Monster Knits

Detoxing and a tale of two juicers

2011-07-15T22:02:00.001+10:00

I apologise if this is mind-numbingly boring for my crafty readers, I have 3 WIPs almost finished and I promise my next post will be an update on them plus it's mighty time I had a give away.

~~~~~

After an all too brief break (with a quick trip down to Melbourne) I'm now back studying for another semester. Each subject passed brings me closer to the end goal but along the way I've picked up some nasty habits in order to cope with the stress of balancing a family and uni life, mainly a tendency for crap foods mainly sugar based. It had become a ritual to eat a packet of lollies or chocolate while writing an essay or getting ready for an exam, a ritual that needed breaking.

So a couple of weeks ago I decided I'd had enough and went about starting on a detox. I've mainly been having vegetables juices with a few nuts and dried fruits and feel fantastic. The first couple of days were rough and I ended up with a constant headache but I think that was partly due to not drinking enough water.

~~~~~~~

Mr Monsterknits has now joined me and as we are using the juicer everyday have been reading up more about the types of juicers out there.

We currently have the common centrifugal type which grinds the fruit and vegetables then pushes the extracted juice through a strainer by spinning at a very high rpm.

We wanted to see the difference between the Breville we have and a masticating type juicer which chews the fibre and are meant to give a higher quality juice due to the slower juicing process. The Champion juicer we borrowed runs on a higher rpm than other masticating juicers but it was interesting to see the difference.

Into both juicers we added 2 carrots, 1 celery stick, 1 large spinach leaf, 1 medium apple, 1/4 fresh beetroot and a knob of ginger.

The results:

On the left is the Champion and the right is the Breville. The Champion juice is darker as it looks like it juiced more of the spinach than the Breville although the both had similar amounts of froth.

The Champion juice taste was fuller, richer and just nicer.

I'm not sure the Champion is the best juicer for us though, there are others out there that have a lower RPM so keep the juice keeps longer and retains more nutrients.

~~~~~~~

So tell me, have you ever done a detox? Were you left feeling better in the long term or was it too easy to go back to your old eating habits?

{this moment} The cheekiest 2 and three quarters year old

2011-06-19T19:28:00.001+10:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Creative Friday:: Artistic Anatomy

2011-05-14T19:05:00.003+10:00

A day late as I couldn't get into blogger but as they say better late than never. As most of you know I'm studying nursing and as overwhelming as anatomy and physiology for someone who last did science in high school, I love learning about the body and how it works. I'm also more than impressed by the amazing anatomical drawings contained in my text books and decided this week to knock two birds over with one stone by doing a bit of creative studying.

::Detail::

Above: Ovum

These are papercuts, ink and watercolour on Hahnemühle paper.

Below: Muscles of the eye

I even labelled the muscles, who said learning A&P can't be fun?

Denim scrap ideas

2011-04-23T17:56:00.000+10:00

I have been searching for a few months for a replacement for my very worn denim skirt. This has been my goes with everything skirt for the past 7 years and it really was looking worse for wear. After scouting the stores and not finding what I was after (not everyone wants a skirt that is only slightly longer than a belt) I found the perfect dark denim stretch skirt in an op shop for $1. Only problem was it was a couple of inches too long however that was easy to fix. Now I have some denim scraps (plus a bit leftover from the bag I made last year) and a quick search came up with some great ideas.

Like this great door mat from Lolly Knitting around

A sewn version here made from waistbands

Love the denim wallet idea

or even a chair, cape, meditation mat

What have you made with your denim scraps?

{this moment}

2011-03-29T11:53:00.003+11:00

Inspired by Waldorf Mama, a single moment in time

this week, i am grateful for...

:: completing my first anatomy exam and becoming one little step closer to becoming a nurse

:: the cooler autumn weather bringing out the vibrantly coloured leaves

:: being able to spend time with the littlest ones while the bigger ones are at school

blink and the time is gone

2011-02-13T23:08:00.001+11:00

I've been meaning to update my little blog before this but I'd been having problems logging in and all of a sudden it's February. Life is flying along, school's back and the little ones are also going to preschool/daycare 3 days a week this year so I can have a bit more time to study.With the semester start date creeping closer I've been madly finishing up a few projects that I know I won't get time later.

I needed a new bag that would fit my netbook, a few books, pens and calculator. Using this tutorial and some brown cotton canvas I made this today. Although it looked quite easy it took a lot longer than expected but I'm really happy with the end result. Next time I'd like to add a side pocket and make the front flap as long as the bag.

My glasses case needed a spruce up at the same time. I had some mod podge (which I have only just realised is not called modge podge) lying around and it was time I tried it out. There a a few tutorial on how to cover things using mod podge but I kind of winged it in the end.

It turned out ok although doesn't close as easily as it once did.

I hate doing these round up type of posts and each time I do one I vow to make sure I'm posting things as I make them. However I guess it's better than not posting at all.
As you can see I've started to crochet and just had to have a new case for my hooks. The cushion cover in the top and bottom rows is Woolganic organic merino in their new Steiner Waldorf range of bulky weight yarn. It's seriously soft with a gorgeous range of colours, I wish I lived in a cooler climate as I would love a thigh length coat made from this. Also pictured is a couple of crochet discloths in cotton yarns and a bird decoration from this blog. If you want to learn how to crochet go and see Lucy's site, it's filled with great free tutorials with step by step photos.

Thanks for reading, I won't leave the gap between posts so long next time.

wordless Wednesday

2010-12-29T14:44:00.000+11:00

see more here

Handmade Christmas

2010-12-27T14:34:00.002+11:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, it's been very wet here so we've had a lot of indoor play and when that gets too much going outside to jump in puddles and bounce on the trampoline in the rain.

This year Mr. MK and I got a head start on presents and made as many home-made things as we could and I'm really proud of our accomplishments and how well they were received by their recipients.

There is quite a list so I hope I don't overload you with photos.

Needle Fairy house (pattern here) This cute little castle hold sewing needles but you can also make it for crochet hooks or DPNs

Tree Monster (based loosely on this pattern)

Case for an iphone made to look like a ghettoblaster

Padded case for a DSLR and lens bag (Bag based on this tutorial but I didn't create the flap. Instead I sewed on a loop and added a button. The inner is two layers of camping mat cut into pieces and the outer fabric is canvas cotton from Ikea. The padded lens bag is a simple drawstring bag with thick fleece inner)

Treehouse made by Mr MK, this was a labour of love and turned out just as planned.

So many details, little ladders

a place for the fairies

and an unusual shaped elevator

and it's the perfect spot for the Kraul cable car

This was a TV cabinet in a past life now being well loved as a tool bench

and lastly a little steiner doll for the smallest one (made using a mix of this tutorial and this one but using a formed head)

Phew, thanks for making it to the end. There is one more but it's for little red's birthday on Friday. I'll post photos after that.

Hiding in the toadstool forest

2010-12-21T12:09:00.000+11:00

It's nice and shady here so I might stay awhile but once I get back I'll show you how to make your own.

excuse the mess

2010-12-12T11:54:00.000+11:00

I'm trying out a few templates while I try and update my blog as I'm really sick of having my photos out of alignment. Hopefully I can find something to fix this and spruce up the joint at the same time.

Gift from a gorgeous friend

2010-12-12T10:49:00.001+11:00

These gorgeous christmas trees were a gift from Kris from Bowl of Stones (check out her blog for other craft and great homeschooling and parenting ponderings)

They are currently decorating our window sill but would make a lovely centrepiece for the table.

To add to the festive look (and to entertain E who's on school holidays) we've been making window stars. This large one was made a while ago but we've since divided the paper in four and made smaller ones which are harder to fold but look great when placed together.

Make your own with some of these tutorials I found online

Garden Mama's waldorf stars

Arwen Art

Duo Fibreworks

You can buy the kite paper at Little Sparrow

The birthday

2010-12-12T10:32:00.000+11:00

Following on from the last post I thought I should post a photo of the finished cake. DD had a great birthday party and the cake went down well, it's carob cake with jam and cream centre and topped with vanilla icing and coconut I coloured with natural colouring.

After a big hunt I also found natural sprinkles in woolies and made some cupcakes to match

My creative space

2010-12-02T13:18:00.002+11:00

Creative spaces, originally uploaded by Triggerish.

Back home and despite what my blog reads things have been very busy in the lead up to Christmas. It's also my eldest's 6th birthday at the end of the month but as it's much too crazy a time we are holding her party this weekend. The little mushrooms are going to be the cake toppers along with a red haired fairy. Now off to research how to make green coconut for the grass without the use of artificial colouring.

See more creative spaces here

Savouring the last days of cool weather

2010-11-01T10:55:00.000+11:00

Don't get me wrong, summer is a great time of year what with the many celebrations but where I live gets so hot and humid that I miss those gorgeous cool days. Crafting winter things is one way to put off thinking about it for a while.

This frosty penguin made it way here on his own iceberg

pattern from Winterwood's book, Sew soft toys

Denim and cool blues make a great combination

and the gnomes got so cold they built themselves a fire

The Monsterknits family is South Australian bound next week, average temps are 10 degrees cooler than here so I may even get to wear the vest I am knitting. See you when we get back.

Catchup in images

2010-10-06T22:06:00.001+11:00

A little distraction from study otherwise known as what I have been up to since I last posted. I'm starting to get more of a handle on the whole sewing thing and a big pile of Burda magazines landed in my mail box today so I'm looking forward to the summer break.

Temptation

2010-09-15T09:09:00.002+10:00

One bad thing about having a friend open a gorgeous new yarn and fabric store locally, my willpower is going to be seriously tested. I snuck a little of this to die for Saffron Craig Elk landscape to make this cute little bag based on this easy fat quarter bag tutorial and pattern.

and added a little pocket a'la this tute

and a lined project bag based on the great tutorial here

You can see the other great goodies over at Elissa's new blog, Evoke Yarn & Fabric

with the grand opening this Saturday, hope to see you there!

Tutorial:: Putting the smile back on their face

2010-08-28T10:47:00.000+10:00

Or how to replace a Steiner/Waldorf doll's embroidery without undoing the wig.

Step 1: Thread a long doll needle with desired colour of embroidery thread and knot the end. Snip close to the knot and pass through from the back to one side of the mouth

Step two: Pull the thread back through and pass underneath the hair and then back through to the front

Step three: continue this step until the mouth is as full as you'd like (normally two or three stands) and then you are ready to finish off. It's important that the knots are secure or the thread will come out through play.
I've included a couple of photos to show you how I do this.

Do this once more and trim the thread and push back under the hair and you're all done

a little crafting

2010-08-22T16:39:00.002+10:00

Reversible doll's shirt from this pattern

I've been wanting to make a few tops like that for the girls so this was good practise. Really cute easy to sew pattern.

Weaving tutorial at Natural Suburbia

2010-08-17T22:32:00.000+10:00

This blog was linked on Ravelry and I know at least a few of my readers would love the great tutorials over there. Linda is a South African home schooling mother of four and finds the time to share her talents with the world.

This weaving tutorial is one I have planned for the weekend, so simple and clever!

Natural Suburbia: Weaving

Papercuts

2010-08-09T14:04:00.000+10:00

My new obsession, a old artform consisting of cutting designs into paper with scissors or a knife. Best of all it's relatively mess free and easy to pack away and pick up again later (essential with children)

So far I've only made this Fantastic Mr Fox papercut but I have many ideas for more (including a couple of yarn themed ones)

Check out some of my favourite paperart artists though, there are some very, very talented (and patient) people out there

http://jacquelinenicholls.blogspot.com/

http://elsita.typepad.com/allaboutpapercutting/

http://papercutting.blogspot.com/

http://skinnylaminx.com/

http://www.artyulia.com/

http://rob-ryan.blogspot.com/

Look at me, I'm on a roll

2010-08-09T13:20:00.002+10:00

No, not that kind of roll

and definitely not that kind either.

I'm on a sewing roll after I finally got off my bum and took my over locker to be repaired and serviced. I'd forgotten how easy clothes are with an OL.

This is the result of one night's work with almost all of the material coming from opshops (and then sitting in my stash for 5+ years)

Being modelled by my super shy 5yr old

I even finished the advent calender and only 8 months late

Now off to get some study done, one exam done and one more on Wednesday and then nothing until the end of semester. Ah, I see some more sewing days ahead.

P.S The filmstrip was a free download from this amazing photogragher who also has loads of other tutorials.

A month in photos

2010-07-26T11:18:00.001+10:00

Lucky me!

2010-06-27T12:26:00.001+10:00

I received an email this morning letting me know I'd won 2 skeins of Shibui sock yarn from Little Country Wools a NZ store specialising in hard to find yarns. The hardest part was choosing the colours as they are all so beautiful.

I ended up going for the Mulberry and Bark

to make an Andrea's Shawl (Ravelry Link)

Little Country Wools have their Shibui Yarns on special for NZ$14 (~AUS$11.50) a skein for the next 48 hours. Check out all the colours here

Winter is here

2010-06-25T17:25:00.000+10:00

My favourite season. Here on the north coast it means sunny days drinking chai in the sun, chilly afternoons and nights around the fire playing games and drinking hot chocolate. It's such a short season and before you know it the days are heating up again (even now the days hover around 20 degrees)

The beautiful winter solstice ceremony at my daughter's school is such a privilege to take part in and it's been wonderful to see how much she has blossomed since the same time last year

Our nature table is looking a bit bare

but at least the root children have a warm place to sleep until springtime comes

Communal dyeing

2010-06-25T17:07:00.000+10:00

Much more fun than it sounds.

A day of a house full of dye stained hands, food and laughter with the faint smell of wet wool.

Ellie came home from school and wanted to join in the fun and luckily there was one skein of the new woolganic 12ply/bulky left. I then jumped at the chance to try out this gorgeously squishy merino and made Ellie a little shrug and some super cute doll's longies for the little one's birthday (next week, wow that went fast!)

One more

2010-06-05T11:12:00.000+10:00

Summer fairy to add to the group

and an apron for the winter fairy

The whole set

Nature/ Seasonal table fairies

2010-06-04T11:18:00.004+10:00

Winter is upon us and so the time has come to change the nature table. Last season a lovely friend made our beautiful autumn doll and made it look so easy I thought I'd have a go. Mine is not up to her standards but the children like her and she has the wintery feel so that's all that matters to me.

While I had the materials out and was on a roll I started on a spring fairy and I'm really proud of her. She has pink and white flowers on her skirt, a white rabbit adorns the side and she carries a basket for her spring fruits and vegies.

The three fairies together; autumn, winter and spring

Links I love

2010-05-29T21:39:00.002+10:00

should be studying for my exam next week so of course I am getting the overwhelming urge to create. Mostly that has consisted of blog surfing to add to my ever growing list of things to make however I have snuck in a little knitting. I can now hold my head high amongst the knitting world as I am now the proud owner of a completed Clapotis just in time for winter.

I also whipped up this quick bolero/ shrug (based on the GG shrug pattern) and a coat for our new dog Daisy Pumpkin

With a newly repaired over-locker and most of June free once the exam is over my attention has turned to sewing so I hope you'll indulge me while I share some of my finds.

Left to right- top row 1. Toddler Yoga Pants 2. Gathered Pillow Covers 3. Reversible Bag

middle row 4. Scrappy Clutch 5. Bike Basket 6. Ruffled peasant top

Bottom row 7. Lace applique 8. Felt garland 9. Swingy summer tank dress

Olearia- photo heavy

2010-04-26T12:26:00.001+10:00

I was lucky enough to be asked to test a new pattern from the very talented Tikki

I did the version 2 cardigan but it also comes with instructions for a shrug and long sleeved cardigan with endless options to customise.

Pattern: Olearia

Yarn: Woolganic 8ply organic merino in 'Kundalini'

Needles: 3.25mm and 4mm circulars

Size: 6

Update: See the pattern on Ravelry here

Joy!

2010-04-19T14:53:00.003+10:00

One assignment complete, three more to go with one of those tomorrow. Counting down the days until semester break when I can breathe again.

A bit of craft + Angus turns 3 in pictures

2010-04-12T19:51:00.002+10:00

The egg was made using this tutorial (we used them for easter but they will become homes for the root children later)

Gnomes sewn by Ellie

Felt birthday crown- Tutorial here

for the ~~little~~ big guy

With his cake, a pink tractor with licorice wheels.

Tutorial- Marbled easter eggs (photo heavy)

2010-04-02T17:14:00.002+11:00

Using these instructions we made our easter eggs today so I've added some photos for a little tutorial

Supplies needed:

Oil
Vinegar
Food Colouring
Paper Towel (or dishcloths)
Washed blown eggshells
Containers or cups
Spoons

Instructions and photos after the jump

How to make it:

In each container combine one tablespoon of each of the following: oil, vinegar, and your choice of food coloring.
Add enough water to make the liquid deep enough to cover an egg.
Swirl the liquid with a spoon, and quickly lower and raise an egg into it.
Pat dry with a paper towel, and repeat with a second color.
Swirl into a third color, if desired. Some white areas can be left on the egg.
Gently pat dry the completed egg, leaving a bit of the oil to give the egg a varnished look.

and our results

Welcoming Autumn

2010-03-21T23:51:00.001+11:00

Yellow the bracken,

Golden the sheaves,

Rosy the apples,

Crimson the leaves,

Mist on the hillside,

Clouds grey and white,

Autumn, good morning!

Summer, good night!

Steiner verse from here

Our nature table is very much a work in progress, this is the first proper one we've had as little fingers would always find a way to 'borrow' parts. This is now displayed in our buffet and when little one is older we'll move it down. The gorgeous Autumn fairy was a gift from the gorgeous woman over here.

Upcycled t-shirt skirt and legwarmers tutorial

2010-03-07T22:20:00.000+11:00

Following on from my last post, in a bid to use of some of my material stash I started making some simple kid's skirts with yoga style fold over waistbands. E choose some green cord but I didn't have any stretch cotton which would match. I was about to ask her to choose a different material when this old bonds shirt waiting to be taken to the op-shop caught my eye. I've posted this up as a tutorial but as it's my first I've neglected to take photos of a few steps. I hope it can be followed anyway.

Materials

Cotton or corduroy (I used a piece 35"x 24" for a 24" waist on a 5yr old)
Old stretchy T-shirt (I used a size 0 bonds) Long sleeves if you want to make matching legwarmers

Cut the t-shirt along the red lines

You can leave the arms or hem and you have your legwarmers (worn with with the cuff at the top)

Take the main material and with right sides facing sew along the open side

As this waistband is made to fold down, take the t-shirt and with the main skirt peice inside out, have the t-shirt with it's wrong wide facing the skirt. Pin at each seam and join making sure to stretch the waistband as you go.

Turn right way out and hem the bottom

Ellie also wanted a pocket so I popped that on by folding and seaming the top and then sating stitching it on.

The complete outfit, I would normally iron while I sew but miss destructo was about and it was safer not to.

If you can't already tell, sewing is still quite new to me and a lot of what I have learnt comes from online tutorials. I'm not sure if this will be useful to anyone but it has taught me just how much work goes into making a decent tute and for everyone that finds the time to do that I thank you wholeheartedly.

Sew productive Sunday

2010-03-07T21:35:00.003+11:00

My material stash is completely over the top for someone who only gets to sew a few times a year so today I set to rectify that. After halving the stash and vowing to actually use what is left got me all inspired so I dusted off the sewing machine and set to work.

First up, a long overdue school bag for E.I used Diary of a Quilter's great tutorial, made it a little smaller and it took less than 15 minutes.

I even whipped up a matching headband with the scraps

Ellie gave her best 'Blue steel" pose

These are so easy, I'm going to be making up more. If anyone is interested I'll write out a tutorial.

Then it was onto skirts, I found this half finished in my material box and I think I may have started it before I bought my latest sewing machine. Many things were abandoned around that time*

A new waistband and a hem and it's done and I love it (the hems of the skirts weren't done when I took the photos, I figured I'd knock over getting the length right and getting a photo at the same time)

and a skirt for the little one. Stashbusting some purple cord and heart print knit as the waistband.

There is one more but I'll post it separately as I made a {cue fanfare} tutorial! Let me know what you think (please)

* Due to my awful, awful, awful sewing machine, which was a cheap bottom of the range singer. I now own a vintage Janome that sews beautifully and is much quieter.

Today

2010-02-25T21:25:00.001+11:00

25th February, originally uploaded by Triggerish.

Was meant to be about study but was more about finding was to avoid it.

This week I returned to uni after my 18mth break, studying nursing. These are my first internal subjects which means lots of group work and voicing opinions to the class. I have to admit just the thought of having to talk to others and form a coherent sentence after not only being away from study for so long but also having major mummy brain filled me with dread.

However I am pleased to report that not only did I manage to get my ideas out, I discovered that my brain isn't broken after all and it's just around my children that I find problems finishing a sentence or finding the right word. I wonder why that is........

The image is from a flickr group I am part of but haven't posted in until now, not sure if my daggy wear will cut it amongst the fashionistas but I'll have fun drawing until I realise I only have 4 or 5 outfits I wear despite a cupboard of clothes.

I did have a small amount of uncertainty towards studying nursing and wondering I should still be studying Art but at just the right time I ran into a friend who eased my apprehensiveness and told me of the many nurses who are also practising artists and put on exhibitions as fund-raisers towards medical research or charities. I think that helped me realise that my identity as an Artist/Art student does not have to disappear just because I am working in another area. In fact, one of the things that drew me to nursing (pardon the pun) is it's diversity and my skills may still come in handy later on.

Two Cheese Please custom stamp giveaway

2010-02-20T10:57:00.001+11:00

Gorgeous, detailed quirky stamps by a very talented craftisan. Be sure to enter over at Two Cheese Please and if you are on twitter become a follower here

Useful things

2010-02-18T22:08:00.001+11:00

Two sites I have come across lately that I found so handy I want to share them with you. First up is f.lux a program that allows you to enter your location and it adjusts the colour warmth of your screen so it becomes softer and easier on your eyes at night. All done automatically at sunset and sunrise with the option to turn it off if you need colour accuracy.

f.lux makes your computer screen look like the room you're in, all the time. When the sun sets, it makes your computer look like your indoor lights. In the morning, it makes things look like sunlight again.

The other is Listmoz an online list keeper that's quick, easy and require no registration.

Ah, whatever did I do before the internet?

Forest Canopy Shawl

2010-02-03T22:34:00.002+11:00

Forest Canopy Shawl, originally uploaded by Triggerish.

My goodness it's been a long time, I've missed you little blog and my lovely readers. I hope everyone had a wonderful Solstice/Christmas/New years.

School holidays are now over (finally I say!) and a bit of calm is creeping back. 2010 is set to be a busy year. T is in class 5, E is in her second year of kindgerarten and A starts at a local preschool tomorrow. I will also be starting my first year of Nursing which after having been away for so long I'm a bit nervous about. Luckily I still have knitting to keep me sane (although even that is being replaced by photography more and more)

This is the very easy to follow Forest Canopy Shawl made in the insanely gorgeous Lorna's Laces Lion & Lamb Multi a blend of silk and wool. I did make this for my mum's birthday back in January and even though I got it finished in time, blocking it took a bit longer. I'm half hoping she doesn't like it so I get to keep it, if you haven't tried this yarn you must!

I thought a change of look might motivate to post more often, what do you think? The template was from My template Box

Schnitzel gets a friend

2009-12-19T11:51:00.003+11:00

Meet Gizmo

who loves to hang out with her pal Schnitzel

Pattern here and here (hat my own pattern)

and the cutie pie who inspired me to knit Gizmo

Hot and Not

2009-12-13T22:56:00.003+11:00

Following along with LoobyLu (although a bit late)

Hot:

Ikea's new range of fabrics

Finding out I've won some gorgeous Heather Bailey fabric from Kelani
Bloggers who post tutorials- I ♥ you! This week we've made a stampede of horse from Ann Wood's template and some dress up paper dolls from Kiddley and I'm starting a list for the school holidays.
Cherries and mangoes- need I say more

Not

Bush fires- there have been some in the area and while none have been too close it's always a worry. S is in the process of joining the RFS and we are getting our fire plan in order so at least we'll be well prepared.
Time- where does it go? it's almost Christmas and I still haven't sewn the advent calndar kit I bought (I've cut it out, that counts for something right?) It's first on my list for tomorrow but sewing just seems like such a chore compared with knitting which I can take anywhere and won't wake the kids.
Which brings me to my last point- non sleeping kids or more accurately kid (and not always the same one) But this too shall pass (I hope)

See more hot and nots over at LoobyLu's place

Xmas crafting

2009-12-11T16:01:00.002+11:00

Things just got so busy here coupled with the heat meant no blog posts but things have been getting done here.

Mr Monsterknits got to work straight away on the Christmas tree and I love what he came up with. I didn't manage to snap a photo before the small people stole most of the baubles but I assure you it looked great.

and Schnitzel got a hat before being sent to live at his new house.

His friend is almost complete but on the small chance the recipient reads my blog I'll just post a small teaser.

How's your Christmas crafting going?

Schnitzel's day out

2009-11-27T12:54:00.003+11:00

Meet Schnitzel

Who had high hopes of joining in the doggy games

but found he was took slow for chasing sticks

He tried wrestling

but was overpowered

He thinks he might just stick to being cute

Handprinted fabric- Christmas style

2009-11-19T19:45:00.003+11:00

I have looked everywhere for a decent non-kitschy Advent calendar and was so excited to see Kristen Doran has begun to print her own. I met Kristen at the Stitches and Craft show in Brisbane earlier this year and she's as lovely as she is talented. Angus has this great bag made by JoJo (Jodie Gray) from Kristin's Robot panel and we get people asking all the time where it came from.

She had two Christmas paenls, the green above includes the pockets to complete the Advent or you can use the red panel and could even stretch it over a canvas or frame

This one is next on my list, it would make a gorgeous cushion cover

Sweet giveaway at Sweet Tidings

2009-11-19T15:49:00.003+11:00

Head over to Sweet Tidings to enter for a chance to win one of these great 'Where the Wild Things are' crowns.

and while you are there check out The Rice Babies store

I bought Ellie a Lily softie, isn't she adorable?

The bells are jingling

2009-11-17T22:15:00.002+11:00

Step into any store at the moment and you will most likely be reminded of the fact that Christmas is on it's way.

After trying not too make too big of deal I have given in slightly and to make it a bit more special we need a tree. A proper one unlike the poor Frangipani last year

Apart from buying another potted plant, the options are a cut tree or a plastic one. I found this great blog post outlining the pros and cons of each option and had some great ideas at the end

Even eco-friendlier

* Decorate a houseplant.

* Buy a potted tree that can be planted in your yard after the holidays

* String up lights on a tree in your front yard.

* Build your own wooden tree.

Build your own? now that sounds more like it!
I found these for inspiration, I love this one but have no idea where to get driftwood from here (I had such a large supply when I lived in Newcastle)
and this
and for something different a tree made from 300 recycled water bottles that hangs suspended in the air. It's from an Artist at Paprika

I think with a bit of imagination we can come up with something workable, I'll post back with our results.

All Hallow's Eve

2009-11-01T15:34:00.001+11:00

Replenished

2009-10-28T14:43:00.002+11:00

“Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain”

Shhhh, be very quiet

2009-10-17T11:04:00.004+11:00

Out in the garden today I had a rare glimpse of the shy and elusive organic chicken emerging from their shell and captured them in this series of photographs for you.

Crack begin to show in the shell

a foot! And look it seems to be holding something....

It's the winner of the Blogaversary giveaway- congratulations JennaZ!

and there he is, the organic chicken is all it's glory

Ready to hit the town

Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway

Giveaway over at Handmade Kids

2009-10-15T16:37:00.002+11:00

Super dooper cute material from the Oz Material Girls.

Check it out here

and don't forget my give-away finishes tomorrow, I've found a few more things to add too.

Hair Clips

2009-10-13T16:23:00.002+11:00

Using the tutorial here

Giveaway: Blogaversary pressies

2009-10-09T17:35:00.002+11:00

3 years ago today the Monster Blog was started, back then Elissa and I were only dyeing for our own knits and selling them embellished and we one of the first Australian dyers for the cloth nappy knitters.
Today Elissa is off to bigger and better things and I find it hard to get any time to knit or dye any more.
This blog has become less and less about knits and so I think it might be time for a new name.

So to give-away I have up for grabs a skein of Woolganic Organic merino hand dyed in my 'Rainforest Dreaming' colourway, a skein of semi solid green older style woolganic (a much thinner 8ply) and a ball of Gondwana 8ply Woolganic.

To enter:
Leave a comment after this post and tell me your suggestions for a new name for the Monster Knits blog
Extra entries if you post about the giveaway on your own blog (come back and tell me)

Entries close on the 16th of October and the winner will be drawn at random

Coming this week

2009-10-06T09:22:00.002+11:00

My Blog-iversary!
......and my birthday

and to celebrate you get the presents.
More info on Friday.

Gifted

2009-09-26T23:06:00.002+10:00

patterns, originally uploaded by Triggerish.

Who said I don't have friends with connections?

These came all the way from a Western Australian Op shop and I do hope they aren't wasted on me. I hear Enid Gilchrist is a bit of a sewing legend.

Drafting patterns sounds scary but the patterns are so damm cute (and I am imagining what material to make them in already) so I'm going to have to force myself to learn. Tips from the sewing gurus most welcome!

P.S thanks for the well wishes, my knee is feeling much better now.

Saturday

2009-09-21T20:02:00.003+10:00

A day that has been talked about for months, the annual Spring Fair & Open Day at their school.

A day where all the parents mingle and the children frolic while listening to great music and eating wholesome food.

A day that nourishs the soul.

After lunch, A decided it would be fun to take off his pants and run through the crowd of people and silly me gave chase.

That's when I felt my knee cap slip out of place and down I went.
As luck would have it there was not only a doctor but quite a few people with senior first aid training and I was well looked after and have been in nurse Simon's loving care since I got home.

So what does one do when on bed rest with access to a laptop? look at blogs of course

These are a few new ones I have found
Soulemama
Land of Meg
Loobylu

Tomorrow's test will be trying to drive, the one time I have wished I drove an automatic

too tired to think of a title

2009-09-17T09:49:00.003+10:00

Some lovely handspun from Valli at Ridgy Didge yarns (now I really need to make something with all this wool)

and my box for the Canon 5 photography competition arrived. I've still so much to learn and have no chance of being a finalist but it will be great to work to a brief and try out new ideas.

and a little crafting, these are for the craft stall at E's school spring fair. The felt is from winterwood and so lovely to work with

Spring

2009-09-15T16:09:00.003+10:00

is definitely here.

Today Brown girl brought out her adorable babies to show us, it's lovely to watch how protective of her brood she is.

The frangipani trees which have been bare all winter have leaves starting to open on them. By summer these provide great shade for our verandah and shelter for many birds (and quite a few snakes)

'

What's happening at your place?

Early birthday present

2009-09-13T16:05:00.004+10:00

Little impatient me simply could not wait another month to unwrap this, my new 50mm 1.8 Nikkor lens. This is my first prime lens and I am loving the depth of field and sharp focus it gives.

Obviously I need to experiment with it more and luckily I have a very willing model

Revontuli progress shot

2009-09-11T15:50:00.001+10:00

revontuli, originally uploaded by monsterknitter.

This pattern is so addictive and I'm loving the Kauni for it's spectacular colour changes.

playdough

2009-09-08T12:32:00.001+10:00

playdough, originally uploaded by Triggerish.

Rainbow Shawl progress

2009-09-06T20:44:00.003+10:00

Yes, it's another person knitting the Revontuli shawl in EQ Rainbow Kauni yarn.
Predictable but they do compliment each other so well.

I'm using the yarn over increases for a light airy shawl to gift in summer.

This was my very first shawl using charts and I cheated and used the written version for the first chart but now that I am up to the second (of 3) I am getting the hang of it and may even graduate to something a bit spicier after this.

Spring sewing

2009-09-01T16:08:00.002+10:00

Completely missed the last day of the Photo-a-Day for August so I'll make up for it with some crafty pics today.

I had the best mail today, a bag of designer scraps from a seller on etsy. I'm already thinking of all the appliqués and patchworky things I can make.

Delving straight in I made a cover for my camera strap (that bright yellow Nikon sure does make a nice camera look ugly)
I used this tutorial but didn't add the lens pocket as my scrap of material was too narrow. That just means I'll have to make another.

and using some old material from my stash I whipped up a small boxy pouch- tutorial here
the perfect size to stash a present.

Day 30: New ducks

2009-08-30T17:04:00.003+10:00

Fredrake, our male duck has lived without a female for over a year and today we were offered a couple of females to keep him company. He was over the moon, the girls are less impressed but hopefully they will all settle down. This is one of them, as yet unnamed.

Day 27: Needle me this

2009-08-27T23:03:00.003+10:00

Eyeball and cupcake hairclips

Day 25: another visitor

2009-08-25T17:05:00.001+10:00

You are probably sick of the snake photos but we've just had so many come out at the moment with this weather. This little guy was curled up asleep the whole day in the front garden.

Day 24: Summer?

2009-08-25T16:57:00.005+10:00

well no but it sure feels like it, welcome to spring 6 days early.

We interupt this broadcast

2009-08-24T10:41:00.002+10:00

To tell you about the great giveaway over at Hip Little One, just post a commment to go into the running to win a toy or clothing pattern

Day 22: Saturday Craft

2009-08-22T18:41:00.003+10:00

While the kids painted (these cheap little sets are great for limiting the mess 2yr olds make)

The big princess ordered a couple of flower hair bands (or 50)

and I whipped up another felt picture last night. This time I used a piece of felted jumper as the backing and it's much more solid and took less time to felt.

Day 21: Books

2009-08-21T17:38:00.005+10:00

A very slow trip into town today (due to all the roadwork going on which I am very grateful for except that the only reason they are happening is due to the rally)
and a visit to the library. Looking forward to our book readings tonight

Day 20: Felt

2009-08-20T16:25:00.003+10:00

Angus has a favourite book at the moment, the beautifully written and illustrated I took the Moon for a walk by Carolyn Curtis and Alison Jay. So a a surprise for him I made a wall hanging based on one of the illustrations. Needle felting is still a new craft for me so it's a bit rough but luckily 2 year olds are easy to please.

Gotta love a moon that wears ruby red shoes

Day 17: Home

2009-08-17T16:08:00.003+10:00

No photos yesterday, my children have decided that they don't need sleep at the moment and therefore neither do I. The weather here has been unusually hot so once the clouds came over we filled up the wading pool and they had fun splashing around.
The bottom photo is the view from our verandah, I don't think I'll ever tire of it.

See more photo a day participants here

Day 15: Beach

2009-08-15T19:25:00.004+10:00

Day 14: close v.2

2009-08-14T19:02:00.002+10:00

:ants on the line:
:detail:

Day 13: Penny

2009-08-14T18:59:00.002+10:00

Our stick obsessed big dog in a little body who is also a great surrogate cat.

Day 12: self portrait

2009-08-12T16:39:00.002+10:00

Day 10: Brown paper packages

2009-08-11T11:25:00.002+10:00

Off and away.

Day 9: Boy oh Boy

2009-08-11T11:21:00.002+10:00

Spending time with the energetic but delightful Mr A who twists us around his chubby little fingers, who is putting together longer and longer sentences and who is fast losing his toddlerisms for the life of a little boy.

Day 8: Baking

2009-08-09T20:15:00.003+10:00

Carob Biscuits

Ingredients

250g butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs( we were out of eggs so I used some olive oil)
2 1/2 cups Plain Flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 T carob (or cocoa) powder

Method

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 3 baking trays with baking paper.
Slightly melt butter and beat with sugar and vanilla together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
Sift flour and baking powder over butter mixture. Add carob powder. Stir with a large wooden spoon until well combined.
Roll into balls and place on baking trays. Bake, 1 tray at a time, for 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden and firm to the touch (not crisp). Repeat with remaining trays. Stand on trays for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

A variation of this recipe (which I made last week and rocks!)

Day 7: Garden delights

2009-08-08T11:40:00.003+10:00

P.S the snake on day 6 was a python but I'm still not one to get too close.

Day 6: The Visitor

2009-08-06T20:51:00.005+10:00

Very early for the snakes to be out but this warm weather must be confusing them.
After taking this shot I realised the value in having a zoom lens!

See more photo a day blogs here

It's here

2009-08-04T15:12:00.002+10:00

Oh yes, the moment you have all been waiting for (well all of you who took part in the Yarn Cafe Co-op) The yarn is here!
And this isn't even all of it!. Elissa is still waiting on the Pear Tree to arrive so she can dye it but it shouldn't be too far away.

I've sent out emails to everyone involved, thanks for making it smooth co-op

Day 3: Close

2009-08-03T19:56:00.002+10:00

I was out all day today and didn't take my camera so I'm going to cheat and add one taken on Saturday.

Day 2: A little gnome

2009-08-02T18:56:00.004+10:00

Pattern: Korknisse
Yarn: Handspun Falklands wool from Ridgy Didge Yarns
I love her yarns, very evenly spun with gorgeous colours.
My finger has been hovering over the buy now button of these ones

Told you they were beautiful!

a photo a day

2009-08-01T21:42:00.005+10:00

Joining in with Megan at The Byron Life for a photo a day for august.
So to kick it off it off a photo of Hattie, our oldest and favourite chicken.

Edit: 2 days after taking this we found feathers down the bottom of the yard, we haven't seen Hattie and a few of her friends since. RIP Hattie, you were a beautiful chicken and will be missed.

Another photo of Hattie and one of Brown Girl

Sassy?

2009-08-01T21:30:00.002+10:00

well I don't look half as good as pattern writer Gay looks in hers but meh, I love it anyway.
Pattern: Sassymetrical from Gaysknits
Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad aran tweed in Brindle
(not sure how much, I'll weigh it and report back)
Mods: Longer arms and body, different gauge

Noro cardigan

2009-07-14T21:17:00.003+10:00

Still blocking at the moment and then I'll seam. Love how it turned out though. Newborn size for a friend's baby.

Pattern: Ribbed baby jacket by Debbie Bliss
Size:0-3mths
Yarn: Noro Taiyo (cotton/silk/wool/nylon) exactly 100gms/200m
Mods: slightly longer than pattern calls for

Oriental Hippy

2009-07-11T20:50:00.003+10:00

For Ellie, this was our meet in the middle project. She wanted a dress, I thought she needed a jumper and it's most like a tunic and will fit longe sleeve shirts underneath for this winter and next.

Pattern: Oriental Lily by Georgie Hallam

Size: 4-5 years
Yarn: Yarn Cafe Evoke Yarns Cestari merino in 'Spring Hippy' (approx 320gms/672yds) & Cascade 200 heathers trim (approx 40gms/88yds)

Mods: Gauge 17s/4”

CO 36s

Picked up stitches around neckline with the cascade for a contrasting collar before joining in the round.

Ruffle is 8 rows CC then KFB, K1 till end
K 6 rows
Garter stitch 4 rows then BO

playsets

2009-07-11T10:30:00.007+10:00

With the sun out this week I decided to get some long overdue dyeing done and with the leftover dye I started on the project I've been thinking about for some time with my little apprentice at my side.

With some hand dyed bendigo roving (I hope to have a whole rainbow one day)

First we made some fleece angels that I helped ellie make (she did most of it herself) There is Winter(blue) Spring (green) Summer (yellow) Winter (brown) and Mother Earth above them (violet/purple)

and then some wet and dry felting play mats, bit wonky but not too bad for a first go if I do say so myself.

Little miss is 1

2009-06-29T22:08:00.003+10:00

Unfortunately I can't share photos showing how cute she looked devouring the cakes or riding around on her new lady beetle wheely bug so you'll have to take my word that she had lots of fun and loved being the centre of everyone's attention.

She took her first steps last week and now has two teeth (and the bright red cheeks to show for it)

Happy Birthday Poppet, our lives are richer for having you in them

xox

P.S did you know smarties are now made with natural colours- how great is that?!

winter goodness

2009-06-26T16:33:00.004+10:00

As the days turn cool here it's been lovely to sit in front of the heater and get some knitting done. Today I got some lovely wool, material and soap from Kelly at The Crafty Caterpillar to help things along even more. I love the owl WIP bag, it's the perfect size for a pair of socks or other small project and have a stretchy opening and a detachable keyfob strap. Kelly was also lovely enough to include the gorgeous crane zippered pouch which will be the perfect spot for my addi circulars. The 2nd photo shows some of the lovely soap I got from Kelly before, some of it has already been used (mainly by the kids who love the creamy beautiful smelling soaps)

Speaking of children, they celebrated their winter festival this year at school and had two beautiful joyful ceremonies under the night sky lit by colourful laterns. Nights like this really remind me of all the amazing people who put so much love into our community and I'm so glad my children will be lucky enough to grow up here.

Wishing you a belated happy winter solctice

xox

Lucky!

2009-06-08T12:56:00.003+10:00

I must have done something right as I've been blessed this month.
Firstly I won a Made It newsletter competition and was sent these wonderful gloves from Cate at Polkadot Rabbit. Her store is great, love the record rings and cassette wallet
I was also lucky enough to win the Sweet Tidings Sew Mama Sew give-away (out of 429 entires!)
You can see Christy's store here full of quirky hand crafted items and supplies
If that's not enough I've also received a huge parcel in a trade but that will have to wait until the camera battery is charged.

P.S Did you see this blog over on The Handmade Experiment- check it out!

I need one of these

2009-05-31T20:42:00.002+10:00

Extra hours of crafting are possible with the Craft Clock from Ric Rac

Organic Milo- great for rainy days

2009-05-23T12:44:00.002+10:00

No, not a new version of the chocolate powder but a new vest pattern from uber talented Tikki.

Pattern: Milo By Georgie Hallam (still in testing phase)
Size: 24mths
Yarn: Woolganics Organic Merino 8ply/DK in Kundalini (approx. 2.2 balls)

Great giveaway

2009-05-22T17:07:00.001+10:00

Tania from jet craft books has a great little giveaway on her blog, simply choose the patterns and book you'd like and add a comment.

wet

2009-05-21T11:47:00.002+10:00

144mm on the past 24 hours has closed down the local schools and made our place a little slushy and we'll most likely be unable to get out for a few days

Thinking selfishly this is great news for our tank as we were on the verge of ordering water and now it's overflowing and we can get all that overdue washing done.

Not a very interesting picture but I didn't want to go out into the rain and get wet.

Hope you are all safe and dry, I'm off to do a spot of sewing while the children are making play dough creations and the babe sleeps (poor little poppet has lost her voice after being unwell for the past few days)

Monkeying around

2009-05-17T22:10:00.003+10:00

Custom longies in Woolganic worsted weight, deep earth and dyed grapefruit moon
I'll post some better photos after they arrive at their new home, they are currently drying in front of the heater
Pattern: own
Size: Medium/Large
Yarn: Woolganics Worsted Merino 10ply
1.5 balls of deep earth and 3 balls of grapefruit moon dyed in 'Sock Monkey' colourway'

oh and for anyone wondering- the hat fits him!

Stitches and craft, Brisvegas style

2009-05-06T11:35:00.002+10:00

Elissa and I loaded up the babies and headed up to Brisbane on Sunday for this and it was well worth the drive.

A lot of it was quilting and sewing based but there was a Brisbane spinners and weaver's group stall and all the lovely things from the indie crafters (including some cool craft bars)

I ended up spending most of my time around three great stalls, Two Cheese Please,
Kristen Doran (who has the cutest fabric and is so lovely) and Winterwood Toys
The felt below is from Winterwood and I also bought this book which has patterns for all kinds of animals (the kids have put in orders already for a horse and zebra)

I also bought the latest copy of mixtape and some cute fabric from Amitie

A tale of wooly pants

2009-04-29T13:56:00.003+10:00

Once upon a time Mama Monsterknits was lucky enough to not only score a much sort after pair of Wooly Bottoms for free but a custom pair at that. They were as soft as butter and had the cutest flaired legs and were great both during the day and the night.

Unfortunately they met their match in the form of a extra long hot wash and were never the same again.

Mama Monsterknits was so upset at the wooly bottoms demise that she put them at the back of the cupboard to not see the light of day again....

until now.

With the help of a pair of scissors and a needle and thread the pants lived again and everyone rejoiced in their wooly goodness.

B.B.B

2009-04-24T18:06:00.002+10:00

Otherwise known as the big birthday beanie

Take this wool dyed by ellie

Plus some green 100purewool merino and something like this comes out

Modelled by Angus

It's my stepson's birthday next week and ellie wanted me to turn her wool into a beanie for him. The colours she dyed turned out fantastic, really vibrant. I however got a little carried away and the beanie is huge and the little bit on the end is weird (so I'll re-do that)

Whether he wears it or not he's going to know that she put her love into that yarn and being the sweet big brother he is I'm sure he'll wear it around her at least.

unofficial Dachshund rescue home

2009-04-19T13:39:00.006+10:00

We had to make the hard decision not to keep "Puppy" above. As gorgeous and sweet as he was, Angus was being far too rough with him and he was getting stressed by the constant attempts to 'cuddle' him. He went to a lovely home with an older man who has owned Dachshunds for the past 20years and he's settling in well (and stole the best chair in the house LOL)

2 days after he left we were asked to mind another little daxy girl. "Hope" has terrible skin allergies which haven't been looked after and due to this she has no hair on her belly or legs and feels the cold easily. I'm going to knit her a little jumper and found this great pattern
You can read about her story here ( page 4)

I've been making myself something too. If you remember I had almost finished a Something Red last year in JS silkroad aran tweed. It felt lovely but the shape was awful on me and I just knew it wouldn't get worn. I'd like to think it was a good lesson in what suits my body shape and tastes instead of just making what everyone else is.

So it got frogged and the Jo Sharp is now becoming a sassymetrical. I love how the seed stitch looks in the tweed and hopefully I can get it finished to wear this winter.