twoandsix

growing

 

I stood at the kitchen sink and gazed out the window.  Our backyard has been neglected recently.  Autumn leaves have fallen and need to be raked.  The recent windy weather hasn't been kind to our trees, and there are broken branches that need to be cleared away.  The grass is wonderfully lush and green - but getting rather too tall...  although I do love the carpet of yellow dandelions that have grown, and part of me doesn't want to 'mow them away'. 

As I stood there, contemplating all the work that needed to be done, I suddenly realised that we had a 1/4 acre of land to tend to, but grew nothing that could be eaten!  I do have a few potted herbs, but a meal for six hungry children can't be made from herbs and dandelions alone!

I've started to prepare a small piece of earth. I'm hoping it will eventually grow and expand into a big, beautiful, organic vegetable garden.  I can't begin to express how excited I am!  Of course I'm already dreaming of chickens and fresh eggs, fruit trees and worm farms!  This winter will be a time of preparation and planning - i've never had a real garden before, so please, wish me luck!

So this [week] has been spent gardening, looking after sick children (now better), and crafting - trying to catch up on all my orders.

This [weekend] will be spent gardening, crafting, and visiting the niche markets .  Can't wait to meet some wonderful local makers and designers, and i'm sure i'll find some treasures to bring home too.

"From small things, big things grow".  I hope so.

chocolate

 

 

Chocolate  is finished.  Finally.

When I discovered this pattern , i was sure it would be a quick knit. My gauge was perfect, however the sizing ran incredibly small.  I had to unravel the entire (almost finished) garment, and create some modifications to fit my 18 month old Ziggy.

It was worth the effort.  I love this cardigan and Ziggy seems to love it too.  Second time around it was quick, and the pattern is wonderfully simple.  The top down design elimiates the need for seams and I do love the shawl collar - his sweet neck will be kept toasty warm.  The only change I will make next time (yes, there will be a next time!) is to add some extra length to the body.

[The yarn]  - a delicious shade of chocolate brown - almost good enough to eat.  Thick and soft, a blend of wool and acrylic - i wanted something that was easy to launder as I know this will be one of his staple winter tops.

[The buttons ]  - vintage japanese.  Charcoal and perfect for this project.

The age ranges on the original pattern have been adjusted, however, it you would like a copy of my mods to suit an 18-24 month old,  just leave a comment here.  If there is enough interest I'll write up my  mods (very messily scrawled on a scrap piece of paper at the moment.  Yes, I need to be more organised!) and post them here just for you x

I think I may have to knit up a little bit of 'chocolate icing' to match!

the beginning, and the end

Two days ago it felt like winter.  Light snow had fallen on mountains not too far away, and the wind that swept through our little town was fresh and very crisp.  Storms and torrential rain followed and nearly washed our home away!

Blissfully, today felt like Autumn again - sunny, warm and wonderful for more reasons than one.

[The beginning] of the day was particularly special for me.  Bailey creates daily messages for me using our magnetic poetry words.  This mornings 'poem'  made me feel so loved. Can one really 'grow love' i wonder?  I'm glad he thinks I do.   He is a beautiful child, sensitive and loving - i'm so lucky to be his mother.

We had a gentle day.  A little playing, a little tidying and a couple of very indulgent hours sitting in the sun unravelling and re-knitting 'Chocolate'. 

[The end] of our sublime day was spent walking along the beach with my girls.  A chill in the air, cool sand between our toes, breathtaking clouds rolling in covering the blue.

Once all the little people in our house are tucked safely away in bed, I'll get Chocolate out again and knit into the night.

I hope your Saturday has been/will be as wonderful as mine.

the house is humming

Sorry to have been M.I.A for the past week and not to have replied to your most recent comments and emails.  I absolutely love reading your thoughts and reactions to my ramblings, and have missed you all.  I especially want to express my appreciation for your support and kind words in response to my last post.

Easter came and went.  It was a wonderful few days - an abundance of good food,  laughter and glorious weather.  There were also big changes to the sleeping arrangements of six - rooms swapped, beds and cupboards moved.  A prime opportunity to edit and discard.  An enormous task!

The children are on easter break, so our home has been full of young people and their friends, demanding to be fed, entertained and hugged.  Although somehow, in amongst the chaos and noise I've managed to find some time to make, and knit, and crochet.

labels.
I finally gathered enough courage to use my Print Gocco.  A generous gift from my sister in law,  it has sat idle for many months.  I love Hine and  Alison's gocco'd lables and decided I'd attempt to make my own.  Printed on beautiful linen ribbon, i'm quite happy with the result - for my first attempt at least.  I can see that it's going to take some practice to get things perfect.
 
tags.
made from recycled card and pages from vintage books. Machine stitched together with fire engin red cotton. I made a couple of different styles, and love them both.

warm things.
An armful of knitted mini scarfs.  And another armful of crocheted wrist warmers. Labels have been handsewn onto them and tags have been attached.  A 'twoandsix' parcel destined for Cocoon.

The house is still humming with activity, and will be for the next few days.  Next week, I hope will be a little quieter.  I'm looking forward to dropping by and saying 'hello' to you all.

And for those who aren't able to make it into Cocoon, i've listed a some wristwarmers in my shop!

fragile

a flower bursts into life. 
petals unfold.
exquisit beauty revealed.

[fragile] blooms

A child is born into this world
a gift to us for a season, to nurture and love.

[fragile] hearts

We watch as our children grow. 
Witness their 'petals' beginning to unfold, revealing unspeakable beauty.
Glimpses of potential and promise, hinting at the adult they will become.

[fragile] lives

Last night I held my children tight, wiped tears and comforted them.  A car accident had claimed the lives of two of their teenage friends that morning.

No words. 
Only sadness and heartache.  Compassion for their parents, who will never see their children in full bloom.

A reminder.
We do not know what tomorrow will bring.  We need to love completely and consciously every moment.

I hold my children tight and never want to let go.

[fawr-tee]

I was born on April Fools Day.  This year I turned 40 .
I wasn't looking forward to reaching this 'milestone', but here I am 40 years old, whether I like it or not. I'd better start liking it!

A few birthday delights to share with you:

Bouquets of flowers brightened my day - nature's perfect masterpieces in gentle shades of pink and white.

A beautiful parcel from Kelly - wrapped with love and filled with an armful of the most sublime yarn from Blue Skys Aplacas - Brushed Suri, soft and delicious.  Thank you again sweet Kelly x

I was treated to a fleeting stay in Melbourne!  Moments spent with friends and family and a blissful few hours wandering around the Magnolia Square market at Malvern.  So much to see and be inspired by.  I totally fell in love with these "objects of desire" - and promptly added a bracelet to my wish list!  My darling husband bought me a bone china ring and bangle from angus&celeste -  they also make the most divine buttons.

When I arrived home, ny beautiful friend, 'Sweet P' gave me with a wonderful handmade, blue ceramic ring she discovered in Cocoon - my absolute favorite store in Launceston.

Thank you to everyone who sent me birthday wishes and love.

My 40th year will be spent with arms wide open, ready...

"Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by."
~ Carl Sandburg