12 in 11 December Update

It's so unlikely that I'll buy anything today I thought I would get in early.

This month I finally found the dress I needed for the ball back in October.  An actual proper formal frock in a daring bright red that fitted very nicely.  So I bought it.  The next ball is not until April 2013, but for $7 I'm prepared and who knows what fashion emergencies 2012 will bring.

I overspent my clothing allowance by 7 items (more than 50%) 19/12.

Not a brilliant result, but my goodness it was a fascinating experience.  While still buying most items second hand (one retail purchase only and that an emergency funeral buy), I learned to focus on quality, cut and colour to make the most out of what was already in the wardrobe.

I really do have a capsule of basics now, at least for the cool weather.

I took the lessons I learned about cut in particular and have culled my sewing pattern library (Ravellers, look for a destash soon) to leave me with a handful of patterns that suit in styles I prefer to wear.

Despite failing at 12 in 11 I'm up for it again. Not because I like to fail, but because I like to try. These challenges teach me things about myself and assist in least making me better aware of my shortcomings even when they are not completely overcome. It helps keep me focussed and this year focus is particularly necessary.

There are 3 known items on the 2012 "to buy" list

• a pair of replacement Mary Janes. Even by the redoubtable Jhay the Cobbler is unable to repair the last pair.
• an outfit for Junior's wedding in December. I may make the frock, but I'm going to keep a couple of items in reserve just in case I need to buy a dress and shoes for the wedding.

The usual rules will apply. A flurry of yarn purchases in December (birthday and Christmas gifts to myself) ensured that I have some truly lovely garment quantities of yarn to use. I also came across a couple of caches of gorgeous fabrics in an op-shops in December and bought several. It is a sign of maturity that most of that cache was left for others to enjoy.   I look forward to creating with some of the lovelies that came home.

How I clutter my home

This spinner doll was in the 50c bin at the Salvation Army shop.  Couldn't leave her behind.

Looking Forward

Just because it's Summer now, doesn't mean I'm happy about it. Apart from stone fruit and skinny dipping, I don't like much about Summer.

While we were at Manuka Oval yesterday we checked out our latest investment.  Seats in the members' stand for the three Greater Western Sydney Giants Australian Rules Football matches next year.  It's as close as we will get ot a Canberra team in the AFL and we aren't going to miss out.

The Manuka Oval website doesn't have a detailed seating plan, so we had to book our tickets without knowing exactly where they were.

I'm sitting in one of our seats.  The bag and hat are on the other.

Am I pleased?  See for yourself.

Four rows from the highest point in the stand; on the aisle; only two people to bother us getting up and down; right on the left edge of the centre square; under the roofline.  Fabulous!

Bring on Winter.

Signs of Summer

Despite the coolish day, it is summer. And summer means cricket.

Knitting a Citron with laceweight kid mohair at Manuka Oval. 

Tasmania defeated NSW by four runs in a one day match.

Citron requires one more repeat and a ruffle and it, too, will be vanquished.

12 in 11 November Update

I spent $20 at the St Vincent de Paul garage sale in November.

For me - a pair of new with tags (English brand marked at 30 pounds) $5; a pair of RM Williams riding boots $4; a pair of Kumfs heels $4. The boots and shoes are very lightly worn.

TOF scored a pair of Thomas Cook boots (brand new) $4, and a pair of polar fleece ski pants $3

The helpful ferret is a resident but going cheap.

So I added 3 items to bring my total of purchases to 18 for 2011.

Delighted by crochet

We saw much sheepy goodness in New Zealand.  That was expected.

There's a sculptor living in Omarama who has added larger than life fish and sheep to the town's streetscapes.

There's a crocheter living in Omarama with a sense of humour.

The yarn-bombing was delightfully unexpected and well thought out.  Thosed crocheted toes are stuffed with microfibre or similar.