Mad Quilter

It's just not FAIR!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:32:04 PST

One of my children just loves to scream, "It's just not fair!" Usually screamed at another sibling, or me, or just life as a whole. Life really isn't fair. Something I tell my kids often, a lesson they seem to be learning slowly. Makes me ponder, why do many of us believe life should be fair? Does it make us feel safe, by believing there is a set of fairness rules for life? How my children

Hat, hat and more hats!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:40:54 PST

Sweetpea hat I spent a happy weekend working through the Craftsy Course Learn to Knit Hats four ways. Wheeler I really enjoyed the course. Even though this course is aimed at beginners there were still a few little tricks I learned. There are 3 hat patterns included in the Course Materials. I enjoyed knitting along with Stefanie Japel Sweet Pea again I tried a couple of

You're worse than a reformed smoker!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:26:02 PDT

I had a huge chuckle when Pete threw at me today..."You're worse than a reformed smoker!!" He's right you know! I just want to shake some people and tell 'em. "Wake up! You're killing yourself!" "You are beautiful, you are worthy, you need to love yourself!" " You deserve to be here for as long as you can." "The world needs you!" I walked past a beautiful, tender young mother in the shopping

One-skein knit shrug

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:20:31 PDT

I've been getting emails with offers for joining Craftsy. I've ignored them mostly, then I took a little peak and found they had a FREE workshop with Stefanie Japel One-Skein Knit Shrug The pattern is free with the workshop. I really enjoyed the workshop and ended up buying a couple of the courses. psst...Size 9 Jeans west jeans ;-) I knitted my shrug in my handspun yarn. The

handspun and knit socks.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:43:02 PDT

It's been a while since I made socks.My stash of handspun is getting out of hand so time to get some knitting done. I spun the yarn from a Lucinvale fleece, I dyed with Earth Palette dyes.It's not a particularly soft fibre so will wear well for socks. I'm not a snob with fibres or fabrics.I've been working with fibres and fabrics long enough to know they all have their place.I like a fibre with a

Was it easy for me?

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:11:29 PDT

"It was easy for you to lose the weight!" I know why people make such an inane comment, that belittles my weight loss. They do it because they think anyone who loses the weight it is easy for. It makes them feel better about not having lost the weight themselves. I too made those excuses. It was too hard for me to lose weight, I have 7 kids under 14 years, I have a husband who works away

Oh so far.....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:35:29 PDT

Taken 25th September 2010 Taken 19th September 2011 Today I wore a swimsuit, I went to the local pool and swam my first lap in about...I have no idea! Must be at least 20 years at least.

Silk, merino, glitz and bunny OH MY!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:12:15 PDT

The fiber was from a Batt Club from Jane at Moseley Park I chose a simple pattern to show off the beauty of this yarn. Josephine shawl I added a crochet shell edge.

Where's Ollie?

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:59:21 PDT

Sleeping in a pile of fleece!

Spin and weave

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:52:48 PDT

Spun from Lucinvale fleece, that I dyed with Earth Palette Rubin.I left this as a single yarn which I heavily fulled to add strength.The fulling must of worked as I was able to use the yarn in the warp with no breakage. I love the texture and colour in this scarf.It's already gone to a new home.

Spin, weave, sew

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:43:16 PDT

Romney X fleece from Lucinvale.Spun and plied on itself. I spun mostly from the fold of the lock.Woven on an Ashford Knitters loom into fabric. Sewn into little drawstring bags.Embellished with crochet flowers also from handspun yarn. Amazing how much I get done when I'm not surfing the web for inspiration!

Interweave Fall 2011

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:32:00 PDT

I love a good knitting magazine.I do try to resist buying them as I have way too many now.Interweave Knits Fall 2011 was too good to walk past in the newsagents. Yarn: ShiverPattern: Pembroke WrapThis took less than a day to knit.I bought the Shiver at spotlight on special for 50c a ball.It's a soft acrylic and has been in the stash for a couple of years now.

From fleece, to yarn, to skirt

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:07:17 PDT

There is great satisfaction in taking a fleece.Washing it, combing it, spinning it, washing the yarn and knitting it. To produce something wearable.Pattern: Bryn Mawr skirt - Interweave Knits fall 2011 I spun the fleece by grabbing handfuls at random and spinning from the lock.This lead to the lovely variation in the colour.The yarn was plied on it self.The fleece was incredibly soft a Finn X

Halloween

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:44:34 PDT

Bliss...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 06:19:54 PDT

Two cups of skim milk Cappuccino, an hour of uninterrupted knitting, reading emags and NO children! What more could a mum want...to come home and do an 8km run before starting dinner.

Scream!!!!!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:25:32 PDT

I didn't realize I was the first woman over the finish line and left after the run.Turns out I won a medal and some cash! Not bad for a 44 year old mum of 7. All goes to prove it's never too late to get fit and fabulous!

How much yarn is in that ball? A simple way to work it out!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:36:34 PDT

I have lots of balls of yarn sitting around that I have partly used and have no idea how many meters are left. This is what I worked out to do....It's the maths teacher approach ( in a former life I was a maths teacher!!) Here 10 meters of yarn = 12 grams Measure out ten meters from the ball, make a little ball around your hand, without breaking the yarn.Measure the weight of the little ball

Another Goal Kicked!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:43:54 PDT

Way back on February the 2nd I set myself a few goals.Even wrote them down.To loose 30kgs and run in the Jamestown Fun Run. crossing the finish line ..Time of 27:01:83 Today all my goals are complete.I need to set myself a few more goals. From Obese Couch Potato to Fit Fabulous Forty+ in 10 months! Dreams do come true, it takes an hour a day.

Challenge completed

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 03:00:24 PDT

We made it. Ten playgrounds in one day! One in Alford and three in Port Pirie.I didn't take a photo of the fast food outlet playground. The last one, at the beach, we made just on dusk!Home safe and sound. All tired and happy from our adventures. I'm trying to work out how far I drove today, I'll estimate about 400kms.

The playground challenge update

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:19:56 PDT

We're up to six now.We logged two in Port Broughton and two in Kadina.Will we make 10???We've done a little Geocaching along the way. Found one, missed one.

Today's challenge!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:00:52 PDT

Today we are aiming for 10 playgrounds in one day!Pete had taken James, Liam and Lilly away for a few days to visit friends. Leaving Rose, Fern, Michael, Heather and I with the other car and lots of school holidays to explore!First stop was Gladstone! One park down.Second stop Crystal Brook. Now which way do we go from here?We might just flip a coin and see which road we head down next.Will be

From Humpty Doo

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:43:33 PDT

Do you know where Humpty Doo is? I do! Today's mail brought a parcel from Humpty Doo(I do like saying Humpty Doo, it makes me smile to say it.)I've been through Humpty Doo a few times, mostly on a bus on my way to or from Darwin. Vickie kindly sent me this parcel.I commented on her blog and won her give away! Heather helped me open the parcel and prompty ran away with the contents.She was

A memory to hold onto....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:17:55 PDT

As I sat and spun this morning Heather climbed onto my lap for a snuggle. My baby in my arms, fiber in my hands and the rhythmic movement of hands and wheel. Just so special a moment I want to remember forever I SMS'd for Pete to come take a photo.

A sunny creative happy week.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 16:27:51 PDT

The weather has been glorius here.The sun shining and the warmth returning.I've been taking advantage of the weather to get some fleeces washed.I've dyed up a few skeins of commercial wool.And dyed two fleeces. I'm already spinning this one up.I've carded most of it on the Ashford wild carder.I picked up a couple of Lucinvale fleeces cheap as they are last years.I wanted to get them washed to

My creative space

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:24:00 PDT

I love spring! Sunny mornings spent spinning outside, while watching the kids play. Total bliss!

Today's outfit....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:03:22 PDT

Being brave here! My new running outfit of runners tights and top! No room for the shapewear when I'm running!Today's daywear... Big W skirt worn over leggings and topped with a Valley Girl light knit cardigan worn over a Cross Roads basic long sleeved T

Today's outfit......

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:35:31 PDT

I have just had a huge shopping trip in the city. Spent lots and bought lots. Most exciting were my New Balance runners and runners leggings!! Now I look the part, just need to work on the speed.I caught up with friends and family. Was spoiled with lots of praise and compliments.Lots of sales in the clothing stores so my goal money went far. I had so much fun trying on lots of different items.

Keeping the doona in the cover!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:21:02 PDT

Here is my latest idea. My doonas are always getting scrunched up in the covers. My solution is to use my snap press. I put snaps into each corner of the doona. Then the sockets of the snaps into the inside corners of the doona covers, I put them in the seam allowance so the snaps would be hidden. Now snap the doona to the cover and turn the right way! Simple. Now off to test if it works. I may

An inspiration board for your iphone!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:35:12 PDT

I had so much fun today playing with this app! The App is KraftMyStyleIt allows you to montage photos together and create a style board I plan on using it to inspire me to createall sorts of things! All the photos were taken with my iphone.I grouped them with a theme.The Native one will be a hat next week! It's a free App!

Sunny mornings

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:02:14 PDT

Good Morning Readers. I rolled out of bed at 6:30am this morning and took myself for a jog around the block. Half way around I was crying! Not because I was sad but because I was happy! I've come so far in the last 8 months both physically and mentally. This mornings revelation on my run was that the vacant spot inside, I'd been filling so long with food, approval from others and stuff, was

While I was out running this morning.....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 23:23:32 PDT

Dear Readers, While I was out running this morning .....( I still get a buzz from telling others I run!!) I was thinking a lot about everything. I love running the way my mind moves from one great revelation to another. I can solve the world's entire problems in my mind while I run. It's a beautiful sunny day today and I ran my 4kms in 32 minutes, not bad for a woman who struggled to walk 20

Knitting with Hanspun

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:03:21 PDT

Pattern: Shrug ThisHeavily modified.I made it longer, used 8mm needles,and I added some shaping to the bottom. I knitted the top in some of my handspun yarn.The yarn was spun from one of Jane's beautiful blended batts. I used one of Spinningwoodies handmade buttons.

Happy Birthday Rose! Where did 11 years go??

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:49:04 PDT

Hard to believe how fast 11 years can fly by.Sorry Sue, Janene, Josh and everyone else for being so slow putting up the birthday girl photos. Rose decorated her own cakewith yummy strawberries. The kids had lots of fun breaking open the pinata.

Mt Remarkable

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 03:46:45 PDT

Rose and I headed back to Melrose.Today was beautiful, sunny and a little warm.The perfect day to attempt a climb of the mountain. Rose set the pace.She had me almost power walking up the mountain! We stopped at a huge rock for a rest. And we climbed higher and higher.Past the remains of a plan that crashed into the mountain in 1980. It took us almost 2 hours to make the 6 km climb to the

Renewal and new beginnings...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:36:03 PDT

This morning as I did a sprints session on the block next door.I found the first Jonquils had flowered.I looked up and saw the almonds in blossom too.Spring is on it's way a time of renewal and rebirth.Pretty fitting for me too!I see hope everywhere these days.My glass is more than half full.Instead of seeing the negative, I'm see the positives in my life.And I do have a lot of positives! I

Dear Diary....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:05:19 PDT

Since taking the comments off I feel like I'm writing a diary rather than a public blog. I feel safer to say what I want to say in many ways. Yesterday felt a lot like Christmas used to feel like when I was a kid. I'd anticipated and dreamed of the day so often. Thank you to everyone who sent me emails congratulating me. I could not of made such huge changes to my life without the love and

Goal!!!!!!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:59:09 PDT

I did it!Time for a new hair cut and outfit. Goodbye Obesity!Goodbye Plus size clothing!Goodbye Fat Hello FitHello cute little summer dresses, hurry up summer!!Hello shorts! Hello swim suits.Hello health and energy. I am NEVER going back.

Fibre clubs.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 06:35:27 PDT

EL spun from the lock and plied with itself. June's Fibre clubs are all spun up.I loved spinning both. EL spun in the lock letting the tips hang out. Plied with silk Incredibly soft angora bunny and silk. Suri Alpaca and silk. Oh so yummy. One of Kathy's beautiful batts plied with EL X Merino from Jane. Another of Kathy's batt plied with EL from Jane We are loving school

School Holiday fun

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:00:47 PDT

The school holidays are just whizzing by. We've been having a cold snap here.The fire has been needed to keep us all warm. It is all hands on deck when we get a firewood delivery. The Teen managed to get out of her PJ's to help. Heather helped out to.She loves to join in. We've only managed one trip to the park.It's been so cold and wet here. Sausage sizzles at the park are a favorite thing

Fiber club goodness... June

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:43:11 PDT

English Leicester, carefully washed to preserve staple Jane is running two fibre clubs at present.One is a natural Fibre club and the other Dyed. The July installment arrived yesterday.I need to get some photos of it later.My wheel has been packed away of late.Heather is fascinated with it and likes to stretch out the springs!Thanks to the lovely Kathy, who sent me a couple of replacement

Day 2 and 3 Of school Holidays.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:23:05 PDT

Day 2 - SundayRose had a sleep over guest.Too wet to go the park again so we settled for an itunes movie on the AppleTVWe all enjoyed chocolate dipped strawberries.I worked them out at 1 ProPoint each.5 ProPoints later.....They were nice. We had to use white chocolate.Mr Nobody had visited again and all the milk chocolate had disappeared from the fridge.The usual culprit is in Tennant Creek!

Running, jumping and playing

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 15:55:39 PDT

I've fought depression on and off most of my adult life.Being obese didn't help.Does depression cause weight gain or does weight gain cause depression?Who knows? but the two are very strongly linked.Interesting read HERE Getting fit and healthy to live an active happy lifeis not just about losing weight.I need to do something about my mental health too.If I don't work on my mental health then

School Holiday fun

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 15:19:59 PDT

First day of the school holidays.It was wet and cold outside, so no trip to the park today.Instead the kids organised themselves to make biscuits.Wendy bought them a cookie cutter set with over 100 cutters in it. Everyone helped with Rose directing the action.She's a little bossy... I wonder where she gets that from? Michael joined in, as you can see by the amount of flour on his jacket. No

What you give out, is what you get back.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:44:45 PDT

With spending less time on the computer. I'm doing more with the kids and house.When I'm restless I would normally head to the computer to entertain me now I'm looking for other options.Yesterday Heather, Michael and I headed out shopping.Things went well for a little while.We had a lovely morning tea. Vanilla slice for the kids and a skinny cap for me.The kids were happy and I was happy. Then I

You gotta have goals!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:23:53 PDT

1st of March 2005, over 105kgs! Bronnie asked, "Couldn't you find a worst before photo?"Well Bronnie, I CAN! I've been asked many times, "How have you done it?"So here it is, I've put together a few of my blog posts from my Weight Watcher blog.If you are bored with life, if you don't get up every morning with a burning desire to do things--you don't have enough goals. ~ Lou Holtz Quotes

A lovely day

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:33:56 PDT

Michael, Heather and I had a lovely day out at the parks today.I was a pirate captain and Michael my first mate.I climbed on the play equipment with him and slide down the slide.And my bum actually did fit in the slide!I'm being the mum I want to be, one who is present with her kids.I have the energy and focus to play. While traveling over to Laura to play at the park I was listening to ABC

Comparisons.....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:16:01 PDT

From early on I've been told not to compare my kids to others. That this wasn't a good thing to do. I heard the message but didn't really understand why it was so important. I'm a shocker at comparing myself to others and finding myself not measuring up. Be it the blog, my weight, my mothering, my house or even my possessions. For years I've allowed myself to do this and the result is poor

Sometimes.....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:07:19 PDT

....we just need to accept and move on. .........we just need to let go and work with what life sends us. Maybe things happen for a reason or maybe not. There comes a time when we have to face ourselves and admit it. Admit we create our own problems and we need to create our own solutions. I'm addicted to forums. I spend lots of time there, time I should be spending on house work and

Rosa

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:07:51 PDT

Pattern : Rosa's Sleeveless CardiYarn: Moda Vera CharlotteNeedles: 8mm I'm not that happy with this knit. I think because the yarn I chose to knit it in was too bulkyand the garment doesn't drape well. It's bulky and very unflattering to my emerging waistline.I might try it with one of those wide belts?The neckline is also too wide also due to my choice of yarn. Being Mohair I am not going to rip

Thimble Pip tutorial, great for stitch markers!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 03:44:42 PDT

Mad Quilter'sThimble Pip Tutorial or Stitch Marker Keeper I remember Thimble Pips from my childhood.Called that as they were used to keep your thimble safe and I guess because they are in the shape of a pip!I loved playing with them squeezing them open.They were often made with scraps of luxurious fabrics like silk and satinand embroidered with beautiful stitch work. Let's start by making the

Stitch Markers Tutorial

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:47:48 PDT

Stitch Markers are so easy, cheap and fun to make.You probably really don't need a tutorial to work it out!But here goes anyway. Run off to the nearest $2 shop and get yourself a cheap set of pliers.This set cost me $10 from Cheap as Chips here in SAOr maybe you already have a set? You really only need one with a side cutter on it.But the set was cheap and handy. Also from Cheap as Chips.A

Self Sabotage....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:08:17 PDT

I'm still 3kg to go to goal.But I'm struggling staying on track.The exercise I'm doing easy and loving.It the food I'm wrestling with again. You'd think fitting into size 10 jeans would be all the inspiration I need to stay on track.But you'd be wrong it seems.The bad habits are sneaking in.The self talk goes .."oh, you've done so well. Go on you can have a chocolate eclair with that coffee"Or

Happy 9th Birthday Liam and another yarn

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:08:42 PDT

Happy Birthday to Liam.It's become a tradition here for the birthday child to decorate their own cake.We get very interesting masterpieces.No cake for mummy as I had a weigh in the next morning. I made a sock weight yarn this time.spun from a ply of EL X Merino and a ply of Coopworth.Both fleeces I bought from Jane at Moseley Park.A pair of socks for me.The advantage of all this spinning is it

New yarns

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:09:15 PDT

One of Kathy's beautiful batts plied with some of her dyed silk tops.My spinning is really starting to get there.I'm really pleased with my progress in learning to spin.I'm self taught using the internet, videos and books. My sister told my mum..."Tracy can do anything when she sets her mind to it."I was rather taken back by the compliment.Donna was referring to my weight loss.I've always

I have a fine yarn to tell you...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:09:41 PDT

If you could have a dream come true and it meant spending an hour a day working on it, would you do it? Merino spun fine I'm spending an hour a day making my dream come true.I call it Project Big.It was a BIG project but now it's not so BIG. I started Project Big on 02 February this year.When I started I wasn't sure I could complete it.It was a huge project.Project Big was inspired by

Playing with scraps

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 23:59:47 PDT

I'm terrible at keeping scraps.Today I decided to use up a few of the off cuts. I dug out a t-shirt of Heather's and traced around it.Then I played with flaring the side seam.I changed it to a raglan. Once happy with the shapes I got to work digging through the scraps. She really did like it!But while modeling fell off the mini tramp. I rather like the result. Heather quickly brightened up

When the going gets tough, it's time to go sewing

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 21:39:22 PDT

I like to escape to the shed when stressed.It's either that or eat!I played around with the Sew Simple Dress I drafted for Heather.I altered the front, making a crossover neckline.I traced off my original draft and played around with the line.If you do the same, remember the seam allowances!Did anyone want a copy of my neckline variation?Send me an email if you do and I'll email it to you. The

What I'm doing today....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:45:57 PDT

I'm moulding Chocolate eggs. Preparing for Sunday's Egg Hunt. A little messy but I'm sure they'll still taste great! Boiling eggs for lunch.I found this great little gadget to help me get the eggs just right. Now everyone can have an egg just as they like them. I like mine with rummy yolks so I can dip my soldiers in. I've been baking Hot Cross BunsThe recipe is from HEREThis is the third

Our Holiday Monsters

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:54:11 PDT

There are some fabulously talented and inspiring women writing blogs.One of them is Jenny at ..Ohjoh.. After reading her blog yesterday I decided to plagerise her Holiday Monsters.I did leave her a message and tell her I was about to steal her idea! The kids started by drawing their monsters.Half way through the process I felt like banging my head against the wall. Rose had her third round of

I love the park

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 06:13:47 PDT

I really appreciate a good play ground and park.Our local one is wonderful.Lots of green grass to run and play on.Lots of play equipment to swing, climb, rock and jump on.And lovely free BBQ's, cleaned by the local council staff who do a fabulous job. We've had pancakes on the BBQ twice this week!We had so much fun the first time we had to go back and do it again.The perfect place to meet up

Sew Simple Dress - Size 6 Years! Free Pattern

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:28:33 PDT

MAD QUILTER'SSEW SIMPLE DRESSSIZE 6 DOWNLOAD THE FREE PATTERN CLICK HERE! It will take a little work to cut and paste the 6 pages together!The construction instructions are the same as Heather's Sew Simple DressLINK TO CONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTIONS I made the sleeves a little longer in Lilly's dress.You may want to experiment in making a long sleeve version. I played around with adding a contrast

Mummy Day Off

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 00:41:25 PDT

Every now and again I need a day off.A day away from the kids, a rest from the noise and dramas.Before kids I lived on my own for 10 years.Now I wish I had enjoyed that alone time much more than I did!.I took myself off to Burra today.I got to listen to my choice of music in the car.I wandered around Antique shops with no one demanding a loo.I got to eat my lunch all by myself. I enjoyed chatting

Marshmallow Adventures

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:31:28 PDT

Who doesn't have a photo of a baby covered in food?And aren't they always the cutest photos.Heather has been supervising the making of Marshmallow Bunnies.We both are now suffering from sugar highs.Well we did have to taste test and clean the bowls. I made two batches this morning.I wanted to test out the moulds.A bit of a disaster so far but I'm learning a few tricks as I go along. I used this

A rather dorkey Easter bunny

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:11:28 PDT

Mad Quilter'sDorkey Rabbit Why Dorkey?Well I think it looks a little dorkey. I chatted to my friend Bronnie about Dorkey Bunny.I wasn't sure if I should share his pattern as he is rather dorkey in my opinion.Everyone has different tastes, someone might like him, said Bronnie DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN HERE I used calico and a scrap of quilting fabric to make the pocket.Cut 2 of the rabbit.Cut 1 of

Sew Simple Pants - FREE Toddler pants pattern

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 22:09:34 PDT

Mad Quilter'sSew Simple PantsDOWNLOAD PATTERN HERE Stretch fabrics ONLY.These are designed to be snug around the lower leg to stop them riding up and leaving Heather's legs cold. Her feet are cold enough as she never keeps shoes or sock on!I put a bit of room in the bottom and a higher rise at the back to accommodate her nappy. This pattern was designed for Heather who is 16 months old, with

Sew Simple Dress (long sleeves) - FREE Pattern!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 21:05:50 PDT

Mad Quilter'sLong Sleeve Sew Simple Dress SLEEVE PDF DOWNLOAD HEREDRESS DOWNLOAD HERE SEWING INSTRUCTIONS HERE When making the long sleeve version you attach the sleeve to the dress pattern as in the photo above.If you find your fabric isn't wide enough to cut the dress as the sleeve is placed you can do as I did and swing the sleeve closer to the body. Like here. As this is stretch fabric

Taking my Bat and ball and going off to sulk for awhile

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:34:27 PDT

Sorry if the photo isn't up to standard! You can pinch it without asking I'm going on a Net Break.I'm taking my bat and ball and going home.I don't like the rules and I don't want to play. I'm off to have a sulk.Be back when I'm a little more grown up.

More Sew Simple dresses and a Rant

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:53:47 PDT

I had a little more time last night in the shed sewing.I made up another short sleeves Sew Simple and drafted up a long sleeve version too. I made the long sleeve version in velour.Added a couple of doily pockets.The longer sleeves should keep Heather a little warmer in Autumn.I'm debating if I will make this one available as a free pattern. I'm feeling a little grumpy with the web world right

Sew Simple Dress - FREE Pattern!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 21:13:01 PDT

Mad Quilter's Sew Simple Toddlers DressSize 12 to 18 months. I love stretch fabric.Sew easy, sew forgiving.I saw a dress my friend Tas had made for her Daughter and I loved it.I was inspired to design and draft a similar style of dress. As you can see this is very simple the back and front are cut the same.Then the front neckline is cut.The sleeves are grown onto the dress.So there are only

You have to have a goal to achieve a goal

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:57:58 PDT

Alpaca fleece and tops - Bought at the Laura Folk fair I've been thinking, I do that sometimes.Thinking about goals. About how important they really are to our lives.How having goals makes me feel good about myself.How goals give me focus, purpose and direction.When I'm depressed I don't set myself goals. I've been working on a BIG project.When I started I wasn't sure I would finish.Now I'm

RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:57:48 PDT

Wild Things.....They make my heart sing....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:14:02 PDT

Wild Thing No. 1Wants to be a princess but at times is more like a troll.Her scream is ear piercing and heard often of late.Another phase I hope will pass quickly Wild Thing No.2A better behaved Wild Thing that does as it's told.My new Wild Carder!I've been playing lots with this wild thing, it doesn't throw tantrums. Wild Thing No3My first attempt at core spinning is very wild.Fiery orange

March Dyed Batt Club

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 00:34:57 PDT

This months Batt was made of a blend of Romney, English Leicester, merino, x bred, bunny, silk and glitz.It came with 50gms of Silk Laps. The batt spun up beautifully.I had a few issues with the silk.It stuck to my hands and I had to pre-draft it a lot.I got some great tips and pointers from Jane and finally got into the swing of spinning silk. I can't say spinning silk will be something I'll

Felted slippers.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 23:32:45 PDT

The evenings are getting colder.Almost time to start the fire.Time to think of getting the flannel sheets on the bed and digging out the wool doona.Time for making comfy warm slippers. I have a pile of Vintage Hues by Cleckheaton I bought it for $1 a ball from Kmart a couple of years ago. The pattern doesn't have great reviews on Ravelry but I gave it a try anyway.I figured many who had tried

Did the earth Move for you?

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 15:26:51 PDT

This was a nice quick knit.Knit from some yarn I spun up, details HERE Fern is now at high school.Hard to believe how fast they grow up.I love how this knit hugs her shape. I loosly followed Shannon's Versa pattern.Using 8mm knitting needles. Last night at about 10pm I felt the earth move!We had a tremor here.The details are on Geoscience Australia WebsiteIt was a magnitude 2.4 quake, situated

The last of the mug rugs for now.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 23:58:21 PDT

I think I'm over my Rug Mug phase for now.This was a little left over patchwork from another project which I added a butterfly too.I played with my machine and put in some fancy stitches. We all spent the afternoon walking around town looking for geocaches. Managed to find one. The other eluded us.Will have to have another try later. I have been trying to spin but Heather is determined to stop

Yes, it's another Mug Rug!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:26:47 PDT

When I get into a project I can get a little obsessive.Pete want's this one for his computer desk. I finished the binding by machine, would of looked nicer if I'd used a fancy stitch. I think I have an addictive personality.Lucky ( or is that unluckily) I tend to get tired of things pretty quickly.So most addictions wane of their own accord. My BIG project is progressing well and I'm well into

Yet Another Mug Rug

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:01:51 PDT

A very Aussie Mug Rug this time.I lived 16 years in the Territory.I moved to the Territory straight after University to take up my very first teaching job.I only intended to go for a year or two. I worked In Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and on an Aboriginal Community.I found my life partner and birthed 5 of my 7 children in the Territory. Made some wonderful life long friendships And I started

Another day, Another Mug Rug

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 01:45:45 PDT

Another Mug Rug. I'm joining Erin on her Mug Rug Madness.Go check out Erin's Blog, she has giveaways and tutorials! I tried something new and scalloped the edge. Some raw edge applique and a fussy cut flower.The perfect little project to try out a few new to you techniques.

Mug Rug Madness

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:50:35 PDT

Erin over at two more seconds is hosting Mug Rug Madness This is my effort.I haven't done much quilting for awhile. Thought I'd have a go at making some of these tiny quilts.May inspire me to get back into some quilt making. I'm still working on my BIG project, it's coming along slowly.I'm hopeful I'll finish in time for Christmas this year.

Family fun, Geocaching!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 01:59:10 PDT

Geocaching!Why have I never come acoss this before?It's been going for 10 Years and I've been missing out on all that fun! I remember seeing Geocaching mentioned on a blog awhile ago but I really had no idea what it was.Last night I heard all about it while listening to a Podcast Fat2Fit Radio. I was so excited after visiting the Geocaching website and finding lots of caches were hidden in our

KOGO Time

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:53:18 PDT

I'm once again knitting for KOGO This is a scoodie. A scarf with a hood attached.First time I've made one of these.The pattern is free on the KOGO website. I used two strands of Heath 8ply and 6.5mm needles to make this a fast knit.I'm planning on knitting a few scarves to send too. I had to come back and do another edit as I'm brain dead right now and the spelling was awful. If you notice

More handspun, a spindle and a new use for my project bags

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 17:56:05 PDT

I spun a thick single from some Earth Palette dyed White Finn , which came from Kath Lomman from Mount Bryan SA.I plied the thick single with a fine single I spun from English Leicester I bought from Moseley Park.The dye, the Finn and the EL are all from South Australia! I spun and plied on my Ashford Joy.I'm loving my new wheel, I pack her in her bag and take her to the park with the kids.

Reno Update

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 13:36:08 PST

The kitchen floor is now tiled.After years of horrible lino, cork tiles and concrete.The professionals did a fabulous job of working around us and I was only without a kitchen for two days. The floor was very uneven and the professionals had to even everything out with the glue as they laid the tiles.The professionals have finished in the kitchen/dining and Pete is going to do the painting.And I

Mother, Daughter bonding

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:17:09 PST

The heart in the burnt tree made us smile I think it's important to make special memories with each of my children. Finding one on one time with so many kids can be difficult. Today I took off and escaped with Rose to Melrose.I've talked about doing the walking trails, since we move to SA.Today was the day to go and look, scout out the location for a family walk. Rose was fabulous.We walked the

Mmmmm yummy yarn

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 06:05:40 PST

Spun from last months Fibre Club from Moseley Park.This one is EL X Merino and EL lamb.I plied with EL too. And this one is Merino, baby camel, tussah silk with a little glitz and Angelina to make it sparkle. I also plied this with EL. Now I just have to wait for this months installment.

Reno Update

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 23:55:56 PST

The tiling has started in the kitchen now.The girls and I shifted furniture using skateboards.The builders had to angle grind the floor down in sections.You could write your name and draw pictures in the dust this created.Putting tarps over stuff was pretty useless, I found the dust still got in,I ended up washing everything anyway.When they tile the left hand side, I'll be without a kitchen.

Ninja

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 01:10:37 PST

A cute little Ninja for James.Another FREE pattern!I love how generous people are to share their talents on the web. The net has made it easy to share and learn.I find so much inspiration from reading blogs and participating in forums. I wonder if the net has taken over too much in my life.I spend a lot of time on the computer at the expense of making 'real life' friends.With the kids still so

Never Not Knitting Theme Song

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 04:43:47 PST

This is for TAS :D This is the theme for the Never Not Knitting Podcast it's worth a listen. It's one of many I listen to. I'm a podcast junkie. Once upon a time I made my own podcast... there is always the hope I may resurrect it. Finding inspiration and free time together tends to be the main hurdle.

I have an addiction..

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:59:11 PST

....... to fluff. The above two batts are this months installment of the Moseley Park Fiber Club.I was so excited I had to show it off to the builders.I'm sure they weren't as excited as me. And this is the yarn I spun from the Xmas Fiber Club.Tussah silk and camel, plied with Romney.The Romney I spun from a Romney Ball I bought from Kathy's Fibers The feel of this is amazing. Soft and squishy

Yet Another Kokeshi

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 17:21:25 PST

Lilly's Kokeshi doll is now finished.I used THIS pattern again.I like the shaping in this one.It is a little more fiddly than THIS one "Mum, the boys don't have anything. Could you make them Ninjas?" asked Rose. Mmmmm. Ninjas they say. Let me see, there is THIS pattern.The boys haven't seen it as yet so I may get away with not making them... I would of taken a photo with Lilly giving her new

Another Kokeshi

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:07:35 PST

I should of known I wouldn't be allowed to only make one Kokeshi!The girls started arguing the moment the first one was sighted."Can I have it?" asked Fern."No, I want it!" yelled Rose"It's not fair." whined Lilly. I sat here today watching Kung Fu Panda with the kids crocheting another little Kokeshi I used this PATTERN today.Another Free Pattern from the net.I followed the designers

Kokeshi Doll

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 01:03:29 PST

Kokeshi DollI dislike being sick, especially when Pete's away. I have no energy today, ache all over, my throat hurts and I'm just pain short tempered. It's almost the end of Summer and already I have a cold.I can see in the garden the change of season is coming.The leaves on the peach tree are starting to turn colour.I am feeling self absorbed and pitying today.This little lady cheered me up a

Heather's Upchuck Sweater

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:41:32 PST

I came across THIS pattern on Ravelry After a little trial and error and some improvisation.I came up with version.The name of this pattern is awful, go and suggest a new name to The Crafty Queen ! I didn't have a lot of this wool.I dyed it a while ago intending to make longies from it.I shortened the length and the sleeves and added a crochet edging to the neckline. Heather wasn't

The new bathroom...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:09:44 PST

Bath time is going to be an interesting experience for the next week!

Undisciplined....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:16:02 PST

I like to spend time in the garden.Especially when the kids are particularly undisciplined.Looking at my garden today I can see it as a reflection of my own personality.My own undisciplined nature.The pumpkin vines are taking over and escaping out the gate.We now climb the fence to get in. Being undisciplined results in a bit of a mess in the garden.And the house.And my wardrobe.And my

A lovely surprise from the past

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:04:14 PST

Our home is 101 years old this year.She was built in 1910.A traditional symmetrical four room cottage.Built of local stone and brick.The kitchen would of originally been housed in a separate building to reduce the risk of fire and to keep the house cool. The lavatory would of been a drop toilet or night cart.We think the original toilet door is actually on one of the back sheds. The current

Hetty For Lilly

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 04:58:04 PST

Pattern: Hetty by Sarah WrightYarn: Panda Heath wool/acrylic blend It looked way too small when I was knitting it. It’s a close fitting garment on Lilly. I might try it on Heather and see if it will do as a dress on her. I hope my Top End friends are safe and dry tonight.I'm praying you are keeping safe.

Enid's, Sunbonnet for a toddler!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:46:06 PST

This little sun bonnet features ina few of the Enid books.This is the first time I have made it.I was inspired to have a go after seeing Tab's version The drafting was easy.The piecing was a little of a challenge, I've never been fond of sewing curves. My tip with this one is PIN PIN PIN or hand baste the brim to the crown.This has a lovely wide brim and a little flap at the back to cover the

Honey...I bought a hall table .....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 04:19:53 PST

Me, "Isn't it a nice hall table? I got it at the Op-shop for $60"I'm trying to convince Pete we need a hall table. Really ..it has a sewing machine hidden in there?As another sewing machine may be pushing my luck right now. Renovating is expensive. "With the manual, you say?" "And a tin of bits?" "Gosh, isn't that amazing, Honey!" Isn't she a beauty?Could you have walked passed her?

Reno Update

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:28:32 PST

It's slow. The professional is working on other jobs and fitting us in when he can.We don't mind this as he is working around us as a family.The photo above shows where the old bath was and the new opening into the new laundry. The new laundry is now tiled.Although putting the window into the western wall makes this space hot in the afternoon it lets in a lot of needed light. I'll have to look

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:21:09 PST

Pete, Michael, Heather and I had a trip to Pt Pirie to pick out the new tiles for the kitchen and dining area. I now know how expensive renovating is. The shower fitting is costing ..$1200. Floor tiles .. around $1500Bathroom tiles, vanity, tub, laundry trough $3,500laundry tiles $600and on and on it goes.... NO you didn't read that wrong. That is how much those shower fittings with the

Happy

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 20:17:33 PST

James made this.His design, his ideas, his hands.It's a pencil box. I'm so proud of him.He is totally beaming, he is so proud of himself. Pete gave James a little help and guidance along the way.

Y-A-L Challenge

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:41:42 PST

This is the first item finished on my Y-A-L challenge. Pattern: Bebop Cardi from Lion Brand WebsiteYarn: Cardellino by Moda Vera, 3 balls. I bought the yarn at spotlight earlier this week. A total bargain, I bought 10 balls for $10 total. The Crafty Mama's Forum is having a Yarn A Long Challenge. You set your own challenge, write your challenge on the forum thread. If you complete it by the

Fixing Mistakes

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:08:45 PST

I'm currently knitting Hetty by Sarah WrightI'm happily knitting along and then I notice it.Instead of seed stitching 3 rows I'd only seed stitched 2 and a half rows. Do I rip back and fix it?Do I knit on as the mistake isn't really obvious. Do I go back now and fix it? If I get to the end and then decided I can't live with the mistake, the fixing will take a lot more effort. Decisions,

Process Verses Outcome

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:16:55 PST

"Mum, but you promised! I want to learn to sew." I've been promising the girls a sewing lesson for most of the holidays. This being almost the last day I had to honor that commitment. I must be honest and say I didn't do it with good grace.Despite a degree in Education and 10 years in schools,I can be rather impatient when teaching my own. Rose did choose something way beyond her skill level.

Rainbow Dress

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 22:10:49 PST

Remember this? It's now THIS My model is very reluctant today.It's stinking hot and her mother is making her put on a wool dress. Yarn: handspun EL, grown and Dyed by Jane of Moseley Park fame.Pattern: Maxi Top/ Dress by Elena NodelNeedles: 4.5mmVariations: Lots. I increased to put some flare in the skirt. It's been a mad few days here.The professionals are back and we now have ceilings and

And the Raffle Winner is......

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:47:17 PST

Barra!James did the honors of drawing the name out of the bowl this time.Thanks you to everyone for entering.And Thank you to Toni for organising the Auctions and Raffles. Barra please contact me with your details so I can get your scarf sent to you ASAP

And The Winner is .....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 03:50:54 PST

Michelle!!Congratulations MichelleThank you to everyone who bid. Thank you to Toni and Carli for organising the Auctions.

Vintage frock, designed by Enid, sewn by me

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 03:26:54 PST

I spent the day sewing.I made three outfits today. Another culottes for Lilly, a jumpsuit for Rose and a dress for Fern.My back is sore, I forgot to get up and stretch. Book: Ten to TeensPattern: Jumpsuit Fabric: Poly cotton from the OppieMade For: Rose Book: Dresses for Your DaughterSimple Pattern with Variations. I even added the flower pocket detail as Enid designed.I added the winged

I Love Enid! Culottes for Lilly

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 01:21:10 PST

I spent the morning jamming plums, baking homemade sausage rolls and making trifle. But I had that bored, restless feeling. That can only be soothed with a good crafting project.I spen a happy hour browsing my Enid collection.Looking for something I've not made before. I drafted up the pattern.Then searched through the piles and piles and piles of fabrics,looking for something just right.Not

Auction - We're Going On A Bear Hunt! (close of Auction Changed)

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 01:20:13 PST

This is a cot sized quilt.It is unique. I designed and made this quilt. There is no other like it. It is made of quality patchwork cotton fabrics and batting. It is pieced, appliqued and free motion quilted. I have included a label on the back which can be personalised as the winner wishes. This is a quilt that will become a treasured heirloom. To be handed down from mother to

Baby's Sunsuit From Play Clothes by Enid

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:28:33 PST

I've not made this one before.After seeing THIS and THIS version by Vicki I had to give it a go. To avoid forgetting to add seam allowance when cutting. I find it easiest to draft the seam allowances onto the pattern before I cut it out.A french curve and quilters ruler make drafting a lot eaiser. I'm using a pillowcase to make Heather's Sunsuit. I bought a pair for $1 at the op shop.The

Sweet Little Dress By Leila and Ben

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 01:45:57 PST

I bought the orange cotton print from an Opshop in PirieThere wasn't a lot of it and only a small piece of the other floral left.So I combined them. This is such an easy little dress to put together.I bought my copy of the pattern from You Can Make This.I will disclose I do get a little kick back if you use my link to buy a pattern from You Can Make This. I really like downloadable

More Enids

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 01:24:18 PST

This is one of my favorites, I think I say that for most of the Enid's I've made.Book: Play Clothes (Pink Cover)Design: Overalls For Crawling. I found this printed drill at the Op-shop in PirieThere was just enough to cut the overalls out, I had to piece the facing. Enid's pattern are all drafted for cloth nappies. so lots of room for clothie bums I've lost count of the number of times I've

I am a Breastfeeding Goddess!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:46:28 PST

Not that I'm one to blow my own horn!(stop laughing Bronnie!) After reading Clarinda's post .and following her link to Holly's post. I thought, bother it! Why are they praising some young chit of a girl for just breastfeeding her one!! Sorry Miranda, you are to be praised also, it takes a brave woman to flop the boob out in public. I've fed 9!!Yeah I know I only have 7 children, the other two

Raffle - Granny Square Scarf (change of date)

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:40:34 PST

Yarn: My Friends 55% Acrylic 45% CottonLength: 196cm Yesterday I was watching some horrific footage on the TV.I crochet this as I watched.I had to turn the tv off the images and stories were too upsetting.Stories of parents lost, of children lost of homes lost.And I felt lost to help. Toni at Make It Perfect has given many of us the opportunity to feel a little less lost.By organising a way

Some silk, a pair of pants, a skirt and a Mystery

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:16:34 PST

If we learn by our mistakes, I've had a big lesson. Firstly when you spend many many hours spinning silk. It's not a good idea to think of trying an 'easy and fast' way to ply. Because winding very fine singles into a center pull ball and plying is a sure fire way to end up with a tangled mess.I can see all you experienced spinners smirking!So where were you at midnight last night to tell me

It's jamming and saucing season

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 23:07:13 PST

Cherry plum JamI sort of followed the directions HERE I used 1.1 kg of fruit weighted after I had cooked and removed the stones and an equal amount of sugar. I love my Moulin, it makes it easy to get rid of of the stones and skins Three jars and a bowl of jam in the fridge.The kids have taste tested and approved. Pete picked 3.2kg of tomatoes today.I used a half recipe of my sauce recipe.

Peace.....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:53:17 PST

is found in a garden. This is the first time I've hung the garlic. In past years I've just put it in the fridge or in the dryer.Not sure if this will work as I'm told some varieties won't cure. A cheeky pumpkin vine is living in the old chook house.I've not had the heart to replace the chooks after they were disappeared earlier in the year by a feral cat. We're picking strawberries everyday

Garlic, a path and a cardigan

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 03:02:51 PST

An Everyday Cardigan for me.Yarn: Bendigo Wollen Mills Mystique Chintz 8plyHook: 5mmPattern: Everyday Cardi by Robyn Chachula published in Crochet Today Sept / Oct 2010 I liked this as there is no sewing up to do. It worked up very quickly. I started on Friday night and was finished on Sunday night. Pete was toiling in the garden.Digging up the weeds to put in a new path. Pa left the Jack

The first pickings

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:52:14 PST

Won't be long and I will be filling my pantry with sauce!

Fund Raising

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:48:23 PST

There are many ways you can get involved in raising funds to help those affected by the flooding in Queensland. We've donated directly through the Queensland Government Website I think this is the quickest way to help right now. There are also many fund raising auctions. Robyn from Possum Pouches has quickly organised auctions to raise funds. http://possumpouches.com.au/pages/howcanihelp Toni

Pa has left the building ..and it's still standing (just)

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:55:19 PST

Pa and Peter excavating for the new pavers. They used the Jack Hammer again. I may just miss the sound of the Jack Hammer at 8am (NOT) In goes the first of the pavers.We were only going to pave a little out the back of the door.Just enough to stop the mud getting walked in. But Pa decided I needed a path from my sewing shed to the house.So I can walk in my bare feet. All hands on deck! The

Please .....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:50:14 PST

Help Horror stories continue to unfold amid national disaster, as state capital prepares for flood level to peak overnight From News.com.au by donating to the Premiers Flood Appeal. You can donate online, by phone or by internet banking. Right now they need money and this is the quickest way to get it to them.

FREE Crochet Hook Case Pattern

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 04:23:55 PST

Mad Quilter's Crochet Hook Case A handy case for keeping your hooks organised.With a strap to keep your scissors handy. You Will Need: A fat quarter of quilters cotton. A 12 inch piece by 7 inch piece of lining fabric A 12inch by 7 inch piece of iron on wadding Snaps or hook & loop tape general sewing supplies. Cutting Cut a rectangle of 12 inches by 7 inches from the pellon, fabric

A cowl, some digging and a little spinning

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:45:31 PST

The model is outshining my knitting! My Michael had a late nap yesterday. He woke up at 8pm and I finally dragged him to bed with me at 2am.He still took awhile to settle, jumping between us on the bed.I wish I had that kid's energy. I used the time to knit up this simple cowl.On 10mm needles I cast on 20sts and knitted until I ran out of my handspun yarn.Then twisted the piece and sewed the

Just one more....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:45:43 PST

I stayed up until 3:30am this morning.Pete headed to bed about midnight and I told him I'll just finish this link.. Then I had to finish the next, then the one after.I lost track of time! I used to do this with a good book.Now I find it hard to put a good yarn project down. The girls had a robust discussion on who should model this scarf.The decision was made they both would. Pattern: Piper's

And still more banging

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 02:15:24 PST

The new door way has now been knocked out between the bathroom and new laundry. One more doorway to be knocked out from the toilet to the vanity.Two doorways to be sealed up.The boys have managed to save enough of the bricks from the old laundry wall to use in blocking up the old bathroom and toilet doors. A wall will be built in the bathroom to separate the Shower and bath area from the

Yet More ....Making Baby's Clothes by Rob Merrett

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:50:21 PST

Another design from Rob Merrett's Making Baby's Clothes. I tweaked the cami a little.I replaced the ties with straps and used fold over elastic instead of bias. I want to make a couple of outfits for Michael too.Will have to wait until I have a little more time. She's off and running now.Walking wasn't enough. I managed to sneak down the shed this morning while Heather was asleep.Pa and Pete

I escaped to the shed..

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 01:24:57 PST

And got a little sewing done.I designed and made this little crochet hook roll for Aunty Joan. With pockets for her hooks, a flap to keep them from falling out and a loop for hanging scissors on.I am going to make another and I'll take some photos for a tutorial. And I made Aunty Joan a balloon ball too.I left the tuning opening at the top this time and button hole stitched the opening. Now we

When all else fails, it's time for the Angle Grinder.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:35:58 PST

The day started with the destruction of the shower. The Professional arrived to give the boys a hand. Things just weren't moving so a new strategy was needed. If we can't knock it over we'll cut it down! And down comes the door frame and the lintel. Still too heavy to carry out so a little more work with the Jack Hammer.

Happy 1st Birthday Miss Heather Louise

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 03:20:10 PST

Three generations celebrated and ate cake.Pa and Great-Aunt Joan were with us for Heather's first birthday. Heather enjoyed her cake very much. It was difficult to make a cake when my kitchen was full of dust and rubble. The boys and Aunty Joan started on the second wall today. Have you seen a Great-Granny armed with a Jack hammer before?Great Aunt Joan acted as trademan's assistant. Look

MORE ..banging

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 18:25:05 PST

Pa's on a roll!He's tearing up the bathroom now.We're going to reuse the bath. It's an old metal enamel one.The new ones I've been seeing in the shops are plastic. I wish I was as fit as Pa is and he's in his 70's. That wall has to go.It can't go yet the boys need to sure up the roof first.But while they are waiting they're taking out the windows.Pa like to keep moving. They knew how to

More ....Making Baby's Clothes by Rob Merrett

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 18:12:38 PST

I'm addicted...Not that I'm getting much sewing done right now. The dust and chaos around here are slowing my sewing up a little.And having visitors is making me regret the amount of time I don't spend cleaning!Lucky for me Pa brought, Aunty Joan with him and she's been inspiring me to do some cleaning.My fridge is sparkling, my dishes gleam, my microwave is like new.My bins have been scrubbed

And the banging continues ...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:33:20 PST

Pa started early this morningThere's work to be done. And before lunch we were minus one wall. Out comes the last brick.There's still another wall to go!

Gnomes in the Garden

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:26:49 PST

These three little fellows have been exploring my garden. They were created following the directions from Weefolkart.comI knitted the baby, toddler and dolly.I didn't read the pattern properly and garter stitched the faces on two of them.But I think they are still rather cute. The three knitted gnomes came to visit with my little felt gnomes.I made these little ones using the instructions from

Making Baby's Clothes by Rob Merrett

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 03:13:53 PST

I am so in love with this book!It really has the cutest designs for little ones. The patterns are included.The instructions are easy to follow.Lots of tips and ideas for construction and embellishment to make each outfit your own.I've made two of the outfits so far and planning many more.For mums who think there is no cute boy stuff out there you NEED this book.I found my copy at K-mart in Port

Bash, bash, bang, bang

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 02:35:37 PST

Tap tap, tap a little more.They used pretty tough mortar back in the 1960s! It took a while but one brick out.... Along came the professional..Boys you start at the top and smash 'em! And a few hours later we have half a wall!A lot of dust and rubble. The reno is in full swing. Pete's dad arrived to give us a push along.The new laundry is partly tiled and the washing machine and dryer are moved

And the Winner is.......

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 02:40:03 PST

KATE! Kate wrote:Congratulations on so many posts Tracy! I am only newish to your blog but I've loved what I've read to date. We share the love of sewing, wool and our families so its always a good read for me. Have a wonderful day. Thank you to everyone who entered!It was lovely to see all of the lurkersAnd I hope I sent you a quick hello.I really do appreciate the time you take in reading

An attitude of grattitude

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 06:34:28 PST

Today has been one of those days.One of those days when everyone seems to be yelling, screaming and fighting. The kids were sent to clean up their rooms.They argued and fought over every task that needed doing.There were tears and tantrums.And lots of dobbing. And four hours later!!Their rooms were still not clean.Pete and I were busy cleaning up too.I was tired of constantly playing umpire

Surprise Christmas Packages are the best!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:42:52 PST

Jane over at Moseley Park offered a Christmas surprise package again this year. Jane is a very generous soul.This years package was superb! Handmade goats Milk soap.A beautiful hand spun and knit cowl! I can't wait for winter now to wear it.ANDBaby camel and Tussah silk top!I have some silk on the wheel at present so I'll have to finish that quickly so I can have fun spinning this up!

Happy memories of Nan

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:15:42 PST

I remember my sisters and I wearing dresses like this.My Nan made three matching ones for my sisters and I.We wore them for years they grew with us Mum said.My Nan taught herself to crochet when she visited us here in Australia, just a year after we immigrated.My sisters and I grew up without the presence of extended family.It seems to be something that is happening a lot more today.Only as an

Christmas in Australia

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:46:07 PST

I immigrated with my sisters and parents to Australia from the UK when I was 7.I do have vague and fading memories of snow and cold. I grew up by the beach and spent a lot of time playing in the sand and swimming in the sea. I now live in Country SA far from the shore.For my kids the sand and the sea is a treat. A visit to Nanny isn't complete without a trip to the beach. Building sand

Free pattern for a Balloon Ball ( Balloon Cover.)

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 19:43:55 PST

Mad Quilter's Balloon Ball PDFClick the above link to download the pattern For tiny ones a balloon can be a dangerous thing, it can be choked on once it's burst.These balloon covers help to keep the balloon a little safer for baby to play with. The balloon acts more like a ball than a balloon once its in the cover.My kids love these. I drafted my pattern to fit 23cm inflated round balloons I

Don't miss out..

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 05:14:32 PST

On the Giveaway Closes on the 30th December

Happy 3rd Birthday Michael

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:40:49 PST

The first of the Zucchinis are setting fruit.Won't be long and I'll be grating them into everything to disguise them from the kids. I've been buys sewing up scraps of stretch into knickers.Three pairs for me, one pair for Fern and 2 pairs for Rose.I made Roses using the That darncat Undies pattern I bought from You Can Make This. And we celebrated Michael's third birthday.Sorry for the bad

Happy days are spent this way...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:06:15 PST

Eating strawberries from the strawberry patch. Visits from friends bearing gifts.Lovely new skirts sewn by Judith and coordinating T's from Wendy. Sewing an old favorite.Olivia by Farbenmix This really is a wonderfully easy versatile pattern.I left off the hood and sleeves this timeFor a lovely easy care summer dress.Being interlock it's just a wash and wear. I'm rather fond of lace

There's nothing like...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:40:40 PST

Eating juicy ripe raspberries straight from the canes. Spending time with good friends. Sewing clothes for those you love. Fabric was shibori dyed by me many years ago. Pattern was drafted by me. Doilies purchased from the op-shopCrochet butterflies off an ebay buy many years ago. I hope your day was filled with as much joy as mine.

The Oops Skirt

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 22:33:42 PST

It's an Oops skirt because I was making this for Fern.I drafted out a quarter circle skirt pattern piece.Then started cutting.Oops only could cut 3 quarters! The fabric was from the opshop and wasn't a full width.I did manage to piece together a waistband. Lilly is very happy with her new skirt.Lilly has lost her first two teeth, just in time for Christmas.I'm singing "All I want for Christmas

Uninvited and unwanted visitors

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 22:19:01 PST

I thought we had rain hitting the roof of the shed.No, just grasshoppers! The locust bands have hit us.They are all over town. Covering the front of my car and windscreen.A couple hit me in the face, they hurt! Pete and James couldn't go for their bike ride yesterday.They kept getting hit by the hoppers. Devouring everything green.At least they shouldn't trouble anything left of the crops,

Give Away!!! Make It Perfect - Australian Only

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:55:39 PST

Make It Perfect21 Easy Patterns for sewingWomen's and Children's clothesBy Toni Coward. I have the above book to give away.To enter leave a comment on this blog post and be a follower of this blog.Draw date: 30th December. To get an extra chance to win this book, post about the give away on your blog.Send me the link and I'll enter you twice in the draw. The sizing in this book is, for children 5

Kwik Sew Sewing for Children

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:40:59 PST

Kwik Sew Sewing for Children is one of my favorite pattern books.It's an old book and the photos have dated. It's full of great basic patterns.For Children from about 4 to 12 years. I made a quick pair of shorts for FernI added a little lace flower with a button center.The fabric is a woven cotton found at the op-shop. I added a doily.I'm trying to reduce the doily stash.And they really are

Christmas treats

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 03:03:02 PST

Rum balls, White Rocky Road and Peanut Butter Balls There is also some shortbread in the tin, but there isn't much left to photograph. The kids have been busy in the kitchen with me.I used THIS recipe for the Rum BallsTHIS recipe for the peanut butter ballsAnd the White Rocky road was posted to the Crafty Mama Forum by Mandy. I changed it as I didn't have any pistachios. My version was: 375g

Another Summer Sun, this time a nightgown.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:00:23 PST

Summer Sun Nightie I drafted a Summer Sun Dress for me this afternoon. Not really a style a big girl like me can get away with for day wear,but a great cool nightgown.I added a center pleat as I did with Fern's dress.By placing the pattern about 3 inches from the fold of the fabic when cutting the front.Then stitching the top few inches of the pleat, down the center line of the front. If I was

Twelve years ago ....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 15:17:03 PST

We got married!We eloped and married in the Tennant Creek Courthouse. That's Fern in my arms.Pete wore his pirate shirt and I wore purple.Well white wasn't really appropriate.The flowers hide that I was 7 months pregnant with James. With seven witnesses.Janet and her girls were my bridesmaidsKim acted as Pete's bestman.Chris and Derek got invited the day before to take photos and video.And Sandy

Just go eat worms....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 22:17:51 PST

Nobody loves me, everybody hates me Think I'll go and eat worms Long ones, short ones, fat ones, thin ones See how they wriggle and squirm My kids are generally dirty enough to have been eating real worms. ABC Radio validated me as a parent by telling me that: Dirty kids are Healthy kids!Article HERE See there was a reason (beside me being lazy) for my kids being grot monsters. Thanks to The

Parenting.....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 19:46:54 PST

It's the most important job I'll ever do. And I want to do it the best I can. James in the school play I want to raise happy adults, with compassion for others and strong sense of their own identities.Adults with self worth and self confidence. Adults who can empathise with others.Adults who are emotionally resilient to the world around them. Adults who take ownership for their own actions, who

Holidays ...Day 2 and another Summer Sun Dress

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 20:43:47 PST

Can you see the bruise on her cheek?It's getting more colourful.This is what happens when you walk in front of a heavy wood swing without looking! I made Fern a Summer Sun Dress too.As Fern is developing a figure I've added a center front pleat to give a little room for growth.I placed the pattern a couple of inches away from the fold to leave enough fabric for a center pleat.Then constructed

My Happy List

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:56:40 PST

Inspired by Kate over at Foxs Lane Apart from the 5 essentials family, friends, food, health and home.... Fibres, fabrics and yarns The materials I love to fondle and create with. Tools, machines, gadgets and hands. The tools I use to create with. Magazines, books, forums and blogs.The inspiration of others, that inspires me to create. Creative time.Provided by kids playing nice and

Draft it Yourself - Summer Sun Dress or Top

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:39:05 PST

Mad Quilter'sDraft It YourselfSummer Sun Top or Dress This simple top or dress is simply drafted using direct body measurements. Start by taking a measurement just under the arms about where you want the armholes to be. Rose was 26 inches and add 2 inches for ease. It's up to you how much ease to add. A minimum would be 2 inches. Next measure up from that chest line to how high you want the

Playing with the Sun Top pattern

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:16:47 PST

The kids are on school holidays now.With so many willing babysitters I can nip down to the shed and play.This is the same design as the Sun Top I made for Heather.I drafted this one for Lilly. Such a lovely cool dress.If I was smaller I'd love one of these. I added a lovely hand worked doily as a pocket.Not one I made, one I bought at the op-shop for 20c I have a bolt of this fabric and a

How does making a Gingerbread house result in a trip to the doctor?

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:56:46 PST

We were having a lovely time putting together and decorating the Gingerbread House.The kids were being nice to each other and no fights! Michael was helping too.But the lollies were small and tempting.And Michael wanted to see if they would fit in his NOSE! The lolly fitted up there well.Michael and mummy had to take a trip to the local Doctor's Surgery.Where Deb, the surgery nurse, had to use

Where's Heather?

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:47:38 PST

This is a frequently asked question in this house.Yes, that is Miss Heather trying to escape out the front gate!She may only be crawling but that doesn't stop her escaping outside at every opportunity.She's taking after Michael. There are lots of advantages to a large family.Lots of willing hands to give cuddles when needed.Always someone to play with.Always someone to fight with too. And there

Romney Balls

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 16:13:48 PST

I've spun up one of Kathy's Romney Balls.I bought two, the green and the purple. In my rush to get the green on the wheel I forgot to take a photo of it! I've spun it as a sock weight. Putting a little extra twist in to make it wear a little longer

Weaving - Anchors Away Scarf

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 16:02:32 PST

Woven with handspun 22 micron Merino, on an Ashford Knitter's Loom.The Merino top was dyed by Jane at Moseley Park and the colour way is called Anchors. The warp was spun as a lace weight. The flower was woven on a Hanna Ami Loom. I spun the weft as a thick thin yarn,plied with a lace weight spun from the same merino top. I used the 7.5 DPI reed on a 12" Knitter's Loom.It is a simple plain

Chicky, chicky...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:40:43 PST

Warp and weft: My handspun yarnWoven on an Ashford Knitters Loom. Tabby weave.Yarn spun from a Romney X, Lucinvale Fleece The ends are twisted for a fringe. I fulled the scarf in hot water. It bloomed up lovely. I needle felted some little birds onto the scarf.Each of the little birds is different. This was a lot of fun to make.I love the look of natural coloured wool.

Kindness and caring

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:28:59 PST

Thank you, Spike, for your kindness. Knock, knock.... "I read you needed a lawn mower, I had this old one in the shed.Thought you could use it." We've only met Spike once before but he thought enough of us to loan us a lawnmower. Thank you

Territory Wars and yet more yarn!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:03:55 PST

I was sitting spinning out on the front verandah this morning.When a fierce battle broke out. It was two onto one.Two of parrots and this guy started fighting.The feathers were flying. Pete say's this is a wattle bird and I'm not sure what the parrots are,may be a ringneck? More yarn.150gms of Romney X Corriedale. This is from the fleece I dyed a couple of weekends ago. And this is 25gms

November Fibre Clubs...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 02:41:04 PST

NovemberThe Natural Fibre Club Dave - EL X Corri Jane has a new drum carder that makes the most squishy 100gm batts. Batt spun up to yarn... I spun and plied on itself. NovemberBatt Club Merino, EL, Romney and Glitz(nylon) Spun up to Yarn... I spun it as thick singles then plied it on itself. The bonus batt... Spun up to Yarn Spun into a thick single and plied with a metalic

Crazy....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 15:09:19 PST

It's been a while since I made any of these Crazy patch bags.They are a great way to use up scraps.It's a lot of fun (and angst) trying to put colours together.This is one of the first things I designed.I designed these when I was teaching a class in Tennant on crazy patch.The Tutorial is HERE if you'd like to make one too.These were made for Nancy, the lady I wrote about in the original

I am grateful...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 03:56:55 PST

My mum That 44 years ago this beautiful woman gave birth to me.And raised me to be the person I am. For the father who loved me.Who I miss very much In labour with Heather I'm grateful for my health and bodyA body that has birthed 7 healthy babies and been blessed to carry 4 more, if only for a little while. Peter That Peter came into my life, my best friend and husband.His immense

Wool Toys & Friends Step-by-step Instructions For Needle-felting Fun

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 01:33:56 PST

I've spent the day happily playing with fibre!I've had so much fun, apart from stabbing myself numerous times. Meet my two new creations.The pixie and the sock monkey.Both were made following the instructions from the book I bought in Port Pirie yesterday. The kids are arguing about whether this little fellow is a gnome or an elf.He's supposed to be a pixie. Wool Toys & Friends By Laurie

Mulberry Yarn...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:37:30 PST

This is the end result and the colour in the photo is true.I boiled the yarn in the strained mulberries liquid for an hour.Then left the yarn to sit overnight in the liquid.I did felt it slightly but it's not too bad as the yarn can still be wound off the skien.I'm really not sure I like the colour after all of that effort.It's sort of a muddy purple brown. I still want to try dyeing with the

Being Brave with a dye pot and my handspun

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:29:54 PST

I'm at present cooking my beautiful handspun Merino X EL woolIt's cooking away in it's mordant of Alum with an enhancer of Cream of Tartar.For 200gms of wool I'm using 20gms of Alum and 14gms of Tartar. Well that was the recipe for dying with Blackberries so I'm hopeful that for Mulberries it is the same!The recipe comes from the book in the photo.Pete bought it for me as a birthday present a

How to make a dress from the Sun Top Pattern

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:25:41 PST

I had a little play with the Sun Top Pattern,this afternoon and made a couple of quick dresses.This first dress is made by lengthening the side seam.Simply use a ruler to extend the side seam of the top to the desired length.Then using the base of the original pattern as a template cut a new hem line.Then continue on with the instructions as in the original patternHow easy is that!I made this in

Summer Sun Top - Free Pattern and tutorial

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:44:40 PST

Mad Quilter's Summer Sun TopSize: 12 months Requirements: 1 fat quarter of quilters cotton. 25cm of 2cm wide elastic 50cm double fold bias binding General sewing supplies. Pattern. Download and Print the pattern from HERE I host my PDF's at MediaFire this is a free fileshare and sometimes there can be difficulties downloading the file. If this is the case, you can leave me a comment with an

Another Summer top I've been designing for Heather...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 04:56:49 PST

I made this little top earlier in the day.But it's too wide on Heather.I redrafted the pattern removing 2cm from the width and lifting the armholes. This is version two and I made a matching pair of bloomers. And this is the third version.Designed to be made from a fat quarter as I have a huge stash of them and don't make as many quilts as I used to. Although I do have a commission I really need

Summer Popover Top - Free Pattern and Tutorial

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:04:39 PST

Mad Quilter’s Summer Crawler'sPop Over Top Size 6 to 18 months (adjustable by moving the button placement) Requirements4 buttons or snaps2 fat quarters for contrast. Trims of your choiceSewing machine, scissors, thread and other genera; sewing items Preparing the pattern:Download the FREE PDF (33mb with photo tutorial) or just the Pattern Pieces ( 339kb) and print off a copy of the front and

Popover set - Number 3

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 20:35:08 PST

I did say these were addictive to make. This set I embellished with a a star hand pieced from diamonds.One of the many U.F.O's left over from my paper piecing phase about 5 years ago. The green fabric came from the Op-shop. I paid $2 for 2 meters. Yeah, she's a cutie, but don't be fooled.She can get into lots of mischief, very quickly. She and Michael are dubbed the terrible twosome around

Good Morning ..I made breakfast for you...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 12:54:33 PST

Mulberry muffins!Made with this blueberry muffin recipe, I substituted mulberries. Sorry you weren't quick enough getting here. They're all gone. They were very nice.

Once the smoke had cleared...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 00:01:31 PST

I had to go and bond with my machinesAnd make Heather another Popover and bloomers.This time with three fat-quarters in Christmas fabric. She's getting very clever with the standing. No crochet edging on this one.I lengthened the skirt and added some ric-rac.Instead of snaps I used buttons.I took lots of photos of the construction to put together a tutorial to go with the pattern. In Design

Where there's smoke.....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 18:59:27 PST

There's FIRE! Pete was mowing the block. The grass has dried out and was getting long. The shed you can see in the photo is my sewing shed!My fabric stash and machines are in there.So is Pete's office complete with professional standard cameras and mega amounts of digital editing equipment and computers. The fire was started by the lawn mower.The fire melted the lawn mowers fuel line and woosh

Little popover and panties

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 18:43:49 PST

I designed this little top/dress.Just long enough to cover the panties Not long enough to get caught on crawling knees I covered the plastic snaps at the shoulders with a crochet flower.I really like the snaps for ease but they aren't pretty. I had a lot of fun putting this together.I wanted to add some crochet lace to the edge and while surfing for patterns came across Antique Pattern Libary,

Go check it out...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:02:05 PST

Look what I came across this morning while searching for crochet Braid patterns... Antique Pattern Library! This ongoing project is an effort to scan needlework pattern books that are in the public domain, to preserve them, so we can keep our needlework heritage in our hands. These scans have been photoedited to make them more useful for needle workers, and to reduce file sizes. They are

Mulberry Heaven

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:18:49 PST

We have a huge Mulberry tree.It's taller than the shed and wider than it's tall.And it's old. Probably over 50 years. And it's covered in fruit.The kids are eating lots straight from the tree.They've picked a couple of kilos everyday for the last week.And still there is more fruit.This is the Magic Pudding of Mulberry Trees! I made a Mulberry Crumble cake.Recipe HERE I've made Mulberry

Making room

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:14:18 PST

After working out we couldn't afford the extension we wanted.And then deciding I didn't want to return to paid work and that meaning we couldn't afford to buy a larger home either. We went with option number 3Enclosing the back verandah and moving the laundry out there so we could enlarge the dining area into the old laundry. We had to remove the rock roses from the garden. Rose cried it was

A yarn of many colours

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:00:36 PST

Spun from the Finn fleece I dyed on Sunday. Using my quilter's philosophy of throw enough colurs in and it will eventually work.I selected one colour at a time and spun one card of each colour up randomly. I filled two bobins then plyed them together on my jumbo freedom flyer. There's 190gms of yarn around DK (8ply) in weight. There are long stretches of colur so I'm expecting it to stripe as

I'm dyeing!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 23:08:54 PST

Sunday was a gloriously sunny day.I set myself up on the front for a little dyeing.I bought a dye kit from Earth palette, which is just outside of Gladstone. Earth Palette dyes are made to dye over greasy woolI dyed a Lucinvale fleece I bought from Wirrabarra. I had a lot of fun and made a little mess.The colours are very bright as I didn't wet the fleece but applied the dyes to the dry fleece

My new Joy.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 22:54:44 PST

An Ashford Joy spinning Wheel.I've had her on lay by for a few months.She's my birthday present ..a little early but I've never been good at waiting. The first yarn I've spun on the Joy.She's a lot smoother to spin on than my old traditional. Spun from Coopworth sliver in the colourway of Style.From Jane at Moseley Park.

The Mulberries are ripe.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 22:48:30 PST

And they taste very nice!Michael looks worse. The wild tomatos are bolting along.They are flowering already. The Mulberry tree is weighted down with fruit.Pete made the first batch of jam on Sunday.

And yet more spinning!

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 03:25:18 PST

Spun from English Leicester locks dyed by Jane of Moseley Park.Colour way Summer storm. (100gms) Spun from English Leicester locks dyed by Jane of Moseley Park.Colour way Green Gecko (60gms) Spun from English Leicester merino cross locks, dyed by Jane of Moseley Park.Colour way is Subtle sun. (90g) All were plied on themselves.

Garden Visitor

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 03:27:04 PDT

Isn't he/she beautiful?A blue tongue Lizard The first we've seen this season.I don't think he's the cheeky one who came visiting in the house a while back.He's a very welcome vistor to our garden as he eats the pests.

And more spinning...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 02:21:53 PDT

Spun from English Leicester locks dyed by Jane of Moseley Park.The colourway is Jacaranda FestivalI used my new wool combs to process the locks into sliver. I really love spinning from combed fleece but there's a lot of fiber wasted. I put the remains of the locks through my cards and spun it up too. This really is the colour and shimmer of this yarn!It's Romney once more dyed locks from Jane

Out in the garden

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:00:07 PDT

Pete's been busy getting the garden beds prepared and planted.The fruit trees have all come back to life.The mulberry, plums and apricots have set fruit and the apples and Mandarin are in flower.Behind Pete in the photo above is the walnut tree and this year I'm planning on trying my hand at dyeing with it. With all the work that goes into preparing and planting beds, it's a little ironic that

Roy G Biv...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:43:30 PDT

I can spin a rainbow!Sorry for shouting but I'm so excited This is spun from English Leicester FleeceHand Dyed by Jane at Moseley Park.It was part of last years Fiber Club I'd let the dyed locks sit in the bag a little too longAnd after some advice from Jane, I washed it in hot water and it was saved. I carded and spun thick singles. It's all balled up and ready to knit. The kids were really

I like ...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 06:04:50 PDT

Op shopping... In her wooden case in immaculate condition. I couldn't believe my luck when I saw her sitting there.She is incredibly heavy. Baking .... Bread and putter pudding recipe here. The colour Purple.... Spun from Batts made from Alpaca, Tussah silk and Merino.The latest Fiber club from Jane at Moseley Park Psst: Jane has a Batt club in November....... Watching my kids play...

Allsorts Hat Pattern

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 03:45:25 PDT

Mad Quilter'sAllsorts Hat Size: 12 months Yarn: 10ply / worsted weight I used My Friends 45% Cotton 55% AcrylicNeedles 5.5mmCrochet hook 5mm HatKnitted in the flat. Cast on 50knit stocking stitch for 10cms (20 rows) shape top Row one: K4, k2tog, (k6, k2tog) five times, knit last 4 stitches. (44 stitches) Row two and every even row: purlRow three: K4, k2tog,(k5,k2tog)five times, knit last 4

Another Allsorts Dress for Heather

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 18:53:44 PDT

I made Heather another Allsorts Dress.I changed the colours.I bought a pile of this yarn for 50c a ball in Kmart about 18months ago and I'm slowly working through it all.I really like it the cotton gives it drape and the acrylic gives it that softness. A nice combination.I'll be sad when I use up the last ball.I've woven, knitted and crochet with it. I need to make Heather a few more bloomers

Heather's Allsorts Dress

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 14:45:41 PDT

Mad Quilter's Allsorts DressSize 12 months Little girls grow quickly. And new seasons bring a change of wardrobe.I love licorice Allsorts and this little dress reminds me of them.I designed and made this dress in a day.It's a very quick to finish little treat, a lot like Allsorts. Disclaimer:No one, but me, has test knitted this, nor proof read. But then you are getting it for nothing!And I'm

Striped Slouchy Hat - handspun and knit

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 01:58:26 PDT

I made myself a new hat.Knitted from the cross breed handspun yarn, I spun a couple of weeks ago. Michael was kind enough to model.He likes having his photo taken. Pattern: Striped Slouchy Hat - A free patternNeedles: 5mm addis circularsYarn: My Handspun Nice easy pattern.

Eva's Shawl

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 01:04:27 PDT

I saw Lara's version of this shawl on her Blog Thornberry and just had to make this shawl.I didn't have enough yarn to make mine as big as Lara's.I like how this sits on the shoulders.This is a very easy pattern that works up quickly. Pattern: Eva’s Shawl (a Free Pattern)Yarn: My Handspun from Romney Fleece Hook: 6mm

New tools and yarn.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:43:19 PDT

My new tools are wool combs and a dizUsed for making roving from fleece.Dangerous with all those sharpened points.I've had a little play and I'm in love with what they do.It's true that the time you spend in fiber preparation is worth it in the spin! Another Cross breed wool spun into singles. Here's the Dyed Fiber Club yarn off the bobbin. Now what to do with it? And here's the Natural

Tunisian Crochet

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 05:13:55 PDT

I treated myself to a new set of Crochet HooksThese are Interchangable and are perfect for Tunisian Crochet.This is my first attempt at Tunisian Crochet. I made a simple potholder.It was quick to work up and is a nice dense fabric.I loved the challenge of learning something new. Pattern: Easy Afghan Stitch PotholderYarn: My Friends 55% Acrylic 45% CottonHook: 5mm

The joy of learning

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 02:21:37 PDT

Heather has leaned to pull herself up to stand. She's even shuffled those little feet to cruise a couple of steps. The delight and joy of her achievement shows clearly in her giggles, gurgles and smiles. Learning brings such joy and self worth. When we are babies we learn because we want to. We don't do it because someone else wants us to. I enjoy learning new things. I love the challenge and

I love my iPad

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 20:31:13 PDT

We have two iPadsWe pre-ordered them and had them delivered the day they were released in Australia.We got the Wi-Fi only version not the G3 as I already have an iphone for mobile browsing. I can use my iPad for surfing and reading email in places that offer free wi-fi. We've had them a few months now and they have been used everyday.The kids love them and I'm glad we did buy two. Michael (aged

More spinning...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 02:24:40 PDT

Spun from cross breed wool batts sent to me by a friend.This spun up lovely the colours are very earthy.I'm going to leave this as a single. Singles spun from Romney fleece.Fiber came from Jane at Moseley Park. It was this months Dyed Fiber club parcel.It is spinning up wonderfully. Lots of bounce and luster.It's just seems to jump onto the bobbin and is a lot of fun to spin.I'm not going to

Storm Cloud Shawlette

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 03:28:08 PDT

I spun up this 20% Silk and 80% Merino a little while ago. I knitted it up over the last couple of days.Rose is modeling with a little help from Michael. Michael had his first haircut yesterday.He looks so much older now. This is such a lovely simple and quick pattern.I only had 100gms of the Silk Merino but I had spun it fairly fine. Pattern : Storm Cloud Shawlette ( a free pattern)Yarn Hand

Fern's first hand spun yarn

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:42:40 PDT

Fern's first skein of hand spun yarn. Fern spun and plied this on my Thumberlina Wheel. She plans to knit a scarf with it. Fiber: Merino in colour New Jade bought from Ewe Give Me The knits

Woven hand Towel

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:50:59 PDT

I had another play with my loom.I learned a new technique by watching this video. I spent some time outside weaving today.Another beautiful spring day. It feels as lovely to touch. The selvedges aren't as good as they should of been. I added a crochet shell edge to hide them. Loom: Ashford Knitters loomYarn: My Friends 55% Acrylic and 45% cotton.Reed: 7.5 DPITechnique: Pile Loop Terry towel.

Pin Wheel Hounds tooth scarf - Rigid Heddle weaving

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 22:55:47 PDT

Loom: Ashford Knitter's LoomReed: 7.5 DPIYarn: My Friends 55% Acrylic, 45% cotton Warp: (2 black 2 White) repeat to desired width, 2 Black.Weft: (2 picks black, 2 picks white) repeat to desired length. It's very easy to do.A video I found on YouTube:

Transitional Yoke Cardigan - Hand spun and knitted

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 23:58:09 PDT

I spun this up last weekend.I spun it from a Cream Moorit Romney X Corr X Merino Fleece from Lucinvale Coated Spinning Fleeces.There was 1.1 kg of fiber in the fleece and by the time I'd spun, plied and washed it there was 800gms in the skeins.I spun some very fine and some very thick and plying the two together.The bobbins fill quickly when you spin the fleece thick. I spun the fleece in the

Easy to make round baking tin liner

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:23:26 PDT

The older I get the more I know I have a lot to learn.I was teaching a home Ec class and I went to help a student line his cake pan."I already know that," he said and turned his back. So I went to the next student.And showed her my little trick for lining a cake pan.She finished lining her pan quicker than he did. First you tear a piece of baking paper as wide as the pan. Next you fold it into

Flower looms

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:18:34 PDT

I bought Fern and Rose a Flower Loom book from The book Depository.The girls have had a lot of fun making yarn flowers. The flowers are quick to make and the girls have made a pile.A great way to use up scap yarns. When they aren't looking I may have to have a little go myself.

Some days start so well ..

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 03:06:20 PDT

Sunday started well.A beautiful sunny day.I decided we'd go to the park for a BBQ. The park is about 2kms from our home. We ate and we played and we had a lovely time. When there's 7 kids there's always someone to play with. We sat, cuddled and crawled.We had such a lovely time.When it was time to go home.Michael didn't want to go! Now a three year old who doesn't want to do something is not

Passing on the passion

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 02:30:09 PDT

Another beautiful spring day.We've been sitting out the front on the new bench spinning. Fern wanted to learn to spin. We brought out the Thumberlina Wheel for her to practice on.I started her on some commercial Merino top.Rose took the photo for the blog and wants a lesson too.I do have another older Ashford Traditional wheel. I'll have to get it working so Rose can use it.I now have 3 wheels

The way to a boy's heart..

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 02:12:34 PDT

..... is to let him lick the chocolate cake bowl. Michael:lick, lick "I love you mum" lick, lick"I love you mum"Lick, Lick ... I had to laugh and grab the camera to record the moment.Little moments like this are too easily forgotten, when they've grown.This really is the reason I blog, In the years to come I can look back at the kids growing and remember the special little moments. This really

It is possible....

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 04:21:08 PDT

For a nine month old and an almost 3 year old to fight!Heather knows how to hold her own these days. I don't think Heather was impressed with Michael pushing into her photo shoot. It was a beautiful spring day today. Time to strip off the winter wear and take some sun, increasing our vitamin D. So important for our mental health, growth of bones and immune system.New research is showing that

1kg of English Leicester X Merino fleece

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 20:51:06 PDT

It took forever. I spun it very fine.After watching: The Gentle Art Of Plying with Judith MacKenzie I decided to 3 ply most of my singles. I learned that I have a tendency to underply and underspin. I learned that was ok too, if that was the type of yarn I wanted to make! I learned that 3ply is rounder and better for knitting as it will bloom in the stitch.I learned that it was better to have a

Playing with my knitter's loom

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:25:45 PDT

Warp and weft: my handspun Romney X CorrWarp: 6 of each colourWeft: 2 pics of each colour Nice site with the Terminology used in weaving. I wove this on my Ashford Knitter's loomUsing the 10 DPI reed. I'm playing making swatches of different patterns.I want to try weaving with a pick up stick on my Knitter's loom next.

I did say I was obsessed...

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 20:01:39 PDT

The postman just knocked on my door! Five little looms have come to stay.Two 5 inch looms, one for 8ply yarns and the other for 12 ply.One 7 inch triangle,One 7 inch 12ply loom,and one 31/2 by 7 1/2 rectangle. I bought them from Bella in Adelaide. She does mail order!The looms are marked down as they are the last of her stock.So if you want one be quick as there aren't many left. I beat you to

Woven table mat

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 17:14:03 PDT

Yarn: Handspun Romneyx CorrWoven on 7 inch square hand loomFly stitch, buttonhole and Lazy Daisy My first finished project using my 7 inch square loom.My hand spun is a little heavier than an 8ply and the last couple of rows of the squares were a little tight to weave.I love the feel of the fabric, it's not as harsh as it looks. I'm building up a pile of weavies. 17 in the box at the moment.

Childhood memories

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:32:20 PDT

My mum taught me to knit when I was 5. I was given this little Lady Bird book for Christmas. I remember my sister got a similar Ladbird book on gardening. I remember my Nan always had knitting needles in her hand. My aunt sent me my Nan's needles and they are treasured.My Nan was a very gifted knitter and crocheter. The publish Date is 1972 so I must of been 6 or 7 when I got this book.I remember

E-loom-in-ating

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 20:00:03 PDT

I'm in love with little looms and weavingI bought a little loom from Bella last year and have had fun weaving up squares.I have a 7 inch loom that is designed to weave 8ply yarns. I now want to invest in more of these little looms and play with them. Pete is being romanced into making me more looms using the instructions from This site. Eloomanation.com is a fabulous site full of PDF booklets

Wirrabara Craft House

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:14:29 PDT

Nothing like a quick trip up to Wirrabara Craft House They have the nicest handmade pieces.All locally made. I've had one of these benches on my want list for a long time.And curtesy of the Australian Government and a tax return.We now have one. I can see myself sitting out the front a lot this Spring spinning at my Wheel,while Heather and Michael play on the front weed patch lawn. The Fleeces

Hand spun and knitted Scarf

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:25:13 PDT

From Art Batt to scarf.If you missed the post on me spinning this, HERE it is. I knitted until I ran out of yarn and made a scarf 180cm long. Pattern: Go diagonal Scarf by Sophia KessingerNeedles 10mm Denise interchangeables I found the pattern through Ravelry. You do need to be a member to access the link to the PDF download of this pattern but it's all free.

Cabbage for dinner

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:04:46 PDT

And the kids loved it.I made Chow Mein, one of the kids favorites. With our home grown cabbage. Lilly helped me pick the cabbage and carry it to the house.Now my kids will normally turn their nose up to cabbage, but this is Dadddy's cabbage, the one he grew in the garden. They all tried a little of the raw cabbage and declared it sweet and yummy. It's great weather for ducks around here. Sadly

Little Sister Sweater

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 21:35:03 PDT

Heather is growing up quickly.Sitting unsupported and crawling around the house.My baby is mobile!She even bit me for the first time today. The jumper is another free net pattern.I love free patterns, especially when they have been tested by lots of other people all over the world and the results shared as they are on Ravelry. This was a very quick knit.I casted on, on Friday and was finished on

OOh Awww pretty glittery yarn

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 19:13:56 PDT

Packages that come in the mail.Tied up in pretty ribbon are some of my favorite things. Art Batts were the first installment in the Moseley Park No.3 Dyed Fiber Club for 2010Carded up by the talented Jane they contained Mohair locks, Merino, Suri locks and Angelina for sparkle. All spun up onto a single bobbin. I was determined to get it to all fit on one bobbin as my other bobbins are

Father's Day Socks

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 05:04:03 PDT

We celebrated Father's Day a little late here.Pete was away working on the day.We did spend some time on Skype on the actual day but it's not the same as having Dad home. I finished Pete's socks in time for Father's day.A basic sock pattern, with a patterned sock yarn I bought at Lincraft. I used my tiny Addi Turbos. 2.5mm and 30cm circulars. I find these much easier and quicker to use than

Book Week fun

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:22:36 PDT

Book week, is always something I dread. With five at school that means five costumes. Lots of drama and tears. Lots of negotiation on costume choices.This year was a little easier.Wendy came for a visit and with a lot of enthusiasm and love sat up to 1.30am and got up at 6 am to complete costumes. When Wendy visits there are lots of squeals of delight and hugs. She picked the kids up for school

New old Bread tins

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:07:18 PDT

I had some fun yesterday. Wendy came to visit from Adelaide. We went to explore the op shops between here and Port Pirie. I've been searching for bread tins for a few weeks and yesterday I found some in an Antique shop in Crystal Brook. I was so excited I had to scrub them clean and oil them up and make a batch of bread last night. Made for a late night! But the results were worth it. I'm

Silk Merino Handspun

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:31:43 PDT

I bought the fiber form Ewe Give Me The Knits. It's Ashford 20% Silk 80% Merino, in the Juniper colourway I'm not sure what I'll make with it.It has a beautiful drape and luster from the silk. It's spun at 14 wpi making it a fingering weight yarn156 meters2ply I'm really excited by my spinning progress.Still so much to learn.I find it very relaxing, it's one of those crafts that is hypnotic

There's something in the air.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:57:15 PDT

Brocolli, chard and eggs. The little garden spider was an extra. As we move into spring the winter veg is starting to produce. Lots of broccoli this season. I like broccoli you can pick the large center head and then continue picking the smaller florets. Unlike cauliflower where you only get the one head and then feed the plant to the ducks and chooks. The ducks and chooks aren't above

What's a Quesadilla?

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:10:57 PDT

Michael likes his with baked beans I didn't know until a couple of days ago. And from now on they will be seen around here often. A Quesadilla is:A quesadilla (Spanish pronunciation: [kesaˈðiʎa], usually anglicized as /ˌkeɪsəˈdiː.ə/) is a Mexican food made primarily of cheese inside a folded corn or wheat tortilla and cooked until the cheese melts. Occasionally a second ingredient is added with

Baking Bread

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:04:24 PDT

My bread maker (nicknamed the Darlek) is older than my eldest daughter. I bought it in 1997 on a trip to Alice Springs. She's started to make a few strange noises. And thirteen years out of an appliance is pretty good going these days. One big problem with The Darlek is that it leaves a great big hole in the loaf. Time to replace The Darlek, I started listing all I wanted in a breadmaker

Rice Bubble slice - seriously nice

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:16:53 PDT

My kids go through phases with cereal. One week they love weet-bix and then they won't touch them for ages. Same with Rice bubbles. I've had a pack of rice bubbles sitting in the cupboard for a while and they need to be used up. A little web search and I found this post on Realmums.com.au. Looks like a fabulous forum. I've not come across it before. As the poster has no idea where this recipe

Knitted socks from Handspun

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:52:38 PDT

These were supposed to be for Peter.I stuffed up. Being the lazy impatient person I am.I didn't do a swatch.The socks were way too big for Peter and a little too big for me.Easily fixed, I'll just throw them in the machine and felt them. Would they felt? Only by a small amount, just enough for them to fit my feet.Looks like I have a new pair of warm socks. The pattern is another freebie found on

Crochet bags - Dot's Little Ditty Bag

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 20:48:04 PDT

I did warn you I had a lot to catch you up with! The pattern is a freebie found here :Dot's Little Ditty Bag Not lined because I'm lazy ;)I started with the little blue one which is done according to the instructions. Next I increased it. Then I made the one with the long handle which is lovely and roomy. A really fun pattern to play around with.I used 8mm hook and 2 or three strands of yarn

Making Waldorf Dolls

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:51:46 PDT

Making Waldorf Dolls By Maricristin Sealey Fabulous book! Directions are easy to follow. Ten doll designs. pattern for clothes too. I made the first project in the book. I made two because the kids fought over the first. This is the Tiny baby doll. Cotton velour for the body, wool stuffing, cotton tricot for the head and handspun wool for the hair. I then went on to make the second doll.... I

Weaving

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:13:39 PDT

I've been playing around with my loom experimenting with simple patterns. I used my handspun natural coloured wools again and a 7.5DPI reed to make this little pouch. I warped 6 grey, 6 white and then woven the weft 6 grey and 6 white, to give the pattern. I spun the yarn from a Corriedale X Romney Fleece I bought from Wirrabarra a while back. It was a 1.3kg fleece and I've almost spun the lot

Spin, weave, fulled, crocheted and stitched

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:06:38 PDT

Woven with handspun romney as warp and weft, on a 12inch knitters loom. Crochet flowers and leaves are in handspun corriedale X both fleeces came from Lucinvale Coated Spinning Fleeces at Mt Brian here in South Australia. I used the 5DPI reed and once woven I slightly fulled the scarf before sewing on the embellishments. I'm totally stoked with this :D

Spun and Knitted Argosy Scarf

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:50:50 PDT

I spun this yarn early last year. I was just pregnant with Heather. I'd bought the fleece off Jane at Moesley Park in one of her fibre Clubs. The sheep's name the fleece comes from is Flora :) I started knitting the scarf about a year ago. It was my project for relief teaching when I had year 11 and 12 study group supervision. The pattern is from Knitty and called Argosy When I stopped

Three New Yarns

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:42:56 PDT

Three New Yarns: 1st- 83 meters, 5 wraps to the inch making it a bulky Yarn. Spun in Romney X naturally grey and overdyed. Fiber came from Jane at Moesleypark in October last years fiber club. 2nd - 6WPI 48 meters, RomneyX Corriedale Fleece came from Lucindale Coated Fleeces at Bt Bryan. 3rd - 11WPI making it about a DK weight (8ply) Merino 22micron commercial sliver.

I'm Back..

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:13:33 PDT

Did you miss me?I'm rather hoping you're saying yes! It took me awhile to realise I couldn't walk away from my blog.After 4 years it's become a vital part of me.How else will I record the growing years of my beautiful children?The reasons I started this blog are still there, my dear friends. So back to it!I have a lot to share and catch you up with. All my love,Tracy

Missy Lissy

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:22:30 PDT

Here is Missy Lissy. I used a Womens Weekly pattern for her. I crocheted a little dress for her. No young lady should be seen without her Mary Janes. nor her knickers! Her hair must be brushed and adorned. Lissy likes to wear a headband to keep her hair out of her pretty black eyes.

My First Waldorf Doll.

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:23:07 PDT

This is the first Waldorf style doll I have made.I'm pleased with it. I love how it feels and how cuddly it is.I bought a kit and pattern to make this doll from Sara's Dolls in Australia. The dress is crocheted by me from a Vicki Moodie Book Crochet Outfits for dolls and prembabies.

Blue The Calico Rag Doll

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:21:48 PDT

This little doll is made of calico and poly-fil I crochet him some shorts and a t-shirt. I was making him shoes but like his owner he didn't like wearing them.

Handspun and Knitted Sack doll

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:23:47 PDT

I followed the directions from The Handmaden to make this little fellow. I spun the yarn from a Romney Fleece.The head is made of wool and Cotton tricot

Knotted Dolls

tracy@desertrosedesigns.com.au (Mad Quilter) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:01:45 PDT

These little dolls were made following the directions from HERE.These are quick to make and very cute.When I make them again I'll lengthen the legs as it's very hard to tie knots with them as they are. I think this was because I used a very plush fabric.