lace preserves

With Monday being a holiday I have had some time for playing, including playing with some Kool Aid.

The laces came out with varying results.  I think next time I will use a little white vinegar as a mordant (there was none in the house and I did not want to go to the supermarket, very lazy I know but I hate the supermarket!)

P.S.  Off to play netball, hoping my bottom is all ok after last week's pain in the arse.

P.P.S. Go the Silver Ferns!

Frida is in the House!

Love Love Love Frida Kahlo and I love this fabric Viva Frida which is now in store.

I have a skirt in this fabric and I will make sure I take a photo next time I am wearing it.

Frida rocks!

Kiwi Christmas Decoration Swap

I am signed up are you?  There is still time to get involved the final date for sign ups is 1st November and you can do so here over on Dione of Sew Funky's blog.
This will be my third year in this swap and it is a lovely way to connect with fellow crafters and also to receive some beautiful handcrafted Christmas decorations.  In previous years I have made little houses, tuis and angels. 

I am looking around for some inspiration for this year's swap.

One favourite magazine is Marie Claire Idees which has some lovely eye candy...

So many choices!

just put my but in a sling

What do me and Dan Carter (another elite sports person) have in common? 

We have both been struck down by injury.  For Dan it was a groin strain playing rugby for me a strain of the gluteus maximus while playing netball.  I would have thought that having the maximum sized gluteus I would have been in good shape, but apparently not.

You will be grateful that I am not sharing a photo of said bottom injury.  But I will share one of Dan...OUCH!

Thanks Jockey for the photo ;)

technology breakdown - just call me Nigel

Today has been a reminder of how much we rely on technology - computers and emails. 

There have been some changes to the server that Stitchbird Fabrics uses that has had an unintended effect on my email.  So if you have tried to email me either yesterday or today - my apologies.  I have only just become aware of the problem and it is being rectified.  If you have placed an order - yes I have a record of that.

It is amazing how out of touch you feel with no email - it is like suddenly being Nigel no friends. 

ARgghh!!!!!!!!!

Fabric spotting and a great tutorial

From not sewing at all just over 12 months ago Megan at Mousehouse is now a very capable sewist.  Not only that, she remembers what it was like when you were starting out and she has started putting together some tutorials and blog posts for those who are taking their first steps on the creative path.  And when you are starting out you need a good pin cushion and needle case and Megan has provided a tutorial for these here.

And I love her choice of fabrics ☺ - above is The Sewing Box teamed with Little Red ribbon and below Vintage Threads.

To the people who say "I wish I could could sew", I say "you can".  Start with a project, like this, which will give you a quick result.  Don't worry about trying to achieve perfection, just do it and the more you do the better you will get.  

Thanks Megan for providing the tutorial and I am looking forward to the next instalment.