Kokka Yugyoku Cushion

Kokka Yugyoku Coushin
Originally uploaded by Cheeky Mango

This is the first time I have made a piped cushion and I am really pleased with the outcome. It certainly is well-stuffed! No flat, soft cushions around here. I bought the fabric to cover a lampshade, but discovered that I did not have enough for the job, so decided to made a series of cushions. They are a perfect match for my loungeroom decor.

Hooray for Holidays!

Life is something to do
Originally uploaded by Cheeky Mango

Even though I thought they would never get here, at last holidays have arrived! I have been really busy getting everything ready for the break and am taking an extra two weeks off as long service leave.

The good news is that I can now concentrate on MAKING STUFF! I am in a frenzy already. I have spray painted a lamp base, discovered I don't have enought fabric to make the matching lampshade, sent off 3 sets of ATC's and generally naffed around!

I have decided to buy more of the fabric to make the lampshade and use what I already have to make cushions. I am really looking forward to the challenge of learning to do piping. I think it will look lovely.

On the knitting front, I am working my way through a groovy tea cosy from Loani Prior's book, "Wild Tea Cosies". Book from the library, double ended needles from St Vinnies, and yarn from King Kong's Discount store and I was on my way. I am pretty proud of myself knitting in the round on 5 needles. Probably a bit too early to celebrate yet though..

The ATC swaps I have done are orange, tricolour (pink, brown and chocolate), and "Life...". I have added my favourite life quote. Check out my Flickr site for the rest.

Hello Strangers

I have been away from this blog for quite a while, whilst my computer was in the shop. Very disappointing with a new computer, but partially self inflicted I'm afraid.. Anyhow, now one week later, I am back on the blogging wagon.

I have been rather busy on the creative front. I have actually joined an ATC trading group and signed up for and completed two sets. Yay for me! The themes were both colour orientated - one was 'orange' and the other was for 'pink, brown and chocolate'. I have been a bit worried that my work is up to scratch. I would feel horrible if the cards I receive back are of a much higher standard than those I sent! Fingers crossed this end.

Also, I have found my dream knitting book in the local library - it is full of wacky tea cosies. Crazy when you consider I don't even drink tea, let alone own a tea-pot! The only hitch was that I needed some double ended needles to knit in the round. As I don't have any, I picked up some a Vinnies - four for only 50c. Very pleased with that..

Holidays are coming up and spring has definitely sprung, so I have also been rather busy in the garden. I have a huge crop of tomatoes on already. I had a brainwave this afternoon and decided that I could use some of my chillies and make some more Chili Jam. I also harvested the last of the cabbages and have been very busy freezing purple passionfruit. Whew..

iPod Wallet

iPod Wallet
Originally uploaded by Cheeky Mango

I made this wallet a while ago, but haven't had a chance to post photos of my creation. It is very cool, but the design needs a slight tweeking. You can see the side pouch to store earphones and little loops, so it can be attached to a lanyard. Also, there are openings for charge leads and earphones.

I really do have to get myself organised to take photos in better light, because the colours on here are absolutely nothing like the real thing. In reality, it is a lolly pink and lovely lime green. It matches some other sweet little items in my 'cute' collection..

Storage Boxes

Storage Boxes
Originally uploaded by Cheeky Mango

I was lucky to pick up some plain white storage boxes at my local discount store and printed out some simple labels. So much easier than having to shake each box to find what you're looking for!
Now that I am finished with knitting for the time being, I have even put all my knitting gear away in one of these boxes. They are great for things that don't get used too often.

Finished Knitting Project

bear mouse
Originally uploaded by Cheeky Mango

My very first knitted toys. A bear and a mouse. I am very pleased with them both, but I did however overfill the bear and make his face a little unusual looking. I think it is a fairly good effort for a first go though. The mouse is very cute and was easy and fast to make..

Brightly Coloured beads

I have been wanting to get into some polymer clay work for some time. Have been checking out beautiful things on the net and researching techniques, dreaming of embossing beads, rolling with a pasta machine, transferring images and so much more.
However I found myself incredibly stuck for ideas when the time actually came and could only produce some simple, plain, yet splendidly colourful pieces. They are small beads, the colours I mixed myself. I also made some rings that aren't in the shot.

On the plus side, I am really pleased with the baking aspect of this small project as I was a bit worried about getting the temperature right in my oven. It seems a bit slow.