Archive for February, 2008

:: Square-o-rama!

Posted by Kirsty on February 28, 2008 | Permalink

So, I’ve made a lot of squares. A lot of squares. Soon these squares will become a blanket, bordered in beautiful sage green yarn, but until I begin that task, I’m quite happy looking at my pile of squares.

It’s actually quite useful that I’m behind schedule on this project - the intended recipient is due in two weeks and I thought I’d have it done by now - as whenever I make or buy a present for someone I get childishly impatient to give it to them. Partly, it’s that I’m so excited that I’ve found or made something that I’m really pleased with and I want the person to be able to enjoy it straight away, but partly it’s that I’m scared someone will give them the same or a cooler present before I get to! I know, I’m a loon.

Categories: craft
Tags: baby blanket, crochet, squares

1 comment

:: Ahh, that’s better.

Posted by Vanessa on February 28, 2008 | Permalink

Luckily, I came home to TV, internet and a working phone!
And without further ado; I’ve been thinking about plates a lot lately (stay with me, please). We have some lovely simple plates that our friends gave to us, and some quite basic IKEA-y ones we got for ourselves a while back. But I’ve a craving for some more decorative ‘for best’ style plates, like this one from CB2. My strange plate longing was inspired by a designer in the back of a magazine that I have long since lost and it’s driving me crazy. Her plates were decorated similarly to the one pictured, only, well, more exciting (and pricier). Does anyone have the slightest idea what I’m talking about? A further hunt around ebay hasn’t inspired me further. I don’t think I want vintage plates though I’m a fan of some vintage patterns - I think I want something modern and elegant. You know, to go with my unrealised idea of the perfect dinner party where I don’t get all hot and flustered and yell at anyone who comes into the kitchen. Expect further plate-ery…

Appetizer plate from CB2. for $2.50

Categories: about us, shopping, style
Tags: elegance, plates, style

3 comments

:: Please hold…

Posted by Vanessa on February 27, 2008 | Permalink

I like to start my posts with nice colourful pictures. This is helped greatly by powerlines not falling behind my apartment and leaving me without the internet, TV or a landline. I have to say though that the loss of my conventional time-wasting methods has produced a flurry of cleaning, cooking and general productivity around the house. My kitchen is as close to gleaming as it ever gets. My $1 green gingham dress (a mistake as a dress) is being snipped up to become a bag. I’m dreaming of an improptu dinner party. Perhaps I should be grateful for the radio silence… but no.

I still want my internet back!

Categories: los angeles
Tags:

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:: Make time - meet Clothkits

Posted by Joelle on February 24, 2008 | Permalink

I’m filled with a mixture of relief and excitement tonight, after visiting the Clothkits launch at the Kids.Modern show today. Turns out I was actually kind of nervous about it. I’ve got such warm nostalgia for the old 70s brand, and had long harboured ideas about trying to relaunch a similar thing, so I was worried that the new owner, Kay Mawer, and the new designs would not live up to my high hopes.
Read more…

Categories: craft, shopping
Tags: annabel waterman, birds, clothkits, colour, flowers, jane foster, kids.modern, kits, rob ryan, scandinavian design, sewing

9 comments

:: Saturday afternoon, the way I like it

Posted by Joelle on February 23, 2008 | Permalink

Since investing in some measuring cups a few weeks ago, I’ve been able to get even more enjoyment from my favourite American food blogs like the delicious Orangette. This afternoon has been made perfect by the addition of these heavenly pistachio, oat and apricot cookies to the holy trinity of sofa, newspaper and a pot of tea. Contentment itself.

Go see for yourself - the recipe is here.

Categories: recipes
Tags: cookies, saturday afternoons

7 comments

:: Love and Haight

Posted by Vanessa on February 22, 2008 | Permalink

When I told my mum that Stephen and I had been to Haight/Ashbury, it sounded like her face lit up (over the phone, see). A big time seventies hippy, my mum had heard plenty about Haight and had always wanted to see it. I don’t know how much it’s changed, but it reminded me of a hybrid Melrose-Venice Beach; small boutique shops, incense-and-scarves-selling shops, hipster shops, and the original Amoeba records. It was lovely walking around in the sunshine, taking in the bustle. I had the best orange juice ever in a cafe just on this stretch and I can’t remember the name of the place, darn it! In the fabric shop pictured, a woman with very purple hair told me where the Singer shop was located since she had sold out of magnetic edge guides. Everyone seemed helpful and charming - recommending the best cookie, or helping us figure out which way the Golden Gate bridge was. All in all, one more lovely way to spend time in San Francisco.

Categories: local guide, shopping, style
Tags: Haight Asbbury, san francisco, shopping, wandering

10 comments

:: Teddies for tragedies

Posted by Joelle on February 21, 2008 | Permalink

Here’s a rather heartwarming craft project for anyone with a few ends of wool who wants to put their needles to good use. Teddies for Tragedies is a site offering a simple pattern for a knitted or crocheted bear, destined to travel with a charity or aid worker to a child in need of a teddy. Some have travelled to refugee camps, some to hospitals, some to areas damaged by natural disasters. They are rather sweet don’t you think?

Three ways to help:
- make some teddies! The patterns are here, which look simple enough. Make sure to follow the checklist to ensure they meet safety rules.
- help the teddies to travel. If you know any charities, volunteers or aid workers who could deliver some where they are needed, let them know about the scheme
- help promote the teddies on your blog or amongst your crafty friends.

Thanks to my lovely Mum for telling me about these. Hello Ma!

Categories: adventure, craft
Tags: children, craft, crochet, knitting, teddies

3 comments

:: Oh baby

Posted by Joelle on February 21, 2008 | Permalink

What is going on round here? Is everybody conspiring to make me hopelessly, inconceivably broody? Read more…

Categories: adventure, design, london
Tags: babies

8 comments

:: Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Posted by Kirsty on February 21, 2008 | Permalink

Okay, so I’m a bit late, but I just had to share my lovely, vibrant Chinese New Year parade photos wth you all. I tend to err on the lazy side of life, so even now I’m surrounded by a thousand things to do in London, I, well, don’t. This must change! If you’re canny, there is plenty of free and cheap entertainment, culture, and fun to be had in many a city. For now, though, just clicky to enjoy my favourite photos from the day.

Read more…

Categories: adventure, london
Tags: chinese new year, colour, london

1 comment

:: February 10 - Beat the funk!

Posted by Vanessa on February 19, 2008 | Permalink

I’ve just been back from San Francisco a day, but as I could just as easily make this a list of things I love about San Francisco I’ll at least put at:

:: 1 - The fact that SF has a ‘Twin Peaks’ much like one of my favourite TV series, but in this case it’s two hills atop which you can see a spectacular view of the city.

:: 2 - My new earrings made by fearfulpenguin which are rainbow coloured and lovely.

:: 3 - Pinot noir, and my newly found love of seafood - I used to be a bit scared of eating it but now I’ll try almost anything (bar raw oysters). Read more…

Categories: adventure
Tags: inspiration, little things, san francisco

2 comments