crafting day

Now this is what I need...

Stacey from Polka Dot Daze has organised a venue for crafters in the Auckland area to get together for a whole day of crafting on11 July.  Magic!  Now all I need is my magic carpet to fly me there...

Or alternatively we could arrange one here (Wellington), or wherever your here is.  I used to do this BC (before children) with a couple of friends, it was great.

Any one keen?

It could be like blind dating for crafters :)

no blogging, no crafting, no happy

My life seems to be filled with all the office / admin cr*p. GST (aka BST bull sh*t tax) needed to be done, as well as other yawn inspiring office work.

Tomorrow I am promising myself at least one hours crafting time with no interruptions (may even take the phone off the hook). 

Over the weekend I was at the Knack market in Wellington and despite the horrible rainy weather outside it was great day inside at the market.  The market was held in the new venue, the school hall at South Wellington Intermediate which was light and airy.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by.

I bought one of Ellie of  Cactus Flower's beautiful pincushions, which I have been covetting for a while now.

Ellie was worried that the bunting maybe a bit over the top, but I love it.

But I think I need to steal a matchbox toy from some unsuspecting child to tow my caravan.

mail does not get any better than this

Did you here me squeal when my mail arrived?

How fast can I rip into that box to reveal....

The new Circa 50 organic cotton range by Monaluna!

And look at the selvedges

be still my heart - squirrels

cool cars

 

fantastic chairs

and lots more.

They will all be in the shop later this afternoon here.

See ya ,got to go, I have some fabric to fondle and a website to update!

sisters

Did you know it is Sisters' Week?  This is a special time to celebrate that special relationship that you have with your sisters.

Lesley and Jane

I am blessed to have two of the best sisters in the world - Jane and Lesley.  When I need advice, someone to celebrate successes with or someone to share my woes, they are the two I call.

When I was growing up they did alot of the "mothering" of me, which I did not appreciate at the time (sorry).  They also had the dubious pleasure of sharing a bedroom with me when they were sophisticated and worldly wise teenagers and I was just a pesky younger sister, poking my nose into all their special and treasured things.  Oh they had the coolest things!  Oh how I covetted the little wooden house money box with the secret drawer, the Cindy doll, the make up...

When my babies were born my sisters were the ones who celebrated and supported me (along with the wonderful Mr S of course).

We don't live in the same place, but what we miss in physical closeness we more than make up for in emotional closeness.

Several years ago we started our Annual Sisters' Weekend.  This is our special time, once a year, when we get away for a long weekend together - to spend time, talk lots, laugh even more, eat, drink and pamper ourselves.  Every fortnight we each put $30 (what we would most probably spend on lunches and coffees together) into a joint bank account and we use this to pay for our weekend away.  Some years have been tough and we have not made it (a partner's terminal illness and major operations) but I think this makes me even more appreciative of what we have.

We are known amongst the nieces and nephews as the crazy aunties, I think because when we get together the whole is greater than the sum of the parts; we just fit; we talk loudly, laugh and enjoy ourselves.  I like this kind of crazy.
 

 Jane and Lesley, I love you dearly, thank you for being such great sisters.

book love

Childhood Treasures by Caroline Zoob

I never tire of this book.  I borrowed it from the library about 3 times and then taking pity on other borrowers decided to buy it about 3 years ago.  It does contain some patterns and instructions, but perhaps more importantly it is an inspirational book, that showcases Caroline Zoob's style, which I love.

I made this quilt for one of my niece's which is inspired by one of Caroline's quilts in the book. 



The handmade lace I bought at Fabric a Brac made me reach for this book again and dream of what I could use it in.

fabric a brac wrap

Thank you for all those that particpated in the auction for the Far Far Away Quilt Combo to raise funds for the Mary Potter Hospice.  Victoria of Jolly Caravan was the winner of the auction with a bid of $120.  This money will be added to the total money raised by Fabric a Brac for the Hospice.

What a great day!  If you weren't there, turn away now, do not look at the following photos, you will be jealous.

I had a quick 5 minute look around and bought a few lovelies.

Half a metre and large off cuts of soft vintage linen.

Fabrics by Leanne Culy and Jane Churchill

Trims, including several metres of the what looks like handmade lace.

Wlikinsons Sheffield dress making shears.  They are mighty big ones.

And this was in just a few minutes shopping with Mr S watching my stall (and also watching how much fabric I was trying to sneak home) and only $20.  Imagine if I had more time...

my thoughts are elsewhere today

Today my Dad gets out of hospital after almost 6 weeks.  It is a tough day because instead of going home to his house he is moving into a rest home.  He has been diagnosed with Parkinson's and his mobility has diminished dramatically in the last few months, as well as other health issues that mean that he needs some help.  For someone who is so stubborn and fiercely independent, he is being very gracious about the move.  My big sis has gone to Timaru to collect him and fly with him to Nelson.  I will spend some time with them when they pass through Wellington. 

I am looking forward to having him closer.  When he was very sick he promised his girls a feed of oysters in Nelson when we are all together.  I will be there Dad in the next few weeks and we look forward to you keeping up your end of the bargain!

I will leave you with a photo of some of yesterday's sewing.  The Owl Hat.



The fabric was bought last year at the Plunket fabric fundraiser organised by the gorgeous Mindy at Juniper.  It was donated by Thunderpants.  Do you think kids will mind the fact that other people have the same fabric made into knickers?

sewing - but not mine

I was good last week and managed to get at least an hours sewing in on 4 days, as part of my Sew 12, but this week I seem to be running around like a mad chook, with very little sense of accomplishment.

Some other people have been sewing though, look at these yummies from Carla.

Boys jacket made from Kokka Flight and a kid's bean bag.

 Also these gorgeous cushions from Echino Bird Song and Quiet Ground

 

Carla creates and sells the most lovely kids clothes (girls' pinafores and jackets) under the label Little Birdie Clothing, she uses a range of new and vintage fabrics.  She also makes fantastic jackets made from recycled woollen blankets.  You can check out her shop here.

I mean look at this jacket and the details, oh to have a little person who could still fit these clothes

generosity

I could say I am amazed or surprised by the generosity of crafters/bloggers in getting involved in the auction for the Mary Potter Hospice, but I am not, I am delighted.  It comes as no surprise to know that crafters are a generous bunch.  This is one of the reasons I enjoy what I do, all the lovely creative people you meet, the sense of community and that word generosity.

One example is a lovely parcel that arrived in the mail over the weekend from Dione at Sew Funky.  I met Dione at Crafternoon Tea in Auckland (a lovely craft market in Kingsland) and we spent some time talking about crafts and fabrics.  Dione makes and sells a variety of lovelies including wonderful brooches. 

And look what she sent me...

A beautiful card and brooch.  Totally uncalled for Dione, but very much appreciated!

I am wowed by the fact that the auction for fabrics is up to $120.  Good going Jolly Caravan.  I would like to add a little something else to the auction - not more fabric - but a one of a kind Wonky Bear (this name has stuck since my sister-in-law labelled them wonky bears - thank you SJ and Happy Birthday!)  This is just a little thank you to who ever wins the auction.

***SALE***SALE***SALE***

Because it's winter and we all need some cheering up and because I need to make room for some new fabric shipments it is a good time for the first ever Stitchbird Fabrics's Sale.  So pop on in to the shop.

Heather Ross fabrics have been reduced and several of the Kokka fabrics.  I also have popped a number of remnants into the shop.  Be quick, don't miss out, the sale will run until 23 June.

Also the June newsletter has been sent out.  if you are not signed up for the Stitchbird Fabrics newsletter you can sign up in the shop on the home page.

An Auction for Mary Potter Hospice and Fabric a Brac

Next Saturday, 19 June, I will be one of the stall holders at Fabric a Brac in Wellington.  For those of you who have not heard of it, Fabric a Brac is a wonderful fabric market run to raise funds for Mary Potter Hospice.  The market offers a fabulous variety of vintage and new fabrics as people empty their fabric closets and destash.  I have attended two of these markets already and they are a must for anyone who is into sewing and crafting.

 Mary Potter Hospice provides an amazing service to people living with terminal illness and their families.  One of my very dear friends (a stitcher) and her family received immense support from the hospice and I think they are wonderful at what they do.  All the services they provide are free of charge and they rely on the support and donations from the community to fund their services.

So here is where you can help!  I am offering for auction a Heather Ross Far Far Away Quilt Combo Pack and the proceeds of the auction will be donated to Mary Potter Hospice.  To bid in the auction all you need to do is leave a comment on this post with your bid (please ensure I have your email address should you win).  At 12 noon on Saturday 19 June (the end of Fabric a Brac) the person with the highest bid will win the auction.  The bids will be in New Zealand dollars and I will pay the cost of the postage of the fabric to the auction winner.

This is what you are bidding for:

 A Heather Ross Far Far Away Quilt Combo Pack value NZ$95.50

The pack includes a fat quarter of each of these Heather Ross Far Far Away fabrics:

Unicorns Lime

Unicorns Orange

Snails Lime and Blue

Snails Orange and Blue

Dandelion Fields Orange

Dandelion Fields White

Frog Prince

Princess and the Pea Orange and Blue

Princess and the Pea Pink and Orange

Plus one fat quarter of the small blue dot and .75 metre of Winter White solid colour.

These are the fabrics that I used to make this quilt top:

 So who will give me $10, do I hear $10 please?

P.S. If you are reading this post can you please pass the word on, thanks :)

Edited to add - thank you for getting involved in this auction and making it a success.  The winner of the auction will also receive a one of a kind Wonky Bear in addition to the fabric.   My bears are made from upcycled cashmere wool or woollen blankets that have been hand dyed and felted.  Thanks again and good luck in the auction.

to buy or not to buy?

Nani Iro Sewing ISBN 9784579111831

Adult Couture Stylish Dress Book ISBN 978-4-579-11185-5

This is the question - does anyone have any experience with these books.  I am not a svelte New Zealand size 10, I am a tall and more of a size 14 and I am not sure whether this will be off the scale for a Japanese pattern book.  Are the patterns more suited to petite people?

Are the patterns easy to follow?  I have done a bit of research but would like to know whether anyone has had any expereince with these patterns.

I am ordering some Nani Iro double gauze in my next shipment and would like to make something for myself from one of the designs.

Any comments would be appreciated!

hoping

hoping my Dad will be discharged from hospital this week

hoping the rain will stop

hoping my cold will go away

....world peace would be good too!

Long Rainy Weekend

Equals lots of sewing...and mess....

Ready for the Knack market this month, just a few of the reversible headbands made 

and bibs

More Wonky Bears, waiting for their faces

 It also meant sleep-ins for some (although everyday is sleep-in day for this girl, I have to make the bed around her).

Hope you managed to stay warm and dry.

So Excited!

Fingers crossed the Circa 50 range of fabrics designed by Monaluna for Birch Fabrics will be arriving in approximately a weeks time.  These fabrics are 100% organic and GOTS certified and DIVINE!

Mmmmm what can I make I wonder?

Simple Sewing for Baby

I have been asked what I think of this book by Lotta Jansdotter, so  thought I would share with everyone.  My first impressions were good, the photos and styling are great and I love some of the ideas, but when someone asks is it worth while buying, I took a step back and reassessed it.

It is called Simple Sewing for Baby 24 Easy Projects for Newborns to Toddlers, and yes that is right, the 24 projects are easy, this book is aimed at the beginner.  The book contains patterns and instructions for:

Clothes: bloomers, a bib kerchief, a simple pinafore dress (with an optional pocket and little stuffie to go inside), hat and scarf, a bib, simple pants, how to stencil on tees and a baby hat

Softies: a giraffe soft rattle,  a big softie buddy, a squishy soft toy book ends

There is also a tag blankie, nursing pillow, very simple play quilt, towel hoodie, a snuggler (think swaddling wrap) etc.

The patterns and some stencil templates are included in a wallet in the front and the good thing about them is each pattern has its own pattern page, so you don't have to try and decipher whether you are following the right line when tracing your pattern amongst a jumble of patterns.

To be honest there is nothing that new or that you couldn't find in an on line tutorial, if you know how. 

The value would be for someone who is new to parenting and sewing and needs a bit of extra guidance or inspiration.  Having said that most of the instructions are text with only a few illustrations and sometimes there is an assumption that people know how to do certain things!

My recommendation would to be to borrow it from the library, ooh and aah over the lovely photos and make the items you are keen on; or buy it for a friend who is a new parent and who is keen to start sewing, it woud make a lovely gift and a great starting point as it has some very easy and lovely patterns.

Just to let you know I plan on making the hat and scarf set and the giraffe baby rattle.

Also did you know that The Book Depository offers free shipping world wide.  Jacqui from Hazelnuts blogged about it here, which is likely to lead to some reckless book buying in our house!

Brain on the Fritz

I've got a head cold and my brain's not working.

I forgot an appointment I had today and then when I went to pick Miss M up from Clay Sculpting classes I drove to school instead.

I don't think I can be trusted to sew - luckily I have some eye candy from the library to drool over.

bag love

I am in love with the bags in Retrofied on Etsy.

This one is in the green bird song.

And...