Trial Doll

Here is a doll I worked on today while Troy was asleep. This has been developing over the last two weeks and this is the 2nd prototype. The first was quite different: short stumpy legs and arms, big head. I decided I didn't really like it that much (started from an old toys book I found at the Salvos, printed in the 80's). Lilly's first reaction to this doll was "wow, she's got a tutu!".

Prototype tactile fish

Unfortunately my youngest leftleg model had a stint in hospital. So what do you do when you're stuck next to a hospital crib 24-7? I hand sew a prototype sensory or tactile toy for a baby - in this case a fish! Each scale is a flap of different fabric. Just to let you know, I never sew by hand - I love my machines. But after 11 days in hospital hand sewing different projects I have found a respect and slight affection toward hand sewing.
So here are a few photos of my prototype fish... can anyone come up with a good name for him?

And here's my little man - this was cannula no. 3!

WIP: Coral Reef / Rock Pool crochet

    

Some trial pieces for my crocheted coral reef / rock pool project. I am thinking of making a wall hanging for above our bed. Got some great inspiration from the rock pools at Depot Beach on the weekend too! I'm not using any patterns for this, just freestyle crochet. If you are interested in doing something like this I recommend a google image search on "crochet coral reef" - there is a lot of inspiration out there! When I get some more done I will post some more photos. And if there are any comments asking, I will put out some basic instructions on how to if you want.

Our New Family Member!

 Well here is my excuse for not much posting lately:

This is our lovely son Troy. He was 3.5kg/7ld 10oz, quite a bit lighter than Lilly (4.2kg/9ld 4oz), yet they were about the same length (around 54cm)! (I'm glad I have kids with small heads too.)

It's amazing that after going into early labour at 27 weeks (told not to exercise, and take it easy for the rest of the pregnancy), then thought we were going into labour again at 35 weeks, we ended up having to be induced a week after my due date!

Crocheted Video & Cassette Tape

For the ICAN collaborate exhibition at "Project" I experimented with video and cassette tape. These 3D forms were all free form crocheted. I was quite impressed at how well the forms held their shape, especially with the smaller hook size and using the smaller crochet stitches.

Wearable Art - Viva La Gong 2010

I recently participated in a wearable art exhibition. This was my first time I've tried this, and was quite happy with my entry:

The theme of the show was "Stories of Ocean and Earth". I hope you can see where I was coming from with my entry. My first step was the felting of the rocks (left). I felted about 25 in all, and used nearly all of them. Each one is different. They are all hollow, and I used about 6 different templates for the felting.

I really liked how the rocks turned out. In fact I am thinking of using these rocks on a canvas, or just lying around on a shelf! I might even try and make some huge ones, and stuff with a cushion insert.

Tatted Christmas Motifs

This is a delayed posting... I've been having trouble uploading images using internet explorer... switched to something else.
So I've been forced to 'rest' for the last couple of months (early labour scares - maybe more about that later), but I'm not so good at sitting doing nothing. Surfing the internet I came across tatting and decided to teach myself how to do it - bit of both - shuttle and needle tatting. I prefer needle tatting as it is quicker. But I also like the stiffer structure you seem to be able to get with shuttle tatting. There is so much stuff out there that shows you how to tat - I love the internet!
These became christmas decorations along a blank wall. (I thought they looked pretty good!)