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Review – War Horse QPAC Brisbane

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war_horse

War Horse Tickets $69-$132.90.

I was invited to attend the official opening night for War Horse at QPAC and without hesitation I accepted and took my mother along for the show.

It was amazing! It had laughs, heartache and tears.

These magnificent puppets were so realistic that after 10-15 mins I had completely forgot that there were up to 4 people moving it around the stage so effortlessly.

The background singing set the scene and the pyrotechnics set the war mood. I literally jumped out of my skin several times.

When we arrived I had noticed a few children in the audience and suddenly felt guilty for not letting my kids come along. They had bugged me over and over after seeing the horse puppets on TV.

By intermission I was wondering how the children a few rows away were holding up. Needless to say they did not return for the second half.

Unless your child is OK with loud gun shots, people dying, bombs going off and horses being shot in the head then I would leave the kids at home.

For all the adults though, it was amazing! Well worth the money to see.

From the official QPAC writeup:

WAR HORSE tells the story of Joey, the beloved horse of a boy called Albert, who is sold to the cavalry at the outbreak of World War I and shipped to France.  He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land.  But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

At its heart are astonishing life-size puppets, created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to life on the stage.

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Crochet Kit – The Arpeggio Set

If you’re looking to elevate your cozy, winter wardrobe with minimal effort, the Arpeggio Set Crochet Kit (SKU: B72303) is exactly what you need! Priced at just $22.97, this kit includes everything you need to create a stylish, comfy beanie and long fringed scarf. With dreamy color transitions, it’s perfect for those who want to add a touch of effortless style to their outfits while staying warm. Plus, the best part is that there’s a video tutorial available to guide you through every step of the process, making it easy and fun to crochet.

I’ve always been a fan of crocheting cozy accessories, but I tend to get a bit bored with projects that are too repetitive or complex. The Arpeggio Set was a delightful change. It features two standout pieces: a long fringed scarf and a matching beanie, both of which add instant flair to any outfit. Whether you’re dressing up a casual coat or adding some warmth to your winter attire, these pieces have the perfect balance of style and comfort.

The fringed scarf is especially fun to crochet. The long fringe adds a bohemian vibe that’s both trendy and cozy. Plus, it’s a versatile piece—it can be worn in so many different ways, depending on the look you’re going for. The matching beanie is equally cute, and it’s made in the same beautiful color transition as the scarf, making the set feel like a perfectly coordinated ensemble.

One of the things I love most about this kit is the color transitions. The kit offers two beautiful yarn color choices that perfectly complement each other:

  • Ivory (Color Theory Yarn): This soft, warm cream color is ideal for a neutral, everyday style. It’s subtle and versatile, making it easy to pair with any winter outfit. The soft texture of the yarn adds an extra layer of warmth and coziness, which I personally appreciate during the colder months.
  • Groot (Mandala® Yarn): For those who love a bit of color, the Groot yarn is an absolute winner. It features faded burnt orange, firebrick red, faded green, ash grey, bright cerulean, and golden yellow in a beautiful gradient effect. This mix of colors creates a rustic, autumnal feel that reminds me of cozy fall days spent sipping tea and enjoying the crisp air. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to add some pop to their winter accessories.

The color transitions in both yarns flow so beautifully and give the finished pieces a seamless, sophisticated look. As I worked through the scarf and beanie, I couldn’t help but marvel at how effortlessly the colors blended together, creating a visually interesting pattern without any complicated stitch work.

Easy-to-Follow Instructions with a Video Tutorial

As someone who’s always looking for ways to simplify my crochet projects, I was thrilled to find that the Arpeggio Set includes a video tutorial. This was such a game-changer for me because, while I love written patterns, sometimes a visual guide helps clarify certain techniques, especially when it comes to things like the fringes on the scarf.

The pattern itself is simple and beginner-friendly, so even if you’ve just started crocheting, you won’t find it overwhelming. I’d say it’s a great project for intermediate beginners or anyone looking to level up their accessory-making skills. The pattern uses basic stitches, but the addition of the fringes and color transitions makes the project feel a bit more advanced, which I loved. It allowed me to stretch my crochet muscles without feeling too out of my depth.

What’s Included in the Kit

For the price of $22.97, you get a fantastic value with this kit:

  • Color Theory Yarn (Ivory): Soft, warm cream yarn that’s perfect for neutral winter accessories.
  • Mandala® Yarn (Groot): A beautiful, vibrant gradient yarn in earthy tones that transitions seamlessly through colors.
  • Digital Pattern: The pattern is available as a digital download, and it’s easy to follow along with. The video tutorial takes it a step further by offering a visual guide to make the process even easier.
  • Optional Accessories: If you want to add a few tools to your crochet collection, you can opt for a Size H-8 (5mm) Lion Brand Bamboo Crochet Hook ($3.49), Lion Brand Large-Eye Blunt Needles ($3.59) for weaving in ends, and Super Shears Mini ($4.99) for snipping your yarn. These accessories are great additions if you don’t already have them on hand.

 

The Arpeggio Set Crochet Kit is a fantastic project for anyone looking to add some cozy, stylish pieces to their wardrobe without taking on a huge time commitment. It’s affordable, easy to follow, and the finished products are beautiful, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and intermediate crocheters.

The combination of Ivory and Groot yarns creates the perfect set of accessories to wear throughout the winter months. Whether you’re gifting it to a friend or treating yourself, this crochet kit delivers both comfort and style with minimal effort. The added bonus of a video tutorial makes it even more enjoyable, especially if you’re new to the craft or looking to expand your skills.

I highly recommend this kit to anyone who loves cozy accessories, beautiful color transitions, and simple, elegant designs. It’s one of those projects that feels so rewarding once completed, and you’ll get a lot of use out of your finished pieces. Happy crocheting!