Christmas Smiles

A bright, Christmas star light
suspended from a string of smaller Christmas lights
on display in Lobethal, South Australia
24 December 2017

Merry Christmas!

 May your day be
happy and bright.

For some extra Christmas cheer, let me introduce you to a crafty character that is bound to 'put a smile on your dial.'

An Awesome Craft Bag!

Front of Bag
Lift the flap to access the
large outside pocket.

I've been so busy with petitions and parades that there has barely been any time for blogging so today I will keep it short and sweet (yeah, yeah, you've heard that before), I promise!

Have a look at this awesome craft bag that a family member gave me for my birthday earlier this year.  If you are wondering what to get a crafty friend for Christmas, you could do a lot worse than this; after all, you can never have too many bags to store and tote your crochet projects.

Access All Areas: Disability Pride Parade

Today is the International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD).

A white placard with purple writing
"Access-A'laide NOW!"

It is a United Nations sanctioned day celebrated internationally which "aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disability."

I celebrated by participating in my first ever public rally! A Disability Pride Parade through the streets of Adelaide, South Australia.

Access All Areas: Petition Power (Part 1)

AdelaideMetro rail car

It may not be a hyperspace bypass, but it is threatening the independence and access to transport for many people in my local community:   an extension of my local railway line (which is a good thing) but, in the process, my local railway station will be permanently removed (a devastating outcome).

International symbol for disability
 in crochet
 

You may remember this was mentioned in a previous blog post "Battling Bureaucracy" (3 Nov. 2017) and today I have news of developments in my fight to maintain access and equity for people in my neighbourhood, especially for people with disabilities for whom the station will be a huge loss and profoundly affect lives.

Fun at the Beanies to Berets Exhibition and Sale (Part 2)

"The devil is in the details."

There's nothing like an exhibition to inspire creativity.  

At the Onkaparinga Arts Centre, the Beanies to Berets Exhibition and Sale 

gave plenty of design ideas for crocheted hats. 

The attention to detail in finishing can turn an average hat 

into something extraordinary.

From left to right: knitted and felted handspun wool with 'dreadies' by Alexis Morrison, red mohair jester hat by Sharyn Brady & white hat with polka dot veil and black flower by Kaye Oliver.

 

Let's look at the different finishing techniques on display at 'Beanies to Berets'. It is amazing how a simple embellishment can provide style and character to handmade creations.

Access All Areas: Making Waves

Last Friday morning, it was exciting to be  'making waves' at Brighton Beach in many ways:
water waves in Gulf St Vincent and
social and radio waves with
ABC Radio Adelaide!

Battling Bureaucracy

So much to blog about, so little happening on the blog!
 
It’s not for want of trying but my attention has been temporarily diverted to bigger bureaucratic battles.