loniemay

collaboration

2009-11-08T06:30:00.007+11:00

My obsession with applique on children's tops (ie. fast easy projects) continues. But now, I have a very special helper. Two-and-a-half year old Olive has progressed from random scribbles to drawing things. In order to preserve (and show off!) her best efforts I have been tracing then reproducing the drawings as applique. I give you ...

whale

person (with eyes and legs)

Baby Bear - He's sad. Who has broken my chair?

Goldilocks "asleeping in the bed". I'm not sure why she has pink hair, but the designer insisted.

We are so proud :)

choc-orange self-saucing pudding recipe

2009-10-15T16:21:00.002+11:00

Yummmmm. I was craving jaffas this week but as a vegan who doesn't eat chocolate, I can't have them. So instead I invented a jaffa pudding. I have shown you the mainstream ingredients but my vegan carob version is given in brackets.

Sauce
3/4 cup soft brown sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons cocoa (or carob) powder
1 cup boiling water
juice of 1 orange

Place all ingredients in a greased, high-sided casserole dish and stir until the sugar is melted.

Pudding
1 cup self-raising flour
1/2 cup white sugar
2 Tablespoons cocoa (or carob) powder
a pinch of salt
grated rind of 1 orange
2 Tablspoons melted butter (or dairy-free margarine)
1/2 cup milk ( or soy/rice milk)

Sift dry ingredients into a mixing bowl.
Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
Pour pudding mixture into casserole dish on top of sauce.
Bake for 45 mins at 180C (350F).
Serve warm or cool with icecream.

build a fort

2009-10-15T01:11:00.003+11:00

To celebrate the upcoming release of the Where the Wild Things Are movie, Booooooom recently hosted a contest asking people to build and photograph their own Wild Things' Fort. The results were so beautiful, and the day was so rainy, that I decided to give it a try. The result was a very fun morning and a cosy place to play.

Would you care for a cup of invisible tea in a plastic eggshell?

These are some of my favourite official entries:

Happy fort building to you :)

apron dress tutorial

2009-10-14T00:52:00.003+11:00

How to make a cute dress for a toddler in less than an hour.
Step 1: Purchase a half apron from your local op shop.
Step 2: Remove the ties from the sides.
Step 3: Re-sew the ties on as shoulder straps, removing any excess.
Step 4: Add a button and button hole at the back.

I even managed to do this while my toddler was awake. Amazing!

I'm sure there's a child somewhere under all that hair ...

Microscopic beauty

2009-10-13T04:37:00.003+11:00

It's taken me 35 years to find it, but I am now i rapture over the images from Nikon's "small world" microscope photography competition.

doxorubin by Lars Bech

quantum dot nanocrystals by Seth A. Coe-Sullivan

rat retinal artery by Dr Rong Wen

thin nematic film (liquid crystals) by Dr Oleg D Lavrentovich

happy mothers day

2009-05-10T03:50:00.006+10:00

Today is Mothers Day in Australia.

As a daughter, it is a day for letting my mum know how much she means to me, and for reminding me to treasure her the whole year through. I hope she likes her present - a hat made using this pattern by Rachel of i dream of knitting. The bone coloured wool was inherited from my mother's sister, who died in a car accident six years ago, and the blue soy/cotton was left over from a dress that I made for her youngest granddaughter.

As a mother, it is a day to appreciate my children and give myself a day off. I love the fact that within Olive's playgroup, every single one of us mums has bought our own Mothers Day present. My gift to myself is this gorgeous print by Tollipop.

I am in love with this painting, which has helped me to do so much more than just make the house look pretty. Immediately after Aggie was born (six weeks ago already!), I became haunted by the number three. I have three children, three daughters, but only two of them are living. Having a new baby is a stark reminder of all that I missed out on when Millie died, and yet there is so little in the material world to reflect her huge presence in my heart. So this simple painting has helped me enormously, serving as a visible and permanent acknowledgement that we have three girls. Later today, we will take some flowers to the cemetery and my family will be together for the first time.

dance

2009-04-15T09:53:00.001+10:00

This makes me happy :)
Sound of Music: belgian Train Station

unfortunately ...

2009-04-15T03:38:00.006+10:00

I picked this game up from The Lark's blog. Just type "unfortunately, [your first name]" into Google (including the quotation marks) and see what comes up.

Unfortunately, Leona is not going to make it as a singer.

Unfortunately, Leona's uncompromising nature ultimately landed her a long-term stay at a federal facility.

Unfortunately, Leona is required to remain in Verdandi form when using this spell.

Unfortunately, Leona, ticked off many people in her lifetime; she was rather unkind to people.

Our elephant was a little greedy guts, and unfortunately Leona and I had forgotten to bring money to buy bananas for him.

So unfortunately, Leona always misses the office Christmas parties. But why does Leona have to do what her family tells her? Because she still lives at home ...

I can add a few of my own:

Unfortunately, Leona's 3-4 hourly breastfeeding regime with her newborn daughter means that she has plenty of time to browse other people's blogs but none to create anything to post about on her own, leaving her feeling decidedly craft-deficient.

Unfortunately, Leona was too short of time (and hands!) to take any photos when preparing for and participating in her two-year-old's birthday party. All I have is one photo of the cake:

It is supposed to be a teddy bear's picnic, in keeping with the theme of the party, which we held in a park. I decided to go for simple with the cake this year, after viewing all the disasters on the very funny Cake Wrecks blog and thinking about last year's mess.

It was supposed to be Wa Wa, the dog from Japanese kids show Inai Inai Ba. Check out his most famous song here - it's crazy fun!

free knitted newborn beehive hat pattern

2009-03-29T23:58:00.005+11:00

I made this hat for my daughter while I was in hospital after her birth, using her head as a guide. She is on the smallish side - weighing just under 3kg. It is a very quick and easy knit - great as a last minute project.

materials
small amount DK/8 ply yarn
US size 4 (3.5mm) straight needles
stitch holder
darning needle

hat front
CO 34 stitches
row 1: P
row 2: K
row 3: P
rows 4-9: repeat rows 1-3 two more times
row 10: P
row 11: K
repeat rows 10-11 until you have 27 rows of straight stitch
cut yarn and transfer to a stitch holder

hat back
as per front

finishing
With right sides together, use three needle bind-off technique to attach the hat front and back at the top.
Sew sides together.
Place atop the head of the nearest new baby!

introductions

2009-03-28T09:31:00.004+11:00

So there I was, posting a blog about absurdity on Tuesday when I was already in pre-labour. Contractions were worth noticing by 6pm that night and baby Agnes Reid was born at 9.37pm. I didn't use any drugs but did question my decision a couple of times there ;)

So without further ado, I would like to introduce Miss Agnes Reid, born at 38 weeks gestation and weighing in at 2.9kg or 6 pound 6 ounces.

We're all pretty happy to have her home :)

absurdity

2009-03-24T15:18:00.004+11:00

As with any pregnancy, I have been offered a lot of unprompted advice lately. Some of it less reliable than others. Take these pearls of wisdom, for example:
* Don't blow up balloons because the baby will run out of oxygen.
* Don't lift your arms above your head because the baby could get strangled by the umbilical cord
* To get the baby to move head down, either do handstands in the swimming pool or ask your partner to shine a torch and talk to the base of your belly.

Meanwhile, Olive found and adopted a rubber chicken that she takes for walks in the pusher, feeds and puts to bed.

the logic behind the egg obsession

2009-02-19T21:21:00.005+11:00

You may be wondering why I bothered to knit 6 eggs. Here's why ...

We have chickens.

They range freely in the back yard and lay their eggs in the garden. Which was working well until the very hot weather, when we couldn't find any of the eggs and assumed that they were off the lay. Until one day a couple of weeks later when we heard a chicken crooning deep inside an overgrown garden bed.

So I sent Olive off investigating ...

and she found ...

EGGS!

Understandably, Olive gets a little excited about eggs nowadays.

knitted fruit and vegetables

2009-02-18T12:39:00.005+11:00

In preparation for Olive's birthday (it's not until the 12th of April but the plan is to induce her little sister around the 31st of May, so I'm guessing I won't have much time closer to the date), I have been busily knitting. She always plays with the plastic play food at playgroup and childcare but I couldn't bring myself to buy any of that plastic crap so I have been making knitted versions instead. The best thing is, with thanks to Ravelry, I was able to find all of the patterns for free.

So, with an excited little drum roll, here are the results!

Pear, apple and lemon patterns were from Peachcake Knits. And the orange was made by adjusting the apple pattern.

The banana was made using Allison Judge's Baby Fruit & Veggie Rattle patterns. The shape is great but it is remarkably small compared with Australian bananas.

The three strawberries are from PezDiva. So very, very quick to make!

Corn and mushroom patterns are by Kimberly Chapman.

The carrot, cucumber and eggplant were all made using Allison Judge's Baby Fruit & Veggie Rattle patterns. I love the cucumber and eggplant but the carrot is in definite need of a bit more tapering.

Pumpkin pattern is available as a Ravelry download by Jan Lewis.

The cute (but giant!) pea pod is courtesy of Hannah Kaminsky. Although I did lengthen the pod by an extra 10 rows so that I could fit in an extra pea.

The teeny tiny summer squash is by Gerwerken. Don't miss the correction, too.

The avocado is just a dark green pear as above but wihout the stem and leaf.

And lastly, the tomato was my own pattern.

Perhaps I am a little crazy for having knitted so many of these, but I am sane by comparison with the contributors to the fabulously funny Why would you knit that? My pick for the craziest knit is the placenta, but I have to admit that I find the knitted dissected lab rat and frog strangely beautiful ...

free knitted egg pattern

2009-02-06T19:21:00.006+11:00

This pattern was originally based on curlypurly's colourful egg but I had trouble understanding the instructions so I made my own then adjusted them, adjusted, and adjusted until finally by my sixth egg I had something that I'm happy with.

Materials
Yarn: I used 8 ply (DK). Only a very small amount is required.
Needles: 4.0mm (US size 6) dpn's
Stuffing
Darning needle

Gauge: Doesn't matter, just make it tight

Abbreviations
CO = cast on
K = knit
K2tog = knit 2 together
Kfb = knit into front and back of next stitch
st = stitches

Instructions
CO 6
Tuck tail upwards so that it will be hidden inside the egg.
round 1: [K1, Kfb] to end of round (9 st)
round 2: [K2, Kfb] (12 st)
round 3: [K1, Kfb] (18 st)
round 4: [K1, Kfb] (27 st)
round 5: K
round 6: [K8, Kfb] (30 st)
rounds 7-12: K 6 rounds
round 13: [K8, K2tog] (27 st)
round 14: [K7, K2tog] (24 st)
round 15: [K6, K2tog] (21 st)
round 16: [K5, K2tog] (18 st)
round 17: K
round 18: [K4, K2tog] (15 st)
round 19: K
stuff
round 21: [K3, K2tog] (12 st)
round 22: K (12 st)
round 23: [K2tog] (6st)
Cut off and run thread through stitches, pulling tightly. Hide tail inside egg.

free knitted tomato pattern

2009-02-03T10:49:00.011+11:00

Yay!! My first ever knitting pattern!

Materials
Yarn: I used 8 ply (DK) in red and green. Only a very small amount is required.
Needles: 4.0mm (US size 6) dpn's & crochet hook
Stuffing
Darning needle

Gauge: Doesn't matter, just make it tight

Abbreviations
CO = cast on
dpn = double pointed needle
k = knit
k2tog = knit 2 together
kfb = knit into front and back of next stitch
st = stitches

Instructions
CO 6 stitches onto a single dpn
round 1: without turning (as if making an i-cord), kfb every st onto 3 needles (12 st)
Tuck tail into centre.
round 2: k
round 3: k1, kfb (18 st)
round 4: k
round 5: k2, kfb (24 st)
round 6: k
round 7: k3, kfb (30 st)
round 8: k
round 9: k5, kfb (35 st)
rounds 10-16: k 7 rounds
round 17: k5, k2tog (30 st)
round 18: k
round 20: k3, k2tog (24 st)
round 21: k
round 22: k2, k2tog (18 st)
round 23: k
Stuff.
round 24: k1, k2tog (12 st)
round 25: k1 in green, k1 in red
Cut and tie off red yarn and tuck into centre.
round 26: k2tog in green (6 st)
Cut off green yarn, leaving long tail.
Using darning needle, thread tail through remaining stitches and tie off.
Thread yarn through centre of tomato to base and back again to give an indentation at the top. Knot again.
Crochet a chain of about 5 stitches to make a stalk.
Using darning needle, thread yarn back down stalk and into tomoto. Cut off.
You're done!

nesting tree

2009-02-02T09:02:00.003+11:00

So here it is: The first thing I have made to give to the new baby.

I used this pattern from Knitty but changed the colours and pocket design to make it less girly and more forest kawaii.

I have started nesting in proper, getting up in the middle of the night to craft.
I have another reason for crafting like crazy too - it keeps my mind off the fact that I've hit the scary 30-week mark of the pregnancy. There is a peak danger period for stillbirth between 30 and 34 weeks and Millie died at 33 weeks. There is no particular reason why it would happen to us again but then again, there is no reason why it wouldn't. Please be okay, baby.

new softies and dresses for sale

2009-01-25T22:03:00.003+11:00

At long last, it is time for an obligatory shop update announcement.

I have re-stocked my etsy store with new corduroy baby dresses and softie rattle friends. Won't you please take a look?

sewing up a storm

2009-01-17T15:16:00.005+11:00

I'm in the midst of a crafting overload at the moment. Perhaps the nesting instinct has hit me?

I've also been trying to improve on Christmas, when only about half the gifts I gave were handmade. Birthdays will be better!

So here are the latest toddler gifts I have made.

Pencil rolls.

Why do I have the urge to put names on everything I make? Is it the wanna-be librarian in me, putting labels on everyone?

Appliqued t-shirts.

And a matching hair clip.

Happy birthday, kids.

knitting back on track

2009-01-17T14:12:00.003+11:00

Well. Sort of.

I'd like to introduce you to Mr Dangly.
He was made using a free pattern by Hannah Simpson of Cakeyvoice.

And he's very cute!

He will serve as a present to be given from the new baby to Olive.
So while I still haven't made anything for new bubs, at least I have started preparing for her arrival.

off-track knitting

2009-01-11T17:59:00.004+11:00

I haven't mentioned that I'm pregnant yet, have I? I'm over 6 months through already! After a first pregnancy that ended tragically at 33 weeks, and a second pregnancy fraught with 2 or 3 panic attacks a week, my tactic this time has been to largely pretend that I'm not pregnant. But I thought it was about time that I started bonding so I cast on to make daughter number three a special cable knit cardigan. Then ran out of wool and got completely distracted on Ravelry. The result? Two new knitted gifts to be given at the next first birthday parties we are invited to.

First up, a green lambie made out of the waste cardigan wool using Barbara Prime's free Fuzzy Mitten Lamb pattern. My plan is to accompany it with a board book copy of Mem Fox's "Where is the Green Sheep".

Next up, a sweet cupcake hat. I used another free pattern, this time from Living Creatively. Be warned though, the decrease row instructions are partially missing and faulty so a little interpretation is required.

Maybe I'll make something for the new baby next ...

proud daughter

2009-01-09T17:14:00.003+11:00

I am VERY EXCITED to be able to announce the launch of my oh-so talented mother's new blog/website where you can see some of her amazing botanical art. Originally a potter, Margaret started the transition to botanical illustration in the early nineties and in addition to creating her own works also coordinates the Botanic Illustrators group at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne. Won't you take a look?

We will be adding more paintings to the site soon, along with some other products such as a birthday book, note cards and postcard packs. How would you like to see her work featured?

alphabet street

2009-01-05T10:43:00.003+11:00

Okay, so I admit it. I have a slight tendency towards obsession. So when I noticed a letter "B" on a telephone pole some months ago, I developed a new mission: To find all of the letters of the alphabet.

The self-imposed (why?) rules were:
1. All letters must be found by the side of the road
2. All letters must stand alone, ie. not form part of a larger word or code.

Some letters were easy but others demanded a little more creative viewing. Can you spot the photo that I had to turn upside down?

vegan apple cinnamon drops recipe

2009-01-04T13:06:00.003+11:00

More baking. I have been sick for the last few days and still can't stomach anything fancier than toast but couldn't stop myself from baking all the same. Crazy.

These Apple Cinnamon Drops are my own invention, designed to use up some of the apple sauce left behind by the meat eaters who came for Christmas.

Ingredients
1/2 cup non-dairy margarine
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons egg replacer
120ml soy or rice milk
2 cups plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
apple sauce

Method
Preheat oven to moderate.
Cream the margarine and sugar.
Gradually add the milk.
Add the sifted dry ingredients, mixing well.
Roll into small balls and place onto a greased tray.
Press an indentation in the centre of each biscuit and spoon in a little apple sauce.
Bake for 15 minutes.

applique attack

2008-12-14T18:58:00.004+11:00

How to revitalise hand-me-downs?

APPLIQUE!!

Bye bye butterflies!

Later, love hearts.

I went a little crazy with this idea (I have only shown a few of those completed) but how could I resist such a quick-fix sewing project?

flying turtles

2008-12-12T09:44:00.000+11:00

I spent a couple of evenings this week preparing a custom order for a new baby living in Hong Kong. The specs were for a dress that was fairly plain on the outside but with an animal theme.

Voila! Green cotton dress with turtle lining, trim and buttons.

[Yes! I do custom orders! If you like my style but don't see anything suiting your needs on etsy, please contact me! :-) ]

vegan gingerbread men recipe

2008-12-09T13:21:00.004+11:00

These gingerbread men are a veganised, easier-fied version of the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Unit recipe. I made them for a playgroup Christmas party and they were very popular with the kids but unfortunately the dog liked them too, and the kids hadn't learned how to defend themselves yet. Ah well.

Ingredients
1/2 cup soy or non-dairy margarine
2 Tablespoons golden syrup
3/4 cup caster sugar
1 teaspoon powdered egg replacer
100g soy or rice milk
315g SR flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
decorations (eg currants, glace cherries, candied peel, sprinkles, icing, whatever!)

Method
1. Preheat oven to 150 degrees C
2. Melt margarine and golden syrup in mixing bowl in microwave
3. Add sugar and soy milk.
4. Add sifted flour, salt, ginger and egg replacer. Mix well.
5. Knead lightly and roll out to 1cm thickness on a floured board.
6. Use cutter to shape and place on a greased tray.
7. Decorate with fruit.
8. Bake 15-20 minutes
9. When cool, add icing if desired.

pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been?

2008-12-07T22:24:00.003+11:00

After taking five weeks off in the middle of semester to go gallivanting around the globe, I was very behind on my Design homework for TAFE. So with the memory of first semester's mad rush to get everything done on time fresh in my mind, I packed up my sewing machine and vowed not to touch it until I was finished.

I also found myself going to bed super-duper early every day, thanks to pregnancy number three. I was keeping it quiet to begin with because after a loss, the easiest way to avoid the anxiety (otherwise known as constant panic attacks!) is to avoid thinking about it. But now here I am at 23 weeks and I still haven't become particularly attached to the new little miss. Olive, on the other hand, seems very excited and is giving my belly lots of kisses and hugs. Sweet.

So, with no crafting to blog about and no time to do it, I have been noticeably absent of late. But with the homework done, the sewing machine back in action, and a (partially) homemade Christmas on the way, I suspect that is about to change.

See you soon!
Leona

this is ... something I'm surprised that I like

2008-10-26T19:14:00.005+11:00

Gardening.

Or, more specifically, weeding the garden. The damn weeds and especially the buffalo grass grow so much more quickly than I have time to remove them. So I look at the garden and feel sad that it so out of control.

Yet, when I do get a chance, I realise that gardening is fun! Such a good way to unwind.

This week, I have started a new morning routine whereby Olive plays in her sandpit, the chickens come out of their coop for a bit of a scratch and I crawl around in the garden pulling out weeds. Bliss.

this is ... my favourite film

2008-10-21T18:14:00.002+11:00

I am finally going to make the effort to get back into the "this is" meme. I have extended my vacation for far too long!

I could not possibly choose just one film as my favourite. I'm afraid the best I can do is to narrow it down to a shortish list of favourite directors/creative teams:
* David Lynch (Eraserhead; Blue Velvet; Twin Peaks (the tv series); Wild at Heart; Lost Highway; Mullholland Drive)
* Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands; Ed Wood; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; Sweeney Todd)
* Jeunet and Carot (Delicatessen; City of the Lost Children; Amelie)
* the Coen brothers (Raising Arizona; Barton Fink; Fargo)
* Peter Greenaway (The Cook, the Thief, his Wife and her Lover; The Baby of Macon)
* Alfred Hitchcock (Rear Window; Vertigo; Psycho; Marnie)

Hmmm. Looking at that list, all of my favourite directors have a fairly dark and distinctive vision, and their films are aesthetically beautiful. The mise-en-scene is much more important to me than the plot! In the spirit of which, I shall choose one film that is especially beautiful:
Wong Kar Wai's In the Mood for Love.

Love, love, love the wallpaper! And the frocks. And the food. The soundtrack's not bad, either!

mini model

2008-10-19T09:38:00.000+11:00

My sister is studying digital photography at TAFE and was asked to complete a "model shoot". Forgetting the (very wise) advice to avoid working with animals and children, she decided to photograph some of the dresses that I am selling in my etsy store, using Olive as the model.

After two separate sessions with lots of bribery and chasing, these are some of the cutest photos.

These first two photos were rejected on the basis that the background is too distracting. I guess it's true - when I look at them I see the vintage lino in Olive's room and the old Snow White book she's reading.

See my etsy store for pictures that actually showcase the dresses!

grandma

2008-10-03T18:05:00.000+10:00

My Grandmother died last week, at the very respectable age of 94. Even though I'm sad, I know that she lived a long life and one that she was generally satisfied with. I am also thankful that, as part of an obsession with genealogy, I took many opportunities to talk to Grandma about her life and really try to get to know her. I hope that you will indulge me by letting me share her story with you, too.

Florence Edith Davies was born on New Years Day, 1914. On the day she was born, her grandfather held her and said "What a dear little Tuppence. She could fit into my coat sleeve." Both the name and small size stuck with her for life. She claimed to have reached 5 foot 1 in her heyday but that may have been an exaggeration. Certainly she was to experience great trouble finding shoes for her tiny size 2 feet.

Tup was born in the Port Broughton Hotel, where her parents were licensees. Soon after they moved to Port Lincoln, where at one time they were running three hotels. Their family home was in the Port Lincoln Hotel.

Tup learnt to swim when one of the local fishermen threw her off the Port Lincoln Pier with a life buoy. While growing up in the Port Lincoln Hotel, the family would go for a swim in the ocean at 7am each morning. In winter when it was too cold they would go for a walk instead. Mind you, Tup's version of swimming mainly consisted of floating on her back.

Mr Broadbent, a lawyer in Adelaide, would come to Port Lincoln each summer to visit his brother and live in the hotel. Tup would take his lunch down then go out fishing in his dinghy. Once when Tup was around 8 years old, she had her hand in the water when they saw a shark nearby.

In the Hotel, the parents' bedroom was downstairs and the girls' upstairs. They had a chain on the door to protect them from unsavoury types but when building began on a nearby dam when Tup was aged five, it was decided that there were too many rough workmen so Connie and Tup were sent off to boarding school at St Peter's in Kermode street, Adelaide. The girls travelled to school each term on the Minnipa, a coastal ship owned by the Adelaide Steamship Company that was regularly engaged in Eyre Peninsula sea trade for many years.

The school was just past St Peter's Cathedral where they wen to church every Sunday, walking crocodile fashion. The summer uniform was a white tabalco dress with a fine blue stripe and in winter they wore a navy blue blazer with a navy blue pinafore. Hats and gloves were always part of the uniform. Tup was pleased that the girls started school just after the summer hats had been changed from ugly straw boaters.

After leaving school, Tup first worked for the family in the Port Lincoln Hotel. She had three main tasks: ironing napkins and table cloths for the dining room (a very time-consuming task as she had to use a flat iron); housemaid (only when they were particularly busy); and waitressing in the dining room. After Tup's sister Connie married in 1934, Tup took over her job as a dental nurse but she had to return home and work in the Hotel when her mother became ill.

In around 1935, Tup went to Horsham for four weeks to visit her sister, Connie. Connie's husband, Merv, suggested that they invite his friend Ray Huf around for a game of four-handed Solo because "he's a nice boy". Ray went home that night and told his mother "I've met a girl with the most beautiful hair" (Tup's hair was strawberry blonde). After Tup returned to Port Lincoln, the two continued to keep in contact by mail and Ray visited her a couple of times, driving there in an Essex 6. The roads were not good, traversing sand hills, and the journey would have taken him at least 18 hours. Ray proposed in the car during one of these visits. After a year of courting, the couple married in Adelaide on the 28th of January, 1939. Tup wore an ice-blue chiffon dress with smudgy flowers. Tup's sisters Connie and Grace were bridesmaids and David Nightingale was a groomsman. Their honeymoon was the two-day drive back to Horsham, stopping at Port Fairie. It was Black Friday and they had to take an alternative road because a tree on the side of the road was on fire and threatening to fall.

In Horsham, they lived in a newly-built house on Ray's mother's farm in Lubeck road. They intended to buy furniture with the money owed to them by a man who ran off. They were left only with thirteen cows which they milked, selling the cream to get money for furniture. Tup churned their own butter and had to wash the separator, which was quite a chore.

Tup's first pregnancy ended in miscarriage. To make matters worse, both Ray and their usual doctor were away at the time. The young replacement doctor insisted that Tup was still pregnant and prescribed strict bed rest. This went on for months! Happily, she went on to have four daughters: Christine in 1941, Elizabeth in 1944, Rosemary 1947 and Margaret in 1948.

Tup's first priority was always her family.

In spite of her fear of snakes, upon discovering one under the washing line that she had been about to use, Tup duly armed herself and threw a stick at it. She missed but the snake took fright and was never seen again.

Having learned from her mother in the hotel, Tup was a great cook and collector of recipes. She was particularly noted for her light scones, the secret of which she said was "all in the fingertips". Having lived through the Depression, Tup was also a great offal cook and a master at making something out of nothing. In addition to feeding her family, Tup would also prepare lunch for the workers on the farm.

Tup retained her childhood love of the ocean and many family holidays would be spent at the seaside. Ray would drive them down then return to the farm in Horsham, leaving Tup to look after the four girls with the assistance of her sister Connie or their housekeeper, Mrs Hallam (Hallie).

Tup was President of the Horsham Golf Club. Known for a unique flourish at the top of her golf swing, Tup was an accomplished golfer, winning both the B-grade championship and the grandmother's trophy.

When bowls first started at the Horsham Golf Club, Tup teamed up with Mrs Smith to win the pairs competition. She continued to play and at age 70 won the championship and was President of the Horsham City Bowls Club. She also qualified to represent the Central Wimmera Bowling Club in Melbourne.

Tup was a keen card player, her favourite game being Bridge. On one occasion she was playing with Ray and two friends when they saw a fox running past outside. The three men immediately threw down their cards in hot pursuit of the fox but Tup stayed at the table and patiently awaited their return, as she was holding a winning hand.

Tup's husband Ray died at their home in Gleed street, Horsham, in 1996. Tup stayed on there until 2005 when she broke her hip and moved in with daughter in Great Western. With four generations in the house, there was lots of opportunity for misadventures. On one occasion, great-grand daughter Isabelle was playing air guitar (using a real guitar for extra effect) when she got a bit too enthusiastic and hit Tup in the leg, causing significant injury. After that, Tup was set up with a fire guard in front of her for protection whenever the great grand children visited. On another occasion, great grandson James' pet ferret had been missing for a couple of weeks. Tup had established a respectful relationship with the ferret so when it reappeared in the living room where she was sitting by herself, she greeted it, saying "Oh there you are. Welcome home." The ferret immediately ran up the inside of Tup's trouser leg, scratching and clawing as it went. Tup calmly waited for a family member to come and rescue her. They were met with some amusement at the hospital when they tried to explain how the 90+ year old had come to suffer her latest injuries.

Tup died in hospital on the first of October 2008 after a brief illness, aged 94 years. She had retained her sharp intellect until her final days and her wisdom and wit was proven again at her funeral, a cold a rainy day, when it was revealed that she had been asked to be buried in "something warm. Because I'm going up, not down".

On a more personal note, these are a few things that I associate fondly with my Grandma:
* stewed plums for breakfast
* five o'clock is sherry time
* guests are always invited to make themselves "com-fort-ab-le"
* my excitement as a little girl when I was able to fit into my Grandma's "grown-up" shoes
* her unending patience and selflessness

Rest well, Grandma. I love you.

code brown

2008-10-01T17:14:00.005+10:00

Today has been a difficult one, filled with death, illness, and housework that remains undone. But rather than deal with any of that right now, I'd like to tell a silly story from a couple of weeks ago.

My partner takes our daughter, Olive, to group swimming lessons at the local pool each week. It's great daddy-daughter bonding time and gives me an hour or so of rare me-time. This particular Sunday, however, they came home rather early and noticeably red-faced.

Apparently, the lesson had just started when the instructor pointed Olive, leaped out of the pool and started yelling:

"CODE BROWN. CODE BROWN. EVACUATE. WE HAVE A CODE BROWN. PLEASE EVACUATE THE SWIMMING POOL IMMEDIATELY."

Olive's swim nappy had leaked. Once everyone realised what had happened, they were quick to react and all scrambled for the edge of the pool. My partner rushed off in embarrassment to change the offending nappy but slunk back later to apologise. The pool was still empty and there was no one to be seen.

The next day, I bought Olive some ugly ankle-to-neck one-piece bathers. And we now have a great story to tell at her 21st birthday party.

slow going

2008-09-30T21:12:00.004+10:00

I have realised that I can never become a painter. Colour mixing is too frustrating!

Will it ever get any easier? Or is it just one of those things where I need to learn to enjoy the (very slow) process?

travelogue ... Belgian doorsteps

2008-09-28T18:16:00.004+10:00

Traditional doorsteps in the St-Gilles area, Brussels.

We stayed in St-Gilles with an Aussie friend. It was great to be able to take a break from being tourist and live more like the locals. We managed to sample a large number of cafes during a relatively short visit!

return

2008-09-28T15:25:00.003+10:00

Forgive me, reader, for I have sinned. It has been two months since my last post.

The good news is that I am back from my holiday with lots to catch up on. And to start things off, I have just restocked my etsy store with some brand new softies.

More items coming soon.

travelogue - Suzhou Silk Museum

2008-08-16T19:30:00.003+10:00

Internet access has so far been quite limited on this trip but I still wanted to post while things are fresh in my mind.

Crafty highlight of our three days in Shanghai, China, was our visit to the Suzhou Silk Museum.

The peaceful mulberry garden demonstrates the various types of mulberry bushs that serve as the silk worms' diet.

In the sericultural room, two old ladies sat crouched on the floor watching over the silkworms busy at their job of eating mulberry leaves.

Cocoons in the sericultural room.

Each variety of silorm produces a noticeably different cocoon.

Part of an old loom on the weaving room, where their use is demonstrated by highly skilled technicians.

One of the amazing double-sided silk embroideries produced and sold locally.

Directions
Catch a train from Shanghai Railway Station to Suzhou. The trip should take anywhere from 40 minutes to 2hours,depending on whether you get the express. I recommend that you book your return ticket in Shanghai too to avoid a potentially long wait.
Upon arriving in Suzhou, catch a bus, taxi or trishaw or walk (it's not far) going left from the station then right over the bridge. Cross the first set of lights and the museum is halfway down the first main block on the right side (across the street from the start of the temple complex).

There are lots of other interesting things to fill your day in Suzhou, including the silk embroidery research institute.

beautiful buildings - cathedral arcade

2008-07-26T21:41:00.006+10:00

I had a spare few minutes in the city this morning. I had my camera with me and the crowds hadn't arrived yet. How could I resist?

there's an elephant in my suitcase

2008-07-23T20:47:00.003+10:00

Our trip to Europe is less tan two weeks away (yippee!) and I have been trying to think of ways to keep Olive entertained on the very long flights. So of course, I turned to my trusty sewing machine for help.

And made a drawstring bag using an old pillowcase. The idea is that she can put her toys in and out and in, etc.

It will hold some tiny board books, a squeaky bath toy, a ball, her favourite teddy (cookie monster) and a pencil. Got any other suggestions about how to keep a one-year-old occupied for many, many hours?

this is ... what makes me happy

2008-07-20T21:05:00.004+10:00

Warming up in front of the heater.

Collecting freshly laid eggs in the morning. I especially enjoy it when all of the chickens come out of their yard and follow me in a line.

Cooking with ingredients grown in our own back yard. And making a healthy meal for the people I love.

Being there when Olive does something for the first time.

Lining up books in height order.

A warm shower - my best thinking time.

A little bit of time to create.

I look for my happiness in the simple pleasures of everday life. As much as I can, I want to live in the moment and appreciate what I have. There is no point in always looking forward in anticipation of some imagined future happiness, or defining hapiness as something that only happens on special occassions. There is so much to appreciate every day.

Special thanks to Jacinta from One Little Acorn for her great topic this week.

this is ... what scrambles my brain

2008-07-13T13:36:00.004+10:00

Crochet patterns. For the life of me, I simply cannot read them.

Which is funny (strange, not ha ha) because I have no trouble with freehanding crochet and frequently turn to it when I can't find a pattern to follow. Like these:

A toilet doll roll made as a housewaming gift for my sister. I was aiming for super-tacky but I still think I've seen worse.

Owl rattle.

The inaccesibility of crochet patterns has become doubly frustrating since I joined Ravelry because there are so many cute amigurumi creatures I'd love to be making. Like these little guys:
striped turtle
snail
duckling
gnome

So, if you know of a good online crochet tutrial or can recommend a book, please let me know. Cheers!

my first tapestry

2008-07-12T16:42:00.003+10:00

It's taken me a little while to work up the courage for the show-and-tell but here it is at last, my first woven tapestry.

It was based on this photograph that I took of Olive and her dad at the Osaka Aquarium. Can you see the whale shark in the background?

The beads are intended to serve as braille dots and give a description of the image so that it can be accessed by the sighted and vision impaired alike.

While there are lots of really obvious errors, I learnt a lot too and am keen to do better next time!

this is ... my treasured childhood possession

2008-07-11T21:25:00.005+10:00

I'm only five days late with my meme post this week. Still not great but getting better ...

I'd like to introduce you to Seranja. I'm not quite sure of the spelling of her name because I invented it before I learnt my ABCs.

Admittedly, Seranja is quite a scary looking girl. I think it's the teeth that does it. In fact, my partner insists that I ensure she is hidden in a fully closed drawer each night for fear that she will come to life and strangle us in our sleep.

I wouldn't exactly say that Seranja was well-loved but I did treasure her as a child because she was handmade by an aunt, and again as a teenager because I realised that she had provided me with much of my sense of style. (Thank goodness that Barbie was banned in our house!) Note in particular Seranja's black boots (I was a doc Martens devotee), stripey tights, petticoat and dress.

As a child, I as always fascinated by Seranja's knickerbockers too. Luckily, I never took my mimicry of her that far.

And now that I have a child of my own, I find myself wearing ric-rac-embellished aprons.

Thanks to Angela of Three Buttons for the "this is" meme and Danielle of teacups on treetops for this week's topic.

winter

2008-07-05T21:47:00.004+10:00

It was cold this morning. Very cold.

Frosty.

And wet.

With bare trees and blue skies.

this is ... my best op shop find

2008-07-05T14:19:00.005+10:00

Only six days late! Ah well, at least I guess it could be worse ...

I do love to op shop because it is a quick, easy excursion that gets us out of the house. And of course, no matter how much I spend, it's always a bargain! Best op shop find ever is a very tall order so I have instead focused on my best op shop find this year. My prime hunting target at the moment is vintage board books and this is my favourite so far.

What is it? is a golden book printed in Japan but I can only guess at the date. Intended as a picture dictionary, it is instead a sweet illustration of how much some things have changed.

These are a couple of my favourite pages.

Things for baby. Check out the chair!

Friendly animals. Puppies and kittens were insanely popular subjects.

Things to ride. I love the driving goggles!

And while I'm at it, why not take a look at some of the other books I have picked up?

Let's Talk

A bunny talking to a deer. As they do.

Baby Animals is another golden book but is more recent, with a 1980 copyright.

Little Kitten Mischief was printed in Tokyo in 1968. See what I mean about the puppies and kittens?

Puppies was printed in Holland in 1974. It is Olive's favourite because it is small and she is obsessed with dogs. I wonder where she gets her obsessive nature from? ;)

fencing patterns

2008-06-28T15:14:00.005+10:00

Sorry about the unscheduled blog break. Quite simply, I wore myself out. I am just crawling back into action now.

Meanwhile, I have been nurturing a new obsession with pattern. It began with a book that my talented younger sister bought for me, Pattern Design by Lewis F. Day. (This link is highly recommended as it gives a very generous portion of the book in .pdf.)

First published in 1903, Pattern Design is almost worth reading for the language alone: "But in the very variety of demands made upon us there is some compensation for their unreasonableness."

So I started looking for patterns around me and found a lot that I like in fences, of all places.

But enough unnecessary chatter. It's time for some pictures!

1. PhoneCam Texture: Iron Fence Greek Design, 2. Curled up, 3. Follow, 4. iron fence, 5. fence 2, 6. patterned fence, 7. fence, 8. Fence, 9. Metal Grid 4, 10. Pattern, 11. Queensway fence, 12. Fenced in, 13. pattern, 14. Repeating Patterns, 15. red fence, 16. Don't fence me in, 17. Fence Patterns, 18. IMG_0331-800px.jpg, 19. Geometry, 20. fencepattern, 21. Fence Pattern, 22. Red fence, 23. Stockport-Mersey Fencing., 24. Chain Link Fence#1

Ah, Flickr. You never cease to make me happy.

stamp it

2008-06-16T14:23:00.003+10:00

I know that I promised myself no more crafting until the homework is done but I have been seeing rubber stamp tutorials on the likes of Geninne's Art Blog and Creative Kismet. It looked so easy and I already had the tools required so how could I resist? Besides, it's such a portable activity that I could do it anywhere. So far I have tried in the car, at work, visiting relatives and on the train. I am addicted!

this is ... the space in which I create

2008-06-15T21:11:00.005+10:00

I thought seriously about not participating in "this is ..." this week. I like Michelle's topic and will be doing the rounds to see how everyone else fared but when I looked into my craft room I was embarrassed, nay even ashamed of the mess that it has become. And I have promised myself that I will not sew or otherwise play in my craft room until all of my TAFE homework is done. Luckily the homework is reasonably fun (tapestry weaving and painting with gouache) and it is due in less than two weeks so I should survive. Just.

Anyway, rather than slinking quietly into a corner I thought I would expand the topic a little and show you some shots from my whole house. Because, after all (and much to my partner's frustration), my crafting rarely stays confined to its designated room. So here it is:

Double French doors (behind Beaker, who thinks it's all about him). We have three sets of French doors: two in the lounge room and one as the front door. They are beautiful but not very practical as they take up an awful lot of wall space and are probably not overly secure. But they're pretty.

Radiator on the bathroom wall. There are matching heaters in the kitchen and second bedroom. I'm not sure that they even work any more - I would never actually use them because they guzzle too much power. And yet I do like knowing that they're there.

Lino on the kitchen floor. We also have killer vintage lino in the second bedroom and the toilet.

I fell in love with our house from the moment I first saw it thanks to these features and more. It is a genuine 1940s time capsule with only one set of owners before us and almost no modifications. I didn't even show you the wood oven! The really sad thing is that it is sitting on a huge block so I know that when we sell it will get bulldozed to make way for two or three ugly new townhouses. There is even a proposal to turn our road into a six lane highway, which will spell forced acquisition of either the whole block or just the front yard, leaving trucks to whiz past just inches from our bedroom. We're not budging yet though. We must protect the picture rails, the ceiling roses and the extra-wide timber floorboards!

a mole's guide to making linen

2008-06-14T21:10:00.005+10:00

We received a fantastic surprise in the mail this week. All the way from the Czech Republic, courtesy of my partner's chat friend most commonly known as "nice girl", came two board books for Olive. They were written by Zdenek Miler, illustrated by Eduard Petiska, and were also produced as a children's tv cartoon in the 1980s. The characters and pictures are really cute but it wasn't until I started reading the test of "how come little mole has trousers" that I seriously got excited. It's all about how to make linen!

First, you have to grow some flax plants.

When the flax is ripe, reap it and soak it in water. Once it is completely soaked, dry it.

Next, break the stems of the flax.

Comb the broken flax.

Spin the threads.

And weave the yarn into cloth.

Thank you, Barbara, for your insight and generosity. The books will be treasured for many years to come.

Mosaic meme

2008-06-10T22:45:00.003+10:00

There's a fun meme doing the rounds that I thought I'd try. The rules are:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into flickr search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name

1. La Leona, 2. gingerbread in a jar + gingerbread softie, 3. Simply clouds, 4. Autumn walk, 5. Clara, 6. Raspberry Lemonade Cupcakes, 7. Nocturnal hike into the bamboo forest, 8. Ice Cream Dressed in Red, 9. Noche de luna llena - Full moon night, 10. high rise urban hasselblad, 11. bianca7A, 12. Esmerelda Owl

Thanks to Lisa of Strickerin for introducing me to this fun meme.

this is ... my favourite travel memory

2008-06-08T12:40:00.004+10:00

Ah, what a great topic this week. It was a great excuse to go back through all of our holiday snaps and I was pleasantly surprised to realise that one of our best overseas trips was also one of the easiest and cheapest. New Zealand was abound with fun things to do and spectacular scenery but the undoubted highlight of the trip was our day spent on the Franz Josef glacier.

The view from partway up the glacier. Can you see the tiny people on the half day trek? And the river of melted glacier water going out to the sea?

Yes, the steps really were as steep as they look. We had ice picks on our shoes but it was still pretty scary, especially coming down.

Sliding down a wormhole - a naturally occurring tunnel in the ice. It was cold and wet but so much fun!

A kea. These parrots are notoriously cheeky. Our guide warned us that they like to steal lunches and told us about a bird that once stole one of his party's lunch out of their bag then came back later to drop the empty container on their head.

Still on the topic of travel, we are planning a trip to Europe with Asian stopovers in August. I've found lots of crafty things to see in London but wonder if you can advise on any particularly good shops or lesser-known museums in any of the other cities we will visit: Shanghai (I know there's a shoe museum there but frustratingly can't find an address!), Barcelona, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris and Singapore.

little lost land

2008-06-07T13:47:00.010+10:00

I have been very busy! As a result, I am happy to be able to report that some of my wares are now available in a real live shop. Little Lost Land is a new store selling a mix of vintage, imported and handmade clothes and accessories, including loniemay dresses, bibs and onesies. Find Little Lost Land at 300 Carlisle street, Balaclava, here in Melbourne.

One of the appliqued onesies.

A selection of bibs. All are made with plastic coated fabric that I bought whilst in Japan and are great for starting solids because they wipe clean.

All of the dresses are made from corduroy with cotton lining. They feature coordinating buttons, applique or sashes.

This blue dress is lined with the same floral fabric that is featured on the front. It was originally a vintage pillowcase and is deliciously soft.

And in a lovely coincidence, a friend from high school is selling her baby blankets there too. They're handmade from gorgeous soft Japanese fabrics and can also be found online at her FunkyGrammy store.

Update: Little Lost Land is establishing itself well with lots of lovely clothing and accessories for adults but babywear is not its niche, so you will no longer find my wares there. Ah well, you will have to await news of my next outlet!

apron's away

2008-06-03T22:18:00.005+10:00

As promised, here is the sassy apron that I made and have sent off (Only one day late. That's not bad, is it?)

Even though I left the construction to the last minute and I have never made an apron before, I decided to make do without a pattern. I also wanted to use this project to push myself to mix fabrics and add more embellishments than I normally would. And just to complicate things further, I thought that a double sided apron would be a good idea so that I could double my chances that my swap partner would like it.

Funnily enough, none of these factors were as troubling to me as the theme. With 4 degree mornings and days of endless fog, I had real difficulty making anything fit for summer. Ah well, while I'm not entirely happy with the end result I do think that it turned out better than it might have! I was also amused that while I was busy sewing the apron, my partner was watching The Stepford Wives.

This was my first swap and will probably be my only swap for a little while, but only because the end of semester is looming and assignments are due. After that, watch out! You may just be partnered with me...

Oh. And while I'm on the topic, I thought I may as well show you some of my favourite aprons. The orange one is thrifted but the other two are hand-me-downs from great aunties. They make me happy :)

welcome to the world

2008-06-02T09:07:00.004+10:00

Our first niece was born on Saturday. Ella Charlotte didn't need much encouragement, arriving in just two hours and weighing in at a healthy nine and a half pounds.

Of course, I couldn't resist making her an elephant or two.

Welcome to the world, sweet Ella. We promise to love you, look out for you and have lots of fun together. We are so very glad to meet you.

this is ... my pets

2008-06-01T13:29:00.004+10:00

We have many pets (ten at the moment!) but Muzzle is our most beloved. She is part whippet, part mutt and very, very bouncy. So bouncy that she can jump most of our fences so we can't leave her unattended in the back yard but instead have to lock her in "jail" during the day - a space along the side of the house where we have extended the fence and installed a gate. She doesn't seem to mind though, obediently trotting in when we command her to "go to jail". Muzzle suffers from a common whippet behavioural disorder known as "excessive greeting disorder" - she gets so excited when anyone she knows enters the house that she dances on her hind legs howling "He-wo!". The other word that she knows is "walk". If we pick up our house keys, pick up her lead or mention the word she dances again, this time saying "A waaall. A waaall." Not perfect diction, I know, but hey she is a dog after all.

Another pet worth mentioning is Beaker, our cockatiel. We never had the patience or inclination to teach him to talk but he has learnt to make the sound of the telephone ringing, water going down the drain and my sister's laugh. He adores taking a shower with me and has decided that I am his mate - he will only sit on me and bites anyone else who comes near. Like Muzzle, Beaker is also good at greeting - he recognises the sounds of our cars and starts chirping as we pull up in the driveway.

If you want to get to know our pets better you can join my partner's social networking site for pets, My Star Pet.

Thanks so much to sweet Kyla for suggesting this week's theme. Check out three buttons for links to everyone else who is playing along.

home made buttons

2008-05-26T22:28:00.002+10:00

Much like many of you out there, I have a bit of a thing for buttons. I get all curly-toed with happiness when I find the perfect button to match my garments, but feel like it happens less and less. Where have all the good buttons gone?

Once again, blogland has come to the rescue. Over the last week or so I have come across three very exciting tips on how to make your own buttons. Woo hoo!

First up, stamp extraordinaire craft pudding shared a very simple idea for making your own covered buttons without having to buy an expensive kit. So easy!

These are my first attempts. You like?

Next, I discovered here that number 6 plastic can be used like shrinky dinks. And remembered that Elsa Mora has been using shrinky dinks to make her own buttons.

And finally, three buttons (of course!) linked to a great tutorial showing how to make dorset buttons.

Poorly matched buttons should be a thing of the past in our house from now on. Yay :)

this is ... something I haven't used

2008-05-26T16:45:00.004+10:00

Wow. As soon as I saw this week's this is topic from flossy-p I immediately thought of my fabric stash. I potentially could have spent half the afternoon sorting and photographing but thought better of it and did some actual sewing instead. So, this is just one of the very many pieces of fabric that I have bought but not yet put to use.

Clearly, it is currently a vintage sleeping bag. In the future, I hope to help it become another warm comfy skirt like these.

apron love

2008-05-23T21:26:00.006+10:00

Yesterday there was a package waiting for me at the front door when I arrived home from work. "What have you been buying now?" I was asked. I plead innocence then thought about it. No, none of my purchases were expected yet. Then the brain cells started connecting and I remembered reading that some super-organised people participating in the sassy apron swap have sent their parcels already. Could it be?

Oh yes indeed, a beautiful package wrapped up in ric-rac and made especially for me. I was so excited I was literally jumping up and down.

And looky looky at what I got. A beautiful watermelon apron with matching tea towel, recipe card for watermelon lemonade and cocktail umbrellas to decorate the glasses. She even included the pattern used to make the apron. Thank you so much, Jodie - I truly feel spoiled!

[I find it ironic that the theme of the apron swap is "summer" yet I had trouble taking a decent photo because we are getting less and less daylight here at the moment. There was even ice on the car the last two mornings.]

I really like the look of the umbrellas all lind up.

Olive liked them too.

She wasn't so happy after I took them away, though. The poor dear has a fever and hives at the moment - this week's gift from childcare.

Now I really have to get moving and work on my own sassy apron to send off. Watch this space for progress report, hopefully very soon.

this is ...my way of recycling

2008-05-19T08:50:00.002+10:00

Finally, a nice easy "this is" whose answer immediately sprang to mind.
I have a bit of a thing for old bedding. I am currently lining some little girls' dresses with vintage sheets and pillow cases. They are so pretty and soft.
But what really makes me excited is a good bedspread, which becomes a skirt once I get my hands on it.

still here

2008-05-15T22:18:00.002+10:00

I haven't posted in a little while. My sewing machine was off being repaired and we had yet more illness in the house. I won't give you all the details but can advise that co-sleeping with your children becomes less of a good idea when they are suffering from vomiting eposodes that strike in the middle of the night. I wonder if I will ever catch up on the washing again?

So I don't have any craft to show and tell but can share something that has been keeping us all entertained for the last week or so. Olive is quite the little disco dancer now!

toadstool hat

2008-05-05T22:38:00.004+10:00

Back during Vintage Children's Book Ilustration Week I spied some adorable toadstool hats from the Red Tops books on the excellent Bird Bath blog. I was all inspired and as soon as I had finished my mammoth knitting UFO, got out my needles to make a similar hat for Olive.

Well, it doesn't look much like the hats from the pictures, nor does it come even close to fitting Olive's head. But I might get some use out of it myself on cold days when I am feeling a bit silly.

And in a moment of synchronicity, after photographing my new hat this afternoon I went to the local Vinnies and found my very own copy of the Red Tops!

this is ... the pair of shoes that I would sleep in if I could

2008-05-04T21:21:00.004+10:00

Being vegan, my footwear options are seriously limited and sadly, I don't own any shoes that I am paticularly fond of at the moment. So instead, I decided to go looking for a suitable pair that I could fantasise about wearing. Predictably, the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto came up with the goods. (I went there in 2004 and the Shoe Museum was one of the highlights of my trip. That, along with their Textiles Museum. What a great city!)

This pair of mojari were worn by the Nizam of Hyderabad in India in the early 1800s. They are embellished with gold metal thread, sequins, rubies, diamonds and emeralds. How's that for fancy? But what I really like is the curly elf toes.

Flashback Friday

2008-05-01T22:07:00.004+10:00

I love this image. The hussy on the left is my little sister, and I'm the bookworm on the right in the pink t-shirt and orange hawaiian print skirt. I'm pretty sure I chose my own outfit that day.

Update: After a call from my sister sounding somewhat small and sad, I think I should point out that she is not really a hussy and she quite possibly did not choose her own outfit that day. Certainly her undies were not showing on purpose. Sorry sweetie.

this is ... my favourite book

2008-04-27T20:42:00.004+10:00

It is always a difficult task to choose just one favourite. (Olive seems to have inherited my indecision. If we offer her more than one thing at a time she hesitates for the longest time, hand poised mid-air.)

I was a real book worm as a child and have gone through many favourites over the years but have lost any interest in fiction more recently. I can't quite see the point of making up a story when real life and the present are so much more important and compelling. So I knew that my curent favourite would be non-fiction - most likely art or craft - but to find out which, I had to go to the book shelves and see which one I most wanted to hold. And the winner?

The Taschen 25th anniversary edition of Hundertwasser by Harry Rand. I have blogged about Hundertwasser's architecture already but hadn't mentioned how much I love his paintings and prints too. All those beautiful colours and sinuous lines. Makes my toes wiggle with pleasure just to think about it.

"This is" meme brought to you by three buttons; this week's topic was by Dees of Daisy in La La Land.

TGIF - thank god it's finished!

2008-04-25T17:36:00.006+10:00

You may remember that quite some time ago, I vowed to get serious about my UFOs. They had spilled out of the "finishing" box and onto my desk and the floor, where they had taken up permanent residence.

This was one of the worst: a knitted sampler blanket that I started after Millie (my first baby) died to provide myself with a distraction on the train to work each day instead of crying the whole way. It did prove to be good therapy for me, I used up most of my leftover yarns and I learnt lots of new stitches along the way but

I ran out of enthusiasm when it came to sewing all of the samples together, which instead spent close to two years in a pile on the living room floor.

Until now!

I am so happy to have it finished.

a week of Frenchness - snow domes

2008-04-25T16:56:00.003+10:00

One last French contribution before the week is out. Because I can't resist the opportunity to show off a couple more of my beloved snow domes.

These are bee-yoo-tiful. Love the blue background, 3D plastic innards, moving parts and snow - not just cheapo glitter.

a week of Frenchness 2

2008-04-22T15:20:00.003+10:00

Continuing with the week of Frenchness being held at Meet Me At Mikes: Some French goodies on etsy that caught my eye.

Basket of tiny apple softies from La Pomme.

Little Red Riding Hood bag from Speculoos.

Digitally mixed painting/photogrph from labokoff.

And all in the colours of the French flag, too!

a week of Frenchness - crepes

2008-04-22T09:30:00.003+10:00

I have been inspired by The Lark to join in the week of Frenchness being hosted by Lily and Agathe over at Meet Me At Mikes.

So pretty. I will have sweet dreams tonight :)

pint-sized parties

2008-04-20T21:56:00.006+10:00

After a very shaky beginning last weekend when I came down with gastro on Olive's first birthday and had to postpone her party (I didn't even remember to sing her happy birthday, poor poppet), we finally got our act together this weekend. So on Saturday we went to our nephew's third birthday party in a play centre - very noisy but fun. I gave him a pencil roll, which I really enjoyed making. Maybe because of the anal-retentive suggestion that you always have to line your pencils up according to the colour wheel.

And today was the grand event, an afternoon tea party for Olive in our back yard. She has no idea that the fuss was all for her but did enjoy having so many people and so much food around. Now, where to store all of her new toys?

this is ... my latest discovery

2008-04-20T20:55:00.002+10:00

My latest discovery was a rats nest in the back yard. On the one hand, I was horrified, but on the other, the four(!) rats that I saw scampering about were so cute! I'm not sure what to do about them yet. None of the humane traps I have found work and I can't cut off their food supply because they are stealing from the chickens, who still need to be fed. Any suggestions?

A more blog-friendly discovery of late was StumbleUpon. It randomly takes you to websites based on your interests and feedback that you give. And it actually works! So StumbleUpon has in turn led me to lots of interesting new discoveries. Like this cute hedgehog softie; 10,000 sheep; dirty car art - paintings made using the dust on car windows; and and amazingly intricate 3D papercutting by Peter Callesen.

I heart ... elephants

2008-04-18T22:57:00.008+10:00

I didn't even realise that I had a thing for elephants until recently, when I started to notice that I seemed to be collecting them. Like these:

From the very sweet Sometimes by Emma Dodd.

Fabric bought at Patchwork on Central Park. It was my first visit and I was very restrained, only buying two pieces of fabric. There were many, many more that I loved but my fabric stash seems to be growing much faster than I can sew with it at the moment.

Then my sister mentioned that she wanted to make an elephant softie and I was like a woman possessed. I suddenly became obsessed with making elephant softies, even though I had no real need for them.

Attempt number one has a good trunk for hanging onto but does not have much character.

Attempt number two. His name is Albertus and he is curently residing in my shop.

This is attempt number four, already on his way to a new home in Norway.

And there are others. Soon we will be a house overun by marauding elephants ...

This is ... my perfect dinner party guest list

2008-04-12T07:58:00.004+10:00

Late again but at least I'm still trying!

Lily and Agathe wasthe source of this week's "this is ..." theme and it's a real doozy! I get to choose six people to invite to dinner. In reality, I think I would feel much more comfortable inviting established friends and family but that's probably not so interesting for you to read about so I shall have a crack at a rather more exotic list.

The number one thing I want at a dinner party is lots of laughs. Dear Mr Larry David, will you please attend? He would be sure to add some controversy to the evening's procedings too.

Next, the conversation needs some intelligence. And as I can choose absolutely anyone, why not also make it someone whose invention has changed many lives. There's an awful lot I'd like to talk about with Louis Braille.

Of course, I need someone to talk textiles with. How about Liza Dalby, author of Kimono and The Tale of Murasaki? I am seriously fascinated by the idea of having a different wardrobe for every two-week season throughout the year, or wearing seventeen layers of skirts all coloured to suggest a certain element in nature.

Now to make sure that everyone is happy, we need a caring, grandparenty-type person. What the hey, why not invite Santa Clause?

For our entertainment, a musician would do well. For something acoustic and an intriguing life story, I would like to invite Nick Drake.

Call me lazy, but my idea of a perfect dinner party does not include me cooking, so I'd better invite a vegan chef along as well. Miriam Kasin Hospodar, author of Heaven's Banquet, would be great not just for her cooking but also to explain a bit more about Ayurvedic cooking.

I've just realised that I've listed six of the qualities I value most. How interesting. Now to go see who everyone has chosen ...

this is .. my jewellery/trinkets box

2008-04-09T08:01:00.004+10:00

I am late with my meme post again, this time becuase I have been working all week. I'm not used to this full time business and very glad that it's ony temporary!

This is my jewellery/trinkets box. You will notice that it is empty, due to the fact that I don't wear jewellery. But I love the box because it was made by my extremely talented mother.

books - in with the old and in with the new

2008-04-02T17:53:00.005+11:00

We visited the Melbourne Museum of Printing on Sunday. The drawers full of fount were so very beautiful (sorry - I took the camera but couldn't use it with a wriggling baby in my arms) and I was reminded to pull out the slugs from the old man's shed in the back yard. You see, our house only had one set of previous occupants who built it themselves. The old man died about ten years before I bought the house but all of his tools and miscellaneous treasures were still locked away in the shed. Including these slugs used to print invitations to a 1959 cabaret ball.

On the other end of the spectrum, I have just discovered Blurb. Make your own book - it is too, too tempting! I have started sketching out ideas but in the meantime have ordered Kal Barteski's Cargo and Woot. So cute!

Still on the topic of books, I just recently bought a copy of Oliver Jeffer's Lost and Found. Both the story and illustrations are incredibly beautiful, especially the last page. It reminds me of why I love books so much. *happy sigh*

this is ... the contents of my handbag

2008-03-30T21:50:00.003+11:00

wallet
keys
mobile (when I remember it)
That's all!

Actually, I don't even have a handbag. I just transfer the above three items from one bag to another depending on where I'm going and what I'm wearing. The bags are much more intersting than their contents:

A nappy bag made by my sister using Miffy fabric she bought in Japan.

A Shinzi Katoh tote that is big and sturdy enough to carry my TAFE supplies.

A homemade knitting bag with pockets just the right size for needles, scissors and measuring tape. I have been using this bag much more in recent days and hope to be able to show you the results in a couple of weeks.

My "turf bag", which I made from a square of fake grass that I found in Lincraft many years ago.

And many, many more ...

P.S. Sorry about the scarcity of photos today. Olive has decided once again that she won't sleep unless she's lying on top of me so my free time has been radically diminished. I know it's just a phase, but I'm hoping it won't last too long. And trying not to guiltily think that it's a sign she's become insecure since I went back to work :(

first softies

2008-03-25T20:41:00.004+11:00

While I am still working on my UFOs, I couldn't resist the urge to try something new. So here they are, my first attempts at designing my own sewn softies. Each contains a vitamin bottle with grains to double up as a rattle.

Lion. It is a worry that I had so little trouble finding a ready-made "jungle" in the back yard.

Sad little bunny.

Pear. Actually, he's the second attempt - the first was a dud whose face is not fit to be seen.

I'm itching to make more!

this is ... my demon

2008-03-23T16:22:00.003+11:00

Another tricky this is ... this week.

Being a non-smoking, teetotalling vegan who doesn't even consume caffeine, I don't have terribly many vices. I do eat rather too many fizzy lollies than I should but surely that's a small indulgence I can allow myself.

But I do have a sneaky little demon who pops out just when I don't want him to: I am shy. Not enough to ruin my life but certainly enough to stop me from reaching out when I could potentially be making a new friend and expanding my world. It was a big plunge for me to launch myself into blogland and even now that I am here, I am very nervous about the protocol for comments (is there one? what is it???) and have not taken enough opportunities to tell you all how much you entertain, encourage and inspire me. I truly do appreciate the time that you take to read my ramblings and really enjoy being able to take a peek into your worlds too.

While I don't think I'll ever conquer my demon, I can continue to try to ignore his voice and take steps to counteract his evil doings. So today I am changing my "blogs I visit" list to a list of "friendly blogs". If you are reading this - that means you! If you would like to be added to the list, just let me know and I will be able to visit you too.

[The beautiful Blythe image above is from Gina Garan's This is Blythe site.]

finished objects 3 & 4

2008-03-22T21:02:00.005+11:00

It's TAFE holidays and I'm catching up, both with blogging and with crafting. So I am very pleased to be able to show you the next installment in the mission to rid myself of UFOs.

This is a pencil case that I put aside about six weeks ago when I realised that hand sewing was required. How slack!

Now it is finished and I am using it to carry around some little bits of embroidery that I'm working on.

This is a hat that I knitted before Olive was born. That was over eleven months ago! I had originally planned on making it look like a baby chicken, to be worn at Easter time. But I couldn't figure out a way of making the features that I thought wouild look alright.

So now it is an egg hat instead!
I have to admit that this wasn't the best photo of the hat that I took today, but it was the cutest picture of Olive. And I'd much rather show her off than my knitting ;)

oh so quiet

2008-03-21T23:00:00.005+11:00

Today being Good Friday, I thought it would be a perfect time to visit our local monstrocity of a shopping centre. And I was right! The whole area was deserted and so much more beautiful without any cars or noise.

this is ... looking out my front door

2008-03-14T09:08:00.002+11:00

I am soooooo late with my this is ... post this week.

I had thought that I was coping well with the transition from full-time mum to still-breastfeeding-and-expressing mum who is also a part-time student and office worker, but it seems that I was operating on a knife-edge, easily thrown off balance by the slightest little thing. So when Olive had a cold and blogger refused to upload my photos, something had to give. I'm hoping you will forgive me ...

This is actually looking through my front door. We have a lovely set of double frech doors as the front door and two sets in the lounge room. Beautiful but not so practical, really. Beauty wins!

These are the Christmas decorations on the front porch I told you about that have been up since 2006!

Actually, the main view we have from our front door is of traffic. Lots and lots of traffic, all banked up and with nothing better to do than sit in their cars and look at us all weekend. I used to have terrible trouble trying to mow our buffalo grass with a hand mower (wearing a skirt, as always) because everyone seemed to feel the need to either honk or yell out comments and advice.

We have been known to do our own share of staring back out the front window though. Because there is also a bus stop at the front of our house and more than the average number of nutters. The most entertaining of all, though, were the white trash couple across the street. They seemed to save all of their arguments in the front yard. Like the night when we were woken by a "whack, whack" at 2am and looked out to see the woman hitting the guy's car with a broom stick. Or the day when the guy was locked out in the throes of an argument so he threw his shoe through the front window and climbed in that way. The next day he moved out and amused the movers greatly by insisting that they carry some of the larger funiture out through the window. Two days later he moved back in ...

Ah, I am such a gossip!

Slice for Siew

2008-03-02T22:23:00.003+11:00

I promised the wonderfully honest and funny Siew that I would share my easy apple slice recipe and thought that you might be interested too. Particularly as it serves as an update to my fig dilemma. So here we go...

EASY FRUIT SLICE
Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup rolled oats and 1/2 cup coconut.
Add 185g melted butter.
Press 3/4 of the mixture into a small lined slice tin.
Spread 400g stewed fruit on top. I usually use canned pie apple but today it was stewed figs instead.
Crumble the remaining pastry mixture on top.
Bake at 180C for 30-40 minutes.
Serve warm as a dessert (with vanilla icecream!) or cold as a slice.

this is ... my inspiration board

2008-03-02T18:25:00.007+11:00

Okay, I confess. I didn't do my homework this week. Because I don't have an inspiration board and I don't really want one - the only wall in my craft room is taken up by floor to ceiling shelves stuffed full of stash and my table looks onto this:

a window looking out into the back yard that provides ample distraction and inspiration.

A do have a visual diary though, which is where I keep pictures that inspire me along with my own doodles, experiments and ideas. So I some of the things that are in my visual diary but could just as easily be on an inspiration board include:
* ink drawings by Gottfried Helnwein. I love his large scale photographic portraits too.
* paper cutting by Rob Ryan and Cindy Ferguson
* vintage and retro wallpapers from designyourwall, johnny tapete, interior1900 and 5qm
* Japanese patterns from these books here and here

While we're on the topic of memes, I should mention that I was thinking of joining in on the Wedneday "On my desk" meme started by Kirstie of Kootoyoo but when I surveyed my desk with an objective eye I was horrified to realise that it is almost completely covered in unfinished projects. And while I agree with the Amitie crowd that it is perfectly okay to be working on a number of projects at once, I seem to have a strange aversion to the very final finishing stages. So if I want to find anything worthy of photographing on my desk, I'm going to have to do something about my UFOs. And I have already made a start! Witness:

skirt waiting only for bias binding to be added to the waist

completed skirt

bibs waiting for the snap fasteners to be attached

completed bibs ready to join their friends in my etsy site (although you may have noticed that I cheated with the photo - this is one I prepared earlier)

Watch this space to check on further progress (and give me a nudge if you don't see any).

Do you have lots of UFOs too? Which is your favourite part of a project: planning, starting, the meaty middle or finishing?

soup di loop

2008-02-29T21:32:00.006+11:00

Pip of Meet Me at Mikes has put out a call for soup recipes and I am up for the challenge! I am a major fan of soup when it comes to cooking - one pot wonders that taste even better as leftovers and freeze with ease - and yet I never order it when eating out. Maybe because I know I can cook it easily at home? Except the amazing soups at Bo De Trai, including the full moon special, "beep soup". It's really fake beef and noodle soup, but their sign has an unfortunate misspelling.

My soupy contribution for the evening is (drumroll....)

Indian Spinach soup
Start by frying up the spices: A teaspoon of mustard seeds, your desired strength of chilli, a tablespoon of fesh ginger ginger and 2 bay leaves. I also use asoefetida powder but just as a substitute for onion, which I guess you are more likely to have in the cupboard.
Next add the spinach: one packet of frozen or bunch of fresh. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spinach has wilted.
Add a paste of one tablespoon of flour mixed with a cup of cold water, then quickly add a can of coconut milk. Stir until it comes close to boiling then simmer for ten minutes.
Add salt to taste and you're done!

While I'm on the topic of cooking, I guess I may as well show you some dessert too.

It's just apricots and a dob of thick custard on little squares of puff pastry. Nothing special but very easy to make, good for little snacks and I like the way they looked all lined up on the tray.

this is . . . me taking a picture of myself in the mirror with my favourite accessory

2008-02-24T17:39:00.005+11:00

Phew! What a mouthful!

I wouldn't say that Olive is necessarily my favourite accessory (I do have a rather serious bag fetish) but at the moment she is my only and constant accessory. The sling that I carry her in has definitely reached the status of favourite baby accessory, too. It was completely indispensible in Tokyo, where we abandoned all use of the so-called "small" pusher that we had bought in Australia before we left. Baby carriers are so common in Japan, in fact, that public toilets have cubicles with a high chair on the wall that mothers can unstrap baby before relieving themselves. There now, isn't that exactly what you wanted to know? How do I get myself so side-tracked?

Back to the topic: I like to carry Olive with me wherever I go. It keeps her happy because she's close to me and it means that I'm much more mobile than using a pram. I keep thinking that Olive will be too heavy to carry soon but my muscles seem to be growing at least as fast as she is. Maybe I should make myself another sling using more interesting fabric but hey, I live in Melbourne - the black has served me just fine.

side tracked

2008-02-22T17:59:00.005+11:00

I have started back at TAFE two nights a week, studying tapestry and design. It is so nice just to be around adults and talk about somehing other than babies - the fact that we are talking about textiles makes it even better!

Anyway, I was supposed to be practising my drawing skills and adding to my visual diary this week. But rather than drawing flowers I somehow ended up making a pile of pins and hairclips instead.

I think I might need to move my drawing area away from the sewing supplies. They are too tempting!

Who else would I use as my model?

tapestryphile

2008-02-19T16:03:00.003+11:00

I went to the Victorian Tapestry Workshop today and just had to tell you about it straight away. It was so inspiring!

We also saw colour samples and the painting being used for the Dame Elizabeth Murdoch birthday tapestry but I was so excited I forgot to take a photo! What an amazing birthday present - really taking the handmade pledge to another level!

this is ... what makes me laugh out loud [easy version]

2008-02-17T22:05:00.004+11:00

I laugh when Olive laughs. One thing guaranteed to make her squeal with delight is animals, especially dogs (she even pulls stuffed dogs off store shelves as we walk past) and her most favourite dog of all dogs is Wa Wa (Woof Woof) from the Japanese children's show, Inai Inai Ba (Peek A Boo). Enjoy!

this is ... what makes me laugh out loud [difficult version]

2008-02-17T15:43:00.004+11:00

A tricky topic for me. Because after daughter Millie died, I cried every day for more than a year. I kept a sense of humour, but it was a very dark, wry humour, and probably more than a little bit morbid. Which is where Curb Your Enthusiasm comes in.

In addition to finding him extremely funny, I appreciate the fact that Larry David is not afraid to broach the topic of death. Because, strange as it may seem, people don't generally want to talk about dead babies. And before you get scared away too, let me reassure you that I am heading to a better place. You see, after Olive was born I concentrated very hard on being CALM and CONTENTED. And most of the time I managed. But then I found Elsa Mora's blog and I was totally blown away by how much she FEELS. And I realised that her enthusiasm and excitement is only possible because she also allows herself to acknowledge those things in her life that are difficult or make her sad. So I let myself feel again. I cried for a week, then I got angry, and finally I am starting to feel a little more human. I am even excited(!!!) - and about tapestry, of all things :)
Thank you, Elsita.

this is ... Sunday lunch

2008-02-10T12:43:00.002+11:00

This is a tricky "this is" for me because lunch is very much a do-it-yourself deal in our house, and usually ends up being leftovers or a series of snacks. This week, though, we managed to get to La Panella Hot Bread shop on High street in Preston, where they have a good range of cheap and delicious vegan hot foods and sweet snacks. So today's lunch is fake meat pies. Mmmmm.

While I'm on the topic, I may as well mention some of our other favourite vegan suppliers. Not that I'm out to convert anyone - it's just in case you're curious or having trouble feeding your veggo friends.

A great fake meat supplier is Vincent's Vegetarian Supermarket in Footscray. They have a huge range of frozen, foil-packed, canned and dehydrated mock meats - even vegetarian intestines!

We are blessed with lots of Buddhist vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne - perfect for vegans who on't eat garlic and onion. A few of our faves are:
* Vegie Mum at 27 Village avenue in Doncaster. The complete package.
* Bo De Trai at 94 Hopkins street in Footscray. A unique dining experience - not exactly lavish but great value and always delicious, even on those days that they bring you the wrong dish. But be warned - they close early (about 8pm).
* Enlightened Cuisine in Southbank. The closest we get to a fine dining experience.
* White Lotus at 185 Victoria street North Melbourne. The tamarind fish is my favourite dish ever!! and the owner is extra friendly.

And for dairy-free sweet snacks and desserts, you can't go past the kosher grocers like Alex's at 831 Glenhuntly Road in Caulfield South or Kraus foods at 62 Glen Eira Road in Elsternwick.

project runway footscray

2008-02-07T21:11:00.000+11:00

I have been watching Project Runway Canada and for some reason got it into my head that I, too, could design and make a dress without a pattern. Because they make it look so easy on the show. But perhaps it is because most of the contestants have had years of training and experience. Plus they didn't have the problem of trying to fit boobs that change size according Olive's next feed. Anyway, I wanted to make a cool summer dress that I can breastfeed in, figuring that if I go to the effort of making such an item, we won't have any more hot days. And so far, it has worked a treat. The dress aint that great but the weather sure has cooled down :)

Does my head look small in this?

overload

2008-02-06T20:50:00.001+11:00

The figs are ripe. Which is great, except that the tree is yielding enough to fill a whole shopping bag each day. I have eaten them raw. I have made jam. I have made baby food. I have made fruit cobbler. I have given them away in ridiculous quantities and am considering putting up a "free figs" sign at the front of the house.
Does anyone out there know of a good use for figs?

this is ... my collection

2008-02-02T16:54:00.003+11:00

This is ... my collection of snowdomes.

Or at least, part of my collection. I would have needed to dismantle most of the dining room to capture them all in a single photograph. I'm pretty sure it was the kitsch value that first drew me to snowdomes but they have also been a good way of fuelling my travel bug. My favourite type are the old-school style: plastic dome with blue background, 3D plastic insides and snow (not glitter).

The Kryall Castle dome (at the front on the right) deserves a special mention as the first dome I bought when it was snowing. Which is quite remarkable given that it is located only an hour from Melbourne and it was September at the time.

But my absolute favourite snowdome is of the Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna.

Which brings me to another of my obsessions: Hundertwasser is one of my favourite artists and I have been lucky enough to be able to see several of his buildings in person, including:

The Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna. His first major architectural project which he also personally helped to build. Can you see the wonky floor (supposed to be more organic) and trees growing out of the walls? The trees are fed by the apartment building's sewerage and drainage system.

The Spittelau, a heating plant in Vienna.

The public toilets in Kawakawa, New Zealand. This is the women's but I also got my partner to take photos of the men's urinals. He said he got some very funny looks!

Another incinerator, this time in Osaka, Japan. I hadn't done my research and we just saw it by chance on our excursion to the aquarium. Next time we are there I want to catch the bus out there and go on the tour!

distractions

2008-01-30T20:32:00.000+11:00

Today was the first time that I left Olive in childcare. It was only for one hour as an introduction but I knew that I would be a nervous wreck so I devised a cunning plan to distract myself - op shops! These are some of my finds:

Yummy old linens to turn into more baby change mats like this one.

Seventies Japanese plate.

Golden Books board book.

But how did Olive cope with being left in childcare?, you may be wondering. She had a ball. I was the only one of us who shed a tear.

new life

2008-01-29T17:44:00.001+11:00

I was out in the back yard this afternoon photographing our Magnolia Little Gem with its new flowers. We planted the tree two and a bit years ago as part of the funeral for my first daughter, Millie (Millicent), who was stillborn. She just suddenly stopped moving a 33 weeks gestation - we don't know why.

While I was taking my photographs I noticed a movement out of the corner of my eye and guess what? We've got kittens!!! Pretty good for a family that doesn't even have a cat. They are very shy but I have spied five so far - four white and one black, all with orange splotches. So cute!

The funny thing is, Millie was due around Australia Day. And the first Australia Day weekend after she died, a stray rooster wandered into our yard and decided to stay. My partner thought it was a sign of new life for us, so the rooster is still with us, now with a fully enclosed coop, house and even three hens! Here's hoping that we get to keep the kittens too!

double this is ...

2008-01-27T22:17:00.000+11:00

I am joining the this is... game initiated by three buttons but have started a little late, so it is double duty for me this week.

This is... what scares me

Don't get me wrong, I love buttons. But I am constantly imagining new ways for Olive to die and my latest obsession, fed by her newfound ability to pick up tiny objects with her pincers, is potential choking hazards. She tried eating the up key from my laptop last night.

This is... my favourite cup
Technically actually a mug rather than cup but I'm hoping you won't notice. My mum made this mug and I decorated it back in the days when I used to do that sort of thing to help support myself through uni. It is my favourite not because it's homemade but rather because it features my two pets at the time: a lovebird named Pookie (like the flying rabbit) and gorgeous fluffy old cat named Gonfalon. He used to sleep in bed with me, under the covers with his head on the pillow. The only problem was that he snored!

little bits and pieces

2008-01-25T14:22:00.001+11:00

I have been preparing for a party at our house all week (it is slow work with a nine months old to attend to) so I don't have much crafty to report but did find an old collection of origami flowers whilst looking for a serving platter.

The cross-stitch buttons are on the improve, too.

I heart ... owls

2008-01-21T15:17:00.002+11:00

Perfume bottle given to me by my Nana's boyfriend, FRANK, when I was around 7 years old. Why does a seven year old need perfume? There are so many stories I could tell you about Frank, he of the pastel slacks and extra-strong mints, the ex-navy sea-man who thought that the sun revolves around the earth.

Olive's new owl castanet. Because little girls do need musical instruments to make lots of noise.

Gorgeous needle-felted owls by Lauren Alane.

Owl rattle that I crocheted around an old vitamins bottle filled with dry soy beans. I am still a very beginner with crochet but have bought some amigurumi books for inspiration.

shopping

2008-01-14T22:36:00.000+11:00

Happily, I have been too busy crafting to blog about crafting of late. How does that work? Many thanks to Olive for finally deciding that the cot (as opposed to my lap) is an acceptable place to nap during the day.

I am terrible at self-promotion but feel that I must let you know that I have opened an online shop. I have listed some bags for grown-ups plus bibs, change mats and clothes for babies. Won't you take a look and let me know what you think?
There now, it's done.

My second piece of shopping news is to share my latest op shop finds: a nice little pile of seventies crafting books. There are so many owl projects!

I usually wouldn't have so much as looked at the cross stitch book but have been thinking about getting on the covered button bandwagon. My first attempt was far from successful but I will keep trying!

I heart ... toadstools

2008-01-05T20:29:00.002+11:00

I have already come to realise that the "look what I made today" formula may become a little dull so I thought I'd introduce my own post theme, each time looking at a motif that I am particularly fond of. Today is toadstools. I only wish I'd taken some photos of the fungus sections in some of the larger food stores in Japan. They were amazing!

Toadstool fabric from Japan. I would also have a picture of the beautiful Japanese toadstool fabric currently on sale in Spotlight but I have already used all that I bought. Time for another trip...

Toadstool darning tool to help mend my holey tights.

From a little pencil case I picked up in a 100 Yen shop.

Gorgeous wool/linen shroom by little birds.

My very simple toadstools on bodysuits. Hmm. I really must learn to iron before I photograph. I definitely don't heart ironing, I'm afraid.

humbugs

2008-01-04T14:19:00.000+11:00

Well, I said that I would post pictures of my fabric girl once she was finished but didn't expect it to be quite this long. Particularly as she evolved into a Christmas present. She was completed and given on New Year's Eve. That's not too late, is it?

I have been feeling quite inadequate in the housewifely department after reading lots of blogs by women who had their whole house decorated Martha Stewart-style, gave handmade presents to their children's teachers and baked cookies every day. The only piece of Christmas decoration we had up was the lights out the front that never got taken down from last year. And we didn't even bother to turn them on. Slackers unite!

One element of Christmas I did enjoy, however, was the Tacky Christmas Yards blog. Oh so funny. Particuarly as I missed trawling the streets this year because we spent most of December in Japan, where the Christmas lights are all so damn tasteful.

the bag that spoke

2007-12-27T18:23:00.000+11:00

Now that Christmas is over (phew!) I can share the story of a bag that became a gift. It all started when we clamp-dyed some wool at TAFE using eucalyptus leaves.

"How beautiful," I thought. "I'm sure I could do something with this technique." So I went looking for some wool fabric to use but none was to be found. Not to be deterred, I decided to try it on a cotton bag instead.

But of course the cotton didn't take the dye quite so well and the bark I had used as a clamp spread some of its colour, so I ended up with a bag that just looked dirty.

Again I refused to be discouraged, and instead saw it as an opportunity to try out some new stitches from the Mountmellick embroidery book that has been sitting unused on my shelf for close to a year.

Finally the design was starting to take form, but it wasn't until I came across this Japanese fabric - perfect for the lining - that I knew that the bag would be completed and used.

And here it is!