A Festival

A rock climbing festival!  It has been a long time since we have climbed anything of note but when we noticed a festival advertised that was within day trip distances we had to go!

It was a beautiful day to be outside.

I didn't do any climbing given we have been working pretty hard here over the holidays and I didn't want to overdo things (sensible me!).  The Mr did tick off a few bouldering problems which made him happy (he also wants photo credit for taking the shot of me on a log).

A day trip this year, next year will see us camping and having more fun at the festival.

Tropical Fish

I am in love with this skirt!  The Tropical Fish skirt, another test knit for Elena or Anadiomena on Ravelry.  This skirt is my new favourite, and Possum loves it too.  Just enough shaping and flare to be beautiful and I love the hem.  I wish this was in my size!

I will let you know as soon as the pattern is released, I can't say enough good things about it!

I have a pile of fabric and pattern out on the table, so the next thing I make that I get to show off may come from the sewing machine!

Happy Weekend

Hope you have something fun planned.

This Amazing vantage point is only 35kms from our place.  Pretty wonderful view I think!

Couch Potato

One benefit of the low iron/couch potato issue is that I have had plenty of time for knitting.

This shrug is another test knit, this time for Elena Nodel.  Elena blogs Here, and has her own Ravelry Group too.  

I loved knitting this, it is simple, but just right for a little girl with the ruffle detail.

This pattern has a great size range too, from 12 months to 12-14 years.  It isn't released yet, but I will let you know as soon as it is, I just couldn't wait that long to show it off.

Possum is going to wear this over her Christening dress in early May.  I did leave it late to Christen my two children.  The family Christening dress was in storage when Possum was born, then she grew out of it, and we moved, the Blue came along, and.... You get the idea! 

I am still very excited about their Christening coming up.  I think I will buy them both a nice leather bound Bible as a Christening gift given I think we are past the engraved baby silverware stage. 

Warrabah National Park

We took advantage of the wonderful Autumn weather to head off to beautiful Warrabah National Park, which is about 80km from Tamworth in NSW.  Warrabah only became a National Park in the 1980's and I am glad it did because there is something beautiful about the deep gorges created by the river's path through the range.

Thunderbolts Hole. 

There are plenty of picnic areas and camping areas too.  We packed a picnic lunch as well as the burner so we could make a cuppa when we felt like stopping.

Boundary Hole.

The children are getting better at walking about themselves and now that they need less 'stuff' to cart around with them I hope we get out and about more often.

We have plans to go back for another day soon as there is still a lot to see.  One day we might plan a camping trip too as the camping fees at just $3/adult a night would make it an economical holiday.

Gum Hole

Thunderbolt's Hole at the park entrance was ok for a 2WD via some gravel road.  The rest of the park after that point was 4WD access only.  

Little Hats

I was really excited when Amanda asked me to test knit her latest pattern.  It is not yet released, but if you keep an eye on her blog you will see the link when it is ready to go.  In the meanwhile there are other great beanies available for download from her blog to get you started.   There is even a book which I own and love.  If you own a child, or just have access to one there will be something wonderful to find and knit in Amanda's great patterns.

This pattern has a slouchy version too.  It is also a great way to show off some cute buttons.  I bought both of the lots shown here from Jo at the bird and the fish blog.  Jo makes the most beautiful buttons so head over and have a look.  She runs button clubs too!

I have more knitting to show off, but will keep that up my sleeve for another day :)

Easy Bunny Puppet

Keeping the Easter craft simple this year.  Cut out a bunny shape, draw eyes, whiskers and a nose and stick a paddlepop stick on the back to act as a handle.  Possum coloured hers in too for added fun.

You could use coloured match sticks for the whiskers, google type eyes (or buttons) and some cotton wool to make fluffy ears too.

Searching for Happy.

Malabrigo Silky, to be a shawl one day, if I ever get around to finishing...

Right now I don't feel like blogging, or knitting, or sewing, or cleaning, or baking, or crafting away an afternoon with the kids.

I feel like sleeping. 

I am just so TIRED!

I have a short fuse, short attention span, and a surly disposition.

I am on Iron tablets for the anemia.  I hope they start to work soon.

My ill health is making me unhappy.

I will be back soon.  When I feel better.  After my nap...

SIT ~ The End!

The fourth and final post about Sew It Together, because if you were not there, you may be sick of reading about how much fun we all had ;)

Photo Credit

Saturday morning saw 9 adventurous ladies head off for a walk around the streets, the gardens, and the harbour.  We even ended up on Sunrise briefly which did add to the experience.  We did 6kms and I have decided I need a heart rate monitor and new joggers before next time.

Photo credits

And here are a couple of group shots of the Friday shopping adventures.  Photos taken at Prints Charming and Calico and Ivy.  If you live in Sydney, visit these stores.  They are both beautiful!

photo credit

A late photo entry. 

A group shot of those of us that have been in the Around the Block quilting block bee round 1 and/or round 2 taken at Saturday night's dinner.

Next year Sew it Together will be in Canberra.  See you there!

SIT ~ The Stuff!

Lucky loot from the Sponsors.  How amazing is this pile of goodies!

There are too many Sponsors for me to list each one, but Sheridan has done that for me anyway, so click over HERE for a look at all the amazing people who donated stuff for SIT 2011.

Thank you!

And then there was the stuff I bought...  A lot of stuff...

The Mr asked me how much I thought I had spent.  No idea!  I do know I was surprised not to get charged excess baggage on the flight home!