a little red ribbon

The year of knits.

2012-02-10T15:38:00.001+11:00

I've wanted to get cracking on some more knit sewing for some time now. I've been looking through some Ottobre Magazines, some fantastic online tutorials, and I've recently been inspired by this series (really enjoyable if you want to get into some knit sewing).

My goal this year is simple: Sew more knits. I've had a little taste of it before, but I probably started too complicated, and I want to be more confident, make less errors, and really enjoy sewing things I haven't been game to before (including some items for me!). A few weeks ago I even bought a twin needle, so here goes! Despite my previous practise, I've never really committed to improving my skills and becoming a confident knit sewer. While I would love an overlocker/serger, I know I don't really need one to dive in, so here goes!

This weekend I'm having fun with an easy little project. I picked up some half price interlock at my local Lincraft, and I'm about to go and work out how to thread a twin needle on my machine. Hopefully there will be just a little time to get some sewing done between newborn feeds. We'll see.

Oliver and S Reversible Bucket Hat

2012-02-09T12:38:00.001+11:00

Just before Violet made an appearance I made this little bucket hat for Ellie, my first project from Oliver + S "Little things to sew". It was a one day project - taking me a little longer than I had anticipated, with a very pleasing result.

This is a lovely pattern, and yes it is reversible, but takes a little fiddling to get the reverse side finished just right. While I didn't think so at first (from looking at the pattern), I think with the amount of even top stitching and fitting straight edges to curves needed in this hat, this is a project suited to an intermediate level or very confident beginner sewer. If you're comfortable with a fair bit of fiddling and pinning, then you will be pleased with the outcome of this project.

That aside, Liesl's guidelines really are wonderful, and it was nice using a pattern of such high quality and clear instructions. This is one beautiful book and I plan on making a few more things soon.

Pop over here for more creative spaces.

Violet

2012-01-30T14:23:00.000+11:00

She's arrived. Our little Violet Lynette, weighing in at 3.28kg (7lb 3oz) - We love her so much and we're thrilled to add another beautiful girl to our family. Everything went pretty smoothly, a more intense labour than I remember with Ellie, but a much easier delivery and recovery so far.

I can't believe we're already over a week into life with Violet now, but we're all doing really well, settling into life as four. Posting will be infrequent for a while here, but I'll be back soon.

Last minute Christmas Gift Sack

2011-12-23T21:06:00.001+11:00

I've been meaning to make Ellie a stocking or sack to lay out on Christmas Eve for a few years, and I finally had the chance on Monday. While I wanted to buy some new bright prints for the sack, I really needed to be a good girl and continue to destash my fabrics, so instead I used some more linen, and a mix of vintage, solid, liberty and Anna Maria Horner Prints.

Hopefully it will last her a few years to come. I tried not to make it too young, and something she could grow into as well.

Lined with some thrifted brushed cotton, the sack has a drawstring closing with a vintage Grosgrain ribbon all from the stash. It's quite thick and heavy with the linen and lining, and hopefully sturdy enough to hold several gifts. I'm looking forward to seeing it get some use! Only 2 sleeps to go.

Have a lovely Christmas and New Year everyone. I'm off for a while - to seek some much needed R&R...and then there's that childbirth and newborn bit coming in only a few more weeks! Yikes.

Hope you have a wonderful celebration with family and friends and I'll see you sometime in the New Year when we're home and settled.

G x

Farewell.

2011-12-21T17:13:00.001+11:00

Today was an emotional day as I joined with my family and friends in saying farewell and giving thanks for the life of my Grandpa who left us last week and went to be with his maker.

I was so blessed to know and grow up with such a wonderful man, who loved me and showed me how to love others. It's not going to be the same without him. He's left an incredible legacy behind, and he will not be forgotten. xo

Christmas Table

2011-12-19T09:57:00.000+11:00

Yep, one Christmas dinner is done and dusted in our house. We celebrated Christmas a little earlier than normal this year on my husband's side seeing as I won't be able to fly next weekend. This year I went for simplicity on the Christmas table settings. I used red, silver and white, and also some New South Wales Christmas bush, a pretty Australian Native that grows in my part of the world in the festive season. It's one of my favourite parts of an Aussie Christmas.

I added some place cards using chalkboard paint onto some shipping labels, which I also used in gift wrapping.

It's been a big week for our family for many reasons, with another big one to come, so I'm looking forward to resting up after Christmas for a few short weeks before I'm back into the swing of life with a newborn. At least the Christmas shopping is complete.

Have a lovely pre-christmas week!

x

Advent Calendar

2011-12-07T13:47:00.001+11:00

This post is very tardy I'm afraid, sorry about that friends. Life here has been ongoingly hectic preparing for Christmas, rearranging and re-carpeting our house, and generally trying to cut our belongings down by what feels like 50% before our next arrival in January. To say I'm exhausted is an understatement, but here's the finished product! Better late than never!

My calendar is made of 25 linen handmade bags, labelled using the beautifully handprinted DIY advent calendar numbers on linen by Leslie of Maze and Vale. The numbers are lovely and simple with a touch of vintage, and were exactly what I was after.

Bags are lined with some red and white heavyweight cotton I had in the stash which I originally intended on sewing into some nice grocery totes, but never got to it. After fixing the numbers on by applique, I added some hand stitching as well just to add a handmade touch. They're secured to twine on my wall using the covered pegs I described in last post.

As usual, I grossly underestimated the time it would take to sew these bags up. 25 identical pieces is a LOT of repetition and it felt like a sweatshop in here for a while there. But they're done now, and the best bit is, next years calendar is done too!

I am very pleased with the outcome of these, as time consuming as it was to complete. We're doing lots of Christmas-ey activites now, which is also keeping me on my toes (but I secretly love it).

Happy December everyone! Hope you're enjoying your own christmas prep.

48 hours

2011-11-29T14:30:00.001+11:00

That's what I've got before the 1st of December. I promised myself an advent calendar this year and we're going to have it somehow. I know I can, I know I can...I think I can....Sort of wishing I'd opted for a quicker idea such as this lovely calendar by Ros. Oh well, too late now! I'm sewing my little heart away in the hope that this will last me many years to come.

Today I'm working hard to make headway and get this thing nearly finished. I'm covering some wooden pegs (about $1.50 for 50 at my supermarket) with some pretty Christmas wrap that I picked up at IKEA on the weekend. Oh so easy. All you need is double sided tape and a pair of scissors.

I'll be sure to post the finished product, possibly a day or so late...we'll see.

Love this vintage...

2011-11-22T07:53:00.001+11:00

Gorgeous vintage fabric turned into a beautiful 1950's inspired tea dress from soho mode on etsy. Great design, great colour.

[+]

Liberty mug rugs

2011-11-18T11:12:00.001+11:00

Christmas project No 1 complete! Yes Sirree, this is a record for me I think. Yesterday I came home from work early to pick up my sick youngster from preschool, and while she slept I finished these little gifts for friends.

I used this tutorial, with some minor modifications (primarily adding some interfacing to the liberty first), and am very happy with the result. A great way to use up some tiny pieces of special fabrics - you know those scraps you just can't bear to part with? Mega quick. Mega easy. This one's a winner in my book.

An early start

2011-11-12T18:28:00.001+11:00

I can't believe it. I'm starting Christmas sewing in November - something quite unheard of for me. Perhaps it's got something to do with that mild feeling of panic that not everything will be done before B2 arrives in January, who knows. What I do know is that I have the urge to make just a few things - easy things well before they are due. Today I pulled out the largely unused Liberty sample pack I had stashed and started cutting - it was so so satisfying gazing at and dividing up those beautiful yet small jewels of fabric.

Otherwise this weekend has been much better than the last, with two grown ups to one three year old it's nearly a fair game. Hope your weekend is just as nice.

Weekend solo

2011-11-06T15:11:00.001+11:00

It hasn't been the smoothest of weekends this time, with my other half away interstate, and a late teething and sick 3 year old sapping what's left of the 30 week energy levels as she fights me at every turn. Despite all this we did have a lovely morning, with a friend visiting and home made pancakes on the menu. It was a little breather in a rather exhausting weekend and yum too.

Now to back it all up with a trip to the airport and the working week starting tomorrow, preschool and life as normal. Only 5 more weeks of work left....not counting at all!

65 years

2011-10-19T18:01:00.000+11:00

My Grandma and Grandpa. Married 19th October, 1946 and still going strong.

Congratulations to you both, we love you!!

Toddler Apron

2011-10-18T11:44:00.000+11:00

A thrifted pillow cover, an easy tutorial and a fantastic little apron for my three year old.

It's got a great little elastic neck and velcro attached waistband that allows her to put it on and off independently. Great idea Meg.

I did have to adjust the length of the neck piece slightly, as it was a little long but that was no problem in the end. I used this tutorial, but there's also another version of the same thing here with some cute embellishments.

And of course, it had to be pink - yes she chose the fabric.

More stash busting

2011-10-12T14:57:00.000+11:00

Another basic little garment done and dusted yesterday - I wasn't up for any kind of pattern tracing or drafting or even tutorial reading, so I pretty much just winged it on this one. Inspired by this lovely dress, I just had a crack, started cutting and it turned out OK. Of course a few alterations were needed, but Miss 3 is loving it, and pranced around in it when she should have been getting ready for bed last night, so I guess that means it has a bright future for the summer.

I'm so glad it's not a total screw up, as it's made with some precious vintage floral seersucker from Mum's place and some pink cotton I had in the stash (I think it was my Nanna's). So this dress is special in more ways than one.

Milkmaid skirt

2011-10-11T12:12:00.002+11:00

I'm trying to make a few items for Ellie this summer - I'm the worst culprit for looking at expensive clothing in stores and saying "I could make that" but never doing it. So this year, I'm trying to save a few dollars, start some seriously needed de-stashing and am sewing up a few skirts and dresses - maybe even a t-shirt or two.

Last week I completed this little number using the milkmaid skirt tutorial at Crafterhours. My version was a bit bulky for my liking in the back, but fun and very cute nonetheless (loving the flat front and those little pockets!) and most importantly it suits my 3 year old's taste. Phew.

This skirt is made with a small amount of leftover Daisy Chain - dandelion field by Amy Butler and some off white heavyweight cotton for binding.

Hello Spring

2011-10-07T14:44:00.000+11:00

I'm loving springtime at the moment. Blue tongues, a tiny blue wren and his mate visit us daily. We've been enjoying the outdoors, planting gardens for little people, and collecting bits and pieces for collages. My budding florist enjoyed her collection today, and with a couple of pieces of contact has a special 'present' ready for Daddy when he gets home.

I'm feeling slowly like getting back into some making, but I'm still taking it easy and if you hadn't worked out already, I'm getting ready for another life change in January. Time is flying very quickly this time round and with just over 14 weeks to go it's all getting a bit close!

So you might see me a bit more around here or you might not. We'll see.

Enjoy your weekend, and thanks for sticking around here despite the long gaps between my posts.

Today.

2011-08-03T15:29:00.002+10:00

Today we picked the last of the lemon crop and boy does it feel deliciously like spring out there. We'll possibly turn these into lemon juice ice cubes ready for baking or drinks because I couldn't bear to see them go to waste on the tree.

Things have been ongoingly slow for me around here - I have a good excuse, don't worry, and I've decided not to pressure myself into posting or creating and just to enjoy life as the weather slowly warms up. It's the way I like it at the moment and is quite honestly, just what I need.

Love is sweet

2011-07-13T17:49:00.002+10:00

A couple of weeks back I was delighted to celebrate my little brother's marriage to his beautiful sweetheart. It was such a great day.

I also had the pleasure of helping out with the creation of my first Candy buffet at the wedding. It was a group effort, but turned out pretty well, and was a total hit with the guests young and not so young!

There was a truckload of sugar leftover, these two will be eating it for months! Yum.

Congratulations again Mark & Cass. I know you are going to be very happy.

Lavender Lemonade

2011-07-12T09:00:00.001+10:00

Yum. This looks so appealing to me. I love lemonade in any form, and I think I might just like this one too. Great idea for a garden party or summer bridal/baby shower (and a sweet image too!).

[+]

[via pinterest]

Love this vintage...

2011-06-21T08:10:00.000+10:00

Avocado 1950's jacket from My Drawing Number One. Gorgeous! I nearly bought this one to wear to my brothers wedding in two weeks, but alas, I could not take the risk on the size. Fortunately my stylist sister in law came through for me with an alternative. Thanks Kate!!

[+]

Very quiet on the blog front for me lately. Despite my best attempts, there's not a whole lot of crafting or making going on and life's just getting priority at the moment. But the creative itch needs scratching soon, so I'm hoping to make it happen at some stage. Have a lovely week! Stay warm (or cool) wherever you are!

Love this vintage...

2011-06-06T17:30:00.000+10:00

Golden Cosmos dress from Capricious Traveller. Very sweet and summery.

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Making me happy...

2011-05-25T19:40:00.002+10:00

Flowers that seem to last forever on my dining table, cheering me up in this cold snap.

Love this vintage...

2011-05-24T10:14:00.000+10:00

1970's red cardi from My Drawing Number One. Just discovered this cute shop and I love it!

[+]

Another one.

2011-05-20T13:33:00.000+10:00

Another of the same scarf as last time completed this week. Really happy with how this one turned out, my yarn wasn't as soft, but nice and firm and yet still with some squish factor. I was going to keep this one for myself, but I've decided to give this one away too, to someone completely deserving.

Details for those interested at Ravelry.

Free stuff I love: Abalone

2011-05-18T08:35:00.001+10:00

Roaming around Ravelry of late, I've stumbled across some gorgeous free patterns. This one looks great, and I'd love to have a go one day. There really are just way too many desirable projects out there for one lifetime.

[+]

All details and free pattern here.

Making me happy

2011-05-17T11:36:00.003+10:00

My potted baby lemon tree has finally produced a nice crop of lemons. I purchased this plant about 4 years ago at a show, and he's finally looking very happy this year, thanks to some citrus food last Spring. We've been watching these babies grow for about 6 months, and as soon as the weather turned cold - voila! Nice plump yellow lemons. I'm yet to sample, so really hoping these lovely forms are nice and juicy. Lemony baking here I come...

Love this vintage...

2011-05-16T20:36:00.001+10:00

Pair of 1950's specs at Becky Drolen Vintage. I don't wear glasses, but these are cute!!

[+]

Have a lovely week everyone. I'll try hard to be around here more often, it's been a bit crazy this past couple of weeks.

See you soon!

Love this vintage...

2011-05-10T23:10:00.001+10:00

[+ via +]

Collection of cake stands by Sweet & Saucy Supply. Wow, there are some delightful finds in this shop. Just look at this beauty, so glad I stumbled upon it via design*sponge.

[+]

Hope you're having a nice week!

Lake Scarf.

2011-05-03T12:03:00.004+10:00

It's a cold, dim day in Sydney today. Perfect for a bit of curling up under the blankey, and starting another scarf.

Sorry there's not much sewing going on around here. But i'm hooked on the hook and it will be that way for another few days I think. I am thinking about sewing a crochet hook case though....Mmmm. Ideas are flowing.

Love this vintage...

2011-05-02T09:08:00.001+10:00

Milk jug from Florence & Florence. This is a gorgeous little shop and I was delighted to stumble across it recently. Every time I go back there are new items I want to buy.

Have a lovely week everyone.

Olive Scarf.

2011-04-28T06:50:00.001+10:00

Olive scarf complete. I'm mostly happy with this, being my first crochet project. I did make quite a few errors to start with, and I was halfway through before I noticed, so just hoping that they blend in with overall effect when I give it to the recipient.

It's so light and squishy and perfectly soft. I want to keep it badly, so I'm making another. This one's off to keep another neck warm.

Thanks Kate (where I originally spotted this lovely scarf) for your encouragement and advice, it was very helpful and my first go at blocking worked out perfectly. I recommend this scarf for a beginner, it's easy, repetitive and has been a nice way to start out. I also found this book outstanding and easy to follow.

Scarf details at Ravelry here.

More creative spaces at Kirsty's of course!

Love this vintage...

2011-04-27T14:57:00.000+10:00

Set of green coffee cups from Marcia Jane's Creations. I'm on a green theme at the moment.

I hope you're surviving after a nice long weekend, I'm already counting the days 'til the next public holiday..

Happily hooking

2011-04-21T08:07:00.001+10:00

Happily hooking up a storm this week. I'm getting faster, closer to the finish and enjoying every bit. I can't seem to stop, and now I have five whole days of the Easter long weekend to push ahead and hopefully conquer my first real project with the hook.

Enjoy what I hope is your last day of normal before a nice long weekend ahead!

Free stuff I love: Eggs 3 ways

2011-04-20T12:56:00.000+10:00

Easter is nearly upon us again, I can't believe it. I'm playing it easy this year with Easter Craft, not much happening. Last year was a bigger effort, so I'm excusing myself. If you're up for some Easter making, here are 3 egg tutorials I've come across that I think are pretty cute.

If I had the time, I'd be giving them a go...maybe next year!

1. Easter Surprise Eggs at Not Martha (have a browse around here too for lots of other ideas)

2. Fabric Eggs at Lola Nova

3. Sparrows Nest and Eggs by the Purl Bee

Have a lovely Wednesday.

2011-04-19T17:10:00.000+10:00

Hello strangers, it's been a nice relaxing month here and there with the beach, and time off work, and time away from the internet. Forced time offline can be a wonderful thing.

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I've taken up the hook, so all my time in the last week has been spent getting the hang of it. I've invested in some nice new yarns and they're proving to be extremely motivating, just like a gorgeous handful of liberty. I've also been having a roam around Ravelry and I'm sold. Well and truly. I'm loving being able to pull something out while I'm waiting around at appointments or sitting in front of tv at night. Can't really do that on the machine at the dining table.

I hope you've been well friends. See you again soon!

(ps. shop is now open again too)

Innocent Crush Quilt

2011-04-07T07:18:00.000+10:00

I did it. I made it to the end of another one, this time so much better than the first.

A nice large lap quilt for the living room, to curl up in during the upcoming cold.

My own design of a simple split (or disappearing) nine patch. Made with one Innocent Crush fat quarter bundle and a little extra blue & mauve for fill in and binding. The back is Eggplant and Blue from the Adelaide Collection by Michele Hill (In The Beginning Fabrics). Organic line quilted with thanks to my inspiration and also this tutorial.

Even though it's a lot brighter with more colour than I would usually feel comfortable with, I do love the result, and I'm feeling very satisfied right now. There will be more quilting around here for sure.

This quilt is dedicated to the memory of my Nanna who left us in January. She was a fabulous quilter, loved bright warm colours and made for me (with my Grandad) my very first quilt.

It's off to the wash for extra crinkle once I get some decent sunshine. Have fun browsing todays creative spaces!

Rainy day crafting

2011-04-06T10:56:00.001+10:00

A rainy day.

A box of cheap mixed beads and elastic thread.

A delighted little lady.

Love this vintage...

2011-04-04T13:58:00.000+10:00

1860's quilt from Woolly Mammoth Vintage. Love this geometric design - the perfect inspiration for the task set before me today (yep, I've been reunited with my walking foot!)

I took up the hook

2011-04-01T15:17:00.003+11:00

Last night, with nothing to do because of my walking foot incident, I decided to take up the hook and teach myself to crochet.

So I present to you my very first and very wonky Granny Square. Made with a hook I've now realised is too big and thrifted yarns.

It was nice to finally conquer the humble granny, although I'm still all thumbs and getting frustrated with the fingering. Tell me those of you who crochet, should I persist with the "right" technique or should I switch to what's comfortable?

My creative space.

2011-03-31T07:02:00.003+11:00

A sea of pins today.

The good news:

Blocks cut, and pieced - Check
Quilt top designed and sewn together - Check
Quilt back completed - Check
Quilt basted - Check

The bad news:

I've just discovered that I completely forgot to pack my walking foot *sobs*. I've been making this thing like a Trojan the last few days only to discover I can't finish it 'til I'm home. Why why why didn't I pack it? I'll just have to wait it out but it's burning a hole in me. I guess I'll just gaze at it for a few days...

More at the best place to be on a Thursday.

241 Tote

2011-03-26T07:39:00.002+11:00

I mentioned yesterday that I'd been doing a little pattern testing in the last week or so. And it has been such a pleasure to test this cute new tote for Anna at Noodlehead because it's so nice! (and so is Anna too!).

This is such a great pattern. It includes instructions and full scale printable patterns for two very cute bags - one with open pockets and the other with zips. Here's my zippy version! I used some natural coloured cotton canvas and this sweet BJ Lantz print (Fresh-aire for studio e).

It's been a lovely way to spend some sewing time, and this bag has already been put to good use.

If you'd like to make this too, head over to Anna's to read all about it or purchase the pdf pattern here.

A bit of this and a bit of that.

2011-03-25T19:25:00.000+11:00

I'm all cut, ready to piece and looking forward to the next step in my holiday quilt.

Other than quilting, I've been doing a bit of pattern testing (more on that later), having a daily dip in the ocean, enjoying this coffee and watching this series (oh my, it's good, please don't make me wait too long for season two).

Have a lovely weekend!

My creative space.

2011-03-24T08:46:00.001+11:00

Ironing some Innocent Crush fat quarters by the sea this week while we have a family break away.

Next step: cutting fat quarters after a quick swim.

I could really get used to this.

Far more productive spaces here.

Love this vintage...

2011-03-21T06:50:00.001+11:00

Mustard yellow bag from Ready Set Go. Very cute.

I'm heading off on a little holiday soon, so limited posting from me in the next little while. See you every so often!

Vera Wang Spring 2011

2011-03-19T07:08:00.021+11:00

I've been around the web searching out lots of wedding finery of late - my little brother is getting married! So, to my soon to be beautiful sister-in-law here is some amazing inspiration for you! Gorgeous new Vera Wang bridal wear for Spring 2011 is popping up everywhere.

Here are my two favourites:

The Freya Dress (exceptional colour!)

And this beauty is the Farrah dress...oh so lovely! I love the sheer shoulder piece over the bodice.

To see more of this beautiful collection head over to Vera Wang. You won't be disappointed.

Mr J.A.

2011-03-18T09:17:00.000+11:00

This little pram blanket was made this week for another new baby in my life. Lovely Michael Miller Zoology Print one side and cozy bamboo fleece on the other (so soft!!).

I added his initials as well, just to finish it off and personalise it. To say I'm excited about this little man's arrival is an understatement.

Have a lovely weekend folks.

My creative space.

2011-03-17T08:37:00.004+11:00

A little gift for a friend who is just starting to sew. Some crisp new linen with one side new season liberty and the other a vintage cotton to complete a simple and satisfying project.

If you'd like to make one similar, you can find a tutorial here.

And don't forget, as always, you'll find lots more creative spaces at Kirsty's.

More market finds

2011-03-16T12:28:00.002+11:00

A short trip to Rozelle Markets last weekend was well worth it. It was a gorgeous day and probably the most stalls I've seen there ever.

In addition to the child's abacus, I picked up a few more toys including this lovely wooden alphabet train and also a bunch of vintage fabrics. I could have been there for hours, but we were time limited, so that was probably a good thing for my wallet! I did see a gorgeous old box brownie camera and some beautiful vintage furniture that I had to leave behind.

There's a few more images of me having a rummage around here.

[special thanks to Karen for the market images]

More heartache.

2011-03-15T08:27:00.000+11:00

Interrupting my regular posting today to remember the people of Japan. It's just heartbreaking news that seems to be worsening by the day and I really have no words that really express how I feel about this. If you'd like to donate, you can via the Australian Red Cross or here.

[+]

Alternatively, you can buy a print like this one by Rob Dobi. All proceeds are going to the relief effort.

More prints and ways you can help here.

Love this vintage...

2011-03-14T08:59:00.003+11:00

Child's Abacus I picked up from the markets yesterday. Yes. We finally have our own now after pining for this one a few weeks back.

Hope your weekend was fab. More on my market finds this week.

Wow.

2011-03-12T07:00:00.006+11:00

Now this is some amazing stitching. What brilliant work by Yuko Uemura of PataPri, that is a truckload of the most perfect french knots ever.

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{via Charlotte's fancy}

Imitation.

2011-03-11T07:00:00.001+11:00

Imitation is the sincerest of flattery.

[Charles Caleb Colton, (1780 - 1832)]

There's been a lot of that going on around here and I must say love it.

My creative space.

2011-03-10T08:39:00.000+11:00

Loving this print by Liz Scott in the Sugar Pop Range for Moda. It looks fantastic with linen. Better in real life than in the photo.

I picked up this fabric for some custom order bibs last week, and it's perfect unisex, so I might just put a few in shop too.

Hope your creative space is going great. Make sure you show us and join in!

Calico & Ivy, Sydney

2011-03-09T07:17:00.004+11:00

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Last week I popped in for a visit to this lovely store. A fabric lovers heaven, and even better without kidlet in tow! I spent quite some time gazing and drooling over fabrics, and couldn't help but walk away with some gorgeous liberty sample packs.

Isn't this new seasonal print gorgeous? This top print is by Lauren Child (of Charlie & Lola fame - one of my all time favourite kid shows) and well deserves a chance to become a liberty classic I think!

Sarah was just lovely and very helpful, it's so refreshing being served by someone who loves what they do. Congratulations girls, the shop is looking fabulous! I'll be visiting again soon (as long as I can afford to!). See a few more pictures here.

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Two teapots

2011-03-08T10:27:00.000+11:00

I can't stop gazing at my new little teapot picked up for cheap at a Garage Sale a few weekends ago. It's nothing amazing, but I like it.

I also scored this cute little white ceramic vase. Perfect for my roses in the bathroom.

And of course, Miss Ellie also insisted I also take a picture of her teapot and blog that too.

Love this vintage...

2011-03-07T09:01:00.000+11:00

Wire basket from bellalulu. Lovely.

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Baby needs a new dress fast.

2011-03-04T07:25:00.001+11:00

"Baby" as she is affectionately known needed a new dress fast. Her clothes were missing and "needed" in a hurry.

Seeing as I'm not a fan of her original attire, baby got a new dress quick smart, like in 10 minutes flat so that we could continue with our role play activities. Perhaps it took 15 minutes in between prying pins and grabbing scissors out of 2 year old hands. Another good use for that fabric.

Have a lovely weekend.

My creative space.

2011-03-03T22:22:00.000+11:00

Enjoying the process of making several custom iPhone pouches and bib orders this week.

Not much else to say really, but I've been busy and a bit tired. You know that kind of parental tiredness from packing too much in, back to back toddler head colds, multiple night wakings, ear infections, fighting viruses off yourself and normal life stuff.

Of course, a little bit of liberty and linen makes everything better and we're doing OK, looking forward to our weekend.

I've enjoyed browsing this week's creative spaces, have you?

A little snoop.

2011-03-02T09:07:00.001+11:00

Playing along with Kirsty today for a little snooping...

Here are the contents of the top of my linen press. Yes, I don't have much cupboard space in the kitchen, and no beautiful display cabinet, so here some of my odd bits of glassware, vases and stuff. I certainly need them up high with a 2 1/2 year old around these parts.

Of note:

The cute white teapot I picked up at a garage sale last Saturday for about $1.50

The Christmas star table candle (right at the back) that got missed and didn't get packed away into the Garage in January. [quite frankly, I can't be bothered to open the tightly sealed boxes and put it in it's rightful place]

The chandelier-lampshade tea light holder thing on the left which I fell completely in love with and have two of and went to a lot of effort to find and purchase, only to have candle wax spilled all over them one dinner party [*sob*]. They'll never quite be the same.

The opped vintage punch bowl complete with glasses and ladel. A prized find.

I hope you enjoyed this snoop. Feel free to join in with the us and show us your place. Add your link at Kootoyoo.

Free stuff I love: Liberty Mini Quilt

2011-03-02T08:23:00.000+11:00

Love this idea! What a beautiful project and tutorial recently posted over at the Purl Bee. I'm so tempted, but alas, I have too many projects on the go, and I'm saving myself for something special. This one's definitely bookmarked.

[+]

Leftovers.

2011-03-01T09:20:00.004+11:00

Mmm. Shortbread leftovers from our strawberry shortcakes. Always a winner.

Love this vintage...

2011-02-28T07:53:00.001+11:00

Set of yarns at trampoline. Beautiful palette.

[+]

Fresh.

2011-02-26T07:00:00.005+11:00

One of my all time favourite things is a fresh bunch of green produce spilling out the top of a grocery bag (in this case baby Pak Choy).

A few nights back I loaded up the fridge with lovely freshness, ready for a few dinner guests. We made this for main and this for dessert. Both tried and tested favourites at our place, they are easy peasy, very delicious and therefore perfect for weeknight entertaining.

Most of it I did on my own, but I had a little "help" with the photo shoot as you can see.

Innocent Crush

2011-02-25T07:00:00.002+11:00

Just arrived in the post - a fat quarter bundle from Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush range. It's smooth, silky and beautifully printed. This purchase is for a special project I'm going to work on during my upcoming holidays. I've decided there will be no shop sewing, and instead a project just for me.

I can't wait.

My creative space.

2011-02-24T08:00:00.002+11:00

A set of linen coasters finished this week and in shop. This was the most beautiful and delicate piece of vintage crochet to work with, I enjoyed every minute by machine and hand.

More creative spaces here. Come and join in!

Gifting

2011-02-23T07:00:00.001+11:00

More gift giving for babies lately. This one part of a bib and burb cloth set for a soon to arrive baby of 2 special friends. A very special little miracle that we're eagerly anticipating.

BHLDN

2011-02-22T06:30:00.002+11:00

I'm not really a gushy person, but just look at this dress. G.U.S.H! Totally took my breath away.

Straight from Anthropologie's new Bridal range BHLDN. Quick, someone invite me to a ball, and give me that spare few thousand.

[+]

Spotted via the fabulous Twig & Thistle.

Love this vintage...

2011-02-21T07:25:00.003+11:00

1950's billfold at Jean Jean Vintage. Gorgeous.

[+]

Weekend workings

2011-02-20T16:24:00.004+11:00

Working on a new set of coasters for the shop today. A bit of pretty for the weekend.

My creative space.

2011-02-17T12:49:00.001+11:00

A little person's purple twirly skirt with vintage fabrics is complete, thanks to the help of this tutorial. Thankfully she loves it!

Here is my purple girl sporting her new dance-wear (and her mama's footwear which has also been the thing to do this week).

It's even been tested for dance-ability and passed with flying colours.

See what everyone else is up to here at Kirsty's.

Purple

2011-02-16T13:53:00.000+11:00

It's all about purple around here at the moment. Purple drink bottle, purple spoons, purple clips, purple t-shirts, purple play dough and purple pencils.

Today we're making up a new "twirly skirt" to dance in. Yes, it's purple (and it's also using up a little more of that vintage polyester I needed to deal with).

Special thanks to Toni from Make it Perfect as well for her lovely feature of a little red ribbon on her blog today. See it here.

Love this vintage...

2011-02-15T07:47:00.000+11:00

Child's Abacus from Open Drawer. This would be so great in Ellie's room! I really must start collecting some items like this.

[+]

Nice.

2011-02-11T16:30:00.000+11:00

Finally, 6 weeks late my Christmas present arrived. We had a little mix up, but now she's here and I love her.

My poor laptop has gone about 6 months without a case, but now she has a beautiful hand made home.

If it's of interest to you, this case is from here.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. I seriously need this one, do you?

My creative space.

2011-02-10T08:00:00.002+11:00

This week...finishing up a little gift set for a friend's new baby.

I'm loving these Japanese fabric designs at the moment, there's something so very soothing about a beautiful repeating print.

More creative spaces at Kootoyoo.

A hint of blue

2011-02-08T09:50:00.000+11:00

Thanks to seventyseventyone design for including my liberty brooch in this delighful treasury titled "a hint of blue". Gorgeous colour. See the treasury here.

Love this vintage...

2011-02-07T09:41:00.000+11:00

Collection of vintage sewing notions I discovered last night.

Ok, I love the whole shop.

[+]

Up in the air somewhere

2011-02-04T06:01:00.003+11:00

Gorgeous ceramics from Up in the air somewhere. I love the industrial influences in Susan Dwyer's work.

To see more of these beautiful vessels, visit the website. A limited line is also available on etsy.

My creative space.

2011-02-03T20:02:00.000+11:00

What to do with that vintage cotton you discovered was actually 100% polyester when it shrivelled up instantly at ironing?

Frame it and embroider something valentines-ish on it. Then add it to the wall in your creative space.

More spaces here.

Free stuff I love: Valentines

2011-02-02T13:47:00.000+11:00

Just a few little Valentines Day ideas for you to browse, and if you feel like it, have a go!

[ printable valentines cards by little miso ]

[ Very sweet little Valentines Day hair clips at the Purl Bee ]

[ Origami hearts via Wild Olive ]

[ felt cupcakes at sew hip mama ]

[ fabric heart garlands at how about orange ]

Love this vintage...

2011-01-31T10:30:00.005+11:00

Delightful yellow 1950's dress from Thirteen Bees Vintage. Beautiful. Classic.

[+]

Australia Day Sale Starts TODAY!

2011-01-26T07:06:00.010+11:00

Happy Australia Day folks! As I mentioned yesterday, there's a big sale going on in Aussie stores on etsy.

Sellers from Sydney, Made on the left Perth, Dust and BrisStyle teams are all joining in, and offering either 15%, 20% or 25% off their items.

Items in my shop will be 20% off * with coupon code:

ausday

You can use the code for other shops participating too!

Use it for:

15% off these items

20% off these items

25% off these items

Sales ends 31st January midnight (Aus time). Don't miss out!

*discount not included on shipping

New in shop + upcoming sale

2011-01-25T14:33:00.000+11:00

A little preview of some of the newest items recently added to my shop...

Are you fellow Aussies looking forward to Australia Day tomorrow? I can't wait for a day off. You may have also heard along the etsy grapevine that there is a big combined Australian Teams Sale starting tomorrow especially for the day! Yep, I'm participating as part of the Sydney Team, and you can stock up on lots of other lovelies too! More info tomorrow, and you can also read about it here.

Love this vintage...

2011-01-24T09:38:00.003+11:00

Canvas tote from Trampoline on etsy. So cool. I would do all my shopping in this baby.

[+]

My creative space.

2011-01-20T21:18:00.002+11:00

Note to self: Never make the mistake of using lovely soft wool blend felt on a doll this cute instead of 100% wool.

You may remember my version of Hop Skip Jump's Poppy Doll I wrote about back in March last year.

Poppy was so well received and loved by her recipient (my niece) that the poor thing went completely bald over the back of her head, and ended up decapitated after 6 months or so. That's right, she wore down the felt to the scalp! Poor Poppy.

Poppy came for a secret "sleep over" to my place, and came away with new hair, a new do, new stuffing, head back on and a new party dress to add to her collection of frocks. I like the new do, and there are instructions on how to do it are here.

Creative spaces have kicked off again for the year! See many more talented peeps here.

Hello 2011

2011-01-19T14:26:00.000+11:00

Hi there! It's been a nice break from these parts for a month or so, and I'm back and ready to face 2011 (I think). I hope your Christmas and New Year was great, although I know for many the New Year has brought with it events that are the stuff of nightmares. Thanks to a wonderful crafting community, there is so much going on to help out with the Queensland floods and you can participate too, here, here, here or here.

On another note, I've been busy over the break - entertaining, partying, working at my other job and also making quite a few new shop items.

Lots of baby gifts have been heading out of my place too (it's baby season!) and here is one that I sent off a couple of weeks back to a lovely friend, unfortunately a very belated gift it was.

I hope the new year finds all of you safe and well. See you here again shortly!

G x

Happy Christmas friends

2010-12-19T23:23:00.000+11:00

[+]

And here is my last post for 2010.

Happy Christmas wonderful readers and friends.

I'm going to take a break for a while to focus on family, rest and celebrating the gift of Jesus.

Thanks for your friendship and encouragement this year, can't wait to return refreshed in 2011.

See you soon!

Gret xo

Biscotti Anyone?

2010-12-19T23:14:00.000+11:00

This month I've been working on a special project with Chris from Tenth Day Roasters. Here's a few snapshots of what went down in my kitchen on Friday and Saturday just gone...

This biscotti was for a special order of Christmas gift packs, and it's yummy, let me tell you. I had a small container of reject end pieces that were quite delicious!

If you're an Aussie reader and especially if you're in Sydney and don't know about Tenth Day Roasters, you absolutely should! Fabulous micro-roasted coffee including blends, single origin and decaf.

Mmm hmm. You definitely need some of this.

Liberty Brooch Winner

2010-12-18T23:08:00.000+11:00

I have just drawn a name randomly and if this is you....congratulations! You'll be hearing from me very soon.

The winner of the Liberty Brooch is....

Belle + Bee!

Wow, 217 comments. I never expected that! My inbox has been flooded for a few days. Thanks to everyone for playing along. If you missed out, there are a few more brooches at the moment in my shop, including one just like this.

See you tomorrow for my last post of the year!

G x

Yes please.

2010-12-17T09:41:00.000+11:00

Yes please. I would gladly take any of these as a gift this Christmas. Love it all! Check out Purl's suggestions for a crafters Christmas gift here.

[+]

Cheaters doll quilt

2010-12-16T07:35:00.003+11:00

Really, really cheating, but I don't care. A tiny little blanket for a tiny little friend.

25 minutes from fabric selection to photo finish.

No real tutorial needed for this one - this is how my 25 mins was spent:

Select faker patchwork fabric from Nanna's (now mine) scrap stash with 2 year old who "needs a pink blanket" all of a sudden for Eduardo (tiny Emu friend) [2 mins]
Cut fabric to selected size and also cut an identical piece of scrap fleece leftover from this project [3 mins]
Sew around border with right sides together, turn out right way and topstitch the same again [5 mins]
Sew over pretend patchwork lines whilst fending off 2 year old trying to reach pins on the table [10 mins]
Cut loose threads and press [2 mins]
Settle Eduardo Emu to sleep under his new blankey and take a picture or two [3 mins].

I think Eduardo was pretty chuffed with his new quilt. He snuggled down and went off to sleep pretty quick.

Free stuff I love: Last minute Christmas 2010

2010-12-15T13:06:00.000+11:00

Ten of my favourite gorgeous little seasonal freebies (tutes and downloads) that I love...you may just have enough time to do some if you're quick this weekend!!

1. Finnish Paper Star at Craft Ideas (via Maggie Makes)
2. Vintage floral gift tags from Eat Drink Chic
3. White hooky Snowflakes from Attic24
4. Felt Shingled Christmas Tree at Scissor Variations (This is my favourite! Just beautiful and so simple)

5. Little Mini Matryoshkas from Sew to Speak

6. No sew decorations from K ootoyoo

7. Five pointed paper snowflakes at How about Orange (I'd love to make these in white!)

8. Super cute felt ball garland from Oh Happy Day

9. Holiday Mail stripes gift tag again from Eat Drink Chic

10. Simple and beautiful christmas ornaments for your tree from Between the lines

Now off you go! There's 10 ideas to start for some quick little decorative projects last minute!

A few notes:

1. If you're visiting from Sew Mama Sew, looking for the giveaway, see the previous post!

2. 2 days left of my 30% off sale, using coupon code CHRISTMAS2010

Yep, another giveaway.

2010-12-13T15:21:00.004+11:00

Because it's Sew Mama Sew giveaway day, because I like you, and because it's Christmas. :)

This is one of my new brooches in shop for Christmas, I made them up as I was looking to make something that was a small, sweet and not too pricey stocking filler for the Christmas season.

And now I'm giving one away!

This little one features a pretty red Liberty of London print (perfect Christmas colour!)

To be in the draw, leave a comment on this post. Entries close Saturday 18th December, 12 midday, [Australian EDST] and I'll randomly draw a winner and announce it on Saturday night. Yes, I will post internationally!

Happy Christmas!

(and don't forget my sale for your last minute Christmas gifts - sale ends Friday 17th!)

Edited to add: Please make sure you have your email visible on your profile or include your email address in the comments so I can contact you if you win! Thanks! :)

Christmas SALE

2010-12-13T14:53:00.001+11:00

Time for me to get some things out of the shop, ready for the new year. If you haven't already organised all of your Christmas presents, now is the time!

* Everything currently listed in my shop will be 30% off until Friday 17th December. I'll be adding a few more listings as well. Get in quick if you need these items by Christmas! Otherwise, stock up on little gifts for birthdays and babies. :)

To redeem your discount, use the following code at the checkout:

CHRISTMAS2010

Thank you everyone for a wonderful year, your support and encouragement mean so much.

Gret xo

And the winner is....

2010-12-13T07:00:00.006+11:00

And the winner of the Vintage Lace Coin purse is....

Lizibeth!

Congratulations Lizibeth, you should have an email from me very shortly!

Thanks for entering everyone, your comments were so lovely. And don't be too worried you didn't win, because I have something else to give away and a shop special just for my readers later on today!

A summer skirt

2010-12-12T20:55:00.001+11:00

I took the plunge into the Amy Butler Barcelona skirt this summer and I was not disappointed. What a fabulous design, and it fits perfectly (I cannot believe it). So comfortable, easy to make and it actually looks OK! Many of you would know this is not often the case with the home-made clothing line. In fact, this is the first item of clothing I've sewn that I have ever been totally happy with. Such a relief because I really didn't think I could trust the pattern measurements. How wrong I was.

I've used for the exterior this beautiful lightweight cotton by Tula Pink for Moda (Neptune deep sea range). It feels great and hangs nicely.

And this is my new handmade resin necklace from the lovely Alex of Polka Luka. She has an exhibition (and fabulous sale!) on now at the Front Cafe & Gallery, Lyneham, Canberra. If you're a local or passing through, don't miss it.

Have a great week!

(ps. Giveaway is now closed, so stay tuned for the winner and some more Christmas thank you's to my readers)

Sadie Olive Studio @ Oh, Hello Friend

2010-12-10T06:53:00.001+11:00

Anyone else love Sadie Olive as much as me? If so, check out the studio of Sara (face behind all that vintage gorgeousness) over at Oh, hello friend today. See all the photos and info here. Nice one Danni!

[+]

Love this vintage...

2010-12-08T13:41:00.000+11:00

1930's summer dress from Wildfell Hall Vintage.

Oh my breath was taken away when I spotted this just now on etsy's front page. Just beautiful!

[+]

More Sneak Peeks...

2010-12-07T13:50:00.001+11:00

If you'd like to see a little more of what's inside Handmade Living, here are a few sneaky pics as promised (and some of my favourite projects)...

Inside front cover

This is my page! I'm excited I can finally reveal what I was working on. My project is a little ipod or iPhone pouch in 3 ways - one with a vintage fabric panel, one with vintage ribbon/crochet trim, and one with pin tucks and vintage buttons. Measurements in this project are designed to fit iPhones and iPod touch/classic but can be easily altered to fit whichever model iPod, mobile phone or or mp3 player you have.

Learn how to make a gorgeous handmade flower with Ros of Grace Designs

A really sweet little bed pocket by Jennie McClelland & Louise Hall

Delightful travel pillows from Handmade Living illustrator Tina Snerling (Tiny Concept). You should check out her blog and see her handmade dolls - oh my, they are exquisite!

A cute little child's headscarf from Robin of from the blue shed

Yummy brownie bites from Heidi of curious chocolate shop

There are so many more sweet projects in this book! So lovely.

If you'd like one they'll continue to be in my shop until sold out - and just a reminder they come with a free handmade brooch valued at $15 if you buy it from me.

That's all for now folks, don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Ciao! x

GIVEAWAY!!

2010-12-05T20:30:00.003+11:00

I thought it was high time for a giveaway around these parts, and so here it is!

I'm giving away this handmade coin purse with vintage lace and vintage cotton lining. These are one of my favourites and I love making these.

These little pouches would make a really nice little christmas gift for a friend, or you could always keep it for yourself!!

To be in the draw, do nothing more than comment on this post. That's it. Entries will close Sunday evening 12th December 8pm Australia (Eastern Daylight Saving Time) and I'll announce a winner Monday. Hooray!

(And don't forget that you will also need to leave your email if you don't have that visible on your profile)