First Appearance of Cotton Bracts

My eldest cotton plant is nearly 3 months old, and is look very happy. So much so that the first of the bracts have appearred! These are the blossom buds, which will develop into cotton bolls. I can't wait!

this potted cotton plant is almost 3 months old

the first bract has appeared

and here is the second bract, which will grow into flowers and then, hopefully, cotton bolls

I had high hopes this would work, but I'm kind of surprised these have appeared. I hope they go all the way into growing into bolls of cotton!

Large Blue String Bag

I finished this blue string bag a couple of weeks ago, but I've finally got my camera back so I can take some photos. This is the first thing I've managed to complete from a book I borrowed from the library called 'Crochet so fine'. Its full of beautiful crochet patterns, but none of the yarn I have stashed here could make anything other than this bag from some blue 4 ply cotton.

large blue string 'willow' bag

I even tried making a lacy cardigan with some left over 4 ply wool, but when I got more than half way through it I realised the American pattern called for what I understand to be 2 ply lace weight. No wonder it wasn't working out! For this large string bag, I used less than three 50g balls of blue 4 ply cotton and a 3mm hook. I actually made it larger than the pattern called for when I suddenly realised I needed to start the edging, but I don't mind as this generously sized bag will be a perfect carry-all to take to the beach!

detail of the willow pattern

It took me a few moments to try and decipher how to do the double treble linked whatever it was called, but I persisted and figured it out. The foundation single crochet stitch just wasn't going to work out for me though, and I figured a chain of 72 then an extra round of sc inserted above it would probably be quicker so I did that instead.

this bag is quite big and long, next one will be shorter

I'm quite happy with how this turned out, and I'm wondering if I should order some green 4 ply from Bendigo and make one to sell in my shop? I wonder what price I should put on it and if anyone would like it? Talking of my shop, I'm happy to report someone has finally bought something, they bought the set of 6 spring flower coasters. Its only the 5th time someone has bought something from me, and the first time from the shop. At least I don't feel so bad now about the money I spent there to list the items in the first place!

Lots of Heart

The very first post I made on this blog nearly 3 years ago was about a tiny heart I made while first starting to learn how to read crochet patterns. The post was called a little heart, and the heart is now a magnet on our fridge.

five small hearts for sale in my madeit.com online shop

 Last week I got an order from a past customer who likes to buy small crochet embellishments to go on her craft projects. This time she wanted 20 little hearts, so I made her 22 as well as a free sample to go in her package. I use a different crochet pattern nowadays. My favourite is Suzi's little heart pattern, it's so easy and makes up quick so I can afford to charge a reasonable price.

an order of little hearts completed for a repeat customer

A little heart has become lots of heart! I think this is an indication of how far my crochet skills, and my blog have come in just a few short years.

a free sample sent to a repeat customer

Pair of Red Doily Coasters

I wanted to make some red things for my online shop at madeit.com to make it look more festive. I had some of this thick cotton blend in red left, but only enough to make a pair of large coasters.

a pair of red doily coasters

 Because this 60% cotton 40% acrylic blend is so thick, I used a 4mm hook. I followed my four round doily pattern which then made these generously sized. This time, the last round has scallops of 7 dc instead of 8 dc, and the start has a loop of 4 ch.

these coasters are generously sized

Summer Lime Coasters

I made this set of 6 doily coasters in green and decided they should b e called Summer Lime Coasters! I think they're nice enough to have for sale in my shop, and if no one buys them, I think I shall use them myself!

these coasters in summer lime are perfect for a tea party

getting ready for afternoon tea

These were made following my four round doily pattern, except  the last round has scallops of 7 dc instead of 8, and the start is a loop of 4 ch. I used a 3.5mm hook, and 8 ply Australian made cotton from Bendigo Woollen Mill.

top down view of the summer lime coasters

Turning Circles into Flowers

The four striped circle coasters that I made and posted about yesterday looked plain to me, and they were on the small side, so I added an extra round in blue. These are for sale in my online shop.

4 circle coasters get the floral treatment with scallops added in blue cotton

I simply added 12 petals, sometimes called scallops. The pattern for the 5th round for these flower coasters is ch 3 2 dc into same, sk 1, sl st into next, sk 1, (5 dc into next, sk 1, sl st into next, sk 1) repeated, end with 2 dc into starting ch, sl st into 3rd ch for 12 petals or scallops.

now they're the perfect size to become coasters at afternoon tea

Striped Circle Coasters, free patterns

I made these small drink coasters for my online shop to test these patterns I've written. They're based on the simple circle coasters I made for my sister-in-law, but I've refined the pattern further. I hope you like them!

4 circle coasters with pink stripes at different places

Each coaster has four rounds, one is a stripe of sc. Each coaster is identified by which round has that sc stripe. The idea is to use a contrast colour for the sc round so it really stands out. Gauge is not important, as the hook and yarn determine the size of the finished coaster. I used a 3.5mm hook and 8 ply Australian made cotton from the Bendigo Woollen Mill.

first round stripe circle coaster

First Round Stripe Coaster
1.  (in contrast colour for stripe) 3 ch, sl st into 1st ch to form loop, 1 ch 8 sc into loop,  sl st into 1st sc (8 sc) fasten off
2. (in main colour for remainder) start in any sc, 2 ch (counts as 1st dc throughout) 2 dc into same (3 dc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 2nd ch (24 dc)
3. 2 ch dc into same, dc into next (2 dc into next, dc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 2nd ch (36 dc)
4. 2 ch dc into same, dc into next, dc into next (2 dc into next, dc into next, dc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 2nd ch (48 dc) fasten off and weave I ends

second round stripe circle coaster

Second Round Stripe Coaster
1. (in main colour or 3rd colour) 3 ch sl st into 1st ch to form loop, 2 ch (counts as starting dc throughout) 11 dc into loop, sl st into 2nd ch (12 dc) fasten off
2. (in contrast colour for stripe) start in any st, 1 ch 2 sc into same, (2 sc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 1st sc (24 sc) fasten off
3. (in main colour for remainder) start in any sc, 2 ch (counts as starting dc throughout) dc into same, dc into next (2 dc into next, dc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 2nd ch (36 dc)
4. 2 ch dc into same, dc into next, dc into next (2 dc into next, dc into next, dc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 2nd ch (48 dc) fasten off and weave I ends

third round stripe circle coaster

Third Round Stripe Coaster
1. (in main colour or 3rd colour) 3 ch sl st into 1st ch to form loop, 2 ch (counts as starting dc throughout) 11 dc into loop, sl st into 2nd ch (12 dc)
2. 2 ch dc into same, (2 dc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 2nd ch (24 dc) fasten off
3. (in contrast colour for stripe) start in any dc, 1 ch 2 sc into same, sc into next (2 sc into next, sc into next) repeat until end, sl st into 1st sc (36 sc) fasten off
4. (in main colour) start in any sc, 2 ch dc into same, (dc into next, dc into next, 2 dc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 2nd ch (48 dc) fasten off and weave I ends

fourth round stripe circle coaster

Fourth Round Stripe Coaster
1. (in main colour or 3rd colour) 3 ch sl st into 1st ch to form loop, 2 ch (counts as starting dc throughout) 11 dc into loop, sl st into 2nd ch (12 dc) fasten off
2. 2 ch dc into same, (2 dc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 2nd ch (24 dc)
3. 2 ch dc into same, dc into next (2 dc into next, dc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 2nd ch (36 dc) fasten off
4. (in contrast colour) start in any st, 1 ch 2 sc into same, sc into next, sc into next (2 sc into next, sc into next, sc in to next) repeat to end, sl st into 1st sc (48 sc) fasten off and weave ends

top down view of the striped circle coasters

Three Round Triangle, free pattern

I can't wait for my camera to get back from the shop! I hope you don't mind the photos I've taken with my old camera. I made this three round triangle to see if I could do a third round on my two round triangles. Let me write the patter for you. Because I am still learning to write patterns, please let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

three round triangle

Three Round Triangle
gauge not important, yarn and hook determine size of finished triangle
(I used 8 ply acrylic and a 4mm hook)
1. 3 ch sl st into 1st ch to form loop, 4 ch (counts as 1st dc), (dc into loop, 1 ch) repeat a total of 5 times, sl st into 3rd ch (a wheel of 6 spokes)
2. sl st into next ch sp, 3 ch 2 dc into same ch sp 3 ch 3 dc into same ch sp to form 1st corner, 2 dc into next ch sp (3 dc 3 ch 3 dc into next ch sp to form corner, 2 dc into next ch sp) repeat, sl st into 3rd ch
3. 2 sl st to next ch sp, sl st into that ch sp, 3 ch 2 dc into same ch sp 3 ch 3 dc into same ch sp to form 1st corner, dc into ea dc up to next ch sp (8 dc), (3 dc 3 ch 3 dc into ch  sp to form corner, 8 dc) repeat, sl st into 3rd ch fasten off and weave in end

Camera out of Action

There's currently a lull in my posts at the moment due to my camera being out of action! And I think the pictures I take play a pivotal role in my blogging and I just can't do it without them. My camera is currently in for repairs under warranty, and this is the second time we've had to put it in. Its a great camera, and a lot better than my old one.

I even posted a couple of piccies from my old camera but they just don't scrub up in my opinion. Like my picture of my tiny shells newborn beanie and my rainbow serpent draft stopper, which I am particularly proud of, but I don't think the picture does it justice. So I won't take any more photos with that camera, and will wait until my favourite one gets back from the repair shop. Its a good opportunity for me to just get some crochet done, as I have 4 large projects currently in progress, and they are all taking me ages to complete! Upcoming projects include a large string bag, a rag rug, bunting and perhaps a shrug. Watch this space!

Growing Strawberries and Mangoes in October

Last weekend we visited my parent's property in Yandina to check up on the fruit trees. They are looking ok after the feeding and pruning last month, but do need some more mulching. There are no pictures from Yandina this month, but I do have a photo of my potted strawberry patch!

After some more research, I found that the mango trees need the same treatment as the citrus, so we set to work on the small mango tree. It's ten years old, but only looks like a three year old. First I threw two handfuls of feed around the outter circle under the tree. Then we placed newspaper down, rather than try and remove the weeds by hand like last time, then wet it down. Then we covered it with a thin layer of mulch. We really need a thicker layer of mulch, hopefully we can get that done next time we're out there, possibly in January.

my next attempt at a potted strawberry patch

Last week I also planted out some strawberry runners into a potted strawberry patch. For the last 3 years, this strawberry has been hanging on in a coconut fibre lined hanging pot that we put out into the yard to get sun and rain. It's never really produced fruit so I kind of gave up on it. But its still alive, and with this recent inspiration I decided to give it another go. I planted individual plant runners into small pots as it obviously doesn't need a deep pot. The hanging pot is shallow and very dry. I also prepared that soil like I did the tomatoes, with blood and bone and slow release fertiliser. With a closer eye on these strawberries, perhaps we will get some summer fruit off them? We shall see ...

Planting Potted Tomatoes in Brisbane

I've decided to make another attempt at growing tomatoes, after a flush of cherry tomatoes in recent months. They've finished now, so I've planted out these two seedlings into 30cm pots.

two potted tomato seedlings with bamboo trellis and companion plants basil, rosemary and lavender

After a recent visit to my father-in-law's garden in Stanthorpe, I was inspired to try again with his advice. These two seedlings came from his greenhouse, made from recycled materials. One is a roma tomato and the other is a yellow pear.

Freya and Brian made this greenhouse from recycled materials

First, I prepared the pots with ripped up egg carton in the bottom to stop the soil from falling through the drainage holes. Then I filled the 30cm plastic pots with premium potting mix. I use plastic pots because they are lighter than pottery, and easier to remove a plant for transplanting. Planting in pots also makes the garden more flexible with placements. I moved 3 companion herbs to sit next the the tomatoes, as they are notorious for liking company like basil, rosemary and lavender. I prepared the soil with blood and bone, and a general slow release fertiliser like Osmocote, and watered that in.

Finally, after planting the seedlings into the pots, I rigged up some trellis with bamboo from my mother's house and some kitchen twisties.  A week later and the seedlings are looking quite keen, almost as keen as I am to see how this latest project grows.

Tiny Shells Newborn Beanie

Using a larger hook and thicker yarn, my tiny shells premmie beanie becomes big enough for a newborn, like this one I've made using organic 8 ply and a 4mm hook.For this newborn sized beanie, just follow my tiny shells premmie beanie with the larger hook and thicker yarn!

tiny shells newborn beanie

Rainbow Serpent Draft Stopper

I've spent months working on this, as well as months planning it, and finally its finished, a draft stopper in the shape of a Rainbow Serpent! In Australian culture the Rainbow Serpent is a good luck totem from the Dreamtime, when the large creature shaped the land. Perfect as a draft stopper in my house, and good luck to boot!

Rainbow Serpent toy that is also a handy draft stopper

My son showed some interest in an old yellow draft stopper I made years ago when I started to crochet again as an adult. I have an excess of brightly coloured cheap acrylic and knew it would be just what I needed to make a new snake in rainbow colours. I did about 6 rounds of scales in each colour. The acrylic is 8 ply, so I used my 4mm hook.

I made this pattern up myself, starting with rounds of a few scales, then increasing to 6 scales in each round. This stitch is sometimes called 'crocodile stitch' but its a vintage stitch known as 'scale stitch'. This stitch is also sometimes known as mermaid tears. I learnt how to do it from youtube, when I made a small crocodile stitch purse to go inside my handbag.

I finally finished the head with 16 rounds of sc in dark green, with a red drawstring. I embroidered two black eyes onto the smooth rounds of sc before I filled the serpent with old socks and cut up t-shirt. Then I sewed the drawstring closed to form a forked tongue. This is a great toy that also doubles as a useful item in the home to keep out the drafts.

2 month old cotton sprout

I planted out my eldest potted cotton plant to its larger pot this weekend, as its now 2 months old. Here are some photos of this plant which I took a few weeks ago. I have two other cotton plants but they're not looking as robust, I think perhaps because I didn't prepare the soil with enough fertiliser like blood and bone.

2 month old cotton planted out into 30cm pot

6 week old cotton sprout

5 week old potted cotton sprout

Simple Circle Coasters, free patterns

I quickly made up these simple circle coasters to match the striped 'Olives & Wine' two way tea cosy I made back in July. These will be given as house-warming gifts to my brother and his wife, who indicated to me that she liked the tea cosy.

4 circle coasters

I originally was going to make all four coasters striped, but after finishing the first one I decided three single colours ones would be better, being quicker to make up with a neater result. I still have not perfected the skill of changing colours seamlessy, much to my frustration!

The single colour coasters are 3 rounds of dc, with a final round of sc to make them the same size of the tri-colour coaster, which I made first. Each round is an increasing round, with the first round starting with 12 dc. Each dc round is started with 3 ch. For the tri-colour coaster, I inserted a round of sc after the second round of dc. Again, each round is an increasing round, starting with a first round of dc and each dc round starts with 3 ch. I think I'll take this opportunity to practice my pattern writing further, please let me know if I make any mistakes!

tri-colour circle coaster

Tri-colour Circle Coaster
worked in 4 rounds, gauge not important, hook and yarn determine size of finishjed coaster
(I used 8 ply 'classic' wool from Bendigo Woollen Mill and a 4mm hook)
1. 4 ch (counts as first dc throughout), 11 dc into 1st ch, sl st into 4th ch (12 dc)
2. 3 ch dc into same, 2 dc into each dc to end, sl st into 3rd ch, cut yarn and fasten off (24 dc)
3. (change to 2nd colour) starting in any st 1 ch (counts as first sc), sc into same, sc into next, (2 sc into next, sc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 1st st, cut yarn and fasten off (36 sc)
4. (change to 3rd colour) starting in any st 3 ch, dc into same, dc into next, dc into next (2 dc into next, dc into next, dc into next) repeat to end, sl st into 3rd ch, cut yarn and fasten off, (48 dc) weave in all ends, wash and dry flat

3 simple circle coasters

Simple Circle Coaster
worked in 4 rounds, gauge not important, hook and yarn determine size of finishjed coaster
(I used 8 ply 'classic' wool from Bendigo Woollen Mill and a 4mm hook)
1. 4 ch (counts as first st throughout), 11 dc into 1st ch, sl st into 4th ch (12 dc)
2. 3 ch dc into same, 2 dc into each dc to end, sl st into 1st st, cut yarn and fasten off (24 dc)
3. 3 ch dc into same, dc into next (2 dc into next, dc into next) repeat to end, sl st to 1st st (36 dc)
4. 1 ch sc into same, sc into next, sc into next (2 sc into next, sc into next, sc into next) repeat to end, sl st to st (48 sc)

Old Pa Murphy's Garden Hoe

Here is a picture of the old garden hoe David used in Stanthorpe when we were helping his dad with some Spring planting. It used to belong to Brian's father, who was also known as Pa Murphy. That's why Brian likes to be called Pa Murphy, to carry on the tradition.

an old hoe belonging to the Murphy family

This old garden hoe is so old, it even has rounded corners, when originally it had been square. Old Pa Murphy was a farmer on his property in Kyogle in New South Wales. All of my son's great-grandparents are from N.S.W., he's a real Aussie!

David with his grandfather's old garden hoe

Two More Spring Flowers

Here are two more spirng flowers I made last month and haven't posted before. I rather like the pink one, it has 3 layers of petals and is made with a pretty variegated pink 4 ply cotton.

my version of an Irish Rose made with 4 ply variegated pink

The second flower is my own version, I hope to share the pattern one day. It's basically two layers with Heather's flower on the 3rd layer in green so they look like leaves. I made this one out of bright 8 ply acrylic.

a tri-colour flower with green Heather's flower leaves in 8 ply acrylic

A Fabric Covered Button

I rather like this fabric covered button I made a few weeks ago. I've attached it to a simple hair tie and like to wear it when I'm wearing pink and green.

a pink and green fabric covered button hair tie I like to wear

A few weeks ago, I bought two different kinds of fabric covering kits to try out. The cheaper plastic one didn't work at all I found, and I think it was a waste of $3! The metal one is the one I ended up using for this button. I still have 6 left of the packet, so I hope to make some more when I get the chance.

how does the button look with this pink and green flower, with pink stretchy lace?

While I was at Lincraft, I also bought some stretchy lace to see if I could make some headbands to go with the spring flowers I made. I only bought about $6 worth, I hope I haven't wasted my pennies on more useless craft material! I took some photos of how the flowers would look against the stretchy lace. I rather like the pink and green one with the fabric button in the middle. I wonder if anyone else does?

Aunty Annie's English Porcelain

Last month, when I visited my mother she spoke to me about this English Porcelain that once belonged to a lady we call Aunty Annie.

three pieces of old English porcelain

Aunty Annie was the lady who married my father's grandfather Charlie after his wife died. So really, she wasn't an aunty, she was a step-grandma. Aunty Annie's best friend was my grandmother Beverly's mother, Mary Margeretta, or Aunty May. That's how my parent's met, because My father's mum Mavis and Beverly knew each other, and conspired to have my parents go on a date!

the Imperial stamp on the back of the casserole dishes

My grandma Beverly inherited Aunty Annie's things, instead of my grandmother Mavis. Who can understand the reason? But in the end, it is in my mother's cabinet. These three pieces were the only ones that weren't chipped, the rest of the set was thrown out. It's not worth a great deal of money, but it's one of our family treasures that helps tell the story of our family.