A last minute gift + Craft & Quilt Fair

A friend's birthday is coming close and I couldn't think of anything to give her, a delve in my project queue turned up this little thing :-)

Pattern: Earring & Key Holder free from Ravelry, my project page is here
Yarn:  Cotton thread size 8 from my stash
Needles: 3.5mm
Start/Finish Dates: 25 - 27 July 2012
Notes: The frame is 10'' x 8'', CO 44 stitches and did 5 pattern repeats. Found some cute pushpins at Typo to secure the lace panel at the back.

Verdict: I love whimsy little things, this is a perfect last minute gift pattern, you could make it in a couple of hours if you want to. I just hope the recipient loves it.

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Thursday saw the opening of the Craft & Quilt Fair Melbourne 2012 and I was eager to check it out. The Melbourne Exhibition Centre is a fantastic venue with modern facilities and in beautiful surroundings. From my selfish point of view (as a non-quilter) I gave the fair 5 out of 10, it should've been called Quilt & Craft Fair as quilting has a much larger presence than all other crafts, wool/yarn related exhibitors were only about 5%, but I didn't come away empty handed (when do I ever!).

Bought a signed copy of this book from the author's booth. I've always admired the dramatic designs, and when I saw a lady wearing a swagger coat in the street a few months back I knew I had to make one of these. Not sure when I will make a start yet, need to decide on the colour combination which is always a challenge to me.

I also bought some banana fibre:

This is 100% banana fibre, the seller says it has very good drape. Anyone has any experience with this fibre please let me know... and, any project suggestions?

Thanks for dropping by, there is more fibre arts fun at  Wisdom Begins in Wonder. Indulge your creative side and join the party!