tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233935102024-03-15T05:48:55.268+11:00♥ Krafty Kuka ♥<em>making, baking, faffing about</em>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.comBlogger1032125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-1492225737245518452018-03-20T22:22:00.001+11:002018-03-20T22:22:22.834+11:00Hyphen cardiTo me, March means knitting. I'm not entirely sure why - it isn't really cold enough for woollens, but maybe it's wishful thinking, longing for an end to the hot summer weather (this year summer feels like it is stretching waaaaaaay out!)<div><br></div><div>A few people I know are having winter babies this year, so I wanted to knit up some tiny bits for them (knitting for a four year old takes so long now haha). I came across the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hyphen" id="id_2250_fd8a_af2a_3aa" target="_self">Hyphen cardigan by Frogginette</a> and fell in love with the textured yoke.</div><div><br></div><div>I've <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Kuka/hyphen" id="id_de08_89e4_e2e2_4231">knitted it up</a> in the smallest size (3 months) on 5mm needles and in Lincrafts own brand of baby wool (merino 8ply), which is deliciously squishy and I want to use again and again.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_7266_fc6_1971_15a3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rmgr5Yd-IWg/WrDuzflyDzI/AAAAAAAAGzU/VtlHLtpK8v87SJO5K2bF-Rjo2EFL1NcuACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>This has come up a bit bigger than I expected - probably more suited to a 6 month old - but I just love it so much. It just needs buttons now =)</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_70fb_2d04_8181_cc09" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-COvSGhtkJBw/WrDu7OG9laI/AAAAAAAAGzY/3hiBSSrN4MgzRVVSPaJSD0X5a4VBvlyFACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>I'm pretty keen to try this in a bigger size for Miss A (now 4 years old).... Maybe even a matching one for me? </div><div><br></div><div>Xo Bron</div><div><br></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-29180336556298544152017-05-01T21:54:00.001+10:002017-05-01T21:54:21.428+10:00#MiloMay17The 1st of May means it's time to dust off the needles and get knitting some Milo vests! I love this pattern, but never manage to be organised enough to be knitting them in May, but this year I'm ready =)<div><br></div><div><img id="id_f5d1_c6df_898b_5da6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DbJ31mKHp4g/WQch7EZYm1I/AAAAAAAAF5c/qJeK3c0Rf_E2ChwQfXh9L0Ifw1k523FpwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div>Obviously I started this one a while ago (quite a while, to be honest - probably around the end of January/mid February when that annual "is summer ever going to end maybe if knit something it will be convinced to move on" hit haha). I've been doing lots of hand stitching (English paper piecing) so haven't worked on it up for ages. This is the perfect excuse to pick it up again - and hopefully finish over the weekend.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm hoping to make a couple of Milos this year and Milo May might be just the thing to get me off to a good start!</div><div><br></div><div>Bron xo</div><div><br></div><div>(If you don't have the Milo pattern yet, what are you waiting for? <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/milo-3" id="id_e14b_97b6_3c7d_5439">You can find it here</a>.)</div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-82751710651616922972016-07-17T19:55:00.000+10:002016-07-17T20:04:48.166+10:00Winter Soup<div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iJd032-aN30/V4tYPDN-PNI/AAAAAAAAFzg/P_DZuGJEZn8/I/photo_839686.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>Winter soup is pretty much the best. Current favourite is potato (or sweet potato), pumpkin, carrot, leek, red capsicum, with a bit of curry powder. Blend then serve with coriander and Parmesan. Also, I'm basically obsessed with <a href="https://www.alexandracooks.com/2013/11/26/thyme-dinner-rolls/">these no knead dinner rolls</a>. So easy and SO good! </div></div><div>These are the ingredients - check out the link for all the recipe details<div><font face="-webkit-standard"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">510 g flour<br style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 teaspoons salt<br style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 teaspoons sugar<br style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 teaspoons instant yeast<br style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 cups lukewarm water</span></font></div></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-64095933914007693302016-06-02T15:35:00.001+10:002016-06-02T15:49:36.300+10:00Winter garden<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had such a wonderful time growing veggies over the spring and summer that I just had to plant some autumn/winter stuff too. We have all kinds of things in - lettuce, kale, fennel, spinach, silverbeet, beetroot, carrot, radishes, Asian greens, garlic, leek, and probably some other ones that aren't quite coming to mind right now. Oh! Cabbage and cauliflower and broccoli.</span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UbaFBaAPH-A/V0_Iwpt6MnI/AAAAAAAAFy0/yLED1ITdtsM/I/photo_296012.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Anyway, we have already noticed that winter crops grow much more slow and steady than their spring/summer friends, and largely seem to look after themselves (which is lucky since on work days we're not home before dark).</span></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JeruV5uus18/V0_IzeYpedI/AAAAAAAAFy4/vNqZNnxxuig/I/photo_860974.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Apart from the fact that autumn was so dry and I'm not really great at remembering to water (especially when the weather isn't hot) our main battle has been with catepillars. I managed to keep them down to start off with by removing eggs, but all of a sudden a couple of weeks ago there were loads of them and quite a lot of plants have been stripped. I wonder if some of the damage might also be from possums - we have had a couple hanging about.</span></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hqC3WbgieAQ/V0_I3rn8MFI/AAAAAAAAFy8/Z_U90BQ-wMg/I/photo_720962.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In any case, our backyard remains a lovely place to hang out during the day - Amelia loves to potter about and has her own little garden to dig about and grown veggies and flowers in. I had expected rain all day today (and for the next week or so) but it has been beautiful and sunny so we have spent some time weeding, tidying up some herbs (which I was sure we're done for after being severely fried over summer but now have new little shoots on them), and blowing bubbles. </span></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H_kqHEAGEPo/V0_I7Mp087I/AAAAAAAAFzA/bQLOHjUR2TY/I/photo_906880.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amelia is wearing her new fox beanie, which I made for her during no kids clothes week using <a href="http://www.tiedyedivapatterns.com/product/baby-and-childrens-aviator-fleece-hat-pattern-with-chinstrap-and-earflaps-plain-or-dinosaur-bug-pdf">the fleece hats pattern by Tidedye Diva</a>. I adore this pattern - it is quick and easy, and I have loved every one of the (many) hats I've made from it. Amelia has asked for a dinosaur one next =)</span></div></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Happy June!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Xo Bron </span></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-41685602326701030202016-05-22T16:27:00.000+10:002016-05-22T19:33:19.721+10:00Easter dressesBlogging. I don't know why I don't do it more often. I have so much stuff I want to record, and to share, and really it doesn't take very long. Sigh.<div><br></div><div>Anyhow, here's something (two somethings, actually) that I've been meaning to share for ages now - the Easter dresses I made for my A and my niece E.</div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RaNhTktyR3I/V0F7dkoIHWI/AAAAAAAAFxg/F7WbuTzBj7M/I/photo_926860.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">The girls are so cute together - they are almost 10 months apart and I think so lucky to have each other so close in age. It was hard to get them both pictures though! We caught them for these mid Easter egg hunt =)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Jh178J5YSA/V0F7f4uqISI/AAAAAAAAFxk/WIMv08d08-k/I/photo_176648.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used the <a href="http://eandepatterns.bigcartel.com/product/bohemian-babydoll-pdf-pattern">bohemian baby doll dress pattern </a> by Elegance & Elephants. I love this pattern! Super cute (obvs), comes together so easily, and there are no fastenings - it just pops over their head! Also, those sleeves are adorable =)</div><div style="text-align: left;">The fabric is from a range called Bunny Garden by Lewis and Irene. So so sweet, and I love that the dresses are matchy but not the same 😍</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V9vP_dx_cXE/V0F7iOvRviI/AAAAAAAAFxo/31hiIqm7JY0/I/photo_470439.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>A has already worn hers a couple of times since then - including for her 'class photos' at childcare (cute!!!). I have found it layers up beautifully over leggings/tights and a long sleeve tee, so perfect for the cooler weather we're starting to have. I actually think something heavier, like a denim or a fine cord, would be super sweet too =)</div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sS6STqH5cc0/V0F7kPcGG9I/AAAAAAAAFxs/XsWau6Crap4/I/photo_781905.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next round of <a href="http://blog.kidsclothesweek.com">Kids Clothes Week</a> starts tomorrow - this time around I'm hoping to work on a long sleeve tunic/dress (I have quite a few patterns to choose from!), plus a new hat and maybe some dress up masks =)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Xo Bron </div> </div><div>Ps I mostly just look at the blog on my iThings, so I have no idea how the photos look to other people - let me know if they're super weird, yeah?<br><br> <br> <br><br> <br></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-13256307971016481012016-03-01T08:03:00.000+11:002016-03-03T12:15:18.844+11:00Kids' Clothes WeekThis week just gone was Kids' Clothes Week, and for the first time in a while I didn't 'officially' participate (too much sewing for myself!). The guilt got the better of me on Saturday morning though, and I managed to whip up this little Norah dress (pattern by Mouse House Creations) in tiny sweet flowers on blue. In the picture here it still needs hemming, and a button on the back, but I was super keen to try it on her and since she was cooperating (standings still) I took a couple of photos.<div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D6K0M0rB5mg/VteQH85tKJI/AAAAAAAAFwA/nao3aPCwQh0/I/photo_348468.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br></div><div>I cut out the fabric for this AGES ago - it's been hanging out in the bag I take to sewing crew, just in case I need an extra project one day - but luckily past me anticipated the delay and cut out a 2T instead of 18 months or what ever she needed at the time. The fit is pretty good - there is a bit of room for her to grow into without it being too big - but my eyes are sure there's something weird going on across the chest/near her arms. It is entirely possible that this is because I had a bit of trouble with easing in the sleeves - I'm not the best easer/gatherer/setter at the best of times, and those sleeve are 2 year old small you guys! The opening/fastening in the back was similarly fiddly/tricky - although I feel I should point out that it was my own skills/patience that were lacking, since the method is pretty ingenious and the instructions really well written.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BRiCFcb299o/VteQJNX6jSI/AAAAAAAAFwE/-ScxjzD0_Ng/I/photo_119793.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br></div><div>I'm sure that I'll make this pattern again - don't get me wrong, it is super sweet and I'm happy with the result. I'll probably make it a bunch of times- some as is, and also I'm keen to tweak it a bit to suit my style (both in terms of how I like to see and my aesthetic) a bit better. I have so much admiration for all the women I see making garments with all the sweet details for their kids' everyday wear, but at this stage I just don't have the skills or patience. So next up I'm going to try a couple of no fastening, built in sleeves patterns =)</div><div><br></div><div>Xo</div><div>Bron</div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-90233013127112432162016-02-09T21:38:00.000+11:002016-02-09T22:11:29.570+11:00oh hi February!Hellooo!<div>So, January is busy with those birthdays and whatnot! </div><div>Miss Amelia turned two in the middle of January (I know! Where did those years - and that tiny baby! - go?!)</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fMn6mJbQKfI/VrnJCpi4MSI/AAAAAAAAFvU/s_Q4tHAl0uE/I/photo_515865.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><div style="text-align: left;">We've had unusual weather for this (or any, really) time of year - a few hot summer days but lots of rain and storms too, and even a couple of days under 20C - my garden has been LOVING it! (Me too, to be honest - I'm all for some milder summer weather!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H5hv78FAyZ4/VrnJIuRjOrI/AAAAAAAAFvY/3rhkpqLUcxQ/I/photo_625026.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We've had zukes and the most delicious cukes and some button squash too. There are quite a lot of pumpkins growing, and the tomatoes should ripen any day now. And we have the odd monster fruit that is probably a few days past when it should have been picked =p</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5gAu6qONS2k/VrnJN3dxrjI/AAAAAAAAFvc/kTelHuuKQBc/I/photo_498325.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We are still so in love with the garden, and just so glad we decided to have the work done last year! We spend so much time out there together - especially in the evenings or , on hot days, in the early mornings before the weather warms up! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0NfpyzoOVCk/VrnJTG4kTjI/AAAAAAAAFvg/2iubvgI-m8U/I/photo_578328.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div>Amelia has a sandpit now and a water table, and just loves to potter around pointing out the veggies and picking snow peas =)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-17207I26g4Q/VrnJXrmaU2I/AAAAAAAAFvk/0Y4V76I_1A4/I/photo_915672.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>There has also been LOADS of sewing and knitting and reading that I'm hoping to share another day. I've got a new blogging app on my phone which in hoping will make it easier to blog when I have time - like on the bus etc. I'm never quite sure how I want to set out my posts - photos interspersed? Or all at the top then text? Anyway, we'll see how the posts look coming through the new app. <br> <br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Xo Bron </div><br><br> <br></div><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-6840545221321468152016-01-09T21:36:00.001+11:002016-01-09T21:36:40.280+11:00New Year, new knitting<p> Hello and happy new year! We had a wonderful and busy December, and January is flying by in the same way.</p><p>I've entered 2016 with a burning urge to get rid of stuff - chuck it out, donate it, finish the many crafty WIPS I have laying about, and most of all to create from my lovely stash.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GgxIEYi9fdQ/VpDidaEypnI/AAAAAAAAFu0/-3Bs6i8rfwg/s1470/Photo%25252020160109213443213.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GgxIEYi9fdQ/VpDidaEypnI/AAAAAAAAFu0/-3Bs6i8rfwg/s500/Photo%25252020160109213443213.jpg" id="blogsy-1452335798091.5393" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p>First up was this super easy finish - a sweet pink '<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grannys-favourite">granny's favourite</a>' cardi in newborn(ish) size. All it needed was buttons! I do love<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grannys-favourite"> this pattern</a>, and plan to knit many more.</p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As a bit of a treat for all that work (lol) and for organising my quilty projects, I pulled out some pretty Quince & Co I had stashed away, and cast on a <a href="http://quinceandco.com/products/wee-brock">Wee Brock</a> cardi for miss Amelia (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Kuka/wee-brock">on Ravelry here</a>). I have so many lovely yarns stashed away that are probably just about enough for a size 2 garment, but not much more so I am keen to knit up some extra special things for this winter.</span><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y1o8e-v54q4/VpDis7Ej4XI/AAAAAAAAFu8/ZEgyLXFiL40/s2048/Photo%25252020160109213443566.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y1o8e-v54q4/VpDis7Ej4XI/AAAAAAAAFu8/ZEgyLXFiL40/s500/Photo%25252020160109213443566.jpg" id="blogsy-1452335798037.4988" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p>The <a href="http://quinceandco.com/products/wee-brock">Wee Brock is a simple, sweet cardigan</a>, with a zigzag yoke and a bit of a swingy shape. It is knitting up beautifully- the yarn feels lovely and I love the colour, and the zigzags are very cute. I am just past the bit where the sleeves are divided - I just love seeing that long curve of knitting become an actual cardigan! Magic =)</p><p>Xo</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-84137058052389019882015-11-02T22:08:00.001+11:002015-11-02T22:17:02.206+11:00Book :: Lungdon<p> I am so excited to tell you about this book! I should tell you, I received a copy (electronic) in exchange for reviewing it - but I had already read and loved the first two books, pre-ordered this AND intend to buy hard copies as soon as I can be sure I get a matching set. So believe me, it didn't influence my review =)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SCWEbwAe-5k/VjdD0WsOF2I/AAAAAAAAFuI/Umg_6JnFUbQ/s499/Photo%25252020151102220650837.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SCWEbwAe-5k/VjdD0WsOF2I/AAAAAAAAFuI/Umg_6JnFUbQ/s499/Photo%25252020151102220650837.jpg" id="blogsy-1446462491148.2017" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="334" height="499"></a></div><p>Lungdon is the final book in <a href="https://www.hotkeybooks.com/Birth_Object_Randomiser_5/index.html">Edward Carey's Iremongers trilogy</a>. I don't want to give any spoilers for the first two books, so I'm going to kind of do a review of the series and keep the details vagueish, ok?</p><p>As you can probably tell from the above, I am kind of nuts about this series - it is just so fun and weird and unique! The story is set in Victorian times, and follows various characters from the Iremonger family from their home in the great rubbish heaps outside of London (Lungdon), through a town called Foulsham, and finally to London itself. The tone in Lungdon feels a bit darker than the first two as the characters are changed by their experiences along the way, and by the end of the book the story has come to an unexpected and perfect conclusion.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ysVz9zch9Y8/VjdD8q6ogJI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/kp-t2-mbTaU/s2048/Photo%25252020151102220651050.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ysVz9zch9Y8/VjdD8q6ogJI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/kp-t2-mbTaU/s500/Photo%25252020151102220651050.jpg" id="blogsy-1446462491067.5063" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>Each book is told from the perspectives of two main characters, as well as an extra person here or there. One of my favourite things about these books is the how unusual and distinct from each other the voices of the characters are - I don't think I have ever read anything where this has been done so well and in such an easy to read way. </p><p>The series is marketed at the 12+ age group, but has that quirky grotesque gothic kind of style that makes it a great read for adults too - think Neil Gaiman or Tim Burton - and it didn't even occur to me that it was a "kids' book" until I saw it in that section of the catalogue.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6uQQjmnA-dw/VjdEGPkjtuI/AAAAAAAAFuY/GeYpiztlwF0/s2048/Photo%25252020151102220651248.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6uQQjmnA-dw/VjdEGPkjtuI/AAAAAAAAFuY/GeYpiztlwF0/s500/Photo%25252020151102220651248.jpg" id="blogsy-1446462491083.3452" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p>Another fantastic thing about these books is the illustrations - Carey prefaces each chapter with portraits of characters or scenes from that chapter - they are so cool! You can get a good feel for Carey's work <a href="http://edwardcareyauthor.com/">on his (really cool) website.</a></p><p>Lungdon is out this week from <a href="http://fivemile.com.au/catalog/young-adult/lungdon-iremonger-trilogy-book-3">Five Mile Press</a> /<a href="https://www.hotkeybooks.com/books/detail/lungdon"> Hot Key Books</a>, and is 400ish pages of perfection - I give it (and the other two in the series) five stars and recommend you get on it now =) Meanwhile, I'm off to check out Carey's backlist =)</p><p>Happy reading!</p><p>Xo Bron</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20">Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-3150291011871547302015-11-01T21:18:00.001+11:002015-11-01T21:18:01.106+11:00The Makers' Collective :: 30 day creative challenge
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NbM3UVDWDZM/VjXm0wrxZ5I/AAAAAAAAFt4/qWsRJPPUM7M/s800/Photo%25252020151101211748953.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NbM3UVDWDZM/VjXm0wrxZ5I/AAAAAAAAFt4/qWsRJPPUM7M/s500/Photo%25252020151101211748953.jpg" id="blogsy-1446373077715.0251" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="291" alt=""></a></div>
<p> All of a sudden it's November, and the <a href="http://themakerscollective.com.au/creative-challenges/makers-30-day-creative-challenge/" style="line-height: 1.3em;"></a><a href="http://themakerscollective.com.au/creative-challenges/30-day-creative-challenge-day-1/">first day of the Makers' Collective 30 day creative challenge</a>! I'm skipping over today's project - I won't be doing all 30 but instead choosing my favourite 2 or 3 each week, and hopefully sharing them here too.</p>
<p>In the meantime, it's not too late to sign up if you're interested too - <a href="https://widget.bloglovin.com/widget/iframe/iframe.html?xdm_e=http%3A%2F%2Fthemakerscollective.com.au&xdm_c=default4393&xdm_p=1">check out all the info here</a>. You can also check out #makers30days on Instagram to see what everyone is making, and follow along with a new diy tutorial on <a href="http://themakerscollective.com.au/blog/">the Makers' Collective blog</a> each day all month =)</p>
<p>Xo Bron</p>
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<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-35415399796399260802015-10-25T22:29:00.001+11:002015-10-25T22:31:19.207+11:00Desert rose dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CGe879jfyx8/Viy8aPyiEkI/AAAAAAAAFtM/hXVqfa68kiU/s2048/Photo%25252020151025222546725.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CGe879jfyx8/Viy8aPyiEkI/AAAAAAAAFtM/hXVqfa68kiU/s500/Photo%25252020151025222546725.jpg" id="blogsy-1445772548759.2463" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p> And all of a sudden it's the weekend and another <a href="http://blog.kidsclothesweek.com/">kids clothes week</a> is over - and again I feel like there's so much more I wanted to do! But I think that's one of the cool things about KCW - it gets you sewing and inspired to sew even more. This time around I managed to finish the <a href="http://kraftykuka.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/kids-clothes-week-day-one.html">Avengers geranium dress</a> from my last post, get some pj pants nearly done, and finish one more dress - my first go of the gorgeous<a href="http://cailamade.com/product/desert-rose-dress/"> desert rose pattern</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a2wonjodx6g/Viy8kolEb9I/AAAAAAAAFtU/FXHjrAckzYU/s2048/Photo%25252020151025222547018.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a2wonjodx6g/Viy8kolEb9I/AAAAAAAAFtU/FXHjrAckzYU/s500/Photo%25252020151025222547018.jpg" id="blogsy-1445772548778.6736" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p>I used some cotton-ish fabric I found in the remnant bin last time I was fabric shopping - I'm pretty sure it has some poly in it. It was actually kind of not that nice to work with. I made the 18 month size and it is a pretty good fit, with a bit of room to grow into. Like the Avengers dress I have about 2 inches extra in the hem. It's hard to see in these pics with the busy fabric, but the dress closes with two buttons on the bodice front - so cute!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pG07tV80Io8/Viy8vlj6q_I/AAAAAAAAFtc/Ekkj5zDKIUg/s2048/Photo%25252020151025222547332.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pG07tV80Io8/Viy8vlj6q_I/AAAAAAAAFtc/Ekkj5zDKIUg/s500/Photo%25252020151025222547332.jpg" id="blogsy-1445772548799.9988" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a> </div><p>I have been in love with this pattern for quite a while (check out #desertrosedress in instagram - so many beautiful dresses!) and was certainly not disappointed with the result! I have fabric washed and waited to be cut out for the next already. I actually think it's a good one for special stash fabrics since the square skirt means it is easy to be flexible with length and fullness =)</p><p><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Xo Bron</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20">Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-25110490699097371952015-10-20T21:19:00.001+11:002015-10-25T22:19:54.805+11:00Avengers geranium dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6AedfLNg3g/ViYUg0KVoXI/AAAAAAAAFsk/Xz6bjXc-17A/s2048/Photo%25252020151020211541007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="669" id="blogsy-1445336350214.211" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6AedfLNg3g/ViYUg0KVoXI/AAAAAAAAFsk/Xz6bjXc-17A/s500/Photo%25252020151020211541007.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Kids clothes week got off to a good start here yesterday - I managed to sew a whole little geranium dress! I think I mentioned Miss A is really interested in Marvel and DC super heroes at the moment, so the theme 'disguise' was a perfect excuse to make her an Avengers dress.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UnGh2D7WhrM/ViYUrhU-1-I/AAAAAAAAFss/LiJdzxrzGrM/s2048/Photo%25252020151020211541280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="669" id="blogsy-1445336350310.05" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UnGh2D7WhrM/ViYUrhU-1-I/AAAAAAAAFss/LiJdzxrzGrM/s500/Photo%25252020151020211541280.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Obviously this sewed up quickly - it is just such a fantastic pattern, and the finishes are lovely, with the bodice lining hiding lots of seams and a clever treatment of the back seam to keep the back opening so neat and tidy. <br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GkvGvT294a4/ViYU2ri99GI/AAAAAAAAFs0/h2FpI85ic6w/s2048/Photo%25252020151020211541534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="669" id="blogsy-1445336350312.0396" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GkvGvT294a4/ViYU2ri99GI/AAAAAAAAFs0/h2FpI85ic6w/s500/Photo%25252020151020211541534.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
I made the 18-24 month size, which is perfect in the chest and maybe a tiny bit long in the skirt (this has an extra 2 inches in the hem). I love the faux cap sleeves, and finished with snaps (I love my snaps!)<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ecf8SG1HMr0/ViYVGuDvkvI/AAAAAAAAFs8/d2RErPTEim8/s2048/Photo%25252020151020211541864.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="373" id="blogsy-1445336350223.5037" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ecf8SG1HMr0/ViYVGuDvkvI/AAAAAAAAFs8/d2RErPTEim8/s500/Photo%25252020151020211541864.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Don't be surprised if there's another geranium around here before too long =)<br />
Xo Bron <br />
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Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-3055968548458060312015-10-19T09:17:00.001+11:002015-10-19T09:17:26.205+11:00Garden update<p> The garden and greenhouse have been loving this weather! It has been a warmer October than usual, and I'm tempted to plant my tomatoes out already even though we sometimes still get frosts through to the end of the month. The main thing holding me back is I just can't decide how to support my tomatoes - stakes or trellis?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZeKkJpgxCac/ViQacfr0ImI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/2nt2fkO06vM/s2048/Photo%25252020151019091626013.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZeKkJpgxCac/ViQacfr0ImI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/2nt2fkO06vM/s500/Photo%25252020151019091626013.jpg" id="blogsy-1445206643895.7583" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The most action is in the greenhouse we have lots of new seedlings popping up from seeds I planted last week - from top left there's the first dwarf bean, basil (Thai basil and oregano are up too), golden nugget pumpkins and patio zukes just popping through and corn (which I'm sure wasn't there at all yesterday!).</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">We're picking a couple of snow/sugar snap peas each day and yesterday our first ripe strawberry (which didn't last as long as being photographed but A assures me was delicious!)</div><p> Xo Bron</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-54988501738953878932015-10-17T22:06:00.001+11:002015-10-17T22:06:18.956+11:00KCW warm up =)<p>The next round of <a href="http://blog.kidsclothesweek.com/">kids clothes week</a> starts on Monday! This theme for this round is disguise, which should work out pretty well here since A is currently fairly obsessed with Spider-Man, Superman, Batman and a whole load of other DC and Marvel characters (as well as Star Wars!). I have a couple of dresses cut out already, and a few new things planned, but mostly this time I'm just focussing on the actual goal of KCW - to sew for an hour each day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DjXeR6LqZpQ/ViIrH9-8oUI/AAAAAAAAFro/8rFj2U11ax8/s700/Photo%25252020151017220353514.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DjXeR6LqZpQ/ViIrH9-8oUI/AAAAAAAAFro/8rFj2U11ax8/s500/Photo%25252020151017220353514.jpg" id="blogsy-1445079977059.156" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="214" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q4vOoHJCIlA/ViIrR1yCnhI/AAAAAAAAFrw/_0BnlD4b9pw/s2048/Photo%25252020151017220353895.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><p>It has been warmish here the past week or so, and the summer clothes have been pulled out. I've been super pleased to see that A still fits into some of the things I made last summer, so I made sure to take pics when she has been wearing them and thought it might be a good warm up for KCW to share them today.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q4vOoHJCIlA/ViIrR1yCnhI/AAAAAAAAFrw/_0BnlD4b9pw/s2048/Photo%25252020151017220353895.jpg" target="_blank" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q4vOoHJCIlA/ViIrR1yCnhI/AAAAAAAAFrw/_0BnlD4b9pw/s500/Photo%25252020151017220353895.jpg" id="blogsy-1445079977103.8254" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="669" alt=""></font></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uG5_5EIaJAk/ViIrd2aefkI/AAAAAAAAFr4/chJgaHhHn64/s2048/Photo%25252020151017220354154.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uG5_5EIaJAk/ViIrd2aefkI/AAAAAAAAFr4/chJgaHhHn64/s500/Photo%25252020151017220354154.jpg" id="blogsy-1445079977057.1833" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p>First is this little Lulu dress (the pattern is by <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/">Jess from Craftiness is Not Optional)</a>. This one got hardly any wear last summer because the fit was a bit weird - I was so happy to see the fit is so much better now than A is less tiny round baby and more toddler with actual limbs. I think it is probably just a better shape on an older kid, and having seen it on her yesterday I'm pretty sure I'll make more of these (the pattern goes up to 8 yrs - yay!). I do love the combination of knit top and woven skirt!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aPmkU_IUz-M/ViIrpVdM-nI/AAAAAAAAFsA/KhrhD99q33s/s2048/Photo%25252020151017220354448.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aPmkU_IUz-M/ViIrpVdM-nI/AAAAAAAAFsA/KhrhD99q33s/s500/Photo%25252020151017220354448.jpg" id="blogsy-1445079977085.2673" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p>And today's outfit - a <a href="http://shop.made-by-rae.com/products/geranium-dress">geranium dress </a>in tunic length. I think I made this before Christmas (I think I might have even blogged it). I found the length was perfect for her when she was crawling and she did wear it quite a bit. I will for sure make more geranium dresses - it is my favourite kids' dress pattern so far, and I love that she'll get more than one summer's wear out of it.</p><p>Xo Bron </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-15575410157840306692015-10-12T21:32:00.001+11:002015-10-12T21:32:58.086+11:00More gardeny goodness <p> Sorry for two gardeny posts in a row, but there is so much happening out there at the moment and I am pretty much obsessing over it haha.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QlbzJQpF7jE/VhuL-vrk-lI/AAAAAAAAFrE/yoIcvIPVfkw/s2048/Photo%25252020151012213018654.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QlbzJQpF7jE/VhuL-vrk-lI/AAAAAAAAFrE/yoIcvIPVfkw/s500/Photo%25252020151012213018654.jpg" id="blogsy-1444645976642.7522" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p>I have been raising a mega batch of tomatoes from seed to sell as a fundraiser for our playgroup - this weekend they finally looked ready to pot out from the seed tray to something a bit bigger. Fingers crossed they survive the move (and the help from A!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fIKtASJD-eM/VhuMLeo7L3I/AAAAAAAAFrM/hfWgJpAMp2g/s2048/Photo%25252020151012213018865.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fIKtASJD-eM/VhuMLeo7L3I/AAAAAAAAFrM/hfWgJpAMp2g/s500/Photo%25252020151012213018865.jpg" id="blogsy-1444645976672.2083" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p>And here's the current greenhouse spread. I also moved the Lebanese zukes into bigger pots - I have about a dozen seedlings that are all looking really good, some of which I'll take along for our fundraiser too. New seedlings up this week are the mixed squash, and I've planted pumpkins, patio zucchini, corn, dwarf beans and more nasturtiums.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OUfuh5nR3B4/VhuMVaeMVWI/AAAAAAAAFrU/XFw5G1MYkeg/s2048/Photo%25252020151012213019062.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OUfuh5nR3B4/VhuMVaeMVWI/AAAAAAAAFrU/XFw5G1MYkeg/s500/Photo%25252020151012213019062.jpg" id="blogsy-1444645976732.7964" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> This week I'm planning to put in climbing beans and more sugar snap peas - we have been picking them and eating fresh in the garden.</p><p> Xo Bron </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-14560691028291470312015-10-09T22:44:00.001+11:002015-10-09T22:44:07.194+11:00Garden update<p> The last two or three weekends I've gone around the garden taking pictures with the intention of posting an update here, and then by the time I get around to thinking about posting I feel like the pictures are so out of date I might as well wait and take new ones and then it starts again. So, these photos are from last weekend, and, spring being spring, everything has changed again already, but I'm sharing nonetheless.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H4Iy1GqSnVA/VheoALgM7DI/AAAAAAAAFqc/owcyFV5dblw/s1632/Photo%25252020151009224103344.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H4Iy1GqSnVA/VheoALgM7DI/AAAAAAAAFqc/owcyFV5dblw/s500/Photo%25252020151009224103344.jpg" id="blogsy-1444391044290.8904" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p>Purple. So much purple in the garden this week! Dutch irises are opening and looking magnificent, bluebells are just about finished (no pink ones this year - just purple and blue), wisteria has gone bonkers and the bees are in heaven, and some pansies I planted around the strawberries are looking good too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zWXyliIunf0/VheoH8-AevI/AAAAAAAAFqk/Pjfidqheypw/s1277/Photo%25252020151009224103462.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zWXyliIunf0/VheoH8-AevI/AAAAAAAAFqk/Pjfidqheypw/s500/Photo%25252020151009224103462.jpg" id="blogsy-1444391044259.5642" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="479" alt=""></a></div><p>The seeds are happy. The tomatoes that i germinated on the heat pad on the kitchen bench are spending most of their time outside - they are growing their real leaves and are about ready for repotting. The Lebanese zucchini seedlings have shot right up, and this week I planted out some of the borage and nasturtium seedlings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N-VKx2iHiCA/VheoVI2rJrI/AAAAAAAAFqs/YWVKvKqBtDA/s2048/Photo%25252020151009224103802.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N-VKx2iHiCA/VheoVI2rJrI/AAAAAAAAFqs/YWVKvKqBtDA/s500/Photo%25252020151009224103802.jpg" id="blogsy-1444391044296.0117" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p>The favourites at the moment are the sugar snap peas. They are growing like crazy and Amelia is loving eating them freshly picked in the garden.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHonpqtrsnE/VheogrvZAoI/AAAAAAAAFq0/C6ZyyeUQjdg/s1774/Photo%25252020151009224104063.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHonpqtrsnE/VheogrvZAoI/AAAAAAAAFq0/C6ZyyeUQjdg/s500/Photo%25252020151009224104063.jpg" id="blogsy-1444391044310.7703" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p> And last weekend's exciting development was this archway which I've popped over our garden seat. I'm planing to grow climbing beans, apple cucumbers and maybe some kind of squash over it.</p><p> The forecast for the next week at least is warm sunny weather, so I have my fingers crossed for lots of good growing (and maybe just a little rain)</p><p>Xo Bron </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-19762171506359774892015-09-30T07:44:00.001+10:002015-09-30T07:49:58.776+10:00Currently crafting...<p> I'm one of those crafters who always has at least half a dozen or so projects on the go at any one time (and that's not including the probably dozens that are ongoing but haven't been worked on for ages!). I thought it might be good to have a (maybe) regular-ish round up on here of the projects I'm currently actively working on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gGboj1B4lC8/VgsF3N3oNqI/AAAAAAAAFp4/zyWDOXlvs8M/s1697/Photo%25252020150930074211923.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gGboj1B4lC8/VgsF3N3oNqI/AAAAAAAAFp4/zyWDOXlvs8M/s500/Photo%25252020150930074211923.jpg" id="blogsy-1443563088550.693" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="554"></a><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">We had my mum here visiting last week, and I always imagine that having someone extra here to distract A will mean loads more crafty time for me so I spent the week before she arrived tracing off and cutting out dress patterns for A. In reality sewing time is still mostly restricted to when A is asleep - as soon as I sit at the machine she's over at my side offering to help or wanting to see what I'm doing (which is really quite cute). I did manage to get two little dresses very nearly finished - a simple little pinafore (the sausage dogs in the pic above) from the<a href="http://www.wildthingsdresses.com/wild-things-sewing-book"> Wild Things</a> book only needs its snaps, and the pretty strawberry gingham dress just needs a button and hemming (the pattern is <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b4176-products-1169.php?page_id=376">Butterick 4176</a>). I have two more dresses cut out for A (this and this) and a new <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/catalog/myrtle">Colette Myrtle</a> for myself.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aqAih4dYavQ/VgsGFpbvSTI/AAAAAAAAFqA/nlKDdJR-EyI/s2048/Photo%25252020150930074212369.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aqAih4dYavQ/VgsGFpbvSTI/AAAAAAAAFqA/nlKDdJR-EyI/s500/Photo%25252020150930074212369.jpg" id="blogsy-1443563088602.0645" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">I seem to have a bit of a thing for starting a new quilting projects on a long weekend, and this was no exception - I've started a super cute quilt that I can't say very much about because I'm pattern testing for my friend Linden from <a href="http://vinelinesquilting.com/">Vine Lines Quilting</a>. I'm looking forward to being able to share it with you as soon as the pattern is released.<br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pva4RUdWjuY/VgsGTBAuGgI/AAAAAAAAFqI/PHE8Gz882w0/s1936/Photo%25252020150930074212757.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pva4RUdWjuY/VgsGTBAuGgI/AAAAAAAAFqI/PHE8Gz882w0/s500/Photo%25252020150930074212757.jpg" id="blogsy-1443563088632.156" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p>And in knitting news, on Sunday I cast off a little pink <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grannys-favourite">Granny's Favourite</a> (I mentioned it in<a href="http://kraftykuka.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/knitting-granny-favourite.html"> this blog post here</a>), which is now just waiting for buttons and blocking.</p><p>So, what's next? I see many many little dresses in the not too distant future - they are so quick and easy, and look adorable, and our first over 30C weather is forecast for the weekend so they'll be right in time =)</p><p>Xo Bron</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20">Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-81141963433317489762015-09-29T14:13:00.000+10:002015-09-29T14:13:00.435+10:00Books :: The Intern<p> My next gold Inky Award nominee review book is <a href="http://gabrielletozer.com/books/">The Intern by Gabrielle Tozer</a>. The book introduces us to Josie, a student who dreams of a career in journalism and lands an internship at a flash fashion magazine in the city.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-99pW_0dnQdI/VgoN-1mYwpI/AAAAAAAAFps/gMDQ0MYwTQ8/s1024/Photo%25252020150929140509819.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-99pW_0dnQdI/VgoN-1mYwpI/AAAAAAAAFps/gMDQ0MYwTQ8/s500/Photo%25252020150929140509819.jpg" id="blogsy-1443499518636.3132" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="752" alt=""></a></div><p>This book was cute, fun and pretty fast paced. I could totally relate to Josie's experience of moving away from home - the mixed feelings of being excited about moving on to something new but also worried about the changes this will bring to your relationships with friends and family. It was a quick read, and I downloaded the sequel as soon as I finished - which is always a good sign.</p><p> I did find it read a bit younger than than the YA I'm used to reading - it's definitely more Dolly than Cosmo, I think. That said, the writing was still sophisticated - there were several of parts of the story where I could have been cringing, but instead I found myself feeling embarrassed (and sometimes horrified) with Josie rather than rolling my eyes at her.</p><p> I would recommend this for readers with an interest in writing. It had a similar feel to the <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Carrie_Diaries_(TV_series)">Carrie Diaries</a> tv series (I have to confess to not having read those books), or even <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hills_(TV_series)">The Hills</a> (where Lauren has the internship) so I think fans of those series would probably enjoy this too.</p><p>I gave this 3 stars out of 5 (but would rate it at 4 stars if I was making a recommendation for a younger reader.)</p><p>Xo Bron </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-78807171714074197642015-09-28T17:11:00.001+10:002015-09-28T17:12:44.413+10:00The Makers' box :: tassel bracelet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IikAbUCQ1QY/VgjnpPIU86I/AAAAAAAAFpE/0KlPWH9Wmno/s2048/Photo%25252020150928170830193.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IikAbUCQ1QY/VgjnpPIU86I/AAAAAAAAFpE/0KlPWH9Wmno/s500/Photo%25252020150928170830193.jpg" id="blogsy-1443424279531.6028" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">One of the awesome things about the Makers' boxes that I received was that they had projects in them that I had seen around and thought were cool but had no idea what I would do with them so hadn't tried yet. The tiny tassels in the tassel bracelet project are a perfect example of this!</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NsS77Wa-Tdc/Vgjn1gktAQI/AAAAAAAAFpM/UfcaN-5bQyo/s2048/Photo%25252020150928170830540.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NsS77Wa-Tdc/Vgjn1gktAQI/AAAAAAAAFpM/UfcaN-5bQyo/s500/Photo%25252020150928170830540.jpg" id="blogsy-1443424279545.4944" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> I'm sure I say this every time, but the presentation and clarity of the instruction were just impeccable. It was simpler than I expected to make the little tassel, and I was super pleased with how it came out. And, as with the other projects, I loved that there were supplies enough to either make multiples of this project, or to use in something else (we used some of the extra beads in the <a href="http://kraftykuka.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/diy-dream-catcher.html">dream catcher I blogged about</a> a week or so ago).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9QPF7xa8V0/VgjoCKngZNI/AAAAAAAAFpU/LkogF4u2fIM/s2048/Photo%25252020150928170830864.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9QPF7xa8V0/VgjoCKngZNI/AAAAAAAAFpU/LkogF4u2fIM/s500/Photo%25252020150928170830864.jpg" id="blogsy-1443424279569.6482" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p>In all honesty the finished bracelet isn't really 'me', but I wasn't disappointed - for me it was still worth trying because I learned a new skill (making the tassel - I'm thinking tassels on everything! How cute would tiny gold ones be on Christmas present wrapping?!) and the bracelet would make a super cute gift for someone else. =)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pn8l5v3PCaI/VgjoFVtJhkI/AAAAAAAAFpc/96yvm_8aevs/s1080/Photo%25252020150928170830989.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pn8l5v3PCaI/VgjoFVtJhkI/AAAAAAAAFpc/96yvm_8aevs/s500/Photo%25252020150928170830989.jpg" id="blogsy-1443424279605.5007" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="456" alt=""></a></div><p>New Makers' box kits are on their way to the <a href="http://themakerscollective.com.au/about/">Makers' Collective</a> online store soon - including this bath salts kit we had a peek at on Instagram and facebook last week which I think looks pretty awesome =). </p><p>Xo Bron </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20">Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-47987667097297208242015-09-15T23:00:00.001+10:002015-09-15T23:05:17.948+10:00Books :: Laurinda<p> Now that I'm in the habit of reading <em>more</em>, I'm trying to be more mindful of <em>what</em> I read - like trying to read more books by Australian authors. When I was looking for some aussie young adult fiction to start on I came across the <a href="https://insideadog.com.au/blog/inky-awards-shortlist-2015-you-choose-winners">short list for the Inky Awards</a>. I'm planning to read all of them, and maybe review some here on the blog - starting with <a href="http://www.alicepung.com/books-1/">Laurinda by Alice Pung</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eBugLPIe5Rs/VfgWVwkbkyI/AAAAAAAAFo0/t1ja4PAERP4/s750/Photo%25252020150915225959456.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eBugLPIe5Rs/VfgWVwkbkyI/AAAAAAAAFo0/t1ja4PAERP4/s500/Photo%25252020150915225959456.jpg" id="blogsy-1442322266316.0283" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="485" height="750"></a></div><p> I loved this book! Lucy Lam is the daughter of refugees who wins a scholarship to a flash, all girls school. The book takes us through Lucy's first year at her new school, as told through Lucy's letters to a friend. I thought the writing was brilliant. It was funny and fast paced and powerful and touching - like this quote, which I just love (and I will never use the word tacky again!):</p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><em>Brodie would have called the things in our home “tacky”, the term used by wealthy people to describe the most beautiful things poor people could afford. </em></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> The quote on the cover there from John Marsden uses the word 'horrifying' and that is so spot on (as if I would disagree with John Marsden!) - some of the young women (and the older ones!) in this were so awful that the only thing worse was the fact they didn't seem to realise how awful they were! I actually gasped a little "oooh no - they didn't! They wouldn't!" more than once - and the fact that the "girls will be girls" (or whatever variation) attitude about pranks (let's face it - all out bullying) is a real thing in the world totally gives me the creeps!</span></span></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Anyway, I gave this 5 stars (out of 5) and really hope we'll see more fiction from Alice Pung soon!</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Xo Bron </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></span></span></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-27561510780859341322015-09-14T23:29:00.001+10:002015-09-14T23:29:04.264+10:00Garden makeover<p>I can hardly believe it has been over 7 years since we moved into our lovely little home. When we moved in, the garden was nice but it just wasn't us. It took us a few years to figure out what wasn't going to work for us, a few more to not feel guilty about it, then some to decide what we wanted (a kitchen garden!) and of course a bit more to actually do anything about it. Now, finally, we've had some work done in our backyard and I'm super excited about it!</p><p>It was pretty much a disaster out there - the garden bed was overgrown with half-dead shrubs and goodness knows what else, and the fence was falling down. It wasn't just gross, I felt like it wasn't safe for A - every time we were out there I was freaking out about what she was touching/where she was going. So when the fence repairs were inevitable we decided to get some landscaping done at the same time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yxAsvF6zSsA/VfbKqPmqqcI/AAAAAAAAFoA/1x9Ya3I-qTc/s2048/Photo%25252020150914232356605.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yxAsvF6zSsA/VfbKqPmqqcI/AAAAAAAAFoA/1x9Ya3I-qTc/s500/Photo%25252020150914232356605.jpg" id="blogsy-1442237342193.0378" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WzK_iPtl6zw/VfbK4bCfJ7I/AAAAAAAAFoI/M4Ofin5jh3U/s2048/Photo%25252020150914232356894.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WzK_iPtl6zw/VfbK4bCfJ7I/AAAAAAAAFoI/M4Ofin5jh3U/s500/Photo%25252020150914232356894.jpg" id="blogsy-1442237342254.3655" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EgPPblfs5JU/VfbLHLgPtVI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/Yj3KmbEp97I/s2048/Photo%25252020150914232357206.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EgPPblfs5JU/VfbLHLgPtVI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/Yj3KmbEp97I/s500/Photo%25252020150914232357206.jpg" id="blogsy-1442237342200.3088" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ymg8TUy0FTg/VfbLKoS_LDI/AAAAAAAAFoY/3BWy81zrRdo/s960/Photo%25252020150914232357303.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ymg8TUy0FTg/VfbLKoS_LDI/AAAAAAAAFoY/3BWy81zrRdo/s500/Photo%25252020150914232357303.jpg" id="blogsy-1442237342270.744" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Check out those before/during/afters - such a difference (and quickly too! The work took about 3 days). And we love it. If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen that we are using the heck out of the space already. A loves pottering around and digging and moving dirt around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FWGJJHc2vCE/VfbLclXULaI/AAAAAAAAFog/DrHzSE0gj4k/s2048/Photo%25252020150914232357734.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FWGJJHc2vCE/VfbLclXULaI/AAAAAAAAFog/DrHzSE0gj4k/s500/Photo%25252020150914232357734.jpg" id="blogsy-1442237342233.3606" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">So now I'm ready for veggie growing season! And because I'm so excited about it I've treated myself to something to kickstart things: a <a href="http://afreshlegacy.net/product/kitchen-garden-box">kitchen garden box from Kyrstie at A Fresh Legacy</a>. It has seeds, growing instructions and recipes for 24 different veggies and comes in a gorgeous wooden seed storage box. Now we just need to wait for it to be warm enough to plant some more things =)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SPhJ76VRAUI/VfbLm6T5n4I/AAAAAAAAFoo/VtHJgHBmhCo/s1755/Photo%25252020150914232357995.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SPhJ76VRAUI/VfbLm6T5n4I/AAAAAAAAFoo/VtHJgHBmhCo/s500/Photo%25252020150914232357995.jpg" id="blogsy-1442237342240.9543" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p> Xo Bron </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-68074464612964074112015-09-13T22:10:00.001+10:002015-09-13T22:10:12.719+10:00Sewing :: tamariki track pants<p> The <a href="http://kraftykuka.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/knitting-granny-favourite.html">yellow cardi in my last post</a> wasn't the only mum-made in that outfit - I also sewed those purple spotty pants =)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K8c78OW8hWQ/VfVm9fm-F2I/AAAAAAAAFnc/lFhtfXtP-Xs/s2048/Photo%25252020150913220621518.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K8c78OW8hWQ/VfVm9fm-F2I/AAAAAAAAFnc/lFhtfXtP-Xs/s500/Photo%25252020150913220621518.jpg" id="blogsy-1442146210080.278" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The pattern is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/236277416/tamariki-trackpants-pdf-pattern-tutorial?ref=shop_home_active_12">Tamariki Trackpant</a> by <a href="http://littlekiwis.co.nz/blog">Little Kiwis Closet</a>. I was super excited when this pattern was released - for one thing I love <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/LittleKiwisCloset">LKC patterns</a>, and for another I had been trying to figure out how to do lined pants (winter is pretty chilly in Canberra's playgrounds!), which is one of the options given in this pattern.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aAnNYfLkRs4/VfVnNqKM_KI/AAAAAAAAFnk/1aqLMWYAgX4/s2048/Photo%25252020150913220621853.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aAnNYfLkRs4/VfVnNqKM_KI/AAAAAAAAFnk/1aqLMWYAgX4/s500/Photo%25252020150913220621853.jpg" id="blogsy-1442146210166.4846" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">These guys are super warm - corduroy wIth polar fleece lining - so we're getting as much wear out of them as we can before the weather is too warm. Also, the growing! It's outrageous! She had been wearing them with contrast cuff folded up, like in the two pictures above, but this week she wore them unfolded (that daffodil photo is from just weeks ago! And the second pic from the start of June.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2GYG66jKn7k/VfVnaxnWkzI/AAAAAAAAFns/QH8l8KFtWBA/s2048/Photo%25252020150913220622082.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2GYG66jKn7k/VfVnaxnWkzI/AAAAAAAAFns/QH8l8KFtWBA/s500/Photo%25252020150913220622082.jpg" id="blogsy-1442146210132.5986" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> I've also used the same pattern to make some flannel pj pants - these Star Wars ones are about done, and I've cut out some Spider-Man ones to match the pair I made for her dad.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lqJPY6hRIIs/VfVnn8Ej42I/AAAAAAAAFn0/4ZSVTBUbXDU/s2048/Photo%25252020150913220622361.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lqJPY6hRIIs/VfVnn8Ej42I/AAAAAAAAFn0/4ZSVTBUbXDU/s500/Photo%25252020150913220622361.jpg" id="blogsy-1442146210126.1338" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p>The other option I really like in this pattern, but haven't tried yet, is the elastic in the ankle - I love this for littlies who might still be a bit clumsy and trip on their hems. The patterns goes all the way from newborn up to 12 yrs, so I have no doubt we'll get a lot more use out of this one!</p><p>Bron xo</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-56751932897737804762015-09-09T21:35:00.001+10:002015-09-09T21:35:00.881+10:00Knitting :: Granny's favourite<p> Here's another project from around Easter time - a little yellow cardigan for Amelia. The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grannys-favourite">Granny's favourite</a>, by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/georgie-hallam">Tikki Knits</a> (one of my very favourite designers - I pretty much want to knit up all of her designs!), and I used Patons totem merino 8 ply (find it on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Kuka/grannys-favourite">ravelry here</a>).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m-NP_Ocs0cA/VfAYxbwE6II/AAAAAAAAFm4/RunWA0SArnk/s1774/Photo%25252020150909213124907.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m-NP_Ocs0cA/VfAYxbwE6II/AAAAAAAAFm4/RunWA0SArnk/s500/Photo%25252020150909213124907.jpg" id="blogsy-1441798498872.6323" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> I went with the mid-length sleeves - partly because I didn't have quite enough yarn, and also just because I like the shorter length on littlies - it helps keep the sleeves out of their way without having to roll them up. They weren't quite so short on her when she was first wearing this - so much growing! She has had so so much wear out of this already, and I think it will probably take her through spring too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jHoeMkZ-OV8/VfAZApBaewI/AAAAAAAAFnA/8yYVxxzuaWg/s1936/Photo%25252020150909213125270.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jHoeMkZ-OV8/VfAZApBaewI/AAAAAAAAFnA/8yYVxxzuaWg/s500/Photo%25252020150909213125270.jpg" id="blogsy-1441798498847.28" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> I had did have one little problem to overcome on this one - the garter stitch band kept folding up, like you can see in the picture there. I took it to instagram and in the end undid the bind off and re-did it on the opposite side (I think I had bound off from the right side and it should have been wrong side? Or vice versa?). I didn't think of it at the time, but another think I think might have helped might have been to use a smaller needle for the garter stitch. In any case, between the re-binding off, blocking and wearing it hasn't been a problem.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DnWlsDpGLEI/VfAZOI-BisI/AAAAAAAAFnI/z7Oz3DRhkdM/s2048/Photo%25252020150909213125658.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DnWlsDpGLEI/VfAZOI-BisI/AAAAAAAAFnI/z7Oz3DRhkdM/s500/Photo%25252020150909213125658.jpg" id="blogsy-1441798498896.4253" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p> Basically, I would love to make one of these for myself (and totally could - there's a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/my-favourite">grown-up sized pattern</a>! I just don't know if I could deal with all that plain knitting =\ haha). I just adore it, and definitely have plans for more - in fact there's a pink one on my needles right now =)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e5GBWcGiA2Y/VfAZYFAWlrI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/ERJBFGuE5RE/s1739/Photo%25252020150909213125982.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e5GBWcGiA2Y/VfAZYFAWlrI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/ERJBFGuE5RE/s500/Photo%25252020150909213125982.jpg" id="blogsy-1441798498865.373" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p>Xo Bron </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-52082308168043429052015-09-08T22:05:00.001+10:002015-09-28T16:09:18.299+10:00The Makers' box :: DIY dream catcher<p> If you've been hanging out here for a while you might remember me <a href="http://kraftykuka.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/the-makers-box-project-one.html">talking earlier in the year</a> about my involvement with the <a href="http://themakerscollective.com.au/about/">Makers' Collective</a>, including my getting to play with the fantastic Makers' Box subscription goodies. The Makers' Box has been on a break while Mikaela has been on maternity leave, but she's back and has so much good stuff planned (check out the <a href="http://themakerscollective.com.au/workshops/">Spring class line-up</a> - so many awesome skills to learn!) so I thought it would be a good time to start sharing my Makers' Box makes again. Starting with this pretty dream catcher.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QqyuSp_PJ-M/Ve7OziF-y1I/AAAAAAAAFmc/F76_MyL5yM4/s1936/Photo%25252020150908220326366.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QqyuSp_PJ-M/Ve7OziF-y1I/AAAAAAAAFmc/F76_MyL5yM4/s500/Photo%25252020150908220326366.jpg" id="blogsy-1441713954796.5188" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="559"></a></div><p>I actually made this when I was visiting with my sister over Easter - one of the great things about the Makers' Box is that because there are a few projects you can have a craft-along with friends =) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uAz6mdJycYI/Ve7O_oxu1zI/AAAAAAAAFmk/5-nSZ1RHM-4/s2048/Photo%25252020150908220326723.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uAz6mdJycYI/Ve7O_oxu1zI/AAAAAAAAFmk/5-nSZ1RHM-4/s500/Photo%25252020150908220326723.jpg" id="blogsy-1441713954805.4368" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div><p>As always, the instructions were precise and easy to follow. This was a fantastic project to have as a kit, since there you need a bunch of bits and pieces, including things you would probably buy in larger packs than you need. One of the other projects in the box was for a beaded bracelet, so we added some of the left over beads too. It came out pretty cute =)</p><p>This would be a fantastic project for a crafternoon get together and I actually think it would be a fun one for teens to do together - it's simple and customisable (with different threads/beads etc) and trendy (teenagers still think dream catchers are cool, yeah? And do people still say trendy?)</p><p>If you're feeling crafty like a fox but don't know where to start make sure you head over to the <a href="http://themakerscollective.com.au/diy-tutorials/">Makers' Collective website </a>- there are loads of DIY tutorials to check out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--g9YX9vLoSQ/Ve7PHoa75kI/AAAAAAAAFms/1erlEdsOw2c/s1632/Photo%25252020150908220327217.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--g9YX9vLoSQ/Ve7PHoa75kI/AAAAAAAAFms/1erlEdsOw2c/s500/Photo%25252020150908220327217.jpg" id="blogsy-1441713954847.318" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p>You can also find the<a href="http://themakerscollective.com.au/workshops/"> list of upcoming classe</a>s - including some special fashion themed classes that are running at the <a href="http://hustleandscout.com.au/whats-on-12-sept">Hustle and Scout Twilight Fashion markets</a> on the weekend (the concrete necklaces and terrarium necklaces both look especially awesome!)</p><p> Xo Bron </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20">Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23393510.post-59586444650952526292015-09-06T22:08:00.001+10:002015-09-06T22:23:54.509+10:00In September I am reading...<p> I started back at work on 1 July, and July and August went by in such a blur - it has been weird and a bit hard getting used to being back after 18 months at home! There has been lots of energy spent on meal planning, outfit planning (and sewing), figuring out the best buses to catch, lunches out with colleagues and being out of bed earlier than I would like. </p><p>One of the benefits of work (apart from the pay! And getting to eat out for lunch!) has been all of the extra reading time I get - it's about an hour each way on the bus, and you better believe I've been giving my beloved kindle a work out! Add to this the fact that I've discovered a bunch of bookish podcast that I am loving (check out the <a href="http://bookriot.com/">Book Riot website </a>- they have four or five podcasts on different aspects of the bookish world that are equally fantastic) and my enthusiasm is sky-high. I have been reading two or three books a week, and have enough more in my 'to be read' list to last me for at least three years. I have been writing super brief reviews of all the books I'm reading over on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19286598-bron">Goodreads</a>, but might do some mini reviews here too, and definitely plan to get back in the habit of giving updates here on what I'm reading/planning to read over the next month =)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KHthtCBLy5Y/VewsbJzRxYI/AAAAAAAAFmI/XHwwZgJw79Y/s1001/Photo%25252020150906220655110.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KHthtCBLy5Y/VewsbJzRxYI/AAAAAAAAFmI/XHwwZgJw79Y/s500/Photo%25252020150906220655110.jpg" id="blogsy-1441541281188.7764" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="338" alt=""></a></div><p>So, September reading =) I have two main goals for the next month's reading: the<a href="https://insideadog.com.au/blog/inky-awards-shortlist-2015-you-choose-winners"> Gold Inky Award shortlist</a> (yay for Australian young adult literature! Check out the <a href="https://insideadog.com.au/blog/inky-awards-shortlist-2015-you-choose-winners">Inside a Dog website</a> - also the source for the image above - for more info) and a re-read of the<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throne_of_Glass"> Throne of Glass series</a> (finishing with the newest book in he series, which I am soooo excited to get to!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NC4KMaOi_jg/VewsnqAiUSI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/tcRbqO9hzDo/s1936/Photo%25252020150906220655593.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NC4KMaOi_jg/VewsnqAiUSI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/tcRbqO9hzDo/s500/Photo%25252020150906220655593.jpg" id="blogsy-1441541281164.009" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p>As always, I'd love to hear about what you're reading this month!</p><p>Xo Bron</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933391926572023254noreply@blogger.com0