Things to make and do

Be optimistic

2012-01-09T08:56:00.003+11:00

Somewhere along the line I think I went from an openly optimistic person to a realistic person and now worry I am verging on pessimistic at times - is this a sign of age? or environment? or something more sinister? I think (well, I hope) I am still an optimistic person at heart and that in due course I will work out how to overcome all the other stuff but in the mean time I thought this badge was a good reminder.

Be optimistic badge from here

Last year - this year

2012-01-01T20:24:00.005+11:00

Happy new year!

I hope you've had a fabulous 2011 and that your hopes and dreams for 2012 are fulfilled - and then some!

2011 has been a big year for me and for my family; moving cities/states, welcoming a new baby, and in many ways it has been like starting fresh. I'm sure you can imagine that starting fresh can be both a good and a bad thing, maybe bad is not the right word - daunting, hard, sad and sometimes lonely but on the flip side empowering, exciting, challenging and full of promise!

I have made some fabulous new friends here in Melbourne and have I have also had the opportunity to re-kindle old friendships. Moving interstate has damaged friendships also, I suppose 'out of sight out of mind' and having busy friends leading exciting busy lives have been a few of the many reasons, and I too have been busy and found it hard to keep in contact, so all round that has been a bit of a bummer. The lovely thing is that the few times I've been able to visit home, we've been able to pick up where we left off, such a beautiful quality in a friendship, don't you agree?

Being able to pick up where I left off is my hope for this blog too, I've had an epic absence, a longer break then I have ever had before in the few years I've been blogging. I'm not one for new years resolutions, so instead I'll just say - see you soon.

A bit of sunshine

2011-09-30T14:21:00.003+10:00

We've been away on holiday! We had a little trip to Tweed heads which was just what the doctor ordered, a bit of sun, a bit of a relax and a wedding celebration to top of a great family getaway (congratulations to the Phong and Bec!). We had all been sick with one bug or another for months (Blair's even ended up with a bit of pneumonia) but after a few days in the sun (and some antibiotics) we were all on the mend and in much better spirits. Bring on the warmer weather in Melbourne! (knowing me I'll be complaining in no-time that it is too hot!)

A beautiful kiss

2011-09-08T20:57:00.004+10:00

I think this the most beautiful moment between the Swiss Miss and her Great Oma, it warms my heart every time I look at it. Captured by Uncle Gunar - simply lovely.

Documentation

2011-09-08T20:15:00.003+10:00

One of the things which slows down my creative process is documentation. I think it is a very important part of creativity, being able to look back at what you've done and learn from it, keep track of projects and share them with others or feel a sense of accomplishment. But, actually getting off my behind and capturing images is a different story altogether and more often then not it becomes a rushed after-thought! Sometimes when I've made a gift it sits around finished for a few weeks waiting to be photographed before I feel I can give it... bad, very bad.

I finally popped these wrist warmers in the post today - hurray! I modified this pattern in a purple cashmere/wool blend - mmm, cashmere-licious!

In love with... Dear photograph

2011-08-24T12:22:00.005+10:00

This blog {Dear Photograph} has such a lovely collection of photos. I really love the feelings they evoke - nostalgia, happiness and sometimes sadness. I particularly love the images with the old style photographs with the rounded corners and the warm fading colours, it makes me wish I could pop round to my Mum's and flip through the family snaps.

Images from Dear Photograph

On a side note, I've be having some technical dramas with my commenting system (trust me to try and do something snazzy and end up with it biting me on the bottom!) So I may end up giving it the boot, in which case I may not be able to salvage some previous comments, sorry about that!

Joining back in

2011-08-19T13:17:00.001+10:00

Hello friends. My posts have dwindled over recent months down to zero, to the point where I was seriously considering saying my goodbyes and leaving the blogosphere – it’s been getting me down.

I’ve written and re-written this post about my feelings a bunch of times.
I’m disenfranchised with blogging.. blah.. blah
I’m not sure I want to keep blogging… blah.. blah
I’m not even sure I want to read blogs anymore…blah

I can never find the time.. yada yada
Wah wah wah.. whinge whinge whine.

And you know what – I’ve changed my mind.

I’ve had a crystallising moment of clarity - I should take it all a bit less seriously. What I am trying to achieve is an honest reflection of my life, things I like and things I make - when I get around to it.

Yep, I think I can still have a go at that!

I'm excited, I’m no longer going to over think it (one of my big pitfalls), I’m just going to join back in.

Here is a little gifted baby blanket I crocheted for a good friend's recent arrival. I like having little blankets for the pram and car (and when they've been out grown, a teddy/dolly blanket), with the added bonus they are very quick to come together. My Swiss Miss gave it the once over, so it has the 'baby drool' seal of approval!

Motivation

2011-06-10T13:22:00.003+10:00

The person who I want to be and the person who I am don't always overlap - in fact sometimes those two people seem poles apart.

Right this minute, most of all, I want to be a motivated person.

It's been over a month since I last blogged, every time I think about that I feel sad - like the person I want to be is the kind of person who says and does interesting things on a regular and reliable basis - but the truth is - I'm the kind of person who does stuff sometimes but mostly enjoys sitting around drinking tea, watching episodes and having grand plans that don't often come to fruition (also I'm a full time stay at home Mum, but I'm talking purely about my 'free time' when the children are both asleep). I want to stretch my mind a bit more and in all honesty I could use my time more wisely then I do, I really could - and I want to.

Mostly I need a kick in the pants.

I have managed to work on one small project - a little softy sleepy sheep. I'm still working the kinks out of the pattern, I've not made a softy pattern before, so this is new territory for me (my aim is to post the pattern here when it is finished). In other news I bought some scallop edge pinking shears and snap pliers from ebay, I think I'm in love.

What do you do to get motivated? Any advice?

Comments

2011-05-06T20:00:00.004+10:00

I'm always deliriously excited when I receive comments. I'm a bit of a lurker myself you see, I read many blogs but rarely comment. I should and want to comment more (and to those of you who are reading this now who have blogs which I in-turn read - I am going to attempt to comment more in the future, in fact I've set myself a goal of 10 comments this evening!). Mostly I'm worried I'll say something lame like "great post!" - which is slightly counter intuitive seeing as I would totally geek out with love if someone wrote that to me. I think it is a great way to form community and open up a dialogue in what can be a very one-sided conversation at times. I truly admire those who take part in commenting and get amongst it with sharing, encouragement and debate. As a side note to all my readers who just like to read and look, I love you too and keep lurking away, I totally get it and don't ever want you to feel pressure to comment.

I'm writing about this because I've installed a new commenting system. The blogger one can be a bit restrictive and I never quite known the best way to respond to comments. Please bear with me as I work out the kinks and let me know if you have any thoughts. Cheers big ears!

We go together like blogs and comments card by Sapling Press

Turning the frown up-side-down

2011-05-03T15:40:00.005+10:00

I've had many posts on the stew but I've been feeling a lack of inspiration to complete them. I think it's because creatively I've had more fails then wins in recent weeks.

Do you have times like that, when nothing you create seems to come out how you planned?

My carrot and pineapple cake was too dry and slightly burnt, the seams came apart on the toy I was sewing and my 'free-time' is non-exisitant, what little I have I invariably waste on the computer or trying to catch up on sleep (my children are both sleeping well, more on that later, I just find my days so exhausting). I don't want to complain about it (I know - whinge, whinge), but it is what it is and I feel a bit defeated. I need a creative win.

After the sermon this week at church, I've been reflecting on how creativity is not just about creating, but also sitting back and enjoying the things we (and other people) have created. So instead of mulling over what I would like to achieve, I'm going to listen to more music, read some crafty books (just for the sake of reading, not planning what I'd like to make from them!), tell imaginative stories with The Boy (to the effect of "Once there was an little pussy cat, sat on a couch and aeroplanes and trucks' - cute city!), take in the changing season by chasing The Boy through the autumn leaves in the park and above all enjoy that my children are wonderfully made in all their complexity!

Above is one of my pages from I sleep in Haysheds and Corners.

I sleep in haysheds and corners

2011-04-19T21:00:00.000+10:00

I've just arrived home from a splendid trip to my home town of Hobart (it's not that Hobart doesn't have internet, I was just going a bit low-fi while I was away!). I was there to show off my new little Swiss Miss, have mad-hangz with fam and friends and to attend the book launch of I sleep in haysheds and corners.

I was a craft contributor to this exciting project by Ben Walter and Kelly Eijdenberg of Inscrutable press, you can read/see more about it here. I will endeavour to photograph my featured work sometime this week and post it, but for now here is the gorgeous front cover of the book, with the work of Cat-Rabbit. The launch was amazing with a huge turn out of over 200 people. A big congratulations to Ben and Kelly - you've done Tasmania proud, thank you for your vision and encouragement of the writing and crafting communities, I feel honoured to have been involved!

P.S. If you love Cat-Rabbit (and let's face it, who doesn't!) she is having a solo exhibition called Secret Animal Realms at Federation Square from April 20-May 8!

Mummy guilt

2011-04-07T11:59:00.004+10:00

I don't usually write (or talk to my friends) too much on the subject of being a parent, I think I still have hang-ups about being one of those Mothers, you know, the ones who can only talk about their children. But, to be honest I think I'm starting to gain a bit of perspective, this is my life day to day and I love it, why should I feel guilty about talking about my life?

Anyhoo, that's not the guilt I wanted to write about.

I was reading an article about parenting guilt (television, chocolate - etc.) as a result I've been thinking about the guilt we carry around with us. I had someone's parental guilt bomb go off in my face the other day about chocolate, it went something like this

Mother; "My 2 year old loves chocolate! Have you bought The Boy his Easter chocolate yet?'

me: "No, we just haven't really introduced him to chocolate yet, I was thinking about getting some plastic Easter eggs and filling them with sultanas and tiny teddies and then maybe a small chocolate Easter egg to go with it"

Mother: "Oh... well... it's not like I give my child chocolate all the time, hardly ever really, it's really the grandparents fault, but now that the child has tried it, I can't very well say they can't have any ever!"

me out loud: "absolutely, I understand how it is"

and in my head "Whoa, calm down, maybe I should have just said 'no' and left it at that"

I remember once in a shopping centre when The Boy was about 4 months old a random lady asked me if I was breastfeeding, to which I went on a guilt spiral rant about how sad and shameful I felt about stopping at 2 months because of health issues, I went on and on, I couldn't stop myself - poor lady, she never saw it coming.

Do we all have secret guilt about our parenting? Or is it only when we are asked hard questions or faced with a different parenting style? Have you had experience with this?

Above is a picture of The Boy with his first taste of chocolate last Easter.

EDIT:: I also just wanted to add that I think we can jump to conclusions very quickly - after the chocolate conversation I felt judged and guilty like a 'mean mummy', depriving my child of treats and was worried that the other mother thought I was judgmental of her giving her child chocolate (which is not the case at all, go for it I say!) I think we all need to work out what is right for us and our families and be confident in our choices - I don't think we should need to feel like we owe anyone an explanation.

I worry sometimes that just having a different opinion can come across the wrong way. Sometimes I feel like I don't want to share my opinions because I don't want to be judged or come across as judgmental, ack! it's a minefield!

Itchy to get stitchy

2011-04-02T13:37:00.006+11:00

I'm getting restless fingers.

The last 6 weeks have been a wonderful journey: Learning how to be a family of four, getting to know and love our little Swiss Miss and being generous in our love and tolerance as The Boy works out how to be a big brother.

Now that we are getting into our groove, I've noticed myself looking longingly at my recipe books (particularly the cake ones), my wool stash and my lonely sewing machine who is begging for a little love. It's time. I feel the need to get my craft on.

I have so many ideas of things I'd like to make and do and I feel I'm now at the stage with the children that I may (possibly) get an hour or two here or there to myself - so exciting! The Boy is getting very into drawing, so maybe the need to be creative is hereditary?

Something I've dying to do is update the look of this blog - so I'll start there and work up to the craft!

Weekend market finds

2011-03-28T21:45:00.004+11:00

I had a lovely time perusing markets over the weekend (Maribyrnong makers market and Finders Keepers). Very happy with my purchases::

Ink & spindle fabrics

inSync brooch

Notions hair slides

Cat Rabbit print

Been & Done vintage tea towel cushion (my talented sister!)

this week..

2011-03-21T19:37:00.000+11:00

Things I want to achieve this week::

Go to the local playgroup for the first time (done!)

Sort out all The Boy's clothes into 'fits' and 'wow, I can't believe he ever fit into this!' piles.

Start a 'to do' list of fun things to do with the children (and also without!) to break out of the day-by-day living which comes with the territory of having a newborn around. Things on this list so far include:: going to the zoo, a family weekend at a beach house with my lovely sister and brother, having a G&T with a friend somewhere in the city, finding a nice little spot to feed some ducks and drinking a HOT cup of tea.

What are you planning this week? If you want to join in, head over to Vic's - fun on a bun!

Picture is unrelated but adorably cute - from here

2011-03-15T18:42:00.002+11:00

I've been thinking a lot about what I could post and - here are a few things that I considered ::

Back to the Future - photography by Irina Werning

Abigail Reynolds

Vivian Maier - Her discovered work blog

and the must for all tea lovers F**kin Tea (made me lol)

But right now my heart is breaking all over again - this time for Japan. There has been so much sadness, loss and devastation with natural disasters recently (and crisis of other kinds, like in Libya)- I can't even being to imagine what people around the world have been going through. So I am feeling thankful for my safety and that of my family and friends and prayerful for those in dark times. I also am hopeful all of you and your friends and family are safe and well too. xx

Foxy beanie

2011-03-05T19:28:00.002+11:00

This little foxy beanie will soon be on it's merry way across the straight (a very belated birthday present for a cute little girl!).

This week I'm grateful for... small things

2011-02-28T13:44:00.005+11:00

1. Hot drinks (I'm so enjoying hot drinks again, now they don't make me overheat!)

2. Having a lap (I've so missed reading to The Boy on my lap, it's a lovely feeling to have him snuggle in for a story! It's also nice to be able to use my lap for my laptop)

3. Snuffles (I'd forgotten how adorable newborn snuffles are, when they are resting up on your chest looking for something to eat - precious)

4. Prickly kisses from my bearded Husbeast.

Behind every clever girl is a guy with a beard and glasses

(card from Eggagogo via Oh hello Friend)

This is the first time I've played along with 'I'm grateful for..', it's technically meant to be a Saturday thing, but I'm also grateful for the chance to do things as I get to them :) EDIT :: Hurray! So I was wrong and it's not just for Saturdays! Even more chance to be grateful, head along and join in :)

More gratefulness over at Maxabella loves

Swiss Miss

2011-02-25T09:49:00.002+11:00

My little Swiss Miss, Geneva. We are so very blessed with a beautiful, healthy baby girl!

Great expectations

2011-02-17T19:20:00.004+11:00

Expectations are funny things. We can tell ourselves not to have them, but they can creep up on us without us even realising.

Before I had The Boy I told myself not to have expectations about labour (whatever happened - just to roll with it and trust that it would all work out ok) and then the thing I ended up struggling with the most were my expectations I had about breastfeeding, something I wrongly assumed would be straight forward.

With this baby, without even realising it, I assumed I would go into labour early and spontaneously (with no Braxton hicks at all), like I did last time - wrong again - so far I've had 3 false starts and counting!

I've found things a lot easier to deal with now that I've realised that my expectations were unrealistic. All in all I am happy and healthy and so is baby - and that is all that matters. I will be back sooner (or later) with news, and that is a grand thing to look forward too :)

Bec xx

Valentine Schmalentine

2011-02-13T19:15:00.006+11:00

Unsurprisingly I'm feeling in a somewhat less then romantic mood right now (if you are new to my blog it's because I'm super gigantic with child) but there is certainly a lotta love out there in blogland at the moment. Like here, here and here for example.

I'm still hopeful my little girl will arrive soon, maybe even for valentines day. After all, what is more romantic then labor? (sorry, I think my uncomfortableness is manifesting in sarcasm) The husbeast thinks valentine's day would be a good day to have a birthday because you would always be assured of getting flowers or chocolate, to which I responded even better to have the 13th or 15th because then you should get two days worth of flowers AND chocolate (I also commented that those two things are always nice presents regardless if there is a special occasion or not - I'm very subtle aren't I!).

For a bit of valentine's day fun I typed 'love' and hit shuffle into my itunes. Here are the random top 5 it came up with::

1. Fell in love with a girl - White Stripes

2. Like I love you - Justin Timberlake (slightly embarrassed about this one, but what can I say, I dig a bit of JT)

3. I will never love you more - Soko

4. Love will tear us apart - Joy Division

5. Lovefool - The Cardigans

Fun fun, actually a little depressing on the love side of things, but anyhoo - I hope you are having a happy day xx

Opening the 'x-files'

2011-02-11T11:02:00.005+11:00

I'm sure I'm not alone (please, please tell me I'm not alone). I started this red cardigan for my niece while my sister in-law was pregnant, I gave myself plenty of time by making the 6month old size and quickly completed the two front panels, back and one and a half sleeves, and then I got stuck and... well, she's 6 years old now! Every new baby in the family I thought I'd pick it back up and finish it off, but something about those 'x-files', the 'I just can't face it' projects, become too big a mind barrier.

So after boasting to my Mum that I only like to have a few projects 'on the go' at a time, she discovered my secret stash of shame. Lucky for me there was no judgement and only loving assistance and with her help on the parts I had got stuck with (decreasing in the wrong place, whoops!), I now have a little red strawberry hoodie for the little miss perfectly ready for winter. There was also a pair of booties (pattern here) that were finished except for needing buttons, I can't believe I just left them sitting there for 6 years! How embarrassing! They only took 5 mins to finish!

So, I want to encourage you to dig out those projects and give them a little love and attention. You will feel fabulous when they are done!

Vest

2011-02-09T12:57:00.002+11:00

My Mum is fabulous.

I'd spied this lovely pattern via the inspiring Kate at foxs lane and within 24hours of my Mum stepping off the plane and arriving at my doorstep, she had whipped one up for the little miss! The bright orange buttons are from my collection, bought here 7 years ago, I'm super excited she found the perfect use for them.

Thanks Mum, I adore it!

Lady-in-waiting

2011-02-05T13:30:00.002+11:00

I thought I'd become better at this whole 'patience' caper since The Boy was born but waiting for my little girl to arrive is certainly testing me. I think part of the problem is that I've been told I'll go early (also I was a week early with The Boy and he was nearly 10 pounds, which as you might imagine is playing on my mind a bit!). So I am doing my best to take it easy and enjoy these last few hours/days/weeks (eeek, I hope it's not weeks!) until the birth. It's still a bit over a week until my 'due date' anyway, I'm just feeling very impatient.

So - I'm making some Bolognese, stitching up some hexies for a quilt, having lovely long chats with my Mum, playing trains/planes/cars with The Boy, resting in front of the fan, eating copious amounts of ice and giving my increasingly enlarging belly a rub and feeling super excited about what the future holds.

Finishing things off

2011-02-01T21:05:00.002+11:00

Isn't it a fabulous feeling to finish things off?!

This is the second of two baby cardigans for the little lady on the way. I'm so happy to have it completed and ready for her (hopefully imminent) arrival. They were originally meant for other people's babies, but took me a little longer then expected!

How do you organise your projects? Do you try and only have one or two on the go at a time, or do you have lots of unfinished business, or things started but waiting for the right inspiration to finish?

Book

2011-01-29T22:11:00.004+11:00

A friend of mine won a grant to make a book about Tasmanian writers and crafters. I have been fortunate enough to be included as a crafter (which goes to show, it's better to have connections then talent, wink!). I have excitedly sent off my submission and am eagerly awaiting seeing the next step. I was less thrilled about having to send in a portrait to go with my bio, so for a bit of emersion therapy I thought I'd post a portrait here too. It actually wasn't that long ago I posted a photo of myself, but I still feel freaked out by the whole process, there is something I quite like about the anonymity of blogging. I'm looking forward to sharing more about this project with you, it is a dream of mine to deign my own book, so I am super excited for Kelly - it's going to be wonderful!

Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Hobart anymore!

2011-01-26T13:18:00.002+11:00

I owe much to my wonderful family. We were given so much help with our move across the straight for which I will be eternally grateful. Above is a picture of one of the trailer-loads about to make it's way up to Devonport to then be transferred to a truck to bring our stuff over on the ferry. Through the support of my family we've been able; to move on the smell of an oily rag, our house in Hobart has been thoroughly cleaned (and is now rented out! hurray!) and the unpacking at this end has been a breeze. I certainly would not recommend anyone attempt moving while 8+ moths pregnant with toddler in tow, but if you must, make sure you accept all the help offered!

We've been learning many things since arriving in our new home. For example rush-hour is much longer then an hour! I think it will take time, but this house will be come a home and this city is full of possibilities.

I've missed you

2011-01-22T19:34:00.000+11:00

Hello friends! I've missed you dearly.

I'm just popping in to let you know I'm still kicking! We've moved to Melbourne safely and with very little getting broken in the process, have had a little boy turn 2, still have a lovely little girl growing happily inside, finally have internet and are very much looking forward to rejoining the world after finding our bearings.

I'll be back soon to fill you in on all the goss.

Love to you and yours

Bec x

fuller then a ...

2010-12-25T21:48:00.000+11:00

My uncle always says 'I'm fuller then a pig's bum' and my grandmother used to say 'I'm full to dollies wax'- after the feasts we've had over the last few days and the feasts yet to come, I may need to adopt a similar saying. Our little temporary fridge is taking a bit of punishment at the moment, attempting to keep all the left-overs cool, no doubt our microwave will get a work out too!

I think this clip is really sweet - love to you and yours and the merriest of Christmases! I hope you are all going to sleep tonight with happy new memories and full bellies.

Bec x

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T15:43:00.002+11:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Wishing you all a relaxing a blessed Christmas and a joyfilled new year.

Bec xx

Playing along

2010-12-10T12:28:00.008+11:00

Howdy from the mad house! Things have been going at a cracking pace this week and I'm thrilled to say there is a light at the end of the tunnel! With only 3 weeks left before the big move and 8 weeks before the (potentially big, but hopefully under 10 pounds!) baby, I am having one of those fleeting feelings of calm.

Above is a picture of the last project I completed (a little while ago), a beanie for a friend's gorgeous new arrival - pattern here.

Today I'm playing along with my beautiful sister Erica's blog.

What's the one thing you can't stand?
Stubbing my toes - happens to me surprisingly often and one of the only things which will bring me to swear out loud!

If you could go back to your childhood, which cartoon character or TV show would be your favourite?
Boo hoo, we didn't watch cartoons! So instead I'll say Sooty. I actually got to see him live in concert once - my claim to fame.

What is something you do or have done that would surprise a lot of people?
You may be surprised how often I stub my toes, but probably more surprised that I am allergic to kiwi fruit, or that I used to bellydance, or that I never had a detention at school, or that I've never sworn in front of my Mum - none of these things are particularly surprising which is why I thought I'd put a few to try and boost the surprise factor.

Do you believe in ghosts?
Sort of, I'm not convinced but I do get a bit spooked at times when I'm alone. I've found I'm a lot less worried about things like ghosts and axe wielding rapist murderers now that I'm a mother (I think it brings out the protector in me).

When you go to a shop, what's the one thing you can't stop yourself from buying more than one of?
Magazines! (if you asked Blair though, he'd tell you I am obsessed with phone tables, a complete fib!)

If you could go back and relive one day in your life, what would it be?
That's a hard one, I can't think of one specific day. I think I'd prefer the learn from my past days then to relieve them.

What is the funniest story you have about your significant other?
Blair makes me laugh all the time, I think we are the perfect fit for humour. So sadly for sharing purposes most of my stories are of a "you had to be there" nature, however, it does crack me up that recently when Blair farted our little boy who is just learning to talk, looked at him, frowned and said 'noise'.

What is your proudest moment of being a parent?
I love it when The Boy shows off his good manners in public (please, ta, ahsnooze me (translated means excuse me)). He's always been such a smiley guy and often gets comments from friends and strangers about how well behaved he is. (Nevermind of course that in private he can be a total grot, screaming, throwing things and generally be painful! I love him, I most certainly do)

Nesting

2010-12-04T12:21:00.001+11:00

You know how it is, you lose your camera cord, or phone cord, or wallet (I could go on) and the everyday things you like to do, blog, call people, buy stuff, goes out the window. I am usually ok at not losing things but pregnancy + heat = absentmindedness at the moment!

So I can't show you what I've been up to, well at least until I get to Melbourne and open the box marked "all the things you packed by accident while you were packing something else", but, I can tell you I've been a busy little bee. Nesting has taken on a life of it's own - packing, cleaning, painting, gardening and cooking all the things I can from the freezer and pantry - in some ways I suppose it is the opposite of nesting as we will be leaving this house before the babe is born, but I am finding it very fulfilling nevertheless.

My posts may be a little sporadic for the next month or so, my apologies. I hope you have a lovely weekend xx

image from here

Softy Christmas tree pattern

2010-11-26T15:50:00.003+11:00

We've been having some fun family time this week:: Thanksgiving - not an Australian tradition, but very much welcomed to our family with the addition of my American sister in-law and the annual cousin dinner (all the cousins on my side of the family have dinner together) - hosted at our place, normally fondue but we went low-key and had pizzas and board games instead! (I learnt how to play cribbage and am now even deeper and more in love with the grannier side of life).

Amoungst the packing and cleaning I have put out 'a few' Christmas decorations. We have a non-tradtional Christmas tree, a bean bag softy Christmas tree I made, it is fabulous if you have small children (ie. they can't eat the decorations or injure themselves!) or enjoy the extra seating option!

Here is a pattern if you would like to whip one up before the silly season.

Christmas softy tree

If you get the chance to make one, I'd love to see it!

Oh deer!

2010-11-22T21:53:00.002+11:00

The best thing about packing? Finding things I'd forgotten about or thought I'd lost a long time ago. This adorable deer bag is one of my all time favourites, I've had it since I was a small child.

Pianola

2010-11-19T21:03:00.003+11:00

The very first time I went to my husband's house (back in the days when we were just friends) he played me 'Ticket to ride' by the Beatles on his parents pianola. I think pianolas are so lovely and the rolls are simply beautiful objects too. I have very fond memories of those first moments and memories of being alone together, squeezed next to each other on the piano stool, each wondering if the other felt the same way.

They had about a zillion at the op-shop I visited yesterday - something I've not seen at an oppy before - and even though Blair's parents pinaola is currently in storage I couldn't help but by a few rolls ("The Sound of Music" and the themes from "Madam butterfly"). They will sit on my shelf and be loved, even if the music is trapped inside them.

I'm being lazy and not getting out my camera to photograph the pianola rolls in question - so the image above is from here.

Away.

2010-11-17T20:49:00.002+11:00

Howdy friends. I've been away in Melbourne, sorry for the lack of posts!

We visited some of our lovely family and started preparations for our move in the not too distant future.

Are you afraid of the internet? I think I might be a little. Media (and also watching The Social Network the other week) has made me a bit concerned about my accessibility. I read in the paper that houses were being robbed because their occupants updated their facebook status' to say they were away on holidays (which did in all honesty make me feel a bit nervous about telling everyone in the world I wasn't at home).

Media hype or not?

Cat Rabbit - new site

2010-11-10T20:09:00.005+11:00

Cat Rabbit has an adorable new website. Designed by the loveable peeps at Floating world and wonderful photography by Sean Fennessy. I love Cat's work, don't you!? She also has some listings in her etsy store at the moment, but be quick before they all get snapped up!

Image by Cat Rabbit, over here

My life in boxes

2010-11-07T21:06:00.002+11:00

Packing, packing, packing and you guessed it, more packing! I've been quite amused that every time I put something in a box, somehow - as if by magic, two things get taken out by my adorable little helper. I think I will be head down, bum up for a few days (weeks) to come, which is somewhat more difficult now my centre of gravity has changed!

Packing hasn't been very stressful (yet) but all the extra organisation of tickets, boats, planes, family and timing has been. Lucky for me there is plenty of cups of tea and biscuits to take the edge off.

I hope you have all had a marvellous weekend :)

Picture is unrelated, just uber cute, image credit here

Deloraine

2010-11-04T11:35:00.004+11:00

We've been up North for the last week or so visiting family in Devonport and Burnie, good times. While we were up that end of the state we visited the Deloraine craft fair, the first time I've been (since I was about 4, apparently). It was ok, not fabulous, but worth a look. We didn't buy much, a few cookie cutters and a tea towel, I'll show you later. I would have liked to have lunch there, but getting on and off the buses pregnant with a small weary child in tow was exhausting, there were about 14 venues of which we managed 4.

It truly amazes me the fever that seems to overcome craft fair goers. I got bowled over on more then one occasion and The Boy repeatedly whacked in the head by stray handbags. I wanted to say "excuse me, please stop shoving, you will get your chance to have a look, please be a bit more considerate because your bag is at my sons eye height, I was waiting patiently in line for the loo, can't you see I'm pregnant and I'm literally about to wet myself." I've seen this behaviour before at craft fairs, quite unpleasant and I'm not entirely sure what it is about buying craft that has people frothing at the mouth. On a positive note it was fabulous weather and walking through beautiful Deloraine was lovely, it is such a pretty little town, I would recommend it (just don't forget to take your protective headgear!).

Thank you!

2010-10-31T17:29:00.000+11:00

Wow, what a fabulous blogtoberfest it's been! I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you all for stopping by, for your comments and reading my little contributions to the event, I really appreciate you all! I also feel so humbled by those of you who have become followers, either with the google friend connect or through any other blog reader now or previously, your loyalty and regular visits make me so happy. I've enjoyed discovering new blogs this month, thanks to all who joined in, it was totally ace.

I'm melting... melting!

2010-10-30T17:13:00.002+11:00

I've been doing a few more stencils today. I designed this little sad melting ice cream for my niece who has her first birthday this week, happy birthday S! This photo is actually an extra I made for my little one on the way, the one I printed for S has a smilie face. My favourite flavour is rum n' raisin, but strawberry comes in close second! Whats your favourite flavour?

Paper pinecone tutorial

2010-10-29T21:29:00.000+11:00

I made a few of these little sweet vintage paper pinecones as gifts last year. They are a little bit Christmassy and a little bit cute!

You will need::

Styrofoam egg shape

Paper cut into 2cm squares

Pins (if you can get short pins, or bead/sequin pins even better)

Some pretty ribbon

Step 1: Fold in the top 2 corners of your paper squares to form a point. (note: my photo shows rectangles, but please use squares as it works better)

Step 2:: Start at the pointy end of your styrofoam egg. Pin 2 paper pieces facing and touching each other, then 2 more a little further up the egg in between the first 2 pieces (at 90º).

Step 3:: Keep layering paper pieces, as you go try and fill in the gaps in-between the previous row. If possible cover any visible pins with next paper layer.

Step 4:: When the whole egg is covered, make a bow or loop your ribbon decoratively on the top to cover any last pins showing. Add a larger loop for hanging. I did this using pins, but alternately you could use glue.

Enjoy!

Canister love

2010-10-27T20:50:00.003+11:00

Badskirt has started a new cute blog called flour, rice, sugar which has inspired me to show you my much loved Capri white and silver canister set. I think they are fab and handy to boot! I picked them up at a garage sale a few years ago and they are still in near perfect condition, a bit of gold showing through on the 3D silver type, but not too shabby seeing as the old girls are about 50!

Bellerive beach

2010-10-26T22:35:00.002+11:00

We had Bellerive beach all to ourselves. Being a stay at home Mum - best job in the world.

Flickr faves

2010-10-25T22:36:00.001+11:00

1. stool / sidetable, 2. pine cones!, 3. eggs4, 4. www.flickr.com/photos/fresherthanfreshsnowcones/276787918..., 5. thrifted cal-dak highchair, 6. UPPERCASE magazine issue 2, proofs, 7. on my way, 8. ~a new hobby, 9. The Stash

New bag, new bag!

2010-10-23T20:41:00.003+11:00

My beautiful sister in-law Erica made this amazing bag, I'm so in love with it. She has made it from fair-trade coffee sacks and material she sourced when she was in Kenya. So far I have managed to whack myself twice in the nose with the bell, I assure you this is not the fault of the bag, but merely proof of how un-coordinated I can be! Plus she is making them to raise money for TEAR Australia, it's all round fab!

Shell stitch beanie

2010-10-22T22:04:00.003+11:00

I crocheted a little beanie gift for a new little baby boy (a huge congratulations to L, A and A on their new baby O!). It's a little big for a new born, so I'm thinking it's always good to have something to 'grow into'! Pattern over here. It's a really straight forward pattern and super quick to make.

Fish and chips

2010-10-21T21:59:00.003+11:00

What a beautiful sunny day for a public holiday! Technically it's show day, but seeing as we weren't attending the show, what better way to spend it then to sit down on the beach and gorge ourselves on tasty (and unashamedly unhealthy) fish and chips.... mmm!

Kingston Beach, you are a winner!

Brooch

2010-10-20T19:55:00.003+11:00

The school I went to didn't allow jewellery, or makeup, or nail polish, or hair colours that were deemed un-natrual... I could go on, but it's a long list finishing with ribbons which had to be a regulation 1.5 cm wide. When I started at uni I was so excited to be able to wear jewellery, I got a few more piercings and coloured my hair regularly (I've never been much into makeup, but ribbons wider then 1.5cm... what a thrill!). It's funny how things come full circle, I rarely wear jewellery now, I don't like the sensation of nail polish and my hair is a la naturale, BUT, one thing I love are brooches. Love, love, love! Above are a few of my favourites.

It's a wrap!

2010-10-18T21:53:00.003+11:00

I've been getting amongst some sewing today, making some skirts for my two eldest nieces. The top picture is a double sided wrap skirt for a lovely little girl turning four (the opposite side is pink with white spots).

The skirt below shows the two sides of a wrap skirt for a smart cookie turning six. I made up two patterns to give each skirt a different look; one being cute and girly and the other starting to look more a-line and sophisticated (well, that was the idea anyway!).

I also managed to whip up a maternity skirt for myself out of the left-over fabric. It's amazing what you can get done when you haven't got a maniac soon to be two-year-old running around the house!

Note:: The madness didn't end with pre-washing my fabric either... I snipped threads as I went! I feel somewhat relieved that I made up my own pattern and didn't pin the fabric...phew!

De-stashing 2

2010-10-17T22:04:00.001+11:00

My fabric collection is not small, but not as large as it could be (I adore fabric, but I'm trying really hard to only buy it for a specific purpose and not just because it like it). I have a system which is supposed to prevent me from going overboard with my fabric fetish, whatever I can fit in my fabric box (a little bigger then a shoebox) and no more. Of course the problem is this only applies (in my mind) to my quilting fabrics and not to any other fabric (it's nice to have a loop-hole sometimes).

I entered fabric adulthood today, a place where I actually pre-wash fabric and iron it! I'm worried though, this might be the slippery slope towards pinning fabric when sewing, following patterns and snipping threads as I go... scary stuff!

De-stashing

2010-10-16T21:39:00.003+11:00

I've been working on a few hoarding issues today. I actually think I'm not too bad when it comes to hoarding, but then again, maybe it's because I think that, I actually do have a problem!

Above is an image of my T2 tea collection this time last year. I have been very good and not added to it myself at all (I have been given a few gifts from lovely folk though, yay!). I've been madly drinking them because A: tea doesn't last forever and B: I don't want to cart them all with me to Melbourne! I'm pleased to say I'm down to 6 open boxes and 3 unopened. There's hope for me yet!

I was having a quick look at what I was writing about this time last year in blogtoberfest and was totally blown away, I forgot my nursery had been on Design Sponge! Now I'm nerding out all over again!

The end of a era

2010-10-15T20:58:00.003+11:00

I'm a bit sad the lipton vanilla teabags have been discontinued. The husbeast and I have drunk many many of these over the last few years, good times. Also recently Bushells discontinued their instant tea, which was an integral part to my chai recipe!

...grumble, grumble.

Oh, bless

2010-10-14T19:54:00.002+11:00

Here is my completed blessing way square for Lauren. It was such a fun project! I really enjoyed having a go at embroidery, it's not perfect, but it is made with a lot of love.

Lauren sent out calico squares to be decorated with red and a wish for her little one due soon. I illustrated a few different designs, but this is the one I couldn't wait to bring alive. I am actually so happy with it I was thinking about doing one for my little baba on the way too!

We had a check-up today and our little baby is growing well with a strong heartbeat, I feel so thankful and blessed, I can't wait to meet her!

Self-portrait

2010-10-13T19:58:00.006+11:00

Phew! I needed a few days off, blogtoberfest was getting a bit much for me! After only two days away I have so many new things to show & tell you, but instead I thought I might play along with today's - self-portrait challenge.

I have found showing pictures of myself and my family in blogland a challenge. I think mainly because I worry about what happens to content once 'it's out there' and particularly for The Boy who has no ability to have a say in what I do with images of him, which make me feel uncomfortable. On the flip side I want to be open and honest about my life and the people in it.

How do you feel about sharing photos of yourself, family and friends?

Lovingly handmade No.3

2010-10-10T20:53:00.003+11:00

I've been meaning to write a lovingly handmade post for an age, so thank you blogtoberfest for getting me into gear!

The Boy's Auntie Erica is very talented at many things, one of them being crochet. She inspired me to pick up my very first hook and is a wonderful encouragement to me. She crocheted this cute keenie beanie for him and I think it looks adorable with the added bonus that he actually keeps it on his head for more then 10 seconds. Thank you Erica, we love it.

Buttons, buttons everywhere

2010-10-09T21:48:00.003+11:00

Thanks for the positive comments yesterday, I feel much better about the cardigan! I just need to sew on a button and el completeo!

Above is picture of my button collection, no wonder it took me so long to find the right wooden button!

The red cardigan

2010-10-08T21:21:00.003+11:00

A little while ago I had big plans to make small cardigans. So far I am way behind my target of three (2 of which would have needed to be finished in the next week or so, whoops!)

Today I was putting the finishing touches on the first cardigan, it was to be a delightful red and white number, but in reality looks suspiciously like a santa suit.

Any suggestions on how I could fix it? Scalloped edging? A white crochet flower? A different colour perhaps?

What every typography lover needs

2010-10-07T21:53:00.003+11:00

By the talented Marc Johns

Walktober

2010-10-06T19:48:00.003+11:00

There are a few parks within walking distance of my place and one of my favourites is Cascade gardens. Not only is there a fun little playground for The Boy, but also huge garden filled to the brim with hellebores, camelias, rhododendrons, cherry blossoms, daffodils and trees coming into leaf. I love the rolling hills of grass, the occasional duck, Mt Wellington towering above and the soft gurgling of the rivulet which runs through it all. This is a fabulous time of year (plus today was a balmy 24ºC!) to walk through the gardens but today it made me a little sad, I will miss it next year when we move to Melbourne. I'm trying my best to soak all the goodness in without letting myself worry about the future.

Here and now - it is lovely.

Foodie flickr faves

2010-10-05T22:46:00.001+11:00

1. blue eggs again.., 2. Figs, 3. Making a Cake, 4. sweet, 5. pretty little cookies, 6. 2 poires, 7. Coffee for one, 8. ., 9. Tomato No.1

On the mend

2010-10-04T20:56:00.003+11:00

It's always the way isn't it. You feel rotten all weekend and make an appointment to see the Doctor first thing Monday morning, then of course while you are in the waiting room you stop coughing, your ears unblock, your pounding headache disappears and you can speak again (symptoms may vary from person to person), by the time the Doctor calls you in, you can see the look of "fraud!". I find this particularly annoying when it happens with The Boy, "No really doctor, he was spiking a temp, he had a rash or a cough or some other symptom, I know he's bright as a button now, but you should have seen him an hour ago, I'm not making it up, I'm not an overprotective hypochondriac!". I should really be happy that we are all feeling better and I am! I vote no more colds or infections for the Adamczewski household!

We did have one brief excursion on the weekend to the church fair. We came home with a delicious orange and poppyseed cake, some knitted goodness and a retro lamp. I always have mixed feelings about buying knitted goodies from the church fair, on the one hand fabulously cheap, and on the other I get the guilts, little jumpers ($4) and booties ($1), I think that is too cheap. One of the other things I love is the freedom with colour, colours I would never put together always look so wonderful to me when they've been made with love.

A stitch in time

2010-10-03T19:57:00.004+11:00

Today I discovered embroidery is not like riding a bike.

It was a skill I learnt from my Mum growing up, but it has been many a year since I have picked up a needle and floss! With the help of diagrams and youtube I have been working away at the square I've designed for the lovely Lauren's upcoming blessingway. I can't wait to show you the finished piece (minus my attempt at french knots, does anyone else have trouble with those?).

Below the {seat}belt

2010-10-02T18:01:00.002+10:00

Yesterday we test drove a Hyundai ix35. It turns out it is not the car for us, however we were very amused (childishly sniggering) at the name up-side-down.

Home sweet home

2010-10-01T07:33:00.001+10:00

Welcome to my home! I've been taking photos for potential tenants today (we are moving to Melbourne in the new year, if anyone is looking for a 3 bedroom home in SoHo let me know!). There are many many things I would like to change (teal carpet, flowery curtains) but all in all I love the character of my 1950s home, it's a keeper. Below are some photos from previous posts about my place.

Happy Blogtoberfest everyone!

In love with ... Thomas Allen

2010-09-25T18:40:00.002+10:00

I think Thomas Allen's artwork is amazing, don't you!? I particularly love his photographs of sculptures made from vintage books. I was introduced to him a few years back by Chip Kidd when he came to wee little Hobart, as the international speaker for AGDA.

I hope you've had a lovely weekend so far. If you are a football fan in Australia, it was probably a bit of a stressful and disappointing today (the teams drew the grand final!!). Our household was barracking for The Saints, but I think (as my real team is Adelaide anyway) I would have prefered we lost. Sad but true, so see you next week Sports Fans (Scrubs reference for those of you playing at home), I'll be the one in the black, white and red.

PS. Did anyone see the Julia Gillard totally jinxed them at the Grand Final breakfast!? I can't believe she said, I don't know who to barrack for, just as long as it isn't a draw!

Images from here

First pass - faux pas

2010-09-21T21:32:00.002+10:00

Here are the first attempts at stencilling my designs onto t-shirts. Somewhat more precision was needed then stencilling I have done previously (in my delinquent days on the wild streets of Hobart). I also did the pea image, but, well, I don't want to talk about that (insert sad face). I think the first pass was a success and totally spruces up some plain tees ready for the balmy days of spring.

Goodbye ol' gal

2010-09-19T16:43:00.004+10:00

An era has passed and a new one has begun. My wonderful husbeast bought me a fabulous new laptop. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled, but I loved my (now seemingly little) 15" Macbook Pro, she was lovely. Alas she will be heading off to a new home soon, where no doubt she will be just as loved as she was here. It seems wrong to identify so well with a piece of machinery, but seeing as I spent time with her most days of the last 2.5 years and had my 'life' stored on her, I do feel a bit sad about deleting everything and returning her to factory settings. If you are ever thinking about buying a mac, I couldn't recommend them more. I know many people say it's all marketing, but the proof is in the pudding right? I never had any problems at all and she stills runs as fast today as she was bought (battery time is a bit worst and theres a little bit of electrical tape on the power-cord, but apart from that... she's apples)

So hello newbie, I'm looking forward to what we will create together.

I hope you've all had a fabulous weekend, I don't know about you, but I could totally go another weekend right now! Love to you and yours xx

The computer is mightier than the pen (& sword)

2010-09-16T21:29:00.007+10:00

Hand-eye coordination has never been one of my strong points. Yes, I was the little girl crying in the corner after getting hit in the face playing king-ball in primary school (which my teacher made us play everyday) I actually recall a sports teacher saying to me after one such incident *sarcastically* "does that hurt?" to which I replied * rudely* "what do you think?" and then she slapped me across the face - bet they don't get away with that these days!... anyway, I digress.

I have however mastered a few sports such as beach cricket and Pooh sticks, which is nothing to be sneezed at. Sadly when it comes to illustration my hand-eye coordination gets lost in translation. My mind has a perfect image but my hands are like lead and try as I might I am generally disappointed. I do love, love to illustrate on the computer though!

I made these little peas and telephone to be stenciled onto some baby t-shirts along with the fox.

Fox

2010-09-13T13:17:00.002+10:00

I drew this little fox a while ago for a screen-printing workshop. Sadly I wasn't able to go in the end and so my poor little fox has been locked away on my computer, but not for much longer! I've decided to stencil him on to a t-shirt for The Boy, fun on a bun!

The book is dead - long live the book

2010-09-10T21:38:00.004+10:00

I've been told that books and magazines will die out, but I'm not sure I believe it to be true. People (more then one person, not that I can remember who) have told me everything will become digitized and it's already happening. Technology - I'm a fan, but books? books are somethings else. They are beautiful objects within themselves. The printed and written word is humbling and powerful. I would miss them dearly. Before they die out I've been enjoying some bookshelf porn. Time for me to get off the computer and get up-close-and-personal with some pages, hope you are all having a wonderful weekend xx

Images from here and here

What's in a name

2010-09-09T15:04:00.000+10:00

I always thought picking a name for a child would be the funnest part of having a baby, that was of course until I fell pregnant. Wonderful opportunity - yes, huge responsibly - yes, fun... not-so-much.

We were still toying with about ten names right up until The Boy was delivered, but when we first saw him, we both knew instantly his name was Roman.

This time round it seems the stakes are even higher, not only do we want to pick a name we both love, one that reflects our heritage and personalities, one that doesn't compete with our epic-ly long (Polish) surname and one that I can scream across the playground without embarrassing myself or my child, but also one which fits with our growing identity as a family.

Maybe I'm reading too much into it all, but I think that our names are so much a part of us and possibly effect our growing and developing personalities. My maiden name was Rebecca Wilson, Rebecca was the most popular name in the year of my birth and so 'we' were everywhere, in college I was actually in a class with another Rebecca Wilson! Blair (my husband) on the other-hand had an unusual name for the time. I think we had very different experiences as a result of our names.

Here are a few name sites I have been perusing:

What a lovely name

Name berry

Nymbler

I suppose we can always go with 'Moon Unit' if all else fails...

Unisex - to colour or not to colour

2010-09-08T20:44:00.007+10:00

On my to-do-list of about '99 crafty projects I want to complete before baby arrives' are three of these cardigans. One for Baba ghanoush (our little one on the way) and 2 for friends with bundles so imminent I barely have time to pick up my hook and say 'cross your legs!'. Above is the colour combo I picked for baby Poppet, who turned out to be a lovely little girl, not that I knew that when I made it, but I still think the colours a quite fitting for either a girl or boy.

What do you think about unisex colours? Traditional lemon yellow? Pasels? Brights? Naturals?

Tomorrow

2010-09-01T14:16:00.005+10:00

The Tomorrow when the war began series first came out when I was in primary school and had a huge influence on how my reading preferences developed over the years (I still love to read books set in war time). Sadly by the time the last few in the series were released, I had lost momentum/interest (reading wise, they are aimed at a young teenage audience). I decided last week to re-read the series including the last 2 which I had never read (I can't believe I waited 15 years from reading the first book to finding out what happened in the end!) I really loved the series as a kid, as I mentioned they are aimed at younger readers, however, I still enjoyed the series at this age (although I wouldn't recommend reading them all in one go! 7 in 6 days! Phew!). The movie of the first book comes out tomorrow (here is the trailer) I'm generally in the camp of - books are better then the movies made of them - but I must admit I'm looking forward to seeing it!

26

2010-08-27T15:53:00.004+10:00

I turned 26 a few weeks ago. My wonderful husbeast and boy gifted to me this amazing Cat Rabbit fox from the Rainy days exhibition at Cube. I can honestly say that I don't feel too old, or too young, I feel just right (like Goldilocks!). When I was a teenager, it was all about what I could do once I was 16 or 18 or an adult... when I met Blair it was all about when he might ask me to marry him, buying a house, having children, always waiting for then next big thing.

Now I regularly make a conscience decision to enjoy what I have for now and not be so focused on the future that I miss the present, easier said then done of course, but I think I'm getting better at it (I hope I am). I still have day dreams about things I'd like for the future and they are very important to me, but enjoying today for what it is - totally awesome.

Minor rant

2010-08-22T19:52:00.004+10:00

The election ... I don't want to go on about it, but I do have a minor rant.

Facebook has really made this election unpleasant for me, I think everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I'm not really impressed with open and explicit generalisations of 'everyone is an idiot if you don't agree with me" type status updates or "friends don't let friends vote for .....", Another loathe is the "if such-and-such gets in, I'm leaving the country". I had the right and responsibility to vote towards the outcome of one electorate out of 150, as did all eligible Australians and by our powers combined there is a hung parliament, I just can't listen to anymore whinging on Facebook, everyone had their say when they voted, now please, can we have a little shush? Facebook isn't the place, if you want to have a rant - get a blog.

It is so nice to confide in you xx

A lovely and generous gal

2010-08-22T19:10:00.004+10:00

How lucky am I!? The gorgeous Sally has sent me a beautiful package in the mail, above is a few images of what she sent, all so lovely and even more that I haven't shown. Thank you so much Sally, I am blown away and feel totally spoilt and happy.

Pre-spring clean

2010-08-14T22:02:00.003+10:00

We've been pre-spring cleaning at our place. Here is a collection garbage bags full of sheets, towels, blankets and clothing awaiting the journey to their new lives via Salvos. I feel a bit embarrassed how easy it is to, A: accumulate so much stuff and B: know that I will hardly miss it. It seems as though things have been tight for the op-shops around here, most of them have signs, desperate for donations of goods. I suppose as we all tighten our purse strings, things get even tighter for charities that depend on giving. Plus thrifting is all the rage these days (I'd just like to say I did it before all the cool kids were, wink!), so higher demand too.

We've had a very dry winter here, but a few nights ago there was an almighty down pour (like a months rainfall in 12 hours!) and all I could think of was how lucky I was to be able to sleep in my comfy, warm bed, while others less fortunate had to sleep outside in the cold, wind and rain.

I'm sorry, I'm really not trying to preach, I just wanted to share what has been on my heart.

I encourage you to have a good ol' clear out, the money raised from selling your donations supports fantastic things like this and this, alternatively making a direct donation. Don't you love the feeling of walking past a cupboard, not even having to look in it to know that it is clean and tidy? I do.

I hope you are having a lovely weekend xx

I'm so crafty...

2010-08-10T09:31:00.004+10:00

...I make people

Good news everyone, baby number two is on it's merry little way into our world! I've been thinking about these verses from Psalm 139

:: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well::

The imagery of the little one being knitted and created, is a beautiful one to me. The husbeast asks me what I've been up to for the day "Oh, just growing bones and lungs and tiny fingernails" I say, no wonder I feel so utterly zonked! Our little Baba Ganoush is due in February.

In other news, Blair passed his big clinical exam! He has been studying for the last 18months, staying late at work, going away to conferences etc. All his hard work has been to become an advanced trainee for Physician training (to become a consultant geriatrician (old people doctor) for those of you playing at home). Well done Blair, you are my hero! Now things should de-stress-ify at our place, well, accept of course that we are moving to Melbourne and having a baby in the same month (good timing, I know!)!

Image is of The Boy (Roman) 21 week scan

Things making me happy

2010-07-28T20:39:00.002+10:00

- Cheap and cheery bunch of jonquils

- A chat with my sister this morning

- Camellias from my Mum's garden

- Looking at old photographs

- The kind lady at the supermarket who offered to park my trolley for me while I was struggling to get my octopus into his car seat.

- A giggling little boy (who is now sound asleep)

- Cuddles and kisses with the husbeast (who seems less stressed about his exam, for which I am both happy and grateful)

- Going to bed early (well in about 10 mins from now!) in the knowledge that I love and am loved.

... and finding this precious moment to share my happiness with you. I hope that there has been happiness in your day too. xx

While the cat's away

2010-07-26T16:18:00.003+10:00

Well in this case the 'cat' is my sewing machine and the 'mice'... crochet. Oh it's so nice to be in-touch with my yarnier side again! I'm starting a little blanket project using the centre round from one of Jan Eaton's books (200 squares). The plan is to make it in yellow, cream and grey and work on only one colour at a time... good plan (well, I'm hoping it means I will get it finished anyway). So far I have 20 little happy yellow squares, this baby will be done in no time :)

Rudey nudey

2010-07-19T20:34:00.004+10:00

I've been looking for an easel for The Boy for a while. I'm not a big fan of plastic branded things which are the easiest to find, and not prepared to pay $120 plus for a lovely wooden one, so settled instead for a dooer-upper from the local tip shop for $4. Yes, it's covered in paint, chalk, stickers and an odd arty nude skillfully hidden under a train magnet, but after a good clean - it's come up as-good-as-new.

No doubt by the time The Boy is done, it may be sporting another naughty masterpiece, but I can only hope with a doctor for a father, that the anatomy will be a little more accurate. Two penis' and one testicle - well, he looks pretty happy.

Lentil love

2010-07-15T13:58:00.001+10:00

Do you have a favourite recipe that your partner/kids/flatmates dislike? I adore my hearty red lentil soup but my husbeast is dead against it (apparently it tastes like ground up hippies?) I certainly don't think of lentils as being hippy food, but a total deliciousness personified in lentil form. Maybe he'll come around one day, but lentil then, more for me!

Hearty red lentil soup

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cumin

250g dried red lentils

2 tablespoons of chicken stock powder

2-3 litre of water (alternatively you could omit the stock powder and use real stock)

2 x 400g tins of diced tomatoes

Fry off diced onion in butter :: add ginger and cumin, stirring until fragrant :: add rinsed lentils, chicken stock, water and tomatoes :: simmer until lentils are cooked through (but not mushy) :: yum

I had one of my long awaited wishes granted to me this week via this recipe. I love to cook food for people and I always had a needy desire for someone to love what I made them so much they asked for the recipe, whoop whoop.. I feel fulfilled and happy, thanks friend, you know who you are xx

EDIT:: I just published this post and realised the image looks suspiciously spew like, I assure you this is more about my photography skills then it is about the soup.

Pillow talk swap.. Round 3 received!

2010-07-12T20:59:00.002+10:00

I got my pillow talk swap cushion in the mail the other week and thought I'd share it with you. Made by the lovely scrapstudio - Kelly.

I've decided this is the last swap I'll partake in for a while, I love swapping, but am going to focus on some stuff closer to home. So many awesome tutorials, sew little time..,

Daphne

2010-07-09T21:46:00.001+10:00

My Mother planted a daphne around the time I was born and I distinctly remember her threatening it every year (death by axe) until I was about 12. This is because it failed to flower (this situation has now been righted and it flowers profusely, obviously it's survival instincts kicked in) So you can imagine my surprise and delight that the daphne I planted a mere 2 years ago has flower buds.. maybe daphne's behave themselves better these days? I'm very excited indeed, I think they have a beautiful scent.

Twins - oh snap!

2010-07-08T13:55:00.003+10:00

My friend is having identical twin girls very, very soon, how exciting! I thought a semi-matching outfit with a 90's catch phrase would be fun on a bun. Not that it shows up very well in the photo, but the letters are red and gold spotty fabric, appliqued and hand-stitched.

Quarantine

2010-07-07T10:01:00.004+10:00

It feels like we've had the plague at our place. First The Boy with some kind of cough, snotty gastro blarg and then Blair with some repeating curry (no such thing as a free lunch, I tell you that!) I've not caught the bug, nor had the food poisoning but have been ill in sympathy for the other two. Unfortunately sight, sound and smell don't do much for my constitution, but I am happy to say we are all better now.

As a result of our time in quarantine I think a walk in the sun is just the ticket, happy Wednesday to all xx

Yummy lemons thanks to Bruce and Suzanne

in absentia

2010-06-30T16:03:00.003+10:00

In absence of anything I have made to share with you (also I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while), here is some amazing work by Jim Denevan.

via all the mountains

Pillow talk swap.. round 3 finished

2010-06-25T20:35:00.003+10:00

Blaaarg - I've been sick this week with the winter sniffles. I've noticed it's been going around blogland, lots of people seem to have had a rough few weeks. If you've been feeling poorly, I really feel for you, it's no fun at all, I hope you feel better soon! I will be downing lots of lemon, honey and ginger hot zingy drinks in an attempt to rid myself of germs, and if that doesn't work at least it will be delicious!

I finished off my pillow talk swap cushion this week and popped it in the post to go to a mysterious location. I really did enjoy making the hexies, I hope my partner likes it!

I hope you have a super wonderful weekend!

Produce bags

2010-06-22T09:32:00.002+10:00

While we are on the subject of birthday sewing, I made some netting produce bags for my brother in-law Ben. I will be very interested to hear if they work or if they are a bit of a flop, as I've not used (or made) them before. The idea is that they are light and transparent like their plastic counterparts, but can be used again and again. I also read that netting allows airflow around the produce which keeps it fresh for longer?? I have a bit of netting left over, so I might have to make a few more and give them a burl!

A comfy owl

2010-06-18T20:41:00.003+10:00

I made this little owl cushion for Erica's birthday. It's made from vintage fabric she had lovingly collected and gifted to me for Christmas. I especially love the velour blue fabric with foxes (or they might be kittens) inside hearts, lovely.

In love with ... Kseniya Simonova

2010-06-15T21:13:00.002+10:00

Wow, this is amazing. Kseniya Simonova won the 2009 Ukraine's Got Talent with her beautiful sand animation. Golly, talented indeed!

Ink calendar

2010-06-10T20:05:00.003+10:00

This year is flying by, don't you think? I wish I had this awesome ink calendar to keep track of the days, beautifully designed by Oscar Diaz. The ink absorbs day by day into the paper by capillary action, amazing.

via here

Things to do

2010-06-07T21:57:00.003+10:00

I went to see the Southern Gospel Choir with my Mum on the weekend at St Davids Cathedral. Wowee, what a show! I've been to the cathedral many, many times, but never seen it lit up like this (both as in light and in spirit). This photo doesn't really do the lighting show justice (or the music for that matter!) A lovely way to spend a chilly winter evening.

Too cute!

2010-06-04T20:15:00.003+10:00

I know I'm not the only one who love, love, loves owls (and birds in general!) and how adorable is this brooch!? Very, very I say! It's made by the box full of birds, see the shop for more lovely cuteness. (I also adore the fox brooch)

Hexie progress

2010-06-02T12:26:00.002+10:00

It's nice getting back to basics, by this I mean hand-sewing (it's been a while!) I've sewn most of these together now (while watching The Pacific, have you seen it? It's amazing and full on) English paper piecing is actually more straight forward then I thought it would be, just very time consuming. I'm not sure how I'm going to turn it into a cushion though, thoughts?

Handsome hexies

2010-05-30T21:14:00.004+10:00

So I am trying my hand at a bit of hexagon (english paper piecing) action for my next PTS cushion. After totally falling in love with my UHG swap hexagon loveliness from my very clever partner, I thought I'd extend myself with a new skill (also my sewing machine is out of action, so a bit of handpiecing is the way to go if I'm going to finish it in time!). So far so good, but am getting a bit of an inkling that I may have bitten off a little more then I can chew! I am using this fab tutorial (PDF). What I'm loving about all these swaps (apart from receiving awesome stuff!) is it is pushing me to try new things! (and furthermore I actually have to finish the projects!)

Genius.

Beautiful image by turning*turning here

Crafterwork - crafternoon at Fullers

2010-05-28T10:15:00.004+10:00

I had a lovely time last night crafting - Crafterwork was a one off event between crafternoon and xyz. We made kusudamas from old books, drank tea and ate some tasty CWA cakey goodness. I love to meet people who get excited over craft, we had a huge turn out (especially for such a cold evening!). Thanks to everyone who came along, I hope you had as much fun as me!

{Urban} swap received

2010-05-24T21:28:00.009+10:00

Yet again I am the luckiest duck! My partner in the {urban} home good swap sent me these beautiful place-mats and coasters, they are absolutely perfect! I adore the mix of charcoal, greens and yellows. The little hexagons are too cute! I've never had a go at hexies, but after recieving this fab swap, I feel really inspired. Thanks so much Kellie, they will be loved.

PS. This is my 200th post, woot woot!

Winners are grinners

2010-05-22T17:15:00.003+10:00

I hope so anyway! Congratulations to Sally (a crochet acorn will be coming your way), Vic (a vintage illustration) and Beck (a vintage illustration too, I decided they were more fun then making cards, I hope you don't mind)

Thank you everyone who entered!

Above is a secret squirrel pincushion for a certain someone from Kate's pincushion swap who missed out, yay!