tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38020777163027603312024-03-14T04:21:19.032+11:00Apple and Tangerine
Crafty fun and the goodness of home economicsTanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-37803320827390816462014-01-14T07:47:00.001+11:002014-01-14T07:47:43.463+11:00Sewing for me. The green dress. <p dir=ltr>Ok. ..so I've downloaded an app for blogger to my mobile. ..but am open to suggestions if anyone else has any bright ideas!<br>
Once again our home computer, or, more accurately our Internet connection,  hinders my blogging ability- which causes me no end of frustration-either no service,  slow service with occasional normal service.  Big Pond remain our only service provider option. <br>
But now straight to the sewing. <br>
In October last year I did a pattern drafting short course at the local TAFE. I loved it.  I came out of it with a block pattern made from my measures for a dress,  pants and sleeve.  It has made sewing for me so much more fun- I feel like I've found my style of sewing.  I've got the basic shape as a springboard to many patterns and designs- with less instructions than a commercial pattern, which I don't mind (assuming I have good basic sewing reference texts around me). <br>
Lara (don't know how to link on mobile yet) brought a dress to sewjourn last year that I loved,  a Marie Tilton Vogue pattern which isn't yet available in Australia-so I couldn't get it in the larger size range. I looked at Lara's and used my block pattern to create my version, which I wore to a wedding on the weekend.<br>
It's made me feel like the world is my oyster in terms of clothes potentially available to me- assuming I can find fabric I love and keep developing my sewing skills. I've made two simple knee length A line skirts which I have been living in.  I'm loving wearing clothes that feel 'true to me', it makes me happy! <br>
I need more practice with sleeves, but feel okay about leaping in and practicing. I have felt quite obsessed with thinking about what I'm going to sew, designing stuff in my head. <br>
Nice to have my sewing passion directed to benefit me! I've mostly sewn for kids in the past! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QeNkoF4OisjWEommSM6if7M8ddH4L0JsAIgn_0We9iE06NNETBHF7MpGG-ETU3pUrXXUzqatU4P4t3QfFAQuMTSb94IvE1R3IyDsG7Kh-R6WCLEAEdmrlH5uqB1DTPzZJd6DbBXKaw9-/s1600/20140111_180239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QeNkoF4OisjWEommSM6if7M8ddH4L0JsAIgn_0We9iE06NNETBHF7MpGG-ETU3pUrXXUzqatU4P4t3QfFAQuMTSb94IvE1R3IyDsG7Kh-R6WCLEAEdmrlH5uqB1DTPzZJd6DbBXKaw9-/s640/20140111_180239.jpg"> </a> </div>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-7105513219392682932013-08-11T20:40:00.002+10:002013-08-11T20:46:00.095+10:00Dress up day<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've always been keen on a bit of a dress up day...</span><br />
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/Scan2_zps1575dd46.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/Scan2_zps1575dd46.jpeg" width="126" /></span></a><a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/tanhumptydumpty_zps3499640a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/tanhumptydumpty_zps3499640a.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was 10 in this photo (left) and I remember being so excited making this hat for the 'Easter bonnet parade' out of polystyrene blocks, crepe paper and spray paint! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I'm sure high waisted velour school jumpers were fashionable back then...I wonder if this was about the same time my mother discovered sewing with stretch fabrics!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The photo on the right (above) was a high school social, the theme was 'Nursery Rhymes'. Dad helped me construct a paper maiche Humpty dumpty- it involved chicken wire and lots of newspaper. After it was created, we realised it was too big to fit in the car so he took me into town (we lived on a farm) with the costume in the trailer! The social (school dance/disco) was at the local town hall and whoever was on the door went 'whoa' and had to open up the double doors so I could fit through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Others characters I remember being are Jake the Peg (this involved a purple dressing gown and a broom with a stuffed sock over it) and Pippi Longstocking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And more recently I was a bee from the bee movie for my girlfriends 'movie' themed 40th...</span><br />
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/Image_zps3e561068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/Image_zps3e561068.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To date, I've been a bit disappointed that my children don't seen to have that 'dress up' gene. On the odd occasion there have been dress up days, I have asked my daughter what she'd like to go as (with a 'I'll make you any costume you want!)- she has generally responded with 'a girl'!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine my delight when my Year 7 boy came home recently and said 'we have to dress up as something starting with M and I want to go as a magician'...followed by 'could you make me a black cape with a shiny red inside?'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why yes, I could, and I have been just waiting to be asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I consulted the big guns- a book I loved to pore over as a child...yep, Enid Gilchrist- it's obviously been well loved!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/P1090874_zps97960467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/P1090874_zps97960467.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">on a side note- she's still 'on trend' with these 'onesies'!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/P1090875_zpsa32bbb4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/P1090875_zpsa32bbb4a.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The result was a cape that my boy thought was 'awesome'. I also stayed up far too late making the top hat- next time I plan to share the 'making'! Mr Apple got involved my coming up with the wand (tomato stake, with liquid paper on the tip!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/P1090879_zps463ebc65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/P1090879_zps463ebc65.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When he got home, he reported that most of the other kids said that were "Me" and just had an out of uniform day. I asked if he thought next time he would dress up he thought no, he wouldn't bother! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He did proceed to stay in his outfit for several hours, I take heart in that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-86595529150338761002013-08-08T12:23:00.003+10:002013-08-08T12:24:51.022+10:00Quilting love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I make someone a quilt, I think of them as I sew, I hold them in my heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's quite a considered thing for me, to make someone a quilt. I tell people 'you don't get one if you ask' (is that mean?). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As odd as this might sound, I kind of have to feel 'stirred' to make a quilt for someone. I'm not sure why, it's often pretty simple sewing that I do, straight lines. A fair investment in time, but generally not complex sewing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I am making a baby a quilt, I often don't like to start until the baby has been born, or better still until I have met the baby. I definitely wouldn't finish a baby quilt without meeting that baby.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/P1090742_zpsd36b5055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/P1090742_zpsd36b5055.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wonder if it's because with my quilts, I send 'the best good wishes', in good situations, and in difficult situations- you know those "I wish I had a magic wand to make this situation better" kind of things (but I don't so I have made you a quilt to swaddle yourself in, to wrap yourself up in and know that you are loved and cared for and held). They are very personal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a quilt (sorry about the poor quality photos) that I recently made for a dear friend, it felt like the only thing I could do.</span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-74065058056252463832013-08-02T09:55:00.001+10:002013-08-02T10:01:00.372+10:00Last November, at craft camp...<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More sewing I did ages ago but which has only just been 'grown into to'- it's much nicer to show you photos with Little Miss A modelling them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is another <a href="http://www.ottobredesign.com/en/">Ottobre pattern</a>- from the 4/2011 edition, design number 6. There is a dress version as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was really easy to sew up, not many pieces and some feature shirring around the neckline- I love shirring! </span><br />
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/IMG_7499_zps880d0647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/IMG_7499_zps880d0647.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/IMG_2093_zps757c367e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/IMG_2093_zps757c367e.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/IMG_2095_zpsd44eb976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/IMG_2095_zpsd44eb976.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made these at Sewjourn last November- maybe next year I will show you what I made at Sewjourn in May!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember I didn't know if I was getting a niece or a nephew at that stage- now we have this lovely girl in our lives. Also, with this pattern, I got to play with <a href="http://and-so-i-sew.blogspot.com.au/">my friend's</a> fun and fancy snap press gizmo to make nappy access easy along the inner leg seam. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oh- and on a totally different topic- if you have a good internet connection, and you take it for granted, please take a moment today to appreciate it, on my behalf! I love blogging and would love to do it more, but when I get to my computer, stuff around with our slow and inconsistent internet trying to upload photos...well, it causes me much frustration and grumpiness- which makes it not as fun as it could be! One day we might get broadband here...in the meantime, I suspect I will continue with my irregular updates!</span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-78836131556732723312013-07-31T21:19:00.001+10:002013-08-02T09:56:54.783+10:00Some sewing<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After doing a quick flick through my most recent posts (and by recent, I am using the term rather broadly!) I realised that not enough of my sewing is making it onto here, and you may be forgiven for thinking I like the garden more than the craft room.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In December we were lucky enough to have this little one join our family. How fun to have a new niece to sew for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made her this top- I'd forgotten how little babies are and I was misguided in thinking it might fit her for Christmas...this is several months later. It's an Ottobre pattern which I have used before and really like...can't quite remember which issue <span style="color: magenta; font-size: xx-small;">(edited to add- it's 1/2009, design 7)</span>- but if you want to know l</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eave a comment and I will hunt it out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here's the quilt I made her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had 'instructions' so was slightly nervous that it wouldn't be what was hoped for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">l</span><a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/DSCF0218_zps863c5f63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/DSCF0218_zps863c5f63.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">I also realised that I'd be a crap artist if I had to do </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">commission</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> pieces for a living!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Below is the back. Hmm, could've made an effort with the iron, couldn't I!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The thing I like most about this quilt is the ruffle- I was playing with my new ruffler foot.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-77915082671059332622013-06-05T20:50:00.002+10:002013-06-05T20:51:19.890+10:00Around the grounds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been doing sewing, but I haven't had my camera out in the sewing department. I have however, had a bit of a walk around the garden with my camera so I can give you a colourful update about what's going on there...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How delightful and unusual for us to still have several sunflowers in our garden on the 3rd day of Winter. It's such a treat- these self seeded and I remember thinking "there's no way they will flower, but I am not pulling them out- just in case". Hooray for just in case!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the past few days this tress has totally lost it's leaves- so now it's a leafless deciduous tree with a whole lot of bright, big orange persimmons on it. Also good on the 'cheer up factor' for the winter garden. The chooks are loving sharing the persimmon fruit this year- it makes me smile to watch them jump surprisingly high to peck at a soft one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several of our pomegranates have split this year. I'll need to keep an eye on them to make sure they aren't going mouldy or anything- in the meantime, the split ones are fun because various members of the family pinch a few seeds every time they walk past (again, including the chooks). I like doing that because it feels really healthy- like I am eating 'living food'. I had a go at making pomegranate molasses. Not sure what I'll use it for yet, but it looks amazing, deep red and quite thick. I juiced four pomegranates and added a bit of sugar and then reduced it over a few hours. The yield was less that 100 mils (because I wanted it syrupy)- so it's waiting for a pretty special occasion! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The crab apples remain on the tree. They are on my 'to do' list. I'm keen to make crab apple jelly...there's a few other things on my list before I get there though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have had a bumper crop of all our brassicas this year. Above is the kale going crazy, below is at least 10 cabbages which I made into sauerkraut shortly after the photo was taken. I am having a bit of 'fad' for sauerkraut at the moment. Maybe it's my exchange student roots, or just wishing I was in Europe right now!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the idea of eating seasonally, I love growing our own food, but I tell you what, I have had my fill of cauliflowers and broccoli and trying to be creative with serving it...the ridiculous thing is, as soon as it's gone, I will quickly forget the overdose and have a bit of a hankering for it- just because it's no longer there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Winter.</span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-76609370065447443172013-02-04T22:41:00.000+11:002013-02-04T22:42:03.436+11:00Sunshine<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is inspired by <a href="http://thimbleanna.com/">Thimbleanna</a>, who showed us her new quilt recently- after playing in the snow taking photos of it...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">over this side of the world, this is how powerful our sun has been...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Dried apricots- picked off the tree, cut in half and left out in the sun to dehydrate for a couple of days</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">same goes for our white peaches</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and these were the surprise package of the season, dried cherries. We haven't done them before, they didn't take as long to dry and they are amazing- intense little mouthfuls of flavour. We will definitely do these next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. Apple did most of these (I claim credit for the cherries!) , he's great at preserving. He cut the fruit in half, literally left it on our picnic table outside- no netting, nothing. In other years we have had birds have a bit of a go at the fruit as it was drying, but not this year. Ants weren't a problem either- maybe 8 days over 40 degrees (104 F) was too hot for the pests as well as me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The apricots are quite a brown colour, not that pretty. Commerical dried apricots have sulphur and other things on them to keep their lovely orange colour, we choose not to do that- they might not look that pretty but the flavour is all there! These will be used in baking and school lunches and I reckon we have done enough to last until next season.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now it's all about nectarines and plums and the last of the peaches at our place. </span><br />
<br />Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-7644180323431513432013-02-03T20:55:00.000+11:002013-02-03T20:57:53.695+11:00Summer days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mentioned we went to the beach over Summer. Gee I loved swimming in the ocean. Both the kids have been in the water today, it's hot again, but a pool, while lovely on a hot day, just isn't ever going to be quite the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought a nice beach bag was a missing element on our beach excursions...so when we got home I set to making one. Having grown in confidence thanks to my <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/">favourite bag lady</a> , I decided to have a play with the shape and size, and came up with this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really like the shape, the photo isn't that clear (no photography awards coming my way). It's the first time I have sewn with this 'oilcloth' stuff (which I am pretty sure I bought from Crafty Mamas a few years ago (hooray for stash busting!). I sewed with a silicone foot, it's the first time I've used that foot too- I thought it may be trickier to work with than it was- no dramas at all. I decided to line it in oilcloth as well, because well, it is a 'bathers bag'. To reduce bulk (and make it easier!) I just sewed bias binding to neaten the top up rather the sew and do the 'turn inside out through a small opening manoeuvre'. When I decided to do this I had a moment of wondering where to put the straps- so I added a bit between the zip and the edge of the bag (the white and red dot bit), I really like how it 'peeks out' and changes the shape of the bag. It may not be great structurally- I will reserve judgement and see how it wears, for now, it's just fine!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And because it was already kind of 'matchy matchy' I went the whole hog and made a smaller bag to match which might carry sunscreen, hairbrushes, lip balm, or maybe the camera.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/P1090574_zpsbf9f130c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/P1090574_zpsbf9f130c.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was rather chuffed with my efforts and then one of my girlfriends said 'it kind of looks like one of those bags you get at those cheap shops'...and I was slightly indignant and now am unsure!</span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-14086680570791920972013-01-24T19:42:00.000+11:002013-02-03T20:58:08.431+11:00It would be so nice...if we took a holiday<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love school holidays. Actually, I love not having to be organised with school lunches as much as I love just having the kids home kicking around. My kids make their own lunches but I try really hard to have good things for them to choose from to put in their bags, but gee, home lunches (particularly the 'get it yourself' variety) are so much easier! One kid is gluten free, nut free...so that presents it's challenges (interestingly, there are generally less complaints about lunch options from that direction!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next Tuesday we will be sending the eldest off to HIgh School. It feels like a big thing to me. Eldest child appears excited..there will be about 120 students in year 7 and I think there are 4 others from his school. He seems to be keen on meeting people and making new friends, so good on him. Fun thing is graduating from the black tracky dacks and faded polo shirt uniform to a rather smart one that involves lace up school shoes rather than sneakers and shorts and shirt made out of a woven rather than a stretch fabric. Ask me again in a few weeks...it may well turn out to be the first thing in this household that requires regular ironing...maybe my sewing room will no longer get sole use of the iron!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/P1090523_zps07b502c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/P1090523_zps07b502c3.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've played a fair bit of Cluedo over the break...to the point where now I say 'anyone for a game?' and everyone else says 'not Cluedo!'- terrible shame I think because that is one 'family game' I haven't seemed to tire of. I haven't got much time for Monopoly, Yahtzee I can play a few, but Cluedo? Well, was it Miss Scarlett...was it in the kitchen- you'll have to play to find out! I'm keen on suggestions- what are your favourite board games?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had our longest ever time away as a family, ten days- very do-able, in fact, I could have stayed longer (I did take my sewing machine and even sewed a dress for me- which I'll have to get off the line for a photo because I've been enjoying wearing it). After nearly a week over 40 degrees, it was so nice just to get a break from the hot, dry climate we live in. We swam in the ocean most days, enjoyed the salty air and each others company (most of the time!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each school holidays, we try to have sort of 'kid dates'- so I have time with each child by themselves, and so does their dad. So, I have a 'girls times' and 'mums and sons' time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because our nearest town is 20km away, and doesn't have any kind of cafe other than the bakery that shuts at 5.30pm, I thought it would be fun if 'girls time' involved a cafe and some hot chocolate after dinner- novelty factors all round- cafe close by, staying up late, going out after dinner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 10 year old was keen on this suggestion so out we went (she was keener on ice cream than hot chocolate) and when we sat down she said "So, what are we going to DO?"...umm, come out to a cafe for dessert?...she looked confused and a bit ripped off 'but that's not DOING anything...that's just eating...that's a boring girls time"! Fair enough, gosh, it's a long while since I've been 10- I thought it would be a fun surprise...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"well, if you want to do something...we could go to the carnival and go on a ride together". She was very keen on that idea and got all a bit 'let's go now-ish' (gee, I hope she learns to appreciate the post dinner cafe visit, because I'm keen on that idea...oh, really? the intention of girls time might not be all about me? Ahh, well!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So off we go to the carnival and she was eyeing off the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirate_ship_(ride)">'Pirate Ship'</a>. I remember going on the Pirate Ship with my mum when I was a few years older than my girl is now...she hated it, I remember saying things like 'I do not understand how you can hate that ride...it's just like a big swing'. So, I thought, oh, why not. In case anyone is curious, it's not just like a big swing- and I am not so much a thrill seeker at 40 as I was at 14. I didn't like it at all- but pretended to be 'all cool' because at one stage my girl looked at me with eyes wide and said 'Mum, I hate this' so we proceeded to talk about her favourite ice cream flavours while I was thinking 'surely this must end soon'. She happily reported back to her brother that the Pirate Ship was fun, but there was just this one bit she didn't like...I would question the accuracy of that report. My friend Tan<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (hello Tan, yep, I'm here, and okay, have got your phone messages, hope we get to talk soon) </span>will remember sitting next to that same child on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scenic_railway_(luna_park)">Scenic Railway</a> (which I didn't know was built in 1911 and was the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the world when I went on it...but we did talk about the structure!)...that also wasn't a particularly thrilling thrill seeking ride. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and in case the title of this post has left you with an ear worm...</span></div>
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<br />Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-50870949362498570032012-11-01T13:14:00.000+11:002012-11-01T13:14:38.812+11:00Surprise come back post!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, hi. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or as my friend (blogless) Cath says when I see or talk to her (far too infrequently) "Oh, hi, friend". I really like it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel like this is an odd 'come back' post- I have done heaps of sewing latley, and in my usual style some has been gifted without being photographed, I have done a decent amount of baking- including being back on the sourdough path after a break of about 15 years! And I need to show you 'around the grounds'- we're talking flowers, asparagus, strawberries, onions...and less excitingly to me, broad beans- but I need to be thinking of creative and fun things to do with them, because the 10 year old planted them and it's her first 'crop' (note to self: get her planting corn next time!).</span></div>
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<a href="http://tinniegirl.blogspot.com.au/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cathy</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (tinniegirl) has inspired me to tell you a story, after reading her post on </span><a href="http://isawyoudancing.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/blogtoberfest-day-30-cathy-invites-you.html" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kat's blog</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This story is from actually probably nearly 10 years to the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were renting an "off the grid", solar powered house on 100 beautiful acres including cliffs and waterfalls (pity it was mid drought and no water was falling). It was isolated. I had a 2 year old and a baby. My health was crap- I was sore (fibromyalgia was <i>that</i> diagnosis), I was tired (chronic fatigue syndrome was <i>that</i> diagnosis) I was teary (post natal depression was <i>that</i> diagnosis) I didn't feel right (Hashimoto's disease was <i>that</i> diagnosis) and, depending on whatever other specialist I saw at the time, they also had a specialist diagnosis to add to my growing toolkit (that's what they do, specialise)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The upshot is I was at my wits end- regardless of all those unhelpful diagnosis, it's always going to be a challenge (which some might respond to better than I did) to have broken sleep and the constant physicalness of two young children, not being around any 'old friends' (the day we left Melbourne was the day I found out I was pregnant, after a good 2 years of hoping to be)..etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did have a small handful of cool women I had met in town. One day, I must have been vulnerable and told the truth to one particular women, who oozed authenticity and genuine-ness- when she said 'how are you going?', I reckon she meant it. I can't remember the details of the conversation but I must have responded with 'yeah, not great, so tired, just hanging in there'- or something along those lines. A few days later her partner visited our house and said 'Ms. Wonderful said you're not travelling great'- and then reiterated her offer- "if you ever need one of us to come and hang out with the kids while you sleep- please let us know". It touched me, made me realise it wasn't a token offer. These people lived maybe 25 minutes away, and had two little tackers of their own, we weren't at all 'besties'- I just really liked them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At some stage in the coming weeks, I rang. Ms. Wonderful turned up- and while it would have been really fun to sit and chat with her and hang out, I didn't have it in me and she knew that's not what she was there for. She walked in, she said 'what are the kids up to' (eg- that one will have a sleep soon, the other one will wake up)...and when I had 'handed over' she said "now, off you go, go sleep".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously- what a gift. I don't know how long she was there for, no longer that a few hours probably, but here I am, ten years later, telling you just how much that meant to me. Actually, how much that meant to me is beyond words. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was hard to ring and ask for help. Having low energy is crap. I must continually not compare my efforts of living to those of other people (some of whom seem to get so much done- and be able to handle 'simple' things like looking after their two young children!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I get older, I appreciate diversity and figure, although I am very conscious of all the balls I am trying to juggle and dropping,</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I am just travelling along side you, trying to 'be humans' together. People value different things, that's okay, fair chance there are some similarities amongst the differences.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still have times of stuggling with my energy levels. I am so thankful when people with more energy than me can just be with me and not tell me that 'the more you sleep the more you want to sleep' (I take that as implied laziness, beat myself up, question myself and then resent the person who said it- overall, not helpful!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I was so thankful the day Ms. Wonderful turned up on my doorstep, to offer her hand and practical skills without any sense of 'the do-gooder' or 'the judger' , just with herself and her recognition that we are travelling the road of life together, and it's good to help each other out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How very decent!</span></div>
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Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-53198061388451856012012-08-30T21:07:00.001+10:002013-02-03T20:57:05.714+11:00Six. The City Shopper.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/">My designer</a>/ teacher/ confidence builder/ tips and tricks sharer is mumbling about writing another book. So, how am I going with my <a href="http://appleandtangerine.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/tanya-and-nicole-julie-and-julia.html">Tanya and Nicole projec</a>t? It's slow and steady with a few articles at different stages of construction, as is my tendancy! With the prospect of a new book I think I might go 'the big statement' and say, my intention is to finish all the projects in this book, so complete my Tanya and Nicole project before the next book is out. The belt I made as a pattern tester was quickly snapped up by my girl at the time and she has now outgrown it</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finally finished my 'city shopper'- seriously, it's ridiculous I didn't have it finished twelve months ago. Does anyone else get within 10 minutes of finishing a project and stall? I had the "o rings" I wanted to use, but didn't think I had the tri glider thing to make the strap adjustable. After months of getting annoyed looking at it being so close I went through my 'bag hardware' box and was surprised to find that I did actually have one that I had purchased at some stage and proceeded to finish it. So, this is bag two for <a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com.au/">Cam's sew along</a>...can I get my last one finished by tomorrow, to make three for the month?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know the above photo isn't that great of the bag- but it's actually equally about my tulips at the moment, I am so in love with them. I haven't grown tulips for years and years (I seem to be saying 'years and years' now that I am 40...generally referring to my 20's!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I needed to show you the button close up- I love this button for this bag- the design of the button really matches the design of the fabric, I was pretty happy to realise that. What's odd is that at the time this was a special button, but the reason has actually slipped out of my long and short term memory and I have no idea now what was so special about it. That's abit sad!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just thought I'd add in a 'behind the scenes' photo to show you my 'helpers' (and because I thought my <a href="http://and-so-i-sew.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/hula-dogs.html">little friend </a>might like to see this brown dog). We are dog sitting at the moment. Pippi is the gorgeous, well behaved dog minding her own business in the background (um, so, that would be, she's my dog!). Kellie is my parents dog...she's a puppy still, and not as innocent as she might look here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the shape of this bag, and I was pretty happy with the fabrics- it's certainly not a shy, retiring little bag!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, and there they are again, the tulips, how nice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And tonight I just read the happy news that <a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/leave-your-hat-on.html">Carmel</a> is hosting a hat sew along in September. I'm keen. You?</span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-29371804197300792932012-08-29T21:47:00.001+10:002013-02-03T21:01:50.247+11:00Spring<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I might be jumping the gun abit with the 'Spring' call, but gee, what a bit of blue sky, sunshine, fruit tree blossoms, flowering bulbs and a new lamb can do to cheer one up and inspire one to drag out the light cotton florals for a sewing frenzy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But first, I was so keen on posting my bag early in <a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/choose-your-own-bag-adventure-sew-along.html">bag month</a> that I couldn't wait for good light to get a nice photo so I promised a better one, where you can actually see the feature fabric and get a vague idea about the shape of the bag...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fabric came with a bundle that my crafty friend/ inherited cousin brought over with her when she visited from America not last time, the time before that...for one of her sisters weddings, no doubt, because there has been 3 of them in the past few years! She was<strike> silly </strike> kind and generous enough to say 'Anything you want me to bring over with me?'...I can't remember the details of this 'shipment' but I may have just said something like '$40 worth of fabric?!'- the reason I think that is because I don't remember actually choosing these prints but just winning the lucky dip! Nat did a great job of selecting a variety of different prints and lengths she thought I would like and this was one of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So...Spring. A few weeks ago, our neighbour rang us (which is odd, because we live pretty close and usually he would pop over). He said 'our sheep has just had a lamb'- I said, great, we might come over and check it out. I assumed he rang because he thought the kids would be keen on a bit of baby lamb spotting, but when we got over there he was on the phone again and I realised he was actually really excited, like a proud new dad ringing lots of his mates. It got better when I asked 'how long did she labour for?' and he informed me that he had no idea he didn't realise she was even pregnant (in his defense, she is a very very woolly sheep). They are new to farming, having sort of retired to their place from the city. They are wonderful community minded neighbours...who I don't think read my blog!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> They also have new chickens, which are very cute as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if that is not Spring-y enough for you...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hopefully now I have found my camera, and camera battery, and sewing mojo, I will be back before too long to show off that sewing frenzy I alluded to. Although, some items have already been gifted without photos...hmph, and I call myself a blogger!</span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-70596204629681142752012-08-05T11:07:00.000+10:002012-08-05T11:09:19.940+10:00Remembering<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwV50Fc0insebNFpzrlvwmkAam20dJ_Pv_xJcX1Sdy_2trM8s8_vltd4g3jRAducH9aYKUd_kTzxyPtXxPgH3tykIXz9Gc9bI7yWA-TkyV9EYeRbXPAlX0Eluj9SHkUh5O72MGuwsoIr6/s1600/IMAG0075-1-1-1-759942.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwV50Fc0insebNFpzrlvwmkAam20dJ_Pv_xJcX1Sdy_2trM8s8_vltd4g3jRAducH9aYKUd_kTzxyPtXxPgH3tykIXz9Gc9bI7yWA-TkyV9EYeRbXPAlX0Eluj9SHkUh5O72MGuwsoIr6/s320/IMAG0075-1-1-1-759942.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772989927283644626" /></a></p>I'm just playing with my phone...trying to remember how to do a blog post from here, Obviously if you are reading this, it has worked! I do remember being amazed by it in the past, weird how some of this "modern technology" works...I can't think about it for too long or my brain might explode.
<br>This is a Large Satchel (You Sew Girl pattern-hyperlink on phone way to hard)- started & finished in Curlypops' bag month, posting photos so it's blogged in bag month too! It's fun & I love it. More denim with fabric print feature from me. Flavour of the month here. Notice its different than the bag I mentioned in my last post? I do that, I had a plan but this one just snuck up on me. City bag is also well on its way. Not sure if I'll get to sewing today, it's amazingly sunny & I think I need some outside, fresh air kind of activity.
<br>I hope to find my camera and show some more presentable photos in the coming days.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-70166036358390179322012-07-30T21:42:00.001+10:002013-02-03T21:02:48.117+11:00Preparation<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nearly August (gosh, and isn't it appropriate to say "<i>where is the year going?</i>"!).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you know what August is? It's Cams <a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/the-choose-your-own-bag-adventure-sew.html">"Choose your own bag adventure sew along"</a>, I don't mind abit of <strike>pressure</strike> accountability in the sewing department. Like in May, I said I would make a skirt...and I did. I didn't manage to blog about it in May, but I certainly did come up with the goods. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time round,my friend Delwyn is thinking about joining in...yey Del. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A group sew along is fun and a time line often works quite well with me (any pressure is self imposed because there are no rules...well, I assume Ms. CurlyPops won't be going after anyone with a big stick). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, otherwise I can quite easily get stuck at this stage</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">procrastinating about patterns...or this stage</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Auditioning fabric...folding and refolding and well, just generally patting and enjoying fabric!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But no, a bag sew along, was it? Okay, well, I'll be onto that...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(I don't know why this photo keeps coming out upside down...but i am an 'overall effect' girl rather than a perfectionist, I'm afraid so I am not wasting any more time faffiing around in Photobucket trying to fix it)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Anyway, what I am getting at is that in 30 minutes I have gone from narrowing down pattern (I am doing a <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/intermediate-bag-patterns/2063-city-bag-bo365.html">City Bag</a> and if I am really energetic I might get a large tote/ satchel done in August as well but I am not going to make any big statements), I have narrowed down the fabric and done a bit of a rough cut- and put away the bits I won't need (amazing).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Loving myself sick here- can you tell? Well, until Mr. Apple comes out and says..."reckon your cake would be ready by now?". Oops. Yep, it would have been ready half an hour ago if I hadn't been oh so efficiently getting on with bag making preparation!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">And, in true 'choose your own adventure' style I am going to decide on which direction to take with the straps when I get up to that bit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">By the way, who knows what people are talking about when they say "kitchen table business"? I am tipping it's not grafting fruit trees that they are suggesting should be done on ones kitchen table...I would tend to agree.</span></div>
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<br />Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-22778269672713257652012-07-28T21:54:00.001+10:002013-02-03T21:03:37.140+11:00Accidentally<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That thing has happened again, where I<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpr-sy5eBEM&feature=related"> accidentally</a> get all caught up with the stuff of life (more on that later!) and neglect my blogging space... which is a bit of a shame because, it shows (rather publicly) that I have a bit of an 'all or nothing tendency and, possibly get distracted easily. By the way, the accidentally link was just a special treat for those of you who like to follow links...oh, okay, here's another <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxnZt8mpwy4&feature=relmfu">one</a>).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having said that, about exposing myself, my inconsistencies...well, it's okay, I'm okay with that, because I have had a 'significant' birthday, and whilst I didn't wake up wise, mature and content (that was abit disappointing!)- I do believe I am 'growing into myself'. I feel like I have been getting better at embracing- liking even, who I am, and also that I am better at some things that others-and (to my shock)- that's okay. I did feel a bit disappointed when I realised that tidiness, quick thinking and decisiveness (among other things) might always be things I don't 'master', but with that knowledge in hand I can go a bit easier on myself and try and develop some strategies to assist me in those areas. At the same time, I also realised I might find some things easier than others. I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed writing that- is that stuff common knowledge? Not everyone is good at everything and that's okay- it was a revelation to me! My sister in law said 'Happy 40th birthday- welcome to your best decade yet'. She said it's been her best decade yet because she is more comfortable in her own skin, and I hope to continue to head to that place.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oops, wrong picture. This was my 5th birthday...post hair cut- obviously during the game of 'hairdressers' with my brother, I was the 'customer'. There was no <a href="http://thornberry.wordpress.com/2012/03/04/a-little-bit-rock-chick/">rock chick or bogan</a> option for me, I think I just looked like a boy...not helped by the orange plaid 'slacks' which look like they were made out of a blanket or the neck strangling skivvy...although I am sure the crocheted vest would have been rather 'on trend'. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks Mum, wonder why my smile isn't wider...maybe I hated that girly pink cake...I love it now though. I really wanted my girl to chose a 'dolly varden' cake one year, but I think,sadly, I have missed my opportunity. This year she was pretty happy with this cake...I was too actually, it was fun to make and not too tricky, although I did try to make 'meringue butter cream icing' and totally stuffed that up- I googled a recipe and in retrospect, think it had way to much butter in it because it ended up very yellow and buttery and I ditched it and reverted to my standard buttercream icing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My lovely neighbour and friend Corina knew I was a bit keen on the Dolly Varden, and she turned up on my doorstep in time for birthday morning tea with this:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My other neighbour and friend Annie, turned up with a chocolate and orange cake (one of my fave flavour combinations) so I felt pretty spoilt. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to acknowledge this 'milestone by embracing the people I love and who love me. In a world that seems so busy- particularly at this time of the year (<a href="http://www.yalcafruittrees.com.au/livecatalogue.htm">fruit tree season</a>) my 'people' are what are most important to me and I want to have time for them. What has ended up happening, which has been pretty lovely is that I am catching up with small groups of friends here and there over 'birthday month'- that suits me better because it means I am not overwhelmed and get to enjoy good conversations in a less intense setting than a party. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The whole thing- turing 40, thinking about, and hanging out with 'my people'<a href="http://chickenflowertots.blogspot.com.au/"> </a>- has made me feel extremely thankful for the beautiful, kind, fun, generous, thoughtful friends and family I have in my life- and creative of course, just look at that cake- and <a href="http://and-so-i-sew.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/apples-and-oranges.html">this</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Funnily enough I don't think I got any 'birthday photos' of me- until I hung out with a few of my 'bloggy friends' last week- a camera was produced over dinner- any bloggers surprised? More about that, and some other thoughtfulness, later- and now that I remember how much I enjoy hanging out here at Apple and Tangerine, I suspect it won't be too much later!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-27871537183382946212012-06-05T12:32:00.002+10:002012-11-01T13:20:25.305+11:00MIssed it by that much...would you believe...that much?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, you may know that <a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com.au/">CurlyPops</a> had a 'Make it in May' Skirt challenge...I did make it in May. Just wasn't so good at blogging it in May!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both of these skirts were made at Sewjourn. Arrhh. Sewjourn. It was only a few weeks ago but seems far too long ago. What a great weekend with a group of champion women. I don't think my machine has been in action since. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This patten is from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/160967.Sew_U">'Sew U'</a> by Wendy Mullin. It's a basic pattern which I enjoyed sewing. I called it my "year 7 textiles' skirt- in an affectionate way. The above photo is the fun facing, which I am sure will make me smile when I put it on! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also whipped up another really simple skirt that I will wear to work; think- two bits of fabric shaped kind of straight skirt shape sewn together at the sides, with an elastic waistband casing added at the top. It's a bit of a dodgy photo, but I was trying to show you the really nice fabric it's made out of- it's embroidered and quite heavy and has a bit of a stretch. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me know if you can't see the photos, I am having 'technical issues'...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Edited to add: The photos seem to have totally gone missing from cyber space and I have no idea how to get them back. I think I will stick with Photobucket, because I get how that works!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-16989933766033297192012-05-07T22:24:00.001+10:002013-02-03T21:07:26.501+11:00Nuts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are some of our </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.yalcafruittrees.com.au/livecatalogue.htm#almonds">papershell</a> almond</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> havest...which we picked in the height of Summer.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Left a few months to dry out, the outside bit is then easily peeled off revealing...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Almonds...then this layer is peeled off- and hmmm, I must have put the camera down to join in and 'help' at that (the eating) stage!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-42251752902156702932012-05-01T21:26:00.002+10:002013-02-03T21:05:46.806+11:00Complete. How novel.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have big dreams of projects to complete, some started, some ridiculously close to finishing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This project had me- as I was sewing, I couldn't wait to see what it was going to look like.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's funny, I am not known for me patience, but sometimes sewing really slows me down- in a good way. It helps me focus and follow through- I feel like it's great for develop those skills in me.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/beginners-bag-patterns/14-large-tote-satchel.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This pattern</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> can be made in so many styles- I bought it planning a satchel but then I found these handles (amazing what you discover when you clean up your craft space- I have no recollection of where they came from). I thought they would suit this bag well (but gee, they were such a pain to sew around). The denim is pretty heavy weight- it cost me 20 cents from an op shop! I think the print is from Alexander Henry. I was making it as a gift, but now I am not so sure...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I bought my sewing machine, I remember saying "I don't care much about the fancy stitches but I want a machine with a good strong motor"- and the lady doing the demo got a piece of denim and folded it so it was 8 layers thick and sewed over it without any strain. That really helped sell me my Bernina. This bag required me to go through a few more layers than that and I broke a few needles and pressed on. The next day I went into my local sewing shop and bought the needles that were specifically for denim (closely woven fabric, the pack said)- I think they were size 16, or 18. Anyway, what a difference a needle makes (which may be obvious), it just went through all those layers so much more smoothly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's such a nice feeling to finish something!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look what </span><a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/make-it-in-may-skirt-sew-along.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ms. Curlypops </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is organising- I'm in. You?</span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-63255727883036403832012-04-29T21:12:00.000+10:002013-02-03T21:08:32.018+11:00Produced<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See those quinces in my last <a href="http://appleandtangerine.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/in-production.html">post</a>? This is what they look like now...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turned to jelly...in bottles waiting to be labelled. The white flecks are the old label that I haven't cleaned off well enough- funny how you only notice some things when you see them in a photo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took this bottle outside, hoping to catch the amazing red colour in the photo, but haven't quite succeeded. It's so pretty! I'm in love with quince jelly- it was so easy to make and its a bit of a 'win/ win' because you can eat it like jam, on toast or whatever, and serve it as a condiment. Tonight we had it with roast lamb- I was trying not to ration everyone's portions being the first day, and all (as in- NO- we don't need to eat the whole bottle in one sitting!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are plenty more quinces where they came from and I'm thinking there will be more quince jelly as well.</span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-41844129972383247392012-04-27T15:35:00.000+10:002013-02-03T21:06:19.919+11:00In Production<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could show you abit of sewing that is in production... which is fun, because lately I have been sewing and have several things in production. At times I frustrate myself because I am not a 'linear' sewer, you know- start a project, finish a project, move on to the next project...but I am comforted to note I am in <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/loose-ends.html">good company</a>. I wonder if Nikki's floor gets as messy as mine!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, I have distracted myself- I could show you sewing in production, but that's not my plan, I am taking you on a little walk around my backyard and showing you some fruit (and nuts) that are in production.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chestnuts- aren't they funny looking fellas! Many of the plants in our garden are not considered 'ornamentals' but seriously- I call them 'productive ornamentals'- because I think that they look great. And fruit tree blossom- oh my, how that makes me happy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pomegranates- I think I will have a go at making pomegranate molasses, or syrup this year- any one else made that before? If you have- any tips?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quinces. I think I will go will 'quince jelly' as well as some in the Fowlers for later in the year. I'm keen on making quince jelly rather than paste because I just chop them all up (skins, pips- the whole shebang) and put them in a pot with a little bit of water, cover them with a lid and slowly simmer them till it's 'mooshy'. Strain through a 'jelly bag' overnight (I use a piece of muslin fabric)- then find a recipe that gives you a ratio of this liquid to sugar, and often I reduce the sugar a bit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some people find quince paste is dead easy to make but I reckon I was scarred for life (at least for a few years) when I made it and painstakingly stirred it for, I'm sure it was hours...as it thickened and thickened- and then, in the when it was so so close to being ready, it burnt (so really, that sentence should read- when it was actually over ready and should have been taken off the heat already!). I was abit beside myself! My friend has made it in the microwave and reckoned it was a cinch, but, like I said, I am not up for trying it again just yet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apples. I realised my children were spoilt for (some types of) fruit when we had friends from the city stay with us and we were picking apples and pears- our kids would walk along, pick one, if it wasn't 'to their taste' (too sour, too floury, too tart, too dense- don't think I've ever heard a 'too sweet'!) they would piff in and pick another one. My friends children were looking on- in retrospect I realise they were waiting for me to pull out the 'don't waste fruit' lecture which was obviously familiar to them because as their mum cottoned on to the 'gee, if we chucked out an apple, we'd get in to trouble' looks that were being thrown around and I heard her talking about how it's okay because there are heaps of apples and it won't be wasted, really because the pigs will get to eat it!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/61d8e497.jpg?t=1335502048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/61d8e497.jpg?t=1335502048" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passionfruit. Now there's an ornamental flower- if I was sensible enough to put tags on my blog I could show you because I am sure I have posted a photo here before. I can't wait until these turn purple. Mmmm, mmmmm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Avocado. Yes, we have frosts and yes we can grow avocados. Some varieties do better in cold climates, but if you protect the tree for the first few years while it gets established. This is the first year this tree has fruited and it's got about 4 on it, I think. Well done tree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Persimmon. I am generally happy to leave persimmons as an ornamental- although I really like them dried (possibly because of another scarred for life experience maybe). My grandma had a persimmon tree in her front yard when we were growing up and we did not know what it was- it was an astringent variety so if you tasted them too soon (before they were 'mooshy') our faces did involuntary contortions because, well, of the astringency- or as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astringent">wikipedia</a> would say, because of the 'dry, puckering mouthfeel'! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As an ornamental they are really amazing- they will get much more 'orangey' than this, the leaves will fall off the tree and (often) the garden won't have much colour- until you see the persimmons and can't help but smile! I often think they look like they are waiting to be sketched because they are so interesting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Madarins. Just starting to ripen. Hurry up, I say, because these are a family favourite.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kafir lime. We don't actually eat these but I wanted to include this photo so you can see the funny bumpy skin. I use the zest of these, and the leaves in cooking often combination with green chilli, coriander, fish sauce and coconut milk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mentioned that most of our garden doesn't have 'ornamentals'. One exception is the bulbs I mentioned in my last post- well, imagine my displeasure on Anzac Day when I got home from the Dawn Service (first one I have ever been to) and our six 'free range' pigs were 'free ranging' through my newly planted daffodils. Yes, it's <a href="http://appleandtangerine.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/free-range.html">happened </a>before- but I didn't have lovingly planted bulbs then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh- and because it's getting closer to the time of year when you plant bare rooted fruit trees, I should remind you that you can get them <a href="http://www.yalcafruittrees.com.au/">here</a>, from us! </span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-23644841513788508662012-04-22T21:28:00.001+10:002013-02-03T21:04:49.260+11:00The brown vest.<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ahhh, it's nice to sit down and type.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Means I can catch up with myself (anyone else ever feel like that?).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been enjoying the Autumn weather- so sunny, but crisp nights...I tell you what, I haven't been enjoying the mozzies- they are so little but gee, bzzzz in your ear is really annoying when you are trying to sleep.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got out in the garden yesterday. I am abit of a 'wanna be' gardener, really. I do herbs- they are pretty hardy, but in recent years, that's been the extent of my domain in the garden. Until yesterday, when I planted a big patch of daffodils, I'm imagining a sea of yellow that will make me smile in Spring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been sewing, been knitting- I'm not really a knitter but a new baby was on its way (his way, as we know now!) and I thought I would pick up the needles. I searched Ravelry for a vest pattern and found <a href="http://thriftyknitter.com/?p=223">this</a> free one It's very straightforward, all in one piece, little vest thing. I also bought a copy of the Milo vest pattern, but I think I will have to work up to that one- knitting in the round sounds daunting (but hey, so did invisible zips until earlier this week).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sent it the day I heard the baby had been born, because I wasn't sure how many wears it would get otherwise, it was pretty little (quick to knit!). I used pure wool that hadn't been dyed, I don't know much about yarn, but it felt nice to knit with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Modelled so elegantly by the 'baby doll'...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I get off the computer I might just have time to finish off the bag I am working on, and still get a decent amount of sleep. I was making it for a present...but now I am not sure, it's really quite 'me' I think, and I haven't made myself anything for ages. I'm looking forward to finishing it, and showing you a photo...but that bit wont be tonight!</span><br />
<br />Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-80551088058101926582012-04-08T21:01:00.001+10:002013-02-03T21:09:05.352+11:00Tradition, expansion!<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As usual, <a href="http://appleandtangerine.blogspot.com.au/2010/04/tradition.html#comments">the</a> <a href="http://appleandtangerine.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/traditionof-sorts.html">tradition</a> continues...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did a bake up for my neighbours on Good Friday...7 visits this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The year the old man down the road wasn't home when we </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">visited </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(me and Miss 9, who was keen on the 'dropping off') . So we left them on his table (it's the county!). He appeared in our driveway about 30 minutes later with chocolate easter eggs for us. I think he's about 93...he's lovely- he said 'you're a very kind lady Karen' (my names not Karen!). I told one of my other neighbours that he'd dropped in eggs, and she smiled and said he'd mentioned looking forward to my hot cross buns! Gosh (lucky it IS a tradition!)- I felt chuffed, but also sort of, confronted- if he looks forward to my yearly hot cross buns, well, I could be alot 'kinder' than that. I resolve to visit him more than annually with home baked treats. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The helpers chipped in again. I love having a tradition that they are so willing to participate in. This year I also baked an extra 5 dozen and gave my workmates some too, the helpers were happy to join in the delivering of these ones as well, fussy around with brown paper bags.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I reckon we did 11 dozen 'wheaties' and 2 dozen 'gluten frees'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And guess what happened to me this morning?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My 'down the road' neighbour, who had just come off night shift got busy making hot cross buns when she got home and brought some up for me for morning tea- I tell you, that was the nicest hot cross bun I have tasted this Easter! She uses my recipe, but hers taste better, which is a little bit rude, I think!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope whatever you've been up to this weekend, you've had some nice things happen to you.</span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-64782972656210318782012-04-03T21:32:00.002+10:002013-02-03T21:09:39.012+11:00Many hands...<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the weekend (allow me to interrupt myself and say I feel like I am doing a grade 4 piece of 'reflective writing' and that it should be Monday morning...but it's not)...as I was saying, on the weekend we had a crowd here and boy, were we productive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Between us all (12 adults, 2 kids and 2 babies) we:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">picked two wheelbarrows full of butternut pumpkins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">picked and bottled about 40 kg of apples
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">turned 13 1/2 litres of milk into feta cheese</span></li>
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<a href="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/ce5e3d56.jpg?t=1333450537" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/AppleandTangerine/blog%20photos/ce5e3d56.jpg?t=1333450537" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">turned 7 litres into another soft white cheese <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/queso-blanco-cheese-119431">'queso blanco'</a> (the link is not the recipe we used but similar, it's an easy peasy cheese that needs no special cultures or rennet, it's coagulated with vinegar. We experimented with both a basic white vinegar and apple cider vinegar- the latter worked better, I thought). Apparently it cooks quite well, I'd make it again as a cheese for ravioli, I reckon. The kids were happy to hook into it 'as is'.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">turned 3 1/2 litres into a soft white cheese called 'fromage blanc'. We added this one to a ravioli filling with roasted pumpkin, roasted garlic and sage. Ravioli is a great 'bang for your buck' pasta to make at home, I reckon. it's just flat sheets you make but add little tasty morsels, cut them out and they look just smashing (unfortunately eaten before a photo was taken!)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Made bread- 3 loaves wheat flour, 1 loaf gluten free</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Made pasta- wheat flour ravioli and fettuccine, gluten free ravioli and fettuccine</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vanilla ice cream</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had other 'big ideas' but I had a friend who was more sensible than me saying 'let's just see how we go'! I arrived at work yesterday and a colleague said 'gee, you look tired!'...I've been to bed early the past two nights and I'm planning to do the same tonight. I am not known for my ability to 'pace myself'! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My blog 'by-line' is "crafty fun and the goodness of home economics".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tell you, this weekend was all about the goodness of home economics. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good food (our food!), happy times, hard work, laughter, chatting and a cider at 4pm on Sunday arvo with friends, tired but satisfied friends. They headed back to the city with cheese, apples, a fruit tree if they were lucky, herbs to pot up, garlic and memories of stars and lovely fresh air. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm planning on heading down for my 'city fix' of lovely coffee, quirky cafes, interesting sights, tram trips, city noises next week. I love Melbourne.</span></div>
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<br />Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-10942625960852076812012-03-23T14:00:00.000+11:002013-02-03T21:10:11.548+11:00Life, oh life, ooooh, life.<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is the first time in a really long time that I have been in my home by myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ohhh, I love a home day by myself. I am one who relishes my own 'space' and tends to feel claustrophobic when I look in my diary and realise that I might have say, 3 nights out this week, or 3 out 4 busy weekends for the next month. So today I was happy to send the kids to school and wave the farmer (who rarely leaves here during the day) off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am still in my PJ's and my breaky dishes aren't done, there is a list, I am a list kinda girl...but I don't think much will get ticked off it today and that's just fine!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a strange and intense few months and I haven't had, or made the space to blog. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our set up means one has to be </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">intentional</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> about their computer use. The computer doesn't live in the house, it lives in what I call the 'sunroom' (and the farmer calls his office, and my crafty friends think of as the craft room and our longer distance friends might refer to as the 'guest quarters'!). And our computer is old- actually it's not that old, but it's slow (things just don't seem to last as long these days, do they?) as is the internet connection. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I am saying is, it's a bit of a rigmarole! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most significantly, my friend died.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't feel like it's my story to tell, so I wont go on about it (although I don't think my friend would mind because she was all for raising breast cancer awareness). I am aware that her young girls and husband are trying to get used to working out how their life goes on without their mum/ wife being there. I just wanted to acknowledge her, and them, here, for a moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My community has been flooded, A and J had two weeks off school because we couldn't get into town. They are back for two weeks and then have two weeks school holidays. I don't think those two weeks were 'a holiday' for my children. They filled sandbags and helped prepare for the water. On three occasions we boated in to take supplies to my parents who were isolated on their farm- a whole day affair each time (usually a 10 minute drive). They saw a lot of people with an unusually high level of stress and anxiety. They saw their grandparents have water through their house and choose not to evacuate. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is usually no water anywhere near here.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They also did some fun things- one day I had 8 children from 5 different educational institutions at our house and they filmed each other and put together a local 'news bulletin' . My neighbour is a wonderful kinder teacher and comes up with some great suggestions of cool things to do! </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miss A (she's 9) rediscovered the tree house decided to renovate...with the assistance of her dad and brother they decided to 'go up'- so now we have a two story tree house. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We preserved peaches, picked tomatoes, apples and pears, read alot and overall had a pretty nice time hanging out with each other. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was some crafting- I got knitting, me knitting deserves a whole blog post all of its own! I started and finished a present for a new little baby who was born last week who I am looking forward to meeting. And there was even some rag rug sewing up. One day I will have a rag rug!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our longer term plan is to build a house down at mum and dads- can you guess what we are calling this green bit of land on a farm that dad reckons was 80% underwater? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Potential house site!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not telling you how many unread items are in my google reader...but it's alot. I've missed my bloggy friends and have appreciated those of you who know where I live emailing me 'checking up' messages, thank you.</span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802077716302760331.post-32931269842371007792012-01-24T02:45:00.003+11:002013-02-03T21:10:52.339+11:00Rag rug action<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aren't blog archives interesting...I knew I hadn't made much progress on my rag rug for awhile...I flicked back to have a bit of a look (which is where those labels, which I haven't really ever got into the habit of using, would come in really handy)- anyway I was surprised to see that </span><a href="http://appleandtangerine.blogspot.com/2011/01/rag-rug.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this picture</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ummm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, rather similar to the one below, taken tonight...oops (while it may not be obvious to the naked eye, there has been a little more plaiting action happen!). I was also surprised to see that I wrote the post nearly a year ago- 28th January 2011. Like I said, oops!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would move 'one' forward on a project that has been met with such apathy? Why, solidarity, of course.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there I am, reading</span><a href="http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-01-14T11:00:00%2B11:00&max-results=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Jodie's news</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the other day when I see a lovely picture at the bottom of her blog post, a rag rug- those fond 'rag rug love' feelings make me smile and think of my own poor neglected pile of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">raggy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> braids...before I know it, Jodie has declared not only is she making one, but she's discovered heaps of others are keen too and all of a sudden I've been caught up in the whirlwind of a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com/p/rag-rug-long.html">'rag rug along</a>'</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Actually, that's not strictly true- my response has been far from whirl wind like, but I tell you, some of these other rag </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ruggers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, well, they get things done. There is talk of techniques, methods, ripping or cutting, ironing or folding (which may be where I realised sometimes instructions might be useful). Not just talk either-action (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eg</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://daisychaindaisychain.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/01/way-behind-the-blogging-eight-ball.html#comments"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this one involves a crochet hook</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, and </span><a href="http://www.matchingpegs.com/2012/01/23/rug-a-lug/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this one</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, an amazing needle). Having seen these and the progress that's been made, I think that my naive idea of making a big plait and sewing it together may not be the wisest, strongest, easiest, most effective method. I will have to reconsider my rag rug options!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am looking forward to see lots of rag rugs. So far mine has got a fair bit of white in it, which is an old sheet, the green is a dress of my grandma's (at least, I think that's where it came from). I really quite like the 'Little House on the Prairie'-</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ness</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of it all.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's still school holidays here for another week and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">abit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and we have been enjoying some pretty nice family times, including the odd board game..or twenty!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tell you what, this was the best 50 cents I have spent in awhile- thank you op shop- "The Game of Life" (I may have been the happiest to find this because it's one of those- 'oh, I really wanted that when I was a kid' games, involving abit of nostalgia!). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did make a comment during the game that it's actually not that much like my life, and I don't necessarily agree with the title- there are no squares saying 'your peach tree is loaded and the fruit are going to rot if you don't stop and pick them- miss a turn", or "you have got up early and fed the pigs, move forward 2 spaces". And then, within a few quick spins, I had had twin girls, followed by another baby girl, which made me think, oh, well, it does bear some vague resemblance to at least bits of </span><a href="http://and-so-i-sew.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">some peoples</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> lives!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are super observant (or have amazing eyes) you might notice the dvd I borrowed from the library- that was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thornberry.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/its-raining-men/#comments">inspired by Lara</a> (it's North and South, I also borrowed Pride and Prejudice).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you guess where I was sitting? See that hooking action on 'screen right', yep, still enamoured with learning to crochet</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></b></span><br />
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<br />Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11348847780442947633noreply@blogger.com10