dellonearth

Projects

2012-01-31T13:42:00.013+11:00

There are more than a few experiments happening in various corners of this house. I thought I'd share a few of them, in case you think I've just been lounging around. Some of it is work related, though I'm not even sure which yet. Maybe all of it.

A Bear beer cooler from Oregon gets a plant. Plum and Loquat seeds. Rocket seedlings. Popcorn Rock is growing crystals. Orange seersucker shorts made for Adam. Reptiles. Mesh and porcelain. Many tiny stitches bitches.

Weekends

2012-01-29T11:28:00.012+11:00

The weekends blurred together abit as I only worked 2 days last week. Drinking Ouzo and eating pickles. Visiting the twins. Playing Cricket and Ping Pong. Watching the West Indian Cricket team in their glory days at the Shadow Electric. Riding bikes. Getting lost. Drinking beer. Making many types of refreshing drinks, persian mint cup, various iced teas. Watching the skies from the hammock. Picnicing and witnessing the bats take off from Bellbird picnic ground to the sounds of Snawklor and Sun Araw in the dark. Waiting on the storm to break. And just recently, drinking ginger beer spiders.

There were a couple of afternoon kips in there too. Adam would call it pleasure stacking. Maybe I do like summer?

Harvest

2012-01-27T09:10:00.002+11:00

We have been enjoying the fruits of the backyard. The potaters are delicious, and just fresh out of the ground. Tomato's have been busy for a month or so now, but I am still waiting on some bigger ones. I ended up planting about 5 varieties. With shallots, beans, mint and sorrel it became a warm potato salad. There is also a couple of types of chili, I am willing my rhubarb to get BIG, there is also silverbeet and lotsa leeks which have made a few amazing quiches. Delicious.

I put in some beetroot and cucumber last week, and some pumpkins too. Now what to plant after potatoes? More leeks? Garlic? Mustard? Corn?

16 Bottles of beer on the wall

2012-01-26T15:32:00.004+11:00

Ginger Beer! I bottled it today, Though I have a feeling this batch might be the sacrificial batch. Not so much that they will explode, more that the flavour in the bug hasn't built up properly. We will see how it goes, it says 5 days til it's ready, so I will update. As long as it's fizzy and drinkable I'll be happy. I have the rest of the bug still developing some more flavour for another 10 days, then I'll make the really good batch. I love that it is called a bug, or a mother or a plant. Growing yeasty things is kind of fascinating.

My Mum had her ginger beer making licence revoked after too many explosive batches. Even when we started using PVC bottles to avoid shattered glass, some of them lost their tops and swelled up beyond recognition, the dimples at the base completely rounding off like a torpedo. We used to wrap them in a towel and gingerly carry them to the fridge. You had to drink the whole bottle as they no longer stood up. We loved this ritual as kids and I have been meaning to make my own for ages. It tastes like summer to me. Now that I live in the deep suburbs and I can't be bothered going out on my day off, it seems like the perfect time to experiment.

Then I might need to make some Preston Mules.

Fruit Ninja

2012-01-23T22:00:00.005+11:00

Pene and Jen picked some delicious roadside plums last week, I scored a bag full. They have been sweet and crunchy fresh, but the majority I made into some plum jam with rosemary. The last few I just now made into an upside down cake with Rum and Vanilla. Amazing colour, and yum.

I also picked a bag full of Cumquats at Cass and Emma's, otherwise Cass just stands on them. It's one of my favourite marmalades, along with lime and grapefruit. Adam and I also talked about trying to make something like the amazing candied cumquats from the man at Kobo-San market in Kyoto. Argh. I still fondly remember their chewy deliciousness.

After a bit of research, I tried the candied ones today, and I got distracted and let it burn on one side of the pot. Fail. The otherside was still good, but couldn't keep cooking it to the right consistency, so is still a bit too gooey. Anyway, I have decided they would be better with the oblong cumquats, so will be keeping an eye out for those.

The rest of the cumquats are macerating in the fridge in order for me to cook them up tomorrow with some strawberries. This is a recipe from the Blue Chair Jam Cookbook, a wonderful gift from Pene last year. I have been very busy in the kitchen, so there will probably be a few more posts like this – unless, as you may have noticed lately – I can't be bothered. Definitely still half in holiday mode. Playing Fruit Ninja in between gardening, cooking and the odd bit of sewing.

Happy

2012-01-18T21:59:00.004+11:00

It was my birthday. The rainbow weekend. It was ALL really lovely. We picked berries and looked at donkeys at Pennyroyal organic raspberry farm. I had a wall sized birthday card and a delicious birthday cake when we arrived at the farm. Lucky me!

Rainbow connection

2012-01-16T09:56:00.004+11:00

I got a new hat. A gift from ALL knitwear and the numerological bosses on 11.11.11. It arrived just before Christmas, happy me. There has even been some weather cold enough to bust it out midsummer, another reason for a happy me. It also provides an excuse to post this video, and give thanks to Annie for the colour!

Moonbow

2012-01-12T09:47:00.010+11:00

We saw a moonbow on saturday night. Also known as a lunar bow or if you like some hyperbole a SPACE RAINBOW. It was amazing. Guys! GUYS!! you have to see this, it's like a NIGHT RAINBOW!!! It was like a perfectly formed rainbow, in gradations of moonlight, with only a tiny hint of colour, amazing, and didn't look much like the long exposure photos you see on teh internet.

Overlooking the Otways, this was a day rainbow on Sunday. Stella painted my fingernails with rainbow connection glitter, AND as we were swimming in the surf, each breaking wave was topped with little rainbows. Amazing.

Wake up sleepy head

2012-01-11T20:10:00.005+11:00

Holidays are over. So are the festivities. I'm very happy, just a little sleepy. Maybe I'll catch up soon?

Christmas day

2011-12-30T19:26:00.005+11:00

Was perfect. A bit quiet and sleepy and relaxed. And then a bit crazy, exciting and apocalyptic. While we were sitting down to Christmas pudding the hail started with a crazy racket that just got stronger and stronger, til the backyard went white. We had whiskey on the rocks with rumballs and watched. Later we rode down high street in a gap between the storm, watching lightning strike across town, with electricity zinging through the air.

It's probably a good time to wish you all a happy New Year. We are lazily contemplating a drive. Not quite all action stations here yet, maybe I'll snap out of it next year?

Christmaaaaaaaaaaasssssss...

2011-12-24T12:29:00.007+11:00

Eve, started with a trip into the belly of the beast, Knifelands. We easily found a carpark, but were arguing before we even got into air-conditioned comfort. I did manage to emerge with a bottle of Pimms in hand, so was marginally successful, but all other chores just seemed a little too hard and irrelevant amidst the other Christmas shopping craziness.

When we got home we MacGyvered a hammock from fruit tree netting and laid out in the backyard – with tea, beer and Christmas cake – in much better spirits, watching amazing storm clouds roll by. I hope you all have a good holiday and get to relax. It's looking like a hot and humid day here, the hammock should help. Much love and goodwill to you all. And, thank you for visiting. x

P.S.
If it looks hot in these photo's – that's because it is.
P.P.S.
I found a holly bush in the neighbourhood.
P.P.P.S. I also found the box with last year's decorations.
P.P.P.P.S. Hee Haw! We bought a donkey!

We have a winner

2011-12-22T08:03:00.005+11:00

We held the raffle at Long Play last night, with barstaff looking on bemused as we scrunched tickets into the sack. Don did a little last minute ticket selling at the bar, and then Cake Club held the sack while Clancy, Don and Rachael picked our winners. Here are three heavy hampers waiting to be delivered to Gaye, Ulanda and Tim. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets!

Christmas

2011-12-20T18:40:00.007+11:00

Adam asked me what I wanted for Christmas. Not much but nice food and a chance to catch up with some loved ones. But that is unhelpful, so here is a foolishly dreamy list of possibilities.

Anything from Mr Kitly. No, really. You could close your eyes and spin around and whatever you pointed at, I'd be happy to give a home. The plants are an obvious favourite, as are the wooden hexagonal platters and the copper tea canister of my dreams.

Books, books, books. I am my mother's daughter here. Each year we'd get a new book or more, for holiday reading, and I treasure them. Big and full of pictures, or small and absorbing. That wishlist, along with the new music one, is never ending, surprise me.

I also kind of dream of REALLY comfortable shoes like these, (thanks to Adam for making me look at future sneakers with him) or perhaps more predictably boots like these.

I can't help but dream of covetable pretty black, and pretty coloured things. Then, I'll get all practical on a more boring note, and remember we need salad servers, a couple of decent sized noodle bowls and maybe a food processor.

Obviously I am quite happy without any of it. But, it's nice to dream of nice things.

The gypsy fair

2011-12-19T23:06:00.006+11:00

I had a really nice day at M.T.O. despite my ping pong hangover. Meeting nice people. Hanging out with friends. Eating gourmet BBQ. Admiring the garden. Selling my printed tshirts and other bits and pieces, occasionally shopping at other stalls.

Oni-Ray's stall definitely had the cute factor, and was just across from me, so I enjoyed watching him do business. A very committed stall holder.

Rebecca had baked delicious snickerdoodles, that also helped keep me going. Lookit her apron, Gingerbread men!

Sean at the BBQ. Emma was making delicious salty soft pretzels too, UM, EM, can I get the recipe? All delicious, and, as usual, I only talk about the food. Thanks guys!

Party all the time

2011-12-19T11:43:00.003+11:00

It was a big week for parties. I am already suffering a bit, in a cheerful way. What's behind the tinsel curtain? A slushie Machine! Dowsed with homemade vodka!

And this is at West Space. A heaving table of food. And a Ping Pong tournament. And a lot of fun.

Chutney Club totes

2011-12-17T13:01:00.004+11:00

We have amazing new Penelope Durston black denim Chutney Club totes to carry all the hamper goodies. With a logo designed by Thought and Deed you'll be toting your picnic to the park in style. It's sure to be both the envy and the confusion of your friends. Chutney Club? What?

There is a spare one too, which I think may become the ticket seller prize if chutney club members need a reason to sell more tickets. I am thinking of holding the draw on wednesday night next week, so only a few more days to buy tickets.

Christmas Gypsy Fair

2011-12-14T15:20:00.009+11:00

This Sunday at M.T.O. Industry, there will be a Gypsy Fair market and BBQ out the back, for some last minute, local christmas shopping.

I will have various things I've been making – including printed and dyed t-shirts and tops (not all are so nightmare hippy girl) some bags and some necklaces – as well as Chutney Club tickets for sale, if you'd like to buy them in person. Come by, it should be a fun day.

BYOB

2011-12-13T10:27:00.004+11:00

(Bring Your Own Beamer) is a series of one-night exhibitions where artists are invited to bring their own "beamers" and explore the medium of projection by creating a collaborative happening of moving light, sound and performance. Organised by Ry David Bradley , Antuong Nguyen, Sam Hancocks and Emile Zile, initiated by Rafaël Rozendaal.

I have been anticipating this one for awhile now, ever since Emile posted the first of these killer Julian Assange gif's (I think by Sam Hancocks). Friday 16 December 2011 at Tristian Koenig Gallery.

Slapdash

2011-12-12T16:31:00.005+11:00

This is inside the current issue of Vice, the one with Beavis and Butthead on the cover. I like Beavis and Butthead. They are the reason I picked it up, as I wasn't expecting my work to be inside it, though I knew my rope necklaces might be featured online sometime. Anyway, it's fitting really, considering the way I dress, that my work would be featured in a look book called Slapdash.

That's three flouro rope necklaces, and there's one on top just to show the real colour, cause, as you can see, they are much more fluorescent in real life. You can get them at M.T.O. Industry, The Quick and the Dead, or online here.

The Quick and the Dead

2011-12-12T13:39:00.005+11:00

The Quick and the Dead is a pop up shop in the studio of Dani M and Steve Phillips in the Nicholas Building. In the New Year it'll be a boutique called Dead and Buried, but for now it is full of handmade gifts, drawings, books, bags, clothes and Dani's beautiful porcelain jewels. I have dropped in a few things too, so if you need a little more neon in your life, you know where to go.

The calender

2011-12-11T12:45:00.006+11:00

A picture of the lovely calender donated by Trotski and Ash for the Chutney Club Christmas Hamper. I have been selling tickets online, thanks to Three Thousand and others, for spreading the word and for buying tickets.

More circles

2011-12-10T10:37:00.003+11:00

A rose. Blackberries on the desk at work, thanks Pen. And inside some art at the studio artist's show at Gertrude street.

Picnic

2011-12-06T08:37:00.006+11:00

We had our cricket picnic and although there was a bit of cold wind, there was no rain. Either way, I am happy about a cool green start to summer. We collected goods for the hamper, as pictured.

We were decidedly lacklustre on our usual feast of cheese, crackers and tastings, it was just a regular picnic with freshly baked bread, cupcakes and fruit mince pies, along with a game of cricket and a bit of kite flying in the Gardens. Pretty lovely – and so green.

Christmas Cricket

2011-12-04T10:12:00.003+11:00

We had the day with Adam's family yesterday, down the peninsula at his uncle's place. It was lovely, and before driving home we picked some lovely red plums that the Rainbow Lorikeets were rowdily decimating.

This morning I finished off making a batch of plum jam with raspberry and vanilla. It's a good colour, and I'm waiting to see that it sets, fingers crossed. I have also just consulted the radar and got the all clear on the weather for today's Chutney Club Christmas Cricket. We are collecting preserves for the hamper, so be warned, we'll be trying to sell you tickets soon.

Death by cheesecake

2011-12-02T13:37:00.005+11:00

I got all Junior Masterchef and made Adam a chocolate birthday cheesecake with raspberries and almonds. It is intense, and has been killing us slowly since we ate some yesterday for breakfast. This morning we had a much more civilized breakfast at New Day Rising. They always do good food and records.

Open House

2011-12-02T07:46:00.009+11:00

After work wednesday we went to the launch of The Design Files Open House. It's a pretty amazing place – filled with covetable objects, spaces, and views – along with some lovely friendly faces.

Funnily enough, I don't mind these woody stools, or the reflection of the flowery umbrella in the puddles on the roofdeck.

The steely stormy sky looked incredible against the snowy gums, pebblecrete and bluestone walls. I could stare at that scene for ages, with a golden handled Bridget Bodenham teacup to keep me company on the deck, and occasional distractions from the garden and the daschhound on the neighbouring rooftop.

This Penelope Durston cushion is my favourite in the house and in the shop, and was really quite stunning on the acid yellow lounge. I liked the prevalence of Polka dots on people, both staff and punters alike, and the eye candy in general. It's only open this weekend, so if you are in the neighbourhood, and don't mind a peek behind usually closed doors, check it out.

THE DESIGN FILES OPEN HOUSE is located at 40 Little Napier Street, Fitzroy, just off Gertrude street, 10-5pm.

Last week

2011-12-01T14:34:00.000+11:00

Today is the first day of summer. Last week was spring. Jumping puddles. A photoshoot. An empty warehouse. A chat with Mr Miaogi. Sewing. Band practice. A hot night on the roof watching the sunset. Etc.

Rainbows and Unicorns

2011-12-01T00:00:00.001+11:00

For my ever-wonderful and beloved husband. Happy Birthday! May this year bring you wonders and goodness of many varieties.

Essendon Airport

2011-11-30T08:46:00.008+11:00

Last week we went to the Chapter Music gig at the Old Melbourne Gaol as part of Melbourne Music Week. We were excited to see Essendon Airport and they were great. They were playing with Fabulous Diamonds and Primitive Calculators, both of whom I was happy to see again. There were alot of other things on that I would've liked to see too, but sadly there are limitations to time and money.

Essendon Airport video found via the excellent Rose Quartz.

Fabulous Diamonds via the Catwalk and Ned Kelly's cell. One little thumbs down to overzealous gaol security, fitting I guess.

Flowering

2011-11-23T07:47:00.013+11:00

A bit of a spectrum of flowers in my garden at the moment. Potato, Cereus, Tomato, Nasturtium, Calendula, Balsam, Rose, Primula, Violet and Pansy. There are also yellow and red Dahlias but I haven't got a photo.

Roses

2011-11-23T07:36:00.005+11:00

These guys opened up last week just in time for our housewarming. It was all a bit of a mystery as to what colour they would be. When we moved in three months ago it was pruned off right to the ground, we didn't even notice it for the first month. Turns out they are a sweet candy red and taller than me. Happy.

Rainy BBQ

2011-11-21T14:18:00.005+11:00

After an early start on Saturday, we tried to weather-proof our house for our rainy day BBQ. My luck with the weather had changed, it was due to rain and pour. Lucky we have a tarp and a shed and a large umbrella, oh, and most amazing of all, we have a house that provides shelter from the rain. One of the reasons for the celebration.

Rain was a bit sad, as we have an excellent backyard for laying around on picnic blankets and playing cricket, but I guess we can do that next time. Thanks to everyone who came, we had a lovely day, and we managed to restore the place to order by 1:25pm on sunday. Plenty of time to lay around nursing the hangover. You may also note the controversial dream catcher and my new rainbow tie-dye dress. There was abit of talk of my gothic leanings. Oh well.

222

2011-11-21T09:54:00.001+11:00

Not numerology this time. Just awake-up call early saturday morning in order to introduce a program of videos screening at 222 Lodge in the Netherlands via Skype. Adam and I compiled some of our favourites to screen on the other side of the world. The magic of the internet.

Een beeld- en geluidprogramma
samengesteld en live geïntroduceerd door
Dell Stewart & Adam Cruickshank
vrijdag 18 november, 21.00 uur
Ateliergebouw222,
Singel222, Dordrecht

Twigs

2011-11-12T16:58:00.007+11:00

Last week was busy, with a little helping out Iso with twigs, a bit more editing of animations with Kate, band practice and making a new pair of patchwork shorts. There was other stuff too, but I cannae remember it now. I have a brain like a sieve.

I just made a second batch of piccalilli as I gave the last lot away. There will be a jar in this year's Christmas Hamper. More on that soon.

11.11.11.

2011-11-11T01:11:00.001+11:00

Numerology has weirdly become a recurring theme here. SO.

I can't help loving today's date, I already had a problem with always seeing 11:11 (I could be a lightworker) but it's been getting worse since a friend got into numerology in Byron Bay (it spreads like a disease). I also heard on the internet that 11-11-11 is the cosmic birth date of humanities prayer for liberation from the rote, mundane, and monotonous. Magnificent.

I hope you look at this at 11:11 today. I hope it makes you feel a little bit like we are connected like a whole endless row of equal ones going on forever. You've probably stopped reading by now, I don't blame you. Or, you could be in Byron Bay being blown away by the Boredoms and their 111 Drummers (the Japanese experimental legends will again be celebrating the beauty of palindromic/symmetric dates by putting together a massive drum circle in Byron Bay on the 11/11/11) but HUSH, if you told me that I'd be jealous, and jealousy seems misplaced when we are talking about liberation, interconnectedness and the beauty of symmetrical dates.

Considering my casual numerological dalliances, it seems appropriate to circuit back to Byron Bay and the Boredoms on a day like today.

9, 10, Legs 11.11.11.11.11.

On International day of interconnectedness I give you a picture of my bike looking very pretty amidst the bougainvillea. I bike which I feel lucky to have each day, along with every one of the people I have the pleasure to know.

Chutney Club at Bird's house

2011-11-08T08:01:00.000+11:00

Chutney club at Bird's house was totally lovely, even nursing the dreaded champagne hangover. Everybody seemed to make delicious things, and bring amazing cheeses. Oh, the cheeses. Cheese helps.

A few people brought incredibly cute children (not the ones who brought the hangovers). Bird provided an abundance of good rugs to lay out the goods. Picnic patchwork, my happy place.

Sarah, Sarah.

2011-11-07T10:12:00.000+11:00

It is Sarah's birthday, and Saturday night we were celebrating.

Another event styled to perfection, with flowers provided to pin to your lapel and some amazing Turkish delight. Yum!

The dress code was sparkley or sharp. I surprised myself by having absolutely nothing sparkley to wear, so I settled for an angular and boxy kimono instead. Somebody said I must be grown up, I don't think that's it. I dream of a ridiculously sparkley cardigan, I just don't own it. It was also hot, so we drank lots of champagne. Ouch.

All of the people looked great. Then the fez came out.

Happy birthday gorgeous girl!

Derby

2011-11-03T09:53:00.011+11:00

Tuesday was the Derby, officially my favourite day out in Melbourne. Horse race, whatever.

Bunking off.

2011-10-29T20:52:00.009+11:00

I have been skiving off various social engagements and hanging out at HOME. It has been great. I will try to be more sociable soon, BUT, if today's efforts at communication are anything to go by, it may be confusing. Last night it was mainly cause I got primally dumped on, and was an utterly drowned rat. Today looked like there may be more of the same, but I did hop on my bike in the window of sunshine this afternoon to attend the latest show at Mr Kitly. Kumu by Masanori and Rina Ono, designs in wood, metal, paper and fibre. It was a very sweet affair, with elegant wood and metal work, a cunning display, the ever-changing, ever-lovely Mr Kitly garden, catering by Trotski and Ash and many nice people to talk to.

I forgot to drop into the kitchen to say hello but I did take a couple of pictures of pretty things as they emerged. Yum.

Curbside

2011-10-26T23:49:00.004+11:00

A reclaimed curb made me stop in Brunswick the other day. I love this sort of thing. My Grandma used to get letters from the council about her wild curbside garden. I always encouraged her, though she didn't really need it. Hers was wilder than this.

World food

2011-10-24T11:07:00.007+11:00

The Chutney Club fund-raising raffle of last year continues to keep giving, with a recent loan to a small dairy in Georgia. Kiva has been a great investment, as funds continue to be re-lent to people in need across the world. All are small loans to encourage local business ventures, enabling people to establish viable, sustainable means of living.

In choosing where to lend I have mainly focused on food production and agriculture as it is relevant to what we do, and local food production is important to everyone, even those who can currently buy whatever they like from mega supermarket chains and masterchef it into gourmet glory every night of the week.

Speaking of food production, here are my baby peas. Peace.

Shame

2011-10-22T10:01:00.005+11:00

It's a rainy Saturday, and while I should be doing my tax, I am instead writing about a pretty shameful day for Melbourne, with an excessive show of violence from our police force – breaking up a peaceful protest by dragging off and arresting 100 protesters – as the city square apparently needed to be returned to the public. (It is today closed for maintenance and filled with Police and their dogs).

Yesterday violence erupted as about 400 police evicted demonstrators who had been camping in the square since last weekend. Police used capsicum spray, horses and dogs to push the hundreds of activists out of the city centre, with officers dragging some protesters away. [www.abc.net.au]

Occupy Melbourne. I visited during the occupation, and witnessed many people getting a positive interaction there. Perhaps not all the usual paying customers to the neighbouring businesses, but still, a broad selection of the people of Melbourne in their city square. There were free plants, gardening tips, guided tours of Melbourne, conversation and a soup kitchen, alongside the tents. For this to be violently shoved into a rubbish truck, the square fenced off and people trampled by unwilling horses after a peaceful week of protest seems entirely unhelpful and reflects pretty poorly on our Mayor. Of course they don't love the untidy mess of all this, but surely there are better ways of negotiation. Particularly when the whole thing was organised to encourage discussion and idea's towards a more egalitarian society. Surely relocation could've been better handled than by sending in the riot police after a week of peaceful and harmless habitation. Depressing. The Queen is coming. I'll just go finish with the tax.

The windmills of your mind

2011-10-21T08:47:00.004+11:00

Library

2011-10-19T10:00:00.001+11:00

I spent part of yesterday drifting about the city and occasionally helping Adam with his set up for West Space. As of today he will be in the project space with a purpose built library desk – full of amazing borrowed books to read – making a book. The project is called 'The Half-Asleep Pilgrim' and is part of the 'Today Your Love' series.

I wandered into city square to Occupy Melbourne, where I loved this brilliant, and topical milk crate library, and the free-reading, rock rug in the shadow of a giant, shiny, mutant baby. Viva la revolution and la reading library.

The Collingwood Years

2011-10-17T11:40:00.005+11:00

Last week at Thomas Jeppe's opening, I also got to catch up with Mel, and I finally got around to getting a copy of the Slumps book.

'Utopian Slumps: The Collingwood Years' is a retrospective publication documenting the exhibitions and events that took place during the gallery's non-profit years from 2007 to 2009.

The publication is available here, and at the gallery. It's beautifully designed and bound and chock full of goodness, both words and pictures. I might also mention that the Sleep Club curated Grow Wild, and Dead to the World are also documented, along with every other show in the Easey Street gallery. Many fond memories, thanks Mel.

Bike Pusher

2011-10-16T12:11:00.004+11:00

Ok, so you know I am a bike pusher. And also how I love love love my bike (Thank you again my lovely friends!). Even though we have moved to the top of two hills I still actually generally love riding my bike to and from work and life, despite being a little exhausted at times, and vaguely dreading summer. I have been daydreaming my own bike video, but in the meantime, this one is probably better, and it makes me want to ride a bike.

Gingerbread

2011-10-15T12:07:00.003+11:00

I came home last night to make some gingerbread for afternoon tea today at Mr Kitly. It's pretty, if you can handle blue foods, and I can totally understand if you can't! Pene has also made some toasty coconut Marshmallow and there will be some special Mr Kitly tea. From 2 til 4pm today. Come along if you need some refreshment and some more beautiful Denim.

It's a jungle in here

2011-10-14T09:20:00.012+11:00

Thursday night was Guildford lane, with a Utopian Slumps show, and It's a jungle in here at Screenspace, which is part of the Melbourne festival. Van Sowerwine and Isobel Knowles are all kinds of clever. I had the privilege of sharing a studio with Isobel earlier this year while they were working on this, so I was really looking forward to taking part in the final product. The lazy suzan set they built, the picture box for viewing, the technology, man, it's all smart and very fancy.

There was a queue, luckily for me I got to catch up with some amazing ladies while I waited, and then had the unexpected pleasure of not only being a bearded book reading nerd on the train, but also being bullied by beautiful Lorelei in the guise of obnoxious twin schoolgirls. Joy is probably not what it is meant to come of the experience, but still. 'Part psychodrama, part multimedia marvel, It's a jungle in here is a confronting tour of the fragile rules that organise our public lives.' It was a really fun night, ended in coconuts with Laksa and then a long ride home.

Salad days

2011-10-13T08:32:00.002+11:00

Here is the Bearded Ginger Wizard Cat who watches over our backyard. Lucky us!

I had a long weekend. I went to Preston market and came away with heaps of salad. I always get a little overwhelmed and caught up by whimsical and impractical food purchases at the market. How many coconuts is too many? Why is my bag so heavy, yet I don't have the makings for one regular meal?

The salad days! I crunched through lots of healthy colourful foods. I rolled rice paper rolls. I cut open coconuts, drank the water and dug out the flesh. I baked fresh coconut kisses. I tended to my baby peas (pea weaving) and my sorrel (so delicious!) I was possibly over-excited about the emergence of the potatos from the ground (garden nerd). I walked through the neighbourhood taking cuttings from various bushes and planted them, in the hope that there is strength in numbers and they all grow, together. I made a persian mint cup. And sipped it with ice and lime.

Then it got cold again and the salad days were over. Soup days just don't sound so good do they?
Maybe I am looking forward to warm weather. Weird, as I wilt. Or maybe this year I just get to enjoy spring, as my hayfever hasn't been so bad. Flowers are friendly. On that note, a pretty papery Ranunculus in my garden.

The Blue Path

2011-10-08T15:24:00.002+11:00

Yesterday I installed work from Renilde De Peuter at Mr Kitly. Some of you will know her work for the Denim exhibition I curated went missing in the post. Well, two and a half months later it has arrived, and I am really pleased to be able to exhibit it.

We will be having an afternoon tea reception next Saturday from 2-4pm in the gallery. There will be tea and I'll also make some snacks. Please do come along to see this beautiful work.

Farm Girl

2011-10-07T04:03:00.004+11:00

Obsolete due to curriculum revision. Harsh.

The Farm

2011-10-05T07:56:00.000+11:00

Last week we drove in a convoy down the coast with Nic and the kids. We donned gumboots and tramped around the farm. It was the first visit and definitely not the last. So nice. School holidays meant kick to kick, chess, hair braiding and sitting for portraits, a spot of orchard envying and a game of STACKS ON ADAM!

Kicking a football is not easy in gumboots.

Driving through the Otway national park to get there is amazing – windows down, heads out, breathing in the good tree air – it reminds me of home. We saw superb fairy wrens, koalas, kangaroos, a tiger snake, a swamp wallaby and a stray cat. We drank Otway beer and ate fish and chips at Apollo Bay. We drove to Gelibrand and had lunch in the idyllic pub beergarden where we were joined by cute puppies. It really felt like holidays.

Home

2011-10-02T22:24:00.010+11:00

Some home projects, aside from the ongoing one of avoiding my piles of unorganized belongings. We bottled the first home brew last week, with Don and Paul.
I also did some cheesy and pretty/ugly rainbow tie-dye, which I love despite Adam's fears for the future. It will soon be a dress, for better or for worse. It might also become something else, though I have promised not to make it into a curtain or a couch cover.

Highnoon

2011-09-28T09:05:00.011+10:00

I have been a little hopeless, as usual with keeping up, and have already forgotten what I did last week, let alone what I did on the weekend. Lucky I have iphoto archives and a habitual camera problem to trip my memory. This from the weekend before last. Highnoon festival was on in Northcote. I didn't manage to step onto high street, but I did look upon it from the rehearsal room, and partake in fireside sitting, rooftop drinking and David Byrne impersonating. It has been so warm and summery. I am scared for a hot summer.

Fast Forward

2011-09-20T11:10:00.007+10:00

I've been listening to early interviews with Nick Cave and Rowland Howard, originally released on cassette as part of Fast Forward a magazine put together by Bruce Milne and Andrew Maine. I just read a great article on Mess and Noise about Greg Wadley archiving Fast Forward. These cassette magazines are something I grew up slightly obsessed with. I was lucky enough to have an Aunt in Brisbane collecting the things, and she passed on some of them. I later inherited a pile more while I was at Art School, along with copies of Zip Start?? which was out of Brisbane. The music and the whole package was a huge influence and a key to me ending up in the printmaking department screen-printing books and posters. I hope they are still in my things somewhere. They felt like rare treasures from another world at the time, but even so, I am glad we have the internet to make some of this more accessible, allowing me to re-listen without digging through cupboards at my parents place.

Fundraiser

2011-09-19T11:27:00.002+10:00

The West Space annual fundraiser is happening tomorrow night. The show is on for a very short time (21-25 september) so if you'd like to snaffle a bargain I'd recommend going tomorrow night. Even drinking beer helps the cause, so it's very easy to be helpful.

The Icypoles!

2011-09-14T09:03:00.001+10:00

Launched their debut 7 inch last night. Such a sweet affair, with support by Far Concern and Denim Owl. The icypoles have one of the best band names going, they also have awesome bass, sweet harmonies and funny sad songs. They are incredible stage dressers too, the Grace looked great.

We spent a good part of our time between sets on the pool table. I wish I was better at pool. No excuse really, I have had lessons from some sharks over the years, I guess they/I lost patience. Anyway, there is an amazing picture of Isobel sparkling like a superstar on Three Thousand.

Garden

2011-09-13T14:24:00.008+10:00

The new backyard. There isn't really much amidst the overgrown lawn here but some concrete paths, a hills hoist and a loquat tree. I did discover a couple of primula seedlings (above) growing in amidst the clover and grass, though, which I have replanted into a bed.

I have built up a couple of beds for a vege garden, using the no dig approach. I laid down wet newspaper and covered it with layers of compost and straw. I used a mixture of sugar cane mulch and pea straw. Compost is from the back of the shed. That was about mid August.

The first things I planted were chili's, sweet thai ones and a jalapeno. I also planted this gooseberry and a rhubarb. I have been unsuccessful with this in the past but I love it, so am trying again.

About a week later I planted a strawberry, some sorrel, some sugar snap peas, some leeks, and an early tomato. I have shallots down the side of the house along with some wild strawberries and pansys. I planted parsley and rosemary seeds and already have some mint and rainbow silverbeet too, brought over from our last garden. Same with a thyme and lemon thyme.

This morning I put in some tiny basil seedlings (above) and some desiree potatoes. Later today I am going to find a spot for some horseradish cuttings ready to plant out, those are from lovely Pene.

I sowed some flower seeds too, I was reminded of my amazement the first time I grew Zinnias, so I put some seeds out the front and side of the house. There are some possible babies popped out of the ground this week. Fingers crossed. We are on a hill, so wind might be a problem for them out the front. There are a couple of dahlia seedlings out there too.

I have been busy, now that I list it! I hope that most of it will grow! We have plenty of worms, also plenty of birds around to scratch out baby seedlings, sadly. I decided to get in and embrace the possibility of growing as many of our own veges as possible, this list is just to help me remember. I am intermittent with the garden (and everything) so hopefully, once established, they won't need too much of my vague attention. It's exhausting carting buckets of grey water to baby seedlings!

Stars in our eyes

2011-09-12T08:45:00.001+10:00

We has stars in our eyes, for the ladies of the Pacific Women's Weaving Circle. Adam and I partook in a workshop at Alpha 60 on Saturday. We have both done a little weaving for various projects, so I surprised him with a workshop.

I loved the work that was installed instore as part of Mis-design, and also just seeing a mat covered in shiny ribbons surrounded by people weaving. No ornate lolly capes for us (OMG, lolly capes!) but we did learn how to make a star and a fish, and of the importance of handmade gifts and exchange in pacific culture. My favourite thing was Maryann's amazing necklace, but I was too shy to ask for a picture. Amazing.

There are some more workshops coming up at Harvest workroom too, so keep your eyes out.

The gingerbread pyramid

2011-09-09T09:18:00.000+10:00

Yellow

2011-09-05T09:12:00.001+10:00

Seems to be the colour of the moment in our kitchen, as Bacon and Egg came around with a massive bag of massive lemons. This one is nearly as big as my head, and I have a big head.

My nails are yellow in honour of Tai Snaith, who has a yellow exhibition 'Sun in the sky, you know how I feel' at C3. The opening was dotted with yellow outfits, I made a token effort, it was harder than I thought, and I have ALOT of colour in my wardrobe.

The freesias were picked by the roadside on a drive to St Andrews on saturday for the market. There were entire fields of them. I loved the market, though didn't find what I was looking for (I wasn't after chenille pants or dreadlock maintenance). I did however find big trees, french sorrel for the garden, olive bread and lemonade.

From yellow to pinks and reds, the peachy plummy blossoms are from a back alley near you, and lastly Donald and that amazing light are from band practice. Such a nice weekend.

Spotlight

2011-09-04T10:51:00.006+10:00

We didn't buy anything.

Hey fever!

2011-08-31T21:55:00.007+10:00

Welcome back. I rode home tonight from C3 via the most annoying back streets, up and down unnecessary hills, a little bit lost. It was exhausting after a really big day. On the upside the whole way was filled with incredible perfume from the many many flowers in blossom. On the downside, the last few days I have been waking up sneezing with itchy throat, eyes, ears, nose. I could almost feel my airways closing over as I rode up another hill.

Welcome to spring. It's bittersweet. Still sweet.

Denim quilt

2011-08-30T13:28:00.000+10:00

A few things I have made lately, with the help of Pene Durston, both her mad skills and her machinery. A couple of bleach dyed, giant denim floor cushions.

A quilt for my Mum and Dad from my denim offcuts.

Knotty

2011-08-29T13:40:00.012+10:00

Today I had a meeting with Em and Jess at Harvest, we sat in the sun and drank peach tea. Ziggy made lemonade and was utterly adorable, with his crown of knotty blonde hair standing on end and a very cheeky grin.

Before leaving I snuck into Popcraft for a last look at those rainbow yarns. Pauline was demonstrating knitting up some cotton jersey when Lu came in for a crochet lesson. I got an impromptu lesson as well. So pleased, as I have tried to learn crochet a few times but always got a bit stuck, maybe knitting is too ingrained? I start to knit up knots with the hook, in a confusing manner. Luckily, Pauline was very patient, and now I have my first ever granny square. In giant jersey yarn. Op-arty party.

Tomorrow is the last day of Popcraft, so go have a look if you can, before it's closed for the year. This Open/Closed sign was made by the amazing Isobel Knowles, and I love it. I also love the rainbow LOVE pompoms from a mysterious yarn fan.

I have added the crochet to the pile of started projects within reach of, or on the couch. Here are a few of them. I'm knitting fluro orange rope – slightly painful and unsuited to knitting in company – it takes up the whole couch.

And in the opposite direction, some incredibly soft bubbly handspun wool and silk from Pene. This is a delight to knit with, but still I am not sure what to knit. I'll show you when these things are finished, if they ever are.

While we are on the couch, I should show you this guy, terribly back lit, but you get the idea. A shaggy Echidna woven by John from Looming. I have a pair of them to pin to my jacket when the occasion permits. I'm looking forward to that occasion.

Made to Order

2011-08-25T09:21:00.005+10:00

Sean and Emma are opening a shop/studio on High street this Saturday: M.T.O. Industry. A space for making and selling their Made to Order jeans and some other selected designers and artists work. When I dropped in on tuesday it was all hammers and sawdust and some nice looking shelves, so I can't wait to see how it looks on saturday when it opens to the public. I have made some neon neck pieces and some other things too, so if you need some high visibility accessories you know where to go!

On a related note, these are EMMA/MONA's Crystal hearts from Denim.

Africa love

2011-08-23T16:35:00.006+10:00

I came across this today, Madeleine is a lovely and local crafty lady, but today on her blog I see she is raffling a beautiful quilt to raise funds for East Africa. The sentiment is beautifully put, and the quilt is equally beautifully made. I love her hankey blankets – not just cause I am a strange hankerchief collector – but also because they are really nicely done.

For a good cause and a good chance to win, enter here.

Hello Summer

2011-08-23T10:09:00.006+10:00

I mean spring, but I swear, it has been almost hot here. Perfect gardening weather. Snore! We have been preparing a garden bed in our new suburban backyard. Lots of healthy worms! Now I just have to wait a little while for them to do their magic before I plant many veges. Exciting!

I am the mushroom shadow beneath the hills hoist. Sorry, weather and gardening. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

In other thrilling news: I changed my hair. Oh, and we already need to mow the lawn. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

Dead set

2011-08-22T12:09:00.003+10:00

New neighbourhood, new sites to see. We can see the eiffel tower* from the shed. Amazing I know.

*Maybe it's actually just a flag pole.

Hottie

2011-08-18T09:04:00.001+10:00

So, the new house, what else? Well, the new house has a heater, which is interesting, great even. Apparently it needs it too, as it is colder, being made of wood and not sandwiched between other houses. Our bedroom is freezing right now. So when Pene turned up last week with this amazing pile of hot water bottles covered in the now legendary quilted blanket fabric, I looked at each one and chose this one, to take home with me. I LOVE it.

Handsome next to my woody blanket huh?

Now, a few more days later, Pen has been busy and there are apron bags made of the same fabric, and no matter how hard I try, and how much I love this fabric (a little bit Granddad Alf association, a Scottish appreciation of all things woolen and a lifetime of textile love) I can't seem to justify buying one, and I have chosen one – you know – if I were to buy one. I have so many bags, I even made another one this weekend just gone, between dancing and eating.

So, here's hoping someone buys it today, so I can stop looking at it.

Happy Birthday!

2011-08-16T17:49:00.005+10:00

It was a big weekend for birthday parties, both the dancing all night in the Buffalo Club kind and the Yum Cha palace in Preston kind. They happened in good order and were just what I needed, friends/dancing/food. I loved the post-big-night joy of watching trolleys wheel by with pretty turkeys on wibbling jellys, adorable faces and magical spinning lights.

Phew

2011-08-09T21:10:00.002+10:00

So glad that week is over. We have moved house, people came to the exhibition, I survived the install too, despite a borderline disastrous week. Also we haz internets again. Happy Kittehs.

Thanks to all who came to Denim, extra special thanks to all who wore denim with purpose. There are some great photos from the night over on Three Thousand, like Anna and Haima, so sweet.

I have had a pretty relaxed weekend, unpacking boxes and baking. I have also managed to survive the ride to and from Preston a few times now, despite living at the top of a hill on top of another hill. I do have tired legs though. I will be the girl with freakish leg muscles: which reminds me of this video Adam played for me the other night.

Good night.

Denim

2011-08-01T08:54:00.002+10:00

This friday night at Mr Kitly. I hope to see some of the crowd in denim. Double denim. Maybe even triple.

Panamax 69c

2011-07-31T15:26:00.006+10:00

My life is kind of madness right now, what with moving house, working, making work, installing exhibition, etc. The puppy cake is from the amazing new West Space launch, another reason for me to be a fan of the Hotham Street Ladies.

The Panamax is from Lygon Street; this pharmacy make me laugh all the time with their rigged street signage. I couldn't ride past it without a photo, I've had a headache all week.

West Space

2011-07-26T22:30:00.004+10:00

I am pretty excited about the opening of the new West Space. I saw the space before renovation and it looked amazing, so really looking forward to seeing it done. Re-opening this thursday night.

Featuring: Cake by Hotham Street Ladies. Ribbon cutting by Hit & Miss. Music by Qua.
Exhibitions by Ian Haig + Kotoe Ishii, Carmen Reid, Dan Price, Taree Mackenzie and Nick Waddell.

Not so west no more. Level 1, 225 Bourke Street, Melbourne.

Bike love

2011-07-23T15:14:00.004+10:00

I have a new bike. Exactly like my old bike. I was going to buy one the day I got back from Brisbane but Adam told me to wait a week. As I caught the tram and walked each day to work, I wondered why I was waiting, going into debt would be worth the freedom. On thursday evening Adam picked me up, and on the walk to the car, he bundled me into the pub, where a bunch of my beloved were sitting around a shiny new bike. I was too stunned to understand what was happening, despite the obvious, A bike, just like my old bike, but shiny, and not stolen.

I'm still overcome. I'm lucky to know so many good people, and very lucky to have a bike again. I love it. Thank you Simon, Pene and Adam for your sneaky ideas, and thank you everybody! It was a very nice surprise.

Whoa

2011-07-19T15:51:00.003+10:00

Back, home. Glad to be. Busy. Signed lease on our new house. Paid bond. Very poor. Must try not to have any fun. Must do lots of work. Must write a catalogue essay. Must finish making things for Denim. Must not look into the wormhole that is the internet.

You're Welcome

2011-07-17T09:27:00.001+10:00

You're Welcome is a charity art raffle where every ticket wins an original work. All proceeds go to the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre. It's a charity that's close to my heart and one in need of as much love as possible, when considering the current political climate. Join us for one afternoon only at Mars Gallery (418 Bay St, port Melbourne) from 3-6pm on Sunday July 24 to add a special piece to your wall and contribute to a great cause.

Artists contributing work include:
Aaron Carter, Adam Cullen, Adam Cruickshank, Amber Wallis, Andre Piguet, Andrew Gordon, Angus Lord, Anna Griffiths, Anne Judell, Carmel Seymour, Caroline Rothwell, Charlie Sofo, David Larwill, Dane Lovett, Daniel Price, Dell Stewart, Dylan Martorell, Emily Ferretti, Emma De Clario, Fergus Binns, Graeme Base, Glenn Dalton, Gregory Hodge, Hank Jossefson, Heather B. Swann, Heidi Yardley, Helen Johnson, Helen Shelley, Hossein Ghaemi, Jackson Slattery, James Eisen, Jakob Schmitt, Jane Hall, Jasper Knight, Jelena Telecki, Jeremy Kibel, Jennifer Goodman, Jess Lucas, Jo Bertini, Joanna Anderson, Joanne Mott, Jon Butt, Juan Ford, Julian Meagher, Julian Smith, Julie Irving, Justin Lee Williams, Kate Durham, Kate Smith, Kate Tucker, Lara Merrett, Lionel Bawden, Lucas Grogan, Marc Alperstein, Mark Rodda, Matlok Griffiths, Michael Peck, Michael Tan, Nadnerb Yeltnuh, Nell, Oslo Davis, Peter Binek, Rachael Freeman, Rachael Hooper, Rhys Lee, Richard Denny, Rick Matear, Rick Milovanovic, Riley Payne, Robert Hollingworth, Rona Green, Rus Kitchin, Saffron Newey, Sam Martin, Sam Leach, Simon Attwooll, Steve Cox, Symon Mcvilly, Spew Corp, Stephanie Hughes, Tai Snaith, Thomas Jeppe, Todd McMillan, Tony Garifalakis, Tony Lloyd, Tristan Ceddia, Tully Moore, William Kelly, Wendy Sharpe, Zoe Amor and More!

Tickets are only $100 and are available here. Did I mention all tickets win an artwork. Crazy good!

Required fields must not be left blank.

2011-07-14T12:32:00.010+10:00

A perfect antidote to all that colour, is this pleasingly grey Melbourne studio visit and interview with Susan Jacobs. I love her so called hokey investigations, and her way of putting it, 'its like mysticism-meets-hardware.'

Adam is installing his exhibition as we speak, which is also a little bit of mysticism meets hardware. REQUIRED FIELDS MUST NOT BE LEFT BLANK, at Boxcopy. If you happen to be in Brisbane, perhaps you should come.

Colour

2011-07-14T10:33:00.009+10:00

I am currently in Brisbane listening to a murder of Crows. They are constant and persistent and a little ominous. So is the sunshine and perfect weather. It is 22 degrees, and it's clear and very bright.

My sleepy eyes have been burnt with the riotous colour of the plants. They remind me of my Grandma and her wonderful tropical garden. Golden bamboo and these various yellow crotons. I know they do grow in Melbourne too, but here they are everywhere, and perhaps it's the air that is also making me nostalgic. The colours aren't really done justice here either, just some quick pictures taken on a lunchtime walk through the botanic gardens to get me some vitamin D.

House Hunting

2011-07-13T17:07:00.007+10:00

To celebrate us getting a house I thought I'd share some house hunting pictures. We had an epic list of houses to see on Saturday, they all blur together, so I took some photos to help remember them. The bunker house, the pentagram garden, the mosaic bathroom mirror, ooh look – our new house has two sheds! Celebrating the weird and wonderful of home makeovers and big ideas.

Bless

2011-07-10T09:37:00.007+10:00

Bless have been installed in Craft Victoria for a few weeks now, N°38 Windowgarden, in collaboration with PAM. I've been meaning to go back in and have a proper look after the opening. I did so this week and here are my pictures. Curated by Nella Themelios as part of State of Design Festival. So much goodness. A particular favourite is the flintstones pebble phone, all the pebble prints and the warped window panels, and all of the garden. Also the bleached denim PAM shirt pile, which goes along with my current investigations of all things denim, for my upcoming show at Mr Kitly. There will be much more on that soon.

The last image is from World Food Books in the back gallery. More love there too.

Also goodness on the BlessBlog .

A few shows

2011-07-07T08:50:00.006+10:00

A few galleries lately. I have been a little slow off the mark, but went to an opening at C3. The show is still on until this weekend.

Vivian Cooper Smith's UnNatural Light explores the issues around our sense of self; our identity. A series of documentary style photographic portraits shot, printed, crumpled and then shot again. The surface is appealing, I love scrunched paper and I also love the warping of the portraits. There is something a little uncanny, portraits of us and our worlds crumbling.

I didn't take any photos, except of this, in the other room, 'Hanging Garden' by Caroline Askew. An undulating nightmare wall of crochet and knit, which had a weirdly magnetic effect on both of our woolie beanie heads.

On the big screen

2011-07-05T14:44:00.008+10:00

We met Nic, Stella and Louis in front of the big screen at Fed Square today to watch our animations. Stella animated the beautiful flighty horse. If you are in the area over the next week or so, they will be screening each day at 10am, 12 Midday and 2pm.

Hrumpff

2011-07-05T10:14:00.002+10:00

My new bike got stolen from my house on friday night. I didn't even tell you about my lovely new bike, did I. It was a present. It was all silvery green and white. I had it for a little over a month.

I am very sad about it. I'm not sure how I'll replace it, but I guess I'll work something out. No sewing this weekend, just some moping and a little house hunting as we are being kicked out of our house. It's all abit sad. We also went to the Glenroy Cash Converters and the police station.

I need to find the Hrumpff tshirt.

Animal Portraits

2011-07-01T21:18:00.003+10:00

We all know the internet is made of cute animals, mostly cats (Oh, and conspiracy theories and crazies and porn). To tip the balance a little towards cute animals, there are two more days worth of animal animations to look at.

Sadly, not one cat. Workshop FAIL.

Ahem. Look at that frog! CROOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!
And the nectar bird 'I love, love, LOVE sugar'.

Kate is now in Berlin, only a few days after we finished these edits. Lucky thing. I am exhausted after a week of work and after hours other work. OMG. Weekend! Sleeping and sewing are on the to do list. That is all.

Half uploaded

2011-06-29T23:32:00.003+10:00

Animal Self Portraits, aplenty here. More to come if our internet allows me to upload them tonight. Also info about upcoming screenings too. Tell me what you think!

Editing

2011-06-28T10:01:00.003+10:00

Kate and I have been editing our animations from the workshops at Artplay. We finished last night. I will soon be able to put them online. In the meantime these, from our side-project, MAGIC PENCILS. From an integral part of the editing process - waiting for things to render with photobooth and props.

Overground

2011-06-22T09:34:00.006+10:00

These from the deep dark depths of Melbourne Town Hall last Sunday. Overground music festival. We saw some incredible things, and clomped through the corridors in a little bit of a post (used car salesman) party daze.
I did enjoy seeing the black candles of Australia's leading black metal exponent being snuffed out by a huffy invigilator mid concert in the basement. I also enjoyed a lot of the music, though I remember the leafblowers laid out on the lush carpet a little clearer. Perhaps because I have photographic evidence, or because that's just the way my brain works.

Mandarin

2011-06-16T21:59:00.000+10:00

I have been eating these delicious little suckers everyday lately. So sweet. And such a good colour. So good, in fact, that I have been knitting a mandarin beanie. Actually two. OOH cables! Like tasty little segments. Cables are still quite new to me. OMG. I love them.

Pop Craft

2011-06-12T11:47:00.007+10:00

I finally got a chance to visit popcraft yesterday. I have been riding past each day, without time to stop. A yarn store around the corner is dangerous, but good. Especially with this incredible spectrum of Australian wool. I spoke to David, the knitter of this incredible rainbow blanket. You know I'm not afraid to make a rainbow or two. I would, however, be afraid to make a knitted blanket. I am scared of huge knitting projects. Anyway, I wonder what the name could be for such an affliction, the rainbow obsession. Spectrumitis. Rainbow brain. Here is a little fix of colour, courtesy of Marta's Yarns.

This week

2011-06-09T20:14:00.008+10:00

We went to a fundraiser for Japan Earthquake Victims at The Tote on Sunday. We got pelted with rain as we rode home, but had fun regardless, seeing Baseball, Minimum Chips, No Zu with Nao Anzai and Gosteleradio.

We were introduced to little Zelda at the Marlows, where I got to hold and marvel at tiny newborn perfection. CUTE. Lazarus is feeling abit left out, though he is still pretty perfect too, for a dog.

Went to the launch of Un Magazine last night too, and have been reading snippets before bed. I urge thee to pick up a copy, I feel really lucky each time I do. Viva UN!

Anyway, it was a weird day today, with a horrific accident on the street, trams stopped, ambulances and police tape for most of the day. A reminder of the absolutely sickening sound of a collision and how random incidents can completely turn everything upside down. I hope everybody recovers.

This from my walk through the park after work, enjoying the last golden leaves as much as possible, now that winter has us for the next 4 months or so.

Weather forecast

2011-06-08T07:47:00.002+10:00

I think it's going to hail. And this photo from one day recently when I rode from autumn sunshine into a hail storm. Which is sorta what it feels like we've done on a monumental scale this week. Brrrr.

Back tracking

2011-06-07T19:42:00.008+10:00

From a few weeks ago, the twins' birthday, which was lovely. Complete with sparkly children, good adults, delicious snacks and an awesome log cake. I was happy despite a rather sizeable hangover. See below for 'Self-portrait as a deflated yellow bouncing head'.

Busy bees

2011-06-03T11:11:00.000+10:00

I have been such a productive worker this week. Shop girl in the day. Editing animation by night. Taking care of business and house in the early hours of the morn. This morning however, I fell into staring at Google's Art Project, and now it's time to go to work and I have no idea what I should wear. I have this slight clothes problem. Too many, and yet not enough. I have a whole lot of random weird things which I have embraced or made. Which leaves SO much room for wrong. And now it seems to be raining. Oh well. A red rain coat it is then.

I wish I had a picture to illustrate this post, but no. Computer says NO. You'll just have to image the possibilities.

its-the-end-for-modern-gratification

2011-06-02T22:16:00.003+10:00

Adam Cruickshank is in Brisbane for this.
If you are there, you could go.

I am here so I can't :(

Spiro | Grace Art Rooms

255 Gregory Tce

Spring Hill QLD

Woolly

2011-06-01T08:50:00.010+10:00

Chutney Club at the farm was like an exhibition of woolens. Hand knits. Some nice beanies on our littlest members, and a really nice one on our pinkest member. Ha. Even the dogs were chewing on hayseeds.

Our charming host with the most, including chairs and fire and fresh air for 15 people, farmer Don.

And lastly, I made lilly pilly jam. I went native - and I was a little surprised at how few people know what Lilly Pillies are. They are falling off trees all over town, weird spongey little things. Delicious.

Whirlwind

2011-05-29T09:40:00.002+10:00

So, I haven't really had the time or the inclination lately, but maybe that is about to change. We are heading up to the farm for chutney club today. Dress warm!

The rapture

2011-05-21T23:56:00.008+10:00

... sadly failed to materialize, but I had a little of it in my jumper today, and on our perfect leafy bike ride to the stadium, where we watched The Saints v The Demons. It was my first full game of AFL. I knitted and took pictures of Murph, Stella and Louis mugging Adam and occasionally managed to follow where the ball was.

I wore every colour, supporting no-one and everyone. The saints won, so maybe it will all be ok for a while yet, until we are annihilated on the next day of judgement.

The golden leaves were also amazing on the ride home. The rapture.

Last Chance

2011-05-21T11:41:00.002+10:00

To go see our show at Mr Kitly. We pack it all up and bring it home tomorrow evening.