Exploring The Weta Cave

Now, I am a mad keen movie fan. I could happily see movies all day. Especially sci-fi and fantasy movies. I love stories and impossible worlds, so of course, a trip to The Weta Cave is always a highlight.



I've been before. And it was awesome. And now I went again. Yes, this is being posted to two of my blogs, because, I think it fits.

Richard Taylor and the team at Weta have put together and amazing experience at the Weta Cave. From a free 25 minute behind the scenes look at the various wings of Weta and the movies they have been a part of, to the museum, to the replica props, to the quality merchandise, it's all great. Now they even have a paid tour as well. (And that's only $20 per adult!) it does get busy, so go early, avoiding 11:00am-2:00pm which seems to be the busiest time.






Now, why on the Guru sight? Well... I've been wanting to knit dwalven hats for a while... And now I have a picture of a real one up close. But they also have the prop replica knitting pattern and kit... From the same yarn as the one in the films! Yes, I bought one.






And a chain mail kit!

Such a nerd, I know. Watch this space to see the hat and the scarf take shape... And go visit the Weta Cave in miramar if you are in wellington! It's amazing, even if you don't like Tolkien.






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Raised Garden Bed - Tutorial

I built a garden! Okay, I was super pleased with this and how it all worked out, and it was relatively inexpensive. Now I am going to make a doubled layered one and some for inside the greenhouse we just ordered.... But those can wait.





You will need:
4 lengths of 6x2 dressed timber. I used 1200mm lengths (as that fit in my car easily)
8 coach bolts
4 L shaped brackets. (I used 10mm ones as my electric drill could drill 10mm)
Drill
Hammer
Spanner
Wood stain (optional)
Compost and plants (otherwise you just made a square)

1. Get the timber cut to size. Measure the space you want, and ask the timber guys to cut it. Or use a saw.... But our home supply store does cutting for free, and it is easier to transport to do it there.

2. Lay out the shape of the square. This also means you can put any imperfections in the timber on the inside. Trace around the brackets including the holes with a pencil. Label the sides as to their location and which side is up, and the inside..... This will make assembly so much better.









3. Drill holes right through the timber in the spots marked.



4. Stain timber (clearly an optional step)

5. Bolt the ends of the timber to the brackets. Using a level, make sure the sides and top are even... Or when you water the garden, your soil will run off. I built this around a tree because... Ummm... I could. When building around a tree build in place rather than transporting to the location. I banged the bolts in with the hammer, then tightened with a pair of spanners and a lot of patience.... In the rain. Use a level to keep checking the accuracy of your construction.

6. Fill with compost or container potting mix and plant. Show off to all your family and friends.




I built mine in the rain, so their are no images of actually constructing it around the tree.



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10 Crafts in 10 Days: Tardis Brooch Pin

For some reason I've decided to complete 10 crafts in 10 days... Alright, mainly as I have a stockpile of things I have wanted to do, and I should get stuck in before heading to China in November. (Yes, China!)

The first one is this Tardis Pin made from felt.




You will need:
Blue felt scraps
Black felt scrap
White felt (or I used ribbon)
Scissors
Fabric glue
Cotton - in blue, white and black
Pin back or safety pin

Cut 2 rectangles to the size you want. Mine were 3cm by 5cm.

Carefully cut out 8 'windows'.


Glue a square of white felt or ribbon behind the top 2, and the first one on the second row.



Glue onto plain blue square. Use one of the cut out windows to make the light on the top.

Cut a strip of black and glue to the top of the box.

Stitch around the outsides. I used a blanket stitch in matching shades around the outsides and insides of the windows.



Stitch on the "Police Box" sign and the pin back.






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Tardis Wheatie Bag - Sewing Project

This morning my wee beagle is sick... She has a slipped disc and a lot of pain meds. We decided it was time for a new heat pad/Wheatie bag to put on her neck and ease her suffering a little.



Ages ago I purchased this fabric from Spoonflower, and I would love to get more! The fabric quality is stunning, and I really want to find the time to design my own.

Any who, I used the Tardis Pillow fabric, which came with an additional tardis mini pillow, designed to be made into a pin cushion. Pin cushions aren't that much fun... So I made a Wheatie bag. You could use any fabric, fleece is divine, and my sister swears by using merino



Cut out 2 rectangles of fabric. If you were using something else, one really long one would be easier. Drop a little lavender oil on the fabric.



Stitch up 3 sides, reinforcing in the corners.



Sew a line down the centre. Using a rolled up sheet of paper as a funnel, pour again a handful of wheat, barley or rice onto the cavities. Sew across the pillow. I use rice for people who are allergic to wheat. Jasmine rice is brilliant.



Repeat this process until you have 6 or 8 pockets of wheat.

Zig-zag or surge the open end, then fold over to create a neat edge.



Heat in the microwave with a cup of water for a minute.

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