Thursday 24 October 2013

Thrifty thursday finds

Do your bit for the planet (and your wallet!) by thrifting, upcycling, recycling and repurposing with some vintage bargains.

Would you rather have a well loved item with plenty of life left in it? Or something cookie-cutter mass produced out of a catalogue? If you chose the second option then you and I will have to agree to disagree. My preference is for the item that has a story to it, but then again I'm a romantic at heart.

There are so many great ideas out there for repurposing your flea market finds. For some DIY inspiration you just need to check out Pinterest. Or you can check out the following for more practical instructions:

  • Mollie Makes / gorgeous UK based magazine with a focus on the handmade, vintage thrifting and craft. Lots of pretty projects to make yourself and inspiration from the world's best new generation of crafters.
  • The Crafty Minx: Creative Recycling and Handmade Treasures by Kelly Doust / gorgeous book with so many creative ideas and projects for recycling preloved and vintage items.

  • Granny Chic: Crafty Recipes and Inspiration for the Handmade Home by Tif Fussell and Rachelle Blondel / another creative how-to book giving inspiration for repurposing vintage finds. Great ideas for a handmade home with lots of pretty pictures.
  • frankie / Australian magazine focusing on the latest trends in fashion and craft. With gorgeous illustrations, great articles and lovely DIY projects thrown in too.

Fuel your imagination and share your ideas! Here are my latest Thrifty Thursday finds:



  1. Set of vintage 2x coffee cups 2x tea cups. Made in England with pretty pink floral pattern.
  2. Matching Carltonware side dishes. I have no idea what they were originally used for but I plan on using mine for olives!
  3. Art deco Clarice Cliff serving plate with gorgeous gold detailing that reminds me of something out of The Great Gatsby.
  4. Shelley vintage china milk jug. The perfect little vase for a posey of wildflowers.
Thursday 17 October 2013

Somewhere over the rainbow: DIY ombre lace scarf

Rainbows are for those of us who dare to dream of the world becoming a better place. For the dreamers, the artists, the renegades and the believers. Show your colours with pride by making your own rainbow scarf with this free knitting pattern.

Using a traditional Shetland lace horseshoe lace pattern, this scarf is easy enough for someone who is a beginning lace knitter. It has a simple garter stitch border to stop the edges rolling in on each other when you wear it. Make it long enough to wrap around your neck a couple of times and you will be set for winter!

Can't be bothered making your own? Check out my Etsy shop!

DIY OMBRE LACE SCARF / free pattern

Yarn: Kauni Yarn Effektgarn 8/2 Rainbow colourway (100% wool)
Needles: 4 mm (note: my guage is loose, so if you are a tight knitter you may need to go up a needle size).

Abbreviations:
K = knit
K2 tog = knit two stitches together
P = purl
psso = pass slip stitch over
sl 1 = slip one stitch knitwise
yfwd = bring yarn forward in front of needles

Instructions:
Cast on 37 stitches.
Begin pattern as follows.

Row 1: (wrong side): K3, P34, K3.
Row 2: (right side): K4, *yfwd, K3, sl 1, K2 tog, psso, K3, yfwd, k1*, repeat ** twice more, K3.
Row 3: Repeat Row 1.
Row 4: K3, P1, *K1, yfwd, K2, sl 1, K2 tog, psso, K2, yfwd, K1, P1*, repeat ** twice more, K3.
Row 5: K4, *P9, K1*, repeat ** twice more, K3.
Row 6: K3, P1, *K2, yfwd, K1, sl 1, K2 tog, psso, K1, yfwd, K2, P1*, repeat ** twice more, K3.
Row 7: Repeat Row 5.
Row 8: K3, P1, *K3, yfwd, sl 1, K2 tog, psso, yfwd, K3, P1*, repeat ** twice more, K3.

Repeat these 8 rows until your scarf is around 80 inches long(or your desired length). Cast off with a bind off method suitable for lace.

At this stage the lace will look mishapen and bunched up, but fear not! You just need to soak your scarf overnight in a bucket of lukewarm water. After it has soaked for a few hours, gently squeeze the excess water out and lay the scarf out on a flat surface in the shade. Gently stretch out your scarf so the that the lace pattern opens up and leave it to dry.

Lastly, weave in the ends once your scarf is dry and (voila!) you're done!

Please note: This pattern is free for you to use for personal use under my Creative Commons license. You can use, share and modify this pattern but the pattern itself can't be sold and attribution must be made.

Friday 11 October 2013

Mint Julep cocktail hour

Here in the Southern Seas we are enjoying the arrival of spring. Not too far in the distant future will be sunshine and sand, camping sojourns, catching up with old friends over the long summer break and cooling down with tasty cocktails.



The classic Mint Julep is my fave adults only summer beverage. In anticipation of those hot summer nights, here is one way to whip one up:

Mint Julep with a twist

90 ml bourbon whiskey
6 fresh mint leaves
Caster sugar to taste
A dash of fresh finely grated orange rind
Ice (crushed)

Muddle mint, sugar & orange rind with a splash of the bourbon in a mixing glass. Leave to stand for a few minutes to let the flavours infuse.
Strain the ingredients into a highball glass (or a short whisky glass if you prefer). Swish the contents around to coat all sides of the glass. Fill with crushed ice and then pour the remaining bourbon over the ice. Decorate with a sprig of mint and a pretty paper straw.

For my friends in colder climates, don't let the cooler air stop you from enjoying this classic drink! Just add a dash of cinnamon & fresh cardamom to spice it up for a winter twist.

Best enjoyed with good company and some smooth tunes (Etta James / Frank Ocean /Jill Scott / etc).

1. Mint Julep knitted wool beanie, grey with mint and teal stripes /
2. Pick & Mix Mint Julep fingerless mittens - set of three mittens to mix and match as you please /

Thursday 3 October 2013

Thrifty Thursday finds

Another successful day of vintage thrifting and the best $5 I have spent this month (so far). A spot of hunting through the local flea market resulted in these gorgeous wee vintage finds:

Sail Away vintage glass bottle with handpainted ship detail in lovely ombre blue. Perfect for throwing out to sea with a secret message inside. The stories it could tell... (but of course it is far too pretty to throw away!)

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