Girls Night In is Going Crafty

This time last year I was very busy organising the Pretty In Pink Pamper Day to raise money for Girls Night In (Cancer Council). I was going to organise other one this year but was unable to secure a function centre as the were all putting their charity efforts this year to the bush fire appeal.

So I have decided that I will organise a smaller event and change the vibe by doing a Going Crafty Night.
I confirmed any details as yet but wanted to let you all know so that you can keep it in mind as your planning the coming weeks/months. It will be in October towards the end of the month on a Friday or Saturday night. If there is anyone that would like to lend a hand to organise it I would love the help.

Keep an eye on this space for more details.
Trina D

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

July - Christmas ornaments.

Cino Vino has found some room upstairs for us to spread our self’s out and enjoy the freedom of talking wildly over our craft projects without upsetting their other customers. I sure I’m not the only one that thinks the extra room is great, I just need to work on providing more lighting for next month. Christmas in July was the theme this month so I brought out my little candy canes and beaded icicles. These little Christmas decorations are simple but are truly stunning and your friends will want to know where you brought them (you can keep is a secrete if you like) These little treasures are will not only save your wallet but if you have children it’s a great activity to do with them. Kits and instructions are available upon request tn06@bigpond.com.au.

I have been asked a number of times about my little re-enactment of my wedding. Well not quite re-enactment as there was no groom but I did have a bridesmaid. A friend of mine is doing a photography course and asked me to assist her in one of her assessments. In true friendship I pulled in other one of my friends to ensure there were more than a laugh or two (plus she is more photogenic). The twist on this little photo shoot was that the accessories and bouquets were all made from vegetables. Ahhh the fun one can have if you only think outside the veggie box. LOL

This is my favourite

The Longest Scarf

Coffee Cake and Create is helping the Watsonia Traders Association knit the Longest Scarf

This special activity will be launched at the Winter Wonderland event outside the Watsonia Wool Shop. A table will be set up outside the Watsonia Wool shop for me and anyone else that would like to join me knitting on the day.

The scarf will be revealed next year at the same time, by laying the LONGEST SCARF, along Watsonia Rd. The finished product will be presented to a worth while Charity, which will be announced at the Winter Wonderland event.

Launch Date: Saturday 1st of August
Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm

You can help by knitting 6 inches x 6 inches [33stitches on 4mm needles, 8ply wool]. If knitting more than one it would be appricated if you join them together. These strips of 6 inch squares will then be all joined together to help us produce the longest knitted scarf

Over the year, you can pass your sqaures to me for processing and drop off to Watsonia Wool Shop.

The more people involved the longger the scarf will be.
So talk to your friends and start knitting.

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

Shinny And New

After picking up my shinny and new sewing machine, I have finally found time to play.
I know, what you’re saying; finally what is she talking about, who picks up a new machine and doesn't rip the box apart and play with it straight away.
With my sister celebrating her 21st birthday (a weekend away), work (to pay the bills), CC&C (for pure enjoyment) and sleep (if only I didn't need sleep) I just haven't had the time.
She needed quality time, time to talk to her, listen to her and understand her.
Like any good long lasting friendship, we need to spend a lot more time together.
Now that won't be very hard, she's a dream!

Sewing Corner - Place Mats and Coasters

After walking into many stores looking for the perfect place mats and coming out empty handed, I decided to make my own. I was then only limited by fabric.

Only problem was choosing which one, with sooooo many options..

But when I laid eyes on this fabric I knew it was THE ONE.

I'm now busy making a matching table runner.

I'm happy to take orders if you would like a table setting made to your fav colours.

RIP Little Husqvarna

After many years of sewing, my little Husqvarna is resting quietly in the corner of the room. It's poor little heart (cam) gave out after about 30-35 years. I'm sure it could tell you a story or two, especially since it has given much pleasure not just me, but also my Auntie.

Little Husqvarna, after sewing many garments, quilts and I'm sure patches may you rest in peace.

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

May - Fabric Bowl

We are certainly starting to take over Cino Vino, aren’t we girls.
Other great morning all round with lots of crafting and chatter across up and down the table. There were 4 new comers so a big welcome to you all and hoped you enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed yours and we look forward to seeing you next month hopefully in the upstairs room all to ourselves.


I know other bowl, trust me I don't have a thing for bowls, I just loved this and couldn't wait to make it and show it off! It's sooooo easy to make and with the right fabric scraps they can look fantastic.



Check out one of my fav web sites Craftstylish for the instructions. http://www.craftstylish.com/item/33825/how-to-sew-a-fabric-bowl


Some specail notes from me to you.

• In Linda’s instructions she uses a cotton clothesline. I used some cheap rope (the type that Bridget Jones used to make her blue meal for her friends, but mine was green), which worked quite well. So have a look around your home before you go out and buy special rope for this project.


• Linda uses a binder clip. I’m not sure what this is but a pin works just fine


• You will use a lot of fabric strips so have plenty ready.
  It’s a lot easier and quicker if your rope is wrapped and ready to go. I have a TV in my sewing room and found it easy to wrap the fabric around the rope while watching my favourite show.


• These bowls are perfect to use selvages from your favourite patch working fabrics. They are also prefect to use leftover fabric from your other craft projects, cut the strips as you go or store the scraps for latter.


• Once finished if the bowl has too many frayed threads for your liking give it a little hair cut.

Okay Okay, I hear you asking about the cake, hehehe
Orange and Poppy Seed Cake this month, and before I even say it, you know it was wonderful :)


Until next time, happy crafting
Trina D

Monthly Competition

Those that attend CC&C days know that I run a optional monthly competition. To date no one has entered, however I'm sure that will soon change. CC&C friend "The Haby Goddess" is putting together a gift pack as the June prize. Visit The Haby Goddess to see the types of goodies that may be in the prize pack.
http://thehabygoddess.bigcartel.com/
Or visit her at her blog

http://www.thehabygoddess.blogspot.com/