August - Crochet

This month’s group pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a zone which would be called nothing less than a frustrated one. Wendy run this month’s demo and proved to be a very good teacher as I can now crochet, okay I need a little practise as my tension is a little tight and not consistent but I will get there. Now that I can crochet I have yet started other project, and for those that now me, yes you are correct I’ve started big. I have unravelled a knitted jumper from Sussans that I love the colour off but after a much loved life as a jumper it’s a little out of shape so it will now begin a new life as a blanket (it’s still going to keep me warm. LOL).

This month Judy also stepped out of her comfort zone of knitting and made last month’s craft project ‘Christmas Ornaments’ and won the monthly competition. Judy, you did a great job and well done for trying something new!!! This is one of the reasons why I started this group, to tease your taste buds and to encourage you to try something different. While Judy has a taste for new things and Christmas the prize was 3 paper mâché Christmas decorations. We are all looking forward to seeing how she decorates them. Well done Judy and good luck!

I’m collecting all the squares that our group is knitting for the longest scarf which is well underway. A big thank you to Margaret who has made over 30 squares and is still going. The girls at the wool shop will fall over once I john them together with the other ones that are made and still being made.

Next month’s demo will be something that can be hung or magnetised and is great for those that like to start and finish a project in an afternoon.

Oh I almost forgot. I have finished my shrug, just in time for the end of Winter. However I was able to wear it twice and I was very happy with the comments I received. I will post a photo or 2 soon.

Until next month, happy crafting
Trina D

June - Rubber Stamping

I’m not sure about you, but this month has been a busy one. Lucky we took some time out when we did, because the next few months look like they may be even busier. Anyway enough about me and more about Coffee, Cake and Create.

This month I had a guest presenter, Mel from Dragonfly Crafts be http://dragonflycrafts-dragonflycrafts.blogspot.com/ and the cake was a very moist Raspberry and White Chocolate cake mmmm (mouth watering at the thought of it!). Mel demonstrated a couple of quick stamping techniques that can turn a simple card into a card with impact. I love them both, there is no way I can chose my favourite. Let me know if you would like the instructions.
A reminder to all those interested in taking part in this month’s competition. Use 1 or more items from your welcome pack to create a product using the stamping techniques that Mel demonstrated and have your product or a photo to me before 19th July (see entry details included in your welcome pack). The winner will receive this fantastic gift pack from The Habby Goddess http://www.thehabygoddess.blogspot.com/. It contains 2 pieces of quilting fabric, pin cushion, lilac ric rac, assorted buttons and toggles, assorted beads, dusty rose lace, 13mm bias tape, elasticized frill, pink bias tape, aqua elastic, crochet rose, pink embroidery thread and an iron on transfer.

Shrug progress – my knitting is coming along slowly now that I have settled back into a busy life style, after a long relaxing weekend away. But I’m happy to report that I have approximately half an arm’s length left. Not sure it will be finished by the end of the month but I will give it ago, very keen to start wearing it .

Next month is Christmas in July, so bring your Christmas cheer.
Until then
Trina D

Long Weekend - Portland

We took advantage of the long weekend last week and headed off to Portland for a little R&R but to also celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary (oh how we needed it). I was hoping to come across some lovely craft shops on our travels, but found that the road to Portland was more of an antique road show. So for those of you that love to shop for antiques, take a long weekend and head for Portland. First stop would have to be in Winchelsea where you will find 4 antiques stores (3 of them are really worth a look, the other one you can't find a place to walk let alone have a good ferret). Winchelsea also has a cute little tea house, it just needs a horse and cart out the front.

In Portland we stayed at this perfect little B&B, we were made to feel so comfortable (a home away from home, even better when you don’t have to cook breakfast). The current owner is selling the property, however I’m sure it will stay much the same as the people who are buying it are somewhat sort of locals, and love it the way it is. So if you ever get the chance to get away we can highly recommend Victoria House http://www.babs.com.au/vichouse/ or vichouse@hotkey.net.au

Sunroom/reading room.

Along with the road to Portland, the town itself is full of very old buildings. My husband; who has many nick names but for my blog I will refer to him as Buster (my first pet name for him) loves old buildings and churches, so the camera is full of blue stone. One could easily mistake that the camera had a long weekend away by its self; there is not one photo of us (how sad).

4 Percy street, the Portland Inn (1840) the oldest recorded building in Victoria still on it's orginal site (now a private home)

On the Sunday we took a drive to Casterton were Buster's Godfather lives. This little pup is called Nunkeri Larry (a Male Border Collie 6mth) and was part of the working dog auction, which is held every June long weekend as part of the Casterton Kelpie Festival. He was the cutest out of them all, shame I don't have the space or the sheep for him to be happy.

I was very excited with myself, I found that I could knit in the car without having any issues with travel sickness. So the shrug that I have been knitting grew and grew. I now have an arm’s length left to go, I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

While in Portland I had a bit of a ferret in a few op shops and come across some great crochet doilies. These I will dedicate a special entry in time to come when they are turned into something a little more special. So stay tuned.

Until the end of the month, happy crafting.
Trina D

A long shrug

In the rush to get out the door to set up for CC&C I left my knitting at home.
So by request I've posted a photo of how my shrug is taking shape. There was even a request for a weekly photo post. I really would be more than happy to for fill this request, however the weekly photos would look much the same.
I only seem to find time to knit few rows a week.
Maybe a monthly post would be better. LOL

I've just past the half way point