tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869507178014433942024-02-21T10:46:24.543+11:00Jade House: Crafting to keep me saneCraft, knitting, sewing blog, with an interest in baby stuff.Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-86363264598083343312010-12-11T20:36:00.000+11:002010-12-11T20:36:00.843+11:00Bibs<p> I was sick of the commercial bibs that we had, not staying closed, so that required making some new ones. I’ve had some luck at the thrift shops recently,gathering up some cute boy cotton prints and poly/cotton and cotton knits. The cotton print is great it has kids playing all different sorts of sports. I went the very simple route of overlocking the layers together. I did try straight stitching one and turning it through, but it was just too time consuming. I made 14 in total, so hopefully this will last til when he no longer needs them? Is that wishful thinking?</p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TP9Rxp0v9GI/AAAAAAAAANE/Ta8M2rJbScc/s1600-h/DSC08241%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Bibs close-up" border="0" alt="Bibs close-up" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TP9Ry_ZGFTI/AAAAAAAAANI/ciQ9spGEgKI/DSC08241_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TP9Rzu1oZVI/AAAAAAAAANM/13Nosy2JBEk/s1600-h/DSC08243%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Bibs, the range" border="0" alt="Bibs, the range" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TP9R00a5F-I/AAAAAAAAANQ/LkS9ngYnvF0/DSC08243_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="750" /></a></p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-56499177399353713562010-12-09T20:23:00.000+11:002010-12-09T20:23:00.316+11:00Christmas socks 2<p> Here is the another pair of socks in progress, for my massage therapist. Cotton again, should have tested some on myself first so I hope that I get time to make myself some before Christmas as well. At least the second one is in progress on this present. 6 days to get it finished! (they need to be delivered before I leave on holidays)</p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TP9OxkOGJAI/AAAAAAAAAM8/1Q4N0Zyn_Jo/s1600-h/DSC08244%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC08244" border="0" alt="DSC08244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TP9OylVF8sI/AAAAAAAAANA/ytKolXhfzRU/DSC08244_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364" /></a> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-52908121997474733132010-12-08T20:17:00.001+11:002010-12-08T20:17:24.480+11:00Christmas socks 1<p> Here are some socks in progress, 1 down 1 to go. I’m using a variegated cotton. The yarn is striping quite nicely. This is the first time I have tried cotton socks, so I hope that they wear well. They are for my Gran.</p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TP9NHuJt-LI/AAAAAAAAAM0/hCg-X5sKg8Q/s1600-h/DSC08248%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC08248" border="0" alt="DSC08248" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TP9NIj4un_I/AAAAAAAAAM4/niAKB9LOU5U/DSC08248_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379" /></a> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-51594463598346797872010-11-30T22:12:00.000+11:002010-11-29T22:13:03.954+11:00Aluminium freeA couple of months ago I got inspired. I had seen a couple of recipes for homemade deoderant and with a few other bloggers giving it a go I took the plunge. I have now been using my homemade, aluminium free deoderant for 2 months and I am really happy with it. It was so easy to make and store that I think that I am a convert for life. It also works, no whiff of body odour on a normal day and just the normal amount of smell when I get home from the cycle commute from work.<br />
The other thing that I think is a plus is that I'm not totally icked out by touching my underarms anymore. I used to hate to touch my underarms after appying commercial deoderant, I'd rush to wash my fingers straight after touching the deoderant. Now, becuase I apply the deoderant with my fingers I am checking for lumps and being more conscious of checking the rest of my chest for lumps as well. So it has had a good side effect of finally starting regular breast checks, which I have always chastised myself for not doing. Funny how such a little change can make a change to my attitude.<br />
I've managed to convert my sister and got my Mum to try out the deoderant as well. I think that I am going to do up a large batch and everyone of my friends is going to get a sample pot for Christmas presents.<br />
Here is the recipe that I used:<br />
5-6 tablespoons coconut oil<br />
1/4 cup arrowroot powder<br />
1/4 cup baking soda<br />
Several drops of lemongrass oil [optional] <br />
<br />
I have tried out a few different essential oils. I originally settled on lemongrass oil because that is all I had in the cupboard, after looking it up in an aromatherapy book I discovered it was a really good choice. It is "soothing, healing, invigorating, antiseptic, anti-bacterial and deoderising" (<a href="http://nla.gov.au/anbd.bib-an13317601">Rich, Penny <i>Practical aromatherapy</i> Siena, Avonmouth, 1996</a>)<br />
I've added lavendar oil - not very successful, it gets too much and has kind of wrecked the fragrance for me, wearing it all day.<br />
I also tried ylang ylang and I like it, I only added enough to give a subtle fragrance.<br />
I've made up a manly version with patchouli and the boy has been trying it out and says that he likes it.<br />
A winner all around.<br />
Blogs that inspired this are: <a href="http://sewgreen.blogspot.com/2010/08/make-yourself-un-stinky.html">Sewgreen</a>, <a href="http://soozs.blogspot.com/2010/08/first-reactions.html">Soozs</a> and <a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-make-your-own-deodorant.html">How about orange</a>Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-73515882753032690502010-11-29T21:42:00.000+11:002010-11-29T21:42:16.139+11:00Noro socksI finished my first pair of Noro socks the other week, a belated birthday present for my sister. I'm not so sure that I like Noro yarn, everyone raves about the colour ways, but I guess that I will see how it wears.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmxTkWpO7G8KzOqW_Hc3vjH0vXA8DhoU_8iMNKZrbJVRDybKpf_Ww1cE59zwbdcHS6aEC_oc0EU_T73IpH01Ju2FT575npPfcqdq6JygOa2S7Mr0v1LGUFm4y3w4ff3BCDaJuET3I2eo/s1600/DSC08162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmxTkWpO7G8KzOqW_Hc3vjH0vXA8DhoU_8iMNKZrbJVRDybKpf_Ww1cE59zwbdcHS6aEC_oc0EU_T73IpH01Ju2FT575npPfcqdq6JygOa2S7Mr0v1LGUFm4y3w4ff3BCDaJuET3I2eo/s320/DSC08162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kylie socks, side by side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcoy7x07f0mfIT2MXX9LKBeOILMpagtE7nkW5_V4Wn6iZEuNmdLW4MOq5clQN-1wvKX-Ui9ctw8r9LyUnK6aHzfV-rgP2Mt7sj2mc8tyblnfO2taZvgmmjm-FEMtiPyK4G_R7LFGFkYA/s1600/DSC08161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcoy7x07f0mfIT2MXX9LKBeOILMpagtE7nkW5_V4Wn6iZEuNmdLW4MOq5clQN-1wvKX-Ui9ctw8r9LyUnK6aHzfV-rgP2Mt7sj2mc8tyblnfO2taZvgmmjm-FEMtiPyK4G_R7LFGFkYA/s320/DSC08161.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check that turnout!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkvX8q0KkS5lHdapOn6gDHXVRDX-2LxELJtQIupmJ8DrOsfl4O5bLDGGrPRgS10z9NMPTObELLbWEsDWE_HxvHo5Vr1JbEOwrXsCHRQoEjWz0v4hnq0mvz2OuCAQU9LzV-j14fo3GdZs/s1600/DSC08157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkvX8q0KkS5lHdapOn6gDHXVRDX-2LxELJtQIupmJ8DrOsfl4O5bLDGGrPRgS10z9NMPTObELLbWEsDWE_HxvHo5Vr1JbEOwrXsCHRQoEjWz0v4hnq0mvz2OuCAQU9LzV-j14fo3GdZs/s320/DSC08157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side detail, a successful gusset for toe-up socks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9z0qWrrTlZpJOYRMsJrEPFghovgnKUEYsLBEi2uvHsXN0n5QjQcwQkgVaBqBo_uCpLNQvv5yj74NXBCSQNUlk_LnnN3ISvapmV_5-d2LcBzpZtlJ9va39VItYsr2FgLarj_S25hvX0k/s1600/DSC08154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9z0qWrrTlZpJOYRMsJrEPFghovgnKUEYsLBEi2uvHsXN0n5QjQcwQkgVaBqBo_uCpLNQvv5yj74NXBCSQNUlk_LnnN3ISvapmV_5-d2LcBzpZtlJ9va39VItYsr2FgLarj_S25hvX0k/s320/DSC08154.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toe-up socksm my own pattern</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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I have really gotten into toe-up socks and the next one I try will have to be the Monkey ones, all in knit to see how they turn out. I'm also trying out some cotton socks, I hope that they wear okay, I should make some for myself and test them out, but I don't have time with the Christmas knitting that I want to get done.Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-20920942909454491982010-11-11T21:26:00.001+11:002010-11-11T21:26:33.579+11:00Quilting: numbers<p>I’ve recently been playing with quilting some squares up from recycled fabric, t-shirts, jeans, jumpers, flannel pyjamas. I did some play mats for Ash, he uses them for eating snacks on, which means I always have a quick way to clean up!</p> <p>Here is one that I did some very rustic appliqué on. Numbering from 1 - 10</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TNvE1QQPioI/AAAAAAAAAMY/WGDWcXmbwkY/s1600-h/DSC08139%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC08139" border="0" alt="DSC08139" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TNvE2D_pUsI/AAAAAAAAAMc/YCRsXStIb_s/DSC08139_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364" /></a> </p> <p>It has a couple of layers to it, a waterproof layer and flannel with an internal layer of flannel as well. This is larger than my last mats, about 1.2 m square. It has a couple of pockets included to hide treasures, no doubt I will forget to check them and I will wash an apple core!</p> <p>A second top is completed but I have yet to cut the waterproofing, so it will be done soon.</p> <p>I am on a dressmaking jaunt at the moment, I made a dress for Melbourne Cup day and now I am completing a jacket, as well as a few socks for Ash.</p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-24965670794815339522010-10-03T14:53:00.001+11:002010-10-03T14:53:53.069+11:00The cowl<p>Here is a pic of the cowl I recently made on the knitting machine. It is a blue-grey 5ply machine knitting wool by Villawool. The wool has to be at least 25 years old, but it knit up perfectly. It is patterned using a slip stitch pattern and I like it on the inside and out. On the inside of the cowl (wrong side of the fabric) you can see a diamond pattern from the held stitches, on the right side you can see little bumps in the fabric.</p> <p>I’m really pleased with the fabric and the way that it wears. It is just enough fabric to keep my neck/decollatage warm when I am wearing a v-neck top. It also works well as a loose head-cover when it is raining!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TKf-SzXXuoI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/dChNjvp0oRo/s1600-h/DSC07851%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Me in cowl at Floriade, could have smiled I guess, wasn't aware of photo being taken as usual!" border="0" alt="Me in cowl at Floriade, could have smiled I guess, wasn't aware of photo being taken as usual!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TKf-T81u_yI/AAAAAAAAAMU/GQMKAddPzWY/DSC07851_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364" /></a></p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-88241019409015543382010-09-12T21:14:00.000+10:002010-09-12T21:14:17.038+10:00Knitting, knitting, knittingI've been working on a variety of projects lately. The boys were away for a week and I dragged out the knitting machine to make some cowls and shawls. This was marginally successful, I tried doing a raglan jumper with a 2 colour pattern, the back piece worked out really well, the front left had a major failure. I'll try and do some photographs sometime soon. The cowl was brilliant, just right for the last week of winter, which turned out to be quite wet and bitter. I did a large lacy patterned rectangle to be used as a shawl that could be multi-purposed with a few strategic buttons.<br />
<br />
I finally got a copy of<a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/507948"> Barbara Walker's Knitting from the top</a>, from the library the other day and it is terrific. I love the way that she describes the set in sleeve. It works as well, another toddler jumper is on the way. I had to rip out one sleeve, I stuffed up the short rows so the sleeves were shooting off in different directions, but this jumper should fit through to next winter so there is no rush.<br />
<br />
So little time, if only I could knit and cook and clean and write selection criteria and sleep, at the same time.Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-29097635869290384712010-07-06T21:37:00.001+10:002010-07-06T21:37:10.670+10:00New beanie<p>I’m still working on quick, satisfying knits at the moment. I whipped up a new beanie for Master A in an evening. Using up some leftover baby merino. The colours have pooled in some very interesting ways. I previously made some socks for him out of this so it was really satisfying to use up the rest of the ball and destash!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TDMVW08mOiI/AAAAAAAAALs/tO-y6VYzoQc/s1600-h/new%20knot%20beanie%20side%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="New knot beanie side view" border="0" alt="New knot beanie side view" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TDMVX1tzTBI/AAAAAAAAALw/hu-UNTaIx74/new%20knot%20beanie%20side_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="473" /></a> </p> <p>Here is an above view. Yes, he is climbing that chair and deciding to sit sideways.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TDMVYonOOTI/AAAAAAAAAL0/tu95KnU8K4k/s1600-h/new%20beanie%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="new beanie" border="0" alt="new beanie" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TDMVZcX-PDI/AAAAAAAAAL4/7Awa8w02fL8/new%20beanie_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="537" /></a> </p> <p>I’m finally working on a cardigan that I started when I was pregnant, hoping that I might finish it before winter ends.</p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-30888218443488678062010-06-18T13:32:00.001+10:002010-06-18T13:32:31.080+10:00Toddler knits = quick satisfaction knits<p>Well I haven’t been around much on this blog of late, too busy after stepping up my work hours to maintain 2 blogs, baby and work so this blog is the one that suffered.</p> <p>I’ve managed to fit in a few crafty projects. The most satisfying ones are the quick knits that I have done for Master A. Two winter jumpers with a bit of striping or colour blocks. I’m still loving top down construction and now I’ve altered my technique for good. I do the sleeves as soon as possible and then work on the body. That way I don’t get sick of them so fast.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TBrouSq_B2I/AAAAAAAAALM/wYfkdZXNx_o/s1600-h/DSC06724%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC06724" border="0" alt="DSC06724" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TBrovHo4dNI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ksDQiX8FsRY/DSC06724_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="604" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TBrovjlMPVI/AAAAAAAAALU/0y9hpGd-49I/s1600-h/DSC06726%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC06726" border="0" alt="DSC06726" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TBrowZiEWTI/AAAAAAAAALY/7e-uT7ZmBGM/DSC06726_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="604" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>I designed this one with a little collar and v-neck style opening. I wanted some random stipes that matched back between the body and the sleeves. I’m really happy with the result. The neck opening is easy to pull on and off, so much so that Master A has worked out he can undress himself! The sleeves are a little long so hopefully it lasts for at least 6 months before he grows out of it.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TBroxEL_PHI/AAAAAAAAALc/v_w_1Q2mP58/s1600-h/DSC07246%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC07246" border="0" alt="DSC07246" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TBroxxIyrLI/AAAAAAAAALg/Zv_UQNHZAGQ/DSC07246_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="561" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TBroyt2_aJI/AAAAAAAAALk/epwBYINTDZ0/s1600-h/DSC07240%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC07240" border="0" alt="DSC07240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/TBrozRrqe-I/AAAAAAAAALo/vnpIiF-EN0U/DSC07240_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="823" /></a></p> <p>The next one I knitted is a round neck. Very basic with a few blocks of cream thrown.</p> <p>Next time… I’m still working on knee high socks for my sister, that were promised for last Christmas! Of course I am 8 rows from the end of the second sock and I have run of yarn so I will have to hunt through the stash to see if I have any swatches I can pull out and use.  </p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-37011176487384070902010-04-22T11:48:00.001+10:002010-04-22T11:48:21.910+10:00DSC00600<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_e10mKYHMLInw5s-KcQVI1KpXzV-vSucMLT8e2_uCiVHuK5kTMzxxYjqDppRybUESIu4H1VvXTQTv_WQtlIUk3PaPUZ53oMY1WAlWgfJrUgoeDGjXYvWz8ADxUFmKA6k44EUawVloDJk/s1600/DSC00600-701911.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_e10mKYHMLInw5s-KcQVI1KpXzV-vSucMLT8e2_uCiVHuK5kTMzxxYjqDppRybUESIu4H1VvXTQTv_WQtlIUk3PaPUZ53oMY1WAlWgfJrUgoeDGjXYvWz8ADxUFmKA6k44EUawVloDJk/s320/DSC00600-701911.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462772775974419970" /></a></p>Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-24513306188236645092010-01-25T22:01:00.001+11:002010-01-25T22:01:15.689+11:00Projects that are inspiring me at the moment<p>I’m really interested in trying a few new projects that I have seen around lately. I’ve bought an electronic copy of <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2009_fall.asp">Interweave Knits Fall 2009</a> (mostly because Borders wanted to sell it to me for $22 when I can get it electronically for US$9.99). Rosamund’s Cardigan is tweaking my creative urges and so is the Every Way Wrap, it doesn’t look much in the photo on the website, but after perusing the pattern I can see so many possibilities with this simple rectangle design. I’m even contemplating breaking out the knitting machine for a last hurrah. (Before I sell it off… give it away)</p> <p>I’ve also just picked up a copy of <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/271812365">One more skein</a> which I have had a quick flick through. I wish I had picked it up 11 months ago, as the baby projects are now a little too young for my boy. There is an interesting clutch purse knitted with fabric and chenille called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/silk-gelato-clutch-2" target="_blank">Silk Gelato Clutch</a>. I see some interesting possibilities with using up some of my fabric stash along with the yarn. I’ve seen a lot of denim knitted up but now I am thinking that some pink silk that I have in my stash may be best used on something like this.  </p> <p>Of course I will have to finish the socks that are on the needles first and I have still to work on my sister’s 30th birthday present from last year. </p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-91551229062076785142010-01-17T21:58:00.000+11:002010-01-17T21:58:00.171+11:00Re-fashion: singlet top<p>I’ve been seeing a lot of cute embellished singlet tops around and each time I think to myself that they are so simple and I should try my hand at doing one. I have tons of notions: ribbon, braids, beads, etc., that I can try out. So the other night I got inspired and pulled a few singlets from my wardrobe cull. I was going to send them to the charity shop so I would lose nothing by trying to be creative with these tops. </p> <p>Here is the first refashion.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S074_uavTvI/AAAAAAAAAKg/-bLNWcGKjS0/s1600-h/DSC05927%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Laying up the design" border="0" alt="Laying up the design" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S075AfrL2XI/AAAAAAAAAKk/uoz9z2EImVg/DSC05927_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S075BAQbBUI/AAAAAAAAAKo/AZOzJe6ACBg/s1600-h/DSC05937%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Testing out the design" border="0" alt="Testing out the design" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S075B7k9RYI/AAAAAAAAAKs/Z89jQayY79k/DSC05937_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I was really happy with the way the ribbon pleated over the shoulder and the addition of the lace trim to the neckline. I’ve since removed the lace on the bottom of the singlet as it was giving me too much tutu attitude and flaring the hips.</p> <p>Here is the second style attempt. In the end I didn’t add so many ribbons down the right hand side, but I did throw in some vintage buttons. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S075CYZBE4I/AAAAAAAAAKw/EUN2OaNRa3Y/s1600-h/DSC05921%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Before - plain singlet top " border="0" alt="Before - plain singlet top " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S075DFTbObI/AAAAAAAAAK0/Er_q_licVC0/DSC05921_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S075EBD_hNI/AAAAAAAAAK4/e3-ugGjcZ14/s1600-h/DSC05924%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="WIP - embellishments laid on" border="0" alt="WIP - embellishments laid on" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S075FKtFJgI/AAAAAAAAAK8/i5T-M-wBEBc/DSC05924_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>  </p> <p>I’m really happy with way the lace corsage ended up on the shoulder but disappointed with the ribbon stripes.</p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-9015761408035067472010-01-15T21:43:00.000+11:002010-01-15T21:43:00.260+11:00Re-fashion: jeans<p>I’ve done another cull of my wardrobe and found 2 pair of jeans that I really like but they don’t suit my figure so I decided to make them into some skirts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S071btYU0BI/AAAAAAAAAKY/F6YPZq2cDfU/s1600-h/DSC05935%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Re-fashion in progress" border="0" alt="Re-fashion in progress" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S071cUCYbxI/AAAAAAAAAKc/7JTq_L0BHbc/DSC05935_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342" /></a> </p> <p>Here is a beaded pair of jeans that I have turned into a below the knee skirt, it is A-line and asymmetrical. I have a half leg leftover with some nice embroidery that I think that I will turn into a bag of some kind.</p> <p>These jeans have only been worn once. They are stretch and way to long and baggy in the crotch. There is nothing worse than a pair of jeans that sag in the crotch and you are forever having to hitch up. So problem solved – take out the crotch! I’ve worn it three times in the last 2 weeks. It is now my favourite summer skirt.</p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-77954545214657307982010-01-14T21:38:00.001+11:002010-01-14T21:38:00.492+11:00Socks<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S07z_54ATnI/AAAAAAAAAKI/3XoL4RgmcJI/s1600-h/DSC05991%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Lacy anklets" border="0" alt="Lacy anklets" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S070Ahpt_0I/AAAAAAAAAKM/JqNb7UFmuUQ/DSC05991_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S070BHUzAPI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/v4qJrFBaWzE/s1600-h/DSC05993%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Plain soles" border="0" alt="Plain soles" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/S070B-TWPLI/AAAAAAAAAKU/25aROJOCKZM/DSC05993_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342" /></a></p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-87062889167469123192009-12-24T20:53:00.001+11:002009-12-24T20:53:14.326+11:00Sunshiny sunflowers<p>Well it is Christmas eve and I have done a tonne of cooking today in preparation for tomorrow. We made over 60 Greek shortbreads at lunchtime and I’m cooking a roast pork roll and roast chicken at the moment. It has been so hot today I couldn’t put the oven on for that long.</p> <p>Tomorrow looks like it will be a lot cooler and wetter.</p> <p>I went out into my tiny patch of garden this morning and managed to get a shot of a sunflower that has just opened up. It is gorgeous. I’ve never grown them before but I tossed some seeds in spring and this is the result. There are another 5 plants that are about to flower.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/SzM6AxxUTeI/AAAAAAAAAKA/0bOVBDg6Sqk/s1600-h/DSC05719%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Sunflower" border="0" alt="Sunflower" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/SzM6CUuDUmI/AAAAAAAAAKE/m_UOX1yGRvM/DSC05719_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="580" height="772" /></a>  </p> <p>So craft…</p> <p>I’ve just wrapped up a few presents without taking any photos so I’ll have to get people to model them for me.</p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-77633503314649914942009-12-21T15:25:00.001+11:002009-12-21T15:25:15.480+11:00Urgent Christmas Knitting in progress<p>Well it is only 4 days away and I’m still knitting some of my presents.</p> <p>Here is a quick update of the sock knitting</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Sy74nYlfE-I/AAAAAAAAAJw/83vE4kBRfGY/s1600-h/DSC05684%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Granpa's socks" border="0" alt="Granpa's socks" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Sy74oidHv2I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/L7vYTDUa-r0/DSC05684_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="454" /></a> </p> <p>These are Granpa’s socks, very plain blue ones. They are wrapped and at my Mum’s house waiting for the big day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Sy74pV2zQ8I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/8KTLi_630sg/s1600-h/DSC05714%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Grandad's socks in progress" border="0" alt="Grandad's socks in progress" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Sy74qgCA9cI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/mFKKN05nPkg/DSC05714_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="455" /></a> </p> <p>Here is one of my Grandad’s socks complete and one still in progress. I ran out of brown self-striping yarn so they are being finished off in a plain cream wool with a bit of the self striping mixed in. Hopefully they don’t look too strange.</p> <p>I have done another pair of socks but I didn’t get a picture of them so I’ll have to get a pic when they get opened.</p> <p>I’ve been quite productive over the last few days, sewing, beading and knitting. I’ll try and get pictures of things when they get unwrapped. </p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-8283331666271232952009-11-26T21:19:00.001+11:002009-11-26T21:19:11.767+11:00the flash… modelling the nappies<p>Ash wore some of his new nappies today and I tried to get a photo of him modelling them. He is crawling so fast that it is hard to get a good shot of him when he is still. Here are a couple of action shots that I managed to take.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Sw5WC9tLPtI/AAAAAAAAAJg/KMuwG72OD9M/s1600-h/DSC05578%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Cloth nappy" border="0" alt="Cloth nappy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Sw5WEfZ0ctI/AAAAAAAAAJk/PHueBqqBvY4/DSC05578_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="504" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Sw5WFeEJOsI/AAAAAAAAAJo/qZZQMJ1-xWM/s1600-h/DSC05579%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Alien covered bottom" border="0" alt="Alien covered bottom" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Sw5WHkq8PqI/AAAAAAAAAJs/1y0JTS8yZ4w/DSC05579_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="504" /></a>  </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>He needs some <a href="http://www.babylegs.com.au/" target="_blank">baby legs</a> now to protect his knees. The carpet is a little harsh on his chubby little knees.</p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-34893460170910993382009-11-22T23:09:00.001+11:002009-11-22T23:09:08.991+11:00Sewing: nappies... modern cloth style<p>Well I managed to sew 7 nappies on the weekend. They have been waiting around since July to be made up. So it was very satisfying to clear these out of my to do pile. I’m pretty happy with my technique now as well, doing 7 at once makes the process very efficient, as long as they are the same in colour anyway. The last lot I did all had different colour covers which meant a lot of thread changing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Swkp2gSkgBI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/dSWA6cE33aY/s1600-h/DSC05545%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Cloth nappies 6 green and 1 alien" border="0" alt="Cloth nappies 6 green and 1 alien" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Swkp3kiRjCI/AAAAAAAAAJU/B_MlpPWCnv4/DSC05545_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a> </p> <p>We’ve been a little slack on the cloth nappy front. Ash wears them about one day each week so we aren’t making much of an environmental saving with them. This is about to change now that we have about 3 days worth of cloth nappies, it means we can have half in the wash and the other half in use.</p> <p>I like the cute patterned polar fleece ones but they are a lot more bulky than the pul ones. I’ve run out of pul lining for the patterned ones as well so I’ll have to think about how many more I want to make. I got a little obsessed with cloth nappies at the end of my pregnancy and found a lot of great patterns and websites with information on making nappies, but the reality is that you really need the baby to check the fit and sizing. Now that Ash is a little bigger these nappies seem to fit a lot better and there are a lot less problems with leaks.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Swkp4Dw1d7I/AAAAAAAAAJY/J2ZKbaNNVlA/s1600-h/DSC05406%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Ash in another cloth nappy during hot weather" border="0" alt="Ash in another cloth nappy during hot weather" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Swkp46VKKfI/AAAAAAAAAJc/bmuQPpO3W5A/DSC05406_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="244" /></a></p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-60051909472359738472009-11-18T21:14:00.001+11:002009-11-18T21:14:38.155+11:00Weekend Knitting: a review<p>I’m still on my knitting book binge and picked up <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/52477131&referer=brief_results" target="_blank">Weekend knitting by Melanie Falick</a> earlier this week. I really like the idea of some quick projects to plough through before Christmas. Also the possibility of projects that are smallish and therefore not to hot to hold and knit in this 30 degree heat. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/SwPJCmPrZ6I/AAAAAAAAAJI/rwt22UCuXSg/s1600-h/weekend%20knitting%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="weekend knitting" border="0" alt="weekend knitting" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/SwPJDe1oooI/AAAAAAAAAJM/LKL79dcZeO4/weekend%20knitting_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" height="167" /></a> </p> <p>This is a great knitting book, it includes activities and recipes as well as stories behind the patterns. This style of writing makes it a book that you can pick up and read for pleasure as well as use for the patterns. It feels like a treat to be able to dip in and sample the short little vignettes and then move onto some good photographs alongside pattern notation.</p> <p>I can see a checkerboard, legwarmers, lace-edged pillowcases, argyle slippers, flower washcloths, fluffy lace camisole and a felted stash accessories bag in my future.</p> <p> I’m also very inspired by the finger puppets, I can see some of my fabric stash being coopted into little finger and hand puppets. </p> <p>The checkerboard has a new technique that I would like to try as well, double knitting. It really pays to read the notes the whole way through, now the pattern makes more sense. </p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-39918313707092017312009-11-15T15:23:00.001+11:002009-11-15T15:23:25.748+11:00How do other mums do it?<p>I read so many blogs of mums who craft and I am in awe of how they achieve so much. Where do they find the time? They appear to be reading just as many blogs as I do, they talk about multiple children. Where do they find the time?</p> <p>I feel exhausted even contemplating the crafty things that I want to do. I just packed away the knitting machine, I really don’t see myself getting the time. I’m seriously thinking of selling off all my beads. I’ve got a 90 litre tub full and they are just too dangerous to have around the little one. </p> <p>I have material cut out that just needs sewing up into some trousers for me and a pair for Ash. I think of doing it while he is having a nap, but then I don’t want to run the risk of waking him as he is just in the next room.</p> <p>Does your life feel cluttered? I feel that I have so many things on the go that I need to rationalise the clutter to make any kind of impact on my lifestyle. But then I think about how much I have invested in this clutter and get depressed at the thought of giving it the heave-ho with no recompense. </p> <p>There is always the thought that if I give it to charity it is doing good for others and the good will make it back around to me. But really has that ever happened? I give stuff to people, help people and I’m always pleasant and I rarely see others returning this sort of behaviour.</p> <p>I’m hoping the care/craft mix of my life will even out a bit in the next year as Ash gets more independent and we start getting regular sleep patterns. The irregular sleep is really impacting on my day-to-day activities, or lack there of.</p> <p>Ok bitch and moan over…</p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-87830659385283723132009-11-09T08:56:00.001+11:002009-11-09T08:56:12.081+11:00Toe up magic loop<p>Wow, why didn’t I try this earlier. Knitting socks from the toe up using my favourite bamboo circular needles is so easy. I only looked at the instructions once and then just powered ahead. That is pretty amazing for me, usually I have to pour over knitting instructions for ages to make sure I’ve got the technique correct but this time it just flowed all right.</p> <p>I’m starting on my Christmas knitting, I figure socks for the grans will be good as you always get cold feet in retirement homes/hostels. I’m going to create secret crazy socks. In other words I’m going to use up my left over painted sock yarn for the foot and make a conservative upper to peak out of the shoes. Hopefully they’ll see the humour and enjoy the hand knit gift.</p> <p>Here is a peak of the first toe-up sock I’ve done.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Svc-cdPiXXI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Xw3r8LNs66M/s1600-h/DSC05487%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The toe on the needles" border="0" alt="The toe on the needles" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Svc-dErAK3I/AAAAAAAAAI8/3meuw_cRJ_g/DSC05487_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Svc-d9zmoCI/AAAAAAAAAJA/7tsUDXPSsuw/s1600-h/DSC05486%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The toe and the yarn" border="0" alt="The toe and the yarn" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Svc-e-AhdWI/AAAAAAAAAJE/dgkCEl-tNNs/DSC05486_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-45110516816059425442009-11-02T22:21:00.001+11:002009-11-02T22:21:00.672+11:00I dipped back into the stripy bag<p>Okay confession time, after lunch I remembered a plan to make Ashby some cute onesies for summer and pulled a couple of really nice soft Bonds tees from the charity bag. Here are the rescued items. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Su7AmDemGEI/AAAAAAAAAIw/1xyUvjoFiz4/s1600-h/DSC05414%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Rescued Bonds tees" border="0" alt="Rescued Bonds tees" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Su7Am1rYb7I/AAAAAAAAAI0/jgJ0gD7arVw/DSC05414_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a> </p> <p>I’ll have to make some time for them soon. </p> <p>Maybe tomorrow. Melbourne Cup Day holiday (ACT)</p> <p>I really don’t like the Melbourne Cup Day holiday and will be glad to see it go next year. I’ve always really enjoyed working it, everyone is in a good mood, they usually have a nice lunch or afternoon tea. Everybody stops work to watch the race and then the rest of the afternoon is usually a write off because you’ve all had a glass of champagne. Those were the good days BC (before child)</p> <p>Any tips for the race?</p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-15138598019959028062009-11-02T12:09:00.001+11:002009-11-02T12:09:19.060+11:00Guilty secrets<p>I planned for this blog to be about my use and reuse of items within my stash or own collection of clothing. The trouble is that  I have run out of time. I go back to work this week :( and have been sorting through my wardrobe to make sure that I have clothes to wear for work. It was good to rediscover all my old friends but it has made me realise what a collector I have become. So I have done a massive cull. </p> <p>This has been surprisingly easy. A lot no longer fits. There are a lot of maternity clothes that will not be used again. So it is all packed up into stripy bags awaiting dropping off at a charity store. </p> <p> </p> <p>I’m feeling slightly guilty that I am not going to recycle some of this into clothes for Ashby but I know that he has plenty of clothing already so I don’t need to make more.</p> <p>So here they are…<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Su4xMPS55ZI/AAAAAAAAAIY/KE1LreRPW40/s1600-h/DSC05409%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Stripy bags full of clothes" border="0" alt="Stripy bags full of clothes" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Su4xMxWP64I/AAAAAAAAAIc/D5A5t_4f1gE/DSC05409_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p>proof of my consumerism. </p> <p>I did cull in January, when we moved house, but obviously not very well. It was very hard to do when I was 8 and a half months pregnant, and unsure what my figure would be like post baby.</p> <p>Luckily my figure is pretty good (gotta love breastfeeding) and I’ve returned to my pre-baby weight and maintained it for 5 months now. Sorry to brag, but if I get it down in writing then it is all the more reason to stick to it. My maintenance program once I return to work will be riding to work, plus walking with the pram every now and then.</p> <p>So you may be wondering if I have any clothing left. Yes I do, 2 wardrobes full. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Su4xNtGEQrI/AAAAAAAAAIg/ZHrrXjcdBGs/s1600-h/DSC05411%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC05411" border="0" alt="DSC05411" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Su4xODHhp8I/AAAAAAAAAIk/YxxdNS-JSEU/DSC05411_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Su4xO53UP1I/AAAAAAAAAIo/T50qG31Ph7U/s1600-h/DSC05413%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC05413" border="0" alt="DSC05413" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/Su4xPhHMGaI/AAAAAAAAAIs/AuxzzXpQds0/DSC05413_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>These pictures only show a portion of each as the doors hide the other parts. The leftovers need reorganising and I think that after that I will have to get into the shoes.  That will be really hard as I really love my shoe collection, but I can’t see myself wearing any of those stilettos anytime soon. They are not exactly walking with the pram type of shoes. </p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386950717801443394.post-9778496458004633052009-10-18T13:58:00.001+11:002009-10-18T13:58:28.354+11:00Sewing: Jeans<p>I’ve made the little one some jeans. They are so gorgeous but too big. It will probably only take about 2 months for him to grow into them but I am impatient because I'm so happy with how good they look. I’ve cut out another pair of pants that I’ll size down a little so that he can wear them now. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/StqESBpxziI/AAAAAAAAAII/sQ0gqlSoOGM/s1600-h/DSC053525.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Jeans - back, faux pocket flap with lion on it" border="0" alt="Jeans - back, faux pocket flap with lion on it" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/StqETJaXX9I/AAAAAAAAAIM/ZiyRMzfwiy0/DSC05352_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444" /></a> </p> <p>I’ve just realised that I don’t have a photo of the finished front. Here is one in progress. I did faux pockets on the front, just stitched them on.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/StqEUBrqjpI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/vfTSZbQfJak/s1600-h/DSC053356.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Front - in progress" border="0" alt="Front - in progress" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ONuUIhnlul8/StqEU3uOH7I/AAAAAAAAAIU/bUVqD5E6MqQ/DSC05335_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a>I'm loving making trousers for Ash, they are so quick and easy, especially when I just do an elastic waist to make it easy to get over the nappy butt. </p> Jadehousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08327894530657075425noreply@blogger.com2