The Great Easter Maths Challenge

It's Easter 2016 and I have a new Easter Egg Hunt to share. This is for Julia, my maths-loving 9 year old (how can she be that big now?)

I will admit that I was hoping that the Easter Bunny would just drop a few eggs off this year without the whole hunt thing. That peaceful thought soon evaporated earlier this week when Miss 9 clearly stated "I love the Easter Hunts that Easter Bunny leaves every year! I hope he leaves one for me this year!"

Dang, I thought, and quickly replied "Maybe he'll think you're too old for a hunt this year". "Oh no Mum, definitely not", was her emphatic response.

So I sat with pen, paper and calculator, and worked out an amazing Easter puzzle for her. Here it is for you.

If you are looking for some inspiration for next year, you can download or print this sheet in PDF format here. Enjoy!

You can also find some Easter hunt clues from previous years here and here. 

Christine xx

Free Crochet Pattern - the Paint Splash Blanket!

It has been quite some time since my last blog post, but I've not been idle!

I was recently involved in a showcase with The Bluebirds Boutique entitled "Splash!", and I really wanted to create something a bit different. So I started thinking about different types of splashes, and came up with a design for a blanket inspired by colourful splashes of paint.

Coloured and plain motifs are created and joined together to create this blanket. 

My blanket is approx 90 x 90 cm. Suitable for any 8ply or DK yarn and may be made to any size by adjusting the number of motifs used. You could also substitute worsted weight yarns, but please note this will alter the size of your blanket, and will increase the yarn requirements.

My blanket uses Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 8ply 100% wool in Frost for the main colour. The contrast paint splash colours are crocheted in fabulous 8ply 100% wool hand dyed by Meraki Studio NZ in Rainbow blanket set colourways (website www.merakistudionz.com) and the edging colours are created using 8ply 100% wool hand dyed by Yarnfloozy in Jelly Beans colourway (website: www.etsy.com/shop/YarnfloozyCK).

You can use any joining method you like. I have used a flat braid join and must thank Rachele from BabyLove Brand for allowing me to include a link to her tutorial in my pattern. You can find it here:
http://babylovebrand.net/2013/04/19/tutorial-flat-braid-join/

I have made this pattern available as a FREE DOWNLOAD ON RAVELRY - go to http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paint-splash-blanket
Pattern by Christine Tusch - Mini-Me Handcrafts © 2015

This pattern may not be redistributed or copied in any way. Finished items may be sold. Enjoy!

Christine xx

Some creative inspiration from The Doctor

Although blogging has been neglected this year, creativity has continued!

These blankets are the result of my latest creative endeavours - introducing "The Doctor" collection by Mini-Me Handcrafts! Which one is your favourite?

"Don't Blink" lap blanket, approx 70cm x 85cm. Crocheted in 100% machine washable luxury wool. Stylised Weeping Angel design by Amy Schilling.

"TARDIS" lap blanket, approx 76cm x 92cm. Crocheted in 100% machine washable luxury wool. Stylised TARDIS design by F.P. Molina.

"Exterminate" lap blanket, approx 68cm x 84cm. Crocheted in 100% machine washable luxury wool. Stylised Dalek design by Amy Schilling.

"Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey" lap blanket, approx 72cm x 86cm. Crocheted in 100% machine washable luxury wool. Stylised TARDIS design by Kat W.

These four blankets will be available to purchase at the Science Geek showcase at The Bluebirds Boutique on Facebook next Thursday 4th September 2014.

Christine xx

A crochet flashback to the 80s

I had a blast creating some crochet items to suit a showcase theme "I love the 80s".

Hooded scarf inspired by the album War by U2, released February 1983.
Crocheted in striking hand dyed "Magpie" by Angie's Studio and "Clare's Red" by Miss Jane Knits.
Pattern by Crochet Dreamz.

Mobius shoulder wrap inspired by the album Red Sails in the Sunset by Midnight Oil, released October 1984.
Crocheted in stunning hand dyed "Acer" by Featherbrush Yarns.
Pattern by Doris Chan. 

Lace infinity scarf inspired by the album Like a Virgin by Madonna, released November 1984.
Crocheted in gorgeous hand dyed "Soul Warmer" by Jodulbug Creations (now Meraki Studio NZ).
Pattern by Elisa Purnell. 

Lace shawl inspired by the album Zenyattà Mondatta by The Police, released October 1980.
Crocheted in amazing hand dyed "Zenyattà Mondatta" 4ply gradient by Sheepish by Sarah, specially created for this showcase.
Pattern by Anastasia Roberts.

The showcase was held at Yarnification on Facebook from 28th Feb to 2nd March.

Christine xx

January just slipped right past me...

January has come and gone without a blog post from me. So here is my month in pictures: 

A family holiday in Tasmania...

... some school holiday cooking... 

... and some crocheting. 

Pattern by Twinkie Chan.

Pattern by Josephine Wu.

Pattern by Drops Design.
Hand dyed yarn by Red Riding Hood Yarns.

Pattern by Jessica Woofter.

My own design.

Christine xx

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

The end of the year is creeping closer and closer, and I realise that I have neglected my blog over the past month as everything has been rush, rush, rush! 

My crafting time has been spent creating handcrafted Christmas goodies like these...

So now, just as Christmas Eve is drawing ever so near, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! 

Christine xx

Miss J's Cold Rock Birthday Party

Julia is now Miss 7 (where has the time gone!) and this year I took the easy route - her birthday party was at Cold Rock Ice Creamery. What a fantastic party it was! 

All the party goers loved mixing their own Cold Rock ice cream! 

There was dancing and games... 

And I think you can tell that Miss J had a great time. 

Julia's birthday dress was made by Shelli at Shelli Morse Design - on Facebook and shop on madeit. 

Christine xx