Christmas - that is so last year

I wont lie, it has been a loooong week around these parts and I have had this sitting patiently in drafts to finally post. So I may be a little, well actually a lot late for me to finally get around to sharing the hand made Chrissy goodies that I got finished last year.I finished up 3 bags for Caleb's kinder teachers at the very last moment before the end of term. I have to admit that I did contemplate keeping them, especially the Lara Cameron Ginkgo one.

I used Kate's super clever scarf tut for Mum, more last minute sewing and an express post envelope.

Glen got his 3 shirts, but I have to admit the last one didn't have buttons or hems on Christmas morning, but enough to 'wear' it so I figured why nit pick. I have to admit I do love Glen's Roger David posses.

Poppy got her picnic blanket which thankfully she loves, even using the back of it for her play doh. I painted the picnic basket a reddy pink and filled it with melamine crockery, wooden cut-up fruit and some felt food. The felt ravioli has been very popular (even though I could only find 1 for the photo) on the new oven and microwave that she got from the grandparents. I was really happy with how the basket turned out and it has worked out to be perfect storage for a bargain price. I figure I can just slowly keep adding felt food into her basket to keep it interesting too. Caleb loves it as well and tells me he is growing up to be a cook like dad.

One of my favourite hand made Christmas goodies though is this gorgeous chest that Dad got made for Pirate Caleb and oh does he love to stow his treasures in there. They are living in the Solomon Islands so he got some of the local craftsman to carve out the chest and inlay the skull and cross bones with shell. So cool and well travelled too.I had to add in the Caleb's after haircut photos, admittedly most people would think he was still due one.

Its All About Me

Like a lot of ladies it would seem in the blogosphere at the moment I have decided this year I really want to make a few things for me. Please excuse the shocking photo, man photography at it's best (Love how Squitry cat is trying to muscle in). I used the Simplicity 5914 pattern and I find it to be quite forgiving on the figure front. I love the pink birch Lara Cameron fabric and intended to make a skirt since I bought it over a year ago. I didn't have quite enough fabric so I added in the little leafy details which I actually quite like. I am working on the Colette dress pattern too. I decided to make it in a non-fancy material just in case I ran into problems, but so far so good. I was hoping to have more done but with my new philosophy of 'giving myself a break' I am trying not to sweat it. I have splurged on some more material for myself too, so I will have no excuse to not be anything but fab this summer

Eye Spy ... Joy

So many things to feel joyful about. The market went well and we sold quite a few different pieces and I am madly trying to list the rest in the etsy shop now.

I am joyful to have lots of time now to sew without deadlines and looking forward to getting into my LONG list of to dos.Glen's fabulous support, sometimes he still gets me by surprise at how much he believes in me. I love the pre-market shot of him with his coffee.

Joyful at my beautiful and crazy babies - love them so much, that is how that get to drive me so insane too.

So joyful at my beautiful boy nearly turning 5, this one is tinged with sadness. Preparing for the party and he is so excited. Gearing up for Prep next year more excitement with a little in trepidation.

Poppy is the light of my day and the darkness of my night too - the joys of a 2 year old with the will of a champion. Every day she drives me nuts and every day she gives great cuddles.

Joyful at Christmas around the corner and 2 weeks off, unheard of at our place and with no plans and no place to go I can't wait.

A great place to live, food on our table, hobbys that I love, blogging, crafty friends, all sorts of great stuff to be truly joyful about and sometimes it is hard to stop and really appreciate it.

Next week I think Eye Spy ... A Christmas Wish might be fun and thanks to AussieWaffler for last week's theme. Can't wait to see and as always you can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

Finishing Touches

It has been all about the ironing, finishing off the last few dresses and getting all packed into the car for the Mathilda's market tomorrow. I think that the finished yellow skirt is my favourite this season and I am secretly hoping I don't sell that one. If you do pop in make sure you come and say hi. I can't wait to pop around and see all the other great people too - I already have the mental shopping list.

Progress

I finally finished a week-end somewhat happy with my progress, all the skirts are sewn I just need to add some buttons and ribbon and trim the threads. I also got the rest of the rabbit pinnies finished and some new Russian doll ones too. On the home stretch before Mathilda's on Sunday at Hawthorne. Can't wait.

My Creative Space

Working on some skirts with only 2 weeks till Mathilda's Market. This is the finished prototype, I so love the gathering foot on my overlocker. I wanted to add a little embellishment, so after testing some yo-yos and covered buttons I have decided on the crocheted lace and fabric button. The rest of the material is patiently waiting to be wonder-skirted. More creative spaces at Kirsty's

Eye Spy ... Shoes

I have so loved reading everyones shoe stories, it really interesting, walk a mile really is a valid saying. I don't have a great shoe collection, I have skinny feet and have a hard time finding any that fit, the irony is that Poppy has a super wide foot and a nightmare to fit too. My sandals that Glen bought for me as I hate shoe shopping so much broke last week and I have my eyes on these ones - all their flats are so cute, but I do love a red pair though.

I am hoping that Kellie can help out with next weeks and a big thanks to Anastasia for this weeks theme. Can't wait to see and as always you can join in anytime, just add your link after you have posted below so we can all find you and it doesn't matter what day of the week that you do it.

I am feeling like I need another week-end after my week-end. We busted a gut moving my beloved sewing room into the garage! and the kids now have their own rooms. It is really hard as Caleb needs to go to bed quite early but I can't put him to bed before his younger sister, but with them sharing she just spends the next half an hour before she drops off annoying him. Then tonight I hear Caleb crying he because doesn't want to be alone. Glen gets to spend his day off tomorrow moving them back in together and the other room into a play room. Did I mention we live in a 2 story town house - my legs are aching at the thought of it. Oh and Caleb decided to get a vomiting stomach bug on Saturday too. And Glen put his back out moving the fabric cupboard down the stairs mid-way through the first morning. What can you do - poor little munchkin looked so sad tonight.

I have been making some sewing progress though - here is proof as to why I haven't been around much.

My Creative Space

It has all been about spring and sunshine this week and look at this beautiful Melbourne Spring day, how could it not be! Not that I am complaining, our house doesn't like sweating.

I bought this fabric this week from the fab Kelaini and am actually going to make myself a dress - shock horror - sewing for me. I was feeling a little inspires after seeing Sophie's wardrobe efoorts. It may take a few months until I get to it on my list but I do have a serious love affair with this material.

Madly making dresses for the Mathilda's Market too, hmm perhaps I should line them with polar fleece. At least the bright colours are a splash of things to come. I was hoping to get a few more finished last night, but Poppy was being so mean to Caleb (a little actin gout since Nana left on Monday) that he got to sleep in our bed and it got to 9:30 (early for me) and both the boys looked so cozy I couldn't resist but jumping in too.

More creative spaces at the Kirsty's house. Pop over and give her a :-)

Guinea pig update - we do have 2 girls so Sid was the 2 for 1 kind of deal, well 5 for 1 really. We have 2 girls and 1 boy and the other she needs to re-check when they get a bit bigger. I think the little girls will stay and since we don't want a repeat the boys can move on to new homes.

Do You Mind if I Borrow an Opinion?

Back to a little market sewing in between the great Caleb quilt marathon. Well actually Mathilda's market sent me an email asking for my photos of summer stuff, at which point there may of been swearing and then a stern call into action.

Summer linen/cotton pants for boys with a wide turn up cuff that can be shorts of 3/4 with an anchor button at the side and a Sprout fish pocket. Q1 - Glen thinks that they would only suit the younger boys should I make a Sz3 or only 1-2.

The bib dress is using that cute rabbit fabric from Amitie and a pink linen look skirt and lace straps. Q2 - Do you think that i need to add a rabbit pocket to the skirt?

At least the bizarre Melbourne weather gave us a little sunshine to get outside and take the photos I needed by Friday.

How funny is this out-take shot

Off to Market

I leave on Saturday morning to fly up to Sydney for the week-end and can't wait to catch up with friends and spend Sunday at the Mathilda's market. If you are in the area, why not drop in and say hi. It is at Ignatius' College, Riverview in the Main Hall, Tambourine Bay Road, Lane Cove between 9-1. Lets hope the children and Glen manage to not destroy the house while I am away.

These are robot pants and matching reversible vest.

Hope I don't sell these lace cargo pants so I can give Poppy a pair, I think they are so simply sweet.

Eye Spy .. My Morning Ritual

I am ignoring the usual ritual of me running around and yelling for everyone to get ready, eat and be nice to each other. My favourite morning ritual is getting a quick Caleb snuggle before we get up to attack the world. Usually about 6am there is a little wriggling next to me, a kiss on my nose and then hopefully a little doze until we have to get up and start the day. I love this time, he twirls my hair (which he has done since he was born), but he is getting so big now I know I am on borrowed time so I try and lie still and enjoy the moment.

Thanks to Angie for this weeks theme and I am hoping that Fuzzy Dragon (have you seen her drawigns, they are just amazing) can help out for next week. Mr Linky is temporarily not working - I will try to figure out why.

Stop me if you've seen this one before, but these are the new girls pants that I have done for the market. I liked them so much that Poppy has ended up with a pair as well. Denim with anglaise trimmed bottoms and wide lace back pocket. I was hoping to get 8 dresses finished on the week-end for the Sydney market but bed won last night. I think the good nights sleep will do me good in the long run though, especially since work was especially crazy last week.

Eye Spy ... What I am Reading now

My current reading material is restricted to Dr Suess and Golden Books, sad but true. Between working full time, sewing, kinder drop-offs, Poppy playing, Glen working week-ends, cleaning - you get the idea, time to read is unheard of. I think since I work from home, that you also miss out on public transport time to read and stuff, my excuse anyway. If I did have a spare arvo I would be more likely to practice more on my crochet (it needs it), so you can see I have a small issue with having stationary hands. I am though enjoying this when I get the chance.

Thanks to Monique for this weeks theme, I am hoping Trashalou can help us out for next week.

I hope everyone is having a great mothers day. I am celebrating with 2 beautiful cards, donuts with love hearts (that is what happens when you let 4 year-olds pick) and a very thoughtful head cold - hmm thanks. I am hoping for a lovely morning at the park and just some hanging out with my special ones. Hope all the Mums are having a super special day too with their super special ones.

I have also been sewing up some baby sets for the ever looming market in July, these are the boys ones that I have done. One of them is off to a friend with a Peter Rabbit bunny rug that I am madly trying to put together. The blue green sausage dogs are so cute, I really love the pattern. The planes are from Patchwork on Central that have been lurking in my scrap box for a while, I love the retro feel.

Eye Spy ... My Work in Progress

My work in progress is still in it's early infancy stage, I haven't even cut it out, but it is the biggest single project that I have on the horizon. It is Glen's birthday at the end of May so I really want to make him a super cosy jacket for winter now he is catching the early train for work. I am a little nervous, I am not use to so many pieces and sooo much fabric but I am sure I will be fine once I start.

Thanks to Michelle for this weeks theme I really love to see what everyone has cooking. Remember Mr Linky at the bottom, if anyone is having trouble putting in their address let me know. I am hoping the fabulous Jhoanna at One Red Robin will be able to help us out next week. am always amazed at her amazing sewing and great finds (she has a great eye for some beautiful dolls) and she is also super sweet.

I also wanted to say thank-you to all the fantastic comments that I have been receiving lately. I always so excited to get your feedback and support. Can talk now, must go - sewing, sewing, sewing - like a machine.

Little Red Riding Pop

I finished the red flannel jacket from last weeks Creative Space and I am sooo in love with it. It has a super sweet old school feel, and I so love a little 1960's in my day. The trim is Trefle linen with ballerina pigs, there should be more pigs doing ballet I say. The last photo isn't the best of the jacket, but one of my favourite photos ever (not that I am biased).

PJ's Completed

Cupcake pyjamas completed and passing the snuggle test. Look out Peter Alexander.

My Creative Space

My space is a MESS this week, well the last couple really. The little flannel cupcake PJ's for Poppy bring a smile to my face, I hope she loves them too, I should finally get them finished tonight. Woo hoo. I have decided to spend April sewing for the family for winter since it is the plumber with leaky taps and they are wearing everything too small for them and Glen is banging on about being unloved since he doesn't get anything. One more pair of pants for an order and full steam ahead.

Mum rang today to organise her next visit soon. Exciting - Caleb said "Hooray Nana's coming - I need new books". You always know your place in the pecking order here.

More Creative goodness at Kirsty's house.

Breathing 1:01 and Finally some sewing

So I am still getting use to this breathing thing and that things are getting done as quickly as I like, but here is proof I am on the right track. Poppy and I spending a lovely morning at the duck pond with Lulu the dog. I am even cheating and sneaking it into my Magical March since it was yesterday so still technically it made it.

And finally enough of all this blabbing, some actual sewing. I made this little pinnie for Poppy out of some super soft and sweet pin whale cord with ladybugs and clovers that I got at the Amitie sale. I have been busting to make it ever since I got the material and it is one of my favourites!!

Magic March Monday, Eye Spy, Sunday Stash, the Stitches Show, Off to Market

As you can gather from the title I have a little to cover here, it is not that I have been slack though just caught in some weird time vacuum - you know what I mean.

So PottyMouthMama's fab Magical March is going so quick, and I have been keeping an eye out. There have been lots of changes in the last few weeks at Bug and Pop central, out of your comfort zone stuff. Glen has started a new job today and I think it is going to work out so much better than the last, more challenging, more hours, more responsibility. It wasn't exactly his choice to leave but I think it will take him to such a better place, I reckon that is pretty magical when you realise that life steers you in the direction that you need to be and you don't even realise it.

The Stitches and Craft show was a fantastic day out with some lovely ladies. So there was girly giggling, catching up with friends I have not met before but knew so well, there was inappropriate stroking of fabric, there was oggling of fabulously talented ladies wares - so in all this of course I took not one photo. So my Sunday Stash is all my great goodies that I snaffled. When I got home Glen said "Is that all you bought", I nearly went back again as there was SO much good stuff! Miss Kelani was just divine and I got some sweet fabric, fairies for Poppy and old fashioned toys for the boys. I am always a sucker for the Aunty as well, my favourite Cookie and with no calories. The little girl is from Ric Rac (her selvedge creations even more amazing in person), the playmat from One girl, Mixtape mag and super cute fabric bundle from Leni and Rose. Nice collection I think though I forgot to get a One Red Robin brooch. More fabricy goodness at Tamara's.

(Amazing picture from here)

Eye spy for the week was my favourite colour, but I must admit I am a non-colour discriminator, I love them all in some tone or another. It is a bit like picking your favourite child, can't be done. I think that might be my biggest problem that I can't filter and end up with a mix of everything together. Thanks to Amityville Boronia for her super sweet theme. I am hoping the Beyond Pink and Blue will be able to pick out next weeks theme. While you are there check out the GREAT work she has been doing with Rainbow comfort packs.

Lastly but not least the market went well on Sunday, thanks so much for all your well wishes yet again. It wasn't as good as the December one, but I think I may of been a little spoilt there. As always it is interesting to see what does and doesn't go well. The applique tops did well so I think I will definitely do more of those. The boy pants in denims and browns and the vests were super popular but the green and orange pants not as much so I am thinking that I will do some different types for the Sydney market in July and see how they go. Thankfully Glen came with me which was great (you can see him in profile with coffee), only someone special can tell you not to look scared - It is meant to be fun. And it was, there is nothing better when someone gasps "Oh I love capes". Lots of super sweet ladies came to say hello as well, Beth and Lou and the always super supportive Liesl with Argy in tow. Can't wait for Sydney in July already, at least I have a good head start for that one, so not so many late nights.

Wow, what a post, I probably should of broken for you. It is late, hope I haven't sent you off to sleep.