owllies
Went to Brisbane Brown Owls meet-up today.
First we all met at the lovely lovely shop, Nook, which I've mentioned before. This shop has shown itself to be a Brisbane {crafty} must-go-to, each time I go there Michelle has new stock, and new displays. I finally remembered to take my camera - so some photos.
Then a morning of chatting and crafting. What else could a gal wish for? Getting to talk craft with others who get you, and market stalls - so good to have thoughts from other marketeers (and be able to moan about the same things!).
Time without the kids, and without having to think about how long until someone calls and needs them picked up. (My mother-in-law is very very good and thoughtful and caring in that way - combined with the fact that she loves the kids as much {more?} than me!).
So, my craft - well, I have grand plans and ideas of sewing some form of quilt thing for Ari, for his birthday. Silly, silly - I know. His birthday is in one month, and in that time I have 2 markets, and to prepare for another massive market. And of course his party, and all the little things for that (which we'll talk about another time).
But, I read things like this - and get inspiration. And say, oh of course I can do it. And, well I made that little quilt for Mishi, and Ari would love something for himself.
My head is working on something simple, but with major inspiration from this idea here. Check out other links and images here.
So, any helpful inspirational links and thoughts are welcome. Oh, and some prodding and encouragement will most probably be necessary.
I want to give my boy something special that he'll carry with him possibly for the rest of his life.
******
Danielle's the 'goods'!
Then a morning of chatting and crafting. What else could a gal wish for? Getting to talk craft with others who get you, and market stalls - so good to have thoughts from other marketeers (and be able to moan about the same things!).
Time without the kids, and without having to think about how long until someone calls and needs them picked up. (My mother-in-law is very very good and thoughtful and caring in that way - combined with the fact that she loves the kids as much {more?} than me!).
So, my craft - well, I have grand plans and ideas of sewing some form of quilt thing for Ari, for his birthday. Silly, silly - I know. His birthday is in one month, and in that time I have 2 markets, and to prepare for another massive market. And of course his party, and all the little things for that (which we'll talk about another time).
But, I read things like this - and get inspiration. And say, oh of course I can do it. And, well I made that little quilt for Mishi, and Ari would love something for himself.
My head is working on something simple, but with major inspiration from this idea here. Check out other links and images here.
So, any helpful inspirational links and thoughts are welcome. Oh, and some prodding and encouragement will most probably be necessary.
I want to give my boy something special that he'll carry with him possibly for the rest of his life.
Also, must note down here. As mostly I forget to record "kid stuff".
A few nights ago Ari was asking me the difference between 'possibly' and 'probably'. He knew, too, what things went with what contexts. Like "mama, would you possibly be able to get off the computer". And "would there ever be a probability of finding an alive dinosaur"; "no darling, but a possibility".
Oh, I'm loving this just-about five year old language development. And understanding - and when I think about it with happiness, I love the attitude and cheekiness that is happening too!
corners
I just found all these photos, saved as an unpublished draft. Some corners of my {very tidy} home. Of course, since taking these photos about 5 weeks ago things have changed a bit. I'm positively sure that new flowers have bloomed around the streets, to be picked and enjoyed (or simply enjoyed on the tree). And, well - the house is a whole lot messier at the moment, which I suppose is why it's so lovely to look at clean photos. These ones are mostly taken while we were still unpacking all our junk.
{I am totally baffled by the formatting that blogger is imposing on these photos - this new way they have of doing it is good, but interesting and seems to have a mind of it's own at times.}
{pay it forward}
there's a whole lot of abbreviations that you need to learn when you become a crafter.
wip = work in progress; which is basically what you're currently working on, or have on the making pile
ufo = un-finished object; something that just sort of got abandoned along the way - numerous reasons that we won't go into, as to why a project could just get 'abandoned'. {poor little things - those baskets full of ufos across the globe}
pif = pay it forward; when someone gives you a beautiful gift, just because and you pass on the gifting love to someone else, just because.
{okay, okay - at the moment I can only think of these three things for this massive long list of abbreviations. I know there are more - my brains been focussing on paperwork and such stuff today. And park playing - eating cake and popcorn. And reading our new kids full colour illustrated version of Tashi - planning on going to see the play next week at the Powerhouse, with the kids.
If you have any other abbreviations you can share with us, please ease my brain.}
Anyway, back to the PIF. Quite a while ago I signed up for a pay it forward from the sweet Dear Fii. She gave me my lovely little package in, ummmm, ohhhh, errrrr back in May sometime. It's taken me this long to remember to put up my carry on version of it.
The rules go something like this:
~ I will post a gift out to three people who leave a comment on this blog {shall we say the first three, or do you want a random number pick thing - shall we see how many put their hands up.}
~ I have 12 months to post it to you {though will endeavour to get it done in less than 1/4 of that time}
~ I can send anything {but really, I will send something that is beautifully handcrafted by me, and I can only hope that you will love. By reading my blog, you have a basic idea of what sort of things I make, so I can assume you'll like it...}.
~ You too must promise to pass on the Pay It Forward. {it's all about passing the thought, care, love, hand crafted-ness onto someone else, but if you don't handcraft yourself, you can buy and then send another handcrafted item}.
~ You can live across the globe, or across the ocean, or across the street {I'll post it anywhere that a post(wo)man can deliver to; or maybe a camel or pigeon}.
I'm going to leave this open for at least a week.
*Photos are from our walk and park visit today. Two were taken by Ari, can you guess which ones?
wip = work in progress; which is basically what you're currently working on, or have on the making pile
ufo = un-finished object; something that just sort of got abandoned along the way - numerous reasons that we won't go into, as to why a project could just get 'abandoned'. {poor little things - those baskets full of ufos across the globe}
pif = pay it forward; when someone gives you a beautiful gift, just because and you pass on the gifting love to someone else, just because.
{okay, okay - at the moment I can only think of these three things for this massive long list of abbreviations. I know there are more - my brains been focussing on paperwork and such stuff today. And park playing - eating cake and popcorn. And reading our new kids full colour illustrated version of Tashi - planning on going to see the play next week at the Powerhouse, with the kids.
If you have any other abbreviations you can share with us, please ease my brain.}
Anyway, back to the PIF. Quite a while ago I signed up for a pay it forward from the sweet Dear Fii. She gave me my lovely little package in, ummmm, ohhhh, errrrr back in May sometime. It's taken me this long to remember to put up my carry on version of it.
The rules go something like this:
~ I will post a gift out to three people who leave a comment on this blog {shall we say the first three, or do you want a random number pick thing - shall we see how many put their hands up.}
~ I have 12 months to post it to you {though will endeavour to get it done in less than 1/4 of that time}
~ I can send anything {but really, I will send something that is beautifully handcrafted by me, and I can only hope that you will love. By reading my blog, you have a basic idea of what sort of things I make, so I can assume you'll like it...}.
~ You too must promise to pass on the Pay It Forward. {it's all about passing the thought, care, love, hand crafted-ness onto someone else, but if you don't handcraft yourself, you can buy and then send another handcrafted item}.
~ You can live across the globe, or across the ocean, or across the street {I'll post it anywhere that a post(wo)man can deliver to; or maybe a camel or pigeon}.
I'm going to leave this open for at least a week.
*Photos are from our walk and park visit today. Two were taken by Ari, can you guess which ones?
just.......
only a few days ago it was my nephews birthday. and i realise that i've forgotten to call him, again. or send a card or present. so, here i am - hoping he or his dear mama may be reading this.
this was a beautiful weekend, spent with the treasures of family, in a magical location. lots of laughing and games and talking, and happily not too much bickering.
T - please let me know if there's something special i can make for you, that you'd like.
so - if we forget to ring you, remember we love you and think about you, and talk about you in our daily life.
Happiest Birthday T.
here are some photos we took at their house last month. have i shown these before - i think not.this was a beautiful weekend, spent with the treasures of family, in a magical location. lots of laughing and games and talking, and happily not too much bickering.
so - if we forget to ring you, remember we love you and think about you, and talk about you in our daily life.
in the news and on the street - ready to party!
Along with a spectacular brooch from Sam of Jettas Nest. I do think I'll be coming home with one of her little creatures this weekend. I love her combination of hand painted faces with the crochet hair/flower around the outside. She showed us BrisStylettes one of the sweetest little dolls I've seen for a long time, the other day. Talented lady.
babushka bottoms in my Creative Space
A few views of my creative space, from today.
Sewing up some babushka's from Kristen Doran fabric panels, to use as a display for our Racecourse Rd Street Party market stall. Do come and have a look at the market if you live nearby.
The kids helped me to stuff the babushkas, now I only have to sew up their bottoms.
I also made a puffy 'bushka purse, for fun.
They really are such sweet little creatures to work with.
My little creatures keep asking me which one is the mum and which one is the dad.
Looking down at the floor of my sewing room; hmmmm..... need some housekeeping in here. Will someone call the robot vacuum cleaner please (as I sure aren't going to do it anytime soon!).
Visit some other Creative Space over here at Kootoyoo.
The kids helped me to stuff the babushkas, now I only have to sew up their bottoms.
They really are such sweet little creatures to work with.
My little creatures keep asking me which one is the mum and which one is the dad.
Looking down at the floor of my sewing room; hmmmm..... need some housekeeping in here. Will someone call the robot vacuum cleaner please (as I sure aren't going to do it anytime soon!).
Visit some other Creative Space over here at Kootoyoo.
introducing Selvedge House
I've alluded to this for quite a while now, little mentions here and there. A few of you have already guessed. So, here's the big news.
I'm opening a shop! yah.
It's modern day crafting, fabric and screen printing.
We'll have screen printing workshops, and sewing classes. People who have never used a sewing machine can come along and learn how to make something. People can come along and screen print their own designs onto beautiful organic cottons, hemps and linens. Then they can sew it up in our stitch classes.
And our fabric shop will be stocked with delicious hand printed textiles. We have some of the most talented designers right here in Australia, who are hand printing with skill, dedication and love. And crafty books that are pure inspiration.
Of course, we'll still be doing Red Seed. That's a big part of this; being able to have the space for a proper printing table, and have a dedicated studio for designing and working and dreaming and creating.
So, please pop on over to the Selvedge House blog, have a little look around and follow us on our journey. We are still looking for our shop location, so in the meantime we're having market stalls filled with glorious fabric and patterns and little hand crafted pieces.
I'll still be here, blogging about bits and pieces and things and life in general.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and words of advice, either here or over there.
I'm opening a shop! yah.
We'll have screen printing workshops, and sewing classes. People who have never used a sewing machine can come along and learn how to make something. People can come along and screen print their own designs onto beautiful organic cottons, hemps and linens. Then they can sew it up in our stitch classes.
And our fabric shop will be stocked with delicious hand printed textiles. We have some of the most talented designers right here in Australia, who are hand printing with skill, dedication and love. And crafty books that are pure inspiration.
Of course, we'll still be doing Red Seed. That's a big part of this; being able to have the space for a proper printing table, and have a dedicated studio for designing and working and dreaming and creating.
So, please pop on over to the Selvedge House blog, have a little look around and follow us on our journey. We are still looking for our shop location, so in the meantime we're having market stalls filled with glorious fabric and patterns and little hand crafted pieces.
I'll still be here, blogging about bits and pieces and things and life in general.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and words of advice, either here or over there.
a combination
there's so much going on here. but it's all in little snippets.
disconnect moments of sewing are getting bits and pieces completed for the market this weekend.
checking emails and placing orders. and receiving orders - that's the fun part isn't it. the delivery man coming every day this week, with a special parcel full of fabric or patterns.
moments of quiet from the kids
are followed by moments of mess;
which results in extra-long moments of cleaning for me.
but the week is not even near to over. it's all mounting towards the busiest market i've attended, as a marketer. rushing towards sunday, when i have to get up before the dawn and smile and chat all day.
please come back tomorrow, when i have some extra special news to share with you.
disconnect moments of sewing are getting bits and pieces completed for the market this weekend.
checking emails and placing orders. and receiving orders - that's the fun part isn't it. the delivery man coming every day this week, with a special parcel full of fabric or patterns.
moments of quiet from the kids
please come back tomorrow, when i have some extra special news to share with you.
ribbon tree at odosketch
Go and have a play.
This is my ribbon tree - can you see the way the green swirls like ribbons.
This is going to be my new addiction, I can feel.
mmmmm.
i promise you i am working - don't want to keep blaming the kids, but..... a 5 yr old, and 2.5 yr old need more than i can offer them at the moment in terms of constant attention and energy.
in case you can't notice
that big blue moving ad thing there, i want to tell you about it. firstly, it's not an ad. well, not a paid advert in any case. just click on it, and have a look. i told you about the premiere we went to in Sydney. well, this is what it's all about. there is going to be a global premiere for this fantastic movie. check out if there's somewhere near you - cause if there isn't you can set it up yourself as an indie screening.
this movie is self funded - and word of mouth is one of their biggest (free) funding methods. it doesn't have massive backing (actually, any backing) from major industry types.
but it's a film that is so important, a film that needs to reach people who wouldn't normally go and see a film like this. if you have a friend who thinks "climate change" is a load of rubbish, take them along. it's beautifully shot and so well put together. the story intermingle and mixes - news footage with family stories, and fantastic little inserts of cartoon-like bits.
visit the age of stupid website here, check out cinema time and locations here, and get 'cleverer' over on the not stupid site.
enjoy your weekend. i'm back to the sewing.
this movie is self funded - and word of mouth is one of their biggest (free) funding methods. it doesn't have massive backing (actually, any backing) from major industry types.
but it's a film that is so important, a film that needs to reach people who wouldn't normally go and see a film like this. if you have a friend who thinks "climate change" is a load of rubbish, take them along. it's beautifully shot and so well put together. the story intermingle and mixes - news footage with family stories, and fantastic little inserts of cartoon-like bits.
visit the age of stupid website here, check out cinema time and locations here, and get 'cleverer' over on the not stupid site.
enjoy your weekend. i'm back to the sewing.
inspiration
lately I've been spending way too much time on this new little white computer toy of mine. it's all work related, I promise. I've actually been checking in on my favourite blogs way less than I want to - restaining myself is quiet hard.
it's late night / early morning here. that's the time that us mum crafters, bloggers, small business owners sit up and keep on getting it all done. listening to the possum laughing from the tree outside, and the crickets squirking. and the silence of sleeping city. and sleeping house. and the cold of those not-sure-if -it's-Spring rainy sort of weather.
i've been picking up little bits of colour inspiration all over the place these past few days. not so much outside of this little computer world - except of course the beautiful little children, who can also be terrors.
so, some images that have been propelling my on, despite the tiredness of the work that's to be done. the images that are propelling thoughts and ideas and hopes and wishes. a random assortment that doesn't mean much, except to make me smile.
red quilt
so, ummm. here i am trying to get some solid work done on number one of the list (which does involve sitting at my computer, but not umm... reading blogs). and already i'm distracted. to my defense, the kids aren't in bed yet and don't show any signs they will be soon - so until they're asleep i can't devote total concentration to the writing of a business plan.*
anyway - i've been watching little snippets of this beautiful quilt project, all around some of my favourite blogs. it's a bit of inspiration for the quilt for Ari (the not-yet-started-though-promised-for-more-than-a year-now quilt). he likes red, and i wanted something that wasn't dinosaurs or cars or any kid / boy generalised thing. and something that would continue to look beautiful for many years. if i'm going to make a special quilt, then i should make it really special.
have a look around at these places:
Kootoyoo
Maika Creations
Clutter Punk
Badskirt
Craftapalooza
there's a whole rambling tumble of amazing bloggers who are quilting in red - check out the list here, and the photos here. Can't wait to see the finished piece of work.
Okay, good night. Back to my 'real' work.
* just wanted to mention for any of you thinking of starting your own (craft) business, the business plan writing is a very important aspect. its a living, breathing document that can change with you as your business ideas change and evolve. so, don't skip past the writing of a business plan - take your time and think about it.
** photos are from Maika Creations and Clutter Punk. Click on each photo to visit their flickr sites. Used with permission, thank you.
doing ::
i have a long list of need-to-get-done. writing it here may keep me accountable to finishing it all in a timely manner. some things on my list are work related, some are personal, and some for the family.work ::
write business plan + financials
think of name for this new venture
get a wiggle along with sewing stock for the Racecourse Rd Steet Party Market
organise new business cards, swing tags, etc to be printed
(this is the edited list)
family ::
finish bag with Ari
make kids at least two new outfits each
source fabric for quilt for Ari - I'd love your advice on any fabrics you can suggest that a 5yr old boy may appreciate
finish binding on Mishi's quilt
make fabric baskets / buckets for kids room for storage
make shorts for Sam
make placemats for dining table (can you believe we only have store bought ones!)
me ::
finish organising craft room
cover + hang all my inspiration boards
get through my mound of paperwork (which includes doing our tax)
make myself some pin cushions (only have some piddly little thing that looks like an over spiked echidna)
make some new skirts + dresses for myself for Summer
make one of these lovely little rabbits for a cousin (who's about to have her baby)
read through my new craft books and actually make some projects from them
make some new cushions for the chairs in my craft room. something like this
So, where to start.......
Please follow me along, as I attempt to cross things off my list.
** Bamboo photo was taken at Sydney Botanical Gardens, while on my holiday; it saddens me the way people write on plants like this, yet is also looks quite interesting.
And one of Mishi + me, playing games last night (using the computer photobooth camera).
model shoot on the front steps
ari took these sweet photos of mishi, on the front steps of our house.
i was inside sewing frantically, to finish the gift for a dear sweet little friend. and sent them out to take some photos, which they both love doing - him the photographer, her the poser.
i managed to get a few of him, with my film camera, wearing the digital around his neck and looking oh so grown up. i'll have to film developed soon, and show you those.
mishi is wearing the beautiful outfit i bought at the market from Blossom Child, the pants are fantastic red striped, with great little pocket details. ari wants some, seriously i want some. these are beautifully crafted clothing, pieces that will transcend any season or fashion trend, and i imagine will outlive anything a child can throw at it. i'm hoping to see these on the next generation of children (considering i think i have finally admitted that having a third child just isn't right for us, much as i love the dream/ideal of it.).
apart from looking at week's old photos, and ignoring the mess of the house, i've been working on the business plan, financials and doing endless hours of research (which the kids don't really believe is work - get off the computer, mum).
i'm also planning (in my head) the stock i will be making for the Racecourse Rd Street Party Market in less than a month away (ummm 3 weeks, who's counting). more on this soon.
also, today is sam's and my 5th wedding anniversary. we've been together 11 years, but it's always nice to have two different anniversaries to celebrate. the kids went to my sisters for the evening, and we went to see "inglorious basterds" - very fun, though quite gory movie. and totally packed out; i guess it only just opened this week.
too darn hot
Today is too darn hot. 33 degrees C (90 F). I think Spring decided to skip this year - straight on from Winter to hottest Summer.
I do promise sometime soon there will be some proper crafting and sewing and designing. Let me assure you there is lots and lots of behind the scenes work, that I can reveal very soon. I'm itching to tell you all about it.A few photos from our Sydney trip.
Quote reads"I love fools' experiments,
I'm always making them"
Charles Darwin.
I'm always making them"
Charles Darwin.
not stupid
Photos from our glamorous movie premiere in Sydney.
Look at us three women. don't we look very sophisticated and grown up and all that - i actually don't think that we are; just good at pretending.
Kelley, Sylve and me (hailing a taxi - i know what i'm doing, don't i!)
Kelley, Sylve and me - on the green carpet at the launch of Age of Stupid. It's a really excellent movie - do go out and see it. A story about climate change, told from the future - with wonderful little views into everyday-people's lives from today. And some just terrible quotes from people, who think they care about the environment yet they don't want a wind farm in their back yard because it'll ruin the view!
The US premiere will be 21st and 22nd Sept. It will be screened all across the States, via live satellite. This is a movie with no advertising budget what-so-ever, yet a strong and important direct message that needs to be seen. Check where your local screening is.
Let me tell you that she, my sister, looked this gorgeous every day of our holiday, regardless of if she was in jeans and boots or her dress-up outfit.
Ben and Kelley in their vintage and op-shopped green carpet outfits. Beautiful couple.
Look at us three women. don't we look very sophisticated and grown up and all that - i actually don't think that we are; just good at pretending.
Kelley, Sylve and me (hailing a taxi - i know what i'm doing, don't i!)Kelley, Sylve and me - on the green carpet at the launch of Age of Stupid. It's a really excellent movie - do go out and see it. A story about climate change, told from the future - with wonderful little views into everyday-people's lives from today. And some just terrible quotes from people, who think they care about the environment yet they don't want a wind farm in their back yard because it'll ruin the view!The US premiere will be 21st and 22nd Sept. It will be screened all across the States, via live satellite. This is a movie with no advertising budget what-so-ever, yet a strong and important direct message that needs to be seen. Check where your local screening is.
Let me tell you that she, my sister, looked this gorgeous every day of our holiday, regardless of if she was in jeans and boots or her dress-up outfit.Ben and Kelley in their vintage and op-shopped green carpet outfits. Beautiful couple.building up my library
i'm building up my library of design, craft and inspiration books. whatever i may pass it off as, my Sydney holiday bags came home a tad bit heavier!
oh - we visited the most intoxicating bookshop, Kinokuniya. Sylve + i could have spent all day in there. i think we showed quite a good bit of restraint in our purchases. also, their prices seemed actually cheaper than i had anticipated.
i'm going to try and review them for you over the coming weeks, as i know i really enjoy having little insights into books from other artists and crafters. oftentimes seeing the cover (on Amazon, etc) isn't enough to let me know if a book will be as beautiful as i imagine. if there's one in particular that you are interested in hearing more about - do let me know and i'll write about it first.
if you happen to visit Sydney anytime soon, do visit Kinokuniya; but make sure you plan a few spare hours for the pleasure. and have lunch at the little cafe right at the exit; we had a delicious homemade soup with cheese and apple (very Japanese, serving us some apple pieces - a lovely and thoughtful end to a simple meal).
The Garden at Eichstatt (though mine is a different cover) - beautiful botanical prints.
corsage for weekday ... accessory for everyday - sweet little flowers and corsages broken into 'weekday', 'corsage for sweet lovers - date', 'sometime get dressed - party', 'saturday and sunday with sunshine - weekend'. The styling is just lovely. And the patterns at the back, while written in Japanese, are very easy to understand with well illustrated instructions.
Felt Work Fun - felt things - bags, necklaces, accessories, seat bags, carpet and other little trims and details. Has templates to photocopy or trace, and fairly easy to understand instructions (written in Japanese).
Happy Homemade vol 2 - clothing for children age 5 and up. i'll let you know how easy the patterns are to use, when i get started on them. Suitable for girls and boys
Start Walking - for boy and girl - clothing patterns for younger children up to about age 5. The instructions look very easy to understand, excellent illustrations.
Textile Designers at the Cutting Edge - this will be one that i use and love for the rest of my life (i'm assuming). A pretty pink ribbon ties the pages together. Many many hours of inspiration in this, i can tell.
Juxtopoz Tattoo (for Sam) - this looks like a very intricate and amazing display of some fantastic artworks - bodyworks. it's organised by each artist, which is a really good way to find a style or artist you particularly like, and follow their work. check out this link to see some of the images - it is very very mind blowing that people can draw/ink like this, and that people can withstand that pain.
also in the pic is the newest MixtapeZine, issue 10, which was waiting for me when i got home. a bowl of random sewing things - pins, scissors, and assorted clutter. and my new toy - it's all mine and i don't have to share it with anyway. sweet little thing it is. and did you know that Mac has the greenest 'puty you can buy (or so their marketing literature says).
oh - we visited the most intoxicating bookshop, Kinokuniya. Sylve + i could have spent all day in there. i think we showed quite a good bit of restraint in our purchases. also, their prices seemed actually cheaper than i had anticipated.i'm going to try and review them for you over the coming weeks, as i know i really enjoy having little insights into books from other artists and crafters. oftentimes seeing the cover (on Amazon, etc) isn't enough to let me know if a book will be as beautiful as i imagine. if there's one in particular that you are interested in hearing more about - do let me know and i'll write about it first.
if you happen to visit Sydney anytime soon, do visit Kinokuniya; but make sure you plan a few spare hours for the pleasure. and have lunch at the little cafe right at the exit; we had a delicious homemade soup with cheese and apple (very Japanese, serving us some apple pieces - a lovely and thoughtful end to a simple meal).
The Garden at Eichstatt (though mine is a different cover) - beautiful botanical prints.
corsage for weekday ... accessory for everyday - sweet little flowers and corsages broken into 'weekday', 'corsage for sweet lovers - date', 'sometime get dressed - party', 'saturday and sunday with sunshine - weekend'. The styling is just lovely. And the patterns at the back, while written in Japanese, are very easy to understand with well illustrated instructions.
Felt Work Fun - felt things - bags, necklaces, accessories, seat bags, carpet and other little trims and details. Has templates to photocopy or trace, and fairly easy to understand instructions (written in Japanese).
Happy Homemade vol 2 - clothing for children age 5 and up. i'll let you know how easy the patterns are to use, when i get started on them. Suitable for girls and boys
Start Walking - for boy and girl - clothing patterns for younger children up to about age 5. The instructions look very easy to understand, excellent illustrations.
Textile Designers at the Cutting Edge - this will be one that i use and love for the rest of my life (i'm assuming). A pretty pink ribbon ties the pages together. Many many hours of inspiration in this, i can tell.
Juxtopoz Tattoo (for Sam) - this looks like a very intricate and amazing display of some fantastic artworks - bodyworks. it's organised by each artist, which is a really good way to find a style or artist you particularly like, and follow their work. check out this link to see some of the images - it is very very mind blowing that people can draw/ink like this, and that people can withstand that pain.
also in the pic is the newest MixtapeZine, issue 10, which was waiting for me when i got home. a bowl of random sewing things - pins, scissors, and assorted clutter. and my new toy - it's all mine and i don't have to share it with anyway. sweet little thing it is. and did you know that Mac has the greenest 'puty you can buy (or so their marketing literature says).and the winner is......
my sister picked a number, this morning, for the draw of my little giveaway.
the purse and fabric goes to number 14, who is Sandrine - she blogs here, and sells her exquisite hand felted pieces here.
i was chatting with Sandrine the weekend before last at the Boutique Market, and she is a beautiful, friendly and generous woman, so i'm glad she won this little giveaway.
*****
Also, if any of you live in Sydney, or know the city well - i'd love some ideas of lovely places to visit. my sister + i are going down on wednesday, with our friends Kelley + Ben.
we have scheduled lots of child-free shopping time - hours and hours of carefree wandering. interspersed by some visiting the art gallery and the stitches and craft show. as well as the most decadent looking high tea (where we've already decided that we'll bypass the cucumber sandwiches in favour of extra chocolate fountain).
*** beautiful photos are from Sandrine's Etsy shop - thank you for letting me use them.