Do you know what? I get a ton of emails and Facebook messages asking me all kinds of things.
For instance, just this week I’ve been asked ‘Where can you get non-ugly maternity clothes?’ ‘Where should I buy my clogs from?’ ‘How do you do so much?’ ‘Where is that dress from?’ ‘How do I do those crocheted flower granny squares?’ ‘Where can I meet nice people in Melbourne’ ‘What sort of decorations are good for a fella’s party?’ ‘Can I write a piece for your blog?’ To detail just a few.
I do try very hard to reply to everyone, but sometimes I am a bit crap and overwhelmed and don’t manage to get about to them all. I am sorry if you are one of the people I have not quite got to. Its not you, it’s me.
Anyhoo, I thought we could have a bit of an Ask Mike’s day. And you can ask questions in the comments, and maybe you will even be able to answer someone else’s question! Go ahead! We’ll do this over on Facebook too, because then you won’t have to wait for me to put your comments up! SO ask your question here.. or on FB if you prefer! Here is our Facebook page.
Maybe you don’t know where to go for holidays? Maybe you want to buy some rad wool? Maybe you are trying to remember something you saw here a while ago? Ask away!
xx Pip
Red Tractor!!!! THANKYOU!!!!! next time I have new yarn tomorrow ;), I'm going to try that.
PIP – WHAT IS THAT GORGEOUS CROCHET NUMBER IN THE PICS FOR THIS POST?
What stitch is it? What is it going to be? Any links to a tutorial?
x
This is for Reannon, who I hope will check back. My mother in law taught me a very nifty trick when working with all sorts of yarn. Before you start a new ball, fish out the 'inside' end of the wool and knit/crochet from that end. You have to stick your fingers into either end of the ball (or both for assistance sometimes) and pull out the last bit of the yarn. It can be a bit awkward, and sometimes I end up with a small ball to unravel, but it is very satisfying to knit or hook away with the ball staying right where you put it.
Good luck
Ms A
This is for Reannon – I hope you check back Reannon. My mother in law taught me a very fabulous trick when working with any sort of yarn. Before you start on a new ball, fish out the inside end of the wool. Stick you fingers in either end and try and grab the last bit of the yarn, then pull it out. Sometime I have to really fiddle around for the inside end and sometimes I end up with a little ball to unravel. But it is very satisfying to knit or crochet and have that ball of wool sitting right where you put it.
Good luck
Ms A
Hi Pip! What happened to the Craft City Melbourne blog? I want to make some passport covers for my parentals for Christmas, and thought I might look there for a good place to get some lovely fabric, but I can't get in! (Otherwise, where's a good place to get some lovely fabric?)
Hi Pip!!!
Im loving this idea and I have a few questions to ask you;))
*Have you ever been to the UK and if so whats your best bits, favorite things,food etc?
*Will you be coming to the UK soon?
*Did it take you a long time to grow your hair from really short to a bob? (Mines a very short pixie cut @ the mo and I hate it;((
*And I just have to ask this one-do you have Playmobil over in Aussie land?
Hoping your feeling fully restored and cheered up-you have NO reason to feel down???
Best wishes
Issyxxx
http://hookytime.blogspot.com/
Hi Pip,
Remember this post – http://meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-crochet-larksfoot-blanket-or.html – I never did send an email for the pattern but that's not my question. I want to know where do you get your clogs? I've been looking everywhere for different colours and I spotted them in your photo. I've just returned from Denmark and Sweden and kicking myself for not buying some.
Cheers!
Hi Pip!
I was just wondering where you buy all of your gorgeous yarn from? Your crocheted pieces are done in such lovely colours. Thank you!
xoxo Lauren
P.S. I love your blog and read it every day, even though i'm naughty and don't always comment. I'm a bit of a blog lurker (a blurker perhaps?) Thank you for all of the awesome daily inspiration!
Hi Pip,
Me again;)…
I've just started to crochet recently because I wanted to make a blanket out of granny squares. However I can't get the tension right and they are turning out like a mess of yarn. I just can't to get the hang of them:).
I was wondering of you could give me a few tips;)
Thanks again…
Morgan-Rose
Just wondering if there is some sort of magic way to make your wool unravel as you crochet? This sounds a bit silly now I've written it but as I crochet I'm constantly throwing my ball of wool across the room or lounge so it unwinds for me. Surely this is not how proper crafty people do it, or is it???
Hi Morgan!
That photo was taken here :: http://www.thevintageshed.com.au/Vintage-Emporium : it's such a lovely place!! x Pip
Hi Pip!
Just wondering on your post-Doing & Reading & Sipping & Stuff.-What shop that second photo is from. You know, the one of all the clothes. They look pretty cute!
Thanks
Morgan;)
I just wanted to reply to Elizabeth…. hope that's ok. My grandparents live in the Byron area, so have spent most holidays there for the last 15 years!
Plenty for kids to do – there's a good playground next to Main Beach, and just behind it is the Beach Hotel Pub. Often live music and generally a welcoming place for kids. They used to have a fantastic old rowing boat for kids to play on, but I think it's gone. If you want to spend the money, surfing lessons are an excellent activity – kids get to burn energy, have fun and learn something – parents get to chill out on the beach! My little sister did them aged 9 and had a ball!
Depending on what sort of 10 year old she is, there's all sorts of fun shops. Make sure you stop for Organic Doughnuts if you see the shop – delicious!!
Walking up to the lighthouse is fun, and I almost always see dolphins and turtles in the sea below (and sometimes a whale!). There used to be goats which was always amusing, but I think they've been re-homed now (except for one in 'hiding' – bonus points if you see it!). Watego's is a nice starting point for the walk, and a nice beach for kids, a little bit sheltered and nice barbecue spots.
If you have a car, or visit the tourist centre for bus times, a trip to Bangalow is a must! Great cafes and shops, and a kid haven called "Abracadabra". There's also a horse riding centre nearby, and they conduct great trail rides for kids and beginners through the byron hinterland.
The markets (1st Sun of every month) are fun for kids too, always something interesting to see or do. Again if you have a car, the Channon craft markets are worth a drive, or at least they were a year ago! They're on every 2nd Sunday. There are workshops etc as well as attractions for kids, and lots of weird and wonderful crafts.
So sorry for the novel!
Hmm… Kimmy J : a shop around the corner from us sells tea towel cushion covers… but perhaps you could try The Curious Oyster in Thornbury? x
Hi Pip…i've some gorgeous vintage linen tea towel cushion covers for sale, wanted to put them in a vintagey shop (in your area?!) b4 Xmas…any recommendations where? they are tres cute!! thanks in advance…kimmy can dance 🙂
Hi Ellyn!
Our shop is up for lease : and we are going to remain living upstairs/out the back! We will close as soon as we find the right tenant, but for the moment we are open and selling mostly vintage bits and bobs! xx
Hi Pip,
My question is about your shop. I know you're closing it, but is it closed yet? Also are you moving from there or just leasing the shop space only? Thanks, these have been 2 of my little wonderings over the time I've been reading your blog.
Elizabeth – Does she like shopping-because there are lots of lovely shops, including bead shops to make jewelry while you are there. The Crystal Castle (just out of Byron) seems to be popular too.
Trudi
ok, thanks Pip.
What kids things are there to do in Byron Bay?? I'm taking my daughter there for holidays, my idea is lounging on the beach drinking smoothies, but she might be a bit bored by that (she's 10). hope you can help…..xx elizabeth