Quilt Fabric Delights

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2007-08-21T10:57:00.000+09:30

I hope you will come with me.

I am saying goodbye to Blogger and hello to Typepad.

You can find me over here - http://quiltfabricdelights.typepad.com/

Pre-Eclampsia Awareness Week

2007-08-14T10:23:00.001+09:30

While the road to motherhood wasn't completely without bumps, I am blessed to have given birth to two beautiful healthy daughters. Unfortunately that is not the case for everyone.

You may be aware, that Pre-Eclampsia is an illness arising only in pregnancy that can affect both the mother and her unborn child. It affects as many as one in ten of all pregnancies making it the most common serious antenatal complication. It can develop at any time in the second half of pregnancy. In the mother, the condition causes a number of symptomless disturbances including raised blood pressure and protein in the urine. The only cure is the delivery of the baby and complications due to infant prematurity often result.

19-25 August 2007 is Pre-Eclampsia Awareness Week and I urge you all to visit AAPEC to learn more.

Little Delights

2007-08-10T09:46:00.000+09:30

I've been working hard recently with little to show you, which as made for a bit of a craftless blog. But I can finally tell you one bit of exciting news.

Quilt Fabric Delights is releasing a pattern range called Little Delights. Fun (because craft should be fun), applique and embroidery projects to make for children (or yourself) - quilts, pillows, wallhangings, to start.

It has been so much fun to be involved in the designing and making of these first projects. That part is over and now I am at the slightly tedious and not so exciting part of writing patterns, proof reading and having them checked by someone other than myself. It is very difficult to make myself do it when I would rather be stitching - so many ideas are running through my head.

They are just so cute! Look for them in late September.

Shouldn't craft be fun??

2007-08-08T10:33:00.000+09:30

Many years ago, well about 11 since I was pregnant with Vanessa at the time, my sister talked me into going to doll making classes. I was a little reluctant but she was really keen so I went along to keep her company.

Let me tell you that I was a lousy student, I think being pregnant didn't help, my mind was on the real baby that I would soon have in my arms, not the china one I was making. To me it was long and arduous and I admired all of the ladies who were creating such beautiful dolls.

First came the sanding down of the greenware. I thought I was being so careful and snap, her hand was in pieces. The teacher was a lovely lady but she took doll making very seriously, and as a result I felt like a naughty little school girl. I don't know about you but guilt should not be involved in crafting.

So once I had sanded my doll I think the next step was painting her. I was sitting at the painting table chatting away with the other ladies when the teacher came around to check out work. She said that my nostrils (the doll's that is not mine) needed to be darker. Okay, that's fine - only trouble is by the time she came back I hadn't got to making her nostrils darker - the teacher's comment "much better" - now I didn't know how to take that - had they been alright in the first place, or was I such a bad student she was trying to make me feel better.

As you can gather I really wasn't enjoying the whole process, but persevered because by this stage I had spent quite a bit of money.

So my doll did get finished and then wrapped in wadding and stuffed at the top of a cupboard.

Last year I decided that she had taken up space for way too long and that keeping her up there really wasn't doing her or me any good - she should be given away. So I made her a pretty smocked dress (that was way more fun, I am definitely a fabric crafter) and donated her to my mother's Inner Wheel club for a raffle.

So at least in the end even if she is not bringing joy to her new owner, she raised a few dollars for the Club which was put towards a good cause.

Over the years I have tried quite a few crafts but the ones I love always involve a needle and thread and the only dolls I will be attempting to make will be ones like these, or softies like these and although these aren't dolls I dream of having the talent to make something like these, but only if it's fun!

A little more imagination

2007-07-31T09:18:00.000+09:30

I seem to have a bit of a baby theme going at the moment, what with sponsoring the Great Down Under Nappy Hunt (for those wondering it is an online treasure hunt promoting the use of cloth nappies), but it's okay I'm not clucky just enjoying seeing all the beautiful products that are available now that weren't just a few years ago when my girls where small.

Meet Lisa Koba and her brand new son Finn who just happened to be born on my birthday.

Lisa is the owner and designer of Cheeky Little Soles (a premium range of Australian designed, soft sole leather baby shoes and accessories - aren't they just too cute) and when she saw the Follow Your Imagination range by Prints Charming on the Quilt Fabric Delights coming soon page she soon spotted the similarity in the bubble design to her logo for Cheeky Little Soles. The girls at TwoCoolMums happily made her a custom designed CalmawrapTM. Once again I have that thought, why wasn't that around when my girls were little instead of those narrow strapped, complicated contraptions that I always felt like the baby was going to fall out of. Not the case with this beautiful baby carrier and as Lisa says "Baby Finn loves the Calmawrap and sleeps like a baby in it!"

And just because they are so cute, some more of Lisa's gorgeous shoe range.

And Lisa hasn't forgotten us Mums - check out the ladies slippers - I'll be putting those on my wish list (what a shame I have to wait for Christmas now since my birthday and Mother's Day have already passed).

Thanks so much Lisa for sharing with us another wonderful way that quilt fabrics can be used.

Nappy Hunt

2007-07-29T12:07:00.000+09:30

It's only about 6 years since my youngest was out of nappies (diapers) and I can't believe the way things have changed - we used flat fold towelling. I can only imagine how much time the cloth nappies of today would have saved me, let alone all the fun fabrics I could have used to make them.

If you are that stage of your life now is a great time to check them out

It’s that time again! We are proud to announce our sponsorship of the third semi-annual Great Down Under Nappy Hunt™!

How does the GDUNH work? It’s simple! You register at http://www.diaperdecisions.com/pages/greatnappyhunt.php on or after July 15, 2007. Then you visit all the participating sponsor sites and hunt for the Diaper Decisions™ nappy, to earn entries to the 21 random prize drawings, including Three Grand Prizes!
For more details about this great event, please visit the Rules and FAQ pages at http://www.diaperdecisions.com/pages/greatnappyhunt.php . See you at the hunt!

Drumroll

2007-07-27T09:05:00.000+09:30

And the winner of the Grand Revival Flea Market Bag pattern is (according to the random number generator) Comment No. 9

Congratulations Fiona from Dragonfly Crafts

We will all look forward to seeing your finished bag(s)

Thanks everyone for joining in.

Some new favourites

2007-07-24T09:54:00.000+09:30

Since I have started using bloglines I have been too lazy to update my blogroll here, but it is something I will remedy soon. In the meantime I thought I would share some of my favourite fabric and pattern designers' blogs, if you haven't already discovered them yourself.

Tanya Whelan of Grand Revival Design now has a blog
Joanne Figueroa of Fig Tree Quilts
Holly Holderman of Lakehouse Dry Goods
Valori Wells - check out the amazing quilt display

Don't forget to leave a comment for the previous post if you would like a chance to win a copy of Tanya's Grand Revival Design Flea Market Bag.

Grand Revival and Giveaway

2007-07-17T13:07:00.000+09:30

I have recently had the pleasure of chatting with new designer on the scene Tanya Whelan of Grand Revival Design, Tanya has just released her first fabric collection and her first pattern. To tell you more here is Tanya herself.

Wow, I'm so happy Sarah asked me to blog. So here's a little about me...

Tell us a little about yourself - (where you live, your family, your hobbies, as little or as much as you like).

I'm a fabric designer for Free Spirit which has recently merged with Westminter Fibers and my collection Barefoot Roses was just introduced at Spring Quilt Market in Salt Lake City Utah. That's a whole story in itself, it was my first time to market and for fabric lovers it's kind of like fabric Nirvana. I'm also a sewing pattern designer and am developing a line of patterns. The first pattern, the Flea Market Bag pattern,was introduced at Quilt Market and is available through great retailers (like Sarah!) . I'm a married mother of 3 crazy, smart, sweet, sometimes quite naughty, exhaustingly lively children all under age 10. Other things to know about me, I LOVE old stuff (old houses, old furniture, old junk) always have, always will and I'm kind of a geek. I live in Norfolk an historic old city in Virginia.

How long have you been sewing?

I've been sewing since I was maybe 5 or 6 and I still have a lot to learn.

Where and from whom did you learn to sew?

I learned to love sewing and creativity in general from my mother who has always made beautiful things and who has a wonderful and sophisticated design sense.

Where and/or how do you find your inspiration?

Inspiration for me comes mainly from the past, old objects, architecture, textiles, even old movies and movies set in the past, inspire me. I see old things as a way to really connect with the past and this is what my design work is all about. My designs for me feel nostalgic but revived and refreshed for the way we live today hence the name of my company.....Grand Revival.

Your first fabric collection Barefoot Roses was released recently. Tell us a little bit about it:

My new fabric collection totally reflects this. The patterns include lots of old-fashioned nostalgic motifs like roses, dots and ticking stripes but rendered in fresh, clear, vivid colors. I wanted the collection to feel familiar and fresh at the same time. I also wanted to make a collection that could easily cross over to home decorating and accessories so that it could be used for a quilt or curtains or a handbag with equal success. This was important to me because I'm a bit on the frugal (ok, cheap) side and am always looking for fabric that I can decorate, quilt or make a dress or a bag out of that doesn't cost $30.00 a yard.

* was this a dream you always had or has it come about as a result of other things that you do?

This is definitely not a dream I've always had (I came out of college with a degree in philosophy for goodness sake?!?). It evolved from other creative businesses I've had over the years but it's ended up being the most natural fit for me. I have always loved textiles since I was really little I had definite and strong feelings (weirdly) about what kind of comforter I wanted for my bed. It's funny and a bit cliche but the things your attracted to when your little can really give you clues about what you should be doing as an adult.

Where do you see yourself and Grand Revival Design in 5 years time?

This is such a good question. I've really gone back and forth on this one over the past year or so. Where this business takes me in 5 years really depends on my children and my own capacity to balance motherhood with everything else. My oldest son will go to middle school next year which makes me realize how quick this whole kid thing goes. I really want to enjoy and experience my kids while they're little and I am definitely not the kind of woman who can "do it all." I'm the kind of woman who must get 8 to 9 hours of sleep every night or I'm a really cranky baby the next day. So, I'm just not sure where I'll be in 5 years. For now I'm just going to take it day by day and make changes where necessary.

What advice do you have for anyone wishing to start their own business, whether it be in design, sewing or something completely unrelated?

I totally love this question! The main advice I have is that if your lucky enough to know what you want to do (for so many people this is the hard part) just have confidence in your own vision. Do not think that there is some magical barrier up preventing you from getting into the industry, job, business you want. I think this is the biggest hurdle to get over. If you have real confidence that there is a nitch in a field or market that you can fill then put your ego aside and go for it! You may get a lot of "no's" along the way but if you have confidence in your own vision the chances are good that someone else will take a chance on you. You'll absolutely never know until you try. Cliche but true.

Anyway, that's all the very limited amount of wisdom I have to offer. Thanks so much for reading this and please come visit me at www.grandrevivaldesign.com if you have a chance.

Take good care,

Tanya

If you would like to purchase Tanya's pattern it is available here.

Quilt Fabric Delights is giving away a copy of Tanya's Flea Market Bag pattern to one lucky commenter - just leave a comment before the 25th July.

I Like to Eat at....

2007-07-17T09:23:00.000+09:30

Just before I went on holidays the lovely Jhoanna tagged me to list my 5 favourite eating spots. It's taken me a while, and really we don't eat out that much now days, but here they are:

At home - We all love to cook and a Sunday afternoon is often spent with all four of us in the kitchen cooking up a storm. I love the joy I see in the girls when they eat something they have made themselves.
Pattaya Thai - on Brighton Road, Somerton Park. This is our favourite restaurant if we do go out, although it is most likely to be takeaway eaten in front of the TV - a rare treat. Thai is one of our favourites and this restaurant, while unpretentious and almost daggy in its decor the food is soo good.
At friends and family - there is nothing like sharing a meal at the home of friends or family, not only great food and company, but you know that they have put love and care into preparing that meal.
Haighs - okay so it's not a restaurant, but chocolate is one of my favourite food groups - so I love to visit and stock up, but it's impossible to hide from the girls now and we have to share. They are no longer happier to be fobbed off with Cadbury.
Still thinking on number 5 - we obviously should get out more.

Jacqui (come to think of it I think I'd like to eat at Jacqui's place looks like chocoholic's heaven), Kylie, Lily, Nicollette and YOU if you'd like to join in the fun consider yourself tagged.

I'm off to cook biscuits.

A Travel Journal

2007-07-14T20:26:00.000+09:30

I finally finished this journal for my mother-in-law last night, and not before time since we drove up to see them today. I have had the bits and pieces since about March to make this. They're heading off to Canada and Alaska next month and more than likely will we not get up to see them again before they go. My MIL loves to collect and keep all the tickets and brochures you seem to gather when you travel. So inspired by Leanne's beautiful journals I made up a blank one for her to complete.

I made lots of pocket pages as well as plain pages using Leanne's instructions and the girls helped by sticking on the stickers. We're scrapbooking novices here - but I made another journal for a friend's 4oth which I forgot to take photographs of - but anyway I used rubbons for that one - much prefer the look than I do of stickers.

So it's quite simple, but I wanted my MIL to be able to put her own personality in it.

A Day in the Country

2007-07-10T12:18:00.000+09:30

Nothing like new fabrics to get rid of the winter blues. These delicious fabrics are called a Day in the Country and from an Australian designer - Patchways.

Available in store now.

Silly or is that quirky?

2007-07-09T20:55:00.000+09:30

Now I've never enjoyed Dr Who - but I love the quote from the show I read over on She-Essence

My kids think I'm silly! Me, I just think I'm a little quirky - doesn't everyone make their children skip with them on the way to school. Sometimes it really is good to forget all the responsibilities of adulthood and parenthood and just be silly.

Found this over at Blogthings

Your Quirk Factor: 47%

You're a pretty quirky person, but you're just normal enough to hide it.
Congratulations - you've fooled other people into thinking you're just like them!

How Quirky Are You?

And while I'm being silly

You Are a Marble Cake

Eclectic, inventive, and peaceful.
You are never willing to accept what's "normal." You live to push the envelope.
You find it hard to make up your mind. You prefer to have everything you want, right away!

What Kind of Cake Are You?

An impatient procrastinator - that's me :)

Sigh....

2007-07-07T10:47:00.000+09:30

bigger sigh...

We are still trying to get back into the swing of things.

Today we are off to see if we can find a new budgie to come live with us. Our poor budgie Claude who should have been Claudette passed away the Thursday before we went on holidays. After a three years of constant egg laying her little body couldn't take any more.

We miss the noise and presence of our little friend. Bye Claude.

Struggling

2007-07-04T19:00:00.000+09:30

After a week on the beautiful Sunshine Coast we are all struggling to get back into routine. My parents have run away to Coolum for the past couple winters. This year we found them! My younger sister who lives here in Adelaide and my elder sister and her family who live in Brisbane all got together there. We hired the wonderful house in you can see in the my last post. My eldest nephew turned 18 while we were there so it was a great to celebrate his birthday with him and he and his younger brother were very tolerant of their little cousins, even when they beat them at poker.

Actually we celebrated 4 birthdays, Sam's, my BIL's and my fathers and mine - we both celebrate ours this month. With Susan living in Brisbane, it's is not very often that the whole family is together.

While the weather for the first few days wasn't as warm as we expected, and it rained for over 24 hours solid (rain seems to visit the same places as me - perhaps I should hire myself out as a drought buster), we still had a wonderful time and the Sunshine Coast was living up to its name when we had to leave on Saturday.

Garry has already been on Wotif looking for accommodation and I was talking to my younger sister yesterday and guess what she's been doing - yep - seeing where she would like to stay next time. We all decided a week away is not long enough. Especially when my Dad rings to say that it is 25 C and it's blowing a gale here and freezing. Not fair Dad!!!

Any way enough moaning, we had a wonderful time. We visited Australia Zoo - what a wonderful place, Underwater World in Mooloolaba - also an amazing place. A great way for someone who has never dived to see what's down below. My favourite was the tropical sea cucumber - what amazing colours.

and yes both photographs are of sea cucumbers - one's feeding.

Eumundi Market was also on our itinerary where I could have spent a small fortune. We also visited Noosa for a day. I loved Noosa - we'll definitely be going back.

I was catching up on my blog reading and one of Michelle's posts struck a chord - I definitely agree there are so many more wonderful places to visit right here in Australia.

Taking a break

2007-06-22T14:43:00.000+09:30

I'll be here - see you in a week.

Colour

2007-06-22T14:34:00.000+09:30

Do you ever struggle with what colours work together - I know I do and often a combination of fabrics I think will work, just don't look right in real life. For me part of the fun of working with crafting is touching the fabric, pulling bolts and scraps out and seeing what works and what doesn't. Sometimes it would be lovely to have a little inspiration, especially when you want to do something out of your usual safety zone. Anne has recently been talking about colour and has links to some great tools. I will certainly be checking them out.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2007-06-19T09:49:00.000+09:30

Life seems to have been very busy lately. I took a quick trip to Sydney with Jodie the weekend before last for the Quilt and Craft Expo.

We arrived in Sydney to rain and I don't think it stopped the whole time we were there. We caught a taxi into the Rocks planning on playing tourist for the day. It just happened that taxi stopped in front of a cafe - so in we went to have lunch. Jodie's husband visits Sydney for work regularly so a text was sent to him asking what could we do in Sydney when it was raining - the reply "shop"! Well who are we to argue!

Before going shopping though Jodie insisted that I should see Darling Harbour, since I hadn't been to Sydney for about 20 years and things had changed quite a bit. The result - two drowned rats drying their hair under a handdryer in the public toilets in the Queen Victoria Building - now that took me back 20 years!

Since we planned to play tourist we packed light so we could carry our bags around - silly idea though - we didn't take a camera. Definitely a must next time I go to a trade fair. I now have to wait for all my orders to arrive before I can share all the wonderful finds.

We did stuff our bags full (carry on only) with some wonderful finds from QB Fabrics and I will have those listed in the shop very soon - and just to be a tease here are some of the fabrics we lugged home - thanks Jodie!

Since then I have been stitching non-stop - but nothing to show you yet - you are going to love them when I can share - not too much longer.

Step by Step

2007-06-13T10:26:00.000+09:30

I know I have gone on a lot about following your dreams in recent posts, but it is something I feel strongly about. I can see how by following my own dreams I am also allowing my children to create and follow their own - and that's a good thing.

While reading one of my favourite inspirational blogs A Modern Goddess I found Nicole had the cutest video that she found on YouTube illustrating the message - go have a look.

All thoughts lead to..

2007-06-06T17:51:00.000+09:30

Craft! Okay so I am a little single minded and craft consumes a huge part of my life. Recently Carolyn wrote a really lovely blog entry about me. I was really touched.

Reading through her blog I discovered Carolyn owns a business called Etched in Memories where she does the most amazing photo etchings on pendants.

What has that got to with craft you say, well I think being able to make such a thing is incredibly crafty, but I recently saw a beautiful memory quilt and thought, hmm, what if you combined the two. What if instead of a generic charm attached to a quilt you could have a personalised one etched for you. What amazing memories you could attach to a memory quilt, not just fabric images but beautiful pendants as well. Imagine a baby quilt with one of your child's foot prints etched on a pendant. Or like the quilt I linked to you could add a pendant that is etched with a wedding or baby photograph. I like the idea that it would be even more tactile that just fabric.

See, all roads do lead to craft.

Journaling

2007-06-01T10:19:00.001+09:30

Recently I've been following the progress of the 365 journal challenge that Leanne started a month or so ago and recently discovered another journaling challenge from one of my lovely customers, Cherie. Cherie ordered some Timtex and in the ensuing conversation as to how I could get it to her ASAP so she could start her project she told me all about the Bead Journal Project. Being the inquisitive type I went over and had a look. I was absolutely blown away.

The talented lady who started this amazing project is Robin Atkins - you can read more about her at her blog Bead Lust and her website

Beadwork by Robin Atkins (Photograph courtesy Robin Atkins)

I for one can't wait to see all the journals that are created by these amazing ladies.

I think though, for the wellbeing of my family, I will be living vicariously on this project. For some reason they like to be fed and have clean clothes.... you know the drill.

At the back of mind though is the idea of journaling. At the moment a blog is enough, but one day I will jump in boots and all and join one of these wonderful projects. Both of these projects will make such wonderful heirlooms to hand down the generations.

Lucky Liljana

2007-05-29T09:58:00.001+09:30

The talents of my customers and the versatility of quilt fabric never ceases to amaze me. Toni from Fairy Dust Design recently purchased some fabrics from the Follow Your Imagination range for a commissioned piece.

Toni certainly took the fabric collection's name to heart -make sure you click on the image to see all the detail she has added. I think Liljana and her mother who commissioned the artwork will be extremely happy to say the least.

Not only does Toni design and make beautiful artwork for children - checkout Urban Fairy where she is designing amazing pieces for adults.

An Inspiring Woman

2007-05-23T12:03:00.000+09:30

Following on from my Follow your Dream post I've decided share with you some of the women out there in blogland who inspire me. These are women who are getting on with following their dreams. I am sure that they will inspire you to in what ever you take on in your life.

One such woman who's career I have been following is Sandi Henderson from Portobello Pixie. Not only have I been inspired by Sandi's work, but I have also been intrigued by the Ebay Boutique Community. They are inspirational in many ways but mostly in the way that they support each other, even though in truth they are in competition with each other.

Sandi graciously agreed to an interview - so read on to be inspired.

Tell us a little about yourself - (as little or as much as you like).

I am a mom first and foremost! I have 2 little kiddos, Eliza age 3 and Ethan 1.5. I have been married to my husband, Dustin, for 4 years. I have a line of children's couture clothing, and am getting ready to launch my first line of fabric for Michael Miller.

How long have you been sewing?

My first real memories of sewing are way back when I was around 10, learning to make baby blankets.

Where and from whom did you learn to sew?

I remember my grandmother teaching me to make those baby blankets, and beyond that I am totally self taught. I remember when I was 12, sewing skirts for myself with a needle and thread and being so excited by the thought of actually wearing something that I had made.

What comes first, the fabric or the design? Where and/or how do you find your inspiration?

The fabric DEFINATELY comes first! I have tried doing it the other way-with an idea for an outfit in my mind and trying to find fabric to match-and it just does not work! When I see fabric, I usually know exactly what I'm going to do with it!

Many of your designs are one offs, is this to maintain exclusivity or because you enjoy constantly creating new designs?

A little bit of both. :) I really enjoy creating new things, and my customers like having special pieces so I limit the number of times I will create an outfit.

Do you have a favourite piece that you have created?

It changes so often, I hear myself saying a lot-"this is my favorite!" But as of right now, it is a formal I did recently. It was an adult vintage cocktail dress that I refashioned for a toddler I love taking vintage pieces and recreating them-it's preserving a piece of the past.

How did your business Portobello Pixie come about?

After I had my daughter, I began sewing for her and stumbled upon the ebay boutique community. When I found out I could make money doing what I already was-I knew I had to make a little business out of it.

Where and how do you market your work?

I have been selling on ebay, which gives me a certain amount of traffic in itself, but lately I have been putting more time into marketing myself on my blog. www.portabellopixie.typepad.com There is a huge community of creative people in blogland, and I get more visits to my blog in one day than I do in a whole week on ebay.

You are part of a group of boutique clothing designers who sell on Ebay. How did you all get together and in what ways is being part of the group a benefit to you?

There is a whole group of women who sell custom made, boutique clothing on ebay. There are selling groups within ebay as well. So you can type in one word and find a group of designers you like. Being in a group can lift you up and give you encouragement. Selling on ebay is Tough. Even if you make the big bucks, after all your costs and time is calculated in you are not making a very good profit. These women are doing it because they love it, not because of the money. It is so great to have a support group. Some of my very best friends I have never even met in person.

I understand that you are nearly finished designing your first fabric range. Tell us a little bit about it:

I have just completed my first line of fabric! It is called Ginger Blossom and will be available this fall in two colorways-Blush and Fresh. It is totally reflective of my style that I have represented in my children's line-vintage inspired, eclectic, fresh and youthful.

* was this a dream you always had or it come about as a result of your clothing design business?

This was something that I had always thought of, but never seriously until about 8 months ago. It was suggested in passing by another designer and for some reason, the idea just really sunk in deep to give it a go, and here I am 8 months later!

* what inspires your fabric range?

When I look at my fabric, I feel like I am looking at a little piece of me. Every piece in the line was inspired by something special to me. My sons' crib, colors from my garden, a favorite dish, photographs I had taken - I drew inspiration from things that were special to me.

* when can we see it?

As soon as I receive the first strike offs (samples) I will share it! So probably July/August.

Where do you see yourself and Portabello Pixie in 5 years time?

My business is in a bit of a transition point right now, with my fabric getting ready to debut. I am going to stick to my roots in children's fashion, and am in the beginning stages of creating a line of patterns to go along with my fabric. I have toyed with the idea of a national line of clothing for children, but I'm not making any announcements on that right now!

What advice do you have for anyone wishing to start their own business, whether it be in design, sewing or something completely unrelated?

Don't listen to anyone who wants to squash your dream. All it will do is make you doubt yourself. Truly if you want to do something and you have the drive to do it-it will happen no matter what the odds are.

As you can see Sandi is not only a talented designer and seamstress, but takes amazing photos - so be inspired - visit Sandi at Portobello Pixie to see more of her amazing work.

A Happy Camper

2007-05-22T18:31:00.001+09:30

Vanessa is off on school camp tomorrow. Now normally that would mean digging out the warm, old clothes, but this year it wasn't just that. This year they have a formal dinner one night and are expected to dress up. Not expecting this I hadn't made or bought anything dressy for Vanessa yet this winter, and of course she has grown out of last years good clothes.

So a frantic scrabble through the stash box on the weekend and a browse through my Ottobre magazines and we came up with this.

I should say that I love Ottobre - this went together so easily and quickly, even with a nagging, anxious Vanessa constantly at my elbow. I managed to cut out the back on the fold when it should have had a seam allowance added. But with no time to panic, I just cut it down the fold and put the zip in anyway. Just as well she is slim! It fits her beautifully and we have been waiting for the sun to come out so I could take a photograph, but it hasn't obliged. Not that I am complaining, because the rain is lovely, but just needed to explain the particularly unimaginative photograph.

Anyway, she's all packed and ready to go in the morning. I can just see them all twittering and fussing as they get ready. Apparently the teachers and parents who are going along will be acting as waiters and serving them. School was never like this when I was there!

Can anyone hear you?

2007-05-21T10:24:00.000+09:30

There are so many blogs out there, sometimes it is difficult to be heard. You just need to read blog entries like this to see that at times it is frustrating. While most of us start off writing a blog for ourselves, it is nice to know that you are not talking to yourself all of the time. One of the disadvantages of working from home is that you have no colleagues to bounce ideas of or just chat to and the reality is that sometimes there is only yourself to talk to. I do confess to talking to Buddy our pet rabbit, but he doesn't have much to say back. He is getting rather good at shredding boxes though!

Leaving comments and tagging is one way to get your blog out there but also to discover new blogs. I tend to get a bit tunnel visioned visiting only craft related blogs, but through visiting the blogs of those who leave comments and tagging I have discovered some wonderful new blogs that I would not otherwise have found.

Through these new blogging friends I have discovered Aussie WAHM blog whammy a blog set up and maintained by Kylie from Aussie WAHM, to assist Australian Work From Home Mums with their blogging adventures. If you would like to join us in the blog wammy adventure visit Whammy site and register.

Mother's Day

2007-05-17T19:05:00.000+09:30

I know its been and gone, but I have been catching up on reading some of my favourite blogs and I really wish I had read this one before Mother's Day. I always enjoy reading what Nicole has to say at Modern Goddess Online, it's always thought provoking.

Nicole's post about Woman Standing makes me wonder what could be achieved if we all stood together. Thank you for sharing Nicole and next year I'll certainly be standing with you.

Feeling Privileged

2007-05-15T10:12:00.000+09:30

Meet Jamila - isn't she beautiful? You could drown in those big brown eyes.

On Saturday afternoon we went up to Monarto Zoo to visit the giraffes. We hadn't been since their new platform has been built. It was the most amazing experience, the keeper brings in food for them at set times in the day so that visitors can handfeed the giraffes. Mistletoe was the food of choice on Saturday. Jamila must be very fond of it as although many of the others looked like they wanted to, she was the only giraffe who came over. She was so funny to watch before the keeper arrived - edging closer and closer over the half hour before he arrived. Lifting her front legs and licking her lips.

It was just wonderful to be able to look her in the eyes.

She was very brave - because although these photos show only us, beforehand there were hoards there all waiving little branches of mistletoe at her. This last photograph was taken after we had fed her all the little bits that we on the floor and had nothing left to feed her with and we were just talking to her. Just after Garry took this she leaned towards us and licked my hands. Smelly breath and all, I feel privileged. Apparently they have wonderful eyesight so she would have known I didn't have any food left. So I'm taking it that she likes me and I have a new friend!

Chocolate anyone?

2007-05-08T18:27:00.000+09:30

And this one will not go straight to your hips.

The full range of Anna Maria's Chocolate Lollipop is now available at Quilt Fabric Delights. Get yours before I eat them all.

Follow Your Dream

2007-05-08T12:05:00.001+09:30

I think that most of us have dreams, some we may not have even verbalised yet, but we have them. One of mine for many years was to own my own fabric shop. For years I thought, I'd never be able to, I didn't have the right abilities, we didn't have enough money. Basically I was always putting hurdles in the way. But the dream never went away.

One of things about parenting is how important we are as role models. One day I was telling my daughter that if she thought she couldn't do maths, she never would. She had to believe that she could and then it would all click. It suddenly dawned on me that I should be following my own advice, setting a good example. In the past 18 months I have done many things that I previously would have said "I can't do that".

Since I started my business I have met some many women who are achieving amazing things but there is one thing we all seem to have in common - together with our dream we all seem to suffer at times a lack of confidence. Kylie discussed it here. Kylie's blog is all about providing Australia work at home mums with advice and support, and along with some other great advice (now I know what Technorati is all about) she shares with us the Confidence in a Box idea.

But it's not just about Work at home Mums - we should all be confident in what we do, our craft is as good as the next person. So it may not be as perfect as the one you saw on that blog over there but did it make you happy, did you learn something? These are all things to be proud and confident about.

And because I'm on my hobby horse, your opinion is worth as much as the next persons and just because they don't agree, doesn't make it a bad opinion.

Your dream may not be like Sandi's to design her own fabric. It may be as simple as taking up a new hobby, speaking up at a meeting, what ever it is life is too short to say I CAN'T.

So let's all take a Box of Confidence and share it around - send it on to someone you think might do with a confidence boost. Let them know you believe in them. You only have to read this to see what letting someone know that you believe in them can achieve.

Dirty Laundry

2007-05-06T19:04:00.000+09:30

I've had the same dirty laundry basket for nearly 20 years. As you can imagine it was looking very, very tired and since my little friend decided it was a yummy treat to eat, a little bit bald. Ever since the Wash Tub Prints arrived I have wanted to make something to brighten up the laundry. I originally intended to make some wall pockets or wall hangings. I don't think this will happen as Vanessa has brought home more artwork that needed a home.

Anyway this is the replacement basket for dirty clothes. Do you know it even works - all the socks have made their way there this weekend. I wonder if the novelty will last.

It's made with Timtex to support the sides. Garry had the brilliant idea that I should make it hexagonal since that's the way it was going naturally. Okay I say. If I had known the brain strain it would have caused I would have ironed it so I could make a round one instead. Have you ever tried working out how to draw a hexagon when you already have an exact finished size you need to make? The answer - circles!

Monica of Happy Zombie has made some great projects with the Wash Tub range of fabrics, she even came up with one of the little sayings.

Thank Goodness for That

2007-05-02T10:15:00.000+09:30

In case you hadn't guessed as well as being a Fabraholic I'm a chocaholic you only need to read here and here. So when I was visiting my friend Anne's blog The Tall Poppy I just had to follow the link to Rainbow Designs find out how chocolate is good for me. Now I've been able to justify the fabric addiction - it's business, but chocolate, that's not been so easy to justify.

So armed with this new information I've been visiting Jacqui's shop and making my wish list for Mother's Day - I think this one

has my name on it.

But then again freckles have been a long time favourite.

Ahh decisions, decisions.

I can just imagine spending Mother's Day stitching up a project in Chocolate Lollipop while munching on yummy chocolates. Heaven!

This is one blog post I will be leaving up on the screen for my loved ones to read. Hope it's not too subtle! :))

Fabraholics Delight!

2007-05-01T12:38:00.000+09:30

A lot of our customers have commented that they are always telling other people about us and I know that many of you already link to Quilt Fabric Delights. As our way of thanking our loyal customers we have put in place an incentive program to enable you to earn store credit for passing our name around.

You can even earn store credit on your own purchases. To learn more visit Fabraholics Delight

Backpack

2007-04-29T16:23:00.000+09:30

Exclusively You has released some great new products for bag making (amongst other things). Of course, I had to try them out.

Although I love bags, I like to use backpacks. I don't end up with a sore neck after a day out when I use one like I do with a handbag.

Result - a fun new backpack (modelled by Vanessa so not quite as large as it looks). The mock crock is easy to use for a normal sewing machine needle and the handles give it that little something extra that you don't get with fabric handles.

I have a little leather left so I'm inspired to make a wallet with what's left over.

Chocolate Lollipop

2007-04-28T16:12:00.000+09:30

The yummy new collection from Anna Maria Horner for Free Spirit Fabrics - arriving May 2007.

Please contact me at Quilt Fabric Delights if you would like to pre-order.

Tagged

2007-04-26T19:11:00.000+09:30

Tatania from Little Mysteries has tagged me to list my five favourite blogs - FIVE!!!! my blogline list grows daily but here goes

Anna Maria Horner - I love Anna Maria's blog not just because I love colour - but I always read her blog with a smile on my face
Leanne's House - The same reason I love her designs and she always leaves me smiling, even when she tells me off (justifiably) for not printing my photos!
Knitting Box - Claudine knits and sews beautifully and her work is always inspiring.
While She Naps - Visit and you'll see why - those birds are absolutely amazing. Clever, clever lady.
Hello My Name is Heather - for her beautiful photographs, words, fabric, designs....

five already!!!

In turn Claudine, Pyglet Whispers, Di, Anne and Leanne you're tagged if you want to join in.

Crafty Holiday Fun

2007-04-20T19:39:00.001+09:30

To the lovely person who left a comment recently that isn't showing - I'm sorry I either stuffed up and deleted it instead of posting it. That or blogger ate it. Thank you for visiting and please comment again so I can come and visit your blog.

Here in South Australia we are one week into the school holidays so the girls have been looking for things to entertain themselves with. Today we decided we would start to cover over some of the stains on their plain t-shirts. Out came my scrap bag and I left them to it. First they decided what colour combinations they wanted. This involved pulling out their new pants and skirts and picking fabrics that matched. Then making up the words they wanted, finding fonts on Word and printing them. Vanessa then traced the words onto fusible webbing. I had the fun job of cutting out the tiny letters and ironing.

As you can see they're pretty pleased and were soon off in search of more t-shirts stained or otherwise.

I haven't stitched round them so I'm not sure how they will go in the wash.

In between I managed to get something made too! A new placemat.

I used the linen look Osnaburg, lovely to work with and I am pleased with the machine hemstitch.

One down, three to go.

Oh, and would I be crazy to be making my own tea towels??? Everytime I buy them they are hopeless, don't absorb water or like my latest ones leave fluff on every thing. Think of all the beautiful fabrics I could trim them with... Will have to do a test with the osnaburg and see if it is suitable.

What's new

2007-04-17T19:05:00.000+09:30

I've been very much tempted by Leanne to join in with her 365 Cha llenge, but I know me, I've never been able to keep a diary or journal. So while I might have the best of intentions I can see me slipping by the wayside in a month or two. I can't wait to see the results in 365 days though. A wonderful idea Leanne.

While I have been crafting up a storm recently, having fun with the new Mock Crock from Exclusively You I don't have any photos to show as yet but I do have lots of new exciting new arrivals instore, two of which I have been waiting months for. I've finally received Sew U and another absolutely beautiful book called Simple Sewing with a French Twist.

This book has over 50 wonderful projects to wear or for the home. My current favourite is the tomato floor cushion you can see on the front cover - too cute.

Well I was going to share more via Leafletter which Heather kindly shared but I can't work out how to imbed so you get lots of pictures instead.

This book has the most gorgeous projects for sweet little girls

Also arriving is a new range of wool felt and Natural Linen Look Osnaburg which is 100% cotton but an inexpensive substitute for linen.

Bag of Hearts

2007-04-10T10:46:00.000+09:30

As you will have gathered I am rather proud of my big sister's crafty achievements. On a recent visit she took home with her a collection of fabrics that are outside of her normal style. One of the projects she was planning to make was the Bag of Hearts by Barri-Sue of Bareroots in the magazine Cushion and Bag Collection No 1, a new magazine published by Express Publications.

The one in the magazine is in similar shades to those projects you can see at Barri-Sue's website, this is Susan's gorgeous version - the fabrics are from the Bailey collection.

The Skirt

2007-04-02T13:47:00.000+09:30

My friend who takes all the amazing advertising photos for Quilt Fabric Delights sews too, but she doesn't blog so when she called in yesterday (to choose more fabrics) I sent her home to have a photograph taken of her beautiful skirt. Being the great friend that she is, she obliged and now I can share it with you. She sent it with the following comment

I'm so excited about sewing again thanks to the fabulous fabrics at Quilt Fabric Delights. I made this skirt and have received so many comments on how great and 'different' it looks. Now, onto my next project....!

The fabrics are from the Amy Butler Lotus range and the pattern was a Burda but I don't have details of the number.

I'm hungry Mum!

2007-04-02T13:39:00.000+09:30

An excerpt from Sunday lunchtime at our house.

Rachel "When's lunch Mum?"

Me "In a minute"

a few minutes later

Rachel "Can I make my own?" obviously tired of waiting.

Me "Okay", thinking that a nutella sandwich once a week is not a bad thing and learning to be independent is a good thing.

What did she make???

and then she followed it up with a plate full for her big sister.

Who says kids aren't getting the eat healthy message and enjoying it.

Little Hippie!

2007-03-31T15:58:00.000+09:30

Another WIP finished - this one is also from Ottobre - Design 38 Issue 3/2006 and the fabric is from the Flea Market Fancy range.

It went together really quickly. I didn't like how the neckline keyhole binding went on when I followed the instructions so out came my trusty unpicker and I put it on again but as a binding rather than a facing. The top could be a little longer but I'm not sure if that is because Vanessa is long in the body or because this is a short style.

By blog is now censored by the girls - hard to keep it a secret when the computer is shared and they are getting more computer literate that me! So I was only allowed to use this photo if I cut her head off, but she has such a lovely smile I couldn't cut that off could I?

Follow Your Imagination

2007-03-26T17:31:00.000+09:30

Follow your Imagination is the name of the recently released fabric collection by the talented ladies at Prints Charming.

At a recent photo shoot we were certainly following our imaginations, or was it our stomachs we were following.

Icecream sundae anyone?

It felt like the Mad Hatter's Tea Party with this bucket sized cup

Then we were feeling quite ladylike and decided on tea and scones.

We also visited one of my favourite stores Cotton on Broadway/Broadway Furniture here in Glenelg, South Australia to take more photos. Katie stocks the most amazing range of products and I had to keep my arms crossed the whole time to stop myself from whipping out my credit card and buying one of everything including these beautiful bags by local designer Karina De Boo

Don't you love how you don't even need a needle and thread to have fun with quilt fabrics.

Just in time

2007-03-20T20:37:00.000+10:30

My eldest daughter has been at school for 5 years and this is the first year she has had something orange for Harmony Day. It's completely coincidental that one of her favourite colours this year is orange, in past years we have had made scurries through the embroidery thread box looking for orange thread to make a pin. Also fortunate is that little sister also has something orange to wear - phew no crazy rushes to make something tonight. The pattern is from Ottobre Summer 3/2006. It wasn't nearly as difficult to make as I made it look. It sat at my sewing table for months. I then proceeded to slip with the overlocker, fortunately the slip was covered by a little label that I just happened to have. One of those rare occasions when I had the right little thing to go with it. As you can see she's quite delighted with them.

To all of you have a wonderful Harmony Day tomorrow, may we all celebrate our differences as much as our similarities.

You can develop the right attitude toward others if you have kindness, love and respect for them, and a clear realization of the oneness of all human beings.

The Dalai Lama, 1989 Nobel Peace Laureate

More customer beauties

2007-03-13T10:02:00.000+10:30

Now I know it's past time that I shared something I made with you, and I have finally finished something, but alas it was too dark last night by the time I did to photograph. So when the happy recipient gets home from school I will photograph and share.

In the meantime I have something very lovely to share - sent in by another of Quilt Fabric Delights' clever customers Marina. Marina is the owner of Wink Designs. Marina used fabric from Amy Butler's Belle collection for the little dress and fabrics from Denyse Schmidt's Flea Market Fancy range for the top and belt. With such cute designs and such a gorgeous model I am sure Marina will do well in her new business.

Vintage Valentine Update

2007-03-07T12:28:00.000+10:30

I received an exciting update from Helen about her Vintage Valentine quilt that she shared with us recently.

Drumroll......

Helen won not one, not two but THREE ribbons at her local quilt show-

I won best large quilt, best artistic challenge and quilt you would like to own. What an honor!!! I would have been happy with one ribbon, but THREE!!!!!! I floated around on a cloud until I was afraid I would fall off so I came back down..................:-)

I am enclosing another picture of me posing with my quilt and ribbons. What a thrilling day!

Congratulations Helen! and we look forward to seeing much more of your beautiful work.

Forget Me Not my Valentine

2007-03-03T12:29:00.000+10:30

Another fun bonus of owning a shop is that I get to "meet" quilters from all over the world. Helen T from California, USA contacted me just before Christmas looking for some elusive, in the USA, fabric from the Kimberley Poloson Forget Me Not range to finish her quilt. I was fortunately able to help out - this is the beautiful result. Thank you Helen for sharing. Make sure you click on the image so you can see the amazing detail both in the applique and the quilting. Here's what Helen had to say:

I finally finished my quilt. I am attaching a picture for you. I put the 1 yard of fabric I got from you on the back and surrounded it with pieces of the red and black polka dot in the Forget Me Not line.

My machine quilters did an absolutely fabulous job which doesn't show so much in the picture. They did filigree around each of the hearts and inside some of them. The border has hearts in the corners and in the centers of each border. It is absolutely beautiful, if I say so myself. I am so pleased and proud that I could make something like this.

I think Helen has every right to be proud, don't you?

The pattern is called Vintage Valentine by Verna Mosquera of Vintage Spoo l. I too am working on a Vintage Spool quilt - Christmas Greetings. I'm not sure which Christmas it's for - I must get some more blocks ready and start working on it again, Christmas is again coming at a rapid rate.

I think too that there must be some more beautiful quilts being made in the USA with the Forget Me Not fabrics since many pieces from the shop have winged their way over there. I know that one lot is going to me made into this - ooh-la-la!!

Fabric - it's an addiction!

2007-03-01T14:31:00.000+10:30

But how can one help it with fabrics like these?

These are some of the new arrivals in store from Amy Butler's new collection Lotus - yummy!!

and then you have temptresses like Anna-Maria tempting us to indulge

With fabrics called chocolate lollipop - a girl doesn't have a chance.

Is it any wonder I procrastinate - I just get one project designed in my mind and along comes a new lot of fabric and woosh out goes that idea and along comes the next.

Inspiration comes from all around

2007-02-16T11:18:00.000+10:30

Last post I mentioned that I had received a beautiful email from a customer. I'd love to share it with you and with Sally's permission here it is -

"It (the quilt) was made by the parents (and a few students) of the Dandenong Ranges Steiner School (DRSS) and was the brainchild of my much loved friend Jennie who has now moved on to secondary school with her children. She is the 'quilter' amongst us and also inspired everybody to record 'what our school means to me' on a square. The actual quilting part of the project was undertaken by a small group of about 6-8 women, twice a week. The quilt travelled far and wide before it was completed-it was present at the Stitches and Fairs Show at Caulfield in 2006 and also on display at various markets and fetes in our community and beyond.

Each family also wrote a short piece about them selves and explained their square and it's meaning and these pieces were added to a huge album, along with individual pictures of each square, and it is now on display in the school office foyer.

We raffled it over a lengthy period and the final money raised was a little over $4000. The end of the quilts journey was California, USA, where it was shipped to the winner who bought tickets in the raffle at the Stitches and Craft Fair. The lady who won it fell in love with it when in Australia and told us all that her late mum, who she said would have adored the quilt and this was her inspiration for buying the tickets."

This is such a wonderful achievement and a credit to the community of the Dandenong Ranges Steiner School. Congratulations! Thank you Sally for sharing - it has inspired me to approach my children's school with a view to doing something along the same lines - we have a redevelopment happening this year and it would be a wonderful thing to hang in the new school - although we may need more than one with over 300 families!

Chocolate cake and chocolate dipped strawberries

2007-02-09T19:50:00.000+10:30

What more does a girl need when she sits down with her latest sewing project than chocolates!! I love chocolate and one of my treats is to have a couple of pieces at night while I'm watching television stitching, but you know one of the pitfalls is getting chocolate on your work, especially if like me you lick the thread to thread your needle.

So tada...

isn't it gorgeous?? My beautiful Gingher embroidery scissors looked very naked before so when I "met" the lovely Michelle over at the Business Mums Network I just had to ask her if she could make me a scissor fob with chocolates! I was so excited when she said yes she could. So if you too love to eat chocolates while you stitch or you have a little boy or girl in your life who would love one of Michelle's beautiful necklaces go visit Michelle at Cupcakes Jewellery

As I mentioned here I'm taking part in the blogging challenge at Business Mums Network. This week Melissa has set us a challenge to blog about something essential to us - well for me it is family and friends, without them life would be very empty. Of recent times though there is something else that has become essential to me and that is my customers, without them I would have no business and the business has become an extremely rewarding part of my life. So to all of my customers a huge thank you - I know that some of you visit, but if you are a customer and haven't left a comment - please do I'd love to come visit your blog and see what you are making. I love getting your emails and comments left here letting me know what happens to the fabrics and patterns I send out to you.

Also happening at Quilt Fabric Delights is the Great Down Under Nappy Hunt - I'm proud to be a sponsor of this fun event - if you would like to join in it's not too late. The event runs through February 2007 and there are some wonderful prizes up for grabs. At Quilt Fabric Delights I've set up a mini-hunt which has been a great deal of fun and a challenge to be sneaky so it's not toooo easy to find.

Another wonderful bonus of being involved in the hunt is the lovely emails I have received from some of those participating, so next blog I want to share one of those with you....

Butterfly Girl

2007-02-06T09:47:00.000+10:30

If you have been reading my blog for a while you will notice a bit of trend with one of my daughter's - she's our Butterfly Girl. Her jeans here had to have a butterfly on them, as did the doona cover and pillows she received for Christmas presents. As soon as I stocked this pattern in the shop she has nagged me to make it for her. I thought I could buy myself some time by saying "why don't you ask Auntie Susan to make it when she comes down in December?"

So she did - and Auntie Susan being the lovely auntie she is said YES. Got to love my sister. The thing Susan didn't know is that Rachel had her heart set on this Estrella fabric. I really wondered how she would get the butterflies and flowers to stand out (so did Susan) - but not to be deterred she took on the challenge. Not much more than a month later (after Susan receiving many emails from Miss 7 asking how her quilt was going and much grumbling by Uncle P about *&^% butterflies), last week we received a package in the mail.

End result - one very happy BUTTERFLY GIRL as you can see.

Butterfly Girl is equally happy with the reverse of the quilt - and you can see why. She's especially impressed that her name is on the quilt "in dots Mum", dots being one of her favourites after butterflies and stripes.
and the little butterfly label.

I know you don't read this Susan, but thank you so much.

So for all of you quilters who read my blog - don't forget the back of your quilt and especially don't forget to sign (label) your quilts.

Sunshine

2007-01-29T20:26:00.000+10:30

I knew I would love their patterns when I saw them. This is my version of Sunshine by Melly & Me.

It was such fun to make and I am thrilled with how it turned out. I didn't have any buttons worthy of going on it so I left them off. Melly and Rosalie write great instructions, clear and easy to follow, so the bag went together quickly and easily.

If you would like to make one the same - a kit is available here.

TOURIST IN OUR OWN TOWN

And following my previous posts of our wonderful Australian creatures - here are some snaps from the weekend. We took our German host student to Cleland Wildlife Park on the weekend, you would think it was the middle of winter, but even with the constant misty rain we enjoyed it, and the kangaroo certainly enjoyed the scratch. Fortunately my sewing is better than by photography but this kangaroo laid right back while Rachel was scratching his neck. Have I said we are lucky to live here??

And they were good

2007-01-26T20:10:00.000+10:30

The lamingtons that is.

We took some over to share with my parents - what better way to celebrate Australia Day than with family. The rest we've saved to have for morning tea tomorrow with someone who is new to Australia. We have a 17 year old German boy arriving to stay with us for ten weeks. We are looking forward to showing him our Australia.

Leanne asked us to share our favourite places in Australia, but I have so many. I have special memories of a trip to the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley in WA. I love Adelaide - it's a special place for me. I loved growing up in the Mallee in Victoria. Right now I am loving what's happening out my kitchen window.

These little loorikeets are so funny - this one is looking at us like he is say "what, who me? I haven't been eating your peaches" but if you look closely you can see his wet and sticky face.

They are now peach thieves and much easier to photograph - this one is courtesy of my husband who is equally entranced by the antics of these little creatures.

I've been tagged by Di - I have to write 6 weird things about me. When I asked what were 6 weird things about my daughters just looked at me and said "you're not weird your Mum" and my husband looked at me like I was weird, what on earth are you on about now I could see him thinking and said "I don't know". So I am obviously perfectly normal it's just everyone else who is weird. But I am sure others think these are weird:

I don't drive, have no desire to learn and yes I am quite happy to walk. Fortunately my friends have tired of asking when I am going to learn and accepted my weirdness.
I have an abnormal fear of snakes - I have improved since giving birth to an animal lover (even of the scaly evil looking ones) - but for many years I lifted my feet when I watched snakes on the TV, that is if I watched at all. I don't have a corresponding fear of spiders, even though I was bitten by a white tail spider with the resulting revolting ulcerating sore. Makes no sense even to me.
I hate leaving the house without making the beds, but have no problem walking out leaving a sink full a dishes.
As you know I have a fabric shop but I get really attached for my fabrics and much as I love a sale I get sad when the last bit on a bolt is sold and they go to live with someone else. But don't let that stop you shopping!
I hate shopping centres - I'm definitely a misfit in my family - my mum and sister go every weekend - me I get such a fuzzy head and everything is the same wherever in Australia you go. Give me a country town anytime - at least there is variety, even if they don't have many shops.
I can talk your ear off on the phone or by email, or even in person one on one, but drop me in the middle of a party and I cannot think of a sensible thing to say.

So it's my turn to tag - if you haven't already been tagged Coryn, Belinda, Mad Cow, Little Mysteries, Drewze l and any one else who wants to join in the fun - consider yourself tagged.

Australia Day 2007

2007-01-25T11:29:00.000+10:30

Tomorrow is Australia Day and we are getting ready. The cake is in the oven cooking so we can make Lamingtons. Stayed tuned for what are sure to be entertaining photographs of the girls and I icing and rolling them in the coconut. Lamingtons were one of the many things my Grandma made beautifully. That and Cream Puffs. She made the best ones around and she taught me how. But do you know that since she died back when I was 15 I haven't been successful making cream puffs - they come out looking like mushrooms! Maybe it's time to try again with my children, so her recipe is passed to another generation, because I know it works, it just the cook that's the problem.

In the meantime I thought I would share a bit of Australia Day history, it has spent that last 22 years as a book mark in my Cookery the Australian Wa y (it's my basic Aussie cooking bible, you know the one when you've it's been so long since you cooked a roast and you can't remember how look it needs to cook.) There has been an ongoing feud between my mother and younger sister about who owns the copy that resides at my parents. You see all three of us (my two sisters and I that is) had to have a copy for school Home Economics. My younger sister being the last to move out of home, never got to take her copy with her, my mother claimed it as hers. But I think my sister won this year when she received a copy of the latest edition for Christmas.

Anyway, tucked away in my copy was this treasure from The Advertiser, January 23 1985 - I think Mum must have had it there because I was still at school then or maybe it was me. I would have only have been back from a year in Brazil a few days when it was published, maybe I was searching for something truly Australian. Who knows.

If you click on the photos you'll be able to read the article.

I'd love to hear about your Australia Day traditions - I'm ashamed to say we don't really have any, but we thought we would start a new one - Lamingtons for morning tea and you don't need to ask, I'll have one for you. I hope you enjoy it.

Oh what fun!

2007-01-24T17:22:00.000+10:30

What's all the excitement about. Well I'll tell you but first you have to read my longwinded story or you can just skip to the end (but since Blogger ate my first post, even though I saved it, it'd be really nice if you read it).

A few years ago we spent a week at my sister's house in Melbourne while she and her family were away sunning themselves in Queensland (okay actually house and school hunting). Susan left a great detailed list of where we could find all the bits and pieces we need and more importantly where all her current projects were together with her substanial magazine stash (which really is substantial). Amongst her projects was one made up of gorgeous embroidered blocks. Being an embroider and not yet a quilter that had me thinking I can do this.

After a fun week in Melbourne we headed off to Warrnambool where I discovered that we were staying around the corner from the best quilting shop I'd ever visited - Fragrant Cottage for those who 'need' to know these things. The first time we walked past I just looked in wistfully, aware it was a family holiday and it really isn't fun for Garry and the girls to wait for me while I shop. The second time, Garry told me to for goodness sake go in. I didn't need to be told twice, but it's not the same with a husband and children trying to wait patiently, spoils the fun. So I went back later while Garry took the girls to the fantastic Warrnambool adventure playground.

Two hours and many $ later I left. I had such fun. I discovered on the wall a quilt like the one Susan was doing and learnt that it was Leanne's House by Leanne Beasley. The lady who owns the store told me they were doing it as a group in the shop - meeting regularly. Oh I wished I could join them. It wasn't only Leanne's work I was taken with but many other designers including Rosalie Quinlan and one of the things I walked out with was a kit - which turned into this

it was such fun I made it twice.

Anway getting to the reason for my excitement. When I decided to open my business I really wanted to stock patterns from these amazingly talented Australian designers. Do you think I could find them? Nope! I searched and searched the internet to no available. Then being the persistent type I searched again recently and found this. Well you can imagine my excitement, especially when it led to this. So here we are today - I'm now thrilled to be stocking patterns by Leanne's House, Rosalie Quinlan Designs and Melly and Me.

If I haven't got your favourite pattern in stock, just let me know. You can find them instore here, here and here.

And in case you missed the links make sure you visit their blogs to see more of how incredibly fun and talented they are - Leanne at Leanne's House and Rosalie and Melly at Melly and Me.

And since you made it all the way to the end - of course here are some photos.

My Quilt

2007-01-24T13:24:00.000+10:30

I'm busy scanning and loading new products to my store, this is the least favourite part of owning a business (other than the accounting paperwork - yuck!!), my scanner is slow and I just want to get them all listed so I can share them all with you. I'm really excited about this new range that I will be stocking, so stay tuned, I'll be back later with all the news.

In the meantime, I found this while cleaning out the bag that I take to my Thursday craft group. It was given to me by Barbara, the lovely lady who organises our table. I wish that I could acknowledge the author, but it is not written on the poem, if you know who wrote please let me know.

My Quilt (I think you can substitute whatever your crafty thing is)

My neighbour is washing her windows
and scrubbing and mopping her floors
but my house is all topsy-turvy
and dust's behind all the doors.

My neighbour, she keeps her house spotless
and she goes all day at a trot,
but no-one will know in a fortnight
if she swept today or not.

The task I'm doing is enticing,
(my poor neighbour is worn like a rag)
I am making a quilt out of pieces
I've saved in a pretty chintz bag.

Oh, and this quilt, I know my descendants
will exhibit with pride in their hearts,
"It is lovely, my grandmother made it,
such an example of patience and art."

But will her grandchildren remember
all her struggles with dirt and decay?
They will not - they'll wish she had made
them
a quilt like I'm making today.

So go enjoy your craft, guilt free, while I get back to my scanning while wishing I was crafting.

Pooffff

2007-01-11T19:04:00.000+10:30

I've lost the battle to call it an ottoman - I've been outnumbered, it's a poof! Already in use. I'm pretty pleased at how it turned out - I need to thank Nicole over at Craftapalooza for sharing her stunning footstool. You know I painstakingly worked out the measurements, made my rocket shaped foundation muslins and ruled the lines I would follow - did I follow them - no not a one. I didn't take into account that the fabric needed to bend - the result at least was a more interesting poof since not every strip was the same size. We have a bright blue couch that I'm tired of but recovering is not currently in the budget and because I can never decide which fabrics to use I just went through and took a strip of each bolt in the shop. I guess its a history of the 2006 fabric range (well a some of them).

In between sewing we've all been cooking. We gave Vanessa a recipe book for her birthday, which she loves. So far we've made an asian salad, french toast with pears in caramel sauce (couldn't wake up to a better breakfast), potato cakes, chicken on skewers and more...Last night we made falafel - no beautifully styled photographs, I keep starting dinner late, you know holidays, lazy, no routine, oops better make tea. So by the time these were cooking everyone was starving.

For those of you with children (or even without the recipes are great) I highly recommend the book. The recipes are yummy, easy to follow and best of all they are greeted with ' yum, can we make this again'. Music to foodie parents' ears!

The beginning of the books tells you all about how Stephanie Alexander set up a kitchen garden at a school in Melbourne. Gee I wish every school at the funds to be able to do the same. Vanessa's class (together one other) grew vegies at school last year. They went the entrepreneurial route though and sold the produce to parents and teachers. The spinach even came with a recipe. They put some of the money back into their garden and the rest into their favourite charity - Animals Asia. A fantastic book for school teachers too.

The Pear Thieves

2007-01-08T17:34:00.000+10:30

We have a large pear tree in our backyard which you can see from the kitchen window. As you can see the tree is loaded but we have thieves. Can you find them? I wish I had a better photograph for you as we are really privileged to have them visit. Just as well pears are not our favourite fruit. For such colourful creatures they camouflage themselves extremely well. They are so funny, chattering away as they drop bits of pear from up high. At least washing the dishes is a little more entertaining than usual!

And then they invited their friends
So how many pear thieves did you find??

I wish I could say I did this - but is one of my sister's beautiful pieces of work - actually more than one because she made the bears as well. It is her interpretation of BareRoots Written in Thread. Beautiful! I don't currently have the pattern in stock, but if you are interested, just let me know and I can order it in for you.

Boxes

2007-01-06T09:49:00.000+10:30

I'm still here!! We spent a quiet but lovely few days before Christmas and Christmas Day with my in-laws in the Riverland and then home again for Boxing Day with my family. Followed up by gatro all round. What annoyed me most other than feeling ick was the waste of days while we all got over it. Using up valuable holiday time - being lazy just isn't the same when you aren't feeling the best.

Anyway, we are all better now and we've been busy doing stuff. Garry sanding, painting, fixing - what he loves to do when he's on holidays. Me sewing and the girls playing, creating. We have been such hermits, only seeing family. We finally made it down to the beach yesterday. It was lovely, overcast so no sun beating down on us and it felt like at least 10 degrees cooler than at home, even though its only a few minutes drive away. When we first moved here we were down there all the time. Going down there reminds us that we sometimes get complacement about how lucky we are to live where we are and that it really doesn't matter if the floor hasn't been vacuumed and the ironing pile is taller than me. Whenever we go down there I feel like we are on holidays. I'm being very parochial but really I couldn't think of anywhere better to live.

Thursday brought great excitement as all of this arrived

what was in it you ask, well this and this and some of these and also some of these. What followed was much unpacking, cutting, packing, posting, altering of cupboards to fit them all in and then playing. A real family affair. The boxes kept the girls happy and occupied well into the evening. And in case you haven't gathered I love my job!!

On the sewing front it's been skirts, skirts, skirts. One for each of us three girls - for some reason Garry doesn't want one. They are all from Ottobre mine 43 from Winter 4/2004 (sorry forgot to take a photo).

Vanessa's is 41 from Summer 3/2006

Rachel's is 22 from Spring 1/2004 (minus the pockets)

I have been inspired by many things since I started reading blogs, but alas get few things made as the most recent inspiration is put aside for the next and nothing but thinking about making something is really done. For me this is part of the fun anyway, a bit like planning a holiday, you know pulling out the fabric, seeing if you have enough, what others will work with it, and then putting it all away again because you've got to go make dinner. Well this time I've actually started something, no pattern just the idea from someone's blog. Hopefully I'll be back in not too long to show you the finished article - but in the meantime it involves lots of strips of fabrics and much maths to start with...

Rain, rain stay all day

2006-12-21T14:40:00.000+10:30

Rain, rain stay all day, don't go away until another day - that's what my two girls are singing. It has just started raining and I can hear the earth heaving a big sigh. It is sooo dry here. My fingers are crossed that the rain reaches those locations where they have been fighting fires for the last couple of weeks so that people there can too have a happy and peaceful Christmas.

My sister Susan and my two nephews returned to Queensland yesterday after spending a week here in Adelaide. It is so lovely to spend time with family. We hadn't seen my nephews for a year - and boy have they grown, both well over six feet and Jake at 14 still growing. They are such lovely boys though - not too old to play with their little cousins.

We exchanged Christmas presents with them while they were here - Susan made me a gorgeous wall hanging for my shop. The photo isn't great since it is grey and gloomy here - but I'm not complaining it's raining!!!
Our present to Susan - well it wasn't gift wrapped but it seemed to give her pleasure - carte blanche in the fabric and pattern cupboards.

We celebrated three birthdays while they were here also Rachel's, who was 7 on the 11th, Vanessa's who will be 10 tomorrow (where did the time go) and my mother's who will be 70 on the 29th of this month. One of the gifts Vanessa received from a friend was to go and make a gingerbread house. I was out when she returned home so I told her to take a photograph (since I thought it may not last until I got home).
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas. May your celebrations be filled with love, laughter and happiness.

It's feeling a little bit like Christmas..

2006-12-13T16:35:00.000+10:30

but I need at least 12 more months!

I've been working on a Christmas quilt for the past year. I only work on this one at my Thursday craft group. With sick kids, a business, school excursions and the like I don't always get there. At least that's my excuse for not finishing it yet and I never made any promises as to which Christmas it was for.

Anyway here are the blocks I have completed.
Only 5 and a half to go!

I went out to morning tea with all my quilting group this morning and remembered I hadn't posted a pic of my Flea Market Fancy Cute Skirt. I shortened it and cut the godets with the skirt panels. That is I didn't use separate godets. My girls are impressed since it "twirls" - even if I do get dizzy much quicker than a 7 year old! So here it is complete with grubby finger prints on the mirror.

The top is one I made a few years ago. I have made it a couple of times - with sleeves, in knit, with collar, etc. I think I would like another sleeveless one it is lovely and cool for summer.

Update to last posting

2006-12-06T17:03:00.000+10:30

The lovely Gina of Quilter's Buzz has also written in relation to Amy's updated fabric policy which includes photos of Amy's new patterns using her upcoming Lotus range - for more fabric images see here

A letter from Amy Butler

2006-12-06T09:12:00.000+10:30

As many of you know I own a retail store called Quilt Fabric Delights. In that store I stock both Amy Butler's fabrics and patterns. Amy has recently written to me and has asked me to pass a letter on to all of my customers and to those who purchase Amy's fabrics and patterns elsewhere.

From Amy:

I hope my note finds everyone well, I wanted to write in hopes of clearing up a lot of misunderstanding. Thanks for taking time out to read my letter.

I have some positive changes on my web site faqs that I'm very happy to share! These changes have been in place for a few weeks but I don't think a lot of folks know about it yet . First I'd like to say how thankful I am that open forums like this exist where we can all talk to each other.

I know there has been a lot of continued concern about the use of my fabrics. I've received several emails and I want you to know that I care deeply about what my studio does and how it effects other people. It's been step by step, but I feel like we have finally landed in the place we need to be. I apologize that it's not been clear cut which is the unfortunate result of our trying to figure things out. Our previous faqs were about trying to keep the fabrics special for niche retailers and sewers. This was not decided with the fabric companies for financial gain, in actuality, a lot less fabric was sold. We were trying to prevent over-saturation in the market place among larger manufacturers. In the end these efforts proved to be too complicated. It's been a very significant and difficult learning process and I'm sorry that we did not respond faster.

I regret that our faqs have caused so much disruption and I am truly sorry for the difficulties this has caused. It was never my intention to harm anyone's business, and I mean this very sincerely. We try our best to make the right decisions, yet sometimes the best solutions remain elusive until you can see the whole picture.

Moving forward the good news is my fabrics are now completely available in any form that makes sense for you, and that includes being able to buy my fabrics wholesale for manufacturing.

I know the selvedge on my fabrics reads " for Non- Commercial Use Only " but that will be removed in future printings of my material. The " for Non Commercial Use Only " is not in effect, so it's totally ok to use those fabrics at any time. Please visit my web site www.amybutlerdesign.com to read the full faqs and if we've left any questions un-answered, please let me know, it's very important.

I also wanted to share my fabric design process and I've added a link to Quilter's Buzz so you can read all about it.
http://www.quiltersbuzz.com/2006/11/post_77.html

Please know that I want everyone to be successful and enjoy what they are doing. I'm continually flattered and humbled by the interest and enthusiasm in people working with the fabrics I design! There are no more roadblocks for any of us, and here's to moving forward in peace and doing what we all do best.

I wish everyone the greatest joy in their creative endeavors and business!
If I can answer any other questions for you, please write to me.

All My Best,
Amy

amy@amybutlerdesign.com
www.amybutlerdesign.com
Questions about Amy's fabrics:
Can I use Amy's fabrics to make projects to sell or use in manufacturing finished goods? YES.
Why does it say "For Non-Commercial Use" on Amy's fabrics? This formerly applied to large manufacturers but we have since lifted our licensing requirements. Anyone is free to use the fabrics however they wish. It will be removed in future printings of fabrics.
Why did that stipulation change? We tried to keep the designs exclusive for the small and independent retailers and manufacturers but it caused more confusion than help. We are opening the line usage to everyone. So large manufacturers and small can now use the fabrics whether or not they buy it wholesale or retail.

I hope that you will continue to be as inspired by Amy's designs as I am and support her as her business grows and develops so that she continues to design such wonderful fabrics and patterns.

And for a sneak peak of her new range Lotus visit Westminster Fibers - which one is your favourite??

Sarah

A farewell

2006-12-05T13:41:00.000+10:30

I've just got back from the airport - our Japanese student has just left to return to Japan. She lived with us for nearly two years and it will seem strange without her. Yayoi was quite emotional about finishing school and leaving all her friends here in Australia. I don't think she agreed when I said that finishing school is just the beginning of the rest of your life not the end. But she will be back, not to live with us, but back to Adelaide to do further studies next year. It certainly made it easier saying goodbye knowing she would be back for visits next year.

It will be quiet sitting down to dinner tonight. Vanessa is off on a school camp so it will be just three of us at the table tonight. Very strange but good to have one on one time with Rachel.

I am just realising, especially I have been seeing all the wonderful Christmas creations being made in blogland, that I have done nothing for Christmas this year. No decorations yet, no cards written, some presents ready at least. I must do something about it. I think it is denial. I turned 40 this year and will shortly be the mother of a 7 and 10 year old and the year just seems to have gone by way too quickly. Put all that together with parents turning 70, a recent close call for my mother and I think I am in the midst of the cliched mid-life crisis - very aware of the ebb and flow of life and maybe subconsciously not getting ready for Christmas is my way of dealing with it.

So having said that I'm off to do something Christmassy - maybe one of Coryn's doves

Ooh la la

2006-11-30T13:24:00.000+10:30

Last year I made a tiered skirt for Vanessa based on one in Ottobre. Vanessa loved it and fortunately it still fits her this year. She was wearing it on the weekend when she visited a friend. Ella and her mother both admired it. It just so happened that when Vanessa and I had originally designed it we were going to put three tiers, but on trying it on we decided it looked cute shorter and also a lot more practical than a long skirt. That left me with a whole tier leftover sitting in the cupboard. So a bit of unpicking, adding another patched tier out of scraps (since her friend is a little taller than her) and here you have it.

We gave it to Ella this morning at school - she was thrilled. Of course not to be left out Rachel wants one to. I have a few pieces leftover still but not quite enough, but quick thinking Rachel said "you can use some of the Eiffel Tower one in the cupboard" - and she's right I can - so there will be another one soon.

I felt so excited the other day when I discovered what Bloglines were - I can't believe I took so long to check it out. I have so much time and I am sure those of my favourite bloggers who thought I was stalking them will be heaving a sigh of relief as I don't visit their blog everytime I sit down at the computer to see what's new. It doesn't take much to keep me entertained!!

Bohemian Box

2006-11-24T16:08:00.000+10:30

In the midst of doing mundane tasks that I could no longer avoid, you know breakfast dishes at lunchtime while halfway through vacuuming the house and inspired by this seen here I had this great idea to make this...I used heavy duty Wonder-Under, Iron on vinyl and this. This box is only tiny (just over 8cm square) but it would be great for packaging jewellery or a few choccies...

I think I will order more in different sizes to use instead of wrapping paper. Maybe for gifts the girl's teachers. I just need ideas for what to put in them - they both had the same teacher last year and I made them bags so need something different. I'm thinking some of my favourite choccies
Thanks for the inspiration Anna Maria

Long break

2006-11-22T21:53:00.000+10:30

I admit it. I'm a bad blogger - I really didn't mean to be so long. I find the every day minutae of other's lives interesting but when it comes to mine it just seems boring.

No craft to report other than the curtain I mentioned is finished!!! I love the fabric that my friend chose, but after sewing it I really was glad to see it go. She is thrilled which is the main thing. I was going to photograph it but got carried away photographing my other sewing helper and then the camera battery went flat. So in the interest of being fair to my pets here's Buddy. I promise no more pet photos. Buddy is sooo interested in my sewing and my business, he inspects each new box of goodies as they arrive and he has unhealthy interest in the cord of my overlocker (and any other he can find). Just as well I married an electrician!!!

I had some yummy fabrics arrive last week and yesterday a friend came over with her wizzbang camera (yes that is envy you detect) and took photographs for me while I put the invisible zipper in her Amy Butler Cabo Halter Top. I think I owe her a whole top. I am so grateful have her help, because to be honest one person (at least not this person) cannot do everything in a business. I think this post also counts as a favourite corner of my home.

This is the "family" room or at least that's what it said on the plan when we renovated. It's now my shop and it gives me such a buzz to see so many beautiful thing each day.

I've just upgraded (??) to Beta Blogger - so what are backlinks??? And how to I link to a particular post rather than just my whole blog.

Sewing - the next generation.

2006-11-10T13:50:00.000+10:30

On Wednesday I had the pleasure of helping the children in my daughter's Year 4 class sew cushions. They had tie dyed squares of cotton with their teacher and then machine sewed them together to make a cushion. It was a priceless experience. I thought I would be constantly telling the boys to slow down, that it wasn't a race, etc, etc. In fact some of the boys showed a little fear of the sewing machine. Those that I thought would be difficult sewed slowly and carefully. I was proud as punch at their end results and so were they. Hopefully that small experience will have ignited in some of them a desire to create and make.

Vanessa, who is not usually interested in the process of sewing, although she loves all the fabrics, was helping others with their handsewing and now wants to make something else. It served as a reminder to me to spend more time letting them sew even if it means I can't make what I want.

While I would love for my daughters to be greating like Anna Maria's Julia, the genetics are probably there for such creativeness, but if they believe in themselves who knows?? Afterall, one of my mother's comments when she introduces me to friends who craft is "This is my daughter Sarah, she does beautiful ____ (fill in the blank, smocking, embroidery,sewing), I never would have thought she would". Gee, thanks Mum!

Actually thanks Mum, for your persistence in teaching me. I still call her or see her for sewing advice.

Autum has also been helping a young someone who wanted to make a bag. I think it is fabulous. I often feel like saying to someone when they ask will I make something "No, but I'll teach you".

I don't have a photo of the class making their cushions and because this would be a really boring post without one here is one of my previous students.

I'm off to finish the curtains for a friend I couldn't say no to (please send telepathic thoughts to me to never say yes to curtains again).

Something a little different

2006-11-07T10:46:00.000+10:30

Inspired by Belinda and needing something to go in a newsletter I came up with this. Just in case you are wondering what on earth it is - is a Necklace! I made bias cut roulleau tubes and attached them to a fabric tab and the ribbon to the tab. I think it would have been better to have piping cord through the tubes, but my patience in trying to get it through was limited.

I am still working on my second Cute Skirt and if I say so myself this one is cute. I just need to hem so will post a photograph tomorrow.

Cooking Adventures

I've had some interesting cooking adventures this week. On the weekend my husband decided he and the girls would cook dinner. Normally that is a stress free event - but my father dropped by late in the afternoon and after a glass of wine and some cheese it was quite late when they started so I was called in to help.

As you can see much fun was had.

And a delicious meal of homemade pasta with calamari and Lemon Tart was eaten.

What the photographs don't show are me burning the sugar for the filling for the lemon tart, me rescuing the filling by straining it into another clean saucepan, me spilling the lemon tart over me, the floor and the door of my new oven, me cleaning up said mess while my children admonished me for saying a naughty word (which I thought was quite tame in the given circumstances).

And all of that didn't get me out of cooking dinner last night before I went out for dinner with friends. Dinner was a thank you gift from a friend and turned out to be cooking lessons - do you think she was trying to tell me something?

We had a great time - it was a demonstration of Maltese cooking - which I was completely ignorant about (and is probably worth a blog entry on its own). We came home with full tummies and great new recipes to try out on our families.

Just in case you are wondering - I am quite a reasonable cook but was having a clutzy day or should I say week if you take into account the glass in two pictures I have broken this week. Just as well they weren't mirrors!

A walk on the wildside

2006-10-29T10:00:00.000+10:30

Last night we went on a Dusk Walk at Monarto Zoo. Monarto is an open range zoo about an hour east of Adelaide. We had a fantastic time, but to tell you more about it I have a guest blogger who is bursting at the seams to talk about it. So without further ado here is my daughter Vanessa assisted by little sister Rachel.

At 2:30 my Dad, my mum, my little sister Rachel and I hopped in the car and headed to Monarto Zoological Park. When we got to Monarto we had a look at the skins of some of the animals at the zoo, their were also lots of skulls of some of the animals that had died. We went down the ramp and across some pebble pavement a to the Meerkats. One was on watch and another one was in a rock resting.

In ten minutes we got afternoon tea. Their was tea an a few plates of cakes. When everybody had finished their cake and Cuppa Tea we got it to a bus we went through the giraffe enclosure. We stopped for a while and one came up to us on started licking the bus window. It was really funny.

After we drove through a Kangaroo/ Emu enclosure. Their was a female Kangaroo and her joey bouncing around. Then we went to the lions enclosure but they were in their night quarters. The bus went round to the night quarters. We hopped out of the bus and got in a line, we had to step into a shoe bath before we went through a gate to their night quarters.

The lions were all in their cages and one was in a long walkway and she was just under a staircase that went up and over it, so we had to walk over her. She was really close. She thought Rachel looked yummy until she spotted a littler boy.

When we got down the stairs one of the lionesses was trying to impress the males and she rolled over on her back. The males weren't impressed.

One of the male lions had broken one of his teeth. Ouch!! Today the dentist is flying over to fix it and the teeth of a Cheetah and an African Painted Dog.

After we watched the lions for a while we set off for a walk back to the visitor centre. On the way we saw interesting plants like this little paper daisy.

We walked for a little bit long through the scrub until we got to the Rhino's boma. We went through the boma and we got to touch a Rhino. He was really rough because he had coated himself in mud. I was amazed because I got to touch a Rhino.

Then we split up into three groups to finish the walk. We took the medium walk. On the way back to the Visitor's Centre we saw Giraffes, Ostriches, Bison, Zebras, Oryx and other animals.

Before long we were back at the Visitor's Centre for dinner. We ate a yummy dinner and a possum came to visit. As soon as everyone had finished their dinner they drew the raffle and I won a picture of Glossy Backed Black Cockatoos. I felt happy.

Then it was time to go home, it was late and I was tired. Rachel fell asleep in the car.

It was great!!!!

Back to Mum.

We really did have a wonderful time although we have two tired, grumpy girls today, but it was worth it! While there would be nothing better than to see all the animals living in the wild this is the closest we can get. The Zoo is constantly making improvements, both for the animals welfare and for our enjoyment.

Whose a model?

2006-10-24T21:54:00.000+09:30

Not me that's for sure. Now I could blame the photographer since it was Miss 9, but I think she takes just as good a photograph as I do. Anyway this is my version of the Cute Skirt I told you about earlier.

I am working on another, with godets and in a smaller size so I don't have to do all the alterations I did for this one. More on that soon.

I also finished a table runner. We added a new room to our house last year and this year put in the new kitchen. I chose very neutral decor and the room needed a bit of a lift and this is what I came up with.
This is the old kitchen partway through renovating.

Wasn't it beautiful?? It is amazing what you can get used to - we lived with it for over a year just like that. It is now the room that houses all my beautiful fabrics.

This is the new one - back in June just finshed and unpacked. We now have much needed blinds - you needed sunglasses to cook dinner before. I know I should have taken a photo of it as it is today, but it's messy, papers all over the bench, etc. Does anyone else have that, papers on any and every flat surface. I never know what to do with them all. I love the bench - we can all be cooking together without getting under each other's feet. And I don't know about your family but my children always want to talk to me when I'm cooking dinner which I love, but I was always tripping over them before, this way they can be there, on the other side of the bench.

Meandering

2006-10-16T13:28:00.000+09:30

As I've mentioned previously I have spent a lot of time reading blogs of late. Some would say too much! Before I put myself on a self imposed blog diet (that's a time restriction - I'll still be checking them out, just need to curb the time a little) while I get some things done around here I wanted to share some fun finds of late.

Not on a blog but found via Material Mama's blog is a great interview by Sewzannes with Heather Ross of Munki Munki. I love the Munki Munki fabrics - the Lightning Bugs and Other Mysteries is so much fun. The bikes remind me of my childhood - my girls don't believe me when I say "I had a bike like that". I can't wait to see Heather's new range.

I also enjoyed Material Mama's Sewing Manifesto - they are exactly my thoughts. Although I would like to add some more, like

Not being angry with the person who responds to your reply I made it when they say I wish I had the time.

And a Sewing Wish that the house would clean itself so I can sew without guilt.

And one more - Defence of the Stash. My Mother does not understand why my sister has so many fabrics and quilts - fortunately I have a shop so she doesn't consider that stash. Anyway, I read this online somewhere and don't know who to give credit to, but next time someone questions your stash ask them this:

Would you ask a stamp collector to put one of his stamps on an envelope and post it?
Would you ask a coin collector to use one of his coins in a vending machine?
Then why would you expect me to cut my fabric?

Mum seemed to have a much better understanding of my sister's stash after that - even if she still doesn't understand why she needs all those quilts.

What happened to Spring?

2006-10-12T21:23:00.000+09:30

Phew it was hot today! The girls are still on school holidays and with a 37 C day and the afternoon spent swimming in a friend's pool it feels like the Christmas holidays.

Before heading off for a swim ( the girls not me - I'm not ready to get into bathers yet) after much nagging by said girls I wipped up a headband each. If you haven't already tried one of these great headbands by Heather from HELLOmynameisHeather I can highly recommend her free pattern. They went together in a jiffy and best of all the girls love them. I was also thrilled that Heather put a link to Anna Maria Horner's blog. Anna Maria is a talented designer and created the Bohemian fabric range for FreeSpirit Fabrics.

On the sewing for me front I finished the Cute Skirt - I did it in this fabric. As I mentioned in my last post I had to do some alterations and it doesn't look too bad. Sorry no photo today - we had to get too the pool, did I mention it was hot?? I am thinking that I should try it in a smaller size - I chose the size for my hip measurement and not my waist. I'll let you know how I go, because it is so comfortable to wear and very easy to put together.

Sewing with the girls around is so much different to when I am by myself, I seem to have one hanging off each shoulder and everytime I get up to press, Rachel who is 6 jumps on the sewing machine to make something, little bags being her favourite choice at present, so no fabric scrap is safe.

Inspired by others or is that copycat?

2006-10-07T19:43:00.000+09:30

I have an ever growing list of things I want to make inspired by other bloggers like this and this by the clever Kathy of Pink Chalk Studio and covered books, quilted cards, wall pockets by Lindie.

I hope they don't mind me copying their ideas.

Inspired by Autum and my Denyse Schmidt book I've made these. I didn't have enough cotton wadding onhand to make two gloves so one is just a plain on potholder. I also want to make new placemats, but I can't make up my mind which fabrics to use. Oh what a lovely problem to have!

Right now I'm off for a hot date with my best sewing friend, my unpicker, to take off the waist band on my Cute Skirt because it looks anything but cute at the moment. All that elastic/gathered bit is not a good look for someone hippy. I think I can take in the seams above my thighs and still get it on carefully. Much as I hate altering patterns the fabric is to cute to waste and at least then I can see if it looks better that way. I may have to forgo the comfort of elastic if I make another and alter it to put in a zip. Hmm...

Have you finished my jeans yet??

2006-10-03T14:02:00.001+09:30

YES!!!

My two girls have been waiting nearly all winter for a new pair of jeans and although I finished Vanessa's a few weeks ago, Rachel has been impatiently waiting. Each day when I collected her from school she would ask "have you finished my jean's yet?" and my answer would something like "I sewed a pocket on". Anyway, now they are both finally finished so here they are.

Rachel wanted flowers and butterflies on her's to match her new t-shirt and Vanessa - wanted swirls. They are both from Ottobre Design , my favourite magazine.

Wouldn't you know it, the weather is quite warm, nearly hot even already, so they probably won't wear them much before they grow out of them. Better get sewing Summer clothes!

All things bright and cheery

2006-09-17T17:13:00.000+09:30

Finally something to blog about. Instead of sewing myself, I have been visiting many, many blogs. So many clever people, so many wonderful ideas. I am sure the magazine editors are missing a whole slice of the craft market.

Anyway I've had a cold and I am sure it took my brain on holiday, because if it could be done wrong - I did it with this one. It is a backpack loosely based on one in the most recent Homespun. Sorry about the fabrics and patterns in the pic - I was playing around with ideas for photos for advertising. It's a constant and challenging job coming up with photos for advertising, hopefully they will entice people to come and visit my online store. But one thing is certain, my family certainly won't lose me when I am wearing this on my back.

And while I am shamelessly plugging my business Quilt Fabric Delights aren't these new arrivals delightful? They are called Wash Tub prints from Andover Fabrics. We have recently added a new laundry to our home and I am thinking that they would be just the thing to use to brighten up the wall. I am not sure what to make though. Maybe a functional wall hanging with pockets, etc, for all the loose things that end up in a laundry. Any ideas??

Thank you and Temptation

2006-09-06T16:03:00.000+09:30

Thank you to my fellow bloggers who have left comments and welcomed me to the world of Blogging. I love visiting all the crafting blogs and as a result have done very little craft this week. I'm full of inspiring ideas but they haven't translated into anything tangible yet.

Koala Conventions

I received the very tempting brochure for the 2007 International Embroidery Convention in Brisbane.

I was lucky enough to attend in 2005 and had the best time. Wendy and Jenny from Koala Conventions really know how look after you. I did two workshops and have even managed to finish them.

The first is Champagne Rose which I did with Jennifer Bennett of Jennifer Bee

The second class was with Repair Bear with Jan Kerton, an amazingly talented and funny lady who is also an excellent teacher.

The Koala Convention girls haven't updated their website yet (and it doesn't work in Firefox) but you can see all the great workshops that were available this year.

I would so love to go again, but in the meantime I'll just wear out the brochure dreaming.

Spring Sprung

2006-08-26T10:52:00.000+09:30

The weather is cold and gloomy here again (with still no rain to speak of) after a week of lovely sunshine. Out of my kitchen window though I can see these beautiful peach blossoms. I love Spring, when everything is fresh and new and nature certainly seems to think Spring is here even if the calendar doesn't.

On the sewing front I have made up one of the CD holders from Amy Butler's In Stitches book. As expected great instructions. It was the first time I have worked with Timtex though and it was a little tricky. I used a piece of fabric from FreeSpirits Picket Fence range. I think in hindsight a more sturdy fabric as suggested in the pattern would have been better. I debated over whether to use the gingham or the floral fabric for the handles on the front and back as per the pattern, but both girls said no handles. So that was a simple solution. Now to tidy the shelves in their room so it has a home to go to!

I realised a few years ago that I have a thing for gingham, particularly pink. I'd never really thought about it but when I look back at the clothes I have made for my girls I use gingham a lot. Am I alone??

A new blog and a new bag

2006-08-23T19:15:00.000+09:30

What is it about a blank page that takes the words away? All the blogs I read are clever or witty or interesting or all of the above, but I can't think of a thing to say.

So I'll introduce myself. I'm Sarah. I live in Adelaide, South Australia with my husband of nearly 18 years and my two daughters aged 6 and 9. I am a SAHM who has recently started an online fabric shop. This has been a huge learning curve and it is great to use my brain again after so many years at home.

I didn't have a very auspiscious start in crafting - in fact as a teenager I can remember throwing a pair of socks I had to knit for High School across the loungeroom in disgust. It must have scarred me though since I still don't knit.

I learnt to sew nearly 20 years ago when my then soon to be Mother-in-Law offered me her old Singer sewing machine and have never looked back. I have since added smocking and embroidery to my list. Unfortunately my smocking days are fast running out as my girls grow older. I know sew most of their clothes from Ottobre magazine. I love their patterns - fun, trendy and most of all my girls don't ask for ready mades. So I get a few more years of sewing for them.

This is my latest completed project - one of the great (or not if you ask my husband) things about having my own shop is that I now have a great supply at hand and of course I do need to road test patterns that I sell!!!

So this is the Sweet Heart bag by Moon Shine Designs. I found the instructions clear and easy to follow. The bag went together well. I have been saving this last piece of Amy Butler's Ginger Bliss for some time and the Jennifer Sampou Color Beat fabric just jumped out and said use me, use me! I only made one change to the pattern and that was instead of sewing the front pocket to the bag through the centre I used a magnetic clip. Just because I didn't want a seam through the pocket. I forgot take photos of the inside. Oh well next time.

My next project is a CD holder from Amy Butler's new book In Stitches for the girls room.

Oh and I love fabric...