same but different

This week I finished two more monkeys for the Great Sock Monkey Challenge. I was in a bit of a rush to get them to Wellington to meet the deadline for delivery to the children's hospital. They turned out surprisingly well and, in fact, I think my haste (and lack of fussy perfectionism) gave them a bit more character. Having one ear bigger than the other is cute, right?

I also made some more lavender bags using the bark cloth I bought at Fabric-a-brac. I really love this fabric and these lavender bags that I made for myself. I've put them in my linen cupboard. I still have heaps of lavender left - at least enough for another twenty bags. Eek!

The ceramic bowl was made by Sarah Guppy. We bought it because it reminded us of our lovely Louie. The bowl is beautiful but it makes me sad because I miss Louie so much.

After Watching Under African skies, Listening to Graceland by Paul Simon + Reading Uppercase

lavender

I went to Fabric-a-brac on Saturday. Did you go? I got some great fabrics - some bark cloth off-cuts, fine linen for embroidery, muslin and embroidered Aida cloths. I could've bought so much more. I hope Fabric-a-brac becomes a regular thing. If you missed it, there's the Vintage Textile Fair coming up on Sunday, September 9.

I've already made some lavender bags using one of the Aida cloths and a mauve cotton for the backing. Lavender bags make a nice gift and are easy to make. See how here and here. I added a little loop to the top of mine so that you can either hang them in the wardrobe or tuck them into a drawer. I made these for my mother but think I'll do some for myself. They smell so good. I used locally-grown lavender from Cambridge.

Reading Rangatira by Paula Morris

spring, music and library books

This week I've been ...

• looking for Spring
• knitting - lots of long, repetitive rows of garter stitch which I've been enjoying very much - possibly in a therapeutic way. The wool is 'Zara' by Filatura di crosa that I bought from here. 
• listening to Harry Nilsson after hearing this
• trying to get my library books back on time.

How's your week been? What are you listening to?

Watching Forbrydelsen + Listening to Nilsson Schmilsson + Shooting with Instagram

Pop knitting

These amazing patterns, designed by Britt-Marie Christoffersson, are from her book Pop knitting : bold motifs using color and stitch. I especially like the textured patterns but it's almost impossible to pick out a favourite because they are all so good. If you're interested in innovative knitting and stitch manipulation, then this is the book for you. I borrowed it from my local library. Maybe your library has it too? More images here and here.

Also don't forget Fabric-a-brac is in Auckland on August 18th. You'll be supporting the Mercy Hospice and, I hope, finding yourself some lovely fabrics.