It's Great To Do Some Knitting

I'd much rather be working with pure wool but for a baby I think that the cotton/poly mix is better for going in the washing machine. Anyway, here's a beanie, Mary Jane bootees (if it's a girl), gumboot sox (if it's a boy) and felted soap (goat's milk with lavender and wheatgerm). Don't you love the felted soaps - especially trying to wash a baby - at least the soap isn't going to slip away!

A Quick Gift

I have made this as a table runner to give to the young lass from the local pharmacy who is leaving for Australia next week. She has excellent customer service skills and this is to remind her of home and family. The kawhaiwhai pattern is from Gail Lawther's book Glimpses of New Zealand. If you haven't had a look at the book, find a copy and drool - there are some beautiful patterns in there. For this one, Gail has given instructions for reverse applique, but I've just satin stitched around the edges. I don't like doing satin stitch but it is a good option for here if you aren't using a bias edging around the pieces.

Surprise! Surprise!

Look what we found yesterday! We have had this orange tree in the orchard for at least 7 years, and have never seen a flower, let alone fruit! It was given to us as a seedling and you never know if such trees will bear fruit.
Also, caught Chloe (the dog) 'picking' a pear from the W.B.C. pear tree and eating it! Sure would have loved to get it on camera, but you'll just have to believe me!