her heart my hands

school

2012-02-02T14:09:00.006+11:00

She had been looking forward to this day for such a long time. This morning she woke early, excited, jittery, but nervous. Having daddy around made the day more special and she spent a lot of time having morning cuddles.

Next to Andrew she looks so tiny. I just couldn't believe we had arrived at this day, after so many ups and downs, health issues, eating issues, growth issues, she was going to school.

The excitement turned to tears and stress at school. Andrew and I couldn't leave, she cried, it broke my heart. No amount of cajoling or bribing could get her to let go of my hand, Andrew decided we had to be firm and so we left as tears were welling in her eyes...

Fast forward to this afternoon - she does not want to go back to school, BUT she had a great day, her teacher is lovely, sweet and kind (her words) and she made new friends. I am sure the next couple of weeks will be tricky for her but we will get through.

smalls for smalls

2012-01-31T17:14:00.006+11:00

Geez - SO hard to get Eva to let me take a photo of her new knickers! All the photos are blurry.

This pattern is Ottobre 06/2010 and it's fantastic! I just love fuller briefs on little girls. I just love Absorba underwear for it's quality and design but it is just too expensive to justify buying.

I just used Stella scraps from Crafty Mamas. I love the giant heart on her bum, because I just love that bum. It's so tiny, the smallest little bum out there, still fits into one hand!

my overlocker and I are yet to find simpatico with each other. You can clearly see the pulling of the fabric on the side seams and the overlocker threads coming though although I tried so hard to get good tension. I have a feeling it needs a service, but I am just going to ignore it till I can't any longer...

I have cut another 3 pairs and hopefully I will good picture for you!

school's back!

2012-01-30T10:57:00.004+11:00

Wishing Lucia has a fabulous day! When I said goodbye to her she was already signing herself up to tee ball with her girlfriends! Eva cried saying goodbye to her big sister best friend - it's going to be quiet here till Eva starts school on Thursday!

Love you Lulu!

making

2012-01-25T14:04:00.006+11:00

Seriously cute baby things for a little girl yet to be born. This was fun, I love sewing baby stuff.

I used a scallop stitch on the back yoke for something different and I love how pretty it turned out. I don't use many of the 'novelty' stitches on my machine - I kind of forget they are there. I lined the bloomers with a beautiful soft gauzy cotton, they are so balloony and puffy, SO cute!!

And a sweet pair of lounge pants for a sweet girlfriend.
I was meant to give these to her before she left for OS last Friday but, I guess I will have to post them to her as I was just a tad late in finishing them off...

swapperoo

2012-01-23T14:39:00.005+11:00

I was pretty excited to read about Vic's mixtape swap. I know as soon as uni starts I won't have the nerve to sign up to swap deadlines I may not be able to meet so this might be my last one till the end of the year!

Here's the playlist. A very chilled set of tunes. It was super hard to come up with a 'theme' to the disc. With so many songs in my library I just didn't know where to start. After reading the blog of one of my swapee's who was having trouble getting her baby to sleep, I took that opportunity to create a relaxed music disc, which I hope is appreciated by all.

I also sent one to my bestie - Sjaan, check your letter box!!

making

2012-01-16T19:12:00.008+11:00

Another Tiny Pocket Tank from Grainline Studio (you will need to Google it because blogger is being an arse right now)
My first one is here. It is my favourite top ever. It is the perfect shape for me, it's modern, it's workable with so many different fabrics, it's cheap, it's just awesome! I am planning more. Some that are more formal, in silk and chiffon, I am going to go tiny pocket tank crazy!! Lucia took this photo - she is pretty good. She was cross when I wouldn't smile - it's dorky enough having your photo taken for the sake of a shirt, I just didn't know what expression was the right one...

Bakery treats...Lucia and Eva played for about 2 hours with playdoh and cookie cutters!

Poached peaches. I used a simple sugar syrup (2 parts water 1 part sugar - simmer for about 10 minutes) but try adding a cinnamon stick or rose water - yum!

Lucia and Eva were naturally dubious of 'cooked' peaches, as they are dubious of most food but after some gentle prodding, they scoffed them down. It's a great way to use up peaches that have been languishing in the fruit bowl too long or when you see crazy cheap peaches and cannot let a bargain go by (that's me in a nutshell!)

I eat mine with muesli and Greek yogurt. Delicious!

walking with dinosaurs

2012-01-07T19:51:00.005+11:00

If you have kids who are into dinosaurs (and you live in Sydney!) then you must get along to the Australian Museum to see a live dinosaur show!

Winny is a gorgeous 3 year old Australian dinosaur and the 15 minute show is a fantastically real and exciting experience for kids and adults. Lucia (totally got that Winny had a human inside but was nonetheless enthralled) and Eva were captivated by the 'realness' of Winny and the fun presentation of figuring out whether your dinosaur is healthy or not (the usual checking poo and snot - Lucia was in heaven!), what dinosaurs eat, where they live etc. For $5 plus admission price it is an excellent school holiday day out!

My kids are lunatics! Eva just screams at the camera and Lucia does her best "What you talking about girlfriend" pose...seriously!

She's a handful of cuteness!

new year = new skirt?

2012-01-03T14:50:00.006+11:00

Ever since I made this top for Lucia I have been wanting a vibrant red skirt to go with it.

The fabric is some poly cotton mix which isn't great BUT it's all I had on hand and after chucking out 3 bags of fabric after Christmas it felt a little wrong to go and BUY some more. I am not sure how this fabric came to be in my possession but it certainly feels like the red skirt was meant to be.

I remember first finding American quilting fabrics and falling in love with the colours and patterns and just sewing everything for the girls in this kaleidoscope of fabrics which of course meant that nothing matched and much was left unworn... an important and expensive lesson I have learned is buying fabric to match what is already in their wardrobe or buying a variety of fabrics that co-ordinate so things will go together.

Stretch fabric from Crafty Mams
Patterns from Ottobre

Happy New year

2012-01-01T16:41:00.003+11:00

Me and my girls would like to wish you a very happy new year.

And I bet Andrew does too in his own special way!

It was a HECTIC year. I started to lose it a bit towards the end there, I was very happy for the reprieve and now for the chance to evaluate the past and make sure I am not heading down the road to crazy too often this time around.

I scored a distinction in my anatomy and physiology exam...80%...thank you very much! So chuffed, I kept re-reading and I asked Lucia to read it back to me because I was SO worried about that one and I just couldn't believe that I did so well. Time for you all to start calling me Nursy - ok, no, Sophie is fine actually.

No resolutions of such for me, I feel a little like PMM, when you don't live up to your own standards it can make you feel crapola, so I am sticking to just trying to manage my time better (a perennial favourite for me) and make sure I look after my mental health (another favourite).

Thank you for your love, care, energy, time, compassion, inspiration, knowledge, wisdom. I adore this place, I adore you.

Christmas time

2011-12-21T14:44:00.008+11:00

Siena left my camera at Andrew's aunties house - Grrr! I am lost without it. Do you know that twice there were opportunities for someone to drop it off but both times it was forgotten! So I decided to take photos with my Galaxy and try to jazz them up using the pixlr-o-matic app.

I am not so sure of the jazzing up bit...the grainy texture and garish light is a bit much huh? It's so hard to take a decent photo from a phone. Grr!!

Anyway, photos at David Jones were fabulous - the girls were SO well behaved. I can expect that from Lucia being that bit older (7) but Eva is usually completely mental in shopping centres, but today she laid on the floor right near Santa and just stared at him until it was our turn. Unfortunately she asked for a huge jumping castle AND a tree house for Christmas, neither of which she is getting. I was giving Santa the old 'eye' hoping he would say something useful like a tree house wouldn't even fit on the sleigh but alas, no, instead he said that sounded like a terrific present. Thanks a bunch Santa!

The girl's dresses were made by me. Very easy pattern, beautiful soft gauzy fabric from Spotlight for only $5 p/m! Vintage lace trim from here, took the dresses from pretty to special. Leggings from Cotton On.

Update on my dad: He is feeling really well. He has recovered so quickly from his surgery. He lost 10kgs in hospital though, so much skinnier than what I am used to. Chemo starts in January, so until then he is eating well and resting up to make himself as healthy as possible for that time.

from sadness comes...

2011-12-07T13:48:00.009+11:00

TOGETHERNESS

The news of my dad's illness bought my biggest sister down from Queensland with her boy Jesse. It was fantastic for all the cousins to play and especially for Jesse to get to know his extended family that he hadn't met properly before. Sydney blessed us with a perfect day for playing and barbequing.

Eva certainly was happy for a new faces, new energy, new experiences. She thought my sister Stefanie was awesome and followed poor little Jesse everywhere, fussing over all his needs. It's so important to nurture those relationships outside of the immediate family. I feel really privileged that my kids have supportive, caring aunts and uncles who love them and care for them so deeply.

BIRTHDAYS

My littlest imp Eva turned 5 today! What an amazing milestone for this little girl who fought so hard to stay with us. She is so feisty, bold and outspoken. I can hardly believe the personality that bursts forth from such a little body!

Look how young they all are! Oh my, the years have just flown by. Eva has had her healthiest year ever with exactly zero hospital visits this year! Hello Health, we heart you!!

THANKFULNESS

For all the comments, emails, visits and chats I have had via this blog and my community. Thank you for saying something, for taking the time to let me know that you care. I could not ever let you know how much I appreciate it.

There is no title that sums it up

2011-11-26T16:51:00.002+11:00

My dad has cancer. Advanced colon cancer that has spread at least to his liver but we don't yet know the full extent.

my mother died of breast cancer on the 1st July 1998.

Cancer is a fucking bastard.

Christmas Swap

2011-11-23T14:17:00.007+11:00

For The Haby Goddess

I signed up to this swap before my last exam. I really needed something to look forward to and I haven't been involved in a swap for the longest time. I thought a Christmas themed swap would be easy but something happened to my creative flow during the past few months...settling down to do some crafting I couldn't think of a single thing to make. I ended up calling my trusty helper husband for some advice.

The conversations went something like this:

Me: "Hi sweetie"
A: "Hmmmm"
Me: "I don't want to bother you but I am having a little trouble with something"
A: "Hmmmm"
Me: "Well, I joined up to this Christmas swap thingy and for the life of me I cannot think of anything to make"
A: (silence)
Me: "I keep thinking a tree ornament but everything I look at online looks too hard, I want to do some embroidery but I really suck at embroidery, then I thought maybe something like a little folky bird with blanket stitch, you know"
A: (silence)
Me: "I need it finished by Friday...waaah, freaking out!!"
A: (silence)
Me: "I know - I'll make a wreath!! Yay a wreath.... yay me - thanks so much sweetie. See you tonight"

As you can see, my husband's insistence on staying silent when I talk craft really is enormously helpful. He thought it looked beautiful (as did the girls) so I am feeling pretty good about it.

Isn't that Scandi style fabric pretty. I bought it at Spotlight and it works perfectly glued to the back of the wreath to cover up the ribbon ends.

I'll tell you what though, it feels nothing like Christmas right now - freezing cold, wet, windy, yuck!

and then I realised she was big and going to school next year

2011-11-04T09:42:00.004+11:00

This is the bush track that leads to Lucia's school. It's a familiar walk for Eva, Lucia and I. Today though was all about Eva, as she is at orientation right now.

She ran so fast down this path, I had to speed walk to keep up with her. Over her shoulder she kept throwing comments at me so fast that I couldn't properly digest what she was saying...stuff like:

"I don't need a cuddly anymore, I'm too big"
"Where is my classroom?"
"Will I see Lucia today?"
"Will Abbey be here?"
"When can I start big school?"

She let go of my hand in the classroom and moved to be closer to the other yellow name tag kids. She kept looking at me and smiling, her excitement was palpable. When it was time to walk to KC classroom she waved and told me she loved me then she was gone.

I walked alone up the bush track with tears in my eyes, trying to brush them away, I didn't want the other mums seeing my vulnerability. At home I cried, only because she is my last...that's it. And she was so ready, more ready than I realised, but by geez I wasn't, not at all. Those tears took me by surprise!

my place and yours

2011-10-31T11:43:00.004+11:00

I am playing along with Vic's meme this week. I am procrastinating writing an assessment and studying for uni exams...keep watching for more blog posts from me...

My side. A collection of books waiting until exams are over and a little text book in there too if i am having trouble getting to sleep.

Current wall art includes some science study...and a Skywalker picture from the Star Wars obsessed Lucia. Do you see that paper ribbon stuck on the picture? Lucia made that for me one night when I was dancing in the kitchen. It reads: 1st Best Dancer! Damn straight!

Evie's bed. All clean and made after a night of puking. That's the 3rd and last kid with gastro so hopefully it's making its way somewhere else now!

wordless weekend

2011-10-30T13:43:00.002+11:00

out and about

2011-10-19T09:29:00.007+11:00

I was excited to visit Michael Landy's Acts of Kindness exhibition in Sydney on Sunday. This exhibition was included in Concrete Playground, a cultural newsletter filled with all kinds of fun stuff to do in Sydney (and Melbourne, Brisbane & Auckland)

Lucia and Eva were on a mission to find as many puzzles pieces as possible, walking all the way from Martin Place, down to the Quay and back up to the Pitt St Mall without complaining at all. All the stories that we read were so heartwarming, from the simplest of being able to give directions to a lost person to someone giving another person their umbrella on a rainy day and a stranger helping another stranger for an hour to get their car started...such beautiful stories that really cemented the fact that human beings for the most part are good and generous.

The family - that shot of Lucia is perfect. That's her in a nutshell: "C'mooooooon!!"

We took a turn down Angel Pl and discovered upon the most beautiful artwork any of us had ever seen. Forgotten Songs is a representation of all the Australian native birds that used to live in the CBD area before it was turned into a city. Each cage represents an extinct bird or a bird that has been pushed to the outer fringes of the city in search of native vegetation.

Not only were cages part of the exhibition but there were recordings of these birds playing - in tune with the cars and buses, making it quite a surreal experience (you never hear birds in the city). I felt quite privileged to have seen this art and to have the kids feel so excited by it (Siena took about a bazillion photos - ran my battery out!)- I highly recommend having a look of possible.

We also squeezed in a visit to the fabulous Darling Quarter, which is AMAZING! Definitely taking Lucia out of school for a day and going back (it was crazy crowded - crazy!!)- it's that good! Don't forget your swimmers!

simple sewing

2011-10-13T13:43:00.009+11:00

Easy cushion covers (no pattern or tutorial, just winged it). 2 cushions looks a bit dumb on our sofa though, I have no idea why I don't ever buy proper quantities of things because I always regret it and it takes me ages to buy more...Top fabric is a canvas Lotta Jansdotter gifted to me from Belinda formerly of Tutti Frutti. The second fabric is from Ikea where I also bought the inserts. 50cm square at $6 each and they are beautiful quality...need to get more.

Beautiful Sorbetto top from the awesome Colette Patterns. Fabric from Denyse Schmidt , a gorgeous retro floral voile. The only reason I was able to make this top was through the kindness of Bec who after reading about my printer frustrations, printed the pattern out for me and posted it to me along with some beautiful vintage fabric!

I made a straight up size US6 (Australian 10)no major modifications except to only make a 0.5cm hem as I wanted to keep as much length as possible. This top took a few nights to make, not because it is hard, in fact it is very easy, beautifully drafted, great instructions, but because I was just sewing in short increments. Anyway, this morning I went to wear it and I do not like it on me. I think it's the fabric, the background is a cream colour and I really don't look good in cream, I only wear white. So, if you want it, it's yours to the first who puts up their hand. I am happy to post OS.

new shorts!

2011-09-30T11:57:00.006+10:00

Using the very easy and quick Elsie Marley knot shorts tutorial, these shorts came together very quickly and look just adorable.

I used a beautiful Kaufman aqua linen/cotton blend and some grey linen from the stash, and thankfully Lucia thought they were pretty cool. She has been at tennis camp all week and desperately needed some new play clothes, going back over kids clothing weeks gave loads of ideas and inspiration.

My only issue is that the ties come undone...and Lucia doesn't always care to do them up again thinking it's funny to have them flapping around her legs (it looks pretty awful) so I think I am going to try and sew the ties together to alleviate that.

Just coz!

enjoying

2011-09-26T14:45:00.006+10:00

This kid!

When it's just me and Evie home together, she doesn't have to share licking the whisk, or spoon, or bowl. And she doesn't do anything without Pink Bunny.

Smoothies! With strawbs dirt cheap we are drinking yogurt laden smoothies everyday and loving it.

As an aside please shoot over to Cam's blog and voice your disappointment regarding organ transplant funding. It's pretty despicable and especially frustrating for Cam who has recently been put on the list.

bus stop baby

2011-09-22T16:11:00.003+10:00

It was a very exciting day when Lucia received her bus pass - it had been a long time coming. She has been wanting to catch the bus home since year 1 but I was not comfortable with it at all. Finally nearing the end of year 2 after much pestering I said she could bring the application form home, which she did, which sat on my desk for a long time. Finally, with Lucia standing over me, I filled it in and a week later she had her pass.

The first day she caught it, I followed the bus, and made the mistake of getting too close so she saw me. She met me at the bus stop with tears welling in her eyes demanding why I treat her like a baby, like a kindergartener...from now on I walk to the bus stop with Eva and with Lucia's scooter and we make the short walk home in happy joyful moods. It's the little things in life isn't it!

Mondays

2011-09-19T21:09:00.008+10:00

My Monday mornings are pretty rad. I drive into the city just after peak hour, to my coaching class, prac and lecture on health and homeostasis. I know that doesn't sound rad, but to me it's awesome. I'll tell you why.

Once upon a time, driving to a new place would have me in such a mess of heart palpitations and anxiety filled terror that rarely would I do it, without intense research beforehand. Knowing I had to drive to the City Campus every Monday this semester gave me nightmares for months before the event. I was sure I would get lost, have an accident, not find my class, not find a car park that I just didn't want to do it.

It only took about 4 weeks for me to settle in to the routine, that is 4 weeks of using the TomTom to go the exact same route (hey, maybe they changed the road direction over the course of a weekend...). I park at the exact same place and smile at the cranky attendant. Get my coffee at the same cafe (Toby's Estate - delicious), go to the same building and meet up with my peeps. I am stoked that I am experiencing a new part of Sydney, that I go to uni right opposite the ABC building (702 is my favourite station and I am in love with Deb Cameron and Richard Glover simultaneously) and learn a pretty exciting and dynamic subject.

Hope your Monday's are pretty cool too.

around the house

2011-09-15T13:06:00.008+10:00

Hello Spring!

New cushion covers.

Sweet houses.

Kids art.

New skirt for me.

Sisterly love.

Teenage tastes.

I'm working on not feeling guilty for doing anything apart from uni work. Balance is the key (my mantra right now)and free time is OK. wandering around my somewhat messy home today I realise how much I am missing with my uni/kids blinkers on. Starting on a new skirt for me has made me very happy and a little more energized about doing a bit of study later on. Everything in moderation I say.

Thanks Hannah for the push, I needed it.
xx

I'm here

2011-09-11T16:15:00.005+10:00

I thought it had only been about 2 weeks since I was here, but it's more like 3! It's amazing how fast that time has gone. There has been quite a lot of crafting going on considering how hectic uni is and the amount of study and revision I feel expected to do. Somehow I am finding the time, but obviously not enough time to blog about it unfortunately!

Lucia, Eva and I were pretty lucky to go to a Heartkids fun day completely hosted by the Northern Beaches Social Riders.

It was a day of music, jumping castles, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, tattoos and lots of good stuff to eat. Heartkids is so lucky to have such a generous sponsor who do so much to raise money for sick (not just heart) kids.

Right now I am back at the computer, doing an assignment. The kids are gone and the house is quiet so I must grab the opportunity whilst it is here.

discovery

2011-08-13T22:04:00.005+10:00

Thanks so much to Cass, my family were able to spend the afternoon at The Powerhouse Discovery Centre - today being the day of The Handmade Revolution.

We were so blessed in Sydney today with perfect bare arm weather. Most of us (teenager excluded) were in good spirits and happy to be out and about 'discovering'.

Lucia was happy to have a shot at knitting with the 3 metre needles, the rope coming off the needles was perfectly knotted and Andrew was getting excited at the prospect of being able knitting his own hammock one day...I suppose that's what the day was all about, being creative and inspired (although quite a lofty aspiration).

We all joined in (teenager excluded) making paper lace which I really loved...nothing like hacking into random pieces of paper and gluing it all back together to ease the stress of study, study and more study (which composes a large proportion of my life right now).

It was lovely to bump into Cass and Charlotte, I also saw Suzy too but by the time we arrived most of the bloggers had left...we do find it hard to get going on a Saturday that's for sure!

mountains

2011-08-03T10:53:00.007+10:00

I remembered to pack pretty much everything, except my SLR, so these pics are from my phone...never mind, in the whole scheme of things the camera is not important.

A major focus for me was to spend more time with this beautiful lady who has been spending too much time in her bedroom of late. With no internet, TV, phone reception, or much of anything else on a remote farm, we had ample family time.

The 2 best things for me were; Lucia building and lighting a fire by herself (with some guidance from our resident boy scout Andrew). Being the outdoorsy girl that she is, the whole process from collecting kindling to knowing when to add more wood to the fire was so wonderful for me to witness and so confidence boosting for her. The reward was then toasting 2 packets of marshmallows and nearly being sick!!

And the other was definitely just being together, no quarrels, no disagreements, just long, long walks, breath-taking views, laughter and quiet, hot chocolates and treats, board games and fires. It was fantastic.

the day the op shop sun shone upon me

2011-07-27T14:10:00.007+10:00

I actually was headed to a new quilting fabric shop that I just discovered (inside the new gateway building, level 4 Mona Vale for the locals), but decided on a whim to take a quick detour to the Salvos op shop just in case I find a treasure (though I rarely do) - and boy, we struck gold!

Some games for our weekend away in the Blue Mountains, no internet or TV will be a welcome relief as I have been feeling overwhelmed by technology lately and I think this family needs a rest. We are also taking Uno (Lucia's absolute favourite game - as long as she wins) and Settlers of Catan for Siena, Andrew and I when the little ones have gone to bed.

Hopefully there will be time for reading.

I got this for Eva, but in hindsight it is maybe to young for her. She knows her ABC's and is interested in stories more than pictures, but the illustrations in here are just beautiful!

If she doesn't like it then I might just keep it for myself - want to hear a confession? It won't be the first time I have bought a book from the oppy for one of the girls but then kept it for myself...

How's this for a stunning vintage pattern? I heart it big time...especially those frills over the shoulders! LOVE!

the past

2011-07-26T14:26:00.005+10:00

This is my mum, probably around 1966/7. Not sure if this was after she married my dad or during their engagement.

These are from her Wedding Book where she wrote about the plans leading up to the wedding, the engagement and the wedding itself. It was funny to see that she is like me in that half or more the pages were blank...I am sure her intentions were good and gee I am so happy she stuck these 2 photos in, they are precious.

sisters

2011-07-17T17:38:00.002+10:00

It's art

2011-07-13T13:32:00.004+10:00

When I saw this fabric at Spotty a while ago, I just fell in love. It's weird how sometimes you fall in love with a fabric that is completely not 'you' - I am usually a neutral girl, blacks, whites, greys, blues, and that's pretty much it BUT this fabric felt like a painting so I bought it.

Unfortunately, the fabric (feels like damask) and the style (typical peasant style dress) makes it look like an art smock rather than an arty looking smock dress. Good thing Eva cares not for what she wears and managed to pull it off quite well I think.

The sweet was an accessory, looks great doesn't it.

goodies

2011-07-08T15:42:00.004+10:00

Little snippets of sewing being done here amidst the chaos and activity of school holidays. Nothing major, nothing that I was hoping to achieve but the holidays so far have really been fun without too much thought and plan. The kids happy to play at friend's houses, visiting the library or a trip for sushi is an adventure (I have moved passed sushi to gyoza, there is no going back). Now I can see my 2 little ones in the backyard, directing play with the 2 boys from next door - those boys will be compliant for only so long I imagine - judging a dancing competition probably isn't what they came over for.

This is a little set I cut up ages ago for a new baby boy but only managed to sew it up today. The lining and binding is spectacularly cheap Ikea fabric which manages to work really well (I think) with the Japanese Linen.

Who doesn't love a lucky dip? When the beautiful and talented Pocket Carnival announced a lucky dip I couldn't wait to see what I scored. Pretty amazing for $10 (I should have bought more - in fact I am getting more now). 2 greeting cards, a coin purse and beautiful little gift tags. What a wonderful idea and great way to have a taste of her amazing products.

heart wraps

2011-07-05T14:07:00.005+10:00

Of course I was disorganised this morning even though I knew last week we were going to the hospital today - I forgot my camera, I forgot to charge my phone so the camera was not wanting to work AND the kids did not care for posing, DID NOT care that this was for the blog - DID NOT CARE!

This is a small part of the awesome George Gregan kids play area at the hospital, it's pretty fantastic complete with amazing bronze (possibly? I know nothing of metals) wildlife sculptures everywhere.

For the love of all things holy Lucia, please look at the camera!

Running (after Eva), holding 3 bags of wraps (no, my kids DO NOT help) and taking a photo at the same - I think it looks quite arty and deliberate.

That blur on the bottom left hand side is Lucia, moving away from the focus of the camera...*sigh* I try, and try and just keep trying, meanwhile my phone is making cranky noises because it's running out of juice and please stop forcing it to open the camera application.

Anyway...here is the story, we went up to the hospital this morning for a Heartkids morning tea. It was wonderful seeing the (our) Family Support Co-ordinator Kim who helped us transition from parents with a new baby to parents with a new very sick baby. She has been through the same journey with her baby (now 21), so having her support and knowledge through this trip has been fantastic. We also saw our friend Livia and her boy Mateo who we became very close to when Eva and Mateo were ICU buddies.

The Ward was so thankful for all the wraps, the room was full of donated wraps and it felt so good to be able to help out - so thank you to everyone who helped and I am sorry that it took so long to get them to where they had to go.

Thank you:
Monique
Bec
Cindy
Sheridan
Cam
Amelia
Stephanie
Kelly

I know that for some on that list getting the wraps organised wasn't the easiest task so I really appreciate you going out of your way to help others, you're amazing.

Also, my sister Stefanie, who sent an almighty bundle of wraps, some so vintage and beautiful it was hard to let them go. My friend's daughter Hannah, who sourced and sewed up 3 wraps in her school holiday break - what an awesome kid! And my sister in law Bec who dropped in some wraps too that were just gorgeous and only just out of use so I really appreciate that.

market and quilt

2011-06-27T12:52:00.007+10:00

I wanted to write markets and quilts but the reality is that there is one quilt and one 'market'. It's a market with one stall, it's at my sister's house and it's just Barefoot Babies. So maybe market is a too broader a term, I cannot think of the right word that represents Mel and I selling our wares at reduced prices at her house. Please come along and have a browse, there will be cake, and cinnamon scrolls so I am told.

And the quilt

Pretty huh! I had bought one of those dead cheap fleece throws at Ikea ages ago and thought it would be a great idea to baste a quilt top directly onto it then bind the edges - much quicker than a 'proper' quilt and you get the lovely fleecey goodness when watching TV these cold, cold nights! Yay! Fabric was (is? I mean it was fat quarters but is now cut up, not sure of correct word there) fat quarter pack of Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush fabric from Hawthorne Threads.

Yay!

happy days

2011-06-22T14:35:00.003+10:00

New library books, some for the bloody premier's bloody reading bloody challenge - as if there aren't enough hours in the day to fit in all the stuff for each kid that needs stuff fitted in...blah!

Lunch! Oh happy me with sauteed mushies and baby spinach with a bit of grated cheese on top plonked onto toast, happy days indeed!

doing what I want

2011-06-19T18:48:00.010+10:00

Eva as usual with a crazy face - Lucia is loving the camera, my little ones, in new dresses going to brekkie at one of our favourite friend's house. It feels good to be out of the house, doing something other than study, and finally dusting off the machine and sewing!

Is Lucia dancing the pony? And Evie looks like she is doing the mash potato! Nothing like new dresses to make you want to dance.

Lucia's dress is a hybrid of 2 dresses from that last Ottobre, I wanted a drop waisted gathered dress but I didn't want to the buttons at the shoulders - I wanted a cleaner look to complement the stripes on the fabric, and I really wanted a square neck. The dress is semi lined with a button closure. I guessed at all measurements and it's ended up a tad tricky to get on and off (plus she had a million layers on underneath). I really should have made the head opening bigger (this is why they called for a zip!!)but it fits beautifully when on and looks gorgeous.

Eva's is an Ice Cream Social dress, made with off cuts of Lucia's dress (I wish the stripes went horizontal...) and some off cuts of a dress I made myself about a year ago. I am not terribly enamoured with Eva's dress, I think the colours are too sophisticated for her, but she likes it so it may end up being a kindy dress.

What a fabulous weekend we had, the weather was perfect, we saw friends and family, ate, walked, watched movies, generally the kinds of weekends I love.

breathing again, phew!

2011-06-16T12:29:00.002+10:00

It's been a heavy 3 weeks of study and stress, and more study and self doubt but that time is over. As of today I am on a 6 week break and every moment is going to count!

Today Evie and I are taking it easy, playing with babies, catching up on housework, going to the cafe for lunch, just having fun!!

My 2 exams were quite intense, Life Transitions was 1st year psychology which was interesting and thought provoking. Lots of Piaget, Freud and Erikson in there. We learnt a lot about stress (general adaptive Syndrome) of which I was sure I was suffering. Major readings on chronic illness which put so much into perspective for me, and a large component about pain, psychological and otherwise.

Health and Society was a text book about health promotion, health policy and primary health care principles. To say it was dry and boring would be the understatement of the year. If I pass that subject I will be so very thankful.

What I learnt was that I am generally disorganised and have poor time management skills. Next semester will be a whole new ball game for me - my time will be divided up realistically between kids, house, husband, social and uni (NOT in that order). This semester was to learn next semester will be to succeed well!

can't blog - studying

2011-06-11T15:22:00.003+10:00

It's a freakin circus here right now - I am not at all competent in keeping house and children and studying for exams. I am hideously over compensating in all areas to the point where no one is happy. Come Wednesday night it will all be over for 6 weeks. I hope everyone can hold out till then, and everyone is still speaking to me.
One day I hope to be less hopeless, until then I fumble along...

rainy days

2011-06-01T14:23:00.003+10:00

Evie and I had a bit of a play with the Lego this afternoon. It's hard to stay happy when you can't go outside. We managed a jaunt up to the local cafe for a milkshake and some toast, but again Evie just wants to go outside - near the cars, on a busy road - so we came home.

Things were going pretty well but I think maybe Eva was getting Lego horse accessory envy because she kept stealing all the pieces I needed and shoving them into a sock claiming to be Santa - hmmm...

Thank you sweet Kelly for the beautiful wraps dropped off today. If I am not working next Tuesday then I will be going up to the hospital.

heart wraps

2011-05-27T11:34:00.004+10:00

Thank you to everyone who generously donated their handmade and used wraps to the Cardiac Unit (Edgar Stevens Ward) at the Children's Hospital Westmead. As you know I intended to take this bagful up there u\yesterday but their morning tea was unexpectedly cancelled. I will venture up there next month instead, so those of you who thought they missed the boat, you still have time to send some to me.

This bag is choc full! You guys are amazing!!!

sewing, studying, gastro and the happenings of an ordinary life...

2011-05-25T14:35:00.006+10:00

My new shirt from the last craft retreat. Anna Maria Horner's voile in Saffron. I usually stay right away from yellows but this colour is so hot right now (actually Hansel's so hot right now) that I thought, what the hey, let's do this crazy yellow / mustard colour.

This pattern is designed for knits but this is the second time I have made it in a woven. I also used the same piece for front and back - the back piece has gathers attached to a yoke that ends just under the shoulder blades but I didn't want any fuss with this fabric and I really like the end product. Just need somewhere to wear it now...

This is another little project that I have finally finished. Progress was interrupted several times with trips to the loo after I caught some random gastro bug over the weekend and I am only just starting the feel better now. This fabric is Sevenberry from Japan but I found it at Spotlight. Pattern is from Ottobre 04/20

Can you believe that uni is over for first semester? I have exams in about 3 weeks and then a glorious 6 week break before beginning some new subjects, which I am kind of excited about as these first 2 were a little on the dry side.

And this happy little munchkin is recovering from a gash to the back of the end that saw us up at Westmead Children's Hospital for treatment (luckily no sutures, magic glue instead!). A new symptom of Eva's condition is now a serious phobia surrounding doctors and nurses - she is fine to go to the GP or a hospital but you cannot touch her unless there are at least 2 people holding her down. Just washing Eva's head took 1/2 hour with massive screaming and kicking fits. Not sure what to do about it - I always imagined that she would just get used to treatment but that's proving to be not the case here.

getting away

2011-05-17T09:51:00.004+10:00

What an amazing weekend of sewing and eating was had! Thank you to Belinda, Jade, Melanie , Clare and Bianca for a beautiful, fun and happy weekend away.

To say food plays a big part would be an understatement! This was clare's contribution to the weekend: pears poached in red wine syrup, roasted figs and rhubarb with mascapone and pistachios...I know - utterly amazing!

Thank you ladies for a wonderful weekend, you are such special people. Photos of my sewing creation to come (it's a good one!)

sewing for special people

2011-05-09T12:18:00.001+10:00

Some Amy Butler lounge pants (not made with Amy Butler fabric though) for a very special lady who just had a birthday! I LOVE this fabric but 2 of my 3 girls declared it "crazy"...let's hope my friend likes them, I mean she's not going to woolies in them is she?

And a little velvet dress from the most recent Ottobre (again!) for a little girl who turned 1 today! A better photo when I have finished it off - should take 10 minutes or so!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T17:16:00.003+10:00

Mum with my little brother Christian around 1983

I couldn't find a special photo of my mum and me together. After my parents divorced and we moved so much stuff was stored under our new house. My mum was sick with cancer and I think sorting through all the stuff was too hard and too much for her so it got left - for years. After she died and we sold the house we went to clean up and so much was destroyed, maybe photos of me and her together, I don't know, but I know there were special photos, just not here with me.

I love this picture, my little brother looks too cute (he's 6'5" now!) and my mum is just naturally beautiful although she carried around crazy self esteem issues her whole life.

This is my 15th mother's day and my 13th without my mum. So strange.

These last few posts have been about birth and death. Also strange.

I miss my mother enormously. She would have been a rockin' grandma that's for sure. She was totally eccentric, tried anything new, happy to travel anywhere for good food, spent waaay too much money in deli's, had a view on everything, a considered, clever and insightful view. Loved people, loved company, loved making dinner for hoards of people. Loved music, I am sure you could hear Joe Jackson or ELO blaring in our house from 10 km's away! Was an outrageous flirt, too beautiful for her own good, smart, funny, left wing politically inclined - she was perfect. I love her as much now as I did when she was alive.

...and then she was 15...

2011-04-30T13:44:00.009+10:00

I had no idea that I would love being a mother - I didn't know what I was made of until Siena came along.

Poor first borns - always the practice kids, practice breastfeeding, sleeping routines (or not...), solids, toilet training etc. Luckily she was pretty easy going
as I muddled along.

OK, now I won't do 15 years worth of photos - that's crazy and I think Siena might just kill me but looking back through the albums was fun! I look so happy and relaxed in all of them, and I honestly do remember feeling pretty good about the whole parenting thing.

Here she is, part lunatic, part superstar. Funny and kind. Lazy at times with questionable ideas on cleanliness. Intuitive and sensitive. All round completely delicious. Happy birthday sweet girl.

P.S All the moaners out there (you know who you are) who complain in my ear about me not posting often enough, I hope you have taken note of how many carefully constructed, beautifully written blog posts have been published over the last little while!!

sewing clothes

2011-04-29T11:34:00.006+10:00

A new skirt for Eva (or girt as she says, and there is no way I am correcting her anytime soon, all those baby words have nearly disappeared)

It's very full, and a wee bit shorter than what I was expecting BUT holy cow, the cuteness factor is through the roof. It's a very basic elastic waisted skirt, with a gathered pocket. No pattern used just 1 and 1/2 meters of fabric, done the usual way.

A new drop waisted, pleated dress for Lucia. Made from the latest Ottobre magazine. Very easy but what an awesome result, and she looks so pretty in it.

I bought those wooden buttons for me but after a year of sitting in my stash it was time to use them don't you think!

Did you know Ottobre have an Etsy shop? That's a wee bit exciting!

Now for baby wrap news:
Thank you to Monique, Sheridan, Cam, Steph and Bianca for helping out by making and donating baby wraps. I was planning to take everything to the hospital on the 26th May, I hope that is enough time for everyone to continue to give if they can!

Lucia's party and other stuff that's been happening

2011-04-27T10:20:00.008+10:00

She's so cute this kid - so low maintenance despite the type A tendencies - her attitude for her whole birthday, including pressies and cake was 'surprise me', and she was surprised, and happy at everything that came her way.

We went on a guided bush walk for her birthday (she's a nature loving girl) with a few of her friends and cousins and thankfully the rain stayed away.

There was beauty everywhere -

Our guide Ranger Sophie was sensitive to everything, she found the smallest treasures, and the kids were so receptive, 'wowing' at everything she pointed out.

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

All the kids were receptive except Eva, who managed to squish a caterpillar (or two), luckily we weren't evicted from the park, she's a maniac at times.

I will have a baby wrap update very soon (maybe even later today if I get myself organised enough...)A big shout out to my very good friend's daughter, Hannah, who made 3 wraps in her school holiday time. Photos to come.

Happy Birthday Lucia

2011-04-18T06:40:00.003+10:00

18th April 2004

June 2005

What a crazy, busy, sweet, stubborn, beautiful and inquisitive child she is! You know what a challenging child does to you? It makes you a better parent that's what. I don't think I was really alive until Lucia came into my life.

January 2007

That's not to say I wasn't a fully conscious parent with Siena, it's just that Siena was so different in every way. Since Lucia has been here I have been forced to evaluate and re-evaluate my parenting so many times, and I think that's a good thing. There is no room for complacency with Lucia. It's evolve, evolve, evolve!!

2008

We had to iron out a few personality wrinkles; she is 100% miles a minute, and I like to think, she hates rules, I need order, she is assertive and I shy from confrontation. What I have found is that because of her intense nature my parenting needs to be super calm with plenty of choices for her (to feel like she is in control), lots of warning before we do something she may not like (going to bed, getting ready for school or coming in from outside), and gentleness as much as I can.

I couldn't love her anymore, actually I could, and I do, every day. She is a treasured child, so desired. A life force so strong she lights up the world, a being so intrigued by what she sees around her, she forces me to learn right along side her.

sewing for babies

2011-04-14T13:08:00.006+10:00

Is always fun! Teeny little bits and pieces are my favourite, you can choose any colours you like and because they are so teeny tiny, everyone loves them!

OK, so maybe it's just me, I do have a tendency to chase Andrew around the house with my latest baby sewing creation in his face shrieking "just look at them! They're SO cute!! I'm lucky to have a husband who indulges me "yes, they are really cute Sophie!".

This little duo is on it's way to South Africa for Andrew's newest niece born in Durban on the 28th March.

And 2 wraps I have made for Westmead Children's Hospital Cardiac ward. If you are interested in donating fabric, or making wraps or even have some gently used wraps at home that you don't need anymore, please leave a comment (with your email) and I will contact you.

Rather than hem these wraps I decided to round the corners and bias finish them. It looks pretty and I am hoping will help the fabric retain it's shape.

Is anyone else having to negotiate time in these school holidays? I just wanted half an hour to make bias and sew it these wraps on but I was given grief by Lucia who remarked "I get so lonely when you sew, I feel left out!" Let me just say that I sew 95% of the time when the kids are in bed but lately my nights have been dedicated to uni so I am having to squeeze in time whenever I can. Cripes it's not easy sometimes is it!

I need YOUR help.

2011-04-07T13:33:00.003+10:00

It's no secret that the Children's Hospital at Westmead is a place where miracles happen, Eva has spent plenty of time there and we hold this institution in very high esteem. As soon as I read in the latest Heartkids magazine that baby wraps were needed for the Edgar Stevens (cardiac) ward I immediately wanted to help.

I certainly have plenty of fabric here that I can turn into wraps and I was hoping you would have some too. I was thinking, if you wanted to participate that is, that you could hem, or bias finish the edges, or send your fabric (meterage / yardage, nothing smaller) to me and I will do it. It would be so great to present the ward with some new, clean and fresh wraps for all those beautiful yet sick babies. Please let me know through the comments if you are keen and leave your email so we can converse.

Thanks.

achieving

2011-04-06T12:16:00.004+10:00

I was working away furiously for the last 6 months of last year getting my Health Service Assistant qualification. It's the bottom of the rung in terms of nursing qualifications but it's a start - and it means I can be employed in the nursing/hospital industry.

I knew an award would be handed out to the top student, but what a surprise to learn at the graduation ceremony that was me! I did work hard but I also had quite a bit of time off when Eva was in hospital so I never imagined that I would even be in the running. Feeling a wee bit chuffed.

And my girl Lucia had her own big achievement

She scored one of three goals at her soccer game last Saturday and she's only been playing for 3 weeks! I was proud of her considering her first Saturday game she wouldn't play (or stop crying) because she was so self conscious, so seeing her blossom and enjoy herself was wonderful! She was stoked to get a certificate with a $10 voucher to our local pub!

Happiness all round right now.

My softie for Japan

2011-03-30T13:36:00.006+11:00

Pattern is by 60 piggies (I tried to link it but blogger being silly - just google it instead!)

Lucia and Eva thinks she's quite cute so I am hoping that she brings a little bit of comfort to a child in Japan.

I think I have mentioned before that I don't fall confidently into the softie maker category. I leave that to the experts!

If you have a softie to donate, our very own PMM has made it easy for you!

finished

2011-03-23T17:15:00.005+11:00

I finished my first essay of my degree 6 days early! That's what you get for being 35 and super conscientious!! All my buddies at uni are mums, all around the same age, and all we talked about was this essay, every break, all the time. We are SO VERY aware of how little time we have to do so this degree so every minute counts! I feel pretty happy with what I turned in, I hope my professor likes it. Basically I just want to pass the subject and move on!

I did manage some therapeutic stitching in between bouts of working furiously at the computer. These little hand me down jeans of Eva's had no hole but a little patch of teeny hexagons was just the right amount of therapy I needed to stay calm and focused. I love craft for this reason, I love the therapy of using my hands, little stitches, making something beautiful.

I had to show you this little fella (gal?) who landed on our verandah during a break in the torrential weather over the weekend. Isn't he (she?) so cute - those feathers all fluffy from the rain!

argh

2011-03-16T09:16:00.007+11:00

I have a massive research essay to do by the 28th and looked what arrived this morning!

How am I meant to concentrate now...

This will be a big lesson in self control!

growing up - dealing with mosh pits and the like...

2011-03-10T15:54:00.007+11:00

This photo was Siena's idea - she is clever like that. I tend to shoot what I see, I don't set up a scene or even experiment with different elements like smoke and water, but she does. I like being with her because she is easy and fun, we click and think alike.

We have certainly have had some teenage moments, door slamming, eyeball rolling, the "You don't understand me" monologue, pushing the boundaries for later bedtimes and seeing M rated films. Usual stuff that I remember doing to my folks, and I think we have handled it fairly well. Some freedom, non negotiable rules and tonnes of praise, it's a good formula for now.

Siena's taste in music has taken it's own journey, She liked Gaga ages ago and moved kind of quickly into alternative music, My chemical Romance, Paramore, and more recently A Day To Remember. The day she wanted to go to a concert that most certainly involved a mosh pit was coming, I was little in a little denial about that even though she has started wearing safety pins in her ears and tearing up her clothes...Anyway, that day has come. We have just purchased tickets for her and I to attend A Day To Remember at Luna Park Big Top. It's for her birthday, she will be 15 - yikes.

Even though I am a little nervous about the concert (mainly because that's not really my kind of music...why couldn't she love Busby Marou) I am excited to spend that time with her, and amazingly enough, she is cool with it too.

busy, busy, busy!!

2011-03-09T11:21:00.005+11:00

I am only enrolled in 2 subjects this semester, and although I really wanted to do full time (but couldn't because I would be away from Eva for 4 days), boy I am happy to only have 2 subjects to ease me back into all the reading, and reading and more reading of tertiary study!

Life Transitions is my favourite of the 2 subjects (other is Health and Society), who doesn't love a bit of psychology. We are reading a lot of Erikson and Havighurst right now and I am finding it all a bit fascinating.

Nursing is not just about blood pressure and medications. Emphasis is on the person as a whole, culturally, psychologically, mentally, spiritually and physically. I wont even begin any kind of biological study until next semester.

All this study (and child care and domestic duties and working one day a week) means I haven't touched my machine for over 2 weeks! I am dying to get stuck in but what to sew! I want to make the most of my time and trying to figure out who needs what the most is hard!

I love the bubble skirt on this page (and that shirt is gorgeous!). I found this fabric in my stash but now maybe a solid colour would be better?? Seriously I should get tracing or I am going to have nothing to show for this rare day at home...maybe a simple pair of pants would be better?

And finally for your pleasure, a little bit of cute stuff. Her hair is slowly growing back after she tried to cut her own hair and we ended up having to take drastic action to keep it looking half decent! Andrew really loves the cut and thinks all the girls should get one...

wow!

2011-03-03T10:05:00.003+11:00

Eva Bieber Fever

2011-03-01T10:39:00.006+11:00

Home again, home again, jiggety jig! Why is it that when you return from holidays it feels like you never left?

We had a awesome, seriously relaxing time (apart from when munchkin above developed a cough ad runny nose - then I was on high alert making plans to take her home as those symptoms usually mean hospital, but after about 24 hours everything magically settled down. Phew!!)

The girls just swam and swam and swam! It was a sleep, eat, swim, eat, swim, eat, sleep daily cycle.

University started yesterday and I loved it! I already have assignments - yikes!!

One more sleep

2011-02-18T13:16:00.003+11:00

Till we leave for Fiji. See you in a week or so.
xxx

a blue dress

2011-02-11T12:00:00.005+11:00

Getting Eva to take these photos for me was easy, getting her to take one that actually showed the dress was a different kettle of fish altogether, the only decent one looks like I am pregnant - and not a lovely flattering pregnant shot - you be the judge:

I think it's the angle, and my hand placement isn't great, but I think you get the idea. She took some lovely photos of the fabric:

It's a beautiful soft gauze - isn't the colour perfect! Unfortunately, being so soft and delicate the seams are already showing signs of stress after only 2 washes, I might need to hand wash it in the future, even then it might only last this summer.

The pattern is McCalls 5423 and is meant for knit fabrics. I didn't have any issues with fit but the construction was a bit off as my facings didn't match up as there is no ease in this fabric at all. I ended up redrafting the facings and they look fine.

And another classic "please give me my super expensive camera back Eva, it's not a toy" shot.

don't you love awesome Aussie music...

2011-02-08T17:31:00.000+11:00

my absolute new favourite band!

BUSBY MAROU, UNDERLYING MESSAGE

It's hot

2011-02-04T09:41:00.004+11:00

We have had days of crazy heat - too hot for my delicate constitution (you should have heard the whinging coming from me to Andrew - "We are meant to be in England, we never should have colonised such a hot country"...seriously the heat had got to me!!)

Don't you just wish you could strip off and sit in one of those clam shells all afternoon!

beginnings

2011-02-01T12:38:00.006+11:00

Thanks so much for the overwhelmingly lovely, and heartfelt happiness at my newest endeavour. Enrollment consisted of me wearing my sunglasses for as long as possible lest no one see the fear in my eyes. I asked the same question at least 3 times just to make sure I wasn't heading to the wrong room or signing the wrong form...I was relieved to see quite a lot of us 'mature' (ahem!) students studying nursing, I am sure there is buddy material in at least one of them. Official start date is Monday 28th so I have a little free time until then.

Lucia started year 2 yesterday. Usually I leave her at the 'kiss and drop' and she walks herself down to school but yesterday I thought I'd park and walk her down myself.

This is the conversation that ensued:

"Why are you parking mum?"
"Because I thought it would be nice if I walked you down on your first day back"
"Great! Now I am going to look like a lunatic!"
"Well how about I walk a few steps behind you then" (Which I did!)

I am looking forward to the day when Lucia sees my job as a mother as one not just about rules but also one as protector. In the end she was happy to have me there, feeling nervous about where to go she slipped her little hand in mine and let me make the decision.

When she lets me love her, it's wonderful but it takes a lot of work to get there.

ch-ch-ch-changes (and a shout out to my old man)

2011-01-26T20:01:00.005+11:00

I have just turned 35 and I cannot believe it. I know it's cliched but I do find myself wondering where the past 12 months have gone. Raising a family is hectic/exhausting/thrilling/indulgent work, and all of that makes for not counting the days or minutes from one year to the next.

It's during these hard yakka years of parenting that you can forget who you are and what you want, what were your dreams, did you ever wonder what you wanted to be?

Having Siena when I was 20 meant there really wasn't any time to ponder my life or what I wanted to do with it. When she was 2 I was desperate for a job so I could become independent but finding something to fit in with my new life as a single mother was really tricky.

I remember getting the nerve up to ask my dad for some help, I called him and asked if he had any work I could for him and to my utter surprise he asked me to become his legal secretary - I was well and truly chucked in at the deep end of a very busy legal practice but my dad trusted me and we were a great team for 6 years!

I never thought I would be a legal secretary but it suited my life at the time and I really appreciate my dad looking out for me and making it possible for me to move out of home and even buy myself a car (a gorgeous red '86 Laser!).

It wasn't until little Eva was here that I new what I wanted to do with my life.

Being in PICU, watching those nurses silently moving around my daughter, saving her life one slow day at a time fueled a desire in me I never had before. I want to do this I remember thinking. I want to have those hands, that save and soothe, expert, precise hands. But at that time Eva needed me and I really needed to mother her.

Fast forward 4 years and I definitely feel in a much better place psychologically and emotionally to take some time for myself to study, and just like Fi, I am going to be a nurse when I grow up! I found out on my birthday I was accepted into UTS and I am petrified! Tomorrow is enrollment and get your timetable day and I am so scared of getting lost on campus - wish me luck!

2011-01-24T13:49:00.004+11:00

We have been spending lazy days by the beach.

It sure is a tough life lazing on the beach eating rice cakes all morning.

Only getting up for a bit of digging or swimming when the feeling gets us.

I have been quiet

2011-01-17T14:39:00.003+11:00

Because I felt I needed to respect what has been going on in this beautiful yet terrifying country of ours.

Photo courtesy of SMH

It's hard to blog about everyday life when horrifying events are unfolding, affecting people just like me, mothers and fathers losing their children, families devastated, people losing their whole livelihoods.

People are rallying to help, there are many, many auctions going on right now to donate money to the Premiers Flood Relief, thank you Toni for taking the reins on this, you have done an amazing job (I started bidding on items last week and the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal was just over $35,000,000 - I just checked it again now and it is at over $85,000,000!!).

Please give generously.

my new lady

2011-01-10T14:32:00.000+11:00

It's kind of creepy when I walk into my room and see these two 'staring' back at me (and being headless, makes it even more creepy). But I love, love, love my new dress form Andrew gave me for Christmas.

I am currently working a vintage pattern, trying to give it a bit of a modern twist with the eyelet yoke, we'll have to see how it turns out though, I am nervous about the volume of fabric. I have made it much more fitted but trying it on will be the test. I love the sleeves:

The pattern calls for them to be ironed up and hemmed - ah, no way! Hemming something so curved is beyond me if I want a neat finish, so I decided to do a rolled hem, it looks so much neater. I have also changed the closure, instead opting for a bias finish for the neckline to tie at the back of my neck rather than a zipper (although I did think about using a metal zipper sewn to the outside because I love that look but I am not sure if that is too much detail with the eyelet fabric!)

On the little mannequin (we call her Mrs Nesbit becasue she has a funny little hat thing that rests on her 'neck' - anyhoo, it makes us laugh!) I am making a little kaftan for Lucia for our trip to Fiji in February - oh yes, I am COUNTING down the days! (41 days from tomorrow if you were interested)

Happy new year...

2011-01-09T14:09:00.006+11:00

Slack, so slack! My camera battery has been dead since NYE! I only JUST recharged it today and found some gorgeous photos of our new years eve on it...shame on me for waiting till the 9th Jan to post about it!

We went to Manly Cove for the afternoon (or Little manly as I used to call it when we lived in that area) and managed to keep all the kids (my 3 and my sisters 3) happy till the 9pm fireworks.

Lucia was talked into doing some photography for Siena, who no doubt will KILL me for putting this picture on the blog but I love it, it is a perfect illustration of Siena's creative silliness and Lucia taking her job seriously.

The adults indulged in a little gourmet food and some gourmet beer, for the most part it was delish, except the times when you crunched on a grain of sand then it wasn't so tasty. (Can you see there my sister's gorgeous shirt, made in AMH viole - it's the shearwater kaftan and it looks beautiful on her...I wish she would start a blog!!)

The kids had an Evie sandwich!

As dusk descended, the kids were happy, parents mellow and I could not think of a more perfect place to be, or more perfect people to be with to share the new year.

2010 - a year in pictures

2011-01-03T10:36:00.017+11:00

In January Eva started pre school. (me made skirt and sheet bag)

In February it seemed nothing too creative was happening apart from some cooking with these two cheeky kids!

In March my niece Abbey turned 3 and I made her a sheet bag for pre school.

In April we celebrated Siena turning 14

and Lucia turning 6

In May we welcomed Phoebe to our growing extended family.

In June Siena surprised me with a ring she made in metalwork class, we now match!

In July I finally finished Phoebe's quilt, an activity I loved doing, especially the hand quilting part.

August was my niece Ellie's 5th birthday and this was the dress I made for her.

In September I made this gorgeous sundress for Lucia with my favourite fabric from an excellent pattern.

From October we began receiving regular eggs from our lovely chickens.

A walk to the lake in November in a pop over sundress for Lucia made by me.

Eva's 4th birthday cake, made by my clever husband, Andrew.

2010 was an interesting year - lots of highs and lows. I think when I look back over each year that has passed since Eva was born, my memories are dictated by when she was sick or in hospital. We had 3 hospital stays over 6 months, which felt too much for me, and as you know I cracked a bit in November terrified about Eva's future and questioning all the whys and whats of the whole situation. In December her cardiologist was so happy with her heart health he scheduled an appointment for 12 months down the road - which was exactly the kind of news I desperately needed. Eva is an energetic, excited, eager little person. She is adored.

Siena blossomed into an amazing, funny, interesting kid with lots to say and lots to do. She is busy, happy, social and for now the best introduction into teenagehood - we are lucky.

Lucia is the same hard headed, stubborn and determined kid as always. She is a deep thinker and her questions continue to throw me. She can't believe I don't know everything and now preempts my "let's look that up on Google" response to her never ending questions. She exhausts us but equally enthralls us - we wait in anticipation for her eventual take over of the planet.

Andrew and I plod along - we want change, need change but don't know how to action that. We need more alone time, more holidays, more space, more, more, more but how?! We talk, scheme, devise and I hope that in 2011 we will have enough courage to jump so to speak, to make those changes.

aftermath

2010-12-30T13:31:00.007+11:00

It's been at times so hectic and at other times completely relaxing during the time from Christmas Eve till now.

Eva was surprised by a present from CurlyPops (please excuse that nose - it's still running!). I happened to mention to Cam that I thought she was an amazing role model for Eva, she is someone I admire so much and I hope that Eva is as strong and fearless as she when she is older - and the next thing I know Eva has her own SuperPops head gear which she loves so much! Thanks Cam.

Christmas was just a series of meals broken up with periods of present opening. It was awesome to be with family, relaxing, enjoying each others company. Of course we all missed our mum - Christmas and birthdays are still hard without her but I think now we have more happiness than sadness.

Siena is just beginning her photography career, she has opened a Tumblr account after receiving a cute point and shoot camera from her Aunt. She loves photo editing and I told her I would link to her account so you can have a look at what she has been up to so far.

On the home front our sweet chookies have been gracing us with 2 delicious eggs a day. That is enough for us to not have to buy eggs anymore. They are the happiest of chickens with our massive yard to run around in all day and we feel very blessed to have this food so freely given.

And with this AWESOME weather, well, we are just enjoying, because chances are it will all be over very soon.

A shout out to the boy - and some Christmas dresses

2010-12-21T14:06:00.005+11:00

Andrew has been ever so casually asking each day why I haven't blogged Eva's party yet. Now, he isn't concerned about you all seeing photos of Evie opening presents - it's the cake he wants me to show off to you - the cake that he made. He also wants to show the girls in his office what a dab hand he is in the kitchen...go figure!

The first time I saw this cake I new it would be perfect for Eva, I approached Andrew with the idea expecting him to say it was too hard but he jumped at the opportunity, and did an awesome job!

And Christmas dresses - hot off the machine:

And some with my big girl:

She's (Siena) cheeky, gorgeous and didn't even need a little bit of convincing to get in the Santa photo. I am just so lucky to have these girls.

Christmas crafting

2010-12-18T14:22:00.010+11:00

It's a week till Christmas - did you know that?! I cannot believe it, and I am still making, sewing, putting together gifts and essentials for Christmas day (and a sneaky birthday tomorrow!).

I have made 3 of these bags now for various teachers. I found the pattern at Fabric.com, it's a super fast bag to put together but not so simple a design. I really like the lovely panels, the square bottom and the way the lining has been made. If you need a last minute present (and have time to sew) I recommend this bag for sure!

Special new nightdresses for the little girls to wear on Christmas eve. I have been sneakily sewing these for ages, a little bit here and there and I cannot wait till they see them, Lucia especially has been asking for me to make her a new nightdress for ages! That sweet floral fabric is from Robert Kaufman and is so beautiful, I love it (and of course bought only 1 yard, and is now discontinued!!) Lucia's is made from a gorgeous very fine Swiss dot which will be so cool and comfortable for her.

And then there are the Christmas dresses of which I have made one. Of course Lucia is going mental, asking why I made Eva's first and not her's...(It's dreary and overcast here and I cannot get a good photo no matter where I hang this dress)

This dress is Mel's design which was a great idea at first but I have never shirred anything before. Shirring is so monotonous - seriously boring. I was getting really agitated sewing line after line after line - good lord! Thankfully the effect is gorgeous and I am only making 2 dresses not like Melanie who made about 8 I think so I think I will be OK!

Lastly, not sewing or Christmas related, I wanted to share some very special news about our baby Eva. At her cardiology appointment on Tuesday her doctor was so impressed with her heart function, there has been no deterioration since the last appointment (9 months ago) and he is really happy with how well she is coping with the leaky valve. We were told when she was 6 months old that she wouldn't get past 12 months without a replacement valve, then it was 2, then it was before she started school. He said on Tuesday that he could see her getting another 10 to 15 years with this valve!! 10 to 15 years! I cannot begin to express the relief, I just cried and cried, and cried. Andrew and I have been holding our breath for the past nearly 4 years, waiting for the news that she would need more surgery. Finally we can breath again and relax, until the next appointment in 12 months time.

whilst I was supposed to be working

2010-12-10T13:30:00.006+11:00

I decided to make Eva a new skirt. It's what I do when preparing for a market. I feel stressed so I pull out something un-market and sew it, wasting precious market sewing time. It's just what I do.

And you can't have a sweet new Summer skirt without a ric rac trim - you just can't.

It was one of those moments when I was looking for fabric for this skirt. I pulled out a few pieces of material but none were a big enough size, so I refolded them and discovered a really cute but unusual for me colour combination.

Of course I buy plenty of yellow now for Eva but the yellow and pink combo here struck me and I really like it. I think these pieces would look beautiful incorporated into a quilt.

I have to show you these pictures from Tuesday night, Eva's birthday. We had just a family dinner, nothing flash but Eva just became overwhelmed I think with all the attention and when it came to candle blowing out time, she became inconsolable!

Here's the cake:

And here are the tears. She would not blow the candles out!

Eva is 4

2010-12-07T08:00:00.000+11:00

You were so desired - the timing was wrong, there were so many reasons to not get pregnant at that time but you were just so desired, and conceived so easily. I was an impatient lady, waiting for you to come. Dreaming of your face and being able to kiss you and squeeze you.

By the time you were 12 months old, you had been home from hospital for 6 months post cardiac surgery but had been in a couple of times with your regular illness of choice - respiratory infections. Caring for you was sheer joy, you smiled at me and you smiled at the world. You are happy to be here. Your surgeon described you as tenacious, he is absolutely right.

Your 2nd year saw you getting a gastrostomy and grommets! Both rendered excellent results but you can imagine that mummy and daddy were more than a little nervous sending you back to the operating theatre. You overcome obstacles with ease, you really do bounce back and that gives me enormous hope and strength for the years to come. That dummy is going to have to go soon, you just will not speak and you really need to, isn't there so much to say?

3! what a delicious age! Holy cow you are cute - just completely cute. Even when you throw yourself on the ground having a full blown tantrum you are still so kissable. Who knows how much of what I feel for you is a result of nearly losing you, but I go with it, it's all I know - you cannot change the impact that had on your mum and dad, we cling to you a little more tightly, I think your sisters understand. You have achieved so much this year, and this year was a pretty crap one for illness. You love pre school and have heaps of friends, you talk, and talk, and talk, getting rid of that dummy was a good, although traumatic decision. We just love you - to bits!

Goodness me, look at you in all your glory. Oblivious to the world, just doing your thing.

We love you to the moon and back Evie girl. Have a wonderful, happy, happy birthday.
xxx

scrappy winners

2010-11-29T10:22:00.006+11:00

I got my trusty side kick and general all round helper girl Eva to draw the winners for me. You can see that she takes her job very seriously indeed.

First winner:

Second winner:

Third winner:

Bernice and Ange_Moore I will need your address, please send to sccole(at)tpg(dot)com(dot)au and I will post out to you in time for Christmas crafting!

Thanks for participating.

heart so full.

2010-11-25T16:38:00.005+11:00

I wasn't able to make it to my regular monthly craft meet up last night. I was bummed because it was our last one for the year AND they were having a swap.

I was surprised to get a text from Belinda at 9:15pm to ask if she could pop over quickly as she had something to drop off to me, I thought it was my swap item. Instead she arrived at my door with bags full of goodies for me and a voucher for a dinner service (gourmet) for the next time Eva is in hospital.

I am still speechless about how I felt at that minute...overwhelmed definitely but something more, my heart ballooned I burst into tears. Here was this woman who I haven't known for all that long but who has, from the minute I met her, made me feel like someone important.

She, along with Cindy, Claire, Amelia, Sheridan, Jade, Bianca, Tania, Kelly, Ingrid and Cass organised the dinner voucher and all the fantastic women at the craftroom collected treats, upon treats for me and I cannot tell you the degree of spoilt I felt. Thank you Chantal, Claire, Kelly, Cath & Kirsten, Amelia. If I have left anyone out please let me know, I really want to thank you.

I have always felt cared about, the amount of beautiful comments and emails I get, often from people I don't know make you realise how big and full of generous people this world is. The crafting community is truly unique in it's ability to make you feel supported and not alone.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

scrappy

2010-11-24T13:56:00.005+11:00

I don't know how you feel about scraps, but I really love them and keep nearly every little piece - great for hexies, appliques and the like. BUT my scrap bin is full to overflowing and I want to give my scraps away so i can start again with new scraps (a lot of my scraps I have had for years!)

If you are interested in getting a bag of scraps (I will have 3 bags) then let me know and I will choose 3 names who will receive a bag each. I'll choose some names on the weekend so the girls can help me.

There are varying sizes of scraps, some big some tiny, there are some designer pieces some basics, just a mixed bag. I was going to divide into colours but quickly realised that I have A LOT of blue and so it seemed a little uneven. So I will just make bags with a rainbow of sorts.

So if you're feeling like a bit of a scrap lucky dip then let me know -

brushing the cobwebs away

2010-11-22T14:07:00.009+11:00

We are finally feeling a little more normal here with our computer up and running again (I use that term 'running' very loosely as the computer is still groaning like an old man but at least I can blog, ebay, email which is all I use it for anyways!). It was quite funny watching Siena try to fill her time without Facebook...she was running around like a headless chook for a while, suffering the withdrawals of long chat sessions and frequent (like every 5 minute) status updates. She finally cottoned on to me having a phone that could access the internet so she was allowed 15 minute intervals of FB time which I think should now be a permanent rule.

Things that have been happening here? Well;

I jumped on the Saltwater bandwagon. I feel a little silly about it because I am not really a follower of trends but finding yellow sandals is hard for my yellow loving girl so when the Aussie dollar was sitting right next to the greenback, I had to pounce! I got them from here (along with a beautiful pair of lilac ones for Lucia)The girls love their new shoes and I just really hope they make it through Summer without getting lost.

Eva is doing really well, she recovers amazingly from her illnesses, her family on the other hand, take a little longer. The results from her sweat test have come back but the paediatrician has been too busy to call me, his very kind secretary though told me that from what she can see everything looks normal. Halle-freakin-luja! I was wondering if I had it in me to deal with anymore disease.

Barefoot Babies has had a very slow year, mainly due to the fact that Melanie and I are hectically busy with our families and we just couldn't manage anymore than the bare minimum for a while. Focus shifted from business to hobby which took the pressure off and allowed us to enjoy it and sew in our own time again.

I have been in charge of our baby range which is beautiful. Bibs, bodysuits and nappy covers, our standard baby fare, is what I have been working on in my free time. Melanie and I chose to use predominantly organic fabrics for the babies this year, including Monaluna and Cloud 9 fabrics, we also are using organic bodysuits which are gorgeous and soft.

Barefoot Babies will be at Mathilda's Christmas Market and Billycart market this year. If you are around come and say hello.

And for me, well I am slwly working my way through a maxi dress using a lovely black linen. It's been sitting needing a zip for the LONGEST time but I haven't had the nerve to deal with Spotlight for the longest time, so when I was in Mona Vale today I ducked in to the tiniest sewing/habby shop around and got me one!

You can see I am slowly stitching up that lovely deep neckline. Unfortunately I can't fill that neckline, it gapes, like, open...not pretty! Plus I intend wearing it to story time at the library which is currently G rated!

Must go, I have 1000+ blog posts to read, so need to get started!!

vintage love

2010-11-09T12:55:00.008+11:00

Thank you for the overwhelming love Evie has received. I have felt so humbled by everyone's kind, caring words. You are amazing people. Words can't really express what I feel - I hope you can feel my sincerity.

I found this pattern at Lucia's recent school fair. Sorry Ingrid...I know you love vintage way more than me so you can borrow the pattern if you like!

It wasn't just the yellow romper that I loved it was the whole style of the picture. The little girl looks like Eva (and I would kill for that hair), the dog is so cute and the sandles are gorgeous. So I bought it, and made it:

I made it on our craft weekend and the pattern was a size 2 so I was a little concerned about sizing, not being able to try on for size. Nothing worse than a seam going right up the crackerlacker so after originally giving an extra 2" in length I revised it to 3" and I am really relieved I did because it fits perfectly.

And she loves it!! There is something very special about having a yellow zip up suit - happy days!

(Ok, you might have spotted that the neckline wasn't finished when these photos were taken - but it is now, you just have to take my word for it...)

She's home

2010-11-06T20:12:00.003+11:00

And was busting to get into her Harmony skirt and dance with tinsel to The Fairies. Bless her little heart.

Her heart

2010-11-05T15:32:00.004+11:00

This week has been all about her heart - and mine. Eva came down with a fever and a cough on Saturday (whilst I was away)and by Sunday night she was struggling to breathe and we knew Eva would be going to hospital the next day.

She was originally diagnosed with pneumonia (again) but on Wednesday she we were told she had Human Metapneumovirus.

Her paediatrician, a fairly stoic gentleman, was concerned, which made me concerned, why was she getting so many respiratory infections.
Her heart?
Her size?
Her history of recurrent bronchiolitis?
Or how about you take her for a sweat test to check for cystic fibrosis. He also took about a thousand litres of blood to check for her anti body function, thyroid function, anything that could shed some light on her situation. I made an appointment to see a naturopath.

I am thinking that now was not a good time to start weaning off my anti depressants.

A bucket full of grief was shed, from me to my husband via a telephone. Why, why, why? What are we doing wrong, how come we can't stop her getting sick. I can feel that lump in the back of my throat all day, the about to burst into tears any minute lump and I can't move it.

She is still in hospital, my mother in law is there now giving me a much needed breahter. Andrew will be staying tonight.

This fantastic poem is so good to read. Although we don't have a child with a disability we have a kid with major health issues and I feel like I can relate.

for the biggest girl

2010-10-25T13:45:00.005+11:00

I love it when Siena asks me to sew for her. Not only does it make me feel good to share that with her, that she trusts me, but also it's another little snippet into her world, what she likes and admires, because when you have a teenager, there can be a lot you miss. Not that she is secretive at all but the bulk of communication is between her and her girlfriends so I am a little bit chuffed that we have a project together.

She loves this skirt! She loves tartan! I love this skirt too if it was ink blue or grey, to my knees and sans bow, but that's just boring me! I love the seam detail and the bow is going to look super on her. I thought I would start with an a-line mini, cut the new seams (adding allowance), make a thin waist band with a side zipper, what do you think? Actually do you think this skirt has side seams? It's a bit hard to tell, may have to have a centre back zip instead?

You have to love the pin she used to attach it to her cork board! So funny because she is not in the popular group and has a kind of loathing/dismissive feeling about the orange army as she calls them (for their use of excessive orange pancake make-up).

busy life.

2010-10-24T16:15:00.002+11:00

I have pretty much given up on blogging more regularly. I have lost my mojo a little and I am not going to force myself. I am not sure why I am so tired (more than usual) but when something has to give, you know it has to be the blogging bit first - there are just not enough hours in the day and not enough juice in my batteries!

I wanted to share with you these photos taken of Lucia at the noodle market at Hyde Park on Friday night. Not only were there hundreds of people flocking to the park but there were hundreds of people heading home after work on a Friday night at around 6. Lucia decides this crowded path was the perfect place to crack a few cartwheels. Hello oblivious 6 year old! Please note no shoes, she immediately took them off as soon as we were there - she is one of a kind this kid.

And then this set of Eva, who hadn't noticed St Mary's cathedral as we were walking to the park but then turned around and could not believe her little eyes, "Look!" she screamed at us, "a castle, castle!!"

It is a magnificent building, truly beautiful at dusk.

It was awesome to take the girls out for a trip into down town Sydney, and I would certainly do it more often if the traffic wasn't so unbe-freaking-lievable!! The road rage, the crankiness the horns the traffic jams - that coupled with bored kids in the back of car make for a pretty average car ride that's for sure.

How's this for a little excitement?? Our first egg from Nera and Luna! Well obviously not from both of them. I think it was Nera's egg, she clucked so crankily at us when we took it. It will be awesome when we are getting a couple a day.

Our girls! Please note the finely chopped food for them! We are trying to get them to eat scraps. So far all they want is commercial grain food but they are meant to be helping us reduce our waste but so far the help has been zero. Maybe presentation is the key??

growing up

2010-10-15T20:30:00.011+11:00

There are moments when we look at our children and can't believe how fast they are growing. It's when they learn to crawl and then walk. When they start to talk (and talk back). When they start school and have sleepovers. Tonight for me was one such moment when Siena left with her girlfriend to go to her first rock concert.

I was so excited for her, she was excited to the point where she felt a little bit down, you know how have big expectations of a big day and it doesn't turn out that way? Siena wanted to look different to how she does every other day - she was feeling low about her face...her face! This face:

How do you tackle that? I'll tell you that for me it varies but tonight I was all about not indulging those feeling by talking too much about it. All I can say is you are beautiful - too beautiful that you hurt my eyes.

An essential piece of the ensemble were the new shoes, bought with hard earned baby sitting money. She was saving for an iTouch but then saw the shoes (damn those female impulses) and her plan flew out the window.

I hope she has the best time ever, does some serious dancing, lots of laughing and remembers this night forever.

catching up

2010-10-13T13:29:00.008+11:00

Thank you for all the sweet, kind comments left for my Lucia. She is so much better and pretty relieved that the oral antibiotics have finally finished. I have to say that she was an awesome patient, just like her sister, even thought the IV antibiotics hurt her arm so much when they were being delivered she was so brave and just dealt with it. She was so polite to the doctors and nurses, I was so proud of her.

Lucia getting sick coincided perfectly (not really) with the start of the school holidays so up till now I have been busy, just ridiculously tired and flat (energy wise). I have wanted to be here but didn't want to do the work to make this meaningful you know. If I could have just talked the post and it wrote itself I would have been very happy!

I have been sewing though!! My friend Sjaan and I were invited to an engagement party so of course I wanted a new dress - the kinds of dresses I like cost way too much moola so I went with the handmade option (of course).

Thank goodness that hideous yellowy picture fits right in with the vintage style fabric!

This is a Cynthia Rowley pattern which was pretty dead easy except for the midriff part which is supposed to have more to it but for the life of me those instructions were really poor. Thankfully I have read that other people found that part tricky too so I just winged it and it looked alright. I used a lovely cotton sateen with an awesome vintage pattern (from Lincraft). I found that although the fabric colours worked well with this pattern there are many times when you are sewing through multiple layers of fabric so I had way too much bulk and had to do lots of trimming. If you used a thinner fabric this wouldn't be an issue.

I used a lapped zipper for the back but again there was so much bulk...it worked ok but I did keep my cardy on because it wasn't as clean as I would have liked the finish to be.

Well Sjaan and I did end up having a rather wild evening, wild for 2 ladies who don't get out all that often, there was music and cocktails, and a brief talk about moving onto the next place before realising that were were both very tired and actually wanted to go to sleep!

I also did a little bit of love sewing - for my man...

He was a little bewildered when he saw them, my sweet conservative husband. He said "wow, they have hearts..." I know, poor guy! He would have been happy with plain black or white but I just couldn't think what to do with this fabric I have had for years!!

He did say they were super comfy though and has put up with the giggles the girls can't help when they see him in them!

Lucia

2010-10-03T14:43:00.003+11:00

Lucia is recovering from peri-orbital cellulitis. She spent 4 days in hospital on IV antibiotics. I had big plans for the beginning of the week, blogging about recent crafting, getting some stuff in the post, taking the kids out for the holidays but that will have to come next week when everyone (fingers crossed) is healthy! And yes, it's only been about 6 weeks since I was at the same hospital with Eva when she had pneumonia...I need a break from that place!

summer dresses

2010-09-25T15:40:00.008+10:00

Encouraged by beautiful Spring weather AND my 2 youngest daughters daughters asking for mummy made dresses, I made Lucia and Eva a new dress each in favourite, favourite fabric and I couldn't be happier!

Lucia tries to convince me that she is not a 'pink girl' but she was drawn to this fabric (and I don't blame her) and I think this pattern suits the fabric perfectly.

I have such an irrational fear of using favourite fabrics, I think I will never find them again (see how irrational is that). But how can I feel that way when they look so much better used than sitting on a shelf!

I didn't really know what I would be able to make with only 2 half yards of Far Far Away but you can make an Ice Cream Social dress in a size 3 with only a single hem, which is fine with me!

The girls wore their new dresses to Neve's party today where we got to give her her own Ice Cream Social dress.

I realised that I am only managing 1 post a week at the moment which is a bit sad and pathetic but that's life I guess! It's school holidays now which means I might get more time or much less, we'll wait and see!

This weekend

2010-09-19T12:06:00.010+10:00

I sat on the floor of the lounge room and traced off another Ice Cream Social dress for little Neve who turns 1 next week. I was alone in the house, it was divine. I watched this movie and laughed and laughed. The little girls were at their granny's house, Andrew was having some bonding time playing paint ball with some boys and the big girl was at a friend's house. How I adore being alone, I really, really do.

I had already bought some fabric, Melanie requested purple and I am pretty happy with this combination.

Being able to trace off a pattern, cut it out and sew it all in one uninterrupted go is so rare, and so fun, and so satisfying.

Ta da!! Isn't it beautiful. I am so happy with it! Lucia and Eva were so jealous when they saw it. I managed to placate them promising to make them their own dresses for Neve's party. I just hope I can find the time before next weekend.

Andrew and Lucia did a spot of stargazing on Saturday night. Lucia has always said she wants to be a scientist when she grows up but she has added astronaut to that now. I found a great application for my phone that she really enjoyed using.

Luckily she has Andrew to share the passion with as Space has never interested me all that much but Andrew really loves that kind of thing.

Eggs on a Sunday morning! Life doesn't get much better!

This made me laugh

2010-09-11T17:15:00.004+10:00

There was a freak short but powerful storm here on Friday afternoon. The chooks were out wandering around when it came through so Siena raced down there to get them back in their coop. I grabbed my camera when I heard her shrieking at the rain beating down on her and yelling at the chicken because they WOULD NOT get in their coop - they either thought she was playing a game with them or they were terrified of her! These pictures aren't so good because I was trying to stay undercover but I could not stop laughing and clicking away at the whole ridiculous scene - I mean surely the chickens would go in their coop of their own accord, animals are pretty clever like that!

slow sewing

2010-09-07T14:29:00.008+10:00

Not just with the actual sewing part, but the choosing fabrics and patterns part. So many times I have rushed into a project, chosen the wrong fabric (often just cheapy stuff I don't even really like) and a pattern that seems ok and ran with it.

In the end that just adds to the waste issue because I know very distinctly what I like and I wont wear it. All it is, is just an excuse to sew, with no real thought about anything else. So I have wasted time, fabric and I get down on myself for that which kills the creativity.

So this time around I chose carefully, I picked this vest pattern that I really liked and this beautiful linen fabric is a favourite. I used bias on all the edges and hand sewed it down. Because this vest isn't lined I wanted a nice finish and the machine stitch edge looked a little cheap. I used a bought black bias for the arm holes. Rather than an adjustable tab at the back I just sewed in a tab for a more clean finish. I really like it!

This sweet top is made from Japanese voile and I just adore this fabric - the colours, the feel, the everything.

The bow on the shoulder is a departure from my usual very simple taste but I think it really works, it's something extra without being ostentatious or showy, so perfect for me.

To add to the slow process I blind hemmed the bottom AND french seamed the sides.

Siena raved about it, she said I looked hot, yes, hot!! Such big compliments from Siena on my fashion sense are few and far between so I was pretty excited about that!!

you're a winner and I'm a winner

2010-09-01T14:24:00.007+10:00

Wow, the gorgeous, ultra talented, super funny and generally all round great gal Mel won my little give away!! Congratulations. Now just send me an email with your details and I shall post it off to you ASAP! (sccole @ tpg . com . au)

Thnaks for entering, that was fun, so fun that I want to do another so stayed tuned!

As for me, I won an amazingly beautiful book over at Tree Fall.

Pin tucked cushions? Yes please!

I never wanted a tea pot cosy until now!

A beautiful, so simple patchwork cushion - I think it's the fabrics that I love the most (she screen prints her own)

Anyway, I've tea to drink and pictures to drool over, so till next time.

a makeover of sorts...

2010-08-30T13:24:00.006+10:00

Isn't this THE ugliest booster seat you have ever seen! It was just grossing me out every time Lucia had to put her little bottom on it so I decided today to make a new cover for it.

Honestly I gave very little thought to the fabric, I used a scrap of curtain fabric from I don't know where and a nice striped canvas for the back. I just cut around the original 'seat' because I knew I was going to bind it all together so it was very fast and easy. I also put a nice piece of batting in between the top and bottom for some extra cushioning!

I sewed in elastic where the original elastic pieces went because there were the corresponding little hooks but I also glued in some velcro to the plastic and the cushion to keep it more secure. All in all I felt very efficient and organised which is a far, far, far, far cry from how I usually feel about my life!

And Eva;

Well she is so good, fully recovered and just delicious. She loves that Tinkerbell dress so much, she wears it to bed and then all the next day - hey, I know that's gross but there is a bath and a change of undies in between so I don't feel so negligent!

A giveaway and a little bit of vintage (I think...)

2010-08-25T13:44:00.007+10:00

Ta da!!!!!!

I finally made a lovely little clutch for my giveaway! I am so excited to offer this as a giveaway - a very small token of my love and appreciation to everyone who reads this blog and comments sharing some of themselves with me. Now I wish I had made more because I would love to give something to everyone.

Now I know I spoke all too quickly about using vintage fabric blah, blah, blah, because that all went very pear shaped as the fabric was not really appropriate for this pattern AND I used a too stiff interfacing which made the clutch lose it's whimsy softness feeling (If you know what I mean).

I want to include the vintage fabric clutch with this giveaway because I did offer it PLUS I found another piece (maybe a tea towel originally) of gorgeous fabric that I am offering up too.

This is the first clutch I made from some amazing fabric I found at my local op shop. It is a linen fabric, made in Brazil with this fabulous print on it. I really did think it would work but gathering up such thick fabric was hard and as you can see the gathers aren't fluffy (you do know what I mean don't you) and soft like in the second one. I persevered but when I finished it I just was not happy with the end result so ended up making the second one which I really do prefer.

This is the other piece of fabric which I am including in this giveaway - I so confidently call it vintage because it looks like it to me but I actually don't even know what vintage means and if this is in fact a vintage piece of fabric...Anyway, it's beautiful (washed and ironed - ahem) and the colours are stunning and I hope that whoever ends up with it enjoys it.

Just comment if you want to be a part of this little giveaway (I might just stuff the clutch with chocolate - that'd be fun!) and I will draw a winner next Wednesday!

sewing

2010-08-18T14:40:00.010+10:00

A new Ottobre dress for Lucia

I lengthened it by about 3 inches so it was a dress more than a tunic and she loved it! I hope it doesn't look too "Christmassy"...that is such a risk with red and
white - Christmassy or nursey!

Lucia chose the colour herself - she adores red, and it's a terrific shade of red, not too bright, not fire engine at all, just deep and lush.

Did someone say 'invisible zip'? Isn't it beautiful - my first ever invisible zip, and I am so proud of myself!!

I also made some little leggings for her too from some beautiful knit from Crafty Mamas. Unfortunately they are a little too bike short for me rather than the 3/4 I was going for (although you'd think a light would have gone on when I was cutting them...) But again Lucia thinks they are fabulous (great colour Mum!!) and promises to wear them (we'll see ) but at only $8 for a 1/2 meter of the knit fabric I am not too worried if they only end up as play shorts.

Try not to be jealous of our gorgeous astro turf, it really is a lovely floor covering isn't it?!

This is actually my 400th post!!! And I have been thinking a lot about my give away. I found some beautiful vintage fabric at my local op shop and I am going to make a clutch from it and have that as the give away which will be my very next post! YAY!! Stayed tuned!

back!

2010-08-16T10:58:00.011+10:00

Thank you for ALL the amazing, kind, thoughtful and beautiful comments left on my blog for my precious little girl.

She is doing so much better. It was a long, too long for me, 5 days in hospital. Eva kept all the doctors and nurses entertained with funny stories and interesting questions. She is so used to being checked over she pulls her shirt up for the stethoscope, turns her head for her ears to be looked at, wants to know what her temperature is and drinks all her medicine without complaint! Apart from tearing up and down the ward on the last couple of days when she was feeling better, she was a model patient.

Just before we dashed off to emergency last Monday I was in the middle of writing a post about stuff that feels so insignificant now and maybe a bit old?

Like the last Ice Cream Dress I made for my niece's 5th birthday.

Including a removable, not particularly well made, tiny hexagon brooch! I think she liked it, her mum certainly did, so I am going to make one for Neve's first birthday coming up next month!

I can't remember what the floral print is but that beautiful spot is Moda, OZ by Sanae.

We also made it to Mathilda's Market Sydney, which was an excellent day. The sun was shining, there was plenty of people. So many friendly faces, we were busy, it was a really happy, exhausting day! Thanks Sydney for supporting handmade!

Eva

2010-08-10T13:20:00.001+10:00

Is sick in hospital with pneumonia. Please send happy healthy vibes her way!
xxx

Happy Happy 101

2010-08-03T16:05:00.006+10:00

I have been tagged by the gorgeous pottymouthmama for a fun meme - I haven't done one of these for ages - feeling a wee but rusty!!

It's simple, 10 things that make me happy!

1. A steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee first thing in the morning is divine!

2. Watching True Blood with Andrew, we bond over this show, seriously, I laugh so hard and then we practice southern accents for the next week!

3. Sewing - quite simply my favourite past time.

4. Family dinners (I mean with the siblings) it's loud, it's messy, it's just a whole lot of intense fun!

5. Hanging out with Siena - the more this girl grows up the more I see how amazing and beautiful she is and she can make me belly laugh like no one can!

6. Snuggling in bed with Eva, she loves to snuggle and it makes me so happy.

7. Fabric. Buying it, washing it and storing it so I can stare at it!

8. James Valentine. I love 702 and all the presenters but James is so funny, he cracks me up. Today he was having a go at Apple owners and I was giggling like a school girl!!

9. Being alone - I know that is strange but I am actually quite a solitary person I am very happy in my own company.

10. Bargain shopping - the rush of a good deal is the best feeling ever - I truly hate paying full price for anything!!

I am going to tag some people I would love to know more about!

A glass half full.

Bug and Pop

Duyvken

Raindrops and belly flops

Snailblazer

One Sheep Town

MooBear

Kat's Creations

Little things are big

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