for me

Shirt for myself, made out of Kaffe Fassett's Planets.
I completed this one months ago, but was never entirely happy with it.
Loved the fabric, but not so sure about the style of the top.
The pattern is Simplicity 5552.
I totally reshaped the neckline trying to make it look more flattering and not so boxy, but not sure that I achieved my outcome.
I also added piping around the edge of the white yoke, which all ended up rather fiddly.
Never mind, I will have to try again.
I find it so disappointing sewing for myself!
The kids are so cute and easy to sew for, and the cut/fit is really not that essential.
sigh.
I am thinking I may need to buy a few new pattern to help me along.
How about this one or maybe this one?
Pretty sure they would look great in the Autumn wardrobe.
Now to find the time...

red

anyone else partial to a bit of red?

I finally got around to covering the piano stool with a gorgeous piece of vintage red, given to me by the very creative Claire. And yes, it does entice me to sit down and play more often. Much more inviting than the grotty piece of fabric that was on there previously.
Staple guns are so much fun!

And some stunning vintage fabrics sent to me by my sister in law Amanda.
I cant wait to get-a-sewing with these!

wordless weekend

(handmade food by Kylie...kids love it!)

the boy

Here's something of interest for all you crafty mamas with boys!

The lovely Dana of MADE has teamed up with Rae from made by rae to make February a special month to celebrate the boy!
And here's a peek as to what the month ahead holds:

tons of Boy tutorials
Boy clothing ideas
twelve guest bloggers (one of them being me, yikes...better get my act together!)
Boy crafts
Boy bags
Baby Boy stuff
Boy giveaways
Boy design tips

So if you are wanting some great ideas for the little man in your life, head on over daily to MADE and made by rae for all the action.
To give you an idea of the boy goodness to come check out today's bag tutorial from Anna of noodlehead!
And be sure to check back here in the second half of the month for my clothing tutorial.

there she goes

Off to school for the first day of many more to come, my beautiful Grace.
Everything they say about that new born baby is so true 'before you know it they will be off to school', and then they are.
30 long hour a week without my girl. I don't think it has all really sunk in yet.

She however has been counting down the sleeps, and was already dressed when I woke this morning right down to the shoes and socks, bag packed with sports uniform shoved in and the joggers on top with laces neatly tied!
And apparently the best part of the day was not having me there...I didn't quiet know whether to laugh or cry at that one, so I just had a good laugh! Hello independence.

If you had have talked to me about schooling two years ago, I would have been adamant that we were going to home school. As you can see we have somewhat changed our tune, not to say that there wont come a day when it will happen.
At the moment I am struggling to keep any order with three children, let alone get the shopping done, or the washing for that matter. So I think it would have been a poor option for my children at this time in our lives. I admire more than anything the families that can home school, I think you people are amazing (and yes, I am somewhat envious!).

We are so happy that the teachers have put Grace and all her other preschool friends from last year in the one class! Couldn't be happier for her. It will make the transition so much easier.

And these two...
Well I didn't let a tear out all day, but the thought of these two (best sisters, best friends they call themselves) spending those 30 hours apart a week, does make my heart sob.

Have I told you lately how amazing my children are?
These kids totally rock my world.

Anyway, back to the school talk...
Grace tells me she had trouble eating her lunch because the playground was too noisy!?
This may take a bit of getting use too.
Pleased to say however, she cant wait to get back there in the morning.
I am off to pack the lunchbox, contact the textbooks...and by the sounds of it, feed the baby.

wordless weekend #11

my country

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me!

-Dorothea Mackellar

Happy Australia Day!
For those of you that live in this wonderful country, we hope you managed to get out and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
We went to the creek for a picnic, paddle and swim, and made the most of our packet of temporary tattoo's.
Later in the afternoon we had a big slice of pavlova at the Grandparents.
Oh how good it is to be an Aussie!

hello dribbles

 

Two more neckerchief bibs for the boy, because this kid can seriously dribble.
He has outgrown these ones here already.
I followed a simple pattern from this book, but sandwiched a layer of hemp fleece in between the two layers of fabric.
Nice and thick and very absorbent.
Not to mention super cute!

The blue and white fabric was some my youngest brother made in high school (wouldn't let mum throw it out). I think it's batik dyeing. Very effective.

wordless weekend #10

summer holiday

I thought you might enjoy a look at some of the photos from our summer holiday.
We had a lot of rainy days, but in between managed to fit in a few trips to the beach and other local sights. It really was a great break, and time for us to enjoy each other as a family without all the other day to day activities getting in the way. We really must do this more often!

I hope you all had a wonderful New Year. Ours was a quiet one. Luke and I spent the evening playing game after game of Battleships (kids gave it to him as a Christmas gift) as we waited up for the 12 o'clock fireworks on TV. We managed to write up some goals and changes for the year ahead, but somewhere they got lost...still in my head though, now to follow them through!