simple softies

We recently picked up simple softies for the whole family from our local bookshop.  I was quite taken aback by both the older two being very enthusiastic to make a project from it. What I love about this book is that all the instructions are for hand sewing and aimed at kids.

Both the kid's chose a project each. This was new ground for all of us as the kids had very little experience with sewing and my experience with making softies was about the same.

You might remember seeing Julia working on hers here. She chose to make Peeper, the little chick. Made all of felt he came together quickly. Between you and me, I think Julia is a bit of a natural with her sewing. She loves it.

Luca chose the happy/sad faced raindrop. We used some op shop wool and some felt for the details.  This one was a little harder, but it was great seeing Luca put so much effort in. So much that he exhausted himself a little, so mum sewed the final little details.

I like to think it is all about more than just the toy. The enjoyment of creating something that you get to play with. Perhaps it will help them grow up appreciating the handmade. I hope so. But right now, it's just the thrill of a new toy. Both treated a little extra special, I've noticed. 

weekend : open garden

shortbread

coconut ice

It was a weekend full of baking and volunteering. Our kid's school had an open garden both days of the weekend. It was a chance for them to show off their kitchen garden and promote their new community cookbook. There was lot's of tea, coffee and cakes to sell. Early mornings for the men getting everything set up. Lot's of kid's with a little too many sweets in their system. Let's just say we are all completely exhausted!

How was your weekend?

goings on

• missing the ocean
• making some progress on a top for Julia
• experimenting with jam pizza... needs a little more work
• full moon watching and reading
• magazine and it looks like i'm back on the coffee bandwagon
• lemon marmalade on toast
• my little washing helper in a poorly lit kitchen corner
• return of the fog this morning

I do hope yours has been a good week where you are

misadventures of a knitter

(a mix of recent and non recent photos. excuse the underwear. keepin' it real here)

I am not a good knitter. At a stretch I may be an okay one. My mother was not a knitter. Nor my grandmother.  But, at the age of 31 and pregnant with my third I was determined to learn. I started off with one of those scarf kits, and with a few pointers one afternoon from my mother-in-law, I was off and away. Or so I thought. That scarf was pretty easy. The dishcloths fun. There have even been a few more complicated projects completed.

But knitting does not seem to come easily to me. I often have to start and re-start a project many times over. And I mean many.  Finding out I twisted my stitches in the round twelve rows in. Realising I cast on the wrong number of stitches. Where did those two stitches go?

I often discover a gaping hole after thinking I've correctly picked up a slipped stitch. Obviously not. Losing count of rows. Losing my little dial row counter. Having half a row torn out by curious little fingers. Sometimes I just want to cry. Or a few not so nice words escape me. Sorry kids.

Perhaps I don't have the concentration for it. Perhaps there are just too many distractions going on around me. Or maybe it's just me.

But despite all the pain and occasional bad language I keep knitting. Despite all this I do enjoy it. I find it relaxing when I get into it. I love nothing more than seeing the kids wearing something I created with my own hands. Mistakes and all. And so I keep knitting.

In the sea of clever knitters out there, is there anyone else in this same boat?

the picnic roll

The first project I thought to try from my recently finished reading Rhythm of Family was the picnic roll. Of course it was the night before we were off on our camping trip. Nothing like a bit of rushed sewing as you have packing and suitcases strewn around the house.

I used an old tablecloth for the outer and it was lined with some vintage sheeting. Attached and tied up with mismatched lace. It was really very easy to sew and probably took me an hour from start to finish.
I even had time to whip up a few napkins from scrap cotton.

It certainly proved useful while on our camping trip. We used our picnic basket almost every day while away. With our picnic roll (filled with op shop cutlery), plates, cups, thermos and decanted tea, coffee and sugar permanently packed in our picnic basket, all we needed was to add some food and we were good to go.

For those that have the book,  I'm wondering what projects do you have in mind to make or have already made?

camping tips

I wouldn't call myself a seasoned camper. But with our purchase earlier in the year of a camper trailer we have been on a record (for us) three trips this year, and I'm anticipating a few more before the end of summer.

We debated back and forth and waited for a long time before taking the plunge to buy our camper trailer. Though quite a substantial amount for us, we felt it justified by it's ease of use and easy towing. No more being restricted to expensive hotels and motels. Our camper can go virtually anywhere the 4wd can.  For us it feels like our home away from home.

I thought I would also share a few tips on camping/caravanning. These work for us and perhaps some may work for you.

• Don't pack too many clothes. Bring easy mix and match comfortable outfits for everyone. I  lived last week in two pairs of leggings, two tops and a cardi.
• Bring a jar filled with some washing powder for if you need to do laundry. I secretly enjoy doing my laundry while away. Depending on where you are you may need pegs and hanging line (we have a mini clothes line). Caravan parks have a laundry and most towns have a laundromat.

• We have fitted out our camper with op shop finds. Enamel ware plates, cups, vintage cutlery and basic utensils. Colourful old tablecloths, teatowels and towels. Vintage wool blankets and sheets. We keep them packed away in the camper ready for the next trip.
• For cooking you can't go past cast iron. They are amazing to cook on. We purchased our big frypan at a camping store and a few pots at the op shop. I also use one big stainless steel pot for boiling water for pasta, rice etc. Next on the list will be a Dutch oven. And a whistling kettle.

• I keep an old picnic basket fully equipped for picnic lunches on the go. Cutlery, plates, cups, napkins and a thermos. Fill small glass jars with coffee, tea and sugar. I like to pack jam and pickles from home if possible, some bread, butter and cheese. Sometimes leftovers. 

• We use a three burner gas cooker and can fit two pots at the same time so we've recently enjoyed pastas with sauce, polenta and rice. You don't need to forgo delicious food while camping. In fact it seems to taste better cooked outdoors.

• If possible try and seek out some local food while away. Look out for markets, farms and specialty shops. You only need a few quality ingredients to make a delicious meal. We discovered a sourdough bakery, local olives, eggs, honey and a huge wholefoods store while away. A meal of fish and chips is always on our list when by the ocean.

• Keep a supply of pantry basics. With olive oil, tinned tomatoes and pasta you can whip up the quickest meal. Toast with those old camping basics of baked beans and creamed corn are handy too.

• I like to bring a few books and some knitting.

• We had a lot of fun watching the colourful birds that visited our camping site. Next time a bird watching book would be quite handy.

• For those using cloth nappies on holidays (I do), you will likely need about 2 or 3 days worth of nappies. I bring the nappy bucket and wash about every 3 days.

And above all - relax and have fun!