This, in my opinion, is a really cute kid.

Larraby

We have had so much fun exploring our new home, there have been adventures abound.
No tv, no computer and very infrequent phone reception. BLISS

Every day saw us rise early, build a fire and breakfast on the verandah overlooking the creek and ruins.
Very early to bed, usually completely exhausted but in a good way.
Lots of knitting and reading and playing, we searched and searched for faeries. I think we may have found evidence of their existence within a "story" tree.
The "story" tree was named so, because every time we visited, it prompted Mia to ask about me, when I was a little girl.
I find it interesting that she is so curious to know about me.
I see her struggle with the notion that I was, once, little, just like her.

Mostly I make up fantastic tales.
Sometimes stories, that are relevant to some of her trials and tribulations. I watch her closely, and when she makes a connection between my stories and her life, her little face lights up. JOY

My best friend Larry, pictured below, joined us on our short break.

He has aged much in the last 2 years, it breaks my heart to think of him not being under my feet. He has been my faithful shadow for 11 years now.

New beginnings....again....

Soon, very soon, we are moving here.
An adventure in Waldorf education, and lessons in Steiner's teachings will be undertaken.

I really really really need one of these........

This young woman pictured below

turned 21 years of age on the 25th of May 2010.
Pictured with Laura is her future husband Luke.

These two amazing young people announced their engagement earlier in the year.

So it was a whirlwind trip to Queensland to attend Laura's party, and to also spend the actual day of her birth together.
We looked at bridal dresses on one day, to me it seemed every gown Laura tried on was stunning.
The lump that formed in my throat with every dress that was being tried on was becoming increasingly difficult to swallow.
How did it 'happen', how am I even old enough to have a 21 year old daughter let alone a daughter that is soon to be married ?

How did she turn out to be such an amazing, beautiful young woman ?
A young woamn who has her head screwed squarely on her shoulders.
A brave young woman who isn't frightened to say 'no', a careing, happy, healthy, well adjusted young woman who's smile is so completely infectious and an equally contagious laugh.



HOW DID I GET IT SO RIGHT ?

Ishbel # 2 Done and Dusted

I'm not sure why this proved more challenging than the first one. The amount of mistakes and unravelling that took place with Ishbel # 2, would have driven a saint to drink.
The yarn is Manos del Uruguay, Silk Blend. 30% silk 70% merino.
Colour 3043 Juniper

2 and a bit skeins

Now I am planning how to make this in a doll size version.

Glutton for punishment, I am.

This little girl............

Mia turned 4 on the 3rd of March.

Her special present was "Sally", made by Jenny from www.littlejennywren.blogspot.com

Sally is a beautifully made doll with exquisitely made little clothes. If you look close you can see the gorgeous little cable and bobble pattern on her jumper.

This has prompted more requests from Mia for matching clothing, as some of Sally's clothing has been made from fabrics I have used in making Mia's clothing.

I love that Mia is happy to wear whatever I make, and the majority of her wardrobe is made by myself, and most of her knitwear made by my mum.

I remember a beautiful, red corduroy pinafore with strawberries transfered on the front brace made by mum. Also a coat, not sure if it was patchworked or not but it had lots and lots of colours. Always reminds me of the story pf Joseph and his coat of many colours.

But what sticks in my memory the most was a fairisle jumper knit for me when I was 12. Obviously outgrown it now, but I remember the undyed nature of the wool and the faint lanolin smell.