Thanks Ladle

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.

Busy, busy...nesting.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Another box ticked

Today I finished off my Amy Butler Gum Drop Pillow, which I posted about earlier.
The pattern specified Nature-Fil stuffing which I was unable to find anywhere here in Australia. So, I opted for good old Hobby Fill. Three large bags, were just enough to tightly pack this heavy poof. Now I can sit bak with my feet up and watch tv on him.

inspirational monday

This fantastic wallet is by Massey & Rogers. Its called 'Urban Garden' and is made from screen printed cotton and recycled paper. I love the eclectic buttons and tie which really make it for me.

.....and my friend Ladle, sent the details for this gorgeous Japanese site (which is a little easier to navigate than BG Shop)... Linnet: Linen, Fabric & Zakka Shop. I could go crazy with this Linen Interlining Cloth!

Some other inspiring images to get your creativity jumping this Monday morning:
Amy's soft fork spoon and plate set.
Shim & Sons restocked shop.
and...Fran at Mrs Eliot Books tagged pictorial.
Here's to a productive week. xox