Sneaky craft time

 

I started cutting this yesterday during Matilda’s nap time.  The big kids were making houses from the couch cushions, so I grabbed the rotary cutter & mat and got started.

Matilda joined in with the others when she got up, so I thought I’d see how many pieces I could do while they were all playing nicely.

Pressing while they ate dinner, more sewing while the big kids mucked around before bed, then some laying out of the backing etc last night.

A bit of hand sewing at the ironing board, and here is a baby quilt for 1 week old Pheobe!

My camera has officially died and only does what it wants, when it wants (sounds like one of my kids!) and here chose not to focus.  I’ll try again tomorrow before I hand over the gift.

A few details…

Fabrics all from stash except pale pink spot, found while looking for another project at Spotty on Sat morning.  Plain ivory and stripe both from Ikea, print from Spotlight, Large spot from Patchwork on Central Part (although bought last year) and cord and wool backing from my big Chino Kids stash.

I wanted something cosy, that might become a snuggle blankie and it does have that curl up sort of feel.  Also has a layer of bamboo batting inside.

Last night I also printed my free Burdastyle pattern, stuck the whole thing together and cut out the pieces.

What a crafty weekend!

 

Domestic Goddess?

I seriously love what Nigella has done for cooking.  Pure ingredients, simple techniques, outstanding results.  For the same reason I love a bit of Jamie too, but Nigella with her signature style speaks more to me than any other celebrity chef, and far more of her recipies make in into my kitchen to be made over and over again.

What I don’t get is the title domestic goddess.  Being domesticated doesn’t come naturally (sorry Mum) and I always find it a chore.  It stands between me and what I really want to do, and now with three young children it is consuming and unrelenting.  I try to channel the domestic goddess when I’m cleaning the toilets (and whose idea was it to have multiple loo’s anyway?), when I vacuum and mop and tidy the same toys, clothes and food off the floor, but it just isn’t working. 

There is NOTHING goddess-like when you’re being domestic.  NOTHING.

I aspire to be a domestic goddess, even if it’s just preparing a few more meals from my cookbook.  I’d love to have a clean house, washing and ironing under control, children who listen to me without me having to raise my voice….. and I want to have time for craft.  Today I found 2 hours for craft, but I still have a sink full of baking dishes.

Matilda’s day sleep is moving.  She’s been an 11am till 1ish girl for a while now, but lately if I put her down at 11 or 11.30 she’ll spend up to an hour talking and rolling about turning the whole sleep thing into a 3-4 hour marathon.  So a 12pm start has worked for us this week, but on Friday’s kinder starts at 1.15pm.  We arrived early at kinder and I had her home and in bed by 20 past, she was asleep in less than 5 mins and I was effectively home alone!

Usually I would have cleaned, but today I sewed.  I’ve been making cushions for myself and a friend.  (When I’ve given them to her I’ll show you the pics) and while looking for fabrics for a baby quilt I came across a cut out pair of trousers.  When Amelia was a bub I made truckloads of these and sold them to friends, mothers’ group and kinder mums.  Matilda has been wearing Amelia’s hand-me-downs so I thought it would be nice for her to start having a few more of her own things.

 

Domesticity calls.  Goddess gone missing.

Have a great weekend.

Lx

 

multiple personality, or lots of hats?

Lately I’ve been working on so many projects my head’s in a spin.  Fortunately many have now been marked off the new white board in my sewing room, but I really can’t help myself and keep adding to the list.

 

Laundry bags for kinder.  This, plus the roman blind got our family out of working bees for the year. 

My kitchen is now officially  finished.  Why was I the only person who thought it would be an easy job to repaint?  I guess I was imagining doing the work without little ones with inquisitive fingers who seem happy enough to amuse themselves while I’m ironing or doing some other mundane job, but get out the paint and they all want a bit of the action.  Outside painting just needs a final coat, then I’ll start on my next round of painting projects!

 

It’s always a tug of war deciding whether to craft or diy, knit, sew, paint, woodwork, kids clothes, upholstery, adult clothes…..

 

I bought these fabrics for ME!  The first I envisage as some sort of cocktail number to go with black trousers.  Maybe with a bit of black and cream contrast – it’s an Italian silk and I only bought 60cm to keep costs down.

Second will be a knee length skirt, and the floral/check will be a shirt.  I’ve downloaded a free pattern from here.  If you’re a sewer, check it out!

All three fabrics from here.  This is high end stuff, but they do have sales and you can go on a mailing list, and sometimes it’s nice to have something really special that you won’t find at Spotlight.

Was devistated to find my old fave Remnant Warehouse is now a fruit & veg market.  I must admit it’s been a long time since I’ve been down to Prahran for fabric, but I could’ve cried when I saw crates of pumpkins out the front.  I’ve been sewing from my huge stash for a while now ( and buying online) and have clearly lost touch with stores that do short end clearance from local manufacturers.  I’ll try another this week, upstairs at Alannah Hill in Brunswick Street, unless someone tells me it’s long gone too.

Where do you get your special fabrics?  I would really love to make friends with a fabric agent who has lots of small pieces and would let me buy sampling lengths (without ever buying bulk!)

 

Today was a really special day for me – when I met one of my long time blogger friends in real life!  It was just like meeting up with an old friend, the conversation flowed freely and it was obvious it wasn’t going to be a first and last meeting.  I’m so glad we took the step to meet.  You’re one amazing girl V!

Off to put on my worn out domestic chores hat – the one that likes to eat the other hats for lunch.

Lx

 

I remember…

I was unpacking some photos from my Grandfather and found this lovely set of four Golding prints.  They have been hanging somewhere in my grandparents home since I was a little girl, and this one of a girl holding her teddy was my favorite.

Now my kids have seen them and want to hang them at the top of the stairs outside their bedrooms.  Vintage has such a huge appeal for me and it nearly took my breath away when I found them.  I know they’re not valuable art, but the sentimental value is priceless, and my Grandpa will be so chuffed!

I’ve been knitting since I was 4, and for some reason have never knitted with a set of dpn (double pointed needles).  I’ve done plenty on circular needles, but just haven’t sat down with anyone to have a go at this.

Well my Owls jumper calls for dpn for the sleeves so it was time to bite the bullet.  I visited trusty Youtube for a bit of hands on instruction and jumped in.  This was my third go, just couldn’t work out where to put the free needle when I was doing purl at the start of a needle – and somehow ended up with a hole!  I’ve started again and am now about 1/3 way up the sleeve, and it’s starting to feel a little more comfortable working with so many needles.

Don’t hold me to it, but I’m rather keen to try socks!

I made these little brooches on the weekend from some resin pendants. 

and added one to this scarf/neckwarmer for my cousin Clare.  (Happy Birthday Clare!)

It’s a 3 x 1 rib knitted on size 10 needles with 2 ends of 8ply pure wool.  There isn’t a buttonhole so the wearer can choose where to close it off using the brooch.  I’ll make one of these for myself!

The majority of my free time this weekend (while Matilda slept) was spent rearranging my craft room.  I now have my new overlocker and decided it couldn’t be taken into the bombsite, so took to the room with the aim of decluttering (very difficult when you are an unreformed hoarder).  I can claim a degree of success.  I can see carpet and even have a bit of free benchspace, and my new overlocker has a home of it’s own, now just waiting for me to sit down and introduce myself.

 

Have a good week

Lx

 

frogging

Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and accept that a project isn’t working out the way you planned.

When you’ve already invested many hours this can be a hard decision to reach, but I don’t want to have another half finished project in my craft room (not to mention the $$$ tied up in materials) so last night it was time for drastic action!

 

With all the grief my green Mrs Darcy cardigan has been I just couldn’t find the energy, commitment or love to finish the black version.  Pulling work undone (frogging)is not unfamiliar territory for me and is usually handled with a degree of disappointment as I go back to the beginning to try again.  But this time was different.  Pulling the work undone and winding a new ball has released me.  I’m free to start again, but not another version of Mrs Darcy, but something all together more comfortable, laid back, and casual!

 

I’ve had this book for a few years now and until now it’s been more of a coffee table number.  I like the images, the patterns look ok, but I’ve not been inspired to take the next step.  There’s had to be an element of trust (or blind stupidity) as I don’t exactly know what I’m going to end up with.  The images you see above are all there is.  No sketch, no full size picture, no real idea of the fit and drape, length on the model.  I like the neck, the shoulders and sleeves, and hopefully this will be enough!

I’ll admit that out of the two pieces above, Mrs Darcy looks much more appealing but I do think I’ve lost a bit of the sheen after re-knitting.  Nothing a bit of steam and/or blocking won’t fix. 

Yesterday was spent with the kids in the backyard, Duncan lying in the sun reading and me up a ladder painting the new weatherboards. 

Bring on spring!

 

a bit more coverage

 Sometimes I wish this would mean more free to air football on tv, although Carlton has been playing on Friday nights recently, but I digress, and yes, I am referring to coverage over the bust!

 

 

This is my Mrs Darcy cardi, who regularly wins the wardrobe prize of ‘what am I going to wear today’, but rarely makes it out of the house.

 

 

I was sick of pulling the fronts over my bust, and in the depths of winter, it was just too cold on the chest.

I’ve been thinking about re-knitting the fronts (and unpicking the entire garment to insert the new fronts – arghhhh) but then decided to pick up and knit around the offending area, knowing I could pull it out if it didn’t work.

 

Well I’m pretty happy with it so far.  I’ll give it a wash and press and I’m looking for some different buttons, something larger and maybe fabric… and possibly a velvet ribbon trim.

I like the eyelet effect where I picked up the stitches, an unexpected surprise!

Pretty good for an hours work, and Mrs Darcy may venture into public once more.

 

busy, busy, busy

You must get so sick of hearing that I’m busy – arn’t we all!

But

I have to tell you I had a lovely relaxing weekend full of friends and family, food and football.  There was not a hint of craft or diy for at least 48 hours!

and Friday night was our 11th Wedding Anniversary

3 beautiful children and a wonderful home and life, I couldn’t ask for any more.

Duncan is the most dedicated and loving father, my incredible husband, and most of all, my best friend.

 All those years ago, our wedding was on a Friday night, for champagne, jazz and red wine, accompanied by what was then some of the finest Italian fare to be had in Melbourne at Marchetti’s Latin.

We stayed in with a nice bottle of red to watch our beloved Blues who managed to somehow stumble over the line for a win in honour of the occasion.

 I didn’t make my dress.  We decided after getting engaged to move to London, so the wedding was a mere 3 months in the planning.  I did design my dress and the bridesmaids, made some beaded butterfly hairpieces, and a suit for mum.

…..

and here is an exceptionally poor photograph of the roman blind I made for kinder.  The fabric has a strong print and I think that was playing games with my dodgy camera’s focus, but you’ll get the idea

All of the trims, noticeboards and carpets etc are a similar dark grey to the background colour of this Ikea fabric, and they wanted something a bit out there that could take a few dirty fingers and anything else kinder kids manage to get on it.

I didn’t notice until later that a box had pushed the blind off centre, but I assure you it’s straight!  I was trying to get a shot without children (from another class) and this was most difficult!!

 

Overlocker news!

I have made a purchase, although awaiting delivery

I’m rather excitedly waiting by the phone and starting to cut in anticipation.

Take care

Lx

 

 

jobs for the weekend

 

The key hook/frame is finally up, after spending a good few weeks adorning the fruitstand.  I was trying to work out how to attach the hook.  I thought nuts and bolts were the answer (I’ve taken the glass out of frame, added paper and then wanted to secure hook) but ended up with a tiny offcut of timber glued in place behind the hook.  I drilled straight through patterned paper to wood behind and it feels very secure.

The old phone point has been an eyesore

 

and I discovered this lovely piece of history

 

After I cleaned several different colours of  paint off the lightswitch it was a shame to discover the electrician couldn’t find the centre for his installation. 

Sometimes I feel like we live in the nursery rhyme crooked house!

 

Now onto jobs for this weekend

• painting weatherboards outside around new doors
• more painting in the kitchen (I’m not quite regretting my decision to paint the cupboards, but give me another weekend of painting and ask me then)
• make cushions for my girlfriend x 4 (cut them last week, large stripes so need to be careful with zip insertion)
• holland blind for kinder.  This is a big job and it’s nearly done.  I’m hoping they appreciate the extra effort the blind requires, as a curtain or piece of fabric hanging in front of the bookcase they want covered just wasn’t going to cut it.  I’ll take pics when I install the blind next week.
• and I’d love to do a bit of knitting

Next weekend is the school fundraiser. 

We have to dress to depict the wine region of McLaren Vale.

h-e-l-p!!!!!

Have a great weekend and Go Blues!

 

KISS

I’ve been putting off sewing projects for the girls – haven’t had time

Well, sometimes you just have to keep it simple!

 

 

Presenting the 15min skirt – tadah!

• Fabric width is whatever you’ve got
• choose your length
• add 5cm for casing and hem

I like to tear fabrics if I can to get a straight edge (although there are some fabrics that don’t tear straight, so beware), so 2 snips and 2 gratifying tears later, I was sitting at the overlocker.

 

 

This one took less than 15mins.

Fabric is from Ikea.  I thought there would be too much bulk at the waist if I left it full width so I cut the side seams to make it more of an A-line skirt.

My secret to elastic waist skirts is in the pressing.  Get your finished skirt on the ironing board and press from the waistband well down into the skirt, giving a freeform pleat effect.  This allows the skirt to sit over the hips rather than ballooning out from the waist.

The girls will be getting more of these skirts, although I did get a new Otto last week…

 

And I’m still knitting

 

 

This is my Owls jumper, knitted to the armholes.  I now need to knit the sleeves.  2 trips to 2 different stores to get 6.5mm dpn.  argh!!!  still no needles!

 

 

This is the backwaist detail.  I’m really liking this pattern and am looking forward to trying a few techniques for the first time, like wrap and turn, and knitting sleeves and body all together from shoulders up.  Should be fun!

 

I need a new overlocker. 

Have convinced my other half that the one I have would be an Atari if it were a computer.  I now have the green light to purchase, but what do I get?

I know the features I’m looking for besides reliability!

• self threading lower looper
• easy to tranistion between knife or not
• flick to rolled hem

 What other features do you love on your overlocker?

What accessories have you bought?

V.excited!!!!

Take care,

Lx

 

Don’t call me Bubba

 

These are my new shoes

 

 

Deep red Mary Janes with a cute flower

 

 

and toddler friendly velcro

 

 

Here they are in action (I’ve been walking officially for 2 weeks now.  Mum said I should wait longer for shoes, but it’s cold and wet, and I walk with my arms down most of the time)

 

 

Walking is great fun.   I’m not Mummy’s bubba anymore!

(and yes, I have a graze under my eye.  It happened last week.  Me, a bike, concrete and Mum wasn’t fast enough.  Looks pretty bad but didn’t hurt much.  I hardly cried so Mum was pretty surprised when the whole thing had scabbed over the next day, but a few days later and it’s nearly gone)

 

Love Matilda (18 months)