This is ... My Favourite Craft shop

This is like asking me to choose my favourite child, I don’t know if I can do it. I have had to break it down, Australian online I love Duckcloth and the new Kelani, both have free postage and sell as little as fat quarters. For my love of Japanese Sonatine and Karaku on Etsy are fabulous. American Patchwork it has to be Crafters Vision, they have a great range and are usually 20% cheaper than everywhere else $7.70/ metre and $12 up to 7 or 8 yards delivery that takes about 5 days. I have to say though the one that started it all was the beloved Aunty Cookie – It was her gorgeous fabrics that made me think I will get out the sewing machine, my long lost friend, and get into some creating, and I haven’t stopped since. Ooohhh I am just so excited thinking about all that great stuff.

Hip Hip for HandMaiden and a Hooray for Three Buttons.

And just to finish it off - More pants using Echino Swallows from Duckcloth and Sprout's Giraffe from Kelani. One more pair of pants to finish tonight and I promise something different next week for those of you that are sick of seeing pants, pants, pants.

Play DOH!!

I was inspired today by Hoppo Bumpo's crafting post with her boys, but I must reiterate again that I have NO artistic talent at all as evidenced above.

With Caleb's aspergers, craft is not really something that is on his radar, his fine motor skills aren't great and generally only likes doing what comes naturally. Having said that we try all the time to get him interested (more than happy for any suggestions). This is a picture of our PlayDoh creations, well mine really (please excuse the lining up) you maybe able to see a stegosaurus, bunny, kangaroo, kiwi and a seal to name a few and or you could just see blobs. The funniest part, no matter how bad my creations were Caleb guessed what every single one was. Oh I love him. Unfortunately Daddy did not have the same luck, his snail was labelled a log and it was all downhill for him.

This week has been an absolute mess, work is it's usual mad self, Caleb's had conjunctivitis so can't go to care, Brown owls, wedding anniversary, making my sewing space - I am hoping next week is back to it's normal chaotic self. I don't need extra chaos and my walking has suffered so that is first thing to rectify next week especially since I have been so inspired by these lovely ladies.

On My Desk - A Day late A Dollar short

I have to apologise for my tardiness, I finally got here but minus the desk. My darling husband went to Ikea on our anniversary to buy me a new desk but I am still working on organising that one. I have been working hard on the last circle of hell that is under the stairs as seen last week. It is almost looking professional - You can see all the completed sewing now hung up in preparation for Etsy shop and clothes party (though lots more still to do) and all my little treasures in the boxes. I am not a clean person, but this actually makes me a bit excited. Thanks to kootoyoo for the desky brilliance and some motivation to get it all together. My fabric stash has also been getting some loving too, hopefully fit for photos next week too.This week on my desk though I do have a beautiful brooch from the lovely Curlypops - it is so cute and she is such a sweetie. You too can own one for yourself soon so stay tuned over there. Also MORE fabric from Kelani, a fab new online shop (there is even 20% off till the end of the month). Love it.

Something for everyone - If your under 3 foot

I have a new girls dress that is one of my favourites, though I seem to say that about most of the things I do, otherwise I wouldn't sew them I guess.

Also some cool boy capris for summer in the Heather Ross fabric I got the other week. I am a sewing machine at the moment and I realised that I hadn't even said why. I decided the markets weren't for me at the moment so I am doing a "tupperware style" party for Poppy's playgroup and hoping to get a few items on Etsy soon too and see how it goes. Hence the rapid sampler making while still trying to make sure everything else stays on course. I am working on pricing and all those sorts of fun things, which seems to be a topic of discussion of late. Thanks to everyone for their great comments, it has been really encouraging.

I also went to Brown Owls last night for more fun crafting. I got a partial sewing roll of goodness done, I am thinking I might turn it into a Bob the Builder tool belt once I finally finish it, then I really can't loose anything.

This is ... My Favourite Children's Book

Caleb and I have decided to share this post since he is an absolute book worm I had to let him have his say. I also missed out on my usual Thursday Caleb musing since we were in the midst of tooth-gate. He loves the repetitive, rhyming words of Hairy Maclary and knows all of them off by heart, that is 17 stories word for word in that vault of a brain that he has. It would of been read easily 100 times each, needless to say he finds repetitive comforting.

My favourites are Marmaduke the Possum and Pearl Pinkie and Sea Greenie. What self respecting child doesn't love a story about animals and fairies with the most gorgeous Pixie Harris illustrations. I am so blessed that my Mum kept them for me so I can share them with my kids as they are no longer in print.

It seems mum and son both love the author-illustrator. A hip hip to PottyMouthMama for this weeks this is.. theme and a hooray for our gracious host Three Buttons.

Also my latest boy pants, Chuga Chuga Choo Choo embroidered on the bottom and some great Japanese train material, a bit more reserved than yesterdays. Sorry for the picture quality, my model wasn't co-operating today and neither was the weather.

The Boy pants Quest Continues

I wasn't sure about the fabric on this one but I think it came out quite cool, I love the sprout caterpillars and the frayed edge gave it a bit of texture. The next one I am looking to do some embroidery on the bum, may as well get some practice for Brown Owls. I am still trying to decide whether I am best to make lots of the same outfits in different sizes or more one-offs. I would love to know what you think - I just love fabric so much that I keep finding combinations that I want to do.
I have still been trying to get in my walk even though the weather has not been my friend and mining through my sewing space.

I hate Teeth

No offence to the dentists out there - but babies getting teeth, just horrible. Poppy is a little behind in the teeth race so they are coming with a vengence day and night. It would be so much easier if they were born with them, sure they would look funny and feeding would be a bit tricky, but I am prepared to live with that. Hope to have some sewing and more interesting things soon.

(No child was hurt in the making of this post - Caleb took this photo while I was trying to get a milk and cuddles organised.)

On My Desk

Well this week is not really my desk more the dark circle before hell. My storage, shown here,is under the stairs and I sew on the bum end of the dining table since I don't have a sewing space, though I am thinking of putting a tent in the yard for one of the kids so I can claim a beautiful space, I fear in the middle of Melbourne winter government departments may take issue. I am posting to shame myself into action to sort through it and try to make it as functional as possible. Yeah to Kootooyo for On My Desk.

I do have some pretties on my desk though from this fab Etsy store. I really love the Chloe's Imagination fabric, so beautiful and a bit of Park slope as well. There is a lily too from my Walk homework. The walk was a challenge today - it was cold and windy - I didn't want to do it. It was feeding time at our zoo and the natives were a bit restless - I didn't want to do it. BUT I did it, it appears I am onto the anger part of my new addiction moving up from denial yesterday. Ikea catalogue came too, great for addressing my storage issues.

I also discovered I have limits - who knew running. I was excited about the markets, but with only 3 weeks notice I do need some sleep 6am-2am everday takes it out of you so I had to leave it for a while. A bit bummed out.

Mike's International Walking Team

As you can see I have also discovered the bighugelabs from Miss Mike too.

I have joined the fabulous Pip's intentional walking team, starting Day 1 on building my walking addiction. I fear I am still at step 1-denial, but Poppy and I set out regardless.

The weather was meant to be 15 and sunny, a good start I thought. I don't know where they measure this rating but I think they are somewhere out of the wind under a granny blanket because there is no way it was either 15 or sunny. My partner in crime and I set off, you can even see my moving feet, off we went to the park (my favourite time of year in Melbourne, love those flowers) said a quick hello to the ducks and off we went. I was assured that at the end I had earned a guilt free treat so I stopped for a hot chochie (with skim milk) and I even donated my marshmallows to a very happy Poppy. Back off home again, what is the draw with children and pressing the walk buttons. Only 20 more days to go and I am sweet - Feet don't fail me know. I must admit I am still recovering from the flu so I was only at 75% but I figure I had to push 10kgs of dead weight, I mean child too.

More sewing too - Another pair of boy pants, with the cutest little Japanese puppy pattern and contrasting orange stripe bottom. I am planning to make a matching backpack in the orange with a puppy pocket.

Also a purple dress with Japanese fabric detailing that I was waiting for my covered buttons to finish off. It looks so sweet on and I love the colour.

Ahoy me Heartys

I finally have something for the boys. These are a pair of pirate pants that I have wanted to do forever in green cord with skull details and tied bottoms. I think they came out cool, the legs just need to be a little wider but overall I really like them. I don't think my husband does though, so I would love to hear your thoughts - it is tough to figure out the right amount of embellishment on boy stuff.

This is ... How I like to spend my week-end

I work all week and my husband works all week-end so it is just me and the kidlets so no rest here. I try to take them out 1 morning, the zoo or aquarium. This is great fun as for a long while we couldn't take Caleb anywhere. The rest of the week-end is divided in between reading Hairy Maclairy 300 times, playing chasie, the park - You get the idea. Then at night I get to sew uninterrupted by work till the early hours. Then some Miami Ink for my Sunday night dinner date and hopefully some sweet dreams of Tim Hendricks to greet me when I finally make it to bed. Aahhh ready for another week.
A hip hip to Three buttons for This is.. and a hooray to The bird bath for the theme and this lovely lady for this image.

It's Super Poppy

I don't know how I am going to break it to my husband, but there is a new love in my life, the cape. I have had this idea floating around in my head for a while (so would most mothers that have been trying to get squirmy worm arms in to sleeves) it is a spring cape, reversible with felt flower button detail. I really love this one. When I was trying it on Poppy my husband started laughing and calling her Super-Poppy, so I am embracing the name - able to puke over tall buildings in a single bound.

Pot of Gold at the end of the Rainbow

It is Caleb Thursday again, and it's the thing that makes me so happy in my happy week-long theme. If you have textural and control issues, like lots of littlies with Asperger's Autism, it is really hard to let someone paint your face. This was a super proud day. Apparently lots of the boys at the child care all wanted to be batman, Caleb chose a rainbow and a butterfly the next day. I asked him about it and he said "All batman can do is fly, rainbows and butterflies are really cool." OOHhhhh there is another happy smile.

On My Desk

I get to combine on my desk (a brilliant Kootoyo idea with more players too) and my love for the day all in one. Here is my latest fabric addition to the family and I LOVE this new Heather Ross Mendocino range. I also have a little Park Slope in there too. I think these are divine for summer, I have some cute smocking ideas for them and some cool boy pants. I got them from Crafters Vision and also expecting another parcel soon from my lovely postlady soon.
I also got an acceptance from the market I was hoping to do, but they have only given me 3.5 weeks notice so I am feeling a little under the pump. It is a new one at NewQuay, Docklands area - I would love to hear what you think.

Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it's a Mushroom

Here is my brown owls mushroom pin cushion, unfortunately I forgot my camera so I don't have everyone else's lovely contribution (you can find some here). Mine is a little retro mushie, Caleb found it this morning and said "Mum this is the coolest rocket ship ever." Oh Dear. I had such a great time I am off again to the next one and enjoyed meeting all the lovely ladies - Kirsty, Kerry, Sharon, Paula, Drewzel and Curly Pops to name a few.

I forgot to add the thing that makes me happy for today, my Mum and Dad are coming to visit from a place much warmer that here. There is nothing as good as Nana love, just ask Caleb.

This is ... My work in Progress

Thanks to Three Buttons for her brilliant This is idea and to Debbie for her suggestion. Ok, so I was hoping to get my Softie for Mirabel finished for tonight, I have never done one before so of course I decided to draft my own pattern and do a flip doll. I did a little prototype which I didn't mind but wanted to make her a little fatter, so up until 2am I sewed like a woman possessed. I am not the queen of embroidery, but decided that is how I wanted to do her face. First I didn't leave enough of a hem so the legs split, then I sewed the head on back to front and once I stuffed her I really wasn't happy so I have missed my deadline (which just exists in my head) and hoping to take a few pounds off her tummy in an attempt to even out the proportions as she looks a little alien at the moment.


I have been nominated by the fabulous Meet Me at Mikes for the 6 Things that make me happy, which I am super excited as Pip is my blogging hero, but since I have already done it I am instead going to list something each day that makes me happy, today is cupcakes. These are some I have made for Brown Owls tonight, I couldn't go empty handed and they are extra special as Caleb helped me make them for the small fee of eating as many as he could fit in his mouth. I hope I have enough left!! Some of the best cupcake recipes ever here.

Hoot Hoot

The Crew
Originally uploaded by Lauren Alane

I am off to be a brown owl on Monday night for the first time and I am super pumped. We are making toadstool pincushions and I am taking some inspiration from this devine one, or at least pretty enough that a fairy might live under it. I am also looking forward to meeting some lovely people including Curly Pops, I love her blogging commitment and she is doing some great stuff and Box of Glory ( who seems like a real sweety). I think there are still some spots open so why not come along for some tea and craft and fun. YEAH!!! More Happiness (I think I will make it this weeks theme)

PS. I just love these felted birdies, but they go like hot cakes.

Happy thougths

Today's post is full of nothing but happy thoughts, first I was nominated by Pippijoe for the Tree of Happiness award. I was a little excited by this since it is my first nomination in blogville. So I have to list 6 things that made me happy, easy - well not really and I have had to contemplate to limit myself to the 6 best.

1. My husband's cheeky grin when I know that he has done something wrong and can't help but tell me, Caleb giving me a kiss for no reason, Watching my little baby become a little girl (Maybe that was has a tinge of sadness too) and I can't forget the fluffy members of the family.

2. Eggs Benedict with Turkish bread and a great hot chocolate (and marshmallows or does that go without saying.)

3. The postman bringing me treasures.

4. The final stitch of a sewing idea that has been floating around in my head, this is the only way I can make room in there for some more.

5. Sunshine in the middle of winter and sun showers in summer. (It reminds me of my Nana, that's how you know it's a fairy's birthday.)

6. Crawling into bed after a great day knowing I will be woken by another tomorrow.

I must admit I love Hop Skip Jump and she had a great list of 3 things from this week that made you happy. She invited us all to join in, so how could I resist, neither could Kootoyo either I see

1. Caleb in face paint (Trust me this is a huge deal for him). He decided to be a butterfly.

2. Poppy girl taking her first steps - yeah!!

3. My first full week of blogging, with some kind comments and I have even managed to get some designs out. Also the general loveliness of the bloging community have helped with my insecurities, including Bubba & Chicken, Kootoyo and Meet Me at Mikes who have included me on their linky links and Pippi joe for my first nomination.

I am now meant to nominate 6 more people to carry on the 6 happy things, but since I don't really know anyone I think you should all list them. It makes you feel really good and blessed. Let me know if you do. Hope you all enjoy your week-end doing what makes you happy.

My Russian Darling

As you can see my little model is back in commission, though still not overly excited about it, she is also having a wild hair day. I have used some simple red ticking for the body of the dress with little matryoshka doll heart detail at top and front pocket. I embroidered what I hope in Russian translates to My Darling (I don't speak the language, perhaps I should learn.) to the pocket as well.

Who doesn't love a Giveaway

Peacocks White
Originally uploaded by hellozukzuk

I wish I had artistic talent, I just sit in awe of people like the talented miss Helen of Zukzuk. She is giving you a chance to win one of her gorgeous prints "Jelly bean Birds" so go over there before the 15th August and check out her shop since you're there - i love the peacocks and bears.

The Evil Dress

As you can see today's outfit is not quite finished, it has been evil from start to finish. You know the projects where a little bit of something continuously goes wrong - you run out of bobbin, put the pieces together not quite right, and so on and SO ON. I am hoping to finish it tonight and despite my love/hate relationship I think it is coming together. I am going to use my new bias maker to finish the edges. I got it here after this weeks This is my Trade secret suggestions from these lovely ladies. I got to tell you it is a gem, but it works best if you iron your strips first before you feed it through. I am hoping to start on the boys stuff next week, so they aren't missing out. You can also catch a glimpse of my furry product controller in the bottom picture.

For those of you wondering, and Caleb here are some Squirrel Monkeys

Squirrel monkey
Originally uploaded by GavinZ