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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