Getting to know Jan

I seem to have been MIA for the last little while. It is because as the title of this post says I have been getting to know Jan.

One of my loveliest friends has moved overseas for a time and she decided not to take Jan with her so I have been left with the very nice task of looking after Jan whilst my friend is away. It has taken us a few months of warily circling each other but I am pleased to report that we have over the last couple of weeks become quite close and perhaps one might even say friendly! At least so far Jan has done nothing to really upset me and although I have been keeping her up late some nights she seems to have settled in quite well.

I decided that we needed to make some simple projects together, something that would help us bond. The image of us becoming friends as we pieced together fabric and made something new appealed to my inner romantic.

So without further delay let me introduce Jan.......

Isn't she lovely?

So far we have made Tiger a snuggle blanket and some cushions for the rocking chair in the boys room. Also I attempted a pair of pants for Jed and after I had ripped the seams and added some more fabric (so the poor child wasn't wearing hipsters) I am quite pleased with the results. At least they are fine for playgroup and ABA meetings. Then I found a stained t-shirt and appliqued a piece of matching material and we have a set.... The 'busyness' of the material also hides a multitude of wonky seams.

I used polar fleece for the backing on Tiger's snuggle blanket and fake fur for the front. He wanted "lion" fur but I have to admit I was shocked at the price per metre of fake fur so we ended up digging through the remnants bin and finding enough for me to sew together patchwork wise . I paid $3.00 a piece for the fur so $12.oo instead of over twice that for a metre. I had enough left over to use as the backing for the new cushions.

So for my first sewing projects I have to admit to a little bit of self back patting and quiet smiles. Of course I doubt that I could ever reach the dizzy heights of sewing glory that Lisa achieved last week however I am so excited by the whole sewing experiment and have so many ideas buzzing around that I think I might have to get a little Brother for Jan. Then I won't be lonely when she goes back to her real home.

So much fun....

On a completely different but no less pleasant note look what I got for Valentines Day....

That's a dozen red roses... first time we've ever done Valentines Day and as usual I did nothing for him..... Thank You, Honey you made my day, but then you make my day every day.

Transport

Despite the fact that I have two boys I simply could not walk past this little pram when I saw it in the op-shop. It was sitting next to a little dolls stroller that was all pink and "Barbiefied"! Perhaps a little much for the boys, but this one just pulled at my heartstrings. I like to think that a Grandad has put it together for a loved little grandchild, and maybe Grandma has sewn the little quilt. It reminded me that I had a dolls pram, although it wasn't wicker like this and I think the cat spent more time in it than any doll. In fact I don't remember actually having any dolls. Anyway the boys love it and it spent the night in Tiger's room next to his bed with his "baby" (Blue teddy) tucked up and sleeping soundly!

Jed got hold of it this morning..........

Teddy said he was happy to go for a spin but he wasn't going anywhere without the blue plastic nut and bolt.....

Yes I have boys!!!

I also found this gorgeous wooden train....

Pram - $10
Train - $ 2
Total expenditure of $12 for the RSPCA.
We're happy!!

I hope to do some more elephant knitting before the boys wake from their naps.
Have a peaceful day!

Pictures....

The pictures that go with yesterday's post......

This is how she is supposed to look

My version.....

Brownies.....

To go with a cuppa in my favourite mug....

The rain stopped us from going to Steiner this morning, so we had a quiet day at home instead. Now I'm off to bake jam drops with Tiger, and watch the storm that is about to smash us.... (starting to get over the rain now!!) enjoy your afternoon.

What have we been doing....

The year has officially started....kids are back at school and we went to our first Steiner playgroup for the year last week. Tiger has gone back to the farm and is going to go two days a week this year. He is very excited.
Jed had a few days of higher than normal temperatures, and was decidedly grumpy and whingy.
Teething again!!! Cutting the last back molar and at long last the 4th tooth at the front/bottom gum. He was really a trouper though.
I ripped out what was left in the veggie patch and replanted, we have however had so much rain since, that every time I look at the poor little seedlings they look drowned, bless them, I fear they may not make it. On the other hand it is wonderful to be in the position where there is more water going into the tank than coming out of it. Last night the mountain was almost cut off, (after the 1974 floods the Moutain was completely cutoff for 2 weeks) although DP did get the kids to school this morning since he has been home we have had some showers and it is predicted that we will get more..... lovely stuff. I did hear the buzz that the old timers reckon that February is going to make January look dry???? Mmmm how long and how much rain does it take before mould starts growing on a person?
I borrowed this book from the library it is really sweet, filled with lovely projects that a more experienced knitter would have whipped up in no time. I have started with a pink elephant ( although mine is purple ) she is so cute. I have pictures of the WIP but they are still on the camera and the cable to download them is in with the sleeping baby. I will have to think of another place for it I know...will post pictures next time. Once Ellie is done, I am then going to start on knitting the winter jumpers for Tiger and Jed. I hope I don't get bored before they are finished! I am looking forward to it but realise that if I don't start now they will never be ready in time for the littles to wear them this year. Oh to be a faaaaast knitter!!

Why is it that if you say the word "bottom" (especially if you whisper in a conspiratorial tone) children around the age of three will fall about in fits of laughter? My sister was a culprit, I remember her falling off chairs, so was Mim and so too it seems is Tiger! Perhaps though I shouldn't have mentioned it, maybe it is a particular family quirk. And now everyone will know!

Ok now Blogger won't let me do anything like load pics so I can't show the evidence! I hope I can publish.

I want to make brownies this afternoon... the last batch didn't cook properly, I think I have to use a different size tin, in order for my oven to cope. Best go and start, Tiger has woken from his nap, and he loves to "help" with cooking.

Thanks for stopping by....