The Complete Adventures of Violet & Rose

Pencil Rolls for Sale ...

2008-07-22T12:57:00.005+10:00

Some of my recent sewing endeavours have involved a follow-up order of pencil rolls for The Princess and The Pea. I really enjoy making these. There is something very methodical and calming about them. Something I can do with every now and then.

They make great birthday gifts for a wide range of ages, boys or girls. Although I have only photographed the more feminine style. So pop on over and have a look and save yourself the effort of traipsing to the local shopping centre and fighting through the mobs at the Target Toy Sale.

And if for no other reason, you need to buy one just to see the gorgeous packaging that Nicole at TPATP will send your goods wrapped in. I'm a bit of a nice, lovely packaging fan. The journey is as exciting as the destination, after all. Let's just say that I was salivating like one of those salivating dogs (name escapes me) when a recent purchase landed on my doorstep. And quite environmentally friendly too.

Go on over, take a look, get your brown paper package tied up with string. Actually, a brown paper package with a gorgeous printed twill tape ....

Crafting for Africa ...

2008-07-15T21:31:00.005+10:00

OK. So it's the not the most PC title for a post, but there is good reason for it. And no, once again, totally un-PC like of me, I have not been making goodies for the children of Africa.

When I lived in New Zealand, I picked up this little phrase. Anything that there is a lot of, is "... for Africa". So, if for instance, I have been doing lots of baking, I would have food for Africa. Which probably isn't a good example really. Perhaps I should move on?

Over the school holidays, there was crafting a plenty going on at chez Violet & Rose. Perhaps my proudest achievement - the school quilt. Not my finest, by any stretch, but proudest - definitely!

Thank you to everyone who made suggestions for markers to use on the fabric. I ended up with calico and a set of three fabric markers that I bought in good old Spotlight for $12.95. Highly recommended, very easy for the kids to use, don't smudge (my big concern), faded a little with the wash but nothing too dire. If you are looking for them, they are in the scrap booking section. Because that would be where you would put the fabric markers ....

Anyway, I sat with the children while they did their pictures. We asked them to do a self portrait and their name. Interesting. I learnt that most boys don't care much for the detail and with some of the girls, well ... Let's just say that I mentioned that "less is more" quite a few times. God bless them.

I bought them home, sandwiched them together and then made the fatal mistake of asking Miss B to help me arrange where everyone went. We could have been there for a week! In the end, she got to choose where she went (top row centre, of course), as there has to be at least one advantage of having your mother make your classes "art work". And surprisingly, she placed herself next to the little boy she has been carrying a torch for, ever since they were in Prep and together carried the cardboard cut out of the donkey in the Palm Sunday re-enactment.

It was a lot of fun and the interest that the class took in it really surprised me. They got right into it. Which was nice.

A lot more crafting to share over the next few posts, stay tuned.

New haunts ...

2008-06-26T10:15:00.002+10:00

Lately, I've really been enjoying the thrill of the chase. The hunt. The find. Don't take me anywhere near those big suburban shopping malls. Take me out to the little shopping strips with their unsuspecting op shops and long forgotten haberdashery's.

And now, I've discovered the joys of the trash and treasure market. And so too have my children. Never before has a child's $4.35 gone so far. For me, however, it was the old honey jar with the gorgeous thick glass (I bet that honey tasted good!) and the old spool of rust stained cotton.

It's the generosity of friends who know how much of a thrill you get from an old button. Thank you, fellow button lovers. This jar is for white buttons. White, off white, cream. Whatever takes my fancy. The idea came from Country Style, a couple of issues ago. Have you seen this magazine lately? I'm a long time fan, but lately, it has really come ahead in leaps and bounds. The photography is beautiful. Do yourself a favour. Go and buy this months copy, and turn to page 42 (the shoes !) and 43 (the quilt !) and don't say I didn't warn you.

Anyway, today is the last day for kinder and tomorrow for school. Two weeks of holidays. Bliss. And for me, that means a break from the blog. So will "see you" all again in July.

The WHAT ?!?!

2008-06-18T23:02:00.004+10:00

I have a little local post office. It's one of those ones that is like the ones that were around when I was a child. You know the sort. They stocked all kinds of non-corporatised treasures. Like haberdashery. Before Australia Post got in and made them all schmick. It's the post office where I picked up this little treasure.

Anyway, I'm in there the other day. Like I am at least once a week, and small child seems to have disappeared. I call out "Where are you?". She answers, "Down here, playing with the buttons.".

The WHAT!?!

Can you believe I had no idea there were buttons? And not just any buttons. Looky here what I found! Owls. Cute as a button owl buttons.

I'm finding it increasingly hard to find buttons like these. Even a trip to Buttonmania today proved mostly fruitless. Plenty of buttons in the shape of things, but few plain round ones with pictures on. And I'm fussy about my pictures. They have to be buttons that I could see on a cardy that my Nanna would have knitted for me when I was a wee tacker. Long, long ago. Older style pictures. Not ones of pokemons or bratz.

To be honest, I think I have probably bought out nearly all of these type of buttons in Melbourne. If you know of any old habby type shops (because these are where I have the most luck) let me know.

And here's another question. Because I know someone will be able to answer it for me. Due to the fact that I am slightly on the edge of complete madness, I have committed to making a quilt with my daughters grade 1/2 class. It will then be auctioned at a school fundraising night. The idea was to have each class member illustrate a block. Rather than embroider them in, I thought I could just get the kids to use some kind of fabric pencils or paint. I was going to use the type I used with my younger daughter to illustrate the bag in my previous post. Spotlight number, kind of puffy but glossy. Degree of difficulty for smudging - 10. Any ideas for what to use that is easy for small hands and will show up well on dark fabric.

Just to make my life that little bit easier, if you can buy it at Spotlight, I'll love you even more!

Oh, and just one more thing. A new online store with lots of lovely gorgeous things has just opened! It's called The Princess and The Pea. Have a visit. You won't be disappointed.

The Man Bag and a bit of Riverdance.

2008-06-15T22:24:00.007+10:00

It's a collaborative effort, between myself and Miss A. I made the bag, Miss A did the artwork. We made it for her good friend, Master H, for his birthday. Miss A and Master H have a favourite game. It's called "Stinky Zombies". Don't ask.

Illustrations from top, clockwise - a monkey, a spider, "just some stripes", a love heart, Miss A pushing Master H on the swing. Not that she sees herself as the dominant female or anything ....

Master H's Mum, Mrs P&P, as seen here, has started her very own blog. Please drop by and leave a comment because I'm sure Jenni is tired of reading comments from me! Welcome to the all consuming, always inspiring world of blogging, Jenni.

And now, wait for it, the self indulgent mother part.

Miss B danced in her first Irish Dancing competition this morning. And she came away with a 2nd and a 6th place. Proud as punch, I am. My Mum came along to watch. Mum was a great dancer, an Australian champion, teacher and judge. Clearly, the talent skipped a generation. Only my fingers are nimble, not my feet! The two of us sat there today and had tears rolling down our faces. I cry every time I watch Miss B dance. Can't tell you why. I just do. And the emotion that I feel when I watch Riverdance! I just want to run up on stage and join them! But maybe not ....

Well done Miss B, I am so proud I could burst!

Now, enough of this family, real life stuff. What was I thinking?

Assorted things ...

2008-06-06T13:52:00.003+10:00

After sharing my button haul with you, I thought I would share another special little something that I picked up at the same shop. Yet again, another item where your husband just looks at you with a quizzical expression when you are trying to build his enthusiasm for said item. In other words, he just doesn't get it. What's not to get?

This gorgeous postcard (sent perhaps in the fifties, even the forties?) was addressed to Miss Pearl Dunkley, 114 Brighton Road, St Kilda. The handwriting is in pencil and it is quite faded. I only hope it doesn't fade completely.

It reads: "Dear Pearl, I like the postcard that you sent me. I now (know) you like roses. I will be on Sunday or Tuesday. From your sister Bessie." I can only presume it means she will be at her house, perhaps?

Bessie and Pearl. Now I bet they had some buttons!

In other snippets to share ...

The famous Buttonmania Sale is on again. 16 - 21 June. 9 - 5 M - F, 10 - 3 S. Buttonmania is located in the Nicholson Building on Swanston Street, Melbourne.

Also, I'm putting a call out for any crafty people who may be looking for a little Christmas market to sell their wares. I say little, because we ain't talking Magnolia Square here. It's at my daughter's primary school. I did it two years ago (Yikes! That long?) and it's quite a good little market. Great for if you are starting out and wanting to test the water. It will be held on Friday 5th December from 6 - 9 and is in the outer eastern Melbourne suburbs. Cost is $25 a stall. If you would like more details, e-mail me at jodotreidatoptusnetdotcomdotau.

A jar full of buttons ...

2008-06-02T11:51:00.005+10:00

Last week, I was in my favourite shop, when I spied this. This gorgeous old jar full to the brim (and more) of beautiful old salmon pink buttons. Textured with a criss-cross pattern and even better than I thought after closer inspection.

Me: (Sticky beaking at the pile of goodies behind the counter, because that's always where you find the good stuff.) "Is that .....? Oh my goodness, it is! A jar full of buttons! Are you selling it?" Insert hyperventilation here.

Turns out they were. Just hadn't priced it yet. After a good ten minutes of justifying the need for a jar of buttons (to which I concluded that you never have to have a reason to buy a jar of buttons), they were mine.

And not only were the buttons beautiful, but how lovely is the glass jar?

Happiness really is an old jar of buttons, no matter what your significant other may tell you.

The Sisters' Market

2008-05-22T14:03:00.003+10:00

If you are in Melbourne this weekend, you may like to pop along to a brand new market. It's called the Sisters' Market. Having three sister's myself, and two sister's (daughters) of my own, I love the name! Go to the link and you can see who all of the stall holders will be. Doesn't it look fantastic!

My very good friend Jenni has a wonderful label called "Partridge & Pear". She creates the most beautiful dolls in a range of styles. You can spy one of her "Lucy" Dolls on the shelf here. We have decided to bite the bullet together (hence the photo of our work together) and we will be sharing a stall at the Sisters' Market on Saturday the 18th of October. Not this Saturday. Don't go looking for us, because we won't be there. But mark October 18 in your diary now. Something which I must go and do ...

If you would like to find out more about Jenni's work, e-mail her here.

Sister's Market

Brunswick Town Hall

233 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Saturday 24 May, 10 - 4

Also

Saturday 2nd August, Saturday 18th October and Saturday 29th of November 2008.

In a beautiful pea green boat.

2008-05-19T22:25:00.007+10:00

You know, I've been really lucky. Every retailer who has ordered my goods, to date, has just been lovely. Kind, accommodating of my one woman enterprise, supportive. Even saying that they like what I do! Go figure?

Anyway, what has prompted this little thought is the fact that a very nice person has opened a new children's wear store in Melbourne, and you'll never guess what you can find there?

Bags. Violet & Rose tote bags. Loads of them. And button bracelets. And belts. I like to make things that start with "B", apparantly.

And how super stylin' does this one look, complete with a Sheeps Clothing brooch?

Now, the store has been open just over a week. I still haven't made the trek from the leafy, soggy, outer east to the bayside suburbs. But Stacey has and she did the photography, so thank you Ms. Stacey. I can't wait to go in and have a look.

And in case you're wondering, go and say hello to Ann-Marie.

The Owl and The Pussycat - A Store for Kids

Shop 3/11 Waltham Street

Sandringham.

Laughing in the face of it.

2008-05-16T16:45:00.005+10:00

The forecast for Melbourne this weekend is dire. Wet, cold, hail. You name it and we'll have it. I, however, will be laughing in the face of this onslaught. I will be wrapped in my brand new, toasty and warm, so soft you can't put it down, gorgeous colours, scarf. I swapped it for a couple of pencil rolls. Not a bad deal, me thinks.

The lovely Stacey made it for me. I'm not sure how she had the time, in between stalking b-grade celebrities in Ikea.

Anyway, bring on the horrible weather. I want to wear my scarf!

Great Aunts in the Attic.

2008-04-29T21:54:00.008+10:00

Somebody once asked me if I called myself "Violet & Rose" because they were the names of my great aunts who were up in the attic, busily sewing away for me. Firstly, I don't have an attic. Secondly, I have no great aunts named Violet or Rose. Thirdly, to have the first and second points would be nice.

Lots of button bracelets being churned out by me. And only me. But am thinking that my seven year old (who loves to sew a button or two in that loopy style that seven year old's corner the market on) may come in handy. Tomorrow we will cover perfected button sewing 101.

Actually, the reason for this post is to let you know that I have a lovely little list happening. Glance over to the right hand side of your screen. See it? Hang on, go back up a bit. "Where can I buy "Violet & Rose"?". I don't do Etsy. Why do Etsy when these lovely people will sell your wares for you?

So go and visit them. They stock lovely things. Special things. Even things made with love. They all have links, because I actually want you to get there. And so do my elderly spinster aunts.

Predictable.

2008-04-22T11:00:00.007+10:00

This week I'm lovin' new buckles and buttons. Whoever would have thunk it?

Because I don't talk much about buckles and buttons.

Or buttons and buckles.

Thank you Stacey for the gorgeous red buckle.

And the new buttons. Well, I'll give away a little secret. I think it's time to share Tamara.

They come from a place called Gail B's. And Gail B's can be found at the rear of Keith Fagg's Building Supplies.

No, this is not a joke.

I have to tell you, I laugh every time I go there. So next time you are looking for some "cute as a button" buttons and the odd discontinued tile, head on down to see Gail and Keith.

Gail's is about the only place around these parts that has a really great range of feedsack/reproduction print fabrics. The belt fabric came from there too, come to think of it.

Moral of the story - never judge a book by it's cover. Right Tamara?

Fancy That!

2008-04-17T11:25:00.003+10:00

Apparently, I have a blog!

Well, fancy that!

I am still here. I'm just a little over scheduled and my blog posting has suffered. To be honest though, I'm just debating what direction I'm going to head in. I've been a little disenchanted with posts that I have been reading. Posts about people directly copying others work. (Which I am not condoning). About people worried that someone may be copying their work. About people not showing photos of their work anymore because someone may take inspiration from it. Crikey! What's going on out there?

That is why I blog. To show other's what I do. To take inspiration from other's. Absolutely original ideas are few and far between, but to see someones variation on a theme is fantastic.

So I'm a bit jaded. And half of our house is being demolished (just as an aside) and a bigger, better Violet & Rose HQ is evolving under my nose. Therefore, the posts will be few and far between.

But I'm still here. Just thinking it all through.
And making new stuff. Old idea, new variation. I'll show it all when I'm done.

Psst. Wanna buy a bracelet?

2008-03-18T22:13:00.013+11:00

It's only a click away! And you too can have one of these super stylin' button bracelets for the young lady in your life. Go on. You know you want to.It's so easy!

Visit Poppet in the Post, and Cintia will do the rest. I've heard she is very good at running down the street in thongs (on her feet, I might add) at one minute to five, just to catch the post for you. Now, that's service with a grimace and a sweaty smile for you.

Having been in on Friday and seen all the lovely things she has in at the moment, it's even worth your while (Melbournian's) to visit in person. Especially now that our heat wave seems to be over. Praise the Lord I say.

And a big thanks to Cintia for supporting the humble Mum's in the 'burbs. Sewin' our little hearts out. Thanks. XX

(By the way, I stole the photo, which if you've clicked over to My Poppet, you've probably worked out by now. I'm nothing if not honest)

Loveliness and Gorgeousness.

2008-03-14T23:42:00.003+11:00

Went to the Stitches and Craft Show today. Yes, that is the bag, hanging amongst the most beautiful display. With rabbits. Real live rabbits. I was impressed.

However, I was most impressed by the lovely, gorgeous crafty girls that I met and in some cases, reacquainted myself with. I had a great morning with Stacey, caught up with Fiona and Louise, finally met Cathy, then saw Tamara. Angela from Living Creatively said Hi. All of these people do wonderful creative things and I admire their work a lot. It makes me so happy to think that there is a little community of like minded women out there that I feel privileged to be a part of. Thank you all for a great morning.

The trip was rounded off with a visit to the equally lovely Miss Cinti at My Poppet. Dropped in lots of "Violet & Rose" goodies and had a good chin wag.

All in all, a day of loveliness and gorgeousness.

Encouraging Autumn ...

2008-03-13T16:05:00.006+11:00

Does your craft vary according to the seasons? I always knit during Winter, use bright, pretty fabrics in Summer and during Autumn, I turn to oranges, browns, greens. The colours of the season.

But not this season. The leaves are falling from the trees, but apparently it's due to heat stress and drought.

So I've bought out the oranges and the more golden tones.

Even the browns and greens. And what's that? Black. It must be getting closer to Winter? Surely?

Today's top temperature - 38.7 degrees.

Tomorrows forecast - 39 degrees.

Quick! Get me more oranges! More browns! More greens! Golds!

The Bag. By Dr Seuss.

2008-03-03T13:51:00.007+11:00

I made a bag.

It is going to the Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show. On the Living Creatively Stand

So am I. But just for a visit. I'm not demonstrating like some of my other braver friends. I'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to putting myself out there.

I like the bag.

Skipping down the street ....

2008-02-29T14:10:00.008+11:00

I was in the post office this morning. As often I am. Standing in the line, casually glancing around. Moving up slowly. Reaching the $5 book bin. When I saw it. The book I was going to buy last week for $40.00. Surely not? $5? But yes, said the friendly post office man, new love of my life! Oh happy day!

I have read about this book in the newspaper and it looked fantastic. If you love a vintage look and the thrill of the chase in finding little treasures to scatter around your home, then this is the book for you!

And as a crafter who creates with vintage first and foremost in my mind, it gives me page after page of inspirational eye candy.

Image taken from "Australian Vintage Living" by Bronnie Masefau

And as the mother of two daughters, I feel the need to create their very own "ladies lounge" for afternoon tea soiree's.

If you think it looks like something for you, go on! Rush to your nearest little corner post office and start rummaging. Or pay the $40, she says, laughing heartily in the background.

The passing of my fabric.

2008-02-25T14:04:00.003+11:00

Have you ever had a piece of fabric that you just loved? Maybe it was the pattern? Maybe it was just the way the colours came together? You would cut it so carefully each time you used it, to ensure that you were able to have maximum use out of it.

I have had two such pieces of fabric. Funnily enough, both have had cherry, fruity prints. And both have been predominantly red and blue. Both fabrics are from Moda ranges from a couple of years ago. I can no longer, as far as I know, get my hot little hands on them.

Sadly, I have cut my last major pieces from both of these fabrics. I know that they will be going to good homes, but it’s hard to say goodbye. There are scraps left. The kind that I will make up into yo-yo’s or little patches to use here and there. But no longer will I use them as feature pieces. I’m already having withdrawal symptoms. I’m already reaching to use them, and they’re gone. My old friends.

The good part is that I have to find new friends. New reds and blues and cherries. This will be fun. Like the start of a new era. But not quite the same.

I'll be right though, don’t fret. We have the box of fundraising chocolates home from school. That should fix it.

Belting along ...

2008-02-11T14:31:00.001+11:00

I was reading this lovely blog the other day, speaking about when the ideas in your head become the things in your hands.

I have been playing with this idea of making children's belts for a while now. Ever since I discovered the button sub-category of vintage belt buckles. As discussed here. I am such a button nerd.

The buckles have increased in numbers. However did that happen? The ideas have floated around in my head. There have been prototype models which you really don't want to see. And finally, after much playing, I'm happy. We have the "Violet & Rose" children's belt.

There will be four buckle colours. Pink, green, blue and yellow. All in delicious retro tones. The red buckle was a special pick-up and there are only two going to a new children's shop in Melbourne. I'm on the look out for a bulk lot of old red buckles so as I can permanently have a red buckle belt available.

I'll save showing you the blue and yellow buckles for another day. Don't want to overdo it in one post. Especially at the rate that I post!

And see how they match with the button bracelets? I love a bit of accessory co-ordination on your four year old. It's very important.

The belts (and bracelets) will be coming soon to two retailers in Melbourne. I'll keep you posted when they get there (aka, finish the rest of the order).

And for any FNQ friends, the button bracelets are now available for sale at The Green House Environment Shop.

Right. Now. Where were we?

2008-02-04T11:07:00.000+11:00

So, we're back to school. Back to kinder. Well, kind of. An hour and fifteen minutes today. Two hours tomorrow. I'm not complaining. It is my "baby's" last year before school and I'm not too eager to let her go yet. It's just that I really want to get into "the routine" and an hour and fifteen with a school pick up in between isn't really doing it for me.

But we are getting there. I feel the swing moving to the upside. My order's are slowly but surely being made. Have sewn 180 buttons in the past week or so. Things are coming together nicely.

Before I move forward though, I thought I'd take a wee step back.

The last week of the holidays was spent with the little Violet & Rose family in Hobart. Beautiful weather, if, like me, low to mid twenties is your kind of weather. No rain. Laid back. Easy. I could live there ....

Anyway, I thought I would share with you the "Violet & Rose Guide to Shopping & Craft in Hobart, with assorted children's things on the side."

The little bird came from a shop called Store & co. If you love your shopping with a combination of old and new, you would be in heaven. Not to mention the shop itself. The highest of white pressed metal ceilings, big old windows, beautiful floorboards. I am becoming a little bird obsessed of late, so this little fellow was coming home with me.

And of course, there is Salamanca Market. It is huge and I got to walk the length and breadth of it on my own. Heaven. You do have to pick through the souvenier tea towels and t-shirts, but then you happen upon some beautiful hand crafted items. One wool felted brooch wasn't enough for me. So I bought one of each. A flower each for the girls. And one for me.

And a dog and a pony again for my girl's. Who like to wear both of their brooches at once. Like a good mother, I try to tell them less is more, but they won't hear of it.

And while speaking of mother daughter guidance, my heart just sang when my seven year olds choice of purchase one day was a pair of knitting needles! I was blown away! She bought them back to our hotel and I couldn't help but admire them and the feel. Needless to say, we now have matching mother-daughter knitting needles. Take a look here. Well worth a purchase, if for no other reason than how cute they look. I can't wait to sit down and knit with them with my big knitting girl. And pick up the dropped stitches. And untie the knots. Try and fix the split wool ....

Other spots that had my stamp of approval:

Love & Clutter. Just beautiful, beautiful mostly handmade things. Swoon.

Charlie's Bucket. The best children's store in Hobart. No link, but you find Sandra's lovely store at 166 Liverpool Street.

And while speaking of children, we found the best park. No mention of it in any of the tourist paraphanalia and can't find any links to it, but it is called Princess Park. It is at Battery Point, just around from Salamanca Place. It has the most wonderful pirates ship and some other play pieces that kept our girls occupied for ages.

The other little gem that we found for children (also free!) was at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. No mention again in the link, but they have a fantastic room for children. Just really basic activities but loads of fun. Drawing a portrait of an owl was a highlight. Sometime's it's the little things.

So, we had a great time. Did all the standard things like the Cadbury factory, watching the Tassie Devils being fed (watch your arms!), driving to Port Arther but just not being able to bring myslef to go in. My mother thought I was mad when I told her, but even almost 12 years later, those memories were just so fresh and I couldn't help but liken myself to a mother and her daughters who just went for a picnic.

And on that sombre note, go to Hobart. You'll love it! Trust me.

Normal programming for Violet & Rose in 2008 will now resume.

PS. Blogger won't spell check, so my apologies.

PSS. I nearly forgot! Thank you to everyone for your concern over the great Paypal scam. I got my money back and all is well, apart from the fact that I have closed my account and am wondering how I will ever survive? It seems I wasn't alone. So please be careful.

Essay: What I did on my summer holidays (and PAYPAL beware!)

2008-01-14T14:00:00.000+11:00

Well, actually, not much. I've been meaning to do some sewing, but I'm far too busy doing nothing. And it's been hot. Too hard to get into anything really.

What we have been doing is looking after the school veggie patch. Good idea at the time. We live very close to the school and I did offer. Not really thinking we would have so many stinking hot days. Oh, the responsibility of it all! On the up side everything we eat must now be covered in either coriander, parsley or marigolds. And cucumbers are now highly regarded. So, that is as hand made (or home grown) as it gets around here at the moment.

However, the forecast for this week is a bit cooler, so I may get stuck into something a little more creative.

Finally, on a not so happy note, I wanted to warn everyone about something that has happened to me in the past week. Never thought twice about having a Paypal account. And I'm guessing that 99% of you also have Paypal accounts. Last week, I received an e-mail from Paypal to say that a payment (that I had not authorised) was being processed. Try as I did to stop it, it still went through. I am in the midst now of trying to retrieve the money. About $90AUD. Could have been worse, but ouch! The company's name is Betamax GmbH & Co.KG. Apparently, they are a German telecommunications company. (If you are to believe their web site) And I'm still waiting to hear ANYTHING from Paypal.

Has anyone had any similar experiences? I'd love to hear from you.

Happy New Sewing Machine!

2008-01-01T20:55:00.000+11:00

Yes! That's right! I'm seeing the new year in with a new sewing machine. Which is very exciting. I think I have sewn every known combination of the girl's names and had a go at all of the pretty little stitchy thingys. I can now stitch a caravan onto whatever you fancy. A caravan! Whoever was sitting in the sewing machine factory and thought, "Hmmm, yes. A caravan. I'm tired of people beating down my door, day after day, asking me, "Mr. Husqvarna! When are you going to make us a sewing machine that can sew a caravan!".

It's the Husqvarna Emerald 183. All that I really wanted was a machine that sewed really well. No matter how thick or delicate the fabric, that it wasn't going to chew everything up. Or make that stalling noise and just go nowhere. That sounded and felt really sturdy and efficient, yet effortless when it sewed. I didn't want all those fancy stitches or a quilting machine, just a really good sewer.

Yet somehow along the way, I ended up with a machine that can sew caravans ....

Happy 2008. Looking forward to sharing and hearing many joys with you all.

2007-12-23T23:45:00.000+11:00

Christmas Star's in Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne.

Where ever you are in the World.

How ever you celebrate it.

Who ever you share it with.

Take a deep breath

And

Remember.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas 2007!

With Love, Jo.

Happy Handmade ...

2007-12-19T09:59:00.000+11:00

Trying hard to do the handmade thing this Christmas. And it's been fun. A quick raggy quilt for a much loved Kindergarten teacher, retiring today.
Lavender door stops. Easy peasy. Except for the part where you have to put the rice in that opening, which in hindsight, you should have left a big bigger. I love my vacuum cleaner.
And bookmarks for teacher's. With buttons stitched by the girls and special messages written on the back. The fabric is a Nicola Cerini off-cut. Heavy and backed and really great just to cut for a bookmark. I have friends who know what I love and they picked up a bag of her off-cuts which she sells for $10 at her warehouse sales. Only stipulation is that they are not for commercial use. The gold fabric in the doorstop came from the same bag.
And finally, a birthday gift for a wonderful friend. Using my favorite big Bakelite button.
Hope your holidays are happy and handmade too!