Saturdays Sewings

I can believe it, but my lovely family let me craft for two hours solid this morning. There was other things they wanted to do that didn't include me (football, Wii).

So I went upstairs, turned on the sewing machine, grabbed my crochet and looked at my ribbons. This is what I achieved.

 

A sock monkey made from a pair of Smallest's old English school socks and which he is going to send to his friend in England.

I kind of like him. He was machine sewn (my first one). Not very neat, but more secure than my hand sewing.

My British Heart. I s this on another blog somewhere. It didn't work exactly as I wanted it to, but I am still learning. ....and the bit I am not showing is where I had to undo a huge amount of crocheting (cushion cover) as part of it fell apart (and it doesn't seem to fit on the cushion I bought!!!!).

 

Please don't use my photos without asking first. Posted with Blogsy

Woyww #156 - armless monkey, one and half legged doll and two socks

That's exactly what's on my very hot, airless workdesk today........

My IPad is sitting there with instructions, a new bag of buttons which I love, some free knitting patterns I picked up at Michaels when I went today to get some more stuffing, stitch markers, two new stamps (for stamping on stones found at the beach). Sewing box, Skinky the sock monkey, knitting needle bag, and a puppet that Smallest bought for himself (how simple - maybe I could make some myself!). My knitting bag (honestly it is sooooo hot and humid up here, I normally just stuff everything I need into my bag and wander over the house and outside till I find a nice place to sit and crochet).

I have been following the very talented Annaboo @ Annaboo's House where she has been doing a weekly Crochet A Long. It's been great fun, I have learnt so much and I have created a Monkey that, at the moment, has no arms or ears and a doll that has half a leg and two arms and hair missing. That's the next part which I haven't started yet.

I made the Monkey on a size 5mm hook and cotton wool (not the kind you wipe your eye make up off with obviously, a wool that is cotton!) and the doll is much more dainty on a size 4mm hook. I can't wait to get on with the rest. Poor Small has been waiting for his sock monkey for ages, he's the only one not got one. His socks are there on the desk waiting. Just a bit longer Small, I promise.

What's on your workdesk? This wonderful weekly get together of lots of desk from all around the world is brought to you by Julia @ Stamping Ground? Grab your coffee and a biscuit and have a good blog hop - honestly, I pick up lots of tips and ideas from doing it - takes hours though.

 

Skunky, Scones and a Head

Yesterday I finished Smallest's sock monkey. He was made using a pair of old socks and looks old, worn, loved and really quite 'Skunky' whatever that means. This morning I handed him to Smallest who instantly smelt him! Anyone that knows my Smallest, knows that if he smells something, he loves it. It is what gets him to sleep (normally sniffing his elephant called 'Smelly').

 

The edges were quite frayed and it wasn't a neat sewing job, but I wanted him to look worn. These socks were originally Small's and then passed to Smallest, so they have had plenty of wear. That undeniable dirty heel that you can't ever get really clean.

I made it in two days. He loves it. Now I have to make one for Small. Thank goodness I only have two children and one husband.

Smallest helped me to make some Canadian Scones yesterday. I have had trouble baking since we came here. I blame the cooker (old, came with the house, only one cooking shelf, too hot), and the ingredients (no self raising flour here, need to use baking powder and baking soda, all purpose flour or cake and pastry flour). Anyway a lady at the Garden Centre where I work gave me this fool proof recipe.

4 cups flour (I used all purpose)

1 cup sugar

1 cup butter

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon baking powder

Mix it all up together.

Add 2 cups of buttermilk

1 cup fruit (I used blueberries)

Bake (I put them at the top) 400* for 12-15 mins.

They look like rock cakes but they do taste like scones. They are quite moist so you don't need butter or jam, especially with the blueberries in them.




I joined in with Annaboo's CAL (Crochet a long) to attempt to crochet a monkey, doll or cat. I chose a monkey - you can never have too many monkies in one house!!!!

Sorry Annaboo, I don't know why this picture is so small

She is blogging step by step instructions, which is great because I finally understand a pattern and she gives pictures to show you what it should look like. Fabulous. I started it Tuesday Evening and it didn't go well and then tried again the next day and it worked.

It isn't perfect. I didn't always have the correct number of stitches. The face is a bit wonky. But I kind of like him/her already. The kids have already asked me "who is that one for?". FOR ME, IT IS FOR ME!!!

There will be more of this CAL next week. How exciting. Maybe I will make a start on a doll while I am waiting. Or maybe I should get on with Small's sock monkey. or maybe I should finish my Granny Blanket, or perhaps I will try some more baking now I have some confidence back.