Sweet Fabric:
Oops

↑Weave/ladder stitch from wrong side

↑Join as you go (liking this less than I thought I would)

↑Double crochet (front runner)

When I started my granny squares last year I decided that this would be a "go slow" project & that all the yarn would be Op Shop purchased.

I started running out of contrasting yarn about 30 squares in & have had to purchase bits & pieces along the way (I'm really not good at slow). I did have a huge Op Shop stash of nasty Panda acrylic which I've been finishing each round with. I ran out of that too...70 squares in.

On Saturday I went to purchase more & of course the dyelot is different & when the two dyelots lie next to each other the difference is quite obvious. I had a little tantrum & totallly dropped the ball with my granny a day. I've missed 2 of the last 3 days. Sorry Pip.

I had planned to "Join As You Go", making the biege the main colour & allowing the contrasting colours to "pop". If I go with this method (& not worry about the dyelot difference) I need 80 squares before I begin joining.

But now I just don't know. I think I'm liking the double crochet in a contrasting colour.

If I go with the other options I think I'll need at least 100 squares...

You've got to know when to hold them....
Know when to fold them...
Know when to walk away...
Know when to run...

OR just because you "can" doesn't mean you should!

I made this little guy for Craft Hope found via Loobylu.

The idea really touched me & I so wanted my doll to be utterly gorgeous & super squishy & cuddly. In an effort to make him "perfect" I decided to follow a pattern (this was mistake number 1). His arms & legs are way too long & his head is way too small & I had to stuff him too firmly so that his neck didn't flop. The only thing I like about this doll is his hair treatment which I made up!

My second mistake was using super soft expensive looking (but op shop purchased) stretch fabric which I then had to retrospectively interface! YIKES.

My obsessive, competitive nature won't allow me to be beaten (I prefer to think of it as "never say die").

I know I should run & leave this sort of thing to super clever people who actually have some talent (& for the time it's taken me I'd have been better purchasing from them & posting):

Jhoanna :: her shop
Fiona :: her shop
Victoria :: her shop
Michelle :: her shop

I've already cut out & interfaced & started the embroidery for my "no pattern" doll. I really hope he works!

I told Lara I was going to put this on Flickr "for her eyes only" to say thanks for being super specially good. BUT this girl said she'd post it on her blog if I did! You know she'd do it too. Safer here where I have some control!

It seems my big fat bogan wedding has been an item of interest to a few lovely folk.

This is me with my "I really (insert expletive) hate you" fake smile. My beautiful friend thinks that they taught fake smiling at my school. One of my very good friends from school is on Melbourne Radio & Trace reckons we have the same fake smile!

Reason for fake smile: Casual, relaxed, natural photography brief. Photographer turned up with an ironing board & tulle & made me do this!

Points to consider when critiquing the event.

1) I was 23
2) I was 23
3) I was 23

Thanks!

See more bogan shots here & here.

PS: I'd be pretty happy to trot the wedding dress out if anyone wants to host a wedding dress party!

PPS: I'm going to get the wedding video out - that's a real comedy!