Into the swing of things

It's a new year (I know it has been for a while now) and everything is back on. Including working for me. I love my blog, but sometimes work, family, study all get in the way of being here.

So many people this year have shared their frustration of trying to keep all the balls in the air. I know that that includes me.

However, I did find time with my girls to try making lamingtons for Australia Day. Back when I was in high school, we had a fundraiser where we made lamingtons in the school hall. It was a hilarious combination of sponge cake, chocolate, coconut, teenage angst and the desire to make money for some high school need at the time. I remember it well. I'm not sure it would meet todays health and safety standards.

Our home version was a little less exciting, but perhaps a better product. I made sponge for the first time too. They were declared a success and promptly eaten by all. I'm not sure I feel the need to make them ever again.

Yum!

Girls Christmas Craft

This morning I got together with my girls, my sister and her daughter to do Christmas craft. I had seen this lovely decoration and knew I wanted to make one. So we all made one each!

There were a few pricked fingers, tears, knots in thread, dropped needles and other frustrations, but it was all worth it to see the girls proudly hang the little cuties on the tree. 

Lovely! Thanks Plushka. 

Gingerbread House

This year I have made the gingerbread house again, I love making them every year.

I think I enjoy the getting together with other people to make it too. This year I got together with some other Mums from school and we had a great night.

Another year of Christmas Craft

I'm continuing with the craft that I didn't get a chance to finish last year.

I always enjoy following a pattern and cross stitch is easy and mindless to follow. I'm about half way through.

What are you making for Christmas this year?

Entrelac

Have you tried this?

I'm loving it!

Now that I get how it works, I don't even need to look at the pattern (except for the triangles at each end!).

A long year

I have had a long absence from my blog and wow what a year it has been.

I have been busy teaching, studying at uni, moving house and all the other things that come with being a wife and mother.

There hasn't been much craft going on sadly. It has been hard to get a balance between trying to get into the teaching scene here and trying to upgrade my qualification to meet the four year minimum required.

I did complete this blanket for my niece and loved every minute of it.

I hope to get back into my blog, I have missed it and am looking forward to creating more, now that uni is finished and school is soon to be!

Debbie Bliss Snowflake Cushion

Just before Christmas, I think it might have been the week before, I decided to knit the Snowflake Cushion from Debbie Bliss' Fall/Winter 2010.

I knitted the red and cream version and I really enjoyed it. I always have trouble with fair isle, but I think I just need to keep practicing to get it right.

We have had such a wet Summer in Sydney, so wet that I haven't been able to block it, as it has rained almost every day and it would not have dried. But the sun was out yesterday and today, so I seized the opportunity to do it!

As usual, I used a smaller needle size. The pattern called for 3.75 and 4, but I always use 3 and 3.75. It is knitted all in one piece, wraps around the cushion inner and buttons closed.

The only part I am a little disappointed in is the top stars. There are little gaps where the red meets the cream. You are supposed to wrap the yarn to stop this happening, but it didn't work for me.

I am really happy with the rest of the pattern though.

I know it is February, but I think I might just pop this on the couch for a little while, rather than putting it away for next winter!