She has the Logic of a Puggle

Clown vomit

2012-02-03T14:07:00.001+11:00

I've recently come across the phrase 'clown vomit' on a knitting website. Commonly used to describe multicolour fun fur effects.

Which led me to wonder if my new knitting project will look like clown vomit? And is that something I want in my wardrobe?

Quite possibly not. But I think this project still has hope, so I'll keep knitting for a while.

I was thinking all this through at my quilting guild meeting last night, and easily imagining a clown vomit quilt. One of my long term UFOs definitely has potential in this direction. In fact, since the top is finished, I've limited options to change it. Quite possibly the best idea is to choose a lovely backing. And regard it as the front.

Definitely a Potteresque Holiday

2012-02-02T12:36:00.000+11:00

As my boy reads the Harry Potter books, we're watching the movies. He's just finished the Prisoner of Azkaban, so we've re-visited each movie leading up to the new one.

We've also spent a lot of time playing with the Christmas harry Potter Lego haul, and of course some roleplaying.

And playing with the broomsticks Mum made them.

The longest week

2012-01-31T20:53:00.001+11:00

We've had 41 days of school holidays, with 6 to go. My husband is away for work. I'm decluttering, cleaning and rearranging half the house.

Tonight, we couldn't find Maggie the kitten for more than an hour. The kids were distraught. Eventually, she was found safe and sleeping in the bottom of the open linen closet.

I'm behind with my sleep, organizing, and (online) with attempting to make my life simple.

Luckily, our road continues. There's time. My family will visit no matter what the state of the house. The kids are loving watching Harry Potter while I push furniture around.

The sobs have subsided with kitty cuddles, and the children are asleep relatively early. Maybe I'll follow their example.

Holiday Hexagons

2012-01-30T10:30:00.001+11:00

Hexagon table centre for a round table, a photo by pugglelogic on Flickr.

Made using the same hexagons as my table runner, I have put together this small quilt for my mother's birthday. I think it will look fabulous on her round table.

Summer in the Snowies

2012-01-30T10:28:00.000+11:00

We were intending to go camping for a few days. Peace, wildlife, relaxation.

On the morning of our midday departure, I checked the forecast once more (with the Bureau and by ringing a local friend), and cancelled the camping plan. Too much rain.

DH seized the moment and booked us a few days at Thredbo instead. It's a ski resort in winter, in summer is reinventing itself with various adrenaline based activities. The Kosciuszko Express chairlift still operates for walkers and mountain bikers, there's a bobsled track, a waterslide attached to the pool and a golf course.

The kids had a great time. We rode the chairlift twice (hate, hate heights), the bobsled about twenty times, spent hours at the waterslide and went on several buskwalks. The wildflowers were blooming, and the whole place smelt fresh and delicious.

I was pleased to find enough time to sew a hexagon table mat for my mother's birthday, and to finish knitting a cardigan that's been a long term project. Not so pleased to break my glasses, or to miss out on camping, but we had a good, energetic time.

Making a rainbow

2012-01-21T13:52:00.000+11:00

I've finished my crocheted rainbow shawl, and am quite pleased with it. Ravelry tells me I started it in July, which is a bit of a surprise. I do remember it was my favourite project while waiting at ballet lessons. I also took it to the US, where very little got done.

I'm not sure if I'll wear it - the Kauni feels quite rough still, but it's a great shape for a lap rug. Actually, I probably don't need a knee rug any more - Maggie warms my knees enormously!

Simplify your life 2 - defining core values

2012-01-15T15:06:00.000+11:00

{Week Two has been much harder}

I've been attempting to answer the questions Deb posed in her guidelines to defining your values at Home Life Simplified. It's hard work, and makes me feel nervous (what if I don't like me? what if my values reveal all that's shallow and insipid? what if I find out who I am?)

I've come up with;

kindness, comfort, compassion, creativity, calm.

Not that I'm sure that calm is a value, but I think I'll leave it in anyway.

I've been working on this on and off all week - amidst the chaos of school holidays, and the ongoing decluttering of our home. I've filled the bin, sold several things and sorted several problem areas out. I've also found more craftworks started and never completed. Next to decide on their destinies, and act.

And most importantly, I found my household control journal.

Finished!

2012-01-11T11:44:00.000+11:00

My first WIP finish for the year is the hexagon runner. It's a big table, and so this big runner fits it nicely.

The runner is all hand pieced and hand quilted.

Two of my favourite blocks;

That's one down, heaps to go! I think my next challenge should be decision making regarding the next quilt I'm making for one of my nephews.

12 WIPs in 2012

2012-01-04T15:54:00.000+11:00

In response to AJ's challenge, here are my first Works In Progress I hope to be finishing in 2012.

In no particular order, this WIP is my Kaffe Fassett Log Cabin quilt. Stalled when I cut the strips to join it with wrongly, and had to order more fabric. It's big, needs cutting strips, joining blocks and quilting.

I did a class at Addicted To Fabric on these Quilt as you go hexagons. I have 30 completed hexagons, so may join them as a table runner (or table cloth!)

Another achievable project, a half quilted cushion cover for my daughters room. Needs quilting completed, and turning into a cushion cover.

And next is the quilt that the cushion cover is supposed to complement. The quilt top is complete - just needs sandwiching, quilting and binding. Just.

This the quilt I made for my husband's 40th birthday. He reached that milestone more than a year ago, so it's time to finish. I've probably done 1/6 of the quilting, so need to finish that and the binding.

These are blocks for a Christmassy quilt. The blocks are done, I just need to decide upon sashing and borders, sew them, sandwich, quilt and bind.

More beautiful fabrics went into this quilt. With the benefit of hindsight, it's probably too much patterns all together, but I'd like to finish it anyway. Top complete, needs sandwiching, quilting and binding. A very big quilt.

In another class at Addicted to Fabric, I began this lovely tree of life quilt. In a reversal of the usual, for this project, the quilting is already done. I've also made around 200 clamshells. I still need to applique the tree, leaves, birds and clamshells down. There is a border, involving yet more clamshells, but I may leave it at the centre panel. Oh yes, and it will also need to be bound.

These are the projects that have already begun, tomorrow I'll possibly dig out the 'piles of fabric with a plan' set of projects to complete my 12.

Simplify your life 1

2012-01-02T16:50:00.000+11:00

The first task is to create a list of everything that went 'right' in 2011.

In 2011, I spent an average of 3 hours a week volunteering at my children's school. I quite enjoyed doing it, and felt great after having done it. Similar to exercise, I suppose.

I felt good when I went swimming, while knitting, while shopping for fabric, while participating in a class, while sewing, while spending time with my family working (or playing) together, when I won fabulous prizes.

Things that worked for our family; menu planning, bulk buying, calendar use, limited afterschool activities, and having my in-laws over for dinner and cards twice a week. Holidays have also been an important part of 2011 for us.

I've been grateful for being able to be alone. For being able to choose to be with others. For the presence of my cat Maggie in our home. For my undemanding husband. For my enthusiastic children. For the time and space to follow my interests. For our supportive family. For wonderful presents that I use every day.

Things that have grabbed my interest have been exciting recipes, fabulous quilt designs and house decoration ideas.

****I've dithered over posting this for most of today - but then decided to go ahead anyway. I think if you read this blog you'll soon notice how human I am, so it's not like I'm spoiling an image here.

New Year!

2012-01-01T16:29:00.000+11:00

We celebrated New Year's Eve with a bushwalk and barbecue dinner. Walking from my parents place, we were in the bush, and spotting a snake within 10 minutes. Fortunately, the snake wriggled away very quickly, and we could enjoy the wonderful day.

It was just lovely down by the river, and we met a suprising number of fellow bushwalkers. Unfortunately, when we reached the traditional barbecue spot, the fireplaces had been removed by the local council. Being law abiding types, we walked on. We explored a paperbark forest, licked mangrove leaves and then climbed many, many steps to reach the next barbecue spot. This lofty spot required no wood, being all electric, and had a splendid view over the river. Perfect.

I've been considering plans and goals for 2012. This year, I'm trying to focus on value. Spending time doing things I value. I don't value cleaning or housework, but completing them gives me the physical and mental space to create. So these tasks do have value. I also have value. I deserve nice things, including clothes that fit. I deserve time to spend on things I like. Having these things mean I find it easier to be kind.

To try and achieve these things, I'll be following along with Debra of Home Life Simplified on her 52 week challenge.

At the risk of overcommitting, I'm also planning to work along with AJ in her 12WIPs in 2012 challenge. I have plenty of Works In Progress to choose from, so will be evaluating these over the next few days as we unpack and rearrange after our Christmas break.

Festive

2011-12-23T13:34:00.000+11:00

We've settled into our Christmas preparations. The kids have decorated the gingerbread house, and excitement is mounting.

Road trip

2011-12-19T22:01:00.002+11:00

With my Mum, for my great aunt's funeral. Stopped briefly at The Dog - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_on_the_Tuckerbox

Picnic

2011-12-14T15:16:00.001+11:00

Today, the junior school celebrated the end of the year with a picnic at the park.

We are recovering in front of some Disney tv.

That's one more thing ticked off the end of year list.

Ten random thoughts

2011-12-12T21:06:00.002+11:00

1. My lounge room decor is looking much better now Maggie's here.

2. Buying a 600ml Diet Coke at the supermarket in Canberra is more expensive than in Disneyworld.

3. Seven days of school remaining, and the children will be tired and cross no matter how much sleep they get.
4. Despite finishing Christmas shopping, I still need to to go the shops at least once daily.
5. School carols nights are rarely hotbeds of musical talent.
6. Fabric paralysis is standing between me and a fabulous new skirt - I wish I could just dive in and start cutting fearlessly!
7. Usually, I'd be complaining about the heat 12 days into December. Instead, I'm missing it.
8. Bells are jingling here, as the kitten climbs the Christmas tree.
9. Test cricket can be wonderfully exciting.
10. Buying a 20-visit pass to the local pool is no guarantee of actually swimming.

Christmas cooking

2011-12-10T21:46:00.002+11:00

Installment one - Donna Hay's Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies. My, they're lush -melted chocolate in the mixture as well as many choc chunks.... Delicious.

http://www.donnahay.com.au/menus/christmas/clever-cookies/chocolate-candy-cane-cookies

Ornamental!

2011-12-06T10:36:00.000+11:00

This year, I've been fairly discriminating with swaps but had to participate when a Christmas ornament swap crossed my radar.

And just look at these goodies which arrived from Talia yesterday!

The fabric stars can be hung anywhere - maybe a garland, I'm thinking, and the stars will be on my tree just as soon as it is up.

I love those little stars - the basic message of Christmas. Perfect.

Swapped!

2011-12-05T19:11:00.000+11:00

Just look at this gorgeous quilt that landed in my letterbox today!!! I am so, so thrilled.

Spiderweb pattern is one of my favourites (and made it onto the shortlist for the quilt I made for this swap.)

Thanks so much Danielle - it's just lovely.

Come to think of it, every quilt I've received from the EB Doll Quilt Swap has been great - thanks so much AJ for organising every time :)

December

2011-12-04T14:46:00.001+11:00

It's clearly December now - Christmas crafting with cricket on the tv. Definitely part of my Advent.

Starry

2011-12-01T21:16:00.001+11:00

(see full image)

Killing time, waiting for the dress rehearsal. Hanging out in the library, folding stars with my boy.

NaBloPoMo - the final post

2011-11-30T16:51:00.000+11:00

NaBloPoMo has come to an end. Daily blogging is quite a challenge, and the clear message I've learnt is that I don't craft that much.

However, I had two swaps due to be posted today, so have finished them off this morning.

Two more things learnt today;

Kittens are not assets when it comes to actual crafting.
It's best to beat a deadline, not just meet it. We've had a lot of rain today, following on from last night's astonishing thunderstorms, which has meant terrible light for photographing my finished swap items.

Oh well.

Finally some crafting content

2011-11-29T16:48:00.001+11:00

Even if it is that same little quilt. It's nearly posting date, and I've been sitting outside ballet, finishing it off.

A kitty-free location - maximizing productivity!

Cuteness

2011-11-28T22:27:00.000+11:00

All activity has stopped - we're too busy looking after wee Maggie.

Purring

2011-11-27T20:56:00.001+11:00

So happy to finally get my birthday present - this lovely little kitten. It's been too long since we've had a furry pet. The children are enormously excited, and suggesting names like "girly girly girl" or "cutie pie.".

News from the Nest

2011-11-26T16:15:00.000+11:00

The Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) is not a native bird here in Australia. However, they do have lovely melodic song, and beautiful eggs.

Our nest has two eggs in it (and this stolen one, currently adorning the windowsill.)

I've never seen such a pretty egg.

Bananas are back, baby

2011-11-25T20:56:00.000+11:00

(see full image)

It's such a relief to have banana prices down again - after the cyclone and floods, they've been precious fruit. But now the prices have dropped, the bananas have the chance to become overripe on the bench, which results in luscious blueberry, raspberry and almond banana bread. Yum!

Lists

2011-11-24T16:36:00.003+11:00

I really, really need to start writing some lists.

Mum has gone home this afternoon, accompanied by our gratitude, many special drawings, and a little gift or two from Melbourne.

Crafty deadlines are fast approaching - a dolls quilt, and a Christmas ornament. Children's events are fast approaching - the ballet concert is less than a fortnight away, involving normal lessons, extra lessons, a dress rehearsal, and a hair and makeup lesson for me. School has a Christmas carols evening, and various special assemblies.

It really is time to find my inner organised person fast - or to fake it till I make it, or some such inspirational message.

Mum and Dad will be coming to the concert, which opens an opportunity for their car to be our sleigh and magically transport gifts. A fabulous idea, but it does mean that Christmas shopping would have to be completed by the beginning of December.

Thus, time in December would be available for crafting, cooking, maybe even relaxing.... I think I like it.

Nesting

2011-11-23T16:45:00.000+11:00

During the weekend of luxury, we made a family trip to the Bredbo Christmas Barn. It's an enormous, magical, glitterabulous place in a very small town. We had the perfect ratio of adults:children - one on one. The children were captivated and enchanted, and each took the task of choosing a Christmas ornament each very seriously.

Personally, I was overwhelmed, and didn't buy anything. I possibly would have if we'd already decorated at home. There were some adorable glittery birds nests picks that would look lovely on our tree, given the number of glittery, feathery birds that perch on it each year. They started me thinking of how I could make nests of my own, as hanging ornaments. Further thinking required.

This afternoon, I saw a bird fly out of a bush in the front yard. Of course, we investigated, and discovered a nest. Immense excitement - especially since it's just outside our computer/sewing room. We're looking forward to peeking out the window.

Don't bother trying to see the nest in this picture - it was mainly a window shot!

Luxury

2011-11-22T12:57:00.000+11:00

Preparing to fly back home, it strikes me that these past few days have been all about luxury. Mum's looking after the kids (superbly, I'm sure), travelling business class(!!), and shopping till I drop. Lovely break, and mire details to come.

Big, big day

2011-11-22T07:37:00.001+11:00

(see full image)

It's been a very big day - and being dwarfed by this lovely elephant really put things in perspective. I love seeing animals from ground level - thanks Melbourne Zoo.

Indulgence

2011-11-20T21:30:00.001+11:00

Good for the soul. If not the waistline. Lovely dessert at Koko Black with my Mum and sister.
(see full image)

Packing

2011-11-19T17:36:00.001+11:00

Packing for the trip - two sets of clothes, sandwiched doll quilt (ready for some evening quilting action), and a book or three. All set!
(see full image)

Hugging

2011-11-18T21:44:00.000+11:00

Lots of hugging. Chooks and grandmothers. We were expecting Mum to arrive but not quite so soon. Nor were we expecting said grandmother to be doing tricks at the skatepark. Illustrations tomorrow.
(see full image)

Kneading

2011-11-17T19:55:00.000+11:00

Dough for Christmas decorations.

Planning again

2011-11-16T21:03:00.000+11:00

Relaxing tonight is difficult - our skies are being patrolled by fighter planes (to protect the visiting President). Low level grumbling is fairly continuous. By the aircraft, that is. And by the people - our town is a quiet one usually.

So instead, I'm planning.

Next week, I'll be going to Melbourne for two days. Once again, my husband will be attending a conference, and I will be holidaying. This time, Mum's coming to stay with the children. What a treat! And to add to the treatiness, Mum's excited about having been asked to do this.

So, what's good to do in Melbourne? I usually go to the Zoo, but this time, with no children, and not the emotional connection I feel with Sydney's Zoo, it might not be on the agenda.

Reading, knitting, a trip to the beach, maybe a movie?

Celebrity plans

2011-11-15T21:01:00.000+11:00

No creativity today, although I did take advantage of Spotlight's thirty percent off deal, planning ahead for another day.

A week or two ago, Queen Elizabeth II visited Canberra. While I didn't go along and wave, there were a number of opportunities for the public to do so.

Tomorrow, President Obama will be visiting Canberra. No public options here - if you're not a member of the media, parliament, or a generic VIP, this will be a tv only event. I suppose I could go and stake out the road from the airport, but won't.

However, I do plan to keep an eye out skywards, where apparently fighter planes will be patrolling.

Next week, it's our favourite Tasmanian, Princess Mary. Public opportunity available - if I win the ballot.

Topping

2011-11-14T19:18:00.001+11:00

Today, I was in a whirlwind of activity. Groceries, washing, vacuuming meant time for sewing.

I was very pleased to get my top finished for the swap - and after trying out about fifty different fabrics, simply changed the angling of my log cabins. It made such a difference.

Log cabins for a swap

2011-11-13T15:11:00.001+11:00

Log cabin blocks, a photo by pugglelogic on Flickr.

I finished sewing these blocks this morning, but now am stumped as to how I intended them to fit together.

More colours are needed, surely...

Off to rummage through the stash.

Saturday morning

2011-11-12T16:05:00.002+11:00

(see full image)

Saturday morning typically involves crochet in the car, while listening to a TED talk. Lovely stuff. Inspiration, creation and peace, all wrapped up in a one hour space.

Soon enough, the ballet lesson is over. I'll look forward to the next one though.

Home.....

2011-11-11T18:34:00.002+11:00

My loving husband tells me today it's five years since we committed to buying this house. Fancy that! We haven't done much to it, except replaced the oven.

We still live with an indoor brick wall, look regularly at where the paint tends to peel on the kitchen ceiling, and consider how we really do need to put up curtains as well as the blinds that came with the house.

If its been home for this long, maybe we should start working on making it feel more homelike. Since we both have the clutter gene, this is more complicated.

Or maybe we should just move instead. Not really.

Organizing for summer

2011-11-10T21:44:00.000+11:00

Well, actually, more Christmas, as that's the most exciting part of summer.

Today was busy - no time for sewing, despite the machine still being setup on the dining table.

I took the kids over to my sister's this afternoon, where they enjoyed playing with their cousins, as always. Meanwhile, she and I discussed making Christmas foods, and made one important decision.

This year, we're having an official Christmas cocktail. And that is the sole productive thing to come out of today - a single decision. If you've any suggestions for a festive, summery cocktail, please share!

Peaceful piecing

2011-11-09T16:54:00.001+11:00

Lovely afternoon - I was sewing, Annabelle drawing, Lucas playing Harry Potter with Lego. All busy. All happy. Bliss.

Online Life

2011-11-08T22:04:00.000+11:00

I've just spent the last hour trying to gain access to a parenting website. Having been a member for nearly 11 years, it's been part of my life for a long time. Having said that, I was surprised at how personally affronted I felt. Not that I am a big part of the community or anything - I average 1/2 a post per day. It's just part of my day.

Having finally been readmitted, the first topic that caught my eye was questioning if all blogging is narcissist. Well. Possibly. For me it's more about record keeping, monitoring my own satisfaction, and validation.

When I first realised that everyday people could blog, it was quite an astounding idea. I was spending all day with my two very small children, and had just moved away from friends and family. Starting my blog gave me an area where I was me. Still a parent, but me.

As I'm reading more widely now, I've come to realise I've missed the boat with making money from my blog - it's not pretty enough, or regular enough, and I'm not selling anything. I'm interested in those who are, but it's fine that I'm just blogging. This month I'm trying to post daily, but it's Ok if I don't.

And since I hate a post without a picture, here's a wordle of my blog;

Swim like a fish

2011-11-07T20:54:00.001+11:00

Or a mammal.

In the last few days, we've shown our holiday photos to various family members. We've enjoyed it, and I think they have too. It's been nice thinking of little adventures we had during the trip, like getting soaked by orcas at Seaworld. Such a thrill.

My own little mammals had their first day of school-based swimming lessons today. They were fine, although a little tentative. I'm really keen on these classes, as the daily lessons seem to result in more progress than weekly sessions.

DH had the day off, suffering with hayfever, which put paid to my crafting plans. However, the decks are cleared ready for tomorrow.

Family Sunday

2011-11-06T21:16:00.001+11:00

A busy day, preparing for a casual dinner for some family we haven't seen for a while. Happy cleaning (now that's a bizarre thought), and the first barbecue of the season. Lovely.

Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to cutting some fabric.

Glitter

2011-11-05T21:21:00.000+11:00

An afternoon spent colouring and glittering butterflies for her room has my girl perfectly happy. Since it was a reward for cleaning the room, I'm also happy.

Whales and rockpools

2011-11-04T21:42:00.000+11:00

Last weekend, mum and I took the kids out to a local headland looking for whales. We spotted some of the migrating humpbacks, but they weren't very close, so we descended to the rocks. Lots of treasures to be found. Such a treat, now we're living so far from the coast.

Annoying quilting

2011-11-03T16:00:00.002+11:00

Today I've been doing a little quilting. Only a little, since I'm having trouble with my thread shredding in the needle. I've tried all of the obvious fixes, and nothing works for longer than ten minutes or so. It's been very frustrating.

Attending the Canberra Quilters meetings always gives me some motivation to get in and sew - possibly I should attend more meetings!

Chooky love

2011-11-02T09:41:00.003+11:00

I love having chooks in our yard.

They give us lovely eggs - so fresh that the whites stand up, as well as the yolks do.

They also provide cuddles when you're feeling worried. Grade One are doing their end of year tests at present, and we are enduring nightly hysterical sobbing. She's worried because she can't get everything right, and then her grades will fall, and then the world will end. Well, I made up the last one, but that expresses the feelings of horror she's experiencing.

I'm horrified, because this is year one. We've a long, long way to go.

So once again, I'm off to the library, for information on boosting self esteem, relieving anxiety in children, and general how-to-fix-your-children's-worries type books.

After I've read these, it'll be time to return to quilting.

Edited to add; when I arrived at school this afternoon, I asked how the test went. She told me it was fine, and that there was no reason to worry!!!!!

How to make a broom

2011-11-01T13:43:00.000+11:00

First, collect lots of jacaranda twigs off your grandparents back lawn.
Second, ask for help from your loving grandmother to attach said twigs to the broom handle.

Settling

2011-10-24T13:38:00.001+11:00

We've been home a week now, and are settling back into routine. The last of the jet lag seems to have worn off, which is a good thing. 5am is really too early to be waking as a general rule.

I did notice that I could eat breakfast much more easily while I was waking earlier though (typically I don't want to eat until 9 or so, which is a bad thing.) Maybe I should start rising earlier just to facilitate breakfast? But then, I don't want to wake anyone else up, which usually happens by just walking down the hallway.

Mostly, this week has been spent getting the house back into order. My prolonged illness, followed by obsessive organizing for the holiday, left chaos in it's wake. It's clean again now, although (as always) there is a desperate need for decluttering and organization. So once again I've signed up with Flylady.

My holiday crochet project is progressing well, and I'm enjoying seeing the Kauni wool rainbow colours emerge.

The other part of today's photo is the mystery ingredient I bought while doing the groceries. Lemons! Delicious, and full of potential. Lemon meringue? Prawn salad? Lemon and garlic chicken?

I tried to shake things up in the meal planning department by getting each family member to choose a meal. I gave them some cookbooks to look through, and hoped for the best. Not so exciting - one chose toasted sandwiches, another quesadillas (which are really just toasted sandwiches using tortillas instead of sandwich bread) and the other couldn't bring herself to choose anything except desserts. Maybe they'll be better at it next week.

Home again

2011-10-20T20:25:00.001+11:00

We left home on September 30, and returned on October 17. Twelve days of theme parks, one day of swimming around a luxurious pool, one day of sleeping and shopping, and quite a bit of travel time.

Excellent holiday.

Finding the joy

2011-09-29T20:25:00.001+10:00

I'm somewhat overwhelmed at present. It's hard to find joy when I'm so worried about everything.

So many lists, trepidation regarding the long flights with my children, whilst my husband is somewhere on a different plane.

Quiet time can be hard to find when you're all sharing a room. I'm hoping to make quieter time through crochet, reading and headphones.

I am looking forward to warm, humid air. That'll be nice. And its only a treat thanks to our climate here. Which also gives us lovely spring blooms.

The whingeing is over. I'm going on a holiday, and I WILL enjoy myself!

Preparations continue

2011-09-28T11:20:00.000+10:00

With less than 48 hours remaining till we leave, I've got down to the really important stuff. This morning, I've been making iPod and iPad cases.

Now that critical job is out of the way, perhaps I can get to deal with actual.... clothes packing.

Random photos

2011-09-26T18:28:00.000+10:00

Found on the memory card....

Creative burst

2011-09-24T15:58:00.001+10:00

With a week to go, I think we've booked everything necessary for our holiday. Our dollar is dropping, but I'm hoping it will rebound.

I've been evaluating our wardrobes, and as a result have finished two new skirts for Annabelle, with plenty of help from my mother and sister.

Oh, how I love Kaffe Fassett fabrics! I might have to whip myself up one of these...

Current obsessions

2011-09-16T12:12:00.001+10:00

This week has been absorbed by planning. I don't have time to do anything creative, when I have to learn EVERYTHING there is to know about Orlando this week. It looks like we are definitely going, although nothing has been actually booked, except Mr Puggle's conference attendance.

The cold has been persistent, but my voice is finally returning - I haven't had to whisper yet today, for which I am very grateful. Both children are slightly offcolour - a bit of a cough, a slight temperature, putting themselves to bed early (!?) but I really hope they fight it off.

Lucas learnt how to play chess on the weekend, and is very

keen to play anytime. He taught his 5 year old cousins the basics too, and they all seemed to have a good time playing.

September sometime

2011-09-12T11:21:00.001+10:00

Creativity has come to a full stop. It's been all I can do to keep the routine going, while collapsing during school hours.

In very good news, my Mum came home from England last week, where she's been having a fab time playing with my sister's children, walking a Spanish pilgrims trail, and doing very fancy needlework classes. She and Dad came over for a flying visit yesterday, and brought some great souvenirs with her. For me there was a Cath Kidston handbag, and a pack of Liberty hankies. Lovely, lovely things.

My voice is still absent, so I'm whispering to everyone, which seems independent of the vocal cords. So it was extra nice to be with Mum and Dad - talking, (and soaking up some sympathy!)

I'm feeling marginally better today, and am feeling optimistic that things might improve. I'm not going to commit to making though, because I've already used up a fair bit of energy with the washing and vacuuming, and still have the groceries to go.

Day Eight

2011-09-09T11:06:00.001+10:00

Yesterday was pretty much a wipeout as far as creativity goes. Some serious couch time didn't leave room for anything except playing with my grandmothers buttons. The children had earlier been playing bowerbirds with the buttons, and they really caught my attention.

Day seven

2011-09-08T13:30:00.001+10:00

Reworking of the now abandoned shawl. I think it will be a rug now.

In other news, I have a chest infection which is pretty much sapping all my energy. Can't sleep, because of the coughing. Can't talk, since I've no voice left. And the doctor said rest and fluids.... And it shouldn't last longer than six weeks. I cannot imagine.

Day six

2011-09-07T11:39:00.002+10:00

Bag cut out, pockets inserted, and pleats completed. Then the needle broke. The last needle, of course. So a quick trip to my local quilt shop resulted in a new packet of needles, and an enrolment in a purse workshop by this lady. Lovely to anticipate.

I didn't get back to the sewing room yesterday, but hope to make it today.

Day five

2011-09-06T10:50:00.001+10:00

Day five was absorbed by family admin tasks. There a slim possibility that our family will be able to join DH on a business trip at the end of the month, and so I spent most of the day shuttling between the passport office, school and home. The applications are done now (despite me taking along my current passport, not the one I had when the children were born. I can't even remember what I did with my old one - surely I would have regarded it as unnecessary clutter, and destroyed it? Anyway, I digress.)

I did manage to print and enlarge a pattern and dig out some fabric. I'm thinking a new spring handbag would be nice.

Day four

2011-09-04T19:26:00.001+10:00

Creativity today centered around the kitchen. Fathers Day celebrations included pancakes with chocolate sauce and strawberries, and afternoon tea of chocolate brownies. I'm not really all that keen on chocolate, but my husband is. He's happy tonight.

Day three

2011-09-04T10:14:00.001+10:00

An ongoing source of angst in our house is knotty hair. My daughter's hair tends to tangle overnight, resulting in daily screaming sessions while I brush. It's painful for all of us.

We've taken to plaiting the hair most nights, but sometimes she's too overwrought to even do that. Hence, a satin pillowcase. I hate sewing with satin, but the went together surprisingly quickly, French seams and all. A project with a real purpose.

Day two

2011-09-03T09:22:00.001+10:00

September of creativity continues with further knitting on my knitalong shawl. It actually should be finished, but the vast amounts of stocking stitch in the third week defeated me. My shoulder just couldn't cope.

It strikes me that instead of creating things, I could quite possibly work on a different UFO each day of the month- possibly a project for next month! Meantime, day three will involve an actual finished item - I'm thinking achievable today.

30 things in September

2011-09-02T10:05:00.001+10:00

This September, I'm going to be working creatively on the 30 days of September. Rialla, of http://with-both-hands.blogspot.com/ is going to be completing 30 creative projects. I'm not sure I can finish that many, but committing daily time to creative endeavors will suit me perfectly. Lately, I've only been making for deadlines. This daily deadline may be the stimulus I need.

Last night, I spent some time crocheting Eva's shawl. (the pattern can be found at http://www.milobo.wordpress.com). It's fast to crochet up, but I've tried three times now, and after a certain point, it turns into a bowl. Clearly, I'm doing something wrong. I think the time has come up to frog again, and start something new.

Last night should have been spent at the Canberra Quilters meeting, but the friend I take along was unwell, and I was headachy and lazy, so instead spent the evening at home. Maybe I'll go to one of the day meetings this month instead.

Spring!

2011-09-01T23:26:00.000+10:00

Now I can start feeling optimistic!

New girls on the block

2011-08-29T13:51:00.001+10:00

After losing one chook to the fox, and another in a freak accident in our unruly yard where she became entangled in a vine, we were down to a flock of one. No good for either the chook, or our egg supply.

So Mr Puggle and the children chose three new chooks. Two fluffy silkies, who both seem to be quite young and silly - Good Girl and Fluffy. And A bossy, big brown one who spends a lot of time pecking all the other girls - Chookmort.

In other news, the children have been spending quite some time riding broomsticks around the yard, attempting to flee to Hogwarts. I've been laid low with a cold, and haven't had a voice for nearly a week now.

Quilt show time

2011-08-14T19:58:00.001+10:00

Over the weekend, my quilt "Home sweet home" was exhibited as part of the Canberra Quilters exhibition. I was glad to see it hanging there.

As part of submitting a quilt into the exhibition, the quilter must perform a volunteer shift. I spent a couple of hours doing white glove duty - to discourage people touching the quilts, and using the white gloves if they wished to see the backs of the quilts. It was a good time for me; a great chance to see the quilts, and watch the reactions of the people looking at the quilts.

I was delighted to see a friend had won a prize, and not at all disappointed to see I hadn't. I'm shooting for 2018.

Once again, I really was not tempted to buy anything at the accompanying craft show. The power of Internet shopping, combined with a fair knowledge of current patterns and classic quilt blocks and a sizable stash of fabric meant I didn't need to shop.

We've also been busy with my Dad coming to visit, long work hours, and I think clutter is about to swallow the house. Maybe this will be the week things start happening.

Rainy days

2011-08-06T16:46:00.001+10:00

It's a rainy day here in Canberra, and I've spent some time in the kitchen. White choc chip biscuits and a carrot cake. After decorating the cake, I realized my mind had clearly been on more material things.

The first clue

2011-08-02T11:25:00.001+10:00

Was very short. However, it's been completed promptly, so I'm quite happy.

Ready to knit

2011-08-01T12:32:00.003+10:00

Today is Monday August 1, and I'm ready to cast on for The Westknits Mystery Shawl.

I've wound my yarn into balls, while watching a little Nigella, and am ready for action. Unfortunately, different time zones mean that the first clue probably won't be released until tomorrow my time. Luckily, it's a gorgeous day here, and I'm getting myself organised.

Today, I'm feeling constructive. Washing's on the line, groceries are done, I've joined my son for reading in the classroom, and even ate breakfast. I'm also thinking about a friend who should be celebrating her birthday today, and about her family, who will be celebrating for her.

Edited to add; the clue has arrived!

Quilting time

2011-07-29T15:33:00.000+10:00

Today has been all about quilting, and and there's more to come, but not till after the children have their swimming lesson.

Challenge begun

2011-07-27T13:20:00.000+10:00

Made with "ComicBook!" iPad app.
Possibly I'd be further along with the quilt if I hadn't stop to play with the image....

Hungry?

2011-07-25T18:39:00.000+10:00

We were -and tired and cross after the first day back at school - but this Caesar inspired salad (and the accompanying Comic Book app fun) have eased the angst.

Challenging

2011-07-25T12:17:00.000+10:00

Earlier this year, I decided to spend my time making a quilt for my English niece rather than a quilt for the Exhibition. I did enter the Challenge though - small, whip it up quilt. I've been leaving it until the children returned to school to start. So this morning, I pulled out some fabrics for the garden section, and started planning. And was very unhappy to see my little quilt actually has to be 50cm x 70cm. Not so little. Not so whip-up-able. Still, there's a few days left....

Nearly done...

2011-07-22T10:05:00.003+10:00

School goes back on Monday after our winter break, and I'm ready. We've had lots of Lego, playing with PhotoBooth on my birthday iPad (hence the above portrait), daily ballet lessons and playing with cousins. As well as our local cousins, we've had an extended visit from the Central Coast cousins, which has just been lovely. So many cuddles with a smily, round, redheaded baby boy.

Another birthday

2011-07-16T12:23:00.000+10:00

Today my local sister is celebrating her birthday. July is a big birthday month for our family, but since it's so cold and dreary outside, some celebrating is welcome. Here's her cake, ready to be delivered. It's Nigellas butterscotch layer cake, and I'm certain it will be delicious.

Slow...

2011-07-15T15:43:00.001+10:00

A lazy afternoon at the largely deserted pool. The kids are swimming, the air is balmy, and the house remains relatively tidy, after this morning's blitz. Tonight, dinner and cards with the inlaws, and the kids are looking forward to sharing a room for the night. Holidays. We're hitting our stride.

Fnally, the hook

2011-07-13T09:32:00.000+10:00

I've been intending to do some crochet for a long time now, but was worried that my teenage skills were not only rusty, but also forgotten. Well, I'm pleased to note that muscle memory has kicked in, and I'm enjoying crocheting.

Sew It Together Prints Charming skirt

2011-07-07T08:41:00.003+10:00

Done as part of a sew-along run by the lovely Karen
http://and-so-i-sew.blogspot.com/

I'm so happy to be wearing my skirt today!

Wednesday

2011-07-06T17:02:00.000+10:00

Today, I've been home with a sick girl. Mainly worn out, I think.

This is the second day this week home with a sick child, so lots of home based jobs were done.

I finally managed to finish my Prints Charming skirt, as can be seen artistically draped below. I may or may not upload photos tomorrow when I wear it - depends on my confidence levels really!

I've also cooked Nigella's Spring Chicken, and it was delicious. In fact, we're having it again tonight, encased in pastry.

I'm getting excited about learning stop motion filming, with the idea of making lego movies in the holidays.

Somehow, I also have missed the start of the Tour de France, so no knitalong for me this year. Quite possibly I have a previously unfinished TdF project somewhere - must check Ravelry.

Seven candles

2011-07-04T21:22:00.000+10:00

Annabelle is seven. We've celebrated thoroughly, and she felt like 'The Birthday Girl' for three solid days.

The first cake, on her birthday, after a big day of school (with cupcakes!), swimming lessons (where they sang happy birthday in the pool), and dinner out.

Saturday's events didn't go so smoothly, and I neglected to take any pictures.

By Sunday, everything was rosy again, and here she is in the birthday chair at her party venue,

followed by some wild dancing games.

I'm glad it's all over - one week of school left before the holidays, and by then I expect the children will be ready for some pyjama days. Quite possibly I will be too.

Class Cupcakes

2011-07-01T19:23:00.001+10:00

When you turn seven, you take in a batch of cupcakes to share with your class. It's Annabelle's special day today, and we made butterfly themed cupcakes. Lovely. She felt very special.

I don't know how old you are when this tradition ends - surely not in high school?

So today, the birthday and dinner out with her grandparents. Tomorrow, the family party - my local sister and her kids, with pass the parcel and pin the tail on the donkey. Then Sunday, the friends party at the local play centre. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but really, I should have just had EVERYONE here for a mega-extravaganza. Oh well. Lessons for next year.

Raining....

2011-06-22T12:30:00.000+10:00

Monday evening, I was watching the Weather Channel. Sitting alone, while my children slept peacefully (finally!!), I became more and more worried. An approaching cold front, which would be followed by that volcanic ash cloud from South America which has been circling the earth for a while.

Gale force winds, blizzard condition in the ranges, the weatherman told me. He went on to advise securing all outdoor furniture, and strongly suggested roping down cubby houses and trampolines.

He didn't give any ideas on how to tie down a trampoline - or what to tie it onto (the house? the fence?) I considered dashing out into the cold, and doing something involving tent pegs and rope, but didn't. I decided to let the weather take charge. This is why I was worried.

In the last six months particularly, we've been seeing the weather as force of destruction. Floods, cyclones, sweeping people and houses away, changing lives forever.

Tabloid television isn't helping. I just didn't expect this alarmist kind of reporting on the Weather Channel.

And for the record, it wasn't that bad. Just windy, cold and rainy. Cubby house and trampoline remain where they should be. Our big gum tree didn't fall on any houses.

Macaron time

2011-06-13T19:26:00.000+10:00

After enjoying a visit to Canberra's HandMade markets, I shared the perfect afternoon tea with my local sister and our parents. We bought all 12 flavours available, and shared each between the four of us. Delicious morsels!

Getting excited

2011-06-05T18:44:00.000+10:00

Like many other families, we're fans of Disney movies. I tried my best to withstand the all-pervasive princess culture, but that's out of my realm of influence now my daughter's nearly seven. Fortunately, there are no princesses in Cars.

I trust there are none in Cars 2 either, but regardless, we'll be there to see it at the movies, and no doubt we'll be buying the DVD too.

Halfway....

2011-06-05T14:16:00.000+10:00

Halfway through this stretch of full time work, and I'm enjoying a day off. The organization required is huge, particularly since Mr Puggle has been working very long hours. Quiet time is hard to come by.

Unnatural light

2011-05-25T10:50:00.000+10:00

It's the worst thing about this job - no natural light in the workroom. At home, typically no lights are needed during the day. Certainly a first world problem, but I find it oppressive.

Preparations

2011-05-21T07:36:00.000+10:00

Today, I'm beginning work. This temporary job lasts four weeks, and involves lots of reading, computer mouse work, and concentration. On the home front, it involves lots of lists, delegation,and help from my lovely mother-in-law. Yesterday, my helpful sister baked us a chocolate cake to share for afternoon tea. Perfect!

Chilly....

2011-05-16T12:39:00.001+10:00

It's chilly this morning, so I set off to do the grocery shopping (and to let someone else pay for warming me up!) One of my favourite aspects if Canberra is the pockets of 'country' that can be inserted into everyday life. Like this road.

By taking this road, it adds 2 minutes to my trip to my preferred major shopping centre. It makes me relax, though, as a country road would always be my choice. The road travels through some bush, and past some farms. All in an everyday 10 minute trip. I've even seen a wedge tailed eagle along here. Really, the reason I choose this way is so I can imagine that I'm living in the country again.

Do you hanker to live in the country, or would you rather see skyscrapers or beaches on your way to the shops?

Bloggers Quilt Festival 'Spring' 2011

2011-05-14T14:36:00.000+10:00

For the latest Bloggers Quilt festival, I have chosen the last quilt I made. This was made as part of the Flickr Doll Quilt Swap, for the lovely Jessy. (although I'm a little worried it doesn't seem to have arrived yet....)

I am fond of my round shapes in quilts, and seized the chance to use my Dresden ruler again. It was also a great chance to play around with rainbow shadings. Fortunately, my stash was able to provide all shade needed. I did have to go shopping for the centre fabric, which is an Aboriginal design.

I enjoyed free motion quilting this project - and can't stress enough how helpful Helen Godden's class 'Liberation from the Ditch' was. Of course, there is still plenty of room for improvement, but I'm feeling positive about the way my skills are going already.

For more quilts in the festival, go visit Amy, and have a great time at the Quilt Festival!

Less creative.... but here's one I prepared earlier.

2011-05-11T11:32:00.000+10:00

Lately, I've been less creative. I can see deadlines crowding me, and I'm feeling like hiding away. Hence, no blogging, and hardly any crafting. My 'net time has been severely curtailed by snail-like speeds in the evening. In fact, I've been pretty much hiding away in various books.

The new Sookie Stackhouse book is out, and so I'm re-reading the series so I'll have a balanced view. Essential stuff.

I signed up for the Naked Bed challenge, and have done nothing towards it. Actually, having reread the initial post, quilting is not required - so maybe I will get it done. I think the closing date (June 2) is remarkably close to the closing date for the Canberra Quilters exhibition deadline, so maybe there's a real incentive for me to start work.

And from my blogging hiatus time, here is the first quilt I made and sent to the lovely Jessy for the Flickr Doll Quilt Swap.

and it's back.

I was quite pleased with it.

Tomorrow, I'll blog the delightful little quilt I received in exchange.

One last rainbow

2011-04-30T20:29:00.000+10:00

We've seen so many rainbows in our week on the Gold Coast. We've been rained on so many times, and visited theme parks daily. There hasn't been enough sun for a sunburn. We've played hard and are ready to be home again.

Puzzle pieces

2011-04-29T07:18:00.000+10:00

This holiday, we've been working on a family jigsaw puzzle. A convenient coffee table is puzzle central, and we've only a couple if sections to go. Lots of showery weather has ensured time to work on the puzzle.

Kicking back....

2011-04-27T19:11:00.001+10:00

Usually this means relaxing. Not on this holiday. It's another action packed time. But different actions - so that counts as a break..... right?

And the aftermath

2011-04-23T14:14:00.001+10:00

Hunting eggs

2011-04-23T14:10:00.000+10:00

We've celebrated Easter with an egg hunt this afternoon. Lovely warm sunshine, happy children, indulgent grandparents.

Easter craft

2011-04-15T09:22:00.000+10:00

It's been too long since I've done some glue and glitter craft. Following a very easy tutorial (link to be added), we used half a dozen of our chooks' lovely eggs to make these treats for the children's teachers.

A rude awakening

2011-04-07T14:02:00.000+10:00

I woke this morning to the sound of my husband yelling "There's something at the chooks". We bolted out the back, and there certainly was. A fox had been in our chookhouse, and had seized one of the girls, and was making off with her. We scared him away, and tried to comfort the chook. She died quickly.

Meanwhile, the fox was standing the other side of our paling fence, looking interested. Mr Puggle attempted to chase it away, but it just circled around the back, and jumped over the fence back into our yard. I went down with the other chooks near our house, planning to protect them (who knows how...) while my ferocious husband tracked the fox. This was complicated by the fact that both of us are short-sighted, and had rushed out without our glasses on.

The fox had re-entered the chookhouse by this time, and Mr Puggle ran over to lock it in. Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time, anyway.

While we were happy the chooks were safely away from the fox, there remained the problem of what to do with our new fox. Fortunately, we live in a wonderful city, and called for help with Canberra Connect.

Within an hour or so, a Parks and Conservation Ranger was on hand to remove our feral fox.

Foxes cause an enormous amount of damage to our native wildlife, and are considered a major feral pest in Australia.

What a morning!