her heart my hands

Ice Cream Social in action

2010-07-26T13:31:00.007+10:00

I think Eva is at her happiest when she is in a swing! That's when I see her biggest, cheesiest smiles.

She had such a ball at the park today and I must say her little tunic top looks so cute!! I bragged to Cass that I was going to do all my kids measurements before I sewed another thing for them but of course I didn't, ended up making the size 2 dress which was too small and then decided to make it a tunic top instead...I am in total agreement with Cindy, that you have to inject a little bit of yourself into your sewing.

I am relieved that I didn't use my 'good' fabric for this, although this fabric is pretty lovely. I do want to make a dress next time and I feel pretty proud of Eva that she fits a size 3!

I am coming up to my 400th post! I want to do a give away but can't think what to give. Any ideas??

finished (the quilt)

2010-07-25T14:16:00.008+10:00

I sewed on half the binding last night watching True Blood (Andrew and I are ADDICTED not sure why since it is a such BAD, BAD b grade production but we just love it) and the other half this morning whist the kids were watching some crap on TV so leaving me alone.

The fabric is Lila Tueller's Eden. My sister in law loves a pink and green colour combination and I also remember her saying something about not going too over board with girliness this time around so I hope this makes her happy!

I actually love how simple and clean the back looks with just a smidge of colour, I would be tempted to use that side as well.

I wanted to show you the ice cream social dress I have been working on but after letting Eva try it on for size she must have taken it off somewhere and hidden it because I can't find it anywhere...

So far

2010-07-23T17:48:00.004+10:00

So sorry for the uninspired picture - this was taken about 7:30 am, during the craziness of morning rush hour. We have had an almighty busy week here. I have begun a course (another one - yes I do get a little bored and antsy at home...) and my poor Lucia has been home all week with a high fever.

My sewing has been at night when I have had a moment and obviously my pictures are just as rushed!!

I have used a cotton batiste for the yoke and a check linen for the skirt. I opted to not have pockets as I felt the dress needed to be simple, however I do want to add a white band at the bottom. I hope to finish this by the weekend.

I am sorry that I haven't "visited" anyone for a while. I am so looking forward to spending a lazy few hours in front of the computer tomorrow and catch up on what everyone is up to - I miss you!!

I've started!!

2010-07-21T19:47:00.003+10:00

a new quilt

2010-07-20T11:44:00.005+10:00

For my niece Phoebe, only about 10 weeks late! I actually had the top sewn together way before she was born and then apparently life just got in the way because I am only just finishing the quilting now! I have hand quilted every night since Friday night and I am just enjoying it so much. I have been really conscientious about pinning every 2" to limit the bubbling effect that happens and I must say I am so happy with how it looks!

The back is a sweet pin dot from Spotlight. I had ordered some beautiful green online but when it arrived it was the wrong colour - I am actually happier with the dot anyway being a gorgeous contrast from the front.

Like Jesse's quilt I used fleece for the inner (batting?) which I really like because it's kind of heavy and more floppy. I like the way it feels and hangs. It's also really super warm. I just need to finish off the quilting bind it, and then hand it over!

As you can see from my sidebar I have signed up to the Ice Cream Social but frustratingly my pattern hasn't arrived yet!! So cranky! Hopefully I will be able to catch up though when it does finally get here!!

wordless weekend

2010-07-17T16:17:00.002+10:00

school holiday idea

2010-07-14T14:10:00.008+10:00

No, it's not original, but it's fun and tasty and we only ever seem to do it in school holidays!! My cooking is purely for sustenance, because we need to eat. I don't often cook superfluous things like cakes and cookies but I need to change that, like, now!!

We used this recipe which worked a treat. We baked for 10 minutes which in our dodgy old oven was perfect.

The cookie cutters are from Ikea, so crazy cute - the girls (Siena and Lucia) had loads of fun until Siena put Lucia's cutter in the flour for her and then Lucia had a major meltdown (very common) and then refused to participate in baking or eating the cookies.

That's cool though, I was enjoying the almost "Brady Bunch" feeling of the whole experience; baking with my kids, laughing and enjoying the clean up, it had to end at some point didn't it!

YUM!

This ones for you PMM - not really but read on...

2010-07-10T13:06:00.006+10:00

We have a 2nd birthday party to attend today. Of course I had grand plans of an embroidered, appliquéd patchwork drawstring bag containing goodies, but that did not happen, instead this simple lined bag was made to hold a SUPER cute book I found at our local book store.

See that high five - SO PMM! Half her blog posts are filled with happy high fives, she has the best blog, I just adore it!

So while this book is going to a sweet little 2 year old it was bought with the spirit of PMM in mind!!

color and creating and stuff!

2010-07-09T10:10:00.008+10:00

My new yellow box! I was looking at it with my scrap bucket on it this morning eating my breakfast (vegemite toast like I eat every single morning) musing over how cool all the colors were together! I have ordered some of this to go on my table. I am planning on transforming our bleak, white RENTED space to something that we all love and feel is OURS!

Look at Lucia's ridiculous face! What the! Anyway this is our new improved bean bag! Remember the enormous Jabba the Hut bean bag (oh my goodness Eva still has her tube in that photo!!) Well that bean bag just died. Wrong fabric, very little in the way of seam support and it just kept ripping open and you can imagine the consequences of that! This is one home dec fabric and all the seams are sewn then overlocked! It's the smaller size too so it fits in our lounge room much more comfortably too.

Lastly I covered the kids gross old and most probably diseased Ikea table. That table has been through hell with my kids so I finally (cleverly) decided to cover it with plastic so it can be wiped off (how come it took me years to figure that out!!).
The paper is beautiful wrapping paper I bought for Siena's birthday present but at the last minute I couldn't part with it. It works so well on the table and then covered with some plastic I bought at Bunnings. I love it!

wordless weekend

2010-07-04T14:20:00.004+10:00

Little Red Riding Hood!

2010-07-01T09:01:00.007+10:00

Lucia's school is holding a fund-raiser today to raise money for Ian Thorpes Fountain for Youth. She needed to wear something red, or come as a book character plus bring a donation. I was so sure she was going to pick Tashi as her fave character, but luckily she chose Little Red instead as I was a bit concerned about making a Tashi costume!

It is so exciting for me to witness Lucia loving to read independently, she has just excelled in reading this year and is just beginning to realise the abundance of books out there to discover!

The fabric for the cloak was from the remnant bin at Spotlight (of course), I lined the hood with red flannelette and also used flannelette for the binding. I sewed satin ribbons into the hood to hold it together.

I traced the hood pattern from an Ottobre magazine (I really wanted a pointy hood) and the rest I just winged really. Of course now Eva wants one (a yellow one at that!) I am so happy to make her one, don't kids just transform as soon as they are in dress ups, they become totally different little people.

The rest of Lucia's costume was totally her idea, I just let her wear what she wanted to. I think she looks pretty cute!!

Sunday Craft Day

2010-06-29T10:12:00.007+10:00

Was combined with another sample swap hosted by Cass. I adore her sample swaps and I am impatiently waiting for the next one (did you really say Christmas time Cass- that's so far away!!). As you know I used the Cosmo Cricket fabric in my swap items but unfortunately forgot to take a picture - duh!! I made some gorgeous heat packs - using various tutorials found online changing things as I went along, I want someone to tell me what to do but then I don't...

This beautiful handmade soy candle was made by Belinda

This amazing completely handmade photo album was made by Peta (no blog) from the Hills Craftroom it is so beautiful - I adore it!

An amazing bag made from this beautiful fabric from another Belinda (not sure of her blog) which I love, although my bag situation is getting a tad out of control here.

And this cute pin cushion from Gina (no blog) to add to my collection!

I was lucky enough to be sitting next to Mel for the day, she kept me entertained with great conversation and general silliness! It was great to catch up with friends and also meet new people and see what everyone was up to.

I made another Schoolhouse Tunic which I just love but is currently in the wash so I'll blog about it tomorrow.

I heart Cosmo Cricket

2010-06-24T15:39:00.004+10:00

These arrived just in the nick of time they are being used for Cass' sample swap! I have been thinking about my project for ages and have been just itching to get started.

Isn't this Cosmo Cricket Early Bird fabric amazing!

These little swap items need to be finished for Sunday craft day so I need to get cracking, hopefully I will post a little sneaky peak before that!!

updates

2010-06-23T13:17:00.007+10:00

Eva:

Has developed pneumonia. Last time was in November 09 and she was hospitalised so we are lucky this time she is home. This kid is tough - and tricky!! I thought she was just having an asthma episode, a routine check up with her paediatrician and an x ray later revealed something different. I felt so guilty, and so perplexed as well. I am meant to know my girl, after all we have been through together, hundreds of x rays, doctor visits, surgeries, hospitalisations etc and I got it wrong. She is chirpy though, happy and non plussed. I love that about her. Andrew and I have been having some big chats about Eva's future for the first time in a long time. Knowing how to provide her with the most normal childhood possible and also keeping her safe and everyone educated about her feels so stressful.

Nera:

Is getting bigger and bigger. She eats an enormous amount for her size. I caught her scratching in her food bowl which I thought was pretty cute since she has no other chickens to look at. She squawks so loudly when she is hungry and is super feisty, chirping and pecking you when you go to pick her up.

Siena gets to keep her forever is she wants but to complete the animal husbandry part of agriculture she only needs to raise her to maturity. There have been some grumblings on the part of Andrew about keeping her which really surprised me since he has had a 'no animal' policy ever since I have known him. We are all rather taken with young Nera and I think she may be melting his heart!! I also think he just wants a wood working project and she provides him with such since she will need a coup!!

Me:

No this top isn't for me! This is just some sewing I have been doing. This is actually a muslin for a shirt for Eva. If you decide to make this shirt be warned I couldn't find any instructions! It had a bounty of mistakes but I actually think it looks good. I struggled with that yoked neck. I adore the look of a yoked neck but getting it even and matching up is hard I think.

I love the seam detail at the front, the back is meant to have 2 darts but I omitted them, it seemed unnecessary for a toddler top to have darts, I prefer a looser, easy to wear top. It is big enough for a long sleeved t shirt underneath and now I want to make her a little denim mini to go with it!!

Cute

2010-06-18T17:02:00.006+10:00

This is Nera, Siena's 2 day old chicken she has to raise as part of her Agriculture subject. She has been a BIG hit with the 2 littlies, Eva's enthusiasm has caused me to hold my breath a few times as I witness overly demonstrative love to this fragile little creature.

Her name was thought up by me! Her beautiful black feathers made me think nero which is the Italian word for black and as she is a girl, naturally it had to be Nera, so there you go. It's a pretty name for a pretty chick.

!

2010-06-18T13:40:00.001+10:00

I am playing with my blog so it looks a little CRAZY right now...

winter warmers

2010-06-15T11:57:00.007+10:00

Needing to keep my little Eva's chest warm has become so important to me lately!! I feel like my mum is whispering in my ear reminding me to do this especially now she has developed another cold this Winter and with it a nasty cough.

I was so inspired by Kate and Nan's take on quilted clothing I decided to use this element in this gorgeous little vest taken from Ottobre Winter 6/2009

I used a beautiful linen on the outside and quilted flannelette to it and the lining is that velour I bought from the oppy that is just going and going! So you can imagine how warm and cosy this little vest is, plus I think pretty cute too!

Whilst I was rummaging through my fabric drawers looking for suitable fabric to make Lucia her own vest (because of course she loves what I maker her sister, not her Grrr) I found a long strip of faux sheepskin that I snaffled from Spotlight's lucrative remnant bin (I love that bin!) and immediately thought of my new niece Phoebe and wanted to make her one!

it certainly is going to keep her little chest warm and I hope it is comfortable too. The suede like fabric is so soft and silky (Lucia took an off cut to school today to rub on her face...) and the faux wool is so warm.

We are seeing little Phoebe tonight so hopefully it fits (and her mum likes it - yikes!!)

new pants

2010-06-12T15:25:00.006+10:00

For my middle girl. You're all jealous of our Astro Turf aren't you? Gorgeous stuff!

She was pretty happy to put them on and do some major catwalk turns and poses in them. I thought I was onto a winner.

But when the first opportunity came up for her to wear them she was full of excuses why she couldn't, at the same time telling me how much she really did love them, grrrr!

I might have to pull the grouchy mother on her one day and force her to wear them, they are so warm and comfortable.

p.s I could not get Eva out of the shots - she was loving the shoot as much as Lucia was!

more swap goodness

2010-06-08T13:31:00.006+10:00

My beautiful bag made by Cass for Cass' swap! I love it, so does everyone who sees it!

My amazing lunch bag from Karen, this bag is amazing, insulated as well. Eva takes it to pre school and the teachers just love it.

A fantastic purse from Trash I am using it to store all my labels.

More swap goodness from Cass, she can't help herself she just makes more and more. You're so generous Cass thanks for being the best swap organiser!!

I also received an amazing wash cloth from Donna - it is so soft and beautiful, I use it every morning in the shower.

Sheridan spoilt us with patchwork tea towels. So pretty, but currently not being used as a tea towel - it's too lovely so I am figuring out how to display it without ruining it!

swap goodness

2010-06-04T17:17:00.006+10:00

I put my hand up for a this fun sounding hair clip swap, mainly because I haven't been in a hair clip swap before and I wanted to have a go at making some.

I made all these last night (apart from the gluing bit) whilst Andrew and I watched the finale of The Colony (awesome series by the way). You have to love crafts you can do whilst watching TV

And yes I know I STILL haven't shown my swap goodies from SIT (as my sister shirtily pointed out today!)I will get to it I promise!

I want to give a very big shout out to my dearest husband who is coming with me to Canberra Handamde Market. He didn't even hesitate when I asked him to help me out because Melanie wasn't able to. He is such a supportive generous man, I love you Andrew!!

my very clever daughter

2010-06-01T16:04:00.003+10:00

Made these rings in her metal work class.

She made one for herself a couple of weeks ago and when she bought it home I begged her for it but instead she said she would make me one. True to her word, she bought it home today!

What an awesome subject to offer at school, how much fun would that class be!

has it really been 6 days?

2010-05-31T12:09:00.004+10:00

It must be the weather - it's still raining. Still! The rain starts to get me down after a while. I haven't had the urge to write, or take pictures. Just getting in the mood to sew takes effort. Whine, whine, whine, moan, moan, moan!!!

I have been sewing a few things, mainly kiddie clothing for Canberra Handmade Market this Saturday and a couple of things for the girls...I would really love to show you some pictures but Blogger keeps going all temperamental on me so I will try later on today and insert relevant pictures into relevant paragraphs!

Melanie and I had a fun day last week taking pictures of Ellie, Finn and Evie in Barefoot Babies, at a national park. I have some stellar pictures of Eva running around in her red striped tights and big black boots...that's all...she refused to get dressed (such are my little girls) and I don't generally fight with her on it.

Anyhoo, back to draping washed clothes all about our house in the vain hopes that things will dry, I went and bought new knickers for most of us (Siena has an unnaturally large amount of underwear...)just to ease the tension on that front, nothing like scavenging for clean undies on a cold wet morning!!

raining again

2010-05-25T13:02:00.003+10:00

out of order

2010-05-24T12:10:00.007+10:00

It is still raining - and it's crazy cold, so hard to get out of bed, so hard to walk from the bathroom to the bedroom after a shower and the cold air hits you like a blizzard when you open the bathroom door.

So I made a skirt. It is much nicer to put on tights and a skirt than cold jeans. I am wearing super warm thick tights with sneakers, I look like a dork but I am warm and the only place I am going today is school (Lucia's) and pre school so no need to impress.

I made my skirt a little different. Because I was using linen that doesn't have great drape I sewed down my pleats so they sit flatter. Also I made the skirt to sit on my belly button (is that mid waist? I don't know) rather than my true waist. I do not like anything sitting on my waist, it irritates me and I end up just tugging and pulling it down.

It is also fully lined! I am so happy that I took the time to line it, it makes the skirt warmer for sure and also gives it some substance. I bought this lining from Lincraft although I don't know if it technically is lining but has the same synthetic feel to me and worked really well.

And reason for the title - I still haven't showed you my SIT goodies! I will I promise!

aftermath

2010-05-18T12:40:00.006+10:00

I am tired, still so tired! What an amazing jam packed weekend I had! Sew it Together was amazing, even more amazing was the amount of organising that went into it - I can't imagine taking on that job but Sheridan managed it superbly!

Thank you to my lovely friend Cindy who billeted me. It was great to get to know her a little more and spend time with her beautiful family.

I was actually pretty productive on the Saturday crafting day, mainly because I was crazy shy and couldn't manage to get myself to chat to many people. I was approached by lots of people who commented on my Schoolhouse Tunic made from this beautiful fabric. I sure did a lot of selling for Sew Liberated patterns, nearly everyone who complimented my tunic went onto say they were going to make one!!

These pants are reversible and although look a little on the skinny side actually fit Eva really well although I am so happy I added a waist band, because even with the extra height they are still underneath her belly button!

This is one of my swap items from Cass' swap. Lizzie made it and I absolutely love it, it's so big and sturdy! I wanted to take more pictures but the weather today is CRAPOLA!!

This is from my bedroom window just before it started to pour!

As you can tell from this post I am still a little scattered and not my usual concise self (ahem!) so more tomorrow!

her heart my hands

Ice Cream Social in action

finished (the quilt)

So far

I've started!!

a new quilt

wordless weekend

school holiday idea

This ones for you PMM - not really but read on...

color and creating and stuff!

wordless weekend

Little Red Riding Hood!

Sunday Craft Day

I *heart* Cosmo Cricket

updates

Cute

winter warmers

new pants

more swap goodness

swap goodness

my very clever daughter

has it really been 6 days?

raining again

out of order

aftermath

I heart Cosmo Cricket