Miss Marzie

I couldn't resist

2009-09-14T19:34:00.004+10:00

making this little doll from the scraps of the Uptown Girl jacket I made for my niece. I found the pattern on Johanna's blog (One Red Robin)- it's a great pattern - thanks for sharing Johanna.

A girl also has to have a bag - so the scraps came in handy for that too.

Uptown Girl

2009-09-11T15:41:00.005+10:00

Last week I made this gorgeous pattern from Make it Perfect.

This would have to be one of the easiest patterns I have ever made. A very well written pattern - so easy and straightforward.

I used a gorgeous weight Japanese cord for the outside and then for the inside (it's totally reversible) a Japanese polka dot in pink. (all fabric from here). Pellon is used for the padding. Keely is the lovely little model - she is wearing a Size 2 and she is actually 4 - that's why the sleeves are a little short. I made this jacket for my niece who lives in the US so it will be on it's way very soon to her.

The lovely photography is by Amy Oliver, a Melbourne girl who is just starting out in photography. You can contact her either through me or at 'amyoliverphotography(at)live(dot)com

Returning to normal

2009-08-24T16:37:00.006+10:00

Our Stand (forgot to take off the sheet though)

Me with the lovelies from Ink & Spindle

Wow! that was an amazing experience. I have just returned from the Stitches & Craft Show in Sydney, very, very tired, but also very inspired.

Had a fantastic time. Not only did we sell lots of patterns, we also met the best crafters and bloggers. Thanks to everybody that stopped by and said hi and also to those who did my workshops. I think I had more fun in the workshops than the participants did. You can read and see more photos here.

As some of you may know I have a very unbalanced household - too much testosterone here (not that I would change that!) But I really did enjoy getting away and being immersed with all the wonderful girls that were at the Show. I don't think I have laughed so hard in a long time.

The Ink & Spindle girls were great to be around. Thanks to Teegs I have now experienced 'vegan' eating - I had always been a bit nervous about trying out 'tofu' - (I actually thought it was a bit of rubber posing as something edible!) and I am happy to report, it isn't and it masquerades as many different things. So thanks girls for teaching me lots of things! I now feel 10 years younger!

Belinda from Tuttifruiti arranged for dinner out for any bloggers that wanted to go in Parramatta on Saturday night. Abouty 20 of us turned up for that and as you could imagine it was very, very noisy (I think that most of the noise was mostly from Annie and Jodie though!)

It was a great Show, and I send a big thankyou to Ross, Angela, Anna, Claire, Paul and the rest of the team at Living Creatively for always being so helpful and friendly (thanks Ross for the staples - you really did save me) . They really do a fantastic Show and their support of all us Indie Crafters is awesome.

I spent a little bit of money too so here is what I bought.

From Ink & Spindle some lovely fabric and handmade soap wrapped in fabric.

The Red Thread

Tuttifruiti

Kristen Doran Design

Prince Charming

Surface Art and Sprout Designs

And this sensational oilcloth tote bag from Dandi

Workshop at the Stitches & Craft Show Sydney

2009-08-10T16:51:00.004+10:00

Pics of the bag that I will be teaching at this years Sydney Stitches & Craft Show .

Details of classes can be found here and can be booked at our stand - Audrey & Maude Stand 173 during the Show.

This class is simple and great for beginner sewers. I will teach you how to make the 'boxed' bottom of the bag, how to do a lining and teach very simple applique.

Places are limited so let me know if you would like to do the class.

Stitches and Craft Show Sydney
Rosehill Racecourse
Rosehill

19th - 23rd August 2009

Chaos

2009-08-08T13:07:00.004+10:00

Can't believe it is just over a week to go until the Sydney Stitches & Craft Show.

It is so exciting coming up from Melbourne to be part of the Show again this year. Although, to be completely truthful, I am not quite sure if the real reason for the excitement is because my bed will be made for me everyday and I won't be cooking the entire time I am away.

My house resembles a tip!!! There are boxes and piles of stuff just everywhere and no housework is getting done, apart from the feeding!

Louise and I have been working on getting out some new patterns just for the Show which you can check out over here at our blog.

I will be conducting some workshops too - designed specifically for beginner sewers and children! I will post some pics next time.

Gotta get back to work!

Winner

2009-07-22T19:57:00.002+10:00

Thanks so much for you all your lovely comments from my last post. I am on the mend, although I still can't walk properly and the worst thing, I can't sew just yet, hopefully soon.

Sorry there are no photos, but we put all the names into a bowl and my youngest drew a name out - it is Lara aka Thornberry! Hope you enjoy spending the gift voucher at Kelani at stand G 28 a the Craft & Quilt Show this week in Melbourne. I will email the voucher through to you.

Giveaway

2009-07-20T16:10:00.006+10:00

Lucky me won a giveaway at Kelani Fabrics To Inspire - a $10 gift voucher to spend at this weeks Craft and Quilt Fair in Melbourne.

Unfortunately, I am a little bit laid up at the moment following a little op I had on Friday, so as to not waste this voucher, I thought someone out there might like to use it and take advantage of this generous voucher donated by Alyssa from Kelani Fabrics .

Just leave a comment and let me know what you would love to buy or make from the great range of fabric and patterns that Kelani has on offer. I will pick a random winner sometime on Wednesday and then email you the voucher. You have to be able to attend the Craft and Quilt Fair to be eligible.

Kelani Fabrics will be at Stand G28 !

Make sure you leave me your contact details too, so I can contact you if you win.

Good luck and have a great time at the Show. Wish I was going.

Some days are just like this!

2009-07-16T16:07:00.003+10:00

School Holiday Creating

2009-07-11T14:01:00.007+10:00

Thought I would share with you all what my 8 year old son and his cousin, 9, made with cereal packets, plastic bottles, foil, scrap paper and a glue gun yesterday!

They are both aeroplane crazy and know a fair bit about aircraft! I am very proud of their achievements. This particular one is has a jet engine in the front!

Here is my boy proudly showing off the finished model!

As a mum, I get so excited to see the creative side coming out - especially as I only have boys!

2009-07-06T11:49:00.003+10:00

Remember this quilt?

I think this would have to be the quickest I have ever made a quilt - it's all been pieced, hand quilted and delivered to a dear little baby boy.

I am really pleased with how it turned out - especially as the only thing I had to buy was the batting! A true scrappy quilt!

PJ Day

2009-07-04T13:56:00.004+10:00

Yesterday I had a sewing class for two 15 year old girls. They made a pair of pj bottoms as their project!

Sarah had never sewn or used a sewing machine before, Holly had used a sewing machine before but had never made any clothing.

Have a look at what they made - very impressive! I had the best day with them - it was just so wonderful to see their enthusiasm and to see the joy on their faces when they tried their pjs on and they liked what they saw!

Too cute!

They want to make tote bags next time .................

Another Yummy and Easy Cake To Make!

2009-06-26T16:25:00.004+10:00

Stumbled across this brilliant cake/dessert the other day which ticked all my boxes - simple, all pantry staples (for me anyway) , kids loved it, and it is absolutely delicious! I found it in the Stephanie Alexander 'bible' - The Cook's Companion!

Thought I might share it with you as it is so good - I have made it three times this week already. It's perfect for a dessert or afternoon tea - or anytime! And there isn't that much butter in it - it tastes like it should be very sinful - but it only has a small amount of butter in it.

We have renamed it 'Cizza's Lemon Cake' - (after my almost 13 year old son who now begs me to make it all the time and to name it after him)

filling
2 large eggs
1 cup castor sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons plain flour
base
75 g plain flour
2 tablespoons castor sugar
65 g cold butter, roughly chopped

Preheat oven to 160C. Butter 18 cm springform tin. To make the base, briefly mix flour and sugar in a food processor, then add butter and process until mixture starts to form a ball. Press dough into tin with your fingers. Bake for 20 minutes until golden.
When base is nearly cooked, whisk eggs and sugar until well mixed but not thick. Stir in lemon juice, then sift in flour and whisk gently to combine. Remove base from oven and reset temperature to 150C. Pour lemon mixture onto base and bake for about 35 minutes until top is golden and feels a little springy. Cool completely before cutting into 3 cm wide slices. Serve dusted with icing sugar and with a dollop of cream on the side.

Challenge - To Make a Quilt Entirely From My Existing Stash!

2009-06-26T16:10:00.006+10:00

I gave myself a challenge this week to make a quilt entirely from my stash. No new fabric allowed!

Here is how it is going so far - not sure what it will turn out like - I quite like the colours though.

It's for a brand new baby boy!

Back to the Real World

2009-06-20T14:06:00.006+10:00

My family and I enjoyed a wonderful trips the USA last month. We met lots of lovely people and did some fantastic things.

We flew to Los Angeles and stayed with friends in Pasadena. A very beautiful suburb and place to live. We based ourselves there for a few days and then headed off to see Disneyland. My boys hadn't been before so they were at a great age to really enjoy all the rides. A very expensive day but well worth the visit. Now I don't need to ever go again. Twice is enough for me!

We also went to Hollywood which was not what I was expecting at all - I was a little disappointed, but I am glad I have seen it.

We then headed out to Las Vegas to stay at the Monte Carlo Hotel, only a small hotel with about 3000 rooms!! It is right on the strip so the view from our window was pretty sensational. Met up with my brother and his family there and had two days of just hanging around.

We then drove to my brother's house which is in Clarkdale Arizona - a pretty nondescript drive, but we drove over the Hoover Dam which my boys thought was pretty amazing.

The next two weeks we spent in Clarkdale with my brother and his family, and had a lovely time with all the kids. Sedona is quite close to them, and it really is a beautiful place to visit. There is another little town right near there as well, called Jerome which is set in the side of the hill - very historical and had some beautiful galleries.

It was a lovely relaxing visit and I am finding it very hard to get back into the normal routine of life back home. I haven't sewn or even looked at anybodies blogs! Hopefully it will all come back to me soon, as I am so behind with so many things.

This McDonalds is in Sedona Arizona - it is the only one in the world with different coloured arches! Of course, we had to go and visit!

I am going to try and catch up on reading what everybody has been up to, and I am hoping that it will inspire me to get sewing again!

Off For a Break

2009-05-12T20:59:00.005+10:00

I am so excited - we leave this week for a four week trip to the USA!

See you when I return.

Sharing the Love!

2009-04-27T22:27:00.004+10:00

Last Friday I had the privilege of visiting Middle Kinglake Primary School which was one of the schools that was burnt down in the recent Black Saturday bushfires here in Australia. I was there with my son, Sean, to photograph some of the students who had just been given some of the gorgeous quilts that have been made and donated to the victims of this devastating bushfire.

It was a delight to meet the students who were all so bubbly and sooooooooooo excited about receiving their very own quilt which had been donated by quilters from all over the world. They were all so thankful and you could just tell that those quilts are going to be absolutely loved. Every single student and teacher at the school received a quilt.

They wanted me to tell you how thankful they all are for the lovely quilts and other handmade stuff that they have received.

Here are a few of the photos , you can see the rest over here - maybe you might see your quilt that you donated.

A few things to show you ..................

2009-04-04T17:28:00.006+11:00

Here are a few things I have been lucky enough to win or be given in the last few weeks.

At the Melbourne Stitches & Craft Show I conducted some tote bag workshops for beginners. At one of these classes, I met a young girl called Sandra who was new to sewing and was really really enthusiastic. I think she booked every single class she possibly could at the Show, including mine. It was a delight to teach Sandra, and she did a fantastic job of her tote bag. Since the Show she has not stopped sewing. I received this beautiful Linen Notebook cover in the mail from her this week. It is so beautifully made - I can't believe that she has just learnt to sew recently. She has also started her blog which you can go and visit Pepperberry & Co. She is also a great writer and very talented in lots of ways. Go check out her pincushion filled with the malted hairs of her pet dog!

Also during the Melbourne Stitches & Craft Show we had a bloggers dinner which I am sure you have all read about. I was the lucky recipient of this gorgeous coin purse and crochet hat and it also came with a drawstring bag. All made by Lara from Thornberry . She is a really talented sewer and crocheter! She has inspired me to get my crochet out again.

I also won a prize on Lisa's blog. Little William came to live at my house all the way from the UK. He is just so adorable, thanks Lisa.

This last photo made me laugh. After the Show, little Ellie Bella was feeling very neglected and very unloved. I found her sitting on Poppy's cushion with all the puppies still attached!

Some more photos from the Show

2009-03-20T16:05:00.003+11:00

The delicious Amitie Stand. Gorgeous fabrics!

Sorry, I know you have all probably seen enough but I just wanted to show you a little more from the Stitches and Craft Show in Melbourne.

Winterwood beautiful felt creations.

Jodie and her Wild Thing by One Red Robin.

Nichola and Courtney (Living Creatively) in the reconstruction zone.

Babushkas by the very talented Mel from Living Creatively.

This is Mel from Living Creatively

Felt Cuisine - unbelievably real.

I bought lots of loot at the Show too and did a few swaps which I will show you next time.

Stitches and Craft Show 2009 -

2009-03-14T21:47:00.009+11:00

It's been an amazing four days at the Stitches and Craft Show Melbourne. There is only one more day to go. My feet are sore, my throat is sore (from way too much talking) and everything else is getting sore too! But I have had the time of my life.

I have met the most amazing people at this year's show and I thank everyone who has come by our stand, (Audrey & Maude) , to say hello and have a chat. The response to the Show has been amazing. Your stories have been amazing.

I have taught sewing workshops to the most wonderful and inspiring women and the the loveliest of children who are our next generation of sewers. Thank you so much for attending my Workshops - I have loved meeting every single one of you and I hope that you have been able to learn from some of my ramblings!

The Living Creatively Team have done a wonderful job of this years Show. The displays by Mel, at Living Creatively have been so AWESOME! I am going to take photos tomorrow so I can show all of you the wonderful talent that these people have!

I am so tired that I am going to bed now, but I will leave you with some photos of some of the wonderful bloggers in the Incubator area of the Show. This bunch of girls (and guys) have inspired me so much.

If you are in Melbourne and can get in tomorrow - it is certainly worth it. The Craft Bars at the Show have to be seen to be believed. You can sit at a bar, read a menu (of things you can learn to make) and then make it with some help from the people behind the bar. At the sewing bar they are using genuine Liberty of London fabric to make the most divine little brooches! ALL FOR FREE!!! There is a knitting bar, stitchery bar, and a box making bar as well.

This year's show is certainly value for money, so if you can make it in - it will be well worth your while.

Here are a few of the amazing people I have met - more photos next post!

Red Seed Studio

Two Cheese Please

Leni & Rose

Tinnie Girl

Greenolive Design

Betty Jo

Ric Rac aka 'Thunder Thighs '

Kristen Doran

Nicole Mallalieu

Johanna from One Red Robin - one of our fantastic and very lovely neighbours at the Show this year! Her stuff is amazing.

Frankly My Dear ..................

2009-02-28T15:58:00.005+11:00

Onto a completely different topic altogether (other than what I should be doing for the Stitches & Craft Show which is looming up very quickly) - I have just finished reading Gone With The Wind and the sequel Scarlett!

I have had these books sitting on my book shelves for years and never thought that I would read them - One night, I was desperate for a book to read so I grabbed Gone With The Wind. I am so glad that I did, I couldn't put the book down. I thought it was delightfully written and not boring at all (I thought, for some reason, it might be written in a very old fashioned way). The sequel is equally as good as well and it was lovely to have a happy ending. I have been entranced by Scarlett and Rhett and am very sad that I have finished the book. I can always rent the DVD!

If you are in need of a good read, don't look past these two fantastic books. Now I am off to read my next book from Book Club - Sons & Lovers!!!

2009-02-25T11:55:00.008+11:00

I have been soooooooooooooo busy preparing for the Stitches & Craft Show Melbourne. Not long to go now. It's going to be absolutely fabulous - the Living Creatively team are doing an amazing job in making this years Show more fabulous with more of what we want to see!

Louise and I will be there with new patterns and we will be conducting two workshops - one for beginner sewers and the other for kids!!!! I will let you know more about the details of these when they are confirmed.

Remember Ava's quilt? It has now been delivered to the new owner - a gorgeous little baby. Ava's mum was a flower girl at my wedding (a very long time ago)!

Here is a couple of photos of Ava that my son took the other day!!!

And here is Ava with her new quilt.

Sad and Helpless

2009-02-10T16:22:00.005+11:00

is how I feel right now. The tragic bushfires have affected our community badly - we live about 10 km (less than 20 minutes) away from some of the worst affected areas - we are all walking around as if we are in a daze. I can't imagine what it must be like in the actual burnt out areas and refugee areas. We know many who have lost their homes and have been left with nothing - but thankfully they are alive - we are still waiting to hear on many others, though. Many are living in the surrounding houses in our neighbourhood now. There are going to be many stories told of this dreadful time.

My childrens' lives have been affected as some of their friends come from those areas - a teacher lives in Strathewan, where there is a really heavy death toll, but thankfully, his house and family have been saved, but many of his mates didn't make it. Out of a township of 150 - 30 have perished. Other friends of theirs have told the fire stopped at the end of their street!

The enormity of the tragedy that is unfolding is hard to envisage - I know it will take years for the communities to recover. I feel so helpless - the coming weeks and months ahead are going to be so difficult for so many people - communities will need to be rebuilt - schools and homes - we are all going to be needed in some way.

Just going down to the local supermarket this afternoon, meeting friends and the stories of what people have been through is horrendous.

We can't do much on our own, and the Red Cross organisation and others like it are doing a wonderful job. I am cooking meals for people and taking them to where there are extra people staying in the area. It's not much - but it might help.

And in the blogging world there are so many out there already doing their bit. Here are a few of them Grandy & Baa, Beyond Pink & Blue, and Curly Pops has a big list on her blog on where you can help. And Melly & Me have an auction of handmade goodness for you.

Ava's Quilt is Finished

2009-02-07T15:20:00.003+11:00

Even though it has been soooooooooooooo hot here in Melbourne, I did manage to finish hand quilting the quilt for Ava. I am really happy with how it turned out and it will be another quilt I will find it difficult to part with!

Here are some photos of the completed quilt.

Now I really need to get on with planning the workshops for the upcoming Stitches & Craft Show Melbourne ( March 11th - 15th) - it's going to be absolutely fantastic - 5 days of every type of craft you can think of, and I get to hang out with some fabulous blogging friends !!

And if you are thinking of attending this year's show, pop into your local newsagent for the latest issue of Real Living and you will see, up in the top right corner of the magazine’s cover, a very special ticket deal for The Stitches & Craft Show.

The ticket offers a two-for-one ticket deal, offering free entry to The Stitches & Craft Show if you bring a friend with you to see the Show! Fantastic deal, Audrey & Maude (aka Miss Marzie and Lululollylegs) will be in the Indie Craft section of this year's Show, so make sure you come and say hi to us!

Desperately Seeking ...................

2009-02-06T14:17:00.003+11:00

I just received a lovely email from a reader of my blog desperately seeking an Amy Butler fabric to complete a quilt.

I am unable to help her but I thought some of you might be able to.

The fabric is the one below - if you do have any that you would be willing to part with, Adele is more than happy to transfer some funds to you.

Lunch Box Treats

2009-02-04T20:39:00.006+11:00

Now that we are all back in school down in the southern hemisphere I thought I would show you what I pack for 'play lunch' in my kids school lunch boxes.

I have found this slice to be the yummiest and the easiest to make and to pack. All the ingredients are generally a staple in your pantry.

So here goes.

Chocolate Fudge Slice

1 cup plain flour (all purpose)
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup coconut (dessicated)
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
185g butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sift flour into a bowl, add sugar, coconut and cocoa. Add melted butter and vanilla. Stir until combined.

Press mixture into a slice tin (7" x 9")

Bake in moderate oven (180 degrees C) about 25 - 30 minutes.

Top with chocolate icing (recipe below)

1 cup icing sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 oz butter
1 1/2 tablespoons hot water

Mix altogether and pour onto hot slice. Smooth over.

Cool in tin.

Sorry, about the measurements, I know they have both metric and imperial. I don't know how to convert and I have written this out from somewhere, probably an old PWMU book of my mums.

I can guarantee you that they will be asking for more.

And just because I have seen so many pictures of little preppies starting out on the first day of school, I thought you might like to see my middle son on his first day of secondary college. Age 12 and a half!!

Happy Australia Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-24T13:06:00.007+11:00

It's been a quiet week here in my house as two of my boys have been away to the beach with cousins.

My craft room is well set up with air conditioning and a tv for watching the Australian Open. I get addicted to the tennis every year and I can get so much sewing done while watching.

I have nearly finished hand quilting a quilt, been working on some samples for the upcoming Melbourne Stitches & Craft Show where Louise and I will be doing some workshops especially for children. I also started and finished two orders for customers which I think turned out quite well. These are the pictures.

All in all it has been a good week and I feel great that I can cross some of my projects off the list. Now I can begin some new ones without that guilty feeling!

Happy Australia Day to all Australians living all over the world! I am off to make some Lamingtons!!!!!!!!! You can find a good recipe here.

Little Ben

2009-01-21T08:45:00.003+11:00

Just a quick post to show you that I have been busy.

I whipped up these shorts from one of my numerous Japanese books. The fabric is an Alexander Henry one which I just love - just wish I could get more - thanks Louise for this one!

Baby Ben is the model! Pretty Cute!

How to Make the Pinata Cake

2009-01-17T09:52:00.004+11:00

So many of you have asked how to make this simple birthday cake - you can find a really easy version of it here!

2009-01-14T19:43:00.004+11:00

It's been a while since my last post - in a nutshell, life just got too busy for me in December. Now that is is middle of January I feel I can post again.

December was full of birthdays for our family. My baby boy turned 8! Definitely not a baby anymore but, I guess, he will always be mine!

Easy birthday party - Ten Pin Bowling for 10 of his friends. Simple I thought!!!!!! Should have been simple - I forgot what 10 little 8 year old boys can be like - very very hyper!

I felt a little guilty about having it so easy by having the party organised by the Bowling Alley, so I thought, yep, I would do my bit for the environment and make a 'Loot Bag' for all of the lovely little boys!!!! A simple drawstring bag, with the boy's initial on the front! Simple! All very simple but a lot more time consuming than I thought it would be. The response, though, to the bags was well worth all the effort that was put in. Instead of lollies and sweet things, we had a whole lot of fun 'gag' toys for the boys. I got them from this Aussie site, and I found them to be really quick, cheap and top quality (for what you pay).

That only left the cake - I had a big think about it and remembered a fellow blogger who I think was Hoppo Bumpo (please forgive me if I am wrong) , used the recipe from a recent Better Homes and Garden magazine to make a Pinata Cake. Definitely a big hit (literally) with me, the birthday boy and all the little cherubs that couldn't wait to get their grubby little paws into the chocolate money lurking beneath the shell.

Very very simple and easy to make! Highly recommend and will be doing this one over and over again!!! And of course, all the parents of the little cherubs were suitably impressed too!!!!

So that was part of my December - it was also a month for big decisions about our 15 year old son's future in mainstream schooling - we had many sleepless nights over this and I could rant and rave for a long time about the state of the school system here in Victoria Australia but I will spare you all of that , and give you the condensed version. We decided to haul him out of mainstream schooling and instead put him in a small school which truly meets his needs. It seems most schools cater for the brilliant ones, the academic ones and all they seem to want is to get high ENTER scores!! But what if your kid is arty and very creative! Our school system, unfortunately, doesn't suit our very intelligent but 'arty' son! Thankfully we stumbled upon this small school who cater for kids that main stream schooling forgot!!! We are so looking forward to our happy boy coming back to us. I will keep you posted.

On another note, my father had a warning two days before xmas, a mild heart attack. Thankfully he is okay, and is recovering well, but it sure did make me think how quickly you can lose someone very close.

So there are some of my excuses for neglecting my little blog for so long, and of course two gorgeous weeks at the beach was another one good excuse, and I haven't even mentioned that we had a graduation and all the other goings on in December.

A big thanks to Mandy for your email urging me to post again.

Today I was back at work at Amitie. Louise and I had 11 young ladies who wanted to learn to sew in one of Audrey & Maude's classes. What fabulous girls they were too and very talented - you can check out the whole post over at Audrey & Maude with pics!

I promise I will post again soon.

Cute

2008-11-30T11:04:00.001+11:00

My 15 year old son took this using the available light. I just love this photo.

Ava's Quilt

2008-11-21T09:42:00.003+11:00

I definitely, most certainly have my sewing 'sewjo' back again. Here is another quilt that I have nearly finished - just got a few more squares to hand quilt.

I just love this quilt - so very feminine. The main fabric that I used was a Liberty of London and I am hand quilting in a perle 8 thread.

A lot of people ask me how do I pick fabrics for a quilt - well, the way that I do it is - I pick one favourite fabric that I absolutely love the colours in and then just keep adding til I have the mix just right. So in this case, it was the gorgeous Liberty of London - I just added pinks, creams, chocolates, and raspberry colours to the mix - and this is what I came up with.

So how do you pick your fabrics when you make a quilt? I would love to know!!!

I just love working at Amitie and seeing all the gorgeous combinations of fabrics that people put together. It is very inspiring - I think that I am very conservative in my choosing of fabrics and colours, - but I am working on that and I will try new things, but I guess you have to use what you feel most comfortable with.

This quilt is for a little baby called Ava. Her mummy was 'flower girl' at my wedding 21 years ago!!! She is very special.

And Another One

2008-11-12T11:03:00.003+11:00

Yep - I finished another one. It feels good to be able to cross things off your 'to do' list!

This one is just a playmat - but I just love all the fabrics and the colours together. Ben's mum was very happy too! Such a simple design too.

Finally

2008-11-06T16:49:00.003+11:00

The last few months have been very slow for me - I lost my 'sewing mojo' (I think that is what they call it) but I am so happy to announce - it is back ....................................

Here is a quilt I did finish a while back but just didn't get around to putting on the label - I made this for a cousin's gorgeous little boy (he was born way back on the 4th July) - I love the freshness of this one.

I know it is alot like other quilts I have made - but I do find these quilts the most appealing to me.

Remember This?

2008-11-04T11:59:00.003+11:00

Remember this? My mum made the little cardigan and I made the dress from gorgeous Japanese fabric from Amitie.

So lovely to see Bridie in one of the little dresses I made her.

2008-10-27T13:15:00.004+11:00

My blog has been very neglected lately - but we have been very busy in the Marzie household. Extended family has been to visit us here in Australia from the USA and Tasmania! We are just getting back into normal programming.

WARNING: photo heavy post

We all headed up to Bright which is in the beautiful North East of Victoria - a perfect spot for families - there is so much to do for everybody. The weather was absolutely perfect - we spent most of the time out of doors - bikes, kayaks and walking. The 9 cousins had the best time together - 8 boys and one girl!. Bridie is the newest addition and as she lives in the States our times together will be few and far between. I had my 'baby fix' looking after her a few time and of course, I sewed a few dresses for her and you will see some of them in the photos. She really is a beautiful baby - in nature and to look at (or maybe I am just a very biased aunty!)

The only downer was a tummy bug was going around and knocked us all around for a bit. The good thing about kids is that they bounce back quick! The adults took a bit longer to get back into the swing of things. We heard a couple of the hospitals in the area were quarantined because of it too, I think it must be the change of season.

I am now having to think about the real world again - like housework!

Here are a few snaps of our time in Bright.

The track right next to our house

Breakfast view

gorgeous gardens

My new lens

Bridie in the dress I made her Oliver + S

Cousins throwing rocks in the river

Bridie and Grandma

Another Girls Day Out at Amitie

2008-10-01T22:32:00.004+10:00

If you have found my blog by reading the latest issue of Living Creatively., hello and welcome, and thanks for dropping by. Living Creatively have done a wonderful article on Audrey & Maude and how it all came together. You can check it out here.

Louise and I had another day of classes these school holidays at Amitie teaching young girls some basic sewing skills. This time we had a morning class and an afternoon class due to the classes popularity.

This time we taught the girls how to make a simple pin cushion which the girls had to hand stitch. They then let their imagination run wild with ribbons, feathers, and felt and look what they created. I was so proud of all these young girls - they really are so very talented. It really did give me a buzz at the end of the class to watch these girls proudly show their mums what they had achieved.

Of course, one of the highlight of the class is the morning or afternoon tea - cupcakes and pink meringues - always a huge success.

21

2008-09-23T22:58:00.004+10:00

From chateau yering

This is where we spent the weekend celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary. Such a beautiful and peaceful place. The old garden was just divine and I spent a lovely time playing with my camera.

I still can't believe that I have been married this long - it has been half of my life (I still feel 21!!). We have done so much together and achieved so much but mainly we have grown up together. The years have certainly flown by - but I have had the best time!

The Princess and the Pea

2008-09-13T14:37:00.003+10:00

I have been doing a little online shopping lately, actually alot of online shopping, just thought I would share one of my favourites with you.

I ordered a antique style vintage tin sign from The Princess & The Pea which is a lovely online store with lots of goodies for children - the delivery was very quick and just have a look at the photos to see how it arrived. I felt like I was getting a special gift in the mail. It was so beautifully wrapped and presented - go check them out - they have fantastic stuff, and some of the stuff is even made by local girls!

Clothes for Bridie

2008-09-10T22:19:00.005+10:00

From clothes for bridie

Thanks for all your lovely comments from my last post - it was lovely to read that you all felt the same way.

So as promised - back to sewing , here are some clothes that I have been busy making for my newest little niece. I have used some lovely reversible cotton/linen from here (that is the brown spotty fabric) and the rest of the fabric all came from Amitie of course. My mum made the gorgeous little knitted cardigan. Just wish I could show you some photos of my niece wearing the clothes - there is such a shortage of babies in these parts!

Should I or Shouldn't I?

2008-09-04T21:02:00.010+10:00

This is the question I have been asking myself since the weekend - the question is 'should I post about one of my children's proudest achievements and take the chance that I sound like an over indulgent mama? or should I just post about it anyway and let you who read my blog decide what sort of mama I am.

Well, here goes - My middle son, Ciaran (12 y.o.) plays Australian Rules Football and his team won their Grand Final on Sunday. It was such an achievement to make it into the grand final and then just the icing on the cake to actually win it, which they did convincingly. The whole team played brilliantly and as a team and I think that this is what I am most proud of. There were certainly no 'I''s in this team and that is why they won. They all played a part in their team's magnificent win.

There has been so much negativity lately in the media, about the 'ugly' parent that is said to be found at children's sports and games. On Sunday at this game, it was lovely to see that there was none of that attitude present, and that it was such a positive experience for every body present, especially all of us very proud mamas.

Okay, so now I have said it and confessed to all and I am still a very proud mum! Well done boys!

I always feel so sad at the end of the football season as it can only mean one thing - the 'dreaded' cricket season is about to begin which to me, is like watching paint dry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A craft post next time, I promise!

We were "Living Creatively" in Sydney!

2008-08-27T19:49:00.005+10:00

After a few days in bed I am finally able to post about our wonderful trip to Sydney last week to the Stitches & Craft Show. I caught a yucky bug that was obviously circulating. Thankfully, it only hit me when I returned home and I didn't have to miss any of the excitement of the Show.

It was so much fun to be a part of the Living Creatively Stand that Angela and her delightful team put together, not only are they a very clever team, they are also extremely lovely and very easy to deal with. I can't wait to see what they are dreaming up now for next years shows!!! Thanks so much to Angela, Anna, Claire, Peta, Emilie, Heidi, and Taryn (I am sure there were more of these lovely girls running about but these are the ones that I got to know quite well). Wish I had photos too, but the camera that I took up with me photographed things so terribly that I had to borrow all these images just so I could have something to post about!!!!

I met so many people that were famous (in blogland, that is) - and it was such an honour to display in the same area with Belinda, who sold the most beautifully made items (there are photos on her blog) and everything was just so cute, Bettina- gorgeous bags and her own printed fabric, Marina who I thought was so amazing as she did all this beautiful sewing and she has just had a baby!!, Kristen - I bought some of her beautiful babushka doll fabric - her fabric is so nice, Nikki - the pocket rocket - swamped by her fans wherever she goes, Justine - Mixtapezine and part time Audrey & Maude sales rep - thanks love, Fi and all her wonderful colours and equally colourful personality, and all the lovely ladies from Dandi, who were so beautifully dressed and so, so petite!!!! We were also lucky enough to have Jade of My Art is My Outlet, as a 'stand in' "Audrey & Maude Sales Assistant" Thanks so much Jade!! It was so lovely to finally meet Jade and Belinda as they were two of the blogs that first got me hooked into blogging!

And I just love this last photo above courtesy of Lulucarter, a picture of Poppy leashed to the clothesline with a bone, her puppies and a bowl full of black cat lollies!!! It just showcases perfectly, Angela's (from Living Creatively) wicked sense of humour!!!!!!

Preparing for Sydney

2008-08-19T21:29:00.001+10:00

Just a sneak peak - preparing for the Sydney Stitches & Craft Show which starts tomorrow in Sydney.

Audrey & Maude will be there on Thursday and Friday with the Living Creatively team. Come and say hi - we will have 'free' lollies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some Gorgeousness in the Mail

2008-08-19T20:57:00.001+10:00

I was lucky enough to receive this wonderful giveaway in the mail today from Linda at Two Pink Possums which came all the way from Tasmania (for my overseas readers that is the little island at the bottom of Australia). Not only did I receive a beautiful vintage crinoline lady apron, but there was all kinds of other lovely things in there as well. I did have a giggle reading the Family Circle dated 1974 - I think that they must have been in a 'tropical' phase as all the recipes for main as well as dessert was using 'canned' tropical fruit!!! Noice!!! I just love the card and the lovely little bookmark as well.

I just adore retro fabrics and I was pleasantly surprised to find the fabric pictured below in the parcel. I have not come across this one before and I just love it. Check out the boys faces!! Looks just like my boys!!!

Some fantastic vintage buttons, chocolate (how did you know Linda that I am addicted to chocolate) , some other gorgeous fabric including retro cowboys, and some lovely yellow floral barkcloth.

Thanks Linda - it was such a lovely present to receive!

Stiches & Craft Show - SYDNEY

2008-08-12T20:33:00.004+10:00

My 15 year old son borrowed my camera the other day - this is one of the shots I found on the card. His baby brother. I think I should give him my camera more often!

On another note, Louise and I are heading to the Stitches & Craft Show next week in Sydney with our Audrey & Maude patterns. We will be with all the other lovely crafters and the fantastic team from Living Creatively - so if you are planning on attending please, please come and say hi we would love to meet you all! We will be there for Thursday and Friday.

Can't wait - see you then!

PJ's for Sarah

2008-08-07T17:22:00.001+10:00

The dilemma of what to give a 15 year old for her birthday - pj's (handmade of course) with a bought longsleeved tee from Cotton On Body, fluffy white slippers and a matching drawstring bag!

I just love the fabric - I bought it at Spotlight and it really is lovely - beautiful to work with too. I think it is Japanese!
The top didn't photograph too well - it is much less orange in real life.

Some New Bibs

2008-08-05T20:42:00.001+10:00

I made these bibs for a very special new arrival, Ava. I had fun experimenting with my machine's buttonhole stitch. I was able to use some much treasured Liberty scraps. The bibs are fully reversible too.

Please Meet Roxy & Roxanne

2008-07-28T22:03:00.013+10:00

Lachie, my youngest who is 7 years old, and I had a wonderful day yesterday. He was feeling a little sad (tired) and as it was such a cold day, he didn't want to go outside to play, so he asked if we could make Robot Boy and Robot Girl which is one of the new patterns in the Audrey & Maude pattern range.

I let him raid my stash and this is what he came up with!. I was very impressed with his choices - the colours look great together and he particularly wanted both the boy robot and the girl robot to have matching arms!!!!!!!! I was allowed to add a few extras like the gorgeous robot tape that I bought from Japan a while back and raid my vintage button stash.

He then redesigned the panel on the front and I worked straight from his drawn instructions. He also specified no 'tinkle' for either of them. In case you were wondering (like me) the 'tinkle' refers to the antenna that is on the original pattern.

Louise dreamt up this wonderful pattern and both Lachie and I are so pleased with the results. It was great being able to change the basic design and make it our very own. So now it is off for 'show and tell' at school. I had forgotten how nice it is to make something for one's own child!

New Patterns and a Giveaway

2008-07-26T18:40:00.001+10:00

If you go on over to visit Audrey and Maude they are having a giveaway to celebrate the launch of two brand new patterns!

See you over there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Craft & Quilt Fair Melbourne

2008-07-24T20:25:00.010+10:00

Poppy is a proud new mum to five playful little puppies. After lots of puppy games they fall fast asleep on their lovely comfy bed - all warm and cosy snuggled up to their mum!

Poppy & Her Puppies with their very comfy bed are being introduced to everybody at the Melbourne Craft & Quilt Show. It is one of the latest patterns that Louise and I have developed. Robot Boy and Robot Girl is the other one - too cute! Patterns are available at the show or through our stockists (soon).

Audrey & Maude patterns on the Amitie Stand.

I stopped by the Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair - here are some photos of the Amitie stand.

It looked so lovely especially as it had so many Audrey & Maude patterns featured!!! And it was even more lovelier that people were actually buying them!

Louise and I have just released two new patterns - Poppy & Her Puppies and Robot Boy and Robot Girl.

Very, very cute and very, very easy patterns!!!!!

Met up with some old friends - Edward & Eloise!

So if you are in Melbourne you can go and check it out - it's on at Jeff's Shed until Sunday!

Lewis' Quilt

2008-07-18T13:20:00.003+10:00

Finally finished hand quilting this quilt for my nephew. I am very pleased with how fresh it looks.

Now, the sad part, it has to be sent to it's new owner. I always hate parting with my quilts - it's like losing a good friend or finishing a really good book.

I know that it will be loved in its new home.

Pattern Testing - Oliver + S

2008-07-16T19:56:00.008+10:00

One of the lovely things that I get to do at Amitie is to test patterns that are new to the shop. I have now road tested two new patterns from the Oliver + S range of patterns..

The first one I made was the puppet show tunic and bloomers. I chose a gorgeous new Liberty of London print and co-ordinated it with a gorgeous mini spot fabric. The colours are sensational, and look really fantastic together.

I must say, that these patterns are beautifully presented. The eyecatching covers really caught my eye and begged me to make it! The illustrations on the front of the pattern are just so cute.

One of the first things you should note about these patterns is that they are coded according to difficulty. This first tunic/dress/bloomers that I made was a '3 scissor' difficulty rating out of a possible 4. I would agree with this rating. I have not sewn much for this age group (0 - 2 years) so didn't have much experience. The patterns are very easy to follow - instructions are clear and get the point across, but they are definitely fiddly.

This particular dress has a collar which is quite fiddly when you are making it in a small size. I have also never a lined a bodice before which is quite time consuming as well, but I am so glad I learnt how to do it.

The pattern's instructions are very 'old fashioned'. The bodice lining is handsewn into the sleeve seam. I think that if I made this dress again I would incorporate sewing the lining in when the sleeve goes in. But that is just personal choice. I did appreciate the fact that you are shown the 'proper' way of inserting a lining in. The hem is also another thing I found quite 'old fashioned' - you have to allow extra fabric to cut a bias strip for the hem. Next time I would just overlock the hem and then turn up by hand. I have now done it both ways and see no difference in the finished result.

Overall, it is a lovely pattern to use and would definitely recommend it, but certainly not for a beginner sewer. I have made another dress in the range and that is definitely a lot easier for a beginner, and I would recommend that (I will do a review of that pattern next week).

Patterns are available at Amitie Textiles (not sure if they have been put on the website yet - but you can email them)

Little Girls Day Out

2008-07-11T16:54:00.009+10:00

Thanks for all your lovely comments about my baby being in the US. He is having the time of his life - we know this because we get text messages all the time asking for more money! !

On another note, Louise and I taught our first class at Amitie yesterday. 8 very chatty and excited girls (aged from 7 - 12) joined us for a sewing class to make their very own little purse.

Here are some of the photos of the day. A good day was had by all of us - very, very noisy and chatty - but I am sure that was a sign of having a wonderful time.

Each girl chose 6 squares of fabric and then hand sewed them together. My eyes were going cross eyed by the end of the day as I must have threaded each girl's needle every 20 seconds! We then fused some pellon onto the back of the pieces and then we taught the girls to applique a shape onto their purse. We then then lined them, turned them inside out, blanket stitched the sides, sewed a button on and this was the end result. The girls should be so proud of themselves, they did a marvellous job.

At the end of the day we had 8 very happy little girls and two very, very exhausted teachers who slept really well that night (not pictured).

A highlight for the girls was halfway through we stopped for afternoon tea - cupcakes and pink meringues - they didn't last 5 minutes!

Have a great weekend everyone.

I will be working on writing the pattern for Poppy & Her Puppies (pictured below) which will be one of the new Audrey & Maude patterns which is coming out very soon.

My Baby Has Flown The Nest

2008-06-26T20:33:00.002+10:00

We took our Seanie (14) to the airport today and handed him over to people I had never met before.

It was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. He is flying, as I type this post, all the way over the U.S.A. to visit family and friends. A big adventure a long way away from his mummy and daddy here in Australia.

I kept the tears in check until after he had walked through the 'wailing wall'. I think even his younger brothers are going to miss him too judging by the above photo. I do know that he will come back a little bit more independent and that bit more grown up.

Bye Bye My Baby .... I will miss you ..........................

PS. A trip to the airport always means a visit to Krispy Kreme!!!

Some Goodies In the Mail

2008-06-20T12:34:00.008+10:00

Look what I have been receiving in the mail lately. Firstly, I was lucky enough to win a giveaway of some lovely 'apples' from Wink Designs. The package was so beautifully wrapped and presented. I didn't really want to open it. But I did, and look what I found inside. A little felt purse with an apple on the front, of course, some apple fabric, and little packages of fabric and felt apples, leaves and covered buttons to match. And a gorgeous card with apples. Marina, your work is just beautiful. Thank you.

I also was a lucky winner at Silly Gilly's blog - look at these fantastic vintage boys patterns. What a hoot! I am getting quite a collection of vintage patterns now, so these will fit in very nicely as I don't have any boys ones. Don't you just love the little box brownie camera in the McCalls pattern. Go and visit Gillian - she has a great blog and sells some lovely things.

I have also been busy making a few 'Not Another Green Bag' bags. It is a bag pattern which was sold at the Sydney Quilt and Craft Fair on the Amitie stand in kit form. Fantastic bag to carry, and looks so much nicer than the eco friendly green bags that everybody has. I have used a Timtex base to make it sturdy.

And on my last post picturing the cupcakes, I was asked where the gorgeous paper cases came from. They came from Cake Deco and were $6.90 for 50.

Baby Shower

2008-06-18T14:26:00.006+10:00

I had a a very busy weekend. One of my very lovely cousins is having her first baby next month, so we had a little baby shower for her. Lots of beautiful food and gorgeous cup cakes which looked far too good to eat. The diet went out the window on that day. I decided to make Caz a floor quilt for her baby, but I didn't get it finished in time for the shower. I will finish quilting it before her baby arrives - no prizes for guessing what sex the baby is! I also made an Edward the Elephant, a bib, and some embellished onesies.

And couldn't let you go without an obligatory shot of Ellie Bella. She had a bit of a pamper last week, and her gorgeous coat is all gone - she is now looks like a rodent. My 12 year old son thought that she looked absolutely shocking, so insisted that we go out and buy her a pink hoodie!! Just wait until you see her in her little sundress for the Summer!

You Sew Girl

2008-06-08T21:01:00.006+10:00

Go check out this new blog ............................

You Sew Girl

Fantastic bag patterns and all the hard to find bag making supplies in one place. And Nikki's a really nice girl to meet too!

What are you waiting for - You Go Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A couple of weeks ago Louise and I went to Nikki's Bag Lady's Brunch. Gorgeous food and coffee. Checked out all Nikki's bags and bought her newest pattern - the Beach Bag. I can't wait to find just the right fabric to make this one for everybody in my family - it would make a beautiful nappy bag too. I also purchased the City Bag - as well - I think it is a great shape and a zip closure. Now just to find a bit of time to actually make them!

The Beach Bag

The City Bag

Sorry Kellie

2008-06-02T19:50:00.002+10:00

I met two wonderful ladies for coffee on Friday - Louise of Lulyulollylegs and of course, the after half of Audrey & Maude and the super talented Kellie from Don't Look Now. If you haven't checked out Kellie's blog - you should. She is the most amazing quilter - such a perfectionist and the colours that she chooses are just so yummy. Kellie you really inspire me.

We met in Canterbury at Maling Road. A great place for a meet. The coffee was great and some of the shops there are just fantastic. One of my favourite shops there is called 'B Inspired' which sells fantastic stationery and other gifts (sorry no website). There is never enough time when you meet fellow bloggers. I could have chatted to these girls all day. I am sure now we will have to do it a bit more regularly.

As we were in Canterbury, we took the short walk to visit Sunspun. This is a store that stocks the most beautiful wool, including Sublime (from my last post). They also stock a huge range of Kaffe Fasset fabrics too. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Looking Through My Lens

2008-05-28T20:17:00.011+10:00

I made this scarf using Sublime Yarn after seeing what this very talented lady made.

Limited Edition Jewellery from Iggy & Lou Lou

In My Garden

Exquisite Liberty fabric for a little dress for my new niece!

A beautiful gift from a very special friend. Doesn't it remind you of Audrey & Maude

Love is ..........................

Well Here Goes ............

2008-05-22T23:01:00.006+10:00

We very proudly introduce

Audrey and Maude

More Photos

2008-05-19T12:58:00.010+10:00

Here are some photos of a swap I did with Marianne -

I made the older two girls some Little Jammies from this pattern.

This is such a great pattern. Very easy to follow and one pattern contains sizes from Size 1 to 12. It is also unisex. I have lost count of how many pairs I have made now.

These jammies are made from fabric from Amitie , of course. The pink set is Japanese - Lecien (I think) and the blue/green pair is Moda Swell range.

The elephant's name is Eloise and is a brand new pattern from Audrey & Maude (details to follow soon) - and the bib is just scraps from other projects.

And for all of you who have been asking about my new camera it is a Canon EOS 40D - the lens is 17mm - 85mm. I find it quite heavy on my wrist but the result is certainly worth it. It isn't a camera to throw into the purse!

new toy

2008-05-17T14:40:00.009+10:00

I have had a lovely week - I have bought myself a new camera - one that I have been coveting for quite a while - a digital SLR.

There is so much to learn with a new camera - and so much that it can do. So I thought I would post a few photos that I have taken this week.

Let me know what you think and if you have any wonderful tips for me.

I haven't yet touched any of these photos.

2008-05-14T18:44:00.005+10:00

I took my camera into Amitie the other day - check out what you can do with the new Japanese fabric ranges!

Simply stunning.

Miracles Do Happen!

2008-05-10T16:13:00.007+10:00

Boys rule in my family and in my husband's family!!

There is one girl on my husband's side and none on mine.

My mum and dad have 8 grandsons!!!! Until this week! The drought has broken folks!!! A girl has been born - the first one since 1968!

My younger brother and his wife had a gorgeous little girl this week making their family complete - 2 boys and now a girl.

That's it for our generation of the family now. I have an inkling that this little girl is going to be thoroughly spoilt. All I can say is - hope she likes pink!

Our family is just buzzing with the excitement of finally having a little pink bundle!. The only sad part about it is that they live in the States. We won't get to meet her until September. But we have the internet and digital photography which makes the miles seem shorter!

Hope everybody had a lovely Mothers' Day. I had beautiful cuddles and beautiful cards and gifts from the Mothers' Day stall at school which are the best! I had one little sick one who was up for most of the night with a high temperature and bad cough. But, hey, isn't that what mums are for!

I love how the boys give me their gifts - price labels and all!

2008-04-28T23:20:00.007+10:00

Here's a few things that I have been up to apart from all the usual mundane things like washing, ironing, cleaning, supervising children, and going mad!

The first photos is still a WIP but I have only few more blocks to quilt. I am really loving this quilt, the colours are so lovely and fresh. The blocks are really quite big too which shows the fabric off really well. This is one for my latest nephew who was born in November, so I think I am doing pretty well getting it done before he is 6 months old. I will be really sad to see this quilt go, as I am really am attached to it.

A couple of weeks ago we held a dinner party at our house (not my idea) and as usual if I have an idea in my mind about the food or table decoration or whatever, I have to go through with it.

You might recall at the Living Creatively stand at the Stitches & Craft Show in Melbourne, Jenny and Fi made gorgeous fabric flowers from Liberty fabric. I just loved them, so I thought it would be really nice if I made some for the female guests to take home as a memento of the evening. There were a couple from the States and another couple visiting from interstate. So I made about 8 of them and I turned them into a brooch for them. I used them to make up the floral centrepiece for the table.

Jenny taught me a really easy way how to make them and so did Fi. I stuck a swarovski crystal in the middle of them just to add a bit of a sparkle from the candle light.

Then of course, I thought, maybe we should have something for the guys, so I made a batch of nougat - NOTE: please don't ever try making this without a Kitchenaid or Kenwood. So I made that (which is quite temperamental) and wrapped it up in cellophane and ribbons and they became the place card settings.

So here are some photos of the result. I spent so much time planning all of this, I really didn't have much time to think about the menu, but it did all come together - my husband is a wonderful cook and a fantastic cleaner upperer in the kitchen. He did a fantastic job. I think we make a really good team together. I didn't here any complaints from the guests.

Teddy's Quilt

2008-04-06T13:23:00.001+10:00

It's a beautiful Sunday here in Melbourne - a perfect day to wash some quilts.

I made this one a couple of years ago for a gorgeous little cousin called Teddy. It is from the Johnny & Buck range by Moda (I think).

I hand quilted all of it in Perle 8 thread.

2008-04-03T21:53:00.004+11:00

A runner I made for my lovely sister-in-law in the States. I didn't have much time to make it so I used scraps that I had around and just embroidered with back stitch and perle 8 from a design I found in a Japanese Craft book.

I was quite happy with the way it turned out and so was my sister in law. I must have esp or something as I have never been to their home (they live in Arizona) and I just picked out colours I thought she might like - apparently it matches her dining room perfectly.

On another note, just to let you know, Louise and I will be doing our first workshops for Amitie in May. So if you're local and want to have a bit of fun why don't you join us for the day. Check it out here.

I have been busy writing patterns for our "Audrey and Maude' label which is quite time consuming but very enjoyable. It's amazing that something you make that you think is so simple actually has many little steps, and for a beginner sewer very daunting. I am trying to simplify the instructions as much as possible, breaking them down so even the most raw beginner will be able to read it without too much trouble. I will work on the diagrams next, although, I am not a very good artist. I work very visually and I have since found out, that alot of sewers think the same. So hopefully, our patterns will be very easy to follow.

It's been lovely going into Amitie every week. It is such a great atmosphere to work in. I get to see Louise every week, and this week Fi dropped in with her gorgeous children and so did Kellie with her equally lovely children. The shop has such a child friendly atmosphere which is such a relief for all the mums that come in. Babysitters are included in the shopping experience at Amitie. Good on you Meg and Jen!

And the Winner Is ..........

2008-03-29T13:52:00.006+11:00

I have finally got around to pulling a name out of the comments for my one year giveaway, and the winner is:

Sarah of Choccy Bangles

So Sarah could you please send me your snail mail address and I will post some goodies off to you.

Thanks so much everyone for actually taking the time to read my blog and of course for leaving all of your comments. It has certainly been so much fun reading all of your comments, just wish you would leave them all the time.

I have just been so flat out with overseas visitors and camping over the Easter break with three boys , and then being snowed under with so much washing and the weather is so cold and rainy and not very good for drying.

It is also school holidays here and as my children grow older they are also getting bigger and so are their messes. I am so over housework and washing. There has to be more to life than cooking and cleaning. I haven't even had time to sew or do anything remotely creative, although my mind is constantly working on something.

You may remember this pile of fabric I bought from Amitie a while back, well, it has finally turned into this quilt for my sister's 40th Birthday. I was really happy with the way it has turned out. I am now officially in love with Liberty fabrics, they are so beautiful to work with and have such vibrant colours. The quilt pattern that I used was 'Aunt Bec's 9 Patch' which is from Amitie. A very simple and easy pattern and extremely quick to make up.

This week of I have so much to do and my mind can't get round it. I think I will have to do a 'To do List' otherwise I will just end up doing absolutely nothing.

Oh by the way, have you been over to Ric Rac's blog to see her gorgeous cowboy, Isak and his gentle and faithful steed, Marzie!! Yep, that's right, named after me. Woo Hoo!!!! So if you have a brilliant idea and can't really be bothered making it yourself, or you would just like to pester Jodie over at Ric Rac, go check out her blog - it is very entertaining to say the least.

By the way Jodie, how is my little Indian coming along, maybe a little tee-pee to sleep in too!

Until next time, have a great weekend, and if you are in Melbourne - stay warm!

2008-03-17T16:50:00.005+11:00

Okay, I promise this will be one of the last posts about the Stitches and Craft Show in Melbourne.

I just had to post these lovely photos of Chookyblue, Ric Rac and Flower Garden, aka Donna, Jodie and Annie. Tracey was also with these girls but managed to avoid being photographed.

I tried to do it last post but blogger would not let me!!!! These girls were such a hoot - I even got asked for my autograph see this blog for details. As you can see, I don't think they stopped talking or laughing the whole day.

We had such a great time on Friday when so many bloggers popped by the Living Creatively stand to say hello. It was great to meet so many fellow bloggers and swap 'Moo' cards. I have quite a collection now. Some of the girls we met who were on the stand with us and just dropped by were the lovely Corrie and little Keira - (she is even cuter in real life), Stephanie, Stacey, who was having a blog meet with Jo, and wondered whether she was going to be an axe murderer or not. It was great to finally meet Jo, who I have heard and read so much about, Tamara, of course, Virginie, who makes the loveliest jewellery and felt bags and brooches and is delightfully French, Angela of Miss Buttons fame, Bianca and her beautiful fabric at Hollabee and also some links for Goccos, Kristen with her gorgeous fabric and products she makes, Martine - you have to check out her gorgeous crochet baskets, Kris from Townmouse who I got heaps of tips from on applique, Amelia, and of course our gorgeous Fi who fed us on chocolate to keep our sugar levels up and kept us laughing, and Jenny, who brought in cake everyday that she had made although on Sunday, her wonderful husband brought in a beautiful apricot slice that he had iced. Thanks Richard it was fantastic.

The last photo is of me and Louise's little sign at the Show. Guess I had better get started on writing some patterns, we can't disappoint our adoring fans.

Gotta go.

Photos of the Stitches & Craft Show Melbourne 2008

2008-03-15T21:56:00.002+11:00

From L to R Louise, Claire (the lovely and very beautiful interviewer) and Jenny from Amitie.

From L to R yours truly, Claire again and Louise.

This is Louise and I being interviewed by the aforementioned Claire in front of a 'packed' audience - don't you love the way everybody looks so spellbound by what we are saying.

Some of the beautiful artwork on the Living Creatively Stand.

Audrey & Maude

2008-03-13T20:56:00.006+11:00

Just to let everyone know that the Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show is still on and to make sure you come down and visit us on the Living Creatively Stand. There you can meet lots of crafty girls and see a gorgeous garden created by some extremely talented people at Living Creatively.

Louise and I are having a blast meeting so many people and other fellow bloggers and of course presenting our new venture - Audrey and Maude - sewing simple patterns.

Here is a photo of Louise in action. I will post more photos tomorrow when I get some more decent ones.

So if you can make it, come and say hi we love to have a chat.

Here is another photo I thought you might like. It is Justine being interviewed by the very lovely Claire Stewart who is working for Living Creatively. You will be able to see this interview and others (with many more crafty peeps including A & M) on the Living Creatively website and YouTube (not sure when though).

Also, if you stay tuned to Kerri-anne Kennerley tomorrow morning - you might even catch a glimpse of Jenny from Amitie and maybe even a little of 'Audrey & Maude' if they haven't already scrapped the footage of us. Keep an eye out for the cake - we are sitting right behind it!

Gotta fly.

It's Miss Marzie's First Birthday

2008-03-09T22:06:00.009+11:00

It's hard to believe that I have been blogging for one year. It has gone so fast. I have been amazed at the blogging community. How so very generous and kind every body is. I just love catching up with 'old' friends and love meeting all the newbies. I have learnt so much from reading about all the lovely ladies and their families all over the world. I have found blogging to be very therapeutic and when you read other peoples' troubles you realise you are not alone.

I have been inspired by so many things I have seen in blogland and I now feel so much more confident than I ever did with my ideas. I am now not scared about giving something a go. Hey what is the worst thing that could happen!!!

I have made some wonderful 'cyber' friends from all over the world and some of those wonderful 'cyber' friends have become 'real' friends who live in Melbourne, who I probably would never have met if I didn't have a blog. I now have a fantastic job working for Jenny at Amitie which all came through blogging!!! That is where I am meeting many fellow bloggers who are just a delight (hello Fi) and of course, meeting and working with my wonderful friend Louise.

Not only are Louise and I working at Amitie, but we are also taking a big step into the world of developing patterns for the beginner sewer to the more adventurous.

We are going to be on the Living Creatively stand at the Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show this week from Wednesday until Sunday. We are not quite sure what exactly we are going to be doing, but if you are going, please, please come down and say hi to us, we would love a chat. We will have a few of our finished articles there, but as this has come about so quickly, we haven't yet done all the finer details as to the actual patterns. So we are there for the chat and for any feedback you can give us, and of course a giveaway. Louise and I are both very excited about this new venture (which is completely foreign to us) but we have great supporters who believe in us (thanks Jenny). So we really would love to see you. We will be in the company of many inspiring women like Jenny from Amitie, Kristen, Kris, Angela, Pip, Fiona, Bianca, Justine, and many more.

By the way, do you like the name for our pattern venture?

Audrey & Maude

Now, because it is my blog's first birthday, it only seems appropriate that I give you a present. So I would love to hear from all the people that read my blog, yes, that means all you lovely lurkers, come and leave a comment and I will pick one at random on Saturday and send you a lovely suprise. Maybe something from the 'Audrey and Maude' range!!

The photos are some of the new 'Audrey & Maude' range of patterns.

See you at the Stitches and Craft Show!!!!

Our National Anthem

2008-03-06T21:56:00.004+11:00

As always during an Olympic year we all discuss our national anthem, Advance Australia Fair, as we expect to hear it alot in Beijing. I personally think it is a little boring and could do with some jazzing up. A little search on youtube and I found the perfect solution.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7T8pCi-tKk

2008-03-02T20:35:00.004+11:00

This is a really quick post. I was at a 40th birthday celebration last night of a very good friend and I bumped into a lovely Melbourne girl called Irene who makes the most amazing porcelain jewellery. Her label is Iggy and Lou Lou and it is just divine. So go and check her out even if it is just to see the website which is outstanding as well. Irene is getting quite a following and it is easy to see why.

Hope you all had a great weekend.

2008-02-27T11:21:00.006+11:00

Hi everyone, it's been ages since I have posted, probably due to lack of inspiration with my writing skills. It's just that I love reading about everybody elses fantastic lives and think mine pales compared to them.

But anway, I will give it a go. I have been tagged a few times since my last post, so I think I will try to combine them all for you.

Varenia tagged me with 7 Facts About Me. So thanks very much Varenia. You should all pop on over and read Varenia's blog, she has some cute stuff and cute kids.

I was also tagged by Louise for 'You make my day award', thanks so much Louise. I am so glad that I have found such a good friend in you, cyber and in real life.

I was also tagged by a new blogger friend, Kelly, who lives on my side of Melbourne (we bloggers in the north east are few and far between) Are there any otheres out there that want to delurk and identify themselves? You have to check out Kelly's blog too - her quilts are amazingly beautiful and so are her children.

So Kelly's tag is Four Things, so I think I will combine both of them - here goes.

Four jobs I have had:

Secretary/P.A. in a criminal law practice.
Receptionist at The Royal Flying Doctor Service (WA)
Full Time Mum to three gorgeous boys (this has been the best one)
and of course
Amitie!!!! I am so loving this job - I don't even feel like I am working - it's really just playing and of course working with Louise and Jenny is just awesome.

Four movies I have watched over and over again:

I don't really watch too many movies or tv but does hearing movies over and over again count?
If so,

Toy Story (when the kids were little - I think I can recite every line in the movie)
Bridget Jones' Diary
Four Weddings & A Funeral
The English Patient

Four places I have lived:

I lived at my parent's home for my first 19 years.
Perth, Western Australia (following the love of my life)
Milton Keynes, England
Melbourne (last 18 years and hopefully the rest of my life) Australia is fantastic to live in!

Four shows I watch on TV:

The Bill (I know, I know it is so daggy - but it is just our little habit on a Saturday evening to sit down and enjoy the show with a glass of wine or two)

So You Think You Can Dance - (don't know why but I do)

It Takes Two (because my favourite AFL Footballer is on the show)

The Vicar of Dibley (my middle son has just discovered this show and I just love sitting with him to watch him laughing at all the gags)

Four Places I have been:

New York
London
Sydney
Paris

Four people who e-mail me;

Louise
Kelly
Tamara
Anna

Four things I love to eat;

Chocolate
Chocolate
Chocolate
Chocolate

Four places I'd rather be;

Amitie
Amitie
Amitie
Amitie

Four things I look forward to this year;

Louise and I have a few projects we are working on together (so stay tuned)
Having my husband away less on business
Welcoming a new niecephew into our family (sorry don't know the sex of the baby yet)
Watching my children grow another year older and taller than me!

So that is it from me. Thanks for the tags Kelly and Varenia, It was actually not too badto do, and I guess, if you have read this far you musn't have thought so either.

Anyway, onto other things. Thank you for all your comments about starting work at Amitie. I am having the time of my life. I am meeting so many talented and interesting people, and everybody is just so friendly.

I am having issues with the font and everything, my apologies. I don't know what I am doing.

Not sure about photos for this post, I know everybody loves a good photo so I will see what I can dig up.

I'm So Excited ..

2008-02-08T22:03:00.000+11:00

and yet I am also a little bit nervous.

Next Tuesday I am going to start working at Amitie. I am still pinching myself that I will actually be working there in the flesh at the very shop that I just love to visit and spend hours and hours. The times I have been there I have spent minimum two hours. Time almost stands still in there.

Just think of all the fabric fondling that I will be able to do, mountains of fabric - all without taking it home with a huge hole in my bank account. Instead, I will get paid to do it.

Life doesn't get much better than that (fabric speaking that is).

Not only am I so excited about landing a job at Amitie but I will also be working with my gorgeous blogging friend, Louise, who started there last week too. My role will be slightly different to Louise, - I will be making up samples for the shop and the shows. But I am sure Louise and I will be able to have a little bit of a catch up every week over a bolt of fabric or two.

There is only one thing that is bothering me, and that is it will take me about 40 - 50 minutes to drive there - but hey nothing is that simple, I will persevere, I promise you that, as I will be able to hear that fabric beckoning to me (I can hear it already). I don't think it will take me that long to get used to the drive and I know it will be so worth it in the end to be able to work with such amazing and talented people.

Anyway, for those of you who can't get to Amitie in the flesh - Jenny now has an online shop which is this link.

Wish me luck.

Have a great weekend.

Meet McMoz!!

2008-02-07T13:33:00.000+11:00

This is to introduce you to 'McMoz'. He has a very important job to do. He is to be Lachie's 'Thinking Buddy' for school. He will set up camp on Lachie's desk at school and apparently, help him to think!!!

McMoz was inspired by Melly & Me's pattern of Mozzie. Lachie and I sat down on the computer and looked at lots of images and he seemed to like Melly & Me's Mozzie the best. So we planned the fabric and everything together. He was so particular - he definitely didn't want 'fat' legs or arms (well, who does!) So this is what we came up with.

So here he is off to school to 'camp out' - I have been informed that he will be allowed home on weekends!!!

Have a great week!

What I Resort To In a House Full of Males!!!!!

2008-01-31T22:35:00.000+11:00

Back to School

2008-01-30T20:59:00.000+11:00

Lake Hume - North East Victoria

I can't believe that the children are now all back at school after a wonderful summer break (that is, the ones living in the southern hemisphere). I had a lovely day of sorting today and some of my house is resembling normal again.

I can't believe how much washing needs doing after a holiday - even after I did some while I was away, it still all needs doing again.

We had a wonderful holiday, very relaxing. The kids were wonderful and were outside the whole time riding their bikes and swimming, playing tennis and just being outdoors. That is one of the reasons why I love caravan parks - it forces them outside to play with all the other children.

Had a lovely surprise in the mail today from the USA, Pennsylvania to be exact. A lovely family which we holidayed with (sort of family but in an 'inlaw' sort of way) came out with their five beautiful children. They introduced my children to 'Twizzles' and they consequently fell in love with them until there was no more. So this is what we received in the post today - a huge box full of goodies. Yum Yum! I must say the 'Berger' cookies are really wicked - and the boys gave them the huge thumbs up. So thanks so much Sal and Gil!!!!

Yummy Treats from the USA

Haven't been doing much of anything creative lately - hopefully next week I can get back into it. I just have to ease myself back into the lunches, uniform and homework routine all again.

I will leave you with some photos that my Sean took while we were away of our gorgeous sunburnt country!!!

Wye River on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria Australia

Success, at last

2008-01-10T16:43:00.000+11:00

Today, my last day with the house to myself, I have finally felt like doing something. Actually, it was last night really. This is what I have achieved.

1. Made 2 rich fruit cakes (to take away on our holiday for morning tea everyday).

2. Made 5 batches of meringues for my next door neighbour's daughter's wedding on Saturday.

3. Packaged the aforesaid meringues into 90 bags and tied with a ribbon.

4. Made a horseshoe for the bride.

5. Helped the said bride's 17 year old sister to make a horseshoe (no sewing experience at all).

6. Made a frenchy bag with some gorgeous fabric I bought the other day from Amitie.

I have only achieved the above because I didn't eat meals at all - I just grazed all day and I had no-one saying to me that they were hungry. Not many dishes, yay!! Only cooking ones. No breaking up arguments or telling people to go to bed.

Now that I have finally written my list about what I have achieved I feel alot better and I have decided that I haven't really wasted much time at all while I have been home alone.

I have about 2 hours left of this peaceful time, but I must admit I really am starting to miss everybody. I just need another day or two so I can clean the house properly. I would be doing it now if it wasn't so darn hot!!!! I hate hot weather!!!!!

I still have quite a few things still to do, but I guess I will get around to it when I can.

We are off on a 2 week break to here - apparently, it is even hotter than Melbourne - what was I thinking?

See you when I get back.

Back Again

2008-01-07T19:57:00.000+11:00

Hi there

I have so neglected my dear old blog for long enough (last post was 15th December), all the festivities are over and the new year begun, so I thought I had better find something new to write about.

Not much happening though, our family has been away for a beach holiday to Cape Paterson for a week and had a great time. Way too hot though!! The kids love going to the beach for surfing, rock pools and of course, sand sculpting. It was so relaxing, I would sit outside our caravan and either read 'junk' mags and catch up on all the gossip of the celebs, or do a spot of crochet (I was making face washers).

Anyway, we are home from that and the washing is all done and I find myself at home alone, apart from my gorgeous EllieBella, my gorgeous puppy, and it is for the grand total of 3 nights and four days.

Now you would think that someone like me who loves to sew would be jumping for joy to have all this uninterrupted time to do whatever I like in the sewing room, but the problem is, I want to do so much that I can't decide what to start on. So I thought I might try and make a list but even that seems too much like hard work. Of course, I could always clean the house from top to bottom but who wants to do that kind of thing when you have the house to yourself for four days. This blog has been calling me to do a post, so at least I can tick that off my list (if I had one).

So, I went shopping today because I couldn't decide what to do. Isn't it amazing, when you have absolutely nobody with you and nobody to come home to and cook dinner for, you would think you would relax while you were shopping - but no - I only bought one thing (and that wasn't even on my shopping list) - it was a bargain though. It is a book that I have wanted for ages but thought it was way too expensive. Well today, right outside Collins Booksellers they were selling this book for $6.99. So I got one. And that is all I have to show for 4 hours shopping. I may as well have stayed home and cleaned the house.

Anyway, as for the book, I am so glad I didn't pay the full price for it, I don't actually like it. So I guess, that can just sit with all the other 'must have' books that I collect, collecting dust.

Tomorrow, I promise, I will start doing something creative in my sewing room and them I might have something to show you all instead of all this dribble.

Bye

7

2007-12-15T14:00:00.001+11:00

My baby boy turned 7 - he has been waiting a whole year for this day - I think now he knows how long a year can be (I wish it went that slow for me).

No party this year - the last two have been major ones - mainly for my benefit - I just wanted and needed to do a really OTT (over the top) party and get it out of my system. His 5 year old party was 'retro cowboy' themed - I spent so much time and money on that party - but I know it was worth it - people are still telling me how much fun they had - Lachie loved that one too and remembers it vividly, and the games and things they did.

Here is a pic that I have posted previously.

Then the 6 year old party was 'Disney Cars' theme - another OTT party but again worth it - they had so much fun - but after that one I said that I would hang my 'party organiser' hat up.

So this year we are just having a quiet family dinner - he wants a steak for dinner and an icecream cake for dessert - easy peasy - no worries. So that happens this afternoon - so I really must get off my butt and get moving.

Before I forget - here are some photos of the combi van fabric jammies I made for my cousin's little 2 year old boy. I am really pleased at how they turned out and look even better on.

Have a great weekend.

PVC Love is being spread around

2007-12-13T20:49:00.002+11:00

Thanks to Fi, I have now mastered pvc - not that I had ever tried it before - but thanks to Fi's wonderful tutorial on 'being the boss' of the pvc - I am now an accomplished sewer of pvc.

So guess what, everything in sight will now, of course, have to be pvc'd!!!! My mind is ticking over all the things that I could do with it.

Anyway, I made a little kids organiser to start with and I am really happy with how it came out. It didn't pucker, bubble or anything. It really was quite easy to work with.

For those interested in buying some of this, another great place to buy the stuff is from Bunnings - it is about $4.80 a metre (slightly cheaper than Spotlight and it is the same stuff).

Last week my trustee 18year old Janome went in for a service, and the news was not good - the button holer was jammed inside and the new part would cost $220.00 - not worth fixing - so it was very sad that I had to buy a new one.

I now have a new Janome which I am slowly getting used to - the added bonus with the new one is that I have a choice of three different types of button holes (I only had one before) . And the new one has the button hole stitch for applique which I have always wanted. So, here is the result of using that particular stitch. I can't believe how simple it is to use.

So now everything that isn't nailed down will now be pvc'd and appliqued until I can find something else I can become infatuated with. Look out kids!!!!

Meet Gork!!!!!

2007-12-07T16:08:00.000+11:00

Lachie has been home three days this week, just not up to his normal happy self, bit of a cough and runny nose. He asked if we could make a softie and even though I had three million other things to do, I know that it would be a very special bonding time with me and my baby boy.

So I told him to do a drawing of what he wanted and he came up with this.

So then I we found some felt and he chose all the colours. I was allowed to sew it up on the sewing machine - but I was instructed that I had to leave an 'opening' so we could pull it through so we could stuff it - also, he said, because I had used white cotton on red and blue felt and it didn't match!!!!! (I was officially told off for using not matching cotton)

He wanted arms and legs, so they had to be sewn and stuffed. Lachie did all the stuffing and did a great job. We then glued on the felt for his face which was all Lachie's design.

I think it is so cute - his name is GORK. So, now he is Lachie's latest special softie, he loves me so much for helping make him, and maybe, just maybe, I have inspired a little person in his future employment, Christian Dior, Versace, Lacroix .......... So we had a wonderful day, despite the fact not much of the three million things I had to do were done. Also, the pattern was modified a little!

I have been sewing madly for birthdays, teachers, weddings, and the shop. I have even been attempting to make a tutu!!!! I know that I only have boys, but a very good friend was having issue with her tulle and asked me for some help. Not that I did alot of good, but we finally worked out the best way to make it. Let's just hope the 2 year old who is receiving it will appreciate all the handsewing and neat edges. I now know why they are so expensive to buy. Never again.

This is a very bad photo, but I couldn't get anybody to model it in my house, except for the dog and I don't think that it would have sat just the right way!!!

It will be just my luck that somebody out there will let me know a much easier way to make one. I cut 6 strips of tulle - Joined each one to make a tube, then gathered the top of each one with my overlocker and then sewed them altogether. Then I put some elastic in a casing at the top. I must admit there is something about a little bit tutu that is just so feminine, I wonder how I would go with one my size, and what hubby would say when he saw me pirohuetting thru the house as the fairy elephant!!!!

More jammies are being made - I am getting very quick on those.

I have been making and selling these little sets for baby gifts.

Also, went to a wedding last weekend for Lachie's teacher. A very beautiful bride that was so lovely to the 16 children (out of a class of 20) that turned up at the church to watch their beautiful teacher get married. The dress was so amazing and her figure was just gorgeous. Hope she doesn't mind me putting a pic on here.

I tried my hand at making a horseshoe so that Lachie could put it on her hand as she walked back down the aisle. During the ceremony, (it was a very long catholic nuptial mass on a very hot day) the horseshoe became all manner of things - eg. a gun, whip, sword, fishing rod!!!! I rescued it so it could do the job it was meant to do - drape the arm of a very beautiful bride!!!!!

I hope everybody takes time to smell the roses at this very hectic time of year. Have a great weekend.

Some More PJs

2007-11-27T16:33:00.000+11:00

Not much to report -

Just been busy with the usual end of year 'stuff' - everybody wants everything 'now'.

Here are some pics of some pjs I made for a little 2 year old boy whose dad just loves 'combi'
vans

Sorry about the quality of the photos - too many shadows.

2007-11-24T14:11:00.001+11:00

Louise, tagged me a long time ago with this little craft meme.

But first, my youngest's son's first year teacher left yesterday to get married, so here are some photos from her farewell from the children and parents.

We set a table - complete with tulle and wedding cake (fyi the cake topper was on my wedding cake 20 years ago). The roses were from garden and I made them into a gorgeous bouquet that she could keep. They smelt divine.

The children all dressed as brides and grooms as a surprise for their teacher - they were just so cute. Most of the girls wore their veils all day - the boys ripped their ties off as soon as they were allowed.

Now for the craft meme - feel free to skip this if you like - I wouldn't want to bore any of you.

1. When did you start to create and make craft?

My mum was a great sewer who used to make all our clothes - she tried to teach me, but I really wasn't interested as a teenager (although I got an A for textiles at school). So it really wasn't until after I had my third baby at 34 years and severe post natal depression set in, that I started quilting. I found that I really liked it, I loved the people it attracted and of course I went to the gorgeous Patchwork on Central and from then on I was totally hooked.

2. Why did you start creating?

I started making my own creations and designs because of my post natal depression. I didn't want to go to a class or be taught by someone else as I knew I would get myself into more of a depressed state because of the way my mind worked. I used to be a bit of a perfectionist and if my project didn't turn out exactly the same as the teachers, I would think I was a failure. But, as we all know, when you makeup your own designs - it doesn't matter as you have nothing to compare it with. That is how I got around the perfectionism thingy. (I hope that make sense).

3. Why do you create?

Now that I am over all of the above and happy most of the time - I just love getting into my craft room and whipping something up. Also, reading everybody's blogs is so inspirational - if my mind actually stopped whirring around with all the projects I would like to do, I might just be able to finish one.

4. What do you create?

I try and create all kinds of things - bags, aprons, zippered pouches (I have definitely mastered the zip), clothes, bibs, felting, knitting, crochet, softies - anything at all - if it interests me - I will give it a try.

5. Has this changed since you began crafting?

Yes, I am so much more confident and can look at something and think - "I can make that" with or without a pattern. I am not worried any more about what other people might say about my work which gives me so much more confidence and therefore I am willing to give anything a go (except maybe jump off a cliff).

So there you go, if you have read this far - thank you so much. I really like to tell people about my PND and how crafting really saved me from the brink. Creating, I am sure, must release all those endorphins that make us happy and even better if you can do it with your friends.

I am not going to tag anyone in particular - as I think nearly everybody has done this one - but please feel free to do it - I would love to read it.

I would just love to know if anybody else suffered PND and survived because of crafting - I would love to hear from you.

Have a wonderful weekend.

2007-11-17T17:06:00.001+11:00

Just a few things I have been making - this is from a vintage pattern that my mum gave me.

This is just me having a play with my yo yo maker. It is a jacket for a 3 year old. Lined with pink gingham and some of the chocolate lollipop range.

I did a blanket stitch around the edges with a perle 8 and then embroidered the stems and leaves with the same colour.

I covered some buttons, but I haven't got around to sewing them on yet.

I have been making these little containers for my sewing table. They are just fabulous. You can get the pattern over at Ric Rac's Blog. I changed mine slightly, by making it larger. Very quick and easy. I will be making some more of these for my sewing table. Then I can use all my favourite fabric scraps.

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend.

What I have been up to

2007-11-13T15:49:00.000+11:00

Finally, the bags have been delivered - 12 little totes for Miko - (they are roughly based on Rosalie Quinlans' pattern - Naomi's Little Carrybag) -

For the ruffles on the top - I used a 'ruffle' attachment on my machine. It sure makes gathering and ruffling so much easier. I highly recommend it - it even pleats for you as well and is completely adjustable.

I thought I would show you a couple of shots of my workroom (it got a bit of a cleanup and a lot of stuff went to the op shop). I have to share this room with the boy's tv - but at least during the daytime it is mine all day. It overlooks our backyard and has lots of natural light.

I have this little word above my sewing machine -

Jade, check out my fabric stash - and that is only about half of it. The drawers on the right hand side of the pic are all my scraps and patterns - underneath my workbench is the some more and then I have even more in a bank of cupboards. Now you know why I have a curtain to hide everything. It is so hard to keep fabric stashs tidy.

A little change .....

2007-11-11T22:40:00.001+11:00

thought I might try and change the look of my blog - and as I am not very computer savvy, I enlisted some help.

Marianne did the beautiful artwork for me and Yini, who is an Etsy seller, kindly helped me with the resizing for blogspot and very detailed instructions on how to put it in as my banner.

What do you think?

I have finished all the bags I have been making for Miko and now I can start sewing some more jammies.

Photos are in short supply as somehow they got lost in cyberland. Until next time .....

happy sewing.

Look What I Found ....

2007-11-01T14:44:00.000+11:00

Look what I found at my local Spotlight yesterday.

I think PJs for all of this ...

It's not often you find nice boys fabric for PJs

I couldn't resist this one - might do a mix and match with this.

And a free pattern for gorgeous knitted dishcloths.

Tagged ........

2007-10-31T15:35:00.000+11:00

Guess What We Had For Dinner?

Anna, from Thimbleanna, has tagged me for this meme. She has done a great job of hers - so go read it.

I am really not sure what it is I have to do as she combined a couple of them together, so I will give it a go.

4 jobs I’ve had:

Checkout Chick at Target - my first paid job.
Legal Secretary at a law firm that specialised in Criminal Law (very, very exciting work)
Receptionist at the Royal Flying Doctor Service (this was a temp job - but it was sooo much fun - even went out on a few missions)
Conveyancing Clerk in a Law Firm (very boring and very stressful)

4 Films I could watch over and over

4 Weddings and a Funeral
The Castle
The Dish
Bridget Jones' Diary

4 TV shows I watch:

The Bill (can't miss it - I am addicted)
Kath and Kim (when it is showing)
Summer Heights High (I am so sad that it is finished - what a hoot)
I can't think of another one - don't really watch that much tv.

4 places I have lived:

I was born and grew up in Melbourne, Australia.
I have lived in Perth, Australia(twice).
I also lived in Milton Keynes in the U.K. for a little while.
I haven't lived anywhere else.

4 favourite foods:

Chocolate
Roast Lamb especially with roasted pumpkin
Sticky Date Pudding
Natural yogurt with a drizzle of honey and a banana.

4 favourite colours:

Pink
Green
Duck Egg Blue
Red

4 places I’d love to be right now:

In bed.
Sewing in my very clean and tidy 'sewing room' (I think that should be under 'dreams I wish would come true')
Shopping for fabric in Amitie with unlimited money.
The U.S.A. visiting my brother and his wife and their two gorgeous boys, Declan and Patrick.

4 names I love but could not use for my children:( I have three boys so the following names are obvious choices)

Siobhan
Ainsley
Rosie
and I have always loved the name Edward (hubby didn't like it, although I would have used for all of them)

4 people I’d love to tag with this Meme:

I think everyone has been tagged alot lately so anybody who wants to can - I would certainly love to read it.

Have a Great Week.

What I've Been Up To.

2007-10-30T10:46:00.000+11:00

I just love PJ's and I can never seem to find any I like. I have had this fabric for ages, and I bought this pattern from Sew Mama Sew, so Little Lachie (6 years old) now has some really cute pjs.

This pattern is really, really easy to follow. Very clear with the instructions and layout of pieces. It is also a tissue paper pattern which you trace off (no maps of the London underground like Japanese patterns). I made the size 7 - 8 (it is a multiple size pattern all the way from Size 1 to 12). If you have short kids - the pattern will be way too long (if you do the long pants) - so I would recommend shortening the length. It is very easy to measure up and apart from the length, it is pretty exact.

The pattern is meant to have buttons, but my automatic button on my Janome is playing up, - it will decide to do one button, but then won't do any more for a few hours. Very frustrating, so I just put snaps.

I love the elastic in the pants - it only has it in the back and then it is a tie front. Very easy and effective. I am planning on making a whole lot more to co-ordinate with these ones - maybe some boxers, or there is cropped pants (which might look better on a girl). There is even a camisole in the pattern

I have also been really busy making these little totes for the shop, Miko, that I supply. Hopefully I will have these out by tomorrow and can make some more Jammies!!!

I just love the colours in these bags - very very girlie. I will post a photo when they are done.

Operation Cubby

2007-10-16T16:42:00.000+10:00

Sunday we saw our beloved little cubby find a new home - our family has grown out of it and now it is time to pass it on to another family.

Moving it was a problem all of its own. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.
And yes, the wagon wheels were used to help move it!!!!

It's amazing that such a simple job could take so long with so many helpers!!!!

And a few happy snaps of some things I have been working on.

I made the shirt for my 6 year old from the Finnish magazine Ottobre which you can buy from here. After you have navigated the pattern sheet and found what you are supposed to be cutting out, it is relatively easy. I am going to attempt to make some more of these - maybe in some linen.

The name's Bond - James Bond!!!!

Nothing like a little "Retail Therapy"

2007-10-12T14:23:00.000+10:00

Look what I bought online!!! I am so excited. And the best thing about this purchase was the price cheap - cheap - I have looked at these utensils so many times and desperately wanted them, and so now instead of being $160 they were $16 - Yes, you heard correctly. I couldn't let them stay there for that price. The quality is fantastic - they even come in a lovely box. I thought I might indulge and buy the coffee tin as well. Just beautiful. Almost too nice to use. I also bought the mini whisk - because it was just so cute. It all came from here and the best part was I didn't even leave the house - on my doorstep next day.

I also went a little crazy and went to the book store - I love book stores and I love the concept of a cafe in a bookstore as I can indulge both my passions - reading and coffee (also, I don't feel so conspicuous when I am on my own) - I saw this book and just could not resist . I have actually tasted the cupcakes as well - they are as good as they look!!!!! So here is some 'cupcake' porn for all you cupcake lovers out there!!

And apart from retail therapy, we have house guests - hubby's parents - so picture this - I worked hard all day, scrubbed floors, vacuumed, made gorgeous guest beds (I freshened up all the bed linen by washing it and ironing (yes, I do iron my bedlinen)), flowers in the room, cleaned bathrooms - all the usual stuff you do for visitors. I was so tired when everything was done and I was quite proud of all that I achieved - it all looked very lovely and welcoming.

I decided to have one last check - and lucky I did. Ellie Bella, our gorgeous cavoodle puppy, had left her mark on the freshly made and laundered bed. Put it this way, at least I can laugh about it now, (no dogs were hurt after this episode - she is, after all, only a puppy).

So the moral of the story is - don't bother making up guest beds and rooms because if you have a puppy, they are bound to sh......t on it!!!!!!!!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend - I think I might sew!!!!!!!

Tagged

2007-10-09T21:55:00.001+10:00

Here is a fun game of tag which Claire kindly tagged me for - I just love reading everybody elses, apologies in advance for my boring offering.

Here’s how it works:1. Players must list one fact, word, or tidbit that is somehow relevant to their life for each letter of their first or middle name.2. When you are tagged you need to write your own post containing your first or middle name game facts, word, or tidbit.3. At the end of your post choose one person for each letter of your name to tag.4. Don’t forget to leave a comment telling them that they have been tagged, and to read your blog.

is for Cowboys, retro 1950's. I love all the vintage fabrics and the reproductions. I love to collect the little tin wind up toys and cowboy books. My youngest son's room is decorated in the 'cowboy' theme, although I very much suspect that he would prefer to have 'spiderman'.

is for apples. Not just any apples - my apples on my swing tags and logo. I wasn't that interested in them before, but when Marianne was designing my new tags, that is what she came up with and I think they look so fresh.

is for tidy. Something I am not!! I really try so hard to be tidy, but it just takes so much time away from the things that I would rather be doing - sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery. One day, I promise, I will try harder.

is for happiness. My family brings me so much happiness and I just love them to bits. They understand that I need time for my crafts and they are all so accommodating. The saying in our house is 'if the mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy'

is for yummy (or it could be yucky) - I love to bake for my family and friends, creating delicious cup cakes, biscuits and cakes. It is also for 'yummy' fabric which I just can't resist buying - even if it is just to look at.

Now I would like to tag these lovely ladies, whose blogs I enjoy reading. Louise (of course, my first blog friend), Tamara, Fiona, Donna and Jodie. I am looking forward to reading what they all have to say.

Time for bed now (I know what they mean when they call these things 'time wasters')

The Holidays are Over

2007-10-08T19:59:00.000+10:00

Just back from a wonderful break in beautiful Bright in Victoria's North East. It really is a beautiful part of the world - nestled in a valley, the little town of Bright has so much to do.

We went walking and riding, and of course lots of eating at the lovely places they have there and of course the drinking of the regions most magnificent wineries.

The only disappointing thing about Bright is that it has no 'patchwork' shop at all - so I have suffered severe withdrawals, added to that is we couldn't get access to the internet - but maybe it really was a good thing after all to have a total break.

The kids had a great time, as there is so much for all ages. We found a fantastic Toy Shop called 'Bang'. They stock the most wonderful games, toys and puzzles that you don't find many other places.

I must mention another fabulous shop there, Country Heart and Home, which is owned and run by Amanda and her husband Brett. She searches high and low for all the wonderful things in her shop - mainly xmas ornaments etc. which she sells all year. It's not everybody's cup of tea but Amanda and Brett are so friendly that I am sure you will find something you like there, as there is so much packed in there. I bought some great teacher presents and gorgeous smelling candles. Actually, now that I come to think of it, she sells some patchwork fabric!!!! And if you are lucky, you might catch some of Miss Marzie's goodies. If you can't get there, she has an online shop you can visit at any time.

I always enjoy coming home to see my garden especially in Spring.

I picked my first ever Lilacs off my tree today- they are just so beautiful and I love having them in my house.

So not much crafting has been going on, so I am ready for action. Be prepared for the onslaught!

Time for a holiday ...

2007-09-24T22:52:00.000+10:00

Yep, it is that time of year - more school holidays - they come around so fast these days.

We are off to a gorgeous Victorian country town called Bright. It is just beautiful in Spring, and there is so much to do. There might even be snow on the nearby mountains. Lots of bike riding and walking and eating way too much.

Lots of wine and good food. Can't wait.

I will leave you with some pics of some flowers that were delivered to my door in celebration of our 20th wedding anniversary from some very, very special friends whom I have known forever. There is something special about having flowers delivered to your door so unexpectedly, just lovely, I smiled to myself all day just thinking about it. And if you look closely, behind all the foliage is a bottle of Moet Chandon Vintage 1999 champagne (my favourite), actually, I have never had it before as I tend to stick with my old favourite Yellowglen, but I am sure it will be my favourite. Can't wait to try it - maybe on holiday?

See you all in a couple of weeks.

Happy Anniversary

2007-09-20T14:35:00.000+10:00

Today Gordon and I celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.

How time flies!!! It only seems like yesterday that we were married and now 20 years later and three kids we know it wasn't.

It's been a fabulous 20 years - Lots of fun and laughter. I am so lucky to have someone like Gordon who is such a great dad and husband and my best friend. We have done so much together including travelling for 12 months around the world when we were first married. It's been so good sharing all these memories together. I wouldn't trade him for anything - (can you imagine trying to train another man after all these years?) Anyway, enough soppiness. Of course, you would all believe me if I said that we have never had a cross word!!!! (yeah - right). He only forgot our anniversary once and that was our 9th - he has never ever forgotten again.

Here's a pic of our 1987 wedding. (very eighties, I know) should have seen the bridesmaids - jade green taffeta!!!! Big dresses!

I actually can't believe that I am old enough to have been married this long. Only old people have wedding anniversaries this big!!!! (that's what I used to think).

I am not sure what we are doing in the way of a celebration - I am told it will be a surprise, but I am enjoying these gorgeous red roses he gave me.

Happy Anniversary my sweet man!!

That's My Boy

2007-09-13T22:19:00.000+10:00

Just thought I'd share a special time in my 11 year old son's life. It was school production time today - we've had the auditions, the rehearsals, the dress rehearsals. We have lived this production all term and today it was finally played to the public.

It is a really big part of the senior school and it only happens every second year. So much work goes into this production, by the children and especially the teachers. The kids have the best time, I didn't see any stage fright at all. The production was called "monkey business" - a tale of Tarzan and Jane.

We really enjoyed watching all these 10 - 12 year olds, who we have known most of their life, strut their stuff on stage - it was a musical and dance production. They were fantastic, and did us all proud. My son didn't have a main part, but that didn't worry him, he could still disco and jive with most of the other kids. A great day and night was had by all.

Having worked behind the scenes in previous years, I know that the best part of the whole stage production is the 'makeup'. The girls are okay as they are used to it, but the boys go all out there. Please mum, can you make it thicker and heavier!!! And make my hair really big.

Well, my son was no exception, just take a look at these photos. It's not fair - the eyelashes went on forever. I am sure he would have been a very pretty girl!!!

Here is a photo of before the 'makeover'

Lottie and Little Lady

2007-09-08T12:18:00.001+10:00

I can't believe it is September already. The weather is just gorgeous here in Melbourne at the moment, and you can feel that Spring is here. I have shaken off the winter blues and now I am ready to tackle the last part of the year. Isn't it amazing how the weather has such an impact on our state of mind.

I have been very busy making lots of things - I have had a blast.

First of all I have made Lottie and Little Lady, this is a Melly and Me pattern. I had such fun making this one. When I put their faces on they came to life. So, they will be flying over to a very special nephew in the U.S. who just adores Lady Bugs, to live. I will miss them both immensely, but Mrs. Perkins (another Melly and Me design) has decided that she will make her home with us. I am so glad, as she really is a lovely giraffe, with such gorgeous big eyes.

Here they are enjoying our beautiful Melbourne weather.

Now for a cooking disaster (not really, but very much an 'whoops'). I was having someone over for some quilting lessons, so I thought that I should try and be a little domestic goddessish. I decided to make some 'blueberry friands' from Donna Hay Modern Classics. Everything is going well, I have them in the paper cases, the oven is ready for them, they are now in the oven cooking beautifully, when I see that I have left out the blueberries, still sitting nicely on the bench. Well, as I didn't want to open the oven and ruin the baking, I decided they would have to be 'blueberry-less'.

Here is a photo of them, and they looked great. They actually tasted just beautiful. They were a great success and the boys have requested that when I next make them, don't worry about the blueberries. It is such a great recipe - and the best thing is - you don't have to get your mixer out. It is all done with a wooden spoon. Easy and delicious.

Not much else happening - I guess I should get back to my sewing. So many things to make and finish.

Mini Blog Meet

2007-09-02T21:37:00.002+10:00

I had a wonderful day last Thursday. Louise and I decided that we probably had a lot in common, after quite a few emails and an apron swap, so we thought that we should meet up. The beautiful fabric shop, Amitie, was to be the meeting place.

I had never been there before so it took a while for me to drive there. Anyway, Louise and I finally met and she is exactly how she is in her blog, a very warm and generous lady. She brought along her gorgeous daughter, Daphne, who I think will take after Louise, as she loved pulling everything off the shelves. Jenny and Judi were there of course from Amitie and all these wonderful people kept appearing. Everybody was just so friendly. It was like a lovely meeting place. I must say, the shop is just fantastic. I can't believe that I spent 2 1/2 hours in there (actually it was quite easy and I do believe it) - I am sure I could have stayed in there all day. The fabric is just amazing. Talk about 'fabric porn' as our friend Dizzey Jade would say!!!!

Anyway, Louise and I had a lovely time - she helped me with a quilt I was putting together and she was putting one together so I put in my two bobs worth. And then after doing all that we went and had lunch just down the road. A very, very satisfying and productive day. Thanks Louise, I had the best time.
Louise made me this beautiful needle case - just beautiful and a gorgeous pink apple container for some of my sewing bits and bobs. Don't you just love the big pink vintage button on top?

Here are some photos of some of the fabrics that I purchased from Amitie. The first photo includes some liberty fabrics as well as some Amy Butler. I just love this colour combination.

I also bought a quilt kit from Amitie of 'Sail Away' by Jennifer from Amitie. It has all Belgian linen in it. The colours are just so fresh. Just beautiful. I think it was featured in Quilters Companion earlier this year. I started this quilt tonight, as I am very impatient to get into this one.

I must admit I was a bit nervous at the thought I meeting someone who I had only communicated with through blogging - but 2 seconds after I met Louise, I knew I wouldn't have to worry. In fact, I don't think we stopped talking the whole time we were there. A really great day.