sewing the seeds of love

FREE...FREE..FREE.....

2010-04-28T09:55:00.005+10:00

Have you happened to stumble across the Book Depository website yet?
FREE worldwide shipping ! and the prices are lower than retail here...and NO..I am not on a commission for this recommendation ..LOL......Just wanting to share the love...
Yep...so I can purchase this fabulous Winnie the Witch 6 book set plus audio Cd and have it delivered to my door all for the price of buying 1 1/2 of these books here in my local bookshop!
Unbelievable! I already have the exact same set but I want to purchase another as a gift for my niece..she loves to read Emily's set when she comes to visit.
If you have not discovered the delights of Winnie and her cat Wilbur , see if you can find one of the books at the library..they are a great read with fabulous illustrations.

There is a well stocked craft book section as well.....hhmm....let's see what else I can order..!

x PJ x

Quilt Dad Monster Giveaway!

2010-04-25T23:12:00.001+10:00

Okay, I just found out myself so you may have to be quick but John at Quilt Dad is celebrating his 2 year bloggerversary by having the most fantastic giveaway!
If you have never seen John's blog before then you are in for a treat. He has lots of quilting inspiration floating about over there! Go take a peek!

my creative space

2010-04-22T08:49:00.002+10:00

I am determined to finish my Christmas project BEFORE Christmas!
At this rate, I am behind schedule. But I am taking the turtle approach- slow and steady etc so perhaps it will happen !
I am using the sweet Christmas BOM design from Gail Pan.

See what other creative peeps are up to over at Kootoyoo

a love affair

2010-04-17T20:32:00.007+10:00

I love church fetes!

I love vintage fabrics!
I love vintage prints!
also have a thing for vintage pillowcases!
for the princely sum of $2.. the lot ..WOW !
Absolutely gorgeous prints..I think a couple are Liberty ?

The little old lady thought the silk lined patchwork jacket would "look lovely on you, my dear! "

The clairvoyant in me is saying it will look much better deconstructed and sewn up into a gorgeous quilt!

What little treasures did you find this weekend?

x PJ x

my creative space....

2010-04-15T14:39:00.004+10:00

It is my friend's birthday today and she is about to depart on a 3 week trip to Paris staying with friends whilst there, who's apartment looks out at the Eiffel Tower...What luck !!

She likes to keep a journal when travelling so could not resist making this fabric journal cover for her last night..
I only had a fat 1/4 of fabric and wanted to fit the Eiffel Tower on the front of the cover so it was a bit tricky. and scary....measure twice cut once and all that...no wine for me whilst doing this little number!

I laughed at myself when I made the fabric covered button. Why did no-one tell me it was so easy peasy..I think I shall make lots more of them..what fun !

I added her initials on the suitcase tag...wonder if she will notice?

I used this tutorial and apart from the mishap of cutting the pink elastic too short and having to resort to black elastic, it all went smoothly.

So shall go wrap it and take along for her Birthday get together.

Pop over here to see what other creative peeps are up to..

x PJ x

psst....a little advice....

2010-04-14T00:10:00.004+10:00

I was clearing out my photo files and came across some pics of my bestest op-shop find ever ,so far as resale goes !
So if you have any of these in your cupboard or find some in your op-shop trawling adventures, grab them !
I paid the princely sum of 50cents for a glad bag of these guys, not sure why I purchased them really, but I did. I listed them on ebay and imagine my shock when they sold for $365 AU !!
The bidding was furious and there were 6 bidders from Germany alone.
Seems they are highly collectable..but I found the little windfall very useful for a fabulous shopping spree at the fabric shops in Melbourne.

Never know...maybe your brother had some...quick ...go check your Mum's cupboards!!!

be careful what you wish for !

2010-04-13T23:39:00.003+10:00

As a little girl, I can remember being full of envy for a particular girl at shool that had curly locks to die for !
I was eight, my hair was boring , flat, dull....blah...blah blah... I was thrilled when my ballet recital called for a headful of rag curls...but the joy was short lived with the inevitable hair washing transforming my temporary curls back to boring!
( don't you just hate those silly tongue tie things we had on our uniforms- seems I fogot to tuck mine in ! )
As a teen , I did the whole 80's perm thing...my gosh...80's hair was big...it is a wonder we could get through the door
So call it kharma if you wish but after the birth of my first bub my hormones went crazy and produced a mass of frenzied wavy curls.

The gods got me back...I am sure they are laughing at me...cause now I am thinking that one of those fancy schmancy straighteners could be good...just so I could enjoy a "smooth"day !

Yes...be careful what you wish for !

x PJ x

Admiration

2010-01-26T21:36:00.010+11:00

Last Wednesday I escaped with friends for a day of stitching ,coffee and cake at Noelene's house.
Noelene moved to our area a few years ago and we were lucky enough to have her join our little quilting group ( this is the other smaller group I belong to).
Noelene is one of life's beautiful people..generous of heart and kind natured ..chats a mile a dozen and her quilts are a sight to behold. Her passion is hand piecing and quilting . I always giggle when she tells me she thinks sewing on a machine is more difficult than making a quilt by hand....HA !!
She loves to reproduce antique quilts and has made quilts of her own design in an antique style.
Last July , our little patchwork group ventured to Melbourne to see Noelene's quilts on display at the Quilt Show ...as the feature quilter !!
I think she was in her element as she sat chatting to all those who came past and admired her work (17 quilts on display ) and she was only too happy to pass on her knowledge and technique to all who were stopping and asking questions. Noelene favours the paper piecing method .
All her quilts are intricately hand quilted and what is more amazing is the fact she uses the stabbing method rather than rocking the needle up and down to get a number of stitches on the needle at a time.
I admire Noelene and all the other ladies like her, who are keeping the art of
making a quilt completely by hand , alive .
Excuse the poor quality of the photos but I have included
some pics of Noelene's glorious work !Noelene drafted her own templates for this Dear Jane quilt from looking at photos,
before the book was released with patterns included !

Amazing, all the 1 inch hexagons have been fussy cut !

Even those of you whom are more taken with modern style quilting would have to agree her work is stunning.
Well, I think so , anyway !

Our humble Inaugural quilt show.....

2010-01-24T21:00:00.006+11:00

I belong to a quilt group that was founded at my workplace and we have been merrily stitching along for 10 years. There are currently 12 members in the group.
We decided our 10th Anniversary called for a celebration of our collective abilities and we should hold a quilt show/ display . One of the larger groups in our region kindly donated the use of their professional quilt hangers which helped to make the whole display look so much better - and we would have run out of wall space without it !
A local quilter who judges quilts on a State Guild level kindly came and judged the quilts .
It was very interesting to read her comment sheet and to see the criteria used to judge a quilt; design elements, Colour ( impact,harmonies,interaction), Visual Impact,Techniques ( workmanship) , Presentation( finishing, how the piece hangs), Best Feature, Areas for improvement.
It was amazing to see our work on display. We have all progressed from the first meeting when we did not know what a fat quarter was or a 9 patch for that matter !

Everyone attending the show was able to vote for the Viewer's Choice Award ...but that was a non contest really. Corrie ( founding member) won with her stunning William Morris Hand appliqued quilt .
Edit: I neglected to note that the William Morris inspired quilt was designed by Michelle Hill...who has somehow found my humble blog and left me a comment...wow !

If you belong to a group that has enough quilts between you to have a display...go ahead and do it ! We were all a bit wary of the idea at first as no one felt their quilts were up to display standard but it was so worth the effort...and it was lovely to hear all the comments from the visitors.
We all enjoyed the experience so much that we will hold the show bi-annually as a fundraiser for charity.

x PJ x

Desperate times.....

2010-01-24T16:37:00.003+11:00

Problem. Need to use large spool of embroidery thread but it keeps unravelling from the spool when lying down and I do not have one of those fancy dancy thread towers.
Solution. Piece of wire from the garage and some playdough.

Works like a dream.
If only I had been so inventive back in my Yr 10 Science Class !!

2010-01-06T20:47:00.003+11:00

What a whirlwind the last 6 weeks have been! Merry belated Christmas and Happy New year to all of you.
These are the little candle mats I made and matched up with glass candle holders for gifts. I love the tealights, they are battery operated so I don't have to worry about little fingers and flames.

Emily and Daddy read the Potato People by Pamela Allen for bedtime last night so the first job on this morning's agenda was these little guys.Emily has checked 6 times today to see if they have sprouted yet...uumm...no sweetie....check in a few weeks........

I love the school holiday break over summer as it means heaps of family time together. We have had a few short trips to the coast and to Melbourne. Here are a few pics of the highlights..
Lazy days on the beach at Sussex Inlet...

Getting friendly with the local wildlife......

Little white lie at the Museum......"yes dear that is a T-Rex ! "
Emily is mad about the Night at the Museum movie....I did not have the heart to disappoint her !
I had to drag her out at closing time as she wanted to stay behind to see everything come to life.

Very busy crowded day at the Melbourne Aquarium......

and just ask my 12 yr old cricket mad son, what has been the highlight of his holidays....
got to be Watson scoring his century.....that was a father son expedition to the MCG let me tell you.....Emily and I went to watch the singing Chipmunks and then browse the kids section at the Borders book shop in Melbourne Central...talk about heaven! ( the bookshop , that is..NOT the movie ! )

I made the most of my spare time lazing by the beach and have started my Christmas stitchery quilt for the year ahead...scary huh ! ...just need to see if I can keep up the pace !
The kids are all in bed so I think I will go try to master my new toy....Santa left me a Wii Fit plus under the tree....was Santa trying to give a gentle hint ???
Maybe I will leave a Mirdle ( you know ..that man girdle thing ..ha.ha) under the tree for Santa next year...

x Cheers, PJ.X

Mummy The Sewing Goddess Pedestal

2009-11-18T19:39:00.007+11:00

I must admit, now that I have started to make little girls clothes, I am quite addicted. Let's face it really, I had best make the most of it now as I am sure in a few years there is no way Emily will want to be seen dead in something that Mum has made ! Right now, however, I am up there on my Mummy The Sewing Goddess Pedestal. ( the fall down will be hard ! ) . Squeals of delight are forthcoming upon the completion of each item and well, thought she would pop a vein over this twirly layered skirt when she tried it on. Little devil was not going to stand still for a photo though, so hence I have pulled out the torso plastic dummy. The beauty of this style is the fact it can be made as a dress for a 2 yr old toddler ( just add shoestring straps ) or fits as a skirt for a 4yr old. I followed the pattern formula on this link at J Caroline Creative. You will just need to adjust your measurements to suit. Make one for yourself while you are at it !

my creative space

2009-11-16T15:16:00.004+11:00

Tis the season..yes...Christmas parties! Quilting group Christmas parties to be exact.
So, on my desk this week are part of the Kris Kringle presents to gift at the parties. What may look like a pile of fabric,cardboard circles, felt and thread are the makings of a cute little Ready Threader.
I shall pop a reel of cotton and needle inside when gifted. Perfect size to keep in your purse as an emergency sewing kit.
The plan is to have these six whipped up plus a few other handmade goodies. Still looking for ideas though...any thoughts?

multiple personality disorder ? !

2009-11-16T11:41:00.003+11:00

I was thinking about the name I had previously given to my blog "unpicking is the pits ". Seemed a bit negative and cranky. Not sending out the happy vibe , so to speak. That's not me ! So I have a fresh, new, positive title which happens to go nicely with my favourite piece of vintage embroidery.
Here's hoping everything links up okay still ! Fingers crossed !

love is the answer

2009-11-06T22:02:00.004+11:00

I have been contemplating my navel, well metaphorically anyway, wondering what it is about sewing that can keep me awake until the wee small hours.Then it came to me…LOVE. I sew because I love it.I love the first seed of an idea…be it searching for a pattern or creating a design from scratch.I love to watch that idea grow and bloom. The sense of satisfaction from completing an item ,whether a small gift or a 70 inch square quilt, is amazing. Even better than this feeling though is when I gift the item to someone special and they LOVE it ! If you are a sewist, you know what I am talking about !

My latest project was born from my frustration at the selection of nightwear when searching for some PJs for my 4 yr old…not to mention the ridiculous price. Everything was polyester, not a scerrick of cotton in sight ! Off I trotted to the nearby Spotlight shop , purchased 2 meters of cotton voile -total cost= $8. Four hours later ( sounds a long time but I am a newbie to garment sewing ) and I had a shirred night dress and an appliqued PJ set. To top it off-they fit and Missy Moo loved them ! No pic of the nightdress yet !

The applique was without Viesofix as I wanted it to remain soft. The edges will fray over time but that is the effect I am wanting. Oh, and I made use of my stash of vintage sewing paraphenalia from my grandmother which provided the pink cotton ric-rac. A fab, cheap project that was useful and cute!

In case you were wondering, I used Simplicity pattern number 8493. A great unnisex design that has long sleeve and pants option plus a robe and a zip-up all in one style for the toddlers.

Happy sewing,

op-shopping : vintage glamour on a budget

2009-10-17T16:04:00.005+11:00

I had my best fashion find ever at the local oppy this week.
This fabulous 3 piece 60's tailored suit .
Fully lined. Gorgeous cranberry wool twilly fabric ( okay I fess..no idea watcha call it but I love it ! )
All in all...totally divine. Do you think?? or am I totally biased ??? I wish the cool weather would come back so I can wear it now....next winter is such a long way away...sigh !

BTW...as much as I would like this to be me...it's not ! This is my friend modelling ...she is gorgeous !
Call me camera shy !

little tweetheart blogtoberfest giveaway

2009-10-14T15:19:00.003+11:00

My parents travelled to Japan 10 years ago. Mum brought back some lovely pieces of vintage kimono fabric for me, which until recently have lay carefully wrapped in the original packaging.
3 months ago I unveiled them again and starting planning and scheming a quilt top design that I could best display these pieces in. I found the design needed a little more fabric than I had so popped it to the side until I had sourced more fabric.
Well...imagine my delight when I came across the giveway being hosted by little tweetheart as part of Blogtoberfest !! Fingers , toes and any other body part..crossed !!!
Pop over and have a look...and make sure you also visit her post about the Rainbow Present.
I am keeping that idea up my sleeve !
x PJ x

hoot - hoot

2009-10-03T10:01:00.005+10:00

owl book ends, originally uploaded by unpicking is the pits!.

Aren't these guys just gorgeous ?
Kitschy , vintage and cute! They tick all the boxes.I inherited these owl book ends from my maternal grandmother.They are in perfect nick. I can remember them sitting on her bookshelf...now they are taking pride of place on mine .
I snapped this photo some time ago and came across it again...so I thought I would share a little owl love with you !
( reading Nova's post ..thought she might like a looksy too ! )

x PJ x

tulips and bees ....quilting bees !

2009-10-01T19:57:00.003+10:00

Well, we survived the freezing cold conditions in Canberra for Floriade. It is a wonder there were any tulips left with the gale force winds !

Beautiful tulips, but must admit,I was frozen to the bone so I couldn't wait to get back in the car and drive to the mall. What luck ! A fabulous new Hobbysew had opened there with a great array of fabrics so I spent an hour or so warming myself up while browsing ( and buying ....sshh.. don't tell DH ).

These are my blocks for Amy for the ANZAC quilting bee. They proved to be a challenge in that I had to think outside the square..but I am pleased with the final result .I hope Amy is also.

Have you seen the latest blocks in the Quilt Project ? The quilt will be on display in Melbourne for one evening only, here are the details .

School holidays start at 3.10 pm tomorrow. I have been busy gathering ideas for crafty ventures to keep the children occupied over the next 2 weeks. First on the list is some goop ! definitely an outside activity.
Any links to some great sites with kids craft activities greatly appreciated !

x PJ x

tiptoe through the.....

2009-09-25T11:38:00.003+10:00

Car packed. ( overpacked as always)
Portable dvd player ready - to allay certain boredom and the repeated question..are we there yet !
Camera battery charged.

Off we go... here....

for a lovely long weekend .

x PJ x

Fun time wasters ...

2009-09-19T19:25:00.003+10:00

Bored...? want to waste 5 minutes of your life...pop over here and see your creations on the gallery wall !

Super-duper sized catch up post !!

2009-09-13T21:55:00.013+10:00

I was horrified when I saw the date of the previous post !
Very neglectful of me. So, in no particular order , a glimpse of what I have been distracted with for the last 4 weeks.
A birthday party for Emily, 45 people at our house on a cold, miserable day.
We had the usual party food fair plus games. I made a piniata.Which held together really well. Too well. Note to self..next time use less packaging tape LOL...I think Arny Schwarzenneger would have had a hard time busting it open !
We took some fairy cakes to share as her birthday cake at pre-school. All gobbled up rather quickly...3- 4 yr olds are apparently ravenous by morning tea time when they have been climbing , running and chasing !
Emily is putting the candle in her playdo cake...you know..the one they have at child care and pre-schools to "blow out "the candle...so they don't spit all over the cake that is to be shared !

I was lucky enough to win a few giveaways happening in blog land..and "meet"some lovely crafty types along the way!
These toasty warm, knitted/felted wrist warmers from Miss Muggins , love the wrapping !

and this stunning quilted pillow pattern from Kellie at don't look now.
I was in the newsagent this morning and spotted the latest issue of Australian Homespun..and there was Kellie's gorgeous quilt on the front cover ! She is one talented lady !
We had a trip to my Dad's orchard...Emily follows him around like a puppy dog, chatting incessantly ( NO idea where she inherited that trait from ! ).
She helped Pop in the packing shed...and found a few apples to bring home !
Blake enjoyed riding the motorbike and tractor , then whining all the way home about how hard done by he is , having to live in the city ."why can't I live on a farm ? "
Geez...give me strength !!

Then there's the stitching projects...Amy from Seven Stitches...all the way over the ditch in NZ kindly organised a virtual quilting bee for Aussie and NZ participants,and she called it what else but the ANZAC quilting bee.
Here is the fabric she has sent .Plus her lovely Gee's Bend postcard ! Very Amish inspired colours. We are to construct 2 x 12.5 " blocks using string piecing. I plan on sitting down tonight to complete mine , but Nova was on a mission and had her's finished in record time ! And they look great.

This is my piece for The Quilt Project. With a little extra added !

A big thankyou to Kirsty at kootoyou , for organising this group. I can't wait to see the final result. I must admit I procrastinated so long over my design but I was happy with the final result. I haven't done much stitching before, other than blanket stitch for applique, so the craftmanship may be lacking..do not look too closely !
Do pop over to the flickr group , make sure you see this particular piece..totally inspiring !

This mumma can't do much without her little helper wanting to join in, so here is Emily working on her stitching...she really did quite well for her age..stitch spacing a tad uneven, but she concentrated SO hard on staying on the line !

Last but not least, I found this at my fave op-shop last week. A classic vintage print , the girl reminded me of Emily..had to grab it ..for a princely sum of $2. Yay !
x PJ x

Such a Sew-Fantastic Giveaway !

2009-08-22T00:04:00.004+10:00

One of the first blogs I started to follow when I discovered the wonders of blogland was that of Terri at Sew-Fantastic.
I have made the coasters from Terri's tutorial link that many times I am losing track.
They are a great gift idea.
Pop over and have a looksy, while you are there. have a peek at her gorgeous crayon wallets in her etsy shop.
Terri is being SOOO generous with a fantastic giveaway at the moment.
One lucky reader will receive a copy of Heather Ross's Weekend Sewing book ...PLUS....some HR fabric from her stash...be still my beating heart !!! Wow !!!

x PJx

Where did my baby go ?

2009-08-19T23:20:00.004+10:00

This is my baby.
Well, she was.
Now she is my big girl.
But she will always be my baby.

Happy 4th Birthday , Princess.

The cake ? A very sad make shift , make do packet thingy . Because you MUST blow out candles on the actual day of your birthday ! No matter how sad the actual cake may be..or how bad it tastes.
Heaps of chocolate frosting can always improve a sad cake however. At least that's what her big brother tells me.
Never mind. Her party is on Sunday.I will once again be able to play super- best mummy in the whole wide world role and create a special cake for the party day .
Which will hopefully taste lots better than this one did !
I am very relieved that she has requested a butterfly birthday cake this year.
Um..should be much easier than what she requested last year .
Go take a peek, I am off to find a recipe.

x PJ x

Every little girl loves to twirl...

2009-08-17T15:55:00.005+10:00

Not much use doing some "twirling "if you do not have your own twirly skirt!
I found the tutorial for this sweet and easy little twirly skirt over at House on Hill Road. I have little experience sewing clothes but even lil'old me managed this one.
I loved the hem finish ...very neat .and ..um..I am a tad lazy , so the fact that I did not even need to remove the selvedge was even better!
Emily's favourite colour is purple hence her choice of fabric. And did she like the final result ?
Well, after having to pry it off her to get her PJ's on last night, I think it was a winner!
x PJ x

Paying the price.....

2009-08-15T15:12:00.004+10:00

I promise not to roll in the dirt anymore !
Please..no...don't wash me...anything but that !

He just never learns...so much for old dogs and new tricks.

x PJ x

What a great give away theme !

2009-08-06T21:27:00.004+10:00

The lovely Elaine from Faithful Quilter is having a fab giveaway "the Stimulus Package " for quilters !
Very timely theme...the economy is not the only thing around here that needs a bit of stimulus !
My motivation would benefit from a wee bit of "stimulus".
Pop over and browse Elaine's blog...very inspirational for some traditional quilting designs and styles .

First time.

2009-08-02T17:22:00.008+10:00

We have had a busy weekend with a lot of "Firsts "

The first time I have seen a naked Banana !! I think I should have found a maple leaf for his modesty ... his PJ's needed a wash...

The first time Emily collected fresh eggs..

The first time I totally improvised a quilt top ...one way to use up all my flannel scraps !!
Very utilitarian..I know it won't win any prizes !

Hope you all had a lovely weekend !
x PJ x

Seeing spots.....

2009-08-02T12:04:00.005+10:00

These are the lovely goodies that arrived from Joanne, my partner in the Polka Dot Swap.
Dotty fabric, dotty grosgrain ribbon,cutest dotty Scotty dog buttons and a fabulous wallet with lots of room for cards!
Thanks Joanne !

And what did I send her ? well..this silly billy wrapped her parcel late at night and forgot to take photos.Duh !
Joanne has received her package and will be posting pics soon. I sent some fabric, buttons , cappucino set with spotty giraffes and a little quilt with cat applique for her cat's basket.

What not to do......

2009-07-23T23:44:00.002+10:00

with a plastic tea cup !

I was hurrying to get ready and out the door this morning, Emily was happily playing in her room with her teaset,when she apparently decided to put the tea cup over her mouth and suck the air out and suction it to her face.

The result was this horrible bruising and she had actually burst tiny blood vessels ,I wiped off droplets of blood.
Poor thing she was so upset...but I had to chuckle...she looked in the mirror then shook her head , turned and said "This is the worst day of my life ! "

okay... not the best day...but I hate to tell you my little 3 yr old popppet....there will probably be worse days than this one !!

My little snow bunny...

2009-07-11T00:00:00.003+10:00

had her first trip to the snow.How is this for her first toboggan ride?
I really thought it was going to end with an injury !!

Garden swap,river walk and pink tulip!!

2009-06-11T15:15:00.004+10:00

This morning I received a parcel from Scotland ,from Emma, my partner in the Garden Swap.

Emma kindly sent me some gorgeous handknit flowers with button centres, a pretty flower button bracelet, a lovely piece of bright floral pop daisy quilting fabric,a postcard with a lovely scene of Aberdeen, a funky purple cocktail shaker and some recipes for her fave cocktails...as well as a recipe for a decadent sweet. Emma was actually going to make the sweet and send it but I advised Emma that our quarantine customs officers would have probably confiscated it so now I can make it myself..yummy...
I am thrilled with it all..thanks Emma...how did you know that I do not have a cocktail shaker...??? And I have already planned a bag to make, that would feature the knitted flowers sewn onto it .

Emma received the package I sent her a few days ago....here are some photos....

An eco-calico shopping bag with a garden themed stitchery on the front, a purple apron with big appliqued flowers ( Emma LOVES baking and purple is her fave colour ) , a little needle and thread pouch- holds a reel of cotton and some needles in the felt on the inside of the lid ( finished off with flower buttons...oh...and it is purple fabric ! ) plus some cute coffee / hot chocolate stencils to decorate a cappucino or hot chocolate.( forgot to photograph them ) I made a note card and attached flower pot buttons to the front.

I have been lucky enough to win a little giveaway over at Loraine's blog Pink Tulip.Loraine sews some lovely clothes and bags, pop over and have a look....she has inspired me to try making a few skirts...I will post photos if they turn out half wearable ! I can sew quilts but I struggle with adult clothing................

I will leave with a photo from our family stroll/ walk/ bike ride along the river bike path last weekend. It is such a lovely location, very peaceful and restful.....

x PJ X

Mmmm..... coffee and chocolate.....Kitchen Swap !!

2009-06-06T15:01:00.004+10:00

My partner Melissa received the little box of goodies for the Kitchen swap I sent her.
Melissa mentioned her kitchen was brown and cream, so when I saw some cute coffee themed fabric in those exact colours , on one of my fabric shop adventures...I knew I had to get it!
Apparently I chose well, Melissa and her husband both have a love of coffee!!
I made a set of coasters and a chalkboard fabric message board with the fabric.

What goes so well with coffee? .. ...chocolate !! ..so I included a Donna Hay Chocolate Recipe book, a spatula to help make some yummy chocolate cakes...and some cute stencils to decorate cappucino or hot chocolates with ...place them over the cup and shake the sprinkles over !!

Thankyou ,Melissa , for being my kitchen swap partner..it has been lots of fun !!

More Unbirthday swap fun!!

2009-06-04T12:47:00.008+10:00

Hot on the tail of Miya receiving her swap package from me..I received my package from Miya !!
What a fabulous box of goodies !
A lovely handmade by Miya clutch purse and mini purse..( favourite colours pink and blues) with some yummy lip balm .

A vintage tin full of vintage sewing notions ...including wooden cotton reels...I LOVE old wooden cotton reels !!
oh, and see that little vintage wooden ruler in there, it is from a shop , Kramers' , in Cincinnati, where Miya lives...how cute !!!

AND...drum roll....this totally fabulous vinyl record box - screen printed and made by Miya...

one of the faces is Miya screen printed on it ...see her in the middle here ??
along with other notable dignitaries..hehe...

I had to hide it from my son after he wanted to claim it for himself...told me it was too cool for me and that he should have it ...hummph...I think not !!

As this was an Unbirthday swap..Miya had asked for a little info..one question was..what was the worst birthday you can remember ? ...well.......I wrote....

Worst birthday in my very vague memory was my 11th Birthday. Sitting on the side of Mum and Dad’s bed...Mum passes my present, a paper grocery bag ..( Mum being a trendy eco-reylce person way back then)...which contained one after the other of crochet covered coat hangers !!! What the ? !!
I started to get upset, cried and ran off ( I mean after the seventh ugly nylon crocheted coat hanger, wouldn’t you ?? ).
I eventually gave in to the calls to come back ( was sobbing on my bed in the next room ...thinking what horrible present givers they were and maybe I could trade them for someone else’s parents ! )
They convinced me to dig past the last 3 coat hangers..at the bottom of the bag was a box containing a watch ( some groovy brand that I can’t remember ) and a compilation music tape that had all the chart hits at the time.....Barry Manilow- Copacabana, 5- 7-0-5 , by an artist I can not remember, and Baby it’s You..by Peaches.
I quite liked the pressies ( not the coathangers ) and still have nightmares of giant crochet covered coat hangers taunting me !!

So, in the spirit of this piece of background information I give you the final item in Miya's swap package she sent.............

LOVE it all Miya...thankyou..yes....even the coathangers !!!!!

x PJ x

Unbirthday swap

2009-06-03T16:14:00.005+10:00

The gorgeous Miya received her Unbithday swap package from me....and gathering from her comments..I'm pretty sure she liked it !!

I made her a Vampire Softie which I aptly named Vince. He has a green bow tie and buttons- Miya's favourite colour . The bow tie was the culprit I was having so much difficulty with-fabric was thick and the opening was small- it wouldn't turn through easily ! (read previous post )
Continuing on the horror movie theme , I made a set of coasters with horror movie posters and comic book covers..I LOVE printable inkjet fabric !!

or if Vince gets cold he could use one as a quilt ! ( as modelled in the photo..thanks Vince ).

A few pieces of fabric as well. Thanks Miya for organising the swap...let me know when the next one is !!
x PJ x

R- rated sewing

2009-05-30T17:07:00.003+10:00

See the size of that fabric !! ...next to that bobbin...!!!.see how it got stuck as I was trying to turn it through....times like that I am glad the kids are in bed when I am sewing.. cause this was
R -rated sewing...few choice words being tossed around....

Eventually the little blighter gave in and pushed through...and this was all in the name of fun sewing for my swap partner ...well one of them anyway....

Will post some pics of the finished culprit when the swap package has reached it's recipient !!

Happy Birthday Mr Magoo !

2009-05-28T21:33:00.005+10:00

Where do the years go ? My little man turned 12 today. Happy Birthday !
The nickname Mr Magoo has been with him from early on..
Mr Magoo has been a delightful boy, sweet and caring .He tried to wangle a day off school today so he could stay home and play with his presents ,but the sudden tummy ache as it was time to catch the bus was ignored..hhmm...didn't mention it when he got home .....! Funny that !

He had the chubbiest cheeks as a 5 month old......

and here he is 8 yrs old, lying on the hospital bed with his newly born baby sister...I LOVE this photo.....see those protective arms wrapped around her...that is how he is with her now....the doting adorable big brother !

I wish I could freeze time for a while..keep them at their current ages...just for a while .....

Fabulous blog with a fantastic giveaway !

2009-05-27T23:11:00.003+10:00

There is a fantastic giveaway over at Sew-Fantastic !
Terri is giving away 2 ( yes ..2 ) $20 vouchers for her etsy shop !
Go have a look at her blog and shop..you won't be sorry ! I love the crayon wallet with the glitter elephant fabric...and her latest creation, the Carryall Clutch , is available in a lovely array of fabric.
Terri was the organiser of the Kitchen Swap that I have participated in. She also has a number of great tutorials on her blog.

Kitchen Swap

2009-05-27T18:39:00.006+10:00

An early morning delivery man at the door yesterday had this box for ME !
My Kitchen Swap parcel from Melissa !
Let's open it ........

What a wonderful swap package...isn't that cake tester soooo cute....the handmade card was so pretty...
( Melissa is an independent dealer for Stampin'up .....check out her blogs here and here ...and she has a special going at the moment ) .
The chocolates were delicious - turned my head for a minute and there was only one left for me.....thanks kids!! must remember not to open my swap packages with the kids around !
See that black folder book...it is full of wonderful recipes for slow cookers..which I used today...made a lamb casserole...which has been devoured with gusto ...Melissa must have ESP..I was looking for such a cookbook on the weekend to no avail...but now I can stop searching !
The chook canister may look equally at home in my crafty room full of vintage buttons...and the handmade/ sewn hot pads will be very useful as well as decorative...lovely !
As for the wine stopper...well...better leave some wine in the bottom of the bottle so I can use it , huh ??? ( bad habit of draining bottle dry ...tsk..tsk..)

So , needless to say I am feeling very spoilt !
Thankyou so much Melissa...you have made my week !
( Melissa is far more organised than I, her swap parcel will be posted Saturday...I hope !!)

Starling

2009-05-21T12:20:00.003+10:00

Oh, I could not help myself....very naughty...swore I would not buy any more fabric for at least a month..but look what I found .and of course had to have !

This online fabric shop , Kelani Fabric Obsession , has free postage within Australia.

They have some of my favourite prints, including my latest purchase.
I fell in love with the Starling print after seeing Elizabeth's latest creation over at Oh, Fransson.
I plan on using my fabric in the same manner as she has.

Now..off to browse more fabric shops.. what ? oh no..wont buy any more...I promise..well...I think I promise..( so glad my husband is not home when the postman delivers my parcels...phew !!)

I have been busy with the 4 swap parcels I need to have posted by the end of May....what was I thinking ???...signing up for 4 parcels that all have the same post date !

But what fun it all is !

x PJ x

green sheep

2009-05-14T09:34:00.004+10:00

Just a quick post today.
This book , Where is the Green Sheep ? by Mem Fox has fast become a timeless classic in the short time since it's first publication.
Simple in it's story line, the illustrations are fabulous and vibrant and my 3 year old still loves to read it almost daily.
This makes a lovely gift for a newborn...never too early to start reading to babies...!!

I know the book is available in most K-mart and Big W stores a lot cheaper than the bookshops.

Also available here... all orders over $50 in Oz are free shipping !!

x PJ x

loving vintage embroidery

2009-05-11T22:51:00.003+10:00

When I go op-shopping I have a little routine...check the fabric bins...check the bookshelves....rummage through the racks of 50c throw out clothes...then... I hold my breath and hope....as I delve into the boxes that contain the vintage doilies and linens , that I may find my next fabulous little piece of embroidered heaven !!
( note to self ...remember not to squeal with delight too loudly...those ladies out the back might start upping the price tags on things if they think I would pay more !! ).

The hours of labour and love that are invested stitching these vintage beauties is amazing.....

Some of my finds , inevitably , will have holes or stains in them. Then there are the rare few that are in pristine, straight from the glory box condition. Like this one .Yay !!

Once home, I will attempt to remove the stains. I have an evergrowng stash of stained and holey embroidered linens that I have grand plans for !! Yes, indeedy !!
I want to use them to create a quilt featuring the embroidered pieces of these vintage linens .
I have not found the exact pattern or idea for inspiration yet. I just know that is what I want to do with them . One day .

This is a vintage child's apron...adorable !!!

x Peta-Jane x

Autumn.

2009-05-11T18:14:00.002+10:00

I think Autumn is my favourite season...the light is soft and and the colours in my garden are brilliant.

An inspiring giveaway !!

2009-05-03T23:29:00.005+10:00

I have been wanting to make a Coin quilt for some time now, however my stash of cute and modern fabrics is sadly lacking. But I am hoping to win this little give away over at A La Mode
which would be perfect for the look I wanted to achieve. Do have a look at this gorgeous blog...and her coin quilt..Pink Popsicle...very pretty...and don't forget to pop into her Etsy shop...lots of yumminess in there !!!

Art Nest Pincushion RingGIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-29T23:15:00.002+10:00

Kathleen at Grosgrain is busy with another fabulous giveaway.
Kathleen's sponsor, Susannah from Art Nest, is offering 3 of her gorgeous pincushion rings to 3 lucky readers .
These rings are not only a wonderfully practical sewing accessory, they are also super-duper cute !
They look good enough to eat !
Made of funky fabrics and lush felt , the rings are silver plated, nickel free and size adjustable .

Art Nest Pincushion RingGIVEAWAY!!!!

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-29T23:02:00.002+10:00

I am in love with this dress !
Soft, romantic, whispy, could it be any more perfect ?
Only if Heathcliff came with it !
For a chance to win, pop over to Kathleen's blog ,Grosgrain. second thoughts..just stay here..I want to win, He-He.
Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Best friends.

2009-04-29T20:31:00.007+10:00

So..what to do when your big brother has gone back to school and you do not have a buddy to play hairdressers with ?

Grab a bag of Schmackos and con your other buddy, Buzz, to sit quietly in the one spot for more than 30 seconds so you can brush his " golden rapunzel hair " .
Everything is related back to fairytale princesses when you are 3, did you know ?

Buzzy lives up to his breed's name....he will retrieve a toy and there it will stay in his mouth for the whole day- until food is offered of course !
Today's toy of choice was his Santa toy from this last Christmas...he had been a very good doggy and made it on the nice list .

Please note that choosing clothes was not this Mumma's role this morning.
Asserting her independence, Emily decided that stripes, more stripes and a splash of floral was a great fashion statement.....luckily no need to leave the house today...phew !

puppy love..........

On a crafty note...I would like to introduce you to Pointy Kitty.
Gotta be careful with the eye placement though or she will end up looking like Evil Kitty !
She is fun to make and can be found at her new home...purring...on Emily's pillow.

Like to make one also ? Here is the link at Wee Wonderfuls .

Next on my to do list ( just for the fun of it ) is the oh so cute Ruby doll
Jhoanna,from One Red Robin has some other cute friends to make too !

Must go op-shopping tomorrow...feeling the need...have not been since Monday - which proved fruitless.

Toodles,

x Peta-Jane x

Planning and organising

2009-04-29T00:00:00.000+10:00

x PJ x

Giraffes and ballerinas.

2009-04-26T22:54:00.007+10:00

I love the arrival of a new baby ...great excuse to make a cutesy quilt !

In this case, baby Eva's mum Mel has a penchant for giraffes so a combination of the giraffe from the Noah's Ark pattern with some vibrant pinwheels and voila !
Mel was so excited to receive this pink quilt from our quilt group..after two boys the colour is a great change from blue and army green .

This weekend was spent indoors escaping the chilly, rainy weather. Emily took to drawing on the magna-doodle ( a hand-me- down toy from her brother which has seen better days ).
I was rather surprised at the detail in this drawing so I HAD to take a photo for the scrapbook...
it is of a ballerina prancing across the dance floor (her words) .
Just too cute and not a bad effort for a 3 yr old.

Funny how girls can be amused for hours drawing and colouring from early in life. The boys that I have known do not seem to be able to sit still as long the girls..too many jumping beans.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend. We did !
x Peta-Jane x

Quick and easy gift.

2009-04-23T22:38:00.005+10:00

I came across this photo of the chalkboard fabric message board I had made as a gift for my Secret Santa last Christmas.
It is sewn in the same manner as a large quilt block. Here is the link to the tutorial I used ,( have a look around this blog while you are there it is gorgeous ! ) the only difference is the pocket along the bottom ( the pink fabric) that stores the chalk.
I made a pocket instead of the little holder that way I could use whatever thickness chalk I had at hand.
I happened to have the wire hanger in my stash. The chalkboard fabric was easy to sew with...only piece of advice with this one DO NOT IRON the chalkboard fabric, it melts !

Colourwash wall quilt

2009-04-20T16:35:00.003+10:00

There is a large wall in the Chapel at our hospital that is need of something pretty , restful and contemplative for all those that are visiting unwell loved ones.

Our quilt group spent Saturday cutting lots of squares so we could sew them back together into a colourwash background wall hanging.
We plan on then appliqueing silhouettes of a river redgum tree and possibly butterflies...jury is still out on the butterflies.
Still a lot of sewing to go...but it has been fun so far...

x Peta-Jane x

Now I can share...

2009-04-19T12:53:00.005+10:00

the photos from the Maker's Swap !

Yay, Mari has received her parcel from me- I was starting to worry it had gone AWOL, seemed to take a long time to reach her !

So here are some pics of what was in her parcel.......

A fresh and bright Spring theme tote bag. I quilted the rectangles in the bottom section.

A seminole patchwork jewellery roll, with little zip pockets and a ring holder.

A doggy jumper for Buster...fingers crossed it fits him!

I hope Mari enjoyed receiving her Swap Gift as much as I enjoyed making it for her !

Off to the garden to enjoy the sunshine...and no doubt play in the sandpit....wonder if we are making a castle for Cinderella or Rapunzel today ?

x Peta-Jane x

Dick and Dora, Fluff and Nip

2009-04-18T23:17:00.005+10:00

I was thrilled to find a pile of Happy Venture readers at a garage sale today.
These are the books that most Aussie kids learnt to read from in the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Memories of Kindergarten and my teacher Mrs Macauley, came flooding back.
I opened the pages and what do you know...there were Dick, Dora , Fluff and Nip...my long , lost reading buddies...running, skipping, going to the toy shop.Dora giving her rag doll Jane a bath...and then unceremoniously pegging Jane from a tree to dry. Oh, and that naughty Nip, he pulled Jane of that tree and put her in the mud !

Unbelievable , how a silly little book can stir up so many emotions and childhood recollections !
But what lovely memories they are !

x Peta-Jane x

Angels.

2009-04-16T20:00:00.003+10:00

Two little angels for two little girls. One for Emily and one to send to Emily's cousin Alycia ...who is also 3 years old. I wonder if these angels are like their new owners? Angels in disguise !

Great finds at the op-shop ....

2009-04-16T19:46:00.005+10:00

Some "cute as " Oilily Matroyshka doll cord pants for Emily.

Funky green / blue/ lemon fabric apron....so vintage...made in Australia..
.hhhmm to keep as is or to cut ..????

Not sure of it's intended purpose, but it is Arabia ware made in Finland...very collectable...
I just love the design !

Totally stunning vintage linen tea towel .

Have I ever mentioned that I love op-shops ! ?

A Garden theme swap .

2009-04-15T22:12:00.003+10:00

I have just signed up for this swap over at Pennydog Jewellery Blog...
The theme is a Garden swap !!
I think it is a great theme and should be lots of fun. Leaves itself open to lots of possibilities for making something special...why don't you join in too ?

Even our dog likes to smell the flowers !

Pay it forward

2009-04-15T21:10:00.005+10:00

I am joining in the Pay It Forward ( PIF ) fun !
I was lucky enough to be one of the first 3 commentors on Nova's blog so now I get to join in.

Want to play too ?? ……. The first 3 bloggers to leave a comment for me on this post will receive a hand made gift mailed to them from me. (Please remember to leave contact details for me to reach you.)
Once you have left your comment do a ‘pay it forward post’ on your blog. Then continue the gift giving to the first three people who comment on your blog…how exciting to think of how a simple idea can grow...
Feel free to copy the PIF image above to add to your blog!

I have noticed that some bloggers who are participating in PIF's are allowing up to one year to complete the PIF. I think I would forget if I had that long up my sleeve to get organised so I will set a time frame of 3 months to have my gift made and posted.

x Peta-Jane x

If only they could talk to us...

2009-04-14T21:40:00.005+10:00

This is perhaps one of my favourite photos ever..
( perhaps not so technically correct ! ) and Emily was quite touched by the moment.
Even though our trip to the zoo was 4 months ago, Emily will mention the orang-utans at least once a day......

A busy Easter .... but fun !!

2009-04-13T19:31:00.003+10:00

I needed to do some baking for my mother in law's 80th Birthday Party on Easter Saturday.
I have something of a baking ritual happening which involves a bottle of wine and this movie, ( my all time favourite I think ! )
Most people probably listen to music...I listen to this movie..too busy to really watch it as I cook...but I think I know every word by heart.
Besides the trays of apple slice and caramel tartlets, there were 10 dozen mini sausage rolls and 9 dozen mini quiches of assorted varieties..( fetta and semi dried tomato are my personal fave....)

We made tray after tray of gourmet sandwiches on the morning which seemed to disappear as soon as they were placed on the table ( always a good sign ) The party was a success. We hosted an afternoon tea party with 60 guests and the birthday girl, Betty, was thrilled to see so many people there.The rain storm politely stayed away until the last guest had departed and the garden was cleared of any party evidence..then the heavens opened up with some lovely soaking rain .
I had made a quilt for Betty and she loved it ( and I loved that I managed to quilt it in time and that I did not have puckers !!)
Sorry, the quilt photo is rough, but it was the only one I have yet.

Easter Bunny found his way to our home...here is Emily following his trail of footprints ....and her sweet pink bunny dressing gown !

Hope you had a lovely Easter break,
x Peta-Jane x

I love the postman....

2009-04-13T18:16:00.003+10:00

because he delivered my lovely swap parcel from Mari !!
( ok, so the postman love thing is in a fatherly kind of way...he is nearly 60 !! )
Look what was in the bundle of yummy handmade goodness from Mari...

a crochet soap holder for the shower...a lovely soft cotton with a gentle abrasiveness ( yes I have tried it already and it is great )
some yummy mint lollies...there were 3 ,but I did have to taste test you know !!

and inside the box with the sweet logo sticker on the front, were 3 (WOW) pairs of handmade earrings....I adore them all...but I think my favourite pair are the stone set in the photo centre.
Thank you Mari...!

I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in this Maker's Swap....I hope the postie soon delivers my parcel to Mari...then I can share my photos of what I made for her !

A great blog and a great giveaway !

2009-04-03T11:29:00.004+11:00

If you are looking for some stitching inspiration pop over to Stitches and Scissors, Darci has some lovely completed projects to show you...and my fave is this gorgeous pink and green quilt !
Darci is having a giveway so even more reason to pop over !
Thanks Darci for the chance to win the gorgeous fabrics !

Swap,lucky me and fairies in my garden!

2009-04-03T10:25:00.008+11:00

I have been busy getting my swap gift completed for the Maker's Swap that was orgainsed by the evervescant Miya. Miya has paired us with a swap buddy and mine is Mari from Kentucky, US.
I must admit , when I peeked at Mari's shops on Artfire and Etsy , I suddenly became very nervous trying to decide on what I could make for her , that would not look too poorly in comparison to the stunning jewellery that she makes. ( I knew I should not have looked !!)
We were all supposed to have our swaps posted by 1st April, but mine is a tad late and will be sent this afternoon. Fingers crossed Mari likes it!.

I discovered the lovely blog of Gail Pan Designs who has some gorgeous quilt and stitchery designs and was lucky enough to be the winner of her giveaway !
Do pop over to her blog and have a look, Gail has a sweet freebie BOM Christmas quilt stitchery that would be easy to make and be a great gift for someone special this Christmas.

Yesterday was a lovely warm Autumn day and Emily pottered around in the sandpit then had a wee rest underneath the rose bushes.
When I approached her she asked me to "sshh"and "be quiet please Mummy...you might scare the fairies !! " .
I hid back around the corner and listened to her having the sweetest little conversation with her fairy friends !
Oh, to be 3 again !!

Swap fabrics and quilting frustration

2009-04-02T10:19:00.006+11:00

I have been missing in action on this blog for a few weeks...our household have been unwell with various ailments...but now it is catch up time.
Firstly , I wanted to share with you the lovely fabrics I received in the Sew Mama Sew fat quarter swap.
The lovely Nova sent the Amy Butler Pink Lotus fabric. The check red was from Anna, who was very naughty and also sent another "cute as "fabric (featuring funky dressmakers mannequins) just because I commented on her new shop...
The cute pussycat and mouse fabric was from Laura in St Lois, it is a Richloom print and will work wonderfully in a kid's quilt I have planned.
This was the first swap I have participated in and it was so much fun. Thanks girls !

I am becoming very frustrated in my attempts to quilt this gift for my mother-in-law's 80th birthday , which needs to be completed by Easter Saturday...I have puckers !

I pondered how to quilt this one for some time...decided on a diagonal pattern...( tried the stipple thing..but then unpicked it ! )..it is 75" square and difficult to manouver on my little machine..I am really wishing I had a spare $200 to send it to a long arm quilter......could be cheaper than the cost of a hair transplant..which is what I will need after I have pulled all mine out over this one !

A selvedge a day.....

2009-03-14T00:02:00.004+11:00

There once was a youngish quilter mummy who had a lovely pile of selvedges happening...she would delight in fondling them and imagining what project she could create with them...UNTIL
husband THOUGHT he was helping by "throwing out all those sewing scraps sitting in the basket" in the sewing room/study...
hence followed ranting and raving by the mummy quilter...threatening said husband with rotary cutter if he laid hands on ANYTHING that looked like fabric/ sewing paraphanelia ever again.!
So.. mummy quilter would love to replenish the empty basket with these yummy selvedges....
( PS. Husband can now identify a selvedge from a mile away...he won't dare do that again ! )

Thanks Lissa for the chance to win this little ball of yumminess !!
Lissa works for Moda...oh, how hard would it be to go to work there ? ...surrounded by gorgeous fabric... !!

I hope William does not turn in his grave !

2009-03-09T20:25:00.006+11:00

I have finally made a start on the applique blocks for the William Morris inspired quilt I am doing throughout the year with the 2nd , smaller, patchwork group I am in.
The design is by Michelle Hill and is inspired by William Morris and the other artists of the Craft movement.

I have been lacking motivation to start this and I was unsure why..until I realised I was not enjoying the palette of colours I would have to work in,to keep in with traditional style of the quilt.
So, I have broken ranks and gathered brighter , bolder fabrics from my stash. I am using a white tone- on -tone background rather than cream ( which everyone else is using).
I hope that William would not be turning in his grave if he could see my choices of colour, but at least I now want to do the quilt....

Quilting Friend opens her shop.

2009-03-08T10:03:00.003+11:00

I recently joined a lovely site of like minded ladies ( I am fairly sure I haven't seen any males amongst the members ) who enjoy patchwork and quilting, at Quilting Friends.
There are over 140 members and the site is rapidly expanding.
Anna, who founded the site, has just opened her own shop here. She has some gorgeous items in stock including my favourite, the Button Box Blanky.
Pop over and have a look, then go to her blog, she is having a fabric giveaway !!

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-06T00:03:00.000+11:00

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

OK, so I happen to like pink...but really !

2009-03-02T22:52:00.007+11:00

Our little girl recently turned 3. As a mother, I feel a failure of sorts if I do not hand bake/ make my children's birthday cakes each year.( please read here...tradition I started with No 1 ..now must continue for 2nd child !) Over the years I have produced a Batman, Barney the Dinosaur, footy oval with goals and players ,and other boy themes. I was delighted that Miss 3 was able to assert her preference this year..."Mummy, may I please have a princess Cinderella castle cake ? "

Let me add right here that I am not very handy in the kitchen, in fact, the annual birthday cake tradition is the only time I ask my husband not to be in the kitchen. So, after searching the shop aisles for the required ornamentation ...and 5 hours standing in the kitchen attempting to balance tapered cones on top of short squat cones (bamboo skewers came in to play here).....I had this monument to pink and a 3 yr olds "dream" cake. Who knew that one could buy chocolate coins covered in pink foil stamped with Cinderella shoes and castles. ?

All my hours of labour paid off ! The squeals off delight when she laid eyes on the cake affirmed my strange sense of pride....and she hugged me and proclaimed that I was the best Mummy in the whole wide world ....but I admit I have been worrying .....which style of cake will my Princess ask for next year !! ?

Pink.

2009-02-25T21:48:00.000+11:00

There is a special group of ladies and gents that get together on a Sunday evening to row in this dragon boat. They are either breast cancer survivors themselves or family and friends of survivors or those who lost their battle.Their own blood, sweat and many tears built this boat, as some of their dear friends did not survive to see it completed. I am so grateful that my Mum was one of the survivors and I still get to tell her I love her and give her big hugs .....That is Mum seated last on this side...
Pink is my favourite colour...pink represents my Mum's survival....pink gives me hope.......

A quilt for my nephew.

2009-02-25T09:31:00.001+11:00

My brother and his wife recently welcomed their beautiful boy, Jackson ,to their family.
So what does a doting Aunty do when a new baby arrives? Makes a quilt of course!
This is my version of Simple Modern Baby Quilt, from Elizabeth at Oh, Fransson. I quilted in the ditch rather than stipple all over . I like a baby quilt to be snuggly and I find that an all over stipple can make a quilt rather stiff. I was quite pleased with the final result.
I am off to meet a dear friend and her girls for a playdate at an indoor play centre..must remember my ear plugs.....the squeals of delight can be quite deafening !

Take a deep breath ...and.....blog !!!!!

2009-02-24T23:25:00.000+11:00

I have done it ! I have finally made the plunge into blogland...and it feels great !!
I have been lurking on everyone else's blogs too long...I felt it was time...hey..I want to feel a part of this wonderful blog community too !!

I signed up for a fat quarter swap over at sewmamasew and what a lovely surprise when I received my first ever swap fabric in the mail today.
Not only was it an Amy Butler print ...but OMG it was pink and green...my favourite.
My swap buddy Nova had it beautifully wrapped and accompanied by a lovely note.

Thanks Nova ! Check out Nova's blog, she is on a mission to send smiles and hugs with cards !