Chunky Crochet Blanket

Some months ago I took up crocheting and, as I tend to do, jumped in boots and all with the promise of a blanket for my sister Miss Boo. 

And then I discovered that crochet blankets take something I don't have in spades- patience and commitment. 

However, I am very, very pleased to be able to report my first blanket is finished!

Now, when I say blanket, it really is more of a lap quilt. The pattern I used is here.  I have altered the original pattern a little but I definitely have Chucks For Chancho to thank for inspiring my first finished major crochet project.

Cheers!
The Captain.

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Let Them Eat Cake!

First Mate turned 8 today (let's not even wonder about where those years have gone!) so it was decided that a Minecraft birthday cake was in order. 

I don't mind the whole 'kids birthday cake' thing to be honest. I'm pretty crafty and like a challenge so when the request came, I was happy to oblige. 

As with almost everything, I first turned to Pintrest for some creative inspiration. And I was not disappointed. 

It turns out that half the mothers in the world have been tasked with making Minecraft cakes and in true motherly style, have plastered their achievements all over social media. Because let's face it, no one will ever appreciate your efforts as much as another mother who had spent her night elbow deep in green icing, delicately carving the face of a Creeper out of chocolate twirls. 

I'd love to share the Pinterest pictures I used as inspiration for my cake but unfortunately I couldn't find the original sources to be able to give adequate credit to the original creators. 

Instead, please feel free to delight in the marvel that is First Mate's Minecraft birthday cake- a collaborative effort between myself and thousands of other Minecraft savvy mums from around the world!

And, just to do my bit for global cake making inspiration, here are a few other birthday cakes I've made over the years. 

Happy birthday First Mate!

The Captain.

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Yarn Bombing!

A few months ago I visited the local Education Campus, as I have done many times before, only to find this....

I'd heard of yarn bombing before but this was the first time I've seen it first hand. And can I tell you, I totally love it! How can you not smile when such beautiful craft work just pops up overnight somewhere completely unexpected.

Check out some of these gorgeous yarn bombs from all around the globe.

What an amazing way to spread joy around the community. Have you seen any gorgeous yarn bombing in your area?

The Captain.

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Teepee Treat

I am very blessed, that despite all things First Mate 'hates' about school, reading isn't one of them. He spends a great deal of time pouring over books of practically any genre and we are frequent flyers at the local book shop.

This is something I want to embrace and encourage.

My quirky little man also has a penchant for cosy little spaces. He is for ever dragging out sheets to build cubby houses and has a toy box full of blankets beside his bed which he uses to build his 'nest' every night before he goes to sleep.

Enter the new reading teepee I surprised First Mate with this afternoon. 

I'm totally in love with its cute design and bright colours.

And for just $19 at K Mart, how could I go wrong?

I couldn't wait to see the look on First Mate's face when he got home from school.

As an added surprise I picked up the new Minecraft book First Mate has been begging me for for a few weeks now.

Favourite books close at hand for cosy bedtime reading.

Surprise! A very happy First Mate dives in to immediately christen the new reading teepee.

I just love his passion for reading. What a teepee treat!

Yours from the trenches,

The Captain

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Op-shop hopping!!

So, some exciting news! My sister, Miss Boo, has literally come from the other side of the country to join First Mate and I in our sea change adventure. She's lived away from the family for several years now so needless to say I'm uber excited to have her back in close proximity.

Miss Boo and I are quite different individuals to say the least but one thing we do share is our love of op-shops.  We have started to suss out the best second hand stores around our new town. 

Half the fun of op-shopping is just checking out the weird and wonderful things that people have once owned, but we certainly enjoyed picking up some cute little bargains in the process.

How amazing is this beautiful organ.  We had an organ in the house when I was growing up but it was no where near as extravagant as this one! 

Such a sweet old sewing machine. Miss Boo just so happens to be in the market for a new sewing machine and had it actually worked I think the funky retro-ness (is that even a word?!) of this one might have proven too hard for her to resist.

However, we did each succumb to a vintage handbag.  Miss Boo models hers above and mine looks darling on my accessories ladder. Not bad for $4!

But my most exciting find was this gorgeous old solid timber cupboard for $50. I instantly fell in love with it's square shape and solid features. 

It's only taken me two days but I've finally managed to rearrange all my furniture to fit it into my house! 

You haven't heard the last of my new favourite wardrobe.......

Yours from the trenches,

The Captain.

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A sea change is as good as a holiday.

Sooo... let's just ignore the fact that I've neglected my poor blog for, oh, eight or so months.....

Let's pretend, for a moment, that the stresses and pressures of my crazy life didn't distract me from the diligent and witty recording of my everyday observations.

Let's get back on track......

First Mate and I have made a sea change.

After much deliberation and planning we've swapped the hustle and bustle of city life for the calm and quiet existence of a regional seaside town. A calculated risk that, so far, is definitely paying off for both of us.

Stay tuned for more correspondence from the (new) trenches.

The Captain.

 

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