Friday, December 21, 2007

Thank you Dad!


I didn't peek, I promise.
My Dad has bought me a Gocco PG-5 kit for Christmas. I know because I ordered, picked it up and wrapped it up for under the tree.
I've just been following all the links on the DIY Definitions: Print Gocco page trying to get a heads up and I can see I am going to have so much fun with this present.....only 4 more sleeps.

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and hope that 2008 brings everyone much joy, happiness and renewed creativity. Thanks for stopping by (I'm sorry my postings have been a little light on....however next year, well.....I, myself, will definitely be back with renewed vigor after a lovely summer break spent with friends and family). See you all in 2008! xxoxx

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Finally Framed



I've finally had my lovely knitty knitty print framed. It was given to me as a birthday present back in September 06 and I'd promptly tucked it away in a safe spot while we moved. Then completely forgot about it in all the chaos. Until, that is, I was reading through the Bloesem Weekend Reads '...wish gifts'. It felt like my birthday all over again discovering this little gem by Ashley G. Thank you Ladle.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Owl Crazy


I've gone a little owl crazy and I didn't even compute this, until I'd pressed the 'pay now' button over at the Enna Etsy store. I couldn't resist it. I originally went to Enna store to check out her gorgeous matryoshka wrapping paper but ended up with a onesize! I'm blaming it on the fact that I have an awful summer cold and my head is all clogged up.
I Took The Handmade Pledge! BuyHandmade.org
Take the Handmade Pledge and buy handmade this Christmas, it's a while lot of fun (and seriously addictive).

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Early Summer Sun


It must be the early summer sun that's making me go crazy for all these beautiful colours. These ceramic pieces are by New York artsist Lorena Barrezueta. She's 27, beautiful and incredibly talented. What a wonderful combination.
Lorena hopes to challenge our idea of 'quality, value and high end design' with her porcelain interpretations of disposable food containers. The pieces above are from her 'fresh' collection. However, the 'classic' & 'lush' collections are pretty special too.

Mes Textiles



I came across to this website thanks to the Ladle who is in love with the patchwork cushions by Mes. I myself love this table. Take a look at the other amazing objcets from this quirky Dutch company. You could fill a whole house with these fantastic colours.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Bride & Wolfe



I bought a new mobile for the nursery last week at the Magnolia Square market. It is made by Bride & Wolfe and I just couldn't resist the Mummy & Baby owl....so sweet. This photo was taken looking into the nursery which is in the process of being painted. I think the mobile will eventually hang above the change table to entertain baby.
The gorgeous Bride & Wolfe mobiles are made in Melbourne and can also be found at Douglas & Hope; and Moss.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

The book book


I came across this book via the Soul Mama blog. It by Sophie Benini Pietromarchi and it's simply called The Book Book. The book invites children to explore bookmaking using everyday objects. It has a dedicated section on book construction with a practical workbook as well as a visual exploration into craft that will apparently appeal to children, educators and booklovers.

It so appeals to me. I think a copy is definitly in order for my Christmas stocking!

You can buy it from Amazon or Tara Publishing, an Indian publishing house that also offer free shipping worldwide and gift wrap the items in sreenprinted handmade paper. What could be better?

Monday, November 19, 2007

Villa Mulberry Christmas Fair

The popular Villa Mulberry Christmas Fair is on again this week.
With the opening tonight, Monday 19th. Beat the heat and head down there for a cooling glass of champagne, served between 5pm and 8.30. Or else, be quick to snap up all your Christmas gifts early this year & drop in between 9am and 5pm on Tues 20th or Wed 21st.

There will be valet parking for prams and a toybox inside to keep children entertained while you shop.

When: Mon 19th Nov – 5pm to 8.30pm, Tues 20th or Wed 21st Nov – 9am to 5pm

Where: Villa Mulberry, Cnr Shipley St & Punt Rd, South Yarra (Melways: 58 C2)

Here's a list of all the amazing people you'll find there:

www.walnutmelbourne.com
www.illustrata.com.au
www.elkaccessories.com.au
www.libeco.com
www.entre-deux-mondes.com
www.fineartportraits.com.au
www.townmouse.com.au
www.renee.com.au
www.oliverandcoco.com.au

Friday, November 16, 2007

A new pattern


I recently received the Denise Schmidt newsletter and can't get her new "Single Girl" quilt pattern out of my mind. I think it's going to be my next quilting project.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

holidays & all things beautiful


Johanna Basford Design, Hand printed Cuckoo wallpaper.


My apologies for such a long absence. I've been away in Sydney taking a little holiday with my family. Sydney was as lovely as ever. We did lots of walking along beautiful beach fronts and the weather was just perfect. We also managed another meal at Fratelli Paradiso and it certainly lived up to all of my longings. Mmmmmmm, it really is a must.
Before I left, I received a parcel in the post from my lovely friend Jo, in London (yippeee, congratulations Jo & Fish!!!). It was a copy of 'Origin - The London Craft Fair at Somerset House' catalogue. It's chock full of incredible artists like Johanna Basford, I'm in love with her hand printed wallpaper; Laura Marsden, who makes delicate lace wallpieces and accessories out of waste plastic and Sarah Grove, who makes hand built porcelain which mimics stuffed upholstered padding. There are so many incredible artists in this catalogue that I think I'll slowly work my way through exploring each one and post a new artist to share each week.

I hope you're having a great week. xox

Friday, November 2, 2007

Felted cushions


I love these felted cushions over at Martha Stewart's Cozy Craft corner. She has a number of other great craft projects there like the Quilted Coaster Set from Joelle Hoverson's "Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts" book. Which I blogged about a few posts back.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Jaxon's Quilt


Things have been rather quiet around these parts lately. Life seems to be taking up much more of my time. My mind is always racing with new projects and I am still as productive, it's just that I don't get the time to sit down and write about it as often. Oh well, I'm thinking that's a good thing?!
I have finished little Jaxon's baby quilt! It's a perfect size for pre-rolling and for a stroller. It was all machine stitched and relatively fast to finish...the fastest quilt I've ever made, that's for sure. The quilt on the right below, also a baby quilt, took the longest time ever to make. It's all hand pieced in a crazy made up maze like configuration and hand quilted. I don't know what I was thinking.

Now for my next project, new blinds for the middle room....soon to be nursery. I'm going to use the pattern posted by Two Straight Lines here.

I am also going to ask the L.F's mum if she'd mind knitting up one of these. How gorgeous! oh, and how about this.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Crackpot


I was given a copy of this Crackpot 2008 Calendar recently for my birthday from my friend Julsie. It's features 53 incredible illustrations by different artists (there is a week to a page). I am in love with it and every time I flick through it I come across another illustration i want to pop into a frame and stick on my wall.
I like Stephen Kelleher, from Frankenstyles, 'Change your mind' and check out the Japanese site by Nicopop, it's lovely.
You can buy yourself a copy from Amazon or I do know that The Brunswick Street Bookstore have it in stock.

Speaking of good bookstores, has anyone been to the Coventry Books, in South Melbourne? Their kids room is amazing. You could get lost in there for hours.

Monday, October 22, 2007


I was introduced to the delights of the Hippeastrum last year when we were given one by the L.F's grandmother, as a house warming present.
This year our Hippeastrum has bloomed and now we have two new bulbs and at present three of these glorious flowering trumpets. I find it such a treat to walk out into our garden at this time of year and spy new growth. Spring, for me, really is such a magical time. So, I thought I'd share it with you.



I started work on this quilt top on Friday. It's for friends of ours, who had a baby boy last week. I'm impressed with my progress. There's nothing like a quiet weekend away to finish off craft jobs, especially if the sun don't shine... (it was 18 degrees in Lorne and 34 in Melbourne...go figure, Lorne seems to have a micro climate of it's own).
This morning I've been off to Spotlight to purchase the backing fabric and batting. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I haven't made up my mind, Spotlight were having a massive "20% off Sale Today Only". The queues were quite another thing. It was almost as bad as the Myer Stocktake Sale in there.
Now it's time to finish my quilt and get myself organised for gocco printing with Anna tomorrow. I can't wait.

Oh yes, while I remember two new blogs I've come across which I thought were worth a mention are Two straight lines and Rummage. You may already know them but to me they're new friends. xox

Thursday, October 18, 2007

more is good


It's been a productive week. Even though the L.F. has been home sick most of the week I seem to have managed just as much work (if not more) than usual.

These are some things I've been working on. More bags, more chibi rabbits and more of my needlepoint WIP (sorry for the crooked shot!). For a closer look take a peek at my Flickr.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Bag lady


Here is one of the bags I made this weekend at Patchwork on Central Park. To take a peek at the other two...check out my flickr. This one is made from an Amy Butler fabric with a wool lining and bias I made from polka dot fabric. It's totally reversable too.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Last Minute Gifts.



These two quilts are from the new book out, by Joelle Hoverson, Last Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts.
I'm inspired to start a new quilt after a weekend of sewing at Patchwork on Central Park. I took a bag making course there this weekend and have come away with 3 new lovely bags and loads of ideas for Christmas presents (I'll post photos of them soon...my camera battery is currently dead). The fabric choices at Patchwork on Central Park are mind blowing, so thankfully the staff are just so helpful at selecting fabric with you, or I think I'd still be wondering around in a daze.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Greeting Card download


Jessica at How about orange has a fantastic tree greeting card for us to download here. So there's no excuse, or running down to the shop, for that impromtu card ....just print and post. I love it.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Happy Birthday Tom


This is an elephant I finished off today as part of my little friend Tom's 1st birthday present. I haven't passed it on yet...so Lisa..if you see this before Tom does...shhhhhhh.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Apple & Eve


I received this sweet parcel in the post from Germany yesterday. It came from Eva over at Apple & Eve. It was so beautifully wrapped... I didn't want to untie it. The wrapping was hand stitched with lovely wool and the thank you card....ohhhh.



This delightful bird was inside. He's even more delicate and beautiful than I imagined. You can see more of Eva's creations (there are birds, bunnies & kitties) over at her Etsy Store. Thank you Eva, I really do love him! xo

Monday, October 8, 2007

Miss Woolly's x-stitch brooch


For those of you who haven't been over to check out what Miss Woolly is up to recently, I highly recommend a visit to her etsy store. These beautiful, individually made cross stitch brooches are to die for. You'll also find some gorgeous magnet sets there that'll brighten up your fridge life.

Friday, October 5, 2007

Spacecraft


Oh la la we bought a new Spacecraft bedcover today from Nest, in South Melbourne. I can't wait to jump under those covers tonight.
I've been a big fan of Stweart Russell's work for a long time now...(as are moda muse).
Take a look at the clothing range it's pretty special too.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Turkey & Softies by Tania Ho


This is a photo from Tania Ho's Flickr set of Turkey. I've been following her trip closely and the detail she has captured on her travels is incredible. Take a look for yourself here. I can't wait to see more.



Tania is also a talented crafter with a huge set of softies to inspire, if Turkey is not your thing.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Hand made goodness.



Yesterday was my birthday and I was totally spoilt. Thank you to everyone who made it such a special day.
So, so much goodness was received..(I wont list all the goodness here) however a couple of pressies too good not to mention, especially for us crafters are...... the above hand made and hand dyed Elissa Coleman top, a beautiful pair of verre newyork "let them wear glass" earrings (take a look at the gorgeous rings too) and a delicate hand embroidered Megan Park top. Thank you, they softened the blow of turning another year older! All three items are so beautifully hand crafted. I'll take great delight in wearing each one.

Friday, September 28, 2007

New projects


This is a little Chibi Rabbit I made yesterday using this pattern found over at My Little Mochi. Now i'd like to make a row of them and fill them with different mediums so they make interesting sounds.

Below is a work in progress. I started this needlepoint yesterday and I'm making it up as I go along. I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'm really happy with the colours too.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Couture Party Frocks


This dress reminds me of my friend Jo. It's part of the V&A's Golden Age of Couture Paris & London 1947-1957 collection. The exciting thing is....they even have a free pattern for it available in PDF form right here. I'd like to pop it on and dance around singing songs from The Sound of Music. Is that weird?

PS. If The Sound of Music isn't your thing check out Eliza at Miss Woolly's latest find, Last.fm the social music revolution. It's addictive.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Pillow talk


This is my new bag, whipped up in a flash yesterday, using an old pillow case. I got the idea from none other than, the beloved....Martha Stewart, herself. Check out her directions here. It takes no time at all and makes a perfect summer bag to fling over the shoulder and head to the beach with. Oh, the excitement of summer is building.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Felt Cuisine



I am loving this Felt Cuisine by Japanese born, Melbourne artsist Hiromi Hughes. Hiromi studied fashion design in Japan but her passion for design has grown since having children. She loves to make them imaginative toys and inspire their playtime with her whimsical creations. You can now buy the wonderful fisrt edition of her e-book "Felt Cuisine - Cakes by Design" here...and start making your very own.

While we're on the topic of food and craft take a look at these gorgeous cake pin cushions by Lapin and Me. Mmmmmmm, sweet as.

PS. I just found this set of cup cakes by Yellow Label Kids and available at Quiet Hours Toys. I really want them.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Snakin' around


I made this snakey friend over the weekend out of old wool scraps. I got the idea from an old Womens Weekly Knitting with Squares Craft book, which my Nanna lent me. The idea of the book is to make projects entirely out of squares sewn togehter. Simple. No increasing or decreasing, which I love.
Now that I have the toy buzz I came across the new Knitty this morning and they have a pattern by Anna from Mochimochi Land for these gorgeous Woodins. They look a little more involved than Snakey but feakin cute.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Fratelli Paradiso


I'm back from Sydney after a mini break of sunshine, shopping and exploring....(in all honesty I didn't do quite as much exploring as I intended but I loved it all the same). I did do lots of eating, reading, lolling about in the sunshine, walking and...did I say eating?
My favorite thing on the trip was a dinner at Fratelli Paradiso, in Potts Point. Everything was amazing..the wine, service, food, atmopsphere....we stumbled across it quite by chance and ended up sitting at a table next to, Steve & Alison, two food writers who assured us it was there new favorite Sydney restaurant.....and now, it's mine too.


Now that I've also caught the shopping bug Spanish crafter Kup Kup has just listed some new brooches in her etsy store and I'm thinking I want the Dear.


I have my eye on these too. They are availabe at the good-ness etsy store and apparently ship from Japan within 3 days.

I love a holiday and I love staying in hotels (especially ones that have Aveda bathroom products!) but I also love to come home again. I really do love our home and our city.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Coccon Couture



After my recent foray into ottoman making I thought I'd try my hand at bean bags....however, I came across these from Cocoon Couture I fell in love with them. They are Australian made, with a huge list of stockists and at $129.95ea I figure it's cheaper just to buy one.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Knitted news



These fantastic knitted sweaters are made and designed in Turkey. "News Knitter converts information gathered from the daily political news into clothing. Live news feed from the Internet that is broadcasted within 24 hours or a particular period is analyzed, filtered and converted into a unique visual pattern for a knitted sweater. The system consists of two different types of software: whereas one receives the content from live feeds the other converts it into visual patterns, and a fully computerized flat knitting machine produces the final output. Each product, sweater of News Knitter is an evidence/result of a specific day or period."
Take a look at their other designs here.


After visiting a friends newborn baby yesterday, the gorgeous Eva, I've gone mad for these incredible hanging cribs. Made by Knoppa, you can purchase them from Tiny Dodo.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Syders


COLLECT, Finely Crafted objects for life.

I am off to Sydney next week for three days of discovery. While I'm there I'll be visiting a few of my old favorites Planet Furniture, Chee Soon & Fitzgerald, MCA, Object Gallery and hoping to discover many more gems along the way. I'm also looking forward to taking a stroll down King St in Newtown and Yum Cha in China town - I think I'll need more than 3 days at this rate.
I may have to follow in the footsteps of Alan, 93, who is mapping the streets of Sydney by foot. Check out his wonderful website here. That's dedication. I love it.

It's been a few years since my last trip to Sydney so, if you have any great shops, galleries or cafe's for me to discover please drop me a note in the comments. I'll be staying in Darlinghurst.

Monday, September 3, 2007

Softie Podcast


This weeks CRAFT Pattern Podcast: is this gorgeous tree by Lynda Lye. It's a feature pattern from the new book Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals. The book also includes patterns from crafters we've all come to love such as Heidi Kenney of My Paper Crane, Hillary Lang of Wee Wonderfuls, Cassi Griffith of Bella Dia, and lots more!

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Patchwork potholder


This little patchwork pot holder tutorial is another great way to use up fabric scraps. I have a pile of left over fleece from my quilting (recommended by an experienced quilter instead of batting. It's easier to manage...and very warm. I must say, I'm converted), so I'll use that again here to line the pot holder.
I love getting rid of all my scraps. It means I can go out and restock with a whole lot of new exciting fabric and a trip to Patchwork On Central Park.
A big thank you to lindamade who put the tutorial together.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Brunschwig & Fils




I was lucky enough to come across a pile of Brunschwig & Fils fabric recently which I've put to good use making Amy Butler Gum Drop Pillows (are you bored of them yet? I think I'm slightly obsessed)...
The first, you'll see below, as I blogged about it yesterday and #2, the lush apricot corduroy ottoman is here. If you have a chance to visit the amazing Brunschwig & Fils showroom...where else but in High St, Armadale...do, as it's truely mind blowing.