fede + design + textiles

baking tray printing

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:25:00 +0000

If you are a parent or carer at home with pre-schoolers (or even schoolers now that the holidays have started) and looking for creative activities to keep them occupied then look here for a multitude of ideas by Amber, a clever mum with her own "two little craftmonkeys". You can even sign up and have weekly inspiration popped into your inbox. Too easy.

Today we made our own hand printed Christmas Cards using this tutorial. Ruby (who is 4) was able to do most of this on her own with just a little assistance. She was just beaming with a sense of achievement at the end.

The thing I like about this activity is that other than a paint roller (which we purchased at the local hardware store for a couple of dollars) everything else you will need is probably in your house. This is good for me as I tend to do things on the spur of the moment with little (ok honestly usually no) forward planning. Yes Mum.... nothing has changed! Often my ways lead me to creative thinking as I'm left to find substitutes for ingredients or materials I don't have at hand. This has resulted in some disasters along the way but also made the making fun and the end product uniquely ours.

handmade advent

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:26:00 +0000

I made a decision that I wanted to make an advent calendar this year - something with fabric (of course) - but what?

Unfortunately that question remained unanswered for quite some time until I hit Flickr for inspiration. So many clever people out there!! My palms get sweaty with excitement sometimes when I'm glued to the computer drooling at the wonders created by crafty folk all over the world. Seriously, if you ever feel like you've hit a creative brick wall, just head over the flickr.com and search the topic of whatever it is you're attempting to create and "voila"..... you'll be back in business!!

Here's my proof.

1. Lego City advent calendar 7724, 2. kids' drawings, vintage print, 3. advent calendar? christmas tree decoration? popcorn bags?, 4. Advent Mantle, 5. Day 1, 6. Advent calendar 2008, 7. Advent Calendar 2007, 8. Advent Calendar, 9. Sankt Nikolaus today

Aren't they just fabulous?

So reinvigorated I came up with these little xmas socks. When I say "little" I do mean this literally as in hind sight they are a tad too small for practical goodies. Oh well.... I'm sure size is overrated! They look cute.

We missed the first 2 days this year but I think my little ones will forgive me and be more than happy with 22 surprises. I've mixed them up with a few sweets (which were discovered by the sniffer dogs within the first hour - mental note - keep chocolate in the pantry until the day of opening), treasure hunts and special outings (christmas lights, museum, beach, bowling etc).

This year due to time constraints I've stuck the numbers on but next year I plan to come up with numbered buttons as a more permanent decoration. I think they'd also appreciate a little adornment with the odd ribbon or trim. Anyway, that's for next year.

Also this week I managed to bake these gingerbread christmas tree biscuits for the kindy fundraiser.

I had to hide them from the kids and then buy them one each at the party. Yes! Slightly odd things to do - you see I stuffed up the recipe (while talking to DH I added too much flour) then to totally finish it off I burnt them in the oven. Total disaster! So after a trip to the supermarket for extra eggs I finally managed to bake 14 cookies which was just enough. Oh yeah, and I was doingall of this on the day of the event..... typical Fiona style!

Are you feeling creative this Christmas? If not, check out what others are up to here and get your handmade jiggy on!

and the winners are...

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Chloe + Kaycee

Now the funny thing is that you both requested the same bird hammer toy! What were the chances of this happening? I think the only fair solution is to make a second hammer toy with the same fabrics. It's nice to know some of my designs can be equally popular with both genders.

Thankyou to all of you who took the time to enter the giveaway. While I'm feeling all festive and oh so generous I do have a runner up (this means everyone who didn't win) solution to offer. It goes like this...

For those of you who have fallen in love with the toy of your choice (and how could you not? :) I'm happy to reduce the selected toy price from $20 to $12 (plus the cost of shipping) for the remainder of the week, with Sunday 6th December 2009 the final day to purchase with this offer. This is the cut off day for international shipping orders before Xmas, so I can get them posted to you on the Monday.

If you would like to take up this offer please leave me a comment with your email address, or alternatively email me at: fee dot dyer at gmail dot com . I will require your Etsy Username (free to join if you are not currently registered) so I can adjust the listing to your reduced buying price.

If this all sounds confusing, it's really not, it's probably just my "I'm writing this at 1am" way of explaining it!

Time for zzzzzzz. Nighty night.

new packaging

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:51:00 +0000

I've managed to get one thing crossed off my list - new packaging. Yay! I know it's very simple but hey, that's me. Found these cellophane bags here on Ebay. These Etsy postcards are no longer available (I purchased them in 2008) but they are a great way of promoting both Etsy and myself as I've attached fede stickers to each one. The swing tags I designed and printed myself.

Maybe this means I am one step closer to biting the bullet and taking that stand at the Stitches and Craft Show in Adelaide in March.....

Last day today to enter the XMAS GIVEAWAY. One of these toys could be yours!

my saturday

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:30:00 +0000

The last 2 mornings I have been the first out of bed. This is not normal! The early riser in the family is out of sorts with a broken big toe. Broken in 3 places by a concrete sleeper...yeah...ouch!

So Sach and I got started making the regular Saturday morning pancakes. When it comes to making anything of the sweet variety in the kitchen this kid insists on taste testing everything that goes in. Raw eggs, flour, butter ....you name it, he'll give it a try - and then claim that it is "nice". He's hilarious!

Make a Smilebox collage

I'm excited about Christmas. I know I've already said this, but I am! The last 2 years have been way too busy to relax & enjoy the festivities (both times moving house & renovating), so this year I'm going to make up for it. My brother and his 7.5 month pregnant wife are coming to Adelaide this week and we're having a Christmas themed evening at our house. Planned my menu today - roast beef, roast vegie free-form pies, roast smashed potatoes, green beans with pine nut butter and for dessert, a fruit mince and apple crumble tart (I know this will definitely be a winner with my dad).

I'm feeling this week ahead is going to be one of those crazy ones. We have a day surgery hospital visit, baking to be done for a Kindy fundraiser, a Kindy Xmas Party, the Wiggles Concert, a family dinner to host, the outside renovations & tradesmen to be managed, toys to be finished and a fat footed husband to be taking care of. All of this on top of the normal weeks activities with 2 pre-schoolers. I'm taking a deep breath.

Make a Smilebox collage

So we finished our day today with a pizza picnic on the loungeroom floor while watching Scooby Doo. Simple Saturday. Fun day. One of those days where everyone was just happy to be at home. Dad with his foot up on ice, daughter happy to snuggle next to him, and son entertained for hours trying to sinc the wiggles music on the computer with his wiggles guitar (nothing like a bit of "hot potato" distortion).

I tried this Smilebox software tonight which is not really what I was aiming for, but I can see it has potential to be fun in other ways. Seems to have some great capabilities for slideshows - must go and check it out a bit more.

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Don't forget to enter the Xmas Toy Giveaway to be drawn on Dec 1st. Two readers will be winning the toy of their choice from my Etsy shop. Good luck!
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xmas giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:03:00 +0000

Ho Ho Ho

The festive season is here and I'm in the mood to giveaway fede toys to two lucky readers.

UPDATE: CONGRATULATIONS TO CHLOE & KAYCEE - YOU ARE THE WINNERS!! See here if you entered

In fact I'm feeling so warm and fuzzy, I'm going to let you take your pick from my shop here (select your favourite $20 toy) and leave me a message with the details as listed below.

I'll be picking the names out of my Santa hat and announcing the winners here on Tuesday December 1st, one for a boy and one for a girl.

Please remember to leave me the following details

1. your name

2. the toy you wish to receive

3. is it for a boy or girl

Good luck!

5 weeks?? no way!

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:22:00 +0000

Ok yes I concede it has been 5 long weeks since I've popped in to share my wisdom with you..... err hem.... which should mean that I have a super informative, intelligent post to write today. Should mean. But what it actually means is that I have so many things swimming in my head that I really don't know where to start. Here's my attempt at a summary.

1. Spent 12 wonderful nights on the Gold Coast in sunny Queensland - swimming, theme-parking, eating, drinking, walking & lots of laughing

2. Man of the house resigned from his job and has now spent a total of 34 consecutive days at home with us - all good!! I'm not one of those wives to complain when he's home..... I love it. After all, he is my best friend and we work well together as a team. It's just such a shame one of us has to earn an income... lottery win would be handy!

3. Decided to stretch Christmas to it's full potential this year and put the Christmas Tree up on November 15th (day after our Xmas Pageant). Why not? The kids are so excited... it's contagious

4. Outside renovations have started.... yay! Today is day 4, fence posts are going in as we speak.

5. Had an interview with the Herald Sun for an upcoming article about me & my toys... stay tuned

6. Sachin fell out of the car on his face (yep hands didn't get there) and looked like a patchwork for a few weeks

7. Adelaide had a unseasonal record heatwave for November with 10 days over 30 degrees (Celsius) and the hottest ever November day at 43 degrees (109.4 F)

8. The new golf club baby rattles finally made it into my fede shop

9. The beautiful glass mosaic splashback has been installed in the kitchen (only took 12 months) - thanks Frank! Yes, I love it. Photos will come soon.

10. Sachin learnt to ride his bike, pee on the toilet & use the computer mouse all in one week!

stitches and craft

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:04:00 +0000

Oooh ah... I just found out the Stitches and Craft Show is coming to Adelaide in March next year!

I remember following a couple of crafty girls last year (Onegirl and Kirin Notebook) as they prepared and experienced the Melbourne show and I seem to recall feeling a few twinges of envy.... damn it ...it's always the Eastern states that have all the fun!! For those of you not from Australia, the Eastern states include Victoria (capital Melbourne), New South Wales (Sydney) and Queensland (Brisbane). Little old Adelaide often gets missed (we are comparatively small) .... but I'm sure we can be big on creativity.

I'm feeling inclined to take part in the show next year - would be great to meet other local indie sellers and get feedback from face to face buyers. Up until now my only outlet has been online so it's appealing. However.... there is a lot of work to be done if this is to happen. Need to get my branding sorted, business cards, new bells (not happy with the ones I am using), look into wool fill as an alternative to polyester, bring the new ideas that have been floating around in my head into fruition (includes tutorials and sewing kits) and get sewing.....more more more stock.... oh dear... there is a lot to do!! Am I up for it??? This I shall ponder for a few weeks.... or should I just bite the bullet and book my space? Decisions. Decisions.

While talking about Adelaide, last weekend the first Bowerbird Bazaar was held in the old Queen's Theatre. A new event, it "showcases design driven art and wares by Australian designer/makers". See here for a snapshot summary of participants. I didn't get there myself but will be looking out for the next event dates and marking it in BOLD on my calender!

99 things

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:02:00 +0000

found and swiped this little meme - thought it would be fun - not too taxing on the old tired brain (and yes I'm too lazy to use capitals tonight too).

what's not to love about the world wide web? here's my journey to this meme. checked out this photo on flickr, then found this photo also from the same wonderfully talented photographer bunnybum which led me to this tutorial about making window stars, which led me to this blog where I kindly lifted the meme to share with you tonight.

so bold means yes I have, the rest is still to do, or not to do in the case of bungy jumping! never the less, there is still much to be done. tomorrow we are off to a gardening expo in an effort to cross number 18 off the list too!

please go ahead, copy and paste, share the love :)

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped (ain't gonna happen!!)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29 Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41 Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45 Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60 Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64 Donated blood, platelets, or plasma (tried twice and been rejected!! - once glandular fever & then lived in London when mad cow disease was about)
65. Gone sky diving
66 Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67 Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79 Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

gardens in my head

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:36:00 +0000

Lately I've been doing a bit of garden design. Slightly challenging for an Interior Designer with a brown thumb, but a wonderful brain stretching, learning experience. I don't remember researching this much since my days at school! You see, the stubborn / perfectionist / control freak parts of my personality have stipulated that I must conquer this new outdoor design genre (much to my families frustration) as if I were an experienced Landscape Architect. Yes, I'm biting off more than I can probably chew given our house currently sits on approx 1100m2 of weeds, but I won't be beaten! Needless to say I am discovering some fabulous exterior products that are getting me excited. Watch this space as there may be a potential gardener in the making...

Coral Bench

Jak & Jil

Leaf Swing

ok it's not a toy....

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:28:00 +0000

..but it sure feels like one! I've been one snap happy Momma all weekend since I laid hands on my new Canon EOS 450D. Thanks to everyone who kindly left comments and helped me choose which camera to finally purchase after much deliberation. Also thanks to my darling 2 year old for dropping my compact digital camera on Friday, and thankyou to my clever husband for amazingly fixing it yesterday AFTER I bought the new one. Maybe the sequence of events was a little bit out of order but hey! I'm not complaining :)

to market to market

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:19:00 +0000

I've just discovered The Cool Hunter and let me tell you there is a lot to discover! If you like to be inspired by design & innovation then this will get your groove on.

Check out this amazing building designed by Willy Muller Architects - it's the Barcelona Flower Market. I'd be shopping for flowers every weekend if I lived in Barcelona! I like the fact that the vertical bands of colour were inspired by ariel views of flower fields.

Also on The Cool Hunter I found this Vila Sofa store in Amsterdam designed by Tjep. It looks like a cross between Interior and Set Design. Not surprisingly the brand Vila Sofa is positioned a little like IKEA where products are warehoused on site and reasonably priced. In addition to the simple use of just four colours (red, white, grey, black) I also love the clever cutouts in the facade - oh that chandelier!

little things can mean a lot (to mum)

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:37:00 +0000

I am a happy camper tonight.

Last night I went to bed at 10pm and woke up at 7.30am. Yeah so what? Well, the thing is, my head hit the pillow at 10pm and I was out like a light. The next thing I knew it was 7.30 in the morning. This hasn't happened for a looooong time. With illness, nightmares, darkness fears, dogs barking (you get the gist) my sleep pattern has been made up of several broken sleeps throughout the night. Man! Did I feel refreshed this morning. Let's hope for another big zzzz tonight :)

Then.... this evening.... every member at the family table ate all of their dinner. I mean ALL! No plate scraping necessary. Straight in the dishwasher and thanks for coming. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Woo hoo!!

See! Mums don't ask for much.

sun. sand. squid. seagull. smiles

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:52:00 +0000

Ask and you shall receive! Thankyou for the sunny Spring weather today. Yes, it was I complaining earlier in the day about a lack of such. I now bite my tongue and share with you the lovely afternoon it turned out to be.

has anyone seen our spring?

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:15:00 +0000

We had a taste and teaser of spring weather and now it's gone again. I know it will come back and I should stop being so impatient but.... well.... I'm a little over winter now. Had enough. We want to play outside. Rain is good and thankyou but please come back next year.

With our thoughts on the coming warm weather we've been getting the summer wardrobes ready. Sorting the piles of out-grown winter clothes and making room for bigger new season versions.

I've been wanting to try this pillowslip summer dress idea for a while and yesterday was the day. It was as easy as I had imagined in my head. Cut the open flap end off the pillowslip then seam and run elastic through. Then cut open the bottom closed end and hem to the right length (I added a little ric rac for fun). I made the straps from the leftover fabric cut from the inside flap of the pillowslip.

See, quick and easy and it only cost about $1.50. The pillowslip was an Op-shop (Thirft Store) find for 50c as was the flower button (20c) plus the cost of elastic and cotton.

I think we may be making a few more of these before the summer is out!

my name is fiona and I'm....

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

a . f a b r i c . j u n k i e

OK OK so now it's out. Isn't that the first step to recovery?

...only, hang on.... I DON'T WANT TO RECOVER!

Oops. Sorry for yelling at you. I just wanted to make that point very clear.

So this is the thing. When I should be doing more productive, important things I often find myself standing in front of the fabric shelves admiring my collection like it is one of my babies. Sad but true. There is a rainbow of colours and textures, big prints and little prints, textiles of old and new and they all make me smile.

I've been selfishly enjoying them all to myself for long enough now. It's time to open my collection to the world! Well, how about to the few of you who would like to have a gander.

Today I have started to create a photo record of some of my fave vintage fabrics that have been found in op-shops (thrift stores). Absolutely my favourite way to buy them. You get both the thrill of discovery and an affordable price tag. What's not to love?

At some stage down the track I will post more of my collection. Don't know when - you know me - not the most disciplined or regular blogger, but I will do it, someday :)

cornflower blue

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:46:00 +0000

Thanks Meg from elsie marley for organising the Fall Color Week. It's been fun and definitely inspired me to upgrade my camera. Also thanks to everyone who has popped by for a look and for those who left comments, they are always read with much joy. Kim and Carol - thanks for the SLR advise, I think I'm almost ready to take the plunge!

Have a great weekend.

PS. here's my final colour contribution- just adjusted my Etsy Mini in the sidebar to reflect cornflower blue items in my shop.... done now.

one more colour please

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:26:00 +0000

Just popping in to invite any other colour challengers to join in tomorrow (Sat) for a late ring-in, Cornflower Blue. I know it's not really an Autumn (Fall) colour but it is great for Spring which is hopefully around here somewhere - Spring! Spring! Where are you?

My little people are both sleeping (highly unusual, and took a great deal of convincing, but we are going out to dinner tonight) so while I should be getting the washing, bills, and sorting done I am looking at this. Wow! I had no idea there were so may colours and colour names created over the years.

See you tomorrow.

plum

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:17:00 +0000

Er..... plum..... tricky for me. Not a plum person myself so I've struggled to find much around the house. It's kind of cheating but I took this photo of my fandeck from the Wattyl Paints i.d range of interior paint colours. They are all wonderfully muted and moody.

And then I spotted these. My favourite bunch of Australian Natives that I splurge and purchase every few months when I need (and justify that I deserve) a pick me up.

To see an international mix of plums, chesnuts, golden rods, burnt sienas and brick reds hop over here.

chesnut

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:20:00 +0000

My onlyjustworkingkidsplaywithchestnutcamera is ready for retirement.

When am I going to get my new camera?? This is the question. It has been on the "to buy" list for some time now - I even received money on my last birthday for the purchase. Problem is, I can't decide. It's a digital SLR - that I know.....but which one? I've narrowed it down to Canon or Nikon and...well... any advise or assistance from SLR owners would be much appreciated.

I'm looking at an entry point model - doesn't need bells and whistles - as long as it enables me to take both macro close ups and good spacial images (mainly interior shots). The lens type is a mystery to me - again no need for massive zooms but would like to be able to capture movement and quick snapshots of the kids.

Also there is one other thing. I like a heavier weight camera - it's a personal thing I know but it needs to feel substantial in my hands. I have held my sisters Canon digital SLR and it felt too airy for my liking - is this common to the Canon brand???? Maybe I have just answered my own question??? Mmmmmm

I'll be back tomorrow with PLUM for elsie marley's Fall Color Week.

What type of camera do you use?

golden rod

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Thankyou Adelaide weather for making it so easy for me to feel like I am actually experiencing Autumn (Fall) this week. It has been cold, wet and windy and we've had to pull out some of our winter woollies again. I've been hanging out to dress Sachin in this super vintage plaid vest I scored at the op-shop (thrift store) and it just happens to resemble the Crayola colour "Golden Rod".
How about that!

For a more Australian seasonal version of the colour here is one of my favourite springtime cushions made using a mix of vintage fabrics. It's available for purchase but not currently in my shop, so if you're interested in more pics & pricing please leave me a comment.

Happy hump day. Off to check out the other golden rods here.

burnt siena

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:22:00 +0000

Anyone would think this is a ridgy didge Autumn (Fall) photo. Truth is, it's a sun burnt Camellia after today's Spring rain. I'm playing elsie marley's Fall Color Week along with these other fun challengers.

brick red

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:46:00 +0000

It may be Spring here in the Southern Hemisphere but I'm playing elsie marley's Fall Colour Week, and today is the first entry. She's based the challenge around the colours of Autumn using Crayola crayon names for a bit of a twist.

Monday: Brick Red (deep red)
Tuesday:Burnt Siena (a reddy orange, like the rooftops of Siena)
Wednesday: Goldenrod (warm, deep yellow)
Thursday: Chesnut (dark, warm brown)
Friday: Plum (like a plum, duh)

lazy day

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:14:00 +0000

Yesterday was one of those days, grumpy Mum, grumpy child, not enough sleep on both of our behalves. I knew from the moment we stepped out of bed it was going to be a long one (which is, yes, a bad attitude to have at the start of the day).

Without a car to escape the four walls of the house (at the mechanics) we were going to have to find a way to entertain our snooty selves for the 12 hours that remained until Dad arrived home.

We stayed in our PJ's all day. Surprisingly we actually had a very productive day with painting, sticking & pasting, bubbles, hopscotch, water buckets, playroom games and so much more. It was a marathon play fest!!

After lunch I requested some quiet Mum time (which rarely happens) and even stranger I felt the need to sew something. I never sew when the kids are around as it turns into bedlam with scissors, pins, cottons etc all over the room. However, yesterday, it happened. I made this Lazy Days Skirt, using this pattern.

So simple and so pretty. The pattern calls for one width of fabric, but I didn't have enough so added the extra panels. The more colour the better as far as my rainbow daughter (other grumpy party) is concerned. Hanging on the door now it will be paraded & twirled with pride this Sunday at the Victor Harbor Rock'n'Roll Festival.

Confession time. In the midst of my sewing glory Ruby entered the room to ask me a question. Bare footed she stepped on my super sharp fabric scissors and seriously cut her toe. I had a moment of absolute terror that she had almost cut her toe off! Blood everywhere! !She is such a brave soul I needed to be brave too. Finally it stopped bleeding and I realised that it wasn't as bad as it first looked. Lets just say that this Mum will not be going there again! The scissors were on the floor because my work bench was too cluttered for cutting. Naughty naughty me. After multiple apologies, hugs and kisses I think she forgives me. Oh and a new pretty skirt helps :)

mouth watering gardens

noreply@blogger.com (fede) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:44:00 +0000

1. Untitled, 2. Kid friendly courtyard, 3. Melbourne garden, 4. Xeriscape in Santa Monica, 5. California style, 6. After: garden overview, 7. Xeriscape at minimalist house, 8. Durham Botanic Garden, 9. knautia macedonia, 10. CRW_5569, 11. ., 12. Andalucia, 13. Modular Garden with Curved Deck, 14. Asymmetric Family Garden, 15. Modular Garden with Slate Patio and Deck, 16. Low maintenance garden with Slate and Pebble surfaces, 17. Low Maintenance Contemporary Garden in North London, 18. Courtyard Garden with Limestone Paving and Hardwood Deck and Bench, 19. Cool Contemporary Garden, 20. Tatton Park Flower Show, Cheshire, 21. Garden design, Tatton Park Flower Show, 22. Garden Design at the Melbourne Flower show, 23. NZ Landscape Design. NZLANDSCAPES.COM. Garden Photos New Zealand. Dry River Garden., 24. Exterior 41, 25. patio

There is no end to the inspiration I find on Flickr. We're now in garden landscaping mode at home and these designs are getting me excited!