assemblage

chinese style pullover

so my habu order has arrived. via canada. go figure.

i have been itching to get this project started but i am now temporarily delayed by work demands. go figure.

this is my first project from the excellent hand knit works by setsuko torii. and hooray for the habu kits for nuff nuff knitters like me.

the socks shall have to wait. in fact, i am waiting on a pattern book for those, too.

i found myself sizing up the designated sock yarn for another bainbridge scarf. anything for some needle action.

i have also received my ravelry invitation and will be able to start my skeleton stash collection to prevent such a knitting drought again. sometime soon. when i finish catch up on work.

it was good (really good)

this was seriously good.

and seriously easy.

from bill granger's everyday cookbook, page 70.

definitely doing this one again.

just a shame the house now smells like a fish and chip shop.

to give (part II)

thank you!

i was blown away by the bravery of previously un-met lurkers to comment - a huge thank you - and also some new and not-so-new friends who joined in the fun. thanks to you all and you guys rock.

whilst tempted to go with shannon's suggestion for local postage only, i used this random number generator (so blame that and not me) and the following 5 friends will be receiving a package shortly:

alex

siew

megan

kate

renee

thank you all for the encouragement - i was truly touched and inspired.

and for those who missed out, my apologies, but i will be opening an etsy shop soon with some vintage japanese kimono bags like this to kick off with, followed by some women's tops and skirts.

to give

happy blog-iversary to me,

happy blog-iversary to me,

happy blog-iversary to me-e-e-e-e-e-e,

happy blog-iversary to me.

it has been an interesting exercise, this blogging thing. my initial intention was for motivation to return to making things again and to meet some like-minded people.

it has so far exceeded my expectations. my experience has only been positive and encouraging. i have enjoyed a surprising return to the tactile pleasure of knitting. it helps me express myself in new ways and to be more bold. i like that.

in keeping with blog-iversary traditions and as a token thank you to the wider blogging community (and any lurkers):

i have one of these and one of these and one of these and one of these, oh, and one of these, to give to five lucky commentors (or commentees? or commenters? or just those who leave some love in the comments section!) before midnight, sunday 24 February.

and as i have an average of about 3 comments per post, you have a mighty excellent chance of getting something!

new blog-iversary resolutions?

well, i would like to attempt to update my banner.

finish my quilt (yeah, right. how long have i been saying that...).

designing and making more clothing.

maybe a small etsy shop attempt. maybe. only maybe. eek.

out of the ...

above: 'box litho' from a lithography class i took and origami ring by emma kidson.

as you can see, i have a slight fascination with box-like forms...

my mother and i went to the designer's market at fed square late last year and once i tried this ring on, i did not want to take it off [along with these earrings]. she kindly bought it for me for christmas. [bless her!]

i love it so.

i have another box-like ring by mari funaki yet this is totally different.

emma's is heavy and robust/mari's is light and fine.

emma's is sterling silver/mari's is monel.

similar yet different.

and each ridiculously precious to me.

it got me thinking about my last few weeks. this sending your child off to school business has been more challenging than i expected! while tom has taken it all in his stride, it has induced some bigger picture thinking for me about where will this will take him; socially, academically, artistically, psychologically, spiritually.

i need to grasp that some of the less pleasant memories i associate with school may not happen to him. that whilst he has plenty of my personality traits, he doesn't have all of them. that he will experience life and school very differently. that, on the whole, i had a terrific schooling experience. (funny how we remember the one or two hard or difficult periods over the hundreds of positive ones!) he has much to offer and he will be given many opportunities.

we are similar yet so different.

let's deal with any issues if they arise (not pre-supposing they will!).

.

.

and in late breaking news: blog-anniversary this thursday... please drop in for giveaway details.

to knit a sock (preferably two)

small moment of claret clarity.

yes, a splash or dash of gorgeous deep red in my life.

i recently purchased some sock yarn from here; be-smitten (a word, no??) with the colour and almost suprised that, yes, it is only 3 ply. so, yes, that really does mean sock yarn. so, yes, that really does mean i need to knit a pair of socks.

catch? i have never knitted a pair of socks, own zero patterns for socks and, in fact, have no needles for knitting socks.

please help! i am looking for something fairly simple; i can deal with a little basket stitch a lá bainbridge scarf or ribbing, but not wanting anything too girly or curly.

all donations suggestions gratefully received. please.

to adapt and amend

so i needed a new bag. for knitting (my recent reacquaintance) and tom needed his library bag returned for school.

scrounging in my recently reconfigured stash (box of black fabric), i came across a couple of pieces of fabric (better known as upholstery samples in a former life - mmm. coburn. been wanting to do something with this for a long, long time.)

i had previously prepared a sketch of a bag; wider at the bottom than the top; slight wedge form; convenient double handles; secure zip; lined with pockets and enclosures for separating patterns, needles, buttons, completed sections, etc.

and voila! we have a new handbag. (um. how did that happen?)

as i was working away, it suddenly seemed a little too useful for just knitting.

and i then decided to go with sturdy seatbelt webbing for the strap (hands-free satchel action).

perfect (almost. i really did want a new handbag, but something a little smaller).

now, for a knitting bag...

to die for

 

humbled and thrilled that kristine and michelle nominated little me for their "you make my day" award.

whilst yet to meet kristine in person, we have done some dialoguing via electronic means and she has been thoroughly generous and giving (like so many bloggers out there).

michelle and i first met at a blogtogether mid last year and have met up a couple of other times, too, and with her very regular posting, i am swinging by her blog every day to see what new painting and creating she is into. i enjoy her open sharing and often find myself nodding or giggling while reading.

thank you both. you made my day!

the award works as follows:

1. write a post with links to 5 (or 10!) blogs that make your day;
2. acknowledge the post of the award giver;
3. tell the award winners they've won by commenting on their blogs.

so, being a little slow off the mark, most of my regular lurking locations have been nominated numerous times so i thought i would share some of my "new to me" blog favourites from a wide sphere of personal interest.

my very own 'to die for' list:

1.  slowcraft - melbourne ceramicist

2.   simplyolive - fabulous fashion reviews

3.   thedailypurl - amazing weaving and knitting using habu yarns

4.    wiksten-made - funky dressmaking and wardrobe remix

5.   silvercocoon - contemporary jewellery designer

6.   girlinthegreendress - modern design and object review

7.   greenchairpress - bookmaking and letterpress

8.   greenolivesdesign - original knitting and sewing

9.  thesmallobject - fun downloadables

10.  thescentofwater - thoughtful quotes and notes

vessel wednesday

3 things i made; plate, cookies and coffee.

my words seem to have been lost subsumed by the headspace required to focus on work.

i fear it may also mean less creative time in front of the sewing machine.

sigh.

i have finished a new design i will share soon. i just need to find some words to accompany the photos.

sashiko skirt

completed assemblage a-line skirt.

black stretch bengaline a line skirt.

overlapping vintage japanese fabric front panel.

folded and twisted waistband.

sashiko hand embroidery detail.