Crochet Adventure

Okay so when I was young I learned a few basic crochet stitches, how to make chain, single crochet, trebles etc but nothing too flash. Well since I have finished work in preparation for having our baby boy in August, I have found myself wanting to pursue some of the old skills and talents I have had stowed away while I have been busy in the work force. 

So I bought some wool (actually it's not wool it's Acrylic) and some crochet hooks (size 4, 5, 6 hooks) while Spotlight had a yarn special and bravely invested $26.99 on a book of patterns. Now I say bravely, as one of the reasons I have put off crocheting for some time is that I have terrible trouble following abbreviated patterns- (I am so not good with instructions - give me a picture and I can make anything) and so spending that much on a book I might not have been able to make head nor tail of was a bit of a punt .... To my delight it was clearly written and the patterns were basic and suitable for a novice like me. 

The book is from Cleckheaton 957 Master Crochet. It contains instructions to make 6 simple and irresistible Baby Designs in 4ply or 8ply - sizes newborn to 12 months.

The first pattern I attempted came together quickly and I didn't have too many problems - and I cannot describe the sense of achievement and satisfaction I felt conquering my fear of trying to use a pattern :D I succeeded!!! 
Here is the project as it is pictured in the book 

Here is my first attempt - made in 8ply acrylic yarn, with a size 4 hook. New born size for my soon to be born baby boy "Ace Monroe" 

The second project I attempted from this book was for my best friend who is due to give birth to a little girl 5 days before I am due... here is the design as pictured in the book, I chose to make for her.

Here is how my attempt turned out ..... pretty!!! I have since made another hat like this one but in a larger size for her 3 year old.

I have since made another set for Ace but in a different colour.

All in all I can highly recommend this pattern book even for a beginner - it was well worth the money and I know I will use its patterns again and again. It's available from spotlight if you want your own copy. 

Preserving (Canning)

For some time I have wanted to learn to preserve fruit - I know my mother preserved (bottled as she calls it) however she really only pulled out this skill after I had left home and she moved to the country so I never really saw her do it - and hense forth - I never learned to do it myself. Soooo with the help of my friend Hannah ( my oldest friend - she and I have been friends since I was 5 and she was 4) and some phone calls to my mum I have started my foray into preserving.

This process has been helped by the acquisition of a beautiful big preserving pan that I picked up from my local market for only $5 - a total bargain!!!

So far I have used it to preserve apples and feijoas. I got both lots of fruit for free and my darling mum has furnished me with jars seals and rings - which is very generous of her - I think its because she is proud of me for preserving the old ways ( excuse the pun)

Whoa that was a lot of feijoas it took me half the morning to peel and cut them all

and the result 7 big jars of feijoas and two icecream containers of feijoas to freeze for later use :D

I also did a bunch of apple and feijoa, some peaches and some pears :D

All in all it has been an enjoyable experience and I am glad to have gained a new skill since I am now a stay at home mum to be :D

Passing on the heritage of a good name

Shawn and I have just enjoyed 4 days with his mom Freda. She came up for a quick visit and to come to my 25 week scan. She had never seen a scan as they weren't invented when she was having her babies and this is her first grandchild. She was thrilled to see her unborn grandbaby... and tickled pink (or in this case tickled blue) when we had it confirmed we are expecting a little boy. She had 3 boys, two still living - Shawn's dad died a couple of years ago and as yet has not had any grandbabies to carry on the family name. She gave me a poem that used to hang in the boys room when they were young. It's beautiful so I thought I would post it here.

Your Name

You got it from your father,
t'was the best he had to give,
And right gladly he bestowed it
It's yours, the while you live.

You may lose the watch he gave you
and another you may claim,
But remember, when you're tempted,
to be careful of his name.

It was fair the day you got it,
and a worthy name to bear,
When he took it from his father
there was no dishonor there.

Through the years he proudly wore it,
to his father he was true,
And that name was clean and spotless
when he passed it on to you.

Oh there's much that he has given
that he values not at all,
He has watched you break your playthings
in the days when you were small.

You have lost the knife he gave you
and you've scattered many a game,
But you'll never hurt your father
if you're careful with his name.

It is yours to wear forever,
yours to wear the while you live,
Yours, perhaps some distant morn,
another boy to give.

And you'll smile as did your father,
with a smile that all can share,
If a clean name and a good name
you are giving him to wear.

                                   - Edgar A. Guest