OMG a BSJ!

That's right everyone - believe it or not! I actually followed a knitting pattern *gasp* and completed an item of clothing *applause*. Ok, don't look too closely at it (notice I put up a poor quality photo so you couldn't see it in detail), it's very much passable - if given to a non'knitter, that is.

Nevertheless, I am very pleased with my achievement, and have already started knitting another!

For those of you who care, I used the Baby Surprise Jacket pattern from Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann. I used 4x50g balls of Moda Vera Harmony (from Spotlight) - well, I started the fifth ball half way through casting off, but I think I added extra rows when I wasn't concentrating, so 4 should have been enough. I used size 5.5 or 6 circular needles (con't remember).

All I need to do now is sew the seams and tuck in the ends (and wait for someone to have a baby!).

New Hat

This beanie was a gift from my sister - just waiting for a pom pom to go on top.

What to do on a wintery day...

It's a very wintery day in Melbourne today - so glad I took advantage of the gorgeous days we had during the week! Today is a day for knitting and cooking. 

Ollie and I made some ham and pickles scrolls, and some cheese and vegemite scrolls from a recipe in my bread machine cook book (the manual that comes with the bread machine). Very easy, and very yummy!

We also made this chocolate slice from sadieandlance. Quick and easy, and very reminiscent of one we used to make as kids. I added crushed peanuts and a handful of choc bits to my dry ingredients, very yum.

Now back to the couch to knit a baby surprise jacket! I'm not much of a knitter, so thought I'd try an easy pattern (not too good at reading patterns). I'll post photos of it when it starts to look like something.

A Gorgeous Autumn Day

Amazon Lovin'

I ordered a couple of books from Amazon a week or so ago, and they arrived yesterday! I got Lotta Prints and Sew U Home Stretch, both of which I love. I got straight into sewing the baby doll dress (shortened by about 8 inches, and sleeveless for the moment). I was going to put on long sleeves, but when I tried it on like this I felt like I was wearing an apron (a good feeling!).

I then printed the trees onto the fabric using the templates provided in the Lotta Prints book. I'm happy enough with the way it turned out, I will modify my technique a little to get a sharper edge, though.

Both books are very easy to understand, but I really love Wendy Mullin's (Sew U) style of writing - it feels like you're getting a private tutorial from her.

Mother's Day

I had a very lovely day today thanks to both my kids. I was made to feel very special and very much loved. I had breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea cooked for me, I had hand made gifts and card given to me, and was allowed to stay in bed until midday (Oh how I miss that!).
I hope all other mothers out there felt just as loved as I did today!

Rhubarb Jam

Ollie and I went to a farmers market yesterday, bright and early. Loved it! I bought a couple of bunches of the most delicious looking rhubarb. I came home and immediately made a big batch of Rhubarb Jam.

My sister sent me a link for the original jam recipes ages ago, I've made it a heap of times since then, with a little variation here and there. I use vanilla essence instead of a vanilla bean, and I also add the zest of a lemon when cooking. So delish! I usually use smaller jars which I then give to people as a thank you (eg thanks for lunch, here's some jam). I think there are lots of people out there who don't know how delicious rhubarb is, and I'm more than happy to spread the rhubarb love :)