ethel loves fred

Christmas Fairy

2011-12-24T09:39:00.002+11:00

Stuck for a gift idea? This came from a friend of ours (thank you Sarah).

Inside the lid is the recipe for cranberry and white chocolate cookies.

Bloody brilliant!

Traditions

2011-12-16T12:13:00.005+11:00

Our favourite thing to do at this time of year is to take comfort in making

our own decorations & wrapping paper, we also love to make our own jams/chutney's etc.

Big D and I have done this since little P was born.

It's fantastic now that she's 8, because she is wholeheartedly involved

in both these traditions.

When you have your own household traditions for Christmas,

beyond just decorating the tree, it seems

to take the edge off the mass consumer mentality that goes on

outside the home. Yes Christmas is a mad time of year, and people really

go crazy with the spending ... trying to fill a void maybe? keeping up with

the Jones's maybe? What ever the reason, it's just stuff, it's not going to

make you feel any better about life. Where as actually making stuff can,

there's something comforting about getting out the

hand made decorations every year, they are without

doubt, our most favourite!

It really doesn't take much time to make things,

and they aren't going to be 'perfect' but that's

where the love is .... hopping in the car,

driving to the shops, finding a car space blah, etc

takes a lot more time, and a lot less thought.

(pics from Family Circle 'Homemade Jams & Preserves' brilliant book).

Grow some baubles.

2011-11-26T10:07:00.002+11:00

Baubles, hand made fabric ones ... simple and easy to make, good for using up scraps.

I was doing paper mache with Little P, which naturally lead on to

'fabric mache' - photos soon from that experiment!

Hip (H)op - happy!

2011-11-22T14:07:00.005+11:00

Orange and white floral and spots, linen mix I think.

Geometric pinks and orange.

And my favourite ... stripes.

Also found this rather fetching piece. Love the cross-stitch effect.

Made in Japan, cute as a button!

Santa - The Biggest Loser?

2011-11-10T12:07:00.002+11:00

I wonder which cafe they will congregate at every Sunday Morning?

Found at the oppy - too good to pass up!

Flashback ... of the craft kind

2011-11-08T12:25:00.003+11:00

This is the first thing I ever made.

I made this kitten when I was 9 years old, at Zetland Primary School,

Redcar, in Northern England.

I gave it to my Gran, and it lived at her house, until she died,

then it came across the sea, to live with me.

13 years ago ...

2011-10-25T13:05:00.002+11:00

our place ... lately.

2011-10-08T13:10:00.004+11:00

Found at the oppy, a rare find, my local Vinnies has gone to the dogs.

They no longer put things on the floor as they come in, instead they are

sending everything to a central warehouse, and in turn receiving stuff

from a central warehouse, so the stock is not the same. It's bland, homogenised.

I wonder how much ends up in the bin now?

Gone are the old girls sitting at the till in a dimly lit store, pontificating

the cost of living, and young people's lack of manners - I miss them.

Found at the bottom of the garden.

These appeal to the old girl in me!

Sew (more show than tell).

2011-09-26T12:14:00.007+10:00

The pattern.

Serious face, don't know why!

I've made a couple of these maxi skirts, even though I'm short!

But, who follows fashion rules?

More showing the fabric and my funny toes than the skirt!

This in mid-length style with side pockets.

Found Picture #2

2011-09-05T15:41:00.003+10:00

Hungary, a tree somewhere ... early 60's.

Father of little girl in previous picture in white T.shirt.

Pre marriage, children & Sydney.

Found Photo #1

2011-09-03T20:42:00.003+10:00

Bondi, block of flats, early 70's.

I feel strange owning this photo.

I'm the custodian of this photo.

it comes to be in my possession by default.

I'm not related to this little girl.

She is from Hungary, and immigrated here with her

father and mother in the 1970's.

her Mother didn't like Sydney,

or she didn't like her father, either way, she returned to Hungary.

Her father stayed in Syndey, and married

Big D's Nan (2nd mariage on both parts) sometime in the 1980's, whereupon

this little girl returned to Hungry.

When Big D's Nan passed away, we found a bag of

photos ... and they were going to be thrown away.

We decided we would keep them.

Goodness Gracious!

2011-06-22T17:23:00.003+10:00

Long time between posts. Seasonal depression getting to me I think, freaking cold.

All is good at chez Ethel and Fred, the usual winter stuff .... living for food!

Sorting through 'stuff' the material things, ergo the pic, some of my

necklaces. Little P used to call them 'neck-ins' cute, so literal.

Looking forward to the School Hols,

lots more time to hang out in jammies,

hopefully some creative pursuits too!

love. ghostpatrol.

2011-05-26T14:18:00.010+10:00

Just popping in to share this image with you.

I've been in love with Ghostpatrol's work for ages now, I first saw

his work in Lorne Vic, when we did our roadtrip last Easter, there's a mural

on the side of a building ... funny place for a mural, not the side of a wall,

but Lorne, being so far from the city.

Winter is well and truly upon us,

we are just snuggling up at nights

eating lots of casserole type things.

Planning some sewing soon, it's been a bit

quite on the making front lately, plan on rectifying this soon!

Until then, stay warm and toasted!

Little P - Personified!

2011-04-20T20:12:00.005+10:00

Of all the photos I have of Little P, this one is my favourite,

it most definitely captures her true spirit.

The wild hair, the joyous laughter, and the dancing!

Taken last year by my dear friend Tess Peni, at her daughter's birthday party.

(Tess does amazing things with a camera)!

If ever I'm feeling a bit blue, I look at this picture,

it reminds me to keep positive,

to stay firmly in the moment - and enjoy it all.

Creative kids at Artspark

2011-04-18T13:37:00.007+10:00

I've been helping out with sewing at Artspark Studios in Rozelle (Sydney).

The creativity of the children is truly inspiring.

These strip bags (please no credit to me, these were designed by a lady

from Artspark) were part of a 1 day workshop for 5-10 year olds.

They all did an amazing job, and kept their enthusiasm up for the whole day.

There's something magical about making things yourself, and being able

to share this, and pass on the knowledge to a new generation is

just a joyous experience!

As Skyhooks once sang 'I like it both ways'

2011-03-20T11:17:00.004+11:00

Reversible smock, custom order for a friend, pattern is my own,

the most simple dress to make.

The print is vintage brushed cotton, with a red denim as the plain fabric.

We've been in throws of moving, so my blog has been a little

neglected of late ... my studio is still mostly in boxes, but the shelves

are ready, and my machines are out, a good start.

Works on wood

2011-02-19T12:11:00.003+11:00

Little P made this beautiful cross entirely from scratch, She loves nothing more than hammering a few nails into wood. I really like what she did with the top part of this, water colours. Colour choice comes so naturally to kids, they rarely hesitate, I admire that!

Before & After

2011-02-04T13:14:00.003+11:00

I picked up 4 of these chairs about 5 years ago from a Salvos,

they were $5.00 each. They are brilliantly made, I think by

Australian furniture maker Don Rex.

Finally got around to having them reupholstered,

the original mushroom pink velvet never really

did it for me. We got them done for about the same

cost as buying 4 new ones, actually probably worked out

a bit more, but ultimately much nicer than a modern repro.

Vintage favourites - Nautical

2011-01-17T15:13:00.003+11:00

Super soft cotton.

Bark cloth.

Denim.

Two-fer

2011-01-14T17:03:00.004+11:00

Bought this brand new women's skirt from the oppy ($6.00).

And refashioned it into 2 girl's skirts for little P.

(Note: top picture is the original skirt, this photo above

is the refashioned skirt). Not much work involved in this one.

Just a matter of removing the waist band,

sewing in the casing, and then adding the elastic to fit.

This one is made from the cotton lining, with spotlight cotton print and vintage binding. have a head cold, and thought I might as well do something productive, head cold seems to have precluded me from doing the dishes, but not from sewing, weird huh?

Mother Nature ....

2011-01-12T18:53:00.003+11:00

She's a cruel mistress, for sure.

My thoughts at the moment are with

the Qld flood victims.

The force and velocity with which floods hit in some

communities is just unfathomable.

To loose a loved one in such a way seems so cruel

and unfair, I've no idea, and as I tuck my little P into bed

tonight, I'll give her an extra big cuddle.

To anyone reading this who has been hit by

the floods, know that we here in Sydney are thinking of you.

A little stop at the oppy

2011-01-08T19:15:00.004+11:00

'Scuse the sticky tape, haven't cleaned this yet.

It's German (Azberg) and fully hallmarked and numbered, love the lime green lid.

And this.

Australian Studio Pottery.

Words fail .... $4.00!

I can't express how much I love this.

Another one bites the dust!

2010-12-28T17:39:00.002+11:00

He came, he drank his Scotch, ate his cupcake

and left presents - how does he manage it?

Little P hopes every year that he doesn't get

pulled over and breathalysed, but I just tell her that

with Rudolf at the helm, he 's okay to drive the sleigh!

Hope you had a good time, spent with

the one's you love the most!

Making stuff and the like

2010-12-22T14:33:00.003+11:00

A very rewarding little project, with stamps gifted to Little P and a roll of

plain paper, you can make as little or as much as you need.

Hand made wrapping paper has such a great feel and look.

Chrimbo looking like a low key event this year

plan on doing some serious eating .... drinking,

(champagne cocktails for me!) and lolling about.

Let's hope yours is a good one.

Remember rule Number 3. Don't panic!

Op Shop Luck!

2010-12-21T12:02:00.003+11:00

The Goddess of Tapestry must have been smiling on me today!

I popped into my local oppy, looking for vintage Christmas bling,

and saw this gorgeous tapestry, looks like early 70's, beautiful work-girl-ship!

Now living in my colourful, but somewhat messy home.

Out with a bang!

2010-12-21T11:10:00.004+11:00

The school year ended with a talent quest ... and much to my surprisement Little P

took out the comedy/drama category!

She did 'All My Great Excuses' a funny poem/play by Ken Nesbitt.

I try not to underestimate her, but I was quite shocked at her delivery and confidence,

when she practised at home, she ran through it really quickly and it was lost.

But on stage, and in front of the whole school ... she was ...

brave and true!

I almost cried, it really was

one of those 'Mum Moments' that you read about

in those wanky kid's magazines - and I didn't know

she had won till after school,

a friend asked her who won the talent quest,

and she pulled the certificate from her bag and said

'Oh I did!'

Kids are often 'boxed' at school

and their learning can be limited, restricted almost

to the confides of the class room, they are summed up

all too easily, and placed in a hierarchical system within

the classroom/playground. They love nothing more

than following the leader ... and more often than not

the leaders are not always honest ... just like in the real world.

The school year for me (Year 1 for Little P)

was a bit of a bumpy ride,

her resilience has greatly impressed me, and I'm proud of

the way she does her own thing, and her honesty.

Above all her honesty!

re cycle

2010-12-21T11:07:00.003+11:00

Fantastic use of old bicycles, I'd love this in the front garden!

Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-18T18:22:00.004+11:00

Slowly getting into the festive spirit,

Big D is making chutney as well as pineapple and mango jam

for gifting this year, Little P and I making decies and wrapping paper ....

The house smells Christmassy, and looks Christmassy ... I'm just feeling a bit

bah-humbugish .... won't last, I've got one more week.

Hand made bling

2010-11-23T13:52:00.004+11:00

After scouting around my craft room, looking for bits and bobs

to make things for the tree this year, I found a crotchet little thing with a round

hoop, sewed on some shiny flowers, and huzzah, hand made oddity.

The blue one is made from a napkin ring, covered in vintage raw silk and then bejewelled.

Still working on this wreath .. needs more, can't be all minimal at Christmas time.

I've used a plastic plate for this, cut the centre out, wrapped it in thick silky trim,

wrapped some shiny, almost bridal type bling around it (I have no idea how this trim

came to be in possession, most likely a job-lot at the Oppy). Think I'll hang some baubles from the bottom of this, and then hang it on the front door.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again,

Don't hold back on your tree,

go wild - put anything on there - no poncey colour schemes okay?!!

Getting all Nanna-ish

2010-11-17T18:54:00.004+11:00

I found a full set of these place mats at the Op shop, gorgeous, hand stitched, made to last!

As Christmas fast approaches my mind turns to sweat shops again.

Whilst I'm not going to make the full hand made pledge this year

I am going to be mindful of landfill (and where/how it's made).

I think we all need to think about it at least, specially

at this time of year. We really do live in a lucky country,

but I'd like my child to be more aware of the world

around her, I'd like her to appreciate that clean,

running water is a luxury, not a right.

I'd like her to appreciate that not all kids

get bucket loads of toys and stuff at Christmas.

(Hell, I'd like a lot of adults to appreciate this).

It's just so easy to get caught up in all the retail madness.

Our lives won't be any less worthwhile if we don't

have the latest swing tags!

So why not recycle last years cards into this years swing tags?

No one will think you're cheap,

They'll think you're really clever!

Right. Off my soap box.

I love this time of year for blogging,

I especially like to trawl through all my favourite blogs

to see what all the crafty types are making!

I've a few little hand made oddities for the tree.

I'll post some pics soon.

Oppy and stuff.

2010-11-04T13:42:00.003+11:00

Found this print at the Oppy, dead cute it is!

Spotted this knit-up in a tree in Rozelle. I particularly like the

paper hearts hanging from it. The world needs more love.

More love and more hand made stuff!

A couple from Halloween

2010-11-02T12:07:00.003+11:00

Little P as psycho nurse, and our neighbour as a demonic dolly.

Thanks Ikea!

2010-10-28T13:45:00.002+11:00

Some gorgeous textiles at Ikea - as always.

Had to update Little P's curtains, so I honoured the Japanese

style and made 3 panels.

Now honestly, if you have a choice, why would you live with blinds?

I haven't been inspired much lately as far as new textiles go,

but I really do need to get back to Ikea

and do a bit of a stock-pile!

spring in the city.

2010-10-16T12:14:00.005+11:00

I don't think there's a prettier sight in the garden than

sweet peas growing!

These grew from seeds, and are so tall now.

I love the delicate, white flowers that form,

and then become a pea pod almost over night. I'm very much enjoying the garden at the moment.

It's the perfect time of year, we are all in need of a bit of rejuvenation!

It won't be long now before we have some

fat, ripe 'beetroop' (as Little P says) and tomatoes ready to eat.

I know it's a cliche, but things really do taste

better straight out of the ground, and it's so much

easier than going to the supermarket!

Rural retreat!

2010-10-13T14:45:00.006+11:00

Big D and Little P designed a cubby house over the break.

It was so much fun watching them (well Big D) build it.

She's 'doing it up' now.

Stay tuned for some old style gingham curtains!

Time to sketch ...

2010-09-30T16:49:00.009+10:00

Meet the 'Triangle Family'.

One of the best things about School Hols is

having lots of time up your sleeve in which to draw.

Little P has a series of characters she's working on,

in her sketch book. Her talent blows me away,

there is so much frivolity in her drawings.

I love the cradle in the above drawing,

with the 3 love hearts, 'it's for the baby triangle' and the moustache

on Mr Triangle.

Spring Break

2010-09-24T13:44:00.003+10:00

Today is the last day of Term 3,

Little P and I plan on hanging out in our PJ's,

making lots of stuff together, as well as making each other laugh lots!

I haven't planned a lot of extra activities this break,

we need to recharge the old batteries.

It's very tiring this school lark!

1 thing on the 'to do list' is 'Despicable Me'.

I'll keep you posted along the way.

Library Bag

2010-09-11T21:01:00.003+10:00

A birthday pressie for a friend of Little P's.

Every cloud's got a ...

2010-09-11T20:57:00.002+10:00

This bizarre cloud was over the school on Friday.

It looks like a giant tsunami is about to engulf the school.

Bit of this ... bit of that

2010-09-07T13:21:00.006+10:00

Our orchids have finally started flowering - it's a long wait, but so very worthwhile.

Little P watching the elephant show at Taronga Zoo with one of her cousins. My brother has 3 boys, and they are down our way visiting the snow, we got to catch up for a couple of days. Little P loves that boy energy! A 3 tier skirt for Little P. A labour of love this one. Wanted to make something that goes with everything. I do love working with prints, but it's great to have something that matches all her printed tops. This one goes with everything, and is quite long, which as they say on Gok, is 'bang on trend'! Looking forward to making some more things for the warmer months ahead. My mojo is returning, in dribs and drabs ....

Finally ...

2010-08-16T14:51:00.002+10:00

My Niece's Birthday approaches, and with that, my mojo has returned!

I had to remind myself how to make this skirt (tsk, tsk).

A favourite piece of vintage cotton, love red and blue together. Gorgeous sunny days here ... roll on Spring Time!

Lost: 1 mojo.

2010-08-12T15:04:00.003+10:00

Boating at Coatham.

A photo from the 70's taken from this website all about Redcar

I'm from Redcar, and this was a favourite pass time back in the day,

this pond doesn't have boats anymore, because of OH&S issues!

They do still have donkey rides on the beach though!!

I wish I had some finished work to show off, but alas my mojo

has gone awol, I haven't touched a piece of fabric for ages.

I go in to my lady-cave, glance at the fabric, choose some,

and then walk back out, tedious.

I feel the need, just can't seem to find inspiration.

Perhaps with Spring promising to arrive soon, I will.

More later .....

Winter Colour

2010-07-30T17:00:00.006+10:00

Orchids .... so close.

4.30pm in the garden,

winter flowers, winter colour.

Waiting with bated breath for the orchids

... they are so close, and it's been so long.

I've almost forgotten what colour they are.

They were a no show last year,

and the year before that.

But this, year, for reasons only known to them

they will honour us with flowers,

and for that, I salute them.

Botanical Gardens, Sydney.

Giant, plastic lilly, opens and closes all day!

Little P enchanted. Making the most of the last wintery days.

Spring time soon.

Melbourne ... lovely.

2010-07-21T11:43:00.005+10:00

Tim Burton Exhibition, if you get the chance to see this I really recommend it.

Lots of colour, lots of quirk!

Some images from Hosier Lane, which I love, free, constantly changing art!

There's so much to see, all in a U-shaped lane way, vibrant and alive!

Golden Hands Winner

2010-07-03T10:18:00.003+10:00

'Your blog said you were a DOUBLE D'.

From MonetPaisley Send me your email and I'll post your goodies!

All the captions were really funny, and thanks to everyone for playing along.

Giveaway Prize Update

2010-06-28T18:34:00.004+10:00

Soz about the dark picture, taken at night, gotta strike while the iron's hot!

I'm going to draw giveaway on Friday 2nd July, so you still have to time for a funny caption! I'm giving away this gorgeous Chat Botte French Yarn, in a very sublime grey tone, along with some vintage tortoise shell needles, some vintage ric-rac and buttons, along with Golden Hands Double Issue.

Having this giveaway has reconfirmed that there are some very funny women in blogland!

Giveaway Time!

2010-06-25T10:18:00.003+10:00

This image is from Golden Hands Knitting, Dressmaking & Needlecraft Guide, Double Issue Parts 1 and 2. To win this great book and some other habby stuff, which I shall bundle up, think of a caption for the above picture. Best caption will be published here on on my blog!

winter is upon us!

2010-06-15T19:00:00.003+10:00

Time for tweed skirts and boots!

I made this skirt for Little P, pretty basic pattern, with a couple of strips from the scraps pile sewn around, this one was an experiment to see how it would look, and I'm happy with the result, but think I'd prefer it with a few more strips around the hem.

I do like winter ... at first, but am prone to bouts of whinging towards the end .... as I do in summer ... only it's probably worse in summer, definitely like the in between seasons the most!

All in hand

2010-05-31T17:29:00.003+10:00

Just showing off my hand warmers, from my Big Sis in Melbourne, they are made from upcycled jumpers, I love them, and it's been cold enough to wear them in Sydney this week.

Will blog for comment!

2010-05-27T18:22:00.004+10:00

A friend of mine was wondering on Facebook whether or not those of us who keep blogs write for an audience, or whether a blog is purely just an electronic diary. It got me thinking about it, because when I started this blog way back when I was totally convinced that no one would read it - and that didn't bother me, I just wanted to get my hand made stuff shown off - appreciated even, by other people who make stuff,and crazy people who trawl through op-shops, looking for, and finding loveliness. I was amazed and delighted when I got my first comment, I remember who it was, and the feeling of sheer joy (sounding like a Tim-tam ad now .... we do it all the time these days, and it's just as good now as it was back then)! But, really, does having an audience change the way we write? It must to a certain extent, cause I wanted to call this post 'Will fuck for comment' - but then I thought about the wider audience, and changed it! I do intentionally keep things light, heavy on pictures, but that was my intention from the beginning. It's been a fantastic part of my life, I get inspiration from bloggers on a daily basis, and in a way it's also been great for my self esteem. There are only so many vintage tea-towels you can hold up to your partner before the eyes start to roll, where as here I can show you - and get gratification, verification even that, yes that was $2.00 well spent. I'm also ever so grateful and appreciative when I get comments, because, for the most part, they are heartfelt, honest snippets, some one has taken the time just to say 'hey good work'. Thanks for that, here's to the electronic diary I say! Go for it Ellen, you're going to love blogging, and remember it's YOUR blog, your space, to do and say whatever you feel.

Again with the random ...

2010-05-26T13:41:00.004+10:00

looking out the window at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

An after school science experiment, volcanoes with too much colour,

although, can you ever have too much colour?

A recent op-shop find, vintage table cloth. I like circles.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-11T17:55:00.002+10:00

Yup! Talented and gifted.

Wise words ...

2010-05-06T14:24:00.006+10:00

One of my favourite linguists is Kate Burridge, she has a segment on ' Can We Help' Friday nights on the ABC. Last week she was talking about collective nouns. Appropriate terms that simultaneously refer to a gathering of entities and at the same time play at the characteristics of the group. Eg. 'a gaggle of geese'. Many early examples grew up in the context of hunting, as in 'a herd of deer' and 'a pride of lions'. People started having fun and coming up with their own fun, collective nouns, 'a bevvie of beauties' etc. I've taken up the challenge to come up with some of my own, and here they are: A thrush of gynecologists A rise of gigolos A wave of surfers and of course .... ... A serge of sewers I'm putting the challenge out there for you to come up with your own .... leave a comment, let me know! Update: Here's some more I had to share: A flash of strippers A flutter of gamblers A swagger of drunks A stack of bricklayers

Looking back ... with a smile.

2010-05-03T15:29:00.003+10:00

Photo of my Little P, taken when she was 2 years old.

I've been looking back with fond memories,

so much can happen in 4 years ...

People flit in and out of your life, the good ones stay, hopefully.

little P herself has mastered a language,

learnt to read, and to nurture friends.

She can dress herself, wash her own hair

and read quietly on her own.

She understands the word 'no' and accepts

reasons why 'no'.

It is an honour to be her Mum,

and I'm proud of her on a daily basis.

The artwork in this picture has recently formed

the background to a shoe box for a school

project. Each child in the class has their own

special 'memory box' to be filled throughout the term.

Then all the boxes will be on display

for the parents to see. It's going to be great to see

all the other boxes, and to marvel at her own

special treasure box. I love this idea,

and will keep the box 'as is' for the future.

Embroidery - Love.

2010-04-24T18:49:00.007+10:00

Images from 'Golden Hands Book of Embroidery' 1972. I particularly like the Gothic house design,

oh and the dog, I love the dog. I had a dog just like this one

in 1990something, she was adorable, Sophie, a kelpie cross.

I'm back into my sewing - mojo is back, and loving it!

Sometimes it's good to step back from something.

I'm enjoying it with the same gusto that I started with.

I've been reading through old sewing books,

going through my fabric, and formulating ideas.

I am still very committed to hand-made,

in fact I think it's more important than ever,

we all need to think about where, and under what conditions

our garments are made.

Crafty pics to follow soon.

File this under randon

2010-04-19T15:06:00.009+10:00

I just downloaded the photos from my camera, here's a glance:

Mind the gap! The space where her tooth was.

Some skirts for sale at the markets.

A custom order doll (part of a set, with 10 mattresses and tiny pea).

Morning Lakeside, Sanctuary Point, Easter time.

A new Library bag for Little P, ready for Term 2

which starts tomorrow in NSW.

Good having an extra day with which to make stuff! She's a prolific little library borrower!

Stuff lately

2010-04-11T12:27:00.007+10:00

Little P and I made this dream catcher last month, I shared it of FB, but forgot to blog it.

Very easy to make, she felt she needed something to ensure she would have a great day,

and wholeheartedly believes this turns her bad dreams into good.

Market stalling, I sold these boots, my fave 70's knee-highs, the heel was just

way too high for me these days!

Harmony Day at school, red and orange.

I made this skirt with some lovely vintage

cotton. As we were approaching school, for the first time ever, Little P said she

felt nervous wearing a 'Mum Made' skirt, I knew it was coming.

Peer pressure, it's a bitch right?

(She was really happy though once she got some compliments, and some of

the Mum's asked if I could make them one)!

Celebrating our ginger cat 'Bupka' she's 14 years old this year.

Another refash - for winter

2010-03-20T09:51:00.004+11:00

I got the pot of dye out for this one!

Threw the doily in, sewed the doily above the pocket,

some random buttons, and now very wearable.

Here is the garment before, bought this at the Oppy

brand new, but beige, I'm not quiet ready for beige yet!

I was attracted to the long, drapey shape and the pockets.

Refash...

2010-03-05T15:11:00.006+11:00

Nothing like a refash to tweak the mojo!

I took a rather ill-fitting strapless dress that I bought at the markets and turned it

into a little swing top for Little P.

I love the fabric, think that's why I bought said dress.

Weekend is almost upon us - hope you have some lovely things

planned at your place.

When opportunity knocks ....

2010-03-03T15:22:00.007+11:00

My Oppy threw this Georg Jensen stainless steel 'Bloom Bowl' at me today.

I spied it from across the room, sitting with all the other bowls, my heart leapt,

"I know that shape" ...... as soon as I held it I knew it was the real thing.

I'm not a fan of stainless steel, cept when it has Georg Jensen engraved on it.

I don't know what it is about Danish Design, there's just something about

the forms, the timelessness of each piece and the way they just

'hold their own' in a space.

And I know it's rude to talk about money,

but I paid $8.00.

I love this girl!

2010-02-25T10:58:00.002+11:00

Little P doing her meanest Hip-Hop face! This photo was taken late last year.

The eyes have it!

2010-02-18T13:52:00.001+11:00

This made me smile today!

Fabric whimsy etc.

2010-02-11T16:34:00.007+11:00

A vintage tea towel.

I can't resist the whimsy of these tea towels, and the colours are so vibrant.

Recent fabric finds, close up detail of dear and daisy above, polished cotton.

3 big pieces, tempting my mojo - but at this stage no solid plans for any of these.

And I finally got around to framing these sweet prints

that Victoria sent me when it was her Birthday,

I found these frames at Vinnie's, as I thought

it was only fitting to put her work in

op-shopped frames!

The Girl Who Dreamed of Aliens

2010-01-27T15:44:00.004+11:00

That's what Little P called this painting.

My words are thin on the ground,

my mind a bit muddled.

I'll be back in full swing soon, whatever full swing is.

And Sew it Goes.....

2010-01-18T13:25:00.003+11:00

A little baby set for a girlfriend's newest arrival, I found this fabric at the markets yonks ago, there wasn't much of it, just enough for a pair of bloomers and a softie. I'm sure this little softie is inspired by the movie 'Ponyo"!!

We've been a might bit busy of late. And when we are home the words 'Mum, Muuuum, Mum, Mum, Mum, Mum Mum, Muuuum, Muuuuuuuuuuuuum, Mum, Mum, Mum' permiate every corner of the house, oh the joy......

School goes back in a week and a bit, Little P starting Year 1, looking forward to the routine, but will have to set an alarm, as we've been indulging in some pretty delightful sleep-ins round here!

Busyness as usual

2010-01-05T19:09:00.003+11:00

Happy new year!

We survived Christmas .... took a road trip up to stay with my brother and his family, they live in Nambour, Sunshine Coast, Qld. Was fantastic, we are becoming very adept at packing the car and taking off, and we all love driving along the wide open road, with a fun destination at the end of the journey. Travel is often motivated by people, and I was really keen to meet my youngest nephew, who is 2.5 years old! So the long trip was well worth it. Miss P was never out of the pool, even in the rain, which was an every day occurrence, whilst still being very hot!

On the way back, we stayed at South West Rocks, beautiful beaches, but the rain followed us, and it piddled down for 2 days!

Home now ... school hols in earnest. Coffee, craft, playdates ..... pajamas till 10am this morning! I'm a good moocher .... one of my greatest skills .... just can't get Little P to appreciate the fine art of doing nothing much, maybe one day ....

Shakedown, the week that was!

2009-12-15T13:26:00.006+11:00

One of the highlights for me, in all the end of year procedures, has been receiving Little P's work books and art.

The above story is one on my favourites from her work book.

A little story about Freddy and Minnie, who eat too much spaghetti, which makes Minnie sick.

Very cute hat she's drawn on Minnie.

Just lately she's been saying she'd like to be a Milliner when she grows up, and has been making hats of all descriptions!

In love with her elephant painting, crayon and water colour, herself riding on top.

She's had such a brilliant start to her schooling, blessed with a teacher who really understands and appreciates her, she's kind to her students, and accepts difference in people readily.

Her Kindy teacher has enriched her life, and nurtured her natural love of learning.

We've been very lucky.

On the home front ......

Some gorgeous vintage orange and pink (my favourite combo) from the Oppy today.

Relaxing in the garden with a 'Judy Moody' book! lots of days like this ahead over the next month or so!

A week in early December.....

2009-12-06T13:01:00.013+11:00

Christmas tree up, only half filled it this year, as we're driving North for the big day.

Little P turned 6

Cleaned my lady-cave, cause cleanliness is next to craftiness!

Big D turned 42!

Made a couple of summer frocks for me.

End of year dance concert.

Looking resplendent with ballet bun!

Made 'To Look Crafty'

2009-11-24T11:33:00.009+11:00

There's something on my mind today. And it's big, oh yes it is. I've noticed the hand-made trend gathering momentum over the past few years, which is great, when it is really hand-made.

Now, there's a company here in Sydney fronted by 2 women who are directly copying hand-made kids clothes and softies, having them mass produced in factories (ie. sweat shops) and flogging them off with a huge mark up. Big dollars, zero creative input.

This company has set up a blog with a cutsie name, and are even doing hand-made markets, so they are setting up directly beside all the crafters who put their heart and soul into their work. They have deals with big stores though, and one of the women owns a few kids shops here in Sydney. Unethical businesses like these are not uncommon I'm sure, but I really feel for the genuine makers, these people are being blown out of the water by the 'big guns' not only by them getting a strong hold in the market, but by ripping of their work and creativity. Now I don't have any objection to people having stuff 'made out' when it's their own designs, but having other peoples ideas mass produced is a whole new ball game.

Just because it has a 'hand-made' aesthetic doesn't mean it is, it's a case of buyer beware, if you like the hand-made look, then BUY genuine hand-made items. You can run a business and have ethics, just look at Pip from 'Meet Me at Mikes' what she doesn't know about craft, isn't worth knowing. And she supports the hand-made community by producing books, and pointing out amazingly clever people on her blog. As a person who creates and makes things, I'm becoming cagey about showing them off on my blog, I hate the idea of people getting hold of my ideas and producing them without any regard for how they are actually being made. Simply, if it's mass produced in a sweat shop, it isn't 'one-off' or unique.

On a positive, there are lots of great hand-maidens out there, and if you are looking for genuine hand-made gifts or clothes for little one's this Christmas, here's a few to be going on with:

Grandy and Baa - amazing applique pinni's

Bad Skirt - beautiful soft toys

Loz and Dinny - gorgeous girl's dresses

Dorothy Bills - yummy, cushions, quilts and bags

Rivetkitty - great softies and kids clothes

Beccasaurus - clothes, quilts etc

And of course there's always Mikes, a great place to start if you are new to hand-made.

Edit!! Oh my, I can't believe I forgot to add Curlypops above! One of my favourite ever bags was hand made by this clever crafter!

It's Almost Summer

2009-11-18T17:11:00.002+11:00

It's starting to get balmy in Sydney, and as the mercury climbs, the countdown till Christmas starts in earnest. Things have been really busy around here, hence the lack of blogging. I'm going to start making some decorations for the tree soon, and end of year gifts, so more posts are on the way ... soon...

Too Cool For Pool

2009-11-07T20:33:00.004+11:00

A recent find at the Oppy, not one but two 1960's Paris Cafe prints.

I haven't cleaned them up yet, but will do and hang them as soon as I can find

an appropriate spot on a wall. I'm just a little bit in love with these prints,

any excuse to bring more kitch into the house!

Big D likes them, cause he's a big old Francophile,

so I didn't get the face, or the ambivalence with these,

thumbs up, wee wee!

'The Pool Dress'

This is my latest summer dress for little people.

Made with soft terry toweling and vintage voile print.

I made this one with terry that I had left over from my softies making

days, ergo the pink. I'm going to buy some other colours, thinking light aqua,

yellow and maybe a watermelon would be groovin. Fun and easy to make, perfect for throwing on

after a dip at the pool or a splash at the beach.

And a baby set, (singlet, dress, bloomers)

made for a friend whose little girl will be here

in a matter of weeks!

Halloween 09

2009-11-03T16:38:00.004+11:00

Chocolate and devil horns.

Some of the group. (Big D as 'Meat Bomb, the deranged wrestler)! Meat Bomb make me laugh and laugh! Morticia.

Summer dress

2009-10-21T20:44:00.004+11:00

My latest design for summer, (tucked into knickers! But at least model is wearing some!) Belt is held on with a button sewn at the back, button hole through the centre of belt - - works well, and no belt hoops needed.

You Might Be My Lucky Star.

2009-10-19T12:12:00.004+11:00

I'm getting all 80's on yo arse!

A belted, boat-neck, shirt dress for the little one.

Made with vintage ornagey red cotton.

Looks fab on.

Term 4 started in NSW today.

Time has positively flown in this house I tell you!

Upcycling, it's the only cycling I do

2009-10-16T16:30:00.003+11:00

Breathing life into some 60's tea-towels, mixed with an Ikea fabric.

Just Lately

2009-10-13T16:30:00.010+11:00

This is our sage plant, I had no idea that sage had such pretty flowers!

They look like purple snap-dragons.

Really yummy with browned butter and gnocchi.

(The leaves, not the flowers).

And some crafting to show, a couple of long, flowy summer skirts for a Friend's daughter, part of a barter system that I have with a lovely girl who runs a gymnastic camp in the school hols. School holidays have been fun so far, lots of out and about, not enough time at home. Today we had a visit from this adorable lady and her little girl! One of the few people I know in real life who blogs, and we are virtually neighbours!!

After coffee and catch-up we popped into Vinnies,

Where I had the awful realisation that I hadn't

put knickers on Miss P, who was happily sitting amongst the

toys with her legs crossed, I hastily bought a pair of

pink shorts and slipped them on her, before heading

off for some sushi. I can't believe Little P didn't notice,

actually, she was too busy playing to even care!

Melbs...

2009-10-02T14:19:00.004+10:00

Finches at Taronga Zoo

We are are just popping down to Melbs for the weekend.

Going to see my work in the window for Echo's Lost.

Curated by this wonderous girl: Page 63 of Your Manual

Also some of the usual fun stuff one does is Melbourne, like shopping and eating,

and seeing my Nieces, oooh, very excited about that!

These Finches remind me of us 3, the one at the top is so Big D,

he can sleep anywhere, which I'm quite envious of really.

Inside and Out

2009-09-26T12:41:00.004+10:00

A corner of our dining room.

It's, um 'busy' I know.

I'm often found trawling and drooling through

interior design blogs and magazines, I'm no stylist,

so I'm not showing you this because I think it looks

'stylin'! It's just our space.

Now, when I'm trawling and drooling, I often

wonder where the speakers, cables and scales are?

Hidden away in smart-storage I imagine.

This is a halter dress I made for little P.

Vintage cotton, paisley print.

Accessories are model's own!

(yes, it's a piece of rope as a necklace)

A windy, orange kind of day

2009-09-23T11:33:00.008+10:00

The view from our back door, at 7am this morning.

Sydneysiders awoke to a bright orange

sunrise this morning.

Surreal.

A massive, dust storm has blown in.

At 9am, I hosed my car off,

foolish, just made the red dust stick harder.

What do I know about dust settling?

I'm a city girl!

The Game of Life

2009-09-19T12:09:00.005+10:00

Has there ever been a game more representative of our lives than snakes and ladders? Never mind swings and roundabouts, both those things are fun! The very way it moves, snaking around in decades, I'm somewhere in the middle of this board in real life, and I think I must have landed on a snake's tale today. I've been on a Spring-clean-bender, I was madly brushing away at the walls in the exterior laundry, when I looked up, and saw the most enormous red back spider above my head, near the light fitting. It's the biggest I've ever seen, actually it's the only one I've ever seen.

I downed tools instantly, and can't go back in there till the man of the house comes home and removes it, then hopefully, I'll jump back on a ladder and ride that thing all the way to the top, without encountering too much 'pugnacity' along the way!

Lemonade Award

2009-09-18T13:55:00.011+10:00

So excited to have received this lemonade award from Eden Rose, it's always a surprise to discover people actually read my blog, I still get a thrill each time I receive a comment, or an award. I get so much joy writing and most of all, reading other peoples blogs. Indeed, the blogsphere has been, and continues to be a rich source of inspiration for me. My blog gives me the freedom to connect with people who get what I do, people who like 'to make' don't often get the chance to show off their creations in 'real life' or even to express themselves in such an open way. It's liberating in so many ways! The best part of all is realising that there are so many people who feel the same way about the journey, people who want to make a difference, and re-use and recycle, people who value love over money, and most importantly, like to share their every day lives in such an honest way! And so, I'm going to pass this award on to some sweet bloggers, whose journey's and stories I like to follow: Four Leaves Veronica Darling Blossom n Birds Marjory Jane Dorothy Bills Grandy and Baa Pass it on if you like girls! (Of course, there are so many bloggers from home and around the world who inspire me, make me laugh, and generally entertain me, see my blog list!!)

The Home Stretch...

2009-09-16T12:58:00.005+10:00

Top of a quilt that I'm working on for a baby girl. It's more cot-size, than standard baby size, cause I think she'll get more use out of it that way. It's bright and colourful, which I know she likes. Don't get your ruler's out, you should know by now that I don't work to those kind of exacting standards with these things, I tend to just use fabrics that I like, and cut as I go.

I'm still 'embracing the wonk'!

This is the backing, I've used a vintage sheet, that has never been used, so it's crisp and really thick cotton, they don't make cotton like this anymore!

I've been making some nighties for my Little P,

she likes them 'stretchy' so I've been using

jersey, which I rarely work with, and I know why.

Hat's off to anyone who sews jersey in a factory for a living! Actually, hats off to anyone who sews anything in a factory for a living!

Artist at Work

2009-09-08T16:17:00.004+10:00

Hard at it in Hyde Park on the weekend.

I love it when art goes mobile!

Fantastic!

2009-09-08T16:12:00.002+10:00

Let a 5 year old girl loose with a few bucks to buy her Dad a pressie, and this is the result. It's magnetic, it's a thermometer, it's Australiana! Looks good next to 'kath', strangely appropriate.

Echos Lost Work

2009-08-27T13:25:00.005+10:00

So, here is my finished work for 'Echo's Lost' - an exploration of memory, or the void that's left when memory fades. I've made 'pockets' connected by red thread from a central 'womb', there are 7 'pockets' to represent the various phases of a life cycle. The red thread represents the umbilical cord. To give you an indication of size, this piece is a mere 19cm x 19cm (that's the dimensions of the mat itself). The exhibition is part of the Melbourne Fringe festival 09, and I

m very excited to be involved, I like working to a theme, and particularly love seeing what all the other artist come up with as well.

We have no memory of our time inutero, and what follows are the memories that we make our own from there on in. I'm no expert on memory, I just have my own, and each phase of my life gets pushed further back, being replaced by a new one. Hmmm, it's an intriguing subject for sure, and the process has really made me think about memory. It's an emotional thing.

Love

2009-08-26T18:59:00.001+10:00

More from Dottie Angel. I'm inspired by this woman on a daily basis.

Spotted

2009-08-26T18:33:00.002+10:00

In Small online magazine.

In the Hall Way

2009-08-24T16:12:00.004+10:00

Giving you a squiz at the hallway at the moment ... cherry blossom in Israeli 60's vase. 'Green Woman' by Simon Bates, bought in Byron Bay.

The picture above is my favourite, 'The Memory Maker' painted by my sister, and given to me for my birthday back in April.

I'm madly working away on my work for Omnific Assmebly show in September, funnily enough, the theme is memory, an exploration of memory, the void that's left when memory fades.

I'm doing a soft sculpture, quite small, smaller than the scale I usually work to. I'm nearly finished, just some placement stuff, and final stitchery. Pictures to follow on completion.

Spring in the City

2009-08-15T16:23:00.005+10:00

We caught the ferry into the city and wandered around the MCA.

Then we had a picnic lunch, at Observatory Hill,

the sun is shining once more, this fills me with anticipation,

anything is possible again!

Little P has had a hair cut, a shoulder length bob.

She nagged and nagged, I'm a sucker for pony-tails,

but now that it's gone, I do really like it, and so easy to brush now.

Here's to sunny days, long flowing skirts, and ice-creams!

I hope it's sunny in your part of the world!

A skirt for Me!

2009-08-05T17:05:00.004+10:00

Feeling inspired on the skirt front. I made this one for me

with the vintage fabric I showed off last week.

It's a fantastic weight, denim like.

I'm planning a pinafore and a couple

more skirts before Spring, you know,

all going well, time permitting!

And, just cause my little Kindy-girl doesn't like to

miss out on a photo, here's one of the two of us!

Flashback Monday

2009-08-03T12:28:00.004+10:00

An African Mangrove. We kind of blend in to this pic,

but you can see us in the left hand corner with my Dad.

On the beach in Durban, South Africa.

My brother is laughing so hard at something,

probably one of his own jokes,

he still does this, but it's far less annoying now!!

My childhood memories are interwoven with my siblings.

Being the youngest of 3, and 3 years apart, I don't

think I have many memories that don't contain them.

Sometimes, and only sometimes, I marvel at how

different my childhood is to my daughter's.

She doesn't have any siblings, not through choice,

just unlucky there. I don't complain about it, she was hard won!

There are some advantages to having only one,

her confidence level is fantastic, nothing but

praise, no one to bring her down when she does well.

No bickering in the back of the car - oh those African road trips!!

Sibling rivalry can be a bitch.

But basically, there has been an acceptance in the last 6 months,

from both me and my partner, and we are happy, and blessed

to have one good one!

Camping it up, Barbie Style

2009-08-03T11:42:00.003+10:00

I was just tidying up after the weekend, and this was too cute not to share!

Little P asked me to make a sleeping bag for her Barbie's, 'big enough for 2 Mummy'.

They just fit, and the tent is made from a box.

Luxury, Barbie Style!

Just Lately

2009-07-21T14:28:00.007+10:00

The Blue Mountains with friends

Perfect poncho weather!

Found at my Oppy, on a Saturday,

rarely do I visit my oppy on a Saturday,

too busy, I like to take my time,

go through all my favourite sections quietly,

methodically, I often fold things that have been

messily tossed back! I think I will be visiting on Saturday's,

in the future, for the fabric,

maybe that's the day 'the fabric sorter' is in.

On the home front .... not much.

2nd week of school holiday madness.

We've been busy, not much 'home time'.

Will get some 'jammie days' this week.

Upcycling

2009-07-07T14:41:00.006+10:00

My version of a shopping bag. Made from vintage upholstery weight linen, and doilies.

This one is for my Sister, and I'm in the process of making myself one.

I'm really happy with this bag, I wanted it to look organic and not too polished or slick,

but still 'finished'. I'm never keen perfection, but like things to be durable and well made.

I feel I got the balance right with this. And what better way to help the environment

than by using a 'green bag' that is made from vintage fabrics?

In other news, I heard that there was an abduction attempt on two 7 year old girls in Sydney on Friday, from the playground at a school (not our school), by a man and a woman.

The children got away and ran to a teacher, the would be abductors also fled, there was a description of the car, and the couple on the news. Scary for all parents, how brazen and from school!

In light of this, I thought it prudent to have the 'stranger danger' chat with Little P again. I might have been over the top though, cause she said she was scared this morning. I told her not to be scared, but to be 'alert', and to do what we talked about.

My question is, how do you emphasise the importance of stranger danger, without scaring the be-jingoes out of them?

My favourite ....

2009-07-03T08:28:00.003+10:00

... afternoon tea? Devonshire tea, scones made by Bid D Loaded with jam and cream,

And devoured!

We are going to see 'Chicago' tonight.

Little P is having her first proper

sleep-over, with a dear and trusted friend.

Here's hoping you all have a great weekend.

Intensely 5!

2009-06-29T12:14:00.003+10:00

We went to see 'intensely Dutch' a few weeks ago at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Mid-Century Dutch paintings, it's a great exhibition, vivid colours, I particularly liked the paintings from the 50's and 60's.

I think it had an effect on Parker, as she did this water colour while we slept in on Saturday morning. I'm not sure what it is, but I do like the colours.

There was a young girl from Limerick ...

2009-06-27T15:02:00.002+10:00

Look what I got from Andi at Superminx!

It's the cutest print and although you can't see it in the photo,

that's a map of Limerick in Ireland!

Parker and I were browsing Flickr the other night,

and she fell in love with this

picture, imagine her delight when it arrived,

addressed to her, in the post. Just gorgeous, thanks Andi,

you are a talented minx to be sure!

Yet more shelves for my Lady Cave!

I wouldn't dream of assaulting your senses with a before shot.

It's a work in progress, because, try as I might,

I am unable to stop myself buying vintage fabric.

Said fabric needs a house, as do the patterns and craft books.

I like to use galvanised steel shelves for this job,

because they can hold a fair bit of weight.

It's heavy stuff this habit of mine.

'Haus Frau' sitting on top of the shelves,

looking rather pleased with herself! I still get a kick out of thinking of her hanging

in Fed Square in Melbourne, last year in a 'proper'

Exhibition!

All good things ...

2009-06-19T11:11:00.007+10:00

I've been very patient, looking, looking, praying to the Op-Shop Deities,

leaving empty handed, thinking they have all been snapped up by dealers, bought by collectors, or hoarded away in garages,

but finally a full set of 60's canisters to call my own.

I've always loved these canisters. I particularly love the hard plastic and vibrant colours, impossible to feel miserable with these in the kitchen!

Some bright 60's linen ... these haven't been used, shall rectify that. And my favourite thing today. Beautifully made, with solid, proper wood. Ugly upholstery, but easily fixed. Not sure whether to repaint it white, or go a bit more out there. Perhaps a light turquoise, with some vivid fabric? Perhaps one of the above T.Towels, they are a perfect fit. Off to The the Sydney Winter Festival tonight. Have a great weekend, see you on the flip-side.

2009-06-09T14:31:00.004+10:00

Brian Eno is in town, and he's light the place up!

We did the 'Light Night Walk' on Sunday night, a walk around

The Rocks and Circular Quay with illuminated installations on the way.

The Opera House and the MCA looked amazing.

White

Blue

or pink?

The choice is clear I think!

Winter Colour

2009-06-05T14:05:00.004+10:00

Winter, the garden starts to look very bare, apart from some Autumn flowers on the ground, and this poinsettia. I start to hibernate at this time of year, and it's when I get more time in the kitchen. I'm the baker, and casserole maker. My mantle may be seriously threatened this year, as Big D is becoming rather passionate about cooking. I don't mind sharing. It's funny how the longer you are together the more 'mingled' things become, when we first met, I had my own definite music shelves, now they are intertwined, I had my own book shelves etc .... as long as the underwear drawers always remain separate I'll be happy!