sweet emmelie

So its the last day of the year

2011-12-31T15:50:00.001+13:00

And Christmas has come and gone. I have made a few things but have neglected to tell this little blog of mine.

We have had a Witches party for my 6 year old.

Got some outfits together for a photo shoot.

Made a Christmas runner for my Aunty who....

gave me the fabric this year for Christmas. She was so surprised when she opened her parcel and couldn't believe I made it in record time!

Made a present sack to take away with us when we went away for Christmas.

Here it is filled to the brim with pressies galore ready for the big trip!

So I will fill you in with the details at a later date. Hope you enjoy tonight's festivities and see you in the new Year!!!!!

My Creative Space: A Posh Little Picnic Setting

2011-11-24T21:19:00.001+13:00

Just playing around with some new fabrics I bought and and items I have collected.

The tray I bought today from 'The Warehouse' on special for $7, the glass plate for $4 and the oval rose plate for $5. What bargains!!!!

Look at these gorgeous spoons I bought off trade me a few months ago.

They came in it's original box, with 6 spoons each with a different flower. They are tiny and I absolutely adore them!

More creative spaces here.

My Creative Space: A New Photo Book

2011-11-17T08:24:00.001+13:00

My new photo books I did on Emma's 5th birthday arrived last night. I had so much fun doing these and I am so impressed with the result.

Here is a sample of a few pages.

I made a couple for my 2 Aunties who helped a lot towards the parties.

And I am giving one to Emma for her birthday.

I also thought it would be a great idea to do one each year for each child for their birthday of that child through the year.

Emma's birthday is next month so I better hurry up!

More creative spaces here.

What I Wore to the Christening

2011-11-15T21:08:00.001+13:00

This is my new pendant I especially bought to wear for the christening placed on top of my new top that I also bought. The pendant is from a New Zealand designer but I don't know the name so will update later.

And of course to go with my new findings I just had to have this glorious bracelet so in all a very sweet, delicate look

This is the other side of this necklace. My son had great fun trying to yank it from my neck. My head and body pulled in every other direction with great violence. Needless to say that's why I don't wear jewellery but I guess I will have to get over that if I want to wear this beauty.

The Christening Present

2011-11-15T20:39:00.001+13:00

Before you get the wrong idea, I DID NOT knit this but I bought it from a little shop in a rural town in the South Island (NZ) where little old ladies sell all there hand made goodies.

I love the idea of this blanket, the whole retro, colourfulness of it all. One day I would like to knit one myself. Now I can honestly say that one day will be a very long long way away but I will file it away to the back of the to do list.

My little girl loved this so much that she had it on her knee in the car the whole way down to the christening. And once she gave the present to the baby she proceeded to put it down on the floor and make her own tea party. My friend was very understanding!

The Baby Boy's Quilt

2011-11-14T21:05:00.001+13:00

I finally finished this quilt for our friends little Poppet. I was still sewing the binding on in the car while traveling down to see him for the first time. I have used Kate's pattern. I really enjoyed this pattern and can't wait to use it again.

Isn't he the most adorable thing sleeping there so peacefully. I used straight line quilting and used the blue and grey dot fabric by Amy Butler for the binding. I backed the quilt with the adorable 'Speckled Owl" fabric by Alexander Henry. I love, love, love this fabric. He has a couple of owl things there already so the quilt fits in well.

We went to see him because he was having his Christening. And he got to wear the gown I made many years back which all my children have worn and my nephew.

These are the photo's that my 4 year old took. She ran off with my camera and got up real close (in every one's face) in the front row to take pictures in the middle of the ceremony. If you look closely at the other photo you can see every one laughing. She was very distracting and entertaining but the priest continued on like a pro. I had to wrestle that camera off her in the end as she ran up the isle and decided this would be a great time to play catch and chase with my camera. So, so embarrassing!!!!! She is very trying that one!

This is my son wearing it way back here.

The Big Birthday Party Reveal

2011-11-12T06:52:00.001+13:00

Well here it is. I told you I would show you photo's I took of my 5 year olds birthday party when the book came out but I'll do one better than that I will show you the professional photographs taken by this talented woman.

My creative space:Just Playing Around

2011-11-11T06:54:00.001+13:00

These are my pretty pink $4 roses I got from the super market. I love the whole old fashioney look about them.

Here's me playing on the computer by altering the exposure and all that. I have no idea what I'm doing, just playing but I love the drama it adds to the roses.

And here is a close up of the pretty table cloth I got off trade me for just $20!!!! It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. It is all done completely by hand. It must of taken this person months to make. It's one of my most treasured things now. I absolutely love it!

More creative spaces here.

P.S. I haven't done any more on the other quilt. I thought I would give myself a break from it and go back to it later with a clearer head. My 5 year old didn't help me much either but we agreed the pink polka dot fabric is too much!

Some sort of progress; My Creative Space

2011-11-03T14:27:00.002+13:00

I have made a little bit of progress on this quilt top but I am not too sure about it. I think the pink polka dot fabric might be a bit much. I have layed it out on my bed but I think I might have to wait for my 5 year old to come home from school to put her design eye on it. I trust her immensely and if I ever have any doubt, or can't make up my mind about fabric choices, I ask her. She always seems to steer me in the right direction.

These Tulips came from my Father in law's garden and survived a 3 hour trip in his car.

This is an hour after being in water. It was amazing how they magically seemed to stand up by themselves after a few more hours they were as straight as a lamp post!

More creative spaces here

W.I.P

2011-10-30T21:47:00.001+13:00

Oh my goodness, it's a miracle! I have actually sat down today and sewed!

Here is a sneaky peak.

I am making a quilt for my youngest daughter. I have cut out and sewn nearly all the blocks in just one day. OOhh I am loving every minute of it and can't stop saying 'ooh that's pretty' after I have completed each block. Here's hoping that they all look good together.

I am hoping I will be able to finish it tomorrow so maybe I can give you an update tomorrow.... fingers crossed!

Oh What to Choose?, My Creative Space

2011-10-27T09:40:00.000+13:00

Oh I am in a bit of a pickle,

Oh what to choose,

I have so many beautiful photographs,

to decide what to put on my walls...

I've got some picture frames,

I might not have enough...

And I don't think I will ever have enough wall space...

To display them all!!!

This is just a snippet of glorious photographs shot by Fiona Andersen. Some were taken a year ago and some 10 months ago at my eldest daughters 5th birthday. You must check out Fiona's blog, the most stunning photo's you have ever seen!

The party was originally going to be in my friends new cookbook but now it might be used for some other publication, maybe.... You just have to watch this space!

More creative spaces here

What is Ambrosia?

2011-10-21T15:52:00.001+13:00

I have had a couple of people ask me what is Ambrosia? Instead of telling you I thought I would go one better and actually give you the recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Kg of berry yoghurt

500 mls of cream

1 big pkt of marshmallows

1 bag of frozen blackberries or whatever berries you want.

(If using strawberries go for one punnet and match the yoghurt to the berry you use.)

METHOD:

1) Cut the marshmallows in half. If using Strawberries I would cut them in half or quarters.

2) Whip the cream till you get soft peaks

3) Add yogurt and mix till well combined

4) Add marshmallows and berries. I drained the frozen berries in a sieve but I really didn't need to since not much juice came out.

5) Leave in fridge to set for at least 4-5 hours. Tastes even better the next morning!

As well as the 8 little tea cups above, I filled at least 8 plastic cups as well. So a lot goes around!

Birthday Party Number Two, My Creative Space

2011-10-20T13:56:00.000+13:00

It was complete madness here last week. I had 2 birthday parties in one week! One on Sunday and the next on Saturday, plus we went away for 3 days in between. You should of seen my deserted washing pile. My sister in law commented she had never seen such a big pile in her whole life. But oh I do love doing birthday parties.

My wee girl wanted a Strawberry Cake. So I went from there. The only thing is it is too early for strawberries here. They are so expensive so I could only get 2 punnets for the birthday cake but made everything else pink.

We had pink butterfly biscuits using the left over flowers my Aunty made from my daughters 5th birthday party.

Here is a close up. I just spooned on pink royal icing and stuck the flowers on the lower right wing. It was as easy as that!

I made pink fondant butterflies with my new butterfly cutter. Love that thing! I placed them on white cupcakes. The paper cases had strawberries on them.

I filled little tea cups with Ambrosia and placed pink butterflies on them. They looked so pretty.

These are raspberry spiders with jelly crystals on the rim. What I did was put an egg white on a plate, placed the glass upside down in the egg whites and then dipped them in a plate of red jelly crystals. Put them in the fridge for a couple of hours to dampen the jelly crystals to make them darker and whola you have instant charm in a glass.

I topped the cake with royal icing, strawberries, jaffa's and a dash of icing sugar. I made the Chocolate Sour Cream Cake from my friends new 'Riverstone Kitchen' cook book. Oh my it was delicious! I recommend that recipe, it is so easy and so effective. So yes go and buy the book! There are so many gorgeous recipe's in there. You won't regret it!

Here is the birthday girl sipping her delicious raspberry spider.

I thought this was a pretty shot.

Here are a few shots of the birthday girl posing in front of the party table before the guests arrived.

Look at that cheeky monkey in the background trying to ruin a good photo!

Here she is showing off her brand new pink sparkling shoes she got for her birthday.

She also got this new hair clip I had bought from Kate M Handmade.

Can you believe this but I bought this dress for her first birthday party. She found it one day, loved it and put it on. It still fits her JUST! but she love wearing it. I thought it would be cute to wear it for her 3rd birthday as well!

Here is a wee snippet from way back then.

And let's not forget about the crazy party people!

More creative spaces here

My little boy turns One

2011-10-18T19:31:00.001+13:00

This is all the table layed out before the guests arrive. I had so much fun creating this party, so nice to do boy things after 3 girls.

My first intention of this cake was nothing like the end result. This is the first time I have used fondant icing and I was planning to cover the whole cake with it. I rolled it out, I couldn't get it big enough and then it stuck to the bench. I took one look at my cookie cutters and grab the star and this is what I ended up with. I was very happy with the result and so easy to do!

I made these sugar cookie planes using this recipe. I got this link off The mucky macbook blog. Now you should check this blog out, she does some amazing parties. I iced the plane cookies with the left over fondant icing. I got the star plate from the $2 shop a couple of years ago and I see they still stock them.

Now these were a fun idea. Easy as pie just needs time. I did these a couple of days before. I lined up all the cups and used my 1/4 cup measuring cup so I used equal amounts each time. Leaving each colour to set, say a couple of hours each. Make a fresh batch of jelly in a jug with boiling water, put in the fridge to cool for aprox. 20 minutes and then pour on top other jelly to get the rainbow effect. The last layer I put in a jet plane lolly and poured the jelly in. But warning the Jet plane comes out all slimey form being soaked in the jelly.

The only things with these is you can't tell they have the rainbow effect from the top is if you lift it up to the light. Next time I make these, I will probably start from dark and work my way up to the lightest colour at the top.

These cupcakes looked a lot better than they tasted. They were filled with so much food colouring that they tasted awful. Also the cream cheese icing I used was grose. Does anyone out there recommend a good recipe. One of our poor guest ate so much that she threw up. It didn't help that there was food colouring overload. Its made me re-think about using so much.

Here is my son hoeing into that blue cupcake. I must say he thoroughly enjoyed it!

We even had the pet lamb 'Snow Mo' try and join us for the party!

Even the guests thought he was the hit of the party. Maybe next time Snow Mo I will let you over the fence and really join in. Yeah right!

One Amazing Look-A-Like

2011-07-28T21:04:00.000+12:00

Go check out this link and tell me would you be freaked out or what!!!

I was just reading this post from Soule Mamma's blog and as I got to the bottom, I saw the photo of Soule Papa's Mum when she was a little girl, my heart started to race and I got goose bumps all over. Here I was looking at my daughter. I couldn't believe how amazing the resemblance was.

I even asked her who did she think the photo was of. She was convinced it was her as well and I had to explain it was a photo of a lady 65 years older than her. So we had fun playing around taking a similar photo, plaits and all.

Our Creative Space: A baby boy quilt

2011-07-28T09:09:00.000+12:00

This is a quilt I am putting together for good friends of ours who have just had there first baby. I have used Kate's pattern. I loved putting this together. I am now halfway through quilting, hopefully will finish today. The options are clean up and organise or SEW. What would you recommend to do?

Joining along here for all the fun.

My Birthday Cake Disaster

2011-07-25T17:22:00.000+12:00

This is what my 4 year old wanted to have for her birthday cake. We headed down to the shops to find a wee baby doll but could not find any so we decided on a sweet little hedgehog who she named Hedgie. She chose to have her party at my friends restaurant. She could chose 3 friends plus her sister and 2 friends stayed the night. It was such a lovely feeling heading out for dinner just with the girls leaving my 2 youngest at home with their dad.

Of course I was excited about going out for dinner because all I had to worry about was the birthday cake. As usual I left it to the last minute and nothing was going to plan. The icing was a disaster and one whole side of the cake collapsed. I kept asking her "Are you sure you want a cake, do you really need one....." "Yes Mum, Keep going!" Many times I wanting to throw it in the bin. And it then dawned at me with a few minutes to spare. "How about a couch, would you like that one" "Yes Mum" all excited. So I grabbed the only packet of lollies I had, chocolate fish, marshmallows and Jaffa's and started the creation.

I'm proud to say this was the end result!

So let that be a lesson to you all, don't give up hope even when you think there is absolutely no solution. Not the best cake I've done but I am so surprised how it turned out and the most important thing my daughter loved it!

These were the party favours, light up pens with present surprise eggs.

And this was her party last year. A little bit more effort was put into this one!

New Purchases

2011-07-24T08:25:00.000+12:00

Just showing off my new purchases to dress up the house. This year it is all about prettifying my house mixed with organised function. I love this bowl. It's such a pretty blue and I love the shape. I love how you can change the look depending on the fruit; yellow lemons, green apples, red apples and of course the bright orange of the oranges. The options are endless. The potter is Tony Sly. I want to start collecting more of his range. I have a new love for everything that is pottery.

Going on with more pretty function is my new bread bin. I adore the retro look and it goes well with my cream kettle and toaster.

The finale of the Down Under Doll's Quilt Swap

2011-07-23T16:14:00.000+12:00

This is the finished project, filled with lace, pin tucks and metallic thread. I was going to bind the edge with a multi-coloured binding but at the last minute decided on putting lace around the edge. I thought it gave it a nice touch adding a vintage feel to it. To me this quilts represents Snow White who is lost in the woods just before the 7 dwarfs come to her rescue. The metallic thread is sewn in swirls to represent the howling wind. The grass was done in all colours of green and metallic thread thrown in to make it glisten. The lace represents that it is cold and just about to snow. This quilt signifies hope. Saying don't worry there is help just around the corner, you will be saved. Maybe a little deep for a doll's quilt but I just couldn't help myself ;-)

I hope my partner has received it and it hasn't got lost in the post?

This is the beautiful quilt I received from Janine. I absolutely adore it!

Check out the beautiful fabric she used for the backing. Isn't it to die for!

This is the ever so sweet purse she made to go with the quilt. My daughter really loves it!

Now Janine had no idea that I had this doll bed. How amazing is this that she got the quilt to fit exactly to this bed. I gave it to my daughter for her birthday and haven't got round to making her a quilt for it. I wanted to but didn't since her brother was born 10 days before.

Doesn't it look so sweet folded over showing off the backing fabric!

Now the dilemma is whether I frame it and put it on the wall or keep it for the doll's bed?

I would like to thank Kate for doing such a great job hosting the Down Under Doll Quilt Swap. I had so much fun making and receiving my quilt.

My Creative Space: My basket Surprise!

2011-05-12T14:35:00.000+12:00

Well, this is the result of that basket I had bought second hand. It was for my daughters birthday and her favourite colours are pink and purple. The basket had a bit of green woven through it so I introduced green to my girl's favourite colour scheme.

This is the inside view.

I quilted 1" squares. It was so fun. I knitted a little blanket. I still haven't tied in the ends yet, a bit slack I know but my daughter doesn't seem to notice. The little cat on the pillow is an iron on transfer.

This is all the bedding layed out showing the reverse side of the quilt so she has a choice of purple or the pink side. The mattress is so soft and is removable.

I bought this little doll to go with it all. The doll has a soft centre but is waterproof so can be put in the bath. My daughter loved this present so much and it gave me the greatest joy to make. I loved every second of it!

More creative spaces over at a new place, Our Creative Spaces. Thanks for keeping this up Kirsty!

Snow White

2011-05-09T16:08:00.000+12:00

This is an update on my little Snow White for the Down Under Doll Quilt Swap . Just gotta finish the quilting and decide on what binding to use. I am quite happy with the outcome and it looks way different from what I first thought I would create.

Sneaky Peak

2011-05-08T08:46:00.000+12:00

I am doing the Down Under Doll Quilt Swap. I am so excited about it plus it forces me back into sewing which at the moment I am struggling to find time to do. This is my sneaky peak of the beginnings of the quilt. My inspiration is the Blythe doll but I have changed the proportions. I think she looks more like Snow White so I will go down that angle maybe? I have no set plan I will let the quilt dictate this for me. It's so fun not knowing what it will end up like. All I can say is this person loves lots of colour and likes a bit of linen to contrast this.

This is a second hand basket that I bought online that came with a whole lot of linen but really I was buying it for the basket. I will fill you in later with what I have done with it. I just have to take some photo's of the finished project.

Hope you are having a Happy Mother's Day!!!

My creative space: A Gift

2011-04-07T19:39:00.000+12:00

This is a sneaky peak of what I am working on at the moment. It is one of two cushion covers I am making for a thank you gift for a really special friend. I have used a beautiful marle grey wool and embroidered a word on each with red stitching. I have finished the two fronts, now I just have to join the backs on and put on the Zip. I still to this day dread zips even though I have sewn 100's. I think it's because I am too lazy to change the foot. Pathetic I know.

I have felt very nervous creating these cushions because I am not sure if she will like them or not. It's not like you can give an exchange card or anything. I will soldier on and pray for the best. I will reveal more once I have finished and given them to her.

Here are my bunnies finished for this charity. I feel a bit embarrassed about them but my girls assured me that they absolutely loved them and a child is the best critic. Let's hope the children who receive them like them because that's what truly matters.

On another note, the sorting out of my house is coming along slowly. I sorted out the garage the day before the christening. Which was rather crazy because I was so exhausted and had so much organising to do but I am so glad I've done it now. I am in the middle of changing the kid's bed's around now. Which is rather exciting because I can start to decorate their rooms. I just have to find the Allen Key to dismantle the cot to transfer to the other room.

Pop over to Kirsty's to check out all the other beautiful inspiring places.

The Christening

2011-04-06T15:51:00.000+12:00

Just a few photo's of my son wearing the christening gown I made a few years back. He is the 5th child to wear it. All my girls wore it on their christening day. My husband was opposed to his son wearing a dress but I stuck to my guns and my little boy wore my treasured heirloom to be. It was really sad to put it in the wash for I know it will be my last time I will use it and could be years and years before it could be worn again.

This is the cake I produced for the event. The afternoon before it just struck me I needed a cake. I have done this every christening, remembering last minute I needed one. You would think by the 4th one I would remember... So I rang up my husband and told him to buy me a sponge so I could decorate it. He bought home 2 round sponges (I was thinking square). I was so excited that I could finally decorate a boy's cake but had no idea what I was going to do. It came to me in the middle of the night. So in the rush of the morning I started on my farm cake. So easy and simple but oh so effective!

This is the side view.

The Orchid's on the cake are from my wedding cake. It is my take on the old tradition of saving the top tier of the wedding cake for the first Born's christening. I have taken some orchids from my wedding cake and use them for decoration for each child's cake. I have done this for every christening. The challenge this time was how to use them on a boys cake but I think I covered that one. I was so chuffed with it considering it took me no time at all. The longest part of the whole process was making the icing and what scrumptious, delicious icing it was.

My 2 year old had no problem hoeing into the flowers which was covered in 6 years of dust. Mmm yum, not!

On another note do you like my new look on the blog. I had Lindsay Nicole Design do me up one of her existing blog templates. I am very pleased with it Lindsay!

My creative space: setting up house

2011-03-25T15:18:00.001+13:00

This is the first time I have ever done this, though I have witness many bloggers doing this for awhile now. I thought it would be a bit of fun to join in.

This little setting was set up by my little daughter before she went to bed last night and told me under strict instructions, not to touch it because she had so much more to add to it in the morning.

That was the before shot and this......

Is the after shot taken in the morning.

She had all of them set up for breakfast but poor thing I have moved them now so I could vacumn. But anyway this is what I am suppose to be doing - setting up house. I have lived in this house for over a year now and I have not even put one picture up on the wall not even a clock folks. This is a new house but we don't own it so I have been holding back plus I have been a trifle busy with a baby and 3 kids.

I've decided that I can't do any sewing until I have sorted out the kids rooms, garage and the like. But of course the days go by I get stuck with the washing, trying to keep the house tidy, vacumning and so on. My baby has been sick so he wants to be held all the time so when I have a free moment I have no mojo, no inkling to tackle the nitty gritty of sorting out. Infact I am just so exhausted thinking about what needs to be done!

So I declare on this blog that I will hurry up and start. I will show before shots of what the kids room's look like (I will start there), sort it out and then decorate. Plus I have people coming to stay in a couple of weeks. Nothing like a vistor coming that actually makes you clean your house.

Funny story I was telling my 5 year old to clean up. As usual she was complaining how she hates cleaning and doesn't want to do it. I told her I don't care, you made the mess, you clean it up! Of course that didn't go down to well, she proceeds to clean up all the while telling me 'Well actually Mum, you should only clean up when visitors are coming' I giggled and told her to get back to it. Really I don't know where she got that idea from...

And saying that watch Megan from Mousehouse with her challenge. Just another bit of inspiration.

I would also like to thank Lyndy from Stitchbird for giving me a stylish blogger award. I was quite chuffed and so pleasantly surprised. Thanks for making my day! Check out her cute blog and all her so cute fabrics!

Introducing Poppy

2011-03-20T08:06:00.000+13:00

This is our lovely friend Poppy made by the ever wonderful Becks of Dandelion. I have always adored her bunnies and was so excited when I could buy one for my little girl for her birthday.

Well I would like to say little Poppy is even better in person and is so well made. We all love her to bits!

This is my little girl receiving Poppy and a doll's bed on the morning of her birthday. I was meaning to make a beautiful dolls quilt and bedding to go along with it but having a baby got in the way. I was even stitching in the hospital the day I had my little boy. Her birthday was 10 days after he was born so I decided not to stress over a little blanket. Plus I don't think she even noticed or cared.

I still had a birthday party for her. Crazy I know. I thought I would invite just a few of our closests friends, which we then ended up having 19 children in all. So much for a small affair.

This is the cake my Aunty quickly whipped up. The idea stolen from the Amazing Stacey of Polka Dot Daze. Hope you don't mind Stacey;) It was an exhausting affair but we all recovered, that was now 5 months ago finally blogged now.

One Beautiful Image

2011-03-19T07:48:00.000+13:00

This beautiful photo was taken by Fiona Anderson of my daughter who is doing the photography for the 'Riverstone Kitchen' cookbook. She is one super duper talented lady and a beautiful person to go along with it. I am proud that someone of this calibre lives not that faraway from me.

I've had a little sneaky peak of the photo's she has taken for the book and all I can say is STUNNING!!! I can't wait till the book comes out so I can show you more.

The Big Birthday Party

2011-03-17T14:48:00.001+13:00

Well this is the update from the last post. This was my daughters birthday party and we decided to go for the theme of red, white and pink. She loves her quilt that I made her, though it hasn't been quilted yet (She keeps on asking for it, the poor thing) Well I did quilt it and then I unpicked it all and am now thinking of getting it done professionally.

But anyway, since this quilt she has decided her favourite colours are red and pink. So I am quite chuffed with that.

So off I went to find all the party accessories like the balloons, lanterns, table cloth e.t.c. It was a real family effort my two Aunties helped greatly towards the preparations, along with Monique and her crew from the restaurant. I won't give too many details away yet until the book comes out, which should be October (a great idea for a christmas present) so until then here is a couple of photo's from the party.

You can buy this dress here.

I would just like to say my husband took all these photo's. I was busy feeding my son who was only a few weeks old at the time. Didn't he do an awesome job. I was really impressed coming from a macho dairy farmer!

I adore this one he took of one of the party goers.

And last but not least, one of the birthday girl blowing out the candles. The cake was decorated by me but the butterflies and flowers were made by my ultra talented Aunty.

One Beautiful Party Dress

2011-03-16T11:44:00.002+13:00

It was my girls birthday party and her party is going to be featured in our friends new cook book. They won NZ Cuisine Restaurant of the year award (a huge honour)and have been approached to do a book. Monique asked me if we could put my daughters party in it which was at their restaurant. And of course I said YES!

I wanted her to look really special. I chose the bubble dress by 'Oliver and S'. There was a lot to organise for the party. I helped Monique style the party which was so much fun. So I wanted to use a bought pattern that I didn't have to think and quickly sew up. The pattern was a dream, such a good cut and fit. The only slight problem was I found it a bit short for her and would of liked it a bit longer. But at least now I can put it over leggings.

I even learnt a new way to put the gathered skirt to the lining. She put it on elastic instead of gathering to a smaller lining. I liked that method very much. The dress turned out beautifully and I recommend to all.

I found this beautiful grey matte satin fabric at 'Spotlight' that was on sale and only cost me $2.25 for the required amount, lining and all. Now that is a super duper bargain. The pattern cost me 15 times that much because I bought it 2 years ago when the exchange rate was at an all time high.

I wanted a very posh take on the dress so added the sequin trim round the bodice. It was a little extra work because I had to work it into the armhole. I bought a flower brooch, tiara and flower for her hair for the final touch. She sure did look like a princess. She wore it to her Aunty's wedding and got so many compliments. She was as proud as punch wearing her beautiful dress especially when she was passing round the wedding hand outs.

My second daughter wore the dress I originally designed for her older sister. That dress is so easy to care for I can just throw it in the washing machine with no problems. One of these days I will publish this pattern but having babies has got in the way. I want to do it some time this year but I won't promise anything yet. I don't want to jinx myself. I also have to figure how I should go about it.

I would of liked to make my youngest daughter a dress but there was absolutely no time. When I came across this dress in this shop, I knew I had found the perfect dress. The fabric is absolutely gorgeous, its reversible and it was handmade. Gotta love that!

Note these photo's were taken at the wedding will post a bit more about the birthday later.

Bunnies in Motion

2011-03-14T09:51:00.000+13:00

This is the first bit of sewing I have done in months and I've got to admit I love it. These bunnies are in the process of being made for the softies for christchurch. My 2 girls picked the fabrics and colour combinations. It was so much fun seeing what they were going to choose.

One Knitted Hat

2011-03-12T16:56:00.000+13:00

This was taken 2 months ago when my little boy was 3 months. I knitted this hat when I was pregnant with my 2nd child (4 years ago) incase I had a boy. Of course I had 2 girls after that so it is really nice I can use it now.

Incase you haven't noticed I have changed a few things on my blog. After a lot of deliberation I have decided not to have so much personal information about my kids on this blog. I still want to feature them but maybe leave out their names e.t.c. That is why I have got rid of all my posts before my tutorial. I hope you don't get offended by this but I use to lie awake at night worrying if this was the right thing to do or not.

I have been out of the blogging scene for awhile and have just started reading blogs again let alone posting on mine. So please forgive me if I haven't commented in awhile. My purpose of this blog has changed and I want it solely about crafting. I see this as my crafting journal and love to hear feedback from fellow readers. I also love getting inspiration from all the other crafty bloggers out there. It's such a great community!

I have got a fair bit of blogging to catch up on....

A small way to help

2011-03-08T03:50:00.001+13:00

I have donated this dress for Handmade for Christchurch. It is up for auction at the moment. There are some real goodies there.

I am also working on doing something with my girl's school with the older kids. I have talked to the teachers about donating softies for Christchurch. I was thinking of helping and teaching the kids to make softies to donate. I thought it was a nice idea, just another small way to help. I am just waiting to hear back from them to see if they can fit it into there class time.

Another way to help!

2011-02-26T11:17:00.000+13:00

Another way to help Christchurch

A way to Help!

2011-02-26T10:09:00.000+13:00

A great way to help Christchurch!

Introducing my Wee Man

2010-10-13T05:40:00.005+13:00

Well my little bundle of joy finally arrived being 9 days overdue, coming in just under 10 pounds (4.5 kgs) and 58 cm long. We had a water birth with no complications and with no pain relief ladies! But I must say, even considering his size he was my easiest and quickest birth. Let me tell you it was a relief to get him out, he was so heavy to carry and I am not the biggest of people.
He is the best baby in the world and is the most placid and contented baby ever!! It is so special to have a little son, more than I could ever imagine!

Still here, but laying low

2010-08-29T09:50:00.006+12:00

Just a quick note to say 'Yes, I'm still pregnant with less than 4 weeks to go'. I have been really sick with my asthma so haven't been able to do much. It has been so frustrating. I am so disorganised with this baby and have only bought 2 nighties and some nappies for the preparation. Hopefully this week I will get on top of things and get things sorted.

Above are some things I have made this last couple of months. A doll for a little 5 year old with her birth date embroidered in a heart and her name down one leg. I dyed the hair with black tea. Just a wee experiment I wanted to try. She is made out of cotton velvet and the dress is from fabric I bought from Melbourne. I did a slightly different face from my other dolls. Always nice to change it up a bit and doing one off things.

Whipped up a skirt for another 5 year old's birthday.

Lastly I made a sleeping bag for a 6 year old boy, for is favourite monkey. Apparently the monkey sleeps in it every night. I even put nylon fabric in the inside to feel like a real sleeping bag and quilted it in straight lines. I thought if he didn't like it he can use it as a bag, just for another option but I think his monkey is very happy to sleep in it.

I also started my robot quilt but haven't taken any photo's yet still got a long way to go.

Check these out!

2010-06-07T08:44:00.002+12:00

The talented Maria of Me and Ma made these beautiful dresses from my tutorial. I am so impressed with how quickly she whipped them up and of all her wonderful fabrics she has used.

You can check out her post about them here.

She has such a wonderful blog and she is so creative, making a lot of beautiful things. She has just started up Crafty Sunday's. A great thing to start if you want to give yourself some motivation to get off your bottom to make something. So thank you Maria for sharing these photo's and for doing such a superb job!

Friday Shopping Trip

2010-05-19T19:49:00.002+12:00

This was so much fun. The beginning of 'Sew it Together'. When we got on the bus we were given a 'SIT' bag filled with these goodies, only for the bus girls. All donated by 'The Oz Material Girls' Such a nice surprise!

First stop was at Amitie. Such a beautiful and darling shop that I could spend an eternity in. They had such a glorious array of fabrics Plus they gave us 20% off. Gotta love that! I realized that I have a deep infatuation for spots, almost embarrassing. I also found a simply divine little red riding hood fabric. I am mad about that character at the moment.

Next stop was Patchwork on Central. Such a quaint wee shop loaded with scrumptious Fabrics. I was determined this time that I wouldn't walk out with spots. Once again I found the cutest 'Little Red Riding Hood' this time in blue and very pretty flower fabric. I couldn't pass up this butterfly fabric.

This was my favourite stop, visiting Ink & Spindle studio. I am in awe of these girls and am so honoured that I could meet them in person. They gave us a tour of their studio and showed us a print run. Afterward we had an opportunity to purchase same fabric and it was so hard to decide what to buy. I will be making cushions for the lounge with these fabrics. This is the colour scheme I want to use.

The bus ride was so much fun giving us a good chance to catch up and meet new friends. Lots of laughter filled the bus.

We were then dropped off at Nikki's studio for drinks and nibbles where we could get down to the serious business of talking and laughter. I even learned a new thing or two.

The Big Sewing Day

2010-05-19T14:58:00.003+12:00

Sponsors: Ric Rac, Retro Mummy, Thea and Sami, Jacobindi, The Oz Material Girls, Lark, Craft Junk and Snailblazer

Thank you Sheridan for organising this awesome day and awesome event. This is what we turned up to when we arrived through the door. Are the sponsors generous or what and look at that awesome pattern from Jodi. I am definitely making this right after the quilt. I am planning it to be my baby's Christmas present. Oh I am so exited! I just can't wait to get started.

This little hexagon kit was included in the SIT goodie bag from Corrie. Thank you so much Corrie for supplying such sweet fabrics and something to achieve in the day. I will definitely do more of these. They are quite addictive. Corrie showed me step by step instructions personally so I was quite honoured. She truly is the sweetest. She also showed me the Hexagon quilt she is making, totally gorgeous. I can't wait to see the end result on her blog.

A big thank you to Susie who taught me the basics of crochet i.e holding of the hook. It is quite tricky but I am sure with practice it will be a piece of cake. I was a bit lazy, I only did this much. A bit too busy talking( Thea, Abbe, Anna, Juddie, Belinda, Susan, Jo...) and I fitted a wee bit of shopping in.

I bought these buttons from Cleggs. They are quite big, about an inch or more. I am planning on making winter coats for my girls using them. I'm not sure what the silver flower buttons will be used for yet but they have 2 each.

I tell you, you don't get this beautiful selection at our quilt shop. I was in heaven.

The big Prize

2010-05-19T12:28:00.003+12:00

Look at this big wonderful prize I won at SIT. Am I not the luckiest girl ever!!!

I couldn't believe my luck. Last week I was thinking I really need to get more robot fabric. I bought bits of this fabric last year because I loved it so much. I don't have any boys but I thought one day you never know. I looked on-line for some more but everyone had sold out. I even looked up a site that showed suggestions on what quilt pattern to use. How spooky is that.

There is 3 metres of robot fabric in itself plus all the gorgeous fabrics to co-ordinate. I tell you I am beaming.

It even came with a pattern. Well its a quilt kit, so obviously the fabrics are for the pattern but I was still surprised when I saw it.

I adore the pattern but I think I will make up another design but use the pattern for other fabric.

I don't know if I am having a boy but this could be a good omen. I've decided to get started on it straight away before the baby is here. Because if I don't I might never get it done.

So thank you, thank you Amitie for offering such a glorious prize!!!

Can you tell I am quite chuffed!

Saturday Night Dinner

2010-05-19T07:41:00.004+12:00

As you know I didn't take any photo's of the event but you can see them here. We had a pre drink with some of the girls in the hotel. The lovely Karen gave us a ride to the dinner. That was quite eventful in its self, trying to get a car seat out and then trying to find a park. I hope your car was still there at the end of the night Karen and it didn't get towed because we misinterpreted the sign. Since I was pregnant I got to sit at the front, gotta love those perks!

There was over 50 people spread out on 2 tables so couldn't get to talk/meet everyone. I met the lovely Nic and Pam who sat opposite us. Right next to me was Susie, Lara and Renae.

Pam suggested that I do a tutorial for my flower brooch. So I might just do one in the near future. They are so easy.

I also got to meet the lovely Beck and Kate.

Good fun was had by all and I could only sit by and watch the Pinacolada's be drunk. Oh well maybe next year!

Me New Friends

2010-05-18T21:25:00.008+12:00

(Me, Sheridan and Renee)

Can you believe for the whole event I didn't even take one photo so I thought I better take some the day after just to prove to my husband that I actually went.

Renee,Cass, Sheridan and I decided to have a look at the markets which were just under this bridge. They made me take a picture on the bridge by myself, standing there like a Nigel no mates but I refuse to put that one up plus how cheesy is that.

After a quick stint at the markets we decided to get a cupcake or 2 to celebrate Renee's birthday. The wee darling turned a young 28. Here Cass started to sing her Happy Birthday but stopped when I threatened to put her on 'You Tube'. No-one would sing until I put my camera down but I think Sheridan was trying to sneakily record us. She was holding that camera a wee bit too long....

Look at these little beauties. I only had one because I'm not a cupcake fan but these were so delishimo (that's for you Renee) that I could have had 12.

Look at this beautiful cake shop situated in one of the little lanes of Melbourne. There was a quick stop at Myers and a even quicker run back to the Hotel to pick up our bags so Renee and I wouldn't miss the bus to the airport.

Thank-you for such a lovely day girls and for all the laughs. I had a hoot!!!

Please Help!!!

2010-05-04T07:24:00.005+12:00

I have brought this quilt out again. I looked at my quilting and it wasn't as bad as what I thought but still I was not happy with it. So I have unpicked half of it. It is a bit disheartening but I feel it has to be done.

I have a few questions for you quilters out there. I want to make it bigger and was thinking about putting a border around the quilt that has a scalloped edge. I am not sure how you do this or does anyone have any other suggestions e.g a striped border, plain or what?

Another question is about the embroidery. I have a fear that once I wash the quilt the colours from the embroidery will bleed and the quilt will be ruined. Maybe I should take it out and put it in a cushion but I really like it in the quilt. I also didn't -wash fabrics so I pray that they won't run either.

So please help me!!! On another note you must check out this blog. It is oh so pretty and I just adore the colours red and blue. This is where I got the embroidery from.

Tomorrow I'm off to Dunedin Hospital with my daughter to get her tonsils and adenoids out. She is only 3 but fears the hospital so much already. She really doesn't want to go and she doesn't even realise she is having an operation yet. I know there will be lots of tears, probably on both sides!

THANK YOU!!!

2010-03-28T07:04:00.002+13:00

I would like to thank everyone for all the well wishes and congratulations for my pregnancy. I was really chuffed with all your comments. I feel I am coming to the other side now with all those dreaded pregnancy symptoms.

I would of liked to thank you sooner but our computer has been up and down a lot lately. More down than up and now it is kaput! It completely died and so we have a brand spanking new one. Oh what a joy!

So as you can see I have finally put up the tutorial. I would love to hear all your feedback about it. I hope every one is having a swell weekend!!

Summer Time Fun Dress Tutorial

2010-03-28T06:59:00.005+13:00

Well here it is, the tutorial as promised.

Measurements for sizing are as follows:

Age.................18m..... 2..... 3..... 4..... 5..... 6..... 7

Chest(cm......... 52.......54....55...57.....59....61...63

Height(cm)...... 86.......92....98..104...110..116..122

You will need: Main fabric

Contrasting fabric

3.5cm(1 1/2") wide elastic

Age........:.........18m.....2.....3......4......5......6......7

Using the entire width of fabric leaving the selvedges on (this could be 115cm,130cm or whatever the width of fabric is that you have bought.), cut from:

Main fabric:

Cut a strip for main dress:................38.....43....48....53....58.....63....68 (cm)

Contrast fabric:

Cut a strip for bottom panel.................15......17....19.....21....23...25....27 (cm)

Cut 4 straps, 4cm wide and....................30......31...32.....33....34...35....36 (cm) long

I work in cm's because I find it more accurate but I have put inches in the sewing instructions.

SEWING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Measure fabric, snip and then rip. Do this for lower panel, main fabric and straps. I do this because I am always in a hurry, plus it keeps it on the straight grain but if you cut with scissors or rotary cutter it can make things easier when folding edges over and sewing seam allowances.

2. Press fabric B strip, fold over in half and press.

3. Press main fabric. Fold over top edge by 6mm(1/4 inch). To get this measurement accurate, on the wrong side of fabric rule a line 12mm(1/2 inch) from edge, fold over edge so edge meets the drawn line and press.

4. Fold over edge again to required measurement depending on width of fabric so

2cm(3/4") for the frill + elastic width 3.5cm(1 3/8") + 1cm (3/8") = 6.5cm (2 5/8")

I place the tape measure at various points, measure and press or you could use the above method of doubling the measurement(13cm), ruling a line,put edge of fabric to line and press.

5. Make sure the selvedge edge is kept flush and neat.

6. With right sides together - keeping folded edge turned over - pin in place and sew a 2cm(3/4") seam allowance.

7. Press seam open. Fold over edge at seam allowance and press.

8. Start at centre back sew around top edge 2cm (3/4") this creates the frill.

9. Starting approx. 2.5cm (1") before the back seam, back tack, sew close to edge leaving a gap(roughly 3" or 6-7 cm) for the elastic, sew to this point and back tack.

10. Fold bottom panel in half lengthwise and press. with right sides together sew a seam allowance of 2 cm (3/4").

11. Press open the seam allowance. Fold over lengthwise again and press.

12. Fold both main fabric and bottom panel fabric in half from centre back seam to get centre front seam. Fold in half again to get side seams, pin or notch these 4 points.

13. With dress right side up, pin bottom panel to dress(starting with the centre back seams) match all four points/notches and pin.

14. Sew a 1.5cm seam around panel and dress.

15. Finish edge of seam with either zig zag stitch or over lock.

16.Press seam upwards.

17. Turn to right side and press again.

18. MAKE SURE YOU CHANGE YOUR STITCH BACK TO STRAIGHT STITCH!

Starting from centre back top stitch or edge stitch close to seam. This is so the seam stays flat underneath.

This is where you could use your fancy stitches on your machine that you've never used before.

19. Measure chest or use required measurement plus 2.5cm or 1". Cut elastic to size. Place a safety pin on one end.

20. Turn inside out and thread through elastic making sure you don't twist the elastic. You might have to trim elastic if it frays.

21. Overlap the elastic by 5cm/2". Pin and draw a line with chalk down the centre of overlap. Giving you a 2.5cm/1" overlap each side.

Note: This makes the elastic slightly smaller than chest measurement so it can be stretched on.

22. Stitch down this line back and forth 3-4 times, keeping the elastic free so nothing gets caught in the stitching. You will have to really stretch the elastic to do this.

23. Trim elastic.

24. Pull elastic trough. Pin open edge down and stitch close to edge, making sure you don't get the elastic caught. You will have to stretch the elastic so the fabric lays flat.

25. Stitch down centre back seam back and forth a couple of times to secure elastic.

26. Distribute gathers evenly. Fold dress in half fron centre back to get centre front. Pin. Fold in half again to get side seams. Pin. Sew a line down where side seam would be , back and forth a couple of times to secure elastic just like before.

27. THE STRAPS

Cut 4 strips 4cm wide to required measurements. Fold in half and press.

28. Open flat, wrong side up and press one side in half to cente.

29. Repeat for other side and press.

30. Fold in half and press.

31. Fold top edge over 6mm/1/4" and press.

32. Fold over again and press so the edge is neat.

33. Topstitch around edge.

34. Press strap. This method makes the straps very strong and you don't need to press them after you wash the dress. Plus I can't be bothered pulling the strap through but you might find the other method of making straps easier.

35. Now place the straps on the wrong side, with raw edge down the bottom. Placing straps evenly between centre front pin and centre back seam using the measurements with the corresponding size e.g. if the spacing should be 12cm, then the straps should be placed 6cm either side of CF and CB seam.

The spacing is the same for both the front and back.

size 18m-12cm, 2 -12cm, 3 -12.5cm, 4 -13cm, 5 -13.5cm, 6 -14cm, 7 -14.5cm

36. Pin straps. With right side up stitch down strap back and forth a few times on top of existing topstiching seam.

37. Trim strap so is about 6mm/1/4" from seam.

And there you have it, a very long tutorial for a simple dress. I would absolutely love it if you could send me some photo's, if you ever make this dress. Also I would love to hear your feedback about what you thought about the pattern. Maybe just one day I might start up a flicker group.

I give you my permission if you want to sew and sell these dresses. I would just like you to let me know, purely out of interest sakes.

So sew away my little beauties!!!