felt so noisy. But a little exciting to this now-country-girl. It seems a change of scenery can be a good thing every now and then. Strip shopping, to me, is far more pleasant that those over-sized shopping centres. The op shops were open all Saturday, and they were full of people. I even met a lovely blog reader in one shop (Hi Lauren!).

That big craft shop was positively bustling with people, and though I was forced to hide in an aisle (a wool aisle unfortunately..) to feed Violet, I still managed to come home with a few pieces of Japanese lawn fabric and a little too much wool. It seems I could not resist all those lovely balls of wool at such a (comparitively) small price.

And on the way home I was told that I missed out on a really good day at the show. Maybe next time.

:-

2012-02-10T09:17:00.000+11:00

A few pictures from the week. We've had a little rain.

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

the summer top

2012-02-09T10:01:00.000+11:00

I don't know about you, but pretty, affordable, ethically made summer tops proved to be elusive to me this Summer. So, encouraged by my last project (and thank you for all those top pattern suggestions left in the comments), I dusted off another pattern from my collection.

I went through my stash and came up with just enough Anna Maria Horner voile for a simple top. I'd had this McCalls patterns for quite some time. I had planned to make this into a maternity top while I was pregnant, but I just never got around to it. I've often tended towards tunic and empire lines, as I find them incredibly comfortable and, well, they just feel like "me". If you know what I mean.

It took me almost a week of working on it on and off late at night. Though I did have to re-do one little yoke section, the rest was pretty straight forward.

I made the size 8, but found that I had to take the sides in about a centimeter on both sides. The straps also needed shortening which was not really a problem. This pattern was definitely on the generous side as far as sizing went.

Though right at the very end, just when I thought the project was in the bag, I went to cut off the excess fabric for the hem (and believe me there was quite a lot of excess fabric - I wasn't after the sack look) and of course you can guess what happened. Yes, I chopped too much off. I can only blame the late night hours involved. Not fancying the belly top look, I found a little more of the voile from the same range and attached it to the hem to lengthen it. And surprisingly, I'm quite happy with how that turned out. Sometimes mistakes can lead to better outcomes. Or at least more interesting ones.

And most importantly (becoming increasingly more important the older I get) it is light and comfortable.

More creative spaces to be seen over here.

washing the woolens

2012-02-08T09:10:00.001+11:00

It's been a kind of strange Summer around here. Weather-wise at least. We have had highs of 40 and lows of 4 degrees. Which has kind of played havoc in my garden, but that's a story for another day. It has also meant that wool washing has continued on and off this season.

I have been making my own wool wash for a few months now and thought I'd share it with you today. It's not really so very different from an ordinary washing gel recipe, only in different quantities.

I only made one jar this time around and used just one (140g) bar of Dr Bronner's Lavender soap. (I love the smell of Dr Bronner soaps )You could easily substitute this for any other pure soap. Depending on how much soap you have on hand you can easily make double or more of this recipe. This recipe makes one large jar.

Woolwash

250ml water, boiled

140g bar of pure soap

1 teaspoon borax

Grate soap into saucepan. (Good job for the kiddies). Add borax.

Pour boiling water over the grated soap and borax.

Bring saucepan to the boil.
Stir with a whisk or spoon until the soap flakes are dissolved. This takes several minutes.

Pour into a glass jar. The mixture will cool into a white jelly.

I use a heaped tablespoon to a large sink (of lukewarm water) or in the (front loading) machine. Yes, I do use the wool cycle on the washing machine for many of my woolens. But I only recommend this if you really trust your machine. When I do handwash, I quite enjoy the slowness of it. The pleasant smell of the warm soapy water and a chance to ponder over each knitted item while carefully cleaning it. Then the process of laying the wool in a towel and gently rolling to squeeze out the water.

Happy wool washing!

loving...

2012-02-07T08:11:00.000+11:00

Loving...

the cheery green tones of new old placemats
nap times that last more than fifteen minutes
op shop vintage toddler knits - appreciating the beautiful work in them
figs
learning about the quilting process... this year will be the year I start quilt making!

Hoping you all have a pleasant Tuesday.

from the kitchen

2012-02-06T08:22:00.000+11:00

Mayonnaise (from Nigella's How to Eat),
added to a curried potato salad with egg, parsley and chives.
Couscous salad with local cucumbers, mizuna and herbs (chives and mint) from the garden. Tossed with an olive oil, lemon juice and garlic dressing. Yoghurt on the side.
Pavlova.
Leftover chicken and baby spinach on homemade bread with sweet chilli dressing and sea salt.
Home-ground coffee.
Basil from the verandah.
made into basil and macadamia nut pesto (adapted from this book)
pesto
Whipped vanilla cream.
Sunday morning half and half white and buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup.
Sunday night easy dinner of tinned organic baked beans with grated Nimbin cheese (the one cheese that pleases everyone in this house), local Turkish bread and salad.

What's been cooking in your kitchen?

around home

2012-02-03T07:36:00.000+11:00

Playing around with a little Amy Butler and Liberty prints
Fabric no-sewing-involved covered books (top is Amy Butler, bottom two op-shopped)
Market goods - and now I'm quite keen to try my hand at sweet chilli sauce. The homemade version is incomparable. Sooo good!
Market tea and herbs
Out of the linen cupboard
Picture hijacking...
Bread rising
New knitting
Hijacked again!
Finding old things in stored boxes... I really must sort through those boxes some day.

I'm thinking that some of my favourite photos may not be the clearest, in fact some are quite blurry. But it's the ones that capture the spirit of the moment that make me smile.

Do you keep your blurry photos?

Hoping you have a lovely weekend.

the custardy shrug

2012-02-01T08:09:00.000+11:00

Sometimes the heat can be a little easier to deal with when you have a knitting project just waiting for those moments when you need to slow down a little. Preferably near a fan.

This project was from my copy of Debbie Bliss' Ultimate Book of Baby Knits. In a happy, custardy yellow colour in pure new wool.

Yes, another project for Violet. I'm afraid there's a bit of knitting favourtism going on here.

Please don't look to closely. I'm not entirely happy with how it turned out, but I do believe this is more a reflection on myself (and school holiday distractions) than the pattern itself.

It is a little too big. But not to worry.

And of course right after this picture our shrug was ripped straight off by the little model. Afterall it is hard work modelling knitwear for Mum in Summer.

Do you knit in Summer?

Ravelled here.

birthday girl

2012-01-31T08:11:00.001+11:00

It was 7 years ago on Saturday that we welcomed our Miss Julia into the world.

I remember the night we brought her home. She was two days old. I was exhausted. So exhausted that I just had to sleep. But I could not because of a hungry baby that was waiting for milk to come in. Around midnight Daniel said he would take her downstairs. Not long afterwards she fell asleep in his arms. I remember drifting off to sleep thinking that everything was going to be okay.

It was too hot to bake a cake on the day of Julia's birthday. So we waited until the next day.

Julia asked for a caramel cake. I found an old Women's Weekly recipe for Butterscotch Teacake. The icing proved to be rather addictive.

Then I realized I had no candles. So I poked a rose into the middle. Julia didn't seem to mind.

She lost her front tooth the same day.

I think she likes her new bike. Happy 7th birthday Julia.

from the weekend

2012-01-30T08:08:00.000+11:00

Folk music and markets.

How was your weekend?

Australia Day

2012-01-26T08:54:00.000+11:00

Hello all on this day that is our Australia Day.

To be honest, I've never really celebrated Australia Day before. I'm embarrassed to admit that it fell in that meaningless public holiday category for me.

But not this year. I googled. I found this.

And I think what I learnt is that there are no rules for celebrating Australia Day. It's what you want to make it.

storm last week

So this day you will find us doing a little barbequing, pavlova eating and mini flag waving.

And hoping that the Australia our kids inherit is recognisable as the one we ourselves inherited.

What are your plans today?

now

2012-01-25T09:48:00.000+11:00

freshly washed op shop fabrics
first time using Debbie Bliss
favourite cups
lounge in a not so tidy state
feed time
ravelled
op shopped tin
verandah time

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

play

2012-01-24T09:38:00.000+11:00

They say that boredom leads to creativity. It's taken several weeks, but the boredom claims and sneaking in of screen time has gradually been replaced with play of the creative kind.

Crazy hair styles. Dress ups. Dancing. Blanket cubby houses.

It's a shame they go back next week.

Julia Child's Scrambled Eggs

2012-01-23T10:23:00.001+11:00

This fine Monday morning, the last week of our school holidays I might add, I thought I would show you my favourite recipe for scrambled eggs.

For years, scrambled eggs were a hit or miss affair with me. I never used a recipe. Sometimes they were great. Other times not so great.

Once I tried Julia Child's recipe, I haven't looked back. Though it is very simple, she is very particular about her amounts and methods. But, once memorised, you will be set.

Her recipe calls for 8 eggs and I usually use 8 to 10 eggs (slightly increasing the other ingredients if using the 10) for our family. This morning we are only doing 4 eggs which gives a medium sized serving for 2. Ironically, our Julia will not eat eggs.

Here it is:

Julia Child's Scrambled Eggs
(serves 2)

4 eggs
salt and pepper
2 teaspoons milk
1 Tablespoon softened butter
1 Tablespoon cream

Smiley face optional - I swear this was unintentional!

Beat the eggs in a bowl with the seasonings and milk, using a wire whisk, until just blended.

Smear the bottom and sides of a pan with the butter and set over moderately low heat. Stir slowly and continually. (I like to use a flat wooden spatula for this).

Slowly it will thicken into a custard. Stir rapidly, moving the pan on and off the heat if you need to. When they are almost the consistency you want, remove from the heat, as they will continue to thicken slightly.

As soon as they are the right consistency, stir in the cream, which will stop the cooking.

Best served on buttered toast.

And completely frugal if you have your own chickens (or a generous neighbour, as in our case!)

(Recipe aside don't you love Julie and Julia?)

Wishing you a pleasant Monday.

iphoned

2012-01-20T10:03:00.001+11:00

We went out yesterday. We "happened" to find ourselves at our local phone dealer. I just happened to buy myself a phone. Or, rather, tie myself down to a two year contract.

I'm feeling a little guilty about the extravagance of it all. I haven't had a mobile phone for 6 months, which did make me a little nervous when I went out phone-less.

I guess it was the photo apps that got me in the end.

For all you tech-savvy people out there, which apps should I be downloading? That is, when I can pry the phone out of my son's hands. How is it possible that a 9 year old can be so much more proficient with navigating that phone than I am?

now

2012-01-19T09:22:00.000+11:00

Thank you for your kind and encouraging words yesterday. It seems I'm not the only one who has been suffering from a good dose of school holiday-itis. There were many excellent suggestions in the comments left yesterday. I especially loved those chocolate ones.

So, yesterday, although not the best day (did I mention I'm not good in the heat?) I made an effort to sit down and do a little knitting when I could. In the cool of the evening I spent an hour in the garden. Weeding, watering and moving a little mulch. It was strangely therapeutic. I had forgotten just how much I enjoy quiet time in the garden. I think another nursery visit is in order.

Apart from going away we tend to keep school holidays fairly low key events around here. We don't go out much (a 15 minute drive to town is a good deterrent) and apart from the odd birthday party we don't tend to schedule much in at all. Most of the time this works well.

The kids usually watch a few (ABC) morning cartoons. They tend to play outside for short bursts under the verandah (while it is hot anyway, as we have no other shade yet) and at other times they busy themselves with paper and pen. Or a little reading. Or lego.

While Violet does her own little thing in the midst of it all. And we try to keep her away from the lego. And the pens. And the paper.

It is a little too late for a school holiday list of things to do. I usually, at some point in the holidays, take the kids to town for the day. We have milkshake or sweets at a cafe (strong coffee for me), a visit to the old-fashioned lolly shop and a visit to the library. (And I do sneak a little op shop visit in there, much to the dislike of my son). I think we just might do that today.

I'm also dying to see the new Muppets movie. I grew up watching The Muppet Show and I think the kids have seen each and every Swedish Chef video on You Tube that there is. But I might need to enlist some husband help on that one. Have you seen it?

Sending lots of positive school holiday vibes your way.

#

2012-01-18T09:27:00.000+11:00

Yesterday was not my finest school holidays moment. I was over it. Oh, so over it. Over the screeching. Over the play wrestling. Over juggling two completely different stages.

It was a really hot day. Outside anyway. Let's just say I don't cope with the heat very well. Particularly of the scorching, dry heat kind.

When the grass is dying and the vegies are shrivelling in the sun it can get a little depressing. Not to mention the growing dust bowl under the clothes line.

When the day stretches into one long challenge and there seems no end in sight, how do you snap yourself out of it?

After dinner Daniel took the kids outside while he prepared for the next days work. I did the dishes. I cranked the music up. Loud. I hung out the washing and a coolish breeze began to blow through.

Later I soaked in the bath and did some reading.

I felt better.

How do you snap yourself out of those type of days?

holiday pants

2012-01-17T09:33:00.001+11:00

This post is just a little overdue, seeing that I did whip these up a few days after christmas. If you are inclined to notice small details you may have seen them pop up here and here.

And the reason for sewing like a crazy lady just before going away? My excuse was that Violet really had no pretty pants to wear. Pants have become her daily uniform, as otherwise her little crawling knees would suffer. And her Nonna has a tiled floor.

So I (surprisingly) quickly sewed up four pairs of the often-used pattern for Quick Change Trousers from Anna Maria Horner's book, using the cloth nappy alteration seen here. You can see previous versions here and here. It really is a lovely little pattern. I mixed and matched assorted prints of (new) scrap cotton voile, vintage cotton, linen and even an old tablecloth. Lighter materials make them Summer friendly.

I do love baby sewing (though this baby is almost no baby). So quick and satisfying. And so little fabric.

apologies for the poor picture quality - turns out I needed to clean the lens..

And that's the excited frown, not the angry one.

from the weekend

2012-01-16T10:34:00.001+11:00

Julia-picked flowers just for her mama.
Christmas gifted bright checked Irish linen napkins. Beside old faithful white linen napkins collected over many years.Proving how uneventful the weekend really was - I ironed.
The baby shrug is slowly coming together. Second attempt. First attempt one side came out in reverse. It was not funny at the time.
Wilting wildflowers picked last weekend.
Highly recommended reading.
Loving long baby naps as they don't happen too often around here. Particularly during school holidays.
Cutting out for a new little sewing project. Realising that I am a duplicate sewer. I never seem to make one of anything.
New gumboots from the grandparents.
Watered and weeded the vegie garden. Tomatoes, beans and corn thriving. The basil, though unsuccessful in the garden, is thriving in the pot. Aside from the snail attack.

How was your weekend?

bonnets

2012-01-13T09:51:00.000+11:00

What do you do with a baby who won't wear a hat? Who loves to ride on her trike and be carried around by her dad outside. It is clearly the highlight of her day.

Fortunately I had a little plan in place for something other than an ordinary hat. Something that Violet had worn herself as a tiny little baby here (where did that tiny baby go *sigh*). Something that would stay on her head!

Yes, we are talking baby bonnets here. Last Summer I purchased a Little Betty bonnet and I think it was one of Voiolet's most used items. When Christy made available a PDF pattern to make your own, I knew that this was an affordable way to have a little wardrobe of sweet bonnets. Being fully reversible, you get two bonnets in one.

The pattern was simple to cut out and everything was explained step by step. I've never put a hat together before, so had no idea how all the pieces would come together. But there proved to be nothing to worry about as it came together quite easily. First time iron on interfacing user (and it was so easy!).

I chose two pieces of scrap fabrics from my stash. The green is a Japanese print, and I can't remember the range of the navy fabric. I chose the reverse prints from the vintage sheet pile. Realising that I had no ribbon on hand, I followed the tie instructions for making bias ties (from a little more vintage sheeting).

I made the bonnets in the largest size (12 - 24 months) and there is some room to grow into.

I am imagining little wool and flannel versions for Winter.

And the most important thing? So far they are pull-off proof. Just the thing for protecting little baby complexions.

(Sometimes the star of the photo is not revealed until after you download your photos. Sootie, I had no idea you were so photogenic...)

food lately

2012-01-12T09:14:00.000+11:00

Food has been fairly simple and basic these past few weeks after the rich food of the christmas break.

A new favourite light and fluffy pancake recipe. Served with fried bananas, maple syrup, finely diced strawberries and vanilla cream.
Kranskies. Man food.
Fruit salad with vanilla cream (whipped cream, a little icing sugar and a dash of vanilla).
Mushrooms on toast.
Our favourite fried rice. Leftover for lunch. Adapted to what we had in the pantry. Lots of vegies added.
Lemon slice by Julia. From her favourite cookbook. Similar recipe found here.
Luca's cookie dough. From same cookbook.

loving...

2012-01-11T10:11:00.000+11:00

Just before christmas, the hubby very kindly agreed to let me choose a few christmas gifts for myself. I think he breathed a sigh of relief at the suggestion.

I have admired Melissa's beautiful creations for some time, and fell in love with this little brooch from here. Now, I am not usually a brooch person. But I think I am absolutely converted now. During our recent break to visit family, I wore this almost every single day.

I very recently noticed that all my shoes were wearing out. So strange. I don't think this has happened to me in years. But I think I know why. In the past I have had way too many shoes. When I simplified my wardrobe a few years ago I only kept my favourite shoes and have not bought any since. So, inevitably, with time they have worn out. Which meant a new pair was on the agenda. I chose these, and was surprised at just how quickly they arrived. The mustardy yellow colour makes me feel happy when I wear them.

Lastly, I wanted to show you a beautiful skirt that I was so fortunate to win in an Owlet giveaway. (Don't you just love Lauren's blog?)

It perfectly fits Violet and I know she will get at least one more Summer out of it. Though Violet is not twirling just yet, I suspect that this will be the perfect twirling skirt. The fabric combinations and layering is just perfect. Thank you Lauren!

Of course, sometimes, these little photo shoots don't quite go to plan...

from the weekend

2012-01-09T10:37:00.000+11:00

At our place the weekdays seem to be merging seamlessly into the weekends. So much so that we usually forget what day it is around here. Of course, the other result of this is that the holidays are passing us by so quickly. Time has flown. With the hubby returning to work this week, this part of our holiday is now over.

around here

2012-01-06T10:37:00.001+11:00

re-arranging after packing away the christmas decorations

that ever enticing door to the kid's room ( "look, it's open!")

finally the doona is off (but I kind of miss it)

cut flowers from our garden - can you believe it?!

the calender that I finally decided to spend the year with (from here)

knitting for the next season - this one has done some travels with many stitches worked in Kiama and the Highlands (not to mention the Hume Highway)

my beautiful new bowl from Peppergreen antiques

vanilla cupcakes for visiting cousins

beautiful, beautiful Liberty - coincidentally op-shopped a few weeks after purchasing this book. In the form of a very large square shawl. I'm not really a shawl person (or perhaps I just never found the right shawl), anyway, a lap quilt backing is what I'm thinking...

she is in the room

kneaded white bread... because sometimes you just feel like kneading

Happy weekend all!

the budding sewist

2012-01-05T10:08:00.000+11:00

Part of Julia's christmas gifts this year included a sewing kit and sewing book. The sewing kit was a little op shop find from six months ago that I had hidden away. Before wrapping it was filled with a few sewing essentials and accompanied by Sewing School, a lovely little book for kids, filled with simple hand sewn projects.

After her recent interest in sewing, (as well as her little hand sewn christmas gift for her sister) I thought this gift would be well recieved. And it most definitely was! The next day the little mouse was cut out and completed with very minimal help from myself. No words of encouragement required.

Proof that kids are often far more capable of crafty projects than we might suppose. The right materials at the right time can lead to wonderful things.

2012

2012-01-04T10:45:00.000+11:00

Apologies for the lack of beach photos - it appears my camera taking mojo was on holidays too...

We are home. After a few days away we are settling back into our usual days of the things we do when Daniel is not working.

We spent our trip visiting family. First off there was Daniel's parents in the beachy town of Kiama. We watched the New Years fireworks from the footpath. We had a lovely laid-back time taking in the salty air and sea breeze. Little tours around the garden, followed by longer walks through the town and to the blowhole. I remember remarking to Daniel that there is something about that salty air that encourages you to slow down. Having grown up on the coast, I do miss the rejuvenating qualities of the ocean.

On the way home we spent a night in the Southern Highlands visiting my parents. I even managed a little antiquing at Berrima. I discovered that the Peppergreen Antiques is all it's cracked up to be. A veritable treasure trove of antique goodies. Thank goodness for the large park across the road (and a patient husband)! I came home with a pretty blue glass bowl and some baby Alpaca wool from next door.

The trip back and the days since have seen us re-evaluating our life. As seems to happen whenever we visit the coast. We do miss the ocean, but at this stage living coastal is just not practical, and most importantly, affordable, for us.

As we enter into our third year here, it seems that not too long ago it was just a vacant block. We love our home. We love the idea of a simple life. But we do need to work out some sort of balance. To not feel entirely slaved to our property. The reality is it can be a huge challenge to balance a (self-employed) single income, with the daily demands of work, family, school, home maintenance and (a small degree) of self sufficiency.

We live in a harsh climate here. Summers can soar to 40, while we've experienced frosty -15 and the occasional snow fall. Most likely a result of this unusual summer, our vegie garden has not amounted to much at all this year. All the lettuce bolted to seed overnight, half the tomatoes died and all the seedlings were eaten by snails. Garden heartbreak.

So where to go from here?

This year we want to try and recapture our original dreams for this place. In time we will have shade, we will have fruit (those trees are thriving), and there will always be the next planting season.

This year may see us extend our three bedroom into a four bedroom house. We may install a greenhouse to get a start on those frost sensitive vegies. There are Autumn plans for chickens. Our trees will grow bigger. And so will the kids. We need to be mindful of our relatively small window of time (in the grand scheme of things) that we still have them at home. And at this time, they are happy here.

We are hoping that 2012 will be a time of readjustment. Of finding what works for us and our kid's. To continue towards our dream of clean food, cleaner air and a slower and simpler paced life.

Wishing you all a wonderful 2012.

the holiday tonic

2011-12-29T09:05:00.000+11:00

The best part of a holiday, to my mind, is to not have very much of anything to do. Not having to be anywhere. Of being in your dressing gown until eleven. Eating trifle for breakfast. Or (leftover) ham sandwiches for dinner if you feel like it.

And though a family of five ensures that there is always something to do, there is certainly a lot less to do. Many more moments of just being together. For it is the quieter times that allow us to reconnect with each other, don't you think?

I will be away from this space for at least a few days. So I will wish you all a happy new year now. Thank you all for your support, comments and reading over the past (not quite) year. I started this blog in March this year, not knowing if anyone would be interested in reading the day to day in our family life that is the inspiration for this blog. I have been blown away by so many kind comments, new friendships made and the support of the blogging community. Though I am often unable to answer all comments personally, please know that I do truly appreciate each and every comment. Next year I hope to keep up with my emails a little better, I promise!

See you all in 2012. Thank you!

the other side

2011-12-28T17:49:00.000+11:00

Well, here we are on the other side of christmas. Happy. Recuperating. Relaxing. A teeny bit heavier.

This year it was a small family gathering. There were presents (which I am making note of not to wrap the night before ever again). This year presents were mainly books and things to do. Such as a knitting kit or a guitar. We steered away from toys for the older two this year.

There was food. Quite a lot of it. Pork with crackling, gravy and apple sauce. Baked ham. Peas and prosciutto. All finished off with trifle and pavlova. We tend to go the traditional christmas dinner here.

I think every year of christmas can be a learning curve. Of finding and developing your own traditions. Though several christmas' have taken place in our house, I like to reflect on how different each one has been for us. The sights, sounds, food and company. All weaving together to create the future memories for our children.

Thank you all for your christmas wishes over the past few posts. Each and every one was appreciated. So sorry I did not get to thank you all personally. Wishing you all a restorative and relaxing week!

a christmas video

2011-12-25T23:46:00.001+11:00

... or, rather, what the kid's get up to when Mum's not around! Hoping that your day was a merry one indeed.

the holiday mode

2011-12-23T17:37:00.001+11:00

School holidays have been in full force for a week now. I would be fibbing if I said it had been an easy, calm, relaxing week. But in between those moments, there has been a little present making, a little drawing and creating. I often find that first week can be one of adjustment. From the midst of decluttering (what crazy person declutters before christmas?) our holiday mode is beginning to emerge. The dreaded grocery shop is done and the cook within is reawakening (thank goodness). We have a full pantry and two fridges full. Of ham, pork, prawns and all those christmasy things.

Wishing you all a wonderful christmas full of family, food and friends. Taking a few days out with family to prepare for and celebrate the day. See you all next week!

cards and envelopes

2011-12-22T08:56:00.000+11:00

In light of yesterdays post, I did manage to get the cards and envelopes done. Black cardboard, brown paper, old Frankie mags, glue and my new stamp kit. And I do admit, that it was a little fun.

the handmade christmas dilemma

2011-12-21T08:42:00.000+11:00

( I wrote this post last week but somehow didn't get around to posting it at the time.)

At this time of year I have lists. Many lists in my head. Things I want to make. Presents. Cake. Biscuits. Knitted coasters. There doesn't seem to be a beginning or end to this list. Where the time was supposed to come from I don't know. Some items have been duly ticked off the list. Advent calender done. Cards done. But the undone list is far greater. I have to confess that I've started avoiding christmas making blog posts. Kind of crazy when that is what I've been posting about too. Don't get me wrong, I love christmas. But I think I'm suffering from a little case of christmas guilt. However, simple and guilt don't go too well in a sentence together.

I sit here typing at the end of a long day. Teachers gifts were baked. Wrapping paper stamped. Cupcakes for concert supper iced and wrapped. A rushed dinner and a school concert to attend. Dishes are piled in the sink and rice is all over the floor. I hear snoring in the next room and I'm tired. I haven't done tomorrows advent calender note. My mind is starting to feel numb despite the coffee.

Which makes me wonder if a handmade christmas is really making our lives simpler. Probably not. On one hand there is immense joy in seeing what a little time and creativity can produce. For we didn't only give them stuff, but we gave them something made with our own hands, hopefully to be treasured by the recipient. On the other hand, these handmade items take time to make. Time that we may not have. Precious time that might have been spent with our family members.

I think what I'm looking for is a little balance. I need to know where to draw the line. Where to go the extra mile and make something, and when to fall back on something bought. In an ideal world we would have time to make all these handcrafted items. But we live in the real world where there is work to do, kids to take to school and houses to clean.

So I'm going to try to go easy on myself and do what I can do. Knowing that time is precious, but should also not be rushed. Remembering to spend time on the things that really matter. Sometimes that doesn't mean making something. Sacrificing sanity for the sake of making everything is not worth it in the scheme of things.

This year the reality is that the handmade presents are a little few and far between. There were some, but time didn't allow me to do all I wanted. But what I did buy was from local small businesses, which I did feel good about. A little money injected into the local economy can't be a bad thing. With a few online purchases thrown into the mix, because you can't get everything in town.

I feel like a kind of load has been taken off. For now I can concentrate on getting a start on the christmas menu. Keep it simple, I keep reminding myself.

Does anyone else struggle with this handmade christmas dilemma?

the snake

2011-12-20T10:36:00.000+11:00

We had a little drama here over the weekend. I thought Julia's picture story would give you a rough idea (though please excuse Luca's added comment bubble) Daniel saw our younger dog Sootie with a snake. A brown snake. And right in out driveway next to the house where I unload the car. I know. How freaky. She had attacked the snake and then ran off to hide. After the snake was taken care of, we examined Sootie, and though she was running around like normal we could tell that something wasn't quite right.

Luckily the vet was available for such an emergency and he met Daniel and the kids at his surgery. After warning us of the high veterinary bill at the end of it all. A blood test confirmed that she had indeed been bitten. Her blood was no longer clotting.

So she had her various sedation, anti-reaction and anti-venom shots. Thankfully she pulled through. We picked her up the next day. With a lighter bank balance, but knowing that we did the right thing. Grateful that it happened when Daniel was home.

There is always a danger of snakes in the bush. Our village is right in the bush, near a river. We live in their environment, so sightings are inevitable. But it is concerning and frightening to see a deadly snake right next to your house. Right where the kids often play. Where you unload the shopping.
The lesson we are learning in all this is to always be careful where you tread. To always wear shoes. And never leave doors open.

Have you had a snake experience?

ten

2011-12-16T09:43:00.000+11:00

last years Etsy houses
" "
making cuppuccinos
new wool
chocolate fairy cakes with vanilla cream and icing
a wonky heart
from the garden
last years stockings and yes I did accidentally make them them face the wrong way
a start on the christmas cake
her sisters dolly

the portfolio tunic

2011-12-15T09:57:00.002+11:00

I recently took a little stroll in the local shops. Just to look. I spotted a very pretty, sheer top. Probably the only thing in the store to catch my eye. But the hefty price tag and country of origin prevented me from trying it on. I love clothes, but I could see that my only real option here was to start making some things on my own. Besides, the breastfeeding wardrobe was getting frustratingly limiting, with most pre-baby tops displaying a gaping button.

It has been a long, long time between sewing projects of the adult clothing sort around here. In fact, I've only ever made two things for myself in my whole sewing life.

I'd had the Portfolio Lisette pattern for some time. I chose the tunic length in the size 10, but in the end needed to take the upper sides in 1-2cm. This project was really a test run, to try and get the sizing right before cutting into bought fabric. And if I could wear it in the end - well, that would be a bonus.

The fabric was an op shopped rayon that I had sitting around. Though the tunic was detailed and with interesting features to the blouse, I found the pattern instructions very thorough. Though I wouldn't say it was easy, re-reading and re-reading made it a do-able project for someone like me who is not what you would call "experienced".

I didn't have any iron-on interfacing, so I used some scrap cotton, which did create a little more work and probably bulked up those seams a little bit more.

Please don't look to closely at the wonky stitching. But I made it and actually wore it which is an achievement in itself.

It had it's first outing to our school concert last night. So here it is in a disheveled, wrinkled state, post concert. You can tell I've been sitting most of the night. Definitely not the greatest photo in the world, but I thought you might like to see it on.

I'm quite excited at the prospect of making some more items for a summer wardrobe. Does any one have any suggestions for good patterns?

class cards

2011-12-14T07:54:00.000+11:00

Every year the kid's usually bring a few christmas cards for a few classmates (actually I did forget last year, it seems I was too busy having a baby). This year I thought we would make them together. Perfect opportunity to use the new stamp set.

Firstly we tore a few christmas type pages out of a magazine. Using an envelope template (you can find a similar one here) we cut these into envelope shapes. Folded and with the ends glued we were ready to go.

A simple card was made from A4 paper folded into four. A simple stamp on the front and then the kid's wrote a greeting.

A strip of brown paper on the front for a name.

Closed with a piece of pretty tape.

Done.

Wishing you all a pleasant Wednesday.

what the postie brought

2011-12-13T10:28:00.000+11:00

In recent weeks I have been fortunate to receive a few gorgeous parcels in the mail. I must say that it is a little exciting walking down my long drive with awaiting parcels left by the side of the road (because they don't bother knocking on doors or filling out those slips around here!)

From the lovely Amanda of Little Eco I ordered some beautifully packaged seeds, nappy cream and I Love Dirt book (plenty of ideas for the long school holidays in those pages). Amanda so kindly sent me a delightful floral bib and a whole lot of vintage sheeting. She obviously knows me well! I've used a little of the blue already in last weeks advent calender. Thank you Amanda.

And because it's that time of year, I treated myself to this pretty little stamp set and notebooks. You may have already seen the stamps on recent wrapping paper here and here. Christmas cards, wrapping paper, tags, you name it. They are all getting the stamp treatment this year. And next year and the year after that, based on a cost per use basis!

I was so thrilled to receive this adorable little summer suit for Violet's birthday, from the gorgeous Karlyn of Rosa's Room. Red has to be my favourite dress colour in the world and I'm loving that collar. Isn't it the cutest? Now all we need is a little actual summer weather to arrive. Thanks Karlyn.

from the Liberty book

from the Made at Home book

A few new books have appeared in my home also. The Liberty Book of Home Sewing and Made at Home. You have likely seen them on a few blogs lately. Both are a beautiful addition to the crafting shelf. The Liberty book is full of rich detailed florals and a variety of projects that really show off the fabric. Made at Home is full of simple projects for the home, with a very pleasing layout and striking fabrics (mainly floral) in simple settings. Even if you don't make anything from them (which I certainly hope to next year) they are so beautifully styled that they are a joy to read and flick through, just for the sake of it. And the fabrics! The downside being that they are not too good for the fabric addicts amongst us. I strangely keep finding myself browsing Liberty prints online.

Has your postie been a little busier than usual too?

weekending

2011-12-12T07:38:00.000+11:00

It was a fairly quiet one this weekend. There was some rain and quite a bit of time spent indoors. Doing indoorsy things. In other (unphotographed) news, there was a drive with some spectacular scenery, baked goods, coffee and a little craft shop. But of course I left my camera at home. I've also started making this tunic out of test-run op shop fabric.

wrapping presents
the stick tree at night
scrabble games can be just as tricky when one tries not to get too many points
snow play (with table salt)
memory
eat & play
coffee - man size

How was your weekend?

a tree of sticks

2011-12-09T09:01:00.000+11:00

This year we hit upon a tree dilemma. While our plastic white tree has served us well, and no doubt will again, we wondered just how safe it was to have around a crawling little one with curious fingers and a tendency to pull herself up on certain things.

Keen to avoid a tree and ornament catastrophe, and ever the practical problem solver, the hubby promised that he would find an alternative.

So we found ourselves on the weekend gathering sticks, pinecones and branches at The Shed. Though the land is filled predominantly with eucalypts, there is old schoolhouse foundations on the site and they are surrounded by a very old group of pine trees. It has been my christmas go-to site for years. It is a pinecone and mossy branch treasure trove.

When we got home we propped the sticks in my yarn basket (still with the yarn in it) , which Daniel tied with a little more wool to hold in place. A piece of scrap fabric popped over the top and it was ready to go.

This stick tree kind of lent itself well to the handmade touches this year. Most of my usual glass baubles were just a bit too big (though Luca did sneak his in there).

Some made by me, some by the kids, with a little op shop Santa thrown in and a few vintage glass ornaments from Etsy last year.

In fact I put most of our decorations back in their wrapping this year. For some reason, we were inclined to have a simpler, pared down version of christmas. Just some special little decorations that felt like they meant something to us. With a little nature thrown in. A few jugfulls of pine branches for that christmas tree scent. A bowl of pinecones. Just simple stuff.

Wishing you all a wonderful and calm Friday in the midst of this busy season.

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas

2011-12-06T08:20:00.001+11:00

These past few days we have been :

gathering supplies from the shed block
doing a little christmas crafting
unpacking the christmas ornaments
repacking the christmas ornaments
clearing spaces and rearranging
popping all those christmas books in a basket that were op shopped throughout the year
doing advent calender activities - playing monopoly, making christmas cards and colouring in
all while listening to this and this (with a little Bing thrown in of course)

advent calender

2011-12-05T08:23:00.000+11:00

It was perhaps not the best thing to begin sewing an advent calender on the 30th of November. But better late than never as they say. This has been on my list for a few years now, but with having a new baby last November and moving house the November before that, any advent calender plans had been put on hold.

I used pretty scrap fabric that I had on hand for the little pockets. Some were home decor weight, some quilting cotton, cotton voile, calico, linen and vintage sheeting. I wanted something a little more subtle and not screaming "christmas".

I roughly embroidered each piece and didn't concern myself too much if it was wonky. All to add to the handmade charm I kept telling myself.

I then pinned and sewed all the pockets onto a piece of (op shopped) calico. Which I then hemmed and attached a few loops to.

So it now hangs on my hooks in the kitchen. Adding a little floral festive cheer to my cooking corner.

The kids are most excited to have an advent calender in the house. Most handy for the perpetual question of how long it is until christmas. Also handy for popping notes such as these into the pockets.

Hoping you all had a lovely weekend.

this week

2011-12-02T08:04:00.000+11:00

1. Birthday cake batter.
2. Drawer rearranging.
3. This weeks rose - a David Austin.
4. One of his favourite series - Tashi.
5. Another trike fan.
6. Library haul.
7 & 8. Op shopping.
9. Julia's current reading pile - though some are just a little too advanced.
10. School christmas craft.

Hoping you are all having a pleasant Friday.

placemats

2011-12-01T08:13:00.000+11:00

Placemats. I don't think I've used them since I was a kid, when they were vinyl and hardwearing. Practical yes, but not that great to look at, despite the floral borders. But with our new old table being so large, placemats seemed like the ideal solution and far more preferable than lugging out a giant tablecloth at every meal.

So I searched through my stash for an assortment of prints. Old tablecloths, teatowels, scraps from cushion fabric and quilting cottons made up the mix.

All double sided so easily flipped over for a change or to hide the inevitable food stains (shhh, you didn't hear that from me..)

All were sewn using a very similar method to here, only with a larger rectangle and just two pieces. These were sewn from rectangles of about 34 x 47cm, including seam allowances. I didn't bother hand sewing up the opening, but it simply enclosed when sewing the border seam. These are deep enough to pop a plate, cup and cutlery.

A very easy, quick and practical project. Which now frees me up to do a little christmas sewing.

A happy first day of December to you all.

on baby books

2011-11-30T09:21:00.000+11:00

To continue on with the birthing topic this week, I thought I would share with you a list of the books I had found most helpful during the course of pregnancy and during that first year. I do think that on the topic of birth you can never be too informed. It is a special time and one not entirely in our control.

After two natural, straight forward, but incredibly painful births, I wanted to aim for something different with the third. Reading helped me to change my mindset which in turn did give me the outcome I was hoping for. Here are my favourite titles. Of course, I did not always agree with absolutely everything written, as I think all writing is best taken with a grain of salt. I believe that you take the information that is useful to you, your baby, partner and your instincts.

Active Birth - This classic explains why upright birthing is so much better for the birthing process than lying on a bed. Details of positions and exercises to practice.

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - I honestly thought this was a bit "out there" at first, but this book really changed my whole outlook on the process.
Very highly recommended.

The Natural Way series - (scroll down the link page )babies, pregnancy birth - Great reading for a natural approach and an Australian perspective.

Birth Right - written by an Australian midwife, I picked this up at a discounted shop, but it was really well written and informative.

Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering (not pictured) - though I borrowed this one from the library, this one was also very informative.

The Happiest Baby on the Block - Practical and revealing on the topic of newborns, colic and adjusting to the outside world.

The Baby Book - Big on attachment parenting and covering a wide range of topics on babies first two years. A great reference on the developmental stages.

What were/are your favourite titles?

the no party birthday party

2011-11-29T07:26:00.000+11:00

My favourite way to celebrate a birthday is to keep it a simple little affair. Just the five of us. A cake was whipped up that day, complete with a quick icing and five minute, old golden book mini bunting. (I used this recipe, doubled, substituting a little of the butter with coconut oil) A few cards, a crown from the kids and a simple present was all that was really needed. Though, to be honest, it does go a little over their head at this age. Older brother and sister certainly enjoyed the little party though. And one day, I expect Miss Violet will very much enjoy looking over her birthday photos.

Thank you to all those lovely birthday wishes yesterday. You really made our day!

one

2011-11-28T08:09:00.000+11:00

Violet Jean - born one year ago today. Who can believe the year with our youngest little member of the family, has flown by so quickly?


While the bump was still smallish - around the 6 month mark

A (mainly) calm and drug-free four hour labour with midwives and Daniel, whilst the kid's slept in the next room. It was 4:40 in the morning. A beautiful and healthy 7 pound 14 girl, which we already knew. It rained that morning and continued to rain all week, which was soothing and restful during those first few days. We enjoyed a few days in hospital as the only mother and baby in the ward. I was worried that I would forget all the baby skills.. it had been so long. But somehow it all came back so quickly.

I still can't quite believe it's been a year. Happy first birthday Violet!

christmas links

2011-11-26T10:28:00.000+11:00

our tree - 2009

How quickly is christmas creeping up on us this year? Here are a few of my favourite tutorials for this christmas.

Dreaming of snow this christmas? For us southern dwellers this or this may be the closest we'll get.
This christmas cake is on my to do list very soon. I've never "fed" a cake with brandy before.
A felty christmas tree decoaration.
Christmas tree bunting. A great way to use up those scraps and it doesn't have to be christmas colours either. Linen or whatever goes with your usual colour scheme would be very nice.
Variations of these hearts would make a sweet addition to the tree.

sewing space

2011-11-25T07:56:00.001+11:00

The sewing corner is almost complete. You can see it's progress here. The gold frame is going to used eleshere in the house as I found the larger corkboard more practical for the space. A spray of black paint and some vintage sheet prettied up the corkboard. Suitcases hold some of the fabric collection. Next on the list is a sewing machine cover. And curtains. But I never say finished because needs and tastes can change and I always feel that the home is a work in progress. But it is nice to have a pleasant, functional little space.

Hope you are having a lovely Friday!

disaster pasta

2011-11-24T07:59:00.000+11:00

Pasta and I go way back. Way back into the world of an Aussie meat and three veg family. Even back then I was always asking for pasta. I was like the food black sheep of the family. I was intrigued by Italian cooking and longed to learn how to make it. Back then Mum's meaty spaghetti bolognese or pasta with a cream of chicken soup sauce were the order of the day. And certainly dishes that I looked forward to. To this day Mum's spaghetti is pure comfort food.

As a teenager I began to experiment with torn out magazine recipes and soon built a small repertoire of pasta dishes. Not so long after I met Daniel ( I was 19 and he was just 17) I invited him over for a home cooked meal. Daniel is second generation Italian, which strangely didn't sink in until I was halfway through the bolognese sauce. Was I crazy cooking pasta for an Italian? I must have been, but there was no backing down at that stage. So nervously the pasta was served and I was relieved that he did seem to like it. To this day he says it was just like his Mum's bolognese sauce. They do the say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

So with time, I was introduced to many more traditional pasta dishes from my mother-in-law. But I don't use a recipe very often these days, preferring to go with what I have and flavouring with fresh herbs, sometime fried vegetables. Sometimes a bit of cream. Sometimes a handful of feta cheese.

Last week I had a disaster of a pasta dish. Though not entirely my fault, but almost. Daniel had accidentally added the fried mushrooms and garlic to the boiling pasta which resulted in most of the flavour being poured down the drain with the boiled water. He was only trying to help!

So as you can guess we had quite a lot of this pasta leftover. Not to be wasteful, the next night pasta bake was on the menu.

I simply added about 8 or so eggs with a cup of cream and a little sea salt

Mixed into the pasta with a few handfuls of vegetables. I added grated carrot, purple carrot and corn

Topped with grated cheese

Baked at 200 degrees until golden on top.

Best eaten al fresco. Bad and sugary alcoholic beverage optional.

Are you a pasta person?

goings on

2011-11-23T08:19:00.000+11:00

Whew. That was the sound of me breathing a sigh of relief. For my internet is back to normal which tends to make my day just that bit easier. I am a creature of habit and internet woes feel quite unsettling for me. I foresee a day of catching up with emails and perhaps catching up with a little blog reading...in between all that housework, school run and chasing after that crawling baby of course.

A simple sewing project in the works.
Feeding the new compost pile.
Iced Ginger. The newest rose for my cut garden.
Tuna pasta.
Cut flowers from my in-laws garden.
Seed planting.
More christmas baubles using fabric from the vintage sheet swap.
kitchen.
Violet.
Leftover egg whites = pavlova. Perhaps a little too decadent for an after school snack.

Thank you for your lovely comments and visits yesterday for my Flower Press interview.

show & tell

2011-11-22T12:25:00.001+11:00

I am not terribly happy with my ISP right now. My computer has slowed to dial up speed for the past few days which should be rectified tomorrow. Hopefully. So I have been unable to read my usual blogs properly or leave comments. Emails have also been neglected and posting has become very time consuming. I am hoping to catch up with it all later in the week.

In much better news I am over at the lovely Flower Press blog today for a Show & Tell interview. See you over there!

wandering drive

2011-11-21T11:01:00.000+11:00

Another Sunday, another drive. Though we did get a little ahead of ourselves. Perhaps a quick drive into our neighbouring mountains with a sleeping baby and no map was not such a good thing. Because sleeping babies do wake up eventually and sometimes are very grumpy to find themselves still in the car. No map can lead you far, far into the mountains with no real idea of where you are really heading.

Eventually we came to a risky river crossing with mossy, slippery rocks and a soft sandy bottom. Luckily we had the sense to turn around despite the belief that home was just over the next mountain. Which for now remains a mystery. So we returned home, most of the day gone, but with a mixed feeling of adventure, tiredness and relief to be home.

How was your weekend?

around here

2011-11-18T07:57:00.000+11:00

1 & 2. His first batch of biscuits made entirely by himself. Well, almost.

3 & 4. A little stitching going on.

5. Reading inside Out. Not on my usual list but they always do the very best christmas edition.

6. Favourite necklace.

7. The little crawler is becoming almost lightning fast.

8. Flowers from someone else's garden

9. Forgotten for many years in storage was this crochet bedspread.

10. Leftover birthday cake.

washing powder from scratch

2011-11-17T08:00:00.000+11:00

It's been almost two years since I've purchased any washing powder. Previously I had a brief stint of liquid laundry making when we lived in Canberra. But I was not terribly good at organizing myself to "cook up" a batch. I find the powder version a little quicker and easier to make. Over the time I've been making it I've adapted the ingredients to suit us here.

I don't think I could ever go back to bought laundry powder. Aside from the high cost, the scent of the commercial powders has become unbearable to me now, though I admit that previously I was very fond of the various brands and their own signature scent. Also being far better for the health of your family and the environment.

Here is the usual batch that I make up. With almost daily washing, and believe me there is a lot of it in this house, this lasts us quite awhile.

Washing powder

4 cups grated soap flakes ( I usually use Lux flakes, but sometimes I grate Sunlight soap as this is more cost effective)

4 cups powdered washing soda (not the crystal kind)

1 cup borax ( you can increase this amount if you wish, but I use it very sparingly as all our water is recycled through our septic and then into the garden)

2 cups bicarb soda

4 dashes eucalyptus oil (or other essential oil)

I pop all this straight into the tin, close the lid and give it a really good shake (holding onto that lid!) My laundry tin came with a little scoop and I use it to measure it into our front loader. I use a full scoop for a really soiled load and a little less for lighter loads. This mixture is also great for nappies - bicarb being very beneficial for nappies.

Rhonda from Down to Earth has a great washing liquid tutorial here

Do you make your own?

baubles

2011-11-16T08:16:00.000+11:00

Up until yesterday I had not felt like preparing anything for christmas. Nor have I really had the time. So I have been waiting for the mood to strike. Such is crafting and I. There is really no use pushing these things. And that christmas crafting mood did eventually strike. Fortunately there was a little free window of time in my day.

These fabric covered baubles are very easy. I'm a little reluctant to put any glass on the tree this year with a little crawler in the house. These seem far more baby proof than the glass variety.

polystyrene balls

op shop fabric torn in 1-2cm strips

balls coated in craft glue

wound over ball as you would wind a ball of yarn

To hang I am going to thread a long piece of cotton at the top with a needle.

In past years I have not colour themed my tree. But I am thinking of a loose blue and red theme for this year. With less rather than more. Using what I have in my stash. I do like the sound of a simple christmas.

not so cowardy custard

2011-11-15T08:13:00.000+11:00

A long time ago I used to buy packaged custard. But about ten years ago I discovered this easy and delicious recipe that I based on a Two Fat Ladies cake filling. Remember them? They were around just before the likes of Jamie and Nigella.

Anyways, I have made this countless times over the years. Especially when there is a glut of eggs to be used up. Then I double the recipe. Delicious over crumbles and lovely as the custard layer in good old fashioned trifle. The leftover egg whites can be used for pavlova or meringue. And I never did look back over my shoulder at that packaged custard with it's strangely artificial taste. So here it is copied straight from my well worn, stained and faded recipe journal.

Custard

4 egg yolks

4 tablespoons sugar (any - castor, brown or even rapadura - the last two give a slight caramel flavour)

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 1/2 tablespoons plain flour

pinch salt

600 ml milk

Place egg yolks in bowl. Gradually beat in sugar and vanilla.

Cream well.

Beat in flour. Beat in 150ml of the milk.
Meanwhile heat the remaining 450ml of milk in a saucepan.
When it begins to simmer whisk in the egg mixture.

Simmer gently, stirring fairly constantly until the custard has thickened properly. This will take about four minutes.

Serve hot or once cooled store in the fridge.

Enjoy!

weekend : birthday

2011-11-14T07:59:00.002+11:00

Luca's birthday party came and went over the weekend. Let me just say that these events are hard work. I'm not quite sure how some parents do this every year. We kept it fairly simple and smallish. I prepared homemade dip, chocolate crackles, coconut ice and caramel crispies (super simple from Nigella's feast) and of course the cake. Of which I was up icing at two in the morning, the night before. It was nothing amazing or creative. Just a rich butter cake with buttercream icing and a stripe of smarties. But everyone seemed to enjoy it. There was bought sausage rolls, party pies and other junk food. Because it was a birthday party afterall. All served on hard wearing old enamel and a few other vintage bits and pieces. Ones that weren't too precious.

We used my brother-in-laws yard at his holiday house property which has the most amazing views. There are quite a few trails there so all the kids did plenty of bike riding. No party games, we just let the kids do their own thing. It seemed to work and there were smiles all round.

The bunting was another thing whipped up after midnight the night before. It was very simply cut out with pinking shears and sewn onto twine. I used a boyish combination of blue and red vintage sheeting, scrap linen and wool.

And yes, this was our very first birthday party that we've hosted. We both grew up in a religion that did not celebrate birthdays. When we were not a part of that religion anymore we pretty much had to learn how to celebrate these things. So it has taken a number of years to work up the courage to actually host one. For the last few years we have just had a cake and present at home with the four of us. Which I secretly prefer. Event organizing is just not really my thing.

But of course the smiles at the end of the day do make it all worth it.

update

2011-11-11T07:31:00.000+11:00

I wasn't quite up to posting yesterday. I wasn't feeling too well and spent most of the day in bed. Who knew these viruses could hit a second time? I had spent all week since this post pacing out the different jobs that needed to be done. Just concentrating on that task at hand until it was done. Not letting those pesky thoughts of christmas to do lists sneak up on me. Because I'm certain I will get to that. In it's own time. I was so touched to hear all your comments and know that I'm not alone on this issue.

So today is going to involve a mad rush of catching up. My biggest baby turns 9 today. Yes, Luca was born on Remembrance Day. So with a birthday party to get ready for, the next 24 hours or so will be a bit mad. I've had to let go of the idea of all homemade treats. Heck, I even let hubby bring home one of those soft fluffy loaves last night as an emergency. But I am determined to bake that birthday cake if it kills me.

This is the first birthday party I've ever hosted. Explanation later. Wish me luck!

at home

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000+11:00

One of our favourite cakes - lemon olive oil cake from this book.
The clutter in my crafting corner.
Doodling.
Don't you just love mango season? A gift from my mother-in-law.
I finally tried the WHO bread recipe from this book. Yum!
Drawing.
Op shop toys.

Hoping your Wednesday is a pleasant one.

simplify

2011-11-08T07:57:00.001+11:00

Yesterday was "one of those days". A million things to do with not enough hours in the day. I had two rooms that needed a major sorting and countless other little jobs. But a clinging baby and a much wanted phone call from an old friend changed my plans for the day. I sometimes find it difficult to let go of my mental "to do" lists. To clear my head and just say that what I do get done is good enough.

I do like a clean house. But I have learnt with time that it is not a good thing to strive for perfection in the home. There is just no point with three kids. Or even one. Good enough has to be good enough. Perfection will always make you feel that not enough has been done. It breeds dissatisfaction.

Which makes me think about the idea of simplifying. Not just the act of simplifying your life itself. Less money. Less activities. Less stuff. But what about the mind? Do we need to de-clutter that also? I often feel my mind is cluttered with to do lists. Cluttered with future sewing projects. Cluttered with ideas for the garden. I may be suffering from information overload. Overwhelmed? Sometimes.

I have no real answers for all this. But this week I am going to try and concentrate on each little thing I need to do. I am going to try and simplify my mind a little. Put less pressure on myself. Lessen my to do list. One thing at a time. Learning to let go of some things. Simplify.

weekend : tables and tipping

2011-11-07T09:13:00.000+11:00

I treated myself to a spot of tip shopping and could not go past these rusty old beauties to sit alongside those scales. Aren't they the perfect blue? All for a fiver and a little old aluminum dripping pan is hidden in there too.

Also from the tip shop some favourite classic titles in old hard covers. There is just something about the musty scent of an old book and I do believe it makes for a somewhat more authentic reading experience.

The table is in the house! Sanded, reinforced and polished. Daniel has certainly been busy. Only trouble is that table is so big that we need more chairs.

Pulling out my pre-baby wardrobe from storage. It is a nice feeling to be able to wear some of my old clothes again.

Enjoying the last of the lilac season.

How was your weekend?

goings on

2011-11-04T08:12:00.000+11:00

Have a wonderful Friday.

knitted : the country kiddie

2011-11-03T08:15:00.000+11:00

It has been awhile between knitting projects around here. It wasn't as if I wasn't knitting, but rather, that my knitting was not getting anywhere. There was certainly no finished projects to show for it. I was so encouraged by all your comments when I posted about it, that it gave me the kick in the pants I needed to keep going.

So here is my recently completed project. A little summery top for Violet in sock yarn weight. It is a merino bamboo blend from here. I've decided to keep on knitting through the summery months. There is still so many lighter weight projects out there to keep me busy before the cooler weather comes back. Lighter weight wool and cotton are perfect for summer knitting.

The pattern is the country kiddie and was knit completely in the round with circular needles. This was the first time I used this method and I couldn't believe how quickly and easily it came together. I even learned how to block a project which is really so much simpler than it sounds.

I made the size two, but it is a little large. Good for growing into though as I'm sure it will still fit next summer when I have a little toddler on my hands.

And the very best part of knitting is seeing your little one wearing it. Making all that work, all those stitches, worth it.

Joining in today with our creative spaces.

auction!

2011-11-02T08:21:00.000+11:00

The weekend before last we attended our very first rural auction. Who knew these things were such huge social and buying events? Need lunch? Coffee? All there too. For a price of course. There was a massive shed full of tools (I walked quickly through that), paddocks full of very old cars and machinery and a yard full of old rustic furniture. I spent quite a bit of time there.

Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera. A baby sling, coffee in hand and a hot day would have made it near impossible. So we registered, got our number and waited. In fact, most of the auction was spent waiting. Fortunately there were plenty of old rustic chairs to sit on.

For an inexperienced bidder, Daniel picked it up very quickly. Most bidding involved merely nodding. Daniel did so well that he won most of the items he bid on. Sometimes paying a little more than he'd originally planned. That competitive streak came out just a little.

Our biggest buy of the day was an old table. There was some pretty tough competition on this one. You may have known from previous posts about my lack of love for our current getting-too-small, bought secondhand about four years ago table. This one looks to have had some vinyl (this was usually a 50's addition) stuck to the top at some stage, so it needs a very good sanding to the top. I am thinking beeswax over this? Oh, but I do love this table!

Next was an old swivel office chair. Also quite popular with the bidders. Our old office chair had literally fallen apart so we had our eye out for some time to replace it. This chair is just so comfy.

An old chair for my sewing table was also picked up. The leather seat is rather ruined so I've popped a sheepskin over it. The middle spindle needs to be re-attached with glue. Daniel doesn't particularly like the chair. I think he thinks it falls into the "too far gone" category. But I quite like it's old rustic appeal and chipped paint. They certainly don't make 'em like that anymore.

And lastly, a set of Salter scales. For a long time I've admired these type of old scales. I gave Daniel a lowish set price on these, and walked out of the crowd. The bidding went way over that amount and Daniel told me later that he was not about to let "that old lady" outbid him. So here they are. Pride of place in the kitchen. Sometimes these men surprise you!

It was certainly an experience and there are definitely bargains to be had (or not!). But we are a little more confident now, and know more about how the whole process works.

Do you go to auctions? Do you get carried away or do you set your price and stick to it?

storm season

2011-11-01T08:12:00.000+11:00

No that is not the size of the hail - they are clumped into "snowballs"

Sometimes the best laid gardening plans go by the wayside. We had our second hail storm of the season. The start of storm season here. I confess I used to be a little scared of storms. I still am a little. But now that trepidation is mixed with hope for a good downfall. Because we really need the water. These change of season storms will hopefully boost up our water supply for the dryer months of summer. We rely purely on tank water here so we are really at the mercy of the elements. We've had to buy water recently, which is usually a necessity a few times a year.

Fingers crossed for a good season!

weekend : mountains and valleys

2011-10-31T09:37:00.000+11:00

Some days you just need to get away from it all. After the not-so-nice week that we had, we did what we as a family used to do a lot more of. Packing the 4WD with a picnic and a few other necessities ( a chainsaw, chains, a lot of water and a few other odd bits and pieces) and taking off for the day to explore some relatively remote mountain areas. Over time I've gotten used to the steep, rocky hill climbs, the river crossings (if in doubt wade through first!) and the constant bumping around. Because the reward of seeing those breathtaking views and discovering those amazing little valleys makes it all worth it.

And we did find ourselves in a beautiful little valley this trip. Full of history, this remote valley had once supported a self sufficient family of 17. All that remains of their lives are a few old trees and an old bread oven. But their cleared green grassy fields by the river are still appreciated by many campers today.

It was the perfect place to throw down the blanket and enjoy a simple lunch. To listen to the gently running water and throw a few stones in just for the sake of it. I think it was just what we needed.

hello

2011-10-28T08:29:00.000+11:00

Just popping in to say hello. Sorry I haven't been in this space much this week. The whole family had a nasty virus these past few days. We are all on the mend now and feeling a lot better. Today will find me tackling that pile of laundry that is almost out of control. Perhaps catching up with a little blog reading.

See you all next week!

baby sewing

2011-10-25T09:08:00.000+11:00

During the past month I managed to whip up a few little items for Violet. I think it's no secret that I just love baby sewing. It's generally quick, easy, requires little fabric and they wear whatever you put them in without complaining! Baby clothes also lend themselves perfectly to repurposing unwanted adult sized clothing.

I picked up an adult sized t-shirt on the one dollar rack in the op shop to make some pants for Violet. It is very hard to pick up baby pants in the op shop that actually fit over a cloth sized nappy. Also hard to pick up one that is not covered with baby print or brand names. Problem solved with a printed tee, cut into two pattern pieces (roughly based on the pants pattern in Simple Sewing for Baby but with a more tapered leg) and using the original tee shirt cover stitch hem for the hem of the pants.

Another adult top (also from that dollar rack) made up another pair of leggings which I added a few felted hearts to.
The top was originally a bodysuit that had been outgrown. So I chopped off the bottom and hemmed it. I used some scrap fabric to make a flower of sorts (I need to twist a little looser next time).

This last project was quickly whipped up before camping to tote around a few of Violet's toys. I used the instructions from Weekend Sewing, and I'm sure there are many similar tutorials online. It is a Japanese print that I picked up on sale awhile ago. It is not only handy for going away, but also handy to stash a few toys out in the lounge room.

Sadly my sewing machine is out of action again. Previously I was waiting for a bobbin case replacement, which seemed to work for a few weeks. But now it seems the problem goes deeper than that. Of course this all happened 17 days out of my warranty. So after much online research, price shopping and some negotiation I am happy to say a new but better quality machine is on it's way. And now no more spending for me for a couple of months!