Primrose & Avery

Moving House

2009-12-01T13:50:00.001-08:00

I have decided to move house in order to combine my two blogs and to create a more special place to talk about craft and family life alongside my fitness goals.

I hope you can come and join me in The Shed!

Down in The Shed

25 Days of Crafting

2009-11-30T23:53:00.000-08:00

I have plenty of christmas sewing to do so I thought I would challenge myself to 25 days of Christmas crafting.

There are garlands and ornaments to be made, and presents to be crafted with love.

So here is the first of many more to come. Interestingly NOT a christmas themed item, but a birthday crown.

With me heading back to work after Christmas I thought I would get a head start on the birthday crafting also.

Sunday Saunter

2009-09-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

Gypsy Love

1. Gypsy Collage, 2. Gypsy Dancer, 3. gypsy wagon, 4. Dasha at the KHAMORO World Gypsy Festival 2006, 5. Gypsy Fortune Teller, 6. Gypsy (roma tigan rrom tzigane) (Roman / Romania), 7. Gypsy caravan, 8. gypsy girls PUSHKAR, 9. An old gypsy caravan - 4013 Views to date ??

Love the Colours and the spice....

Harris on the box

2009-09-17T02:38:00.001-07:00

Funny!

Sunday Saunter (on a monday)

2009-09-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

Spring Green

1. SCK0000710ba It's not easy being green, 2. Beautiful Weed, 3. Madagascar Orb Weaving Spider, 4. Verde, 5. Spring Green, 6. Spring Green Petunias, 7. Spring greens, 8. Spring Greens!!, 9. Spring Means Green and HOPE has Arrived!

Home Made Baby Toys

2009-09-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

One thing I have noticed since having my own little one is that you can never have too many toys. They do seem to get bored with the same toys over and over again. The only problem with that is that toys can be expensive!

Simple home made shakers using pasta and craft supplies and cheap plastic containers are perfect to keep things interesting for the little monkey!

To make these, all I did was take some clear plastic screw top containers purchased at a $2 shop and filled them with different sounding objects.

In this picture, the first contains some metallic bells, the second contains some puff pom poms and sequins for a very small soft sound and the third contains an assortment of macaroni, buttons and novelty buttons in different animal shapes - to give the baby something to search for in the jar.

To make it safe for baby to play with, I affixed the jar lid using some 2 part epoxy glue on the inside of the screw top lid - that way the lid can't be pryed open by little hands.

These toys are probably appropriate from 3 months upwards - however once your baby learns that jar's such as these can be opened it is probably best that they are used under supervision - just incase they manage to get past the glue!

This is Harris's very first attempt at painting - he actually wanted to eat the paint brish more than paint with it - and it was rather messy - but fun all the same!

What a busy Week!

2009-09-09T23:05:00.000-07:00

Play School - The Show is coming to Canberra!

The Ever Popular Television Show! Live in Concert.
Featuring Two Presenters plus the toys from the popular television show.
This show is full of active participation.
Play School, which celebrates its 42nd birthday this year, has featured some of Australia’s leading actors as presenters over the years.
These popular Play School live shows are specially designed to delight pre-schoolers and parents alike.
Each show features 40 minutes of songs, games and stories with many of the well-loved toys plus along with two past or present presenters from the television series.
The roars of approval heard whenever they appear on stage attest to the ongoing popularity of Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima and Humpty
.As with the television program, everything in the concerts is carefully paced especially for children.
There are songs to move to, as well as quiet times to just watch and listen.
The familiarity of the material totally engages the young audience for the 40-minute duration of the concerts
Audience numbers are limited per session so those children
can see and hear the show easily, and move about safely.

Friday 27th November 2009
Yarralumla
Albert Hall
Commonwealth ave Yarralumla
All Tickets *$13.20
Adults at Children's prices. Infants under 12 months on the day of the concert are free

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Phone Kids Promotions on 1300 788 028
or Book Online

We are going along! It should be a whole lot of fun for the bubs!

Not a whole lot of crafting going on this week - we have been busy doing boring chore type activities.

I took Harris for his first swing ride at the park this morning - he seemed to really enjoy himself!

Baby Shorts and Escapism

2009-09-06T23:57:00.000-07:00

These are the little shorts I have made for Harris this summer, all made from refashioned jersey shirts and pillowcases.

Below is a sequence of an attempted escape in progress - luckily it was foiled by mummy.

Cheeky little nappy butt!

Wardrobe Refashion Attempt #1

2009-09-06T03:49:00.000-07:00

Here is what I started out with:

And this is how it ended up:

I'm not entirely impressed but it's not too bad for a first attempt. Unfortunately - although it looks wearable - it's not really. The shoulder straps keep falling down and the under arm piece is a llittle too high cut for my comfort. However - I don;t mind the pattern and I think I will have another go at it with some adjustments.

Sunday Saunter

2009-09-05T17:17:00.003-07:00

As I was sauntering around the blogs for this week I caught a glance of the lovely Smaggle donning a sweet vintagey looking pinafore - and it got me all inspired. Here are some favourites:

1. Retro Smix Jumper, 2. Citrus Pinafore, 3. Prairie Studies Pinafore, 4. Little Pinafores, 5. Vintage McCalls Pattern 2925 Boho Pinafore and Apron, Little House on The Prairie, 6. Choco-Blue Pinafore Dress, 7. pinafores, 8. Nasta Pinafore Dress, 9. pinafore and flats

What's inspriing you this Sunday?

Handmade Home Beach Blanket

2009-09-03T19:17:00.001-07:00

harris play mat 002
Originally uploaded by Andjx2009

I just finished zipping up this lovely blanket made from recycled sheets and pillowcases so that Harris and I have something to sit on outside so we can enjoy the coming warmth of Spring.

It was a fairly easy project, however, my machine really couldn't cope with the bulk of fabric in the blanket and I don't think I'll be making another one anytime soon (The arm on my sewing machine is quite short).

The blanket can be found in the oh so lovely book "Handmade Home" by Amanda Blake Soule - the eternally inspiring lady who is fast becoming my mentor for natural parenting. Her blog Soule Mama is here.

I have decided that I have serious issues with Bias binding and that we are not friends.

The hardest part was actually keeping the baby on the blanket once we got outside. He isn't really one for staying in the one spot for too long and thinks that grass is tasty.

What you makin' Mama?

2009-09-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

I can help? No really I can!

In progress is a nice picnic blanket - made entirely from thrifted fabric and as given as a project in the book by Amanda Blake Soule - Handmade Home.

It is a lovely book with lots of family friendly projects based on aiming to use the things you have.

In reality right now I am procastinating from making the bias tape for the outside of thie rug.

Ho Hum... off I go

Summer Skirts

2009-09-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a few pics of the skirts I have made for this coming summer. Super easy to make - no pattern required - just some pretty fabric. I have another 4 or 5 lined up to make - so that should see me through.

Delicate Delicate New Life of Spring

2009-09-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wish I knew how to make pictures bigger on blogger so that it did them justice a bit better.

Yesterday I wore a skirt and a tank top all day and the maximum temperature was only 16 - but to me that was plenty warm enough to stop wallowing in the depths of winter clothing.

What can I say - the warmer months make me happy!

Below is a pic of my latest haul from the Salvo's. Looking at it now I have actually already used most of it to make shorts for the baby for summer. I'll post a pic later on. I often flick through the vintage patterns at the salvo's just to see what might happen to pop out at me. This one did the other day - I thought it had a nice sillhouete. If anything - it will make a nice summer frock to throw over swimmers at the beach.

Smashing Smock!

2009-09-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

This top is the smock project from the Anna Maria Horner Book - Seams to Me.

I made no alterations to this one - except for adding some ties so that I could nip the top in a little at the waist. However if I make it again, I think that I w ould like to take some fabric off the arm sleeve edge and just bring it in to expose my shoulders a bit more.

I am a size 12 and made the Medium in the book and it fits quite well.

I just used plain cotton fabric with no stretch.

I am by no means an accomplished sewer and I found this project easy - but I did have to study the instructions very thoroughly.

I will most likely make it again - next time I am going to make it in all the same fabric rather than the contrast.

Wardrobe refashion

2009-08-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

Eeek! I have have taken the pledge to commit to wardrobe refashioning for the next 2months!!

From over here. The pledge goes like this:

" I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself for the term of the contract. I pledge that I shall create and craft items of clothing for myself with my own hands in fabric yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. "

I do need to make one caveat though - at some time in the next couple of months I am going to need to go out and buy some plain white singlet tops and t-shirts. Being pregnant all last summer has left me with very little in the way of top half coverings and as I practically live in singlets and t-shirts when it is warmer - I can't get by without buying just a few.

I figured that I was pretty much doing this at the moment anyway - so why not take the challenge. That and I need to live simply and be thrifty for the next few months. I enjoy the concept and idea of it - but have been too lazy to do anything about it up till now.

Last week I made 4 skirts and I have plans for another 4. Yesterday I cut off a pair of old cargo pants into shorts and found a really nice pair of black shorts at Vinnies.

I'm ready to see just how creative I can be - AND - I really like the environmental aspects of a challenge like this. I absolutely hate the throwaway nature of our society and clothes sold in the shops now are so expensive considering they are made in China by people who may be living below the poverty line.

When I do come to buying those singlets I need, I'm going to do some research into a brand that is made in Australia I think.

I'll post a pic of my thrifting and sewing later on.

Ahhh Spring....

2009-08-22T22:38:00.000-07:00

A rainy day

2009-08-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

I have been pretty focussed on exercise and fitness lately and it is eating into the crafting somewhat. However, I went to the Craft and Quilt fair here in canberra on the weekend and it was awesome to say the least.

I am taliking specifically about the quilt show because it was spectacular!

So - of couse - this has me on the verge of another crafting spree and I am really looking forward to recieving all the packages I have recently purchase from the US of fabric and crafting books and particularly a lovely pattern! (For wihich the fabric in the first picture is promised!)

I am also in the process of redesigning this blog - it is slow because it takes time - but it will get there - so stay tuned!

Destruct-a-baby strikes...

2009-07-22T23:57:00.001-07:00

Today...my new Real Living magazine arrived in the mail...

Just now I walked back into the lounge to find this:

and what do those innocent eyes say? "What...isn't that why you left it out for me?"

and he can't even crawl yet...eek!

Balance

2009-06-25T00:43:00.000-07:00

Ahh it has been such a long time since Imanaged to write anything at all here and I feel very out of touch with all things crafty. Intruth we have both been sick with a recurrent cold and then we went on a trip to Brisbane to visit my mum and friends. Now we are back I am feeling the need to reconnect with the balance that crafting adds to my life.

I have been banging holes in walls left rght and centre this past week, finally putting up some pictures that I have had lying around the place for ages.

I have decided that it is time to make this house of ours feel more like a home and after much deliberation, scouring of magazines and contemplation, I have finally decided on a colour scheme and am making progress towards a more homely home.

The high contrast of the black and the white, the neutrality of the chocolate and the zing of the accent colours of the orange and pink.
We have lots of black and white photo's and we already had a painting using the chocolate and pinks - plus I love that I can add in metallic bits and pieces to give it all some richness.

So I will attempt to get back into the crafting and blogging... next stop - My creative space

Handmade Market review

2009-05-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

Well this was my first attendance at a handmade market but it was entirely worth pursuing the crowds and the horrific carparking to have a look around all of the wonderful talented peoples craftiness.

I enjoyed some Chai and bought some scrummy chutney and dry marinades from Crankypants, and a beautiful blood plum vinegar from another seller whose name escapes me.

There were plenty of bloggers there too. Rummage, the Canberra Cook, Ninaribena..... just to name a few.

The next one is in september and it's got me thinking whether I should have a go at putting together a few ideas that I've had and have a go...it's a thought to contemplate.

Considering that I haven't laid hands on the sewing machine now in more than two weeks - because my child wont let me take my attention away from him for more than 5 minutes - it may be ambitious - but we will have to see how we go.

Still being slack

2009-05-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted any pics of the boy child.

He is getting so clever now and his latest trick is squealing - it is very loud! still super cute though!

Serious lack of crafting

2009-05-16T23:39:00.000-07:00

There has been a serious lack of crafting in this house over the past week or so. I have been organising contractors to come and do things to the house and it seems to get in the way of most things fun.

That and production on the quilt has faltered because I don't have any needles witha big enough eye to thread perle cotton through and I haven't been able to get to the shop to get something suitable.

I really need to get a move on that project considering the baby who it is for is due in less than two weeks!

Handmade Market

2009-05-15T22:11:00.000-07:00

Next weekend on the 23rd of May is the Handmade Market in Canberra - which I am really looking forward to attending.

There were a few last year but being pregnant I just couldn'tbring myself to attend at the time - so it is with much anticipation that I am looking forward to going along for a look see next weekend.

Its at the Albert Hall should anyone be interested.

Words and Pictures...Remember

2009-05-13T03:22:00.000-07:00

They are a bit hard to see in this picture but in the tree are two tawny frogmouth birds. These two were perched in the tree above us throughout our wedding ceremony a couple of years ago and we couldn't help but think at the time it was a lovely omen.
A few weeks ago my sister in law was showing me pictures of two grand wedge tail eagles that visited her property - something I also took as a nice omen considering the recent passing passing of her mum... I though it symbolic that perhaps he mum and dad were together again and watching over her and us.
Just little thoughts that keep the memories alive,...

2009-05-04T00:20:00.000-07:00

This little safety vest was my latest sewing challenge. The littlest cousins birthday was upcoming and when asked what he wanted the answer was a "jacket like daddy's"! Hmmnn...

So after pondering an adult sized vest for a week I figured the easiest thing would be just to refashion it into a child sized fluoro vest.

It came out surprisingly well!

What I am making...or My Creative Space

2009-04-29T04:21:00.001-07:00

This is the beginnings of a cot sized quilt for my friend who's baby is due on May 30th.

I finished piecing it together tonight and lets just say I need to work on the piecing. It's not the neatest quilt in the world - but hey - we've all got to start somewhere.

So now I need to figure out how to finish it off. The batting, the binding, the actual quilting part.

Hmmn... I would really rather make more fun things such as skirts.

Just for good measure here is a(nother) pic of my favourite person.

Designer Spotlight: Koolaman designs

2009-04-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this beautifully delicate stamped Jewelery the other day and decided that I just love it.

I think it would make the most perfect mothers day present - as you choose what you want stamped on your pendant.

Find them at Koolaman Designs

Long Weekend Loveliness

2009-04-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

We have had a beautifully relaxing weekend this Anzac day long weekend - the only flaw in it was that I forgot to take my camera away with me and so I am unable to share it with you visually!

We went to out beach house on the NSW south coast and didn't do too much at all except:

Knit
Read
Drink Tea
Listen to beatles and abba and simon and garfunkle records (yes... records)
Play with baby
eat beautiful fresh seafood
Bushwalk
Visit beautiful friends
Appreciate life....

The we came home to freezing Canberra and we wished we had stayed there another night!

We visitied some friends while we were down there and I had not been to their place before. Oh MY! it is my dream house. Georgously light and sunny, high up on the hill surrounded by bushland and with ocean views. The grass was green, the chickens were running free and the horses were frolicking. It was so stunning!

I have been trying to teach myself to knit and crochet and I am not having much luck with either. The knitting is coming along much faster than the crochet - at least it is good until I try to follow a pattern and then nothing seems to look like it should. So then I rip it all out and start again.

Another social week of visiting, drinking tea and sewing coming up this week for us.

Mummy's been busy!

2009-04-22T15:11:00.001-07:00

Sewing up a storm!

Using the 'recipie' in The Creative Family by Soulemama I have been making harris some pants from refashioned shirts and pillowcases.

I also made up the Dot Dolly pattern that I bought from etsy the other day. I think she is pretty cute but that she might need a boyfriend. I could possibly do a boy version? or just another doll entirely.

The pants are great! Although I prefer sewing them from stretchy material rather than the pillowcases because they seem to fit a bit better.

The problem is thought that we tend to wear our clothes to death and Op shops here aren't actually that cheap.

My next project is going to be another pair of pants made from some pirate fabric that I have been searching for a use for. For those I am going to try the Yoga pants pattern from the Meet me at Mikes book.

I decided last night that I have too many projects on the go at the moment and that I need to finish some of them before I start any more.

Catching Up

2009-04-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

on rest....
on life...
with friends...
with reading...
on sewing....
with family....
with blogging...

in general....

Words and Pictures...play along here

My Creative Space

2009-04-19T03:38:00.000-07:00

Playing along with Kristy

This is my attempt at getting all of my crafty bits and bobs together in one space! My actual creative space (aka - My Desk!) looks like a paper bomb has gone off in the vicinity at the moment. Not much crafting going on - but tidying of the craft equipment has definitely taken place.

I'm not quite there yet but uts getting there.

Etsy Highlight: My First Etsy Purchase

2009-04-19T02:26:00.000-07:00

have hesitated and hestated for ages about buying things on Etsy - don't ask me why - I just have. Perhaps I didn't want to start a bad habit!

However, I have been looking for a boy doll toy for my babe and wanting something handmade - I haven't really been able to find anything at all that I liked that was premade.

Sure - there is lots out there but they were all kind of in between what I had in my mind.

So I decided to search patterns instead.

This is what I came up with!

I

The seller is Herbst Handmade - they have a cute varety of PDF patterns - and some VERY cute bunny slippers which I may need to come back for! Seeing that it is nearly winter and all!

They also have a blog - which you can check out Here!

My Boy

2009-04-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

Obsessed with baby toys!

2009-04-17T20:06:00.001-07:00

We just bought this play gym for Harris this morning. He seems to like it so far.

I am becoming totally obsessed with toys for Harris - both home made and bought! I just can't get enough of them.

These are some I would love to get him.

Musical Zebra

Take along Musical Mirror

Fisher Price Clutch and Crinkle Ball

random rainy garden images

2009-04-13T15:38:00.001-07:00

Weekend All Sewn Up

2009-04-05T03:08:00.000-07:00

I have had quite a productive weekend - I have cut out the skirt that I am going to make (most likely over easter), I have cut out a tunic top that is in the Anna Maria Horner "Seams to me" book, and I have sewn up an apron that was in a past issue of Get creative magazine.

When I locate my camera again (I think (Hope) it is in the car), I will take a picture of it. I made it using this georgous lingerie fabric that I bought a while back just because I loved it.

I like attempting these types of patterns because it helps me to learn new sewing skills (like setting in a skirt to the waist band) and increases my sewing confidence. My next skill that I really need to learn is inserting a zip - and I have a project in mind for that.

So, back to the Apron.

I do like how it turned out - although there are a few small things that I would probably change were I to make it again.

I think I would do the neck strap in a different style or at least make it longer - in fact I may still do that to this one.

The other thing I would do is make the skirt part wider so that is went around more of my body., and probably shorten it so that it ended just under my knees. I don't mind it how it is now, but these things would make it better I think.

For some reason I have a really strong urge to make every single apron pattern that I come accross. I might do that just for fun. I really should wear an apron when I am doing things at home because I constantly wipe my hands on my clothes when I am in the kitchen or eating.

Spotlight (fabric store) is having a clearance sale this week so I am going to go tomorrow and get some fabrics that caught my eye last week.

Consulting the Oracle

2009-04-04T03:46:00.000-07:00

My husband's grandmother was a very accomplished seamstress and while I never had the pleasure of meeting her, she did pass her skills for all things sewing on to her two daughters - my husband's aunts.

So, every so often when I reach a bump in my sewng skills road, I have to go and consult the oracles.

It's really nice and I feel as though I am startign to get that little crafters bond going with them.

I am in the process of making a skirt - my first true garment made from a purchased pattern.

When I had a spare 5 minutes today I sat down with the pattern to cut the pieces out, however when it came to the cutting guide for the skirt waist band and interfacing I got all confused by the was the pattern instructions said to place the pattern piece on the fold of the fabric and I needed further instruction.

It seems to be worked out now but the proof will be when I piece it together and see what it looks like in the end.

The comments on my blog don't seem to have been working up until this point - thanks to Kirsty for pointing that out to me! I seem to have the problem fixed now though!

I am hanging out to get to the fabric store next week (not until Tuesday!) because I am really into the quilt I am making for my friends baby and I need to get the final bits of fabric for the quilt top. There is also a bag project that I am going to get some material for.

Right now I have an old gift box housing my fabric stash but I can see that is going to get too small pretty soon!

I read a great thing today in the current Notebook magazine about a woman who took a photograph of somethign she was grateful for in her life, every single day for 1 year. It was such a lovely story about being present in the moment and appreciating the things and people in her life. I was especially enchanted by the part in the story where she told of her daughters becoming more present and 'aware' because she had, and them bcoming more appreciative of the things and people in their lives.

This is something that I would like to see in myself. I will be the first to admit that I am bad at saying thank you. I say thank - you of course but I feel like I never do it with enough sincerity or in some situations (When It is called for) excitement. I think that I would like to be more excited about certain things in life and respond to them accordingly on the whole. I mean - I can be self conscious about even saying hello to people in the hallway at work or smiling at times. This is a part of me that I would like to work on. I have been listening to the CraftSanity podcasts at night while I have been breastfeeding Harris and this is something I notice about many of the Americans that Jennifer interviews. They are all really sincere and grateful, thankful and excited about what they do. Many of them seem to have a realy Joie de vivre for life and I think that I need to find a little bit of that in me. It's not that I don't enjoy life - I do - I'm just not very good at expressing it. I need to work on that. I think that being able to rediscover crafting is helping me a lot with finding out things about myself I had forgotten. I am very grateful for being able to reconnect with parts of me that needed nurturing. I am so excited about the prospects of all the things I can make and be crative with. When I first finished up working to go on maternity leave, I felt incredibly unconstructive, but sewing and making things has allowed me to feel like I am accomplishing things each day - that I am productive with my time. That is important to my psyche!

Bunny, Bunny, Bunny

2009-04-02T18:27:00.001-07:00

Look how cute these bunnies are over at Edward and Lily's blog!

How lucky that she is having a giveaway and I have a chance to win one.

Please little bunny..come to live at my house....

Trip to Cockington Green

2009-04-02T17:51:00.001-07:00

Cockington green is a tourist attraction in Canberra, where they have created a world of miniture houses and replicas of england and other buildings from countries around the world.
The minitures were cute and very well done but the gardens were just stunning.

A great place to take the kids as they have good play equipment.

We went as my mum was in town and she wanted to see it - I'mnot sure I will go again until I have kids big enough to enjoy it more thoroughly.

was a nice way to spend the afternoon though.

Cockinton green is located in the Gold Creek village where there are numerous other boutique shops and cafes to browse through and enjoy a nice morning or afternoon out.

If you do go, i thoroughly recommend Cafe Injoy at the top end of the main street - best cafe I have been to in Canberra.

There is also a lovely little quilting shop next door called Calico Patch, and a scapbooking shop next door to that. Enough to keep any crafter happy for a few hours.

My Creative Space

2009-04-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

I seem to be finally getting into a groove with crafting again and have this week managed to get my first attempt at a quilt on the go. I haven't quite mastered the art of rotary cutting but I am getting much better and last night managed to get some piecing done while the wee one slept for a solid 3 hours (WOW!).

I have a whole box of pre cut projects to do - eventually. Lucky I was so into cutting out while I was pregnant.

My Creative space is hosted by Kirsty at Kootoyou.

Crafting rant of the week...

2009-04-01T01:43:00.000-07:00

Why is it, that when you buy a precut fat quarter, they insist on including the selvage/branding in the measurement - when you only have to cut the selvage off anyway...

I don't get it...

rant over

Words and Pictures - A long drive

2009-03-30T22:44:00.001-07:00

The majority of the trips that my Husband and I have been on in the time we have been together involve driving. There is a certain excitement that goes along with a driving holiday.
One such trip we went to visit Friends in Bathurst and came across the eternal question - Which came first - The chicken or the egg?

Well depending on which way you were driving - too or from Bathurst on the inland road from Brisbane, they both took turns at going first:

We aso regularly qnjoyed Driving past the Lamb and Potato festival. I can't remember which small country town hosts this festival but every time we have driven through this town it seems to have been on:

My Take on the weekly theme from Meet me at Mike's.

Birthdays

2009-03-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

After getting the Anna Maria Horner book last week and I have an inkling of a feeling that I am getting the Material Obsession book from my husband for my birthday tomorrow (see earlier posts), I have itchy fingers to get stuck in and start making things.

Specifically on my list are:

The Taxi Tote:

This Apron:

Images from Seams to Me Flickr Pool

There is also a tunic/top that I am going to have a go at as well as a skirt but I need to find some fabric for the skirt first.

I also bought a birthday present for myself of a rotary cutter, a cutting mat and a cutting ruler so that I can start experimenting with quilting.

Cheesecake in my future

2009-03-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

My mission for today is to make a cheesecake to take for dessert to dinner at a friends place tonight. When I asked my husband what his second choice was he said...cheesecake...hmmn - guess I'm left with no choice.

Until then I am going to sit here and keep pondering the pile of fabric that will one day become a quilt for my friends baby....

More Books

2009-03-25T02:24:00.000-07:00

Another one for the reading pile.....

What's Cooking?

2009-03-25T00:37:00.000-07:00

I know that it is still a bit early in the year for soups BUT I do so love having a tasty meal tucked away in the freezer.....mmmnnn Potato and Leek Soup

New Header

2009-03-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Being Autumn and all that I thought I would get inspired and create a new header for my blog.

Very soon the leaves here will start turning all the amazingly vibrant colours of Autumn; ochre, burnt orange, gold and russet - I am going to try and take lots of pictures outside this Autumn because when we moved here last year it was right at the end and I just didn't quite make it to taking photos in time.

I have a few jobs toget done in the garden this week and that includes a fair bit of pruning of fruit treesand roses, some soil preparation for planting of a few new veggie crops (broccoli and broad beans, possibly a cabbage and a cauliflower - we'll see) and I am contemplating popping some bulbs in to see what we end up with. Jonquils are my favourite flower ( They have the most georgous perfume) and I am tempted to fill the garden beds out the front of our house with Jonquil bulbs right along the edge of the bed so that I might possibly have jonquils this spring by the bucket load.

Now I have to go and research Broad beans .....

Winter Vegetables

2009-03-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I can't get to carried away with growing veggies this winter because our very loving Labrador likes to eat things straight from the plant - I have to be careful what I plant in the back garden.

Hopefully by next Summer we will have some of these raised garden beds installed in the front yard so that we can have crops that don't get eaten by the dog for next summer.

I did however throw some Butternut pumpkin seeds into the garden and they have produced what looks to be the beginnings of a bumper crop that will see us through winter.

I am also very tempted to try my hand at growing some broccoli.

The other thing I need to do is put some legumes in the end of the garden that had the eggplants growing in it for the past few months. Need to re- nitrogen the soil!

I would love...

2009-03-22T14:56:00.000-07:00

These are the two sewing books that I have my eye on at the moment - unfortunately they are only available through Amazon in the US so that means I have to suffer through the dodgy exchange rate... we will see what happens...

Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross

Seams to Me by Anna Maria Horner

Back to it

2009-03-22T14:46:00.001-07:00

It's been a while between crafty sessions - due in part to the arrival of Harris Pedro - the newest addition to our family. He is a darling child most of the time - BUT - he doesn't really let me put him down for long enough to really get stuck into a sewing project. I have a sling that I carry him around in and I have mastered the art of typing with him in the sling so sewing is the next fronteir.

I did manage to cut a few things out before I had him so I have a few little projects to start with.
This below is going to be a toy giraffe. And I have a couple of aprons to sew up as well. I might start with the aprons to get the sewing finders back into touch.

I have decided that I am going to have an ongoing project this year of making a quilt. I am going to start off with a really easy pattern of just squares so I can get the techniques down pat. I would like to have it done by winter so that we have a nice rug to put over our laps when we are watching TV - but we will have to see how we go. I have a pattern so I am just in the process of deciding on fabrics now.

Second hand bookery

2009-02-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

There is a certain second hand bookshop in the stunningly named suburb of Fyshwick in Canberra which is presently having a closing down sale - 50% off all of their book. You read right - ALL of their books!

I pop in every now and again and rummage through the shelves to see if there is anything I missed last time. On the weekend I came across these two gems. I love ols sewing books. The McCalls one is from th 60's and the other is from the 70's. The illustrations are just great - if I had a scanner I would scan some in!

But another great thing about them (aside from the old school sewing tips) is some of the fabulous prose - as I come across some gems I'll try and post some here.

Here is a good one:

"The basic fact about clothes is that arm's go in sleeves, coats fasten, skirts start at the waist (wherever they may end) and dresses cover the body from shoulder to hem. Designers can indulge in the wildest flights of fancy, or dip into past decades for inspiration, but one thing remains constant, clothes are still cut out and made up more or less as they have been for centuries".
Dressmaking Made Simple, p6, 1974

Introducing...

2009-02-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

Frankencatbear!

Well - that's what Mark christened him. Because he said that it looks like I have attached the head from one toy to another. I made him last week and I think he is pretty cute.

Now I'm working on the next creation... a flowery giraffe who may be named flowers!

Fashiony Inspiration for Autumn/Winter

2009-02-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

Daydreaming away about the clothes I might like to purchase to keep me warm this winter I'm thinking that the things I may need include:

Patterened and Textured Scarves (although I could be opening myself up to being choked by a small child)
Ballet flats - but these are a staple anyway. I'm thinking grey wool and purple
A black trench coat - I found one in David Jones this morning but I need to wait until I am not pregnant to figure out what size I need
Black bootleg trousers - cross between a jean and a dress pant. Chack country road and esprit
A dark grey wool blend skirt - country road
Do I need a new bag - we'll see - I guess it all depends on small child!
tights, tights and more tights
Grey dress from country road - hmmn? still deciding - can be dressed up AND worn casual which is a plus.
Jeans Jeans Jeans
Camel coloured jacket
Long sleeve shirts: Red, Purple

I guess it all comes down to what I am NEEDING to wear doesn't it? Because I am only really going to be going to the shops occasionally and perhaps out for coffee/lunch. We dont go out THAT much so I really only need one dress/going out dressing up outfit. So I need mainly casual comfy clothes that make me feel good when I do leave the house. I guess some nicer lounge type house clothes could come in handy too. But I'd have to see what I could find. Lorna jane dance pants are always good for that!

baby's Room

2009-01-31T16:09:00.000-08:00

Progress

2009-01-26T02:23:00.000-08:00

Well I managed to sit down this weekend and make some progress on sewing projects I have on the go.

Mainly just cutting out of pattern pieces BUT I did manage to sew up a prototype of the shorts pattern that I had sitting around. They are cute but they wont fit my boy for a little while. I might try and make a smaller version - looking at the pattern it shouldn't be all that difficult. I need to use a different fabric for the main part of the shorts though - I used a poplin but it is a little bit light on and I really cant see them lasting a rough and tumble boy very well.

I also made some little nappy covers/ pilchers - because really - who likes to go out with their underwear showing! They turned out really well and once he is here and I can try them on him I will most likely make some more. I may try and alter them so they I can add some snaps to make nappy changes easier - or i could just not worry about it!

My least favourite job of the weekend was fixing the massive rip in the dog's bed - oh it was disgustin gto have to put that awful thing near my lovely sewing machine. Now I am desperate to scrub the sewing room/office to get the doggyness out.

I will take some pics tomorrow once I have finished the shorts off with some elastic in the waist band. I wasn't very happy with the pockets - mainly because I found the really difficult to sew on.

The baby's room is also finished (apart from one wall hanging) so I will attempt to take some pics tomorrow of that as well.

A bit slack

2009-01-20T19:24:00.001-08:00

I know that I have been a bit slack but I just haven't really been up for crafting or sewing at all in the past few weeks. A little bit because it has been too hot and a little bit because I haven't had much time to spare.

But today I went to the fabric shop and stocked up on sewing supplies so I can have a few little projects going on in the background over the next few weeks.

here is what I have planned:

Make some cot sheets from some old cotton sheets we found in Grandma's closet
Make a few more snuggle bed covers to rotate through
A few pairs of cute shorts from a pattern I have
An apron that I have been hoarding th material for.
some little cotton nappy cover - like pilchers I guess. My concept for these needs a little bit of work.
Mend the massive tear in the dog's bed.

I think that is all for now.

I constantly surprise myself...

2009-01-05T04:09:00.000-08:00

I bought a Tetra snuggle bed for my new bub to sleep in and feel secure when he first comes home with me. I was in a bit of a dilemma because I didn't want to have a bassinet - I wanted him to get used to the cot straight away, but I also wanted him to feel cosy and snug. That is where the snuggle bed comes in.

When I bought it, the one I got was white and had a removeable cover on it like a pillow slip (like the one in the pic above but white). I kept thinking that white was not the best choice, but I would figure something out.

Well tonight I made myself a new heavier duty cover for my snuggle bed - in coordinating fabric to my nursery and I am so happy with how it turned out. I do surprise myself with my sewing abilities because they are limiited - but I am starting to think that I can probably make anything I set my mind to.

I will post a pic another day because it is very late at night and I do have to work tomorrow. But I was just so excited that I could make something like that from scratch.

Vintage paper, books etc

2009-01-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

I have found myself in posession of a large amount of vintage books (think little golden books), sewing and knitting periodicals, and maps. Only problem is... I'm not really sure what to do with them.

I know that there is potentially some small market value to scrappers and the like but I don't really know how to go about selling them.

Any one who knows or can help - all advice will be greatly appreciated!@!

Some of my Nursery things

2008-12-27T14:56:00.000-08:00

I have been happily crafting away on things for the baby's room for a little while now but I have been waiting to put up pics until it was closer to finished.

Last night I was bored and decided to play around with my Mobile concept. It is a little bit shabby but still cute I think it is more a Dangle than a mobile. Here is one of the fish....

And the dangle from a distance.....

I did these paintings a little while ago now but I have waiting to hang them beofre I took a picture. I am really happy with how they came out....

There are other things but I will save them ntil the room is more together.

New Project

2008-12-26T18:39:00.000-08:00

This is the beginnings of the last project for the baby's nursery (If you exclude the mobile - I'm still working on the concept for that.) It's not much yet but I hope it comes together. Thats if I can even get it to hang on the wall once it is finished. LOL - it is so heavy!

Sad news

2008-12-26T02:37:00.000-08:00

After having a lovely couple of hours with us at home for christmas yesterday, Mark's mum passed away this afternoon at around 5pm. She went quite peacefully and her last hours were spent with family.

It has been a very long day and we are all a bit sad - but also relieved that she is no longer suffering.

So Rest in Peace Jo - you are with spike now - together again. xo

I love this picture of mark with his mum - it really captures the relationship they had.

Merry Christmas to All

2008-12-24T15:04:00.000-08:00

Even my Cat is getting into the christmas spirit....

Awake already

2008-12-24T10:10:00.000-08:00

and No it's not because I am waiting for Santa Claus to come. It's just the being pregnant thing.
Hungry hungry hungry this past 24 hours - I had to get up and eat something. And now I am awake.

So I decided to start doing some research on my little baby shower favours. So I thought I would post a link here to any interesting looking tutorials that I come across - so that I can find them again and so can other people!

My baby shower isn't really going to have a theme per se - but a hostess from "the Body Shop at Home" is coming along to demonstrate her wares and do a pampering session icluding a foot or hand massage - so I thought a bit f a relaxation theme would be nice. But in reality - it is just going to be a little lunch party with salad and sandwhiches and party cakes - and possibly nice refreshing homemade lemonade (I'm liking the sound of that!). Just one game to play - one where everyone gets a bib and a nappy pin when they arrive, and then after that they are not allowed to say the word "Baby" - if someone else catches them out saying baby - they can steal the bib./bibs that person has - even if they have collected 10 bibs. Whoever has the most bibs at the end of the shower is the winner! (I guess I will need a prize too).

So here is what I have found so far:

This from Feeling Stitchy
Over at e-how
This is more along the lines of what I was thinking over at Blooming at Home

What I was thinking was a small heart shape with some muslin and the embroidery on one side, sewn together and filled with some lavender and possibly rose petals. I have a few roses left on the bushes that may need to be sacrificed for the purpose - and (luckily) we have a lavender plant as well!
I think what I want to do is a combination on these tutes. I might even do a tutorial of my own if I like how it turns out.

Christmas Has Arrived

2008-12-23T22:30:00.000-08:00

Yay - finally on a break from work - 10 whole days and I am really looking forward to it.
Today my beautiful husband went and fetched us a christmas tree - it might only be small but it is very cute:

I am happy - all the presents are now organised and wrapped - we just have to tidy the house a little and we will be done and ready for family tomorrow.

It was a rather quiet day at work today (as can well be imagined) and as I often do when I don't have much on, my mind drifted to things I could make.
I drew fish for a while (concept for mobile for baby's room) and then I started thinking about my upcoming baby shower and all of the things I need to organise for that.
I went through the list and got to a thank you gift - I thought for a while and came up with the idea of making a little drawer sachet/wardrobe pomander with a tiny rocking horse and the words thank you embroidered on it. I got quite excited by this idea and commenced drawing rocking horses.

So a little bit of internet research over the next few days and I will have a new project on my hands. Yay!

What next?

2008-12-22T03:12:00.000-08:00

My next couple of projects for after christmas. It is time to move onto basic clothes!

I also want to try my hand at creating a few softies for the baby - my mum always made me soft toys and they were the ones I treasured (and trashed) the most. It is kind of cute actually - I had a small soft cat toy that I dragged with me everywhere (and I mean everywhere - it was my cuddle rug). Inevitably they would get tatty and start to fall apart. then miraculaously, a brand new one would appear overnight and I never knew any different for years. Until my mum ran out of her stash of that particular material. Hmmn...

I want to have a go at making a mobile from felt animals but I haven't quite got my head around that one just yet. I have a few ideas I am toying with but I am not really sure.

I have noticed quite a few lists of monthly goals and projects/focus points poppingup around the blogging world and I quite like the idea of this - but I do need to have a bit of a think about it a bit more first.

I do have Project january though - master the art of machine applique, making shorts for small boys and aprons - as above!

No Christmas Tree

2008-12-21T02:51:00.000-08:00

I would love to be able to post about all the lovely things I have made for christmas tree decoration - but alas - our decorations haven't even made it out of their boxes in the closet this year. Not very christmassy of me you may say! But the thing is - we don't even have a tree!

Just a few pretty lights on the front windows.

And a present corner where a tree might go if we had one.

Unfortunately with everything that has been going on a christmas tree just wasn't high on our priority list this year.

So next year I plan on going all out with some handmade ornaments and house decorations and making things really christmassy.

for now... we will have to do with just the lights and the christmas present corner.

Sew easy!!

2008-12-19T23:55:00.001-08:00

I have finished all of my christmas projects.

The first pic is of the little Anna Maria Horner Wildflower pincushions. I think they are just so (Sew) cute! But unfortunately mine didn't turn out as good as I would have hoped. That is because I used the old dinosaur of a sewing machine to construct them.

I should have waited just a day for my new shiny christmas present to arrive!

The difference is amazing! Today, after finishing the christmas shopping (thankfully it only involved the hardware store), I had lunch and rested for a couple of hours (I wish I could rest after lunch every day!) - I got stuck into finishing the bunting to go in the baby's room. I just love how it turned out - it looks so great in his room and really ties things together.

I will post some pics as soon as I get it up to the spot where it is going. That's not going to happen today.

So then I sat down and went - well what can I sew next... LOL... we may have created a monster!

Aprony goodness and projects

2008-12-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

I have a few little projects underway at the moment - mainly for small family christmas gifts which I hope to get all the cutting out done for by the end of today. I just love the colour combination of the fabrics I have chosen for them and I will definitely take some pics and share.

I think these small sewing projects are good for me to develop my skills and learn new techniques.

I also bought a magazine the other week which had a rather cute apron pattern in it and I have been on the look out for some material that would suit the purpose nicely. This morning I found some georgous girly and fun lingerie inspired fabric in black, red and white and I thought combined with some red polka dots it could be quite fun - so I am going to have a go with that.

31 and a half weeks along and after buying it last week and looking at it nervously in the cupboard all week I have bitten the bullet and tried the rasberry leaf tea. Supposedly it is a uterine tonic and can assist with a more smooth labour. They (being experts I assume) recommend building up to 4 cups per day by the 40 week point so I will start with one per day for the next two weeks and go from there.

I really don't want my little one surprising me before new years!

Who are Primrose and Avery?

2008-12-12T10:28:00.000-08:00

I guess they are just a couple of characters who have been popping up in my drawings lately. Primrose being a shy girl who doesn't really like to show her face and is quite partial to striped stockings and red shoes and Avery the cat.

As this blog is about my fledgeling artistic side I thought it appropriate to subdue the colour in the post title for now - just until I feel like I am more confident with what I am doing and drawing and making.

Sewing and painting are featuring heavily at the moment and I am trying to stockpile a few projects to keep me entertained while I am on maternity leave (but before I have the baby).

I am also a bit keen to expand on my crafty capabilities and to learn a little more about embroidery techniques, expand upon my limited sewing skills and possib;y learn to crochet. That is more than enough to keep me busy!

For any new readers - I have been blogging for a while now - but mainly about fitness related things. I have always enjoyed being creative and making things but in the past few years doing that has been associated with much guilt that I should indeed be doing something else! (i.e. Studying). My fitness/Life blog isn't really the place for posting about crafty things so I thought I needed a new space. I have been trying to find the right angle for a few weeks but I think now I have found it. I am 31 weeks pregnant with a little boy due on Valentines day and most of my crafting activities in the past few weeks have been directed at his nursery. I am almost done so I will post some pics of the things I have made over the next few weeks. I am also busy making a few small handmade additions to christmas presents.
I'm not quite ready to commit to being completely handmade for presents just yet but I think I will work on it over the coming year.
I find the creative process very meditative and calming - but - my brain often gets caught up in thinking too hard about all the things I want to do and create. Mind you - thins may all change once baby come along. We will soon find out I guess!