ho ho ho

Merry Christmas kids - you especially Kel! Did you get my postcard? I hate to ruin the surprise but I've been waiting for ages to hear you mention that you got it....

Mr Sadieandlance and I have been busy running around the country side doing family visits north, south west and back east again - all directions. It's been great and lovely to see everyone. And look what I got up to at Grandma's:

Spinning! And here's my end product:

It was really really really hard (you need some sort of co ordinatioon or something) and so my end product wasn't exaclty mind blowing but I managed (just). And we even pulled out Grandma's carding machine and had a go at carding the wool old skool.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

I know we're spread all over the place for Christmas, but i'll be thinking of you all while i'm sunning myself on a beach in Queensland.

Have a great Festive Season everyone.

(Funnily enough, Christmas season coincides with homebrewin season. And it's a serious affair this year!)

Christmas Deco's

Hi All,
Robyn asked me to post these to ya'll so I thought this would be the logical place to do it. She received these yesterday and loves them!
There's some little globes


And some lovely kimono's


Sammy loves them too (isn't she beautiful! Even if she is flashing her lady parts!)


Robby said she had an audience for her photo shoot too :)


Great job Al!

To do 2007

I have a backlog of projects. Not the unfinished object kind (although I have those too), the 'take a mental note and make that one day' kind. So I have decided the end of the year with new beginnings etc. Is a good time for some of these projects to make their appearance. This is a 'live' list, but I thought I might document the beginnings of it here. But really I'm just hoping the rest of you will put up your 2007 ambitions, craft or otherwise.

1. Buy more craft books.

I recently got this haul in Melbourne. Melbourne rocks for all things craft related. Shits all over Sydney. Anyway, these books are fabulous. Especially the Elizabeth Zimmermann one. I was telling B that her books are more like knitting philosophy than pattern books. I love it. B wasn't so keen on the idea, so maybe i'm demented. But it works for me :)And it leads me to:

2. Knit this
This is the best pattern for a piece of baby clothing i've seen. I think it's gorgeous. It also gave me an excuse to buy the book. Now can one of you please add 'have baby' to your list so that I have someone the make it for :) Thanks!

3. Make this
This is my most ambitious (and unlikely) 2007 project. I just don't think I have the sewing skills for this. It involves piping, and unless they have a cheating foot for that it sounds like it's going to be rather painful. But I think they look just fabulous finished. See here, and here. The fabric is ready and waiting:


I expect i'll need this too, with all the traveling to Down by the Beach in Country Victoria, Melbourne (I'm inviting myself :) and the Sunshine Coast (the parents have decided to cease the itinerant lifestyle and have purchased a block of land. They say the house will be built by Christmas next year. They have already invited John's parents and brothers to a big family Christmas next year. Hooray......? This makes me mildly nervous. Only Mildly. They already spend time together without John and I.)

4. Oh how I love thee, Shetland Triangle (Three rows down, second one across)
I have seen some fabulous versions of this. Interestingly, most of the ones I've seen that I really like are in dark or scarlet reds. I reckon I've got me clap to cover off on the days i'm feeling like a scarlet women (I wear it a lot) so I've got this instead

It's bloody hard to find deep green yarn. I get a bit swoony whenever I walk past this. I can't wait :)

5. I will felt
In brighter colours of course! I still don't have a 'knitting bag' and I think this would make a good one. Especially in Noro or bright stripes. And felting looks like fun. Once I get over the fact that you intentionally sabotage perfectly good knitted items.

6. I sock, therefore I am
Oh how I covet thee, Pomatomus. Especially after seeing this (I'm not stalking you, Elliphantom Knits, really i'm not). And I already have the yarn:


Martini anyone? Tis the season. This obviously means I need to make a pair of simpler socks first. I'm thinking this will be good Christmas knitting while Robbie (JDs mum) and I sit on the balcony and use her army of boy-children to bring us Pimms and Dry (with just a slice of cucumber, thank you very much).

7. On the crochet front
My grand plan is to finish a garment (not an accessory). I'm thinking either this or this. So whoever it was with 'have baby' on their list, you better make it twins. And make one a girl. A girl that likes to wear dresses. Shaz, i'm thinking this is sounding remarkably like your genetic gene pool (hahahaha, only teasing). Gorgeous patterns though aren't they.

8. My oldest and dearest UFO

Sometimes you carry baggage, both literal and emotional, this is what this is to me. I don't really feel ready to write about this yet. But it's about time I dealt with it.

Did I tell you?

That I got this for my Birthday?

I dont think I will be getting much work done next year!

Except for knitting of course!

Baking Fiasco (or How Shazmina LOST the Xmas Spirit)

Ok, so yesterday was the day I was to make the THREE Xmas cakes I had decided to bake for gifts to some of my peeps. What a DRAMA it turned out to be!

1. Was aiming to start the process EARLY Sunday morning. First fatal mistake, forgot to buy Treacle. Made an early morning (9am) dash to local Franklins, no treacle. Ok, made a dash (9.37am) to local Woolworths, not open until 10am. WHAT THE F*****! Waited for it to open. Purchased missing ingredient and a couple of extra things, did some quick xmas shopping and returned home by 11.15am.
2. Started step one, which involved boiling Guinness and treacle and soaking fruit. Second Fatal mistake, had to wait until the mixture was room temperature to go to next step. Do you know how long it takes for something to go to room temp in the middle of the day in summer??? TWO HOURS MINIMUM!
3. First time I have baked in the oven in my apartment. Fatal Mistake Three, trying to bake TWO cakes at a time in an untested oven.
4. After 45 minutes of the baking time, the cakes had blackened edges and bounced back to the touch AND skewer came out clean (very weird). So I pulled them out. Fatal mistake Four, they were very well cooked on the outside but not on the inside. Top of cakes collapsed under the strain.
5. TWO delicious Guinness fruitcakes ended up in my bin. What a waste! All that beautiful Guinness, treacle and fruit and it ended up in the bin! And the people who were going to get these cakes, will miss out on their deliciousness :( Luckily they didn't know they were receiving them!

What about cake number three I hear you ask? Well I cooked it on a lower heat and checked it every 15 minutes and it came out beautifully! AND it is all mine!!! MWAHAHAHAHA! After all the work I put in, I figure I deserve it all to myself! Ok, I may share a piece or two with you guys, but they will be very small pieces and you only get one each!! MWAHAHAHAHA!

So there you have it. Sunday 10th of December 2006 will be forever known as the Xmas Cake Disaster of 2006 (or how Shazmina spent a quiet Sunday sweating over a hot stove FOR NOTHING!!!)

100 degrees in the shade...

That's what my poor Caccie is thinkin'... poor luv.


Actually truth be told it was 40 degrees today (not 100) and 37 degrees expected for tomorrow...not 100 but you know, might as well be.

The whole of Victoria is on fire and unfortunately my Sister chose this weekend to come and visit for bridesmaid shopping, poor thing.

(( That's me in one of the 15 dresses I tried on and this is us and our sneaky dressing room photos taken while fake coughing. Aren't I a Good Maid of Honour?!))

So, 40 degrees indeed...luckily I've been sustained, not by cider but, by this...

"Hmm...hot country thirsty colonists"...

Ahh James Squire Golden Ale, quaffable indeed, summer dinking - I concur. (read the label). Thanks for the inspiration Brownpants!

I Love a good Fart Joke!

You know I do! :)

And this is HILARIOUS!

Reasons to smile

Things that made me happy today:

A $2 Santa for the Pot at the front door

Some Christmas presents in preparation (apart from the onions. They're destined to become version 2 of below)

JD's Spring Onions. The only thing in the garden he claims as his. He inspects them and waters them every day, commenting on each little bit of growth. I don't know if he'll be able to eat them, they're almost part of the family now!

And an old favourite found

Things that made me not so happy:

Spending most of my day with these and this. So sad.

Life of a frustrated Crafster x 2

What a craptastic week! Work has been hilariously stressful! I say hilarious as it was all I could do to stop myself from crying on Monday and Wednesday nights! I will fill you in on the details over the weekend on my blog.

AND to top it all off, EVERYONE, and I do mean EVERYONE, I know is out of town this weekend. AND it is my birthday tomorrow! WHAT THE HELL IS THAT ABOUT?????

But luckily after this week, I am really looking forward to having some Shazmina time, so it has actually worked out quite well. I plan to blog, knit and spend some quality time with the love of my life, Albert. Yep, you heard right here! I have been left in charge of the munchkins for a week, so I am ditching Princess Meena and hanging out with my new crew at BP's house!
Sweeeeeeeet!

Life of a frustrated crafster

I must admit to being a very frustrated crafster at the moment.

I'm not frustrated by a lack of gorgeous yarns or fabulous patterns, but by the fact I can't show them all off!

All my recent projects fall into the secret squirel category of birthdy and Christmas presents.

However, I have just started a project for myself which will mean I can finally post something with actual content (unlike this post which is purely a vent).

So where did I put that camera...

Ok, time for me to weigh in!

Target or Kmart?
Target normally...... but loving Zara and H&M here in madrid

Beef burger, chicken burger of veggie burger?
chicken always tops..... but love mums beef ones....... with beetroot

Coles or Woolies (Woolworths/Safeway)?
coles is good...... but love woolies whenever i am living near one.

Pasta or Pizza?
Pasta...... bolognaise or lasagna the favs. if going a pizza, like the frozen one dressed up with few added bits like ham, mushrooms and onion..... was dinner last night... yum

Thongs or sandals?
thongs-..... always

Backyard pool or beach?
pool.... have issues with sand flying around..... and a bit scared of the waves not a great swimmer

Chocolate or Vanilla?
choc! prefer the mint choc or the straciatelli right now. caramel swirls are always appreciated. vanilla works if there is some Choc Magic in the cupboard

Hair product or no hair product?
too lazy but know the "do" would look better if i did

Cats or dogs?
cats..... like an animal that can look after itself

Coffee or tea?
tea but only the herbal ones.... not a fan of the black ones..... preference is for a nice lavender and camomile combo at bed time

Would you rather be a Teacher or a Nurse?
teacher - hate site of blood.

Camping on the beach or camping in the mountains?
moantaynes! see above about sand issues..... BUT if the mountins overlooked the water id be a very happy camper (pun intended)

You've got 10 minutes before you leave for a party and you don't have a gift to give the bday girl or boy. What crafty goodness do you whip up?
hmmm, stash theiving definately. Like a home made card, always have ribbons o han to dress up something that is otherwise a little dull and not adverse to whipping up a gift voucher if necessary

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.
i talk too much.....oh, no you all know that...... um, i currently have an inappropriate crush on a spaniard!

Upload a random photo here: a madrid taxi - love their stylish stripe

bugger!

I stood on a nail this morning and now I have to go and have a tetanus injection!! Bugger!

Ms who?

Target or Kmart?
Target. I really like Target for the basics. A white t-shirt is a whit t-shirt. I don't need to pay $80 for one

Beef burger, chicken burger of veggie burger?
Chicken burger. Don't know why, I just always do

Coles or Woolies?
Woolies. It has always been closest to where I live. Although now I shop more at the IGA because it is closest.

Pasta or Pizza?
Pasta. Though I do sometimes get a craving for pizza. Usually when I am travelling. Go figure...

Thongs or sandals?
Thongs lovely thongs. I have 4 pair. No, 5 pair. I even wore them in the rain on Saturday which wasn't such a good idea as I flicked mud all up the back on my legs. That is the only downside to things though.

Backyard pool or beach?
I'm with BP on this one - river. I grew up on a river too and there is nothing like buying a kid's pool toy, jumping off a weir and floating down the river on it.

Chocolate or Vanilla?
I can't believe you are all answering vanilla! Chocolate. Preferrably with chocolate chips and chocolate sauce.

Hair product or no hair product?
No product. I am the only female in my team of 16 women that doesn't die her hair.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs. Sorry to all those cat lovers, and my god kitty...

Coffee or tea?
Tea. Do you think 4 cups a day is bad for me?

Teacher or a Nurse?
Tough one. My dad was a teacher and hated it but a good friend is a nurse and she isn't all too happy either. I think teacher, but only for primary school before they get too obnoxious.

Camping on the beach or camping in the mountains?
Mountains. Rich and I camped at Mount Wilson int he Blue Mountains a couple of months ago and had a ball.

You've got 10 minutes before you leave for a party and you don't have a gift to give the bday girl or boy. What crafty goodness do you whip up?
Earings for a girl. I would probably tie a bow around a six-pack for a guy.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.
I hate silence. If I am at home by myself I have the tv and radio on. I don't mind being home by myself, I just don't like it to be silent.

Upload a random photo here:

This is actually a flock of birds. It was on the Sydney Morning Herald website one day and I saved it because I thought it was so amazing. I love the way the sky goes from purple to cream as well. Note that one Shazmina - it could be good for yarn.

Who am I? I am Shazmina Bendi , thats who!

Target or Kmart?
Neither, I am saving money to buy more Yarn! It actually depends on the need, but currently love clothes in Target.
Beef burger, chicken burger of veggie burger?
Duh, all of them. Not together though.
Coles or Woolies (Woolworths/Safeway)?
Franklins, I live close to probably the only one left in Sydney!
Pasta or Pizza?
Both, unless they have peas in/on them, then neither.
Thongs or sandals?
Thongs. Everyday in Summer. And unlike BP, I like both versions!
Backyard pool or beach?
Both. Although after my experience with nearly vomiting at my first waterpolo training a couple of years ago, maybe the beach is better.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Definately Vanilla. Then you can add stuff to it, like coco pops. Try it, it's like having an icecream breakfast! Yummmm.
Hair product or no hair product? No hair product. Just conditioner, both wash out and leave in (kind of defeats the purpose huh!).
Cats or dogs?
Can I please pick Meerkats? They are almost a combo of the two. If I must choose, well Meena will kill me but definately both.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee and Irish Breakfast tea. Love the Irish!
Would you rather be a Teacher or a Nurse?
Teacher. All the whiny people and Doctors bossing you about, I know I wouldnt like it. Something you dont know about me, I applied to be a Nurse (in QLD) when I finished High School, but was too smart (ha!! They dont know me too well), so I got offered a teaching position instead. Ended up in NSW studying Urban and regional Planning, go figure!
Camping on the beach or camping in the mountains?
It has been so long, but I like camping. Beach in Spring/Summer, Mountains in Autumn.
You've got 10 minutes before you leave for a party and you don't have a gift to give the bday girl or boy. What crafty goodness do you whip up? Definately earrings for a girl. Or something completed from the craft cupboard. Ha ha ha ha! Like there is anything completed in that cupboard!! :) For a boy, no clue.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.
Ok, this is hard because I tend to tell people everything! :)

1. I sing in my car on the way to work
2. Farts make me laugh
3. I will own a new Mini Cooper S in the next 12 months
4. I have a boyfriend. There, I admit it. I have a BF. AND I am planning to knit him socks. Not right now, but when I figure out the colour and when it is the appropriate time to start knitting for a BF.

Upload a random photo here:

I bought this dress to wear to speed dating but it was too cold on the night, so I wore clothes I already had!

BrownPants Meme

Target or Kmart?
Target, definitely. (I worked at Kmart at school. Did Ya’ll know that?)

Beef burger, chicken burger of veggie burger?
Um, der, Veggie burger. But no ‘antipasto’ bits thanks. Home-made lentil or chickpea patties only. Don’t forget the egg and beetroot.

Coles or Woolies (Woolworths/Safeway)?
The Grocer at metro. If not woolies at metro. If I actually got to choose main providers though Coles.

Pasta or Pizza?
Pasta

Thongs or sandals?
Sandals. Everyday in Summer. I can’t reconcile myself with thongs (either version. Possibly too much information).

Backyard pool or beach?
Um, I realise I’m being difficult, but the river. Grew up swimming in the river and that will do nicely thanks!

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla for sure. I actually had a vanilla panna cotta for lunch-desert. Yummmm.

Hair product or no hair product?
No hair product. My solution to bad hair is to wear a head wrap. But I don't have any objection to hair product.

Cats or dogs?
Both. I refuse to choose ☺. If that’s not acceptable then take a wild stab in the dark!

Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Large flat white in the morning and a short black after a good meal.

Would you rather be a Teacher or a Nurse?
Teacher. Definitely. I’d rather educate than heal.

Camping on the beach or camping in the mountains?
Camping anywhere! Favourite is camping in the bush by the river though. Want me to show you how to gut a fish? (eeeeewwwwww)

You've got 10 minutes before you leave for a party and you don't have a gift to give the bday girl or boy. What crafty goodness do you whip up?
Hmmmmm, been there before! I went to the beadstash and made a couple of pairs of nice earrings. Takes about 5 minutes (presuming I can find the pliers…”John! Where are the fricking pliers!” No idea if it's a bloke.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.
1. When I moved to Sydney I was 6 months short of being a qualified dance teacher. True. I am not always a finisher-completer.

2. I am just about to jump on a plane to spend a craft Friday with our favourite Melbournite!

Upload a random photo here:
This is a little penguin that came out of the ocean when we were looking at a fossilised forest in NZ! It was calling out for its mate and wandering around the rocks. So cute!!

Products of a road trip

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That is a finished PAIR of lovely Lorna's Laces socks. Very nice for when you are sitting on the couch crafting and your tootsies get a little cold - which is what happened to me in Dubbo while I was knitting these cuties...


If only I had a mini me!

Who are you, who who who who?

I was reading Pea Soup today and she's been back into the Meme thing lately. Meme's were flying all over the blogisphere about 6 months ago, but they seem to no longer be the flavour of the month. But they're fun and I thought we should all do one, so each of the Dear Kel'ers can consider themselves tagged - make a new post to answer, k. Non Dear Kel-ers feel free to participate on your own blog, post a comment and let us know you're playing.

(I'm taking a bit from here and a bit from there...are Meme's copyrighted? ;))

Target or Kmart?
Target

Beef burger, chicken burger of veggie burger?
Veggie burger

Coles or Woolies (Woolworths/Safeway)?
Coles, always. Although once upon a time it was Franklins always - remember Franklins?!

Pasta or Pizza?
Pasta

Thongs or sandals?
Thongs, Sandals make me think of being in primary school.

Backyard pool or beach?
Either actually both please.

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla any day of the week.

Hair product or no hair product?
These days hair product, but I'm not precious about it.

Cats or dogs?
Focaccia. She's a cat that thinks she's a dog - actually she thinks she's people.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee please

Would you rather be a Teacher or a Nurse?
Teacher

Camping on the beach or camping in the mountains?
Camping on the foot of the mountains near the beach! I've done that before and it was ace. If I had to choose I think I'd choose beach.

You've got 10 minutes before you leave for a party and you don't have a gift to give the bday girl or boy. What crafty goodness do you whip up?
That's so typical of me! A handmade card with a piece of fabric sewn on the front - to be attached to a bottle of wine I'll buy on the way to the partay.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.
I lived in a NSW country town for 6 months when I was 8 years old. And I loved it, but am really grateful we moved back to the city.
Upload a random photo here:














Yum! Roast dinner for 25 people - from Papa's 80th bday family weekend away.

Fetch!

Fetching? Yes, they are rather.

Look Ma, no double points!

Sorry for my long absence, but it took me a little while to get my mojo back after my holiday. Actually, it only took one lunch session with Shazmina Bendi, a little encouragement from Brown Pants to overcome my ebay fear, and I made a rather significant purchase from Yarnbow.

But thank you ladies for introducing me to Lorna's Laces - Yum! I love knitting with this yarn.

With new yarn, new needles and rejuvenated mojo, I decided to tackle a new challenge - socks (dum de de da...)

They really aren't that bad! The double circular trick is much better than double points (well for me anyway, I didn't really enjoy the double point experience). The heels are a little fiddly, but far from impossible.

Thanks to a cold Saturday at Shazmina's house indulging our obsessions for crafting, trash dip and chocolate paddle pops, I managed to finish my first born. Here are some progress shots...

And finished! Well, one anyway.... The next challenge - a pair