Dad's Little Helper

Louis loves to help and loves to be in the garden. He also loves to dress up - which is why he is wearing his dad's cut down gumboots. It was really funny watching him trying to walk around the garden in the oversized and somewhat heavy boots.


Notice the way they are on the wrong feet - making it even harder to walk properly!

We've had the hottest August day since 1911 - 28 degrees C. David is trying to water the plants but we are on such strict water restrictions that it can only be done with a bucket or watering can at the moment. It's kind of scary to think that we have water restrictions in the middle of winter. Everything looks rather dry but there are some splashes of colour around. The ranunculi are very hardy and don't need much water, thank goodness, and they provide a little bit of cheer in the garden.

It's been hard trying to post as I've been busy and Julian has been sick. He's had a bad year this year, but hopefully when summer comes he will get rid of the permanent cold he's had since the beginning of winter.


This was taken during the day but it's looking rather gloomy at the moment and they are expecting a storm to pass through soon - no rain though :( Better batten down the hatches!

WIP number 1

This is one of my current WIPs. As you can see I've just started it but so far I'm kinda happy with it. I got three balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for my birthday from my darling niece, Madi (we are both new knitters) and I knew I had to make something fairly impressive with this beautiful yarn. I trawled the net for scarf patterns which would be worthy of my yarn but couldn't come up with anything. I had been hoping that the stripey tiger would post her scarf pattern on her blog, but as she has just moved, I think her priorities lie elsewhere. When I went back to look at her scarf, I realised my yarn would be too thick anyway, so I decided I would take a big leap and try making my own pattern. This involved, lots of blood, sweat and swearing but I finally managed to draft a pattern that not only makes sense, but looks quite good too.


It's also my first attempt at lace (the holes on the side). Course it will be finished just in time for summer :( - but I can wear it next winter :)

On another note, it was Julian's turn to take Eddy the Teddy home from school. They get to take the bear home for a sleepover and then have to write about their time and draw pictures. We decided to take some photos


And finally, our very first Ranunculus - a sure sign that spring is near.......


Better go cook tea now........

You can never have too many bags!

Hello I am Emily, daughter of Levin. I thought I'd better take a moment to introduce myself, seeing as I'm not mentioned in the 'About Me' section (yet). I am 13 years old and started High School at the beginning of the year. I love reading and creating - knitting, sewing, crocheting etc. I used to rarely finish anything until a few months ago.
I am very similar to my mum in many ways - we look alike and like the same music and books.

On to today's creations...


This is a little tote bag I made from a pattern in Bend-The-Rules Sewing for my friend's birthday - Happy Birthday Ingrid! The back and lining are made of the same blue spotty fabric and the front is recycled from a cream curtain.


Mum and I dedicated a whole afternoon to sewing and with much confusion and unpicking seams, we both managed to finish our projects.


This bag that mum made also comes from Bend the Rules Sewing (thanks Amy Karol!!!). There were a few hair raising moments but we managed to sort through the instructions and we are both very happy with the results.

It brings summer bliss to this cold and dreary winter.

Emily xox

Little Helper

I had a little helper with the washing yesterday. He likes to put about seven pegs on a sock! Much as I was in a hurry I just can't discourage a child that wants to help.

I've had a rather busy week again and all I really want to do is sit down and work out how to blog properly. I finally figured out how to get comments on and I'm slowly becoming familiar with my blog.
Yesterday I went to Hettie's Patch, a wonderful quilting shop in Adelaide, and I came out significantly poorer, but very inspired! I think I will be shopping there again and I'm keen to do a quilting course there as well. There are so many things I want to do at the moment and there is so little time in the day. I need to find a way to make crafting my job!


Each year for my birthday I am lucky enough to have a tree full of almond blossom. I love the fact that it has delicate little flowers that are attached to an old gnarled trunk. This photo was taken yesterday when it was sunny. Today as I look out the window there is a grey sky and we've had a little rain. The trunk looks almost black which is a stark contrast to the whiteness of the flowers. Isn't nature just perfect.

First Blog

I have only recently been introduced to the wonderful world of blogs and Emily (my daughter) and I have been meaning to set up our own blog for some time, but I've continually found excuses not too. Today we finally bit the bullet and set it up! We have much to do before it becomes interesting but it's proving to be fun already. Part of the reason I've been scared to do this is because I see all the beautiful things being created on the blogs I read and I'm not sure I'm quite up to that standard as yet. I'm a new crafter you see, and I've been skirting around, looking at patterns (knitting & sewing) and thinking I could probably do it, but just needing a little push. Emily has started crafting too - she has made some small things and enjoys sewing the most. She did a great course at Nest Studio in Adelaide, learning how to make a toy. I will endeavour to post a picture of her first toy but if you only see writing, then I probably didn't figure out how to attach a photo :)
Wish me luck!