Tuesday, September 30, 2008

A book collection

1. kwiksewmethodforeasysewing, 2. kwiksewssweatshirtsunlimited, 3. singersewingforstyle, 4. sergerideabook, 5. seweasysewingofknitfabrics, 6. simplythebestsewingbook, 7. singercreativegiftsandprojects, 8. husqvarna2000sloperatingmanual, 9. quickandeasyhomesewingprojects

>> I've hit the jackpot of old sewing & craft books - I never knew I had so many precious things in storage, wonder what else will show up? This photo set is on flickr, along with my matchboxes which were mentioned on paper+cup today! It's been a very good day.

Monday, September 29, 2008

A reflection

It's been a while since I picked up my guitar. I often feel discouraged since so many people I know are far more advanced with their musical talent! The harmonica was harder than it looked, so I'm taking a step back to something I've actually done before. By summer I intend to be all of the following:
~ a guitar player
~ a harmonica player
~ a headscarf wearer
~ a photographer
~ a knitter
~ a sewer
~ a (better) blogger

...well, I'm on my way.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Just a minute... in September

'Just a minute' theme inspired by August Street. So here's what I've been doing for the past month...

Reading... well, I actually just finished The Celestine Prophecy, which touched on ideas about life and how to make the most of it. Interesting read.

Watching... season two of Dexter is even better than season one! Still can't get enough.

Listening... to my boyfriend practice guitar in the living room right now, which is not entirely unusual.

Eating... lots of nice food, both homemade and eating out. A few recent discoveries are Balas Food Source (Brunswick St, Fitzroy) and Soulfood Cafe (Smith St, Collingwood).

Knitting... has basically stopped for the moment while I'm drafting up crochet and sewing projects, but it will make a comeback soon! Especially when I can get some nicer wool.

Learning... how to be healthier, and that it actually requires a fair amount of effort and dedication that I'm yet to master! Slowly getting there.

A night walker

Although it's not quite balmy, the Spring nights are definitely getting warmer! Despite the rain tonight, I went out for a walk again and hoping to keep it up.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

A busy time

Much more time being spent out and about this week, which is great! Checking out local venues, cafes, shops, streets and generally enjoying the sunshine...

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

On my desk

Still going with the granny squares... they're actually quite quick to do now, but I keep forgetting to go back to them. Could be taking on too many projects at once. I have a problem with that. The red wool is almost finished, so I'm going to use grey & black around the edges, then to join. It's mostly for practice - I'm hoping to do a huge Afghan blanket next.

>> I like being part of Kootoyoo's "On my desk" theme, despite most weeks posting about things that take place entirely elsewhere... like the couch :)

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

A date with the night

I know it's late, but I've only just got my hands on the latest frankie magazine (and a subscription starting next month!). It's my favourite <333

Monday, September 22, 2008

An award

Big thank you to August Street for giving me a blog award! Could be a kick up the, ahem, to make it even better! I'm finding the blog world is full of friendly, crafty and inspirational people, it's so nice to be involved. Those non-bloggers don't know what they're missing :)

The rules of this award are:
1. Choose seven of your favourite blogs to nominate and link back to them
2. Link to the person from whom you received the award
3. Leave a message on the blogs that you've nominated
4. Post the award on your blog (optional)

So in no particular order:
~ Curlypops
~ Hokey
~ Snailblazer
~ Teddybearswednesday
~ Miss Muggins
~ Love You Big
~ Beccasaurus

...and there are so many more, just scroll down a bit and look right!

A cherry blossom

My cherry blossom tree has been looking bare for months, now suddenly it's come full bloom! All this sunshine isn't helping me stay indoors for tea and craftiness, but it's super pretty so I don't mind...

Sunday, September 21, 2008

An elephant

I was out near Mooroolbark yesterday and hardly believed what I was seeing when we drove past an elephant behind a circus tent. There were actually two of them, and a couple of camels, with a flimsy plastic fence. I'm totally against animals being used in the circus, but didn't realise it still happens in Melbourne. I must be so naive.

A grand station

Yes, it's another building but it was one of the most amazing structures I've ever seen. This is inside Grand Central Station in New York City. It's just like the movies!

>> Last one of these posts I promise :)

Friday, September 19, 2008

An old ad

The last of my building shots for a while, this old ad was nestled amongst the newer and repainted structures of the city. It's nice to keep a piece of the past.

>> I haven't been too consistent with the blogging and/or crafting this week, maybe even last week, and instead of making excuses, I think it's just part of my flow. Hmm.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

On my desk

I almost forgot to post for On My Desk today! As it seems to be the thing to make lists, so here's some of the projects on my desk, either for starting or finishing:
~ my tax return (blurgh)
~ photographing my matchbox collection
~ sewing cushions for my kitchen chairs
~ joining all the granny squares i've crocheted
~ practicing harmonica (still in very early days)
~ a handwritten journal of inspiration and project ideas... so far it's helping!

A city building

The text on this building reads "The City of Melbourne Building", which sounds like it was of much importance at some time. I love seeing these beautiful old buildings amongst the newer ones in the city but the street level is all modern shops, which is why I took the photo looking upwards - seems to be a trend for me at the moment.

Monday, September 15, 2008

A hot tip

Arty types will love this gallery - it's a recycled cardboard house of cool (otherwise known as Lamington Drive), and they're opening their second show "Makingdoo" this Thursday 18 September from 6-9pm. Don't be a square (ie. be there).

A roast vegetable salad

I seem to be in the kitchen a lot at the moment. To make this roast vegetable salad you'll need:
~ 2 potatoes, peeled & chopped
~ 1/4 pumpkin, peeled & chopped
~ 1 sweet potato, peeled & chopped
~ 1 capsicum, chopped
~ 1/2 bunch celery, chopped
~ 2 tbsp olive oil
~ A handful of pine nuts

It's super easy, here are the steps:
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius.
2. In a bowl, put the chopped potatoes, pumpkin and sweet potato (pieces should all be roughly the same size) a drizzle with half the oil.
2. Put this all on a tray into the oven for about 40 minutes, or until vegies are almost cooked (this will depend on the size of the pieces).
3. In the same bowl, put the capsicum, celery and pine nuts, then add the remaining oil and combine.
4. Once other vegies are almost cooked, put the second lot on a separate tray into the oven and cook until pine nuts are golden.
5. Put all the cooked vegies & nuts in a large bowl and combine before serving.

>> It's good with tabasco sauce! You can substitute other vegetables like zucchini or carrot - whatever you've got in the fridge. I just submitted this one to WhyVeg.com hoping to win a basket of cruelty-free goodies... wish me luck!

A loaf of fresh bread

This isn't really a recipe, since all I did was pour in the water, flour mix, yeast, then pushed start, but it was the closest matching tag. I'm in love with this bread making machine, definitely don't want to give it back in a few weeks like I'm supposed to!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

A bean salad

Bean salad is a delicious easy snack, or side. I made this one by putting all the following ingredients in a large bowl & mixing:
~ one can of chickpeas, rinsed
~ one can of lentils, rinsed
~ one can of four bean mix, rinsed
~ one can of corn, rinsed
~ half a red capsicum, chopped
~ some spring onion, chopped
~ 1 tsp cumin
~ 1 tbsp olive oil

A warm weekend

I've been away from my computer most of the last few days, out and about enjoying the spring sunshine... it's amazing the things you notice when you take the time.

Friday, September 12, 2008

I love paisley

Here's a close up of the paisley apron I bought at the op shop the other day. I was in two minds about cutting it up and re-purposing, or using as an actual apron... I think the apron wins! I probably should have been alive in the 50s/60s, here are some things I like:
~ drive-in movies
~ old school bowling alleys, and those two-tone shoes
~ go-go dancing
~ ice cream sundaes
~ music
~ going steady with my boy <3

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

On my desk

This morning, after some house tidying, I've been doing lots of nerdy internet stuff (which is not unusual) then eating hot cross buns! Discovered them in the freezer, must've been there for months but still good. Since it's so sunny outside I'm off for a walk, then to work...

>> More desk news on Kootooyoo

An (almost) empty cinema

I went to see the Liz Lemon movie tonight (a.k.a Baby Mama) and was surprised to find an empty cinema! Just after this photo was taken, four people walked in (still a fairly private screening). Very funny movie!

>> I don't usually do this but...

Monday, September 8, 2008

A print for today

Having bought a new printer today, I wanted to test it on something other than a bunch of Times New Roman black text, so I clicked onto a print a day for one of her amazing free downloads and voila! I now have a cuter-than-cute piece of writing paper...

Sunday, September 7, 2008

A spot of gardening

Today I walked up to the local nursery and bought impatiens (and potting mix) for my windowsill buckets, which have been filled with ugly dirt for months. I also picked up some coriander seedlings as the beginning of a herb garden. If it all goes well, I intend to do lots more planting & gardening soon!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

A day in September

Inspired by Meet Me At Mikes, here is what I've been doing today:
~ Wearing a pretty floral floaty top
~ Eating eggs florentine for breakfast on Rathdowne Street
~ Loving the sunshine
~ Wandering through the city laneways for nothing in particular
~ Buying 60s hippy style printed tights
~ Remembering moments from when I was in New York City
~ Reading updates from my ever growing list of favourite blogs
~ Considering take away from the Moroccan Soup Bar for dinner
~ Hoping tomorrow is just as good

Thursday, September 4, 2008

A tart of the lemon variety

Lemon tart seemed like an appropriate desert tonight due to the abundance of both eggs and lemons in my house! I found the recipe (by Philip Johnson) in a pullout from the weekend newspaper, and it goes like this...

Sweet shortcrust pastry ingredients:
175g butter
2/3 cup icing sugar
2 egg yolks
2 cups plain flour, sifted
1 egg, beaten

To make the pastry:
1. Cream butter and icing sugar, then add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2. Mix in flour and knead lightly.
3. Wrap in glad wrap and refrigerate for an hour.
4. Preheat oven to 160 celcius.
5. Roll out rested pastry and place gently in a greased tart dish.
6. Line pastry shell with foil and baking beads (or uncooked rice) then bake for 20 mins.
7. Take out lining, brush with beaten egg then return to the oven for another 10 mins.

What you'll need for the filling:
300ml cream
9 eggs
1 1/2 cups caster sugar
Juice of 5 lemons
Grated zest of 3 lemons
Icing sugar, for dusting

To make the filling:
1. Preheat oven to 110 celcius.
2. Place cream in a small saucepan and bring almost to the boil.
3. In a separate (large) bowl, whisk eggs and sugar, then add hot cream, then lemon juice and lemon zest.
4. Pour filling into the prepared pastry case and bake for 60 mins, or until filling is just set.
5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
6. Dust icing sugar over the top and serve!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

On my desk

I'd like to say that I've photographed more matchboxes, crocheted extra granny squares, practiced sewing with my new material, made cute magnets, or even stamped some stationery... but alas, today there has been nothing of the sort. Hopefully other people have had a craftier Wednesday.

>> I want a badge making machine! ...and more free time *sigh*

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

A few findings

CMAG Cabinets of Curiosities exhibition
This is a photoset of miniature doll-like houses and rooms on Flickr by The Shopping Sherpa, absolutely gorgeous.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49333775@N00/sets/72157605763891406/

Your Message Here
A shop in Philadelphia is inviting people to comment then selecting quotes to put on a signboard in their window!
http://yourmessagehere.typepad.com/my_weblog/

snail blazer
I was a lucky winner in a giveaway of some crafty books - my top pick was "Home Sewing" :)
http://snailblazer.blogspot.com/

Tutorial Tuesday
Here are a few great links to bag making tutorials on Owlet's blog. I'd like to try converting an old pair of pants, that one looks easy (bet it's not).
http://little-owls.blogspot.com/2008/08/tutorial-tuesday_26.html

Monday, September 1, 2008

A pretty peacock print

Would you believe this is wrapping paper? I don't think I can just fold it up and tuck it away with the rest of my paper stash... I have a wooden photo frame somewhere, this might be it's day of glory.