Incoming!

As Bianca from Goodnight Little Spoon would say - incoming!

I have received my second parcel of amazing goodies in a week. Can you believe it? I entered a competition run by Monica at the Creative Beast, and lo and behold - I won!

I've gotta say - this crafty woman is incredibly generous. Not only was she giving away vintage crafty goodies from her grandma's collection, but she went to a massive effort to package it up beautifully - and pay the not-so-cheap price to send the box all the way from the US to Australia.

First, everything came in this red carry bag, as pictured above (uber useful).


The prize I won was vintage knitting needles, some yarn and some other knitting related goodies. This wasn't even all of it!


As if that wasn't kind enough, Monica looked at my blog, discovered that I have an undying love for tea, and added a whole bunch of tea related gifts to the box.

So, considering this and my last post, I'm feeling pretty spoilt right now. If it's any consolation to you empty mailbox owners out there, it is my birthday week, so I'm just counting these as 'extra' birthday presents.

Oh, and if your mailbox is empty, consider writing to Bianca at Goodnight Little Spoon, she is bound to write back and with decorated paper and envelopes to boot.

DUST are go!

I have blogged before about the sheer awesomeness of the Etsy Down Under Street Team (DUST) which I am a member of. Just to quickly recap - these are a super supportive and helpful bunch of crafters who are scattered across Australia and who work together to promote each other's work and assist each other with all crafty business endeavours.

You may also remember that I made some teeny weeny crocheted teacups to go in the goodie bags for the DUST Conference, which I was unfortunately unable to attend. Well, those wonderful folk who organised the conference didn't forget me. This week, I got this very exciting package in the mail.



What's in it? Well, let's take a look! Firstly, this DUST carry bag (which is great, coz I use these bags all the time until they wear through and I have to throw them out).



And inside the bag? Goodies! For me!




Check out all these fantastic things! I couldn't believe how generous those DUSTers are! There's a notepad from Wiccked. There's a necklace from TashaChawler. There's earrings from AndyJusty. There's the cutest hairtie from VanillaPixie. And then there's a whole bunch of discount vouchers and other generous offerings from other DUST members.



Needless to say, I was extremely chuffed to receive all these little gifts in the mail. Just goes to show what a wonderful community of people they are. You should so go check out the fantastic things they make. Go on. You know you want to.

Meanwhile, I've got a few new mug and tea cozies which will be added to my etsy shop starting tonight. Here are some in the making.



Adios for now!

RSPCA Cupcake Day

Did you know that today is Cupcake Day for the RSPCA? That's right, people all over Australia have been baking cupcakes to sell in their workplaces, schools and social groups to raise funds for the excellent work done by the RSPCA to protect and help animals. And yes, I've been baking.



Although I might not be able to share these yummy treats with you, it would be wonderful if you are able to help me reach my fundraising goal by donating here.

The wonderful Tia from NotWeeds, who already made a donation herself, offered to donate $2 from every sale over the next three days. Is she a gem, or what? Tia makes herbal teas and blends to aid health and wellness. Visit her store here.


(incidentally, Tia also uses Stitchybritt tea and mug cozies - as you can see pictured here)

So I am going to follow Tia's lead and do the same. For all sales (whether through Etsy or MadeIt)for the next three days will see a $2 donation to the RSPCA. Let's support the great work of the RSPCA and the handmade movement at the same time.

Super Easy Tips - tip #1 Soapy Bag

I've decided to start a series of 'Super Easy Tips' posts for the readers who love easy, quick things to make that are also useful. That's everyone, right?

Sometimes it's just a really simple thing, that you never thought of before, that is used over and over again.

Today's Super Easy Tip: a Soapy Bag

I don't know about you, but in our household we always end up with a bunch of small, leftover soapy bits that are impossible to wash yourself with. Until recently we were throwing these out - what a waste! So I decided to make a little soapy bag that can hold all the leftover soapy bits and that you can still use to wash yourself. Yay! This will take you all of 15 mins to make.



First, cut yourself a rectangular bit of fabric, about 20cm x 15cm. Choose a light, natural fabric - a piece of cotton will do fine. I overlocked the ends to avoid fraying, but this was probably being over-cautious.



Then, fold your fabric so that the two short ends meet, and the fabric is right-sides-together. Stitch the two side seams. You want to make a little drawstring bag, so fold the top hem over and stitch it down, leaving a gap of about 2cm so that you can thread your string. Then just attach your string (or ribbon, or whatever you've got) to a safety pin to thread it through the tunnel and tie together. And there you have it! A soapy bag.




Now you can put your leftover little soapy bits inside, and once you have a few in there it is easy to use the bag to wash with - the soapy suds come through the fabric and you haven't wasted all that leftover soap.

Hang it in your shower for easy use.



*please don't judge the cleanliness of my shower. Ok, so maybe I spend more time stitchin' than cleaning. Don't you?*

Drumroll please

And the winner of the two cute huggable peanut pigs is...



Entry Number 7! That's you Roxanne @ MentalMulch! Congratulations! I will be in touch shortly to get your postage details.

Thanks to everyone who entered. I promise I won't wait 18 months to have my next giveaway : )

Rock'n'roll baby

Have you entered the Stitchybritt giveaway yet? No? Well, what are you waiting for? There are two very cute, hug-able, squish-able pink piggies to be won! Hop on over here to enter (it's very easy, I promise).

Meanwhile, it's been crochet central round these parts. Why? Because two lovely friends of mine are about to become three - that's right, they are having a little baby boy, who has already been named "Jack".



When Jack's dad told me that news that there would be a baby on the way, I was so excited, I soon sent him a text message saying "I'd better start knitting!". The response I got was "skulls and switchblades, please". You see, Jack's parents are pretty rock'n'roll, and are not the types to dress their pride and joy in pastel colours. No, this is a rock'n'roll baby! So a crocheted skull blanket it shall be!



I used this knitting pattern from an old issue of Knit1 Magazine for the skull, and bought some organic Aussie wool from A Coffee and a Yarn (King St, Newtown). I wasn't sure how a knit pattern would work out crocheted - but turns out it's ok!



The main block of the blanket is done, now I just need to think about the lining, border and finishing. Don't even think about coming along early little Jack, aunty Stitchybritt ain't done yet!