66 Stitches

Cupcakes anyone?

2011-05-15T13:46:00.001+10:00

Crayons ready to go into the oven, a photo by Stupendous Joy on Flickr.

These cupcake crayons were a brilliant rainy day activity on Friday. We managed to use up all of our broken crayons and turn them into incredibly bright and beautiful cupcakes. Cooking is high on our 'pretend' activity list at the moment so these coulourful treats really managed to fit the bill. I found the idea over at Artful Adventures.

Shed a little light

2011-05-11T17:39:00.001+10:00

Hello there, It's been a while, I know. For some reason I felt like a change... a fresh start. A new way of looking really. So I've set up camp over at Stupendous Joy ('Stupendous' because it makes me laugh and 'Joy' to remind me to see it... in the everydayness of things). I'm still tinkering away over there getting things right but you're welcome to pop by and say hello.
See you there. xox

Revelling in roadside finds

2010-08-29T07:36:00.001+10:00

I picked three of these great orange vinyl chairs up off the side of the road during the week. I was so pleased and young Z was sitting in the back saying 'look mum, we found chairs' while I stacked them into the car around him.
After an impromptu trip to Ikea on Friday I decided to cover them in this Maria Astrom print.
I'm really pleased with the end result. 1 down, 3 to go.

Hope you are having a lovely weekend. 66 xx

Started back in 1982

2010-08-06T16:38:00.001+10:00

My brother dropped off a box he found when clearing out my parents house recently. I only just sat to rummage through it today and found this cross stitch I started back in Grade 6. It brings back such fond memories..., but I must confess, the back is very untidy and about 1cm think with tangled thread.

Thanks for popping in, 66 xx

Spring on my sill

2010-08-03T19:20:00.003+10:00

Hope is eternal. These little flowers restored my faith this morning. Spring is coming.

I came across these words today and they too gave me hope and made me smile.

Young souls learn to accept responsibility for their actions.
Mature souls learn to accept responsibility for their thoughts.
And old souls learn to accept responsibility for their happiness.

66 xx

1950's gem

2010-08-02T15:34:00.001+10:00

We recently inherited this fantastic 1950's couch from The LF's step father. He's downsized his Melbourne pad due to spending more time at their beloved Merton country house. The couch is quite seriously sun damaged and in need of some serious TLC but I'm excited about bringing this gem back to life.

Here's a pic of Z, fresh out of bed (note the sleeping suit), helping me polish up the timber with my incredible French polishing recipe. You can almost feel is letting out a sigh of relief as it soaks up the oil. 'ohhh, ahhhh, thank you' it seemed to be saying but maybe that's just because I was delirious with joy!
Cheerio, 66 xx

The Emperor's Red Slippers

2010-07-30T12:54:00.003+10:00

These sweet booties are a present for a teeny tiny baby, Miles. Miles is the new brother of one of Z's playgroup buddies, Sonny. I stitched them out of red felt, with blue lining. The buttons are from a stash I keep in my late grandmothers old baking tin.

Wish us luck. We are having dinner tonight with a few of Z's friends (and their parents) at Mr Wolf. It'll be a wild, crazy sort of affair. Deep breathes and a glass of wine will be in order.
Hopefully, you're not on the table next to us!!

Thanks for popping in & enjoy your weekend, 66 xx

Buttermilk scarf

2010-07-28T18:36:00.001+10:00

Last week I developed a craving for a yellow scarf. It was one of those cravings I just really couldn't ignore. Then, upon realising we were only half way through winter I decided it was DEFINITELY required to ease the dreariness of what seems to me an endless Melbourne winter. After a quick trip to Spotlight and two skeins of wool later I was on my to producing this scarf. Knitted in my favorite stitch, moss stitch.

Thanks for popping in, 66 xx

Silver linings

2010-07-28T13:00:00.001+10:00

This is a little mobile I made, last night, for a friend who is facing a few challenges at the moment.
I'm hoping it helps to bring some strength and encouragement....... every cloud has a silver lining.

Thanks for popping in, 66 xx

Roadside pickup

2010-07-16T13:48:00.001+10:00

My latest chair. This one was actually found on the road side. It was spotted by a friend on his way to work. He texted a photo & the location.. So, Z and I hot tailed it down there in the car to pick it up.

The smell, or dare I say stench, was quite something. A drastic dressing down was in order.

After a lot of hard work there's no more awful odour. I've stripped it back and begun anew with fresh webbing.

Stay tuned for further developments.

Have a great weekend and thanks for popping in, 66 xx

Oma's adventure

2010-07-15T12:49:00.001+10:00

My good friend, Lisa, recently took her 3 little ones to Holland for her Oma's 100th birthday.

I made them this little passport holder to keep their 4 passports and secret stash of cash safe and sound.

Thanks for popping in, 66 xx

Old Bob

2010-07-14T20:27:00.003+10:00

Here's my latest upholstery job. This old rickety chair belonged to my grandfather, Old Bob.

It's been sitting under our house for years. My Dad was about to send it off to the tip but I managed to rescue it and turn it into this....

The upholstered seat is made up of fabric samples (Sanderson http://www.sanderson-uk.com/ again) sewn together with linen.

Thanks for popping in, 66 xx

My new love, upholstery.

2010-06-11T12:11:00.007+10:00

I started an upholstery course with my friend, Max, 7 weeks ago and have totally fallen for the whole process. There's something about the combination between the practical hands on and visual aesthetics involved in transforming a chair which really appeals to me.
Sadly, the course has now finished but I'm still hoping to dedicate my Monday afternoons to transforming chairs in our garage.
Here's my first attempt. The original chair was purchased from Wally Johnson's, in Footscray (previously in West Melbourne..now on the continuation of Spencer Street).
The fabric I used was Arthur Sanderson's 'Persian Poppies'. I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

A revival......

2010-06-09T13:19:00.005+10:00

It's been a long hiatus but instead of hibernating this winter I'm feeling like making a revival. I'm in desperate need of an update and overhaul...so here's hoping Z man sleeps for 2 hour blocks each day so I can manage to get some handy work done. Sleep is gold little man.

Pink to go

2010-03-11T13:00:00.002+11:00

A rather shabby shot..but a new quilt top I finished yesterday for Ziya's little pal. I'm not used to seeing so much pink in our house, so it's been really fun making this one up.

Angus' quilt

2010-02-02T20:55:00.002+11:00

Finished back in December...some of you may remember i started this project last year. It's a quilt made for my nephew, Angus. Completely hand quilted and quite the labor of love.
It now hangs over the side of his cot, in preparation for his graduation to a big boys bed.
The fabric and pattern are all from Amitte. I especially love the sweet Japanese strips with the country scene....ambling bears and dreamy ducks...
Hopefully he'll treasure it forever (even when he does think it's rather daggy).

Farley proof press

2010-01-30T08:14:00.002+11:00

Farley proof press
Originally uploaded by 66 Stitches

This is a Farley proof press I acquired from a friend....a few years back. It's been sitting idle in my garage so last weekend I decided to get it out today and clean it up. Now I need to find supplies and research how to use it. Any tips are greatly appreciated.

Activity on the blog front has been rather slow since August of 2009, actually, it's been completely neglected but I have continued to upload my creative endeavours onto Flickr. For a quick refresher please pop over and take a peep.

Here's to a big bright 2010 full of producivity and more 'single pointed focus'...my greatest challenge for the year ahead.

Papercut pick up

2009-08-11T11:42:00.004+10:00

Look at this amazing papercut I picked up for $3 from the op shop last week. It's all hand cut and signed by 'E.Nowosielski QLD Austrlia'. It makes me so happy.

If you're loving papercuts as much as me at the moment you may also like to check out Elista Mora's incredible blog; 'The Heart of Papercuts'. You'll be blown away.

St Kilda Mums

2009-08-09T18:14:00.009+10:00

There are very few things Ziya receieved as a baby that he still wears/uses to the present day (such as the much loved teddy pictured here) and there are plenty of things that had such a short lifespan (in some cases, sadly...one wear only!)

I still marvel at the amount of clothing a new born baby churns through. I felt like I was sorting out Ziya's clothes draw on a weekly basis the first few months of his life. Now there are the bags of outgrown clothes that seem never ending. While reading through the local Divercity (official Newsletter of Port Phillip) I cam across an article on the 'St Kilda Mums'. They are a network of mother's who work together to collect and sort donations of baby and children's clothing, toys, books and equipment and then redistribute them, via the maternal helth system, to local families in need. I love it! Well done ladies. I have a big bag of goods coming your way.

While on the subject of articles...the lovely Mel, of The Hip Infant, has witten a piece about our trip to the Flinders on her blog. Thanks Mel. Now there's one inspisational woman...4 kids, a thriving business, home renovations, a fitness plan...that she sticks to and endless amounts of energy. Hat's off to you Mel and thank you. x

While you're over at Mel's blog take a look at the entry on Baby Lunchbox. I marveled at this but for completely different reasons. Where do people find the time...?

2009-08-09T11:44:00.006+10:00

We've spent the last 3 days in a fitful haze of high temperatures and sleepless nights. Our little man had a bad reaction to the 12 months (yes, we're a little belated) vaccinations. He seems to be on the mend today so I'm keeping everything crossed and praying his temperature stays down and he has a restful midday sleep.

To take the edge off things, we spent the morning flicking through the pages of this gorgeous book, All In A Day, by Cynthia Rylant. The Illustrations are by Nikki McClure, a self taught artist. She has been making paper-cuts since 1996 and each illustration is cut from black paper using an X-Acto knife. She does not erase anything...which means if she makes a mistake, while cutting out the image initailly illustrated, Nikki makes it up as she goes along. If you follow the lines in the illustrations you'll be able to see that each one forms a continuous piece making the paper lace-like as the image appears. Incredible.
It's a simple book with a simple message about living each day and making it count. It's as pleasing for the grown up....(maybe even a little more so)....as it is for the child.

Missing....in the outback.

2009-08-04T20:44:00.004+10:00

1. Bath time sml, 2. IMG_6577sml, 3. our companions, 4. truck...WOW, 5. come on in Ella, 6. Taking a stroll wilpena pound, 7. Ziya spotting wildlife sml, 8. Me & Ziya sml, 9. Wiggles watching sml, 10. Ziya & Sheep sml, 11. Flying over Lake Eyre sml, 12. 4 wheel drive sml

Life has been rather busy around here lately, which is why I've just dropped off the face of blogland. A trip to the Fliners Ranges seemed to dominate my time. Organising, making lists, packing, reducing and repacking (still to be 30 kilos over?!). Then came the driving, more driving and still more driving. South Australia is such a stunning state thankfully which made the long hours at the wheel, while 2 toddlers sat in the back watching the Wiggles on their portable DVD player (an absolute must when traveling with kids!), a breeze.

The trip was initiated by my good friend, Sheriden Rhodes, a freelance travel writer. She came up with the idea about 3 months after we'd given birth to our children, Ella & Ziya, (born 23 hours apart. Sheriden & I had met at prenatal classes and discovered we lived 3 doors apart)...so it's not hard to understand why I was a little dubious about the idea of 2 women, 2 babies and a trip to the outback. Blimey, I was still reeling from the whole new born baby whirlwind. The idea of a boot load of nappies, a dusty open road, no local chemist, supermarket or spouse to help soothe a crying baby didn't exactly rouse my enthusiasm.

Almost a year later I was coerced and we were bound for SA's outback. 2 chicks, 2 toddlers, a boot load of nappies ....and an open road.

We had an absolute ball. Amid nappies, bottles, snack supplies, nap times, Wiggles and feeding there was plenty to keep us on the hop. We flew over Lake Eyre in flood. Wow, stunning. What an incredible country we live in. I was awestruck...... However, it was the first time I'd ever been on such a tiny plane, a 4 seater cessna! I was indeed sick (luckily there were a couple of spare sick bags floating around or things could have been quite messy). Our delightful pilot, Nick, reassured me this thing happens 'all the time'...... needless to say after 4 hours of flying I was a little green and wobbly.

Other highlights for me were our night at Rawnsley Park in one of their amazing Eco Villas (I'd highly recommend staying here even if it's just to view the stars from your bed through a remote controlled skylight), a sheering demo, The Prairie Hotel in Parachilna (population 8), our tour of the Leigh creek mine and flying over Lake Eyre and Wilpena Pound, driving through Brachina Gorge and admiring the beautiful sandstone farmhouses sitting amidst lush green fields on the drive from Orroroo to the Clare Valley.

The trip was an amazing adventure with lots of laughs and thanks fully not too many melt downs. The portable DVD was our savior. Second to that the kinderkot was a winner! Ziya happily pops himself in their to sleep wherever we go now...no fuss. It's easy to assemble and folds down into a tiny bag, perfect for traveling (I think everyone should have one).

After 8 days on the go we were all exhausted, utterly and totally. It took us all quite some time to recover. I know I was in bed by 9.30pm every night the following week and Ziya did some record breaking daytime napping. It was an incredible experience and I am so very grateful to Sheriden and Ella for taking Ziya and I along. Thank you, thank you, thank you. xoxox

PS. Sheriden's article featured on the cover of the Sydney Morning Herald Drive section last Friday (Yay Sherry!). You can read a copy over here at Essential Baby.

My little man

2009-05-28T15:19:00.003+10:00

(Thank you Tom & Sherry for the lovely photos!)

My little man turned 1. I can hardly believe it's been a year. Sometimes it feels like yesterday....and then it feels like I've known him forever.
Thanks for a wonderful year my sweet.
My sister-in-law and I spent a day baking and made the cake, Women's Weekly Birthday Book style. Baking's way more meditative than I ever imagined. I really enjoyed the whole process and now see why it is an artform to be revered.

How to Make a Easy Silk Screen Stencil Tee Shirt

2009-05-06T16:13:00.001+10:00

Something to add to the to-do-list!

Tessuti....now in Melbourne

2009-05-01T10:41:00.003+10:00

Tessuti are opening their first Melbourne store. This is so exciting!!
I just loved the Tessuti store in Surry Hills and spent much time sifting through the rolls of fabric during our stint in Sydney. So it's with great excitement that I await my first visit to their Flinders Lane store, opening this Saturday, 2nd May.

Thank you and welcome Tessuti!!
I'm off on a baby-free, girls weekend to Lorne. We'll be all rugged up reading books, sleeping in, eating and drinking yummy things while all the Dad's play Mr Mom. Heaven...(though, I'm bound to be itching to see the Little Man again by Sunday. I'm already excited about the idea of seeing him again and I haven't even left).

Have a great weekend. xo

Photo courtesy of the Tessuti website.

Miss Woolly made a Book

2009-04-28T10:31:00.005+10:00

Congratulation to the lovely Miss Woolly who worked very hard this summer stitching away....to produce this goregous looking book. Take a look for yourself, it's available here at Barnes and Knoble I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. Hooray Miss Woolly, well done.

Up for grabs

2009-03-29T20:49:00.003+11:00

I'm selling my 1970's dining table. We're all out of room here and it's now time to go to a loving new home.
I can also imagine it as an amazing display table, in an open shop space, with gorgeous polished boards and a tone of natural light.........hopefully somebody else does too.

with Thanks

2009-03-25T09:30:00.007+11:00

This is a Gratitude Wrap (pattern available at Soul Mama) I made as a thank you present for Erin, at Toby's in Potts Point. A little thank you for all of the wonderful smiles and huge 'Good mornings' the little man and I recieved while we were in Sydney.

We potted these succulents last weekend, which we bought at the St Kilda Botanical Gradens and look out on the each morning when we open our blind. It's amazing the difference a few plants can make to your day.
We're now making plans for our vegie patch which we anticpate having completed towards the end of April. It'll be a big planter box full of delicious fresh vegies for winter stews. Any recommendations for planting will be greatly appreciated.

PS. at the moment I'm loving this blog, Orangette.

2009-03-11T20:35:00.003+11:00

The boxes are finally all unpacked and we're settling back into life in Melbourne. I'm even getting through this pile of books and lo and behold....the quilt is coming along. I'm taking great pleasure in hand stitching it together once litlle Ziya is tucked up in bed at night. Pictures to come...... so stay tuned.

Finito

2009-02-18T18:31:00.004+11:00

Finally, I have finished Ziya's cross stitch.
Some of you may remember it from these previous posts (If not, you can take a peek over at flickr 1, 2,3 & 4). I was starting to worry that I'd still be dilly dallying around with this come his first birthday. I worried so much that I peeled myself up in the wee hours of the morning to finish it off a couple of nights ago. It's such a great feeling to complete a piece like this, especially seeing that it's been waiting ever so patiently........... for way too long.
Now for the framing!

Missing in Action ....

2009-02-11T09:50:00.017+11:00

Ziya's new bedside table and spinning toy bought on a recent trip to Newcastle.

I'm sorry for dropping off like that. I just vanished into the craziness of the last couple of months. To-ing and fro-ing between Sydney, Melbourne, Lorne, Newcastle, Pearl Beach and The Blue Mountains. Each time I returned home it was enough just to regroup, relax, sort out the endless amount of washing and repack. Alas, there was no time for craft. I'm totally out of touch with what's been happening with all the crafting peeps out there.
We've been making the most of our last weeks in Sydney and ticking off all the places we listed as 'must do's' before our return to Melbourne at the end of February. While we pack up here and head home posts could still be a little few and far between but I'm looking forward to picking up blogging momentum once we return.

Given the recent bushfires in Victoria and the enorminty of loss that has occured there I think it's wonderful the Craft Blogging Community are banding together to help the people of Victoria rebuild their lives with hand made treasures a plenty.
Head on over to:
The Toy Society who are asking for people to make and donate toys for children in effected araes and
Meet Me at Mikes who have a full listing of crafty way to get involved and help out.

Finally, my first gocco print

2008-12-09T16:21:00.005+11:00

Inspired by Suzy I finally plucked up the courage to try out my gocco printer (embarrassingly, I was given the gocco last year for Christmas) and made some Christmas cards. They are slightly smudged and the first screen was a bit of a fizzer so I think it will take a couple of sessions to master but I'm pretty happy with them.
My crafting has been slowing down here due to Ziya & I having head colds, fractured sleep and planning for our 3 weeks in Melbourne (I feel like there's a lot to plan...with a baby) and then there's the unfinished projects beckoning.....
I can't wait to lie on the beach and drink campari in the afternoon sun.

2008-12-02T19:07:00.004+11:00

Here's a snippet of my Flickr favorites. For a closer look and links to the individual artists take a peep here. It's all very inspiring and great motivation for those handmade Chritmas decorations!

Keeping me busy

2008-12-01T17:25:00.007+11:00

2 single quilt tops and a cot quilt top.... now ready and waiting to be basted & quilted pre Christmas.

a cross stitch. Hooray, the end is in sight.

and, a couple of pairs of new pants for the Little Fella to kick around in. It was quite a productive week. I hope this week is too, for everyone.

Frock revisited

2008-11-27T20:35:00.005+11:00

Remember this frock I made last year? Well, I love it. It's so comfortable (it may not look like it hanging up on there on that wire hanger but it's relatively flattering....even post baby).
So I've decided I'd like to make another. I started hunting around at Tessuti Fabrics and Belsize Square, looking at all of the amazing fabrics, trying to decide what I'd like and now I'm totally confused. Maybe just a simple black with grey trim? You can't really go wrong with that.

2008-11-25T19:50:00.006+11:00

We received a gorgeous parcel in the post last week from Bekka (considering Rebecca's little Elsa was born on the 16th November, it's a wonder she had the time or the inclination to complete, package and post presents at this late stage of pregnancy. I'm amazed and very grateful. Wecome to the world Elsa!).
The parcel was a gift for Ziya, as part of Hey Bubbles' Online Baby Shower Swap. This sweet hat was one of the gifts, which I just love. He looks like a real live May Gibbs gumnut baby and I just want to squeaze him.
There was also a great play matt which we take everywhere with us. With handy ties it rolls up perfectly to fit in the bottom of the pram.

The quilt tops for Ziya and Angus are coming along (I promise to post more photos soon. Thanks you for all the lovely comments). They're just waiting on the borders. Ella's fabirc has arrived and waiting in line for my attention. So much to do and Christmas is fast approaching. Oh, my. One month today.

2008-11-20T09:51:00.002+11:00

While waiting for the Ink & Spindle fabric to arrive I've started on the quilts I'm making Ziya & his cousin Angus for Christmas. Here's a sneak peek. I'll post some more photos soon.

Ink & Spindle

2008-11-15T19:59:00.005+11:00

I've been trying to nut out fabric combinations for a quilt I've been commissioned to make for lovely little Ella Bella and I've ordered this fabric from Ink & Spindle.... lets hope it goes with the other fabrics I purchased at Amitie a while back on a trip to Melbourne.

We went for brunch with Kathy at Yuga Floral Design Cafe today and checked out Glebe. Kathy (who loves to walk) took us on a lovely stoll around the suburb, admiring the stunning houses as we edged our way closer to the peninsula. I think the LF is quite taken by Glebe....we could be heading back that way very soon.

The LF is cooking me dinner, so i must get going for a taste sensation. Hope you're all having a great weekend. xo

Recent Etsy purchase

2008-11-15T08:37:00.008+11:00

I recenty purchased this adorable dress from Mountain Aven Baby over at Etsy. It's totally reversable and looks so sweet. It was a belated birthday present and thank you to little Coco, our favorite small Sydney gal.

Nielson Park
Speaking of favorites, I'm officially a huge fan of Nielson Park. It's kind of on par with Balmoral Beach but for totally different reasons. Take a look for yourself and see what I mean. I'd quite happily live at either beach side suburb....if I had quite a few million to spare.

For the lovely ladies with bellies out there

2008-11-05T16:02:00.007+11:00

Here's a Lovely Maternity Dresses Japanese sewing book for the pregnant ladies over at a little goodness. I wish I'd found this during my pregnancy.... I so needed a style make over.
There's also a baby sling book. Something I never got around to making but the idea and images are just so sweet.
Then there's the pièce de résistance Mommy & Me Dresses. So incredibly adorable.
I kind of want them all, I hope you do too.
Hello to all your bumps out there. xo

One for the Cup

2008-11-04T16:19:00.004+11:00

There's nothing like a bit of toilet roll craft and seeing it's The Melbourne Cup and the very first time I've not been in Melbourne for Cup festivities....I thought it only fitting.
Happy Melbourne Cup. xox

Grab a bag

2008-10-31T18:30:00.004+11:00

This is today's creation. It's a mini shopping bag I can throw everything in to with a seconds notice and be out the door. It holds my wallet, keys, phone and sunglasses perfectly...no buttons, zippers or never ending pockets. Not much to it at all actually. That's why it's perfect.
I also made Miss Milly a mobile but it's a surprise, so you'll have to wait for that one. It's been a great day for getting things done because it was way too hot here in Sydney to be out and about.
I even had time to have a wee search around and loved what I saw, especially this lamp shade from ah-yi, these sweet mongolian slippers found via Angry Chicken and lastly this Stylish Dress Book over at Japan Craft Journal.
Have a lovely weekend. We're off for a mid morning picnic at Nelson Park tomorrow. xo

Needlepoint heaven

2008-10-29T21:18:00.006+11:00

We took a trip to Newcastle on the weekend and ended up in Edith's lounge room. I thought I'd died and gone to Needlepoint heaven.
Edith's house is incredible. The decor is all 1960's original and very European (a tribute to Edith's Hungarian background). It was like stepping back in time, to a remote chalet, somewhere in the European Alps. I was waiting for Tom to walk in wearing leidenhosen and offering us butterscotch snaps at 10am.

I wish I'd taken more photos of Edith's amazing handy work (I envy her patience...if only I could complete one of these needlepoint pieces, I'd be happy) but I'm sure you get the jist from the images in the background. Thank you Tom and Edith for sharing your lovely home and making me feel I was somewhere a little more remote than Newcastle!

I got gifted

2008-10-24T17:30:00.009+11:00

I'm so very lucky. Look at these amazing gifts. The tea towel was made by Suzy and it looks great hanging in our kitchen....I love it. The L.F. has been told it's not for use. The last lovely tea towel I hung up, a Third Drawer Down creation, was used to bring a meat tray in from the barbie...can you imagine my horror! I'm still trying to remove the stains.

The clutch was a birthday present from the Ladle. It's a Naughty Agapanthas and it seems to be premanently strapped to my wrist, even when it doesn't quite go with my outfit.

This Green to Grow bottle was a gift from Mel at The Hip Infant. I looked for these...pre Ziya...and couldn't find any in Australia. So here we have it. These Green to Grow bottles are made from PES plastic, giving them a natural golden glow. The bottles are Bisphenol A and Phthalate free (suspected hormone distrpting chemicals found in polycarbonate plastic)! So, we now have complete peace of mind that there is no leaching of nasty chemical into Ziya's milk. Thanks Mel!!
The Future Earth has written a great post on Plastic Baby Bottles without Bisphenol A and You can find the Green to Grow bottles here.

Thank you all for your generosity! Each gift is very much loved and appreciated. xoxo

bits and birds

2008-10-23T20:51:00.004+11:00

My sister-in-law, the lovely Janan, made me a couple of Spool birds for my birthday. I've sewn them onto a branch I found down at Rushcutters and they're so sweetly sitting on our sideboard. Thank you Janan. They're so much nicer than the Ibis that parade up and down on our balcony (I'm positive I heard one squawking expletives the other day... is it true they can mimic?).

This is a sweet mobile I made for Ziyas room this week (not the best photo sorry!). His room needed a little TLC and finally it's sorted our with hand made tags for all of this clothing draws. I made it out of scrap paper from magazines, postcards and postage bags, sewn together on my trusty machine. He loves looking at all the colours and shapes. So, it's quite a winner.

I did it. I have sewn the zipper into the sleeping sheet with great success thanks to Rudolf. It's all ready to go... however, due to a lot of fitfull sleeping we've had to go back to basics and start swaddling the little man. So, it's not currently needed. He's 6 months old today, I can hardly believe it.

We had a night out and went to see a film last night, Caramel. It's set in Beirut and it's a playful tale of 5 woman who work in a beauty parlor. We both really enjoyed it and enjoyed the time out....at night...on our own....with time to sit and sip tea in the Berkelouw Books Cafe, pre film. Bliss.

(P.S. I so loved Rudolf's course, aside from the side splitting laughter and stupidity....no, I've never sniffed a chair before or made a poncho quite like Jane's...., I learnt to sew in a way I've never been known to sew before. It's a lot of fun and I'd highly recommend the course to anyone thinking of up-ing their sewing skills...even Colette from Tessuti is taking a class with Rudolf. He's a total whiz.)

Today

2008-10-16T19:13:00.002+11:00

The LF & I started a 10 day detox yesterday...it's only day 2 and I'm exhausted. I'll make this post short because right now all I can think about is fatty food, a glass of wine and a strong coffee. It's crazy. I don' even eat that much junk food but do you think I can stop thinking about it now...no!
Ziya and I took a walk from Potts Point around to the Andrew (Boy) Charlton openair swimming pool (where I had a peppermint tea!). Sitting in the cafe there is just lovely on a beautiful day like today......watching all those amazing bodies doing laps and sunning themselves on the deck below is strangely relaxing.
We then walked onto the Botanical Gardens(where I ate my bean and brown rice salad) and mustered the strength for the return trip home and that hill up from Woolloomooloo.

Now, the couch.

PS. Still no zipper action.

Sleeping Sack

2008-10-14T18:40:00.005+11:00

I've been working on a summer sleeping sack for Ziya. Practicing my new sewing techniques from Rudolf's course. It's coming along a lot faster than my projects normally do, which is a good sign. But I've come to a little hitch...the zipper!
We have yet to do zippers in class and prior to this sewing course I was blissfully unaware there was even a foot dedicated to zippers.
When they asked how I normally sew in my zippers. I replied that 'I just plough through....a little like someone driving mono on the footpath.....or else I avoid them like the plague'. So, it's obvios I'm no sewing efficionado. I'm just hoping that with a little more practice I wont be such a total novice.
It's been fun getting to know my machine. I usually treat it like a hijacked car, driving it as fast as possible to get to where I want to go before everything ends in one big disaster.
It's quite silly to be terrified of a sewing machine really... so I'm very pleased we're starting to get along a lot better these days. Now for the zipper!?

2008-10-10T09:48:00.006+11:00

This is an image from Arthur's Circus, a lovely store in North Melbourne which I recently visited. They specialise in vintage toys and handmade goods. You're guaranteed to find something you'll fall in love with in their store. Natalie and Nicholas run the store, which is named after their three year old son Arthur. The whole experience is very fun. I'm itching to get back there.

Last night I was invited to a Sydney crafty blogger get together in Newtown. Evening outings are few and far between these days so it's always nice to take a break and head out for some adult conversation. It turned out to be a real treat because I was fortunate enough to meet these amazing ladies:
Suzy from Floating world
Bianca from Sadie and Lance and the Toy Society.
Bettina of BKH Design (website and blog)
Belinda from Taylor Street
Jade from My Art is my outlet
and a long time fave, Belinda, from Tutti Frutti.

I've spent every second of Ziya's nap time today jumping from blog to blog checking out all of the wondrful things they've been up to. It's terribly inspiring....which is why I should get off here and make hay while the sun shines.....so to speak. Enjoy your weekend. xoxo

Home town goodness

2008-10-09T12:32:00.012+11:00

Well, it's just shy of two weeks since I last blogged and boy did the time fly.
To fill you in on what I've been up to, it goes something a little like this.... I started the sewing course with Rudolf Ramseyer. It involved a lot of theory, all the facts and practical tips I've never previously bothered to learn (which could be the root of all my sewing mishaps to date).
We then headed down the coast for a weekend trip to Bundeena.
Later that night my Dad arrived in town for a couple of days. There were plenty of sights to see, coffee's to be drunk and Poppa Baz raspberries to be blown on baby Ziya.
Celebrated my birthday with a night out on the town while my lovely cousin AJ babysat.
........and lastly, we took a flying visit to our home town, Melbourne. Dear old Melbourne. It was so lovely to be back visiting family and friends and discovering a few new friends along the way.

A highlight of the trip was taking a sneak peek of the tour Danielle Pumo and Lyn Gardener run A Vintage Outing with my friend Sheriden. I wont give too much away but you do tour around in a chauffeur-driven Fiat 1500s with old-time music playing on the radio. It's packed full of wonderful places to visit and...I must say, a yummy lunch pack (and to set the record straight, I didn't quite eat the whole pack before we'd reached home! Oink, oink). Sheriden's story will feature in The Age on October 18th, so keep an eye out for it.

Another highlight was a trip to Amitie to stock up on fabrics for....just a couple of quilts but more on that later.

Ahhhhh, we're now breathing a sigh of relief and lying low, so the little man can recover. The trip totally zonked him out and he's been 'sleeping like a baby' ever since.

X-stitch in the Park

2008-09-26T14:10:00.010+10:00

We did a little X-stitch in the park today. Little by little this x-stitch is coming along. I wanted to make something for Ziya's birth, which recorded all of his birth details. I still have the newspaper announcement that my parents placed upon my birth but seeing announcements aren't really the done thing these days....I decided on a x-stitch. You can see my progressive updates over at Flickr here, here & here.

We then came home and did some more freezer paper stenciling and transformed the ugliest cushion in the world (but boy is it good for feeding!) into something more respectable using the templates from Lotta Jansdotter's Lotta Prints Book.

Then it was time to try some apple for the first time ..........and this is what happened.

There was quite a lot of gagging involved!

Tomorrow I start my sewing course here and then we're heading off to Bundeena for the night. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. xox

Freezer Paper extravaganza

2008-09-23T13:30:00.006+10:00

Here's a photo of my first Freezer Paper stencil.

For those of you who tuned in recently you'll remember I purchased Lena Cowrin's Printing By Hand. Since then I've patiently waited for my Freezer Paper to arrive so I could get started. (I ordered my paper from OzQuilts...although hoppo bumpo ordered hers through Punch & Judy). I'm quite happy with how it turned out and am eager to give it another go soon. If you'd like to try one yourself I found these helpful links to get you started.

Neither Hip Nor Hunky
Angry Chicken
Panjo Kids
Dabbled
Mrs Happy Housewife

Actually, Hoppo Bumpo has done some fantastic research on freezer paper suppliers and pricing, cutting out all the hard work, so head over and take a tip from her. Thank you Hoppo Bumpo!!!

So much to see

2008-09-18T10:30:00.007+10:00

The TarraWarra Biennale 2008 is currently on in Healsville, Victoria. It's titled Lost & Found: An Archeology of the Present and it's on until 9th November. The exhibition features 21 of Australia & New Zealand artists who have reinvented traditional techniques "evoking historical forms, mythologies and folklores." I know I have two trips to Melbourne planned before the closure of this exhibition and I'm hoping to make it there on a least one of those trips. I love the Tarrawarra Gallery. the space is just stunning... even without the artwork.

Yesterday I discovered the work of Takashi Iwasaki , via Miss Woolly's blog. I think my favorites are the embroidery and the collage. The vibrancy in all of the work definitely evokes a sense of playfulness which totally appeals to me. Thanks Miss Woolly!

This weekend in Sydney the College of Fine Arts will be transformed into a carnival of creativity for the COFA Spring Fair. There will be all sorts of fun, including free workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions to see. It's on from 10-4pm and I can't wait.

Yoshimoto, no bananas here.

2008-09-16T16:56:00.019+10:00

We've been on a walk to Double Bay today and and boy am I feeling it in my calves now. It's around 2.6km (one way) but the hills make it feel a lot longer, especially on the return trip. Armed with a copy of the urban walkabout Sydney guide for Double Bay I'd discovered there are plenty of shops to explore....

I left fashion for another, child free, day and instead of a beautiful Marni dress I bought the new Yoshimoto Nara book The Lonesome Puppy. It's Yoshimoto Nara's first childrens book. A sweet tale of a very big dog. I love the fact that it is dedicated to physically challenged children everywhere and explores with children (well, not just children, grown ups too) that although we are all different we deserve to be loved and appreciated in the same way. I bought it at As if by Magic, which looks a little like a fairy's supply store, but don't be put off by all the wands and wings. They have a wonderful collection of childrens books and the owner especially loves illustration, so she'll gladly point you in the direction of a real treasure. They even had the Jen Coarce book Little Hoot, about an owl who's parents make him stay up all night, which I'm sure I'll head back for soon.

The other favorite of the day was Rainbow Puppen. They sell all kinds of European toys and dolls, speciallising in wooden toys. Some kids stores give me heartburn but not this one I could have stayed in there all day. The absence of blaring, battery operated plastic toys was a breath of fresh air.

With a beautiful looking bookshop and plenty more stores still yet to visit I'll be heading back soon for another fix of....L.A., country style...I mean... Double Bay.

Calm end to a crazy day

2008-09-12T18:14:00.007+10:00

I managed to lock myself in the car today with the lights flashing, alarm and horn both blaring........and subsequently a startled and screaming baby. Poor little Ziya got the fright of his life. I was trying to be ever so quiet and let him sleep in his carseat but somehow managed to press something (God knows what) and set the whole shebang off.
This came after a rather pointless trip out to Spotlight Bondi.
I think I've been totally spoilt by the new set up at the South Melbourne Spotlight. It was quite a shock to tackle the Bondi store...(to give you an idea it looked like a bomb had gone off in a Hot Dollar shop). I hope they have plans to renovate soon!

After a restorative afternoon nap we've managed to turn the day around. We had a lovely stroll this afternoon, along this path up above, did a spot of shopping and picked up some incredible crème caramel for dessert from the gorgeous little patisserie across the road.

Now I'm off to make home made pizza's and enjoy the bottle of wine I picked up while doing the spot of shopping. Have a wonderful weekend. xoxo

things to do.....

2008-09-10T08:33:00.011+10:00

I'm feeling totally inspired today by this lovely book by Lena Corwin. It's called Printing By Hand and it's just delightful. I'm itching to get my hands on some fabric paint and experiment. Hopefully, when my Aunty comes over later today, I can duck out without the little one and pick some up.
I cheekily purchased the book last week while doing Father's Day shopping. I was going to pretend it was for L.F. but I don't think he really would have appreciated it.......the Top Gear box set was more in line with him.

I found this list of Sydney's child friendly places while surfing the next yesterday and I'm going to work my way through some of these. I figure it should be a good start to getting Ziya & I out and about while the L.F. is at work. We started off yesterday with a walk to Rushcutters Bay, around to Darling Point and then stopped in at the Canteen for a coffee on the return journey. It's quite the haven for a lady with a pram around there, I tell you.

I'm off to Cenntenial Park this morning for a walk date with someone I haven't yet met. She'll be there with a baby and a beagle.

Take a peek at this sweet blog by M.Patrizio.
Have a great day & cheerio.

Happy Fathers Day..to all ye fathers out there

2008-09-07T13:19:00.018+10:00

The sun came out to play and so did we. Thank you Sydney.

It's Father's Day today so I'll start this post with a very special Father's Day wish to my Dad, big bad Baz. Thanks for being such a wonderful dad! We wish he was here in Sydney with us to celebrate.....and secondly, to the LF. It's his first Father's Day. Hooray, what a super Dad he is to the little 'Z' man too.

To kick things off we opened presents and ate pancakes (made from this recipe as none of our cookbooks have arrived yet). Then we set off on foot to discover our neighborhood.
Above is one of my favorite gardens in the area. I love the magnolia tree, the frangipani and the wisteria hanging from the gorgeous Juliet balcony. To my delight, there are plenty of fabulous old frangipani trees in Sydney. I'm a huge fan of the frangipani but unfortunately Melbourne's climate is not terribly kind to their slightly more tropical needs.
I saw a lovely Beci Oprin print in a little gallery on the corner of Burton & Crown Street's... the shop was closed and I can't remember the name of it. I'll just have to weave my way back there and take a look...... however it could be dangerous. When I peered through the window there were so many beautiful pieces of artwork. I fear I may not be able to come home empty handed.
We continued on to Object Gallery and took a look at the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award Exhibition. I particularly liked Stuart McFarlane's butterfly room dividers (well, that was my interpretation anyway) made out of recycled plastic.
After 3 hours of walking we wove our way back home, stopping at the Kings Cross market to by Gozleme's for lunch and a book by Murakami from the chatty second hand dealer, then we all headed upstairs to crash out for an afternoon nap.

Humpty

2008-09-06T15:38:00.005+10:00

This little Humpty was given to our little Zed man when we were leaving Melbourne by our friends, Sherry & Ella. They found him at a thrift store in South Melbourne. What a find, hey!
Thank you guys. We love him and we miss you......come visit us soon, please. xox

Sunny Sydney...not this week

2008-09-06T07:34:00.012+10:00

We arrived in the Deli Mecca of Potts Point on Wednesday and spent the afternoon touring Macleay St customising ourselves to all the gastronomic delights it has on offer. We are spoilt for cafe's and food stores here. There's a Fratteli Fresh above the Woolworths supermarket packed full of fabulous foodie treats to inspire anyone into the kitchen. I'm looking forward to having a meal this weekend at Cafe Sopra, where they cook up all of the fantastic produce.

Above is the view from of our bedroom window down Macleay St towards Woolloomooloo and below, if I pivot the other way, looking towards The Cross. I love all of the 1930's architecture around this area. There are so many wonderful wooden entrances to neighboring apartment blocks, with shining beveled windows, sweet letter boxes and ton of deco features that I can wait to explore in more detail.

The weather has been dismal the last couple of days. The wind was blowing so hard this morning that it completely flipped the wooden outdoor table on our balcony and smashed the outdoor light. That's no mean feat either as it's a 10 seater heavy wooden table, difficult for the two of us to even inch off the ground...let alone flip! It seems to have rained non stop since Thursday and I'm itching for some sunshine so we can get out and walk the streets down to Rushcutters Bay.

Rain, rain, go away! come again another day.

not quite the Antarctic

2008-09-01T07:02:00.004+10:00

As we get organised to embark on our adventure to Sydney (I know it's not quite the Antarctic but we've packed enough provisions to make it look as though we're off to the Antarctic) I thought it fitting to feature Alison Lester's amazing adventure to Antarctica.

Alison Lester travelled to Antarctica in 2005 as an Australian Antarctic Arts Fellow and diarised her trip online so that school children around Australia could be inspired by this adventure.

Alison encouraged children to draw in response to her descriptions and photos. She has since used these illustrations to complete an exhibition of work which combines the children’s line drawings with her design and colour.
Books Illustrated are currently showing this amazing exhibition at The Angela Robarts Gallery at Gasworks Arts Park until 14th September.

Hopefully well before the 14th September we'll have already settled in nicely to our new home and I'll have the internet rigged up at home so I can start to diarise our adventures. In the meantime, enjoy Alison's adventure and adios. xox

Lost in Folk Land

2008-08-28T15:02:00.005+10:00

I know I've been somewhat of a pseudo blogger this year with the new addition to our family and the looming move but my, am I out of touch. I took a little look over at mrs eliot books today and wow has she been busy.
She now has an etsy, dwanda and folksy store not to mention an exclusive website and she still manages to update her continually inspiring blog.

I've only just cottoned onto DaWanda and now I have another shop to explore. Well done Fran! I need some serious tips in time management from you.

PS. only 5 more days until the big move!!

Wrapping it all up.

2008-08-20T08:40:00.011+10:00

Ziya sitting in his new chair, in the bathroom, while I get ready for the day.

Our new cushions. Made by me.

Things have been rather crazy around here organising for our big move. We have the expats moving into our place on the 6th of September, so I guess that means we'll be out of here and up to Sydney on the 5th. We've still yet to find a furnished apartment to lease.....but I guess it'll happen when the right one is ready (It happened!! We found an apartment in Potts Point today. Hooray).

I've almost finished my Baby Shower gift for Bekka and I did sew 3 new cushion covers the other day while baby Ziya was taking an extended nap. This however has been the extent of my creative outlet...unless you call making neat piles of things to go and things to stay and packing boxes a creative persuit?!

I did order this wrap cardigan pattern from 6.5 Stitches the other day.... it's a little project that will stay in the pipeline for Sydney though.

MixTape

2008-08-06T08:42:00.004+10:00

Thanks to Nikki's newsletter updating me on all of her recent go-ings on I came across the Mix Tape Magazine and am now a subscriber! What a brilliant publication. It's a Zine about making time for the small things. How neat.

Being a mother.........

2008-08-05T02:27:00.013+10:00

I've just been reading Kerri Smith's post over at the Wish Jar on 'truthful things about being an artist and a mother'.

Kerri writes so succinctly about so many of the thoughts that seem to be whizzing through my head...constantly. The only thing is I feel like I'm at the bottom of a valley looking up and seeing all my thoughts echoing off the sides.....thank you Kerri for such an expressive piece.
For any new mum or soon to be mum, it's well worth a read. It certainly made me smile.

These cabbages currently great me, every time I enter the house, from our little hall table. They too make me smile. I'm always buying fresh flowers for the house and this week I couldn't go past these.

Thanks Ladle

2008-08-01T09:05:00.005+10:00

I came across these birds a few weeks back in a midnight blog-about session. I was anticipating the next feed and couldn't get myself off to sleep so, thought I'd have a look around and see what people were up to. I got so carried away I forgot to track where I'd been and subsequently couldn't remember where I'd seen these lovely birds.
My friend, Ladle, sent me this link to check out today and whala....it's the birds!!!
Hooray and here's the free pattern too! Take a look at all the other gorgeous treats over at Spool. I think the sewing machine covers are pretty special.

Tis not the season for....

2008-07-31T16:49:00.008+10:00

We found these fantastic shorts up in Dayelsford, at The Mill. I couldn't resist. I think the Little Fella will look swell in them this summer hitting the streets of Sydney.
I also bought the queen sized quilt cover they're lying on. I'm not sure whether it will stay a quilt or be transformed into something new. The pattern reminded me of Lotta's.

Here are some other things I'm loving at the moment:
Gratitude wrap by Soul Mama.
Danish designer Petit by Sofie Schnoor's childrens clothes.

Daylesford & the big chill

2008-07-28T13:53:00.008+10:00

We spent a winters weekend up at Daylesford staying with Tom, Sherry and little Ella, who is 23hrs older than Ziya .
The weekend invovled a rather brisk walk around the lake, the temperature reached an all time high of 3 degrees yesterday, brrrrh; an expensive detour via the wine bar on the way home, to thaw out over a couple of Barbar beers; a lovely meal at Mercato on Saturday night, while Ella & Ziya slept under the table in their capsules; breakfast at Cliffy's (thank you to the lovely "stranger" who helped pacify a rather overwrought Ziya) and some serious cat napping.

I love the colours and the reflections in these photos. If you can handle the cold, it's just beautiful up there at this time of year. Nature really is amazing.

New Shoes & new friends

2008-07-25T15:18:00.005+10:00

We just spent the last 3 days in Sydney checking out accomodation.......... without a lot of success but I did have some success with these lovely new shoes!

They're so soft. I feel like I'm walking around in a pair of ballet slippers.

Belinda from Tutti Fruiti has very kindly invited me to tag along to their blog meet night, once I move up to Sydney. Thanks Belinda!

We're on the move

2008-07-14T03:36:00.010+10:00

Ziya's first outing to the Galleon, St Kilda, aged 6 days.

We're packing up family and heading to Sydney for 6 months. I've always imagined I would live in Sydney at some stage in my life but not right now and not as quickly as it's manifested. The Big Fella has opened an office in Surry Hills and needs to be up there for a few months to get everything on track. So me and the Little Fella will be hitting the streets of Sydney, in Ziya's new 3 wheeler, discovering all the crafty-ness on offer.

Hollabee has a great post on Sydney shopping from a recent trip. There are plenty of places I've never been, so it'll be fun to discover these.

RUDOLF Clothing for individuals run courses in tailoring and they are based in Surry Hillls, how perfect.

Here are some other helpful links I found in the wee hours of the morning, while in a prefeed, sleepless haze.
Material Obsession in Hunters Hills (wherever that is?).
Sydney Quilt supplies
Art supply stores directory
Tessuti blog

Oh, just for a laugh, take a look at this fantastic photo by Catalia over at Flickr.

Hooded Sleeping bag

2008-07-11T21:19:00.006+10:00

Here's a photo of the little fella in his new sleeping bag, knitted by his Grammy. It's perfect for winter walks and he looks so huggable (although, somewhat stunned) in it.
The pattern is available for free here at Garn Studio.

Worms

2008-07-10T12:59:00.007+10:00

I love this little apple beanie knitted for Ziya by his Great Aunty Judy (who, mind you, is in her 90's!). The worm is just priceless. I can't wait until it fits him.

This is my swap partner for the Online Baby Shower, Rebbeca from Bekka

Things to make you go....ohhhhh

2008-07-08T12:05:00.005+10:00

I've decided to start a regular Tuesday post titled "Things to make you go...ohhhhh"
That way I can bookmark all the beautiful things I come across on my travels and list them for you each Tuesday.

Here's a little list I started while having my hair coloured this morning. Cheers to Paige the travelling hairdresser now I can surf the net, rock the baby and have my hair coloured all at the same time. Bliss.

* Geninne's new Mexican hideaway.

* Mina Perhonen's 2008 Summer/Spring Collection

* All the Japanese loveliness over at good-ness

* Emma Cassi's gorgeous house.

Lotta Prints

2008-07-07T17:11:00.005+10:00

Thanks to a post I came across over at Betty Ninja, I discovered Lotta Jansdotter's latests book. It's called Lotta Prints ......and I ordered myself a copy today.
It was released in the USA in March and covers all sorts of printing processes from stencils, rubber stamps to potato prints. It covers techniques for beginners (like me) through to the more advanced (like me..in 6 months time, lets hope). I love the simplicity of Lotta's work and have been wanting to do some fabric printing of my own, so who better to guide me?!

Now, the hard part, I just have to sit tight and wait for it to arrive.

DaWanda

2008-06-30T16:37:00.011+10:00

I came across this new(ish?) site, DaWanda Products With love, via the latest Selvedge newsletter. DaWanda, like Etsy, is the place for unique and individual products and people. I haven't had much time to scout around but I'm very impressed at what I did find in the Paper Goods section ....... I just bought this.

The Toy Society

2008-06-27T11:30:00.006+10:00

The Toy Society June 2008 drop: Gertrude St, Melbourne.

I'm in love with this whole notion of The Toy Society, started by Melbourne lass, Bianca. The aim is to spread love through the streets using toys.
If you're lucky enough to come across one...all you need to do, is give it a good home.
How brilliant is that! There are patterns available over at the blog and everyone is welcome to get involved. I'm quite into the idea of spreading the love around my neighborhood......... with toys.

online baby shower

2008-06-24T14:02:00.004+10:00

I know I'm a little baby mad at the moment but I seem to be in good company here in blog land. I've just signed up for this swap organised by Hey Bubbles. What a great idea.

hello again!

2008-06-23T12:18:00.009+10:00

Hello again. I'm slowly starting to get some more me time back into my day.....even if it is with a baby strapped to my chest, snoring his little head off.

I'm craving a creative project and dream of quilt designs while doing the 4am feed, all of which I'm taking as a good sign that my creative mojo is starting to return.
Inspired by so many of the gorgeous gifts little Z.J. received (I'm still blown away by everyone's generosity...thank you, thank you) I'm ready to tackle some crafting again. I've been trawling through my copy of Vogue Living (thanks to my gifted subscription, gotta love magazine subscriptions arriving in the post!)looking for further inspiration and........ in a rather round about way I discovered PingMag MAKE. It's an online Japanese Mag dedicated to interviewing Japanese craftsmen, engineers, entrepreneurs, and inventors in rural areas. A new interview is updated weekly. It's totally inspiring.

Miss Woolly made this lovely little school house for Z.J. I love everything about it, the school bell, skipping girl and teacher writing on the blackboard...but I think my favorite thing is the stitching on the roof. Clever Lady!

and the above name plaque lovingly x-stitched by Greta, in Italy, hangs permanently on his bedroom door. The best presents ever!

Early arrival

2008-05-05T23:20:00.004+10:00

Apologies for temporarily dropping out of blogsistence but we had an early arrival. Lovely little Z.J. was born on Wednesday 23rd April and he has turned our lives upside down. We're now slowly starting to slip into some sort of routine (as unreliable as a babies routine may be) and find our feet as new parents. Wow, those first two weeks are something else! What a wild ride it is. Thankfully, I have to say, all the sleepless nights and complete time decay from tight feeding regimes slide away when you look into that sweet face. He makes our hearts melt and we are just so happy to welcome him into our lives.

Today's Etsy Favorites.

2008-04-18T20:51:00.004+10:00

Borrowed Spoons Tea Towel, by Skinny Laminx.

Two cute hippos Jamil & Jamila by Strawberries & Cream (Minori Design).

Camilla Engman

2008-04-16T20:31:00.005+10:00

I purchased these Camilla Engman prints for the nursery. They arrived from Sweeden in record time. Thank you.

Now I'm in love with Camilla's ceramics and the work of Carol Hummel (who I stumbled across thanks to Camilla's beautiful blog).

Now I'm off to discover more from these two...oh, and read the latest Living Creatively Issue before turning in for the night. Sleep well xox

Busy, busy...nesting.

2008-04-10T15:16:00.009+10:00

I picked up my re-upholstered chair today and couldn't wait to get it inside but I had to patiently wait for the LF to get home and lift it out of the car. I'd almost hatched a plan with Sheridan (my pregnant neighbour) to help with the lifting (she's due next week). Then we realised how much trouble we'd be in once our beloved husbands found out. I love it. Thank you to yhe lovely boys at Martel Upholstery, in Camberwell, for doing such a wonderful job. Take a look at the before and after shot here.

My discovery of the day has been a new Japanese shop in the Glen Eira Village called Muku (the webiste is still under construction but they are situated next to the Miriam Bereson store/office on Glen Eira Road). They import organic baby clothes and accessories from Japan that are to die for. The whole experience is a treat, make sure you pop in and say hello if you're passing.

Patchwork on Central Park have just received a new shipment of Japanses fabrics in store (not yet listed on the website but will be by the end of the week). It's quite lucky I didn't have enough time to stop in on my way back from the upholsterers this morning or my wallet would have been even lighter for sure.

Then, there was morning tea at Galleon, a trip to The Good Guys, a walk to the beach with the dog, grocery shopping and now I'm about to put my feet up, relax and work on my cross stitch.
What a day (only 3 weeks to go!).

**written yseterday...I had problems with uploading it to blogger. darn.

to the bottom of my pencil case

2008-04-03T22:13:00.004+11:00

These gorgeous pencils arrived in the post today, from London, for the bump.
They are an early 'arrival' present from Jo & Fish. Thank you both from 'the bottom of my pencil case' (I can't stop singing that Beautiful South song!!...not that I mind, it always makes me smile).
The pencils already have their place in the nursery and no doubt bump will love them even more than we do, if that's possible.
I can't believe you're so organised Jo, you put me to shame. Thank you. We are so looking forward to seeing you. xoxoxoxoxox

All grown up.

2008-03-25T16:55:00.008+11:00

We spent Easter up in the Strathbogie Ranges with the LF's family, which was very relaxing. We took a leisurely drive to the Ruffy Produce Store for breakfast on Sunday. One of my favorite places to visit when I'm in that part of the world. There is something quite magical about the store....the food, the artwork, the setting and the fact that Ruffy is such a tiny town but the Produce Store is always buzzing.

Above is a wee chair the LF's mum gave us while we were up at the farm. It's been lovingly made from oak and the LF used to park his little bottom on it when he was a tot.

Below is a photo of one happy dog up on the farm. Chewie just loved it up there....

and it wasn't so long ago that Chewie looked like this.

Grow suits

2008-03-19T15:52:00.006+11:00

My friend, Lisa, gave me a whole lot of 2nd hand white bonds grow suits that her kids no longer need and....... this is what became of them with a few fabric scraps and my beloved Heat & Bond fusable webbing. I love that stuff.

ooohh ahh, aprons in my etsy store

2008-03-17T15:18:00.004+11:00

Here's a little sneak peek at one of the aprons I uploaded to my esty store today. I'll be adding more soon. xox

Easter Inspiration

2008-03-17T10:43:00.005+11:00

Take a look at this for an inspirational Easter Egg idea from The Long Thread. So cute. They involve absolutely no calories and....they're totally handmade. Ellen even provides instructions on how to make your very own.

I've been wondering around over at The long Thread for a while this morning and am now stuck on Ellen's Etsy favorites. I fear I could be there for some time but what better way to spend another hot 37 degree day.

I'm fried.

2008-03-14T15:22:00.008+11:00

The heat has got to me.

All my Friday intentions of getting down to the Stitches and Craft Show & Magnolia Square, Brighton, have melted away with the heat (sorry Eliza!).

All I want to do is dive into a cool blue sea.
I think it's a combination of the 40 degree day and being 33 wks pregnant...

Right now Antartica looks very appealing
(as would this lovely Kim Hargraves
Ice Blue Nan Jacket .....if I were in Antartica!).

Bootie

2008-03-11T17:01:00.017+11:00

The Little Fella bought our bump these booties on the weekend. They are hand made in New Zealand and available from Belki in Rathdowne St, North Carlton (Or directly from NZ here). Possibly, not too P.C. but very, very cute.

The little cardigan I mentioned in the previous entry arrived in the post today and it's even sweeter than it looks in the photo. It's brown, not grey and has lovely flecks running through the wool. Yay, for another successful etsy purchase.

Below is a photo of Miss Woolly's lovely wall hangings, in the nursery.

I couldn't resist

2008-03-05T08:52:00.006+11:00

I bought this gorgeous little hand knitted top yesterday on Etsy from Galloping Daisies. All of their items are fibre grown and harvested in NZ, made with handspun yarns and are handknitted....who could resist that!

Then, I went on to buy 4 pair of these fantastic Knotty Legs -Leggings for baby or toddler. Knotty Baby Wear are closing their shop (temporarily, while they move) and are offering free shipping on all of their orders until 17th March. So be quick. They are also responsible for those fabulous crochet cowboy boots, which unfortunately, have all sold out. So be quick.

Small

2008-03-04T11:20:00.006+11:00

The new edition of Small Magazine is now available online. It's full of beautiful things, such as these amazing illustrations by Catherine Campbell (a fellow Melbournian). Who, incidently, also has a very inviting etsy store here.

I came across the work of Amy Walsh in this edition too and have fallen in love with her delicate illustrations. Please take a look at them. I promise they'll delight. They're available through her Wonder Cabinet etsy store.

RAAK

2008-03-03T18:46:00.007+11:00

Take a look at this gorgeous Japanese store, Raak, with the most incredible range of textiles. You can check out a slide show their range here.

I particularly like this one below.

Thank you to ah_yi for the link.

enfant terrible

2008-02-28T17:12:00.005+11:00

I came across enfant terrible today, a site 'dreamt up in style and sustainability'.
Check out these gorgeous slippers by Pia Wallen and the i golfini della nonna range...a partnership run by two Italian sisters, with a womens co-operative in Bolivia, by way of Los Angeles (confused? Me too but their range really is gorgeous). This hand knitted world globe has to be my favorite.

Ida Pearle's Alphabet Cards

2008-02-27T16:21:00.004+11:00

I really love these Alphabet Cards available from Mahar Drygoods. I came across them via the Bloesem Kids Blog.

Moss stitch basinette blanket

2008-02-27T14:14:00.006+11:00

I'm making a little Moss stitch basinette blanket for the baby. It's been a slow process because every time I get distracted (thanks to Chewie) I have to undo my row and start again. I'm a big fan of moss stitch. My obsession started some time ago with a mystery person, walking down Carlisle Street, wearing a lovely moss green moss stitch scarf....(That must be at least two years ago now). Here's a photo of the moss stitch scarf I made last year, back in the days of Miss Woolly.

For those of you who remember... I receieved a Gocco printer for Christmas....well, you'll notice I have done sweet nothing with it. I really am excited by it but for some reason, damn nervous too. Fingers crossed, next week is the week.

New camera and old work

2008-02-25T19:57:00.010+11:00

I have a new camera and I love it. It's a Canon digital SLR and it's so much fun. I'm still learning how to use all the functions on it and imagine I will be for some time. I haven't had time to upload all of the photos yet but there will be more on their way.
Above is an update on the sampler I'm working on for the nursery.

I'd like to thank the lovely Fran for mentioning me on her blog, Mrs Eliot Books. What a treat! Thank you!

and...congratulations to Miss Woolly, who tied the knot last Friday night to the gorgeous Scot. Keep an eye out on Miss Woolly's blog for a snap shot of the dress. The beading was something else. It apparently took 8 hrs to hand stitch all of that amazingness on.

Below is the gorgeous caterpillar I ordered from the Two Little Banshees etsy store, for the baby shower I went to last weekend. Check out the blog here too.

Banksy

2008-02-18T21:30:00.003+11:00

This fantastic photo is by Sighmon. It's a Banksy done in our very own Melbourne alley way.... and I love it.
Take a look at the rest of Sighmon's Melbourne set here.

Chalk board paint

2008-02-15T13:50:00.006+11:00

I love this idea for a chalk board over at Martha Stewart.
Happy post Valentines day.
(Still no camera.....and alas, no new work to show you). I've started knitting a moss stitch blanket for the bumps bassinette though, so with a bit of luck you can see it soon.

PS. I'm eagerly awaiting a package from the talented Two little Banshees. It's a gift....and not for me but I'm excited all the same.

Suitcase Dog Bed... bow Wow!

2008-02-11T17:21:00.001+11:00

I love this Suitcase Dog Bed. It's available over at hersheyismybaby's Etsy store. If it wasn't for a litte postage issue.....USA to Australia (I've been caught out once before) I'd be snapping it up for little Chewie. I even think I had a suitcase very similar to this one when I was young. Yes, infact I did, it held my ballet shoes. Mine was pink and had an oval mirror above the pocket.

disheartened

2008-02-05T20:06:00.000+11:00

I am a little disheartened at the moment due to the fact that my digital camera has died on me. I wanted to post pictures of my new aprons and yo-yo's but it's not possible. Grrhhhhh.
Instead, I've been checking out these clever mobiles made by kristin loffer theiss. I'd really like one.

Tokyo Quilt Festival 2008

2008-01-29T12:54:00.000+11:00

Movinghands has just posted her new set of photos from the 2008 Tokyo International Quilt Festival with some truely inspirational images.....Such as this one above. Take a look at the entire Fickr set here.
Then, if you're bubbling with enthusiasm, as I always am after looking through Movinghands Flickr sets, take a look through 2006 and 2007

a cupcake with the lot

2008-01-23T17:19:00.000+11:00

I couldn't resist posting this recipe from the Cupcake blog; Walnut Cupcakes Topped with Rose White Chocolate Mousse and Baklava.
Is it just me, or does this sound dangerously good?

Apron Time

2008-01-18T16:37:00.000+11:00

Here is a little apron I made this afternoon. Inspired by Moving hands blog entry on the Japanese film “Kamome Shokudou”, set in Finland. Head on over to Moving hands where you can watch a snippet of the film on YouTube and also be inspired.

While on my apron investigation I came across these fantastic numbers on etsy today..the first, by City Girl Apron....and these by Pretty Dirty.

I couldn't resist posting a new picture of Chewie, looking.... oh, so sweet!!! Don't you love the head tilt.

I made a little quilt for his bed. I even used the heat bond paper to applique his name on....it was a lot of fun and easier than I'd imagined. The only problem is he keeps peeing on it (I'll post a photo next week once it's pee free)!