tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86771425381655591062024-02-21T01:29:24.567-08:00UglyCastlecooking, photos, travel, making stuffUgly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-2655875523612069972012-08-15T00:56:00.001-07:002012-08-15T00:56:49.934-07:00Franken-chair number 2: Part 2<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/pzDFDkywgzkjeqmermHGImzwhzeBGhCthblxwyDvfAtEdEghIljbDmAvuuFI/p206.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P206" height="667" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/pzDFDkywgzkjeqmermHGImzwhzeBGhCthblxwyDvfAtEdEghIljbDmAvuuFI/p206.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>I've managed strip FC2 and give him a bit of a bath. He was diirrrrty!</div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-40981655012256004132012-08-15T00:55:00.001-07:002012-08-15T00:55:34.739-07:00Franken-chair number 2: Part 1<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/uxFhGhyJEshhHhgsikrlorfyFEyvnttsHmuIammGarqhqnzhJsckkezbJFok/p202.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P202" height="667" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/uxFhGhyJEshhHhgsikrlorfyFEyvnttsHmuIammGarqhqnzhJsckkezbJFok/p202.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>I found Franken-chair number 2 on the side of the road today. I have a fantastic idea for it...but the purpose this chair will serve is super secret!</div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-65473819076160303992012-06-13T04:33:00.001-07:002012-06-13T04:33:18.479-07:00One last chalkboard<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/FjpzDJpuqExCbrigwGHbvImEAfBBgtowJcuAxyDfssiAqBkDtGFrDyEhboCv/p181.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P181" height="667" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/FjpzDJpuqExCbrigwGHbvImEAfBBgtowJcuAxyDfssiAqBkDtGFrDyEhboCv/p181.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>This one isn't painted. I bought a photo frame from a thrift store (op shops in Australia) and put a piece of black card in it- in place of a photo. We use those cool chalk pens to write on the glass. Simple!</div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-50004953020401929972012-06-13T04:30:00.001-07:002012-06-13T04:30:38.561-07:00Finally with finished handles<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/moDhAIFoqdhkEjnDGudHwsjjAtayECtaAfsqEyJJeIplesmjagtDisoGalju/p174.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P174" height="667" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/moDhAIFoqdhkEjnDGudHwsjjAtayECtaAfsqEyJJeIplesmjagtDisoGalju/p174.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-22419134095192211902012-06-13T04:29:00.001-07:002012-06-13T04:29:21.059-07:00Chalkboard fridge to rule them all!<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/tohgklfvrdpzkGsllIqrvihuftrkzIkmiJgJDnzsklBBHnFxsCyspFlyhlff/p168.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P168" height="345" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/tohgklfvrdpzkGsllIqrvihuftrkzIkmiJgJDnzsklBBHnFxsCyspFlyhlff/p168.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>I painted our fridge in chalkboard paint. I love it!</div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-70392249238859925532012-05-20T00:47:00.001-07:002012-05-20T00:47:53.065-07:00Chair done<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/EzsnfGkDgthnxEfvbohGpnjfjJfpmvnhfchaCapcJwgqGEAAbHkzjHhrsvdn/p162.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P162" height="392" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/EzsnfGkDgthnxEfvbohGpnjfjJfpmvnhfchaCapcJwgqGEAAbHkzjHhrsvdn/p162.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>The first chair in a pair I bought second hand has just had a make over. It took me two months of dabbling when I could on the weekends. Now I think I need a nap.</div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-74971770331754853932012-04-08T23:36:00.001-07:002012-04-08T23:36:14.541-07:00Franken chair #1 is (almost) sanded<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/nibzAIHcadDDAaIpAxfFnAenAjlkDGuFoqpjayFpveyccIfzBmjaqexuDexE/p148.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P148" height="667" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/nibzAIHcadDDAaIpAxfFnAenAjlkDGuFoqpjayFpveyccIfzBmjaqexuDexE/p148.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>I started out incredibly enthusiastic about sanding my 70s style tv chairs. I'd read that hand sanding was best and so started out with a few different grades of sandpaper. That lasted about15 minutes! Sorry people but it was just too slow. <p>Sigh!</p><p>So instead, I borrowed an electric sander from a friend and have generally finished the first chair - it probably took 2 hours total. I went through a lot more paper than I expected and even the electric sander took some patience. I've now decided that the arms will be painted black so, although I will sand into the tight corners by hand, I've just been aiming to get the varnish off and have stopped worrying about getting all of the colored stain underneath off. That is the upside of painted arms!</p><p>For lovers of these types of chairs, before you shoot me, the wood is just old pine...I'm not defacing a collectors item with black paint, I promise!</p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-17519522052110602522012-04-08T23:28:00.001-07:002012-04-08T23:28:04.714-07:00Scarves for all<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/oefqxArAykuvadhdmwyaCuxatBkdxFnjiAtkypvqajxyggekDkxhfmdDFbac/p142.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P142" height="667" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/oefqxArAykuvadhdmwyaCuxatBkdxFnjiAtkypvqajxyggekDkxhfmdDFbac/p142.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>It is just starting to feel like Autumn here so I'm on a scarf making binge. This one will be the 4th in a week.</div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-20399206016509703812012-03-30T04:09:00.001-07:002012-03-30T04:09:52.151-07:00Blanket - crochet adventures<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/gwyotvjyinckJIHbtBnkAknIvCzDslaGyerIeknvAjfjmJcjloftJiazGikz/p95.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P95" height="667" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/gwyotvjyinckJIHbtBnkAknIvCzDslaGyerIeknvAjfjmJcjloftJiazGikz/p95.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>This one took me a few months to complete- just working when I felt like it.<p>I'm over blankets for a while!</p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-88100226549179660692012-03-30T04:06:00.001-07:002012-03-30T04:06:57.598-07:00Thea and Sami cushion<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/cgwIqoGIGGIcvhEhbEkslryGEIEhdHesytjCCeaCrHvxgqcFaClodkJbhdnw/p91.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P91" height="667" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/cgwIqoGIGGIcvhEhbEkslryGEIEhdHesytjCCeaCrHvxgqcFaClodkJbhdnw/p91.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>I just made a cute cushion for my little sis- she has a red couch and generally has a red decorating crush going on at the moment. The fantastic fabric is hand printed by Thea and Sami. Will be using these fabrics again. Very nice.<p><a href="http://theaandsami.blogspot.com.au/">http://theaandsami.blogspot.com.au/</a></p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-55945378036068105752012-03-30T04:01:00.001-07:002012-03-30T04:01:26.715-07:00Tv chairs... What is the big deal?<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/mxgBdejErHuwzssIlxGlsbyEnzqrlabIeCjapEdodmHqHqzoJtdnEGxaEzlg/p69.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P69" height="667" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/mxgBdejErHuwzssIlxGlsbyEnzqrlabIeCjapEdodmHqHqzoJtdnEGxaEzlg/p69.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>It seems like heaps of people are giving retro chairs a whole new lease on life...so I thought I would give it a go. <p>As the hugely talented girls from flourish and bloom explain in this post:http://flourishandblume.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/diy-your-mouldy-old-chairs.html, retro TV chairs provide a satisfying DIY project with just some basic sewing skills and some patience with the sanding back of the frame. Typically, these chairs are super comfortable and don't take up as much space as a traditional armchair- handy for any townhouse or apartment dwellers.</p><p>I tried (and lost) a few bidding wars on eBay. Geez, you can tell that something is suddenly trendy when moldy old chairs are jumping rapidly in cost during the last few minutes of an auction! After getting over my frustration- and noticing that the professionally refurbished chairs were going for around $500 on eBay- I found my own special pair of chairs at my local lifeline. $45 for the pair was the perfect price for me.</p><p>I'm hoping the refurbishing is an enjoyable project. Keep your fingers crossed for me!</p><p>As always, any advice would be much appreciated.</p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-27709282984016461142012-01-21T12:46:00.001-08:002012-01-21T12:46:41.098-08:00Make a Patchwork ball for the baby in your life!<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/CtoAsghiwnekmyHhxcIgfsjFwugshwBszkHuDirJqxfCjuEdfJoEgyIDtGjw/p132.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P132" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/CtoAsghiwnekmyHhxcIgfsjFwugshwBszkHuDirJqxfCjuEdfJoEgyIDtGjw/p132.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>I made this ball yesterday. It was my first attempt at patchwork anything. I got the template out of this book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seams-Me-Reasons-Love-Sewing/dp/0470259264">http://www.amazon.com/Seams-Me-Reasons-Love-Sewing/dp/0470259264</a><p>Anna Maria has done a great job with this book: it is full of easy to complete projects that I hadn't seen in other books and many of them immediately jumped out as perfect gifts for different friends and family. Best of all, this took a short afternoon to complete. Did I mention it was my first burl at patchwork?</p><p>More projects can be found in AnnaMaria's blog: <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/">http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/</a></p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-3722651092001491732012-01-19T13:05:00.001-08:002012-01-19T13:05:20.360-08:00What's on your walls?<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/nBgjDazsjmumpIltHzwcDtAugvrylfCvluaczGfJhnzsuFdkemsEFkGFhmkA/p124.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P124" height="667" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/nBgjDazsjmumpIltHzwcDtAugvrylfCvluaczGfJhnzsuFdkemsEFkGFhmkA/p124.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>Anyone who has taken charge of decorating a spec knows what a difference the "stuff" on your walls can make. Recently, I took a beautiful print from home into my work office, leaving a corner bare. <p>To spruce up the space, at least just for a while, I have grabbed some of our old racing bibs, old sports photos and some tickets to sports events that we went to while living in the US.</p><p>I like it because it is one space that reflects both of us (not just my tastes - whoops!). Also, it is made of tangible items that mean something to both of us: our tickets that we held when we went to our first NBA game (on Christmas day: our first Xmas without our families around), the passes to the local baseball match just before we moved home (and the all you can drink tickets that went with them!), and the race bibs I wore in my first road race and first half marathon. Best of all, I already had the stuff lying round in boxes, so it was free!</p><p>There are heaps of ways to personalize a little corner of your home. I really like this idea to reclaim some crappy art and make it your own: <a href="http://simplemom.net/what-to-do-with-bad-paintings/?doing_wp_cron=1327006086">http://simplemom.net/what-to-do-with-bad-paintings/?doing_wp_cron=1327006086</a></p><p>Also, printed canvases with your own photos are all the rage now but can be a bit pricey. Instead try this idea: <a href="http://www.curbly.com/m/13293-diy-biggie-size-photos-for-under-20">http://www.curbly.com/m/13293-diy-biggie-size-photos-for-under-20</a></p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-44804000016570039332012-01-16T02:07:00.001-08:002012-01-16T02:07:23.325-08:00I made a glass necklace charm- Sweden!<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/lfefivmuebnFjgwcBksyakyDkHysawjGCkjDamearsAdIiDEbAEokgrojqrB/p116.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P116" height="667" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/lfefivmuebnFjgwcBksyakyDkHysawjGCkjDamearsAdIiDEbAEokgrojqrB/p116.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>I've been testing out some ideas for glass pendants for necklaces. Similar to the "oh so popular" scrabble tile pendants, these involve sticking your paper to the back of a polished glass tile and then waterproofing the whole thing. <p>I got this kit from KristenKrafts on Etsy.com and used a bit of an old map. This one was a present for my brothers girlfriend. Yes, she's Swedish! My lucky brother :)</p><p>What do you think? Have you tried one?</p><p>Would also love to learn how to make the full resin ones. Any tips?</p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-13074526009419804272011-12-21T19:18:00.001-08:002011-12-21T19:18:44.361-08:00Wrapped up 5: crocheted gift bow from scrap wool<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/bmqsHbqiAfJwEbhkqFvotAcblgtCglgqIqxdEtoqHxHapaBtoGIECoHIpuxe/p84.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P84" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/bmqsHbqiAfJwEbhkqFvotAcblgtCglgqIqxdEtoqHxHapaBtoGIECoHIpuxe/p84.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-66389233007833956262011-12-21T18:55:00.001-08:002011-12-21T18:55:43.950-08:00Wrapped up 4: give a beautiful bag from Verb no need to wrap!<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/jlssmCenIbnFyuEqubnGjaHtAJImuAHrlsrplhFfsmJGIBfImglsCbHHCIpH/p74.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P74" height="667" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/jlssmCenIbnFyuEqubnGjaHtAJImuAHrlsrplhFfsmJGIBfImglsCbHHCIpH/p74.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>Adele from Verb designs bags made in India under fair trade conditions. Inside these fantastic bags is the story of the worker who made the bag sewn into the lining. How great is that? She launches her company early in 2012. <a href="http://verb-doingsomething.com/">http://verb-doingsomething.com/</a></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-78812114779729540352011-12-21T18:22:00.001-08:002011-12-21T18:22:42.915-08:00Wrapped up 3: a slightly more manly wrap<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/HoxmJgtJccaauzmbHlqDymIwkDnBnaepCluiFGBnAemCmxpDxillDhDAlAtn/p66.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P66" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/HoxmJgtJccaauzmbHlqDymIwkDnBnaepCluiFGBnAemCmxpDxillDhDAlAtn/p66.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>Sometimes the craft world is dominated by feminine patterns and colours. Here's my attempt at wrapping that is a little less "pink and floral". It is for my brother.... Who will think I'm a nut for not just buying wrapping paper. Hope he likes it.</div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-35009653635898780672011-12-21T17:40:00.001-08:002011-12-21T17:40:22.160-08:00Present 2: voucher in an old paper sleeve with details from a Xmas card<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/cCGdgebepGBtiwrikCupAnbozaIzuFzqkpfJFAxaFaoDcbfgviqeEgEIFImt/p58.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P58" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/cCGdgebepGBtiwrikCupAnbozaIzuFzqkpfJFAxaFaoDcbfgviqeEgEIFImt/p58.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-13728479492377494772011-12-21T17:35:00.001-08:002011-12-21T17:35:20.551-08:00Take stuff from around the house and wrap presents<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/uHaHhguGCsrwAiudwdldpDnnJmwabqHfAlkrphuyaCGFrdEoBAajbwHzqyEu/p50.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P50" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/uHaHhguGCsrwAiudwdldpDnnJmwabqHfAlkrphuyaCGFrdEoBAajbwHzqyEu/p50.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>Some festive themed junk mail from a local insurance company, an old crochet project, and a christmas card-all fair game today!</div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-9632629940559525052011-12-21T16:43:00.001-08:002011-12-21T16:43:01.216-08:00Wrapped up part 1<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/JibfqBIxnJwpGIrDroHJGHiqtDihiaFhHzwzDeghDhnzbyAAwCCoslcFCoEn/p24.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P24" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/JibfqBIxnJwpGIrDroHJGHiqtDihiaFhHzwzDeghDhnzbyAAwCCoslcFCoEn/p24.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>This year I'm trying to wrap my Xmas presents using recycled stuff from around my house. Hope the family doesn't mind!<p>Present 1 is the apron I made last week from up cycled fabrics. Wrapped up with recycled tissue paper - always hard to find a piece that isn't torn - and tied up with a crocheted "ribbon" using scrap wool.</p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-52299736045329407172011-12-17T14:51:00.001-08:002011-12-17T14:51:38.634-08:00Crochet newbie takes on mohair<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/FJAvkvaGqJdhdcdcucevjopowCaHeyqvgvAieDCJxbzGobEfoInGBmzdEssf/p103.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P103" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/FJAvkvaGqJdhdcdcucevjopowCaHeyqvgvAieDCJxbzGobEfoInGBmzdEssf/p103.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>Went to a fantastic local yarn shop and came home with the most beautiful mohair blend yarn. It is far too multicolored for me but I'm hoping to make a scarf for my mum. Have started and realized that working with this fiber is going to take a lot more concentration than my regular cheap acrylics. It is so soft!</div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-39764718255989544582011-12-12T00:20:00.001-08:002011-12-12T00:20:23.072-08:00Sewing newbie dramas<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/hFhcoiuhEukufJEpgnrGvvtwAsBnoBpzJlsdsakyIfBmojtrywwoCCrbCJDb/p85.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P85" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/hFhcoiuhEukufJEpgnrGvvtwAsBnoBpzJlsdsakyIfBmojtrywwoCCrbCJDb/p85.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>I made a skirt but still can't get the hang of sizing when making my own patterns. This one is about two full sizes too big for me. <p>Any advice?</p><p>Would love to make something I don't have to give away!</p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-4656276268821051812011-12-12T00:11:00.001-08:002011-12-12T00:11:36.371-08:00I made a little town<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/aGifqFfcdpmgkmoGmnmIqlIxbtfBJqmAFhcwBGjDBtlgxtyFIIfqxisJCGue/p26.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P26" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/aGifqFfcdpmgkmoGmnmIqlIxbtfBJqmAFhcwBGjDBtlgxtyFIIfqxisJCGue/p26.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>Have you ever seen one of those super cute craft projects that makes you think "hell yes, I need to make some of that cute stuff right now"? <p>Of course you have.</p><p>That's what happened to me when I saw these most amazing gingerbread houses by Megan over at Not Martha: <a href="http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2009/12/18/a-gingerbread-house-that-perches-on-the-rim-of-your-mug/">http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2009/12/18/a-gingerbread-house-that-perches...</a></p><p>The woman is amazing. She single-handedly inspired my recent gingerbread frenzy. I won't say that there wasn't tears when I realized that we were out of eggs (this is after leaving all the ingredients locked in my office at work) and I can't say that they looked anything like Megan's. But they were delicious and I did get to serve them to a small army of appreciative gingerbread lovers. </p><p>There is something seriously strange going on with American mug sizes because even though I used Megan's pattern to cut my cookie constructables, and they didn't expand much during cooking, the houses were waaaaay to big for little old Australian mugs. No one minded.</p><p>Try it out yourself- if you dare.</p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-77061645848361173752011-10-26T13:53:00.001-07:002011-10-26T13:53:37.814-07:00How to help without getting in the way<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/nmiwefjAlkgrEjBgmudHkCJohIlgoEnurfmDxxuBblfivJiFlbEAmebhIlib/p121.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="P121" height="341" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/uglycastle/nmiwefjAlkgrEjBgmudHkCJohIlgoEnurfmDxxuBblfivJiFlbEAmebhIlib/p121.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p>Like a few people I know, I've got a feeling lately that I could be doing this whole "charmed life in the developed world" thing a lot better. Sure, I donate to charity and not for profits, I pick up my litter, and I try to smile at strangers, but surely there is more I could do (that's sarcasm, people!).<p>I am incredibly lucky. I estimate that I'm probably among the top 5% of the world's most fortunate people. I live in a country that provides me with a level of free (or close to free) medical care, clean water whenever I want it, and oh the food! I have access to food from around the world whenever I want it. From my home, I can easily walk to at least 2 grocery stores and a number of cafes and restaurants. These places never run out off food and offer meals at a price I can afford. I enjoy a general level of safety and political security. I have the right to free speech and to protest, to vote, and to work and live in a manner of my choosing (given some sensible parameters). I have an excellent post graduate education that cost me a fraction of the cost of a new car and my government gave me an interest free loan which is paid through my tax only when I am employed above a certain salary level. I have a job that I love dearly; it allows me to make small but noticeable differences in people's lives every day. It pays me enough to feel comfortable in my community without getting too cocky. Most importantly, I am surrounded by people who love and support me and we have regular opportunities to be in each other's company. </p><p>You see, I'm pretty lucky. You might be pretty lucky too- either in similar or other ways. And when I think about how lucky I am, I can't help thinking about the people who are living very different lives to me. I guess I'm feeling completely inadequate and incompetent when it comes to assisting those who need it most in the ways that will help the most. </p><p>But this is not about guilt. While guilt has been a tool of choice for some organizations, I'm not interested in guilt trips. Guilt will motivate someone to donate a few dollars for some relief from that nagging feeling. Guilt is good for creating a short term fix. Guilt will not engage the heart end the mind. Guilt will not help empower people to do what they can with what they have. In fact, guilt has the potential to make us lose hope; to think that the problem is too big, or too distant.</p><p>I'm hoping to make lasting changes in my everyday life that will make a difference to the way that my actions impact on and contribute to the lives of others. This isn't about donations, which might be forgotten or inconsistently made. This isn't about one two week trip to Africa to build a school, and I'll explain why later. This isn't about creating a new organization; there are plenty of good organizations out there, the world probably doesn't need a new one. This is about supporting and joining groups that move beyond charity, who offer long term solutions that are context sensitive.<p /> Let the journey begin!</p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677142538165559106.post-20482047869404671182011-08-30T04:25:00.001-07:002011-08-30T04:25:04.235-07:00Red Shield Appeal - quick crochet project<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>I just made this little cutie. I love a project I can complete in one night.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-08-30/JDtrBliawrqrddDAilxAGfrdeHtfEEdAihuyDoygIhmcxqpGsGJIcrtngcBE/DSCF5813.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dscf5813" height="376" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-08-30/JDtrBliawrqrddDAilxAGfrdeHtfEEdAihuyDoygIhmcxqpGsGJIcrtngcBE/DSCF5813.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>It is part of the Salvation Army's latest fundraising drive. If you'd like the pattern, make sure you go to the <a href="https://salvos.org.au/donate/secure-online-donations/?appeal=rsaflower">Salvo's webpage and make a donation</a>!</p></div>Ugly Castlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790202189034059092noreply@blogger.com0