choccybangles

Shop Local

2011-05-30T17:04:00.004+10:00

Flicking the TV channels today, I heard more of the doom and gloom that Australia will face if we continue to shop on the internet, supporting other countries and not our own.

It really has me thinking about whether we actually save money by doing international internet shopping, or whether we are buying surplus to our needs and actual save no money at all. Whatever the case, it certainly has me rethinking how I spend my hard earned money and I encourage you to do the same. I really love browsing in little stores. I love nothing more than going to one of many awesome bookstores that we have here in Sydney. I really want to be able to do that. They provide wonderful advice and service - often lacking in an internet purchase. But without our support, these little guys will not survive in the fickle world of retail. And it of course is not just limited to bookstores!

This subject is close to my heart, as I have the privilege of managing a cute little store. We are supported well by locals and crafty types who can come to the store and appreciate the efforts that go into orchestrating what you see as you step inside. We are a place where you can browse, ask, talk, learn a new skill, shop and be inspired. We love providing this environment. It's wonderful to see the delight of a customer going home with a new project that they are excited to start. We love that you are learning new skills that are old skills, passed onto us by someone who cared enough to teach us.

It is your perogative to spend where you see fit, but please, remember, your spending does affect this country, which in turn will affect you and your children. I think it is also fair to say that international internet shopping comes with a fair share of gamble as you do not get to touch, feel and experience your goods before purchase. So it is not respectful, nor fair to think that you can enter a local store and view it as your personal catalogue for your future internet purchases. This unequivocally is not ok. Ever.

#comments#comments

2011-02-08T13:43:00.000+11:00

#comments#comments

Early Morning Market

2010-08-14T18:53:00.004+10:00

I love snowdrops.

And my Nathalie Lete colouring in book.

She will be painting the windows of Blue Illusion in Double Bay on 28th September, 1.00pm - 4.00pm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Excited much?

When I found this at the markets this morning, it's whimsy reminded me of Nathalie Lete's pieces of art.

Sun, Shiny Day

2010-08-08T17:47:00.003+10:00

Glorious day today. Flowers in the garden. First magnolia buds on the tree. The lone daffodil in chubby little hand.

More, More, More!

2010-08-05T19:27:00.007+10:00

It's Day 4!

Very emnbarrassing for me, but I hope this gives you a giggle. Picture this - pub on a Thursday afternoon, still full from lunch, mother walks in with children needing a toilet stop, toilet stop complete, rushing, rushing, make way through pub. Full. Of. Men. Are you dying yet? Racing out the door 5 paces ahead of my children when my 10 year old says, "Wait, Mum, Mum, there's a problem!"

Yes, that's right. Dress caught in pantihose! I skiddadled faster than Hairy Mclary.

Moral of the story....always throw out your holey pantihose. Firstly, because they are holey and secondly, because they will look ghastly when your dress is caught up in them.

So, in the name of my embarrassment, think of this often and smile. Bloody hell, it's all I can do!

Image from here

Look at Me! It's Day 3!

2010-08-04T16:39:00.002+10:00

Nice rhyming.

Today, I'm loving this by Anita Mertzlin.

Day 2

2010-08-03T10:12:00.004+10:00

Commitment, commitment.

I've made a commitment and I gotta stick to it. Day 2 - are you excited?

These little pieces are from the box of stencils on yesterdays post. They are a recent vintage find and are ever so endearing. That fox is, well, foxy to say the least!

Over the next 19 days of habit forming blogging, I may just post the odd photo, something I'm working on, a covetable piece or two or hopefully something of inspiration. These days when I look around at blogs, I love nothing better than finding a simple image from somebodies private world. Usually, it's just enough to put a little spring in my step, put my shoulders back and generally feel grateful.

Note: Spell check is telling me covetable is not a word and the big fat dictionary is too far away. I think it is a word. If it isn't, it's a new word for today. Ok.

Back in the Habit

2010-08-02T17:12:00.002+10:00

Over at PMM HQ, she's all about getting back into the habit. So, I thought I might take the challenge of getting back in the habit of blogging. Mmmm, sounds challenging doesn't it? So, here I go, Day 1 of getting back in the habit.

Oh, sweet sweetness!

2010-06-05T17:25:00.006+10:00

These magnificent images are from Small Magazine.

It's so exciting when another issue hits the computer. The pages are so jammed with such gorgeousness which I find so inspiring. Be sure to have a look at the short film "City Mice" - cute.

And the more I look at this particular shoot, the more I wish we had a little bit of Liberty of London in our Target stores. Check out those gorgeous pillows the little ones are lying on. Oh, and check that quilt out!

i'm coming back to credit those photos.

Hexagons

2010-05-26T14:45:00.004+10:00

Blogger - what are you doing? I haven't even told my story yet!

These little 1/2 inch hexagons I've been working on since Easter, after seeing something similiar at MO by Brigette Giblin. They are such an addictive little habit, especially given that I was never, ever going to do hexagons, ever. But I am hooked.

Cup of Tea Required

2010-03-01T14:11:00.002+11:00

I so love this artist. Watching her paint puts a buzz in my heart, a hum in my soul.

Kerching!

2010-02-24T14:37:00.002+11:00

Are you ready? Credit cards poised? Anthropologie now ships to Australia! Yay.

I've done some virtual shopping.

A new dress and cardi.

And a pair of Chie Mihara's. I need a pair of Chie Mihara's in my life. I think the postage may be a little off putting though - I put a belt through to the check out and it was about $40 postage - so I'm not sure if that increases with more purchases. Anyway, it won't matter if you need a real Anthroplogie fix! Happy shopping.

The Summer Project

2010-02-09T21:29:00.002+11:00

For some bright reason, I decided to start a new project for the summer holidays. Mmmm...let's not think of all those unfinished ones. After all, it's important and most necessary to follow your creative needs, I think I thought. So, I started a really challenging one - not real rocket science, just real fiddly.

270 blocks with a finished size of 4 1/4" square, consisting of 7 pieces in the block. Yes, yes, do the math = lots and lots of little bits = lots and lots of cutting= lots and lots of sewing = lots and lots of trimming x 2!

Some of the lotsa.

Lotsa lotsa love as I put it up on the design wall. And I'm loving it, even if it's a slow project that may become an Autumn project.

Lucky Liberty Love

2010-02-06T18:18:00.003+11:00

These absolute beauties arrived this week from Danielle. How lucky was I to win her give away? Check out this stunning little bag.

Phoebe looked through all the squares on her own and I heard many a gasp as she found her favourites. Cute. I feel a fabric lover is in the making!

Thank you Danielle for such a generous and gorgeous giveaway!

Heart

2010-01-21T21:25:00.003+11:00

"Mumma, Mumma, I found a heart just for you!"

Bright Star

2010-01-20T21:23:00.006+11:00

Last week, I found myself sans les enfants, so I decided to meander through the shops, have sushi for dinner and then head to the Dendy to see the very beautiful Bright Star. Blissful it was, all of it, but especially the movie, I floated home. It was beyond beautiful actually. Go and see it. Jane Campion has done an amazing job. The storyline is romantic and dreamy yet sensitive, and oh, so sad. I absolutely loved the costumes. Every one of them.

Much to my delight, there were many Sophie Digard pieces worn by both Fanny and Toots Brawne.
Not to mention the ruffles and feathers and English countryside and wit and Bluebell walks and Georgian homes and Daffodil gardens and desperation and divine fabric stitched exquisitely and passion and intimacy and wonderful music and pure, pure love.

This is a "must own" movie. And you can get your very own Sophie Digard here.

Bird Lovers

2010-01-13T08:22:00.006+11:00

Louis Vuitton in Castlereagh Street, full of birdy goodness, sure to make all bird lovers flock.

The birdy clutch. A little song to go with these images.

Out and About

2010-01-10T22:22:00.004+11:00

Such a splendid, happy face. But, I'm wondering if that is botched Botox?

With no plans, we just happened upon Luna Park tonight - just to walk through, no rides, just walking.

Took a few goes, but I finally got this shot.

Mini Empire State Building x 2? Great light and clouds tonight.

Looking for the princess in the tower.

A Sojourn

2010-01-08T14:02:00.006+11:00

This week I went with my sister for a little day trip to the Southern Highlands. We stopped at Mittagong firstly and perused the local antique and quilt shops. We then headed for Bowral in the most casual of fashions - after all, we were sans husbands and childrens! So to some lunch at Elephant Boy and then a meander along Bong Bong Street. We found the very gorgeous My Place, spent quite some time admiring fabrics and beautiful things until we realised that time was really getting away from us and we needed to cover more ground.

Our last stop of the day was Peppergreen Antiques. Even after numerous visits to this amazing store, I am still very overwhelmed by it. It is an antique store with department store proportions. Huger than huge. I delight in the extensive haberdashery collections, the linen - sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, that cover a huge space, the teacups, the cutlery, the jewel, the vintage magazines. The above photos are from there.

Anthropologie for D. Ogilby

2009-12-28T22:33:00.005+11:00

Tardy, yes, I know! The USA trip was sooooo long ago, but I still have so many photos to share, so share I will.

These ostrichs were Amazing (note the capital A). The detail was super Amazing.

Oh, to have a cluster of oils like these at home.

Love the quirk.

Anthropolgie was one shop that I was really looking forward to visiting when I reached the States and that I did in a few states, consuming many an hour. It was everything I had wished for x 10. Just wish it was here in Australia (anyone with some excess $$$ that wants to try and buy a store for Oz - feel free to email me, happy to help)! Anyway, I was allowed to take photos of their great merchandising and gorgeous products, so here are some.

Now, no need to despair, I'm told by Anthropologie that they will mail order to Australia by the end of January.

Nu Yawk Cont.

2009-11-10T09:37:00.003+11:00

Here are some snaps of New York, through my eyes. Things I loved looking and marvelling at.

Ladies, ladies, ladies, so, so cool. Sitting opposite Purl.

These buses are so good. So old school to me.

Big paper flowers in Kate's Paperie.

Love the names of some of the streets. Combine it with good shoes and bingo, we have a winner!

Check out this amazing potted colour outside a Ralph Lauren store. Very big, very beautiful.

Start Spreadin' The News

2009-11-05T09:00:00.003+11:00

My trip was a long time coming, so I was so excited the day I was leaving Australia for the fact that I could finally call my nearest and dearest and greet them with my deepest Frank voice and sing "start spreadin' the news.....I'm leavin' today......". I followed this theme up on our last night in Houston as we were drifted off to sleep at about 2am - I think -when the room was quiet and the other two girls had almost drifted off, I thought it high time to start spreading the news, because indeed, tomorrow we were leaving for the big lights of the big apple! Ahhh, funny!

First stop Grand Central Terminal. Aptly named. Amazing, beautifully kept building in very grand proportions.

We purchased a weekly ticket and away we were to Soho. So cool this place is, uber cool. Such a feast for the eyes.

Cool guys, a very regular experience in New York.

Christian Louboutin's famous red soles walking Broadway.

How my sister would have loved this! Can you imagine the frenzy you would send customs into if you tries to bring this home? A whole episode of Border Security dedicated to the deer methinks!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T19:59:00.004+11:00

Happy Hallowen! Here are some more Martha Stewart-esq pumpkins on stoops. If only they weren't $24 for a small one here in Sydney. Somehow a Queensland Blue just wouldn't cut it!

More Houston

2009-10-29T21:25:00.004+11:00

At Quilt Market there were quite a few traders of vintage treasures. We spent long periods of time at all of them, time well spent as they had great stuff.

Bad photo. Amazing quilt. Gorgeous chaise.

Quilting hall of fame? Stars in the pavement? No, just Kaffe and Lynn checking out Lynn's, just purchased vintage beauty. Full of eclectic glory this quilt will be treasured for many a year to come.

Deb talking the talk with Brandon.

Houston

2009-10-29T21:03:00.003+11:00

From Napa, it was down to Houston, Texas to meet up with Deb. We wagged Schoolhouse and went shopping instead. Anthropologie again, plus all the other all American places we could fit in. Saturday was the start of Quilt Market. It's big! Here are some of the things we saw.

Amy Butler's new range - Love. A quilt at the Westminster stand.

Amy Butler's stand. Too shy to ask her to pose for me - although, being the all American, sweet as pie gal she is, she would have.

More Amy.

Heather Bailey's pretty stand. Must have got over my shyness, because I did ask her for a photo - it's just too blurry!

Anna Maria Horner's stand featuring her new gorgeous line of voile fabrics. Her oh, so cute babe was there too! But back to the fabrics - can't wait to have a play with these, they are super pretty.

2009-10-28T13:08:00.003+11:00

After San Fran, I headed up to Napa to stay with some of our friends. Napa is a beautiful town surrounded by other beautiful towns like Sonoma and of course the beautiful wine growing region. It's nice to get out of the big cities and experience a slower pace of life and just take in the beauty around you. I was so endeared by the street our friends live it, I could have moved in! I walked the streets early in the morning. It was crisp and quiet and only a squirrel running about, possibly stocking up for the winter to come. The homes are quaint and often dressed for Halloween - very Martha Stewart! This street was lined with poplar trees and some type of fir trees. The leaves were starting to turn, I can only imagine what Christmas would be like.

The French Laundry. The famous restaurant of chef, Thomas Keller. One of quite a few that he now owns in Yontville. Across the road from The French Laundry is their garden. It is super stunning as it looks across the nearby valley.

Some vines! Wow! Taken to show hubby. Prettiest wine growing area I've seen. Maybe some quilt related stuff tomorrow......

San Fran Continued

2009-10-27T14:46:00.004+11:00

Anthroplogie! Oh, Anthropologie. How you consumed so many of my hours. This place is fantastic. The visual merchandising is to die for. We very much need this store in Australia! Anyone out there willing?

The famously crooked Lombard Street in San Francisco. Check those tight curves!

The Trip

2009-10-27T14:08:00.006+11:00

Few would know that I've recently returned from a recent trip to the U. S of A. Few are waiting patiently for some photos, so here they are. It would be very easy to start at the end in NYC, however, I'll start at the very beginning....in San Francisco.

My first stop, Britex Fabrics. A San Francisco institution from what I can gather. Four floors of goodness and oh so overwhelming. I managed to find some vintage lace, some Liberty and the directions to Anthropologie.

A quick stop at Union Square to look up.

Granny Squares

2009-09-17T20:09:00.006+10:00

Dear Cate,

You have taken crafting to a whole new level. You go girl. But I'm not sure I like it! Granny squares are meant for the couch, me thinks! Nevertheless, you are still gorgeous and you are still our Cate.

Your friend in craft,
Sarah

Suffolk Puff

2009-09-11T21:34:00.002+10:00

A weekend challenge for all the crafty girls out there...........

Deluxe Pedicure

2009-08-28T14:55:00.002+10:00

Normally one would usually find themselves sans children when going for a pedi. How then, did I get roped into having one done by a 3 year old? Deluxe isn't it!

The Gentle Art of Multi Tasking

2009-08-28T09:39:00.005+10:00

I'm a firm believer in multi tasking. I love to have a multitude of things on the hop at once, whether it be those of the domestic kind or perhaps the creative. Whatever it may be I like to mix it up. Yesterday however, I came unstuck. I was talking to a good friend whilst making a cake. Now when I mean talking, I'm talking real talking, not just how's the weather talking, but, real talking, like;

"Hey, I cut out ten girls dresses yesterday" said friend.

To which I respond as I pull myself off the floor at the thought of cutting out ten girls dresses in one sitting,

"Not in all the same fabric I hope".

And on we ramble for long periods of time as to the specific fabric chosen and the methods to which we sew our things together. Blah, blah.

This is where I came unstuck. So caught up in the Amy Butler pink peony choice of fabric I was, that as I was making chocolate cake, I forgot a main ingredient. Unfortunately, it wasn't the flour - which possibly could have resulted in a fairly decadent cake. Nooooooo......I forgot the sugar! And to add insult to injury, only discovered this on removing the odd looking cake from the oven. Now, had I been a bowl licker I would have discovered this ill fated mishap and been able to rectify it. But I'm not and I didn't.

So I made another. Better second time round. Decorated with sisterly love for the pre birthday bash.

The Itchy Dress

2009-08-26T14:12:00.010+10:00

This little Japanese book is super sweet. So super sweet, that I've made one of the dresses in the book twice this month. The first was for here, in some gorgeous natural linen. And the second was for Phoebe in a little lineny, cottony, Lisa Ho - y, not to surey of the composition fabric. Of course, on the first (and final fitting) she declared that it was itchy (read - you will have to bribe me big time mama to get a shot of me in this thing) and that she wanted a pink one. A PINK ONE. Are you kidding? So, I will make a pink one soon.

Note: Jewels, models own

Itchy, itchy,itchy. Get it off!

Denim Skirt

2009-07-31T20:34:00.003+10:00

A while ago this pattern caught my eye. Pattern C is sort of 70's with it's pork chop pockets. It reminds me of skirt my Mum had when I was growing up. So, when I found this Ksubi denim, I knew exactly what I was going to make. Now it claims to be a one hour skirt, but it took a little longer than that, but that doesn't matter, I really love the way it turned out. Lots.

My 10 year model was doing his best facial poses, but I was only interested in showing the skirt! I nervously chose the contrasting topstitch cotton. Working with such a strong contrast on clothing can be tricky to imagine, but I really like the way it has turned out.

Simple

2009-07-23T17:02:00.006+10:00

Back and rejuvenated.

It's been a while, o.k. a long while since I last blogged. But my batteries are charged after a week down the south coast of NSW, enjoying simple things. Simple things like farm fresh oranges, driftwood, sweet babes and a little stitching.

It's been a fairly long hiatus and lots has happened between posts. We've moved from Perth back to Sydney and endured the trauma of doing such a move with school age children. We all loved living in Perth, so to leave was difficult for each of us. But we are two terms down the track and slowly but surely each of us gets a little more settled with our new surroundings and our fondness of Perth and our fabulous experience there, is firmly entrenched into our warm memory banks.

We are back and close to our family once again, and that is the biggest draw card. Getting together with cousins is full of mischief - it's so good to see them on a weekly basis.

I'm still sewing away over here and will show you what I've been up to over time and fill you in on our new chapter in Sydney and what's to come in the months to follow.

Mexican Stand Off ?

2008-09-23T22:51:00.004+10:00

My sister tells me I'm having a Mexican stand off with my blog. Or maybe I told her I was having a Mexican stand off with my blog. Anyway, she wants my blogging to return pronto! Here is my pronto.

Here is a beautiful felted bag that I recently bought from a very talented customer. It is made from Noro Kureyon yarn and lined in a gorgeous lilac Liberty. It has a fabulous purple vintage button and I love it, a whole lot! I will attempt to take a photo that does it a whole lot more justice - it really is gorgeous.

Ages ago I mentioned the Oliver + S dress that I made for the shop . I made it in Liberty - Betsy in fact. This gorgeous fabric teamed with this really sweet, sweet pattern makes a real cute dress. If you do make any of these patterns be sure to check out their errata page before you start anything

So, there, stand off over. Now to bed. Boys all went to Sydney today, baby in bed with tonsillitis. Poor baby.

Hexagons, Parties, Anything....

2008-09-04T22:47:00.003+10:00

This boy is holding up only 5 fingers, but he actually turned 8 this week. Yo, yo, bling, bling!

This is the little visitor we had this past week. I think they are butterfly watching. Cute.

This is what's up on my design wall at the moment. Big hexagons with lots of Garden Party by Anna Maria Horner and some Kaffe and a fair bit of Kei red honeycomb.

My latest love. I spotted something similar on a gorgeous Japanese girl in the shop a few months back. I couldn't stop looking at the beautiful creation that her mother in Japan - who owns a quilt shop - had made for her. She had her Mum make me one too. I love it. All vintage feedsack fabrics. Can you see the fabric that Denise Schmidt must have got her inspiration from?

Little Bo Peep

2008-08-15T16:55:00.003+10:00

Through all the busyness of being a Mum, I managed to make this little bag yesterday whilst the babe was a sleeping. It was a nice experiment and I will try some more blocks soon and they too might become bags. Today it's been big hexagons, I'll show them soon. Happy weekend.

Fabricaholic

2008-08-12T22:15:00.004+10:00

Ok. If you seriously love Liberty so much, perhaps you could pop into Scanlan & Theodore and pick up these little darlings. Or, you could just go to the newsagent and pick up this week's Grazia magazine and just dream about a new installment of gorgeousness.

And, can you believe this fabric is still going strong? I had a dress made by my grandmother in this very same print about, oooooo, 32 years ago. Then in my twenties I had a very dainty little puff sleeved blouse in the purple colourway. For some reason it reminds me of rice bubbles. Not sure why? Must have eaten rice bubbles in my dress as a wee one!

Crochet and Liberty Love

2008-08-10T22:54:00.006+10:00

Where have I been? Crocheting up a storm, falling madly in love with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (that's yarn for those not in the know), sewing a bit here and there, looking after the sick baby girl and nursing a very sore ear myself. How about you?

I finished the blankie above a couple of weeks ago - very Alicia Paulson? It's the pattern on her website and I just loved doing it. But, it is small. Cradle sized, 'cause this gal gets bored with repetition, yummy purple/magenta yarn and a whole lot of dc-ing and a bit more.

I'll show some more crocheting this week and also some of the sewing I've done - another Oliver + S pattern - the Bubble dress, super, super sweet. Hope your week is a Hot Diggety Dog!

Favourite Things

2008-07-23T23:59:00.005+10:00

Things. These are some of my treasures that were accidentally placed together, away from little mischievous hands. Funnily enough, I like them all together. Perle cottons and coral, chandelier drops and little red car, matryoshka doll from when I was little - split and only one half of a piece inside and a wee wonderful postcard. A little bit of whimsy, carefree placements that make me happy.

And then, just when you least expect it ........a new fabric to add to my "most favourite fabric of all time"collection. This is one of Kaffe's Big Bloom fabrics - I used the soft pink to make up the squares in my last quilt. This one my friends, is the pièce de résistance, the fabric to rival all fabric, this fabric is the bomb! I have 1 metre, but I'm beginning to think that this could be one versatile baby and maybe more is best. Yes, no, anyone? Being greedy? It comes in a couple of other colours too, check them out here.

Girly Spiderswebs

2008-07-20T16:42:00.006+10:00

Today I managed to finish my spiderweb quilt. After a few tense moments I decided it wasn't the end of the world if my triangles and squares in the centres of the blocks were not going to be perfect. So, I got over it, moved forward and finished the top.

I used one of Kaffe's newer fabrics - Big Blooms -as the centre fabric. Big decision that one, I tried to audition a non pink variety, but, alas, this quilt just asked to be pink.

Vintage Treasure

2008-07-15T16:29:00.002+10:00

Full of feedsack delights, one of my vintage treasures. This little quilt top is hand pieced 1 1/2 " squares. A little tatty around the edges, but that's all part and parcel of a vintage piece that has so many never to be answered questions I have for the unknown stitcher of this gem. Like, what was your life like? Were you loved warmly, tenderly, honestly? Did you provide warm hugs for your Grandchildren and wipe your hands on your apron when you placed that homemade cake into the oven? Did you chop the wood for your fire and pick the roses from your garden? Did you stitch at night with your loved ones beside you? I hope, dear stitcher, that you had a good, full life, as happy as this quilt sitting on my lap today.

Tiger, Tiger

2008-07-11T15:57:00.004+10:00

Tiger, tiger is a really cool coffee bar in Perth. Really cool and eclectic and serves really good coffee, not that I drink coffee, but my husband is into seriously good coffee, so he knows! So when in the city check out Tiger, Tiger.

Onto tigers closer to home, Oliver drew this a year or so ago (sister added the scribble recently) and I liked it so much that I turned it into..............

this! Not quite finished - unusual I know - but nearly. How cool are those sharp, sharp claws on his tiger, tiger.

Frida!

2008-07-10T14:15:00.007+10:00

photos: Cees Van Gelderen. Taken from Marie Claire Idees No69 - Juin 2008

photo : me. Taken today - poor lighting and all! Just wrote that to see if you read this.

photos: Grant Cornett, styling: Olivia Pintos-Lopez, flower design: Nicolette Owen. http://www.smallmagazine.net/

The online mag Small Magazinehas done the most gorgeous photo shoot, all Frida Kahlo - esque. I don't quite know that Phoebe is up for one of those upstyles just yet.........but I am! Now Jenny from Allsorts has already blogged about it, but I just couldn't let it go without doing my own, especially given the latest issue of Marie Claire Idees has a gorgeous Mexicano extravaganza happening on their pages too. And I am so loving that smock top up the top of the page and wishing that my hands could/would work a whole lot faster on the gazillion projects I have going, so I could embark on this little beauty. Alternatively, I dream of being able to just dream up projects, start them and then pass them onto some fabulously quick handed person for finishing. Maybe I could teach my hubby to sew. Marathons/sewing? Marathons/sewing? Mmmm....maybe he might to embark on a marathon of sewing with me. Note: He did a marvellous effort in a marathon on Sunday! Nothing to do with sewing.

The middle top is a gift from Pete's parents - all the way from Switzerland. It is super sweet and I can't wait for Phoebe to love it. And she will!

Thanks to my sister and her hilarious post about my foray into boot scooting in the name of being famous one day. Kidding.

Garden Party

2008-07-09T15:28:00.006+10:00

These are two fabrics from Anna Maria Horner's new range of fabrics, "Garden Party". It is such a beautiful range.

I was busy over the weekend sewing up an Oliver+S pattern for the latest window at Calico and Ivy. It's the Puppet Show Tunic up the top with the little shorts. Tres cute! The shop front of Calico and Ivy is so beautiful and just perfect for dressing up. Here is the last window, filled with Amy Butler wholesomeness. A little too reflective, so I'll try and get a snap of the latest window in the evening. If in Perth, come and check it out. Debbie has done a gorgeous new quilt to inspire.

Hello Again, Hello

2008-07-04T16:02:00.003+10:00

....I know I've been absent. But I'm back, with a little post.

I'm loving this vintage dress pattern! I'm thinking it's going to become a favourite dress of the future. I'm sure the possibilities of which fabric to use are endless.

Happy Birthday Sister!

2008-06-29T16:27:00.004+10:00

It's my little sister's birthday today. Happy Birthday! I love birthdays. Special days to make special people feel special all day.

I like to make things for people, so when she kept joking with me and asking me whether I was making her a large pleated bag of posts gone by - I had great pleasure in saying no. But little did she know that I was making the above bag. In my favourite fabric of the moment - some of Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party. I am absolutely loving this range of fabric - every singe bit of it! So Happy Birthday again little sister - hope you had a great day. xx

Rather looks a little like a fig, doesn't it!

Thrifted Find

2008-06-22T22:14:00.004+10:00

Last Friday, I went op shopping. I picked up a few sewing treasures but this was the find of the week. It's a recipe file and it's extra special because my Mum has one just like. Mum's is well used, but this is in pristine condition. It cracks me up really - it's quite, well, uglyish, sort of. I mean, was there a food stylist involved? I don't think so! After all there is a fruit loaf, fruit on a silver platter, a lone lemon, an egg and eggcup, a boat ??, and a small ornamental boat in the photo. Very interesting. We've come a long way in Australia - think of the beautiful styling in a Donna Hay magazine.

You may notice my colour change. I'm going pink for a week. I was so saddened by the news of Jane McGrath yesterday. Being a Mummy of three children, my heart goes out to her children who will be without their Mummy and of course to her husband who has lost his best friend. And sadness for her, 42 is such a young age. You can donate to her worthy cause here. The foundation raises money to provide breast care nurses in the homes of women in rural and regional Australia, when diagnosed with breast cancer.

Stacks

2008-06-22T22:01:00.002+10:00

The stack of basted quilts grew today. It's been a long time coming, but the house was empty for a few hours and I just had to get this quilt basted. It will be sent to Sydney this week for the Mummy of the owner to lovingly quilt it. There's still a few more to baste though. I quite like just looking at the stack.....one day they will be hand quilted.

Strawberries

2008-06-20T15:04:00.005+10:00

Ripe, Ripe Strawberries

easy mornings, when the sunshine's just feeling its way into the sky. early morning smiles, open eyes wide and welcome the day. ah sweet sunshine, on my back as i learn to sew, warming my face as i hang out the washing - a candy coloured array, sunshine. like john denver sang - it makes me happy. as do ripe strawberries that burst with flavour, oozing, staining your best top - but who cares when life tastes like this?

©Alexandra Kentmann 2008

I love the use of words, a little bit of poetry each week. It puts the spring into my step - a little bit of quirk in my day. My sister wrote the above piece, she's clever. She writes for a living. Most weeks she posts on her blog Random Poetics. Little pieces of her life that she puts into words. This week was her 100th post so she's having a give away on her other blog - check it out - she has cool stuff ! Oh, yeah, you need to leave a comment - easy!

Speaking of strawberries, these are my favourite strawberry fabrics, some old, some new. I love them all.

A Few Of My Favourire Things

2008-06-19T18:08:00.006+10:00

A small bark cloth tablecloth with big blowsy red roses and a big aqua coloured border. Treasured.

Granny Catherine's (Pete's Granny) old glass butter dish filled with many different vintage buttons. I love old buttons - glass ones, Bakelite one and even plain old plastic ones.

Some vintage belt buckles collected over the years. Just collecting for that one day that I have a special project in mind.

These David Austen roses are for my special friend Lindy (and Mark, her hubby). Today is the anniversary of the loss of their precious baby girl - Isabella Jane - who died 13 weeks after being born full term, 4 years ago today.

Hearts

2008-06-13T22:54:00.004+10:00

Some vintage hearts from a cutter quilt. They came from Sheena. They are fresh and happy. And small reminders of good things. I love them.

Book

2008-06-13T22:00:00.003+10:00

The Quiltmaker's Gift is a book that was given to my son Oliver a couple of years ago by Kate, his aunty. He loves it. It's a story of a greedy king with many belongings, who learns, with the help of a generous and kind hearted quilter, to give away his belonging and find true happiness in the gift of giving. The story and it's prequel "The Quiltmaker's Journey" are written by Jeff Brumbeau and superbly illustrated by Gail de Marcken.

Oliver loves the connections between these books and what I do, what I create. He loves nothing more than poring over the elaborate illustrations discussing the quilts he would love me to make him. I love that he loves these books and that he takes such an interest in what I do - everything is quilting in his tender 7 year old eyes - crocheting, sewing, embroidery - he wraps it all under the one tag. Sweet.

For Comfortable Days

2008-06-12T16:00:00.004+10:00

On my last visit to Sydney, I fell in love with this book that my sister had. I kept dreaming of two of the bags in it. Dreaming so much of these bags, I just had to have a rummage through my stash and make one. Shock horror - yes, I used my stash! I ditched trying to make out the pattern and made up my own based on the photos in the book. I quite like my first attempt. I will do my best to fill it up (it's quite big) with all my stuffs and love it tenderly. I've used a blue linen fabric for the outer - I've either got this from a Designer's Guild sale or my brother in laws factory (he's an upholsterer). The interior is a couple of years old - Fruit Cocktail by Chloe's Closet for Moda.

Flitting

2008-06-10T14:14:00.003+10:00

Always flitting from one thing to another - that's what us crafters do! Here is a new crocheting project that I started last night. It's for my Mum. I love the feel of the Mille Colori yarn and seeing all the colours as the balls unravel is something else. They are great colours. I love the gentle rhythm of crocheting. This is repetition I can cope with - especially to see those colours keep coming.

Stripped Spiderswebs

2008-06-08T22:27:00.005+10:00

Last year I was chatting to a lady at the Kaffe Fassett lecture in Perth. She was a knitter and I was a quilter and we were chatting back and forth about our respective passions. She mentioned that she once had thought she would one day like to do some patchwork, but on looking at the fabric decided against it as the fabric was beautiful as it was and she really couldn't understand why you would cut up something and sew it together again. I sort of understand her thinking - especially when you think of the process of knitting. But I love to cut the fabric up, the more the better I think. So I'll stick to patchwork I think. I've had so much fun creating these octagons. Here are my strips cut with the Marti Michell Kaleidoscope ruler and sewn together again.

This is my favourite one.

A bit of Liberty of London thrown. All you die hard Liberty fans will know which one it is - anyone who's not sure, it's the white one with knitting needles and yarn on it.

Below, is a gorgeous gift of Liberty for my birthday from a gorgeous gal - Danielle. Thanks so much, I just love it.

Love of Liberty Continued......

2008-06-06T23:47:00.002+10:00

A gorgeous bundle of Liberty of London fabric arrived today from Kristine at Townmouse. Thank you so much they are so very gorgeous!

I've had a great day sewing. I will show some photos tomorrow of my latest quilt progress.

Pete's on his way from the airport after a trip to Sydney. He's just sent me a text saying that he's left the Japanese books he got me in Sydney, in the Qantas Club. Can you imagine how my heart has sunk? After some frantic text messaging - which I quickly ditched and started ringing, I wanted to check to see if he was joking. He had me stringed along there for a while, all desperate, disappointed and despondent. Can you believe he was tricking me!!!! Mean. New books - yippee!

The other day I was chatting to my younger sister and we were talking about our favourite fabrics and she mentioned she loved the Swell range and how she would like some. After finishing the conversation, I headed into my sewing room wondering which of the 10 projects I have going would I do today. Alas, I found a Stash and Dash bag (Amy Butler pattern) half completed in some of that same Swell range that Al had mentioned earlier. I thought I'd finish it and pop it in an express post package to surprise her and reward her as my most loyal commenter on my blog! Of course, to be fair, I will need to make something for my other sister . But first she will need to do some blogs to inspire us. Perhaps she could post about the latest quilt she's making or her latest vintage find or anyone of the beautiful corners or treasures within her stunning home. She has a really cool blue deer on display - with a great story to go with it.....perhaps she might post about that this weekend!

Inspirations

2008-06-05T15:06:00.001+10:00

I found a quilt top today!
Originally uploaded by treasureup

How lovely and cheery is this quilt?

Lunch

2008-06-04T22:55:00.004+10:00

On Monday, Pete decided he would cook up paella for lunch. I decided to make Stephanie Alexander's Lemon Delicious Pudding. It was good and lunch turned into a long lunch. Love that. Great paella, great bread, great wine, great dessert and great company. The weather was sensational. All in all it was a great day, the kind that makes for good memories.

A food shot, for those of you who love a food shot!

Cath, Iittala, Eggs Bene and Emma

2008-06-01T23:55:00.003+10:00

These are a few of my favourite things......today is my birthday! I've been very spoilt. Very spoilt! So many beautiful pressies, from some new Cath Kidston oilcloth, that Iittala Mariskoola that I saw loved many posts ago, some new fabrics and vintage blocks and sewing pieces , a new juicy tube and some Sophie Kyron earrings, a Betty Jo brooch, a Japanese Embroidery book that I've never laid eyes on before, vouchers and money, a new Cath Kidston apron and teatowel, some pretty Cath knickers and even more bits and bobs!!! Lucky, lucky girl I am.

We all went to breaky which was lovely. We've had a lazy day and a great curry for dinner that Hubby lovingly cooked up. And to finish up, Emma is on the ABC tonight. Aghhhh...love the love.

On Friday, just as if she knew it was my birthday, I received a beautiful parcel that I had won from Miss Marzie. There were two new patterns from Audrey and Maude, some great fat quarters, and some ribbon and ric rac. The amazing thing is one of the fabrics is one that I had run out of during the week and was desperately searching for it on the net. Thank you so much Cathy!

Strips

2008-05-30T14:13:00.006+10:00

Here are the strips that I'm stripping for my latest quilt. I've got a head a-buzzing with many an idea 0n how to cut and place these strippy bits. It's a long weekend over in Perth this weekend and it's my birthday on Sunday too. There's two good reasons why I should be able to warm my sewing chair up and get cracking.

Oh, excitment above all excitement, I won some Liberty bits from Townnouse !!!! Check out Kristine's beautiful blog and her wonderful children's clothing range.

Flower Power

2008-05-25T14:26:00.003+10:00

Working in a patchwork shop requires great restraint - all the time! You see so many great things, you want them all. It's also a little dangerous because there is amazing yarns - and that's a whole other thing to quilting. So I flit from sewing to crocheting and back again. Here are some flowers that I worked on last night. It's such a feel good thing to do, watching these little creations evolve. I used some Noro Kureyon yarn for these as I liked the idea of 6 to 7 different colours in the one ball. These are for my Mum, I hope she likes them.

Same flowers different fabric.

Pink Dolly Quilt

2008-05-23T15:06:00.003+10:00

Here's Phoebe's dolly quilt all finished and ready to keep her babies snug. I went with the pink and I like it. It's fun and girly, just the way I like it.

Now I just need a spare hour or two to sand and paint this gorgeous old doll's bassinet that I bought at a church sale. It's ever so sweet and the perfect height for little girls to tend to their babies. It's even on casters. My heart sings when I see my little one nurturing her babies.

The Latest

2008-05-22T22:53:00.004+10:00

Here is my latest project, started whilst camping. It's a little hand pieced Mariners Star block. I've used one of my top 10 favourites for the hexagons - Amy Butler's Lacework in grey from her Lotus range. I wanted to combine some of my older Amy's with the new Midwest Modern range for this block. My next dilemma is what fabric to use for the triangles that square up the block. I was trying to avoid being predictable and using pink, but I have to say I'm leaning heavily towards this Vintage Peony Rose fabric.

I'm planning to do a few more of these blocks then branch out with something strippy and busy and fun from there. That's as far as the planning has gone for this now working girl, who just wants to sit at home on her days off and madly sew the things she's dreamed up in the days gone by. But.........I haven't done that this week. Too many friends visiting, needing me to lunch and listen to their woes and that's ok, I'm lucky to have such great friends, but do you think I could stitch and listen too? Tomorrow I'll post a picture of that strippy foundation pieced star quilt that I did for Phoebe. I finished it quite a while ago and have not posted the finish quilt, so tomorrow I will.

Excuse me.....

2008-05-16T22:45:00.003+10:00

......but does my bum look big in this?

This is what happens when a 2 year old finds the stored baby clothes and decides that she must wear it. This is a size 000 Bonds suit and with the help of her brother, who was in a giggling frenzy, she was squeezed into it. Funny. Her little bottom looks so cute.

A little package arrived the other day full of all sorts of goodies. Very exciting, especially to get my hands on Cotton Time for the very first time. The Japanese I tell you, have it all happening when it comes to crafting.

Girls

2008-05-13T22:48:00.005+10:00

I promise that I will post a quilting/sewing related post very soon, but, in the mean time check out what little girls do at dirty destinations and at the beachside on 30 degree days!

Gone!

2008-05-13T22:29:00.003+10:00

Mmm...don't quite know what happened to my last post. I even got a nice comment from my sister about it!

It was a post on Mother's Day. A post to say Happy Mother's Day to all Mum's, especially my Mum, my Mum-in-Law and my Grandmother. All special, special people in my life.

Oh and we saw Elton Jonh on Saturday night. It was good honky cats!

2008-05-11T14:42:00.000+10:00

I'm back!

2008-05-07T23:20:00.005+10:00

We arrived back this afternoon, having driven for 1150kms over the last 2 days. I can honestly say that all was good until the last 200kms. I had to work really hard from the front seat to keep the kids happy and in stock of food. Ever 15mins at least one child would say "I'm hungry", even the just 2 year old was saying it! But we are home, having had a great holiday, lots of great memories, oodles of photos and me loving the feel of carpet underneath my feet, with the lack of red dust and sand making me a happy girl. Camping is fun, but the end is always good.

Pete cracked a bottle of Veuve tonight and cooked a great roast chook to mark our return home. It's good to be home!

I will post some holiday snaps in the days to come but here are a few of the spectacular gorges we saw at Karinjini. These are made all the more spectacular when you read about how they came to be - something along the lines of.......... billions of years ago when the earth was covered in blue green algae , volcanic eruptions ripped the land apart forming the gorges that stand today. Check these out.

Holidays

2008-04-23T22:31:00.004+10:00

Tomorrow Phoebe and I are flying up to Parabadoo to be picked up by Pete and the boys and head to Karijini National Park where they have set up camp today. The bags are packed and we are excited to be seeing them tomorrow.

My bedtime reading of late has been this book. It was a gift from Debbie, the new owner of Calico and Ivy and I've loved reading it - every bit. The photography is beautiful, organic, inspiring. Amy's home is amazing. It was nice to take a look inside her home and see some of the sources of her inspiration.

We will be back in Perth in about 2 weeks and whilst it's normally hard to return after a holiday, I know I will be excited to return and start my new job here - yay!

Camping Projects

2008-04-22T21:45:00.003+10:00

I have been admiring this embroidery work in one of my Marie Claire Idees magazines for a long time. Hopefully I might pull some inspiration from it when we are camping. I'm packing some threads and some fabric and I'd like to embroider to my hearts content.

I'm also taking these to play around with. Maybe I might work with a bit of the new Amy Butler range and maybe some old ones too.

S.W.A.T

2008-04-21T16:42:00.004+10:00

This month's copy of InsideOut Magazine included a string bag. Oliver had grand ideas for this bag!

Well, the boys headed off this morning - after some heavy duty packing. I retreated to the kitchen to make Choc Banana Bread and tasty rolls for their lunch (probably didn't even make itto the edge of Perth). It's very quiet. Very quiet. And today I like it.

Heading North

2008-04-20T17:09:00.004+10:00

The house is a flurry of organisation ( and a bit of quilting as I watch) as the boys prepare for their departure tomorrow morning on a 2 and a half week camping expedition. The boys are doing the driving bit right up to Karijini National Park - 1600kms from Perth. The girls (Phoebe and me) opted for the flight up. We will join them on Thursday in Tom Price. We will spend a couple of nights at Karijini and then we will trek across to Coral Bay, just south of Exmouth on the Ningaloo Reef. Thankfully I have the most organised husband I know and he does everything he can to ensure a 5 star camping experience (this boy did work for the Ritz Carlton hotel group for many years after all)!

Phoebe and I have 3 whole days of quietness - no rumbling, no hungry boys being bored, no playstation. My, what are we going to do? A whole lot of cleaning and quilting and preparing things to sew on a 2 week camping trip. Of course, we will miss our boisterous boys, lots!

Pink won as the background for the string pieced stars quilt and I am happily quilting it today. Hopefully to be finished and bound tonight. The other stars there are a quilt I started for Phoebe just after she was born. It will take me a long time as I usually only do this when there is no sewing machine around i.e. camping once a year. It is lots of 1930's prints and feedsacks. They are a whole lot of happiness and will have those duck egg blue hexagons between each star when it all happens.

Gorgeous

2008-04-20T16:59:00.005+10:00

This is currently on my wish list. It's a Iittala Mariskooli. They come in many colours - and the prices vary greatly depending on your colour choice. Love it - do you? So many colours to choose from.

It's My Birthday Today

2008-04-17T22:55:00.003+10:00

.....I'm older than yesterday. All my friends are coming over to play and we'll all sing happy birthday, today!

Here is some happy snaps of our little Phoebe's 2nd birthday. She had two lots of cupcakes and was a little more animated second time around! That photos in the middle is average of the boys - with mouthfuls of lollies, but check out that cheeky girl in her new dress from her Aunty. The last one is a quick happy birthday. Whilst we were having a special birthday dinner for our girl, she requested her dummy and bear ( read, I'm ready for bed everyone). So we quickly did the "cake" and whisked the little 2 year old off to bed. Tired. I think she's had a good day. The boys admitted at dinner tonight that they ate half the smarties off the cupcakes before they went out, I've just checked the photo - I did decorate half with smarties, and yes some are gone........monkeys!

Birthday Present

2008-04-14T22:17:00.004+10:00

It's Phoebe's birthday on Thursday and I wanted to make her something especially from Mummy (that's me)! So of course, me being Mrs lastminute.com I decided to start something today. It's going to be a dolly quilt for the new dolly.

I've wanted to do some string pieced stars for some time now and after today, I'm hooked. Foundation piecing is gooood. Try it with your scraps. My big decision now is pink or white? Seems to look better in pink here, but on the wall, the white is my pick.

This is the view through my block viewer. If only you could capture this on paper, what amazing quilts you could have.

Candy Shop Continued

2008-04-12T22:35:00.008+10:00

Here is a little sneak peak of Scout's quilt in progress. I love this part of the quilt process. Actually doing this today made me think about the whole process of making a quilt. I love, love, love buying the fabric - who doesn't! If by chance you don't, send me your money and I'll do it for you! I often toss and turn over what design I want - rarely would I make the same quilt twice - unlike a very good friend of mine who likes to make the same quilt in all sizes! I don't mind cutting. This quilt has lots of little cutting involved as those triangles started off as 3.5 inch squares, and the cutting bit did get to me a little, actually I think I'll be cutting some more as I see more need for some colours and I've cut so much pink. The sewing bit is fun at first as you see the new project emerge, but then usually the monotony sets in and I need to set myself targets to get to the end. Finding a backing is usually something I think about as I sew. I have a bit of a stash of backing fabrics, usually ones I've found on sale. I have this thing about backing, you've got to love it, no regrets, you've put in so much effort to not love it. Basting quilts is the reaching the top of the second last mountain in my view. It's an energy consuming little process - all that rolling around on the ground, sore fingers, I need to psyche myself up, but I find it so rewarding to finally pull that tape off the ground and have your quilt ready for the quilting stage.
Then there is the hand quilting. I've only hand quilted my quilts because I was taught to quilt by a quilting purist - and I'm thankful to her for that. Not that there is anything wrong with machine quilting, I just don't know how to do it. I have to say I do find hand quilting a little tedious, especially on a large project. From time to time I do quilt in perle No.8. These girls are the Queens of perle quilting - even did a great DVD with Australian Quilters Companion, with some great tips, if you can get your hands on it. I have to say that I've just never really felt the calming effects that some speak of when hand quilting. So, why do I do it? Because it looks so good! Lastly is the binding, just like reading the final pages of a book, sometimes it's a little sad to be finishing a project. Mostly it's a really satisfying feeling, finish one, start the next. Usually the next one has already been started!

I popped this on the wall this afternoon, just to get an idea of where I was going. I got my inspiration for this one from an vintage quilt on ebay. I loved it and printed it out and filed it. It says that the quilt was from the 30's or 40's and was actually mad with full squares folded in half so the front and the back are identical. Now, my brain doesn't quite grasp that. Where do those seams go? Anyway, I'll save my brain strain and not worry, as that is not how I've made this.

This is my work in progress table. Triangles waiting to be paired up and sewn together.

"The secret is to save everything"

2008-04-12T18:10:00.004+10:00

Mmmm....this quote is right up my alley! It from Sharon Storrier Lyneham former editor of Vogue Entertaining and Vogue Living. She has a new shop, a joint venture with Belinda Seper of Belinda fame, it's called Edit. She features in the latest Inside Out Magazine - and it looks great!

Check that chair out - how amazing is that! This stuff makes my head spin, my heart beats faster, I love it. It is the magic of creativity. Hope you are neck deep into something you love today!

Mummy Dilemma

2008-04-11T23:07:00.009+10:00

Next week is Phoebe's 2nd Birthday - yay! Today I took her to the toyshop to get some presents for the big day. I came away very confused. This toyshop is big, but despite this, she made her way to the dolly section found a nice sized dolly and a capsule and carried her around and around the shop. Clearly this girl wants a dolly and a capsule. But I would prefer her to have wooden cradle not plastic pink capsules! Conflict of interests here. Maybe I'm being over the top.

I am, however, in love with Corolle dolls. They are french designed and just delightful. They even have sweet little eyes that blink. I'm thinking of the one that can go in the bath and air drys in 5 minutes. She also can put her finger in her mouth.

Now, before I lose you completely, below is a Corelle Les Dollies Doll and she is tres cute. Perhaps not this year for Phoebe, maybe next. They are marketed as stylish dolls that are hip and fashionable - a perfect alternative to today's sexed up dolls. At first I was a little freaked out by that hair, but now I find it quite charming. She has little freckles and she smells really good......she's vanilla.

Luxe

2008-04-11T16:42:00.005+10:00

During my recent trip to Sydney, I went to my very talented brother in law's factory. He is a very talented upholsterer who always has a factory full of gorgeous sofas, dining chairs, armchairs, ottomans and the like. He also has great remnants and I annoy him greatly by scrouging through these whenever I visit! After a tip off from my sister, I found this gorgeous Designers Guild fabric that I have coveted forever. He made it into some great cushions for me - thanks Ad!

Busytown

2008-04-10T16:37:00.003+10:00

Richard Scarry's books are just delightful for children. My Henry would study the minute details of the Best Word Book Ever, on a daily basis. He especially loved the Richard Scarry book that was his Daddy's when he was a boy. Whenever I'm out thrifting around and I see a Richard Scarry book, I always pick it up to add to our collection. Recently on my trip to Sydney, my sister Anna and I took a quick trip to the Southern Highlands. We covered a few patchwork shops and some antique shops too. Imagine the delight when we found this Richard Scarry fabric. It's a 1930's reproduction and I love it. It has some of the Rabbit, Pig and Cat Families featured, I can't see Lowly though! I look forward to the treasure that this will be someday for somewhere. Not sure what just yet, but one day I'll make something special.

Candy Shop

2008-04-04T22:32:00.006+11:00

My latest project makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop. It's all 1930's fabric - they are sweet and whimsical and make great scrappy quilts. Here is a small pile, but I can't reveal too much as it's a special present for my youngest sweet, sweet niece. There's some ballerinas, mice, apples, dogs and many more prints that should delight and entertain a little girl for many years to come.

She's Back

2008-03-30T13:53:00.002+11:00

Hey check out my younger and very talented poetic sister, Alexandra. She's back with a new blog that I'm sure will be brimming with poetic delights. Here she is with her latest creation, she's a good baby maker too!

Tower of colour

2008-03-30T00:04:00.004+11:00

I'm back from Sydney! Had a super time with my family. All too quick and so sad to leave again. My boys were happy to see the girls back though.

Here is Henry's leaning tower of Cuisenaire rods that I found this morning at a church garage sale. Cool hey!

We're coming........

2008-03-19T00:13:00.004+11:00

Very soon (Friday afternoon) Phoebe and I are flying over to Sydney for 6 days of family goodness. I'm getting excited. Although, the pile of what to take is huuuuge! So packing will be a little scary on the way over and hopefully lighter on the way back - but hey, I can cope with a heavy sticker on my bag!

Beware though, as cute as she looks, she's a minx and a half. Just today I found her sitting in my sewing chair ripping up a brand new paper pattern piece. Agggghhh! Later this afternoon, she managed to empty the contents of the very full white vintage button container all over the floor. She's a really good climber and she can sniff out choc. Look out!

Just chatting

2008-03-18T14:21:00.005+11:00

This morning I was having a chat with a neighbour two doors down. Somewhere in the conversation I mentioned sewing and straight away her ears pricked up and she asked me whether I smocked. I've always loved smocking. My Grandmother Mars, did beautiful smocking for us when we were children, and even for my children she has done some pieces. I would love to give it a go, but at the moment my plate is full - overflowing really. So it will have to wait. Anyway, long winded I know, Vib said she had many smocking books from her mother that she would love to give to a good home. And a smocking pleater!

She arrived at my doorstep shortly after with her trolley laden with goods - a huge container full of smocking books, children's patterns from 1950's up, some Enid Gilchrist books, some sewing books, embroidery threads and a gorgeous button container with many, many vintage buttons all colour coded. I can't tell you how much my heart is singing at the moment. I'm excited!

Forever in blue jeans

2008-03-14T15:16:00.006+11:00

Yes, that is a really cool Neil Diamond song. Sad, I know, as I'm in my early thirties! Anyway, I didn't make blue jeans, but I did make a denim pini. Cute as. I haven't sewn a garment in denim before - I leave that to Ksubi, Sass and Bide (pronounced like that thing that washes your bot bot) and Lee - but I wanted to make this pini for Phoebe out of denim, so I did. I'm a denim convert. It's good to sew.

I know you will be all shocked to know that Phoebe - surprise, surprise - don't like! I was telling my Mum this, this morning and I think she thinks it's a bit of history repeated. When I was about 3 should bought me a very cool yellow dress made out of shiny plastic stuff. She loved it, I hated it! It was actually cool beyond cool for the 70's. A piece a fashionista of today would pull out for her child to wear - were there fashionista's in the 70's? Anyway, Mum said she used to bribe me to wear it. Funny, as I had just finished bribing Phoebe into the above to measure the elastic for the back. It cost me 2 freckles!

I like it, she will wear it. It will look cute with a stripey skivvy and red and white spotted leggings. The chocolate is in the pantry ready, Phoebe!

Sweet Birdy

2008-03-11T16:04:00.001+11:00

I've caged the bird........

A Flirty Skirty

2008-03-10T16:09:00.005+11:00

On the weekend I whipped up this little navy blue skirt for Phoebe. I wanted to embellish it so I got out the bedazzler and made it all sparkly. No I didn't! I don't have a bedazzler. Just wanted to see if you actually read these posts! No, really I wanted to stitch some goodness into it, so this is what I've done so far.

Stitching is very therapeutic, the possibilities for design are endless - well, if your brain allows it! I love starting something and watching it evolve, change and continue for as long as you desire.

I'm not sure were I'm headed with this, but you can see from the middle shot that I had to have that Liberty birdy in there. I'll probably add some branches and flowers as well. Phoebe should like the butterfly or flies as she calls them.

Stash and Dash

2008-03-07T21:04:00.003+11:00

These, at the moment, are my favourite thing to make. I made them for the boys teachers for Christmas last year and they all loved them. I made a few for family for Christmas. And now I'm just making them. I love the different fabric combination that you can use, combinations that you know the recipient will love. Here's one I made today for a girlfriend. It's the blue one. The pink one is mines! I have to admit, I omitted the interfacing on this one for reasons even I don't know and I shouldn't have. But I will move on!

The blue is made from Amy Butler's Ivory Coriander and Sis Boom's Aqua Paisley. The pink is Amy's Pink Coriander and Denise Schmidt's something from her Flea Market Fancy range.

Cake!

2008-03-07T14:51:00.005+11:00

Oooooh, I love a bit of cake. Oooooh, cake. Oooooh, cake. Cake. Cake. Cake. Cake. I'm just one of these people. I come home and I need a piece of cake.

Here is my foolproof, best Birthday cake, double it if you want, never use a packet cake 'cause this is so easy, always get asked for the recipe, chocolate cake - Marjorie Dawe would love it!

1 3/4 cups self raising flour

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

1/2 teaspoon bicarb soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

125g butter, melted

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

Butter and flour a 25 cm round or savarin tin. Preheat oven to 180 (where's the degrees key?) degrees celsius. Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, bicarb and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the melted butter, milk and vanilla and beat for 2 minutes (you can make this by hand). Add the eggs and beat for a further 2 minutes. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and bake on the centre shelf of the oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the centre comes out clean. Turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool. Ice and eat. And rant. Oooooo cake. Cake, cake, cake.

Notes: I sometimes double this recipe to make a big one for Birthdays. I do the same as above, but if I find that the top is cooking too quickly i.e burning, I place some foil on top and lower to about 160 -170 degrees C.

I usually dress this baby up with normal choc butter icing. Which is:-

1 1/2 cups icing sugar, sifted

1 1/2 tablespoons soft butter

1 1/2 tablespoons quality cocoa

a pinch of salt

1 to 2 tablespoons boiling water

Add everything except the water, mix, add hot water slowly to get desired consistency.

I got this recipe from a Vogue Entertaining 1996. Love it. I do have a couple of other great Choc cake recipes, for rich days. If you want these just ask.

O.K. I'm off to eat dust. And for those of you, who do know who Marjorie is, do yourself a favour and watch this..................

Crochet Hoke Tote

2008-03-04T22:28:00.004+11:00

My for me project is done!

These little fingers like it. She was a little partial to that bamboo crochet hook!

Got to be quick!

Done. Just got to find all my crochet hooks now.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark!

2008-03-04T15:38:00.005+11:00

'Tis fit for a little lady?

Mmmm. Perhaps a little more Shakespearean then I would desire!

On completion of this little smock (remember, I had to alter the collar to fit around the yoke), well, I managed to get this onto Phoebe and it's huge! The collar is way out near her shoulders. Funny, it was the yoke that was incorrect after all. I wasn't to know, but it's a lesson learnt. If I do another attempt, I will need to alter the yoke piece. It's much larger in the pattern picture. I just assumed that they weren't into drawing to scale pre 1966! Below is a picture of the liberty detail of the yoke - it's subtle, you'll only be able to see it as she runs through the meadows, collecting butterflies with her Mummy made butterfly catcher!

Dream a little dream with me.....

2008-03-01T23:01:00.006+11:00

How hot is this? I likey a lot! Actually, it comes in other fun colours, like a deep turquoise. I really like that one. Of course, it's French - made by a company called Moissonnier. It's not on my wish list, it's on my dream list! And whilst I'm on my dream list....I'll keep going and have one of these large rooms and these gorgeous Designers Guild lovelies.

He Who Hesitates!

2008-02-29T15:16:00.005+11:00

Is lost! Big bugger. I ordered a piece of this off the internet before Christmas, not really knowing what to expect. When it arrived , I fell in love! It's sweet and pretty and oh so girly. The roses are blowsy, rose petal jammy. Half a metre was just not going to be enough and as it was super cheap, I thought it would be a great backing one day and that I needed more. As the computer showed that there was 109 units (1/2 a yard is a unit), I was in no hurry. What were my 8 units going to be in 109 - nothing! So last night when I went to order, I pulled up my wish list and zippo, no response, the code went to some other random fabric. After a frantic, "oh, no, this can't be" search, I sent and email. The response was a big negative. SOLD OUT!!!

I think I'll get over it, but I just hate it when I hesitate and I lose. I have to confess, this isn't the only time this has happened. The same happened for the gorgeous linen fabric below. It's a fabric from the 30's Collection by Atsuko Matsyama. She's one of my favourite fabric designers. She does cute but not too cute designs, ranging from birds to posies of flowers and those gorgeous ginghams that look like gingham cut on the bias. Sweet.

Mmmmm........ it's only fabric after all.

Mirabel Hearts

2008-02-26T15:15:00.003+11:00

The other day I decided to make a Mirabel heart for Mike's. It's for the Mirabel Foundation. I made it from some of the new range Swell by Urban Chiks. Cute range. Hubby saw it the other night and said "that's pretty". It sounded funny coming from a bloke. I thought they didn't notice pretty!

Fruit Salad and Cream

2008-02-26T14:44:00.007+11:00

I have a lengthy list of to do's. Today, I was able to tick one of those off. I have finished the top of the quilt I started last year for the Kaffe Fassett workshop. That was the top I finished, not the quilting or the binding! That will need to go on the To Do List! The quilt is the Morning Glory Quilt from Kaffe's book Kaleidoscope of Quilts. Kaffe came to Australia last year and Anna and I were lucky enough to attend here in Perth. At the end of the workshop, Kaffe walks around the room and positively critiques everyones work for the day. He described my quilt as fresh, lacey, fruit salad and cream! Mmmm.....I'm thinking of making it into a table cloth. Kidding! I don't mind lying under layers of food. I like good food.

The quilt, as in the book is a rather odd size, very long and narrow. At the persistence of my girlfriend Lindy, who likes useful quilts and not quilts that have been made with a "oooo, I need to make this larger I'll just add a border", I enlarged it by an extra panel. It took a little bit to convince me, but, yes Lindy, I'm glad I did! So, now to the next bit, I've decided to use Kaffe's Bekah - the orange/pink one for the backing. I'm hoping it won't be quilt overkill - could be you know! Anyway, that will be a while off yet. Big list that To Do List is!

Can you see any pineapples?

My Tricky Brain Strain!

2008-02-25T11:15:00.005+11:00

I decided the other day to make a top for Phoebe. It was going to be quick and simple, using a vintage pattern. I decided to make some changes, just adding a liberty yoke instead of the plain one on the pattern. That was fine, it was adding the Peter Pan collar that caused me a mighty headache! It seems that the pattern piece for the collar is incorrect. It only goes half way around the yoke. So after some deliberation and discussion with Lynnie and Anthea at Calico and Ivy, I came away with some good ideas on how to fix my problem. So today is the day for fixing.

This is the yoke, waiting for the collar. So, off to Spotlight I must go for a slither of fabric to finish it.

Happy Anniversary Baby.....Got You On My Mind

2008-02-24T12:15:00.007+11:00

Happy 12th wedding Anniversary Pete

Warning: Read at own risk, content may cause you to blush!

Last night we went out to celebrate our 12th Wedding Anniversary, that is actually today. We had a great meal at il lido in Cottesloe. Food was goooooood. Pete had a Osso Bucco cooked in white wine with green olives and polenta and I had Pappardelle with Beef Shin, rich and delicious, I could have eaten another bowl. We shared a salad of Rocket, Peach and Gorgonzola, yum. For dessert we had a pot of Tiramisu for two - best one I've ever eaten I think, not too coffeey, creamy, delicious. This place is funk all over. Wines are served in those cool Riedel O series glasses.

After dinner we headed to Kings Park to the Moonlight Open Air Cinema to see Atonement. Pete had booked the "Gold Grass" seats, beanbags and all! We almost sat on some friends before we realised they were there - funny! We loved the movie, Keira Knightley is lovely. James McAvoy is strong and dashing. I think I need to see it again. It was cute lying there with my love, glass of wine and the stars twinkling above. We had to schnuggle under my pashmina - it was chilly.

We had a mighty giggle when Gina Mckee (Forsyte Saga) appears as Sister Drummond. Nearly three years ago, we watched The Forsyte Saga together, loved it. It is a story that is full of irony, humour, sexual tension and pathos, the vicissitudes of the leading members of the upper-middle-class Forsyte family(like those big words?). Loved it so much..........well, let's just say that when Pete saw her on film last night, he said, she's the reason for little Phoebe! Not, Gina Mckee, but the spirit that that mini series invoked in us, Pete and me. Oh, Irene, Bossiney, Soames, Jolyon. Aghh, you'd love it if you haven't seen it!

Such a great night together, thanks babe!