A Baby Shower

My partners best friend is expecting baby number 1 in March and last weekend we went to the baby shower. 50 or so ladies all going gaga for the soon to be here little boy. I of course was sent to the sewing room in the week before and asked to make some gifts and that I did - and I even remembered to get pictures (last minute I will admit!)

First up I made a gorgeous (by my own admission) blanket/wrap. It is made from 100% cotton flannellete and a satin binding where I added eyelet lace and then weaved contrasting ribbon through. While a tad fiddly (is that even how you spell it??) it turned out really well.

Then it was a little jumper as it will be coming into winter here. I appliqued a rocket onto the front and it looks "rocking" bahahaha.......lame I know.....I also added a dummy clip in matching fabric.

Lastly I made a total scrap fabric inspired "monster"doll. I nearly didn't gift this as I was totally in love with it!!!!!!!! (The picture is terrible, this is what happens when you remember you wanted to take pictures of them as you are starting to wrap them about 10mins before heading out the door!!!!!!!!)

He is sooooooo cute!!!!!! Everyone at the baby shower was completely shocked that I made every part of our gift - but of course I would have it no other way :)

mmmmmmm a spot of baking!

Our new years resolution for both of us was to drop a few kilos for a healthier life. It is actually going really well, however the other day (more like the other week lol) my cousin, his partner, my cousins two boys and his niece were calling in on their way home from a trip up north and I was met with a dilemma - no food in the house for entertaining. Of course I could have walked to the shops, but I decided lets see what I can come up with.

The result - this gorgeous cranberry oat and honey bread I made it true to the recipe with the exception I didn't have enough honey so I topped it up with golden syrup. It was truely delightful and the verdict from the kids aged 13,13 and 11 - "Love it!!!!!!!" Thumbs up all round! So much so my poor partner missed out altogether!

I have to say the one thing I am missing about weight loss is baking - I love mixing something up and having the house smell delightful (I don't miss the washing up though lol) The mother-in-laws 50th is coming up so I am thinking I could get my chance :)

A little Craft Time

Summer here has been exceptionally cool and I have been feeling the need to crochet and knit. Now while I never quite got that granny ripple blanket finished from Christmas, it is a project I do want to complete, but love the joy of something new!!!! So hence coat hanger cover thingy's lol - basically old nanna crafty item number 1!!!!

I came across this tutorial for the coat hanger covers, which is written in Dutch. I don't read a word of Dutch, but one look at the pictures I had it sorted. I have written a basic tutorial below in English to help you get on the way. But make sure you check out the original site as the pics alone are gorgeous and easy to follow!!!!!

BASIC TUTORIAL: These are really really simple and you only need to know any crochet stitch, whether it be single, double, half double or treble. Chain about 15 stitches (or however many you need to fit around the coat hanger) then just working back and forth in rows till it is about the same lenth as the coat hanger. Sew the ends together and slip the hanging part of the coat hanger through the middle. Using any joining method you feel fit, join the bottom and your done!!!! So simple.


I think I will probably do a few more over time just to spruce up the wardrobe :)

Christmas Wrap Up!!!!

Ok, now I am aware it is now well into 2012, but I finally got around to downloading the pictures from Christmas and wanted to share with you this photography technique I came across one day while scrolling blogs. It is called "Bokeh" basically you make shapes out of lights by placing a "cover" over the lens with a small shape (or just a hole) cut out of it and what better time to try it than at Christmas with all its fairy light goodness :)

I love this one of our Christmas snow globe :-)

We also got some lovely flowers from a friend for Christmas and I just had to get a picture of them with the vibrant orange colours!!!!

I do love the festive season but I have to say this year I was glad for it to be over! Moving on to a bigger and better 2012!!!!