One Flew Over - Part 3

Clever Cookie

by Kate on August 27, 2012

Shaz never ceases to amaze me. Apart from having a fantastic range of home wares, she has now turned her attention to paper, designing some really fun prints.

How genius!

These make the perfect addition to any kids craft box or if scrap booking is your bag – bingo.

The greatest thing about these paper prints is you can print them from home which means I no longer need to make the dreaded trip to Spotlight.

Maddie is using these to make a Father’s Day card.

Speaking of which, I also got Shaz to whip up a little drawing for J – the perfect way to spruce up his office.

Get your Cookie wares here.

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My Creative Space

by Kate on August 9, 2012

It has been a little while since I played along with Kirst but a promise is a promise and well I think my tip is a goodie.

For me, staying creative is about connecting with like-minded crafty people.

Regular readers will know that the main reason I started this space was to connect with like-minded people and to get some feedback on what I was making.

It never occurred to me that the friends I made through this space would fuel my creativity and be a constant source of inspiration but it has done just that and more.

There has been many a time when my crafting mojo has dwindled but there is nothing like a catch up with some crafty mates, over a cheeky wine, to get those creative juices flowing.

I guess there is another little tip right there.

When you meet a super clever and super gorgeous like-minded person…well, you just don’t let them pass you by. Take it from me, you might have to be a little persistent and a little bit bossy but I promise you, it will be worth it and you may have just found a friend for life!

You can find more creative tips here.

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Around the Rosy Baby Blanket

by Kate on July 25, 2012

I hooked up this blanket for my new baby niece, Piper Kate.

I firmly believe every child should have a blanket that they get so attached do it ends up disintegrating without leaving any trace behind.

That is what happened to my blankie, or so Mum tells me.

This blanket is made with 4 balls of Rowan Cocoon (which is a lovely mix of merino and mohair and comes in some lovely, muted colours) and measures about 36″ point to point.

The perfect size for a new baby but one I hope will be dragged around when Piper gets a little bigger.

Wool pruchased at Calico & Ivy and you can find the pattern details on ravelry.

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Cream on Cream

by Kate on July 19, 2012

During the last three weeks at Calico, the lovely Sarah was on a much anticipated trip to France and London which meant a few extra shifts and working with the equally lovely Sue.

Sue is one of those soft natured women, but underneath possesses a real inner strength. Sue has dealt with some curve balls that life can sometimes throw with real grace and dignity, such a special lady.

While in Sydney, Sue knitted up a gorgeous cowl in silvery hues and as soon as I clapped eyes on it – I knew I had to have one too.

Made with Debbie Bliss Cash-merino Aran, Rowan Kid Classic and the sublime Debbie Bliss Andes – it is wonderfully soft and squishy. All yarns available at Calico & Ivy.

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Blogs and Crochet

by Kate on July 5, 2012

Hi there,

It has been a little while since I have been here and it is probably a sign of things to come. The family/study/work juggle means time for crafting is virtually non-existent but I really miss time spent making and need to somehow tweak the schedule.

Anyway, I have been thinking a lot lately about this space, blogs in general and how the explosion of instagram, facebook and twitter have seen lots of the blogs I read slow right down with posting. For me, instagram has been a great way to connect with the old network in a very instant, time friendly way but I do think it is another reason why I have been a little vacant here.

I was reminded last week about why blogs and blogging are important.

A gorgeous customer popped into the shop and told me how she had crocheted two of my Kelly scarves, loved them and was now looking for some wool to crochet up Kirsty’s neckwarmer. I was so chuffed and it made me realise something I have lost sight of recently, that sharing and creating is what this is all about.

A few weeks ago Sarah asked me if I would like to do a few crochet classes at the shop and I jumped at the chance. It has given me the push I need to hook up some class samples but more importantly, I will be teaching others something that I get so much joy out of.

I will be taking two classes in Sydney, Saturdays 28th July and 11 August (a two week course), from 1:30pm – 4:30pm.

You can find all the details here.

In my humble opinion, the best way to learn to crochet is to learn how to make a granny square, it was the way I was taught and I haven’t looked back. You learn a few basic stitches as well as joining your motifs, blocking and changing colours/yarn.

And I will be talking a lot about colour, colour combinations and how to transform the humble granny into something fresh and contemporary.

See you soon x

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The hunt

by Kate on June 8, 2012

I had a lovely weekend, spent with my most favourite friend.
Copious amounts of gingerbreads were consumed and lots of laughs were had.

I was gifted some gorgeous blue glass and the collection is back to its best.
The Juki was sold and replaced with a very, very special piece – the blue horse.

Popped over to Rozelle market and was very lucky to score a blue masterpiece.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods x

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Mistake Stitch Scarf

by Kate on May 28, 2012

It feels like quite a while since I have been truly present here.

Study, work, family – you know the drill.

Life is great but sadly I don’t seem to have much time to craft. I seem to steel a quick minute here and there for knitting & crochet but I have not had anytime to sew.

It is more than that though, over the last twelve months my desire to sew has come and gone…right now, it’s in menopause and I am A.OK with that.

I loved quilting when I was in the thick of it but life seems to be taking me in a new direction, one which I am really excited about.

With all of this in mind, I have decided to let go of my Juki. My loss is your gain, if you need a fantastic machine to quilt with – look no further.

Oh and before I go, a finished project!

You can find the project details on ravelry.

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The 2012 Big Apple Wrap Up

by Kate on May 20, 2012

We got home from New York last Sunday and I have hit the ground running, two kids will do that.

New York never disappoints and as I have done most of the ‘touristy’ things on previous visits, I spent most of my time there, walking, shopping and eating – pure bliss.

Anyway, we had a fantastic time and I wanted to do another ‘big apple wrap up‘ because I re-visited lots of places on my original list but also found some new ones.

And lest you think it was all fun, fun, fun…our hotel had BEDBUGS and that is all I will say on that topic.

To Shop:

Aritzia: 524 Broadway, Soho – lovely oversized silk blouses at very reasonable prices…a fave
Uniqlo for good basics at cheap prices: 546 Broadway, Soho
ABC Carpet & Home: 888 Broadway – has an amazing selection of homewares, clothing and jewelry, five floors of heaven.
Via Spiga: 487 Broadway, Soho – Italian shoes
Vince Camuto – amazing Italian leather shoes and handbags at very reasonable prices. On Broadway in Soho but one also in Grand Central Station terminal building near west 42nd entrance.
Cole Hann: 128 Prince street, Soho – also good for shoes & bags.
I couldn’t resist some hand blown glass, at glassy baby: 555 Hudson St, West Village – every colour you can think of.
The End of History: 548 1/2 Hudson Street, West Village – Was by far, a trip highlight. This shop has the most amazing mid century glass collection, lovingly currated and I wanted EVERY piece.

Just take a wander around the west village…if you walk from 8th or 9th Ave and get onto Hudson street you will walk right through the West Village and it will take you into Soho. The west village is gorgeous – would love here in a heartbeat.

To Eat: Dinner

Balthazar is a gorgeous French bistro that lovely for dinner or upmarket lunch: 80 spring street, Soho
Pastis is sister restaurant to Balthazar…a fave
Miss lily’s is a very funky Caribbean restaurant in Greenwich village, we dined next to Jude Law and the most handsome older man I have EVER clapped eyes on, Sir Christopher Plummer. Excellent vibe, very small so need to book.
The Lion: The food was AMAZING…
Scarpetta: fabulous Italian in meat packers district

To Eat : on the go

NYC has some fabulous cheap eat places for on the go and my favourite, favourite places are:

Hampton Chutney: 68 Prince Street, Soho
Dean and Deluca: 560 Broadway, Soho – is a bit of an institution, amazing deli with fresh flowers, salads, soups, sandwiches, coffee, chocolate…you name it, they have it. The salads are very good.
Eataly: Yummy Italian place where you can get paninis made to order…across from Madison Square and next door to Marimekko.
Bareburger: 153 8th avenue – SO SO good, all organic burgers and the chips were to die for.

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Potholder Installation

by Kate on April 28, 2012

I promised that once the potholders were done and up on the wall at Calico & Ivy that I would post a pic but to get the full effect, you need to see it in the flesh.

If you are in Sydney, pop in and take a look – Sarah and I are both thrilled with our handiwork…even if we do say so ourselves!

Sarah and I made these potholders using various yarns (available in store) and the patterns came from a variety of sources; japanese craft books, stitch dictionaries and blogs.

So, what are you waiting for?? Grab a hook and some yarn and make your own pretty wall!

Hope you all have a happy weekend!

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The Upside…

by Kate on April 24, 2012

of loosing half of my blue glass collection, is hunting around for replacements.

Most of my hunting is being conducted from the comfort of my own home (whilst I wait for my kid free days at the end of the week) and I thought you might like to see some of the stunning pieces that are out there, some affordable, some more of a ‘lotto-win’ purchase.

These beauties are from 1001Vintage

Not vintage, but a gorgeous piece available from Avolie Glass

Mascara Jones *swoon*. Teenie tiny pics but you get the idea..

And a little closer to home is iNVISeDGE, I can already vouch for this fantastic store, wonderful service. You will need to click over to see the pics.

Kirst gets all credit when it comes to me and glass collecting, she really opened my eyes to the world of vintage – possessions that have a story to tell and have a bit of soul.

Are you a fan of the hunt?

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A place to record my crafting adventures