tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63563466235982732372024-03-14T04:42:09.520+13:00It's Marie Made!Making ThingsMarie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-58210165909648317502016-11-18T13:38:00.001+13:002016-11-18T13:41:05.819+13:00Dining Room DIY Makeover<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So we have been in our home just over a year now, and looking back I've realised that we've actually accomplished a lot over that time! And when I say we, I really mean my husband with me giving "directions". Some things have been easy to change and only needed new paint, others have been a major renovation project, which I will share later. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I don't have any particular style in mind with our home, I just know what I like and don't like. If you go to my <a href="https://nz.pinterest.com/Itsmariemade/home-interior-ideas/" target="_blank">Home and Interiors Pinterest board</a> you will see it's a bit of a mishmash of different colours and styles, but heavily featuring grey tones and crisp white. Our home was built in 1983 and features a lot of wood, cream and peach. Some people are into that country wooden look but it's not for me. When I look at it I just see tired and dated. (Although at the same time it reminds me of my childhood home so also oddly familiar and comforting). The other strong feature of our home are the large wooden beams that are in the kitchen, dining room, lounge and master bedroom. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These photos are from the real estate marketing with the previous owners furniture. It gives you a good idea of the type of style they had and how everything pretty much went with their furniture!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the dining room I wanted to go for something really different. The dining room sits between the kitchen and lounge as a seperate space, rather than part of another room. I really wanted to make it stand out and. It's hard to describe in my mind what I was thinking of, but it turned out a lot better than I imagined! When we had the test pots of colour on the wall, there were some raised eyebrows! But since it's been painted we've only had positive comments. My only opinion with colour is that it's just paint- if you don't like it then paint over it! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You have to excuse the mess! This is after we moved in with some test colour on the wall. A pretty dramatic change! Also check out that dining room light!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The "during" process. Wallpaper gone, beams being painted</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The process was fairly straight forward. Our whole house (including the laundry and bathroom) was wallpapered in the same cream, slightly textured and shiny wallpaper. It makes me wonder if they got some kind of buy one get 20 rolls free kind of special deal!! It was also a very narrow width, maybe 40cm and with large rooms there were lots of joins. If you have wallpaper in good condition it is fine to paint over it but because of the joins, the texture of the paper and some of the areas around the windows were really bad, we decided the best option was to remove it. This was all my husbands hard work, along with all the painting. We also needed to replace a section of the gib board underneath the windows as water had leaked but this was only a minor fix. Anyway, after some prepping it was all good to go with painting, starting with the ceiling and beams. It was amazing to see the difference to the room even with just having the ceiling lighter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let's just let the after pictures speak for themselves...... </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Most days we can look out the window to the Titahi Bay inlet and further beyond to the Tasman Sea. I fell in love with the sea views when we looked at the house!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The door to the kitchen has been taken off for painting, so you can see part of my emergency kit (!) and into the kitchen. The entrance to the lounge is a wide double doorway. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My babies look great in black and white on the dark walls! Our dining room table was completely refinished (for another blog post!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our Wellington painting looks fabulous contrasting on the dark walls. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Original artwork by my father in law, <a href="https://www.tudormanor.co.nz/bed-breakfast-kapiti" target="_blank">Simon Turner</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What do you think? It's almost my favourite coloured room in our house, although I do really like the colours we choose for our boys bedrooms. I really like the way the crisp white makes the colour pop. It's a hard colour to describe, a dark blue grey, but it changes depending on the light. We are lucky to have huge windows that let a lot of natural light in so the room doesn't feel closed in or dark. A light room with dark walls is an interesting mix! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wall colours Resene "<a href="http://www.resene.co.nz/swatches/preview.php?chart=Resene%20Hi-Glo%20roof%20range%20(2008)&brand=Resene&name=Gumboot" target="_blank">Gumboot</a>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Trims painted Resene Lustacryl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Beams Resene ceiling white</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pendant light from <a href="http://www.lightingplus.co.nz/lighting/pendants/contemporary/lucinda-brchromefrost-5lt-pendant.html" target="_blank">Lighting Plus</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hope you enjoyed this sneak peak into my home, I hope to post a few more over the coming months :)</span><br />
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Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-12870525115017540402016-05-25T11:38:00.000+12:002016-05-27T14:39:08.063+12:00Finished Projects: Easy Striped Baby Blanket <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I started knitting this blanket when I was pregnant. I more or less lost my creative mojo when I was pregnant, but I saw this pattern and it inspired me to make something for my new arrival. I had been wanting to use up some teal coloured cotton yarn I bought for something else, plus some other yarns in my stash. The teal green, navy and silver worked really well together, a very similar colour scheme I saw in Kmart, so I'm totally #ontrend! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Oh Hello! Introducing my new arrival :) He makes a pretty good photography prop!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Luckily for me I managed to finish the blanket before my little guy arrived! I also managed to get some matching booties done.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Matching booties to warm little feet! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">You can find the free pattern for this blanket </span><a href="http://www.womansday.com/home/crafts-projects/how-to/a5800/craft-project-striped-baby-blanket-119976/" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">. It's surprisingly easy- if you can knit and purl you can make this! The pattern is from </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">the fabulous Debbie Bliss knitting book </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/60-quick-baby-knits/patterns" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">"60 Quick Baby Knits"</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. This is a really great book, although I don't own it (wishlist) I have borrowed it from the library before. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The fancy looking border is actually just a simple seed stitch design- alternating rows of knit/purl then purl/knit creating a textured look. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're interested in finding other patterns I like, feel free to follow my </span><a href="https://nz.pinterest.com/Itsmariemade/crochet-knitting-yarn/" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Crochet, Knitting & Yarn</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Pinterest board! I've also saved a few tips and tricks there too. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Nothing cosier than a mummy made blanket to snuggle under!<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Yarns used for this project:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Teal Green: </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4 Seasons "Flinders" 100% Cotton 8 Ply Colour 80337207 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Silver: Panda "Dianella" 100% Viscose derived from Bamboo Colour Shooting Star</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Navy: 4 Seasons "Superwash Merino" 100% Merino 4 Ply</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All purchased from <a href="http://www.spotlightstores.com/nz/" target="_blank">Spotlight Stores </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy making x</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6356346623598273237%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1287052511501754040%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-w5_xJghToec%2FV0PJOyR7ekI%2FAAAAAAAACng%2FvnRjzJwuX4sr4xNIY9bN4gwLOWExpYFxQCLcB%2Fs640%2Fstripeblanket2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=fBzR39_6UaKe&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2347px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6356346623598273237%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1287052511501754040%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-w5_xJghToec%2FV0PJOyR7ekI%2FAAAAAAAACng%2FvnRjzJwuX4sr4xNIY9bN4gwLOWExpYFxQCLcB%2Fs640%2Fstripeblanket2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=fBzR39_6UaKe&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2347px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-64464865784132749962016-05-14T18:54:00.000+12:002016-05-14T18:54:12.005+12:00Black Forest Chocolate Fudge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RIwbGyPGTdE/Vu9Zn7DLHAI/AAAAAAAACiw/sfZB74fofGgzlpxQwi5-OLXxZA359v3JA/s1600/fudge%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RIwbGyPGTdE/Vu9Zn7DLHAI/AAAAAAAACiw/sfZB74fofGgzlpxQwi5-OLXxZA359v3JA/s640/fudge%2Bcover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At Christmas last year, my clever sister made a few home made gifts, including the most delicious Chocolate Baileys Liqueur Fudge. It was so soft, smooth and creamy, I had to have the recipe. Being pregnant I didn't think it was such a great idea to include a liqueur in my version (even though it's a minuscule amount), and because I like to work with what I have, I also adapted the flavour with the chocolate too. I'm sure you could use a variety of different chocolate flavours, including plain dark, milk or white chocolate Maybe not soft filled ones like peppermint or caramel, simply because I imagine you need enough chocolate to help set the fudge. You can also substitute the liqueur for anything too, if you want to make a non-alcoholic fudge then use a flavoured syrup like the type you put into coffee. I used milkshake syrup and it worked fine!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can find the original recipe <a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/2850/baileys+chocolate+fudge" target="_blank">here</a>, and if you're a fudge fan, you might like my recipe for <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2013/11/super-easy-white-chocolate-russian-fudge.html" target="_blank">White Chocolate Russian Fudge</a> too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Black Forest Chocolate Fudge</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Ingredients</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Melted butter to grease</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 can sweetened condensed milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">100g butter, cubed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">255g (1 ¼ cups) brown sugar, firmly packed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 tablespoons glucose syrup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">150g of Whittakers Berry & Biscuit Chocolate, finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">30ml cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">30ml chocolate syrup <i>OR</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">¼ cup of any liqueur or alcohol (vodka, kahlua, baileys, cointreau etc)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. Grease your dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. Melt the condensed milk, butter, brown sugar and glucose syrup in a heavy base saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth, around 3 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. Turn the the heat up and cook the fudge for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes thick and a darker caramel colour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. Remove from heat and stir in the cream & syrup, then add the chopped chocolate slowly until the mixture is relatively smooth. It's important not to add the chocolate in all at once as you will lose the silky smooth texture</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. Pour into prepared pan and allow to cool for an hour before covering and putting in the fridge to set. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cut into small pieces with a sharp knife. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Store in the fridge especially during hot weather </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Try not to eat it all at once!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy Making!</span>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-10143825030258362052016-02-02T13:52:00.002+13:002016-02-02T13:53:08.760+13:00Return to scheduled programming...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You will be forgiven for thinking that I may have dropped off the face off the earth! Since my last blog post (July 2015), I've actually been pretty busy making some other things and there's been a lot of other happenings in my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Firstly, we bought our first home and moved in August. We needed to do some basic renovation work as soon as we moved in, and as a lot of my crafty projects were packed away, I didn't have a lot of time to get things out for creating. I also finished a lot of things mid-year and didn't have anything new I wanted to be working on either. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've also been pretty busy making something extra special-- a new human being! If you follow me on Instagram, this isn't "new" news, but in case you're the rare reader who just follows my blog, now you know! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa-1z_H5v5U/Vq_6LII_X4I/AAAAAAAACiA/dSOGmA9CdJg/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa-1z_H5v5U/Vq_6LII_X4I/AAAAAAAACiA/dSOGmA9CdJg/s320/IMG_2871.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Being pregnant has more or less sucked all the creative mojo out of me! It's pretty hard work creating a baby so that's understandable! I've made a couple of pairs of booties for friends but that's about it. With the arrival of our baby now only weeks away, I have been making a few things which hopefully I can get finished and post about here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I did make a pair of booties for a special friend overseas, so I thought I would share them here. They also travelled with a teddy bear who is in very familiar Kiwi attire-- an All Blacks (our national world champion Rugby team). Not only is the teddy very cute, but he also plays the Haka! (google it), you can watch him here:</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NgFLf0c3vyw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NgFLf0c3vyw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The accompanying boots fit the bear, but they are actually for the baby they were delivered to! A very simple design which I think I will have to make again. Anyway, now that I am a little more settled, I'm looking forward to a bit more creating and sharing here again. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxuhW5S7yyM/Vq_9uv7nzLI/AAAAAAAACiY/FYmqTPrRB74/s1600/rugbyboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxuhW5S7yyM/Vq_9uv7nzLI/AAAAAAAACiY/FYmqTPrRB74/s640/rugbyboots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-14021157769374383542015-07-14T13:00:00.001+12:002015-07-14T13:00:13.098+12:00Finished Projects: Chunky Moss Stitch Cowl + Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTxbzvRB610/VaMkelQGJZI/AAAAAAAACg8/lBSqHsQIuuI/s1600/chunkycowlcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTxbzvRB610/VaMkelQGJZI/AAAAAAAACg8/lBSqHsQIuuI/s640/chunkycowlcover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Right now we are just about in the middle of winter, experiencing some very, very cold weather. While most people are moaning about how cold it is, I actually like cooler weather. Mostly for one reason-- scarves! I just love wearing a scarf! Something about wrapping up and keeping warm really appeals to me. That and I felt like a scarf is the perfect fashion accessory which will brighten and add to any outfit. I have quite a significant collection of scarves, all different colours, lengths, textures and weights. I also love to knit scarves as they are SUPER easy and quick. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VoAF_oje57c/VaMkhTSqCgI/AAAAAAAAChI/XWMee4HAP2k/s1600/cowlcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VoAF_oje57c/VaMkhTSqCgI/AAAAAAAAChI/XWMee4HAP2k/s640/cowlcloseup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My first knitting projects were scarves. I started with <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/snood-or-infinity-scarf.html" target="_blank">this one</a>, then fell in love with this super chunky coral wool, so made <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/coral-infinity-scarf.html" target="_blank">this one</a> too. The funny thing about the coral one is that I made it, felt is was <i>too </i>chunky, unravelled it, knit it again, steam blocked it and still find it too heavy! So I am actually currently in the process of unravelling it AGAIN, and I will knit it again using this pattern. There are so many things that are great about knitting a chunky scarf. You don't need much yarn, it knits up super quick, and it's super warm due to the extra bulk. I also like that the weave of the stitches really loosens up after blocking so it actually isn't so heavy. The nice open weave of the moss stitch really works for this type of yarn. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q7qanTgYStU/VaMkjROW5EI/AAAAAAAAChU/0DMFT_zWkSc/s1600/cowlcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q7qanTgYStU/VaMkjROW5EI/AAAAAAAAChU/0DMFT_zWkSc/s640/cowlcollage.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The idea probably came from the "<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gap-tastic-cowl" target="_blank">GAP-tastic</a>" cowl which is a very popular pattern on Ravelry. The thing that puts me off making that cowl is casting on 131 stitches onto a circular needle. Yes, ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY ONE! The reason for this is to make a nice round circle that doesn't need a seam sewn together at the end. It also makes a HUGE cowl which I can imagine would be very heavy to wear. My version still creates a snuggly and plush neck-warmer, just without the huge bulk (Trust me when I say this, I used 6 skeins of coral coloured bulky yarn to make my first bulky cowl and my neck was sore after wearing it for a short while!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai4JRzkjEvA/VaMkgrfmcUI/AAAAAAAAChE/iIN3_3K_uXY/s1600/chunkyyarns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai4JRzkjEvA/VaMkgrfmcUI/AAAAAAAAChE/iIN3_3K_uXY/s640/chunkyyarns.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These are just about all the colours of chunky yarn I have found so far. I've found them all at our local The Warehouse, they have a good selection. You can also buy some colours <a href="http://search.thewarehouse.co.nz/search?p=Q&srid=S10-AUSYDR01&lbc=thewarehouse&ts=custom&w=rosies%20yarn&uid=133248492&method=and&isort=score&view=grid&srt=0" target="_blank">online</a>, the style is "Largo". There are a couple of other colours but I think these are the best ones. So far I've used the Coral colour in the top right; the light grey on the middle left is the one I've used for the cover photo and close up of this post; In the middle photo, the purple/indigo blue I've used the most so far, making three cowls, the teal/peacock blue is in the bottom right of the photo above; the Magenta is probably my favourite colour, I used this to make a different style cowl; and the darker grey in the bottom right is currently on my needles!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pattern: Chunky Moss Stitch Cowl/Infinity Scarf</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Materials:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Approximately 3x 50g balls of bulky/chunky yarn </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">12mm knitting needles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Measuring tape</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tapestry needle for sewing in ends</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pattern:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cast on 15 stitches using the long tail method (you can make your cowl wider by casting on more stitches, just make sure it's an odd number like 19 or 21).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Row 1: K1, P1 to the end of the row</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Continue in same pattern (K1, P1) until you have approximately 90cm of work, about 2 ½ balls of yarn. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cast off, sew ends of scarf together into a circle, making sure the work is not twisted</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I like to finish by steam blocking the scarf. By this I mean "iron" the scarf using a tea towel or thin cloth between the iron and your work. Use the steam shot function on your iron to dampen the scarf and work your way around the whole scarf. This helps to soften the yarn and loosen the weave. If you want a chunkier/plusher scarf you won't need to do this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I highly recommend doing this project if you are a beginner, want a quick project or to teach kids to knit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please let me know if you make your own scarf, I'd love to see it!</span></div>
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Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-68967297841726707232015-06-28T15:05:00.002+12:002015-06-28T15:05:08.264+12:00Finished Projects: Weekend in Stockholm Blanket<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPlCoHK6xBQ/VY9f5TnC98I/AAAAAAAACf4/27VCRGuxX6Q/s1600/stockholmcover2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPlCoHK6xBQ/VY9f5TnC98I/AAAAAAAACf4/27VCRGuxX6Q/s640/stockholmcover2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What seems like a lifetime ago, I started this blanket. While it has been finished for a few weeks, it always takes a long time to go from finished object to on the blog! In reality I started in mid-January this year, and finished at the beginning of June. It's definitely a project I've done while making other things, picked up and put down again. I have made a few pairs of booties and other bits and pieces in between! (Which you may have already seen if you're following me on Instagram or Facebook ;) )</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AcfM2LqRVwU/VY9hUU84oYI/AAAAAAAACgg/JE_Mz_F0EFc/s1600/stockholm3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AcfM2LqRVwU/VY9hUU84oYI/AAAAAAAACgg/JE_Mz_F0EFc/s640/stockholm3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I like the overall finished blanket but I do find myself questioning the colours. Some days I like the orange, some days I think it's too much. I wonder if I may have liked it better if I chose I light grey instead of the orange?? Well it's too late now and even if I don't like the colours as much as I thought I would, it's certainly a warm and snuggly blanket. My cat especially loved to sleep on it! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rpOzVl_ssA/VY9hTUHCIhI/AAAAAAAACgc/W6q-7MUBya4/s1600/stockholm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rpOzVl_ssA/VY9hTUHCIhI/AAAAAAAACgc/W6q-7MUBya4/s640/stockholm2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So here are photos of the finished blanket. I have to preface these pictures by saying it is quite difficult to photograph a blanket, it always looks crooked and wrinkly. It is more or less a square shape. Also the colours are tricky to get right too. I took these pictures in some late afternoon Winter sunshine, so they are possibly not exactly true to life. One day I might master my DSLR and work it so it picks up what I see!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JISBjbDq3kw/VY9iMjp0oTI/AAAAAAAACgs/0v8jEfgyhEM/s1600/stockholm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JISBjbDq3kw/VY9iMjp0oTI/AAAAAAAACgs/0v8jEfgyhEM/s640/stockholm4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's also interesting how different the colours look in daylight and sunshine. The sunlight makes the orange a lot more muted and more orange. Inside the orange takes on more red pigments. When I was arranging the squares to join them altogether, I found it tricky to arrange in such a way that there wasn't too much orange all bunched up together. A friend told me to take a photo in black and white and then see if it looks right. This was actually a really good tip as I could see areas that contrasted too much. The overall layout is completely random however!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tmNFFHJxDw/VY9f5-6b58I/AAAAAAAACgA/ExjwCuD3LJE/s1600/stockholm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tmNFFHJxDw/VY9f5-6b58I/AAAAAAAACgA/ExjwCuD3LJE/s640/stockholm1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I do really like the pattern of each of the individual granny block squares. It looks quite intricate yet simple at the same time. I'd be interested to see how it looks in other colours, but I'm not quite keen enough to do another one just yet!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNkP3IM-lu8/VY9f5p8duKI/AAAAAAAACf8/evo1Iaw7pr8/s1600/stockholmcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNkP3IM-lu8/VY9f5p8duKI/AAAAAAAACf8/evo1Iaw7pr8/s640/stockholmcollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you would like to make this blanket, you can find the original FREE pattern <a href="http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/weekend-stockholm" target="_blank">here.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Making!</span></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkUEAriyei4/VW5G4YzjNRI/AAAAAAAACes/piGvNRRzlNM/s1600/bunnybootscover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkUEAriyei4/VW5G4YzjNRI/AAAAAAAACes/piGvNRRzlNM/s640/bunnybootscover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello! Just thought I would show some of my latest creations. At the moment I am actually trying really hard to finish the Weekend in Stockholm blanket, but before I picked that project up again I made a couple more pairs of my favourite baby booties. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rayebO5k58A/VW5IqEOOFaI/AAAAAAAACe4/AUFdo0YMmF4/s1600/peachbearboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rayebO5k58A/VW5IqEOOFaI/AAAAAAAACe4/AUFdo0YMmF4/s640/peachbearboots.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I hope you liked the </span><a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2015/05/baby-bear-boots.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">baby bear boots</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> as much as I do! I've decided that they are a really good baby shower gift. They're quick and easy to make and now I've found a couple ways to customise them, I see endless possibilities! This pair I gifted recently to a friend who is having a baby girl. I wanted to make them a little more girly but not over the top, so went for my old favourite colour (grey) and my second favourite- a peachy pink. They turned out super cute and I'm really pleased with them. If you want to see other colours check out </span><a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2015/05/baby-bear-boots.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">this post.</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzB3UmhyttU/VXT4Sl4dsTI/AAAAAAAACfU/jP4quibKrSA/s1600/peachboots2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzB3UmhyttU/VXT4Sl4dsTI/AAAAAAAACfU/jP4quibKrSA/s640/peachboots2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In other makings, I also made these really sweet baby bunny boots! </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OljoxOjgNgA/VXT4SPEROpI/AAAAAAAACfI/GNRns70a-IQ/s1600/bunnyboots1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OljoxOjgNgA/VXT4SPEROpI/AAAAAAAACfI/GNRns70a-IQ/s640/bunnyboots1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I made them just for fun but now have a home for them. It always makes me so happy when I can give things away instead of them sitting in my cupboard getting covered in dust! (Well actually stored securely in my hot water cupboard if you really want to know, I would not let my beautiful creations get dusty ;0) hehe!) I'm also hoping they're not super girly, but with pink faces it's kind of unmistakeable who would wear them! </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LExcRBGLyD0/VXT4SpnW8QI/AAAAAAAACfM/j8S5qFRF20M/s1600/bunnyboots2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LExcRBGLyD0/VXT4SpnW8QI/AAAAAAAACfM/j8S5qFRF20M/s640/bunnyboots2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can just imagine tiny little feet all toasty warm in these boots. What winter warmers are you making at the moment??</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fiwGdrWsw2A/VVFjXlaDpFI/AAAAAAAACd8/QiNA65Md2sk/s1600/babybearbootscover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fiwGdrWsw2A/VVFjXlaDpFI/AAAAAAAACd8/QiNA65Md2sk/s640/babybearbootscover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">So lately with the weather being a bit cooler and wetter I've felt like getting out my knitting needles. That and having a lot of friends having babies or due to have babies in the next few months. Is there anything cuter than a newborn all snuggled up in hand knits?? </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNN-SEgqpCU/VIdvASyBpGI/AAAAAAAACSk/RnzYVfD52uI/s1600/market11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNN-SEgqpCU/VIdvASyBpGI/AAAAAAAACSk/RnzYVfD52uI/s640/market11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You may remember (if you've been reading my blog for a little while) that I made a LOT of stuff for the <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/12/thorndon-fair.html" target="_blank">Thorndon Fair</a> which was almost a complete disaster. Anyway, you live and learn...One of the things I really loved making which did get snaffled up by a dear friend was these ridiculously cute Baby Bear Boots. You might remember seeing these as I have previously posted about them. I had another pair half finished in my project bag, the intention was two have more than one pair to sell at the fair. A week or so ago after feeling a bit over my Weekend in Stockholm Blanket, I got the unfinished boots out and finished them off. I had forgotten how quick and easy these boots are to make up. I posted a pic on my Facebook page and within a couple of hours I had sold them, plus requests for 2 more! This kind of confirms the fact that they are totally a genius idea! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlEz3KH7A7w/VVFlhi0wMjI/AAAAAAAACeQ/WUF2xXQ8Nwo/s1600/bbboots2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlEz3KH7A7w/VVFlhi0wMjI/AAAAAAAACeQ/WUF2xXQ8Nwo/s640/bbboots2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm happy to share the idea for the bear face, but as I am not the designer of the pattern you will need to source your own copy <a href="https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/179463747/oh-baby-baby-bootie-pattern-by-double?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/clothing/oh-baby--baby-booties/5278" target="_blank">here</a>. I think the pattern is around $5USD, which is totally affordable and honestly the best pattern I have used. I'm sure if you google baby boots pattern you'd be able to find a free pattern, but this is the one I have used, so I know it works. The best guide for size is a measurement of the baby's foot, the pattern supplies Newborn, 3 month and 6 month size. I have quite tight tension but use a bigger size needle than suggested. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Baby Bear Boots</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You will need 3 colours of yarn (I generally use 8ply wool or acrylic)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- The main boot colour;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- The face and ears colour &;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- A small amount for eyes and mouth (note I would not recommend using beads for eyes due to choking hazard)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-4.5mm crochet hook</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-4mm knitting needles </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Face</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Following the original pattern, when you are up to the instep part which requires you to knit on the 10 centre stitches, join the face colour and knit the rows in this colour. Once you have done this, switch back to the main boot colour. Continue with the boot as per the pattern until the end, leave the final stitches on the needle until the ears and eyes and mouth are done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Ears</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once the boot is finished, and Using the same colour of yarn as the face colour, make a magic circle, chain 3 and make 8 double crochet into the circle. Tighten circle and slip stitch into the ch3 to make a circular ear shape. Leave a longish tail to attach to ears. Make 2 ears. To sew the ears onto the face and working on the right side, thread both tail ends from the ears to the wrong side. Secure the ears firmly by sewing through a couple of the loops at the bottom of the ear circle. Weave in yarn tails on the wrong side of your work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Eyes and Mouth</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Using the third colour, sew eyes onto the face and a small 'X' shape for a mouth. Be careful not to leave big loops of yarn at the back which little toes could get caught on!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now you are ready to finish of your boot. There are several ways to cast off the stitches, but I like to use a <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/FEATfall06TT.html" target="_blank">three needle cast off</a> as its very neat, or a weaving style. There is a very good tutorial on casting off <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/FEATsum06TT.html" target="_blank">here</a>, along with the one linked above. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laCM46lLPJc/VVFjX9vkRHI/AAAAAAAACeA/F_wHcOUi3YI/s1600/bbboots1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laCM46lLPJc/VVFjX9vkRHI/AAAAAAAACeA/F_wHcOUi3YI/s640/bbboots1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I would so love to see if anyone makes these, so please tag me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Itsmariemade" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or Instagram (@itsmariemade) or post a link to your blog in the comments! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Making :D</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFIUSPBI8hc/VVFmZj_JjgI/AAAAAAAACeY/V7W6dWkmTq8/s1600/bbboots3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFIUSPBI8hc/VVFmZj_JjgI/AAAAAAAACeY/V7W6dWkmTq8/s320/bbboots3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</script>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-75965074253739696602015-04-15T20:44:00.001+12:002015-04-15T20:44:54.132+12:00Honey & Cinnamon Popcorn<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JG0Ocf-04bI/VS4kMe-PnzI/AAAAAAAACdg/sYyLl10e3xk/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JG0Ocf-04bI/VS4kMe-PnzI/AAAAAAAACdg/sYyLl10e3xk/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last night I saw this recipe on Instagram, and I couldn't stop thinking about it! I always really struggle to find snack recipes that I think I will like, and also that I can be bothered making! Too much effort = not worth it for me! Last Christmas I gifted myself a popcorn maker and it's always a good option, except the usual flavour is melted butter....not exactly a healthy option. This recipe shared by <a href="https://instagram.com/sugarfreekiwi" target="_blank">Sugar Free Kiwi</a> is perfect for me. I'm not a huge fan of replacing everything with coconut oil, but again, I just like the sound of this and thought it's a good option for kindy lunchbox too! My son loved it so it's a winner in our house!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://instagram.com/sugarfreekiwi" target="_blank">Sugar Free Kiwi</a> is a really great page to follow on Instagram as she posts a lot of yummy recipes which are easy to do. To be fair, this is the first one I've actually made, but I like to follow along for inspiration. I've also been eyeing up a recipe for Raw Peppermint Slice too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's the recipe, full credit to <a href="https://instagram.com/sugarfreekiwi" target="_blank">Sugar Free Kiwi</a>- make sure you check out her page!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Honey & Cinnamon Popcorn</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5 Tablespoons Popcorn Kernels, air popped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 Tablespoons Coconut Oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 Tablespoons Honey </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 Teaspoon ground Cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Method:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Melt the Coconut Oil, Honey and Cinnamon on a low heat in a pot large enough for all the popcorn. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once the oil and honey mixture is melted and combined, add the popcorn and stir gently until all the popcorn is coated and barely any left at the bottom of the pot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spread onto a baking tray and bake at 150°C for 15 minutes or until brown/golden. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Allow to cool completely before storing, and tastes better/crisper once cooled too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy x</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JkxzjjRjaRw/VS4kN1-F7aI/AAAAAAAACdo/_Aoh5StoWFA/s1600/IMG_1350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JkxzjjRjaRw/VS4kN1-F7aI/AAAAAAAACdo/_Aoh5StoWFA/s1600/IMG_1350.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-47528661745284542572015-03-18T15:34:00.002+13:002015-04-21T10:00:42.477+12:00Monogram Zipped Purse<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I went to a Hen Party/Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party (pick whichever term you are comfortable with) for a very lovely friend. The theme for the party was White & Gold, and when I say theme, I mean the ENTIRE party (including all food and drinks) was part of this theme. Eating gold coloured chicken was definitely an experience!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_jXX0QD8GM/VQjfVL-YIzI/AAAAAAAACdE/X3RNIvMt5dc/s1600/henparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_jXX0QD8GM/VQjfVL-YIzI/AAAAAAAACdE/X3RNIvMt5dc/s1600/henparty.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As part of the party, we each had to bring the Bride-to-Be a jewellery gift. While I was thinking about how to wrap it, I was browsing in Pete's Emporium and found an amazing Metallic Bronze coloured vinyl. I have been making A LOT of purses and zipped pouches lately, so I thought I could make a cute purse to put the necklace in. The "wrong" side of the vinyl was super soft and almost furry, so perfect to protect jewellery or other precious treasures. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqlqP53_AVM/VQjf9wEodrI/AAAAAAAACdM/luFSin6Sx5A/s1600/henparty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqlqP53_AVM/VQjf9wEodrI/AAAAAAAACdM/luFSin6Sx5A/s1600/henparty2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When it comes to sewing lately, I am definitely make it up as you go type of person....I read a couple of blog tutorials about making zipped purses but to be honest I find it much easier to visualise something in my head and work it out once I actually start. The biggest challenge I thought would actually be sewing through the layers of vinyl. While it was pretty thin, I do have some concerns about the capability of my retro machine! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbRjH4nfmQY/VQjXA5vUMxI/AAAAAAAACcc/gfyO4yPHc6g/s1600/libpurse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbRjH4nfmQY/VQjXA5vUMxI/AAAAAAAACcc/gfyO4yPHc6g/s1600/libpurse2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once I had made the pouch, I wanted to decorate it in some way, and thinking about the Gold & White theme, I decided to sew on some gold sequins. I practised writing out the letter "L" (my friends initial) a few times on a scrap piece and even did a proper mock up sewing on the sequins. I'm glad I did this because it meant I didn't ruin the finished purse with a letter that was too small, and I could see that it would actually look amazing once done! I wrote the L with a sharpie onto the front of the purse and then used it as my pattern to sew the sequins. A smarter person may have done this before sewing the purse together, but I only had this brainwave at the end! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3jVRwVB3FM/VQjXAzbnMuI/AAAAAAAACcg/sE-Guxdb4MI/s1600/libpurse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3jVRwVB3FM/VQjXAzbnMuI/AAAAAAAACcg/sE-Guxdb4MI/s1600/libpurse1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The end result was so beautiful I instantly wanted to make another! Luckily it was my sister-in-law's birthday, so I sewed one up for her too! It always amazes me how much I love to make things to give away! Anything I make for myself usually ends up half finished or takes me three times as long! Anyone else find that too?</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OOpuG72wHc/VQjZTClaBUI/AAAAAAAACcs/_Ura2Oisrlk/s1600/libpurse3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OOpuG72wHc/VQjZTClaBUI/AAAAAAAACcs/_Ura2Oisrlk/s1600/libpurse3.jpg" height="640" width="564" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I forgot to take many photos of the finished purse! I really just finished it in the nick of time to be given as my gift. I also only took one or two photos of the second purse! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw1OZWQqb5w/VQjaZP7ZTZI/AAAAAAAACc4/B7xfY_XbmyM/s1600/melpurse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw1OZWQqb5w/VQjaZP7ZTZI/AAAAAAAACc4/B7xfY_XbmyM/s1600/melpurse1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm so happy how these turned out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These are a few of the other things I have been sewing lately:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NN_KjzI6Eoo/VQiPiPBMpAI/AAAAAAAACcM/AqvRFgHrWr4/s1600/sewingcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NN_KjzI6Eoo/VQiPiPBMpAI/AAAAAAAACcM/AqvRFgHrWr4/s1600/sewingcollage.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I must admit I have been neglecting my poor blog a little bit of late. I'm really busy at the moment with work and other commitments so have barely any time to sit down at the computer! I still manage to post a bit on Instagram, so if you'd like to keep up with what I'm doing, you can find me here, <a href="https://instagram.com/itsmariemade/" target="_blank">@itsmariemade</a></span></div>
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</script>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-13385132075125238912015-02-06T11:37:00.002+13:002015-02-06T11:37:13.049+13:00Show and Tell: Stripey Name Bunting <h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Show and Tell: Stripey Name Bunting</span></h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg9kJPAyMeU/VL370-hh3cI/AAAAAAAACZ4/gMgRhV6316A/s1600/buntingcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg9kJPAyMeU/VL370-hh3cI/AAAAAAAACZ4/gMgRhV6316A/s1600/buntingcollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For ages now, like years even, I've been wanting to make my own fabric bunting. Ridiculous I know, considering what a beginner project this is! Now that I have a sewing machine, all my bunting dreams have come true! :D</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPn_ZIlxj7k/VMbpLkRFylI/AAAAAAAACaM/9t5A_fjarMM/s1600/bunting2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPn_ZIlxj7k/VMbpLkRFylI/AAAAAAAACaM/9t5A_fjarMM/s1600/bunting2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was able to sew this up in a matter of hours- from cutting to hanging. That is quite an achievement I have to say! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mV0VVHH3HB0/VMbqPU3jGgI/AAAAAAAACaY/wdq_jdmK6lI/s1600/bunting4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mV0VVHH3HB0/VMbqPU3jGgI/AAAAAAAACaY/wdq_jdmK6lI/s1600/bunting4.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I used a pattern for the size I wanted, you can find it <a href="http://blog.chickabug.com/2010/11/free-fabric-bunting-pattern.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The fabrics are from the remnants bin at Spotlight. I won't go into massive details about how I made my bunting, as I think most sewers have an idea and it's not that hard. So just quickly, my flags are double sided with a smaller piece of interfacing between; I used a zigzag stitch for everything including attaching the binding; and I used a glue gun to attach the wooden letters to the flags.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQal_wLEI7E/VMbpLRvraYI/AAAAAAAACaI/cQYC33evk48/s1600/bunting3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQal_wLEI7E/VMbpLRvraYI/AAAAAAAACaI/cQYC33evk48/s1600/bunting3.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Something quick and fun to brighten up my little boy's bedroom and go with his new big boy bed. Sometimes the quickest, easiest crafts turn out to be the best!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Wmq6jvrPgg/VNPvntc3TwI/AAAAAAAACbU/NbYNLYgevNg/s1600/bunting%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Wmq6jvrPgg/VNPvntc3TwI/AAAAAAAACbU/NbYNLYgevNg/s1600/bunting%2B.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Originally I was trying to find some black and white checkered fabric so I could go with more of the racing-car theme, but in the end, I think the blue and red colours look great. It's not over the top, blends in well with the rest of the decor, but is fun and bright at the same time.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TnjSIvwheY4/VNPvoOoQtqI/AAAAAAAACbY/bLOxYoZozNg/s1600/carbunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TnjSIvwheY4/VNPvoOoQtqI/AAAAAAAACbY/bLOxYoZozNg/s1600/carbunting.jpg" height="640" width="440" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Making! </span></div>
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</script>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-25688753920173231312015-02-04T16:21:00.000+13:002015-02-04T16:23:28.197+13:00Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2rhu3ravqs/VNF-CB0lwMI/AAAAAAAACas/uazIFtSYnNI/s1600/quinoasaladcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2rhu3ravqs/VNF-CB0lwMI/AAAAAAAACas/uazIFtSYnNI/s1600/quinoasaladcover.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You may have noticed if you've been reading along for a while, that the recipes I share are not usually super healthy! It's not to say that they are bad for you (some are!) but more that I use regular ingredients and generally lots of sugar and carbs! Sometimes I feel a bit afraid of all the so-called "superfoods". Often it's because I don't know what they are, and sometimes it's because they're really expensive so not something I could justify eating on a regular basis (I know, what price can you put on your health?!). I like to think I eat a fairly balanced and varied diet, with a few treats as well. I try not to think about foods being "good" or "bad", rather just eat lots of different thinks and think about things like portion size instead (great article about this topic <a href="http://www.mamalionstrong.com/what-im-teaching-my-children-about-food/" target="_blank">here</a>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was also gifted a special bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil at Christmas. It's a bottle of a very limited run from a private Olive Grove up north. I feel very honoured to have some! It's best suited for salads and dressings so it's perfect in this recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyway, with that rather long preamble, the other day I decided I would try cooking with Quinoa. I had a yummy salad over the holidays, which was the first time I've ever eaten it. I just added a few things together that I thought would go well together, and voila! My Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad was born!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This recipe serves one as a tasty lunch. Obviously adjust the ingredient quantities to make for a whole family or as a side dish. If you have the chance, cook the Quinoa ahead of time so everything can be thrown together. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8gvhLRd9t4/VNGEMFBNuEI/AAAAAAAACbE/tXG2eaUOeGw/s1600/quinoa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8gvhLRd9t4/VNGEMFBNuEI/AAAAAAAACbE/tXG2eaUOeGw/s1600/quinoa2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Marie's Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(Serves 1)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Ingredients</u></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">¼ cup (uncooked) Quinoa </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A handful of baby spinach leaves; and/or</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A handful of Kale or baby Kale</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp fine chopped fresh Parsley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp fine chopped fresh Mint</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3-4 Cherry Tomatoes, chopped, or 1 regular Tomato</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 dried dates, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Slivered Almonds or Cashews</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*Optional: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">30g Plain or Flavoured Feta</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Dressing</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">½ lemon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salt and Pepper to taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Method:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cook Quinoa. Bring double the quantity of water to boil (For ¼ Quinoa, cook in ½ cup water), simmer for approximately 10 mins, they turn heat off and allow remaining liquid to absorb. Allow to cool to room temperature and fluff with fork.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a bowl, add dressing ingredients together. Add spinach/kale, parsley,mint and tomatoes to dressing and toss to coat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add cooled Quinoa and mix, add chopped dates and almonds and stir to combine all ingredients. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eat and enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Best eaten fresh. You can prepare the Quinoa ahead of time and chop ingredients. As the Spinach and Kale absorb liquid easily, they will wilt if left in the dressing for a long time. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxpSEu9MS18/VNGDPE1XWYI/AAAAAAAACa8/36g8wk0sE3M/s1600/quinoasalad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxpSEu9MS18/VNGDPE1XWYI/AAAAAAAACa8/36g8wk0sE3M/s1600/quinoasalad1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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</script>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-14787472803286226062015-01-20T19:50:00.000+13:002015-01-20T19:50:43.712+13:00Work In Progress: Weekend in Stockholm Blanket Throw<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-legVLKelq9g/VLw4cY3OzdI/AAAAAAAACYk/iSKkGmOMzvc/s1600/stockholmcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-legVLKelq9g/VLw4cY3OzdI/AAAAAAAACYk/iSKkGmOMzvc/s1600/stockholmcover.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello all blog readers! Happy New Year! I hope you've enjoyed your holidays and managed to have a bit of a break. I was lucky enough to have nearly 4 weeks off work! We holidayed at home, went away for around 10 days and did a lot of spring cleaning and tidying up. I'm ready to tackle the New Year and have lots of ideas for the blog this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although I having been writing blog posts, I've still been keeping up to date with what's happening via Instagram and posting there too. (Find me <a href="http://instagram.com/itsmariemade" target="_blank">@itsmariemade)</a>. One super-crafty and talented fellow blogger (</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://One Crafty Mumma" target="_blank">One Crafty Mumma</a></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">) posted about a new crochet blanket pattern she was starting, which has turned into a sort of crochet-along a lot of other people are doing the same blanket. I liked the pattern so much I was inspired to start my own one too. The pattern is <a href="http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/weekend-stockholm" target="_blank">Weekend in Stockholm</a> and is available free. It looks complicated but actually once I got going I didn't have too many problems. I do admit I found the pattern instructions a little confusing so I just interpreted it the best I could from pictures of other people's squares. I also found a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhmh-1yBTKA" target="_blank">couple of helpful videos</a> on YouTube that someone else had uploaded. I did a test square to see if I actually liked it, then I went out to pick my colours. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2H633h13cDQ/VL3h5xnrtGI/AAAAAAAACZM/HxPKosV5xCE/s1600/stockholmcolours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2H633h13cDQ/VL3h5xnrtGI/AAAAAAAACZM/HxPKosV5xCE/s1600/stockholmcolours.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes when I go to get new materials, I get too overwhelmed by the amount of choice there is! I had an idea in my head that I definitely wanted to use black, white and grey, along with another accent colour. I hadn't really decided if the accent colour would be green, yellow or orange. When it came down to it, the only colour in the type of yarn I wanted was orange, so that's how I ended up with my picks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These are the block colour combinations that I've done so far:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VVWn1ecVjR8/VL3h3GE4EiI/AAAAAAAACY4/S40PVjyCvnA/s1600/stockholm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VVWn1ecVjR8/VL3h3GE4EiI/AAAAAAAACY4/S40PVjyCvnA/s1600/stockholm1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ9u6PVjeF0/VL3h3mNmbPI/AAAAAAAACY8/lyDLEx8juTM/s1600/stockholm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ9u6PVjeF0/VL3h3mNmbPI/AAAAAAAACY8/lyDLEx8juTM/s1600/stockholm2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gE35Gg8uzYo/VL3h2f8XRVI/AAAAAAAACY0/rnWm8IMV_Zo/s1600/stockholm3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gE35Gg8uzYo/VL3h2f8XRVI/AAAAAAAACY0/rnWm8IMV_Zo/s1600/stockholm3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq-FHSLOza0/VL34H7MtPdI/AAAAAAAACZk/ouNKWA9DJj0/s1600/stockholm6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq-FHSLOza0/VL34H7MtPdI/AAAAAAAACZk/ouNKWA9DJj0/s1600/stockholm6.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I decided after a did a couple of orange squares that I want the overall look of the blanket to be more monochrome. The orange is REALLY bright. So to dull it down a bit I will do more of just white, grey and black. I also decided this is a "me" project. That is, I'm making it for me, for our home, for us to enjoy. Although most of the things I make to start with, my practice pieces I guess, end up being used at home, I don't tend to make specific items unless I'm making it to give away. So in that regard, I have no time frame (preferably finish before Winter comes!) and I'm not sure how big it will be (will see how many squares I can be bothered to make). That way I can still enjoy making other things and projects without a looming deadline of finishing things. One thing I learnt from making stuff to sell, is that it certainly takes the fun out of making! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-us3EcYZi1-Y/VL34HJqB1gI/AAAAAAAACZc/4lhOzTfRqj0/s1600/stockholm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-us3EcYZi1-Y/VL34HJqB1gI/AAAAAAAACZc/4lhOzTfRqj0/s1600/stockholm4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is a little 'helper'....</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tH5XB0-Rzww/VL34Hvuqv7I/AAAAAAAACZg/0M6AeEd9pu8/s1600/stockholm5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tH5XB0-Rzww/VL34Hvuqv7I/AAAAAAAACZg/0M6AeEd9pu8/s1600/stockholm5.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've got lots of ideas for things for the blog this year, and I definitely want do more sewing. So watch this space!</span><br />
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Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-6938580496549647952014-12-20T21:00:00.000+13:002014-12-22T10:32:23.521+13:00Finished Projects: Bucilla Felt Christmas Stocking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbWyKTg9VkY/VJUrU7C0QJI/AAAAAAAACYQ/GGKuwME66R4/s1600/stockingcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbWyKTg9VkY/VJUrU7C0QJI/AAAAAAAACYQ/GGKuwME66R4/s1600/stockingcover.jpg" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did it! I finished my first Bucilla Felt Christmas Stocking Kit! And just in the nick of time! I really enjoyed this project. It was quite a challenged and I needed to learn quite a few new sewing and embroidery techniques, but overall, the instructions were fairly straightforward and I didn't have too many problems. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I started the stocking, and saw the h u g e long list of instructions I wasn't sure how I would ever get to the end. But really, just by doing little bits every so often (usually during my son's nap times) I was able to work through it easily. There are a few areas that less than perfect, and don't look exactly like the picture. And a few bits I needed to do over to get it to look the way I wanted, but overall, I'm really happy. I think the lovely thing about handmade things is that they have a certain quirkiness that is specific to the style of the person that made it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I definitely found google and YouTube super helpful when I wasn't sure how to do some stitches! <a href="http://sublimestitching.com/pages/how-to-french-knot" target="_blank">This</a> tutorial on French Knots was brilliant. I don't know what people did when they couldn't just look something up on the internet??!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQEDSmIW7-s/VJUn2_PPgaI/AAAAAAAACX4/KeR1Ywii6u8/s1600/stocking2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQEDSmIW7-s/VJUn2_PPgaI/AAAAAAAACX4/KeR1Ywii6u8/s1600/stocking2.jpg" height="640" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, here is my finished masterpiece! I hope you've enjoyed following along with my progress :D</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkIA6dzFKXM/VJUnDTolNpI/AAAAAAAACXw/UQiXw1X6R3s/s1600/stocking1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkIA6dzFKXM/VJUnDTolNpI/AAAAAAAACXw/UQiXw1X6R3s/s1600/stocking1.jpg" height="640" width="449" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've also loved seeing my completed stocking hanging next to the one my mum made for me, 20 odd years ago! Amazing it has stood the test of time and still looks every bit as beautiful as it did when it was first made. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is my last post for 2014 as I will be having a (well deserved) holiday break. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thanks for following along with me this past year and encouraging me to continue blogging with all your lovely comments. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Looking forward to a lot more "making" in 2015! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">**You can see what I'm up to over the holidays by following me on Instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/itsmariemade" target="_blank">@itsmariemade</a> or on Facebook: </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Itsmariemade">https://www.facebook.com/Itsmariemade</a></span></div>
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</script>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-31756989773941545002014-12-13T10:55:00.002+13:002014-12-13T10:57:51.595+13:00D.I.Y: Easy Christmas Door Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTK59xIX53M/VItbPEQ2knI/AAAAAAAACW0/1Xu7_NrOK3Q/s1600/doorwreathcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTK59xIX53M/VItbPEQ2knI/AAAAAAAACW0/1Xu7_NrOK3Q/s1600/doorwreathcover.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now that the Thorndon Fair is over, I feel like I can join the land of the living! I also want to do anything but yarn crafts! I've have a few ideas for Christmas projects that I wanted to do this year, but they've been on the back burner until the fair was over. I am hurriedly trying to do something so I can enjoy them while we are still in the Christmas season. This particular project has to be one of the quickest and easiest I've done all year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've always wanted to hang a wreath on my front door. Something about a door wreath is super Christmassy to me! While I admit I probably didn't look very hard, over the years I hadn't found one that I liked enough to buy. I also thought I could probably easily make my own, and I was right! Armed with my glue gun and a few other bits and pieces I literally made this wreath in less than half an hour! I chose natural neutral colours to go with the green and silver theme that we have going on in our house. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLlwIufe2OU/VItbPERl31I/AAAAAAAACWw/DiT8pw86244/s1600/wreathcloseup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLlwIufe2OU/VItbPERl31I/AAAAAAAACWw/DiT8pw86244/s1600/wreathcloseup2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The cute mini pinecones I collected from a park right by our house. I think they are from a Copper Birch tree which was dropping the cones earlier in spring. They were so small and cute I knew I would be able to use them in some crafty way! The wreath was on sale at The Warehouse for $5. To be honest, it didn't look very promising before I started adding the other stuff. It's a very plain basic fake pine, but it is attached to a very sturdy wire frame which helped secure the bow. The bow and bells were attached to a door hanger so it could be used by itself. I removed the hanger so I could use the other pieces the way I wanted. This was also another bargain buy at $1.70 (!) from Pete's Emporium. If you're a Wellington local and haven't been to Pete's Emporium, you really need to head to Porirua </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and check it out!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDs7O8zdsyQ/VItbPs4IY_I/AAAAAAAACW4/roKT4QKseMg/s1600/wreathcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDs7O8zdsyQ/VItbPs4IY_I/AAAAAAAACW4/roKT4QKseMg/s1600/wreathcloseup.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">D.I.Y Easy Christmas Door Wreath</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Materials:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wreath</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mini Pinecones</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bow </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ribbons with bells</span></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBWnQviL9kI/VIthSDZ9P4I/AAAAAAAACXY/cSPFbApfSE8/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBWnQviL9kI/VIthSDZ9P4I/AAAAAAAACXY/cSPFbApfSE8/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" height="640" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you're not sure how your elements will look when finished, do a mock up by placing the pinecones around the wreath without gluing them first. This way you can easily change the layout. Make sure to leave a little space at the centre of the top of the wreath to attach the ribbon. When you are happy with the way the cones are placed, you can either remove them all and begin gluing, or take them out one by one and glue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I glued the twig ends of the pinecones before quickly pressing them down into the wreath. Hot glue sets almost instantly so you do need to work quickly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next I attached the ribbon bells to the metal frame of the with a simple loop knot. That is, I pushed the bell ends through the folded ribbon end over the frame, and pulled tight to secure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The bow I was using had a twist tie at the back so I used this to attach the bow to the wreath frame also. It made a tight and secure hold but I also used a little dab of glue for extra safety. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And voila- a pretty (simple) wreath for the door! To hang the wreath I used a small picture hook hanger to attach to the front door. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QiJooA4K0s/VItf2Hk-X-I/AAAAAAAACXM/zvJW7zKyHmA/s1600/door%2Bwreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QiJooA4K0s/VItf2Hk-X-I/AAAAAAAACXM/zvJW7zKyHmA/s1600/door%2Bwreath.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What easy Christmas crafts are you doing this year? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(And very pleased to be linking in with Show & Tell at <a href="http://3xsunshine.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Leonie's</a> blog this week after a hiatus!) </span></div>
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</script>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-59481620341568036342014-12-10T11:49:00.002+13:002014-12-13T11:01:39.360+13:00Thorndon Fair Experience and Gallery of work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8L9xJwezmo/VId6QkTl-9I/AAAAAAAACWg/tW7uqbGTkEs/s1600/fair%2Bheader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8L9xJwezmo/VId6QkTl-9I/AAAAAAAACWg/tW7uqbGTkEs/s1600/fair%2Bheader.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">***Warning photo heavy post*** Hello poor neglected blog!! I am still here! If you have been reading along for the last few months you would know I have been otherwise occupied! This past 6 weeks I was just too busy making for the Thorndon Fair which was on Sunday 7th December. With all the best intentions, unfortunately the Wellington weather did not play ball, so the fair itself was almost a complete washout. It didn't start very well when at our original stall site we were literally blowing away. We ended up moving across the road to an empty site which was slightly more sheltered but not really. I spent the majority of the time standing with my umbrella trying to shelter the table at the same time trying not to let the drips from the umbrella fall on the table! While I did manage to sell a few things, it was definitely disappointing. Especially considering this is something I have been working towards for the past 4 months or so! AND for the other people I shared the stall with as well as only one of the others managed to sell a few things. (Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lara-Dawn/144141135646789?fref=ts" target="_blank">Lara Dawn</a> and <a href="http://www.meghanmaloneyphotography.co.nz/" target="_blank">Meghan Maloney Photography</a>). But, as I like to say, you live and learn, and I will take away a lot from the overall experience. The most important thing I think was that stall location is everything! We were at the distant end of the route, which meant we either got the last stragglers, or people just starting who wanted to wait until they'd seen other stalls before purchasing. As it was just soooo dismal, we ended up packing up our stall early and going home. The majority of stall holders around us were doing the same thing too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I took some lovely pictures and shared them on my Facebook page, I thought I could pop them up here too. If there is anything you think you might like, please leave me a comment or contact me via email or Facebook as I can let you know a few more details. (But this is totally NOT a "for sale" post, just a showing off of my work). I am also quite proud of my photography skills in these pictures as I set up my own mini studio! </span></div>
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Hello, did you make it to the end??!! I'd say you might recognise a lot of this stuff, especially if you follow me on Instagram (@itsmariemade) as I think I've posted everything up there! Also, the two blankets, you can find blog posts on them <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/10/chocolate-pink-crochet-grannyafghan.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/10/mellow-yellow-crochet-blanket.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The crowns are based on a pattern I found on this blog <a href="http://www.mypoochiebaby.com/2012/12/crochet-toddler-crown-free-pattern.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I played around with the stitches and sizes and added my own embellishments. It is a really easy pattern to follow. </div>
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Thanks everyone for all your positive comments and support for all my work so far and for bearing with me as I promote myself! I'm looking forward to posting more regularly now. Now that I have a bit more time to do crafting for fun, I have a few Christmas projects up my sleeve. I also have only TWO WEEKS to finish my felt stocking!!! Luckily I haven't got much to do.....watch this space. </div>
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</script>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-6349815910189937772014-11-11T10:49:00.002+13:002014-11-11T10:51:38.661+13:00Cheese Twist Scones<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's another recipe from the archives of my Mum's Little <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">Red Recipe Book</a>. My mum grew up on a farm, and I'm sure there would have been a lot of home baking done, along with ingredients being readily available. I would categorise this recipe as farm style baking as it's not particularly healthy, but a comforting, tasty treat. Especially on a cold, wet, windy (Wellington) day with a nice hot cup of tea! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have called them scones to avoid confusion with possibly a similar named baked item "Cheese Straws". I believe Cheese Straws are made of pastry, but these Cheese Twists are definitely more scone-like in flavour and texture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They're really quick to whip up and will make around 20 depending on size. They also freeze pretty well too. For the purposes of this blog post I have made mine quite square and even, but usually they would be a bit more twisted and have more of an organic shape! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheese Twists</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Ingredients</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">100g Butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">¾ cup cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 ¼ cup self-raising flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup milk </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Method</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees Celsius. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mix the dry ingredient in a bowl, sift them in if you prefer</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Work together with milk using a knife until the mixture is dough like</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Knead slightly and roll out on a floured surface until approx 1cm thickness</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cut into strips 10cm x 2cm, twist each strip a couple of times</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Melt butter in a baking dish in the oven</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lay the twists in the melted butter </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bake at in the oven for approx 15 minutes or until golden on both sides, turning once. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cool on a baking tray covered in paper towels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Best enjoyed warm from the oven with a cuppa! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have a look at my <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/p/recipes_6314.html" target="_blank">recipes page</a> if you are looking for something else to bake....</span><br />
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</script>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-18034978408810765172014-11-04T16:03:00.001+13:002014-11-04T16:03:21.921+13:00Work in Progress: Felt Christmas Stocking Part 3<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just a minute update re: the Felt Christmas Stocking. It's on the back burner due to my crazy knitting for the Thorndon Fair. I thought I would just show you where I'm up to though. I did get a bit further than the last update <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/09/work-in-progress-felt-christmas.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If you can't be bothered to go to the other post though, this may refresh your memory:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What it looked like previously:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What it looks like now:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_GNcWR-Bu8/VFhAzaDomdI/AAAAAAAACP4/FeoRCM8USBU/s1600/stocking_update3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_GNcWR-Bu8/VFhAzaDomdI/AAAAAAAACP4/FeoRCM8USBU/s1600/stocking_update3.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have finished off Santa, and done one of the presents. I still have 2 presents left and a mini stocking to do at the bottom, then sewing on the back of the stocking. Not much.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once the fair is done (early december), I'll have the chance to finish it off. Hopefully before Christmas! I actually don't have much left to do, provided my fingers don't fall off with all the knitting I'm currently doing! :-S </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you want to follow my progress join me on Instagram (@itsmariemade) or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Itsmariemade" target="_blank">Facebook </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy crafting! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/08/work-in-progress-felt-christmas-stocking.html" target="_blank">Felt Christmas Stocking Part 1</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/09/work-in-progress-felt-christmas.html" target="_blank">Felt Christmas Stocking Part 2</a></span>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-53701215196439388312014-10-27T14:32:00.003+13:002014-10-28T09:25:43.745+13:00Baby Boots Parade!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpjUSDS6qeo/VE2f9upV7iI/AAAAAAAACPo/7eIiJFFO7iU/s1600/bootsparade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpjUSDS6qeo/VE2f9upV7iI/AAAAAAAACPo/7eIiJFFO7iU/s1600/bootsparade.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have written before about how much I love this Baby Bootie pattern, but seeing as I am making so many for the Thorndon Fair, I thought I would do a post showing all the different combinations I have knitted to date. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you want this pattern you will need to buy it <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/clothing/oh-baby-baby-booties/5278" target="_blank">here</a>. Buying the pattern gives you permission to sell your finished items, provided you credit the pattern designer, Judy Nemish of Double Diamond Knits. The pattern is called "Oh Baby! Baby Boots".</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGvp-_rwbyo/VE2VyN6FHcI/AAAAAAAACOQ/c665rJn-V78/s1600/greyboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGvp-_rwbyo/VE2VyN6FHcI/AAAAAAAACOQ/c665rJn-V78/s1600/greyboots.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gorgeous Grey Boots (The first pair I made in this pattern)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNMDjSu-si0/VE2V0WMbTjI/AAAAAAAACOc/Hh70zhqYOb4/s1600/pinkmultiboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNMDjSu-si0/VE2V0WMbTjI/AAAAAAAACOc/Hh70zhqYOb4/s1600/pinkmultiboots.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pink Camouflage Boots (went to a Military Family!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOSgB1G_vdo/VE2VxHVocqI/AAAAAAAACOE/ZSMyGjEz42Q/s1600/orange%2Bboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOSgB1G_vdo/VE2VxHVocqI/AAAAAAAACOE/ZSMyGjEz42Q/s1600/orange%2Bboots.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Orange You Glad I'm Finished Boots (ran out of the right colour yarn)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_ZruC70S24/VE2VxeOAhQI/AAAAAAAACOI/7EAaaAOqPXY/s1600/peachy%2Bboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_ZruC70S24/VE2VxeOAhQI/AAAAAAAACOI/7EAaaAOqPXY/s1600/peachy%2Bboots.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Peachy Keen Boots</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq9290_hEzI/VE2Wd1mLH9I/AAAAAAAACOs/PUN08BLjV_w/s1600/boyblueboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq9290_hEzI/VE2Wd1mLH9I/AAAAAAAACOs/PUN08BLjV_w/s1600/boyblueboots.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Little Boy Blue boots (has matching had a cardigan in coordinating colours)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb5DJMhHGmA/VE2WdBoSvEI/AAAAAAAACOk/-WjCbiR58xs/s1600/bowboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb5DJMhHGmA/VE2WdBoSvEI/AAAAAAAACOk/-WjCbiR58xs/s1600/bowboots.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pink and Chocolate Bow Boots (Also with matching Bow hat)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5RjY_HeAUs/VE2a81G763I/AAAAAAAACPQ/zrgKrgBXb7s/s1600/chocolateboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5RjY_HeAUs/VE2a81G763I/AAAAAAAACPQ/zrgKrgBXb7s/s1600/chocolateboots.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chocolate Wool Boots</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4BCvfm2k4s/VE2a9ViWWAI/AAAAAAAACPU/EVao6MBHf3w/s1600/pompomboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4BCvfm2k4s/VE2a9ViWWAI/AAAAAAAACPU/EVao6MBHf3w/s1600/pompomboots.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Canary Pom-Pom Boots</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVrzAWBSR4U/VE2aZqIYBmI/AAAAAAAACPA/blTDkr_uoTA/s1600/colourblockboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVrzAWBSR4U/VE2aZqIYBmI/AAAAAAAACPA/blTDkr_uoTA/s1600/colourblockboots.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Colour-block Daisy Boots (has coordinating hat)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNLyVzDphdY/VE2aXh74Y1I/AAAAAAAACO4/zngJpO8aGWI/s1600/robinboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNLyVzDphdY/VE2aXh74Y1I/AAAAAAAACO4/zngJpO8aGWI/s1600/robinboots.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Little Robin Boots (has coordinating hat)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaVV-XN7ih0/VE2aaM--yWI/AAAAAAAACPE/ld3P2vwXdw8/s1600/candlyflossboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaVV-XN7ih0/VE2aaM--yWI/AAAAAAAACPE/ld3P2vwXdw8/s1600/candlyflossboots.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pink CandyFloss Boots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Most of the boots in these photos I have given away as gifts. From the Chocolate Wool boots down are booties I have made to sell at the Fair. I need to make probably another 6 pairs I think! EEEEEEEK! What really intrigues me is that the same pattern can look so </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">different depending on the yarn, colour and details. I don't think baby boots are boring at all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is a blog post <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/easy-baby-booties.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you are looking for a free pattern. It is a really easy pattern for a beginner knitter. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8qRwVem2kc/UgwZphGytuI/AAAAAAAAAd0/PujykjrXIJk/s1600/babybootiesheader.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8qRwVem2kc/UgwZphGytuI/AAAAAAAAAd0/PujykjrXIJk/s1600/babybootiesheader.png" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyway, I'm back to the needles now... </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img alt="Skip To My Lou" src="http://rsc.skiptomylou.org/buttons/new_button.jpg" height="150" width="150" /></a>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-73616503575493916622014-10-22T15:02:00.000+13:002014-10-22T19:40:44.795+13:00Chocolate Pink Crochet Granny Blanket<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh9C_mKK1Zc/VEbOMbHU3kI/AAAAAAAACMk/5cGmrf0gBcU/s1600/pinkchoccover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh9C_mKK1Zc/VEbOMbHU3kI/AAAAAAAACMk/5cGmrf0gBcU/s1600/pinkchoccover.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As you know if you've been reading along for a little bit, I'm currently trying to make a few things to sell at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThorndonFair?fref=ts" target="_blank">Thorndon Fair</a>. So far I've made a few hats, several pairs of booties and a <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/10/hello-sewing.html" target="_blank">blanket</a>. I really wanted to do another blanket and was pretty set on doing a ripple blanket. I had a few goes at the pattern over at <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/neat-ripple-pattern.html" target="_blank">Attic24 blog</a> (brilliant tutorial worth checking out if you want to do a ripple blanket!), but I didn't really have enough of the right yarn to get the hang of the zigzag ripple pattern. The yarn I was using is (I think) a cotton blend, which seems to crochet up quite loosely. This made making the ripples quite tricky... </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FXRMb8_T0Kk/VEbS09aIfDI/AAAAAAAACM8/HmvmzQF3kQ8/s1600/pinkchoc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FXRMb8_T0Kk/VEbS09aIfDI/AAAAAAAACM8/HmvmzQF3kQ8/s1600/pinkchoc1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Anyway, I liked the yarn and it was a delicious chocolate colour so I thought I could still use it. I delved into my stash and grabbed some purple as well. I thought I would make a never ending granny baby blanket like <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/04/crochet-baby-granny-blanket.html" target="_blank">this one</a> and <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/05/crochet-monkey-blanket-tutorial.html" target="_blank">this one</a>, but with a different centre. Using the tutorial from my <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/08/square-circle-granny-blanket.html" target="_blank">Square Circles blanket</a>, I started with a circular "block" in the centre and then started my granny pattern from there. I also found this very interesting bamboo blend yarn which went really well with the purple and brown yarns. It definitely lifted the whole blanket as I was beginning to think it was a little dull with the two colours. Unfortunately I only had 2 skeins of the bamboo yarn so only had enough to do three sets of two granny rows. I wanted to add in another lighter colour but had nothing in my stash that would suffice. I put the blanket to one side while I thought about what to do- and also in the meantime I acquired a sewing machine (read about that <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/10/hello-sewing.html" target="_blank">here</a>). </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NRkY5nwNI3M/VEbSzvdb7VI/AAAAAAAACMw/ziofRH2hc3Q/s1600/pinkchoccollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NRkY5nwNI3M/VEbSzvdb7VI/AAAAAAAACMw/ziofRH2hc3Q/s1600/pinkchoccollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">While I was getting sewing supplies, I came across a gorgeous pale peach cotton blend yarn which went <i>perfectly</i> with the other colours in my blanket. It was only clearance sale so I got four skeins. This was actually only <i>just</i> enough to finish and at this point I really wanted it done and dusted! I think the peachy yarn is just right, and the width of the border has finished nicely too. I finished the whole thing off by making a little flower for the centre of the circle, just to prettify the whole thing. It's a little off centre, but thats the charm of handmade items isn't it?!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xn-k4dlKgaU/VEbS0vm4_oI/AAAAAAAACM4/8xAAwzZGB_M/s1600/pinkchoc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xn-k4dlKgaU/VEbS0vm4_oI/AAAAAAAACM4/8xAAwzZGB_M/s1600/pinkchoc2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm starting to build up a pile of items now...but enough with the blankets, back to hats and boots! I'd love to know what you think about this colour combo...I'm so used to making boys stuff! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxrJVNUs7JM/VEbdT737I_I/AAAAAAAACNQ/36uqnbK6u3s/s1600/pinkchoc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxrJVNUs7JM/VEbdT737I_I/AAAAAAAACNQ/36uqnbK6u3s/s1600/pinkchoc4.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite how it looks, this blanket is actually square and even. Something soft and fluid like a baby blanket isn't designed to be stretched out to be a perfect square. I'm also in love with rounded corners! </span></div>
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</script>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-2247450696704941912014-10-21T14:16:00.003+13:002014-10-21T14:42:49.928+13:00Hello Sewing! <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOqV0hn9qBc/VEWoMRaQ9uI/AAAAAAAACLA/Eilx01vlE08/s1600/sewingcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOqV0hn9qBc/VEWoMRaQ9uI/AAAAAAAACLA/Eilx01vlE08/s1600/sewingcover.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Things are super-exciting around my house right now. This is because I have inherited my Mum's sewing machine! It's a bit of an old beast, but being a Bernina, it is still in great condition and as far as my novice sewing knowledge can tell, sews pretty well too. The model is a Bernina "Minimatic". My mum bought it in the 1970s, and as far as I know, it was quite expensive at the time. I have lots of memories of mum sewing for us as kids. When my sister and I were little, she almost exclusively sewed all of our clothes. She also sewed a lot of her own clothes too. I don't really know anyone these days that would sew the majority of their family's clothing. Probably the main reason is because it's so cheap to buy mass produced clothing now that it's not really economically viable for people to buy patterns, fabric and then spend the time sewing along with running a household, and for a lot of (mainly) women, also hold down a full time job. I also remember mum sewing a lot of our dolls clothes, including teeny tiny Barbie Doll stuff. I don't think I have the patience for those kinds of fiddly jobs! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yyjhvz64uXg/VEWufjZ-ZDI/AAAAAAAACLU/gTG8mNv4A7w/s1600/machine1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yyjhvz64uXg/VEWufjZ-ZDI/AAAAAAAACLU/gTG8mNv4A7w/s1600/machine1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The machine has arrived with a lot of accessories! Firstly, the snazzy red hard case, which packs everything inside neatly. It has an extension arm which can be stored in the case. Also a clip on little box to store your scissors, pins and extra bits and pieces you might need while sewing. The major part is something I didn't discover until I was putting the machine away, a treasure trove of extra needles, sewing machine feet and bobbins! I had gone to Spotlight to purchase new needles, thread and tools to remove the needle. I used all these, and then when I </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">packed the machine up, I discovered a box hidden at the back of the case. I hadn't noticed it before as it was stowed away at the back!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZejNW9LSFQ/VEWx6rncW3I/AAAAAAAACMQ/okTH3QfPuDA/s1600/sewing7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZejNW9LSFQ/VEWx6rncW3I/AAAAAAAACMQ/okTH3QfPuDA/s1600/sewing7.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out that sneaky stowaway!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Inside the box was everything I had bought! HEAPS of spare needles including denim and twin needles. EIGHT different feet- not including the one already on the machine! Eight bobbins. And all the little tools that are needed for adjustments. I am definitely completely set up for some major sewing now! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k9qk35jwXqw/VEWum0ULUZI/AAAAAAAACL8/mvmOQk-18oc/s1600/sewing6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k9qk35jwXqw/VEWum0ULUZI/AAAAAAAACL8/mvmOQk-18oc/s1600/sewing6.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is definitely something special about this machine. I could buy a new one, a fancier one, an electronic on/off button one, but this machine is just what I want. Maybe it's all the memories of my mum sitting at her sewing desk making things for my sister and I. Or the familiar smell of the bobbin box and sound of the machine whirring away. I think maybe it's that if I own this machine, I own a little bit of my mum too. And that is a very bittersweet feeling as really I'd rather have a new machine and be asking my mum for advice, than have her old machine and not have her. So even if I don't get much use of it, even if it sits in it's case for the next wee while, every time I look at it I will remember my mum. And those are definitely happy thoughts. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSaWOQoDvJA/VEWx5su9ONI/AAAAAAAACMI/dD3phxNemYA/s1600/sewing8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSaWOQoDvJA/VEWx5su9ONI/AAAAAAAACMI/dD3phxNemYA/s1600/sewing8.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, my main reason for wanting a sewing machine is actually fairly simple. I want to be able to easily mend or alter clothing for our family, as well as make some simple things for fun. I had a couple of ideas in mind for a few pieces of clothing that I like, but would love if I could alter them slightly. The last time I took something to an alteration service, they charged me $20 for a very simple fix-- something I knew I could do myself if I had my own machine.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsWlR7f5XsE/VEWulAAA8PI/AAAAAAAACL0/ecBL0jJ4p7M/s1600/sewing5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsWlR7f5XsE/VEWulAAA8PI/AAAAAAAACL0/ecBL0jJ4p7M/s1600/sewing5.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first item for "fixing" was this Staxs tunic I purchased last year. I absolutely love the fabric, but I hated the sleeves! I also find with Staxs clothing, the sizes run quite big, so this tunic was quite baggy on me, making me look bigger than I actually am. All I wanted to do was remove the frilly, flappy sleeves, and make them plain. I just unpicked the frilly hem of the sleeve, took it off, folded a new seam and sewed around. SUPER SIMPLE! And it worked perfectly, the tunic looks 100% better and fits me better without those sleeves. I wish I had taken a "before" picture!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ehSHowY2YgY/VEWuh085JQI/AAAAAAAACLg/ie6DPrFv7II/s1600/sewing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ehSHowY2YgY/VEWuh085JQI/AAAAAAAACLg/ie6DPrFv7II/s1600/sewing2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not a really fancy sewer, I can only do really basic things. If you look really closely, you will see that the seam isn't quite perfect and the thread doesn't match exactly. But as a first go after not sewing anything in at least 15 years, I think it's a good effort!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnFi82pyJO8/VEWujWqtAZI/AAAAAAAACLs/FhVaGLOXUlk/s1600/sewing4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnFi82pyJO8/VEWujWqtAZI/AAAAAAAACLs/FhVaGLOXUlk/s1600/sewing4.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got pretty excited about how many things I could alter after such great success with this tunic, that I pulled everything out of my wardrobe that I wanted to change! Another top that I quite like, again has these ridiculous puff sleeves. This has turned out to be a bit trickier due to the amount of volume in the sleeves, a work in progress! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am very pleased to be able to write about my sewing adventures now here on the blog! Watch this space!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For now my family heirloom has gone back into her home while I continue creating for the Thorndon Fair. See you again soon!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_9IIuD-qus/VEWx5qyvgNI/AAAAAAAACME/P1PSKBQCq3k/s1600/sewing9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_9IIuD-qus/VEWx5qyvgNI/AAAAAAAACME/P1PSKBQCq3k/s1600/sewing9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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</script>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-33107861448429879782014-10-12T14:40:00.000+13:002014-10-12T14:41:19.790+13:00Cinnamon & Raisin Scrolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKNi8FlBzcw/VDnZY-3-RlI/AAAAAAAACKQ/I0BHxgkRC3E/s1600/scrolls%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKNi8FlBzcw/VDnZY-3-RlI/AAAAAAAACKQ/I0BHxgkRC3E/s1600/scrolls%2Bcover.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I was in America in 2010, one thing I ate changed my life forever! One of the great things about the USA is the ability to make the most shockingly bad for you junk food taste unbelievably amazing! On a day trip down to San Diego from Los Angeles, we stopped for a snack in a mall. It was one of those places with heaps of options for food. I picked out a Cinnabon. I was sold. I couldn't stop thinking about this gooey, sticky, warm, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon bun. My memories of cinnamon buns are of a somewhat dry scone. A Cinnabon is anything but! I only ate one more in the three weeks we were travelling around the States. The second was during a stopover in Delaware in transit from NYC to Washington DC on the world's dodgiest bus (Only $20 a ticket- we were certain there was some illegal cargo on board....!) We couldn't eat on the bus, so I save my little Cinnabon until we got to our hotel in Georgetown. Even after 4 hours travel, it was still amazing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So anyway, the last 4 years I've been dreaming of Cinnabon's. Although New Zealand is becoming increasingly Americanised, there is a slim to none chance of Cinnabon opening a shop here. For some reason, I've never attempted making my own Cinnamon buns, thinking they would be really hard, or too much like a weird scone. This week I came across <a href="http://www.chelsea.co.nz/baking-and-recipes/1265/cinnamon-scrolls.aspx">this recipe</a>. I decided to just give it a go, and WOW I was so glad! These buns are almost EXACTLY what I remember Cinnabon to be, maybe even better?! Needless to say, I've made two batches this week, and basically the sole consumer (eek!). I added in some raisins for a bit of extra flavour and I think they are just beautiful. If you were like me in thinking that these are too hard, definitely give them a go! This recipe is SUPER easy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cinnamon and Raisin Scrolls</span></h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SRfprhNGoL0/VDnaQXysS3I/AAAAAAAACKY/o_suDG_L_do/s1600/scroll%2Bcooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SRfprhNGoL0/VDnaQXysS3I/AAAAAAAACKY/o_suDG_L_do/s1600/scroll%2Bcooking.jpg" height="400" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Dough</b><br />2 cups self-raising flour<br />pinch salt<br />90g butter, chopped and softened<br />2/3 cup milk<br /><br /><b>Filling</b><br />120g butter, softened<br />4 tablespoons brown sugar<br />2 teaspoons cinnamon<br />3 mini packets of raisins or about ¾ cup<br /><br /><b>Glaze</b><br />1 cup<a href="http://www.chelsea.co.nz/products/7/icing-sugar.aspx" style="color: #0072cf; outline: none; text-decoration: none;"> i</a>cing sugar<br />1 tablespoon boiling water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Method</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">1. Preheat oven to 180°C</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">2. Sift flour and salt into bowl, then rub chopped</span><a href="http://www.chelsea.co.nz/glossary/default.aspx?keywords=Butter" style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; outline: none; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #0072cf;"> </span><span style="color: black;">butter</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> into flour using your finger tips</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">3. Make a well in the centre of the flour and add almost all the milk. Mix lightly with a knife to make a soft </span><span style="color: black; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">dough</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> (add the rest of the milk if necessary.)</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">4. Knead</span><span style="color: #0072cf; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">dough</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> on a lightly floured surface </span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">5. Roll out dough until even thickness</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">6. To make the filling; beat the</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> butter</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> with brown</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> sugar</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> and</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> cinnamon</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> sugar with electric beaters until light and fluffy. Spread evenly over the</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> dough</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> with a knife and sprinkle with </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">raisins</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">7. Roll up</span> dough<span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> from the long side and using a sharp knife, slice the</span> dough<span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> evenly</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">8. Place scroll pieces on to a greased. Cook for 20-30 minutes or until golden.</span><br /><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">9. </span>Once<span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> out of the oven, drizzle with glaze.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">10. To make the glaze combine</span> icing sugar<span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> and boiling water in a small bowl</span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> whisk </span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">until smooth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">(recipe adapted from <a href="http://chelseasugar.co.nz/">chelseasugar.co.nz</a>)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0WcIoLLQlr0/VDnbw3n5cnI/AAAAAAAACKs/y0n0IFWGOMI/s1600/scrolls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0WcIoLLQlr0/VDnbw3n5cnI/AAAAAAAACKs/y0n0IFWGOMI/s1600/scrolls3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These scrolls go deliciously with a cup of tea or coffee...for morning or afternoon tea (or breakfast or after dinner!) Enjoy x</span></div>
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</script>Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-8379360787355992502014-10-04T11:07:00.001+13:002014-10-07T11:20:02.907+13:00Toy Story Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWt-KMkK1X0/VC8ULr3x4XI/AAAAAAAACHI/rRtvPQ8XedE/s1600/toystorycover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWt-KMkK1X0/VC8ULr3x4XI/AAAAAAAACHI/rRtvPQ8XedE/s1600/toystorycover.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last month my <strike>baby</strike> boy turned 3! We flew up to Auckland for my son's birthday party. Most of our families live in Auckland so it made sense to have a party up there, rather than have all of them travel down to us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My boy has been into Toy Story for quite a while now, and so we had a Toy Story themed birthday. I tried to keep things as simple as possible, so that I could easily transport the things I needed to from home, as well as making the party a bit more interesting. Seeing as he is only 3, I don't feel like we need to go all out yet in terms of making completely themed food and heaps of decorations. Maybe once he is older we will be a bit more full on with completed themed food and everything! </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5QdGmsnHbo/VC8Q5fwfvYI/AAAAAAAACGE/e8XYXjHYDBQ/s1600/buzzandbuzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5QdGmsnHbo/VC8Q5fwfvYI/AAAAAAAACGE/e8XYXjHYDBQ/s1600/buzzandbuzz.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However I did try and get as much Toy Story themed party stuff as I could. I got a party pack on sale at Spotlight with cups, plates, napkins, party blow outs and loot bags, as well as an inflatable Buzz Lightyear jetpack for the birthday boy's costume. I also found Toy Story stickers at Spotlight along with a cupcake stand on sale with 75% off! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Plates, Cups and Napkins from the party pack</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My sister collected some loot bag items from Look Sharp- Toy Story kaleidoscopes, spinning tops and sheriff badges. We only had three children attending the party, so I wanted them to have really awesome loot bags. A luxury affordable with so few kids! We also did another visit to Look Sharp while I was up there and I picked up some mini Toy Story notebooks and Toy Story themed wrapping paper. (I highly recommend Look Sharp for party stuff if you are in Auckland!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Those boingy tube things are super awesome. They're kind hard to describe, but it's a flexible tube that you can stretch and squeeze, and fire around the room by squishing down and letting it fly out. Our local post shop sells them at only 60c a piece! (Not sure if "boingy tube" is the correct name for them!) The loot bags also had a mini cookie time cookie and a mini packet of mentos sweets. I think the kids did pretty well out of this party!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I bought this kids birthday cake book a few months ago:</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Buy this book <a href="http://magshop.com.au/Disney-Kids-Party-Cakes-2014">here</a></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Toy Story themed party food- Main Picture: Alien Cupcakes; From Top: Buzz Lightyear cake; Woody Cake (with real life Woody Doll); Sheriff Star Cookies; and Rocket Cookies</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The main reason I bought the book was I was searching for ideas for the birthday cake. We already decided to do a Buzz Lightyear cake, just not sure how to do it. This book has a few Toy Story designs, including a Buzz Lightyear cake, Woody Cake and Alien Cupcakes. It also has heaps of other Disney favourites, The Lion King, Mickey Mouse, Frozen, Jake and the Neverland Pirates and lots of others. If you have a Disney fan in your house it's a good investment. (I have a weakness for cake books, I have three kids party cake books now!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the rest of the food, I just did basic party food, and had themed cupcakes and birthday cake. my father in law offered to do the birthday cake. To make the cake we used a Buzz Lightyear shaped tin which we hired. Originally my sister and I baked a beautiful fudgey chocolate cake, but when it came to getting it out of the tin it was a major fail! On the morning of the party, my father in law baked ANOTHER cake (using the tried and true Edmonds recipe) and iced the whole thing too. It was a pretty major task and he did an absolutely outstanding job! He used to do all of his own children's cakes when they were kids and is a very talented and creative person, just a little out of practice. So nice for a 2nd generation to be able to enjoy this talent! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had seen the idea for Alien Cupcakes over on the party page at <a href="http://www.greatfun4kidsblog.com/">Great Fun 4 Kids</a> blog (<a href="http://www.greatfun4kidsblog.com/2011/04/toy-story-party.html">here</a>), I loved them but once I saw the cakes in the Disney book, they really captured me! They are actually made in Friand tins, to give them an oval shape. My clever cake-baking sister made them from a plain cupcake recipe, and coloured the batter with green food colouring for fun! We then decorated them with green buttercream icing/frosting, pre-made candy eyes (from Look Sharp), and cut jelly sweets for the ears, and rainbow straps for the mouth and around the neck. I'm really happy how they turned out as we did improvise a bit! Everyone got a surprise when they bit into the cupcakes as they didn't expect a green cake!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I thought the kids were old enough to do a few party games this year, so we did a treasure hunt, pin-the-star on Woody and pass the parcel. The treasure hunt they did outside and had to search for mini Crunchie bars and a Sheriff Star each. They didn't quite get the hang of it, but I wonder was that more to do with the fact that my husband hid the "treasure" in MEGA HARD places! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The next game was pin-the-sherrif-star-on-woody. Again, my clever Father in law jacked up an almost life-size Woody picture for the kids to pin onto. The picture was printed and then taped onto a foam board. (google poster printing for ideas how to do this). We had a spare Sheriff star which was the perfect size for pinning. The kids were blind folded and then placed the star. They were actually pretty good at it. Some of the adults had a go afterwards and they were pretty rubbish to be honest!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We did pass the parcel last. It was hilarious! We had at least 12 wrappers as there were four prizes for each child + the main prize. My son got the hang of it pretty quickly and kept trying to hold on to the parcel each time it passed by him. They also quickly realised that everyone was going to end up with one of each of the prizes so they wanted to get it done as quickly as possible! Kids are so funny! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't think any party is complete without helium balloons! It really makes a party special. We got these Toy Story balloons at <a href="http://www.buildabirthday.co.nz/products/toystoryballoon">Build a Birthday</a> here in Wellington (an amazing party shop, well worth a visit). The balloons were $1.50 each, and we had them helium filled at <a href="http://www.looksharpstore.co.nz/contacts">Look Sharp</a> in Mt Wellington. It cost $4 to fill each balloon (we had 6 in total), and although that is quite expensive, the balloons last at least 3 days. We had them filled on Saturday morning, and they were still floating up to the ceiling on Monday afternoon! We let the kids release one into the sky after the party, they were mesmerised! Helium balloons are great take home items too. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Buzz Lightyear hoodie and pants (part of a pj set) from TradeMe, Inflatable Wings from Spotlight, Purple Slippers from the Warehouse</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The main thing was my son had an absolute ball. He loved everything about the party, loved all the games and was super excited about his cake. He was absolutely spoiled with presents-- especially a talking Woody Doll (to go with his Buzz Lightyear). He had a fantastic time playing with his cousins. I'm glad we went to a little more effort this year. It was a little stressful at times, but well worth seeing the joy and excitement on my little boys face. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You may have noticed if you're following me on <a href="http://instagram.com/itsmariemade">Instagram</a>, that I'm working on building up some stock for the Thorndon Fair in December. My goal is to try and use yarn only from my stash. I've got quite a haul of wool now, the 45 balls I won at Spotlight, and also a HUGE box of mixed yarns gifted to me from an old work colleague. I can't really justify buying new stuff when my yarn storage box is literally bursting at the seams! (Although I confess I did have to get extra white yarn to finish joining and the border!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since my Spotlight win, I haven't been able to get this golden yellow yarn out of my head. When I was a teenager, my favourite colours were yellow and blue, and I had a feature wall in my bedroom this exact colour! Something about it is so warm and cheery! Another of my favourite colour combos is yellow and grey. Digging around in my stash, I found these yarns and the idea for an Ombre-style granny blanket came about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The original inspiration for a blanket was actually from this book: </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDxI0qeKA6A/VCskMEX14aI/AAAAAAAACEw/UnJXybfAgy0/s1600/crochetbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDxI0qeKA6A/VCskMEX14aI/AAAAAAAACEw/UnJXybfAgy0/s1600/crochetbook.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Buy this book <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Modern-Baby-Crochet-Stacey-Trock/9781604683394">here</a></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4odAscs1HFg/VCskMaLcUWI/AAAAAAAACE0/MkAXLFuI9Kc/s1600/book%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4odAscs1HFg/VCskMaLcUWI/AAAAAAAACE0/MkAXLFuI9Kc/s1600/book%2Bcollage.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I got it out from our local library, and it's </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">got some really lovely patterns in it. I was really struck by the design for this blanket, and thought it would be an easy project to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I didn't have the colours used in the book, but I liked the idea of solid squares with a plain border, along with a rainbow type colour scheme. I played around with the colours I did have, but couldn't really get it to work until I decided to stick to the yellows and grey. I went with a five by five block blanket which along with a wide border is a great size for a baby blanket or lap blanket. I joined the squares using single crochet in the back loops only. There's a quick tutorial on how I joined them below. This method works well when you want a solid background look, or you want to have your squares defined or outlined really well. It also is easy to do, uses minimal yarn and is super quick.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-loM2PjkA-VU/VCsnHNZrelI/AAAAAAAACFE/Sso5HtNr3cc/s1600/mellowyellowblanket2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-loM2PjkA-VU/VCsnHNZrelI/AAAAAAAACFE/Sso5HtNr3cc/s1600/mellowyellowblanket2.png" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you wondered how I joined my granny squares, I wrote up a quick tutorial below. It's a very simple variation on a single crochet join. If my instructions don't make sense, I'm sure you could find another tutorial somewhere. Just google </span><a href="https://www.google.co.nz/webhp?tab=ww&ei=WC4rVPP8N4Wh8QXsrIKoDw&ved=0CAcQ1S4#newwindow=1&q=single+crochet+join" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"single crochet join"</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">! I made up my own border, as I often do, with a mixture of single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet stitches. I just play around until I get something I like!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDDyc8ZvUyg/VCsszb3vmHI/AAAAAAAACFk/7pIkv19kO5U/s1600/joiningcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDDyc8ZvUyg/VCsszb3vmHI/AAAAAAAACFk/7pIkv19kO5U/s1600/joiningcover.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Once you've made enough granny squares for the size of blanket you want, arrange them in the pattern or order you want the finished blanket to look like. I joined mine in the order of the colours I wanted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To join the first squares, put them WRONG sides together, and insert your hook into the inside loops of the corner edge of both squares.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You want to try and get as close to the very corner stitch as you can. Join your yarn by yarn over and pulling through. You should have one loop on your hook. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the next step, again put your hook through the inside loops of both squares. You should have three loops on your hook. Yarn over, and pull through the first two loops only. Now you will have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through both loops, leaving one loop left on the hook. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Continue like this until you get to the end of the squares. If your squares aren't quite even in size like mine were, you may need to skip a few loops on one side or the other so that once you get to the other corner, your squares match up. This is important as otherwise you won't get a neat, straight row of squares.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you've done it like me, you should end up with a nice slight ridge joining your two squares together. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K0a5LoqRGg/VCsswSpg_lI/AAAAAAAACFc/oebEf4yv2FE/s1600/joining%2Bcrochet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K0a5LoqRGg/VCsswSpg_lI/AAAAAAAACFc/oebEf4yv2FE/s1600/joining%2Bcrochet.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hopefully the pictures make more sense that my directions! Now that you have 5 strips of squares, you join the strips in exactly the same way. Again, it helps to try and jimmy your squares so that that all match up neatly corner to corner. The main reason why my squares were not even was because I was using a lot of different weights of yarn. If you're using the same weight yarn for every square, it should be no problem!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_-8v5dbJ_E/VCss1hielRI/AAAAAAAACFw/tLiF7ILTFag/s1600/mellowyellowblanket2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_-8v5dbJ_E/VCss1hielRI/AAAAAAAACFw/tLiF7ILTFag/s1600/mellowyellowblanket2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIo_8fzIK9s/VCss1GhUDHI/AAAAAAAACFs/H7KosTg5oeI/s1600/bootsandblanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIo_8fzIK9s/VCss1GhUDHI/AAAAAAAACFs/H7KosTg5oeI/s1600/bootsandblanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIo_8fzIK9s/VCss1GhUDHI/AAAAAAAACFs/H7KosTg5oeI/s1600/bootsandblanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was quite tricky to photograph the blanket to show the lovely yellows, but it's really gorgeous in person! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you love this blanket, and you're a local Wellingtonian, make sure you head down to the Thorndon Fair on December 7 and visit the stall to snap it up! I'll also have these sweet little baby boots for sale too! </span></div>
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Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356346623598273237.post-75074769594403744732014-09-24T09:09:00.000+12:002014-10-07T11:20:41.600+13:00What I've Been Baking & Recipe for Mini Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LvIzA2tNTyw/U_hK70MtM5I/AAAAAAAAB8w/lqH0h3QwSaw/s1600/minicupcakescover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LvIzA2tNTyw/U_hK70MtM5I/AAAAAAAAB8w/lqH0h3QwSaw/s1600/minicupcakescover.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wow wasn't that a mouthful of a title! The last few months I have been trying a few different new recipes. Nothing I can take credit for but I wanted to share in case you're lacking some inspiration! I also thought I would share what I've been doing along with a recipe for some really cute mini cupcakes with a decadent chocolate ganache frosting. I made these for a baby shower recently and they went down an absolute treat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The minute I saw </span><a href="http://thebubbalinokitchen.com/2014/05/pantry-staple-brownies/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">this</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> recipe for NO CHOCOLATE chocolate brownie over at </span><a href="http://thebubbalinokitchen.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Bubbalino Kitchen</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, I knew I had to make it. You've heard me lament before about how I can't quite get a brownie right! The other problem I have is that I never have a block of chocolate in my cupboard for this purpose. The main reason for that is that there's lots of half eaten chocolate! This recipe was quick, lovely and moist, and you don't even miss the chocolate. I adapted it a little by adding ¾- 1 cup of chopped dates, and (if I have them) about a half a cup of chocolate chips. The dates definitely add a lovely texture and denseness, they just melt into the brownie. I took some into my work and it was demolished! I've made it several times now with a few tweaks, I think it's my favourite brownie recipe now!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1DaaKEBASs/U_hL7gxzE0I/AAAAAAAAB84/pcFMrhA2RxY/s1600/IMG_4408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1DaaKEBASs/U_hL7gxzE0I/AAAAAAAAB84/pcFMrhA2RxY/s1600/IMG_4408.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Loving the set of cloud mugs from <a href="http://www.farmers.co.nz/">Farmers</a> I was given this Mother's Day!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another recipe from the same blog I made recently was a really decadent <a href="http://thebubbalinokitchen.com/2014/07/banana-chocolate-chunk-cinnamon-streusel-cake/">Chocolate Chunk Cinnamon Banana Cake</a>. I was having some new friends over for afternoon tea, and we had some ripe bananas. It seems very serendipitous that whenever I want to bake, Vanessa has a new recipe up on her blog that is perfect for me! It was so delicious that I didn't even get a chance to take a photo, except for <a href="http://instagram.com/p/qbIbaGMSu6/?modal=true">this</a> one on Instagram where I was scoffing it with ice cream!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I also baked some goodies for a special person. The challenge here was making something both gluten and dairy free. Because no one in my household has any food allergies or intolerance, I usually use just standard ingredients for everything. I knew I could make my One Step Peanut Butter Cookies (recipe <a href="http://itsmariemade.blogspot.co.nz/2014/02/one-step-peanut-butter-cookies.html">here</a>), but I also wanted to make something else. I went to the Petite Kitchen website, searched "dairy free" and came up with this recipe for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NatureBabyCommunity/photos/a.130578880319966.16894.127376650640189/706899672687881/?type=1&theater">Apricot Coconut Lemon Snack Bars</a>. Practically the easiest recipe EVER. All ingredients in the food processor, press into a tin, chill. DONE. Amazingly delicious. I am not usually a coconut fan and I really loved it. I would definitely make this again and I'm recommending it to everyone I know with food allergies or intolerances! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPEpF5ovDxg/U_hNx9r96oI/AAAAAAAAB9E/Pb3HkWxbCs0/s1600/IMG_5083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPEpF5ovDxg/U_hNx9r96oI/AAAAAAAAB9E/Pb3HkWxbCs0/s1600/IMG_5083.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A couple weeks ago we had a special morning tea for a work colleague who was leaving. We all brought a plate and I decided I wanted to make some mini cupcakes. I haven't really much experience with cupcakes, so I needed a good recipe. The first recipe I tried was a MEGA fail. I overfilled my cases so they just exploded everywhere. I changed recipe and precision measured my batter with a syringe, and ended up with 72 near perfect mini cupcakes. While this is a giant amount, it was brilliant because I needed to bake something for a baby shower in a few weeks time. So half I took to work, and half I froze. This weekend I defrosted the cupcakes and made a gorgeous chocolate ganache frosting. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkpZyIeH-rA/U_hPJNWgSNI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/E9YB6tynrow/s1600/cupcakecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkpZyIeH-rA/U_hPJNWgSNI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/E9YB6tynrow/s1600/cupcakecollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Proving things don't always go well for me!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The recipe for the </span><a href="http://www.chelsea.co.nz/baking-and-recipes/1313/super-moist-chocolate-cakes.aspx" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chocolate Cupcakes</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I made is from the Chelsea Sugar website, and you can find it </span><a href="http://www.chelsea.co.nz/baking-and-recipes/1313/super-moist-chocolate-cakes.aspx" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. It was an easy recipe, made really light moist cupcakes, and was great for my bulk baking! Definitely a recipe that I would make again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the icing/frosting I wanted something a little special, so I decided to do a chocolate ganache. This recipe is one my sister gave me from one of her cookbooks, I think it may be Donna Hay. Although chocolate + chocolate might seem a bit of an overload, it actually works really well together, especially with a mini cupcake. It's great for piping, just don't cool it too much or beat too long otherwise it will begin to set (speaking from experience!) and become too hard to pipe or lumpy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chocolate Ganache Frosting</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(or Chocolate Fudge Icing)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">250g Dark Chocolate (I use either 50% or 70% Whittakers)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">½ cup cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in a glass bowl over a simmering pot of water. Stir until melted and smooth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once cool, beat with electric beaters until thick and fluffy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Use for icing a cake or put into piping back for frosting cupcakes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did some pretty crazy piping as my frosting was a little too hard...I decorated the frosted cupcakes with sugar balls from our local supermarket. These would be really cute at any kind of party. My son loved them so awesome for kids too :D</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have you stumbled across any great recipes recently? Happy Baking!</span></div>
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Marie Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00171270834202049384noreply@blogger.com0