tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80972775457220135092024-03-05T13:06:28.150+00:00The Marsha ChroniclesAlways learn how to make things yourselfMarisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-14506573606772938192012-07-13T13:25:00.000+01:002012-07-13T13:25:11.665+01:00Making it home...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All free projects to give your home that personal touch.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>1. Big Circle Clock</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now, i have never thought of making a clock but this project looks pretty straight forward. The circles on the clock are paper which opens endless possibilities to personalise this clock. you could use different shapes or photos, anything really as long as you can glue it on the clock and it won't get in the way of the clock hands. What about making it a big square clock, or a more creative shape altogether? I am very tempted already.... that's it, i am off to B & Q. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.favecrafts.com/Woodcrafts/Big-Circle-Wood-Clock/ct/1</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwy2NAWPHiIqF6e5um6N8bIiRqHmsoBu8RlZCiRwMW6q8S_AxWdhbkisi9upNSWwB6AsYylHBZXW8SBJB7Y2I7cvaSH3IWtOlHN1SEe8GDftYWeiwjKjoYjV06b5gY8WDR_O-i8C-Fe95R/s1600/beanbagchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwy2NAWPHiIqF6e5um6N8bIiRqHmsoBu8RlZCiRwMW6q8S_AxWdhbkisi9upNSWwB6AsYylHBZXW8SBJB7Y2I7cvaSH3IWtOlHN1SEe8GDftYWeiwjKjoYjV06b5gY8WDR_O-i8C-Fe95R/s1600/beanbagchair.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>2. Bean bag</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Why spend 50 quid on a bean bag to slouch on? Make it yourself. Its a lot easier than you thought and the polystyrene pellets make sure for a bit of fun in the process. Tip to my readers in the UK: Dunelm sells off very sturdy furnishing fabrics for £ 2.99 a meter. They have a particularly large selection when there is a sale on and you can get your polystyrene from there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.sewing.org/html/beanbag.html</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>3. A Chair bench</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How smart is that! Supercool, stylish and oh, so easy to do if you are not scared to get your hands dirty one weekend.... Put it outside or in your hallway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.countryliving.com/homes/makeovers/chair-bench-project-0509</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFDIU9pO3d5CtspDWyzmx9ai5UxZpbvQ2WeKkMU4KwMcmg3Sqkq8z529gbvCZBexxb_ZZWsneMZMmlxW1kVBKXnIuJ1G43rKAQnqKKz5BJVpQmUlrO3Pk8vfjBe0VPzQvE7qGueDGzKAY/s1600/136_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFDIU9pO3d5CtspDWyzmx9ai5UxZpbvQ2WeKkMU4KwMcmg3Sqkq8z529gbvCZBexxb_ZZWsneMZMmlxW1kVBKXnIuJ1G43rKAQnqKKz5BJVpQmUlrO3Pk8vfjBe0VPzQvE7qGueDGzKAY/s200/136_1.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>4. Beaded Pull</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Called a Fan pull in the download although in the UK i would put this on the bathroom light switch. You got a few beads and some wire? Go for it. They look so much better than the boring little plastic things. You need to sign up to get the download although i don't think you really need to. Just string up some beads and attach them to your pulling cord and voila, you have individualised your bathroom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.freepatterns.com/detail.html?code=FG00125&cat_id=462</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAEfqNliaVxvb3xri4l__jWB7ZTbkFp8iBZ3-szqRpinO5u3p59PPP1smzDur7S9DM6E_2GGrpgNZ-9Fofcuyv0-xJ_F_AxOXuzlZqap-DTJVH-BJi7NQKr5wELlyaLDY3PX8SulWs8R7/s1600/la1026063_1106_chefs_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAEfqNliaVxvb3xri4l__jWB7ZTbkFp8iBZ3-szqRpinO5u3p59PPP1smzDur7S9DM6E_2GGrpgNZ-9Fofcuyv0-xJ_F_AxOXuzlZqap-DTJVH-BJi7NQKr5wELlyaLDY3PX8SulWs8R7/s200/la1026063_1106_chefs_l.jpg" width="160" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>5. Chefs Apron</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A man apron! Well, why not make something for your other half (or the lesser evil as I call it). I like this as its not frilly but still manages to look quite trendy. And its from Martha Stewart. What can possibly go wrong? (I do think the chaps cheesy grin lets it down a bit... )</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.marthastewart.com/269923/chefs-apron</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWiidsmzPgn1Fgx69Vf-YL_U_MqX_kVyjDRnMqWyUQJnLAnl5klqalpwGUSsO_CAxEMmOO1ofHpbzA30q8GMQzraf5UcZiET1aeb4FbMne6cOL2kh0EK4Z_jCVvyx54Zw2xxvD0FxL1HX/s1600/bean+art+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWiidsmzPgn1Fgx69Vf-YL_U_MqX_kVyjDRnMqWyUQJnLAnl5klqalpwGUSsO_CAxEMmOO1ofHpbzA30q8GMQzraf5UcZiET1aeb4FbMne6cOL2kh0EK4Z_jCVvyx54Zw2xxvD0FxL1HX/s320/bean+art+room.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>6. Bean Art Picture</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It took her 11 hours (11 hours!!!) to make this. It looks stunning though. And its a lot easier then you'd think. Get an old frame, cardboard, glue and a load of beans and you can also create your own Bean Art. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://easyascutandpaste.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/bean-art-tutorial.html</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaitjw3gq9d5lWhXx0NL5itqBltmt7Oj-etMtrkH3-0tGj3351BMyJckJS0JoSEh3ya0-gMBbs6EKVoKdCYkC7KslRVgBy3VUYsRrLyldnDx9yMPSFfoAAmcOAvCwYwHXmxmq9xdRQBYA/s1600/IMG_5692crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaitjw3gq9d5lWhXx0NL5itqBltmt7Oj-etMtrkH3-0tGj3351BMyJckJS0JoSEh3ya0-gMBbs6EKVoKdCYkC7KslRVgBy3VUYsRrLyldnDx9yMPSFfoAAmcOAvCwYwHXmxmq9xdRQBYA/s320/IMG_5692crop.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>7. Earring Organiser</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am not sure I am the only one with the same problem but I find jewellery boxes not a very good place to keep earrings. They get tangled up or they don't fit properly in the little compartments (I am tall and have long hair so I can get away with big earrings). This seems a very sensible solution. And so easy to do! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://handmademommy.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/quick-easy-earring-organizer.html</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GUGQolQ-TZNmk6dClTBiDmHrLnWmK_Ngsg0XtTePzj0uNVYi1b4_IepshyphenhyphenRttE8IeiK8aayTiCCjuyx7576Kwc4Qccsq-Q5F09WOBarFgK4zZeAo-zn7TwExz-sBSUCh67cAVp-d6dVW/s1600/F4M40OHFOVXOO85.MEDIUM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GUGQolQ-TZNmk6dClTBiDmHrLnWmK_Ngsg0XtTePzj0uNVYi1b4_IepshyphenhyphenRttE8IeiK8aayTiCCjuyx7576Kwc4Qccsq-Q5F09WOBarFgK4zZeAo-zn7TwExz-sBSUCh67cAVp-d6dVW/s200/F4M40OHFOVXOO85.MEDIUM.jpg" width="190" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>8. Cardboard Furniture</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am absolutely blown away by this. It looks fab! You should also check out the VW Beetle or Scooter made of cardboard. This site explains how to design cardboard furniture, what cardboard to use for the purpose and features a video which explains how to actually put the thing together. Whats cooler than being cool? Cardboard! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.instructables.com/id/Cardboard-shelf-for-groceries</span>/</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>9. Bread Box</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPvv4I0kW3CMGJyLvZhf7F6gmq8gtLsq1NPfhAbubW7IZOBKNnvpks5ot6OS4ESjhwSwpDP1SF_d59RmmXeCpIp2E_ywQgbmZAqY4OVLwzRvicjfZEBQBdVGQ8LIsxOKdqN8fj1qG7Fh9/s1600/bread.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPvv4I0kW3CMGJyLvZhf7F6gmq8gtLsq1NPfhAbubW7IZOBKNnvpks5ot6OS4ESjhwSwpDP1SF_d59RmmXeCpIp2E_ywQgbmZAqY4OVLwzRvicjfZEBQBdVGQ8LIsxOKdqN8fj1qG7Fh9/s200/bread.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another little idea for the amateur wood worker. Make a bread box. I like working with wood, i just wish I was better at it but I guess only practice will change that. So off to the timber yard I am.. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.allcrafts.net/fjs.htm?url=www.am-wood.com/nov97/bread.html</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM6gHyHsMfDTlTPeb1vbWA8GAEoCl5EbnWByUdPl3lCaI1W8Yly97kDCMyTRiMVg5XIeINtqf4XapQiKGa_t63nucab5n3OAEPUV1f5uV_4bsYQkMug8iupUG8SZjvQaDLVrgjlBlRtS8/s1600/paperweight.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM6gHyHsMfDTlTPeb1vbWA8GAEoCl5EbnWByUdPl3lCaI1W8Yly97kDCMyTRiMVg5XIeINtqf4XapQiKGa_t63nucab5n3OAEPUV1f5uV_4bsYQkMug8iupUG8SZjvQaDLVrgjlBlRtS8/s1600/paperweight.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>10. Pressed Flower paperweight</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I remember pressing flowers when I was little. What I remember most is adults getting annoyed with me because I used their books to get my flowers flat. Don't despair if you don't want to get your books manky, there is now a kit to press flowers in the microwave! Wtf? I prefer the messy book method. I like this paperweight, I think it would also make a lovely gift. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.allcrafts.net/fjs.htm?url=www.makingfriends.com/flowered_paperweight.htm</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-3621640688235248722012-07-09T21:58:00.001+01:002012-07-11T22:20:23.494+01:00The issue with teddy bears<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUH5v267aLIzchBjZU8JljxQvoleTRLpgbGTvjf4lh3iOP-KOoQoPZyJtVmt1hQdy4hu6EQL_nfBVb954R__RWB8TAhEh8uWXc_NshY4YEwkN9kKvzCN8tAf4bZvcsAM2IIxKfQYyJQUT/s1600/teddy-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUH5v267aLIzchBjZU8JljxQvoleTRLpgbGTvjf4lh3iOP-KOoQoPZyJtVmt1hQdy4hu6EQL_nfBVb954R__RWB8TAhEh8uWXc_NshY4YEwkN9kKvzCN8tAf4bZvcsAM2IIxKfQYyJQUT/s320/teddy-full.jpg" width="267" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">At the moment I am working on designing my own teddy bears for my shop. I have knitted many in the past few years but never managed to hold on to any of them because they generally sell as soon as I put them up for sale. This is a good thing, don't get me wrong, but because of this I don't really have any bears permanently in my stock. It's a problem to me as teddy bears prove so popular with all ages and knitting them takes up considerable spare time (which i haven't got running a family and working in my "day job"). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I thought of sewing teddies. I thought by firing up my sewing machine and using some funky or soft fabrics I could have my own teddy bears picnic in no time. Boy was I wrong! Sewing teddies is a minefield for the skilled amateur crafter. Especially furry ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I research my projects a lot (for inspiration and confirmation that I am doing it correctly) and came across so many important things to remember when making teddies that I felt I should dedicate a single blog post to the issue with teddy. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sewing teddies isn't really a project for beginners. If you have never made soft toys before, I suggest you try a few simple patterns first (there are thousands of free ones out there) to get the hang of the stuffing business (which is not as simple as you might think) and sewing up your dolly or animal. It takes a few attempts to learn how tight your arm or leg should be without making your teddy look like it has a cramp. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nX3FHyKyjrzWWxjcYAZuqtiFjXAla0fQc8QjrCRL2wsP5NE-5iEjHKU_HPOwtIBqcrPLbGGGapAj07vzwOkO0-eokqLSOOU-Nla2DRsEKLUbOB4aw8Vt1aqXJHf2NARfB6u9GaYwcUy7/s1600/teddy-bear-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nX3FHyKyjrzWWxjcYAZuqtiFjXAla0fQc8QjrCRL2wsP5NE-5iEjHKU_HPOwtIBqcrPLbGGGapAj07vzwOkO0-eokqLSOOU-Nla2DRsEKLUbOB4aw8Vt1aqXJHf2NARfB6u9GaYwcUy7/s320/teddy-bear-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First you need to think about how soft you want your teddy to be. Different fabrics also sew up differently so what might appear a steady seam will soon shred to pieces when you stuff your creation. Home furnishing fabrics are strong and durable but you will have to leave a bigger seam allowance as it might fray. You can also use this stuff called Fraystoppa which will sort that problem out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Are you going to use a sewing machine or are you going to sew it by hand? By hand you will probably have more control over tightness and tension of stitch but it will take a lot longer than if you use a sewing machine. Get the tension right though and make sure you use the correct needle for your fabric. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I found this pattern most comprehensive and quite clear to understand:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">http://www.bearycheap.com/free%20patterns/jack.pdf</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0oaANlXkhHE8PuiPQ8T9WYRg3IoCq8CsjsLCxXcwDhuWqyZ-CyOsTSnxoyFQC91UaWTkIBWrquEwSmZPwg8-K0m5WwJ2UCFu32tQxF1Q_WCgiIMPJRk8eIC7o1ecTDP-XZUcFFvUjPoe/s1600/default.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0oaANlXkhHE8PuiPQ8T9WYRg3IoCq8CsjsLCxXcwDhuWqyZ-CyOsTSnxoyFQC91UaWTkIBWrquEwSmZPwg8-K0m5WwJ2UCFu32tQxF1Q_WCgiIMPJRk8eIC7o1ecTDP-XZUcFFvUjPoe/s200/default.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-OaXZvNu3-SHKuadK4fc-d8B5coBZvh3r2vNWedlUlNWBidMmA7Z3VbGg1ZS4POr4BuxgukRzTqbVru9bUBe-GASPw7C47LsAri6NQXr0KQT9ISY6T-xOfsZPTdAk7MVf_1Zw_70hj61/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-OaXZvNu3-SHKuadK4fc-d8B5coBZvh3r2vNWedlUlNWBidMmA7Z3VbGg1ZS4POr4BuxgukRzTqbVru9bUBe-GASPw7C47LsAri6NQXr0KQT9ISY6T-xOfsZPTdAk7MVf_1Zw_70hj61/s200/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, transfer your pattern on your fabric and cut it out. You are surrounded by fabric limbs, head or ears and you are ready to go. Wrong! In my search for the perfect teddy bear i have come across teddy joints. Yes, I looked just as confused when I read in a pattern that "now is the time to insert your disc and bolt in the neck". Huh? Well, apparently to get a steadier/sturdier joint at the neck and the limbs there are these contraptions which are inserted either end of the joint and keep it safe. <span style="color: purple;">(11.7.2012 I stand corrected on these joints - they are to get movable limbs... doh!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the pictures you see the different parts of such joints and the lower pic shows how they fit together on the joint. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Personally I don't think they are really necessary unless you are trying to achieve movable limbs. Stuffing firm and sewing limbs tight enough to body gives you a sturdy ted. My advice is to stuff and sew the limbs to body after stuffing the actual body. Add head before you add your limbs. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFXcFsb6CMbmSST3Ul-ONi32nz0OQQlhAGVcMTqZ3yHzVbp92rTeBhqUcozjQ0ng7075Zh38J4IOjR_HrIPF5QqkKaKGEFbKZMQxe50vzg5QilnCZuoHarNXalqYG50iq6hNOFeR0cwqU/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFXcFsb6CMbmSST3Ul-ONi32nz0OQQlhAGVcMTqZ3yHzVbp92rTeBhqUcozjQ0ng7075Zh38J4IOjR_HrIPF5QqkKaKGEFbKZMQxe50vzg5QilnCZuoHarNXalqYG50iq6hNOFeR0cwqU/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Right, back to sewing it up. First, sew up your head. When you finished your head you need to decide which eyes your ted will have. Buttons? Toy eyes? Embroidered? Toy eyes will need to be inserted before you stuff your head. Another tip: When stuffing your head, stuff the nose first as it will be virtually impossible to make it firm when the rest of the head is stuffed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then add your ears to your head. Carry on with sewing up your body and your limbs. (I am deliberately vague as every pattern is different and will include some variations). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Before you attach your legs to your ted, decide which position you want it to be in. Do you want a sitting or a standing ted? This might sound picky but is quite an important thought as it will influence the look of your teddy greatly. Think on similar lines with the arms. Stretched out for a hug? Or to the side of the body? If you decide to make a floppy ted it doesn't really matter. It will be soft enough to adjust anyway. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One more word on stuffing the body: If you want it to have a heavy base (to sit up), add some dried peas or rice in a bag. (You could also add some to the paws). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><i>Done it? Excellent. You have made a teddy bear. Yay!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>On my virtual travels I have collected the most useful and cutest teddy bear patterns out there: </b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.howjoyful.com/2010/05/howjoyful-bear-tutorial-and-pattern/</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is the pink ted in the picture above. Adorable, isnt' it? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.craftbits.com/project/baby-pip-teddy-bear</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The brown one right at the top. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.eldrbarry.net/im/meg/simpbear.pdf</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A simple bear with good instructions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Teddy-Bear</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another comprehensive pattern with lots of pictures. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/bear.html</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Very easy little bear. Great project to do with kids. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-61923443481653161662012-07-06T16:36:00.000+01:002012-07-06T16:36:32.604+01:00The Sporty Element<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have been debating for some time now whether to make my contribution to the sport heavy summer. I am not as excited about the Olympics as i probably should be and i get my overdose of football from 2 boys and my better half in autumn and spring anyway, but here i am with a selection of sporty craft stuff. I didn't get my usual ten patterns though as it seems that crafty people are not the most sporty people. Not when it comes to sharing free patterns anyway... </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggekJeQimWy63IwVBcUEWqAn8R2GfueDkpHABDA6PoYb5e8v9m3oC6bH_XOjfkfM-C44vYR-ZvQK_nUlcszZ9TAHTTCScoFabqBqcrdAXnzy2WDgOsjL3SPYja7U_hmCZP-CcEymT0tgeC/s1600/sport_seat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggekJeQimWy63IwVBcUEWqAn8R2GfueDkpHABDA6PoYb5e8v9m3oC6bH_XOjfkfM-C44vYR-ZvQK_nUlcszZ9TAHTTCScoFabqBqcrdAXnzy2WDgOsjL3SPYja7U_hmCZP-CcEymT0tgeC/s200/sport_seat.jpg" width="181" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Duct tape stadium seat cushion</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So you can enjoy those hours of watching other people getting out of breath. This comes from a site for kids crafts but I can see this going a long way with adults as well as no sewing or glueing involved. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">http://www.makingfriends.com/summer/sport_seat.htm</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgfMsJWQ7W7vLXSLnF7HzMbthpoczmqIC6qqB_6sSW5ZdQy5m6bE8t1xqiAOFBTk96Xh_mtQN7R71Xp6YCt3iHZ3Vk8tOqDnk-Mk3bLsOEmsEh4MCM9gQJ_nptIMsy6q0hjpcb5Shgpa2/s1600/165243081_1504414c51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgfMsJWQ7W7vLXSLnF7HzMbthpoczmqIC6qqB_6sSW5ZdQy5m6bE8t1xqiAOFBTk96Xh_mtQN7R71Xp6YCt3iHZ3Vk8tOqDnk-Mk3bLsOEmsEh4MCM9gQJ_nptIMsy6q0hjpcb5Shgpa2/s200/165243081_1504414c51.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>2. Knitted football</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">An utterly useless item but irresistible knitting pattern for a knitted football. Is there anymore to say? This pattern seems to have been created for the world cup in 2010. Shame on me for not knowing about this until now.. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">http://stitchdcblog.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/world-cup-mania-and-free-pattern.html</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU1GeDYC0RzFWp5uaiKlybzGPW-Q7xScg8eRoYCZ5TZmf6brF4wfGt7h3A06nIRsncCOFmjOhpgTnXLp_Fz7fZOkDNsJ4R5pb87im0rw2vhmi188GT-i0SXvL9IAEVuUTB20BXdnfgDTU/s1600/bk4k-0609002a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU1GeDYC0RzFWp5uaiKlybzGPW-Q7xScg8eRoYCZ5TZmf6brF4wfGt7h3A06nIRsncCOFmjOhpgTnXLp_Fz7fZOkDNsJ4R5pb87im0rw2vhmi188GT-i0SXvL9IAEVuUTB20BXdnfgDTU/s200/bk4k-0609002a.jpg" width="193" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>3. Knitted sweatband</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bring back the 80's with a knitted Sweatband. A simple, straightforward pattern. You have to sign up with Lion yarns to get it. I signed up a couple of years ago and never got junk mail from them. They also have lots of other free patterns!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/BK4K-0609002.html?noImages=</span><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6V1CLLNLsT2vZ0-mC0B48WCdD66V3iLrXaJzMDDDiaBGWeq7sGgi1vF5pZeb2OvUlzHJHeEcqQoUSvLZrITkE6Q58nhWn0t82G1SYtjnR2zKd4kJpu3VxwBACebGTq7mwQND5akHhnoeb/s1600/free-dog-clothes-patterns-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6V1CLLNLsT2vZ0-mC0B48WCdD66V3iLrXaJzMDDDiaBGWeq7sGgi1vF5pZeb2OvUlzHJHeEcqQoUSvLZrITkE6Q58nhWn0t82G1SYtjnR2zKd4kJpu3VxwBACebGTq7mwQND5akHhnoeb/s200/free-dog-clothes-patterns-01.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>4. A sports hoodie for your dog</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, you read right, its for your pooch. I came across this looking for sewing patterns for sports clothes for humans. How could i resist?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;">http://www.sew-it-love-it.com/free-dog-clothes-patterns.html</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPh0PYx8nOJHm6Rvg2lZ_0Ebue2beGwvzzhL9ZqpeMptznX2KfYj7aj25uyMyHdcuJeUHOcarIW0BUoP9dlyOZYDebXaZAOYNyd9l1ds2lKDwtuv_3BoEQZvKx_WJxMF0PONFinsprfCo/s1600/186025520_1b50c80341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPh0PYx8nOJHm6Rvg2lZ_0Ebue2beGwvzzhL9ZqpeMptznX2KfYj7aj25uyMyHdcuJeUHOcarIW0BUoP9dlyOZYDebXaZAOYNyd9l1ds2lKDwtuv_3BoEQZvKx_WJxMF0PONFinsprfCo/s200/186025520_1b50c80341.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>5. Water Bottle carrier</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I can see this as a fun project to do with your kids or a good project for beginners. And when you are at the Olympics cheering on your favourite you don't have a hand free to hold your Drinks bottle, do you? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/2006/07/10/whiplash-challenge-water-bottle-carrier/</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>6. In and Outdoor exercise mat</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">No excuse anymore for not getting active (how patronising am I!). Easy enough to make with towels and a bit of foam this would be great for your offspring. <span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.sewing.org/html/exercise_mat.html</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYbeW-QQEBgPYf_FvlXUKc0Iy2S4Or3dwxp2T3YqGPurB0DcGIz57eU1amuaJLmfR_vKYKbfCRqttxx0taW8kIDQ7ubHVZ7TTGWfpsl0MVGy-BpV2sJugY6kwMm2_rOdwE142b3NSjyJR/s1600/getcrafty_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYbeW-QQEBgPYf_FvlXUKc0Iy2S4Or3dwxp2T3YqGPurB0DcGIz57eU1amuaJLmfR_vKYKbfCRqttxx0taW8kIDQ7ubHVZ7TTGWfpsl0MVGy-BpV2sJugY6kwMm2_rOdwE142b3NSjyJR/s1600/getcrafty_1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>6. Yoga mat bag</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There are quite a few patterns out there for yoga bags. This one looks contemporary and you also get a pattern for a meditation shawl and eye pillow on the same web page. Ohhmm.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.yogajournal.com/giftsoflove#yogamatbag</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD0p3JN_u2jYLrxmH_38zpvgcXwoUhNPCOnDrTh7AaYv4TdSSQVaGiaTFlAHIxsmPLW3Rp-Cc-gnul_MRh89OBEMU7zN-yTkwMgUJx2t007bSbdqinT42SkA2wh4SUqsj_APDPHuYAq_b/s1600/7579212dd096b5add3293957d04638e1191851c7_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD0p3JN_u2jYLrxmH_38zpvgcXwoUhNPCOnDrTh7AaYv4TdSSQVaGiaTFlAHIxsmPLW3Rp-Cc-gnul_MRh89OBEMU7zN-yTkwMgUJx2t007bSbdqinT42SkA2wh4SUqsj_APDPHuYAq_b/s320/7579212dd096b5add3293957d04638e1191851c7_large.jpg" width="218" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>7. Swimsuit</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Why not make your own swimsuit? This is a vintage inspired pattern which looks really chic. To me this is quite appealing as I go swimming regularly and find swimsuit shopping such a bore.... by the way, the Burdastyle website is fabulous for all sorts of clothing patterns. You need to sign up but it doesn't take long and no junk mail either. <span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://assets.burdastyle.com/pdf_files/assets/000/361/019/alison_original.pdf?1341176328</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-27566419922752546092012-06-29T12:12:00.001+01:002012-06-29T12:12:43.327+01:00Come and play<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love making toys. It doesn't matter which craft i use, making toys is a lot of fun because you can really let you imagination loose.Okay, i admit it can get fiddly and slightly confusing when you are surrounded by bear limbs or knee deep in polyester stuffing but nothing quite matches the satisfaction i feel when I see my kids playing with my homemade toys. I also favour more unusual projects such as a knitted rubber chicken or a socktopus (which is a knitted octopus with socks on its tentacles) and find it quite easy to adapt already existing patterns to my sometimes rather eccentric style. And here are my favourite free toy patterns out there. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5D6aFLP065P57x1V9LXZ4Tjne2db5w_kt6QYpvldwQLFy_G95SxMDG8Vfda97-R2JAYJ8BztSxRqbKWrSvsmHKcwKIymzAEL9j_SfP8ER5VathucxNKK8MeL6-3Ak8SCfukEun8V9dxZ/s1600/full_4493_17335_FREEDIAMONDJUBILEEBEAR_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5D6aFLP065P57x1V9LXZ4Tjne2db5w_kt6QYpvldwQLFy_G95SxMDG8Vfda97-R2JAYJ8BztSxRqbKWrSvsmHKcwKIymzAEL9j_SfP8ER5VathucxNKK8MeL6-3Ak8SCfukEun8V9dxZ/s200/full_4493_17335_FREEDIAMONDJUBILEEBEAR_2.jpg" width="158" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>1. Teddy Bear</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You want to make toys? You gotta make a teddy bear. Can't get past the classic although blimey, there are a lot of dodgy looking teddy bears out there.... I wanted a vintage style, knitted ted you can cuddle and squeeze til the cows come home. And here it is (Tiara optional). You have to register with Craftsy to get this pattern which is very easy to do and you won't get lots of junk mail either. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/Toy/FREE-DIAMOND-JUBILEE-BEAR/17335</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbitBVIG2brG-XPv8UyYa0JSfY_2G9dMT-chsgukjMJU0052CXgTTbOOAy0NB-UqI1gJRMBM9L4v0PIBBpufutM7EZ7CFIjX-6usU2yaT9GrfO18tv6UAMWKixrXhx4MwJuIU98-YcuRA/s1600/sock-monkey-hug-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbitBVIG2brG-XPv8UyYa0JSfY_2G9dMT-chsgukjMJU0052CXgTTbOOAy0NB-UqI1gJRMBM9L4v0PIBBpufutM7EZ7CFIjX-6usU2yaT9GrfO18tv6UAMWKixrXhx4MwJuIU98-YcuRA/s200/sock-monkey-hug-2.jpg" width="160" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>2. Sock monkey</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another classic. This is a very good pattern with lots and lots of pics and detailed instructions. Have a banana! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.craftpassion.com/2012/04/how-to-sew-sock-monkey.html/2</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>3. Soft blocks</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_t_J_NxH14VR6EOjaYUmBBL8MKEK3_9MD5XW3Iwewo-2mdsZqfRvd2nuBGkMt7AXiyNBPH-NVcNlxgfVxtPa_m4pKU2H70HLcc7Rp5EZwjLNnx4oM7SB_4qGiFHKdE23Txo3jWldtUk_b/s1600/123-soft-blocks_100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_t_J_NxH14VR6EOjaYUmBBL8MKEK3_9MD5XW3Iwewo-2mdsZqfRvd2nuBGkMt7AXiyNBPH-NVcNlxgfVxtPa_m4pKU2H70HLcc7Rp5EZwjLNnx4oM7SB_4qGiFHKdE23Txo3jWldtUk_b/s1600/123-soft-blocks_100.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Perfect for your precious little one. They could eat it, throw it, stack it, sit on it, hit you on the head with it, the possibilities are endless. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And why stick to numbers? what about shapes, animals, or simply different colour sides? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.sewing.org/files/project/123-softblocks-Cranston.pdf</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvM2cHAKgL6vJnipEgqeLXdBMOahhoXDUVt6dw8ScDQ3kB3XwQMA13-RdvB4ATn8-eauwRU5vJd7zXYddC4IQLaCAvIVT3vGL1AARUlx2sCho9fTEWwo1g0vPpWLixoVc3aFDrYv6HKxk/s1600/cc1c5f92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvM2cHAKgL6vJnipEgqeLXdBMOahhoXDUVt6dw8ScDQ3kB3XwQMA13-RdvB4ATn8-eauwRU5vJd7zXYddC4IQLaCAvIVT3vGL1AARUlx2sCho9fTEWwo1g0vPpWLixoVc3aFDrYv6HKxk/s200/cc1c5f92.jpg" width="195" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>4. Flying Pig</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A pig with wings? Yes, please! I am gonna have to try this one myself... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.allcrafts.net/fjs.htm?url=www.spudandchloe.com/blog/2011/04/oink-free-pattern/</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQMo5z3eyyIWeMQWM_Bfq_EbutJmCmb5wjpsIn3RTWyIUHdiRdjrwZxh_Y72TCNJMmMJhq3sNNfIygs7XoS45nVtOHs_1xmn5oP2nf3-hULD02PaLFCVHcIN2cDX00zwCzt23tikL-qSR/s1600/mrwattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQMo5z3eyyIWeMQWM_Bfq_EbutJmCmb5wjpsIn3RTWyIUHdiRdjrwZxh_Y72TCNJMmMJhq3sNNfIygs7XoS45nVtOHs_1xmn5oP2nf3-hULD02PaLFCVHcIN2cDX00zwCzt23tikL-qSR/s200/mrwattle.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>5. Splat chicken</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Is it a ball or is it a chicken? I really don't know! Straight forward sewing pattern for a very daft looking chicken. Tip: you can make it look even more confused by sewing the eyes closer together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.craftbits.com/project/plushie-splat-chicken</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD5IM9sNJFbLQ4R9jwzhNrZIUjp1PsuRpjE0fvMNgHM1FxL_NbjVj0WzAHyjhJ_09205PLfB8F25jkQQaGfzY1kKhhCUaTVTVe73Gsp3pplY75hxNvQn-VdCnby_vxuEpjuQJ6z-4mXFb/s1600/shape_sorter_toy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD5IM9sNJFbLQ4R9jwzhNrZIUjp1PsuRpjE0fvMNgHM1FxL_NbjVj0WzAHyjhJ_09205PLfB8F25jkQQaGfzY1kKhhCUaTVTVe73Gsp3pplY75hxNvQn-VdCnby_vxuEpjuQJ6z-4mXFb/s320/shape_sorter_toy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>6. Wooden stacking blocks</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Okay, I am a complete novice when it comes to woodwork but I reckon I could do this with a jig saw, sanding paper, a drill, some paint and a great deal of patience (not to forget my first aid kit). Very good website with other project ideas too, not just toys. <span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-projects/shape-sorter-toy-plan.html</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V_SlaeKooyHT6l36O7flLGCQQW_I2ieKkOm-n0uIYRs0_1yDh1oklOLq3LeHYhf9GwHoM8lpvDadB_DanLeZzPYDO8-WWGQW9jylEgzFwWpXcAoupu63kNxnjKVJAvPa90-tpsEXeppu/s1600/basic_ruby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V_SlaeKooyHT6l36O7flLGCQQW_I2ieKkOm-n0uIYRs0_1yDh1oklOLq3LeHYhf9GwHoM8lpvDadB_DanLeZzPYDO8-WWGQW9jylEgzFwWpXcAoupu63kNxnjKVJAvPa90-tpsEXeppu/s320/basic_ruby.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>7. Cloth Doll</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am not really one for dolls. When I was little i got given a number of dolls and over time pulled their limbs out, painted their faces and cut their hair. The only doll i really took care of was one I made myself (I started to sew at the tender age of 9). So, here is a pattern for a cloth doll. Great project to do with kids. Tip: Attention to detail is everything when making a doll. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://oneredrobin.com/2007/03/28/how-to-make-a-simple-versatile-soft-doll/</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6DV1weDnCSz9z3syaE4jfFnEm8X2-svmMlMM4XdF5mNPlzuRV1BsGJ3uUc8YzzjHno0vIMr8bftxs5876CB4BpJJJkZCBmtuOYZ8tlmY0NMmJxitWRO01kHvdiXOPBHd3VSweNydSdof/s1600/full_9441_10005_Goldfish_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6DV1weDnCSz9z3syaE4jfFnEm8X2-svmMlMM4XdF5mNPlzuRV1BsGJ3uUc8YzzjHno0vIMr8bftxs5876CB4BpJJJkZCBmtuOYZ8tlmY0NMmJxitWRO01kHvdiXOPBHd3VSweNydSdof/s200/full_9441_10005_Goldfish_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>8. Gold Fish</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 Gold fish in a tank, one says "How do you drive this thing?" (joke is courtesy of my 6 year old step son). Isn't it cute? Come fishy, fishy... blub blub blub... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/Toy/Goldfish/10005</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWVP-j7LH99Is6EWemD63kan3OYbPqg8yngBwexgV1IxBA3lhu4YFlNJ86_nFey4xK867_AycQ10Ap2-eCI4bR-Vzlc3MVTK3EGOSmNNF9mXmmTehceYWAiHdeieOZzz4yDj99YZdCqX3/s1600/teaparty2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWVP-j7LH99Is6EWemD63kan3OYbPqg8yngBwexgV1IxBA3lhu4YFlNJ86_nFey4xK867_AycQ10Ap2-eCI4bR-Vzlc3MVTK3EGOSmNNF9mXmmTehceYWAiHdeieOZzz4yDj99YZdCqX3/s200/teaparty2b.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>9. Knitted biscuits and cakes</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Of course! Makes a nice change from plastic play food. From the queen of knitted toys, Jean Greenhowe, comes this free (yay) pattern for knitted cakes. I have purchased quite a few Greenhowe books in my lifetime because her patterns are very easy to follow.Trademark: Everything is knitted, even the plate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.jeangreenhowe.com/Images/Tea_Party_Treats2.pdf</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKpkxjZtzqhbOgKJrGXi9m7FBu6EeL3yq3TV3Fe6nOSqUMvGM6PgmNXTEVlQoMAmkbfH4roaTCkwTHNVeszLY9qjpUQrCvfNBVhnhNI1jGhC6KFjdDGoTIGSqZ9NrfpQxTbZxGjuTq2jS/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKpkxjZtzqhbOgKJrGXi9m7FBu6EeL3yq3TV3Fe6nOSqUMvGM6PgmNXTEVlQoMAmkbfH4roaTCkwTHNVeszLY9qjpUQrCvfNBVhnhNI1jGhC6KFjdDGoTIGSqZ9NrfpQxTbZxGjuTq2jS/s400/4.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>10. Crochet ball</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A vintage pattern for a crocheted ball. A classic which every child will thank you for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://vintagetoychest.blogspot.co.uk/p/crochet-toy-patterns.html</span></span>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-8679823929696126652012-06-25T21:36:00.001+01:002012-06-25T21:36:18.753+01:00New Arrivals<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With the arrival of a number of babies in my circle of friends imminent I turn my attention to baby crafts... I did find an enormous number of free projects and patterns out there so I decided to split it in stages, beginning with birth and newborn. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In my search for patterns I concentrated on practicality and style more than cuteness. I remembered what items were essential to me when I had a newborn at home and tried to find the best patterns for all the everyday things you need. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4OQdTJQsAi2JZimJNnD1_o8FPIBUkSL-q5hAMmexGuKmU-gmYhDx_LIsEyNzyv_LfzEgIEOQODuiaqBmiCiQN1X0hvxSzTf7rC_dZeNvnk5wC7UdNphCmrzTCec7dQr5ufDC0v8-gtIs/s1600/amigurumi-crochet-baby-mobile1-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4OQdTJQsAi2JZimJNnD1_o8FPIBUkSL-q5hAMmexGuKmU-gmYhDx_LIsEyNzyv_LfzEgIEOQODuiaqBmiCiQN1X0hvxSzTf7rC_dZeNvnk5wC7UdNphCmrzTCec7dQr5ufDC0v8-gtIs/s200/amigurumi-crochet-baby-mobile1-300x300.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>1. Crocheted Hot air balloons</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When you lie on your back all day then you need some entertainment when you look up. And these hot air balloons just give you what you are looking for - gentle movement and lots of colour. If I have another baby, I will make some of these. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>http://aboutgoodness.com/crochet-2/hot-air-balloons-crochet-amigurumi-toys-diy-free-pattern/</u></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcsM88XsHO25QkVkKARBf7wSxdUMH88SdDcwBajma5HPh6IhesPyqTH4iJuVcTaXrgBhBnyDG5-h1Z1_OMwtG41o3yezXw8zvuNXc0yT4y6blK8UyR45Xan8s5x_5CiADTAvZTsxgjjzR/s1600/2010+02+12_2686_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcsM88XsHO25QkVkKARBf7wSxdUMH88SdDcwBajma5HPh6IhesPyqTH4iJuVcTaXrgBhBnyDG5-h1Z1_OMwtG41o3yezXw8zvuNXc0yT4y6blK8UyR45Xan8s5x_5CiADTAvZTsxgjjzR/s320/2010+02+12_2686_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>2. Baby quilt "Eat, play, sleep, repeat"</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is a gorgeous blanket for your little bundle of joy. The pattern is quite comprehensive although I have one thing to add to it. Where is the wadding? surely you want a soft blanket (you could also insert fleece)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/02/baby-life-quilt.html</u></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSolZwCoElErlOw2k_iQIYnjiorSbBS8ypdk9succw9rB0vViBNav02qZ3Dvby6PFL0EFNIcqj-Q9DyFhZkZJKB_F8Jz0JPFNcC5it99aKOEU5FTNTC8Ykx5p12foJYl7Z8IyzhX8QNkT_/s1600/changing+mat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSolZwCoElErlOw2k_iQIYnjiorSbBS8ypdk9succw9rB0vViBNav02qZ3Dvby6PFL0EFNIcqj-Q9DyFhZkZJKB_F8Jz0JPFNcC5it99aKOEU5FTNTC8Ykx5p12foJYl7Z8IyzhX8QNkT_/s320/changing+mat.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>3. Vinyl Changing mat</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love this changing mat! Simplified and stylish it does everything you need it to do. Its waterproof, you can use it for storage and roll it up in a neat little bundle. Genius! (i just wish they wouldn't call it diaper changer - crinch)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://www.allcrafts.net/fjs.htm?url=www.lilblueboo.com/2011/07/vinyl-tablecloth-roll-up-diaper-changer-a-tutorial-and-download.html</span></u></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wOh0xo0U7yi51Dew6MqtntNE565vjwfWsx98QIP_4vM27YggB6f1pqbGV3_vPmyoY735v2ocmPn9LkQW_TsuDiKOfwTHci9F_mY6kJg8NdWh5egjMmDbEivFGIspV81cWNB2cHKMMg9v/s1600/hooded-towel-hedgies-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wOh0xo0U7yi51Dew6MqtntNE565vjwfWsx98QIP_4vM27YggB6f1pqbGV3_vPmyoY735v2ocmPn9LkQW_TsuDiKOfwTHci9F_mY6kJg8NdWh5egjMmDbEivFGIspV81cWNB2cHKMMg9v/s200/hooded-towel-hedgies-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>4. Hooded Bath towel with matching wash mit</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A simple pattern which delivers what you want it to - a hooded bath towel and a wash mitten. I like the fabric mixed with velour. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>http://sewtospeak.blogspot.com.es/2010/05/hooded-baby-towel-and-wash-mitt.html</u></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW8rMKTEKu5LHywkP9HuZ68zt8XbjPGFPKN3_ZneFfiXGSyjHbpQc8OjiJacjah1NvI7hxVJlli6zcMNndmvsHLFvcftR9BepjsTAavYeL4nqMj_6mUZ3Xrl2dOlSobm8C51H4JbWQJco/s1600/DSC_5186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW8rMKTEKu5LHywkP9HuZ68zt8XbjPGFPKN3_ZneFfiXGSyjHbpQc8OjiJacjah1NvI7hxVJlli6zcMNndmvsHLFvcftR9BepjsTAavYeL4nqMj_6mUZ3Xrl2dOlSobm8C51H4JbWQJco/s200/DSC_5186.JPG" width="159" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>5. Make a Nursing shirt out of a T-Shirt</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This will save lots of money on nursing tops from shops. The Nurisng version of recycling your clothes. Brilliant! Easy pattern with good pics to follow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>http://www.homesweethomebodies.net/2010/07/shirt-to-nursing-shirt-refashion.html#axzz1ykuIjv8R</u></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa4Oh8e4KoB4dWtCq-1EQaLMhalFC8H-KVROU3NDC1_rYJ3JNP0SIzj8u-DHu6iVjIGHa0wmww89bDX6vrorYCanyyY6XgOOYbArjv_ZbZo3cB1MQY94VeqNJE884lFlG5QRzw9iB55H6/s1600/diaperbag16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa4Oh8e4KoB4dWtCq-1EQaLMhalFC8H-KVROU3NDC1_rYJ3JNP0SIzj8u-DHu6iVjIGHa0wmww89bDX6vrorYCanyyY6XgOOYbArjv_ZbZo3cB1MQY94VeqNJE884lFlG5QRzw9iB55H6/s320/diaperbag16.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>6. Hip Changing bag</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, i can't really do a baby selection without a changing bag, can I? I like this bag as its practical and still makes you look fashionable carrying vast amounts of baby stuff around. Lots of pockets! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://amingledyarn.wordpress.com/gallery/tutorial-hip-mama-diaper-bag/</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VgQkY5i-GrcWX11ycv1LUWylDLMwYHLRu_Xik29RyFKnLgmKBz8cfRXkeCVmskcklLYpQA4qtQ6S77k8Lc_8GiXcuecEaVL8ZMzQe8JVXAEFaFleHh95B_LC01__O6vE7q6Y5L8XbvDX/s1600/image_5196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VgQkY5i-GrcWX11ycv1LUWylDLMwYHLRu_Xik29RyFKnLgmKBz8cfRXkeCVmskcklLYpQA4qtQ6S77k8Lc_8GiXcuecEaVL8ZMzQe8JVXAEFaFleHh95B_LC01__O6vE7q6Y5L8XbvDX/s200/image_5196.jpg" width="160" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>7. Pom Pom booties</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When you are heavily pregnant and you can't move around without feeling like a whale, what better to do than to sit back and knit a little for that little bundle of joy of yours. And aren't this booties adorable with those pom poms? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=5196&cps=21191</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVRiNfbQwojYfZ8KePI6Xv59U9pilDGHD_KqM4i0wAdG4bZhP-n6aI_NCHURz9b6SNfW__HMej-VyRQpg_cWN0lE5R8pdp0qTmcopOIjsIVlhudoGxeeMpbnstv3txWDV97L8UIUy3KgF/s1600/1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVRiNfbQwojYfZ8KePI6Xv59U9pilDGHD_KqM4i0wAdG4bZhP-n6aI_NCHURz9b6SNfW__HMej-VyRQpg_cWN0lE5R8pdp0qTmcopOIjsIVlhudoGxeeMpbnstv3txWDV97L8UIUy3KgF/s200/1114.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>8. Knitted baby blanket</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now, in my opinion the wool you use is much more important than the pattern you use because its all about the tactile quality of supersoft yarn that makes a baby blanket so lovely. You don't want anything rough on a newborns skin, do you. It was really hard to choose a pattern for a blanket sipmly because there are gazillions of them! I chose a simple pattern which looks a lot more difficult and quite contemporary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>http://www.abc-knitting-patterns.com/1114.html</u></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoGzerNv6pMwK7EmfzbkQsdxo1KGH1QLEz8TNAz1jENuu0214e_mDmR5d21pLIMwOrfeofuoIY9nVB6jaxLU301QcKFzLHbzYFuBLvS7NZMZiS3PNeQoQ5vhD4BUsyi3-cT_F50x7u2Xk/s1600/4379883348_a06de0fa72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoGzerNv6pMwK7EmfzbkQsdxo1KGH1QLEz8TNAz1jENuu0214e_mDmR5d21pLIMwOrfeofuoIY9nVB6jaxLU301QcKFzLHbzYFuBLvS7NZMZiS3PNeQoQ5vhD4BUsyi3-cT_F50x7u2Xk/s320/4379883348_a06de0fa72.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>9. Baby sleep sack</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I couldn't resist! Gorgeous! Nothing more to say..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://comfortwool.blogspot.co.uk/2010/01/owlie-sleep-sack.html</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And here we go - my selection of free craft patterns for Newborns. Enjoy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-64294304735117973962012-06-11T22:12:00.000+01:002012-06-11T22:12:05.276+01:00How to sex up your garden<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After blissfully spending the jubilee weekend not crafting, I am now concentrating on summer. Having actually managed to sex up my garden with bluebell blue fence panels (get me) and some colourful accessories and after informing my nearest and dearest that my birthday wish this year is a garden bench, I am now hunting for ideas to make my own stuff for outside. So, here are the highlights from my hunt for summer... </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Candles in Seashells</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/shell-candle-de-31098404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/shell-candle-de-31098404.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now theres a way to make use of the gazillions of seashells your children will bring you this summer - make a candle out of them. Don't they look fabulous?</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/easy-summer-crafts-0609#slide-20"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/easy-summer-crafts-0609#slide-20</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Flower Pot Wind Chimes</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">okay, there are a lot of craft ideas out there with flower pots. Some are cute, most look slightly dodgy but this one actually looks quite stylish. The only thing I would change in the instructions is using glass stain paint to paint the dangly plastic things. Glass stain paints are rather expensive, I would probably use acrylic paint (which as also waterproof). </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.allcrafts.net/fjs.htm?url=www.ilovetocraft.com/claypot/wind-chimes.shtml">http://www.allcrafts.net/fjs.htm?url=www.ilovetocraft.com/claypot/wind-chimes.shtml</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/rockville2011a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2804" height="165" src="http://www.craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/rockville2011a.jpg" title="rockville2011a" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>3. A rocky village</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do you remember painting stones in school? This ups the anti a bit and inspires to create a rocky village in your garden. I will have to make some of these and add maybe some painted stone ladybugs, bumblebees, mushrooms and snails...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.allcrafts.net/fjs.htm?url=www.craftygardener.ca/garden22.html">http://www.allcrafts.net/fjs.htm?url=www.craftygardener.ca/garden22.html</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.favecrafts.com/master_images/Garden/garden%20stone%20mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="222" src="http://www.favecrafts.com/master_images/Garden/garden%20stone%20mosaic.jpg" title="Garden Stone Mosaic" width="220" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><b>4. Garden Stone Mosaic</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Now there is something I haven't tried yet. Mosaics give that classy, ancient luxury note and these balls would look really good just in that corner behind the apple tree. The instructions look easy enough. I think as long as you remember to draw your desired pattern onto the entired ball before you start, you will be alright. And use lots of sealant if you plan on keeping these babies outside. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.favecrafts.com/Decorating-Ideas/Garden-Stone-Mosaic/ct/1">http://www.favecrafts.com/Decorating-Ideas/Garden-Stone-Mosaic/ct/1</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.favecrafts.com/master_images/FaveCrafts/Lantern-HERO-e1304089736265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Tea Light Lantern" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.favecrafts.com/master_images/FaveCrafts/Lantern-HERO-e1304089736265.jpg" width="150" /></a>5. Tealight Lantern<br />
Great way to re- and upcycle your jam jars. Lovely idea and the instructions show good technique on how to wrap the wire round the jar but they don't mention that you also need to get a candle in the jar. Also, they don't give ideas on how to decorate your jars. So, get your creative hats on and make it your personalised lantern... <br />
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<a href="http://www.favecrafts.com/Garden-and-Outdoor/Tea-Light-Lantern/ct/1">http://www.favecrafts.com/Garden-and-Outdoor/Tea-Light-Lantern/ct/1</a><br />
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<a class="colorbox init-colorbox-processed-processed cboxElement" href="https://sew4home.com/sites/sewmk.mervideo.com/files/images/articles/0265-0272-20090603-5DMkII-IMG_1183-1_b.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Click to Enlarge" height="219" src="https://sew4home.com/sites/sewmk.mervideo.com/files/images/articles/0265-0272-20090603-5DMkII-IMG_1183-1.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 15px;" title="Click to Enlarge" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>6. Seat cushions</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, you can't do a pattern selection for your garden without a pattern for seat cushions, right? Especially in the UK where so called summer still features chilly nights. You need something to keep your backside warm... there are thousands of patterns for seat cushions. I liked this one because they look contemporary and using different fabric for each chair gives it that bohemian feel.</span> <br />
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<a href="https://sew4home.com/projects/pillows-cushions/patio-party-sitting-pretty-chair-cushions">https://sew4home.com/projects/pillows-cushions/patio-party-sitting-pretty-chair-cushions</a><br />
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<a class="ocmap ocm-main-photo" href="http://www.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large_lightbox/hash/b5/de/b5de9c21d3b98010799bf2f68045353e.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Laminated Picnic Blanket with Carrying Case by Amy Butler" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/hash/b5/de/b5de9c21d3b98010799bf2f68045353e.jpg" title="picnic_blanket.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" /></a>7. Picnic blanket with carrying case<br />
Amy Butler design, comprehensive pattern with the carrying case included. Oh yeah! <br />
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<a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/free-sewing-pattern-picnic-blanket-by-amy-butler">http://www.examiner.com/article/free-sewing-pattern-picnic-blanket-by-amy-butler</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo_0h2qmfD8GBSQuybClGRfDMwDG0APMQwKwGtLm6mvF2aW4GcXopWHIUfEQAHbO94cNXDybz1pUKan8uS9Z_Bu45wu0IXCitWI0wRosWi0NpoSWCe8idkLtQMlu8s4hILwXEcGXxSyjR/s1600/anarchy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo_0h2qmfD8GBSQuybClGRfDMwDG0APMQwKwGtLm6mvF2aW4GcXopWHIUfEQAHbO94cNXDybz1pUKan8uS9Z_Bu45wu0IXCitWI0wRosWi0NpoSWCe8idkLtQMlu8s4hILwXEcGXxSyjR/s320/anarchy.jpg" width="274" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">8. Anarchists Night Light</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It has lights.<br /> Bright lights.<br /> Brighter that bright.<br /> In the night.<br /> The lights.<br /> Are bright.<br /><br /> And dangerous.<br /> Because this might be a fire hazard.<br /> We don’t know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another idea from my favourite craft site of all times - The Anticraft. The place where you can get knitting patterns for Condoms and tumors.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://theanticraft.com/archive/lugh07/litebrite.htm">http://theanticraft.com/archive/lugh07/litebrite.htm</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And here we go. My selection of stuff to sex up your garden. Enjoy</span></b></div>
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<br />Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-66726042223456460172012-05-16T11:47:00.002+01:002012-05-16T11:47:53.046+01:00Marshas crafty to do list - An introduction<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am always on the hunt for new things to make, new techniques to try out and oddities to create. Finding free patterns is always very satisfying. Here are my favourites from this week to go on the "To do list". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is the first instalment of a regular feature on my revamped blog. Enjoy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. <strong>Gloria, the Gymnast</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/olympknits_excerpt_gloria_gymnast.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img alt="olympknits_excerpt_gloria_gymnast.png" border="0" class="mt-image-none" height="200" src="http://blog.craftzine.com/olympknits_excerpt_gloria_gymnast.png" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I suspect this is a creation from the same people who came up with Knitted Icons, a fantastic Pattern book I am lucky enough to own. (Ever thought about knitting the Beatles, Andy Warhol or Che Guevara? You'll find the pattern there). Gloria is an excerpt from "Olympknits", 10 knitting patterns to make your own athletes. And the best thing is, Glorias pattern is FREE! Check it out on </span><a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/craft_project/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/craft_project/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2.<strong> Wedding favour Seed packets</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/craftzine_seed_packets_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="craftzine_seed_packets_08.jpg" border="0" class="mt-image-none" height="133" src="http://blog.craftzine.com/craftzine_seed_packets_08.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Aren't they romantic? And they definitely beat the sugared almonds... Secretely planning a possibly/maybe future wedding I thought of making my own jam and giving it as favours with the label "Spread the love" but these adorable babies are a very strong competition... </span><br />
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<a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2012/03/project_wedding_favor_seed_pac.html#more">http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2012/03/project_wedding_favor_seed_pac.html#more</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>3. Make a pendant out of coins, stones and other roundish shapes</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.mailleartisans.org/articles/pics/21008others.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.mailleartisans.org/articles/pics/21008others.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I love working with wire, its so versatile and can look very delicate on your finished project. I make a lot of jewellery, experiment a lot myself and on my educational journey through wire weaving land I have come across this website which explains chainmaille, an ancient technique which I will definitely have to learn. To begin with this tutorial shows you how to make a pendant out of a stone which hasn't got a hole. I think it looks fabulous! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://www.mailleartisans.org/articles/articledisplay.cgi?key=21008">http://www.mailleartisans.org/articles/articledisplay.cgi?key=21008</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>4. Sex up your tee shirts</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/Classroom/Sewing_Free_Projects/embellished_tees/fp-embellished-tee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="How to Make Embellished Tee Shirts" border="0" height="78" id="infoImages" src="http://www.simplicity.com/Classroom/Sewing_Free_Projects/embellished_tees/fp-embellished-tee.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I don't know about you but in my opinion the price of clothes has gone up and the quality has gone down. As a result I find it very hard to find nice clothes. I am learning to make my own cloths but think this is an option as well. You get a cheap plain top, add some sparklers and voila! look a million dollars on a penny budget. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/t-how-to-embellish-tee.aspx">http://www.simplicity.com/t-how-to-embellish-tee.aspx</a><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. A-Line skirt with no zip or buttons</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Back to that Making your own clothes thing this looks very pretty and I really like the sash. The tutorial looks a tad complicated but once you've read through it, it all becomes rather straight forward. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Quite fancy for a free pattern! </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.themotherhuddle.com/tutorial-simple-a-line-skirt-no-zippers-no-buttons/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.themotherhuddle.com/tutorial-simple-a-line-skirt-no-zippers-no-buttons/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And last but not least my alternative choice </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>6. The Crafters end of Days kit</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://theanticraft.com/images/lugh2007/endofdays3_ZOOM.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Project Name" border="0" height="130" name="project_photo" src="http://theanticraft.com/images/lugh2007/endofdays3.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Featured on one of my absolute favourite crafters Websites, The Anticraft, this kit will help you to get through any alien or zombie attack. This kit includes essential items such as a torch, plasters, a camera, wool and thread snippers. Good Luck!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://theanticraft.com/archive/lugh07/endofdays.htm">http://theanticraft.com/archive/lugh07/endofdays.htm</a></span><br />
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<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-51577765332071338502012-05-14T21:07:00.000+01:002012-05-14T21:07:04.071+01:00<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Revived and revamped I am returning to the world of blog. What started out as an outlet for my uneducated opinions will from now on be my little contribution to the world of part time crafters. I will share my latest findings, creations and the occassional free pattern with you, my interested readers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> I have spent the past year working my little cotton socks off researching, learning and crafting for my one woman business "Pear Tree Cottage". Its all Marias fault. My sister in law encouraged me to sell my creations (which until then were exclusively for friends and family in gift form) and when I sold my first pair of earrings, it was a done deal. The satisfaction of a stranger willing to pay for your creation (without feeling obliged to do so) is second to none. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also want to hear from other crafters who are trying to make it in the harsh world of business, hear about your experiences and maybe share some business tips? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And, this time next year, we will be millionaires! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(In the meantime, check out </span><a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/peartreecottage"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">www.folksy.com/shops/peartreecottage</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIT8Zl6yHWd67h3edP-jBCS8N1S9MIeEP6ydos7szTk_fMxSB5M_ODC9QO2mdmMB4BSyNHZ_ilC8B2nQVTZ1t3MVIS7dl00wqko8572kx0i70Xm8D9DW17z3KOrdpe5mvRkyuihkyGmpn_/s1600/shop+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="35" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIT8Zl6yHWd67h3edP-jBCS8N1S9MIeEP6ydos7szTk_fMxSB5M_ODC9QO2mdmMB4BSyNHZ_ilC8B2nQVTZ1t3MVIS7dl00wqko8572kx0i70Xm8D9DW17z3KOrdpe5mvRkyuihkyGmpn_/s320/shop+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-75599583441355640442011-03-28T10:59:00.000+01:002011-03-28T10:59:14.687+01:00Meine 10 Lieblingsschnulzen - Achtung! Schmalzgefahr!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bfVLzDG9Li2pFSWNOiScWbf7P3EEewzg1PKB_W9IXgrjUWJmK-PjTFK7KhI3SVJcNJp6OdjnENEYmMK7H63fzSWeNmkijb_NN_NZEFvDZOBsu371MJYocW-ekYxQKbJaJwUn3xXysQ8b/s1600/nanamouskouri1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bfVLzDG9Li2pFSWNOiScWbf7P3EEewzg1PKB_W9IXgrjUWJmK-PjTFK7KhI3SVJcNJp6OdjnENEYmMK7H63fzSWeNmkijb_NN_NZEFvDZOBsu371MJYocW-ekYxQKbJaJwUn3xXysQ8b/s200/nanamouskouri1.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Die bevorstehende Hochzeit meiner Schwester hat mich inspiriert ein bisschen in meiner CD kollektion zu stöbern um ein paar Schnulzen fur den Abend der Hochzeit zu finden. Und weil ich ein grosszügiger Mensch bin, teile ich meine Funde gerne... Und leider Gottes muss ich zugeben dass ich fast alle Lieder in dieser “Cheesefest” Hitparade auf Datenträger besitze. Schäm Dich, Marisa! </span></div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">10. Can’t take my eyes off you – Franky Valli<br />
Ein Klassiker auf englischen Hochzeiten bei dem sogar die Oma mittanzt..</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">9. Cherie – Udo Juergens<br />
Dank meiner Mama fest in meine Kindheitserinnerungen geprägt. Danke, Herr Bockelmann. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">8. Gel, du magst mi – Ludwig Hirsch<br />
Wenn man mit viel Radiohören in den 80ern aufwaechst, dann kann man diese Schnulze nicht anhören ohne etwas sentimental zu werden. Bin noch immer ein grosser Ludwig Hirsch Fan!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">7. Jenseits von Eden – Nino de Angelo<br />
Es war entweder dieses Lied oder Matthias Reim.. oder Peter Maffay... oder Carl Peyer... oder Hansi Hinterseer...</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6. Ein bisschen Frieden – Nicole<br />
Zeigt wieder mal was für ein Schwachsinn aus Eurovision herauskommt.... </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ein bisschen Frieden, ein bisschen Sonne</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Für diese Erde, auf der wir wohnen</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ein bisschen Frieden, ein bisschen Freude</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ein bisschen Wärme, das wünsch ich mir</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. Tornero – I Santo California<br />
Nur nach mindestens zwei Flaschen Chianti und mit Vorsicht zu geniessen.. Zur Einstimmung auch eventuell etwas Eros Ramazotti hoeren...</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. Mandy – Barry Manilow<br />
Es war eine schwere Entscheidung zwischen “Copacabana” (Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl...) und Mandy. Der Schnulzenfaktor ist mit diesem Song doch grösser. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT3EOVFtfQA-YDq7jZUba1fP7qmzsEPmePY3SlfybH4t1ioG0V5OpoWrmqmfcGXklOQqLpF4LSR8WQ88ar4l7aM24m8HNauaww9VXbWqU1ZoRFlmhSldd8GyPFLJlkdcO9my_l3B6-Gh7/s1600/Roy%252BBlack%252Broyblack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT3EOVFtfQA-YDq7jZUba1fP7qmzsEPmePY3SlfybH4t1ioG0V5OpoWrmqmfcGXklOQqLpF4LSR8WQ88ar4l7aM24m8HNauaww9VXbWqU1ZoRFlmhSldd8GyPFLJlkdcO9my_l3B6-Gh7/s200/Roy%252BBlack%252Broyblack.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. Ein Schiff wird kommen – Lale Andersen<br />
Ein Klassiker, von dem es so viele Versionen gibt wie ich nur Schlagerfuzzis nennen kann. Ich kann mich noch daran erinnern, als Nana Mouskouri dieses Lied im ORF gesungen hat....Und könnt Ihr Euch noch an “La Paloma” und “Die Gitarre und das Meer” erinnern? </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. Nights in White Satin – the moody blues<br />
Englisch und so kitschig wie sie nur kommen.... LOL!</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Ganz in Weiss – Roy Black<br />
Der unumstrittene Kaiser aller Schnulzen. Bitte alle verbeugen und Respekt bezeugen!!!</span><br />
</div>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-47666859642158923142011-03-01T20:16:00.000+00:002011-03-01T20:16:01.238+00:00I would be such a cool Rockstar!<div class="post-header"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content"><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's a little bit of fun that got passed along to me, and it right up my creative little street.</span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Create Your Own Album:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">1) Go on Wikipedia and select 'Random Article'. The first one you get is the name of your band.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0OfbWiZyHcEDJJ0wHAdYWrAWnbID3KTH-zmHEdFHbbSfCl9C-Ey56a6UHQta3aF2ou9GQ6QplCkozo_kHVWRU8R4M-zIaviesm8lh6xuDC-_TqxRSzGx7fiLS9Uqi7hsRmb7Cchc7Qwc/s1600/AlbumM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0OfbWiZyHcEDJJ0wHAdYWrAWnbID3KTH-zmHEdFHbbSfCl9C-Ey56a6UHQta3aF2ou9GQ6QplCkozo_kHVWRU8R4M-zIaviesm8lh6xuDC-_TqxRSzGx7fiLS9Uqi7hsRmb7Cchc7Qwc/s1600/AlbumM.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">2) Go to Quotationspage.com and select a random quote. The last few words will act as your album title.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">3) Do a virtual trundle over to Flickr.com. Explore the last 7 days. The third picture is your album cover. (You can only right-click to save the thumbnail image, not the full size one on Flickr).</span></div><br />
<div><span style="font-family: arial;">4) Put them all in a Picture-edit-software-esque magic bag (Photoshop to name but one).</span></div><br />
<div><span style="font-family: arial;">5) Tag those people you think will dig it and want to have a bash themselves</span></div><br />
<div><span style="font-family: arial;">NO CHEATING!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">(I'm not quite tecchie enough to actually know how to tag people, so I'm going to do it via Facebook)</span></div></div></div>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-13194795648715972672011-02-16T23:05:00.000+00:002011-02-16T23:05:48.439+00:00a little gem i heard on radio tonight<dl><dt><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;">SAME THING TWICE</span></b> </dt>
<dt> </dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Please stop me if I start to get old<br />
If I start to dress according to the weather<br />
Tell me if you find me blindly doing what I’m told<br />
By some patronising middle aged receptionist called Heather</span> </dt>
<dt> </dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And if you find they’ve got to know me in the doctors<br />
Please give me immediate advice<br />
Always tell me if I start to say the same thing twice</span> </dt>
<dt> </dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Let me know the day that I stop talking loud in pubs<br />
Or start to make a loud noise when I’m drinking<br />
Tell me if I’ve started keeping empty margarine tubs<br />
Or start to read the papers to find out what I’m thinking<br />
And if I smell of anything, and by this I mean absolutely<br />
Anything at all that isn’t nice<br />
Always tell me if I start to say the same thing twice</span> </dt>
<dt> </dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Verdana;">But most of all, please take me on one side if I ever<br />
Start saying things that aren’t what they used to be<br />
That the jokes are not as funny now, the kids are not as clever<br />
That once there was a time when you were more in love with me<br />
Help me feel the same but not care if I don’t<br />
Tell me if I say the same thing twice<br />
And also tell me if I start to say the same thing twice</span> </dt>
<dt> </dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Please stop me if I start to get old<br />
If I start to dress according to the weather<br />
Tell me if you find me blindly doing what I’m told<br />
By some patronising middle aged receptionist called Heather<br />
Help me the same but not care if I don’t<br />
Tell me if I say the same thing twice<br />
And also tell me if I start to say the same thing twice</span> </dt>
<dt> </dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Music and Lyrics by TIM FIRTH</span> </dt>
</dl>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-50841324472411677122011-02-08T16:18:00.002+00:002011-02-08T16:20:55.728+00:00Deutsch or English?<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jumping on the bandwagon and inspired by my talented writing better half I hereby give birth to my own blog - ta da! </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were a number of very difficult, life changing decisions to make in the past 2 minutes... What to call my brain child? Should it be catchy, factual or just eccentric? Should it reflect my adventurous and exciting life in the shropshire plains? And most importantly, what language should it be in? I am torn between enlightening the Austrian half of my aquaintances and the lucky (or not so lucky) British who had the pleasure of meeting me.. I have decided to keep this one open. So, interested reader, I am keeping you in suspense eagerly expecting my exile Austrian, divorcee come happy mum living in the rural jungle of Shropshire views of the world. Keep your dictionaries by your side! </span>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097277545722013509.post-18107657580781317882011-02-07T17:11:00.004+00:002011-02-08T16:23:29.212+00:00Long way round?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I left Austria 11 years ago. I lived in Helsinki before I ventured to Great Britain. I lived in Oxfordshire, Manchester, Cornwall and Plymouth before settling in the Shropshire plains. So, here I am. In a village even smaller than the one I left.... </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back home I bumped into some locals in the pub I hadn’t seen for the best part of 10 years. They were very interested in my life in the UK (being not just an exile villager but also the local landlords daughter and having rather proud parents who keep everybody well informed I do attract a certain amount of attention). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I explained that I now dwelled in the Shropshire plains in a significantly smaller village they pointed out that I might as well have stayed at home... hmmm... I laughed about it at the time but it did make me think. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the tender age of 20 I wanted to see the world, experience other cultures, do weird, wonderful and amazing things and be everywhere else but at home. I did nothing by half – visiting a country wasn’t quite enough, I had to live it, breath it, eat and smell it (and drink quite a lot of its alcohol in the progress). Clueless, fearless and curious I floated through my early twenties collecting stories to tell my grandchildren. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now? The only adventure I embark on is the fight with middle aged mothers over the “reduced” items in the meat isle in Tesco. Recently my sister in law and me spent an entire evening tracking down the name of her daughters’ favourite Bratz doll. The excitement I felt when we finally pressed the “Order” button on Amazon I could only describe as “orgasmic”. My days are filled with dirty nappies, dirty laundry, hoovering and dusting occasionally interrupted by blowing raspberries, drying tears after the 20<sup>th</sup> tumble of the day, making bottles and brushing varieties of crumbs off my clothes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sounds familiar? Most women my age with young families will nod in agreement. Would my life be the same had I stayed in Austria? Most probably yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I become the super cool granny I am going to be? Not by a long way! Peace and love man! I’d do it all exactly the same way again.... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Marisa, Marsha, Marista, Mauritius, Morticia... oh, just call me Doris!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09609742084281795071noreply@blogger.com0