2009 Calendars

Two years ago, I struggled to find a simple calendar online to print and had to make my own. Not surprisingly, I couldn’t find one to print today! So I gave up the search and made my own. The first one is really basic and generic for anyone in the world.
Basic 2009 Calendar

The second one I added Australia public holidays, NSW schools term dates and the celebrations most relevant to me, including Mother’s Day and Hari Raya Puasa (Eid Mubarak).
2009 Calendar & NSW Holidays

Happy New Year everyone!

P.S. To print calendars, mouse over the arrow next to “iPaper”.

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Knitting with Wire & Beads

I was reading my RSS feeds and came across this blog post by Laughing Purple Goldfish. She knitted a pretty beaded wire bracelet and she made it sound so easy! I thought that I should give it a go too!

I bought some inexpensive beads and 28 gauge wire. I had old knitting needles that I was willing to sacrifice for wire knitting. I had a few false starts, trying hard to loosen the way I knit. I eventually got the hang of it and produced this simple purple bracelet.

I hunted around for a way to close this bracelet off and found this knitted wire cuff. I bought thicker wire and a few basic jewellery making tools. I’ve never worked with wire before so the closure ended up a little wonky and uneven. But I can live with that.

Details on Ravelry

I thought to myself, “Hmm… that’s very pretty but what if the beads were not random?” So the next bracelet I planned a more structured look. The beads were all the same and placed in a simple zig zag pattern. This time I used a simple closure that I bought. Rather nice, isn’t it? Almost gothic.


Details on Ravelry

I hunted around the internet for more guidance on how to knit with wire. This website from Stitch Diva Studios was excellent! It really explained the basics in a clear, concise way for a newbie like me to understand. I saw this Coco Knits pattern that I really wanted to try using my new found knowledge. Off to the craft shop for more supplies and a couple of hours later, voila! Isn’t she precious! I love it!

Details on Ravelry

I haven’t knitted with wire since then. It really needs a clear head and a block of free time. It’s also quite hard on my wrist and elbow as wire isn’t as pliable and forgiving as wool. But I’m sure I’ll dabble with it again. Give it a go. It’s not as hard as it looks!

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Teaser

I have been away for a while unintentionally. Life just got really busy. My family visited me from Singapore for two weeks so I was busy before, during and after the visit. Back to work for a little while then our anniversary came around and we went away for a quickie in Melbourne. I’m finally on school holidays but I’m still very exhausted and a bit sick. Stomach’s been playing up from eating too much take away and sinuses are sore from the ever changing weather.

But I am getting better and over the next few weeks of my school holidays, I will catch up with my blogging and post regularly. Below is what I plan to blog about:

1. Knitting with wire
2. Family holiday
3. Trip to Melbourne
4. Knitted dishcloths
5. Christmas
6. New Year
7. Vegetable garden update

So my apologies for disappearing but do stay tuned!

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My FIRST Knitted Cardigan!

I’ve done it! I’ve knitted fearlessly and conquered my aprehension of knitting my own garment. I was worried it wouldn’t fit, I’ll make a mistake and won’t want to wear it, the colour might be all wrong for my skin tone and the pessimism goes on. Well, I did make mistakes but I’ve managed to hide them and I’ve worn my cardigan out!

I know I don’t look very thrilled in the photo but I did alot of driving today which I’m not used to and the wind was icy cold! I’m grinning on the inside. Heeee…


‘February Lady Sweater’ Free Knitting Pattern

Just take a look at the pretty lacework. It was easy (didn’t even need a lifeline) and the cardigan knitted up quickly. It took me only 3 weeks and I only knitted about 5 hours a week!

And I found the most perfect buttons for this too. They look like chocolate eclairs on a sea of strawberry sauce.

Details on Ravelry

I’m thrilled with the results that I’m really looking forward to my next knitted wear. I’ve ordered more Malabrigo yarn and I can’t wait to get started on the most gorgeous looking jacket in the world – Sylvi.

This is the most lovely project I’ve ever knitted. The yarn is soft, the colour perfect for me and I just love the lace on it. Don’t you agree, Musings of a Fat Chick? She is giving away lovely stitchmarkers on her blog. Check her website out!

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Bargain!

For $40, I got myself a large glass outdoor table and an umbrella with stand. $40! Thanks to a colleague who is doing a little spring cleaning. He even delivered them for me. You’re a champ, Dave!

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