I felt so happy recently to be able to contribute a few things for a project that helps families in need. Little Sprouts is a local group that puts together kits for new babies. These boxes include everything from nappies and clothing, strollers and high chairs. Everything is gathered and sorted by a team of hard…

The sun's out today, after a week of stormy weather. So it only seemed right to find some yellow around the house to add to the blog. From the top: – the beginning stages of a hat knitted for a gift – the yarn is 'cashlana DK' in a golden honey colour. – some in-progress…

During the recent school holidays, Keira and I made pompoms. We always like to have some sort of project on the go, and this is a favourite (a couple of years ago we made some too) mostly because it's a simple, tactile activity with quick and effective results. This is the super-easy and quick method we used…

I took these two photos this morning and it struck me how perfectly 'April' they are. Well, April at my house, anyway.  The last hardy cosmos flowers from summer still going strong and beautiful in the courtyard. And a kitchen table with feijoas (just out of the scene: three children eating them quickly), knitting-project-in-progress and…

From that title, I don't necessarily mean that I've been working during the day and at night like a Victorian novelist, (though I do sometimes tend toward Brontë-esque drama) but rather that I've been enjoying working in monochrome of late. Or at least, a limited colour palette.  Those shadowy trees were captured on a recent trip…

Today in New Zealand we're observing Anzac Day – you can read more about it here. It's a day to remember all those who have served and died in all wars and conflicts, but was originally established to remember the ANZACs (Australian and NZ Army Corps) who fought at Gallipoli during World War 1. It's…

I don't have much to say really, these days. It feels like I'm almost always working in the office but when I get home there's usually a trusty project waiting.  My current works-in-progress include embroidery work that i'm doing for Loop, and a hand-knit cardigan (this one) from some heathery purplish-grey yarn.  Actually, I think…

Aren't bean seeds (I guess they're just beans) beautiful? Smooth and perfectly formed, each one an individual. Louana sent me these direct from her Auckland garden – they're 'king of the blues' heirloom variety, and will grow to be dark purple runner beans.  I didn't have much bean luck this year (I planted six seedlings and…

Mum gave me this book for Christmas: it's Slow Stitching: Mindful and contemplative textile art, by Claire Wellesley-Smith. I've been enjoying reading it and going back to soak up the inspiration: Claire writes about community art projects, the history of hand-stitching and mending, and gives ideas for practical projects and activities to slow down the…

I hope you're having a good weekend so far? I spent this afternoon working on some projects from the kitchen table, including this embroidery which was worked in a few different shades of grey on teal linen.  The first photo above shows the other end of said table: a new bowl (bought from here) and Nelson limes.…