tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21470597609622397292024-03-14T05:02:05.604+11:00My Handmade AdventureA blog about all things handmadeKaren - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-65236638872693867962017-12-31T12:59:00.000+11:002018-04-17T13:04:38.593+10:00Making offline!<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It is December and we are almost at the end of 2017, so I figured I owed you all a big update on makings!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have certainly been making, however I have been woefully remiss in my blogging. Since finding instagram, it's been easier to keep a record of makings simply by take photos and writing short blurbs, rather than writing larger blog posts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This year has also been a very busy year; working on the business, <a href="http://www.cocooned.com.au/" target="_blank">Cocooned</a>, having two kids in kinder over 5 days a week and one little one in school, I've barely had time to catch my breath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Last time I checked in, I was working on <a href="https://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/the-great-knitaway-2017.html" target="_blank">The Great Knitaway</a>;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I ended up making 6 objects for <a href="http://kogo.org.au/" target="_blank">KOGO</a> (Knit One Give One) for the great Knitaway. I didn't quite reach my goal of 10 new patterns I'd not tried before, however I was happy with this achievement and was glad to donate these 6 items back in May this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Clockwise from bottom left they are; The <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/karenwasson/patiki-hat-and-cowl" target="_blank">Pātiki Cowl</a> </span><span style="background-color: white;">by Francoise Danoy, The </span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/karenwasson/yarnster" target="_blank">Yarnster Hat</a> by </span><span style="background-color: white;">Shannon Cook, </span><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/karenwasson/alyssum-fingerless-gloves" target="_blank">Alyssum Fingerless Gloves</a><span style="background-color: white;"> by Megan Eliza, The </span><span style="background-color: white;">Rudy Rabbit hat [not on ravelry, see picture], </span><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/karenwasson/baby-uggs" style="color: #666666;" target="_blank">Baby Uggs</a><span style="background-color: white;"> by Autumn Street and lastly The </span><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/karenwasson/boreal-forest-hat" style="color: #666666;" target="_blank">Boreal Forest Hat</a><span style="background-color: white;"> by Renée Callahan.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rudy Rabbit Hat</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">*all links take you to my Ravelry Project page, you can find the patterns and yarn information there*</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Recently, I also made a handful of crowns for the KOGO Christmas Appeal where they pack and give a large amount of gifts to kids who are in need at Christmas time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The pattern is <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/circlet" target="_blank">Circlet</a> and is free on Ravelry.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DInRpCtPKQo/WieuUIEy2wI/AAAAAAAACu4/LsFjGjM1Fu4pgeMSLYo7JZhXjXgIu1-HwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-12-06%2Bat%2B7.33.55%2Bpm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DInRpCtPKQo/WieuUIEy2wI/AAAAAAAACu4/LsFjGjM1Fu4pgeMSLYo7JZhXjXgIu1-HwCEwYBhgL/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-12-06%2Bat%2B7.33.55%2Bpm.png" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Christmas Crowns</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My other charity project this year has been My <a href="https://give.everydayhero.com/au/tree-of-hope-september" target="_blank">Tree of Hope</a>;</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://supporter-0.cdn.everydayhero.com/posts/images/795570/feed/Vsir8cGQtetrJdvDxnoy-a328e284f55980ad8cd2b3ce32db19ec." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="479" height="320" src="https://supporter-0.cdn.everydayhero.com/posts/images/795570/feed/Vsir8cGQtetrJdvDxnoy-a328e284f55980ad8cd2b3ce32db19ec." width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A yarn bombed tree raising money and awareness for childhood cancer during September, childhood cancer awareness month. I have left it up to continue to raise awareness and also funds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I had help from some wonderful people who donated yarn, time, squares and hexagons to make this tree happen. I thank them all again for their time and efforts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You can still donate to this amazing cause via my <a href="https://give.everydayhero.com/au/tree-of-hope-september" target="_blank">fundraising page</a>. All donations go to the <a href="http://kidscancerproject/" target="_blank">kids cancer project</a> who invest in science and research to help make childhood cancer history. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>In May, I made my first grown-up sized garment in the form of the Gingerbread Sweater;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This pattern was great for a first time sweater, I love all of the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/truly-myrtle" target="_blank">Truly Myrtle Patterns</a> by Libby I've made thus far. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Little Jumpers, Socks, Mittens, Hats, Gifts, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Birthdays, New Babies, just because... there has been a lot of other knitting going on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I also did a tiny bit of cross stitch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's actually quite amazing to look back on the year like this and see what I have actually achieved!. I don't feel so bad having left it so long now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have been making many many more things and the best way to keep up with it all, is to follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/myhandmadeadventure/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What have you been making? What has been your favourite make of 2017?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 473px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 751px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 473px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 751px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-20868685345515134022016-11-30T11:02:00.002+11:002016-11-30T11:12:39.724+11:00The Great Knitaway 2017<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Okay, here we go, I have finally decided on my big challenge for 2017.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZHPXUuIQLg/WD4QJzIF3ZI/AAAAAAAACo8/g-Lpprpmt_AlKshQQ2NQCUaX9PErtzNwQCLcB/s1600/the_great_knitaway_2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZHPXUuIQLg/WD4QJzIF3ZI/AAAAAAAACo8/g-Lpprpmt_AlKshQQ2NQCUaX9PErtzNwQCLcB/s400/the_great_knitaway_2017.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are lots and lots of things I want to make, things for my children, family and friends. There are also so many patterns I want to try out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After being so very, very lucky to be gifted wooly items through the generosity in the Instagram knitting community and knitters pay it forward movement, I want to gift to those who need it most.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So in supporting my favourite charity <a href="http://www.kogo.org.au/" target="_blank">Knit One, Give One</a>, I am going to knit 10 items on my want to knit list, and gift these to KOGO by June 30 2017.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some Rules;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* I can't knit and gift an item made from same pattern twice! 10 different items, 10 different patterns.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* I can't knit a pattern I've made previously, it all has to be patterns I'm making for the first time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* I still have to make the other items on my list, knits for birthdays, weddings etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* All 10 Items have to be finished and delivered to Knit One Give One by June 30 2017.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My plan is to make beautiful, one of a kind items that will help lift the spirits of someone I have never, and will never meet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know that we once received the gift of a <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/charity-crafting.html">beautiful handmade quilt</a> from an unknown quilter at the quilters guild. It was for our little girl when she was just a newborn, recovering from her first open-heart surgery in hospital. This really had an amazing effect on our mood and outlook. We will cherish the quilt forever, so I know firsthand what a difference something handmade with love can make.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do you have any suggestions? Any patterns that have caught your eye? Please let me know!</span><br />
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Want to play too? I'd love for you to join me! Follow the rules above, gifting your items to any charity you desire. Play and follow along on Instagram using #knitaway2017</span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-85191823852411134342016-11-03T21:53:00.001+11:002016-11-03T21:53:58.752+11:00Making - An Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been making, and no, I haven't been blogging, not here anyway! I've had many distractions this last few months, one major one being the business my husband and I are setting up called </span><a href="http://www.cocooned.com.au/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Cocooned</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cocooned.com.au/an-open-letter-to-paediatric-medical-staff-and-parents/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ-rM2pb6ww/WBsIwdW6fEI/AAAAAAAACm8/zWCUOr7mUQIU7MQJyiWnz_t7EEnu9jnfgCLcB/s200/Cocooned%2BLogo%2BColour.jpg" width="200" /></a><span id="goog_1457594155"></span><span id="goog_1457594156"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After caring for our daughter in hospital, having had two open heart surgeries and numerous other surgeries, it became apparent that dressing your child under these circumstances is extremely difficult, and so, we designed clothing that will help families in this situation.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're still working on the design and should be moving into manufacture soon (fingers crossed).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So as well as making things, designing clothing and doing 'business stuff' I've also been over at the Cocooned blog, blogging about support for families who are caring for their child in hospital.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Boy have I been making though! What have I been making? Well, I have recently knit my first pair of socks!! Oh my gosh, that was terribly exciting, so exciting I've since made a second pair and am chomping at the bit to make a third!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gyVypzEJR0/WBsJ190eV6I/AAAAAAAACnE/p43qwKP312UslWjIX4er8OpfiRjCNr3VACLcB/s1600/IMG_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gyVypzEJR0/WBsJ190eV6I/AAAAAAAACnE/p43qwKP312UslWjIX4er8OpfiRjCNr3VACLcB/s320/IMG_0355.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My First Ever Pair of Socks! - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/three-colour-socks" target="_blank">Three Colour Socks</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYTScfqC_3s/WBsJ3BH4-II/AAAAAAAACnY/bqCVJlDMozQr_ki8-wdJNtEPlWmvpHhfgCLcB/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2nd Pair of Socks! - <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/08/18/lauras-loop-whits-pom-pom-socklets/" target="_blank">Purl Soho Pom Pom Socklets</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(sans pom poms!)<br />Yarn from <a href="http://www.we-love-knitting.com/" target="_blank">We Love Knitting</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've made a stack of little cup cosies to support </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) research,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> You may remember my post on Mel's <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/hats-for-aleshia.html">Hats for Aleshia</a> campaign. Well now Mel has a new campaign called Cup of Hope. Make sure you are following her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daintyanddivine/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> so you can get your hands on one of hers (or my) cup cosies. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A fantastic stocking stuffer and a great cause to support. I've made my own pattern in 8ply (DK) yarn and when I get the opportunity, I will pop it up on the blog.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXbLxDk92Po/WBsR-sTblkI/AAAAAAAACoc/vmCYB4CHcjcfitXHVjESABPZK2aP875jACEw/s1600/IMG_0721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXbLxDk92Po/WBsR-sTblkI/AAAAAAAACoc/vmCYB4CHcjcfitXHVjESABPZK2aP875jACEw/s320/IMG_0721.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stack of Cosies</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBWv_2WWZs4/WBsJ3O47yUI/AAAAAAAACn8/iXBmCHoT6dUjqkbMxVwcDm4gvRMDo02rACPcB/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBWv_2WWZs4/WBsJ3O47yUI/AAAAAAAACn8/iXBmCHoT6dUjqkbMxVwcDm4gvRMDo02rACPcB/s320/IMG_0370.JPG" width="180" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other makes... Baby blanket for an adorable new little man, an octopus,</span> mittens for <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/LionAndTheSnail?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Lion and the Snail</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, a tea cosy, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">as well as a little (mini) faux taxidermy triceratops and a giant doughnut (really should have photographed them side by side)!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpUUXVGI5HQ/WBsJ3bT-waI/AAAAAAAACn8/QAOj7mC7upEqErB5rCPDppizuuYnY8hvgCEw/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpUUXVGI5HQ/WBsJ3bT-waI/AAAAAAAACn8/QAOj7mC7upEqErB5rCPDppizuuYnY8hvgCEw/s320/IMG_0477.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baby Blanket - My own Pattern</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xo6RT-V15VA/WBsJ5DBUvJI/AAAAAAAACn8/84Tsu1H45No2Urdx3xdjmfz42IWypN8fgCEw/s1600/IMG_9888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xo6RT-V15VA/WBsJ5DBUvJI/AAAAAAAACn8/84Tsu1H45No2Urdx3xdjmfz42IWypN8fgCEw/s320/IMG_9888.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XnGWfz54nF4/WBsJ5Ws-05I/AAAAAAAACn8/OL1-DI8LJUoIYpSyrOlnli5F4hMvogz1gCEw/s1600/IMG_9925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XnGWfz54nF4/WBsJ5Ws-05I/AAAAAAAACn8/OL1-DI8LJUoIYpSyrOlnli5F4hMvogz1gCEw/s320/IMG_9925.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Octopus - Pattern from <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/05/19/whits-knits-knit-octopus/" target="_blank">Purl Soho</a><br />My design is a smaller version. 8ply on smaller needles.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9TZdNRPxLM/WBsJ4CngM3I/AAAAAAAACn8/lOUrY7SSasIkJQ1BFihgJXiPMRaGZXZpQCEw/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9TZdNRPxLM/WBsJ4CngM3I/AAAAAAAACn8/lOUrY7SSasIkJQ1BFihgJXiPMRaGZXZpQCEw/s320/IMG_0732.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRFKq7Xx_0k/WBsJ2aRShmI/AAAAAAAACn8/79c1U9ZHVBgLOhDN64d6bjYXSDQto1HxACEw/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRFKq7Xx_0k/WBsJ2aRShmI/AAAAAAAACn8/79c1U9ZHVBgLOhDN64d6bjYXSDQto1HxACEw/s320/IMG_0125.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My own baby mitten designs! <br />You can find them at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/LionAndTheSnail?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Lion and the Snail</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SffRkVSpxHc/WBsJ5sDoYBI/AAAAAAAACn8/mgSaViT_LQcTtRruuND-VVNM9EtBm9QxgCEw/s1600/IMG_9995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SffRkVSpxHc/WBsJ5sDoYBI/AAAAAAAACn8/mgSaViT_LQcTtRruuND-VVNM9EtBm9QxgCEw/s320/IMG_9995.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Skipping Girl Tea Cosy<br />This was my own design from an existing pattern</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ9ijdK6thU/WBsJ39_KKzI/AAAAAAAACn8/UUTqCTxQ_gcOLcTDVz70o8k6LMAvSN57ACEw/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ9ijdK6thU/WBsJ39_KKzI/AAAAAAAACn8/UUTqCTxQ_gcOLcTDVz70o8k6LMAvSN57ACEw/s320/IMG_0522.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mini mini Faux taxidermy Triceratops!<br />Pattern by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/sincerelylouise?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank">Sincerely Louise</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Made with 10 ply (Aran) on 4mm needles</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjFw73cGUuc/WBsRm3iQ_3I/AAAAAAAACoY/3DHaz5JENCEOBc6V8t6_Ljr1OMoPbiw7ACPcB/s1600/IMG_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjFw73cGUuc/WBsRm3iQ_3I/AAAAAAAACoY/3DHaz5JENCEOBc6V8t6_Ljr1OMoPbiw7ACPcB/s320/IMG_0186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pattern from Donna Wilson's Book;<br /> <a href="http://www.donnawilson.com/product/new/35-knitted-animals-and-other-knitted-creatures-book" target="_blank">35 knitted animals and other creatures</a><br />(or doughnuts I guess!)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yipes, it's all very knitty, isn't it?! I do have some sewing projects I really want to get to, Mum and I did make some sewn fish together (to become Christmas decorations) that was fun.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iw9gkddNm7A/WBsJ4qBO9KI/AAAAAAAACn8/8WoC1I2XM5EeOAfhQZ6kfN3U6ZHU8zuawCEw/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iw9gkddNm7A/WBsJ4qBO9KI/AAAAAAAACn8/8WoC1I2XM5EeOAfhQZ6kfN3U6ZHU8zuawCEw/s320/IMG_1051.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Catch of the day!! Pattern from the book <a href="http://www.readings.com.au/products/19867159/tildas-toy-box-sewing-patterns-for-soft-toys-and-more-from-the-magical-world-of-tilda" target="_blank">Tilda's Toy Box</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also managed a <a href="http://www.hammeredleatherworks.com.au/store/p57/Whisk_Luggage_Tag.html" target="_blank">Hammered Leatherworks Whisk Luggage Tag</a>. Which I haven't whisked away for any major holidaying as yet...</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0RkcrvI_UA/WBsRhzyHu6I/AAAAAAAACoQ/VaIEEZCQJ1MwJ1jn_hqeJ-dWACAY320WwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0RkcrvI_UA/WBsRhzyHu6I/AAAAAAAACoQ/VaIEEZCQJ1MwJ1jn_hqeJ-dWACAY320WwCPcB/s320/IMG_0645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1e2ewI_-uIg/WBsRhKe-sZI/AAAAAAAACoM/buQLxxB659Q-8hk8wbMoBLQJRNoWM5wBwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1e2ewI_-uIg/WBsRhKe-sZI/AAAAAAAACoM/buQLxxB659Q-8hk8wbMoBLQJRNoWM5wBwCPcB/s320/IMG_0883.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did made a monkey 4th birthday cake too.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRPsiBac4XA/WBsJ4ODFQ0I/AAAAAAAACn8/ey8yO0tif-Ek7OU48vgNblOFUnK-jdO4QCEw/s1600/IMG_0824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRPsiBac4XA/WBsJ4ODFQ0I/AAAAAAAACn8/ey8yO0tif-Ek7OU48vgNblOFUnK-jdO4QCEw/s320/IMG_0824.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monkey Cake!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plus, thanks to the <a href="http://www.cwaofvic.org.au/" target="_blank">CWA</a>, I got myself a new crafty skill. Japanese braiding or Kumihimo. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAR_c_IDwBw/WBsRePcKZPI/AAAAAAAACoI/VoRO7-5gwPglFWgsYcUXFAXL9-FsZ49fgCPcB/s1600/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAR_c_IDwBw/WBsRePcKZPI/AAAAAAAACoI/VoRO7-5gwPglFWgsYcUXFAXL9-FsZ49fgCPcB/s320/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So easy and so addictive! My 5 year old loved it too</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So as far as my 2016 'challenge', make 12 items in 12 months, by my count, I've already done it! Not much of a challenge though is it?! I think I need to up my game for 2017...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Seriously, a big handmade challenge for 2017, any ideas?</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 4909px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 4909px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 4909px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 4909px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 3127px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 3127px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-5269634656012748232016-06-19T13:30:00.002+10:002016-06-19T13:32:30.222+10:00Handmade Sustainable Gift Pack<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Using eco friendly, reusable items and living a more sustainable, less packaged existence, has not only had an impact on our immediate family, but also extended family and friends. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUB3gohNO4A/VqNAkzjOndI/AAAAAAAACZo/zA65pFj9ltMapBVwNmGAVjRXBJ1dK1q8gCKgB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUB3gohNO4A/VqNAkzjOndI/AAAAAAAACZo/zA65pFj9ltMapBVwNmGAVjRXBJ1dK1q8gCKgB/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Reusable bread bags </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've had a lot of people asking me how to make something, or where to get an item from, or how they can make it themselves.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auc_heag9a4/Vwcw1It2_eI/AAAAAAAAChE/JpyYkYUXgM0K0vLlHn2EawSZbfKDtQPOQCKgB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auc_heag9a4/Vwcw1It2_eI/AAAAAAAAChE/JpyYkYUXgM0K0vLlHn2EawSZbfKDtQPOQCKgB/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Beeswax Wraps<br />Plastic Wrap Alternative</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I decided to come up with a Handmade Sustainable gift pack. A pack full of goodies that I have made to gift to people for housewarmings, birthdays, or whenever! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All the items are easy to make, and are not only a great gift, they are also a great talking point. When you gift these items, it gives you the opportunity to not only explain how they work, but also make people more aware of the disposable way in which we currently live, and introduce a way of reducing their waste and living more sustainably (</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">without freaking them out or lecturing them!)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have made all of these items, and blogged about them previously, follow the links to find out more on how to make each one.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>My pack includes</i></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">; A <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/sustainable-makings-bag-bread.html">cotton bread bag</a> (made from a 100% cotton tea towel). Three <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/oh-balls-dryer-balls-that-is.html">felted dryer balls</a>, and two reusable <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/mind-your-own-beeswax-sustainable-food.html">beeswax wraps</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEOmjRf1xsM/V2YLT_tIWeI/AAAAAAAACkY/zqnXCeL5z9wBuYGecpPlJGlDv58fCRSjwCLcB/s1600/SustainableGiftPack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEOmjRf1xsM/V2YLT_tIWeI/AAAAAAAACkY/zqnXCeL5z9wBuYGecpPlJGlDv58fCRSjwCLcB/s320/SustainableGiftPack.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A Handmade Sustainable Gift Pack<br />Your friends and the environment will thank you!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These are the items I included in a gift pack, however you include any number of things. Items that you might prefer to make, or already make. Items such as shampoo bars, a pot of flowers, or even herbs, in a handmade pouch (as pictured). Even a few good old handmade handkerchiefs! There are a myriad of possibilities.</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What items would you include in a handmade sustainable gift pack?</span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-85268968661412239522016-05-12T08:30:00.000+10:002016-05-12T13:43:09.918+10:00Pipsqueaks Blog Book Tour - Book Review and Mini Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZ0i7-cpSC0/VzFLKKNOgCI/AAAAAAAACjM/5tflgZmde1U8xMvY1JUHePdOcxazkKUUACKgB/s1600/pipsqueaksbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZ0i7-cpSC0/VzFLKKNOgCI/AAAAAAAACjM/5tflgZmde1U8xMvY1JUHePdOcxazkKUUACKgB/s320/pipsqueaksbook.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am very excited to be a part of a world-wide blog tour for </span><a href="http://www.sallydixon.com.au/" target="_blank">Sally Dixon's</a> new book <a href="http://www.ctpub.com/pipsqueaks-itsy-bitsy-felt-creations-to-stitch-love/" target="_blank">Pipsqueaks <span style="letter-spacing: 3.733333110809326px; white-space: nowrap;">~</span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.ctpub.com/pipsqueaks-itsy-bitsy-felt-creations-to-stitch-love/" target="_blank">itsy-bitsy felt creations to stitch and love</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;">I am also excited to be able to have a digital copy of the book to give away! Details at the end of this post.</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;">Sally lives in South Australia, and originally trained as an early childhood teacher. As well as having created this book full of tiny patterns, she also makes them to sell in her online <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/SallyDixonCreations" target="_blank">Etsy</a> and <a href="https://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Store?storeId=9357&userId=59935&mainListingOrderBy=Sold" target="_blank">Madeit</a> stores ~ Sally Dixon Creations.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFBFL7Laszc/VzFLKMznSdI/AAAAAAAACjQ/B7Yi2kdR7nIHAeVwDUssWLBIvKodHU8rQCKgB/s1600/pipsqueakslots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFBFL7Laszc/VzFLKMznSdI/AAAAAAAACjQ/B7Yi2kdR7nIHAeVwDUssWLBIvKodHU8rQCKgB/s400/pipsqueakslots.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of the adorable little things you can make</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;">Sally set me a challenge to go along with my review (how can you review something without trying it yourself?!) The challenge was to make three items from her book, one from each chapter; Somewhat Pipsqueak, Perfectly Pipsqueak and Utterly Pipsqueak.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFM6txFGoTQ/VzFMKbTO3RI/AAAAAAAACjc/Zi1Pg-Zl_WYBHLWAJgPaiwlHYt2bJcIWwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFM6txFGoTQ/VzFMKbTO3RI/AAAAAAAACjc/Zi1Pg-Zl_WYBHLWAJgPaiwlHYt2bJcIWwCLcB/s320/IMG_9411.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Challenge accomplished; Sew cute!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;">I actually had fun making these three little fellas. You'll note I said 'actually', as I was concerned that my sewing skills would not be up to the task, however it turns out, they were! If I can make them, it bodes well for anyone to give it a go.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oF63KmQYyOM/VzFLJM9tIFI/AAAAAAAACjY/iOzpj9Kw5UkrubR6897_ZrfpIGLvdxyhwCKgB/s1600/IMG_9413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oF63KmQYyOM/VzFLJM9tIFI/AAAAAAAACjY/iOzpj9Kw5UkrubR6897_ZrfpIGLvdxyhwCKgB/s320/IMG_9413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The ice-cream was my favourite!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0pt;">For this review, I was provided with a digital review copy of the book Pipsqueaks, from C&T Publishing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;"><b>The Good</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt; white-space: wrap;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sally's introduction provides </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a comprehensive list of</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">all the techniques and items you'll need to make all</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">30 + </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">of these tiny creations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each project is set out step by step with images as well as written instructions. This makes it very easy to follow and complete.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think there is something for every skill level here, and I'm pretty sure my 10-year-old self would have adored this book during the school holidays!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEW5Zw4tpRQ/VzFLJc4iNXI/AAAAAAAACjY/Z_MVJrPiDDI_HhG2vXs_6Y0ktxy0o0KPgCKgB/s1600/IMG_9414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEW5Zw4tpRQ/VzFLJc4iNXI/AAAAAAAACjY/Z_MVJrPiDDI_HhG2vXs_6Y0ktxy0o0KPgCKgB/s320/IMG_9414.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Little Bunny (actually the bigger little bunny)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Not So Good</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I like a book I can physically get my hands on, especially when it comes to crafting. Getting around an e-book is still a bit New World for me! I did compromise and print out the pages for the ones I made.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(Sally has a hardcopy of the book too, if you prefer physical to digital)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7yidpWXV5s/VzFLIb0GelI/AAAAAAAACjY/-8XIjmeSx98BSZUWRbAlEkYwdRg0GMhiQCKgB/s1600/IMG_9410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7yidpWXV5s/VzFLIb0GelI/AAAAAAAACjY/-8XIjmeSx98BSZUWRbAlEkYwdRg0GMhiQCKgB/s320/IMG_9410.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In progress</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Things That Would Have Helped Me</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Perhaps some alternative suggestions for embellishments when you don't have beads or other bits like mini pom poms on hand. There are a few general ideas in the introduction, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">however a few gentle reminders or suggestions for each project would have been amazing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A #hashtag for sharing images of completed creations. I'd love to see what other people have made and how they interpreted the patterns.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzuMaHwBCQM/VzFLJTZuryI/AAAAAAAACjY/noDy92UIjIc5TaflwaJsafvYQqonVVMygCKgB/s1600/IMG_9415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzuMaHwBCQM/VzFLJTZuryI/AAAAAAAACjY/noDy92UIjIc5TaflwaJsafvYQqonVVMygCKgB/s320/IMG_9415.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Loved working with felt</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>All Up</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quick to make and super cute! There are lots of things in this book to love. I also feel that it would make a great gift for a crafty youngster (don't forget to throw in some pieces of felt!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2iLzho6ytns/VzFLJgtiRtI/AAAAAAAACjY/-hxi905WnZY2z0wGw7IStLoQRjWlD3pigCKgB/s1600/elephants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2iLzho6ytns/VzFLJgtiRtI/AAAAAAAACjY/-hxi905WnZY2z0wGw7IStLoQRjWlD3pigCKgB/s320/elephants.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sally's Elephants, perhaps when I'm a little more<br />
confident with my pipsqueaks!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can go on tour along with the book too, check out the other blogs that are on the trail;</span><br />
<strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</strong> <strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">11<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="http://www.ctpub.com/blog/pipsqueaks-blog-tour-kickoff/" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">C&T Publishing</a> -</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> (Concord, California, U.S.A.)</span><br />
<strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</strong> <strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">11<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="http://webloomhere.blogspot.com.au/" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">We Bloom Here</a> </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">- Margaret Bloom (San Francisco Bay, California, U.S.A.)</span><br />
<strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</strong> <strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">12<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="http://www.myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">My Handmade Adventure</a> </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">- Karen Wasson (Melbourne, Australia) - You are here!</span><br />
<strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</strong> <strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">13<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="http://60degreesofinspiration.blogspot.com.au/" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">60 Degrees of Inspiration</a> </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">- Joanna Riley (Shetland Isles, Scotland, UK)</span><br />
<strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</strong> <strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">14<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="https://buttonsy.wordpress.com/" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Buttonsy</a> </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">- Anna Day (London, England, UK)</span><br />
<strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</strong> <strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">15<sup>th</sup> May 2016: <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Blog" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Madeit</a> -</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> (Lennox Head, Australia)</span><br />
<strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</strong> <strong style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">16<sup>th</sup> May 2016 <a href="http://www.sallydixon.com.au/blog.html" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Sally Dixon Creations</a> </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">- Sally Dixon (Adelaide, Australia)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gilzhJoIf7Q/VzFLKVHmPPI/AAAAAAAACjY/jPGAeYAQ3KgxX6Kx29T72RL0nA0HdFnZwCKgB/s1600/pipsqueakwin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gilzhJoIf7Q/VzFLKVHmPPI/AAAAAAAACjY/jPGAeYAQ3KgxX6Kx29T72RL0nA0HdFnZwCKgB/s320/pipsqueakwin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #202020;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now with thanks to Sally and C&T Publishing, you too can be lost in an itty bitty Pipsqueak world. All you have to do to be in the running t</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">o win a digital copy of Pipsqueaks, is leave a comment on this blog post.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #202020;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #202020;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Competition closes on Monday 23rd of May 2016 when a</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 24px;"> winner will be drawn at random</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 24px;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8526896866141223952&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-e7yidpWXV5s%2FVzFLIb0GelI%2FAAAAAAAACjY%2F-8XIjmeSx98BSZUWRbAlEkYwdRg0GMhiQCKgB%2Fs320%2FIMG_9410.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2680px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8526896866141223952&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-e7yidpWXV5s%2FVzFLIb0GelI%2FAAAAAAAACjY%2F-8XIjmeSx98BSZUWRbAlEkYwdRg0GMhiQCKgB%2Fs320%2FIMG_9410.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2680px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-33950513562764474872016-05-04T10:08:00.000+10:002016-06-19T18:59:42.928+10:00Hot Air Balloon Cake<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wTHrEoFPjRo/VBEYT06B2tI/AAAAAAAABNQ/7Wg1qNo-_GI/s1600/Arthur1stbday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wTHrEoFPjRo/VBEYT06B2tI/AAAAAAAABNQ/7Wg1qNo-_GI/s320/Arthur1stbday.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Balloon! I loved this cake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This cake I made for Arthur's first birthday (2 and a half years ago) has been quite popular from my <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/that-takes-cake.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>. So I thought I'd give it a bit more attention by adding a little 'how to'. It is a very easy cake to make. </span></div>
<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvEkJTy_R3k/Vyk27WWkp_I/AAAAAAAACic/6uk5i46dG0goFZrTv7AyXnK5bhU-onudgCK4B/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvEkJTy_R3k/Vyk27WWkp_I/AAAAAAAACic/6uk5i46dG0goFZrTv7AyXnK5bhU-onudgCK4B/s320/IMG_1923.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Concentration!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can make whatever flavoured cake you choose. For this one, I made one of my favourites, an <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/local/recipes/2013/02/28/3700457.htm" target="_blank">apricot chocolate chip cake</a>. Yum, it's a good one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some hot air balloon cakes use a square basket (cake), I found the round one to be just as simple and perhaps a little more appealing. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To decorate the basket I used a simple chocolate buttercream icing then placed the raspberry milk chocolate coated bullets as shown to get the basket weave effect. You can use liquorice, again it all depends on the flavours you like. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I dug a small hole out of the top of the cake and filled it with smarties and the candle. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Under the paper straws, I placed bamboo skewers. I was able to dig these into the cake to keep them in place. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFH_IRAAxhg/Vyk2kjeCzKI/AAAAAAAACiM/xgr6V0dCRjQKOWSQI02f1JjOAof_W94agCK4B/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFH_IRAAxhg/Vyk2kjeCzKI/AAAAAAAACiM/xgr6V0dCRjQKOWSQI02f1JjOAof_W94agCK4B/s320/IMG_1925.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At the top is a paper lantern. You can get these in every colour under the sun and I think it has a nicer effect (and is reusable and better for the environment) than a rubber balloon. Also, when you light the candle underneath, you're not going to have melty poppy balloon issues!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5tS7Q2eVLc/Vyk2og9NQeI/AAAAAAAACiU/S17Z5Ihai-8U8SBWGjKlu3gc9KOmuTeSQCK4B/s1600/IMG_1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5tS7Q2eVLc/Vyk2og9NQeI/AAAAAAAACiU/S17Z5Ihai-8U8SBWGjKlu3gc9KOmuTeSQCK4B/s320/IMG_1929.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think it's my most favourite kids cake that I've made to date. Quite possibly the easiest too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you ever made an easy, yet effective kids cake?!</span></h3>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3395051356276447487%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D2%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wTHrEoFPjRo%2FVBEYT06B2tI%2FAAAAAAAABNQ%2F7Wg1qNo-_GI%2Fs320%2FArthur1stbday.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 247px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3395051356276447487%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D2%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wTHrEoFPjRo%2FVBEYT06B2tI%2FAAAAAAAABNQ%2F7Wg1qNo-_GI%2Fs320%2FArthur1stbday.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 247px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-51703706496990127342016-04-23T16:57:00.004+10:002016-04-23T16:57:55.270+10:00Handmade Doctors Kit; Upgrade<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's taken me a little while to get around to blogging about this one. In fact I had the whole kit made and gifted in February... only 2 months, I guess that's not so bad!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You may (or may not) recall, for Felix's 4th birthday last year, I made him a <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/yes-i-can-knit-toy-stethoscope.html">toy stethoscope and doctors kit</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Original kit</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One year later, the original stethoscope was well and truly on it's last legs, so I decided it was time for an upgrade.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NSvzx8CS0V8/VxnNO5zbXOI/AAAAAAAAChk/VwtT897oZWQQD3WcxWTyXKZY7hAwxVk-QCLcB/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NSvzx8CS0V8/VxnNO5zbXOI/AAAAAAAAChk/VwtT897oZWQQD3WcxWTyXKZY7hAwxVk-QCLcB/s320/IMG_0626.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One year later, much loved</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I got together some felt, ribbon and a headband. Putting it together was fairly straightforward, if you'd like some more in depth instructions, I based my design on <a href="https://americanfeltandcraft.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/doc-mcstuffins-inspired-felt-stethoscope/" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhfbb06lTeo/VxnNO_SgxlI/AAAAAAAACh0/Wvh3WNrbB04-Y2Dpqo7wD4-j2VQ31sCxgCKgB/s1600/IMG_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhfbb06lTeo/VxnNO_SgxlI/AAAAAAAACh0/Wvh3WNrbB04-Y2Dpqo7wD4-j2VQ31sCxgCKgB/s320/IMG_0628.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A vast improvement, plus it doesn't fall off all the time</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sewing this time. No knitting in sight, and perhaps a better choice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The cardboard box I originally put the kit in had seen better days too. </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Now on my sustainable path, I came up with a solution using things I had around the house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">A lunch bag we weren't using for lunch, and some felt, has made the perfect (sturdy) doctors bag. It's been able to take a beating so far, with no signs of wear, as opposed to the original cardboard box, which didn't really stand up to the rigours of a child doctor!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kFZImqTQ3Q/VxnNa3NlMhI/AAAAAAAACh8/n1t8owp6lLwBV-SPYLB9ywEufTnfMQwvwCKgB/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kFZImqTQ3Q/VxnNa3NlMhI/AAAAAAAACh8/n1t8owp6lLwBV-SPYLB9ywEufTnfMQwvwCKgB/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXaKSmyNBaw/VxnNbX6GM7I/AAAAAAAACh8/Tc5AbH8dTmw3MnemLeqvStyFSRFPqMtMwCKgB/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dXaKSmyNBaw/VxnNbX6GM7I/AAAAAAAACh8/Tc5AbH8dTmw3MnemLeqvStyFSRFPqMtMwCKgB/s320/IMG_0631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am very happy with these results, and am hoping I won't need to be revisiting another doctor's kit on his 6th Birthday!</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">What have you repurposed into an awesome kids toy?</span></h3>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1146426109344457163%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D3%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_kFZImqTQ3Q%2FVxnNa3NlMhI%2FAAAAAAAACh8%2Fn1t8owp6lLwBV-SPYLB9ywEufTnfMQwvwCKgB%2Fs320%2FIMG_0629.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1360px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1146426109344457163%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D3%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_kFZImqTQ3Q%2FVxnNa3NlMhI%2FAAAAAAAACh8%2Fn1t8owp6lLwBV-SPYLB9ywEufTnfMQwvwCKgB%2Fs320%2FIMG_0629.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1360px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-29037199956462626292016-04-08T14:20:00.000+10:002016-04-08T14:20:19.647+10:00Mind your own beeswax; Sustainable food wrap<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In my pursuit to reduce our waste. I came across an adorable eco-friendly glad wrap alternative; Bees Wax Wraps! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I originally purchased a lovely <a href="http://www.honeybeewrap.com.au/" target="_blank">Honeybee Wrap</a> from the gorgeous store <a href="http://stringandsalt.com.au/home/" target="_blank">String and Salt</a> in Warragul. Honeybee wraps have much more to them than the ones I attempted below. If you're not wanting to go to all the trouble, I highly recommend them, they come in various sizes and in a range of beautiful fabrics.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Honeybee Wrap - Pic courtesy of Honeybee Wraps</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have an abundance of beautiful cotton that I purchased many moons ago for my small business which tried (and mostly failed) at selling iron on letters. This was the perfect use for these. Before I started, I washed the fabric first and gave it a little iron too.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cotton and Beeswax</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The only problem was, where to find beeswax? I tried a couple of health food stores half heartedly, knowing I wouldn't have any luck. Then, we attended a local farmers market and I asked the honey man from <a href="http://www.purepeninsulahoney.com.au/" target="_blank">Pure Peninsula Honey</a> (honey man isn't his official title by the way) I bought a small soap like bar of it and was even more excited to get making.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not cheese, grated beeswax!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I followed the tutorial by Karen B at <a href="http://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/beeswax-fabric-food-wrap/" target="_blank">The Art of Doing Stuff</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love her take on the whole sustainable bit... It's not going to be possible for 99.9% of people to go 100% green, however if we recognise that we can help reduce waste, it's going to help make a big difference. (she says it much more eloquently than that)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I put my oven on 70 Degrees Celsius (for those not in </span>fahrenheit) and it took about 5 - 10 minutes for the wax to melt and soak in. I also popped into my local op shop and purchased some old trays and an old grater just for this purpose, this cost me a whole $2. Mainly as I think if I'm trying to reduce waste, throwing foil in the garbage might be a little counter productive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They've turned out beautifully, although I did end up repeating the process as I wasn't liberal enough with the wax the first time. Next time around I may concoct a mixture from beeswax and coconut oil. Thus far, I've been using them to wrap cheese and cover bowls... I am also keen to make some for gifts.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auc_heag9a4/Vwcw1It2_eI/AAAAAAAAChA/QpV4xMqCHGYMNZye6XLXqeKpq7RxxvHWw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auc_heag9a4/Vwcw1It2_eI/AAAAAAAAChA/QpV4xMqCHGYMNZye6XLXqeKpq7RxxvHWw/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Wraps</span></td></tr>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you attempted to make beeswax wraps? Do you have a special recipe or formula?</span></span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-68286905967316934262016-03-20T11:15:00.000+11:002016-03-20T11:16:10.520+11:00Hammered Leatherworks - DIY Kit Review<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's March and I've made something... This one was terribly easy but it still totally counts! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have been itching to get my hands on one of these DIY </span><a href="http://www.hammeredleatherworks.com.au/store/c1/Featured_Products.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Hammered Leatherworks</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> kits for a while now, and found one in my letterbox this month with thanks to the <a href="http://themakersmailer.com.au/" target="_blank">Maker's Mailer.</a></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hammered Leatherworks DIY Kit Review</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hammered Leatherworks is based in Western Australia and is run by husband and wife team Adam and Bec. They make DIY leather kits which range from the little pouch that I made, to pencil cases, to more intricate purses, wallets and even handbags.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each kit has four different coloured leather options, and all their leather is sustainably sourced.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Without further ado, here is my unbiased, unpaid and unaffiliated review of the Hammered Leatherworks Leather Hipster Pouch Kit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Good</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sustainably and ethically sourced leather, a big tick from me for this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Free <a href="http://www.hammeredleatherworks.com.au/tutorials.html" target="_blank">how to videos</a>, along with little tips on the Hammered Leatherworks website. While all the instructions are in the box, it's nice to watch a little video so you can be certain you get it right!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everything you need is in the box (apart from scissors, but I think everyone has scissors right?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The finished product is very sweet and durable. (and doesn't look dodgy, even though I'm no 'sewer')</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_a9ZEDWWPqA/Vu3ntu0ap0I/AAAAAAAACfo/cRuQkOjMScE8bqsq-rMZeF3yuKNuMi6sw/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_a9ZEDWWPqA/Vu3ntu0ap0I/AAAAAAAACfo/cRuQkOjMScE8bqsq-rMZeF3yuKNuMi6sw/s320/IMG_2191.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Crafting in the great outdoors... with technology!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Not So Good</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm still very much on task with reducing my waste, and unfortunately, the contents of the box came in a plastic bag. It's not over packaged with bits you don't need, just the plastic, oh the plastic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However I have found when ordering things online from small businesses, they are extremely obliging in packaging things without plastic if you ask, I'm sure Hammered Leatherworks would be just as obliging.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w069qbktNDE/Vu3nwkSOTmI/AAAAAAAACf4/vPGnlwczXb4y8hoWXOEG079oSD-QJWxlw/s1600/IMG_2201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w069qbktNDE/Vu3nwkSOTmI/AAAAAAAACf4/vPGnlwczXb4y8hoWXOEG079oSD-QJWxlw/s320/IMG_2201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Check out that stitching</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Things That Would Have Helped Me</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I would have loved the ability or option to personalise it somehow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I did have some issues trying to watch the videos back on my phone, so perhaps just a few pictures online with a basic 'how to' would've helped me. This would also help people who don't have the plug-in or have issues accessing online videos for one reason or another.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWHKhS-451Y/Vu3ntFpfH6I/AAAAAAAACfk/u5H7IJ9VO3Y0uv7xvBoQwfqPIeRx82MHw/s1600/IMG_2198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWHKhS-451Y/Vu3ntFpfH6I/AAAAAAAACfk/u5H7IJ9VO3Y0uv7xvBoQwfqPIeRx82MHw/s320/IMG_2198.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hey Hip Pouch</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>All Up</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had fun making the hipster pouch, something a bit different for me. While my input was pretty minimal with this particular kit, I still feel pretty stoked with it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I would love to try another more intricate kit, and have heard through the grapevine that they are looking at making kits for mobile phone cases. I'll be first in line for one of those!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can purchase a Hammered Leatherworks kit directly from their <a href="http://www.hammeredleatherworks.com.au/store/c1/Featured_Products.html" target="_blank">website</a>, they also have a list of <a href="http://www.hammeredleatherworks.com.au/stockists.html" target="_blank">stockists</a>, so you can pop on into a store near you and pick one up if you want to get started right away!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do you have a favourite DIY kit?</span></h3>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D6828690596731693426%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D4%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_a9ZEDWWPqA%2FVu3ntu0ap0I%2FAAAAAAAACfo%2FcRuQkOjMScE8bqsq-rMZeF3yuKNuMi6sw%2Fs320%2FIMG_2191.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 882px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D6828690596731693426%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D4%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_a9ZEDWWPqA%2FVu3ntu0ap0I%2FAAAAAAAACfo%2FcRuQkOjMScE8bqsq-rMZeF3yuKNuMi6sw%2Fs320%2FIMG_2191.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 882px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-68695518007033186782016-03-12T13:15:00.000+11:002016-03-12T13:26:55.924+11:00Hats for Aleshia<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What I think I love most about the handmade community, is the generosity and willingness to support each other, and a good cause.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few months ago I bid in an auction for a lovely sock doll, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">made by the incredibly talented (and lovely) Mim from </span><a href="http://sewinthemoment.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Sew in the Moment</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. I didn't win the item in question, however I still wanted to support the cause.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc2rMpUtImI/VuNhOOZa4yI/AAAAAAAACd4/FRE7z3y26uk6M5LHY0d9Hpq1W747nV6WA/s1600/atsforaleshiadoll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc2rMpUtImI/VuNhOOZa4yI/AAAAAAAACd4/FRE7z3y26uk6M5LHY0d9Hpq1W747nV6WA/s320/atsforaleshiadoll.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Aleshia the Snow Beauty by Sew in the Moment</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The cause was </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/hatsforaleshia/" target="_blank">#hatsforaleshia</a>. Started by </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mel Leggiero from <a href="http://www.daintyanddivine.com/" target="_blank">Dainty and Divine</a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Mel started Hats for Aleshia on the 1st of January 2016, with the goal to raise $1000 for </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) research, she had to quickly readjust this goal after reaching it in just 2 weeks! The new goal is now to raise $5000.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mel's niece Aleshia was diagnosed with TSC as a baby.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRbrmWbuB9M/VuNibH7uZ9I/AAAAAAAACeE/eDH8HR9Mkg4WBcSY8VsljXrBvSzKT7BLA/s1600/aleshiahfa.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRbrmWbuB9M/VuNibH7uZ9I/AAAAAAAACeE/eDH8HR9Mkg4WBcSY8VsljXrBvSzKT7BLA/s320/aleshiahfa.png" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Aleshia (now 7) with Aleshia the Snow Beauty<br />The winner of the auction then gifted the doll to Aleshia</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://tsa.org.au/" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Tuberous Sclerosis Complex</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, or TSC, is a rare genetic condition, sadly without a cure. TSC causes benign tumours to grow in the brain and on other vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs and skin. Symptoms include; seizures, developmental delays, behavioural problems, skin abnormalities and kidney disease to name a few.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mel had been wanting to do something for a while to raise money for research, but didn’t know what. She didn't like simply asking for money, instead she </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">preferred</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> the idea of giving something back, in return for a contribution. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bt12jq24Vjk/VuNvgl6JlII/AAAAAAAACfA/VaXv7w9ZBBkY2-FJPIx5zeEbIhUcUhAoA/s1600/HFAcompilation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bt12jq24Vjk/VuNvgl6JlII/AAAAAAAACfA/VaXv7w9ZBBkY2-FJPIx5zeEbIhUcUhAoA/s400/HFAcompilation.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of the hats for #hatsforaleshia</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">Last winter, Mel made some crochet hats for her daughters (4 and 5) and there was a lot of interest in them. Late last year she had the idea to make hats and charge for them, with 100% of the sales to go to TSC research. Since starting, Mel has been overwhelmed </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">and</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"> inspired by the interest and the challenge that has arisen from this fundraiser</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czdgutYDiJk/VuNtnO05DpI/AAAAAAAACe0/RgtQMAVzRnI6R58RW3dKmc67fySa0IXMg/s1600/HFAtags.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czdgutYDiJk/VuNtnO05DpI/AAAAAAAACe0/RgtQMAVzRnI6R58RW3dKmc67fySa0IXMg/s200/HFAtags.png" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tags by The Little Card Boutique</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She's garnered more support from the handmade </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">community. <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Store?storeId=3488&userId=15985" target="_blank">The Little Card Boutique</a> donated the sweetest bamboo tags for Mel to attach to the hats.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Aleshia is now in grade 2 of Primary School. She is a lovable little girl who loves the Collingwood football club and Captain America. She has a great outlook on life and has an enormous amount of courage and strength. She is Mel's little hero.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The tally for #hatsforaleshia currently stands at 51 hats made and $2100 raised, If you'd like to order a hat, or make a donation, you can contact Mel via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daintyanddivine/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or her website <a href="http://daintyanddivine.com/index.php?route=information/contact" target="_blank">Dainty and Divine</a>. You can also donate directly at the <a href="https://rchf-fundraising.everydayhero.com/au/kristian" target="_blank">'Give everything, But up'</a> page (this is where all funds for #hatsforaleshia will be donated)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I have personally ordered some of Mel's hats, and I can tell you first hand, that they are absolutely gorgeous.</span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-59998755090360186892016-03-10T08:30:00.000+11:002016-03-10T09:20:53.824+11:00Waste free 5th Birthday Party<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Felix had originally asked for a superhero party, however, without any prompting from me, decided he'd like a 'Nature Birthday' instead. What followed was a lovely afternoon tea in the backyard, and keeping it waste free, was actually very easy.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eiMs57klBj0/Vt40CdAbwcI/AAAAAAAACdM/hbIa87kDJgc/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eiMs57klBj0/Vt40CdAbwcI/AAAAAAAACdM/hbIa87kDJgc/s320/IMG_2176.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A nature birthday cake! Easy</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We didn't invite a cast of thousands, this made it easier to begin with. Guests numbered 13 including kids and not including the 5 of us. For those who did attend, along with the (e)invitation, we included a note requesting no waste or low waste gifts along with a brief explanation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The guests took on the spirit wonderfully. Books and gifts wrapped in newspaper, handmade cloth bags and hand decorated paper. On the day, his favourite gift was a terracotta pot and some plants that he immediately decided he needed to plant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The cake (banana) I was able to bake in my amazing silver anodised cake pan from <a href="http://www.alansilverwood.co.uk/id18.html" target="_blank">Silverwood</a>. I didn't line it, merely greased with a little butter and sprinkled with flour (actually Felix helped with this bit) and the cake came out fine, no waste there.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LmG0XAQh6A0/Vt40bKlY1kI/AAAAAAAACdY/ZfUibGnPbLs/s1600/IMG_2179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LmG0XAQh6A0/Vt40bKlY1kI/AAAAAAAACdY/ZfUibGnPbLs/s320/IMG_2179.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mud Pies</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Decorating the cake, I used fondant flowers and rice paper butterflies I already had on hand. However these things can be purchased from cake decorating stores loose and you can take along your own packaging to pick and choose. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The inedible decorations and candles were wiped clean afterwards and popped back into my jar of cake decorations. I have a reusable piping bag, and the ingredients either came from bulk or recyclable packaging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I made 'mud pie' chocolate brownies in my Tupperware tuppcakes moulds. No waste there.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8vzUtyWxMo/Vt4zsm5dYAI/AAAAAAAACdE/FKEg4oWS02A/s1600/IMG_9455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8vzUtyWxMo/Vt4zsm5dYAI/AAAAAAAACdE/FKEg4oWS02A/s320/IMG_9455.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An easy waste free spread</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sausage rolls baked in the oven on my reusable Tupperware baking sheet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had fruit and put out the compost bin for the scraps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All food and drink was served in our crockery. No soft drinks or juices, just water and beer or wine from recyclable glass bottles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If I had organised myself a little more ahead, I could've made reusable napkins, however everyone seemed ok just washing their hands or just wiping them on their clothes (mainly the children!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the party favours / activities we cut up and stamped an egg carton with the kid's names on each little cup. My dad helped out with this one and dutifully stamped away. We then filled a tub with some seed raising mix we had in the shed and let the kids plant some seeds to take home. It kept them out of trouble for a little while, I think they were mostly happy just to run about playing in the great outdoors though.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lSpuxM5J60/Vt40082IhkI/AAAAAAAACdk/7h0vl1wB1oQ/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lSpuxM5J60/Vt40082IhkI/AAAAAAAACdk/7h0vl1wB1oQ/s320/IMG_2175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Personalised thank you gift</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do you think you'd ever attempt a waste free kids party?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-71405786928752477062016-03-06T20:56:00.001+11:002016-03-07T10:30:15.404+11:00Craftsy; Crochet Class Review<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that I'm not really on par with crochet. I somehow managed to hook my way through making a <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/what-pear-crochet-pear-that-is.html" target="_blank">pear</a>, a <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/handmade-challenge-item-1-complete.html" target="_blank">cake</a> and an apple, however I'm still not entirely sure how!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi494N7zavc/Vs_7nSvKPGI/AAAAAAAACcM/7uhISe4PzZs/s1600/crochetpearWIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi494N7zavc/Vs_7nSvKPGI/AAAAAAAACcM/7uhISe4PzZs/s320/crochetpearWIP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A pear in progress</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Possibly almost 8 months ago now, I got myself an online <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> crochet class to try out. It's been sitting on the inter-web waiting for me until now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have looked at online classes in the past, I even signed up to <a href="http://www.sewschool.com.au/" target="_blank">sew school online</a>. I started this so diligently, and then life and things went a little pear-shaped. Sew School is <i>still</i> on my 'to do' list and I will get there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For now though, here is my frank, unbiased and unpaid and unaffiliated review of '<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/improve-your-crochet-essential-techniques/4807?_ct=sbqii-sqjuweho-dum&_ctp=2&rceId=1456565181996~am9k5763" target="_blank">Improve your crochet; essential techniques</a>' by Edie Eckman</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4--4iUBLGs/Vtv80tyYm7I/AAAAAAAACcw/g9i78iTfTlU/s320/craftsy-logo.png" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_blank">Craftsy - Logo from website</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Good</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's there forever! It didn't matter that I got it way back when, there's no expiry date on a Craftsy Course. So you can watch it as many times as you want. You can watch the same bits over aga</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in and save some bits for later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's filmed very clearly and separated into easy to follow segments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The materials sheets; They supply conversions, patterns and instructions that Edie uses in the tutorials.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Not So Good</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I looked at the classes available, and as a novice crocheter, I though this was the best course to help me go further. It turns out, it wasn't really the course for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I got a little lost in navigating the actual site. It took me a little while to get used to the navigation for the videos which seemed to change if I went from desktop to a mobile device. There is a short video showing you (very quickly) how to navigate through, however it wasn't easy to locate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The terms!! I'm already so confused with crochet terms and most of the patterns I work from are UK and this one is all done in US terms (they do supply a conversion chart in the class notes.)</span><br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxP4gVPyNlE/Vtv4g8RV79I/AAAAAAAACck/K0vdZbwMl_c/s1600/IMG_8885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxP4gVPyNlE/Vtv4g8RV79I/AAAAAAAACck/K0vdZbwMl_c/s320/IMG_8885.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I did make a few small samples during the course<br />However I completely misplaced them! So no pictures</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Things That Would Have Helped Me</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I personally would have benefited from a class that taught me how to create one single thing using crochet from start to finish, illustrating the techniques along the way. Even if it was just a good old granny square! That way I could have understood much more about how the techniques could be used when making other projects.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Something else I would've found helpful, would have been little subtitles converting terms into UK patterns, for example, If Edie was saying "work a double crochet" A subtitle would come up on the screen 'UK Triple Crochet'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>All Up</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If I were more competent with crochet, I think this would have been much more useful to me at the first run through. That being said, I know it will be useful in the future, and after going through the whole thing, I now know what's covered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's gotten me interested in getting the crochet hook out again, and once I'm a bit more steady with it all, I'll certainly be taking another peak at </span><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/improve-your-crochet-essential-techniques/4807?_ct=sbqii-sqjuweho-dum&_ctp=2&rceId=1456565181996~am9k5763" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Improve your crochet; essential techniques</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUAzvH1VDn4/VM7SYP9XwnI/AAAAAAAABno/fLn2EB3bom0/s1600/Crochetpeartop.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUAzvH1VDn4/VM7SYP9XwnI/AAAAAAAABno/fLn2EB3bom0/s320/Crochetpeartop.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Still not entirely sure how I managed this fella!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">***</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are thinking of doing a <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/classes?_ct=wberqbdql-sbqiiui" target="_blank">Craftsy Class</a>, I would recommend it. However <b><i>before</i></b> choosing one, my tips would be;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Take advantage of all the information Craftsy provides, for each course. They cover frequently asked questions, what materials you will need, as well as ratings and reviews.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- See if you can borrow books from the library or read items online written by the person who is taking the course you are looking at, you can find out more under 'The instructor' on the course info page.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Under 'Help' find the little video that shows you how to navigate through a lesson.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">***</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you completed any online craft courses that you would recommend?</span></h3>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7140578692875247706%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Z4--4iUBLGs%2FVtv80tyYm7I%2FAAAAAAAACcw%2Fg9i78iTfTlU%2Fs320%2Fcraftsy-logo.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 577px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7140578692875247706%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Z4--4iUBLGs%2FVtv80tyYm7I%2FAAAAAAAACcw%2Fg9i78iTfTlU%2Fs320%2Fcraftsy-logo.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 577px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-11229483734014238972016-02-20T12:03:00.000+11:002016-02-29T19:30:25.173+11:00Tickle The Imagination<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last year I put together a Wishlist of some of my favourite handmade items for the Australian handmade magazine <a href="http://www.tickletheimagination.com.au/" target="_blank">Tickle The Imagination</a>.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM6pV4fMEC4/Vse6QuTVOCI/AAAAAAAACbw/z1jLbkV27YU/s1600/IMG_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM6pV4fMEC4/Vse6QuTVOCI/AAAAAAAACbw/z1jLbkV27YU/s320/IMG_0621.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Issue 22</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm a little slow on blogging about this, however I thought it might be handy as my birthday is approaching! Anyway my list was featured in </span><a href="http://www.tickletheimagination.com.au/issues/issue22.php" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Issue 22</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, which you still may be able to find at stockists or you can purchase a digital issue. It's full of lots of lovely handmade items, projects to try yourself and beautiful inspiring stories.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3g_4xwm3uw/Vse6iaBbd4I/AAAAAAAACb4/oLhr-Gt_y60/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3g_4xwm3uw/Vse6iaBbd4I/AAAAAAAACb4/oLhr-Gt_y60/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Inside is me!... and some other stuff!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had so much fun making this list, I have now been compiling my own Wednesday Wishlist every week over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/myhandmadeadventure/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Join me and discover some pretty awesome handmade goodies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What is your favourite magazine about all thing handmade?</span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-15855982323979807822016-02-06T10:17:00.000+11:002016-02-29T19:32:20.492+11:00Oh balls - dryer balls that is<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My second make of the year, and I'm currently still on the sustainable makings bandwagon.</span><br />
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwkK-QwxWVM/VrUsBK8RguI/AAAAAAAACbI/a1KXFKaPhc0/s1600/IMG_8747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwkK-QwxWVM/VrUsBK8RguI/AAAAAAAACbI/a1KXFKaPhc0/s200/IMG_8747.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don't need much for balls!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In my search for eco friendly makes, I came across handmade dryer balls. What are dryer balls you ask? Supposedly they help reduce drying time, by 30 - 50%, reduce static, and help to soften items, so no fabric softener required. This is done by the balls absorbing the moisture, moving the clothes about and providing better air circulation. You can read more behind the science on the <a href="http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/queen-of-green/2012/09/wool-dryer-balls-shrink-drying-time/" target="_blank">David Suzuki website</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Okay, I know using a dryer in itself isn't exactly environmentally friendly, (unless you're off grid) however we have three children and the weather in Melbourne is changeable to say the least. Often times I have items strung all over the house to dry them in wet weather, however sometimes you need to dry sheets and there's just nowhere to hang them inside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To make mine, I followed this tutorial from <a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/how-to-make-felted-wool-dryer-balls/" target="_blank">The Seasoned Homemaker</a>. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBi2gsDzIis/VrUsBZGCr0I/AAAAAAAACbU/6VE9yFtXQFk/s1600/IMG_8748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBi2gsDzIis/VrUsBZGCr0I/AAAAAAAACbU/6VE9yFtXQFk/s320/IMG_8748.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pre felted</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I made three out of 100% pure wool. One out of alpaca and one out of 100% felting wool. I put some tea tree oil on one, then gave up trying to scent them. I ended up washing them in a eucalyptus wool wash and figured that'd be enough. Mine are also a little smaller than recommended as I couldn't locate a tennis ball.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQibtik0Qpk/VrUsBQKmbaI/AAAAAAAACbM/E7zOhfRlOk4/s1600/IMG_8755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQibtik0Qpk/VrUsBQKmbaI/AAAAAAAACbM/E7zOhfRlOk4/s320/IMG_8755.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's more than a run in my stocking</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To tie the stocking together, the tutorial recommends dental floss. Instead, I used some reusable cotton jersey tie. You could use anything that you know will come out the other side of a hot wash.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I found that the alpaca and the felting wool felted the best, however they destroyed the stocking when I removed them after washing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After I washed them, I popped them in the sun until they were completely dry, and they came out great. They are now hanging out in the dryer, waiting for their first tumble. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As soon as I've given them a go, I'll give a full report on my findings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They'd make a pretty neat and very easy gift for a keen juggler too!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eiJ8nVse9cY/VrUsB5gIOqI/AAAAAAAACbQ/29JAgQUtRjU/s1600/IMG_8757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eiJ8nVse9cY/VrUsB5gIOqI/AAAAAAAACbQ/29JAgQUtRjU/s320/IMG_8757.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The finished product, they're quite friendly!</span></td></tr>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you ever made dryer balls? Did you find they made a difference?</span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-61070782607976082722016-01-23T20:11:00.001+11:002016-01-23T20:11:47.585+11:00Sustainable Makings; Bag the Bread<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My first official make for 2016 is a useful make, and one that's been helping us to dramatically reduce our waste. It's also something I've sewn!!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Eyo4SAL_M/VqM_JDsA7_I/AAAAAAAACZQ/7Aw3GaCJwGE/s1600/IMG_8737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Eyo4SAL_M/VqM_JDsA7_I/AAAAAAAACZQ/7Aw3GaCJwGE/s320/IMG_8737.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hmmm Mysterious...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I started following Tammy at <a href="http://gippslandunwrapped.com/" target="_blank">Gippsland Unwrapped</a>. Tammy is on a mission to live sustainably and encourage others to do the same. If you'd like to be encouraged</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, I highly recommend reading her </span><a href="http://gippslandunwrapped.com/our-story/" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">blog</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've started buying meat straight from the butchers in our own containers, we've also started buying some grocery items in bulk, which go straight into our own containers too. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each time we successfully buy something waste free, we feel pretty darn good about it.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDxObKbNbw0/VqM_WAuGGcI/AAAAAAAACZY/UjtJkew7S5c/s1600/IMG_8691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDxObKbNbw0/VqM_WAuGGcI/AAAAAAAACZY/UjtJkew7S5c/s320/IMG_8691.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One small part of my tea towel collection</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The one thing that got me to pull out my sewing machine and making again, was Tammy's <a href="http://gippslandunwrapped.com/2015/08/29/waste-free-bread/" target="_blank">handmade bread and produce bags</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The question was, what to make them from? It turns out I had a collection of about 30, very lovely, cotton and linen tea towels, and I wasn't using even half of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I dusted off the sewing machine, and attempted to sew some straight lines. I don't know that I was entirely successful staying on the straight and narrow, but they did turn out ok. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So far, despite the wonky sewing, they've been working a treat. I'm p</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">retty sure they keep the bread much fresher than plastic. This isn't based on science, merely me keeping the bread in them and then using said bread.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They've been met with great enthusiasm by both our local and chain bakeries. In fact we've become something of a legend at our local bakery, with the story of 'the family with the bread bags' spreading quickly.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUB3gohNO4A/VqNAkzjOndI/AAAAAAAACZk/RvJiuSW0TEQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUB3gohNO4A/VqNAkzjOndI/AAAAAAAACZk/RvJiuSW0TEQ/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bagged Bread</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The produce bags, I made out of our old kitchen curtains. Channelling my inner Julie Andrews, I think I secretly always wanted to make something out of curtains. The hills are allllivveeee... My apologies for getting that one in you're head.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The most awesome thing about making these was, I just had to thread some ribbon through the part where the curtain rod is supposed to go, and voila, instant drawstring!</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0wZvu1rnDw/VqNA6ma8GfI/AAAAAAAACZs/dJ7560dk8S8/s1600/IMG_8729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0wZvu1rnDw/VqNA6ma8GfI/AAAAAAAACZs/dJ7560dk8S8/s320/IMG_8729.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My first curtain bag purchases;<br />onions and dates</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not terribly difficult things to make, however they've really made a difference to not only how we buy groceries, but also how we view the items we purchase, particularly heavily packaged items. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not that long ago, us humans used to live much more sustainably. I remember putting out glass milk bottles for the milko at my grandparent's house. We recycled and mended clothing (don't even get me started on clothing) and there was not a plastic bag in sight. It's quite scary to realise what a throw away society we've become, and how quickly too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I must say, I am also extremely excited about how my husband has completely jumped on the band wagon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm now planning on gearing my making towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. My next challenge? A waste free, 5-year-old birthday party, stay tuned.</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you ever made something that helps you to reduce your waste?</span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-36235688850421964782016-01-05T08:30:00.000+11:002016-01-05T09:22:42.934+11:002016 Handmade Challenge?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I know, I barely scraped through by the skin of my teeth last year, however this year, I'm changing the rules. Make 12 things, don't bother making a list at the beginning, just get making.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the end of the year, have made 12 things that you want to make. I'm pretty sure I can accomplish that. I'm pretty sure I made about 30 things all up last year when you count all those that were not part of the Handmade Challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've even started already. My husband has some pretty ratty scarves lying around (not handmade), and since I didn't get to make him one last year, that's the first project I've leapt into this year. I have a list of things to make as long as my arm already and I'm excited. Ah the new year and the new possibilities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have some patterns and kits I bought last year that I never got to and I have a <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> crochet course waiting for me too. I'm looking forward to that and giving you all a review.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't worry, if it looks like it's getting too easy, I'll throw in another challenge to spice things up and get the creative juices flowing.</span><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What are you looking forward to making this year?</span></h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMRgi7EpyfQ/VoonDey7inI/AAAAAAAACYA/1yP5E11oRZo/s1600/2016-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMRgi7EpyfQ/VoonDey7inI/AAAAAAAACYA/1yP5E11oRZo/s320/2016-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dheader&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dMRgi7EpyfQ%2FVoonDey7inI%2FAAAAAAAACYA%2F1yP5E11oRZo%2Fs320%2F2016-2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 456px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dheader&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dMRgi7EpyfQ%2FVoonDey7inI%2FAAAAAAAACYA%2F1yP5E11oRZo%2Fs320%2F2016-2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 456px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-21898832154884026092016-01-02T08:30:00.000+11:002016-01-02T08:30:18.936+11:002015 Handmade Challenge - all stitched, knitted, glued, baked and crocheted up<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Honestly, really truly honestly, a couple of weeks ago, I thought I had failed. There was no way on earth I was going to pull it off, get through Christmas, and celebrate my little lady's 2nd Birthday. Yet here we are.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Xtz7B0I98/VoXHFqvom7I/AAAAAAAACVw/gm6aLyrgbTk/s1600/2015ChallengeComplete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Xtz7B0I98/VoXHFqvom7I/AAAAAAAACVw/gm6aLyrgbTk/s320/2015ChallengeComplete.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12 things, 12 months... just</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking at the 12 things that I made as part of the challenge this year, I do feel a little deflated. How could I have only just managed to pull it off? Well you have to remember these weren't the only things I made in 2015.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't forget my <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/feeling-sheepish-mini-challenge-week-6.html" target="_blank">Fluff and Fuzz mini challenge</a> in the middle of the year while I waited for Sophie's second open heart surgery. There were also 3 birthday parties and birthday cakes to make, <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/slippers-for-heart-dads.html" target="_blank">slippers for dads</a> in hospital on Fathers Day, <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/i-have-cast-aside-sophies-partially.html" target="_blank">beanies for premature babies</a>, items for my handmade business and more!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdkuOYukt8w/VoXkXrFzQkI/AAAAAAAACXo/cmgd-WUZTOM/s1600/2015%2Bother%2Bmakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdkuOYukt8w/VoXkXrFzQkI/AAAAAAAACXo/cmgd-WUZTOM/s320/2015%2Bother%2Bmakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just some of the other things I made in 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the actual challenge, below I have made a list in order of completion (from what I can remember, I've not checked thoroughly!) See the individual posts for the whole story, and links to the original inspiration;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/handmade-challenge-item-1-complete.html" target="_blank">Crochet Cake</a> - This kit was a Christmas gift. Being a novice, I had some troubles with this one, however I made it. It's still technically in one piece, but has been 'well loved'</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpCDaATofsE/VoXdbz8mOmI/AAAAAAAACWM/1AMSWfNrpys/s1600/Cakecomplete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpCDaATofsE/VoXdbz8mOmI/AAAAAAAACWM/1AMSWfNrpys/s320/Cakecomplete.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like my cake with less fluff</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/what-pear-crochet-pear-that-is.html" target="_blank">Crochet Pear</a> - I liked making this one but haven't attempted another and don't know if I could!</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCPlxDRxN_c/VoXdhV7vdQI/AAAAAAAACW8/lKJ1qmH8HKs/s1600/Pearscomplete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCPlxDRxN_c/VoXdhV7vdQI/AAAAAAAACW8/lKJ1qmH8HKs/s320/Pearscomplete.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Original from Mollie Makes / My Pink Pear<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/easter-bunny-egg-cosies.html" target="_blank">Easter Egg Cosies</a> - I loved making these. They were quick, easy, and a lot of fun. I would make them again.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUMKgkyBQCM/VoXdhUBAILI/AAAAAAAACXE/FFbOmJmmV0U/s1600/EastEgg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUMKgkyBQCM/VoXdhUBAILI/AAAAAAAACXE/FFbOmJmmV0U/s320/EastEgg.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It'll be Easter again soon</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/handmade-challenge-march-update.html" target="_blank">Love Heart Piñata </a>- The piñata was a hit (pun intended), not as pretty as the original inspiration but mine was for a birthday party not a fancy wedding.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLkQE_9LqD0/VoXdhzZf-WI/AAAAAAAACXM/7-WdLfjO8zU/s1600/Finishedpinata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLkQE_9LqD0/VoXdhzZf-WI/AAAAAAAACXM/7-WdLfjO8zU/s320/Finishedpinata.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I heart Piñatas</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/handmade-challenge-march-update.html" target="_blank">Royal Icing Cookies</a> - I was a bit disappointed with how these turned out. I'm not really interested in trying again and will leave this to the experts.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKshHrlYUnM/VoXdfUHCkgI/AAAAAAAACWs/hhtLC8PTDTg/s1600/Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKshHrlYUnM/VoXdfUHCkgI/AAAAAAAACWs/hhtLC8PTDTg/s320/Cookies.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They still tasted yum</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/handmade-challenge-june-update.html" target="_blank">Tea Bags </a>- Weren't as easy as they looked, however the kids still love playing with them. </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLNfgN_PA_M/VoXdjHc6h8I/AAAAAAAACXY/fPX7Oe_4w7E/s1600/Teabagscomplete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLNfgN_PA_M/VoXdjHc6h8I/AAAAAAAACXY/fPX7Oe_4w7E/s320/Teabagscomplete.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A spot of tea<br /></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/handmade-challenge-august-update.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Girls Cardigan</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - I enjoyed making this one, it took quite a while but i was pretty impressed when it all came together and looked like a cardigan. It's so soft and my daughter loves wearing it, bonus.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBYGgx_vlE4/VoXdfA8g7zI/AAAAAAAACWw/DEIdDZri44c/s1600/Cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBYGgx_vlE4/VoXdfA8g7zI/AAAAAAAACWw/DEIdDZri44c/s320/Cardigan.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretty</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/handmade-challenge-october-update.html" target="_blank">Child's Apron</a> - I was scared of this one, however it turned out almost perfect!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-meqqwutAfYE/VoXdcntI6VI/AAAAAAAACWU/444uJEU7_Ws/s1600/Apron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-meqqwutAfYE/VoXdcntI6VI/AAAAAAAACWU/444uJEU7_Ws/s320/Apron.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first sewing project for 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/handmade-challenge-december-update.html" target="_blank">Christmas Tree Skirt</a> - I didn't really complete this the way I had wanted, it also turned out quite large. At least I did it. I may make some alterations for next Christmas.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KBLq74sI0V8/VoXdjhrBkRI/AAAAAAAACXc/Iwok-_ZIRi4/s1600/TreeSkirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KBLq74sI0V8/VoXdjhrBkRI/AAAAAAAACXc/Iwok-_ZIRi4/s320/TreeSkirt.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tis the season</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/to-bat-tent-well-almost.html" target="_blank">Card Table Tent</a> - From Bat Cave to 'Imagination Cave'! I love that the kids can make whatever they want of this.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8XqRZ0a-DJ4/VoXddWTvOxI/AAAAAAAACWc/2YI4vBWJPZQ/s1600/CardTent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8XqRZ0a-DJ4/VoXddWTvOxI/AAAAAAAACWc/2YI4vBWJPZQ/s320/CardTent.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Use your imagination</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/the-three-bears-handmade-dolls-house.html" target="_blank">Three Bears House</a> - Without a doubt, this turned out to be my favourite. I loved being able to create my own fairytale house and I will most certainly make another one day. I just need to wait for inspiration to strike.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsLwe33lEY8/VoXdf9QYljI/AAAAAAAACW0/KBFHXqRAiOc/s1600/Dollhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsLwe33lEY8/VoXdf9QYljI/AAAAAAAACW0/KBFHXqRAiOc/s320/Dollhouse.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/happy-new-year-challenge-complete.html" target="_blank">Bolero</a> - I made it, enough said. Mine looks horrible when comparing it with the original. I will wear it though.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88kvbE3I6mg/VoXdcthm1AI/AAAAAAAACWY/taSk0mJgTlY/s1600/Bolero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88kvbE3I6mg/VoXdcthm1AI/AAAAAAAACWY/taSk0mJgTlY/s320/Bolero.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps a flower would help...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right now, I feel free! Free that I can make whatever I want, free to make anything and everything. Now where will I start...</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy making for 2016, did you play along in 2015? How did you do?</span></h3>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-88kvbE3I6mg%2FVoXdcthm1AI%2FAAAAAAAACWY%2FtaSk0mJgTlY%2Fs320%2FBolero.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 246px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5715px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-88kvbE3I6mg%2FVoXdcthm1AI%2FAAAAAAAACWY%2FtaSk0mJgTlY%2Fs320%2FBolero.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 246px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5715px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-88kvbE3I6mg%2FVoXdcthm1AI%2FAAAAAAAACWY%2FtaSk0mJgTlY%2Fs320%2FBolero.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 246px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5715px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-88kvbE3I6mg%2FVoXdcthm1AI%2FAAAAAAAACWY%2FtaSk0mJgTlY%2Fs320%2FBolero.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 246px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5715px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-88kvbE3I6mg%2FVoXdcthm1AI%2FAAAAAAAACWY%2FtaSk0mJgTlY%2Fs320%2FBolero.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 246px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5715px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-88kvbE3I6mg%2FVoXdcthm1AI%2FAAAAAAAACWY%2FtaSk0mJgTlY%2Fs320%2FBolero.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 246px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5715px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-10674380613243437352016-01-01T11:18:00.000+11:002016-01-01T11:20:04.284+11:00Hello Bolero - Challenge Complete!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's done! By the skin of my teeth with about 5 hours to spare, I completed my bolero and my challenge! I took pictures as I neared the finish line. My little lady had a birthday party on the 30th so hence two missing days!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f484w73lbk8/VoXEQIR87BI/AAAAAAAACVM/NvukKBuCFgI/s1600/IMG_8459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f484w73lbk8/VoXEQIR87BI/AAAAAAAACVM/NvukKBuCFgI/s320/IMG_8459.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday 27th December 11:06 am - still in pieces</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMKUDasgvKU/VoXEinKpDTI/AAAAAAAACVk/YOU0RJbbZcE/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMKUDasgvKU/VoXEinKpDTI/AAAAAAAACVk/YOU0RJbbZcE/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monday 28th December 4:25 pm - edging begins</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wBE6EAVJj8/VoXEQSdaoVI/AAAAAAAACVU/T6cURyIBrCE/s1600/IMG_8508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wBE6EAVJj8/VoXEQSdaoVI/AAAAAAAACVU/T6cURyIBrCE/s320/IMG_8508.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">31st December 2:35pm - over 1cm of edging to go</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzZ3_Ubp6mU/VoXEQWG17LI/AAAAAAAACVQ/9yj_25h9LSI/s1600/IMG_8515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzZ3_Ubp6mU/VoXEQWG17LI/AAAAAAAACVQ/9yj_25h9LSI/s320/IMG_8515.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">31st December 6:34pm DONE!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I won't be making another of these boleros. As I have previously mentioned, I was not a fan of this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bolero---short-sleeved-version" target="_blank">pattern</a> at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Terribly confusing and I feel poorly set out. I had to make too many assumptions and I'm not entirely sure why. Making up, it said, sew the pieces together. Call me needy, but I do like a little more direction than that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I won't deny it looks lovely and it's very light, made from <a href="https://www.bendigowoollenmills.com.au/Product/tabid/55/2328/2328/183032/COTTON/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Bendigo Woollen Mills</a> Glacier 100% cotton and is the perfect Spring / Summer Bolero.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for a complete challenge wrap up tomorrow. In the meantime, Happy New Year and thank you for your support throughout the year. </span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you achieve your goals for 2015?</span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-53056095352817569302015-12-28T20:31:00.001+11:002015-12-28T21:53:17.054+11:00The Three Bears - A handmade dolls house<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This little baby has been 'under construction' for some months. I have been doing small bits of embroidery every now and then, and was constantly fearful of how, and if, I would finish it.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwjf362wRqY/VoD4CZRyOlI/AAAAAAAACTc/s85ZhuqNpfs/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwjf362wRqY/VoD4CZRyOlI/AAAAAAAACTc/s85ZhuqNpfs/s320/IMG_0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Starting out, some months ago</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm pretty proud of this one. I hope Sarah from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bear.and.co/" target="_blank">Bear and Co.</a> who made our Goldilocks and The Three Bears peg dolls, feels it does them justice.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SgXKQ-MeDD8/VoD4v2qrjiI/AAAAAAAACTo/bSZLVwQboGo/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SgXKQ-MeDD8/VoD4v2qrjiI/AAAAAAAACTo/bSZLVwQboGo/s320/IMG_1455.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bears and Goldilocks move in!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just managed to complete it in time, to wrap it, and place under the Christmas Tree... Since being opened, all three kids have played with it and the past few days it has mostly been found tucked under my 3-year-old's arm.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kuYcLZGzLQ/VoD7tp0JqrI/AAAAAAAACUU/exzQobIAJIQ/s1600/IMG_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kuYcLZGzLQ/VoD7tp0JqrI/AAAAAAAACUU/exzQobIAJIQ/s320/IMG_1362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christmas Morning, very exciting.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The </span><a href="http://uklassinus.blogspot.com.au/2008/08/fabric-dollhouse-tutorial.html?m=1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">tutorial</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I followed was for a simple farmhouse / dollhouse. My aim was to construct a house that looked similar to the one in our Goldilocks and the Three Bears storybook that we have. The storybook that was mine when I was a little girl. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUeMsnc5nIE/VoD8NufA80I/AAAAAAAACUg/ViWqkL4hJRM/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUeMsnc5nIE/VoD8NufA80I/AAAAAAAACUg/ViWqkL4hJRM/s320/IMG_1453.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surprise! It actually worked out</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mum gave me an embroidery book for my Birthday back in March, and I did have fun using some techniques from this book and building a little fairytale house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had planned to do more, flowers at the front, a family portrait hanging on the wall, but it was not to be.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wTTneGOsg8/VoD-IT2i33I/AAAAAAAACUw/zCYwj-Rq_9g/s1600/IMG_8433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wTTneGOsg8/VoD-IT2i33I/AAAAAAAACUw/zCYwj-Rq_9g/s320/IMG_8433.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bits</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The main thing that concerned me with this one, was putting the whole thing together. I did all the embroidery work flat and hoped like crazy I had left enough space, and not too much space to sew it all up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did cheat a little by not adding elastic to the sides and sewing on buttons for closure. Instead I attached velcro to the handle in order to keep it all together. Thus far, it's working.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is a little off in some places, however for a first go and an amateur sewer, it's safe to say, I've impressed myself!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would even consider making another as all in </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">all, it wasn't too difficult and even, dare I say, enjoyable... Not for a while though.</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 Days remaining, 1 item to go...</span></h3>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5305609535281756930%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D2%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-1kuYcLZGzLQ%2FVoD7tp0JqrI%2FAAAAAAAACUU%2FexzQobIAJIQ%2Fs320%2FIMG_1362.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 766px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2147059760962239729%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5305609535281756930%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D2%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-1kuYcLZGzLQ%2FVoD7tp0JqrI%2FAAAAAAAACUU%2FexzQobIAJIQ%2Fs320%2FIMG_1362.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=To4GijKsndkQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 766px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-24705752412008388472015-12-24T20:41:00.000+11:002016-01-01T13:49:07.966+11:00Bears House - Item 11<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As it's Christmas Eve, I'm not going to sit down and write a coherent blog post, however item 11 is complete and here is a picture;</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGYdySrutKk/Vnu9RK-arDI/AAAAAAAACTI/FEM_OfZcKQU/s1600/IMG_1243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGYdySrutKk/Vnu9RK-arDI/AAAAAAAACTI/FEM_OfZcKQU/s320/IMG_1243.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A house under the tree</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you everyone who has been following my adventures this year. I have one more item on my Handmade Challenge List, my bolero, which I hope to complete before the New Year. It's however in many pieces and I have no idea how long it's going to take me to finish it. Hopefully less than 7 days!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the mean time, wishing you all a lovely and safe Christmas / Holiday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">xxx</span>Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-91591374747414184192015-12-18T15:21:00.000+11:002015-12-18T15:21:23.673+11:00To the Bat-Tent! Well... almost<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yay! The card table tent, and my arch nemesis in the 2015 Handmade Challenge is complete.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I honestly had every intention of adorning this 'tent' with comic book style cutouts and bat symbols to turn it into an awesome Bat Cave. </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">However, I put it out this morning, a particularly warm day when we were all stuck inside, to distract the children and try and sort out what on earth I would add, and where. Without warning, the children were off!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VWFp_nsERw/VnOFCwWZsBI/AAAAAAAACSc/odnvc_H1eZ4/s1600/IMG_8371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VWFp_nsERw/VnOFCwWZsBI/AAAAAAAACSc/odnvc_H1eZ4/s320/IMG_8371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Didn't even get to iron it! Who irons a pirate ship?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First it was a lift, taking them to all sorts of places (reminiscent of Wonka's <a href="http://www.roalddahl.com/roald-dahl/stories/1970s/charlie-and-the-great-glass-elevator" target="_blank">Great Glass Elevator</a>). Then it was a pirate ship, a house then a train.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7SieDdaagnw/VnOFDnoAhgI/AAAAAAAACS4/19-BKPusxWA/s1600/IMG_8375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7SieDdaagnw/VnOFDnoAhgI/AAAAAAAACS4/19-BKPusxWA/s320/IMG_8375.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toot Toot!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">To make the 'cave' I started with a black double bed sheet (which my mum had found!) Then on the phone to the 'mum hotline' I put the tent over the top of the table and pinned down each corner origami style. I then sewed a straight (ish) line, cut off the excess and hemmed and trimmed as needed.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--TKHiCt658Q/VnOFDHNN6hI/AAAAAAAACSw/cNByFNMTvmU/s1600/IMG_8337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--TKHiCt658Q/VnOFDHNN6hI/AAAAAAAACSw/cNByFNMTvmU/s200/IMG_8337.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cave 'doors' aren't straight</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I marked out the door using chalk and my husbands level, sewed along the lines, cut the shape out roughly and used black bias binding to stop the edges fraying. I figured as it was a cave it didn't need an opening that could be closed, nor did it require windows!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the interests of open ended play, and sheer determination</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> to complete my <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/2015-handmade-challenge.html">Handmade Challenge</a> on time, I'm more than happy to allow the children to let their imaginations run wild and let the table tent go the way of the tree skirt; filed under <b><i>'it will do'</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">All three of them fit in there by the way.</span><br />
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<h3>
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>13 days remaining, 2 items to go</i></b></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-2696906563512435682015-12-09T20:06:00.001+11:002015-12-09T20:06:14.960+11:00Handmade Challenge - December Update<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes I'm still panicking, however I have stopped running about screaming and decided to focus my panicked energies on getting things done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After crocheting approximately 5.5 metres around my Christmas Tree Skirt (<a href="http://www.justcraftyenough.com/2013/12/project-snowflake-christmas-tree-skirt/" target="_blank">original tutorial</a>), my husband gently suggested that I had made the skirt, and the pretty little snowflake detail could be left for another year. Yes! Genius husband, tick.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRTIDEfy4ho/VmfpYW2n6wI/AAAAAAAACRU/LM192nwSVLU/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRTIDEfy4ho/VmfpYW2n6wI/AAAAAAAACRU/LM192nwSVLU/s320/IMG_0995.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tree Skirt in time for Christmas (Just)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's by no means perfect, I of course got the hang of the crocheting by the time I got to the end. It's a darn improvement on the previous skirt I had made. Turns out it was a mini skirt! (afraid I couldn't even rustle up a picture from previous years, as it was so small, it was always covered in presents!)</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkM0jQmpuls/VmfqGD0reQI/AAAAAAAACSE/IHMrwuNTFGA/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkM0jQmpuls/VmfqGD0reQI/AAAAAAAACSE/IHMrwuNTFGA/s320/IMG_1008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Definitely not perfect!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then there were 3.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been madly knitting of an evening to get the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bolero---short-sleeved-version" target="_blank">bolero</a> finished. Thus far I have the back and two sides. I'm not thrilled with this pattern. It's terribly hard to follow and if the bolero turns out <i>not</i> to be hideously lopsided, I will be thrilled.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a half 'furnished' the Three Bear's House (this will all become clear, when I've finished the darn thing). However the most exciting thing is, that I finally made a start on the card table tent on the weekend that has just past. The one item on my list that has been scaring the pants off me. It has no windows or a door yet...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>22 days remaining, 3 items to go</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd really love to see what you have been making this year. Shoot me an <a href="https://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533">email</a> or share on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/myhandmadeadventure/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-70453878422198695832015-11-30T21:21:00.002+11:002015-11-30T21:21:41.198+11:00A Bookish Advent Calendar<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's almost the first of December! Time to dust off your advent calendars, if you're like me that is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I never really liked chocolate advent calendars as a kid. The chocolate never tasted that nice, in the Australian summer it always got a bit melty, and we usually shared 1 calendar between 3 (me and my 2 sisters.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I always loved opening little windows on my paper calendar and finding a new christmas picture underneath. I'm pretty sure I can remember making my own out of an old cereal box once upon a time too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVBAYaYzG68/VlwgxSC7TGI/AAAAAAAACQU/4JGoAwk1P6A/s1600/IMG_8159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVBAYaYzG68/VlwgxSC7TGI/AAAAAAAACQU/4JGoAwk1P6A/s320/IMG_8159.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part of my Advent Calendar Collection!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I still have my calendars from when I was younger, and have started collecting paper calendars over the years. My kids don't know about the chocolate ones yet, and have their own paper ones too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last year I was excited by the concept of the book advent calendar. I had dismissed it though, as I thought; 'how on earth can I buy 24 new books, all christmas themed each year?' It turns out this isn't what most people do anyway!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtd-oj-g55Q/VlwhLClzexI/AAAAAAAACQY/7YBQ4AYZ-BM/s1600/IMG_8025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtd-oj-g55Q/VlwhLClzexI/AAAAAAAACQY/7YBQ4AYZ-BM/s320/IMG_8025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our first book advent calendar</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I came up with another slightly different spin as well. I've ended up wrapping some Christmas themed books, two new books, and some old favourites that have been missing from story time. I also made up the following letter to be given to the kids on the 1st of December to make it that little bit more magical;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Dear Children;</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Santa told us we needed to practice our gift wrapping before Christmas. He sent us to your house and we wrapped up 24 of your books!
One for you to open each day until Christmas. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>You might even find we’ve wrapped up a
surprise or two for you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We hope that you have been good enough to
get on Santa’s nice list this year. If you have, that means we will get to wrap gifts for
you, and Santa will deliver them on Christmas Eve.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Merry Christmas!<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Love The Elves xxx</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I made the numbered tags using number stamps and Christmas tree shaped tags from <a href="https://themakegoodco.com.au/shop/" target="_blank">The Make Good Co.</a> Alternatively, you can download these fantastic tags from the <a href="http://simpleasthatblog.com/2014/11/free-printable-advent-calendar-christmas-countdown-tags.html" target="_blank">Simple As That Blog</a>;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dn6AJ5qgaEA/VlwhfQtaYwI/AAAAAAAACQg/PSTdBSfblIs/s1600/advent-countdownsimpleasthat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dn6AJ5qgaEA/VlwhfQtaYwI/AAAAAAAACQg/PSTdBSfblIs/s320/advent-countdownsimpleasthat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tags from Simple As That</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are many other ideas for book advent calendars. Below are a two that I might try in the years to come;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wg8WQdjTzQ/Vlwhv9b4fhI/AAAAAAAACQw/1lyBGBgn8Ds/s1600/advent%2Bcalendar%2Breadingconfetti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wg8WQdjTzQ/Vlwhv9b4fhI/AAAAAAAACQw/1lyBGBgn8Ds/s320/advent%2Bcalendar%2Breadingconfetti.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No wrap - read Christmas books all the time</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The 'no wrap' book advent calendar. Placing 24 Christmas books in a basket and having the title of the book written down in a numbered box or pouch. From </span><a href="http://www.readingconfetti.com/2013/11/unwrapped-book-advent-calendar.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Reading Confetti</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBwz8zdNjyA/Vlwhv-NdlEI/AAAAAAAACQ0/ge5A4CcbZNs/s1600/booksandfilmsherecomethegirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBwz8zdNjyA/Vlwhv-NdlEI/AAAAAAAACQ0/ge5A4CcbZNs/s320/booksandfilmsherecomethegirls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clever wrapping and stacking from Here come the Girls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.herecomethegirlsblog.com/2013/11/28/advent-calendar.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">At Here Come the Girls Blog</a><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">, they do Christmas books and films for their countdown.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What is your favourite way to countdown to Christmas?</span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-66030171775774732262015-11-15T13:39:00.002+11:002015-11-15T13:39:24.013+11:00Who Sews? Ally Sews<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earlier in the year, when I was looking for dolls to <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/hello-dolly-my-tree-change-doll-project.html">make under</a> for my own <a href="http://www.treechangedolls.com.au/" target="_blank">Tree Change Dolls</a> project, I had an amazing op shop find. A trio of sweet little Madeline dolls. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little did I know at the time, that the lovely little dollies staring back at me were made by a company called Eden, and were never actually released in Australia. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8hnmIAimYE/VkfpG7YcxkI/AAAAAAAACPU/HutRW0umLU4/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8hnmIAimYE/VkfpG7YcxkI/AAAAAAAACPU/HutRW0umLU4/s320/IMG_0286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Madeline Eden Dolls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are the sweetest dolls, unfortunately the wardrobe I came home with was very limited (they have one pair of shoes between them).</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had seen some lovely handmade Barbie Doll and other dolls clothes on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/myhandmadeadventure/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and Esty by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/allysews?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Ally Sews</a>. I contacted Ally, a 17 (nearly 18!) year old who is Ally Sews and asked her if she would be able to create outfits for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smRU17VOzWQ/Vkfq3xqG_CI/AAAAAAAACPk/91AWFspjhxo/s1600/Madeline%2Bdoll1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smRU17VOzWQ/Vkfq3xqG_CI/AAAAAAAACPk/91AWFspjhxo/s320/Madeline%2Bdoll1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She even has accessories!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ally was lovely and extremely obliging. I sent off a volunteer Madeline, and she came back with a beautiful handmade and very extensive wardrobe. I was so so delighted and Sophie is going to LOVE them!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lELJjrhDNVo/VkfqUgMaBvI/AAAAAAAACPc/AF4Utv8eiJM/s1600/Madeline%2Bdoll2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lELJjrhDNVo/VkfqUgMaBvI/AAAAAAAACPc/AF4Utv8eiJM/s320/Madeline%2Bdoll2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AMAZING!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I of course, had to find out all about Ally's Handmade Adventure;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>How & when did Ally Sews come about? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've always known since I was little that I wanted to be a designer and make things. At the end of last year, I had only a small amount of fabric and not alot of money and decided to open an etsy shop and make do with what I had, my shop gained momentum really quickly so it all worked out...and I get to do what I love everyday :)<br /><br /><b>What's been the most exciting place one of your items has travelled? </b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBYnXqBKlHE/Vkfq35GBBlI/AAAAAAAACPo/GDvgoGcfEO4/s1600/BarbieBlueDress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBYnXqBKlHE/Vkfq35GBBlI/AAAAAAAACPo/GDvgoGcfEO4/s200/BarbieBlueDress.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Barbie never looked so good!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">They've travelled to lots of cool places!! Chile, Sweden and London are a few I'd like to visit someday. I'm from Texas and the only place I've traveled to is Australia so it would be awesome to go back or travel somewhere else. I mean...It'd be very hard to not buy ALL the fabrics wherever I go though ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Are you studying?</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't study, I left highschool a few years ago and got a job doing sewing alterations. I take sewing classes sometimes too.<br /><br /><b>What is your favourite thing to sew? </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S807XRip0Q4/Vkfq4GHxNDI/AAAAAAAACP0/-DmtWweCxZU/s1600/BarbieDresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S807XRip0Q4/Vkfq4GHxNDI/AAAAAAAACP0/-DmtWweCxZU/s200/BarbieDresses.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll clothes of course</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Where do you work from? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />My bedroom. 95% of my belongings is sewing stuff and fabric so it's basically a craft room with a bed lol!<br /><br /><b>What do you love most about what you do? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love sewing for children, it's so much more fun and fulfilling than when I was sewing normal stuff.<br /><br /><b>Do you have any other crafty outlets?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I *attempt* crochet and knitting. Still learning.<br /><br /><b>What's next for Ally Sews?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year's been pretty huge for my business and I can't believe it hasn't been a year yet. Soon my doll clothes will be sold by a few online retailers which is exciting. Next year I just want to continue doing what I do and make new styles of clothes.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N76ftuf5aU8/Vkfq4bQWGYI/AAAAAAAACQA/aKzADiJ6AXw/s1600/dolldresspink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N76ftuf5aU8/Vkfq4bQWGYI/AAAAAAAACQA/aKzADiJ6AXw/s320/dolldresspink.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I cannot recommend Ally's dolls clothes highly enough. If you're looking for a lovely, well made and special gift for a child who loves dolls, look no further then <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/allysews?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Ally Sews</a>.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you like dressing up dolls as a child?</span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2147059760962239729.post-22547043362168924232015-11-11T14:45:00.000+11:002015-11-11T14:45:25.530+11:00Handmade Challenge - November Update - Panic<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ahhhaaahhhhhhhhahhhhh PANIC!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I still have 4 things left on my <a href="http://myhandmadeadventure.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/2015-handmade-challenge.html">Handmade Challenge List</a>, two items part done (not even half done) and another two not even yet attempted... Oh no, oh no...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I'm making the Three Bear's House for my little <a href="http://uklassinus.blogspot.com.au/2008/08/fabric-dollhouse-tutorial.html?m=1" target="_blank">fabric dolls house</a>. I had these gorgeous Goldilocks and the Three Bears peg dolls made by the very talented Sarah from </span><a href="https://instagram.com/bear.and.co/" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Bear & Co.</a><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> So now I am attempting to create a house worthy of them.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwxBCmuPpVo/VkK3kPpBwzI/AAAAAAAACPE/Zc5Rp_2H8tk/s1600/IMG_7944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwxBCmuPpVo/VkK3kPpBwzI/AAAAAAAACPE/Zc5Rp_2H8tk/s320/IMG_7944.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are so sweet!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6TiKM719WY/VkK3kFTJ8XI/AAAAAAAACPA/rNs8vA6zH_4/s1600/IMG_7948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6TiKM719WY/VkK3kFTJ8XI/AAAAAAAACPA/rNs8vA6zH_4/s320/IMG_7948.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Based on a storybook from when I was young</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part of a bolero</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bolero is possibly 1/3 complete, probably even less than that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have been trying to find a piece of felt large enough to make the <a href="http://www.justcraftyenough.com/2013/12/project-snowflake-christmas-tree-skirt/" target="_blank">Christmas tree skirt</a> with no luck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I do have a large sheet to cut up to make the <a href="http://www.giveeverybodynicesweaters.com/craft-projects/card-table-tent/" target="_blank">card table tent</a>. Does it count if I just put the sheet over the table and call it a tent? Perhaps I can sew something to it that looks like a window...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">If I can pull this off, it'll be some kind of Christmas miracle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Is anyone doing any better on their challenge list?</span></h3>
Karen - My Handmade Adventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03916380869544373533noreply@blogger.com0