Friday 29 March 2013

Calisthenics - First Solo Competition

Julia (Miss Six) is in the Sub-Junior team for Calisthenics this year and she is also performing in the Calisthenic Solo competitions. She started training late last year to learn her routine and her first competition was last weekend. 


She was fabulous and absolutely the cutest Alice in Wonderland I've ever seen! There are just a few weeks until her next competition, so she is diligently practising her routine and improving all the time. She is determined to win a medal or a trophy! 

Julia totally adores her coach Hannah, whose patience, dedication and friendship is so very much appreciated. A big thank you also to Hannah's Mum Felicity who lovingly made Julia's beautiful costume. She really looked wonderful! 

More to come as the year progresses...

If you'd like to find out more, please take a look at Calisthenics ACT if you are in Canberra like me, or Calisthenics Australia for more information about Calisthenics in other states. 

Christine xx

Wednesday 27 March 2013

The Gallery - Walking along the Walk of Fame


Joining Sticky Fingers for The Gallery... the theme this week is Walks. 


One of Miss Julia's most memorable places from our 2011 US trip is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She loved the stars along the footpath, the night lights and the many souvenir shops, but most of all she loved the characters who lined the path just waiting for the chance of a little cash in exchange for a photo or two. 

There was Woody from Toy Story (who quietly whispered to me "I work for tips" as Julia rushed into his arms), Tinkerbell (who I'm sure was dressed for a night on the town), Batman (whose ample girth made me think that he had seen better days), Spongebob Squarepants and Darth Vader. 

But the best was Spider-Man. He really knew how to play a role. Julia was delighted when she spotted him perched up on a ledge one night, and she was thrilled when he jumped down and posed for this picture with her. After that, it became a game each night to walk along the Walk of Fame and see if we could find Spider-Man! 

Christine xx

Monday 25 March 2013

Made It Monday - Broomstick Lace

Broomstick Lace is a crochet technique that I have wanted to try for a long time. It uses a crochet hook and a large knitting needle to create an open, lacy fabric. 


I didn't use a pattern for this scarf, but I did watch this video on YouTube for some help. It might look a bit complicated but it's really quite easy so I'm very glad I tried it. I have plans to use this technique some more in a few upcoming projects!

Skip To My Lou
Linking to "Made by you Monday" at Skip to My Lou... join the fun!

Feeding Big
Also linking to "In and Out of the Kitchen Link party" at Feeding Big and More... thanks for the invitation Cynthia!

Christine xx

Wednesday 20 March 2013

The Gallery - Un peu de rouge (a little red)


Joining Sticky Fingers for The Gallery... the theme this week is Red. 


Christmas Day in Paris - that's three-year-old me in the red coat sitting under the Eiffel Tower with my Mum. A favourite family photo taken many years ago. 

Christine xx

Monday 18 March 2013

Made It Monday - Tahiti Blossoms

A while ago a crocheting friend asked for some flowers for a group display project. I couldn't resist the opportunity to try a new flower pattern. 



You can find this free pattern by A.B.McKenna from 6ichthusfish here

Skip To My Lou
Linked to "Made by you Monday" at Skip to My Lou... join the fun!

Christine xx

Wednesday 13 March 2013

The Gallery - C is for Canberra!


It's time to get back into a new year of photo sharing and I'm joining Sticky Fingers once again for The Gallery... the theme this week is The Letter C. 


Balloons rising over the National Library - dawn at the Balloon Spectacular... a magnificent sight! 

This year is the centenary of Canberra. We are celebrating 100 years since Lady Denman, wife of then Governor-General Lord Denman, laid the first foundation stone and announced that the name of the new Australian capital would be Canberra. 

100 years may seem like chicken feed compared to the grand histories of European cities, but it represents a significant step in Australian history. Because Canberra is so young, I feel like I am part of it - being involved in the making of its history rather than watching from the sidelines. 

Living in our nation's capital, there are so many wonderful opportunities to be involved in community and culture. The "bush capital" has come a long way in 100 years, but to me it's still the most wonderful city in which I could ever wish to live. 

Come and visit! You can find out more about Canberra's Centenary Program here

Christine xx

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Made It Monday - Little Easter Bunny

Yesterday was a public holiday in here Canberra to celebrate Canberra Day and Canberra's 100th Birthday. So here is a belated blog post for Made It Monday. 

With Easter coming up, I made a little Easter bunny. He is only about 14cm tall and so very sweet! 


I changed the pattern a bit, but my little bunny is based on a pattern by Stephanie Jessica Lau which you can find here

Christine xx

Monday 4 March 2013

Made It Monday - Cup Cozy

I was recently asked to make a corset-style cup cozy in orange with pink ribbon. 

I wanted to try a different crochet stitch rather than plain double crochet, so I had a look through my numerous books and found the Trinity stitch. It's a very simple pattern but has a lovely texture and such a pretty finish. 


There are many online tutorials for this stitch - you can find one here with written instructions and a video. 

Christine xx