Kelly Casanova Weaving Lessons

Kelly

Frogging!

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It was all going so well, but after many hours of knitting (long after this photo was taken) it became apparent that I had stuffed up.
Allow me to explain. With my limited knitting capabilities (hey, my dishcloths look great!) I decided to set myself a challenge in the form of the Oriental Lily pattern by Tikki. No, I’d never knitted with increases, used circular needles or even stitch markers, but so many people are good at this knitting thing, how hard can it be?
Lets just say I’m humbled and am now familiar with the knitter’s term “frogging” and no, it doesn’t involve any lovely little amphibians but does involve a fair bit of heartache.
Back to the drawing board and thank God for youtube tutorials!

Craft container revamp

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I tried to paint this wooden container ages ago and never liked how it turned out. It’s been holding my paint brushes and knitting needles. Not one to be fond of being reminded of crafty failures I thought I’d try something different. I gave it a couple of coats of Jo Sonja in white…..

Measured out a cute blue spotty fabric (that I’ve also had for ages), slapped on some Mod Podge, wrapped the fabric around, slapped on some more Mod Podge….

Added some Farbenmix ribbon that I’ve been harbouring for way too long, and glued on a little quirky sheep button. Now I don’t mind seeing it on my shelf!

Mmmm, chocolate cake…

I’ve been enlisted as chief photographer and editor for my boy’s latest Lego project. Sleepyhead needed a bed for this scene, so I made one out of polymer clay and a fabric scrap. The things we do for love.

Hope you’re having a great week, God bless. 

Here kitty!

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My newest embroidery pattern inspired by a furry friend of mine! Are you a cat person? I am for sure, which is not to say I’m not a dog person, I love dogs too šŸ™‚

Stitch kitty is available in my Etsy shop as a PDF download for a very reasonable price. I hope you like him!

Thanks are in order to all those who prayed for me after I injured my back, I can now say it is steadily improving with care and exercise. How we take things for granted and don’t appreciate the things we have until we lose them. Good health is such a blessing and I need to be more grateful.

Wishing you all the best for a happy and blessed week.

Waldorf plush doll

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It’s a while since I made a waldorf inspired doll and lastnight I was seized with a longing to craft one.

There is something very special about the waldorf way of making dolls. The materials are a delight to use. The way the character of the doll emerges as you stitch.

Waldorf dolls are probably responsible for igniting my crafting passion, paricularly my love of using beautiful and natural materials and for implementing fine needlework.

A doll like this is perfect for imaginary play and snuggly bedtimes! There were 3 girls looking over my shoulder whilst I was doing the handstitching and dropping not so subtle hints!
Available in my Etsy shop now šŸ™‚

A pretty dress and a bad back

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It’s been a difficult week. Everything was ticking along just fine, and then I injured my back and things fell apart a little. It’s very hard to run a household when you need to spend most of your time lying or sitting. It’s particularly frustrating when you’re a “doing” person, I really dislike not being active.
But, these things happen and I have accepted that rest is best. I’m praying for a complete healing – please pray for me too!

So, the dress. It was mostly finished when I hurt my back so I’ve been able to do the finishing by hand. The pattern is McCall’s M5838 and the fabric (which I love!) is from Spotlight. The pattern was too fussy with too many pieces for my liking, but the end result is pretty good, albeit too large for G – nevermind, she will grow into it šŸ™‚
Now, to the giveaway which was supposed to be drawn during the week! I’m going to extend it until next week in case you didn’t get a chance to enter, please do – it’s a lovely little book.

See you soon, have a blessed weekend.

Snippets of life

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I received this week some very beautiful hand dyed cotton from Melissa at Rainbow Made. I’m knitting up some dishcloths using this famous pattern.

My heart flutters when I look at this photo.

We have so many tomatoes this year. These ones are partially oven dried and sitting in olive oil for sandwiches, salads, pasta etc.

                                                 The love affair with books continues.

Have you tried achachas yet? They’re really good! A little like a mangosteen in flavour and Australian grown. We’ve been getting them at an Asian market  where everything is fresh and cheap.

Today I’m working on a dress for an out of sorts 6 year old, knitting dishcloths, then there is that unfinished painting, embroidery and pattern to write up. Wish me luck!

“I just can’t take it anymore!” book review and giveaway

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Anthony Destefano has a new book and it’s a little different to his other works. Each page has a comical photo of children along with encouraging text for those feeling discouraged. It’s a lighthearted look at life, it’s problems and the way we deal with them. It’s also a reminder that a good sense of humour, along with trust in God will go a long way when we experience conflict.
The book would make a great gift.
You can read more about the book here and the press release is here.
I have one copy to giveaway, unfortunately there is a small tear in one page, courtesy of my over enthusiastic toddler!
Sorry, this giveaway is open to Australian residents only šŸ™‚
Just leave a comment to enter and I’ll draw the winner on Tuesday.

Back to dolls

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This is my latest custom order. I’ve been feeling lately like I miss making dolls and getting all nostalgic about it so a knotsie doll is a really good compromise. It doesn’t take as long to make as my other dolls.

And they’re also really cute!

I’m working on writing a pattern for these at the moment, so if you’d like to make your own, watch this space! Maybe don’t watch too closely, as I’m notoriously slow when it comes to these things.
I have some other things to show you so hopefully I’ll make it back here this week. We have started up our lessons again, so the days are pretty full, but it’s kinda nice to be back in the swing of routine, I think I enjoy holidays a bit too much and start to get lazy.
Hope you’re having a great week, God bless.