Aussie Aussie Aussie ... Oy Oy OY

One of our iconic symbols or flags is the Boxing Kangaroo ... the boxing kangaroo has been around since 1891  inspired by the outback travelling shows where the Kangaroo competed competed against men.  The boxing kangaroo became a symbol of the RAAF during WWII as well as featuring in numerous movies over the years.  However the flag as we know it today, received international prominence during 1983's America's Cup with a golden kangaroo featured on a green background (Aussie colours) with red boxing gloves was flown from Australia II which won the race.  The image was purchased by the Australian Olympic Committee and has since featured as a mascot for sporting events.

So here is my pattern design as a tribute to the upcoming Aussies who will be competing for Australia.  Aussie Aussie Aussie ... Oy Oy OY!

My backyard ... this weeks visitor

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree 
Merry, merry king of the bush is he
Laugh, Kookaburra! Laugh, Kookaburra!
How gay your life must be...

As a child - we delighted in singing the alternative:

Kookaburra sits on the electric wire,
Jumping up and down, with his pants on fire.
Ouch, Kookaburra, ouch! Kookaburra,
Hot your tail must be!

Go Australia ...

Aussies are very patriotic sports men and women - especially when competing in international competitions.  The upcoming Olympics have inspired me to design two patterns to show my support - with almost a month left to the start, I better get organsied and start looming!

To start ... we have the Australian Flag ...the actual design will feature metal clay stars attached to the piece (so won't look exactly like this).

I'll feature my other pattern design in another blog post.

Bead Looming Cuff Swap
The looming group I am a member of is holding a cuff swap, these are great fun as you don't know who you are receiving a cuff from until it arrives and you get to know other members of your group.  Our deadline is 31 July so I have to get organised ... this is the pattern I have designed for my swap partner ... hope they like it!

It is titled Butterfly Wings ... and I have a few plans yet for the design finish!

Loomed Beaded Bangle

My latest challenge was to create a loomed beaded bangle.  Inspired by some of my loomy friends designs, I decided to push my boundaries and try size 15/o Miyuki Delica beads (these are much smaller than my usual sized beads).  My next challenge was to create a pattern that would flow and have consistency throughout the design.  This is the result ... enjoy :)