Pippiwillow

Wardrobe Re-Worked!

2011-03-31T09:53:00.006+11:00

I saw an advertisement from my local neighbourhood house for this "the Sustainable stylist Re-Work You Wardrobe" and I was compelled to go.

I went along to the 5 hour class with my back pack full of old clothes, clothes that I no longer wore but did not want to throw away. Clothes that I knew had the potential to become something else but also needed someone with more vision than me.

Kim Kneipp's class was a wonderful way to spend the day.

I met three really lovely women who were all of like mind when it came to their clothes - that is, we needed help with re-working them into something ace, something we would wear a lot and something we saw no point in adding to the masses of clothing that become landfill when no longer fashionable-fitting well-or longer our style.

We were all welcomed into Kim's studio, warmed by the burning fire and shared enthusiasm of each-others soon to be 'new' clothes'.

Last year I found this gorgeous pure wool pale green/grey winter coat at a market for $6!!!!!

It was too big, too short in the sleeve and had no shape - or rather it did not suit my shape.

I had moved up into the hills where it gets ridiculously cold I knew I could use a coat like this.

I required some 'help' and this is where Kim's class fitted in nicely to the mysterious ways of the world.

After much trying on , draping pinning, tucking, and wonderful tips and style help from Kim and the girls, I came away with these.

I still need to do a bit more work on them but I am so inspired to more to other items.

I absolutlely love the idea of shopping within my own wardrobe and re-working wat I already own.

Thanks Kim and thanks also to Claire, Louise and Sue.

I can't wait for the next sewing day.

See who else has things to show and tell today over here.

Cheers.

Breathe

2011-02-25T20:08:00.006+11:00

Occasionally I am reminded about keeping 'it' simple, appreciating the moment. Breathe.

I am realising that all of the worries, stresses and anxieties that can overwhelm and cloud my spirit are given more of my power, my energy and my time than they are worthy of. Breathe.

I have found myself getting quite lost in these feelings of late - and frankly, I am just bloody tired of it. I do not like the shroud of fear, worry and angst that has settled over my world due to a situation I did not create and can not control. Breathe. Slowly-Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

I have given myself over more to these feelings than I have to my family, to my friends and to those that make my heart sing and soar - the very people who have always been around, available and ready to catch me when I was ready to let it all go. Breathe. Slowly-Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

My beautiful friend had her first baby last week - a delicious bundle of loveliness - 'Ella Rose'.

I went to visit them yesterday and I spent what felt like an age just having her resting on my legs sleeping and finding myself once again lost.

Mercifully lost in the wonder and the magnitude of the new born baby.

Lost in the stark reality and simplicity of life.

Lost in the beauty and perfection of new life.

Lost in the vision of my dear friends look of absolute love and devotion to her new baby illustrated throughout her body and face.

Lost in the new identity that my friend now has - Mother.

Amazing little reality check, really. Breathe. Slowly-Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

For the wonderful new human who now has the title of "fairy god-daughter", I have made these

from found fabric.

The top (embroidered) side of the shoe is cut from the edge of a table cloth and the back and sole from some printed pink corduroy discovered in 'the stash'.

I loved making these - it's been ages since my last sewing session (dear Father) and I am feeling energised and excited to start again.

My sister's 'bestie' also had a baby last week - a boy, so I will make another pair for him - 'Samuel'.

Feeling crappy is so insidious - I have felt like I am carrying a satchel of worry and broken-ness. At times it has felt too hard to be near other people for fear of weighing them down with my negative energy.

Breathe. Slowly-Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

Thankfully, mercifully, there are some amazing people out there who inspire, love, support, care, encourage and share with you. Lift you, help you to remember 'you'.

There are also baby shaped bundles of pure bliss, child sized bundles too - that look up to you with outstretched arms and call you 'Mummy'.

There are the great strong arms, broad shoulders and the gentle soul of a man so beautiful thinking about him can make me weep with the knowing that he is mine and I am his.

There are some simply wonderful people out there and I am so very grateful.

To the super fun, clever, warm and welcoming women in town who create loveliness and inspire me - I thank you.

To the family who loves me - I thank you.

To the friends from 'home' - I thank you - and I miss you!

Breathe. Slowly-Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

To the crappy shitty energy and those who wouldst revel in ugly ugly behaviour - you can sod off!

Exhale and let go.......

And now go see who else has stuff to show and tell over here

Cheers.

The View From Here

2010-11-27T14:30:00.001+11:00

It's hard to go out side and play when your world is looking like this.

I dont want to be in the garden today.

I want to be in bed with a great book, snoozing, all warm and toasty and relaxed.

The reality is that I am very much awake, inside and house bound with two small people and one large man and a wet Labrador named 'Graeme'.

We are not visiting the Daylesford show as planned.

We are not planting new things in the vege patch.

We are not going for the family walk or bike ride as we had thought..

The small people are not carrying out their favourite "I'm bored activity" - which is to paint my garden shed - however they choose.

We are inside.

Trapped by the relentless onslaught of heavy 'Im here for the week - so perish any thought of drying your washing, being outside, feeling the sun on your face.. kind of rain

We are inside.

Watching a window leak.

Watching to two small people swing from polar opposites of behaviour - friendly, happy, confident co-operative play one minute to rolling on the floor, a tangled mess of leg and arm spaghetti punctuated by squeals and yelling 'give it back' /'that's mine' /"MUMMY-DADDY".

I have got to read some of my favourite blogs - between refereeing the small people.

I have got to 'window shop-online' for some Christmas things.

I want my daydream to become reality - just for a while.

Perhaps until the rain stops.

How do you deal with this kind of rain when you have small people inside? I'd love some ideas.

Cheers

My (Damaged and Serviced) Creative Space

2010-09-09T12:11:00.001+10:00

I haven't been doing much sewing (the machine kind) of late.

Poor Basil (the machine), each and every time I would put my foot to the pedal he would emit a sound akin to an 'old school' steam engine busting it's chops to get up a hill " I think I can, I think I can, I think I can and then one day - he couldn't.

Neither forward or back would Basil go.

So after some consultation with some local ladies in the know I took him off to the fixer-uperer of the sewing machine kind.

And now he is back!

He runs smoothly, emitting only the sound that a sewing machine should make (this is so entirely foreign to me as Basil has sounded so poorly for so long I forgot what a sewing machine should sound like).

So, with a new one of these I can now see what I am doing .

And a new one of these...(check out the damage to the plate that 'someone' has caused)

I have been severely reprimanded by the sewing machine fixer-uperer's and advised not to push or pull when sewing.

Hmmmmmm could be something in that 'pearl of wisdom'.

Head over to Kirsty's to see who else has stuff to show and tell today.

Happy sewing to you.

Cheers

Some Kinda Wonderful

2010-09-07T20:11:00.005+10:00

Sometimes the world smiles at you, the planets align and all is ace.

Sometimes the planets are definitely not aligned and the world around me turns to mud, which is a substance I find very hard to swim in let alone wave my arm high in the air whilst simultaneously shouting "help".

During one of my brief visits to my home last week I had some time to do a bit of blog reading - I got to reading this one and thought I'd leave a comment - not to 'win' a/the prize but, because I wanted to share my small girl's funny habit that makes me smile.

The small girl's funny habit obviously appealed to the powers that be as this week I have received this package of goodness in the mail box.

Not only did Jodie send me this ace T-shirt by 'ARK' but she also and oh so generously included these patterns!

I love the idea behind the T-shirts and am really thrilled to be wearing one. And I do promise to undertake Acts of Random Kindness as often as I can.

I also promise to slow down, stop being so grown up and wrapped up in my world of 'lists of things to do' to enable me to see the beauty behind the things my small girl says and does.

So thanks a million Jodie and ARK for sharing the good humour and good vibes.

Please take a minute a have a look at the ARK website to see the great stuff they make and have for sale. Whilst you're surfing...go to Jodie's blog or shop and see what super clever aceness she has dreamed up and made for us to see and buy.

Cheers.

No Dodo's

2010-07-15T16:42:00.000+10:00

My small girl started Kinder this year, and is loving it.

Which was quite a relief as I had envisaged weeks of unsettled-ness, and masses of anxiety for all of us at drop off time....Nope, the only tears were mine on the first day at drop off time.

Kinder is a learning curve for us all.

We are completely new to the area and it seemed (then) that most of the other Mums/Dads knew each other well and were happily milling about chatting and quietly spying on their kids through the artwork peppered windows.

Whilst my daughter had found several new friends to chat to about entirely important 4 yr. old stuff, I stood there all on my own..with my sun glasses on , tears rolling down my face and listening to the other parents arrange to meet down the road for coffee...I drove home all sad wondering how long it would take me to make some friends too.

Not long!

This is a great town with such a strong sense of community, we have been welcomed entirely.

I no longer feel sad or lonely or friend-less at drop off time. Or any other time for that matter and I have learnt things about me during this process too.

So, I kept that Kinder' /community spirit in mind when the kinder teacher asked if I would make some teaching aids for the kinder I said "sure".

I was given this book,

Which, is a 'counting up to ten book'.

Each number has a picture of a specific species of an endangered animal.

For example, there are nine dolphins. - So I made nine Dolphins from felt.

On the last page of the book (as the title suggests) there is no picture, as there are now no Dodo's on the planet.

I was asked to make the required amount of animals for each number.

The teaching idea being that when counting with the class the teacher would stick each animal up onto a felt board.

I loved this little project on two levels.

1. I was helping the Kinder and enjoyed the process of making these felt animals.

2. The teacher was able to gently impart a really important message to the kids about our planet and its animals, our environment and the effect we people are having on them.

Go see who else has been playing show and tell in their creative spaces today over at Kirsty's.

Have a great day.

Cheers

Rafi and his new family's - Creative Space.

2010-07-08T08:25:00.002+10:00

The small boy's birthday is just around the corner and for him I have repaired his beloved Rafi, I have also made a family of Giraffe's for 'Rafi' to hang out with down on the plains....

Rafi looked like this after 2 1/2 yrs of 'love' from a small boy.

I wondered if I should even attempt to stick a needle into the felty thread bare coat of Rafi let alone try to attach something to it. I wondered if it would all be too much for him causing Rafi haemorrhage is fluffy innards at a significantly faster rate than he already was.

I considered making Rafi a 'new suit' to wear, I had even planned on ensuring the small boy was part of the process of 'dressing' Rafi in the new suit so as not to cause him any undue anxiety for his 'old Rafi'.

Using the off cuts from the new 'Rafi family' I made some patches for Rafi and blanket stitched them on to him - starting with the great gaping hole in his neck.

And now he looks like this

(Legs to be patched soon)

And these are his herd members, his new family.

These new Giraffe's may soon have some needle felted patches - I'm well over blanket stitching for now.

Should you be requiring some felt of glorious thickness - safe in the knowledge that it wont pull apart when worked with, is hand dyed and made from 100% pure wool then I urge you to go visit Trudi's shop 'Me and Ewe' - You will be so pleased you did.

For more lovely words and lovely things to look at, go see who else is playing Kirsty's game of show and tell today.

Have a great day.

Cheers.

Rafi -repairs update

2010-04-25T15:33:00.001+10:00

It has arrived!

The beeep beep beeeeeep of the postman's motorbike heralded the arrival of a parcel at Pippiwillow HQ last week.

After much agonising over which colour to choose to re-create 'Rafi' - I had to choose two.

The beautiful hand dyed wool felt that Trudi at Me & Ewe makes and sells is just so lovely, I really couldn't choose just one colour so, I chose two. I am quite proud that I could stop at two...for now.

These are the colours that I have chosen.

A gorgeous camel-esque colour and a rusty colour. I may dry/needle felt the spots on or I may not. I will have to see how they look once they 'come to life'.

So, now as the weather is cooler and the night comes earlier I feel my creative 'mojo' (?'sewjo') starting to bubble beneath the surface.

As I now have two colours for Rafi - I will make a family of them and give the small boy a great surprise - he really misses his Rafi.

Does anyone else become more 'in the mood' to sew and create when the weather turns? What do you create? Are you of the sewing machine persuasion? or perhaps a knitter?

I end up with so many projects on the go I often have half finished creations and bigger plans for more before I've finished the first one.

Cheers.

Giraffe - V's small boy

2010-03-26T19:20:00.000+11:00

He used to be a long lean tree munching machine. Meandering and traversing the Savannah with few predators to take up the precious thinking space in his head. The only thoughts (possibly) being "where's my next tree" and "don't bend your neck down for too long".

But, then he came to my house. Or, more specifically to my small boy.

He was a hand made first birthday gift from my Sister to my small boy.

Who loved him so much, he now has a broken neck.

Whilst I do think this new pose gives 'Rafi' a permanently quizzical and interested look. The small boy believes that 'Rafi's' head is feeling poorly and needs some medicine.

"Poor Rafi" (poor me) - me thinks, Rafi can't be repaired and will have to be re-made - at night when the small boy is sleeping lest he see the horror of his beloved 'Rafi' be taken apart.

After I acquire some lovely new hand dyed wool felt from Trudi's oh so lovely new Etsy shop 'Me and Ewe' (please go there and you'll see why I love felt) I will be ready to begin.

I may even make a family of 'Rafi's' - industrial strength Rafi's at that (and this time they may even have some 'Giraffe like patterns/colouring' upon their lovely coats and some serious leg reinforcements to avoid the 'splaying leg pose' - which I note, is quite a normal thing for a Giraffe to do - just not all the time).

Cheers.

Still Here - Just somewhere else

2010-02-27T09:15:00.001+11:00

We have moved house recently.

I didn't have the time before we got here (with the working away from home, packing a house that we were still renovating, kid wrangling, the Mr needing to stay at the old place to finish it whilst the small people and I settled into and unpacked our stuff into the new one) to really contemplate the connections that I had developed with my local community, my neighbours and their kids, the parks (Oh how I loved the ability to escape - on foot with the kids to a park when the 'crazy hour' descended upon us).

I am the 'new kid in school' now in my new community.

The new kid who really wants to make some friends.

The new kid who now understands the enormity of what and whom she/they all left behind when seeking a lifestyle and environment that feels better.

Whilst I am so grateful for the relationships I developed at the old place, I am even more so for the fledgling relationships that are forming within my new one.

Blogging has enabled me to 'speak' to people who live in my new area - prior to me getting here. I asked some bloggers who lived here about the area, did they move here, did they grow up here, what are the schools, the kindergartens, child care, play areas etc like. All of these conversations took place via email and all because I started to blog, to read and comment on other blogs.

A few weeks after getting here I received an email from this woman asking "are you here yet? When can we have a cuppa"?

We arranged a time and she arrived with a basketful of home grown goodness.

These are just a wee sample of the supremely excellent biodynamic garlic that Beck grows - It is without doubt the best garlic I've ever had the pleasure of cooking with and eating!

The gift of such goodness was awesome enough but the thought and the generosity and the gesture of reaching out to an almost stranger made my belly flip and humbles me still.

I was invited to come along to a craft group! - which I will most definitely do whenever the work thing does not prevent me from going.

This is not my usual 'style' of blogging - I am usually - mostly about the crafty stuff with a bit of waffle thrown in but, given the wonderful support and offers of friendship that have come my way through blogging I felt I would like to say a massive face splitting smiling 'Thank-You' to both Beck and Kate.

On a crafty note - I am still learning how to knit some 'bowls' (I am gifted in the art of undoing knitting, dropping stitches and also adding stitches when I shouldn't have) and I have been planning a world of felted creatures who are yet to take form...

Soon, soon I will find my stash (under the mountain of still not unpacked boxes) and create a new beginning.

Cheers

Christmasy Goodness

2009-12-17T09:05:00.003+11:00

This year I've been completely inspired by all of you bloggers out there are super handy with the sewing machine and more so by those who pledged to not buy clothing but rather make it themselves and where possible, to make it with previously loved clothing or fabric.

Whilst I am certainly nowhere near the skill level required to be making something that I can wear, I thought I would apply the philosophy behind the pledge to the Christmas presents I intended to give.

I have felt for a while now that I had become almost clinical about Christmas gift buying.

I would ask a family member, friend etc what they would like, or I surreptitiously figured out what I thought they could be needing and I'd get it for them.

No problem there really, but, I felt I was missing the 'spirit' bit.

I decided that this year I would be giving 'bags of home made goodness'.

So, I went to many thrift shops and found 'stuff'.

Old table cloths, bed sheets, strange pieces of strapping, doilies, cotton thread, curtains...the works *.

I thought I'd try my hand at chutney making.

A lot of tears were shed owing to the mountain of onions that were chopped, so much so I resorted to wearing my daughters swimming goggles to get the job done with my fingers intact.

A squillion hours of measuring, cutting, sewing (& unpicking!) a wee bit of swearing, chopping, 'mortar and pestling', simmering, and jar sterilising later....

And Here you have...

'Bags of home made goodness'.

Inside each Home Made bag there will be an Apron, an Oven Mitt, Three jars of Chutney (a jar of Apple & Mango for curry, a jar of spicy tomato and a jar of timid tomato) and a bottle of Worm wee (for the garden's consumption - I must remember put that on the label!)

So there it is, my Christmas bags of home made goodness.

The sewing is far from perfect, in fact each sewn item has it's own special 'nuance'!

But I am really happy with them all.

There's a bit less landfill now (hopefully) and I feel like I am 'giving'.

And that makes me feel ace.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, stay safe.

Cheers.

* All fabrics were washed once they arrived at Pippiwillow

My Creative Space - Love Stuff

2009-11-26T09:15:00.000+11:00

Love.

The word alone can summon all manner of emotion which can translate into many forms of physical expression.

The butterflies in your belly because you're 'in love', the heart wrenching ache when your 'Love' is unrequited and a quiet warm knowing of 'I am loved'. There are many kinds of love.

My friend is soon to marry the man that she loves.

She love love loves him and wants everyone to know, and wants her 'people' whom she/they hold closest to witness the formalising of this love by the guy in the suit.

My friend wants me to sing for them.......

However, she has left the choice of song up to me. Not the easiest task really as there are just so many.

So dear bloggers I am asking you -

"What is your choice of love song?"

I am seeking ideas, the song can be whatever you like, whatever makes you think 'love'.

At my wedding, our friend sang for us 'First Day of My Life' by Bright Eyes. (Please indulge yourself, click on the link and spend three minutes smiling and feeling your heart bubble about in your chest - you'll smile I promise).

Ours was not your usual 'wedding type song'.. But that was our choice we loved and still love it.

I seek song ideas of all styles, types, genres - At best I will have a guitarist to accompany me, at worst I will be A cappella.

So please please please help me and let me know what you have in your "love song cupboard'.

I really need some help with this.

Cheers & I hope your day is full of LOVE

Scoot on over to Kirtsy's today to see who else has things to show and tell today.

A Productive Weekend

2009-11-22T17:20:00.001+11:00

The 'renovation to do list' is being heartily undertaken over here at ours.

We have three months in which to cross off an ever increasing list of 'things to do' prior to us moving out and on to a whole new place.

For five years I have thought about paving a pathway to our side gate and I have now been collecting bricks from deconstructed houses for two.

These 6 days off have been very productive for both the Mr and I, with both of us feeling that we have achieved and that our energy expenditure and fluctuating stress and problem solving (or not solving) levels have been justified.

Quite a while ago I 'built' this house - see below.

I 'paved' a pathway to lead this wee family into their house.

Although I was/am not an expert I figured I could the real thing (paving) a go.

"Why not" I thought, "it is just a different medium".....

Sixty five besquillion bricks all moved and put into place
An uncountable number of all over body jiving "eeeeek get that bloody red back spider off my hand/arm/boot/pant leg type dances"
The shovelling and stirring of cement and sand, the endless sweeping - back sweeping-side sweeping of said sand/cement mixture (yes, all you folks in the know, I cheated and swept it into the cracks!)
one broken broom and
an unbelievably sore back later....

Bloggers, friends, countrywomen.....I had a dream ... and I have achieved

THIS - all by MYSELF...YAY!

My Creative Space-What Logo?

2009-11-19T10:30:00.000+11:00

This week I have been ridiculously busy.

Too much working and not nearly enough sewing.

You know those times when you cant think 'where do I start' because you've already go so many things/projects on the go you can't really remember where to pick up again?

This is one of those times.

My head space is simply bursting with the 'to be done' list.

There is the Christmas things, fixing/mending things, just because I want to things, the knitting things (which sadly I have not yet even completed one 'bowl) and of course the practice 'something that I could possibly one day wear thing'.

Not forgetting the 'working away from home thing' that is really hindering my chance of actually achieving completion of any of these 'things'.

I have however, had time for a bit of this...

I won't rant again, I promise, but I thought I'd show you all the result of the question I posed some time ago.

A pre-emptive apology for the dodgy photography here..

And after going through another bag of 'hand me downs' (oh thank you ever re-cycling circle of clothing ) I found some clothes that would fit my small girl but, they needed a bit of a change...

Ta da....

And finally, whilst working away from home has it's down side, I still get to leave the lounge room looking like this

for me to return to and attempt to pick up where I left off.

This is my new (all be it temporary away from home creative space, filled with the makings of Christmas gifts - which by the completion of the huge Christmas creations task I have set my self - will all be made from thrifted table cloths and other thrifted linens....it's a deceptively 'organised yet chaotic' workspace in progress.

Head over to Kirsty's to see who else has 'things' to show and tell this week.

Cheers.

My Creative Space - Knitted & Felted nest of bowls

2009-10-29T10:00:00.002+11:00

My very clever friend Sam is not only a wonderfully kind, caring and compassionate woman but is also now my knitting teacher (that's her hands below showing me what to do).

You see I have sat back here in my land of Pippiwillow, needle felting, sewing with wool felt and more recently playing with and trying to befriend the sewing machine.

All the while watching, with ever greening eye all of you very clever knitters out there.

I have only ever attempted to knit a scarf and I needed my Mum to 'assist' me (which actually means to cast on, off and to sort out all of the dropped stitches-I love my Mum.)

I've always fancied the idea of being able to knit stuff, it seems relaxing, it's very transportable and I shouldn't really cause myself too many injuries with a knitting needle (as opposed to the dry felting needle-stabbing of my fingers type injury I normally sustain).

Sam has been knitting these.

After proudly coming over to play (chat) and to show me her almost completed project I decided I wanted in.

I wanted to learn too.

So, armed with a shopping list I went to the wool shop and purchased

1. The wrong sized double pointed 4 pack of knitting needles.

2. Not enough wool to complete the entire set.

However, I did remember to buy wool that is NOT for the washing machine - so that it would felt. (oh thank you other very clever friend who reminded me that the local school with the Steiner stream was having their school fete this past weekend - this is where I got to buy my wool from!)

Whilst I am away this week I have decided to try to finish my first of seven knitted bowls.

I will also try to start some of the other sewing projects that ought be done prior to the night before the big red fella comes down the chimney.....

Have a lovely week, & hop on over to Kirsty's to see who else has stuff to show and tell this week.

Cheers.

My (no sentences on my kids please) Creative Space

2009-10-22T13:54:00.000+11:00

Our dislike of branded things here at our place is not a new topic of conversation for this blog.

I haven't opened up this can of worms before though..

My children are beautiful, your children are beautiful.

Why then do people produce items of clothing such as this?

The sexualisation of children well before their natural time, the marketing 'genius' of mass production and big business, allowing our precious children to be exposed to situations and conversations that they can not possibly understand and societies idea of what is 'good looking'.

Where/when/why did it all go so pear shaped.

When did the average age for girls to stop playing with dolls go from 10-11 to 6!

My small girl came in to our bedroom the other day absolutely bursting with pride because she had dressed herself.

Orange and white stripy dress, purple long sleeved T-shirt, rainbow coloured tights, black 'outside working boots' and a woollen rainbow beanie.

I was so happy because she was so happy. I could see how proud she was of her effort - we previously were needing to help with the pulling of the top over the head bit or the tights.. but not today.

"It's because I'm four" replied my small girl when I asked her how she did it all by herself.

Then, right in the middle of my heart almost bursting with singsong happiness my small girl positioned her body in the "model on red carpet stopping for photo shoot" pose, stuck out her tiny bot' and asked "do I look sexy Mummy?"

The world stopped, I could hear in slow motion, my heart sped up to one bazillion beats a minute and my face fell.

WHAT?

She saw my face go from utter joy and elation to disbelief, fright and finally anger. It was as physical as it was emotional and I couldn't stop it.

I was not and am not angry with her, let me clarify that point right now.

How did she learn such a phrase? How did she learn the pose?

I asked the question and she simply said "the Telly".......

We don't let them watch commercial TV, they are only allowed a very finite amount of time watching ABC!!! and even that is on a rare occasion.

How far off "our" plan for raising our kids have we gone since we swapped roles and I went to work full time?

Panic.

Undo it.

Take it back.

Erase those images and ideas from my daughters head. She is only four years old.

So when we are asked why we don't like clothes with sentences or why the TV will not be on in the presence of my kids - I feel quite justified in giving my answers - even more so now.

I haven't decided what to do to this yet - it was a gift for the small girl for her fourth birthday.

I do like the bird print though.

Any ideas?

Head over to Kirsty's for more creative spaces this week - and you'll likely find blogs about creating beautiful things rather than an anti slogan rant!

Thank-You - this has been quite cathartic.

Cheers

My (Bon Voyage) Creative Space

2009-10-08T09:40:00.000+11:00

I work away from home - A LOT. My beautiful family come and stay with me sometimes - which is pure joy for me whilst they are there.

With all of this trekking up and down highways going on I have seen all manner of travelling luggage.

I got to thinking about the small peoples travelling luggage. We are not 'fans' of branded stuff here at our place which, made getting some 'kids' type luggage really tricky.

So, off to the "Op-Shop' I went.

We found some suitable sized suitcases (big enough for a four day trip & easy enough to 'play with').

I then found my stash of bed spreads and got cutting...... and gluing.

I love these cases now and so do the kids.

They will often 'pack' them and go travelling around the house and garden until they arrive at their desired destination....

Whilst not resolving the 'Mummy working away from home issue', at least the kids now have some seriously funky travelling gear.

Head over to Kirsty's to see what everyone has to show and tell today.

Cheers.

Re-Fashioned Crocheted Cardigan

2009-10-04T15:21:00.000+11:00

Like many of you, I really like having the 'time' to go 'Op -Shopping' (which actually means..'not having the kids with me so I can peruse my wee heart out, without fear of one of them - or me, having a meltdown in the shop).

I spied it from across the room and knew that I must buy it.

A bright purple Crocheted Cardigan!

I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do with a massive bright purple crocheted cardigan.

It was woollen and heavy. Someone made this! Someone took the time, passion and energy to make it. Someone who liked the colour purple and flowery perfume.*

After seeing so many re-fashioning posts on many blogs and enquiring as to how this was done I had a vague understanding of the 'you just start cutting & don't be scared approach'.

I knew eventually I would do something to it but, for now I was lacking the 'creative vision' that was required. I felt that I should at least have a plan for this fabulous purple creation given the energy it took an unknown person to make it.

Whilst I may have been (at this point) lacking 'creative vision', I wasn't lacking a washing machine, several tennis balls and pairs of thongs.

So, the massive bright purple crocheted cardigan was felted - it required two 'sessions' to get it done and then when I cut off the arms I realised they needed their own special extra 'session' in the felting machine, as they started to unravel!

I am still working away from home several days a week, and this week I decided it was time to do something to this cardigan ..

The arm holes were too tight now for me to wear as a cardigan so I cut them off.

After the felting process it was too short now so I cut the arms along the length and attached them to the bottom of the cardigan. I like the 'choppy chunky' look of the reverse seam along the base.

The centre buttons came off in the washing machine so I didn't need to think about those.

It was clear this was going to be a vest and I wanted the centre closed.

I took the section at the back - the bit that attached at the sides and drew in the waist at the back (so sorry, I clearly am lacking the correct term for this bit). Anyway I sewed that down the front to join the two sections together.

I removed the pocket 'flaps' as I figured it was looking fairly 'bulky' by now and did't want to add to it.

The back of the cardi'/vest was still quite plain and it wasn't fitting snuggly around my mid bits.

I could hear the wise words of women who have inspired and encouraged me to try re-fashioning and so, with heart in mouth I 'just had a go'.

Here is the end result. I think I like it although, it is a little odd but aren't we all!

Today it is getting a public wearing. I shall keep note of the odd looks I receive.

I am venturing off to work again today for several days and I have been given homework to complete in the vain attempt to improve my relationship with the sewing machine and actually - eventually create something that I can wear.

I'm hoping for an 'A'!

* I am sorry, I forgot to take a pre-felting and pre arm removal photograph.

Cheers

My (small girl's) Creative Space

2009-09-23T22:00:00.004+10:00

My beautiful small girl has been watching me create 'stuff' for her entire four years now.

In the lead up to her birthday she requested a "sewing box with cottons and needles for sewing and we can do sewing and you can show me".

So as the fourth birthday approached we went out and found the sewing box of her choosing.

I then filled it with some tapestry wool of varying colours, some plastic 'needles', safety scissors and sequins (apparently they are very much needed by 4 yo girls, I am still not sure why).

Upon the first request to do some sewing I asked the small girl to draw what ever she liked on to a piece of felt, she drew her family.

Small girl, Mummy, small boy, the Mr and the dog*

Threading the needle... This proved a wee bit tricky for little fingers so I 'helped'.

SO with the drawing or 'outline' on the felt I set about with great enthusiasm showing her how to 'sew'.

Poke the needle in, push it through and pull the wool through....anyway you get the idea.

I notice my child's eyes have glazed over, a vacant stare revealing her disinterest, her mind taking her away on some other not so boring kind of adventure.... until she spies the pot of sequins....Shiny, coloured, sparkly teasing alluring sequins.

It was at this time she proceeded to lick them and stick them on her face, arms and legs...

There is now a daily requst to do some 'sewing', which naturally, involves playing with sequins.

I am sure I know who will be completing the 'family picture' for the small girl's first sewing adventure.

Head over to Kirsty's to see who else has some creative 'stuff' to show and tell.

Cheers.

* The dog (Graeme) is the six legged creature, second from the left.

By the way... the picture above is small girl "knitting"

Tea Set Luck

2009-09-23T09:16:00.002+10:00

Quite a while ago now I stumbled across a great blog called Dragonfly Interiors I was lucky enough to find it on the day they were having a 'give away'.

'Uber' lucky as it turned out as, I won this oh so lovely tea set.

My daughter still thinks it it for her to 'play' with and can't quite understand why I say that "at this point it is mine to 'play' with".

Thanks again to both Karen and Patsy.

Head over to Karen's blog or web site to see the great items that she imports from both Vietnam and Thailand.

Items such as these and many many more.

With Karen's dragonfly obsession in mind I made her this.....

And Patsy will get this.....

and I clearly need a new 'chuck it in the bag handy camera as this wee one no longer will focus!

Have a great day.

Cheers.

*** Apologies for earlier posting without checking to see if it had all 'worked'...

My Creative Space - Formula Tin Toy

2009-09-10T13:45:00.001+10:00

Gift giving always makes me feel good.

I feel even better when I have made the gift and I feel especially really good when I have made from re-cycled stuff.

For my Son's first Christmas I made him a toy.

I had noticed that he was getting to that "posting" stage of development e.g. putting things into holes, slots, DVD/CD players that don't naturally go there...

Christmas was fast approaching and still I had made nothing for him.

With the 'postings' in mind and bread in the video player, an idea found me.

I got a formula tin from my friend.

I got the older Sister to do some painting.

Inked and stamped their feet on to the dried painting.

Put a protective clear plastic self adhesive coating onto the painting and attached it to the tin.

I cut a circular hole in the lid.

Purchased a bag of wooden dolly pegs

And finally I advised the Mr that it would be a more meaningful gift for our Son if we were to both (be up late at night as the children slept dreaming of all things Christmas) be painting the pegs.

My Son has just had his second birthday, he still loves this toy as does our daughter. It gave him loads of pleasure picking up the dolls, turning them right way up and then dropping them into the hole...Magically disappearing! Picking them up, turning them right way up(an interesting little trait of his that things must be 'right way up') and putting them into the hole.... and repeat..

The look on his face was/is priceless.

Developmentally, this toy will help build hand-eye co-ordination, fine motor skills, reasoning and more.

But basically it is fun, easy, and kids love it.

Hop on over to kootoyoo and see who else has some creative stuff to show n' tell.

Cheers.

A Family

2009-09-09T20:28:00.000+10:00

Recently I read a post that asked the question "what makes a family". I posted my response in the appropriate section and merrily went on my blog hopping way.

That question and the thoughts that come with it began rattling about my head again recently as I was asked to make 'a family' of dolls for a friend.

I replied to my friend "I'd love to but, what does 'a family' mean to you? "

My friends response was beautiful and inclusive of all but, she said, "I can't fit everyone in the dolls house so could you just make a Dad, a Mum, a boy and a girl and a dog please".

So I did.

To keep this great dialogue going.....What does ' a family mean to you'?

Messenger Bag-MADE!

2009-09-04T16:25:00.000+10:00

Back in July I stumbled upon some links to bag patterns thanks to Sandra.

I loved the idea of making a bag from scratch and then came the flood of thoughts of "oohh I could make all sorts of bags for the family and friends for Christmas, birthdays etc" and off I went on my imaginary bag making creative explosion.

The minor snag being that I hadn't quite made friends with the machine yet - in fact I still don't know if we are friends, but 'it' didn't sew my finger this time so I think we are making progress.

Armed with the tutorial/bag pattern of my choice 'the basic messenger bag', I went hunting for fabric.

It is my preference (where possible) to use stuff that has already had some type of a life, so I went to my local 'op-shop' and found some old upholstery fabric.

Whilst I was there I also bought 20 pre-used zips for $1.00! I am not sure why (since I don't know how to put them in), I just thought I could use them at some point in my creative future.

This is where my bag making adventure came to a halt - I got a bit scared by the whole 'following a pattern' (of sorts) idea, and the technicality of machine sewing - given that I am most comfortable with a needle in hand (for felting or hand sewing).

As always, I was encouraged by the 'sew-wise' Nikki to just 'have a go'.

So I did.

I measured, cut, interfaced (that was a whole language learning curve in itself).

Then I embellished.

This is what can happen when you sit cross legged with you embroidery on your knees as you sew!

Whilst the fabric seemed thick and strong enough I worried about the general shape of the bag once it was loaded up with the secret business of woman.

Upon discussing this issue with Nikki-sew-wise - I was sent a link for a bag base tutorial using template plastic.

For this I am very grateful to both Nikki's.

So here it is my very first bag.

As I was so pleased with my attempts so far I thought I push it a bit further...I added on a zip!

Ta Da!

I am ridiculously proud of it - and grateful the machine didn't bite me again!.

Cheers.

My (away at work) creative space

2009-08-27T15:17:00.001+10:00

My 'other job' (the one gives me with money in return for my efforts) - at present, requires me to leave home, often for up to five days straight. The days are long and the nights can be longer (depending on how much work I am asked to undertake). I miss my children and the Mr and the undulating love bound tidal chaos that is our home life.

However, the fact is, that I am in and out of a house of which I am the sole occupant for five days straight (with frequent 'work' interruptions) and it is not lost on, nor unappreciated by me as, I get to leave it looking like this!!!

And as I am the only one coming and going from it - I can pick up directly where I left off OR NOT! As the case often is.

I might just move on to some other project...and pick back up again much later where I had left the other one off earlier.

There are scissors left with gay abandon, pins dangerously close to rolling off the table onto the floor, patterns (even though I can't follow them properly), a sewing machine - left plugged in and set up! bags of wool tops, a rainbow of felt, needling tools, note pads with ideas and scribbles (not from the kids), bags of choke-on-able buttons (but I don't have to worry - unless I should have some kind of sleep walking button eating mishap).

That is of course unless the Mr and kidlets have come to visit.

In which case I run about like a (very excited) mad woman trying to tidy and put away my fabric, my oh so dangerous pins and needles, the bag of choke-on-able buttons, my felt, my books of inspiration, my unfinished or perhaps even not yet started projects in some sort of order so that I might feel inspired to start creating when they depart rather than slowed down by the enormity of sorting it all out again..

It is, generally speaking, 'my place of creative chaos' (some of the time anyway - it is not my home nor is it my shag pile carpet - for those who were alarmed at it's presence and colour) and I thought I'd share it with you all.

In half an hour I will again depart for this house of creative whimsy. In two & a half hours I guarantee it will again look like this!

Have a great and creative week. Check out some other creative places at Kootoyoo.

Felt Booties

2009-08-19T21:33:00.002+10:00

My lovely neighbour recently had her third baby - a gorgeous wee girl.

I wasn't sure what to make for her.

I'll take a slight tangent here (or "waffle on a bit" as I have been recently advised).

Generally speaking I don't buy many gifts or 'thing's for people as I prefer to make them stuff instead.

I guess I have the romantic notion that 'handmade stuff' is made with and from love, has been given much thought, has been constructed especially for that particular person and maybe just maybe they'll like it - maybe like it enough to keep it for a long time. And one day, when they are older, they'll maybe still have that 'thing' that was made just for them because they will know that they are loved, liked, cared for, family, friend, neighbour, etc and their heart will sing.

I also have the idea that by making the 'thing' myself, the receiver of such finery will not already have one. (or at least not like the one I've just made!)

Anyway I digress....

The gift... after much thought, I remembered that a few years ago friend gave me a super simple bootie pattern made using......FELT of course!

So after a bit of cutting, pinning, blanket stitching and artistic licence....

TADAAAAAA!

These are dangerous things to make for those teetering dangerously on the cusp of having the third, fourth, fifth, second whatever numbered child would come next... VERY DANGEROUS INDEED.

Just looking at them has been the catalyst for many a "oh I'd love another baby" themed comment.

It's like looking at the clothes your own babes wore, feeling them all soft and lovely. The wave of nostalgia gently urging you to reminisce about times they were worn.

The mere sight and touch invoking all manner of maternal/paternal urge.

What do you think? Does that urge ever dissipate?

A Large Mushroom House & a Family

2009-08-10T14:11:00.000+10:00

Sometime ago I suggested that you 'watch this space' as I was making a big Mushroom House for the small girls Kinder.. *

Well here it is all finished.

I really enjoyed needle/dry felting the roof, it was such a big area so I used two shades of red to give it a bit more character.

The 'stalk' section is 28cm height and although the felt was about 7mm thick it still needed a bit a support to stand upright without buckling from the weight of the roof so I used the rather interestingly named "stiffy" - a fabric stiffener.

I used it in vertical sections rather like pillars to provide support as I didn't want the whole house to become stiff and hard, I wanted to retain the natural soft fibrous feel of wool felt where possible.

I think it worked well, the house stands with no sign of buckling and it is still soft and natural to the touch.

I think the people are fairly happy in their new digs too.

Ooh Babies! It would seem the people are very happy in their new digs indeed.

* I am aware I also stated we'd be "off to Africa" last week but my journey has been delayed - my apologies for this.

We will most definitely be going though - soonish.

...And on that farm there was a...

2009-07-31T14:41:00.000+10:00

Young MacPippi' had a farm

ee i ee i o

And on that farm there was a....

ee i ee o

and a

and some

Mother hen gather your chicks and RUN quickly from that sly fox.

and some

and finally, a Wombat.

Next week we'll go to Africa!

Have a great weekend.

I Made This - Felt Food

2009-07-25T18:58:00.001+10:00

Some time ago I began telling you about how I had stated that I could "most definitely make felt food" and of my subsequent desperate search for felt food patterns and ideas.

I loosely followed the patterns and suggested designs from Hiromi Hughes - Felt Cuisine for the pizza, the pikelets and berries and the cake.

How would you like to have some nice warm piklets with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries on a chilly winter's day?

Would you like a slice of "The Lot"?

Or perhaps some Strawberry Cake?

This little Corn Cob is all of my own designing and doing! I definitely Made This

I needle felted a cylindrical shape then needle felted it over with yellow corriedale wool. I then 'divided the corn cob from end to end with embroidery cotton until I had divided into 16ths.

I then back stitched my way around the corn from the top to the bottom to make the 'kernels'.

It took forever! And nearly a whole skein of cotton but I am very pleased with it.

Can you pick the 'impostor?'
I also figured it really couldn't be too hard to make fried eggs and a 'bit of steak'.

I simply cut out a wobbly 'egg white', sewed it(with the machine!) and turned right way out, then I blanket stitched the yolk on and lightly stuffed both the white and the yolk.

The steak was the tricky one, it took me ages to come up with this - I needled felted a 'rough ' steak shape then covered it with the red wool felt. I then sewed on the 'fat' with the white wool felt.
So there you have it. Sometimes I tell semi-truths that turn out to be 'truths'. Sometimes I learn a hard lesson about telling such semi-truths but mostly I am amazed at what I can actually do when I put my mind to it (especially when there is a witness to my "sure I can" response!).

This 'play' food will be going to the small girl's Kindergarten and I get to have a 'bit o play money in return'.

Have a great play today!

Terry Towelling Pants..

2009-07-23T14:36:00.001+10:00

Well now, I wasn't exactly inundated with ideas for the Terry Towelling but for those who did offer up a suggestion or two I am grateful and will endeavour to make some of them (and the offer still stands should you want some).

Now, I get to show you all why I am not friends with my sewing machine and why I am trying to work on our relationship.

Like all great relationships communication is the key. Open, clear, effective communication. The problem is though, I don't speak sewing machine and I don't think that the machine speaks frustrated non sewing machine using- potty mouth either.

All in all for a girl that hand sews and needle felts, who doesn't know how to read a 'pattern' (and wants to know why you don't get instructions with them) I think these pants turned out reasonably well.

I realise I have a significant challenge ahead of me in order to improve my sewing skills but who knows, the next pair of duds may even have a straight 'bot' pocket, even width legs that don't clean the floor as Miss M swans about in her "crazy pants"!

Got to start somewhere though hey?

'Twas nice to have Miss M sidle on up to me and say "Mummy, I lub my crazy pippiwillow pants".

The ambience of feeling pleased with myself (errors and all) and the palpable appreciation (squeezing cuddle being given to me) was shattered by the following request, "but next time can you make me a skirt and a dress and some socks and a fairy dress that's got wings and orange pippi'-pants with front pockets at the side and two bot pockets on my bot"......Whoa there little Miss M, one disaster at a time I always say...

Calling All Crafters

2009-07-16T14:37:00.000+10:00

Every now and then I do something very odd (more than my normal level of 'oddness').

Every now and then I am overcome & compelled to .......do what ever it is that I, am at that point in time compelled to do.*

One such time I was at a rather large craft supply store (a store that I know many don't enjoy going to much) as it was having a 'moving shop location sale' and I was absolutely compelled to buy ridiculous amounts of Terry Towelling. Not just a metre or two, I bought the entire remaining amount left on the bolt.

Why? (because it was a bargain) I don't know! I am not able to justify my actions that day.

I was/am using a fair amount of these kinds of fabrics for another crafty endeavour but, 'bolts'? Seriously!

I have no idea what to do with this fabric. My 'ideas well' has run dry.

I have had this fabric for so long it has a dust outline. I can't look at it anymore, each time I do I am reminded of my inability to conjure up something lovely n crafty which further increases my inability to conjure up something crafty. Adding to this the Mr has 'suggested' that it be utilised or moved on to craftier pastures.

So, dear crafty community I beg of you, if you, or anyone you know has any ideas, inspiration, suggestions, plans, proposals or recommendations for this fabric PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

There's plenty here to be shared.

Thank You

* I reserve the right to, at whim act (be it shop, sew, craft, design, sing etc.) upon a compulsion.

Dinosaurs Exist

2009-07-14T20:16:00.011+10:00

A quick search for 'Dinosaurs' using Wikipedia and, a brief read through the information yielded the following bits of 'knowledge'... Dinosaurs were the dominant vertebrate animal of Terrestrial ecosystems for >160 million yrs., from the late Triassic period (approx. 230 million yrs. ago) until the end of the Cretaceous period (65 million yrs ago) when most of them became extinct or, so we have been led to believe.

You can't always trust what you read and here is why.

Right here in 'sunny Melbourne' our own Dino' village exists..

Daddy Dino, Mummy Dino and Baby Dino (A hand sewn gift for the small boy from my beautiful sister Tam).

Under attack...

From a strange blend of a Stegosaurus and T-Rex type Dinosaur, ferocious non the less I am sure.

or perhaps he just wants to play?

A Camel and a Burst Bubble

2009-07-06T20:12:00.004+10:00

You know when you're really feeling that 'sewing vibe' just flow through your creative self. You joyously continue stitching on & on & on with an almost air of stitchy smugness because you are now being so productive, you are over your small bout of 'crafters block' and the project is nearly done.

Just as the level of pride has risen to nauseating levels (I am nearly dizzy with the ever growing bubble of 'I just created stuff stuff' buzz) I show the Mr my 'finished' camel.

My bubble doth burst as the Mr turns and states "Oh he's beautiful but, you're not done yet Pip, I think you forgot something"...

So caught up in my stitchy groove, my creative crafty 'vibe' was I, and despite following a pattern, I forgot to give him his tail!

A foreign meek voice could be heard leaving my mouth "I can fix this without having to un-pick a squillion miles of camel"...

No longer smug, no longer 'in my creative groove, I no longer feel my 'vibe'

I am hopeful and humble again.

And I am not going to forget to sew the tail on his friend.

Felt Cake -

2009-07-03T12:35:00.001+10:00

After declaring that "I could most definitely make some felt play food" when asked by the small girl's kinder teacher, I desperately needed a pattern or at the very least some inspiration.

I am constantly amazed at the speed at which semi-truths can flow oh so freely from my mouth. My face (to those who have functioning eye peepers, does not have the physical ability to match the verbal 'semi-truth')

My lovely friend Sam came to the rescue and gave me some patterns to use - the creator of these is (to the best of my knowledge) Hiromi Hughes www.feltcuisine.com

I didn't create the cake as per the instructions, it is significantly larger than it would have been.

As I am innately lazy, I simply went to a store and bought a cushion insert rather than messing about cutting up foam blocks etc..

I then divided it into 6 pieces (again the laziness thing - it was to have been 8)

I chose a cream coloured felt for the top and sides and a chocolate for the base.

Some 1/2 strawberries on the top, along with some "whipped cream swirls"

"It needs some cream through the middle" said my cafe frequenting cappuccino drinking cake eating friends. So I dutifully added a layer of"cream".

Loads of blanket stitching and a bit of artistic license later.. and

Cake Anyone? It's 'Lite'!

Chocolatey Goodness

2009-06-26T09:00:00.002+10:00

I volunteered to go to the Cadbury factory to buy chocolates for the work place fundraising shop, it seemed fair to have a look at the 'loot'.

Right?

"Just Looking No Touching" was the request from me.

"Ok, we won't" came the reply......with a very toothy mischievous grin.

Guess who didn't adhere to the initial request?

Natural Wooden Play Blocks

2009-06-21T15:03:00.016+10:00

What do you do with a branch that has decided to fall off it's tree?

The grain of the wood was too beautiful to mulch.

It definitely was not destined for fire wood - there was potential, but what?

I 'ever so kindly' asked the Mr to use the drop saw to cut the branch into cross sections of varying widths - which he did.

Much sanding coarse through to fine was enough to induce a mighty sore set of muscles on my right arm.

A hearty application of Bees wax with Lavender polish......

The result...

The best play blocks in town!

Wool Felt House

2009-06-10T19:52:00.001+10:00

Once I was at Winterwood and saw a gorgeous toadstool/mushroom house made from wool felt. I was so impressed I decided to try my hand at making one.

I bought some beautiful 5 mm thick wool-felt, cut it to size & hand stitched it.

I needle/dry felted the roof with base wool then, once it was the right shape I needled it again with a beautiful bright red corriedale wool.

This was my first attempt at needle/dry felting ever! It was a semi-painful but fun learning experience (a bit like using my new computer).

My friend Yvette asked me to make her one for her daughter, so I did.

I made the 'roof' a different shape and colour to my first attempt.

And these are the people who live there!

I am currently making a 'big' house so that a few hands can get in and play at the same time..

Watch this space....

Maggie's Blanket

2009-06-08T21:35:00.000+10:00

I bought an ace red blanket from Savers with the intention of making something for my daughter- but what?

I unexpectedly found myself having sometime to sew (as opposed to the usual and never ceasing household duties) as my daughter and I were at "sleep school" AGAIN..

I wanted to combine something of mine (scrap pieces of material from past sewing endeavours that had too much potential to throw out), something of hers (I cut out a butterfly shape from one of her old-washed flannelette nappies) and something new (the savers blanket). Then off I went arranging the bits of material as I wanted them and then blanket stitching them in place.

Once the butterfly was done, I sewed it into place on the rug but, it looked a bit lonely and lost.

Flowers! go with butterflies, so on they went too.

I am still pretty pleased with it visually and emotionally it gave me a different focus than my screaming non sleeping child doing her second stint of sleep school.