update # 13

before i head off for a few weeks, i thought i should share what i
have been making and buying recently.

i was very excited to discover a shop selling japanese goods in
Subiaco - most of the stuff is rather ordinary, but they have a large
collection of kimonos, and (my favorite) a $10 bin. of course most of
the stuff in the bin is rather plain/ordinary, but i found this half
cut up one: light, semi-transparent cotton, but ideal for craft!

i have recently started volunteering at the Vinnies in Fremantle (its a retro store), as Flo's aunt's friend runs the store. I was there last monday to help sort out the new (second hand new) stock which had come in. I really enjoy helping out with that, as you get to see all the unusual clothing items that come through. some of the monday highlights included: an orange and white stripe play suit, a bright ruffled beach skirt, a cute 3 piece outfit - skirt, boob tube top and jacket, and a few 80s items. the dress above also came through. it doesn't have any buttons, but that can easily be fixed

the yarn above are christmas presents yet to be made. my "local" knitting shop is not very inspiring, which i was a bit disappointed about, and really made me appreciate how lucky i was to have tapestry craft in sydney. while it wasn't cheap, the shop had a great lay-out, the yarns were all neat, tidy and well organised by weight and by composition - wools, cottons, mohairs/fancies/unsual yarn etc. and at the back was a table where you could have a look at the many pattern books they stocked.

the crochet bag is something i have just finished. made from recycled cotton from my Grandma. i have had this cotton for a few years now, and have finally found a use for most of it! i am a bit worried that the handle won't be strong enough, so i am thinking of reinforcing it with some tape, lace or ribbon. i'll see how i go and post some more photos later. i am really happy with the yellow fan stich around the top it provides a pretty, but subtle contrast, and the button works well also (though it might need to be cleaned!).


i made the doll a while ago, from One Red Robin's Ruby doll pattern. I haven't named her yet, nothing seems to come to mind so if you think of anything please let me know.