a few things i know about......

{death}

i'm going to start this off by saying what follows is a late night ramble.
but all of it is true.
as far as my truth goes.

and also, before you're too turned off by the
                                                                      death word,
                                         do remember that life and death do in fact

revolve around each other. 

need each other. 

depend on each other.

exist within

and of each other.

that each inhale you take must be followed by an exhale

and back again.

one thing i have noticed about death, in the past few years, is that once you start noticing it and paying attention to it, you continue to notice it, to be drawn - as it were - to it. 

{in some way similar to the way that when you become pregnant you suddenly start to notice all the other pregnant women, and teeny little new born life of babies. before you had your own life growing inside of you, none of those other tiny growing lifes existed. not to you, anyway}.

death is the same. 

once you have had death happen around you {within, of, beside you. slip from your hands.grasp your hands tight} you seem to have a heightened sense of it happening to others.

and not only sensing it. but feeling it. 

 you are prone more to the feeling. the being open to that deep rawness. the gash it leaves inside. the clutching with empty hands. the half thought conversations that you can no longer have.

lately i have somehow been reading books.stories about death. of death. after. before. during. 

i do not know why. for some reason i pick them up (from the library, or switch a show on at late night tv) and i'm drawn in. 

i know, immediately, that it's there. to be thought about. dreamed about. 

my heart torn out. 

again. 

and again. 

all over. 

for a new reason. but always.always.always the same reason. 

the same death. 

it's like a vague memory of something you've forgotten. 

you want to ring.talk.call.write.tell something, yet you can't. 

there's no-one to tell. 

sometimes you forget that there's no-one to tell. 

sometimes you even get as far as having the telephone in your hand before you remember that there's no-one to tell. 

sometimes you stop yourself before you get that far. 

but you still forget. question. remember. forget. ask again. remind yourself. 

then look up and wonder. 

did you dream it. 

was it a death dream.

or a real dream.

or just death.

{life}

that flipside of death. you know. one with the other. it's the way it works. 

spend all your life fearing death. 

but what about fearing life.

or living. 

or sometimes you stop fearing. stop remembering/forgetting. 

sometimes you stop right in the centre of life.death. in the middle of the circle. 

the eye of the storm and 

                                                                you 

                                                                       just

                                                                              are

alive.dead.living.dying.laughing.crying.happy.sad.forgetful.remembering.

{some stories* to read when you want to think about death include, but of are not at all limited to}

Moon River

Little Bird

Unaccustomed Earth

*these are simply the few i have read in the past couple of weeks. i will, of course, let you know when more as they come into my hands.eyes.mind.heart.life.

**of course this post is combined with photos of flowers and other such things of life and living and death and dying. of course.

sunday yellows {hoping for sunshine}

It's my birthday today.

Sam's too. 

We share a birthday, not a birth year, but the day. 

Today we are meeting family at the market. We're planning a walk around - Brisbane just simply doesn't have markets as good as this. Sorry, but it's true. I totally miss all these markets from my childhood. 

Uki, Channon, Bangalow + Byron - each once a month. Each fantastically amazing {in my memory at least; I'll give you a report on how reality stacks up to memory}.

We'll give the kids some pocket money to buy what they like. That's what my mum + dad always did. And we took so long to choose and decide and look look look, and ummm and ahhhh. Ari found a $20 note out in the street a few weeks back, so he has that as well.

And then, weather permitting, the boys will go skateboarding and we'll have a meander along the shoreline, with the two girl cousins - who will have so much fun playing together.

And yes a birthday picnic. 

What a glorious day we have planned. Even if it doesn't go to plan, it will be spent with loved and cherished ones and will be glorious anyway.

otherwise known as....... {yum}

I love the current phase of macaron love that's happening around the globe. Been going around for a while now, hasn't it? If you ask me, or any other sweet-tooth.adore.pretty.things sort of person, then it can go on for a whole lot longer.

I'm waiting until I have a decent oven again (miss this one, that's for sure) before I delve into trying to make these intriguing little masterpieces.

{Cannelle et Vanille}

{I Heart Macarons}

{Cannelle et Vanille: Cherry Blossom Macarons}

{Cannelle et Vanille: Cherry Blossom Macarons}

{Cannelle et Vanille: Strawberries and Vanilla Bean}

{and just another reason why I love my dear friend Sandrine and her French style}

{Miniature Macarons}

{The Clever Bride}

{Gourmet Traveller - Macarons with White Chocolate & Raspberry Ganache}

{I wanted to show you every single amazing image from Cannelle et Vanille, instead you'll have to go over and look at all the other beautiful, intoxicating, drool-inducing images yourself}.

Oh golly, I'm hungry now. For something sweet and light as air. And deliciously indulgent. And a little like a fairy tale. Or heaven.

*All images used with kind regards from the wonderful chefs.

schedule

there aren't many things in my life, or daily routine that are to a schedule.
yes, school hours. but that's about all.
and the paying of rent and phone bills.
but apart from that. life just flows and happens.
which is why it really is remarkably wonderful that i have managed to schedule some posts for you all to read while we are away on a short teeny tiny little holiday.
three nights sleeping in a house near a creek in the forest. somewhere or other.
my sister + nephew will be cat sitting for us. for our dear 66year old cat (we worked it out - 12+ cat years = 64-68 human years).

so i hope you enjoy the following scheduled shows.
please tune in for monday morning - i have a very special show, that i hope reads well for you. and some other little pieces too.

things on a friday

it's raining here. 

don't know what time, during the night, it started. 

but it does seem to be set in for the day, at least. 

we're going away early tomorrow morning for our holiday/weekend away. i hope it doesn't rain all weekend at our lovely creek-side holiday home.

i have the last of some things to wash before i pack them. s

uppose i'll have to visit the laudromat to use the dryer. or even perhaps my in-laws - who always love the kids visiting anyway, so a good reason to go and see them.

we're only going away for 3 sleeps, but it feels like so much more. 

a lot is riding on this time away. 

we are going to decide if this is a good place for us to find a new home in, to perhaps.possibly.just.maybe start our new business in.

beautiful rainy lighting - the little one likes any excuse for some summer clothes during the cold of winter. she shed her morning warms, for this outfit, and ran around in the wet garden. can you feel the goosebumps....

getting her back in the warms is going to be a challenge today! 

but, of course, she does look sweet in this little outfit. 

actually, any outfit she slips into looks good - stripes, spots, red + purple, layers over layers. 

she does have a good sense of style. 

she's a fairy in the garden. that's what she told me. 

Saviours of the Lost Arts

Saviours of the Lost Arts is an initiative of Brisbane City Council which will provide lovers of craft, senior residents, young and emerging craft workers and professional artisans the opportunity to showcase and share their arts and crafts.....

{from Saviour Webpage} 

This is a fantastic workshop series being presented in Brisbane City, and some outer suburbs. There are 'make and take', demonstrations and presentations by all sort of wonderful, crafty, experienced, talented people. It's about learning a new skill, remembering an old craft; taught by hands with a wealth of experience, learning from other like-minded creatives. 

How wonderful does this sound? The creative guilds of Brisbane sitting down and showing and sharing and teaching. Combined with the newer, younger crafting movement.

I just love the name. I feel that there is indeed a revival of lost arts happening around the world. This is something that people have talked about often, that I've read on blogs, magazines, books, chatted with people about....

There are so many skills that I wish I knew, could remember; some skills are being lost in our fast paced, ever changing world. Thankfully some are being saved, passed down to a new generation. Sometimes in the most unlikely circumstances, but happening none-the-less. 

You know the best part about this 2 week workshop event is that it's all free. A whole 2 weeks of learning to weave, spin, crochet, bead making, origami, felting.... right up to chats about online crafting arena, finishing up some UFO* and stencil and screen printing. 

Yup - you read it right. Stencil and screen printing with Sam + me! Are you excited or what. We'll be teaching how to stencil print onto a linen tea towel or hemp tote bag, using your own hand cut stencils (or ours if you aren't feeling too creative on the day!).

To tell you the truth, I don't even know if there are actually any spots left at any of these workshops, as being free I'm sure they were all snatched up on day one. But, just try your luck and head on over to the Bleeding Heart website to find out all the info you need. 

*(un-finished objects - those half started items lurking at the bottom of your craft basket)

the night-dress

So, of the whole week's challenge, I guess I was the only one to slip after day two. {Remember day one was where I didn't actually do any sewing; tidied the room up instead - which really means shuffling fabric from pile to pile}.

I just realised that I haven't even shown you the completed night dress. The one and only item of clothing made during the whole challenge week. Oh well, I suppose one is better than none. More than I thought would end up happening. 

Of course, being called a night dress doesn't mean she actually wears it as a night dress. She currently has it on right now, in the middle of the day. At least she's wearing it. She often puts it on after her night time shower, but takes it off before she hops into bed. 

Anyway, here it is. Being modeled in all it's glory. Night time photos, sorry about lighting. But lovely enough anyway. 

Notes on the sewing and pattern:: I do really like this dress. It's a bit big for her, I used the size 100cm (she measures at 96cm, so I guess those 4cm do make a big difference). But it's the style of dress that doesn't matter if it's too big. Very easy for her to slip on - forwards, backwards, doesn't matter. 

I really like the neckline features - little pintucks at the front, with contrast bias binding. And an elasticated neckline around the back. The sleeves are a great length (maybe not for real Winter warmth, but would be perfect for a Spring / Summer dress) and shape. 

And for someone scared of learning how to properly inset sleeves - these ones are so easy to sew in. 

Even though the pattern is written entirely in Japanese, it really is super easy to follow.

I'll be making some more of these, for sure. I think next time I'll put a scrunch on elastic across the back section, to pull it slightly in at the waist. Or even narrow out the dress so it's not as roomy.

*She had just washed her hair - still drying. And for some reason started laughing crazily, happily. And the kids all posed for me, without any silly faces.

Fabric SALE

Just wanted to let you know that I've finally sorted out the left over fabrics from Selvedge House. {for those of you who don't know what I'm on about, read this bit of news}.

If any of you are interested in getting some beautiful Australian designer fabric, let me know. I have started listing some on my Etsy store, but will take me a while to get it all up. In the meantime I thought I'd let you know what I have on offer.

Ink & Spindle - linen / cotton

It's mostly all fat 1/4s  - approx 45cm X 45cm (though really closer to 50cm x 50cm).
~ Wrens :: Charcoal on natural :: Charcoal on black
~ Acacia Charcoal on natural
~ Lace Fans Charcoal on black linen
~ Sumor :: Charcoal on black linen :: Charcoal on natural
~ Chalk Orange on white
~ Bloem :: Charcoal on natural :: Red on natural
~ Rooftops :: Charcoal on natural :: Snow on natural

Pippijoe - hemp + linen fabrics 

~ Pebbles red on white hemp / cotton {really beautiful texture} (45 cm x 50cm)
~ Buds red on natural hemp {thick weight, with an open weave} (50cm x 39cm)
~ Laundry Birds Black on white linen / cotton (45cm x 50cm)
~ Waterhen black on natural hemp (37cm x 50cm)

Danielle Stewart Designs
~ Protea green or aqua on natural linen / cotton (45cm x 60cm panel print, so has extra border unprinted)
~Poppies red on natural linen / cotton (same size as above)

All these fabrics retail for between $15 - $25AU (depending on size or fabric). I'm selling them all for only $10AU each. Some I have only 1 -2 left, others I have more than that, so please just ask me.

If you want any extra info or more photos, please contact me {redseedstudio AT gmail DOT com}. I can make a custom listing on Etsy, or just send you a PayPal invoice.

I'll work postage out for you, and get the best deal possible through Aust Post - can ship anywhere across the globe or city.

nothing to report

 {just love that sunlight trickling in} 

{source}

Yesterday was the most wonderful laze in bed day.
The kids had a sleepover, on Sunday night, at my sisters house {it being Sam's + my 12th anniversary; we went to see a movie + dinner at a beautiful Japanese restaurant}.
Sylv (my sister) took the boys to school, and spent the day quietly playing and lazing with Mishi.
I didn't pick the kids up until 3pm school pick-up.

{I'm totally sure that Sam + I looked almost as relaxed and glamorous as this!}

{source}

 

Sam + I had coffee in bed.
Then spent the day looking at real estate, online, in bed, on the laptop.
And of course, some blog perusing.
And some reading too - current issue of Selvedge Magazine is all about quilts, and the history of.

{can you believe that you can rent this view for only $475 week. No image of the house, so perhaps you'd be living in a shed or something like that.....}

{source}

It was an overcast, grey, cold day. Lazing in bed with your husband was the perfect thing to do. Don't you think.

Today, of course, is another story.
Ari off to school. Sam off to work.
Messy house to clean.
Laundry to get done.
A little baby koala girl (or whatever other animal she may be throughout the day...) to attend to and play with. Gum nut jam toast to make

And then, perhaps a few moments in the sewing room.
I have some swaps and way-way-way overdue PIFs to get finished and sent off.
And some new work to get underway for my three market stalls in a few weeks.

Enjoy your day. Lazy or busy.

{source}

saying yes

Sometimes I just keep saying no.
For many reasons

It's too hard

too annoying

too messy

too much effort

I'm too mean

too lazy

couldn't be bothered.

Yes, I am a mean mother

aren't I?

Anyway. Yesterday when Mishi asked me to make playdough I said

yes

And you know what.

It was easy and fun and lovely and resulted in many glorious hours of happy play. Yesterday and today, and probably tomorrow as well, at least.

Recipe :: 1 cup of flour {don't use expensive organic, like I did - but then again, if it's all you have in the cupboard, then just finally say yes and do use it!} 

:: 1/2 cup salt 

:: 1/2 cup of water {we steeped some Karkady flowers (Hibiscus tea) in hot water to get a beautiful light pinkish colour}

:: 1 teaspoon of tumeric powder makes a lovely soft yellow colour

{More wonderful reasons why you don't need to go and buy that fake food colouring}.

Let your kids mix the flour, salt + tumeric (or omit if you're making the pink colour), then add the water (or brewed tea for pink colour) bit by bit until you have a good kneadable consistency. It shouldn't be too doughing or wet - just add more flour if you need. Keep it in the fridge in a container, when not in use.

Give the kids a flat, easy to clean surface with some rolling pins, cookie cutters, and their imaginations. 

Then go off and have a few quiet moments on your own - or stand and watch the beauty that comes from saying yes.

{old faded laminex table and daggy kitchen floor with thanks to our house}

{chip in blue cup courtesy of our teeny tiny ceramic kitchen sink - cute, but inconvenient}

{Mishi's hair-do by herself - a look she sports most every day at the moment, in some form or other}

{lovely yellow tea towel is from here - currently on sale, though they've been in our home for at least a year or more}.

goodness in a box

The post arrived today, in the form of a Japanese drink box - Asahi.
As soon as I heard the gate, and saw the delivery man, I knew exactly what it was.
My dear friends have posted me some of the most delicious beautiful intoxicating pieces of cloth ever.

Kimonos and other little pieces.

For me to use for my sewing,

oh but some of these will be hard to unpick and restitch,

they just look perfectly right as they are.

But of course, there is only so many that we can hang on the wall, 

or that I can pretend I'll wear one day.

So, 

I will slowly unpick them

the enjoyment of the memory of the person who once wore them,

where did they walk,

what did they carry,

what were they thinking.

Already the fabrics are talking to me - the feel, detail, texture, design, colour, image.

There will be some new little purses 

and some cushions 

from this collection 

of memories 

of cloth.

creative stitching in detail

I'm headed up to the park, 

with some friends, 

for an afterschool play date. 

The pop corn is popped, 

the water melon cut.

Warms and blankets for the walk home again.

The Winter cold is slowly slipping in.

I'm taking my stitching with me

been working on this

slowly

over the past few days

of moments of time.

The white one is for a special project that I'm hoping will be finished in time. 

A surprise. 

A secret. 

Something special. 

The pots are my own screen printed Potter's Daughter, 

with some simple embroidery thread

stitched here and there as I desire. 

Or, as Mishi desires - she's helping with the colour choices.

Isn't the texture on the hemp + organic cotton blend so beautiful.

The white thread is a silk, so lovely to stitch with.

There's lots of other creatives over here today - do visit.

my first Japanese pattern sewing - Happy Homemade Vol 2

It's day two of the challenge. Yesterday was spent tidying my sewing room - a very important job, I tell you, after the market rush. Still need to finish up arranging the little play corner for Mishi. So no sewing. 

But today, some lovely sewing time. So close to a finished item - I will have to show it to you tomorrow, as it still needs the bottom and sleeves hemmed. I was hoping she could wear it for bed tonight - perhaps I'll sneak back downstairs after dinner, while Sam showers them and stitch up the last few bits. Or perhaps she could wear it to bed unhemmed. Would that be so terrible. I think not. 

{Don't you love the details of these end papers - so sweet}

This is the first time I've actually made anything from one of my many Japanese craft books. I normally just spend time looking and oogling over the delicious styling. With thanks to the challenge, I've changed all that. And let me tell you - I cannot read a single character, but it is all so clear and easy.

I would suggest for a complete beginner perhaps it's a few steps too hard, but for anyone that has a basic understanding of sewing and pattern construction then you'll have no issues at all. The diagrams are so clear and concise, easy to understand and interpret. At one stage I double checked myself as the front + back did look almost similar. So, I looked at the characters in the book and the patterns sheet, and just like reading a puzzle it made perfect sense. 

{Jacqui has a great little tutorial for using Japanese pattern books}

I used regular baking paper for tracing the pattern. As I don't have Swedish Tracing Paper (which I hear of often, while around blogland, and just found available here).

The fabric is a lovely and soft, though not too thick, flannelette. It has little flowers and red dots. 

The pattern is from one of the books on this pile the other day. "Happy Homemade Vol 2 Everyday Clothes for Kids". It is such an excellent book - with both girl + boy patterns that are versatile and practical and super cute. The thing I really love about Japanese pattern books is the styling - of course, don't you too! The clean lines mean that imagining the designs in other fabrics is really easy, and adding extra details would be very doable as well. 

These is dress 'E' (on the left below), which I am making as a nightie.  It has little pintucks (you remember my love of), and binding details at the neckline. The real challenge now is if Miss Fusspot will actually wear it for longer than 3 seconds. So far she seems to like it.

There are so many sweet little pieces in here that I want to make for both my kids (ummm..... for me too - have a look at this purple ruffle top).

 ***I've also just found someone else who is using this book for the challenge.

patterns :: found during my travels

While on a little blog / web travel adventure today, I was directed to this inspiring site.
Salvia
An English interview here, led me over to more amazing images here at ea.
I can't read anything of either sites, but looking at the images is more than enough.

Ideas for new designs have been floating in my head for quite a while now.
Just waiting until I can catch some.
And catching some means I need moments to sit and turn them into more than ideas.
Waiting for those moments, for the time, space, clarity.......

Waiting is good too. Just watching and waiting. And watching those head clouds float on by.

Now, where did I find the initial link.... ummm. Who did I visit today..... Oh yes, over here at skinny laminx.

sewing clothes week

I've seen a bit of a theme, these past weeks, of people getting ready for Elsie Marley's Kids Clothes Week. I didn't get my name on the list in time; but I've decided that I'm going to try and join in anyway. 

The loose "rules" are to spend at least one hour each day, this week, on sewing clothes for kids. It doesn't have to be new fabric or patterns or projects - can be things like repairing or finishing long-overdue WIPs.

I'm really glad to have this basic structure to follow. Because I sew for my business, I've long been putting off my kids' requests for something for them. I keep saying not this week, not now, after the market darling. Well, it's after the market now (until the next one!), so I'm promising at least 1 - 2 new items for each kid this week. 

Last week Mishi looked through some pattern books, to see what she would like best. Of course lovely dresses are always on her list, but i think she also needs some little shorts or undies or something (always a battle to get her to cover her nether regions when we go out!). And Ari needs some nice pants and shorts - most of his wardrobe is made up of hand-me-downs in beige and grey. 

The red riding hood cape will be finished - still haven't chosen a lining fabric, though. 

I'll work out a making list as I go, I think. I don't want to stress myself out, or plan more than I know I will achieve. Life keeps getting in the way!

** The little torn scraps of paper are for her to use as bookmarks for the clothes she likes best. It was a fantastic way to keep her entertained for a good long time, while I got some other work done. 

** Books in the pile are: Seams To Me; Sewing Clothes Kids Love; Sew Liberated; and a few Japanese ones that I bought from Kinokuniya last year, and are currently in my downstairs sewing room (I can't recall their names / ISBN, so no linking as I'm too lazy to walk all the way down and then back up..... ha. That's lazy, ha! I'll link to let you know, once I use them - as some very good patterns).

** Fabrics are the cherry miniwale cord for Red Riding Hood Cape, some blue+white stripes I've had in my stash forever, which Mishi always pulls out {best sew her something with it, hey!}, Kokka Ballerinas, and Michael Miller Flower Fairies. {Sylve + I used to love the flower fairy stories when we were girls, and these are beautiful representations, some with glitter}. (Both were bought on sale at my local-ish quilting shop, unfortunately there was too much end-of-long-day-tired-whinging the second time we went and tried to get some more on-sale fabric for Ari).

Happy Mother's Day

To my dear {women.mother} friends,
Wishing you all a beautiful day of sweet kisses and terrific drawings.
A day of excited gift giving and warm hugs.
Of smiles and friendship and deep love from your special treasures.

This morning I was awakened by my boy climbing into bed with me. Giving me mother's day hugs.

I went to the organic market with my sister. Where we did our fruit, vege, bread shopping - me carrying my lovely, perfectly sized op-shopped basket, which I love.

We sat and enjoyed warm dandelion and chocolate brownies. And conversation filled with wishes and hopeful realities and possibilities. The sort of things that sisters can share, knowing that we understand each other's dreams - and know them to be true and real and possible. 

And enjoyed moments of just being. And soaking up the warm glorious sun. 

And then home again. To a table lovingly set with flowers and second breakfast - coffee and fresh bread with avocado, olive oil, delicious sun ripened tomatoes, basil. And conversation of life, and of course more dreams and wishes and perhaps realities. 

And messages from my siblings. My dear brother who lives in Melbourne, who always remembers to text and send me a warm message of love and thought. A reminder of his warm, strong hugs and deep penetrating gaze. And my oldest sister, who I never see or talk to often enough.

And booking a family holiday away for a few weeks' time. 

And listening to my children play contentedly, in the tidy peaceful home we live in.

And, now to go and do the laundry - and enjoy watching it dry on the line in the windy sunshiney day.

Enjoy. Being a mother. A daughter. A sister. A friend. A spouse / partner. A woman. Yourself. Enjoy.

xxxxxxxxx E

animal ears in my {messy} creative space

I'm finishing up these little animal ears this morning. New products for the Bris-Style Mother + Child market on Saturday. 

You've previously seen these sweet little felt ears on my pink fairy bunny.

I'll have bunnies + bears / wombats. 

Was hoping to get some more Aussie animal ears made, but time ran out (as usual!). Ari's doing Australian animals at school, and he keeps coming home with lovely bits of information.

There'll be some other new products launching this weekend, as well as kids artwork on mirrors {come and make your own - lots of fun!}. Come along and say hello. There'll also be fairy floss, colouring-in competition and a beautiful fairy, on the day.

There's more creatives over at Kootoyoo. I only wish I had more time to browse them all; but I'm rostered on to help out at the Mother's Day stall at school + group activities in the classroom most of today.

red riding hood and chocolate

It's so lovely spending time at home with my little one. She has such a wonderful interest in fabric and colours and patterns. Always asking me to make her something new - a party dress, a skirt for her doll, a new blanket, a crown, a bracelet. 

She brings me pieces of her play fabric and ribbons from my ribbon jar, and asks me to create costumes and clothes for her. Always in a very particular way. She knows exactly how she wants it - I think perhaps she can see it in her mind, though often she can't vocalise to me exactly how I'm meant to tie or pin or twist it. Some frustration does occur. 

Yesterday she asked me for a Little Red Riding Hood cape - after bringing me endless lengths of fabric to be turned into all sorts of capes and special hoods and dresses. As I had to go out to the fabric shop anyway, to get some supplies for new products for this weekends market (sneaks on that later), I decided we should choose some red for a little riding hood cape at the same time. 

Today we sat down {with our afternoon iced chocolate + affogato} and got some ideas down on paper. Isn't this just the best and sweetest Little Red Riding Hood. Look at her wonderful whimsical shoes, which are meant to be different colours and have ribbons tied up them like a ballerina's slippers. And four hair clips in her hair.

I did some measurements and right now the beginnings of a calico (or muslin, or better still toile, as it really should be called) mock-up are on my sewing table. 

While I bought the red fabric - a mini pinwale cord in cherry - I haven't yet got any lining fabric. I was imagining some Kokka Red Riding Hood, but they didn't have any in stock at the specialist fabric shop (different place to the big chain shop), and I can only find green online. Also, I'm not quite convinced that it's the best option. 

We (the kids + me) spent a good deal of time last night looking online for some inspiration. How wonderful to be able to have both my kids (1 girl + 1 boy) interested in looking at fabric - and not just fairies or dinosaurs! 

These are a few on our / my shortlist :: Kitty Kokeshi, Starling, Spotted Owl, Clouds, Forest Hills, Dandelion Fields.  I'm waiting until I work out exactly how much meterage I need, before I order anything. I'd love to hear if you have any other options we could look at - I'm hoping this will be a cape to last her at least 2+ years, so want it to be a beautiful fabric we will continue to enjoy.

new seed

Here's our seed. My seed of hope. We all talk to it and notice it each day, on our kitchen window sill.

First few day's growth can be seen here.

Above} taken on 28th April.

Above} taken today - 4th May.

** for some reason my camera isn't really wanting to take excellent macro photos of this little one. Perhaps it's the strange angle I have to lean out the window, or that it's raining and grey skies today. Or perhaps, as Sam keeps saying, the camera is old now and isn't really as good as it should be.

Hmmmm..... maybe we should treat ourselves for our birthday coming up later this month? Any suggestions of which camera you love using.

this is where i want breakfast tomorrow

A long leisurely affair. With freshly baked bread. And delicious tropical fruit. Perfect coffee. The sun slowly creeping across the sky. The dappled shade hiding us from the sun.

hmmm.....us? Who would be there with me?
Perhaps you, my lovely sweet bloggy friends.
Shall we all meet there. Tomorrow.
For breakfast.
And conversation. Laughs and giggles. All the blog references will be understood by everyone at the table.
Of course, there'll be knitting and crochet and stitching. And I'm totally sure there will be lots of photos. Kids will run happily in the fields. From time to time one of us will meander over to see the joy of kids playing in the sunshine and flowers.
We'll all appreciate the textiles, and cushions. The details of the coffee pot matching that sunshine.
We'll be needing a few extra chairs. I'm on the lookout for something just perfect. If you spot anything on your journeys, please be sure to let me know.

Oh, join me there. Tomorrow. Won't you.......

In the meantime, do go and visit the {source} of this beautiful, intoxicating and evocative image. Where there are many many more.