Mellow Yellow

In my head (a marvellous place, I can assure you all!) I keep referring to this dress as my 'mellow yellow' dress, but that is a misnomer if I've ever seen one, as there is nothing mellow at all about this crazily bright frock!

This pattern, a Very Easy Very Vogue (remember those?!?) from 1989, was actually quite easy to make. I'm not thrilled about the darts, which the pattern called to be cut before you sew, which I think has resulted in a pointy dart end, and the facings don't seem to want to sit right, despite the topstitching I added, but for a fun and bright day dress it does the job. It was quick to sew, and I love the front pleats - you can eat tons for lunch in this dress, and the pleats mean that your tummy can't betray you - hooray!


The back has a long split up the back which means that it is easy to both walk and ride my bike in this dress. Plus it's YELLOW! Yes sir, I think we can add this one to the winner's box!

Project Details
Pattern - Very Easy Very Vogue 7475 in size 8
Fabric - 1.2m of stretch cotton from The Fabric Store
Notions - 35cm invisible zipper

Monthly menu plan - March/April

I love this time of year so much! It really feels like you get the best of both worlds - gloriously sunny afternoons that you can stretch right into and relax in tempered by a chill that descends and makes you plan your next casserole/knitting project/movie to watch whilst snuggled under a blanket. Autumn, you make me appreciate being alive.


As does a good meal. This month is full of 'em!


Week One:
Monday - Chicken soup (I have a cold!)
Tuesday - Beef, spinach and date tagine with carroty couscous
Wednesday - Creamy pumpkin soup
Thursday - Spaghetti with rocket pesto and roasted cherry tomatoes, plus a garden salad
Friday - Dinner out with friends
Saturday - Quinoa, zucchini and feta salad
Sunday - Ratatouille with creamed spinach polenta


Week Two:
Monday - Salmon and pea pasta bake with garden salad
Tuesday - Chicken, lentil and vegetable curry on brown rice
Wednesday - Roasted tomato and capsicum soup with garlic naan
Thursday - Cauliflower and lentil pilaf with minted yoghurt
Friday - Knitting night - to be decided
Saturday - Vegetable curry omelette rolls
Sunday - Spicy black bean soup


Week Three:
Monday - Broccoli and leek soup with roasted vegetable couscous salad
Tuesday - Beef tagine (from freezer, see week 1)
Wednesday - Silverbeet, broad bean and rice soup
Thursday - Spaghetti with lentil bolognaise, and a garden salad
Friday - Tofu burgers with Indian spiced cauliflower and broccoli salad
Saturday - Fondue style macaroni cheese with rocket salad
Sunday - Easter! Roast chicken with maple roasted carrots, mash and lemony peas


Week Four:
Monday - Cinnamon braised chicken with couscous
Tuesday - Creamy vegetable and almond korma on brown rice
Wednesday - Chickpea and leek soup with garlic bread
Thursday - Ricotta and vegetable cannelloni with green salad
Friday - Red wine risotto with spiced chicken drumsticks
Saturday - Pizza! Roasted vegetable and mushroom, salmon, crème fraiche and chilli
Sunday - Chickpea, brown rice and spinach pilaf with grilled haloumi


Week Five:
Monday - White minestrone with rye bread toasts
Tuesday - Beef and red wine stew with sweet potato mash
Wednesday - Creamy silverbeet and potato soup
Thursday - Fettuccini with mushroom bolognaise
Friday - Lentil cottage pies with sweet potato mash and sides of buttered corn cobs

Chunky Moss Stitch Cowl

Do you know that feeling of knitting-induced guilt that you get when you've promised somebody a knit, but life keeps getting in the way and you keep putting the project off? And then every time you see them, you have that awkward "Dude, I'm so going to get started on your knit" conversation and they nod their head kindly but slightly unbelievingly at you, and you scuttle away cursing your lack of decent knitting time, and go home to wallow in a big fat swamp of knitting shame?


Well, I ain't got none of that bad ass feeling no more, because this knitted gift is DONE, DUDES!

This is a knit for my gorgeous friend Kate, who modelled the original pattern for Woolarium last year. Sorry it took so long, Kate - hope you think it's worth the wait!


This version has been knitted up in Rowan Alpaca Chunky, which is the smooshiest, most huggable yarn you could ever lay your hands on. It's made with a chain construction, which is not only easy to knit but adds a wonderful layer of texture to the design.


And since it's so quick to make on 10mm needles (well, once you get started - oops!) there's no excuse for not making one for yourself, too!


Project Details
Pattern: Chunky Moss Stitch Cowl by Woolarium
Yarn: 2 balls of Rowan Alpaca Chunky
Needles: 10mm