tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54524024667531285412024-03-13T14:56:25.483+00:00GeekySweetheart"The most adorable pregnant woman I’ve seen" - <a href="http://www.craftster.org/blog/summer-maternity-dress/">Craftster, July 2011</a>GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-88221348661538127212012-08-12T16:13:00.001+01:002012-08-12T16:14:22.491+01:00Fixing a Broken Thread on a Woven Wrap - Photo Tutorial!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A woven wrap is a long length of material with a loose weave, this enables the fabric to keep it's strength and shape while having a good amount of 'give' along the bias (diagonal). These qualities make the fabric ideal for carrying a baby, allowing mama and bubbah hours of comfortable walking/playing/shopping :-D</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psN6Tcoem1g/UCfHCRDMzLI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/Ji-iPLDmKUM/s1600/IMG_5283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psN6Tcoem1g/UCfHCRDMzLI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/Ji-iPLDmKUM/s400/IMG_5283.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>
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... sleeping... </div>
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The downside of this loose weave is that individual threads can become snagged on clothing, car doors, velcro... and be pulled out of the weave, causing a nasty little loop to form on the surface of the fabric. In the most extreme incidences these threads can snap ad become broken, or can even form a hole :-( A broken thread is, unfortunately a hole waiting to happen. Once a hole forms in fabric it's much more liable to a tear... so for many people a broken thread is the death if a wrap... because they can't trust a 'hole waiting to happen' to carry their baby... fair enough! ... but they can be fixed :-) fixed broken threads are not always pretty, but they are safe if done correctly :-)<br />
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<b>Step 1</b><br />
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Identify both ends of the broken thread, in the left hand image you can see one tail of the broken thread, but the other end is still woven into the fabric, you need to use a needle or pin to unweave the other, hidden end of the broken thread so you've got both to work with.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy2tlDb5Kwc/UCbmgYdikdI/AAAAAAAAEeM/E9XH6Htc3Yc/s1600/2+loose+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy2tlDb5Kwc/UCbmgYdikdI/AAAAAAAAEeM/E9XH6Htc3Yc/s320/2+loose+a.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPPh3dJibe4/UCbmTbGBbVI/AAAAAAAAEdM/7CxphkuNR0o/s1600/one+loose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPPh3dJibe4/UCbmTbGBbVI/AAAAAAAAEdM/7CxphkuNR0o/s320/one+loose.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2</b><br />
Thread a needle with the longest loose thread and reweave it into the fabric. With some wraps this is easier than others. With the wrap on the right I was able to mimic the weave of the fabric more or less exactly, but with the more complicated patterned weave of the indio to the left I had to just do my best...<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oesuIOtsfqs/UCbmVBIaSqI/AAAAAAAAEdU/Dr1c6W242H4/s1600/weaving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oesuIOtsfqs/UCbmVBIaSqI/AAAAAAAAEdU/Dr1c6W242H4/s320/weaving.JPG" width="320" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy2tlDb5Kwc/UCbmgYdikdI/AAAAAAAAEeM/E9XH6Htc3Yc/s1600/2+loose+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy2tlDb5Kwc/UCbmgYdikdI/AAAAAAAAEeM/E9XH6Htc3Yc/s320/2+loose+a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td>
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<td><b>Step 3</b></td></tr>
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pull the needle through the fabric, bringing the two loose threads together, and tie a couple of secure knots at the base, close to the fabric.<br />
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<td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OSRDyIyq2Gk/UCbmX3ftSfI/AAAAAAAAEdk/5wjInJxG7mQ/s1600/knot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OSRDyIyq2Gk/UCbmX3ftSfI/AAAAAAAAEdk/5wjInJxG7mQ/s320/knot.JPG" width="320" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6zk0vmt4ic/UCbmlTSc5YI/AAAAAAAAEek/NVq0v2SUtRE/s1600/knot+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6zk0vmt4ic/UCbmlTSc5YI/AAAAAAAAEek/NVq0v2SUtRE/s320/knot+a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>Step 4</b><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Rethread your needle with the 2 tails and push the loose tails into the weave, like you did before. This time you might need to use the blunt end of the needle since you're probably running out of 'tail' so be careful!</span></div>
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<td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nRJ9V49qsL0/UCbmmtJ6fOI/AAAAAAAAEes/9WXJDmhNzdM/s1600/reweaving+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nRJ9V49qsL0/UCbmmtJ6fOI/AAAAAAAAEes/9WXJDmhNzdM/s320/reweaving+a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpXW2xdRmoI/UCbmoUzJKKI/AAAAAAAAEe0/uBLAieqquSE/s1600/trim+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpXW2xdRmoI/UCbmoUzJKKI/AAAAAAAAEe0/uBLAieqquSE/s320/trim+a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td>
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<b>Step 5</b><br />
Trim and enjoy!<br />
Once you've woven as much tail into the fabric as possible you can (CAREFULLY!) trim the raggedy end away! FIXED!! yeyeyyeeeyyy!!<br />
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<td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hgy7Tbflp6A/UCbmZ3RQE4I/AAAAAAAAEds/2YZ05LQHPJY/s1600/result+indio1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hgy7Tbflp6A/UCbmZ3RQE4I/AAAAAAAAEds/2YZ05LQHPJY/s320/result+indio1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td>
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</div>GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-54960426616725296742012-07-29T12:00:00.000+01:002012-08-07T17:56:20.142+01:00Tutorial and Pattern: Wrap Strap Bag!Ok :-) the tutorial and my first ever printable PDF pattern is HERE!!<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-Dfi6Dxk-7deEdDMjhsY3NVRXc">Click here to download the pattern for this bag</a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-Dfi6Dxk-7dVW10Yk02TDhKZzg">Click here to download the tutorial for this bag</a></div>
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Happy making!! I cant wait to see what you guys do!!</div>
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Edit 3pm 29/07 ... ok I just realised long time readers of this blog may not 'get' this bag, lol, it had wraparound straps which make it easier to use when you're carrying a baby in a sling. And if you're carrying your baby on your front you can thread the straps through the side loops and tie together at the bottom to wear as a backpack!</div>
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the idea is not unique to this bag, but this bag is constructed very differently to other babywearing bags, with a view to making it easier for people to DIY at home :-)<br /><br /><b>EDIT 7/8/12</b><br />The eagle eyed among you will notice that this bag has side loops similar to the popular <a href="http://onbag.co.uk/">Onbag</a>. If you've ever attempted to make an Onbag you will be able to see that the construction of this bag is entirely different.<br /><br />Advantages of this bag/tutorial over the Onbag/tutorial<br />
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<li><b>This bag has separate straps 'pieces'</b> this means that the whole bag can be made out of 1 metre outer and 1 - 1-1 1/4 metre of lining fabric - this is substantially less than Onbag which requires you to make the strap, bag base and body out of a 3.5m length). </li>
<li><b>This bag comes with a full printable PDF pattern. </b>This will help you ensure you cut exactly the right shapes to construct your bag. It will also make the bag easier to make for experienced sewists who are used to using paper patterns.</li>
<li><b>This bag comes with a full printable PDF photo tutorial. </b>There's also a full collection 65 of work-in-progress pics <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/geekysweetheart/sets/72157630803936458/">over at my flickr</a> to guide you through every step of the way.</li>
<li><b>This bag comes with a zip closure as standard.</b> Fully explained in the tutorial, no meed to worry about sewing it, or keeping your belongings secure when out and about!</li>
<li><b>This bag is designed for DIY'ers. </b>All you need to put this together is a sewing machine that does a regular straight stitch and a zipper foot. No endless rolled hems, promise!</li>
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<br />GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-20260980650676693442012-07-29T00:26:00.001+01:002012-07-29T00:26:39.558+01:00Finished: Wrap Strap BagI got a bit excited about this one and forgot to actually post it on the blog... whoops!<br />
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If you're not on my facebook page you should be! You'd know ALL about this if you did!<br />
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Ok so, if you dont carry your baby in a sling this one'll have really passed you by, but the 'nappy bag' situation is a real problem for slingy mamas! so here's a bag with straps that tie around you and your baby, and it can also be converted to a backpack for when you're carrying your little one on your front :-)<br />
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Here's the stuff I can fit into this bag:<br />
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and room to spare!<br />
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The tutorial and PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN! will be up Noon, Sunday 29th :-)GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-30398673958693544492012-07-21T22:02:00.000+01:002012-07-21T22:02:01.549+01:00Finished: Wrap Conversion Ring Sling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Full tutorial to come but here's some glamour shots of me and my boy in a Ring Sling I made for a friend. And a little information about what a ring sling is! haha</span></div>
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A ring sling is a 2 mertre long piece of fabric with 2 strong, unwelded rings sewn into one end. You thread the fabric though the rings to create an adjustable 'hammock' where you can safely and securely carry your baby.<br /><br />
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This sling is made from a Storchenwiege Ulli Woven Wrap :-) beautiful colours!GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-20758979715163459922012-07-06T07:16:00.000+01:002012-07-06T07:16:48.647+01:00Finished! Bazinga! Ipad Sleeve.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made this</div>
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out of this</div>
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:-) will put the tutorial together soon... <3</div>GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-22814374079363415392012-07-01T12:30:00.000+01:002012-07-01T12:30:00.217+01:00Geek TestWhat do you see when you look at this picture?<br />
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please tell me I'm not the only one..GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-49759463287207577782012-06-30T13:25:00.000+01:002012-06-30T13:25:09.340+01:00Oh My! Lady Geek of the Week!I was <a href="http://beinggeekchic.com/post/25457095131/lady-geek-of-the-week-samantha-of-geeky-sweetheart">featured as<b> Lady Geek of the Week</b></a> on <a href="http://beinggeekchic.com/"><b>Being Geek Chic</b></a><br />
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I have a kind of blogging <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solipsism">solipsism</a> which means that I'm always more than mildly surprised when anyone actually reads my blog. So thanks so much Being Geek Chic! I'm quite flattered!<br />
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A also like the phrases:<br />
"not your average knit one, pearl two how-to blog"<br />
and<br />
"balance between your inner June Cleaver and self-proclaimed soul-sister Betty Friedan"<div>
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I need to find out who June Cleaver and Betty Friedlan are but I'm sure that was a nice thing to say (I know... I'm rubbish, right?!)</div>
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So THANKYOU <a href="http://beinggeekchic.com/"><b>Being Geek Chic</b></a> and I PROMISE that next time you send me an e-mail I WILL reply!! haha </div>GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-50084984780247881362012-06-27T19:36:00.000+01:002012-06-27T19:36:21.658+01:00Hello World (Again!)have you missed me?!<br />
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My life is very unpredictable at the moment, along with the usual ups and downs of having a 10 month old baby, I'm also trying to earn money by supply teaching... it has good days and bad days, and far too many days where I get up and get ready only not to be given any work that day :-(<br />
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Anyhow, it does no one any good to focus on the negatives.<br />
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Squiggle is doing fantastically well, he's 26.5lb! (that's BIIIG) he's got his two bottom teeth, he's crawling and standing up on furniture!<br />
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He likes to dance:<br />
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Anyhow. I'm making an effort to get back online, and do more stuff for myself. Sort out my life a little bit... you know :-)<br /><br />So... see you soon with some content!GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-5493910039516353172012-06-01T15:00:00.000+01:002012-06-01T15:00:01.027+01:00Folkclore Crafts - Blog Book Tour!!!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fabpub.com/"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zaRlHqXQ0Qc/T8dPOdW_kiI/AAAAAAAAEGo/nFP2Hr0BMqc/s320/Folklore+Crafts+Garden+Gnomes+Book+Cover.jpg" width="247" /></a> <img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W58qXe7im8w/T8dPQDripII/AAAAAAAAEGs/I7TILnhsrj0/s320/Folklore+Crafts+Matryoshka+Book+Cover.jpg" width="247" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.fabpub.com/">Pictures courtesy of fabulous publishing</a> </div>
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Declaration of vested interest: I'm IN these freaking BOOKS!!!</div>
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I'm a CRAFT AUTHOR!!!</div>
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So please understand that this post is completely and utterly biased! :D<br />
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<em><u><a href="http://www.magcloud.com/user/fabulouspublishing"><strong>Buy the books here</strong></a></u></em></div>
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<strong>Welcome to any readers coming over from </strong><a href="http://kathleendames.blogspot.co.uk/"><strong>http://kathleendames.blogspot.co.uk/</strong></a><strong> ... pull up a chair! make yourself comfortable!</strong></div>
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<strong><em>I'm so excited guys!</em></strong> I've got a project in each of these books, the debut publications from <strong>fabulous publishing.</strong></div>
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And read further for a chance to win Folklore Crafts Matryoshka!</div>
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<strong>Here are the projects I contributed!</strong></div>
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<img border="0" height="200" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fSvdQ2fE-iE/T8dQxLRqmhI/AAAAAAAAEG4/dow2iViRr5Q/s200/babys_first_matryoshka.jpg" width="197" /> <a href="http://www.fabpub.com/"><img border="0" height="200" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwxfgn7U7-o/T8dQzhb5ZPI/AAAAAAAAEHA/tzHVtOheJZQ/s200/my_first_gnome.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fabpub.com/">Pictures courtesy of fabulous publishing</a></div>
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They are awesome sensory baby toys, Squiggle loves them and I know that your baby will too. The krinkly inner is bound to put a smile on baby's face, and the ribbon taggies are great for fiddley little fingers! And all you need to know to make the gnome is in the gnome's book, and all you need to know to make the Matryoshka is in the Matroyshka book!</div>
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<strong>Each book contains 13 fantastic projects</strong>, including full colour photographs, instructions, and patterns for you to create your own version of these lovely toys, costumes and curios!</div>
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Want to <strong>WIN A DIGITAL COPY OF FOLKLORE CRAFTS MATRYOSHKA</strong>?? Comment on this post and 'Like' <a href="http://www.facebook.com/fabpub">Fabulous Publishing on Facebook</a>. before FRIDAY the 8TH JUNE (make sure you leave your e-mail address so I can get back to you!) YOU MUST 'LIKE' FABPUB on facebook to be in with a chance of winning!!</div>
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<strong>To summarise:</strong></div>
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<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Comment on this post, leaving your e-mail address</div>
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<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like Fabulous publishing's facebook page</div>
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<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
before the end of 8th June (midnight GMT)</div>
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to be in with a chance of winning a digital copy of Folklore Crafts Matroyshka! </div>
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<strong>The blog book tour continues tomorrow at </strong><a href="http://www.damenamedredd.com/"><strong>www.damenamedredd.com</strong></a><strong> ... see you there!</strong></div>
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</div>GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-86662612508065227862012-04-16T09:04:00.001+01:002012-04-16T09:10:12.085+01:00LOVE THIS: Coraline 'Squitty' plush<div><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97660662/coraline-squitty-for-your-other-self">Coraline Squitty for Your Other Self by SpookyPookyCreations</a></p>
<p>SO cute! Spooky Pooky Creations $25/ Appx £16.20 </p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0B-O_1voeNM/T4vTAT0DrHI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/ME-7NIl4eP8/il_570xN.329221536.png' /></div>GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-8356968867631006302012-04-14T22:45:00.003+01:002012-04-14T22:45:35.328+01:00This is a Ring Sling... a teeny ring sling :-)ok so I think I'm all sewed out for one night :-) so the mei tai will have to wait, but here's my baby ring sling!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-doyTq_gZRk4/T4nu0cHhHbI/AAAAAAAAD7k/Fc0_JPoUayk/s1600/IMG_4536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-doyTq_gZRk4/T4nu0cHhHbI/AAAAAAAAD7k/Fc0_JPoUayk/s640/IMG_4536.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vq2L5dF1uw0/T4nu6O3ZvFI/AAAAAAAAD7s/5Q5eDmWBxJ4/s1600/IMG_4537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vq2L5dF1uw0/T4nu6O3ZvFI/AAAAAAAAD7s/5Q5eDmWBxJ4/s640/IMG_4537.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9pDnX-B-II/T4nuxIqDLbI/AAAAAAAAD7c/P_0wFEoiecw/s1600/IMG_4535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9pDnX-B-II/T4nuxIqDLbI/AAAAAAAAD7c/P_0wFEoiecw/s640/IMG_4535.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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it's got a pleated shoulder and plastic handbag handles as sling rings :-) the material is salvaged from some old cotton curtains, hopefully will get a tutorial up but it's very self explanatory I think... I took the adult pattern from<a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/sling.html"> sleepingbaby.net</a> and just halved all the measurements :-)<br />
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yeyy making things!!GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-55846053300275113802012-04-14T21:06:00.001+01:002012-04-14T21:12:03.568+01:00Hehe baby baby carriers!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-enq-tkEboO4/T4nZ-5f9TkI/AAAAAAAAD7U/yAitAQK-zWo/s1600/IMG_4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-enq-tkEboO4/T4nZ-5f9TkI/AAAAAAAAD7U/yAitAQK-zWo/s640/IMG_4532.JPG" width="640" /></a>Ok so I'll tell you since I'm making, like, the most obscure product imaginable ;) I'm trying to put together a couple of baby carriers .... for babies. ... you know ... to carry their toys around in :) .. I'm going to try and make a Mei Tai and a ring sling.... if you don't know what those things are hopefully you will by the end of the night... <br />
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<br />GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-9588799230365054342012-04-13T20:46:00.001+01:002012-04-13T20:46:12.515+01:00Can you tell what it is yet?<div><p>Here's a bizarre work in progress pic ... </p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s1bCUU3i9Ek/T4iAke8OMRI/AAAAAAAAD6g/JSVTAuZhTP4/20120413203535.png' /></div>GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-17538567551912987152012-04-04T10:57:00.001+01:002012-04-04T10:57:41.960+01:00Ani DiFranco Experimental CrossStitch<div><p>Not perfect but I'm a cross stitch novice.. pattern from www.fuldesign.se. lyrics from 'not a pretty girl' by Ani DiFranco</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Np4vmw76los/T3wbCXP55nI/AAAAAAAAD4I/1eCvmF0kmp0/shot_1333533104142.png' /></div>GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-70187257272493548482012-03-20T08:59:00.001+00:002012-03-20T08:59:42.663+00:00I'm now mobile!<div><p>I've finally managed to get my hands on a smartphone ... I know, how bad is it that I'm so behind the times? !? Bad blogger.... anyhow,you can now look forward to more short, sharp updates .... hopefully!</p>
<p>Don't forget I'm on twitter @geekysweetheart</p>
<p>Xxx</p>
</div>GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-41943270814319103532012-03-14T22:16:00.000+00:002012-03-14T22:16:17.211+00:00London Stitch and Craft Show!hey guys, just a heads up, I'm going to be at London Stitch and Craft Show TOMORROW (Thursday 15th) helping out Mr X Stitch. Yes, that's right:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HB62sISNbic/T2EX9Y9ntlI/AAAAAAAADwI/GBwz1UVnO5c/s1600/mrx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HB62sISNbic/T2EX9Y9ntlI/AAAAAAAADwI/GBwz1UVnO5c/s1600/mrx.jpg" /></a></div>
I'll be clearly labeled ;-) and I'd LOVE if some of you came up to say hi... although I know from google analytics that there are only about 3 people in/around London who read this blog, it'd still be great to feel a little famous...<br /><br />wish you'd known sooner?<a href="http://www.facebook.com/GeekySweetheart"> 'like' my page on facebook </a>to get all the breaking news!GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-34589481857509996562012-03-12T19:47:00.002+00:002012-03-12T19:47:24.913+00:00Serious Monday - Why People (including me!) Give Parenting AdviceThis is something I've been mulling over for a while now... as soon as I HAD Squiggle all I wanted to do was to advise other would-be-mums how to do it. Help them benefit from my experience, tell them what I'd hoped someone would've told me... this is actually (sorry guys) a really destructive behavior. while you're trying to help people have the birth/parenthood they want, you will, no matter how hard you try, make others feel undermined, inadequate and failing. I'm really sorry if I made anyone feel like that.<br />
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The overwhelming reason people give parenting advice is to recieve validation from others <b>because deep down we're all petrified of 'doing it wrong</b> and we find it difficult to believe that there are <b>so many ways of doing it right</b>. Infact our definition of right and wrong just doesn't seem to work that way does it? If we're doing it right, and someone else is doing it differently, they must be doing it wrong.... right?!<br />
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Wrong<br />
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Confused yet?! Hahaha!<br />
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It astounds me how many things are matters of heated debate among parents. The use of dummies, cloth nappies, breasttfeeding, controlled crying, adherence or non adherence to strict schedules.... but lets face it (although it is by no means ideal) if you let your baby cry itself to sleep every night, use disposables, bottle feed and stick to a strict 4 hour feeding regimen, while occupying the baby at all other times with a pacifier <b>the baby is still probably going to turn out quite normal....</b> I mean yea, even if you beleive the research, the controlled crying might leave them with abandonmant issues, and the dummy might retad their speech development a little but *really* I work with children, and these are not big issues<br />
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The kids with big issues are the ones who have autism, but their parents refuse to have them diagnosed (a) because they're in denial about their child's condition, or (b) because they don't want their child to be 'labelled' for the rest of their lives... The kids with big issues are the ones who live and care for their alcoholic mother ... I could go on but I would seriously be damaging my chance of ever getting a job again...<br />
The truth is worse than you can imagine.<br />
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So let me give you this one piece of parenting advice.<br />
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<b>Love your kid, </b><br />
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<b>If you're loving your kid, and putting their needs first, you're doing it right.</b><br />
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(but seriously... Don't buy a <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/the-great-gina-ford-debate-1864825.html">Gina Ford</a> book... please?) <br />
<br />GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-17830517209355828212012-03-04T20:55:00.000+00:002012-03-04T20:55:40.870+00:00Finished: "Cross Stitch or Die" Shoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWjNkRwr_Jc/T1PQM8ORDwI/AAAAAAAADvg/Si2KD9ANciI/s1600/IMG_4272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWjNkRwr_Jc/T1PQM8ORDwI/AAAAAAAADvg/Si2KD9ANciI/s400/IMG_4272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
OH BABY!!! <3<br /><br />I love these, and I've learned a lot making them, they're a little rough around the edge, but who the hell cares, no one is going to get close enough to my smelly feet to notice!! haha!<br />
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check out my inspiration:<br />
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<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-heels/keep-them-in-cross-stitches-heel">These embroidered shoes from Modcloth</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rfp7dNVWyME/T1PSbDMwj_I/AAAAAAAADvw/xnamAXUPSaw/s1600/inspiration2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rfp7dNVWyME/T1PSbDMwj_I/AAAAAAAADvw/xnamAXUPSaw/s320/inspiration2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2009/08/mod-podge-shoes.html">This Mod Podge Covered Shoes tutorial from Make it and Love It</a></div>
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<a href="http://dangersuntold.blogspot.com/2012/01/mum-shoes.html">That Rambling Woman's discussion on 'Mum shoes'</a></div>
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<b>What I have learned:</b></div>
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<li>Outdoor Modpodge is glossy, not matte *sadface*</li>
<li>If you are covering a dark pair of shoes with a light fabric you need some sort of lining fabric to stop the dark showing through.</li>
<li>I embroidered the motif on a separate piece of fabric to stick on after, bad move, created unnecessary bulk which makes for a messy finish.</li>
<li>Soluble canvas is AWESOME but expensive...</li>
<li>I can cross stitch!!! who knew!?</li>
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I'll bring you my tutorial and pattern for the cross stitch motif soon, but if you want more check out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/geekysweetheart/sets/72157629512552141/">my flick photoset full of work in progress pictures </a>GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-83914645358852922492012-02-29T21:41:00.001+00:002012-02-29T21:41:21.959+00:00WIP Wednesday: Cross Stitch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Can you believe I've never done ANY cross stitch?! I've never really seen the point since you can have much more freedom in your designs using <strike>backstitch</strike> embroidery. I also hate the look of aida cloth and think unless you have the whole surface covered in stitches it looks rubbish (and I don't have<a href="http://www.spritestitch.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1129"> that kind of patience</a>)<br />
So I recently discovered soluble canvas! and that's what I'm using here, means I can use fabric from my fabulous stash and just add cross stitch accents to bits and bobs, here and there... so that's what this is all about... but *shhh* I'm not going to tell you exactly what this is for yet, but I'm very excited about it!GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-91606463013773426872012-02-23T17:00:00.000+00:002012-02-23T17:00:00.804+00:00Embroidering on Stretch Jersey with SolvySo 6 months in I'm finally doing what's expected of me and embroidering baby vests.... it's much harder than it looks.<br />
<br />
I've got something called Solvy (water soluble stabiliser) which is like a thin plastic that you can draw your design on, hoop up with your fabric and sew through. Then once you're done you dunk the thing in water and the Solvy dissolves! cool eh?<br />
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yea it's still not easy.... but this is what I'm going for.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7XZuoKb5eg/T0YUYJfXAVI/AAAAAAAADvE/SBijUR8AV5I/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7XZuoKb5eg/T0YUYJfXAVI/AAAAAAAADvE/SBijUR8AV5I/s400/IMG_4165.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />once again, <a href="http://pinterest.com/geekysweetheart/">pinterest</a> is <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/204773114276908051/">my inspiration</a><br />GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-46399710106696535722012-02-22T17:00:00.000+00:002012-02-22T17:00:04.517+00:00Work In Progress Wednesday: Marvel Superhero Canvaseshey remember <a href="http://geekysweetheart.blogspot.com/2011/08/carboot-sale-stuff.html#more">ages ago</a> I bought this at a carboot sale:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Manvmdmmmg/TjWoCZniQKI/AAAAAAAADSA/FES0jLszcwE/s1600/july31st+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Manvmdmmmg/TjWoCZniQKI/AAAAAAAADSA/FES0jLszcwE/s400/july31st+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
well... with a bit of mod podge and some cheap canvasses I think I'm on to something:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMLzmK8AEQo/T0Tpzp0fEGI/AAAAAAAADu8/PIa2xtoOvkw/s1600/IMG_4168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMLzmK8AEQo/T0Tpzp0fEGI/AAAAAAAADu8/PIa2xtoOvkw/s400/IMG_4168.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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not finished yet, but looking good I think :-) xxGeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-75881269033425627522012-02-20T17:00:00.000+00:002012-02-20T17:00:02.977+00:00Serious Monday: The Mammy Lists - Why I breastfedLets be clear here, I'm a craft blogger. My blog is not concerned
with politics, religion, the intricacies of my personal life, or
anything deep or philosophical. It is my refuge from such things.
Saying that, there are times when something that is so intertwined
with my day-to-day life (blogging) and other major life events
(having a baby) have to acknowledge each other's existence.<br />
<br />
This is part of a series of blog posts I'm calling “The Mammy
Lists”<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why I breastfed.*</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ks8Bmuiz7M/TzZlJ9w6DtI/AAAAAAAADt4/rssPXkkHNNQ/s1600/bf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ks8Bmuiz7M/TzZlJ9w6DtI/AAAAAAAADt4/rssPXkkHNNQ/s640/bf2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<ul>
<li>There is a correlation between amount of
time spent breastfeeding and the incidence of breast cancer. <b>A woman who
breastfeeds for a month in her life is less likely to develop breast
cancer than a woman who doesn't.</b> </li>
<li>Breast milk contains your
white blood cells, the cells that fight bacteria in your body. this
means that<b> a breastfed baby is automatically immune to all of the
bacteria in the mother's immediate environment.</b> A new baby has almost no
protection against bacteria in the environment, thats why you sterilise
everything.3. Its cheaper.</li>
<li>Breastfed babies develop
faster (or, I should say, <b>formula fed babies develop slower</b>) breastmilk
is specifically designed to support the development of little brains and
little eyes and <b>baby formula is a poor imitation.</b> </li>
<li><b>Humans are
mammals, mammals breastfeed</b>. If you fed a bay human unmodified cows milk
it would die. if you fed a bay cow human milk it would die. our bodies
make the perfect food for our offspring, it's arrogant to assume that
our science can satisfactorily approximate what <b>nature has been
perfecting for millions of years.</b> </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>In the developing world <b>
breastfeeding saves lives</b>. even starving women can breastfed adequately, so there is <b>no reason for babies to dies of starvation or malnutrition.</b><br />let me say that again so you hear me:<br /><span style="font-size: large;">If breastfeeding were the global norm <b>no baby</b> would die of starvation or malnutrition.</span><br />There is evidence of women in concentration camps in world war II who
breastfed healthy children. <b>Women in the developing world bottle fed
because it's perceived as a more civilised, more western way to fed
your children.</b> These women do not have to money to buy infant formula or
the resources to keep feeding equipment sterile and safe. I want to be
part of the change in culture which sees breastfeeding to be more
widespread and accepted wherever you live.</li>
<li>If you are breastfeeding <b>you will never run out of milk</b> if, for example, you get trapped on the m25 for 2
hours, or get locked out of your house. (both of which happened to me!)</li>
<li>Visible breastfeeding will <b>encourage other women to breastfeed.</b></li>
<li><b>Breastfeeding will soothe a crying baby in 9.99% of cases :-)</b> Including after his/her imunisations. Priceless.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEpxOLmafZM/TzZlU8Wz9hI/AAAAAAAADuA/dzW2sTFmfF0/s1600/squigimmunisations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEpxOLmafZM/TzZlU8Wz9hI/AAAAAAAADuA/dzW2sTFmfF0/s400/squigimmunisations.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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*I
breastfed my Squiggle exclusively for 3 months. I then combination fed
between 3-4 months and switched completely to baby formula after 4
months. The reason I switched to combination feeding in the first place
is that (for his night feeds especially) he was getting more and more
unsatisfied even after full feds. I persisted (as you are told to) for
about 2 weeks of offering breast after breast before I gave up. I
switched to exclusive bottle feeding at four months mostly out of
convenience and my desire to live a more selfish life. I felt guilty
about it.GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-27069105543095106842012-02-18T15:13:00.000+00:002012-02-18T15:13:08.862+00:00XKCD Pillowthis of one of those 'what I did when I wasn't blogging' projects that I put together on my unplanned blogging maternity leave.<br /><br />It's a small decorative pillow with <a href="http://xkcd.com/150/"> a comic from XKCD </a>embroidered on it. It was a wedding gift for my cousin and her new husband, however they ended up getting it quite late!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_AVAvbkBpE/Tz-_HL7jLnI/AAAAAAAADuY/m9ZnlqS6TsU/s1600/left+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_AVAvbkBpE/Tz-_HL7jLnI/AAAAAAAADuY/m9ZnlqS6TsU/s400/left+side.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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the whole thing is worked in 2 stands of embroidery floss and backstitch, apart form the frames of the cartoon which were worked in 1 strand.<br /><br />Here's quality control checking it over for me :-)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RWDYneDDphQ/Tz-_CiLToZI/AAAAAAAADuQ/RFClh7gs2ZQ/s1600/andsquig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RWDYneDDphQ/Tz-_CiLToZI/AAAAAAAADuQ/RFClh7gs2ZQ/s400/andsquig.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-78558348843244539612012-02-13T17:00:00.000+00:002012-02-13T17:00:00.129+00:00Serious Monday: Mammy list 2 - Postnatal/living with babyLets be clear here, I'm a craft blogger. My blog is not concerned
with politics, religion, the intricacies of my personal life, or
anything deep or philosophical. It is my refuge from such things.
Saying that, there are times when something that is so intertwined
with my day-to-day life (blogging) and other major life events
(having a baby) have to acknowledge each other's existence.<br />
<br />
This is part of a series of blog posts I'm calling “The Mammy
Lists” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYWYz2L7YLg/TzWMQmIu6mI/AAAAAAAADtY/TyVeARDayrg/s1600/newsquig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYWYz2L7YLg/TzWMQmIu6mI/AAAAAAAADtY/TyVeARDayrg/s640/newsquig2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(co-sleeping on a sofa is NOT recommended... but sometimes it happens... and the Husb0t was not going to risk waking either of us up..... )<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Postnatal/Living With a Small Baby</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The big lie about pregnancy is that labour is the mountain to climb, once you've done it, you've WON! .. sorry... living with a small baby is going to be the hardest thing you've EVER done, and you're going to have to do it while recovering from that other hardest thing you've ever done, enjoy!</span><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>LOOK AFTER YOURSELF</b> - you will find it hard to do much more than cater to your basic physical needs at the start but you <i>must</i>. this includes; </li>
<li>Eating - if you're alone in the house during the day <b>make yourself a sandwich</b> (or, better yet, get your husband to make you one when he's making his sandwiches for work) and keep it in the fridge for easy grabbing. <b>Surround yourself with fruit bowls.</b></li>
<li><b>Going in the bath DAILY</b> in the early days and showering after you've recovered is a <b>RIGHT not a PRIVILEGE.</b> If you don't have a partner around to supervise while you do this you'll have to put the baby in their moses basket and get on with it. </li>
<li>If you've had an episciotomy<b> wee in the bath</b> too. I know, I know, gross, but morning wee can be very concentrated and very stingy, give yourself a rinse in the shower if it makes you feel better.</li>
<li>Avoid using baby
soothing objects/technology until it actually helps you
(nightlight/lulaby machines, dummmies, stage 2 baby formula....)<b> the
effects of these 'helpers' can wear of over time</b> and you don't want to
play your whole hand to early in the game.</li>
<li> <b>You are the best
person to make decisions about your baby</b>, once you've conceded to using
bay sothing objects don't let anyone else make you feel that you should
have held out for longer.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<ul>
<li>Although you are the best person to
make decisions about your baby, you might be a better decision maker<b>
after a bit of sleep</b>.</li>
<li><b>Try not to compare</b> how much sleep youre
geting to the amout of sleep your husband/partner is getting, it wil
make you feel bitter, especialy if you're breastfeeding.</li>
<li>Do not
be tempted to do housework when your baby has a nap during the day. <b>You
have a nap too</b>, your husband/partner can't do that! haha!</li>
<li>Don't get angry, with yourself, with your partner or with your baby.
<b>Everyone is trying their hardest to get through the day.</b> Focus on the
positives.</li>
<li>Crying? ......... feed, burp, change nappy, try to soothe to sleep, repeat.</li>
<li>Still crying? <b>put them somewhere safe and go get a cup of tea.</b> They're
probably just tired/overstimulated. Everyone needs some alone time, even
babies! (I'm not suggesting you let them <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/denene-millner/cry-it-out_b_1163864.html">'cry it out'</a> but you have to accept that sometimes there may be no discernible reason and your stress may be exasperating the situation)</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Don't make any decisions during a growth spurt.</b> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_389168032">Growth spur</a><a href="http://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/ask-heidi/baby-growth-spurts.aspx">ts</a> occur between one and three weeks and between six and eight weeks. After that, you can expect more at three months<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_389168019">, </a>six months, and nine months.</li>
<li>Until your baby stops producing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meconium">meconium</a> <b>cover his/her bottom with
vaseline </b>every chance you get. it will make nappy changing a lot easier!</li>
<li><b>Nothing lasts forever,</b> don't rush to assume that everything will become
part of a routine, <b>some behaviors just disappear by themselves</b>, theres no point in getting
stressed out about them.</li>
<li>Go to your dictionary and <b>tipp-ex out
the world "Routine"</b> prefer the word "Pattern" instead. patterns are
less rigid than routines. Patterns can change and it's no big deal.
babies enjoy patterns but they can't tell the time. And for the love of
all that is holy don't wake your baby up for a feed unless you
*actually* fear they might starve to death :-)</li>
<li>While you're
there get rid of the word 'guilt' <b>you can feel guilty about everything
as a parent,</b> guilty for working, guilty for not working, guilty for
hugging too much, guilty for hugging too little. Just let go of guilt,
it does not help you. </li>
<li><b>Don't listen to other parents (that
includes me!). </b>Some lie about their baby's sleeping/feeding habits, some
just prefer to ignore the bad bits, and some are just plain lucky. They
have the right to be proud of their 8 week old that sleeps for 6 hours
straight through, but because yours isn't doesn't mean you're doing
something wrong. </li>
</ul>
Before you know it you'll be at the 3 month mark and everything will seem so different!<br />
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<br />GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452402466753128541.post-50774585684974392682012-01-28T17:49:00.003+00:002012-01-28T17:50:40.089+00:00New "Wretched Hive" embroidery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMcYVk3yVXo/TyQ07ucRKgI/AAAAAAAADs8/N93Yf_ZpE2A/s1600/IMG_4046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMcYVk3yVXo/TyQ07ucRKgI/AAAAAAAADs8/N93Yf_ZpE2A/s640/IMG_4046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm going to frame this sucker and try and sell it in my etsy/folksy shop...GeekySweethearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04323757683950000183noreply@blogger.com0