tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56691333525746900042024-03-14T02:35:54.617+11:00dillpickle unfinisheddillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-21886855739802998792011-11-10T15:06:00.000+11:002011-11-10T15:07:45.117+11:00My Creative space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcy0pgA5QHfAvvdyE_T_UfLCwFDUqOH5BYCCDd9cVADUn5EuW4oOdyr00QwReDr_I8cA0d6WqQags8wpFvjVmjfAfDfPmKUyMPUyIThRDm3ydC3HoB82XgQzbQ0mTLL7DBZ8M23ojzhe-/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcy0pgA5QHfAvvdyE_T_UfLCwFDUqOH5BYCCDd9cVADUn5EuW4oOdyr00QwReDr_I8cA0d6WqQags8wpFvjVmjfAfDfPmKUyMPUyIThRDm3ydC3HoB82XgQzbQ0mTLL7DBZ8M23ojzhe-/s320/IMG_0706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever been knitting away with joyful abandon getting closer and closer to starting the next section of the project, only to realise once you get there that you've gotten the stitch pattern back to front right from the start?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNl_sa522M3piFVNeL1nJGcJzPDVk9Wj8vMDHpJO1zBfKAP1pdiA-4KFAxj2_Kt3PSgxS0I8JJGoTe-F4T4iG9fctvvr-QzdzdHwzu9TnNLJq4V4S4dUvyr2ZVkog-h-xjOyCwJbL8lp_l/s1600/IMG_0708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNl_sa522M3piFVNeL1nJGcJzPDVk9Wj8vMDHpJO1zBfKAP1pdiA-4KFAxj2_Kt3PSgxS0I8JJGoTe-F4T4iG9fctvvr-QzdzdHwzu9TnNLJq4V4S4dUvyr2ZVkog-h-xjOyCwJbL8lp_l/s320/IMG_0708.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The line of stitches between the holes should be all neat and straight rather than all messy and leany. Oops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Having gone from casting on 10 stitches to having 284 stitches on the needles, I decided that rather than ripping back the ENTIRE thing, instead I would work on the theory that it might block OK? Ahem. At the very least, it will be a design feature...!? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next time, remember to read the chart from right to left!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Creative spacers congregate <a href="http://ourcreativespaces.blogspot.com/2011/11/our-creative-spaces_10.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-66771490547085913612011-11-06T21:20:00.000+11:002011-11-06T21:25:20.718+11:00Picnic knitting<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday...<br />
<br />
Fantastic weather...<br />
<br />
Good food...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1UcaSReUcuGQC5xdLlykePWNUKK0utplXzN2KDouLraPe_t0bJsZRyl4cm726epjUCo2Mq_qIOQznucpBj4_8tqXpHOfz8Sj57i96Nxlwera9LgpeYYMmXmHbcXyqW-PohN8oHtjeOZY/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1UcaSReUcuGQC5xdLlykePWNUKK0utplXzN2KDouLraPe_t0bJsZRyl4cm726epjUCo2Mq_qIOQznucpBj4_8tqXpHOfz8Sj57i96Nxlwera9LgpeYYMmXmHbcXyqW-PohN8oHtjeOZY/s400/IMG_1439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Great company...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And a sock.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdfUrx6Qrj2VBDcE3fQwMjngeMjK4RmwFfjm9RlDDzRrOn4IZVuUCvx-2Gk3sEMZGHuQv09SILlP5NI6eeb05BJ2L343HjxnjM7RG1ynUEy8x_meHnNvyZ73jKmTPXQw2KmwfSTerMtnX/s1600/IMG_1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdfUrx6Qrj2VBDcE3fQwMjngeMjK4RmwFfjm9RlDDzRrOn4IZVuUCvx-2Gk3sEMZGHuQv09SILlP5NI6eeb05BJ2L343HjxnjM7RG1ynUEy8x_meHnNvyZ73jKmTPXQw2KmwfSTerMtnX/s400/IMG_1451.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perfect.</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-19565468094652373352011-10-17T16:14:00.001+11:002011-10-17T16:14:33.207+11:00Ahhh-choo!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a bit dusty around here...!<br />
<br />
Life has been pretty hectic over the last few months. Among other things, I've gone back to work two mornings a week, which is long enough to feel like I'm staying in touch with the job I've been trained for, but short enough that I don't feel like I'm missing too much of the girls growing up.<br />
<br />
And they are definitely growing up. The smallest turned one a couple of weeks ago! Time really does fly past without being noticed, especially when kids are small and each day can seem like an eternity. There is good sense in taking a moment to STOP, and mark these milestones properly.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju46pcjNJJ7mWaHWYGUDHjZq5U8rrr9xCEtPOtSaeIcBQJXCL68KrEGHGsIuqOL_31GBGiJLGYEGqmsbNecULGnHP0eyZVdDz4L3xmrurq90a6GMQaO3dARb7vTFZ7-UqaLWqLquCZCCu0/s1600/IMG_0573.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664317967759038114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju46pcjNJJ7mWaHWYGUDHjZq5U8rrr9xCEtPOtSaeIcBQJXCL68KrEGHGsIuqOL_31GBGiJLGYEGqmsbNecULGnHP0eyZVdDz4L3xmrurq90a6GMQaO3dARb7vTFZ7-UqaLWqLquCZCCu0/s320/IMG_0573.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Liquorice Allsorts and Raspberry Bullets are rather useful cake decorating luxuries!</span><br />
<br />
And even though I haven't been particularly successful in recording it, I've been making stuff fairly enthusiastically. Recently I've been working on...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT21WiEEMjk1bT1xoEWrobGTj9OpNAdxQ6WPoCHJN6ylqqvKMb73Lnkl478-CD7iRbAaMNwEmmB1t87vfLXgjqaBlipNvBtG-KcK_jgHpdJn6OBrF_t6r6TXmOeVzUBN1w1hv1CeM4hHoa/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664317951486531954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT21WiEEMjk1bT1xoEWrobGTj9OpNAdxQ6WPoCHJN6ylqqvKMb73Lnkl478-CD7iRbAaMNwEmmB1t87vfLXgjqaBlipNvBtG-KcK_jgHpdJn6OBrF_t6r6TXmOeVzUBN1w1hv1CeM4hHoa/s320/IMG_0556.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>...A stripey beanie for a friend's six month old...</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uj2ikYNa48fHghihyphenhyphenmfKutUQAXrD1wwOZTv77wnducHXL7awbBj0q9D5OJwX4Kt68vBJ_NVDvFMHwuPxYkFENG2Q8GzZ1q6GDpvwiCeSxtX2AYvnfl94cFZEQ-6vxXj5_wAmUQx-OXta/s1600/IMG_0697.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664317945287163922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uj2ikYNa48fHghihyphenhyphenmfKutUQAXrD1wwOZTv77wnducHXL7awbBj0q9D5OJwX4Kt68vBJ_NVDvFMHwuPxYkFENG2Q8GzZ1q6GDpvwiCeSxtX2AYvnfl94cFZEQ-6vxXj5_wAmUQx-OXta/s320/IMG_0697.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>...The beginnings of my first knitted lace shawl...<br />
<br />
Hopefully I will be back before long with further evidence of my productivity!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-19885916792317957962011-05-09T20:20:00.004+10:002011-05-09T21:53:05.656+10:00Space invaders<div style="text-align: center;">Sometime during late summer, our vege patch was consumed by self sown pumpkins.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8YYRP79npX97cT3CW3_LLaAJY8CenXUp2SYYY17fdImTknVdmsO6DftS7g3lYrQG76JmJJSdWdQ_zALBhB7hOc9HcIN71cSE3RlZ2ZesDMMCANBX3N6AXJoUJa8r8I88ZDwcx2NizJzd/s1600/DSCF1475.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8YYRP79npX97cT3CW3_LLaAJY8CenXUp2SYYY17fdImTknVdmsO6DftS7g3lYrQG76JmJJSdWdQ_zALBhB7hOc9HcIN71cSE3RlZ2ZesDMMCANBX3N6AXJoUJa8r8I88ZDwcx2NizJzd/s320/DSCF1475.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604677955771844914" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">While it's out-of-control nature is frighteningly reflective of the chaos in our lives at the moment, there have been some up sides to the invasion.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo6Qm2KcJEPGVt5KHDwThp4W-JfPUJpuzrwJq2uH7d_gl4AkI-9RuFsedLZtSLLXVcFy5LIN1vBkb83VB5Rq_T8dZKhV40tPlRDJ1JwRlHDwSueZzxaKiHTv9tlYn0KVQrYf_zi7Tp4yg/s1600/DSCF1478.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo6Qm2KcJEPGVt5KHDwThp4W-JfPUJpuzrwJq2uH7d_gl4AkI-9RuFsedLZtSLLXVcFy5LIN1vBkb83VB5Rq_T8dZKhV40tPlRDJ1JwRlHDwSueZzxaKiHTv9tlYn0KVQrYf_zi7Tp4yg/s320/DSCF1478.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604677948704456386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[Yes, that </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">is</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> a pumpkin growing in a Camellia]</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dgEihIw8xCwNZ8bg5OMbloONA4so4rL6L9PjOW6xEQQ6JIExhwj29P4E3SStd8OWsW5_cZCcPhBhzG0tjVjZlx4rN9-b-rSJOzv5NftVkYTRfnY8FjKzdy_S7_xflT1nnAPRI7tmK3am/s1600/DSCF1482.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dgEihIw8xCwNZ8bg5OMbloONA4so4rL6L9PjOW6xEQQ6JIExhwj29P4E3SStd8OWsW5_cZCcPhBhzG0tjVjZlx4rN9-b-rSJOzv5NftVkYTRfnY8FjKzdy_S7_xflT1nnAPRI7tmK3am/s320/DSCF1482.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604677941805699170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFZf_J8jsbvKOW4h3f-KK9T-4UZcvElRWv6BnqVbpOFqwZMxJfi9ORRfpoZcoE7ZRRmXbhADJTw2zBj1IVCNnkREKmnImiPH9O7Nd3nJ0JeoM573kyOVToJoh5u0PCps3vUaF-b_t9Xt5/s1600/DSCF1485.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFZf_J8jsbvKOW4h3f-KK9T-4UZcvElRWv6BnqVbpOFqwZMxJfi9ORRfpoZcoE7ZRRmXbhADJTw2zBj1IVCNnkREKmnImiPH9O7Nd3nJ0JeoM573kyOVToJoh5u0PCps3vUaF-b_t9Xt5/s320/DSCF1485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604677934680050450" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLz-9AdjPUvl-SlwvMTha6cybXS8QQLskioNBtwsagDbgHcdv1l-gWmVWJXaCNEPUxrW0sQN-atODo1U-cAN_1ha0hQtqzWXWH6obZL7SWgRp8A6p514N6-ZZ7T-1EGbCArrwsw5856Pb/s1600/DSCF1487.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLz-9AdjPUvl-SlwvMTha6cybXS8QQLskioNBtwsagDbgHcdv1l-gWmVWJXaCNEPUxrW0sQN-atODo1U-cAN_1ha0hQtqzWXWH6obZL7SWgRp8A6p514N6-ZZ7T-1EGbCArrwsw5856Pb/s320/DSCF1487.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604677929848687490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">42.4 kilograms of pumpkins later, I think we might be set for winter?</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-45276447700094460552011-04-07T12:58:00.002+10:002011-04-07T12:59:07.397+10:00my creative space<div style="text-align: center;">Early this year, I secretly* decided to set myself the goal of knitting each of us in the family a garment of some description. The smallest is getting a cardigan, the big girl is getting a stripy jumper, I will be getting a vest (gulp - first adult sized knitted garment ever to me made by me - I hope I like it!), and my husband is getting a scarf. I know scarves probably don't technically count as a garment, but for the purposes of this self-imposed goal, it does. He approved it and chose the colour so hopefully that means he'll wear it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Over the last couple of weeks, I've made some good progress toward that goal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One purple <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garter-yoke-baby-cardi">Garter yoke baby cardi</a> (Ravelry link) 75% done and just waiting for me to find the right sized dpns (I know I have some somewhere!) so I can do the sleeves and finish the buttonhole band...</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx59ooL1KdGeZkK-qkl9TfcSnSNoJuHUR1QuadsFEvH49z3NVSlLLivbFA414s2H67YfxVyK8C3Pi1JZSfEwVN39mB1ff_aCymfdfZF4cqSDcPblcjxxHOO7S2rvjbArsiC-3-cUOOUsSC/s1600/DSCF1443.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx59ooL1KdGeZkK-qkl9TfcSnSNoJuHUR1QuadsFEvH49z3NVSlLLivbFA414s2H67YfxVyK8C3Pi1JZSfEwVN39mB1ff_aCymfdfZF4cqSDcPblcjxxHOO7S2rvjbArsiC-3-cUOOUsSC/s320/DSCF1443.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592414281775944418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One well-and-truly underway <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_4&products_id=29">Wayfarer</a> scarf using <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1">Shelter</a> yarn in pumpernickel...</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMcFHLcSrd-fDaka1xYAtyg5oKWWMJx_qAWfQJL053bBruYJa-1fZc5ABIFlw1LOPgYvayFpjgsmH7p9USWJ02c2I4UHEX90_SWeOtm0MOMunA6b9drZMywH3rhbBRWBY_2eRdJRx1MUH/s1600/DSCF1454.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMcFHLcSrd-fDaka1xYAtyg5oKWWMJx_qAWfQJL053bBruYJa-1fZc5ABIFlw1LOPgYvayFpjgsmH7p9USWJ02c2I4UHEX90_SWeOtm0MOMunA6b9drZMywH3rhbBRWBY_2eRdJRx1MUH/s320/DSCF1454.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592414277068780274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And another pair of socks. Oh, hang on, socks aren't on the list! These are just another piece of evidence to support the theory that when the sock bug bites, it won't let go very easily...</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDaDF15t8g524KH6wdnXKznY3CTSORsAXsFu8f_blu1hIXh0reB712XIJT8_SbuIDJyjWMRyXYd00t9qoJOtRhrLrLFxiVZ3hBGw9UowSjubdnBDG5FOiCpiicOZfWWzxet6rLz9pTng0/s1600/DSCF1451.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDaDF15t8g524KH6wdnXKznY3CTSORsAXsFu8f_blu1hIXh0reB712XIJT8_SbuIDJyjWMRyXYd00t9qoJOtRhrLrLFxiVZ3hBGw9UowSjubdnBDG5FOiCpiicOZfWWzxet6rLz9pTng0/s320/DSCF1451.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592414271718581186" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">These will be <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/PATTspringforward.html">Spring Forward</a> socks in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/msgusset">Ms Gusset</a> yarn which I like an awful lot! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Good holidays with lots of car time when you discover that, contrary to belief, you <i>can</i> knit in the car (when someone else is driving) leads to very satisfying knitterly progress.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For lots of making inspiration, visit <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/2011/04/my-creative-space-11.html">Kirsty's</a> place.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*It's not so secret any more, is it!?!</div></div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-26467917497820891982011-04-04T14:52:00.004+10:002011-04-04T16:46:56.822+10:00A road trip<div style="text-align: center;">About three weeks ago, we embarked on the biggest road trip we've done since having kids. Before leaving, there was a suitable amount of angst about how we would entertain a 2 year old and a 6 month old on several days where we'd be driving for up to seven hours, as well as how on earth we'd fit everything we needed in the car! But we did it, and not only did we survive, but we had a really enjoyable holiday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some of the highlights:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. I discovered the joys of car knitting!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx19Vrny7RGXoFqHuBkvGPZjbksP2tVMfrkqlIgKuX0-qtng0WGt_5e8xaM71xBFoHI-2rxQPhd935ZCLgKZIKPJyDzN56Th1x01uqJAuMc44fJe5RTYMeHX71mgH8bzAypClnKjNB62qF/s320/DSCF1207.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591589325878184258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've often read about others knitting in the car on long car trips but had decided that it wouldn't work for me because I get car sick if I read, but I can do it! I can knit in the car! Much knitting was done on this trip as a result.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Kids can cope quite well travelling long distances in the car. Surprising! Some tips for increased pleasantness:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Leave as early as you can and plan extended breaks (at least 30 minutes) along the way.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Pack a picnic lunch so you can stop when you need to.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Make sure you have a variety of kid's music on hand. Listening to the same 3 albums over and over for thousands of kilometres will drive anyone completely mad, even if you thought they weren't too bad to start with!</li><li style="text-align: left;">Collect up a pile of small age appropriate goodies and make them up into surprise packages to be handed out throughout the trip. We used stickers and paper, a tub of playdough with a plate or tray, Mr Men and Grug books (slightly less successful for a 2 year old who can't read yet), and <a href="http://thirddrawerdown.com/shop/product/crayon-rocks-RCR-REDBAG/">crayon rocks</a>.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Humbly accept the offer of a car DVD player and DVDs from a friend even though you'd sworn black and blue you'd never ever have one. We only used it twice, and watched episodes of Play School, but it was greatly appreciated late in the afternoon of the second day of the Melbourne to Armidale leg, and again late one afternoon as we hit the crazy Sydney traffic.</li></ul><div>3. I think Dad liked his mittens. The main reason for the trip was Dad's 80th birthday party, so I made him some fingerless mitts as a present. I still need to ravel them but will do so soon!</div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbF9wz9WLyrlW_-UmLQlmU2khld29vd3n5d7LSkZDX58Vdl74NzHgcmrHX0APym5r4WpL_mYmBb5bsrVLkOC9pxf_oqVY32U902pwdTeXRTmCWzjoefA7aVn2YgVy-xx8yuF9f9EFKVqk/s1600/DSCF1215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbF9wz9WLyrlW_-UmLQlmU2khld29vd3n5d7LSkZDX58Vdl74NzHgcmrHX0APym5r4WpL_mYmBb5bsrVLkOC9pxf_oqVY32U902pwdTeXRTmCWzjoefA7aVn2YgVy-xx8yuF9f9EFKVqk/s320/DSCF1215.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591589327329205794" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">4. Our holiday at the beach was brilliant. The water was 26ºC and the weather was magnificent.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx19Vrny7RGXoFqHuBkvGPZjbksP2tVMfrkqlIgKuX0-qtng0WGt_5e8xaM71xBFoHI-2rxQPhd935ZCLgKZIKPJyDzN56Th1x01uqJAuMc44fJe5RTYMeHX71mgH8bzAypClnKjNB62qF/s1600/DSCF1207.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE7cnzMto44liqDx-H0gUEp4hs47tCa1Dia422a6hxI4m0YHpbLP4SUkmuE_yOSW7NcqnB86-oCF4i9kFCXrNYMvJLsTOfLvFIthuB897QJ94vu962YV4IJbJSXjBsd3FHjUAujUHJ48c/s1600/DSCF1253.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE7cnzMto44liqDx-H0gUEp4hs47tCa1Dia422a6hxI4m0YHpbLP4SUkmuE_yOSW7NcqnB86-oCF4i9kFCXrNYMvJLsTOfLvFIthuB897QJ94vu962YV4IJbJSXjBsd3FHjUAujUHJ48c/s320/DSCF1253.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591587985371405842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.stayz.com.au/12637">cottage</a> that we stayed in was great, and had a lovely view up the river from the balcony...</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrasN59JpmhiWQ9Fk5Ruu2DeMxEQiJDzb3WoLHZcBg5g9XF0Aq5l0VzKAcKc0nnAGRbLgonEQMa-txA7Xj8HwTvHq-qHEee_yUH9svJmqMMEKnpNz3Gu4kTmV3OwcQXvisB8E-rlwB69m/s1600/DSCF1229.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrasN59JpmhiWQ9Fk5Ruu2DeMxEQiJDzb3WoLHZcBg5g9XF0Aq5l0VzKAcKc0nnAGRbLgonEQMa-txA7Xj8HwTvHq-qHEee_yUH9svJmqMMEKnpNz3Gu4kTmV3OwcQXvisB8E-rlwB69m/s320/DSCF1229.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591587981334858210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">...as well as some interesting wildlife!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKbqc7FNvYx-2FJ0Zra7I0PVZi825Kd_fjMNlMlSxRCPyBjUjEoDj3rWV8JnPkryfZ_8Ts8WxviN7Ny3F-eYTnmYtEzSaXaUpaPWWQ3Ai5d8DgA49RmvOB_BO_Vkv9jthCm5_7MfghRDa/s1600/DSCF1220.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKbqc7FNvYx-2FJ0Zra7I0PVZi825Kd_fjMNlMlSxRCPyBjUjEoDj3rWV8JnPkryfZ_8Ts8WxviN7Ny3F-eYTnmYtEzSaXaUpaPWWQ3Ai5d8DgA49RmvOB_BO_Vkv9jthCm5_7MfghRDa/s320/DSCF1220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591587977533717698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We'd like to stay at the same place this time next year, but for longer. Five nights was not quite long enough!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's nice to be back, though, and I'm looking forward to rediscovering the rhythm of life around these parts. And doing more knitting. Of course!</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-36026867145225875132011-03-03T15:17:00.003+11:002011-03-03T15:57:32.527+11:00my creative space...<div style="text-align: center;">Fingerless mitts for my Dad's 80th birthday(!).</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTKXcP8M5qddEvRtITuT0_zfpL35V4ialaKn5NRW43_QnlyjbIimj1_5jdPN2wy5koTwoMJfB5yoLNql2AmC33ktyXuIRHkc-OreDB7gz0OqZ3RCJmnUTuo9rK22-RLxhemGM5LplSs2M/s1600/DSCF1139.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTKXcP8M5qddEvRtITuT0_zfpL35V4ialaKn5NRW43_QnlyjbIimj1_5jdPN2wy5koTwoMJfB5yoLNql2AmC33ktyXuIRHkc-OreDB7gz0OqZ3RCJmnUTuo9rK22-RLxhemGM5LplSs2M/s320/DSCF1139.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579707542276761362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One down, one to go. Pleasantly, they're nice and quick!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Creative Space <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/2011/03/my-creative-space-6.html">here</a>.</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-49830982486663892542011-02-28T15:10:00.004+11:002011-02-28T16:27:18.592+11:00Hooray times two<div style="text-align: center;"><b>The first Hooray:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">My monkey socks are finished (ravelled <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/dillpickle76/monkey">here</a>)! According to my sister, they look reptilian enough that if I sewed buttons for eyes on the toes I would frighten lots of people. Hmmm. Even so, they're warm and comfortable, and I might even get away with wearing them out and about under my jeans this winter! Maybe?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlV_wEEClr1Ej08bakPXYY74FSnFUij9tzH6RN3ThWw0KhNEbJ7A2opdzN_TYq1J6C7lJUV5f_tu_QkZfse3BK_h4MQuyiAgENW2VkIjK2eITM0Xd2mW5iwEUZWKm1ujfIGM-86NDGsWj/s1600/DSCF1131.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlV_wEEClr1Ej08bakPXYY74FSnFUij9tzH6RN3ThWw0KhNEbJ7A2opdzN_TYq1J6C7lJUV5f_tu_QkZfse3BK_h4MQuyiAgENW2VkIjK2eITM0Xd2mW5iwEUZWKm1ujfIGM-86NDGsWj/s320/DSCF1131.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578590468309116466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I have now cast on for a pair of fingerless mitts for my Dad's birthday which is in a couple of weeks. I'm optimistic that I might get them finished in time because the pattern is from Joelle Hoverson's <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7642-Stewart-Tabori-Chang-More-Last-Minute-Knitted-Gifts">More Last Minute Knitted Gifts</a>. The first one is two-thirds finished so I'm still hopeful!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The second Hooray:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm finally back menu planning again! This is rather exciting because I find that menu planning gives me a sense of slightly more control in the highly chaotic world of parenting young children. It will also hopefully mean a reduction in food waste and less takeaway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In addition to choosing meals using my normal methods, I've implemented Vic's <a href="http://vic-homerevolutions.blogspot.com/2010/09/random-recipe.html">Random Recipe</a> system*. I have far too many recipe books for my own good, so I'm hoping this strategy might result in some of my neglected books getting some use. So far it's been rather successful, and I've found a couple of things I probably never would have cooked otherwise. To eliminate personal bias, I'm using random.org to randomly choose a shelf, then a book from that shelf, a page from the book and if necessary, a recipe from the page. Though this week's Random recipe was originally Fried Bows, a Spanish sweet biscuit. Rather than serve these for dinner, I used my commonsense and generated another random number for a recipe from the same book. I figure if the recipe or book chosen isn't a dinner type of thing, I can take one step back and try again!?! I might start to experiment with non-main-meal type recipes at some stage, but for now I'm working with a single theme!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another change to my planning at this point is that I'm not allocating particular meals to particular days. Rather, I'm just selecting 7 (or so) meals to be eaten during the week, so that I've got some flexibility if I don't get to the right shop on a given day for particular ingredients. Right now I need a sense of control without rigidity, so hopefully this strategy will deliver.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>This week's menu:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gnocchi with tomato and pancetta sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">Zucchini, bacon and onion quiche or frittata</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beef stew (from freezer)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chinese chicken wings</div><div style="text-align: center;">Red Mullet baked with breadcrumbs and Rancio wine (Random Recipe from <a href="http://booko.com.au/books/isbn/9780714848365">1080 Recipes</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Eggplant Parmagiana</div><div style="text-align: center;">Zucchini pasta</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Vic has also started a Meal Plan Monday Linky thing, so if you're interested in joining in or checking out some other meal plans, visit <a href="http://vic-homerevolutions.blogspot.com/2011/02/meal-plan-monday_28.html">here</a>.</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-23510303475392399392011-02-25T15:31:00.002+11:002011-02-25T17:12:02.822+11:00Space junk<div style="text-align: center;">When you have small children, lots of STUFF gets all over the place. While there are many disadvantages, like treading on something small when you least expect it (ouch! You'd think I'd learn to look more closely...) and every space in the house being taken over by kid clutter, I've discovered that some of it is actually useful!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzX3QgHsyyUc_ukO7hskrOoSnybnH94k4_Lw-7frJsIZeXygty1pzOZ8RAb9Ixoyirs-L_eZI4449aPJgtK5_5sBOQVYz9o2v39HBJeDebGQqVLq8axMg7AdaYqwTNJCG4mT1wt_k1INb/s1600/DSCF1088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzX3QgHsyyUc_ukO7hskrOoSnybnH94k4_Lw-7frJsIZeXygty1pzOZ8RAb9Ixoyirs-L_eZI4449aPJgtK5_5sBOQVYz9o2v39HBJeDebGQqVLq8axMg7AdaYqwTNJCG4mT1wt_k1INb/s320/DSCF1088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577485799467128930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Take this rather unattractive ball, for example. It's perfect for neatening up my toe grafting on my socks.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UJ8sqOaohUvfY47LHs5JldwrAsqlZkZv8CW132TT4nGztqjSckhlev0vy4Lzwg3iFEhkNiNKbw2WbhXMHeKrdCx_OIExA2cuA3yZlkBFNdJ0G5ias8Oym4GGAQZWiztQlRjIRJCtM52B/s1600/DSCF1089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UJ8sqOaohUvfY47LHs5JldwrAsqlZkZv8CW132TT4nGztqjSckhlev0vy4Lzwg3iFEhkNiNKbw2WbhXMHeKrdCx_OIExA2cuA3yZlkBFNdJ0G5ias8Oym4GGAQZWiztQlRjIRJCtM52B/s320/DSCF1089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577485761605518034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclTu_Uh2KuBYxo1FtlPqZxDSGGPf6zufnjUplPf0Uq1yUk2jPgasT9dh1liDAhQCyTaTq_0AaGgt9cLWcEcSZ5_2roV6jXHjCldqmN0ZVOd54qD9PSiVxoTl1aNGO5Eby3gv9qvTiKVIP/s1600/DSCF1091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclTu_Uh2KuBYxo1FtlPqZxDSGGPf6zufnjUplPf0Uq1yUk2jPgasT9dh1liDAhQCyTaTq_0AaGgt9cLWcEcSZ5_2roV6jXHjCldqmN0ZVOd54qD9PSiVxoTl1aNGO5Eby3gv9qvTiKVIP/s320/DSCF1091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577485749067500786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Which are now finished! Comfortably before the end of February, which was my self-imposed deadline, though not without a setback involving a two-year-old and the removal of all four needles that we wont talk about. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will try to post proof of the completed socks in the next couple of days.</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-39309580876404795052011-02-22T13:45:00.003+11:002011-02-22T14:08:22.783+11:00It's official<div style="text-align: center;">I was sitting in the waiting room at the osteopath the other day, knitting away on my particularly frightening monkey sock as I have done the past few times I've been in there, when the receptionist said to the lady she was chatting to, "Look at what she's knitting. It's a sock!".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the lady responded, "Oh, yes, I know. I've seen her knitting in the medical centre!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRzNsDgc2AAvnynp2iiDGVYi6H_69x2N2icYJzGFcULmeXXYJBQUuhBZDLHo5rH1-PGZhxo1Y4XqBscOn-MuCdcUDt2yrtYfjvpSwAxRHKSHgQgFCWOJ8snggKVHz9nFG3RtzsB5wM6ap/s1600/DSCF1086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRzNsDgc2AAvnynp2iiDGVYi6H_69x2N2icYJzGFcULmeXXYJBQUuhBZDLHo5rH1-PGZhxo1Y4XqBscOn-MuCdcUDt2yrtYfjvpSwAxRHKSHgQgFCWOJ8snggKVHz9nFG3RtzsB5wM6ap/s320/DSCF1086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576343841058737186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Clearly, I'm becoming the local crazy knitter lady.</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-18930775061239374052011-02-20T21:24:00.002+11:002011-02-20T21:58:12.292+11:00Date and Apricot Loaf<div style="text-align: center;">Several years ago, I asked my mother-in-law for her Date Loaf recipe, because my husband had told me several times how much he loved it. As it was possibly the easiest recipe ever, it's become part of the repertoire! And it's a perfect baking option for those mornings when you desperately need to amuse a two-year-old who has the attention span of, well, a two year old.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIW7IB3qUmkG14LxW5L1XgN_jRuXAa7u4sY_2dsX32dA0GUJlUpJpqrhYJj9697WxqVUq_QCuBEUoewixpSObcFHVuE6s8kzEL1wtuuENlTJcxPdZyT9b_T1bV_JKHOebB06Rkg6fhcf1/s1600/DSCF1045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIW7IB3qUmkG14LxW5L1XgN_jRuXAa7u4sY_2dsX32dA0GUJlUpJpqrhYJj9697WxqVUq_QCuBEUoewixpSObcFHVuE6s8kzEL1wtuuENlTJcxPdZyT9b_T1bV_JKHOebB06Rkg6fhcf1/s320/DSCF1045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575716234943668018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Until you realise you don't have enough dates in the cupboard. Thankfully my problem-solving brain is beginning to show some signs of life (finally), so I added apricots to make up the difference. I think the addition was rather nice, though I'm not sure that the purist (husband) thought it was quite as good as the original!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Date and Apricot Loaf</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup dates, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped (or just use a whole cup of dates if you're a purist)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup boiling water</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp bicarb soda</div><div style="text-align: left;">60g butter</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 egg, beaten</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups self-raising flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp nutmeg</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp mixed spice</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 180ºC.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stir together fruit, sugar, water, soda and butter. When cooled slightly, add egg, flour and spices. Pour mixture into a greased and lined loaf tin, and bake for about 45 mins, until a skewer poked in the middle comes out clean. Serve sliced and buttered if you like, but it's yummy just as is, too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-16222354674752263052011-02-17T10:34:00.002+11:002011-02-17T11:19:53.915+11:00My creative space...<div style="text-align: center;">An experiment.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdd3k44ZGc90gvVXymk48zHpjTj5tlc5YkCxneKWPrJ8Lu7U5M_G-C7xLpXej4uZl_N-bphydaq9D7wGM_dwzTpL1Nc3Zv7yJrVV6IXAwN1iveAKS_YbIREYgxavXYh2wcQbR235iuXbi/s1600/DSCF1054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdd3k44ZGc90gvVXymk48zHpjTj5tlc5YkCxneKWPrJ8Lu7U5M_G-C7xLpXej4uZl_N-bphydaq9D7wGM_dwzTpL1Nc3Zv7yJrVV6IXAwN1iveAKS_YbIREYgxavXYh2wcQbR235iuXbi/s320/DSCF1054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574438931343876482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One I've been wanting to do for quite a while, but haven't found the five minute space required until now.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSYJVBaJJVoAtX327DuYkQf7rkTktbfZQVhqhUcSkMndML60EvTwhTGQezlsgUoeucTXI-G4tXcsxLDtEYy-RNC-c8q3RneHKXkXdg2-1Zr9i7J3GBqfiQvPZtG9ErYyLf67D5hp0pSQZ/s1600/DSCF1056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSYJVBaJJVoAtX327DuYkQf7rkTktbfZQVhqhUcSkMndML60EvTwhTGQezlsgUoeucTXI-G4tXcsxLDtEYy-RNC-c8q3RneHKXkXdg2-1Zr9i7J3GBqfiQvPZtG9ErYyLf67D5hp0pSQZ/s320/DSCF1056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574438926119828146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I'm trying out my interpretation of instructions for drying lavender from the garden provided to me months ago by <a href="http://appleandtangerine.blogspot.com/">Tanya</a>.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxKTktBCJMkVv37vvW-QD-vBWeqxLaNKxi7nWUYqp7Uzpm2shkSM9ax5klUKinJ3c3i6lQ1zjojA9oh9hxfcRvI3hhaPsnRRz4uoSIg2ZML3HgOOedskbdc26ox7ayN8-RUzMnK4dZYqG/s1600/DSCF1058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxKTktBCJMkVv37vvW-QD-vBWeqxLaNKxi7nWUYqp7Uzpm2shkSM9ax5klUKinJ3c3i6lQ1zjojA9oh9hxfcRvI3hhaPsnRRz4uoSIg2ZML3HgOOedskbdc26ox7ayN8-RUzMnK4dZYqG/s320/DSCF1058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574438920839576322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I'll let you know if it works!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The home of My Creative Space is <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/2011/02/my-creative-space-4.html">here</a>.</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-9281564973263556202011-02-03T15:58:00.003+11:002011-02-03T17:06:17.906+11:00my creative space...<div style="text-align: center;">Our vege patch is requiring some pretty intense zucchini centred creativity at the moment. To say that they're prolific would be an understatement. This 1.6 kg monster was a stealth zucchini, hiding in the garden until it was so big that we couldn't possibly NOT see it!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideoteZQL80flrlBQS9V3FRPJQxyKfxRyjexAoprQe0uc4zPjOoRd216T6wkDug_77hfcYSw-aUHmO2poQoEGEpuDMt6SwV9V5ZvOFn_muhVyttz6LkWF1hJRvc5bRdA_BAF01pRm5JdbW/s1600/DSCF0928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideoteZQL80flrlBQS9V3FRPJQxyKfxRyjexAoprQe0uc4zPjOoRd216T6wkDug_77hfcYSw-aUHmO2poQoEGEpuDMt6SwV9V5ZvOFn_muhVyttz6LkWF1hJRvc5bRdA_BAF01pRm5JdbW/s320/DSCF0928.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569325496528190178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In an effort to turn it into an edible meal, I decided to cut it into rounds, cut out the middle and fill the holes with stuffing. It was surprisingly yummy, even if the skin was a little tough. You could use any type of stuffing you liked, but this time I used a pork, basil and parmesan stuffing and cooked it with a basic tomato sauce. Obviously, you don't need a giant zucchini to do this - normal zucchinis cut lengthways and hollowed out would be yummy, too!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvt3n9yoi63DT4c-N5l6rJO4tVkgQfiX1g4d6_iN06G_T5Tz0p0TpOkkIRSR5AzmxEdiWYLlbQhWn24f6F3_MfOInztN6Iim2La_1o9z8RHZCfL7lc2X-s7wEqwlzLpikLnc8X1VgnvlGm/s1600/DSCF0930.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvt3n9yoi63DT4c-N5l6rJO4tVkgQfiX1g4d6_iN06G_T5Tz0p0TpOkkIRSR5AzmxEdiWYLlbQhWn24f6F3_MfOInztN6Iim2La_1o9z8RHZCfL7lc2X-s7wEqwlzLpikLnc8X1VgnvlGm/s320/DSCF0930.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569325490958882530" /></a><b>Zucchini with pork, basil & parmesan stuffing</b><div>(serves 4)</div><div><br /></div><div>1 extra large zucchini cut into rounds with seeds removed (or lots of little ones halved lengthways with seeds removed)</div><div>Olive oil</div><div>1 white bread roll</div><div>1/4 cup milk, approx</div><div>1 small onion, finely chopped</div><div>2 garlic cloves, crushed</div><div>400g pork mince</div><div>1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely shredded</div><div>1/2 cup finely grated parmesan</div><div>salt & freshly ground pepper</div><div>1 jar tomato passata</div><div>salt & pepper</div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat oven to 180ºC. In a large, oiled baking dish, place the zucchini in a single layer, rubbing tops of zucchini with a little oil as well. Pull the insides out of the bread roll and put it in a bowl with enough milk to soak through all the bread. Set aside. Fry the onion in a little olive oil until translucent, add half the garlic and cook for another minute then set aside to cool slightly.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a large bowl, mix together pork, basil, half the parmesan, bread and milk, onion and garlic, and season well with salt & pepper. Divide the pork mixture between the zucchini slices and bake for about 15 mins.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, place remaining garlic in a cold saucepan with about 1 tablespoon olive oil and set over medium heat, keeping a close eye on it and stirring frequently. When it starts to colour add tomato passata (be careful, it will probably spit), bring to boil and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes. Season to taste.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remove zucchini from oven, carefully pour tomato sauce around the zucchini and sprinkle stuffing with remaining parmesan. Return to oven for 20 mins or until zucchini is tender. You may need to cover the dish with foil if the sauce is drying out or the cheese browns too quickly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Serve with salad.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Thursday hub of creativity can be found <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/2011/02/my-creative-space.html">here</a>. Check it out for some serious inspiration!</div><div><br /></div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-88663027595863672832011-01-30T14:12:00.004+11:002011-01-30T14:55:29.643+11:00Zucchini and a rainbow<div style="text-align: center;">What happens when you plant zucchinis in your vege patch and then go away for a few days?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4TZotg-fZzrcmzzWvjR_Pj0SDL5Lv9yZVDDDkLGotyAdeI3RrNnk1jo29-MTOu_brtuxQUIlgwgz4rjt7Rs_v71liPylsAWc0_Hi5mJGllBBpso6q2NQmaxq-XxABwonaLCVolfIUEEP/s1600/DSCF1018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4TZotg-fZzrcmzzWvjR_Pj0SDL5Lv9yZVDDDkLGotyAdeI3RrNnk1jo29-MTOu_brtuxQUIlgwgz4rjt7Rs_v71liPylsAWc0_Hi5mJGllBBpso6q2NQmaxq-XxABwonaLCVolfIUEEP/s320/DSCF1018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567812803856702018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">They're just slightly enormous.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've discovered that cutting them into rounds, removing the seeds and stuffing the cavity works rather nicely for oh-my-goodness-it's-a-monster-zucchini. We've also been eating a lot of vaguely normal sized zucchini at the moment: zucchini and feta frittata, zucchini parmagiana, zucchini in stir fry, zucchini on the side... If you have any yummy zucchini recipes that you'd like to share, please let me know! And we only planted 2 seeds!?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On another note, I've signed up to make granny squares for Sarah London's Crochet a Rainbow project which will result in a whole lot of granny blankets being given to people who lost most (if not all) of their things in the still-happening Australian floods. Sarah is collecting granny squares from volunteers all over the world and stitching them together into blankets. For me this is great - I get to feel vaguely useful, get to make granny squares and don't have to sew them together (which I find rather tedious). I'm pleased to be able to contribute something other than just money - money is very necessary (obviously), but it feels quite impersonal, and it's good to be able to DO something.* </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you would like to crochet some granny squares too, go and check out all the details by clicking on the button below, or in the sidebar.</div><br /><center><em><a href="http://sarahlondon.wordpress.com/crochet-a-rainbow/"><img src="http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc513/stampswithstyle/CrochetRainbowButton.jpg" /></a></em></center><center><br /></center><center>*I know that this is all about MY response from afar, but I think action is better than simply moving on and forgetting.</center>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-8505268322026682682011-01-27T15:07:00.003+11:002011-01-27T17:16:08.907+11:00my creative space...<div style="text-align: center;">Green, green, green, <b>YELLOW!!</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Green, <b>YELLOW!!</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Green, <b>YELLOW!!</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Green, green, green, <b>YELLOW!!</b></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItTuEmIyyj4455rzJSQYnbeow8lV2py5IZVax1cAAwbLoZ3YapyeV-vYXPiraZw68DyOFn7kx22atwWly1Ro_AhxFFMXLUcWCRe7X94AfSPn82LNYZvuv-SPKrsVQ2hdcOZFfupvJ3Nfn/s1600/DSCF1009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItTuEmIyyj4455rzJSQYnbeow8lV2py5IZVax1cAAwbLoZ3YapyeV-vYXPiraZw68DyOFn7kx22atwWly1Ro_AhxFFMXLUcWCRe7X94AfSPn82LNYZvuv-SPKrsVQ2hdcOZFfupvJ3Nfn/s320/DSCF1009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566713977159038354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Over the last couple of weeks, including some time away, a pair of socks have been taking shape. While the knitting can have it's rather surprising moments (the appearance of YELLOW(!!) in between those lovely greens can be a tad frightening at times), I think the finished result is quite pleasing.* Fortunately!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've just started sock number 2, which I think I'd like to get finished by the end of February. That should give me enough space to work on other projects, too...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm hoping to have a satisfying and productive creative space this year, with a focus on the process rather than the outcome, though it will be nice to finish a few things, too! Of course, I have a long list of things I'd like to make, so it will be interesting to see how long it takes to get overwhelmed by outcomes and the process gets relegated to a requirement rather than a pleasure...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To visit the creative spaces of other more or less idealistic and optimistic crafters, many of whom will actually succeed in making what they say they want to (how novel!), go <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/2011/01/my-creative-space_27.html">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Except for the unfortunate 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, Oi, Oi!' parochial factor, but we can look past that for now...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-46716128499251439972011-01-20T17:47:00.003+11:002011-01-20T20:34:53.433+11:00clickety-clack...<div style="text-align: center;">Could 2011 be the year of knitting? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Many of the things on my To Make list so far are knitted things. My first finished project for the year is a knitted thing. Or things: my Through The Loops Mystery sockalong <a href="http://dillpickleunfinished.blogspot.com/2010/11/mystery-sock.html">socks</a> are complete!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAO1gWEfTOMKs9_EsBHwM0TbhEn0kvxKWoGQeiipZsFtw-ZIckhfzsvyGPD8dNxpwaUIKKAIPOgquP5J0YLDI3xxYPYRXT1Pei6InW2ZREuAG-_A72auikrlI76jQ9NYmT1BEHh546T8L/s1600/DSCF0909.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAO1gWEfTOMKs9_EsBHwM0TbhEn0kvxKWoGQeiipZsFtw-ZIckhfzsvyGPD8dNxpwaUIKKAIPOgquP5J0YLDI3xxYPYRXT1Pei6InW2ZREuAG-_A72auikrlI76jQ9NYmT1BEHh546T8L/s320/DSCF0909.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564168280991339010" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">As these are my first handmade socks, I'm yet to work out how to get a decent photo of my own feet, but these socks are rather nice. I'm looking forward to the cooler weather rolling around so I can actually wear them!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It seems the sock bug has properly bitten - I've cast on a pair of <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html">Monkey Socks</a> in a rather frighteningly bright colourway, but I think (I hope) it works when the pattern is stretched as it will be when it's worn. Since taking this picture about a week ago, I'm now about half way through the foot of the first sock, so I'm making some serious progress!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZni9jq3MUBy7OFmoVrwGAn9D1Y_1iEPK2BeIhN0m0_mzo1J49n6wnq6YznRpXr20q75Y8RL04nDJYhisGlRy1l8YIvH69SmFUJ-wPXZwobYa3pNiv9pc08IZMMqykA5H1RUQuq0fJehMr/s1600/DSCF0912.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZni9jq3MUBy7OFmoVrwGAn9D1Y_1iEPK2BeIhN0m0_mzo1J49n6wnq6YznRpXr20q75Y8RL04nDJYhisGlRy1l8YIvH69SmFUJ-wPXZwobYa3pNiv9pc08IZMMqykA5H1RUQuq0fJehMr/s320/DSCF0912.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564168271989993378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">To provide a bit of variety, I've also started a shawl, which I'm crocheting out of an enormous cone of laceweight yarn that I ordered from <a href="http://www.yarn.com/">WEBS</a> along with at least three other shawls worth of laceweight yarn. I clearly had a one track mind when placing that order! I'd better include at least a couple of shawls on my To Make list this year...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JchjTwMdR0vE5rlALUVMnMylNuqm80Tg4ozMxPA-3ARNe2n7-Eqb7b_c7QrSsd_zI0SxbnHOwOKcEGIak1AwyBzR5AOFMIXZp3GWQ-sxnAPjs4visKWFIA7F1izkBu8fSDDtLbPfRzJ_/s1600/DSCF0903.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JchjTwMdR0vE5rlALUVMnMylNuqm80Tg4ozMxPA-3ARNe2n7-Eqb7b_c7QrSsd_zI0SxbnHOwOKcEGIak1AwyBzR5AOFMIXZp3GWQ-sxnAPjs4visKWFIA7F1izkBu8fSDDtLbPfRzJ_/s320/DSCF0903.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564168269361150642" /></a>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-31617885546931840822011-01-08T13:55:00.009+11:002011-01-09T14:50:57.692+11:00Well, hello there...?<div style="text-align: center;">It's been a while!</div><div style="text-align: center;">For me, 2010 finished a bit like a balloon with a slow leak, resulting in a slightly flabby crumpled heap effect by the end of it. Fortunately, things are starting to get back on track a little with an emerging enthusiasm for the slow things of summer, including the beach, the pool, berries, and more time in the backyard with the girls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Somehow, in the insanity that was December (including a husband away for a week and a half, a two-year old birthday party the day after he got back, general pre-Christmas craziness as well as hosting Christmas lunch), I did manage to make a few (rather unspectacular) gifts:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKsNk-99HK0pVmqM2OhYCOHlylfz97nW8Pxm2OWhBgtjE-7ifIc850jlAhrRVtVAF6rN1a4mah1Pc-Lw7P1VTxZ20RsVowN6gUDaLdmCuRMQ14aQwBatocKTeugjbYFxb-UuM9tTmb7sz/s1600/DSCF0854.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKsNk-99HK0pVmqM2OhYCOHlylfz97nW8Pxm2OWhBgtjE-7ifIc850jlAhrRVtVAF6rN1a4mah1Pc-Lw7P1VTxZ20RsVowN6gUDaLdmCuRMQ14aQwBatocKTeugjbYFxb-UuM9tTmb7sz/s320/DSCF0854.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559649078480800562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90403AD.html?noImages=0">Silvan Star</a> washcloth for Jodie's Christmas Washcloth Swap;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE20oyFo0KRkOr7OKtgcaFpokTTSw2wq3WiZ7aEDqnODP_GCAFOrAZr_Zfsi8fq9c05uDyqapWXqx-tPOkXLbCT3jgdRPdgfnure1AtO9RK7cPsyBP-W2HSY-KMGFI8l23SDRJdn1_WjJ/s1600/DSCF0860.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE20oyFo0KRkOr7OKtgcaFpokTTSw2wq3WiZ7aEDqnODP_GCAFOrAZr_Zfsi8fq9c05uDyqapWXqx-tPOkXLbCT3jgdRPdgfnure1AtO9RK7cPsyBP-W2HSY-KMGFI8l23SDRJdn1_WjJ/s320/DSCF0860.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559649074358923810" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90442AD.html?noImages=">Grit Stitch</a> washcloth for a friend who had said she'd like one (Sucker? Hopefully she wasn't just being polite!); and</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mmLmsdrlZteQl3Ay1hnsGJRov9r89zqOvlWzienWcedEtAkGE5FicZUPwCoZGhOHh2n-Um7C8iAThXQ0iVENgYv7-fLmBEJ24AGrDqUPfuZJtwvL3UvImKJedbNQsCDhemnjNM2oHqmg/s1600/DSCF0870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mmLmsdrlZteQl3Ay1hnsGJRov9r89zqOvlWzienWcedEtAkGE5FicZUPwCoZGhOHh2n-Um7C8iAThXQ0iVENgYv7-fLmBEJ24AGrDqUPfuZJtwvL3UvImKJedbNQsCDhemnjNM2oHqmg/s320/DSCF0870.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559649068867505858" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">two <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-bump-dishcloth">Bump Stitch</a> washcloths (Ravelry link) for another friend, who I KNOW appreciates handmade. Do you think I have a washcloth problem?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While my handmaking of gifts was rather minimal this year, I knew I'd be busy so didn't set my goals too high. It would still be nice to make a few more things next Christmas, though.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm hoping to make an appearance here a few times over the next couple of weeks, but it is summertime so it's likely to be slightly erratic! I'm hoping to get back into an achievable and consistent blogging routine by February. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also have an embarrassingly long backlog in my reader because I haven't been visiting much lately. Sanity has required that any available brain output capacity was used up knitting sock* (even if it was only two rows in a day), which meant there has rarely been any left for other things. Hopefully I'll start to get back on top of blogland soon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm also hoping to be able to start thinking about the year ahead this week, which means thinking about goals for making and learning. Mmmm...new projects!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*I think I might finish sock 2 today, so there's been some progress on that front, at least!</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-15197362518664818722010-12-02T13:07:00.003+11:002010-12-02T15:57:34.658+11:00first fruits<div style="text-align: center;">These are our first beans from our vege patch for the season.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXEievwNL-YDpewEx6GSmQd8bnR7e5IG5aSTXohq7fPepHxNlILvfFzzu5o2WGfSnuvbSvATQj3ulyedwZhd5hXvinqmE9vC-wmSXpCpWt17i3qBw-0kCB1aIVld9736JD5lqNEeIWlLD/s1600/DSCF0787.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXEievwNL-YDpewEx6GSmQd8bnR7e5IG5aSTXohq7fPepHxNlILvfFzzu5o2WGfSnuvbSvATQj3ulyedwZhd5hXvinqmE9vC-wmSXpCpWt17i3qBw-0kCB1aIVld9736JD5lqNEeIWlLD/s320/DSCF0787.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545920988114567074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Slightly disappointingly, they turn green when you cook them, but they're still delicious. And the novelty value of growing purple beans is definitely worth it for the junior gardeners among us!</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-7059459701681311692010-11-29T15:38:00.003+11:002010-11-29T16:57:21.406+11:00Options<div style="text-align: center;">Since our family increased in number about 2 months ago (how time flies!), meal planning has not really been on the radar. This is partly due to fantastic friends who provided us with meals nearly every night for the first couple of weeks, and then a couple of meals a week for the next few weeks. These meals, combined with our freezer stockpile and the occasional take away kept us going until we were able to contemplate evening food preparation again*. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The strategy that seems to be working for us at the moment is having a list of meal options for the week, rather than having particular meals assigned to specific nights. That way, I can decide what we're going to have in the morning once I know what kind of night we've had and how revolting everyone is likely to be by the end of the day (myself included). I've been including a few options that rely on me making it to the greengrocer or deli or fish shop, a couple of freezer stockpile options, a couple of meals that we can pull together from the pantry and garden, and if all else fails, there's always take away!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc9KJUukTNXZgU-U9_uAeXftn7k7ZFJBBsMOCiZV0rPPVYPR2AB9JiI4U3uzWtvNgFRrhowxSov3u_bLqmZ25N6crl1dMi5M80pc4055DsALSUaJ5lEuJ1rVZOjjMJs7SjZHKLUSA563t/s1600/DSCF0780.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc9KJUukTNXZgU-U9_uAeXftn7k7ZFJBBsMOCiZV0rPPVYPR2AB9JiI4U3uzWtvNgFRrhowxSov3u_bLqmZ25N6crl1dMi5M80pc4055DsALSUaJ5lEuJ1rVZOjjMJs7SjZHKLUSA563t/s320/DSCF0780.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544828646608172322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I've only been managing 3 or 4 options at a time up until now, but I'm hoping to start coming up with a week's worth of options soon (7 plus 2 extras in case the whole week is good, or we have more revolting days than expected!). This week, some friends brought us a very exciting box of fruit and veges from the market that we'll use as a starting point**. It was full of asparagus, basil, potatoes, garlic, cucumbers, tomatoes, several mangoes (yum!!), and other summer fruit that's just starting to appear. I'm thinking that one meal might be a thai basil stir fry with asparagus. Mmmm.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll try to get a list of options for the week into the sidebar over the next few days, though my ability to follow through on a thought at the moment is a bit pathetic, so it might take longer than anticipated!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm also very keen to give Vic's <a href="http://vic-homerevolutions.blogspot.com/2010/09/random-recipe.html">Random Recipe</a> challenge a go, but I might wait a few weeks before adding that to the mix. It sounds like great fun, though, and a very good way to get more use out of some of my underused recipe books.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*I enjoy cooking, so contemplating cooking was one of the things that has been relatively easy to reintegrate into our new lives, once we worked out some of the logistics of dealing with two children during the craziness of the pre-dinner hour. It's the rest of the housework that's still suffering, and is likely to continue to suffer for weeks (if not months) to come!</div><div style="text-align: center;">**Very useful for limiting possibilities when your decision making ability is as impaired as mine is at the moment...</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-48508923732362575942010-11-21T20:25:00.002+11:002010-11-21T20:35:46.331+11:00A mystery sock<div style="text-align: center;">Half way there!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRs6rpmq1bmtzBr0SumY_8gF152f_T6x64AqWkX0KU5r4LWNrghrzZghHpDVWuWjOduqVppHuBDcIRlxaRH5WaAPPkQFrZqtBv4Ikul9AWeqz7bal9rNlxs0C231tjLPRrY5ecuBb-3ik/s1600/DSCF0737.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRs6rpmq1bmtzBr0SumY_8gF152f_T6x64AqWkX0KU5r4LWNrghrzZghHpDVWuWjOduqVppHuBDcIRlxaRH5WaAPPkQFrZqtBv4Ikul9AWeqz7bal9rNlxs0C231tjLPRrY5ecuBb-3ik/s320/DSCF0737.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541932709267800946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I was aiming to have this one finished by early November. A couple of weeks late, but not a complete blow out (as could quite legitimately be expected given my track record...).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's mate has been cast on, so I might have a full pair by the end of summer! Assuming second sock syndrome doesn't kick in...</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-34704107991712858712010-11-18T15:25:00.004+11:002010-11-18T16:48:09.157+11:00My creative space...<div style="text-align: center;">...should be involving variations of this:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPJN17IEUo5lMy1WQDo581rE3Ll9Rmsf3EDwFigF43Y82MUBBno7wdcVAPkRjFapuOvOpehvYR-C2h5RkqNJ-j7BfKqjA8tbhZn0JNWx5Z2c9r0PEfKDNZCWSj3I61iPq9aZ_Yeqv93nt/s1600/DSCF0705.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPJN17IEUo5lMy1WQDo581rE3Ll9Rmsf3EDwFigF43Y82MUBBno7wdcVAPkRjFapuOvOpehvYR-C2h5RkqNJ-j7BfKqjA8tbhZn0JNWx5Z2c9r0PEfKDNZCWSj3I61iPq9aZ_Yeqv93nt/s320/DSCF0705.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540742968392294770" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Using lovely soft BWM cotton in Sepia (a sadly discontinued colourway for the 2011 collection), you'd think these quick little Christmas gift projects would be just the thing right now, but the call of the <a href="http://dillpickleunfinished.blogspot.com/2010/10/sans-heel.html">socks</a> is too strong. So close to finishing the first one, I can't wait to see how it looks finished and on my foot!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Visit more creative spaces at <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/2010/11/my-creative-space_18.html">Kootoyoo</a>.</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-12599667769805392652010-11-14T15:50:00.003+11:002010-11-14T16:14:30.618+11:00Experimenting...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84RKofrs68I4UaDER4b3CWiaH-5LeFnsdS6TtVlbKbEdDHquTX_bUP3tq1l7cc6hnyFpAzOcSJhIenIFSv9Vwa2qgrYluoJIxMpU409Vz6nVDxEojyAKjHvlKRonOhm6ZV6ormwI-6TQ9/s1600/DSCF0708.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84RKofrs68I4UaDER4b3CWiaH-5LeFnsdS6TtVlbKbEdDHquTX_bUP3tq1l7cc6hnyFpAzOcSJhIenIFSv9Vwa2qgrYluoJIxMpU409Vz6nVDxEojyAKjHvlKRonOhm6ZV6ormwI-6TQ9/s320/DSCF0708.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539264131213232354" /></a>Yesterday I made my first-ever batch of soap. I used <a href="http://jellywares.blogspot.com/2010/09/cinnamon-oat-bars.html">Jodie's</a> basic recipe which is very user-friendly for the soap-making-novice! I added fresh lavender from the garden and geranium essential oil as my flavourings, and it smells lovely, even though I was a little light handed with the essential oil. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The fresh lavender might have been a mistake, but I don't have any dried lavender (maybe I should dry my own?? Any tips?). We'll see if the fresh stuff works OK, I guess! The geranium oil (one of my preferred scents) would have been lavender oil if mine had had any scent left, but it's a little bit old. I might have had it since before I was married, which was 12 and a half years ago... Ahem.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can see lots of soapy Christmas presents being given out this year!! Thanks Jodie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-40830504059965464342010-11-06T19:31:00.000+11:002010-11-06T19:34:24.141+11:00Stitch & bitch at my place...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nLX_eOkYbcQPhqczpfBGNSCxSR2MwktF82vY5xuEefBrL5LhYONhyphenhyphenrRzChVCX0DZJWdnhzRlQIe9AI8zxQSOlu1ExrQJfMSqbpKfH7zF_OOkQO1vYj4OilMMVCggGpvmXwstUgv-dtwX/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nLX_eOkYbcQPhqczpfBGNSCxSR2MwktF82vY5xuEefBrL5LhYONhyphenhyphenrRzChVCX0DZJWdnhzRlQIe9AI8zxQSOlu1ExrQJfMSqbpKfH7zF_OOkQO1vYj4OilMMVCggGpvmXwstUgv-dtwX/s320/IMG_1008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536352101559335266" /></a>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-23439565263292559852010-11-04T10:14:00.004+11:002010-11-04T15:43:59.966+11:00my creative space<div style="text-align: center;">In the last week, I finally managed the last <a href="http://dillpickleunfinished.blogspot.com/2010/10/very-nearly-finished-object.html">step</a> on this little vest for my daughter. It's been wallowing in the I'm-so-close-to-being-finished-that-I'm-being-ignored pile for several weeks, and has now been set free into the land of toddler wear. Maybe it would rather it stayed in the pile?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnv5NWRPvcsCeHAMSg5yTBEWcniVIoSvsEJg7yogJ8Vfte4EGqR86Ri8UVJ3kfu_PA1nxdlethG5-l411oMJZWHxnHz0l5XpWjKkRjOL6QQcWURugWNtHvTbvFD3kyJ41aMfKa2sq7ALMf/s1600/DSCF0664.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnv5NWRPvcsCeHAMSg5yTBEWcniVIoSvsEJg7yogJ8Vfte4EGqR86Ri8UVJ3kfu_PA1nxdlethG5-l411oMJZWHxnHz0l5XpWjKkRjOL6QQcWURugWNtHvTbvFD3kyJ41aMfKa2sq7ALMf/s320/DSCF0664.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535471018199795986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It's perfect for those Spring/summer/autumn days that are not quite warm enough for just a shirt, so it should get lots of wear over the next few months (when it's not waiting for <i>another</i> wash!).</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuwM08vzbzzf08Jzq8ESV3BaFOHFXnbPxc-t3i5QXbsDbM8ZFVItJdc6yR5_rLD2XqscotAhJWrUIxNS58qxAXX-t5vZGydKJXdEYAupPJLCKdiHNz8cf-e6BwXNEBVLXdBHd3-QElsxk/s1600/DSCF0675.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuwM08vzbzzf08Jzq8ESV3BaFOHFXnbPxc-t3i5QXbsDbM8ZFVItJdc6yR5_rLD2XqscotAhJWrUIxNS58qxAXX-t5vZGydKJXdEYAupPJLCKdiHNz8cf-e6BwXNEBVLXdBHd3-QElsxk/s320/DSCF0675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535471009888574306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It's also perfect for keeping an eye on those pesky chooks to make sure they're scratching around and laying eggs appropriately!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZiIAzmxtUuTcmqJzyRvTo0olEns4r_KkX9rkcNiHp27EqvL6JXy_x6n0v-Tt6VJkhnXyNRUNMu7_10Qooa0MfEQgm2ldIoWJLJrjtaEf8sZgi4Su2Ni3XOBfHH7i_SIsesABvEBZeA5p/s1600/DSCF0682.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZiIAzmxtUuTcmqJzyRvTo0olEns4r_KkX9rkcNiHp27EqvL6JXy_x6n0v-Tt6VJkhnXyNRUNMu7_10Qooa0MfEQgm2ldIoWJLJrjtaEf8sZgi4Su2Ni3XOBfHH7i_SIsesABvEBZeA5p/s320/DSCF0682.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535471003498487554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Details:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pattern: </b>Eden's Adam by Tikki (size 2 vest) - I would highly recommend this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/edens-adam">pattern</a> (Ravelry link). It has excellent instructions and is a REALLY fast knit (see below).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Yarn:</b> Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 8ply in Bracken (123g, or comfortably less than one 200g ball)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sticks:</b> 3.5 & 4.5mm circs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Timeframe:</b> 16 September 2010 to 1 November 2010. Actual knitting time was 8 days, which is quite incredible given that I AM the slowest knitter in the universe. I think the speed was due to a really straightforward pattern and the urgency associated with an imminent birth. Productivity increased exponentially in the month before the arrival of daughter number 2!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>New skills learnt:</b> Long tail cast on (<a href="http://dillpickleunfinished.blogspot.com/2010/09/refreshed.html">desperate</a> internet search involved here!), and jogged garter stitch in the round (easy to follow instructions provided with the pattern).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ravelled <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/dillpickle76/edens-adam">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of great creating can be found a <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/2010/11/my-creative-space.html">Kootoyoo</a>. It's well worth a visit!</div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669133352574690004.post-16153340344104583712010-10-30T13:52:00.003+11:002010-10-30T14:05:20.474+11:00The fruit of Time-To-Myself<div style="text-align: center;">Time-To-Myself happened again this morning! T took the girls out to the Toy Library which gave me the chance to get back to those drawstring bags that I'd had limited success with<a href="http://dillpickleunfinished.blogspot.com/2010/10/tiny-glimpse-into-workings-of-my-brain.html"> last weekend</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm very excited to report that they're finished!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpMIaeDSuc2-uAnuL_OTVl-2_1G8mJ65f92a6X77EM7-43bfddUFkuXFPIdodU38ZgX-jJhEmOJDiwJ9dE5Ke8gEtxF-XboYahUHtYPXKuopv6ZgOO2ioix4mtI4xLJ-rQT_kE5wLz8ph/s1600/DSCF0633.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpMIaeDSuc2-uAnuL_OTVl-2_1G8mJ65f92a6X77EM7-43bfddUFkuXFPIdodU38ZgX-jJhEmOJDiwJ9dE5Ke8gEtxF-XboYahUHtYPXKuopv6ZgOO2ioix4mtI4xLJ-rQT_kE5wLz8ph/s320/DSCF0633.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533666849122392290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Looking at this photo, though, I've just realised that my time-saving attempt of eliminating the bottom seam by folding the fabric has resulted in an upside-down-animal side of the green bag. Oops. Note to self: Pay attention to the directionality of fabric in future!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Still, I'm rather pleased with them. All bits were already on hand (the benefits of stashing for the future!), and these bags are REALLY basic so they were a perfect project for me right now. The original instructions are from Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Time-To-Myself is a wonderful thing. I appreciate it even more than ever at the moment.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>dillpicklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167045189440606367noreply@blogger.com8