Christopher and Me

New stock in stores

2011-03-23T11:56:00.000+08:00

Tutorial: Hand Towel

2011-02-14T21:33:00.000+08:00

You will Need:
50cm printed fabric of your choice
1 standard sized towel, new or old, it doesn't matter (tip: you can pick them up cheaply at op shops)
1 set of snaps per towel
15cm of ribbon at least 1.5cm wide
Rotary cutter
Cutting mat
Sewing machine

Divide you printed fabric into four length ways and cut.

Place each piece of printed fabric onto the towel print side down.

Pin in place and cut the towel around the edges of the printed fabric.

Take your twill or ribbon and sandwich it between the two fabric layers on the shorter side of the rectangle, near a corner.

Leave a small tail hanging out so you can see where it is and pin in place.

Starting at the bottom of your hand towel sew around the rectangle using a 1cm seam allowance. Ensure you leave a 10cm gap for turning through.

Turn your hand towel right side out through the 10cm gap you allowed in the stitching. You might need a chop stick or knitting needle to help push out the corners.

Press.

Hand stitch closed the opening that was used for turning through using a ladder stitch or another kind of invisible stitching.

Top stitch 1cm in around the entire hand towel.

Using a match or lighter singe off the end of the ribbon to prevent fraying.

Using the instructions on the snaps packet position and fit the snaps, one on the end of the ribbon, the other on the other end of the ribbon close to the towel.

Add it: Since completing these hand towels I recommend quilting the towelling and fabric together on completion to prevent the separation of the fabrics when people are drying their hands (not shown in pictures).

The way to a mans heart

2011-02-14T17:27:00.000+08:00

Diaper Cover Pattern by Made

2011-02-11T14:31:00.000+08:00

Creative Space

2011-02-10T06:47:00.007+08:00

This is part of a surprise I have in store for my husband on Valentines Day.

They will be a recreation of the love letter cookies I posted about here.

I just need to pipe on the postage stamp and write on them

We also made some aeroplane biscuits with the left over gingerbread dough, and the decorated them.

This is Christopher's (if you hadn't guessed by the massive finger craters left in the icing)

More creative spaces at Kootoyoo

Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

2011-02-07T13:04:00.000+08:00

Knock knock... Who's There?

2011-02-07T09:58:00.001+08:00

Look what arrived in the post the other day!
It's half a metre of hand printed fabric by MelBomba. Isn't it gorgeous?

I have aspirations of making it into 3 tea towels for our kitchen.

Watch this space.

2011-02-04T09:55:00.004+08:00

After a hot summers day there is only one way to relax once the kids have FINALLY gone to bed and that's with one of these, a Mojito Mmmmmm
I've fallen in love with these this summer, they're cool and refreshing.

2 dessert spoons castor sugar
4 mint leaves torn in half
1/2 a lime juiced
30ml Bacardi rum (optional, but essential if you have children)
soda water
ice cubes

Put the sugar, mint and lime juice into a high ball glass and mix until dissolved. Add rum and top up with soda water. Add ice cubes. Enjoy

Tutorial: Accordion photo album

2011-02-03T20:57:00.000+08:00

You will need:
2x A4 patterned paper
1x A4 box board
120cm ribbon to match paper
a pen
scissors
glue stick
cutting mat
rotary cutter/scalpel
quilting square/ruler
large piece of cardboard
bone scorer/butter knife

Measure and cut your box board in half. This is easier done with a scalpel as box board is quite thick.
Take one piece of box board and cover one side of the box board with glue. Make sure you cover it all, especially the sides and corners. It may show if you don't.

Centre and stick down the board onto the wrong side of the paper.
Turn it over so the patterned side is up and run your hands firmly over paper to ensure it is entirely stuck and has good contact with the board.

Do this with the other piece of board and paper.

Take your scissors and cut the corners off approx 1cm from the boards corners.
Do this with the other pieces as well.

Take your glue and cover the end flap with glue, again making sure it is covered well.

Fold this flap up onto the board and press down rubbing firmly to ensure good contact.
Do this with the opposite side as well

With the remaining sides, fold the corners in slightly.

Cover the remaining flaps with glue and again fold down to the board ensuring good contact.

Do this with the other piece of board.

Take your large piece of cardboard and cut a long strip 14cm wide down the length of the cardboard.

Use your ruler and pen mark at 20cm intervals along the length of your cardboard strip.
If there is a section of card at the end that is shorter than the 20cm, cut this off.

At these intervals score lines using your bone scorer or the blunt end of your butter knife.

Fold along each scored line to form an accordion, pressing with the bone scorer as you go to make a neat, tight fold.

Take your ribbon and fold it in half to find the half way point. Position it over the box board.

Take your accordion and cover the end surface of cardboard with glue, ensuring you get into the corners.
Stick it down onto the box board and press firmly.

Do this to the other end of the accordion.

The album is now finished!

Fold it up and wrap the ribbon around the album tying it in a nice knot or bow.

Singe the ends of the ribbon with a match to stop any fraying.

My Creative Space

2011-02-03T07:16:00.014+08:00

Too much to do, too little time.
My first creative space in more than a year. Tsk tsk!

This is actually only the second quilt I've ever done.
I'm so proud of it, just don't look too carefully.

I used Tweet Tweet by Keiki for Moda and it now adorns Caitlin's change table in her bedroom.

Love Makes the world go around

2011-02-02T11:04:00.000+08:00

Heart pillow by Olive

Ornamental letter press valentines day card by Rxletterpress

Love languages tote bag by Bucktoothedbunny

Love letter cookies by Dessert Menu Please

Love birds necklace by Poetry
Jane Eyre love paper garland by 3 girls + a goat

You know you live in Fremantle when...

2011-01-31T15:22:00.004+08:00

Passers by comment on your veggie patch
You live not more than a short walk to any number of good cafes
People love the fact you have chickens in your front yard and talk to them over the fence
Anonymous strangers leave fresh loaves of bread at your gate for the chickens

New Line of Products... in store now!

2010-11-19T12:00:00.000+08:00

A new line of products has been added to my Made It store, Toy Sacks!

Made from 100% cotton and approx 92cm (36”) in diameter these these circular toy sacks are fantastic for storing toys, in particular Lego.

Simply place the toys in the centre of the opened sack and when the children having finished playing, simply pull the two draw strings and the sack will gather up into a neat bundle for storage.

This makes tidying up quick and simple. No more arguing with your children to pick up the Lego or toys.

The sack has a designer patterned fabric on one side and lined with calico fabric on the other.

The sack is drawn up together with a 100% cotton draw string through two button holes at either side.

Tutu Tutorial

2010-11-16T10:41:00.007+08:00

Photo courtesy of Skip to My Lou

Its really not as hard as it looks!

There's little to no sewing involved and is the simplest thing to make.

There are heaps of similar tutorials for this out there, you just have to google 'tutu tutorial' and you get dozens. But I liked this one by Skip to My Lou because it's made in more of a random fashion and I like that.

To make one you will need 5-6 metres of tulle cut into strips of different widths. The amount of tulle you decide to use will determine how full the tutu will be.
A length of elastic. I recommend a thin elastic as the thick elastics curl up when you tie the tulle on.
A needle and thread just to sew the elastic ends together

Take a length of elastic that will fit snugly around the child's waist and sew the two ends together.

Tie the tulle strips onto the elastic by folding the tulle and pulling the ends through the loop.

Continue to do this with all the remaining strips all around the elastic.

If you wanted a neater looking tutu you would need to cut the strips of tulle to the same widths and once the tutu is made trim the lengths to make them even. I like the unevenness of it though, so I leave it as is.

Extra tid-bits:

Try using several different colours like pink, white and black; or red and white

You might choose to add some ribbon or other fabric strips into the mix

You could get your children to help (or even make their own) with this one

Wow!

2010-11-12T14:44:00.004+08:00

Has it really been that long?!

Its been almost a year since my last posting and a lot has happened in that year.

My family went for a trip to Thailand, not something I recommend you do with a toddler, nor when you have morning sickness.

We sold our house and bought a new one.

We've had another baby... on the same day we moved into the new house.

And we're about to head off to for 6 weeks to NSW for Christmas and New Years.

The store is still up and running and although I can't make as much as I would like, I have managed to find time to have some fun with my sewing too. But I'll post about those creations at a later date.

Oh there I am!

2010-02-08T07:39:00.002+08:00

Ok, I have alot of explaining to do and a tad of apologising.

I know I haven't blogged for ages, more than a month actually I think and I'm sorry.

BUT I do have good reason... honestly I do!

We've just returned yesterday from our trip to Thailand and it's so nice to be back to normality (if you can call loads of washing and ironing normality). Also just after new year I found out I'm pregnant. Very early days though and this one hasn't been as straight forward as Christopher, a few more complications.

I honestly just haven't had the energy. Up until now the thought of turning on the computer made me feel sick. So between that and all my eating, sleeping, nausea and holiday prep, there's been little time for much else.

I've decided to take a break from bogging until at least the end of March and I'll reassess things then.

And thank you to Ally for noting my absence, so nice to be missed :o)

New items instore

2009-12-27T20:25:00.001+08:00

Some new bibs have just been uploaded onto the store. I've tried to make a few more boy friendly versions so I hope they please some of the mothers out there. See boys can have fun stuff too!!

I'm also in the process of making a pillowcase dress out of the Fandango fabric I spoke about here. It looks so good so far. Unfortunately (for you) one of the is already sold before I've even finished making it so at this point only one will be added to the shop in the next week or two (I'll keep you posted). I just don't seem to be able to get them to the store, they sell so quickly!

Toy Society Christmas Drop

2009-12-24T10:21:00.005+08:00

Christopher and I took a little trip down to Baker Square this morning to do our '09 Toy Society Christmas Drop. We dropped the completed pirate doll I've been working on for a while and he didn't turn out too bad either.

I spotted this park the other day when we were driving in the area (cnr Mortlot & Diane St, West Hamilton Hill) and thought it looked like a great place to bring Christopher.

It has heaps of shade, lots of play equipment and a huge grass area to run around. I think I'll become a regular to this spot.

I hope he finds a good home and makes a little person very happy.

Need a time waster?

2009-12-23T20:37:00.002+08:00

Ok probaly not... but can you tell I was bored with the Christmas television viewing?!

Hasbro have the best online time wasters for kids and adults, they even have Cluedo!

or there's the old fav bored.com

Freebie anyone?

2009-12-23T14:00:00.001+08:00

If anyone's interested A Print a Day has some free banners for your Etsy shop, worth a look for those who are technology challanged.

How to fix an old friend

2009-12-21T09:49:00.004+08:00

Jasper (our puppy dog) has an old beloved friend named 'Kelly'. He's had Kelly since day dot, originally bought as a comfort toy to keep him company in his 'huge' bed.

Many a soft toy has come and gone but Kelly has stood the test of time. You see Kelly hold a special spot in Jasper's heart it appears. He doesn't get thrashed about or have his inards pulled out like the other toys. Instead Jasper quite often licks Kelly all over for up to 15 minutes at a time and even carries him by the scruff of it's neck as if he's a real puppy.

But we all knew the day as coming when Kelly would soon meet a possible end. Kelly's scruff got so worn that holes began to appear and the stuffing as falling out. We tried to get an exact replacement but none could be found, so the only option was to repair him.

So this morning I set to work. I stuffed him with new polyfill, stitched the holes up (all under careful observation of Jasper) and blanket stitched a patch over the scruff, and now he looks as good as new.

2009-12-20T13:52:00.002+08:00

Look at this gorgeous fabric I picked up at Textile Traders this week.

I don't know if anyone else has seen this before, maybe I've just been living under a rock... who knows.

It's called Fandango by Henry Glass. I checked out the rest of the collection and unfortunately this appears to be the only gem.

But at only $6.99/m (they have 30% off at the moment!!!) I bought the remainder of the roll, which sad to say was only 5.5m :o(

But I have some grand plans to use it for my range of bibs, burps, blankets, and bags (look at all those Bs!). So keep an eye out in the future for some appearing in the shop.

Freebie Friday

2009-12-18T07:31:00.000+08:00

Struggling for ideas for a last minute Christmas present for that young Mr or Miss?

This week (and the last for the year!!!) we have a super hero cape and a mask to boot!

ALSO, because there won't be a post next Friday (it's Christmas and I do have a life) I have some extras. A Craft Can and a Pencil Roll.

The cape is found at the long thread here

The mask can be found here

The craft can is also courtesy of The Long Thread found here and here. Just fill it with all sorts of crafty goodness.

The Pencil roll can be found here

Christmas Recipe Meme: Pineapple Jelly Ring

2009-12-16T12:20:00.002+08:00

Ally from Harry's Desk has tagged me to participate in a Christmas Recipe Meme.

The rules are:

Link to the person who ‘tagged’ you.
Post the rules on your blog.
Post your favourite Christmas recipe – something traditionally festive or something that has become a tradition in your house.
Tag four people at the end of your post.
Let each person know they have been tagged by commenting on their blog.
Let the tagger know the entry is posted on your blog.
Post your own Christmas recipe within a week of being tagged to keep this on the move.

The recipe I've chosen to blog is our families' Pineapple Jelly Ring. It's a little left field and once you've read the recipe you're all going to think I'm some crazy person, but seriously, you have to try it. It's soo so good.

My mum started off making it every year for our Christmas dinner, and from there my sister and I have adopted it as well and both agree, it's just not Christmas without it.

It's a sweet dish but as you will see has pineapple and carrot in it, so it could be dessert but we have it as part of a main. It's also perfect for an Australian Christmas because it's a cool dish, not once you have to slave over and can be made ahead of time.

So here's my recipe for my loopy Pineapple Jelly Ring:

1 tin pineapple pieces

1 tsp gelatine

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 packet lemon jelly

1 cup hot water

1 1/2 cups grated carrot

Boil the pineapple for 3 minutes, then strain (keeping the juice) and cool.

Combine the juice, jelly, hot water, gelatine and lemon juice. Stir over heat until dissolved.

Add carrot.

Pour into a cake ring and place into the refrigerator until set.

Serve on a platter (uncut) with a garnish of mint leaves and glace cherries

Do try it and if you do let my know what you think.

The people I tag for the Christmas recipe meme are Ally, Liesa and Mel.

I don't know many bloggers, so if you'd like to participate let me know and I'll add you

2009-12-16T12:11:00.001+08:00

Work had their Christmas party on Friday night and every year there is always a theme. This years was 'Politically incorrect, starting with the first letter of your first name'

It took me quite a while to get a good idea for something politically incorrect starting with 'S' and when I don't have a good idea for a costume I don't get very enthusiatic about the party.

But luckily my friend Tamara came to the rescue. She came up with Snow White!

Not very politically correct at first glance but think about it a little bit more (waiting around for Mr Right or her Prince Charming, not to mention waiting on 7 men!!) ... and it is!

So spent to $44 to hire the costume and went all out and did my own make up as well.

The make-up tutorial I found on a blog I follow and love called Kandee the makeup artist (She has heaps of tutorials, you must look)

2009-12-15T08:01:00.000+08:00

Photo courtesy of fatmumslim

Who loves giveaways? Oh come on, admit it... everyone does!

Well over at Fatmumslim, Chantelle is having a massive giveaway worth more than $600! Featured in the giveaway are various craftsters such as Bits and bubs, What Katie did next, Little may moo and myself! Yay!!

So for a chance to win it all (yes, ALL), follow the link and place a comment on the post about what yu love about Christmas.

King John's Christmas

2009-12-13T09:14:00.002+08:00

This is one of my favourite poems of all time. My mum would recite it to me when I was a child and I've never forgotten it.

I was never very good in english class at school and never took the the poetry they gave us to study (maybe if they'd given me more A.A Milne poetry I would have been more interested), but to read his poetry you can use such expression and I think that's what's so magical about it.

King John was not a good man —
He had his little ways.
And sometimes no one spoke to him
For days and days and days.
And men who came across him,
When walking in the town,
Gave him a supercilious stare,
Or passed with noses in the air —
And bad King John stood dumbly there,
Blushing beneath his crown.

King John was not a good man,
And no good friends had he.
He stayed in every afternoon ...
But no one came to tea.
And, round about December,
The cards upon his shelf
Which wished him lots of Christmas cheer,
And fortune in the coming year,
Were never from his near and dear,
But only from himself.

King John was not a good man,
Yet had his hopes and fears.
They’d given him no present now
For years and years and years.
But every year at Christmas,
While minstrels stood about,
Collecting tribute from the young
For all the songs they might have sung,
He stole away upstairs and hung
A hopeful stocking out.

King John was not a good man,
He lived his life aloof;
Alone he thought a message out
While climbing up the roof.
He wrote it down and propped it
Against the chimney stack:
“TO ALL AND SUNDRY -

NEAR AND FAR -
F. CHRISTMAS IN PARTICULAR.”
And signed it not “Johannes R.”
But very humbly, “JACK.”

“I want some crackers,
And I want some candy;
I think a box of chocolates
Would come in handy;
I don’t mind oranges,
I do like nuts!
And I SHOULD like a pocket-knife
That really cuts.
And, oh! Father Christmas, if you love me at all,
Bring me a big, red India-rubber ball!”

King John was not a good man —
He wrote this message out,
And gat him to his room again,
Descending by the spout.
And all that night he lay there,
A prey to hopes and fears.
“I think that’s him a-coming now,
(Anxiety bedewed his brow.)
“He’ll bring one present, anyhow —
The first I’ve had for years.

“Forget about the crackers,
And forget about the candy;
I’m sure a box of chocolates
Would never come in handy;
I don’t like oranges,
I don’t want nuts,
And I HAVE got a pocket-knife
That almost cuts.
But, oh! Father Christmas, if you love me at all,
Bring me a big, red

India-rubber ball!”
King John was not a good man —
Next morning when the sun
Rose up to tell a waiting world
That Christmas had begun,
And people seized their stockings,
And opened them with glee,
And crackers, toys and games appeared,
And lips with sticky sweets were smeared,
King John said grimly: “As I feared,
Nothing again for me!”

“I did want crackers,
And I did want candy;
I know a box of chocolates
Would come in handy;
I do love oranges,
I did want nuts.
I haven’t got a pocket-knife —
Not one that cuts.
And, oh! if Father Christmas had loved me at all,
He would have brought a big, red India-rubber ball!”

King John stood by the window,
And frowned to see below
The happy bands of boys and girls
All playing in the snow.
A while he stood there watching,
And envying them all...
When through the window big and red
There hurtled by his royal head,
And bounced and fell upon the bed,
An India-rubber ball!

AND OH, FATHER CHRISTMAS,
MY BLESSINGS ON YOU FALL
FOR BRINGING HIM
A BIG, RED
INDIA-RUBBER BALL!

iSPY with my little eye...

2009-12-12T10:33:00.004+08:00

... something beginning with F.

Finkstudio.

Ok, yes this is a little different to many of the other iSPYs I've done before, but I do quite like what they do.

My husband is quite young at heart. He's the sort that likes remote control cars, star wars and Mr Potato Heads. He's asked for an outdoor remote control helicopter (he already has a small indoor one) for Christmas for gods sake, understand?

So it was only natural I buy him a set of these Transformer cufflinks for a stocking filler.

They're silver plated, made in Sydney and something he can wear nearly everyday to work.

I think it adds a bit of fun to a boring old suit, what do you think?

But shhhh don't tell!

Freebie Friday

2009-12-11T09:33:00.005+08:00

Freebie Friday is here again (it's going sooo so quickly!).

This week we have Christmas gift tags to make all those pressies look extra special!

There are some Christmas gift tags by Amy Butler found here

And some Christmas gift tags by The Black Apple found here

My Creative Space

2009-12-10T09:02:00.003+08:00

Well my poor pirate softie got put to the side as I became distracted with yet another project.

This time my distraction came care of Midge and Judy who as you might have seen last week were right into making bloomers.

Well I didn't want to be left out of all the fun of making bloomers just because I had a boy, so I made some boy bloomers (much to my husband's distress).

I made them with black bat fabric and with no frills and I plan to match it with a little Bonds singlet with a bat applique on the front. I thought it would be perfect for when we go to Thailand in January when it will be quite humid and uncomfortable and I didn't want him crawling around in a nappy and singlet.

I'm also attempting to upload a pattern for my pillowcase tops onto my blog, but it's not as easy as I thought it was going to be. So far I've written the tutorial but just need to scan the pattern pieces and figure out how to make a link to a PDF from my blog.

More distractions can be found at Kootoyoo courtesy of Kirsty

2009-12-09T19:04:00.006+08:00

Some of you may have heard over at Harry's Desk that Ally and I are doing a swap of our handmade store goods.

Five of my pillowcase dresses for her gorgeous pink Hum Bug bag. Remember the bag? I posted about it here.

Well I'm eagerly awaiting the postman, any day now, to deliver it to me.

I like this swapping thing, it's quite fun!

If you like Ally's bags and would like one for yourself here is a link to her shop, or if you like my dresses email me or convo me on Etsy (Sorry, I haven't been able to upload any dresses to my store, I keep selling them!)... now back to the waiting

To Do list...

2009-12-08T10:42:00.000+08:00

As you read the other day, I've written a list. You might have already guessed by now that I'm a big fan of them, I always have been.

Lists help you get things done, they remind you and allow you to empty your mind of congestion.

Well my mind feels like that now, congested, with all the things I'd like to make or ideas I'd like to try swimming around my head.

So this is my list, a to-do list of crafty goodness...

girly crayon wallets... before Christmas (tick tock)

design a monster softie

design a pirate softie, a work in prgress

pillowcase dresses (yes more!!) in my special Joel Dewberry and Amy Butler fabrics specifically

pattern and tutorial for my pillowcase tops (not as easy as I thought!)

All Sorts Christmas garland (wishful thinking I think)

Test my new Dilbert pattern from Melly and Me

Toy Society Christmas drop toy

Bloomers, bloomer and more bloomers... it's all I can think about at the moment

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree

2009-12-07T09:37:00.004+08:00

I managed to get the Christmas decorations hung with no major problems. Christopher was very intrigued by the whole thing and kept himself occupied playing with some bells.

I even found the perfect place to put the tree, out of reach from those grubby little mits, a corner table boxed in by our two lounge suites.

Note the stockings, don't they look great! I'm very happy with them!

iSPY with my little eye...

2009-12-05T10:42:00.002+08:00

... something beginning with P.

Palomasnest.

Palomasnest is the creative work of Caroline Colom who works out of her stdio in Austin, Texas.

Each piece is handcrafted individually from porcelain and clay and are designed to last for generations as heirloom pieces.

Freebie friday

2009-12-04T08:43:00.002+08:00

Image coutesy of Martha Stewart.com

Continuing on the Christmas theme, this weeks freebies are button gift wrap, and a tree skirt.

The button gift wrap can be found here at Martha Stewart's site.

The Tree Skirt is by Amy Butler and can be found here.

Happy crafting!!!

My Creative Space

2009-12-03T09:01:00.004+08:00

Well I've finally made a start on my pirate softie. It's amazing what writing a list can do for your motivation.

While yes it does look a little limp and boring, it is a work in progress. The pattern needs a little tweeking, he does need some eyes and I was thinking about adding a belt and yellow belt buckle just to spice him up a little.

My other task for today is to dust off all my Christmas decorations and attempt to hang them.

Any tips for achieving this with a toddler anyone?

Thanks again to Kirsty for hosting Creative Space again

2009-12-02T10:34:00.001+08:00

I sent out my Christmas cards today so I thought it was only fitting to send you yours while I was at it.

Merry Christmas everyone!! (I can officially say that now it's past the 1st of December!)

Oh and a big thank you for all those that helped me to choose a photo for my card.

Love to you all!

2009-12-01T09:27:00.000+08:00

Cosmo Cricket's Girl Friday fabric has been released!!! Very exciting!

I can't wait to buy some, I just have to wait for some of my stash to be depleated a little before I do.

Here are a couple of places it can be found on Etsy:

2009-11-30T06:57:00.001+08:00

Check out the new items uploaded in the store. There's bags, blankets, singlets and onsies... and there's more to come!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
Christopherandme.etsy.com

iSPY with my little eye...

2009-11-28T10:00:00.003+08:00

... something beginning with B

Biancajwood's Madeit store sells homemade crayon rolls. Each roll contains a set of markers/crayons/pencils as well as a handmade drawing booklet.

Great idea for a stocking filler and because it's made in Australia, shipping will be extra quick. Bonus!

Freebie friday

2009-11-27T10:10:00.003+08:00

This weeks Freebie Friday includes tutorials on diy storage baskets and decorating office supplies

The tutorial for the storage baskets can be found at J C Creative here.

The tutorial for decorating office supplies can be found at How About Orange here.

Naughty or Nice?

2009-11-25T12:24:00.001+08:00

... well I guess that depends on who's asking!

If Santa asks, I've been a very good girl.

So good in fact that I think I really do deserve a new sewing machine in my stocking this year (better make a more heavy duty stocking hadn't I?!), and maybe a few extras?

Etsy
Buy Handmade
Christopherandme

For all those mummies out there, I also found a link for a free letter for your children from Santa, here

... Brown paper packages all tied up with string, these are a few of my favourite things...

2009-11-23T18:06:00.000+08:00

My Christmas gifts have been flooding in from around the globe and they're now all wrapped up beautifully.

Each year I have a theme. This year was brown paper with bakers twine and the hand made clay tags I made a couple of months ago.

I know I'm a little early but they still need to make their way to the other side of the country before Christmas

2009-11-23T09:48:00.003+08:00

Photo courtesy of Britishcreamtea.etsy.com

It's my Christopher free day today and I'm going to spend part of it making my Christmas Puddings.

Does anyone else make Christmas puddings these days or is it just my family?

I think it's a lovely tradition. A little odd for Australia I guess seen as we tend to swelter through summer, but lovely all the same.

This is my great grandmas recipe:

1 100% cotton calico cloth (if new wash before use), 60x60cm for large pudding, 30x30cm for mini puddings

long piece of twine

LARGE++ pot

250g butter

300g brown sugar

375g Raisons

375g Sultanas

30g mixed peel

170g fresh bread crumbs (grate bread when it's frozen)

185g plain flour (need extra for cloth)

1/2 cup milk

pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, mixed spice, and cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

4 eggs

2 tablespoons brandy (I'm always VERY generous with my 2 tablespoons)

Boil cloth for 1/2 an hour and remove with tongs and set aside. Wring out once cool enough.

Cream butter and sugar.

Add the flour, milk and eggs gradually.

Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Open out the cloth and cover it in a thick layer of plain flour covering almost right to the edges.

Pour mixture into the centre of the cloth

Bring edges of the cloth up around the mixture and tie tightly wrapping the string around several times and tie again. This step is quite important to get right. There needs to be no gap between the mixture and the tie.

Tie the end of the twine off to make a large loop. This will help you get the pudding out of the pot without burning yourself

Boil in a LARGE pot for 5 hrs (this is why it's not well suited to Australia. Imagine having a pudding boiling on your stove for 5hrs on a hot day). The water will need to be topped up throughout this process several times.

Once the 5 hrs are up, remove using tongs and the loop in the twine.

Depending on when you plan to eat it will depend on the next step.

If you plan to eat it in a couple of months, hang up to dry in a cool airy spot. Keep an eye on it over the next week, if it begins to smell a little it will need to be frozen. Some areas (like mine) are too humid and the pudding can't dry out.

If you plan to eat it in a day or two hang it up just to air.

On the day, boil again for 2hrs and it's done!

Peel cloth away from the pudding carefully so the flour coating doesn't come off the pudding.
Serve with hot custard. Mmmmm

2009-11-21T10:35:00.001+08:00

Well I've completed my pillowcase tops and they're perfect!!

I'm so happy with them. They should be great for when we go to Thailand in late January.

I'm thinking about trying to do a tutorial and pattern for them, what do you think? I'm a little concerned about doing a digital pattern though. Has anyone ever done one before and have any tips?

iSPY with my little eye...

2009-11-21T09:59:00.002+08:00

... something beginning with T

The Vintage Pearl.

The Vintage Pearl 'creates handstamped [sterling silver] jewelry that is simple, sentimental and meaningful'.

Freebie Friday

2009-11-20T10:09:00.003+08:00

In this weeks Freebie Friday we have tutorials for balloon lights and a fabric beaded flower necklace (Humel, this one's for you)

The tutorial for the balloon lights can be found at Folding Trees here.

The fabric beaded flower necklace can be found at Pretty Ditty here.

My creative space

2009-11-19T08:53:00.007+08:00

I've been a little adventurous this week!

I've always really liked my pillowcase dresses and thought, even for an adult they'd make really nice summer tops. Well this week I finally got the guts to buy some fabric, alter the pattern to suit an adult and begin sewing the tops.

They don't look like much at the moment I must admit (just a pile of fabric really). But I've sewn the sides and the hem and I'm about to start the arm holes and the ribbon.

I was a little anxious about this project to be honest. I've never altered patterns before, or made any clothes for myself what so ever.

The other day when I bought the fabric and altered the pattern I realised that the pattern wasn't going to fit on the fabric, so I had to actually make it slimmer than I had originally wanted. I had this fear that I spent all that money on the fabric (paid at full price of $25/m, eeek) and it wasn't going to fit. So last night once I'd sewn the sides up, I slipped it on... and it fit!! Yay!!

I'm so excited now, I can't wait to get them finished!

I'll have to post back in a couple of days to show the end result.

Sorry about the pictures, I only had a short window before my 'helper' discovered what I was up to.

Check out more crafty goodness here at Kootoyoo

2009-11-18T10:01:00.005+08:00

One more thing to check off my To Do List, I finally got my wall canvases finished!

I did have a little helper... I probably should have been a little more specific when I asked him 'do you want to help mum?'

I used 3 of Ikea's Tyglosa frame and covered them with Amy Butler's Morning Glory and Full Moon Polka Dot in slate.

This is them completed.

They may not be up on the wall but they are finished and as much as I love my husband I'm afraid they may sit here for some time yet.

2009-11-17T10:50:00.003+08:00

The other week when I was down in Pemberton we happened to stop by a book shop and I found this book.

It has some of the cutest little clothes (admittedly mostly for girls). The instructions seem easy enough and it even comes with the patterns in the back.

The only thing it doesn't come with is a little baby girls to dress up!

Title: Making Children's Clothes

Author: Emma Hardy

Publisher: Cico Books

ISBN: 978 1 906525 79 8

2009-11-16T09:13:00.007+08:00

Those that know me well know that I hate crowds, I avoid them at all costs.

I don't go shopping on weekends, I do my groceries on a Monday and shopping centers in December are a no go zone.

The past couple of years in order to avoid the crowds and the stress I've done all my Christmas shopping online and this year was no exception.

Throughout the year I tag my favourite stores as I come across them and put the in my favourites. When Christmas approaches I go to my bank of favourites with a list of people I need presents for and choose items for each person.

No stress, no fuss and all delivered to your door.

I'm also proud to say that most of my Christmas presents this year are from Etsy, therefore handmade. My husband though, would like a remote control helicopter and I don't think Etsy sells them :o(

One tip though, try and buy as much from each store as possible, it will cut postage costs down.

This year I bought from:

Other great gift sites are:

iSPY with my little eye...

2009-11-14T08:14:00.001+08:00

... something beginning with O!

On Your Time design custom cards and announcements that can be printed 'on your time'.

I decided to feature this Etsy store as this is who I chose to design my Christmas card this year.

Rather than the ordinary boring photo cards (with very little creative thought put in) you find at most online photo shops these are creative, colourful and fun.

All you do is choose a design that you like, send an email with the wording, the size of the card you would like and the photo and they make the card and email it back to you in as little as a couple of hours (depending on the day and time).

All you need to do is take it to your photo shop for printing!

This is a heaps cheaper option. The image itself costs about $15 USD and the printing of the card can be as low as 15c ASD depending on where you go (I use photomax.com.au).

Freebie Friday

2009-11-13T07:59:00.003+08:00

Todays Freebie Friday features tutorials for diy flower bouquets and ruffled baby bloomers.

The tutorial for the wedding flower bouquet (but who says flowers are just for weddings!) is found here.

The tutorial for the ruffled baby bloomers can be found here.

My Creative Space

2009-11-12T07:58:00.006+08:00

This week I discovered the joy of appliques and blanket stitch. I found it a little hard at first, especially when starting off, I kept getting in a muddle.

But I have the hang of it now. Why did I not do more of these before?!

Not only are they fast and effective, but I can do them while I spend time with my husband, just watching tv and relaxing. It's wonderful!

I'm slowly getting a system together where I collect items in a pile that can be done in front of the tv. Each night I sew away, quite happily.

Big thank you to Kirsty for hosting this weeks Creative Spaces

Mmmm Shortbread

2009-11-10T10:39:00.000+08:00

I have a confession to make. I'm addicted to shortbread.

It's not the healthiest of things to be addicted to but once I start, I can't stop.

Recipe:

140g softened butter

55g sugar

225g plain flour

pinch of salt

Mix and combine all ingredients well. Roll dough into a log and cut 1cm (1/2") thick slices. Place on baking paper on a tray and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake in a moderate oven for 12-15 mins

My son the postman

2009-11-09T11:28:00.003+08:00

I had a friend the other day ask what I thought my son would be when he grew up. I really had no idea.

Over the past couple of days however the question popped into my head again and do you know what... I think he's going to be a postman!

Anything small enough these days gets poked and squished into the holes of boxes, drawers, bags etc.

The other day, I lost the keys to the filing cabinet. I remember fishing them out of the bath tub the previous day but couldn't remember what I had done with them. I thought I was losing my sanity. Then it occurred to me, Christopher and his 'posting' habit.

So I searched all the hiding holes in the room until I found them, poked through the handle of a box along with 2 pegs and a tooth brush.

iSPY with my little eye...

2009-11-07T09:19:00.000+08:00

Photo courtesy of Nice packaging

...something beginning with N.

Nice Package! (I know that sounded suss, but that was not a pick up line)

Nice Package is a new online store specialising in sweet nostalgic packaging ideas and inspiration.

Photo courtesy of Nice packaging

See the Nice Packaging blog here

Click here also for their diy twistie-tie pompom gift topper tutorial (that was a mouthful!)

Freebie Friday

2009-11-06T10:47:00.002+08:00

Image courtesy of Annie and Olive (top), and Readers Digest (bottom)

This week for Freebie Friday I have links for tutorials on how to make a fabric bracelet and making a Rosemary Pomander.

You may remember a week or two ago I featured fabric bracelets by Annie and Olive on my iSPY entry, well I've found a tutorial for them here at Little Birdie Secrets

Carrying on from my tutorial on Orange and Clove Pomanders last week, here's one I found on Rosemary Pomanders at Readers Digest.

Creative Space

2009-11-05T08:46:00.004+08:00

My creative space this week does not involve fabric, nor does it involve any type of craft really. It does involve bright colours, sugar and a lot of fun though!

Any guesses?

It's cupcakes!

Work was having a cake stall and so I've spent most of my free time baking and decorating. The Burns unit's cake stall it one of the most important culinary events on the calender.

Why you say? Because it raises money for our Christmas party that's why!

Blogs to love

2009-11-04T10:55:00.001+08:00

Photo coutesy of The Sartorialist

If you love fasion, you'll love this blog.

Photos of random everyday people in the streets of New York and Paris that are well dressed and fashionable. This blog is so popular that the blog itself has reached it's 10,000 follower limit and won't allow me to become a follower.

The Sartorialist, check it out here.

Help needed

2009-11-03T07:45:00.005+08:00

I need your help everyone.

I need to pick a photo for our Christmas card this year, and I just can't pick which one.

None of them really stand out to me and I know I'm a little bit biased (all photos with Christopher look good to me, but not necessarily to everyone else)

I really don't know... what do you think?

It doesn't matter about colour vs black and white because that can always be altered, it's really just about the photo.

2009-11-02T08:46:00.009+08:00

We're back safe 'n sound, relaxed and refreshed an ready to tackle the mounds of washing ahead of me.

One thing that's also amazed me is how my house appeared to get dirtier while we were away.

I always ensure I clean the house, in particular the floor before I go away. There's nothing worse than coming home to a dirty house and knowing you'll have to clean. This time was no exception, only the floor is still dirty when we arrived home. Either Christopher and Jasper put in extra effort before we went away or we have a filthy house elf.

We had a great time. The farm stay was fantastic and I recommend Pump Hill to anyone going down that way with young children. We went on a hay ride and met and fed all the animals, we caught some trout (I even caught one!) at a trout farm, went on a bush walk and ate pancakes at the Lavender and Berry Farm.

Here some of the pics (sorry if I go over board).

Unfortunately I was behind most of the shots so most of them are of Christopher and Richard. I did include one of me, it's not the best shot though.

iSPY with my little eye...

2009-10-31T09:30:00.000+08:00

...something beginning with C!

Craft Schmaft!

I first spotted craft schmaft when I stumbled across their little owl mobile made from a pair of baby socks.

I now find out they're planning on selling a kit to make the mobile.

I for one would love to buy one.

Freebie Friday

2009-10-30T10:25:00.002+08:00

This weeks Freebie Friday includes tutorials on Fabric Button Thumbtacks and how to make your own Terrarium

The tutorial for the fabric covered thumbtacks can be found here at How About Orange...

Terrarium tutorial can be found here at Design *Sponge

2009-10-29T11:22:00.001+08:00

The mini Carter family (minus Jasper the dog) are off for a long weekend down at Pemberton, in south western WA.

We're staying at a farm stay which I'm so excited about.Christopher loves animals and I can't wait to see his face when he gets to pat (and hopfully not hit) a cow, and some sheep.

We don't get to go away much. Richard works such long hours and works 6 days a week that it just makes it impossible.

On my return I plan to have heaps of great pictures to share with you, and don't worry you won't even notice I've gone. I've scheduled some posts for when I'm away.

Tutorial: Orange and clove pomander

2009-10-28T10:48:00.001+08:00

I have fond memories of these as a child. They're the easiest of Christmas decorations and are great project to involve the kids in.

You will need:

an orange

a couple of packets of whole cloves

ribbon

a marker

nail/skewer (optional, I didn't use one)

Take your orange and remove the sticker. Mark out on the orange where you would like the ribbon to sit on you pomander with the marker

Start pushing the cloves into the skin of the orange, leaving the head of the clove poking out of the surface of the skin. You can use your nail/skewer to poke a shallow hole in the skin to assist insertion, but I found they went in fine without help.

Do not put cloves where you have planned to put your ribbon.

You can just do lines of cloves or maybe do a few patterns. The cloves do not have to be really close together like in my pictures, they can be spaced further apart.

Once you have finished your design tie the ribbon around the pomander, making a loop a the top to hang it wit. Secure in place with the pins.

Hang the pomander somewhere to dry for a couple of weeks (you could hang it on the Christmas tree at this stage if you wished).

It will gradually shrink a little and the cloves will become closer together.

After a week or two take a good length of ribbon and tie it up making a loop at the top to hang with and a bow down the bottom.

*NOTE* do not worry, the orange will not rot or go mouldy. The cloves act to preserve the orange.

2009-10-27T10:15:00.000+08:00

I just love those 'feel happy' videos on You Tube.

In a world that can sometimes seem sad and angry, they make me feels better about the place we live.

I love this stair concept. I'd go up them even if they weren't musical.

The councils should paint more stairs like pianos!

See more of these at The Fun Theory.com

Knock Knock... Who's there?

2009-10-26T08:32:00.002+08:00

Look what the postman brought me today!

If there's one down side to buying fabric cheaper in the US than to here it would be that it take more than 2 weeks to get here :o(

I try and be so patient. I think I drive my husband crazy asking him each day (sometimes twice) whether a parcel has arrived for me at his work.

Today I got some Sparrows in almond and Basket in espresso by Joel Dewberry; and Morning Glory and Full Moon Polka Dot by Amy Butler.

I remember seeing these fabrics a while ago and haven't been able to get the out of my head since. I now find out that they are out of production, so I quickly bought up.

I plan to use the Amy Butler for some wall canvases, and the Joel Dewberry for some dresses.

iSPY with my little eye...

2009-10-25T09:10:00.000+08:00

...something beginning with C.

Craft Squatch!

Craft Squatch are an Etsy seller who hand make geeky pillows.

Made in Chicago in the USA, Justin uses 'borrowed inspiration' to design his cushions and are all sewn on his very own vintage Singer sewing machine.

2009-10-24T08:29:00.000+08:00

More of this means more craft time for me!

Freebie Friday

2009-10-23T10:09:00.003+08:00

Photo courtesy of Moon Stitches

Today's Freebie Friday includes a tutorial for an ironing board cover and how to make an Owl army.

Ironing board cover tutorial by A room of one's own

Owl army by Moon stitches

2009-10-22T08:40:00.000+08:00

I had to keep myself busy this week. My crafting buddy Tamara finally had her baby this week (Congratulations Tamara!!) and so I had no one to craft with :o(

Despite the absence of my craft buddy I've had lots of fun this week making all sorts of things from bags, and dresses and to FINALLY starting the colouring wallets from the pattern I bought from JCasa.

They were a little tricky at first with all the measuring (I'm not good at measuring. I really need to take the advice of 'measure twice, cut once') but once I got the hang of it and had made a few I was on a roll.

So my Christmas presents for the young'ns are sorted. Now for everyone else!

LOST

2009-10-21T10:47:00.002+08:00

LOST: One set of typing skills.

I apologize to you all for my atrotious typing (well you probably don't realize actually because most of them either I pick up or spell check does).

Does anyone else have days, weeks, or in my case months of terrible typing. Where letters are missing from yor (<- see!) words, but you swear you typed it?

or maybe you'll go for a week writing 'with' as 'withe', even though you know it doesn't have an 'e', but your hand just writes it anyway?

Please tell me it's not just me... please

Blogs to love

2009-10-20T09:58:00.004+08:00

I stumbled across a blog called Bakerella the other day.

A great site if you love to bake with lots of free recipes for cake pops, cake balls and loads of inspiration.

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-19T08:49:00.002+08:00

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

Photos above courtesy of Gros Grain

I stumbled across a blog this morning called Gros Grain (see link above). Her most recent entry was about a pair of Alice in Wonderland dresses she made for her daughters.

You need to take a look, they're fantastic! Actually that would be an understatement.

Picture courtesy of The Black Apple

I've begun to have a thing for Alice in Wonderland ever since I bought some Black Apple prints featuring four of the characters.

I'm even thinking of having an Alice in Wonderland themed 30th birthday party next year.

Store Update

2009-10-18T09:01:00.007+08:00

I'm on a roll!

I've now completed 6 more bibs for my store!

I love these. I used the Red Letter Day fabric by Lizzy House that I used for the baby blankets I posted last week.

I've tried to use a mixture of boy, girl and unisex colours and patterns, in a hope to please everyone.

I've also completed an xs pillowcase dress using Sandi Henderson fabrics which [as a few people suggested in my survey,] I have posted for sale also in my store.

All this new found motivation... I like it... I wonder how long it will last?

iSPY with my little eye...

2009-10-17T10:22:00.004+08:00

...something beginning with A!

Allyadeney of Harry's Desk.

I discovered Ally's work when she left a lovely comment on one of my posts.

I was naturally curious and of course checked out her work, and what work it is too!

Not only does she have a great blog but she creates these really funky bags made from upcycled neck ties.

I love this pink one

Freebie Friday

2009-10-16T09:22:00.007+08:00

Photo courtesy of Hostess with the mostess

Photo courtesy of Keka Lou

This weeks Freebie Friday features a pin cushion wristlet and paper pumpkin decorations.

The pin cushion is by Keyka Lou and is found here.

The tutorial for the pumpkin paper decorations can be found here.

And the winner is...

2009-10-16T07:14:00.000+08:00

Mel

of http://ispeakmelsh.blogspot.com/

Congratulations, Mel is the winner of the Christopher & Me Blogtoberfest giveaway!

Thank you everyone for taking the time to complete my survey. I got some really helpful feedback from it, and appreciate the honesty from everyone.

In terms of the survey results, there was a bit of a mixed bag. Some were predicted, while others were a little surprising.

Here are some of the results:

introduce pillowcase dresses (hint, hint. Watch out for Sundays post)

introduce more boyish items

more range

more bunting

you loved the bags. This was a little surprising to me because I never pictured the bags to be one of my main items for my store (but that may have to change!)

you loved the selection of fabrics, but you'd like a larger range

use spell check (why does Etsy not have spellcheck built in?! it would be a good idea)

The results of the survey have made me think quite a bit about my store and on which path I would like it to go.

I've had to make a few decisions. I've decided it's impossible for me to stock a large range of items. It would be great in theory, but I just don't have the time .

So instead I'm going to focus on a couple of items, the blankets, the burp cloths, the bags, the bibs and maybe the pillowcase dresses.

I think i'd rather make a few things well than lots of things and be mediocre.

Last chance

2009-10-15T09:10:00.000+08:00

Today is your last chance to enter the giveaway for the pillowcase dress.

Entries will close at 9pm Perth, Australia time and the winner will be announced tomorrow!

Click Here to take survey

Creative Space

2009-10-15T08:50:00.000+08:00

My Creative space is a little more productive this week.

I have:

a handful of button elastics that have been completed

1 completed pillowcase dress, and another 2 in the making

4 x '2 Little Banshees' platypus', all of which are missing legs (one of those 'oops' moments)

6 studless bibs

I feel quite satisfied this week! Well done me!

How's your creative space looking? See more at Kirsty's blog, Kootoyoo

Stumbling goodness

2009-10-14T10:01:00.001+08:00

Photo coutesy of Sweetopia

I love to bake, not cook, just bake. Cupcakes especially have always been a favourite of mine.

So imagine how excited I was to stumble across this site in my travels. I've always wondered how they managed to get the icing so neat, smooth and not run.

Well this site tells you how.

Buttons button buttons

2009-10-13T09:19:00.000+08:00

The postman delivered these today. My long awaited buttons!

Don't they just look scrumptious, like a bowl of candy.

2009-10-12T09:29:00.002+08:00

Wow, 10 loyal followers! Thanks guys!

I had planned on having a giveaway at the 10 follower mark but it's all happened so quickly and I still haven't finished my other giveaway yet.

I'll just have to think of another reason to have a giveaway a little further down the track.

Spring has sprung

2009-10-12T07:46:00.000+08:00

Here in Australia Spring has just begun.

The flowers are blooming and the days are warming up and becoming longer.

It's the best time of the year.

Shop Update

2009-10-11T06:50:00.000+08:00

Since opening my store several months ago I'd become a little disheartened.

I think this is a common occurrence when opening an Etsy store. You begin with an exciting concept of your own online store and selling the items that you love to make.

You start to gradually build up some stock to sell and finally take the plunge to open your store. Then... nothing.

Etsy is a HUGE online community, your chances of being found aren't very good, not to mention shoppers are spoilt for choice.

But, the other day I had my first Etsy store sale, Yay!!!

I was so excited, I couldn't believe my eyes. It took me a while to figure out where one of my products had gone.

It's given me the enthusiasm and motivation to make more things for my store which I'd lost after the opening.

So, the result of my new found motivation... 5 new blanket for the store! All made with Lizzy House's Red Letter Day fabrics.

I'll be adding them over the next couple of days. If there's one that you've spotted and I haven't uploaded it to the store yet, let me know and I can email you photos.

Happy weekend everyone!

iSPY with my little eye...

2009-10-10T07:15:00.000+08:00

...something beginning with A.

Annie and Olive make the sweetest fabric bead bracelets.

They come in multiple sizes, patterns and they even sell diy kits.

Freebie Friday

2009-10-09T10:12:00.002+08:00

Photo courtesy of Bloom and Blossom

This weeks Freebie Friday features a tutorial on making a journal cover and a baby pinafore.

Journal cover by Bloom and Blossom

The baby pinafore tutorial by Make your Own Baby Stuff.

If you know of any good freebies you would like to share, let me know.

2009-10-08T14:45:00.002+08:00

The bag I won in Jess's giveaway arrived yesterday.
Isn't it great?
The perfect shopping bag I think.

My Creative Space

2009-10-08T08:30:00.002+08:00

Ok, no it's not very creative.
But between working 2 days this week and having 2 migraines not a lot of creativity happened.

All I've felt like I've done all week is pick up plastic containers after hurricane Christopher.
It's even worse when he gets into the pots and pans, my newly sorted washing and peg basket, and the dishwasher. Babysitting anyone?
And don't forget, 1 week left in my Blogtoberfest giveaway, and a big thanks to those that have already entered.
See more creative spaces at Kirsty's Blog Kootoyoo.

2009-10-07T09:53:00.003+08:00

Look who recently moved in next door.

I love these neighbours. Their clucking reminds me of growing up in the country, and they provide a great source of delight and entertainment for Christopher when we feed them through the fence.

2009-10-06T08:00:00.000+08:00

When you have a little boy it's very hard to find fun boyish fabrics. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

After some searching I found Cosmo Cricket by Andover Fabrics. As it turned out they were the same people that made my favourite scrapbook paper too!

Cosmo Cricket isn't very well known in Australia. You have to search for their papers, and I haven't once walked into a fabric store here yet and found their fabrics, I purchase it online through Etsy.

But they're just irresistible. What's more, they're releasing a new range in October '09 based on their Girl Friday paper range.

The search is on!

2009-10-05T09:57:00.001+08:00

I've finished Christopher's quilt!

I don't know who's more amazed it actually got done, me or my crafting friend Tamara (see I do have patience!! I just had to find it).

There were several moments when I was stitching all those parallel lines that I wanted to put it aside and start something new, but with a little persistence and Tamara's nagging, we got there.

iSPY with my little eye...

2009-10-04T07:40:00.000+08:00

It appears I may be a little obsessed with felting, but look at these gorgeous acorns made by lilfishstudios on Etsy.

I'd really like some but I'm afraid of ordering them. I have a feeling customs wouldn't allow them through.

2009-10-03T12:17:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to Kate of My Little banshees for having some of her toys featured today in the WA magazine The West Weekend Magazine.

2009-10-03T09:10:00.000+08:00

I've completed another dress. But this one I can't part with, it's just too cute. I think I'll keep it in hope that one day I might have a little girl.

It's made with Joel Dewberry fabric that I bought several weeks ago.

I bought it with the intention of making it into a dress but when I received it I realised that I bought too much and too little of the wrong fabric. The dress was meant to be in the Modern buds and the trim in the Ginseng Tiles. But I think with the Teal ribbon, it worked well.

Freebie Friday

2009-10-02T13:26:00.001+08:00

I've come across some great sites with freebies in my travels since I've become blog obsessed.

So I've decided to share a few.

Firstly iDIY, every post of theirs is a freebie or a link to a tutorial of some sort. Seriously addictive, and great if you're planning a wedding.

Secondly, Aqua Poppy Designs. They have heaps of free (and nice!) web backgrounds.

Stay tuned for more next week, and if anyone has anymore freebie sites we'd all love to hear

Anti Procrastination week: Update

2009-10-02T08:46:00.001+08:00

Last weeks 'Anti Procrastination Week' was a big success.

I managed to complete all my items well and truely before the week was up. It went so well in fact that I started and have finished numerous other projects since.

The trio of dolls are ready and waiting to be given to the Salvation Army as gifts for children in need, the dresses are finished and one is the prize for my giveaway, the clay tags have dried and the stockings are ready to be hung.

I'm feeling quite satisfied right now!

Oh yay... a Giveaway!

2009-10-01T09:59:00.009+08:00

I'm taking the plunge. I'm joining in on Blogtoberfest. A post for everyday of the month. The pressure's on, what will I talk about?!

As part of Blogtoberfest and partly as a distraction I've decided to join in with the giveaways.

Up for grabs is one of my pillowcase dresses and all you need to do is to complete a survey about my blog site and Etsy store.

Click Here to take survey

Entries close 15th Oct 2009

For more Blogtoberfest giveaways visit Curly Pops Site

My Creative Space

2009-10-01T07:09:00.007+08:00

My Creative space this week, is once again on the dining table. I've started to make a quilt (a beginners quilt mind you) for Christopher's cot.

I've used Space Planes and Space Plane Stripes by Cosmo Cricket and backed it with an aqua polka dot fabric I bought from Spot Light for $4/m.

For those curious about my 'Anti Procrastination Week' from last week, it was a complete success, and all items have been finished (Yay!), but I'll post about that later when Christopher's not clinging to my leg.

My craft table on the other hand is hardly visible under all my craftiness.

The garbage bin is still up on the table out of Christopher's reach (I think this may become permanent).

I have loads of finished pillow case dresses, but I have a son.

I have finished Christmas stockings, but there's still 3 months till Christmas.

And I have Giraffes that I can't sell in the store because postage is too awkward with their size and shape.

Where am I going to put it all?! I want my craft table back :o(