Works in Progress...

Summertimes Kite Festival...

2012-01-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we went down to New Brighton beach

to see the kite festival.

It was fantastic, the kites were so pretty.

The kiddies played in the sun and the sand and the water

This was my favourite, it wasn't huge but it was so pretty.

Massive hole in the ground.

I sat and did some knitting, I'm determined to get Annie's cardy finished for winter

so a row here and a row there to get it done.

Daddy went to the zoo with the kiddies...

2012-01-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

I love this picture so much!

Annie has loved animals since she was a teeny tiny

and she really loves the te-raffe.

Look how happy she is! She can't believe her luck.

Orana park is a lovely zoo. The animals have large natural enclosures.

I love the zebras - is it a black horse with white stripes

or a white horse with black stripes?? lol

There is plenty of places to just sit and watch.

See Annie's hat? she hates the wind in her hair

and so wears a woolly hat even in the summer. "I hates the wind" she says!!

There's a farm area with animals you can pet.

And lions you stand behind a fence and watch being fed

and roaming and playing around.

These beautiful cats just playing about in the sun.

David and the kids had a great time

(I stayed behind and did laundry and worked on the house (see yesterdays post!)

Thanks so much to Kiwi Mummy Blogs and the kind folks who nominated us

for the family pass. They had a great day!

I've been noticing the colours of summer (and a wee rant)...

2012-01-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

I've been on a its-the-last-week of the holidays crusade to clear up all the clutter

that accumulates when 6-10+ people rattle around in a house all the time,

but as I do I've been noticing summery colours in my house.

Like these beautiful prints from Sweet William.

Deep yellows and blues in Annie's room like sunflowers against a blue sky!

I love how a 50c giraffe (Annie calls them te-raffe) and a $1 record cover

brighten up Annie's old and battered dresser so well.

A new cushion for Annie's bed in summery pinks and purples.

I wanted to make something, anything... and I remembered these doilies I dyed a while back

and a pretty skirt someone gave me and I just put them together.

It cost me nothing because I had a cushion inner about but Annie is happy.

The pile of quilts on Annie's shelves in summery greens.

Our house has piles of quilts and blankets here and there as the weather gets warmer

and they come off the beds!! One day I'd love to have a cupboard to display them

but in the meantime I stack them up on old suitcases and stash them here or there.

Too soon, they will be asking for them back as autumn is just around the corner!

Annie's wedding sandals and her favourite crochet blanket on her bed,

ah summer sunshine!

Even Woty Wot has a summery blanket!

And my vintage pram and doll have a raspberry and tea quilt to brighten them up

Annie can't get over having Chrissy home,

and popped into her bed this morning which is looking so fresh in it's summer quilts and pillows.

I love hydrangeas so much and mine are finally flowering beautifully,

this jug makes me smile as I stagger past with yet another load of washing to fold.

I read this post this morning and I don't really agree with the sentiment.

We have the power to make our homes beautiful, even just a corner of it.

A $2 jug and some flowers (even foraged ones) can make you smile.

I don't make my home beautiful for the blog,

I'm working on it for my family... to make it a place of refuge and beauty.

Yes it's true my sofa is covered in clean folded washing

and the entrance is a constant work in progress,

but our home is our home and we live in it, so that's the way it will be!

I picked up this treasure while dropping off donations to a new opshop

(for Christchurch folk - cnr Stourbridge Street and Lyttleton St)

which fundraises for Big Brother Big Sister, an organization David volunteers for

(his picture is on the window)

Do you have a corner or a windowsill that makes you smile??

I'd love to see if you post on your block and link up in the comments I'll pop over and visit!!

This week I've been....

2012-01-19T18:18:00.000-08:00

Trying to find my sewing mojo, it seems to have disappeared over the summer

Annie and I have been sorting things in tins,

love opening them and finding a burst of colour

Spent a lot of time hanging out with this kiddo

Working away at a cushion from an old skirt

enjoying Reuben working on his favourite child status

(once I heard an old lady say that any child who was well behaved was her favourite child)

Shedding tears over more buildings going down.

See that sign that says "Foodcourt"? I've walked past that so many times

how can it be coming down??

Grateful for the city planners who decided to plant a huge crop of sunflowers

in the middle of the new block of shops in the city.

Enjoying the Buskers festival in the hot sun!

500 days...

2012-01-17T23:41:00.000-08:00

500 Days... 1 quake 3+ every four hours approximately...

yes life has changed, maybe forever.

Early on I decided to photograph my quilts on the fences that surround our city

and our buildings. Here are some of my favourite pictures and some thoughts....

It's hard to send your kids out in the morning,

or go out and leave them not knowing if they will be safe.

It's been good to find that we can cope without water or power

and that a good emergency kit does actually mean you can feed

and care for your family and actually that is what matters.

It's been so sad to see building after building being pulled down

or fenced off. It tears your heart really seeing your city change before your eyes.

It's been so cool to build connections in our community

and know that we are there for each other when we need it.

We've also learned that everyone has a different breaking point

and to respect that and support the person who gets to that stage.

Sleep deprivation has become a constant,

many many nights being woken by aftershocks or stuff falling down.

The other night the frying pan fell off the stove in the night with a terrible clatter

that made us jump, plus the handle broke off and the lid bent.

I wonder if anyone in Christchurch has a full set of china or glasses.

We are learning that stuff is just stuff,

and your serenity does not come from that.

We've become the news over and over,

the ones that people turn on the tv and shake their heads over,

but unless you live through a few hundred aftershocks,

it's pretty hard to get what it feels like.

Other natural disasters are more devastating, for example floods,

but the flood water doesn't come up night after night after night and visit you in your bed,

even though most of our aftershocks are little ones,

you NEVER KNOW which ones will develop to something bigger

because some of them do.

Months pass and you start to feel safe,

and then bang a big one hits again.

So yes, 500 days... I have to say I have never been as frightened

as the first 7.3. It was unbelievable. I really thought we were all going to die,

and it was so dark and so violent.

I have discovered I was more resilient that I thought.

I have found doing the washing in a baby bath was fine.

A hole in the back garden makes a perfectly fine toilet.

I felt so scared that day I sat on the grass with the Opawa School children

and didn't hear from Chrissy.

I felt so loved on the 23 Feb when there was 50 emails from you!

I've sewed a lot of quilts with squares and blocks

Reuben has made many many duplo houses...

Bede shakes the doll's house over and over and over

we are all trying to make sense of what's around us.

I'm so grateful that Jesus told the story in Luke 13:4

we are not being punished, or more evil than anyone else, life happens.

I've learned to keep the cupboard doors shut

and blu tack under the favourite ornaments.

From

Dear Grandma who made the wonkiest quilt ever....

2012-01-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

I found your blanket at the Salvation Army.

It was so wonky but the colours sing together and so I brought it home and washed it.

I'm pretty sure you were disappointed with how it turned out

because it was in brand-new condition, but I want you to know

that it doesn't matter to us one little bit.

It is so soft and snuggly and warm and just the right size for a little person on the sofa.

It's fun to roll about on with your favourite friends.

Or just for sitting and thinking.

Even for play fighting.

It makes a great cape to run back to bed after a trip to the river

And is just right to put over your legs to keep the bugs away at night.

It works great to keep you warm if you forgot your cardy too.

So thank you Grandma, we love this blanket.

We appreciate all the work in it and the lovely Christmassy colours.

You didn't need to be disappointed because a wonky blanket

can still do all the things a perfect blanket can.

Actually probably more, because it can!

I wrote a cool post but I lost it so here's some pictures of thrifty finds instead....

2012-01-16T18:14:00.000-08:00

I've discovered that suitcases are so much better when you go away

than overnight bags so I wanted two more, one for David and one for Annie. These are perfect.

Doesn't do any harm that they are pretty to look at!!

After seeing Johnson Brother's plates on so many Australian blogs

I've started to look out for them. I got three of these beauties.

In New Zealand Crown Lynn is more collectable,

so these are pretty cheap.

Another wee dog for our growing collection.

Why I ask? I don't know but I keep finding them!!

An old painting to put in my bathroom.

A couple of wee tins to put things in for Annie.

And two of these sheets, very worn in the middle but nice around the edges.

I'm going to make some pillow cases I think from these, or maybe cushions.

I put all the Christmas decorations away today (I'd popped them in the spare/sewing room)

so hopefully there will be some sewing on the blog soon....

we'll see!

Why hello 2012, what do you have for us??

2012-01-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

The school holidays have another couple of weeks to run

but David and James go back to work today (I'm working today too)

Chrissy works funny hours and she is already back.

It feels a bit weird to be a household with four working people,

a primary school child and a two year old. Ok yes that is odd, haha.

I know I'm slow off the mark, but I'm ready to work out a few desires for 2012.

We've had such a great holiday and somehow we are feeling much more ready

to face what the year brings, which is awesome.

It's a long time since we've had such a good break

and it really makes a difference for which we are very thankful.

For the rest of this summer I want to focus on cooking healthy fresh food,

and continue introducing new tastes to the younger children.

I want to pick flowers to have on the table and eat outside as often as possible.

It possible that Fletchers will be fixing our house this year

(well everyone in Christchurch hopes that lol)

so I want to gradually go through all the cupboards and drawers and dark corners

to throw out, give away and just tidy the stuff lurking in there,

so that when we have to empty the house for repairs, it's not such a drama.

I want to print out photos from the last, um 5 years (oops) and put them in albums.

How did I let this get so far behind??? sigh

I want to finish quilts I've started.... my flying geese quilt, the quilt from Amanda's last quilt along,

a quilt for Liz, a quilt for Sharyn, a quilt for Hazel, a quilt from charm squares,

a quilt for James and a couple of others languishing about there.

I also want to make a quilt for Jeremy and Eva's wedding (they want red,

in the same pattern as Johns)

I want to do Playcentre Course 4, get some more exercise,

grow more herbs and drink more water.

I want to finish knitting Annie a cardy for the winter,

watch more movies and just take more time to smell the flowers.

We have a few plans for this year (apart from just keeping the household running)

We celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in June

and my brother gets married in December (we're going to Melbourne for this)

In the next few weeks my friend Kate and I are launching our own Etsy shop

selling vintage fabrics, patterns and kits.

We are super excited about this and hope you will be too.

10 Things you must do on your summer holiday....

2012-01-14T16:54:00.000-08:00

1. Stop and admire the flowers on the side of the road.

2. Play with your favourite toys as much as you can

3. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast every day, add a treat if possible.

4. Spend as much time as you can in the water with the minimum of clothes on.

5. Try and spend time lying under a tree on a quilt reading a book.

6. Just sit and watch the water.

7. Spend time talking and strengthening your friendships.

8. Do something crazy or watch someone do something crazy.

9. Catch your own food if possible.

10. Only work on projects you enjoy.

We've had the best holiday thanks to our friends who generously shared their holiday with us,

it was amazing and fun; and now we are home.

Two and a half weeks and school goes back,

I can't believe it's gone so fast!!

The Christmas that friends built....

2012-01-12T12:56:00.000-08:00

First there was a beautiful doll by the wonderful Dee,

who whipped this up in response to an SOS from me who left my run a bit late.

Nana gave this to Annie (I always help Nana with her gifts)

and she is adorable. So beautifully made.

I might see if she can get a friend for her birthday.

Then there was the Christmas Elf from Big Little.

I actually have to confess I brought her and couldn't part with her.

I did share her a bit, but she is mine.

I love her. She's staying around all the year, not just Christmas!!!

And last of all there was another Princess in disguise

for the present I put together for Annie.

That one deserves a whole blog post of it's own

but all in all I was so happy with my purchases.

The last couple of years I made most of our gifts,

but this year I didn't have it in me so I decided to give gifts that others made

or that were meaningful in some way.

It worked out great.

Why is it called a hen's night??

2012-01-07T01:40:00.000-08:00

I don't know, but we had fun, so much fun.

We met at Kaikoura in a beautiful cottage.

We played games. This one was with trains and carriages and maps.

I had to make a track from Chicago to Portland. I loved it.

I don't know what it was called but it was great, and I want to own it!!

Here is the bride to be, enjoying herself. Probably because she is winning, haha.

Here is Eva, who will be a bride in December. Isn't she lovely?

Here is Shaz, concentrating. She is probably cheating, eh Shaz!!

It's so pretty, if a little mysterious!!

We ate garlic bread, and crayfish cooked in butter and garlic.

So so delicious.

We talked and laughed and played and discussed.

We soaked up the peace and the beauty.

We tried on each other's jewelry and clothes.

This is the lovely Lily, tall and beautiful and full of poise.

The cottage was full of beautiful touches, like Christmas decorations

hanging off the chandeliers.

And beautiful original fittings.

A cottage that keeps its secrets. My it was fun.

We'll have to do it again next year :)

And the rain came tumbling down....

2012-01-07T01:17:00.000-08:00

When we went to Piction it rained and rained and rained.

Our brand new awning leaked down every seam.

Luckily we had taken a real bed

because we paddled across the awning, shook the water off our feet

and climbed into bed. I'm not exaggerating. It's a true story.

Over night the wee quiet stream became a raging torrent.

I think it rose about a metre over the four days and nights it rained.

It was majestic and awesome.

It's not too bad when it rains, you get to stay in the caravan and play games.

The only downside is going to the toilet and collecting drinking water from the tap.

I'm not sure I could do it for six months like Kate and her amazing family.

Alexander Holiday park is pretty low budget

but it is real camping. I love it.

Especially these back sites set in the bush looking at the mountains. Amazing.

A Dr Suess Quilt for David using my Everyday Quilt Pattern

2012-01-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

While we were on camping, one evening the light was perfect

(which means it wasn't raining at the time haha)

so I popped David's quilt over the clothesline and took some pictures....

I brought this as a fat quarter bundle from Shiree in Twizel

and I added a few bits from my friend Karen and a couple of other fat quarters.

I really love how all the colours zing together.

I used my Everyday quilt pattern, because I don't like cutting fabrics

with detailed pictures like this into too smaller pieces and losing the pictures

and also because I love the way it looks kinda rumpled over someone's knees.

Quilted again by Shenleigh, with a soft thrifted flannelette sheet on the back

it's a really snuggly quilt.

When I began to make it, I imagined David and the children

snuggled under it reading their bedtime stories.

I ran out of fabric for the binding,

but I sent an SOS to Kirsty at Sew Pretty (link on my sidebar)

and she sent me just the right amount for me to finish it.

Actually I don't think I've paid her yet, oops.

I really like the way you can read the writing on the binding.

Hmm don't look too closely though, I may have wobbled on the stitching there

sewing down the binding!!

These little guys are so funny aren't they!

This is my penguin shot for Little Island Quilting

you'll have to pop over there to see what I mean!

There may have been a water fight just before these pictures were taken!!

So nice when they play nicely together :)

David loved his quilt, I'm pretty sure he's going to enjoy snuggling under it next winter.

The best day ever....

2012-01-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Jo and Tahu's wedding.

It was amazing!!

We came home with 182 photos on our camera, plus more on our phones!!!

I'm going to post my favourites here from the day...

This is the two James! This is my dad James and my son James.

Don't they look so stylish??

Reuben looks upset in this picture because when we walked in,

he saw a lot of people in suits and thought he was not dressed properly.

Poor Reuben. Of course he looked great and once we got to the actual venue

he could was fine. Anyway this is the only one of the six of us together.

Me and my big boy.

He did look so stylish in a suit, my word!

This photo is so cute. Straight after the bride came in

Chrissy did her reading. See how the flower girls have teddies matching their outfits??

This is Eva and Jeremy, my brother and his fiance, and David and I

Jeremy and Eva are getting married in Melbourne in December.

Two weddings in one year... fun fun fun!!!!!

Here is Reuben looking after his little sister.

They looked so cute cuddled up in this chair.

After the wedding, we had afternoon tea. The jars of punch went down a treat.

The siblings picture: Me Jeremy, Jo, Tahu and Sharyn.

Ooooooh! so nice.

The Parent's Picture, my mum is the gorgeous lady in the purple top.

She looked so amazing, I was so proud she is my mum

(well and Jeremy, Sharyn and Jo's too)

The cuties playing together. Who knew a bottle of water and a cup was all they needed??

I really like this photo. I'm going to frame it to remind myself they aren't always at war!!!

Reuben and his new found buddy Eva. He loved her so much.

These two loved running about with the balloons.

I'm not sure what the balloons were for but they looked cute.

I'm sure there was still a bag of them at the end!

Jo has such attention to detail. I could go on and on about it.

These are the wedding favours to take home.

Inside the bag homemade heart shaped chocolates.

Each bag had a different saying about love on it.

It was amazing amazing amazing.

And I loved every moment of it, honestly it could not have been better.

A quilt for Jeremy and Eva

2012-01-04T11:08:00.000-08:00

James went to stay in Melbourne with my bro and his fiance for Christmas.

A few days before he went, he came out and said he wanted a really nice present for them

and could I make a quilt!

I used the last few blocks from the Epic

and some lovely co-ordinating fabric in my stash.

It's actually turned out lovely.

It was 5 x 5 12" blocks.

The night before he left we threw it in the car on another errand and took some pictures.

These were taken by one of the badly damaged high schools in Christchurch.

We drove around the red zone on our errand.

The red means the houses are coming down and the land won't be rebuilt on.

The man we went to visit told us 800 houses (including his)

in his neighbourhood were going.

Because it's not that cold in Melbourne, I didn't put backing in,

just backed it with Polar fleece and bagged it through

and quilted down each seam of the block.

I actually love how it turned out,

and Jeremy and Eva like it too.

Book-making: the perfect wet day activity...

2012-01-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

We're home again from our camping trip.

It was great, if more than a little damp. I have loads of photos and posts in my head

so they will spill out here in the next week or two!!

We had a lot of rain as I mentioned, and on the first day,

I got out my new book and a box of materials I had saved over time

for just such an occasion as this.

And we made books. It was great.

This book is an excellent resource and if I didn't follow the instructions exactly,

they still turned out great.

I had brought some old Golden books from our card making stash

but actually the covers are too hard without a good scoring tool

so for beginners we found soft card was better.

Old calendars were perfect.

We used all sorts of papers and pictures for the insides,

these books are works of art with surprises around every page!!

Aren't they cute?? And very do-able. The two boys (9 and 10) loved it

and the teen did too. Not appropriate for Miss Annie as the awl is dangerous.

We even tried using some stripy string from Trade Aid.

That looked pretty cute too.

Apart from the book, I purchased and awl, some strong thread

and a few long needles. The rest was bits and bobs we had.

These are great, I highly recommend the activity for young and old,

we all had fun doing this and all had good success!!

Ah it's nice to be home and have internet again.

Tomorrow my sister gets married... exciting!

Good bye 2011....

2011-12-30T21:30:00.001-08:00

2011 has been quite a ride,

all I can say, is thank God that it is over!

We've learned that the lessons you teach your kids,

will stick with them when they are teens,

even though you wonder if they have.

We learnt that you can be just as proud of a kid that gets out of bed every morning and goes to work

as the kid who studies hard at school to gain credits by sweat and tears.

We learnt that cuddles and a quilt to snuggle in will make most kids feel safer.

We learnt that we can't fix everything,

but our kids still want us too, and they still hope we will.

There has been lots of downs about 2011 to be sure,

but lots of lessons learned.

We've learned about friendship and community,

about sticking together and supporting each other.

We've learned to keep the cell phone charged and the emergency kit filled,

we've learned to tell each other where we are going

and always know how to get out (or under).

We've learned that clean drinking water is more precious than gold,

and power is more of a luxury.

We've learned more about earthquakes than we though possible,

and somehow those lessons are going to carry us on through 2012.

We've learned to keep the important things as the main thing,

and not to worry about things that don't matter so much.

(like that 20kg I never lost)

I can only hope and pray that 2012 will be a lot lot better,

and that mother nature will be kind to us as the ground settles down slowly.

But whatever happens, I know that my faith does sustain me,

I believe in the sun even when it doesn't shine,

I believe in God, even when I can't see Him.

And I'm not going to let that go now.

I'm going to walk into 2012 bravely with a smile on my face,

and hope in my heart that we will grow stronger

and closer together whatever happens.

And that's a good way to start the year isn't it?

Where ever you are, I hope that the plans you make for 2012,

include faith that will carry you through.

2011-12-27T19:54:00.000-08:00

Look at these two sweeties on Christmas day.

Reuben loves loves loves his explorer bag,

I'll take a better picture some time.

David was happy with his quilt

We discovered that left to their own devices the children

will choose strange things for Christmas dinner.

Annie chose chippies and Reuben

Merry Christmas....

2011-12-24T15:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much for all the kind messages,

it means so much, really it does.

We are currently enjoying some sun.

Getting some rest in unexpected places

(delays are just part of the adventure - right??)

My prayer for all my family and friends is this,

that we all keep safe,

appreciate the good things we have

take time to be in that moment

and be strong and resilient.

Merry Christmas

Noooooo! It's happened again... More earthquakes

2011-12-22T23:13:00.001-08:00

We actually were out of town today but Christchurch has been hit by more earthquakes today. It is so crazy when will this nightmare end??? More broken stuff, more cracks in the house, sigh.

As you celebrate Christmas this year with your family, please remember us in Christchurch, we are living a nightmare!

Hurray for Summer! Roll on the holidays...

2011-12-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

So looking forward to time to drink tea

Hang out with each other

Maybe work on a few projects

Enjoy the scenery

Laze about

Have a holiday

Lie in bed reading!

And walk in the sun shine!!

The jobs are nearly finished, it's nearly time to relax.

Hurray!

Pictures from Instagram this week.

It's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas....

2011-12-19T00:18:00.000-08:00

We had such a busy weekend, and on Sunday afternoon David made us a cup of tea,

and we sat for half an hour on the deck drinking the tea and eating Christmas cake.

We got a cake from the lovely folks at Baker's Delight.

I'm not a real fruit cake person, apart from my mum's fruit cake,

but this cake is DELICIOUS!

In fact it was so good, I went straight out today and brought another one

and some more of the yummy fruit tarts for Nana Robbie for Christmas.

It was just what we needed in our busy weekend,

and wee interlude to sit and eat cake. Thanks Bakers Delight.

I had a crazy sewing day making Christmas things which I can't show you yet.

The funny thing was that the three members of the family I was making them for

where in and out of the room and never noticed what I was doing!!

Oh by the way, the cake is only $12,

and although it's not huge it goes a long way.

A perfect gift, tasting exactly like Christmas!!

Find Bakers Delight here and here

Another Quilt Finished for 2011.... a Wedding Present for Jo and Tahu...

2011-12-18T16:05:00.000-08:00

I photographed this quilt at a damaged Church on Riccarton Road,

some of these buildings will be saved, this doesn't look too bad from this angle,

I should have photographed around the side where steel beams are holding it up!!

I made this quilt using the 36 x 2.5" blocks I made for the epic,

and the beautiful bee blocks from the first bee I was part of.

There are pieces from many of the quilts I've made in it.

A genuine patchwork quilt with many pieces made by many hands,

a quilt full of stories.... perfect for a young couple embarking on their own story.

I never part with scrap quilts, because they are so precious,

but I'm pretty sure Jo will treasure this and value the stories behind it.

It looks harmonious somehow, all the random bits coming together as one.

I love this fabric with the wee houses and quilts on it,

it's from when I went to Thailand I made a quilt from it to take,

and the red Maori pattern is from a quilt I made for Jo to give to her friend.

I'm really pleased with how the colours have spread around evenly,

something I always find a challenge, but this time it happened effortlessly.

The congregation must meet in the offices next to the church I think.

I liked this sign, so typical of the Christchurch spirit.

I really hope Jo and Tahu and their cat, and their future babies

have many happy times snuggling under this quilt.

And the winner is....

2011-12-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

Vic from Punky and Me!!!!!!

I was so happy when I saw Mr Random Org picked Vic,

she is such a lovely person and I love reading her blog.

She's an amazing op-shopper

(I hope to go thrifting with her in Melbourne next year - yay!!)

this picture is her lovely tree.

Do pop over and visit her, she really is a dear!!

Works in Progress and this and that....

2011-12-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

For the most part I've been in complete denial about Christmas coming up SOON

although yesterday it sort of hit me.

Also James is going to Melbourne to stay with my Bro and his excellent fiance,

and he came in the other morning and said, "Mum I need a really good present,

Can you make a quilt??"

You have a love a 15 who wants to give a quilt that his mum makes don't you!

Of course I can squeeze another quilt in can't I??

My sister Jo is coming over tonight for a bunting making marathon.

I think she wants about 75 metres of bunting.

No problem is it? No of course not. Gulp.

I've told Jo she can cut and I will sew.

I'm going to CHEAT and use ribbon folded in half.

I've got a wee something on the go for Rhiannan,

but it might not get done before Christmas might it.

Of course it was a priority to finish the cushions for the caravan, ahem.

Well anyway they do look pretty. And they have zips in.

This is a very big deal for me. I'm happy.

Now I just want to thank all the people who left thoughtful comments

on my post about the dummy.

I really really appreciated them and they helped me a lot.

It did make me giggle a little bit that the two people who told me the dummy

should go had no children!!

The dummy now lives on a little dish during the day by her bed

and there is no talking with the dummy in. It's a workable compromise.

I've had so many lovely comments lately and I appreciate each and every one of them,

thank you! thank you! thank you!

Lots and lots of you visited for my giveaway which I draw on Saturday New Zealand time.

I've got amazing feedback about what lots of you want to make.

If you haven't entered yet, it's not too late.

So to sum up, I still have two quilts to bind,

one to make,

10 more mattresses for the Princess and the Pea,

one bag for the explorer

and 75ish metres of bunting to make.

Plus a holiday to pack for, gifts to wrap,

groceries to buy, washing to wash...

you know the deal!

And of course Miss Annie-Rose to look after,

who this week I have treated for nits, yes I got them too :(

throat and ear infection, asthma

and hand, foot and mouth.

Immune system boosting ideas needed. Please suggest.

Currently we are doing antibiotics, inhaler, multi-vitamins and pro-biotic

sigh. Roll on 2012 I say.

You winning on your to-do list??

Please tell me yours is dire as well.

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway + Some Exciting News

2011-12-11T13:21:00.001-08:00

It's here again, Sew Mama Sew Giveaway day.

So much fun and such a good opportunity to find interesting blogs.

If you haven't joined in before,

Sew Mama Sew host this regular event,

where lists of giveaways are published on their blog.

You can visit the blogs and enter the giveaways.

In the past I've found heaps of new and interesting blogs this way.

I'm giving away this fun book, Retro Crafts which I'm sure you will love

and is a nice addition to the inspiration shelf,

and also....

A pack of vintage/retro goodies!

This is where the exciting news comes in...

My friend Kate and I are working on opening our very own Etsy Shop

in the new year, probably the end of January.

We are going to sell vintage sheet packs, retro fabric packs,

also my own patterns (designed for the less experienced sewer)

and kits containing most of the things you need to make that pattern.

This pack we are giving away here, contains 50 5" vintage sheet squares,

two fat quarter sized sheets, buttons, braid and thread.

There are so many things you could do with this pack,

bags, cushions, quilts... really so much!

Can you resist a bunch of retro buttons?? no I didn't think so!

We are very excited about this new venture,

if you follow this blog, you will see the Grand Opening Announcement

which will include more giveaways of course!!

Are you excited?? I hope so!!

Anyway watch this space.

To win this pack and the lovely book

please leave a comment telling me something you wish there was a simple pattern for!

Thanks so much for visiting,

and do come again.

Happy Birthday Abby....

2011-12-10T01:28:00.001-08:00

I've known Abby since she was a teeny tiny dot in her mother's arms.

She was a little doll dressed in magnificent knitting!

Today we helped her celebrate her 21st birthday.

What a milestone!

I've never known Abby to say a nasty word,

or do anything horrible, she is such a sweet girl.

Abby is the kind of girl you want to have for a friend

always loyal and true.

It was awesome to be part of her celebrations.

There is so much whinging about the trials of bringing up young people today,

but seeing Abby, so beautiful and happy,

gives you hope for the future!!

Happy happy birthday Abby,

it's a privilege to know you.

May God bless you richly in the years ahead!!

A quilt from recycled shirts and other bits and pieces...

2011-12-09T18:02:00.001-08:00

I made this quilt for my neighbour Daniel using some shirts of his that I snaffled off him.

I have to resist taking shirts off people's backs when I see them

but instead beg them to remember me when they throw them out.

Daniel gave me several plaid type shirts which I paired with some neutral fabrics

to make what I think is an awesome man quilt.

I used my own pattern "The Everyday Quilt" which I love

I love the simplicity of it, and I love how it looks when it's crumpled on the bed or the sofa.

I did try and take some pics on one of our earthquake fences.

A beautiful old hotel used to be on this site,

it had been restored and used for commercial businesses.

It looks to me like the foundations of something new are starting here.

It was frightfully windy and the light was too bright,

but you get an idea of the shades of colour in the quilt.

Dust from hundreds and hundreds of cleared sites is the new hazard for this summer.

I can see the time when we will only venture out with masks :(

I took these inside just so I could get the actual colour of the quilt.

I'm stoked with how it turned out.

The backing is awesome too, a brown paisley paired with this vibrant spot.

And the binding is my favourite binding ever.

Why are stripes so hard to find?

These are truly lovely.

I left the pockets on just for a little detail.

Another successful finish.

But not the last for the year,

still one or three to go.

How are you going with your to-do list??

I love my neighbours....

2011-12-09T01:40:00.001-08:00

This evening we had our street Christmas party.

A few sausages and other bits and pieces on the bbq

and some pot-luck dishes. Always the best food I think.

Plenty of lemonade etc for young and old.

We all sat about on the front of Ruth's house in the late afternoon sun,

it's quite dark now and very late, but some of them are still out there

just hanging out, listening to music, dancing and enjoying each other's company.

This is Abigail Rose, who Annie calls "Habby" the girls are going to be great friends.

Annie and her dearest friend in all the world, Archie!

Dear old Santa came, looking a bit worn and tired,

but so so jolly and friendly.

What a darling!

Annie was thrilled with her Christmas book.

Sadly I only had a tiny window of opportunity today,

and must have brought the weirdest Christmas book ever!

Reuben was deeply disappointed Santa didn't bring what he asked for.

I mentioned it wasn't actually Christmas, and the Santa's we meet before Christmas

usually bring either books or pens.

I was a bit worried about what he actually wanted,

so I said what would you like Santa to bring,

he said, Pens, Paper and a Magnifying Glass,

all of which, as it happens, I have for him! Yay - Christmas Win!!!!

Anyway, I feel truly blest to have neighbours who are great friends

and that we enjoy hanging out with. This is what neighbourhood is all about!

Merry Christmas!!!!

This is definitely a Dottie Angel week!!

2011-12-08T10:56:00.001-08:00

There's always the things you should be doing, that you know you should do,

and the things you end up doing, that you squeeze out of the time you have.

I may have mentioned that I have made Annie give up her beloved (by her and me)

afternoon sleeps in favour of sleeping the night.

Oh me oh my! the days are so loooooooooong.

We are winning though with a happy child during the day

and sleeping during the night, win win.

It does mean my sewing time has vanished out the window

while I keep my eagle on on the child in that after lunch period

and chat cheerfully away to her so she doesn't succumb to the dreaded sleep!

I have so many Christmas/secret squirrel projects to work on

but they will have to wait for the weekend when someone else can watch Annie.

In the meantime one afternoon Annie and I,

well I really, but Annie supervised;

we made this cushion for her bed from the latest Dottie Angel tutorial.

No new materials were purchased in the making of this cushion!

Isn't it lovely?

I love it and so does Annie. I tried to sneak it out to the living room,

but it went straight back to the bed! I love putting lace and rick rack details on

So pretty. Not very Christmassy sorry Tif, but lovely none the less!

Get the tutorial from yours here.

I made a Dottie Angel hanger.... [warning: addictive]

2011-12-07T12:20:00.001-08:00

After I read the tutorial, I thought I could do that.

And started gathering a few bits and pieces.

This is not too hard I thinks to myself. I didn't know I was already hooked!!

I think I'm in love!

I had three little decorations needing a home (they had been taped to the wall)

but now they are happy as happy could be!

Me thinks this one is not coming down after Christmas.

I love it! Annie-Rose picked where it was to go and she is happy too.

Oh so pretty! Really though, it is isn't it?

considering it's pretty much all op shopped, it's a lovely wee spot.

Annie loves her tidy room! (hint hint Chrissy)

And then well we had to make another one.

Those "lost forsaken souls" from around the house

now have their own home.

But now I'm itching to make more.

It's the crafting equivalent of fast food,

so quick and satisfying.

I've seen Clare do one too. Has anyone else??

Don't delay, I bet even my mum would enjoy making one of these!!!

Thrifty finds this week....

2011-12-06T11:03:00.001-08:00

Here's the bits that came home with me on friday.

This red enamel pot. I love red. I love enamel. Nuff said.

Oh my. Makes me want to cook.

I brought it for the caravan, but it's living on the stove at the moment

so I can admire it and use it every day.

Beautiful floral side plates.

These are lovely too. Just crying out for some cake.

Christmas cake to be precise, hmmmmm.

Isn't that colour amazing??

And a beautiful cake tin. This was quite expensive but

they are as scarce as hens teeth these big square ones.

I never find big tins at the opshop now.

This size is perfect for holding a whole love of fabric for a quilting project.

And this cute little mug, is it a toby jug??

And the other side. I like how they put weathered faces on it.

What have you found this week.

If you have a post you want me to read,

link it in the comments below!!

The best cafe/emporium in the South Island...

2011-12-05T12:02:00.001-08:00

Last Friday my friend Karen and I took a day off

and went for a drive in the country to Methven.

Karen wanted some woolen blankets for a quilt she is going to make.

That was a good enough excuse for us.

It's called Primo & Secunndo, and it's on McMillian Street, Methven.

The sign at the door days it all, really this is what we did!!

It was a perfect day, one of those days when you wonder why

you don't do things like this more often.

The cafe is set in the midst of the most incredible collection of vintage goodies.

Look at these blankets, I loved the pink and blue one at the bottom.

Look at the Christmas tree, what an awesome idea.

How many people have a teaspoon collection (well Karen does for one)

the tree looks so stylish and such a good use for those teaspoons

(I bet my sister Sharyn will do this next year)

There was jugs and beautiful china everywhere.

Baskets of vintage linens to sort through.

and amongst all this, tables here and there for people to work, eat,

read, chat or just sit.

I really think this brass is only nice on masse like this.

They seem to bring out the best in each other!!

I love the way Marya groups the things together naturally.

It's actually like being in someone's home.

The food was AMAZING. Honestly. Wherever you are driving from, it's worth it.

We had BLT sandwiches of such magnificence and freshness.

We had the lightest of light chocolate cake drenched in berry syrup

and we had more than one coffee each.

Look at the wall of blankets people!

They were super sweet to Annie too. They served her food quickly

and on beautiful china. They treated her like a little lady.

They even filled the watering can and supervised her watering the garden

not once but twice.

I want to go back so badly. I'm busy trying to think up an excuse.

I just want to sit in the cafe, eat good food all day

and read and do my crochet. It's that kind of place.

So if any of you are driving about the South Island,

make sure you stop by Methven and visit Marya,

I know I will.

This is a 10 star experience, 5 stars for the food, and 5 stars for the vintage goodies!!!

Tomorrow I'll show you the few things that sneaked home with me.

I made a Dottie Angel 12 Days of Christmas Runner

2011-12-04T11:15:00.001-08:00

I read the instructions on Tif's blog and I thought I could do that!

I ferreted about in the storeroom.

And chose from the baskets of this and that.

Then I spent a couple of happy hours in the shade stitching away

It was so much fun and so easy.

And to be sure, mine did not look one whit like Tif's,

but that's not the point is it???

I put all my prettiest doilies in and bits I'd saved for something special

lots of found bits and pieces. Such fun :)

There's nothing like a bit of peaceful stitching on a Sunday afternoon is there??

And then it was a table runner, how cool.

I put hope on it because if there is one thing we need in Christchurch

it's hope, that and a shake-free new year!!!

One of my hand dyed doilies and someone's beautiful stitching.

I wonder who they were and what they were making them for.

And then it went home with my friend Pip to sit on her piano and make her smile

when she walks past it every day.

I think I'll make another one!!

I'm on tender hooks to see what Tif comes up with next.

Soooo exciting.

My Place and Yours: The Christmas Party

2011-12-03T13:11:00.001-08:00

Because I didn't put up our tree, I didn't think I'd done much decorating

but looking around Christmas is in evidence this year in a blaze of colour.

Annie-Rose was thrilled to bits with the Christmas books

that come out every year.

The sofa got a quilt to brighten it up.

A few Christmas ornaments on the side board

Super cute little figures.

The shelf in the entrance has kept looking nice and festive.

And the lounge also. I'd completely forgotten this wallhanging,

it's such a nice surprise to see them again!

We had friends for dinner last night and it looks so cheerful and welcoming.

and hopefully inviting, in a "come and sit a while" way.

This Christmas it seems to be all about colour.

Lots and lots of it, every colour together.

Reuben has been filling our glass bottles from our neighbour's garden.

It's vibrant and it's cheerful.

And that is truly something we need this Christmas,

more than ever before, we need hope for next year!!

Pop over here and see some more Christmassy homes

The dummy: should it stay or should it go???

2011-11-29T21:26:00.001-08:00

Annie-Rose is pretty attached to her dummy (we call it Tum)

we are trying to just keep it by the bed for nights

But sometimes it sneaks out!!

Dummy's are really frowned upon here in New Zealand

especially by the hospital, but I do think there is a place for them

with some children, some time.

It's been a stressful year, Annie still hears a noise and thinks its a "wobble"

8000+ after shocks does that, and to be fair sometimes the ground/house still wobbles

Somehow I'm reluctant to make her let go of something which gives her such comfort.

And then there's the fact that this child has been sick so often,

so often, so so often, sigh.

It's always helpful to have Tum and Beckett (the panda) when she is sick.

And I remember when Reuben got rid of his, he stopped loving his teddy as well,

it was sad he lost both his comforts in one go, apparently one wasn't the same

without the other one.

So although I think Tum should go, we are just trying to keep it in bed

and see how that goes.

I'm sure she won't have it when she's 16,

and I might know someone who still used to suck their thumb at 16 (not me)

What's your opinion on this??

I value constructive comments!

Pin Real Life

2011-11-29T21:11:00.001-08:00

I've recently become re-acquainted with Pinterest on my new mac (thanks Insurance)

and finally mastered it so now I can *pin real life...

I saw this lemon rissotto and thought I could try that!

And made this.

To be sure I didn't have Sage or Celery or Rosemary or Shallots

and used Basil, Red Onion and Red Pepper instead,

but oh my it was delicious, so so so delicious.

I'm hoping to snaffle the left-overs for myself tonight.

What I've been up to...

2011-11-29T21:01:00.001-08:00

I've been spending looooooong afternoons keeping Annie awake

so that she goes to sleep at night before I do.

Laughing at Miss Annie as she changes her clothes over and over

and over and over again.

Finally sewing up some Christmas bunting I cut out months ago.

I had a go at just using a ribbon and folding it in half and sewing it

and it worked perfectly. I can now make miles and miles of it for Jo's wedding.

Working on the pro-types of my up-coming patterns.

A doll quilt from two fat quarters.

And a hot water bottle cover.

Snippets of time saved from the abyss of keeping a two year old awake

how can the days be sooooooo long?

And then there were nine....

2011-11-28T19:10:00.001-08:00

The gap between the girl's beds is not big enough for two bedside tables

or a bookshelf. We've put a quilt rack there, but needed something more.

Of course *whacks head, we need a tea trolley.

(Annie's artwork is under her bed so it doesn't fall on her in an earthquake

and yes, that is a lipstick hiding there, must retrieve that)

Just the right height for a little girl to play at.

She was so happy to see all her treasures within reach.

I love little dimpled hands.

The baby toys still get played with regularly

and they look good on display I think.

Also love cute little baby feet.

Annie's bed in the background has three, yes three quilts on it.

Ah, this makes me smile.

No there is no colour scheme or theme in here,

just fun stuff that Annie-Rose loves.

Now I wonder if I could fit in just one more tea trolley???

I think one in the corner of the lounge would be great.

Something a little different....

10 sounds like a good number!!!!

Thrifty finds this week....

2011-11-28T11:45:00.001-08:00

I don't know why but these little dogs keep finding me.

Everyone else seems to find beautiful deer,

but me I find dogs with longing eyes.

Maybe I'll show you them all sometime when I have nothing else to say, lol.

A little bird. So cute. Makes me think of Sharyn and Simona.

Simona is delivering babies in Nepal. What a gal.

These are actually tiny little glasses, not shot glasses, bigger than that,

but perfect for little people to drink out of.

Some how two little drinks is much more attractive than one large one!

A lovely plaque. I have a couple of tea pots in this vein,

one year a Christmas miracle occurred and my mum gave me thrifted presents,

it was the best Christmas ever and one was a teapot shaped like a house.

A beautiful agee jar. I've been coping my sister Sharyn

and putting foraged flowers in jars on my table.

Three vintage games.

Reuben and I will see if we can work them out.

I think part of the moonshot is missing. Oh well, it's always worth a try.

And as always a few tins. Gradually I'm beating some order into this house.

It's working though, I can whip round and tidy it up in no time now.

I could even have someone over.

Not all the time though, the other day my dad popped over

and the place was a wreck. I think he hoped for dinner, it was not forthcoming.

Sigh. Some days are just like that. (keeping it real here)

Still I can gradually stuff the contents of our live into tins

and it looks tidy. I don't recommend this method for the contents of your heart though,

these are best sorted out with your Maker and properly laid in order.

I'm working on that one too.

A couple of tea towels, a couple of dishes for candles to sit in,

a vintage sheet that looks like one mum had,

a suitcase, another wee dog and a curious george monkey.

It's a good thrifty lot.

I know its Tuesday, but I think I'll link up here.

An old favourite quilt is hanging on my clothesline today...

2011-11-27T20:31:00.001-08:00

My first scrap quilt. It's not perfect but it's been loved.

It's been in the washing machine (and the dryer) many many times.

It's a Leanne Beardsley pattern, I've actually done it twice,

and I may do it again.

The sentiments it carries still ring true.

Even though its wonky and worn and badly quilted

it hasn't stopped the family from using it over and over again.

Even the pets!

These days it is used more as a picnic rug

although it's had many days of snuggling under on the sofa.

And I'm thinking it still has a lot of years in it.

Isn't that what quilt making is all about??

A lovely cushion for Jo...

2011-11-26T23:49:00.001-08:00

I made this cushion for my sister Jo,

it's to go with the quilt I'm making for her wedding.

I used the one left-over bee block for it and put two borders.

I love how it turned out.

I just love making cushions.

It's instant, well almost, gratification!

I like all these colours too, perfect.

Jo likes it too, so that's a bonus!

Coming to a blog near you....

2011-11-26T11:44:00.001-08:00

I love giveaway day. I have an awesome book in mind for giveaway day, and a pile of vintage goodies!

It's been a long twelve months.... or keeping it real parenting teenagers.

2011-11-25T12:02:00.001-08:00

Tonight it's Christmas in the Park, and annual event of Christmas songs and other entertainment where you take a picnic and sit in the sun enjoying the music. Last year we took Reuben and Annie-Rose. This means it's 12 months since parenting our teenagers got a bit more complicated. I've decided to share a bit of this story, in the interest of keeping it real, knowing we won't be the only parents going through this kind of thing.

So on the day of Christmas in the Park last year, James wanted to go a bit early to meet his friends and we let him, agreeing to meet him later at the Park. We went to the park but he never turned up. Later we found out that a bunch of teenagers had met in the gardens and got up to hijinks.

James did communicate with me during the evening by text and I talked to him a couple of times on the phone, but I never guessed they were in trouble. I don't think he really realised the seriousness of it himself.

In the days after the event, more details emerged and we put together the pieces of the story. Alcohol + teenagers = trouble. The thing that made me so cross was that they found it so easy to get the alcohol. It seems there is always someone happy to provide to underage kids.

In the last 12 months the lives of that bunch of kids who met that day to sit in the sun and hang out and drink, has changed so much that it is unrecognizable. We've got to know quite a few of them this year. They have all struggled actually. Lots of them have left school and gone to work, others have just left school with no education and no prospects. Others have struggled in other ways, with relationships, with eating disorders, with just life. They all went to school in town and so their lives got turned upside down on the 22nd. I don't mean to go on about it, but it has been a momentous and on-going event in our lives.

But though they have a long way to go, they have grown a lot this year. They have all been through a lot, at a time in their lives when they are so vulnerable.

I guess the thing I've learnt is not to be naive. Even if you trust your teenager, you don't know what his/her friends have planned. Teenagers will make mistakes, but you need to make sure they know how to keep themselves safe. We have always had those "what-if" conversations so that is good, you just have to pray they remember them. I suppose I imagined other parents/caregivers would be as keen as I was for the teenagers not to get into trouble. This is not true. The only safe house really is your house. Making it the cool place to come is the best plan, even if it does make you feel like you've been over-run with teens!

I have prayed so much this year, and I know others have too. It's been tough. It was always going to be tough, but the earthquakes made it that much tougher. In a way I'd like to go to Christmas in the Park again this year, to lay the gremlins of last years event and experience it again. We'll see how today goes!

I know that James has learnt a lot. He's still got a long way to go really, but he is 15... he's got time. He is working hard at a job with many unpleasant tasks. (the other night he had a shower and a bath and still smelt like poo) I think some teens are more happy to enjoy being a teenager with the advantages that has, but others are just ready to try out at becoming grown-ups.

As a parent it is an on-going challenge to keep them safe, but let them make some decisions for themselves. I think it is better to practice making your mistakes on things that are not life-threatening, than to suddenly get freedom the minute you leave school. By the time these kids are 18 they will have been making choices for quite a few years and hopefully will be making more and more good choices.

It's impossible to know what the next year holds, I'm sure we will have more hard times, more conflict and more kicking of boundaries. The challenge is to make sure there are fun times, times where we connect as a family and time where we can laugh at our differences. This is what parenting is about isn't it, finding balance between fun and boundaries, between love and disapproval, between structure and freedom.

As I write this Annie-Rose is having an epic tantrum in the bathroom and it makes me sigh. Another 13 years and I'll have another 15 year old to deal with. It makes me smile too though, baby tantrums are really so funny and so easy to deal with.

Lets just roll with the day, I guess I have a few years to keep on practicing this parenting stuff.

Dear Sharyn....

2011-11-24T14:53:00.001-08:00

We've sorted all the summery clothes (and brought a few more)

and folded them neatly and packed the suitcases.

We've had a coffee and cake

and enjoyed hanging out together

We tried to explain to Miss Annie-Rose that Chrissy was going away

and she couldn't come too. And that she would be back after Christmas.

We've made the bed now that we've found it.

And tidied up all her stuff. Put out a couple of loads of washing

and a few bags of rubbish. A pile of dishes in the kitchen sink.

The girls are having a wee nap together, packing up is exhausting work.

But Chrissy's heart is already here with you,

she's making plans and dreaming dreams....

And before you know it she will be in Sydney.

I know you will look after my girl for me.

I hope you two have so much fun together.

Enjoy!

Lots of love and I-wish-I-could-come-too

deb xxxxx

Leaver Dinner....

2011-11-23T10:31:00.001-08:00

Yesterday afternoon Reuben and I spruced up the living rooms with flowers

and pretty china and table clothes,

and yummy eats.

We lit candles and put up bunting

and then we went down the road to one of the neighbours,

and a few of Chrissy's friends came for dinner.

Yesterday was the last day of exams for Chrissy

and therefore the last day of school.

Today we are going into sign her out and she's officially a grown up.

Chrissy really is a grown up.

Not every 18 year old is, but she has matured so much this year

we are proud of her. She's making good and courageous decisions.

(Still can't keep her room tidy to save her life,

but neither can Aunty Sharyn, so oh well, can't have everything!!)

They had fun with the kittens and ate yummy food

and just enjoyed hanging out.

I'm sure they put the problems of the world to rights

and reminisced about past hijinks (now they are so grown up)

They are such lovely girls

and I pray that as they step foot into their futures,

that they make good choices, remember their values

and have a lot of fun.

Knowing these girls since they were teeny tiny chicks,

I'm pretty sure they will do just that.

Love you Kirsten, Jess, Courty, Emily and Chrissy.

xxooxxooxxoo

Bloggers are so awesome....

2011-11-22T11:39:00.001-08:00

Last friday night I went to Miriam's to meet with some other bloggers

and have some Christmas treats and share some Christmas gifts.

The lovely Max put together my parcel,

it was amazing. First this awesome tin.

Look at it, it's old and battered.

I wonder who brought it new and shiny, I wonder where they lived

and what kind of Christmas they had.

I love it!

Then there was bunting.

Beautiful tiny white bunting, a long long piece.

It took my breathe away with it's beauty!

Max embroidered a red snowflake on each piece.

It's amazing. It's beautiful.

Did I mention I love it??

Love love love!

Thanks so much Max, I'll always treasure this!

And last but not least,

oh actually there was chocolate but I ate it!! yum

There is this nativity scene.

In all their 1970's beauty and colour.

Lots of intricate detail printed on card.

Don't those beads look like they stuck on??

Nope, printed on... so clever!

Colour and details. It's amazing.

Max knew me too well!!! I was so blessed with my package.

Thanks so much Miriam and Juliet for organising this.

If you are a Christchurch blogger and feel like you are missing out,

Miriam is compiling a list, contact her

and she is awesome at organising events!!

Seven uses for a tea trolley...

2011-11-21T17:01:00.001-08:00

In the last few months I've been hunting down tea trolleys.

It started with this post, I was inspired and thought I would find a trolley to "do"

Well I brought one and then another, I kept finding uses for them.

I still haven't done one over, but I'm loving how tidy they make corners of our home.

This chrome and glass one ($6) fits in the bathroom

holding 101 things that used to sit on the side of the basin,

the windowsill and in baskets on the floor.

Yes it takes floor space, but the rest of the room looks way way tidier.

This one sits in my tiny spare room/sewing room and holds all the bits and bobs that used

to clog up my sewing space. Neat and tidy, it makes me smile when I see it.

This was my most expensive trolley, but also the nicest ($30)

This one is a good shape for a "do", but somehow I just like the vintage look!

This one is in Reuben's room holding his lego and treasures.

It fits perfectly in but he can move it around if he wants to (he does)

It's the roughest of them all, but one day I might repaint it.

This one sits in the kitchen and for months and months held our clean drinking water.

We are drinking tap water again (hurray) so it's perfect for lunch baskets,

drink bottles and the fruit basket.

This one is in the sitting room and holds tins of kiddie games

and the doll house. It's a perfect height for little people to play at.

This one is actually very ugly. I don't know what it would be meant for.

But it fits (just) in my laundry and holds the chicken food,

the toilet paper, the iron and such like that used to clutter up the laundry bench.

This one I call my $10 office and squeezes in by the dining table

and holds my day-job stuff. Also the camera gear, the mac

and all the bits of paper that used to sit on the dining table.

Oh and this one I nearly forgot, also squeezes in the sitting room

in a corner no one used and holds mostly my embroidery stuff.

Our house is not big at all, but these trolleys

help to steal some extra space and organise some of the stuff

that a family of six uses all the time!

Who would have thought I would end up with so many??

David would roll his eyes and sigh if he read this

but hey I'm the one who does 99% of the tidying around here

and if it works, it works, right?

Slow down, summer is coming!

2011-11-19T11:35:00.001-08:00

It's that time of the year when there is lots of projects to finish up

but the world is filled with new possibilities.

Like this book which I can't wait to try with the children in the holidays.

Going to Playcentre is awesome.

Spending time with your kidlet and others all doing stuff we love

in my case, always lots of cooking!

Reuben is feeling it too.

This is what one whole end of our dining table looked like all week

at least one masterpiece has come from it.

I did try one thing new this week.

I finally made a journal for Chrissy who is leaving for Sydney

for a month on Friday.

It was easy and fun and I'll try and show you the finished product sometime.

It's also the time of the year when I value neatness.

My current method is to throw things into tins (as you know)

But it really suits me and mine

and I can always find what I want.

Plus I think it looks attractive!!

Here's a vintage tea trolley I got from the Sally Army

it's in our spare room/sewing room (which is tiny)

and look how much neater it looks with all the tins of things on it!

rather than thrown in the corner in a heap like before :)

Yes I'm starting to feel like I'm getting organised.

I sewed a simple quilt top for my neighbour Daniel yesterday

and hoping to sew another late this afternoon (fingers crossed)

And a funny story to finish,

I've been giving Chrissy driving lessons

and miss Annie in the back puts her hands over her eyes

saying things like "it's coming it's coming"

or "here it comes"

Driving lessons always make me text my mum I love her!!

Oh well in another 16 years I'll be doing the same with Annie [sigh]

Righto I'm off for a shower,

see you later folks, hope you have a great Sunday too xxx

Being special means...

2011-11-18T09:48:00.001-08:00

You can be totally absorbed for weeks or months on a task that you are working on

(in this case trying to build an earthquake proof Duplo house)

You appreciate the opportunity to celebrate

(on this occasion our All Blacks party)

You are kind and caring, if sometimes a little puzzled about why we do things!

You like to spend time just to be....

Like Winnie-the-Pooh said: "sometimes I sits and thinks

and sometimes I just sits"

Moments of joy need to be captured

as most of the time life is just a bit of a struggle,

it's hard to be happy when the world

runs to a different timetable to you.

You are full of the unexpected

(here he made a long straw and tried to suck my drink with it!!)

All of your siblings look out for you in their own way

so many confusing messages for a boy who knows what he wants any how

why would we need to change that?

Congratulations Reuben

on learning to tie your laces

{happy dance}

we are so so so proud of you!!

We love you kiddo xxx

It must be November cause the Works in Progress pile has gone CRAZY...

2011-11-17T14:14:00.001-08:00

In my creative space today....

haha well this is the dining table, not a lot of dining going on here today.

Let's break it down shall we?

At one end, Reuben's art work.

He set this up on Monday and has been working away at it ever since.

He's really enjoying it and I'm enjoying just letting him potter away

and not getting stressed about it.

In the middle...

Piles of cut out projects.

Like this one for the parents of a little girl who attended our Playcentre

until her recent passing away.

She was an only child, I can only imagine their desolation.

I really want to finish this before Christmas.

This is actually two quilts, one for Liz and one for my sister Sharyn.

This is a next-year project I think.

Although I did finish sewing strips last night while Reuben was ~~faffing about~~ getting ready for bed

and cut the blocks this morning (I got up EARLY)

This is for one of our street Whanau, Dan, using some of his own shirts

and a few neutrals. Quite manly I hope.

His birthday 9 December. [gulp]

This is for James' birthday. 10 January [sigh]

This is a maybe this year maybe not!

I may have mentioned here that I was gifted the most incredible stash.

I've cut some large squares from some of my favourites

(you know I love squares) and I'm hoping for a large quilt to use outside.

This is a neat pile of large scraps.

I'm gonna give this away sometime soon.

This end of the table is my day job.

Quotations to enter for our work for Fletchers.

In case you were wondering about what Miss Annie is doing,

she has another cold and one thousand insect bites

(this is because the water/sewage system in Christchurch is broken

and there is water lying about everywhere and hence millions of insects)

Slight diversion here....

Does anyone have a natural remedy to prevent bites??

This is going to be a looooong summer of insects and I don't want to put chemicals on her.

She's watching Dora and babysitting the kittens and just resting.

Sweet baby, I do love her.

So that's whats on my creative space,

the ironing in the background which now comes up to the sofa

is not on my list haha.

Click here for more actual creative people

not just people with messy dining tables!!

Making me smile today...

2011-11-17T09:27:00.001-08:00

Finding some plates that my friend Liz will love

at the op-shop waiting just for her!

Aren't these colours stunning??

Finding the NZ House and Garden in my letterbox

White lilies from David, thanks honey xxx

Finding the perfect backing for Jo's wedding quilt

and a couple of extras just because

Drinking a spider after school just because we can

(hokey pokey icecream plus coke zero - yummy)

there's a reason my blog is called "Works in Progress"

2011-11-16T11:03:00.001-08:00

Because there is always plenty of those on the go.

Last night spurred on by the fact Shenleigh is not taking any more quilts after next week

I finally sewed together the blocks for Jo and Tahu's wedding present.

Yes this is my work space and yes that is piles of stuff waiting to be done!!

See my design wall? No? me neither.

This room is tiny. I put the stack of quilt blocks on the quilt rack,

weirdly this photo makes the quilt rack look enormous, it's not!

and then I can sit at the sewing machine and take them off the pile as I need them.

I've finally used my precious precious blocks from the first quilting bee

I participated in, which I've just forgotten the name for

and 12.5" blocks of 2.5" scraps like I used in the Epic.

I hung them on the door once the strip was sewn.

They are random, very random, but I love them.

Oh yes and I'm trying to secretly sew my Doctor Suess fabric for a quilt for David

I think he will love snuggling under it with his babies and reading them stories.

The thing about scrap blocks is that you end up with millions of threads to take off after.

Even the back looks pretty!

Seeing as it's a work in progress I might take a picture of it somewhere before it gets quilted.

Hopefully today I'll get Doctor Suess done.

And then I wonder if I can squeeze in the quilt for James' birthday.

I'm thinking the quilts for Liz and Sharyn are going to be New Year Presents,

sorry girls. The year has run out on me.

I've still got that pile of clothes to fix for Annie,

Sort out Chrissy's clothes for Sydney

Make a thousand miles of bunting for Jo's wedding.....

too many projects, too little time

anyone else feeling like that???

How to enjoy a spring afternoon....

2011-11-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

Throw a quilt and a couple of pillows on the grass

Sit in the shade and look about at the spring flowers

Put on some sunscreen

Put some water in the pool.

We are allowed to use water from the hose sparingly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

because the water system in Christchurch is so broken.

No running through the sprinkler for us this summer!

But that's ok, we can still have fun even if we are being careful with the water!

Dust off the outside toys for the summer.

And have some fun in the sun.

Can anyone spell a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e??

2011-11-15T00:25:00.001-08:00

Two little darlings born on our bed one morning three weeks ago

and now they are on the move.

Exploring their world!

It's funny their mum sends the other two cats we have packing,

but is quite happy for mondo our dog to sniff them out.

Isn't this adorable??

Can anyone say Cute??

We took them outside for the first time on the quilt

and their mum was ok about it

and they throught it was great.

They both have new homes to go to at Christmas so we haven't named them

but oh, they are oh so cute.

Oh sweetie, you really are lovely!!

Tutorial to sew a perfect circle for your Dresden Plate [or anything else]

2011-11-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

You need: a few plates in different sizes

a pen

fabric for your circle

some thin fabric (I used the thin bit of the centre of a sheet)

Try out your plates until you find one that fits nicely over the centre of your dresden.

Draw around the plate on the thin fabric.

Put your thin fabric and the circle fabric right sides together

and sew around the line you drew.

Trim around the circle.

Pull out the thin fabric from the circle fabric and make a cut.

Turn the circle right side out and roll the edges with your fingers to make it lie flat.

Press (I haven't here) and your circle is ready to be sewn down.

I have to say this is not my original idea,

I think someone told me how to do this,

but I love the fact the circles turn out so good.

I'm hoping to have a good catch up this week.

I've cut all my petals and I plan on sewing all the points this week.

How are you going with yours??

Pop over to the Old Red Barn Co Flickr page and join in the fun.

Sorry my pictures are slightly wobbly this morning,

but I just wanted to get this post up and running!!

The Tea towel Picnic Rug is finished....

2011-11-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

Just before we left while I should have been packing the car,

I quickly sewed on the binding so I could sew it down and finish it off.

I'm so happy with how this turned out.

It was super simple, but really restful to make.

We've already used it several times,

sorry no artistic "bloggy" styling here, just a forlorn pack of chips and a dirty gumboot!!

It makes me happy and it makes me want to go on picnics,

I think it's time to drag out an old basket and stock it with a few plastic cups,

and some sunscreen and a packet of superwine biscuits.

A few pairs of spare knickers and a water bottle.

A grab-and-go basket for the summer by the front door.

Well back door in our house, we don't have a front door weirdly.

I'm hoping our picnic rug will get lots of dirty marks and be washed often in the washing machine,

I hope we spend lots of time sitting on it eating snacks

or lying on it reading books.

I hand stitched it through all over, randomly with no measuring or line drawing.

but somehow it all works out I think.

I backed it with a treasured piece of fabric from Ikea in Sydney

to remind me of my sister Sharyn and the lovely time I had there.

I love the New Zealand Flag tea towel so much,

even though my friend's mum said it didn't go.

does it matter if you love it?? no I didn't think so.

The Kaikoura coastline is amazing.

This picture is for Sharyn. Miss you sis xxxx

I have to add this is not my original idea,

I saw one being given away by the Frankie Magazine

and desperately wanted one.

So I made one!

Caravan loveliness....

2011-11-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

We went back to the caravan this weekend

(it was a long weekend in Christchurch)

plenty of time for rest and recreation

Even the daddy will sleep with a crochet blanket

(lucky he doesn't read this, will kill me if he knew I took this picture)

We ate our body weight in sausages. You just can't eat too many right?

We did some reading and I did some stitching

Doesn't it look cosy?? it was even though the weather was freezing!

I sewed this fabric into this frame.

Do you like my shelves?? This really sold my caravan to me!

I counted 15 tins in the caravan.

What can I say? they are so useful for everything from hair ties to gingernuts

games, toy animals, serviettes... you name it!!

A couple of mug candles (and some more tins - sewing ones this time)

I worked a bit on my slow knitting project, a cardy for Annie in maybe 2013

I am that slow. Lucky I have the wonderful Liz to knit things for Annie for me before

she grows out of them!!

This is the view from my bed/sofa.

So majestic in the rain watching the waves crash on the shore.

I picked some beach flowers for my vase.

Memo to self: don't pick those grass seed heads unless you want the family to have

sneezes and the baby to wake many times in the night, oops.

Rediscovered my 'secret' stash of ginger.

So yummy to snack on while you stitch.

Put the kettle on, it's time for [another] cup of tea!!

I whipped up this hat for Annie from a slipper that I partially frogged because I couldn't find her hat,

it has a pointy, toe like top (lol) but plenty of room for the pigtails!!

I also finished a quilt, but I'll post pictures of that tomorrow.

Actually I have 100s more pictures (as you do)

Kaikoura is so so beautiful,

I'll try not to post all of them :)

Weekend snapshots...

2011-11-06T17:35:00.000-08:00

There was a bit of stitching...

I'm making a picnic rug out of vintage teatowels a la Frankie

and spend quite a bit of happy time hand quilting.

I've got into the habit of foraging flowers lately

and couldn't resist this lilac from a largely abandoned garden.

More stitching

Cute children playing

Made a delicious and ridiculously simple meatloaf from this book.

How did your weekend go??

Dear Chrissy...

2011-11-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

It seems only last week that you were born.

I remember walking the nursery at night holding you,

peeking at the other babies feeling so sorry for their mothers

as their babies were no where near as pretty as you.

You were such a feisty wee thing

it's a family legend now that tantrum you had outside Farmers in Ashburton

You made us laugh then as you do now.

When you were too tiny to answer me back

I told you over and over how you were special and not ordinary

and that God had great plans for you.

I still believe it!

This year you stood in town on February 22 and became a grown up,

you made a courageous decision and stuck to it.

I'm so proud of you my heart could burst;

and I know you my girl...

you are just going to keep on making those courageous decisions

I'll be here cheering for you in public

and save the tears and prayers for the shower.

Congratulations Christina Elizabeth on bravely completing this school year,

and leaving school FOREVER

on being a good daughter, a good sister

and a good friend.

I love you more more more more.

"I know the plans I have for you,

for good and not for evil

to give you a future and a hope"

Bloggers Quilt Festival: My Picking up the Pieces Quilt

2011-11-02T00:31:00.000-07:00

Here's my entry for the Bloggers Quilt Festival.

Have you been over there yet?

It's amazing, I think I'm 486 or something!

Anyway I finally found somewhere big enough to hang my quilt and take some pictures.

Can you see how tiny this quilt makes my helper look?

100s and 100s of two and a half inch squares make the basis of this quilt

from the Material Obsession book.

I love love love how it's turned out. I am thrilled to bits how beautiful it is.

You like? Now where did I hang it??

I have been photographing my quilts this year on the fences around our broken city

last weekend we got back into the CBD for the first time since February,

but still a large part of our CBD is fenced off.

For my Picking up the Pieces Quilt, I chose

AMI Stadium on the $62 million dollar stand built for the Rugby World Cup

but which was wrecked on February 22.

They haven't really told us yet, but hints have been given

it seems no games will ever be played at this Stadium again.

It's wrecked. Also the turf was not insured and the liquifaction completely ruined it.

Anyway on the bright side, it makes an awesome quilt rack.

Do go and visit the Quilt Festival.

There are amazing quilts there.

Works in progress...

2011-11-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Annie woke me early and I couldn't get back to sleep

so I tidied the sewing room/spare room.

What a mess. I could not believe how many UFOs were lurking there

and I could not believe how many need to be done before Christmas, oooops!

This is the quilt for my sister Jo's wedding present!

This is a dress that a friend asked me to fix last autumn, oops,

completely forgot that was there.

This is Aunty Jean's nighty that needs shortening, oops!

This is a quilt that needs binding so I can finish the pattern.

This is a couple of t shirts I brought for Annie that need shorts to go with them,

and they will be her summer pjs.

And this is three of Annie's dresses that I'm going to remodel into skirts

and get another season out of them.

This is only some of what I found.

It was unreal :( Just when I thought I was getting on top of things.

Anyway I'm going to have to work/finish something every day.

Watch this space for lots of productivity.

Now excuse me while I sew the last side on a quilt

and hem a nightgown.

whoooooo twas a fun night.....

2011-10-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

Halloween is not widely celebrated here in New Zealand

but in our street all the little children get dressed up

and knock on our neighbours' doors getting little treats!

We decided to drag our bbq out to our front lawn and cook the kiddies some

sausages to counteract the effect of much sugar.

A bbq, a table, some sausages, bread, tomato sauce and drink

a few chairs and a few quilts on the ground,

some paper serviettes and some festive bunting...

it's a party!!

You can dress up as much or as little as you want to,

I had two pirates and cute little pirates they were!

Up and down the street they went collecting goodies.

The little ones were so excited.

Look aren't they adorable??

They could not believe their luck getting lollies!!

Everyone came and stayed and chatted and ate all the sausages

and drank all the drink! it was a beautiful night and lovely to hang out with our neighbours

and meet some new ones!

Even the big boys had some fun.

I know there is a lot of discussion about whether Halloween is good or bad but

I firmly believe if Jesus lived now He would drag out his BBQ and feed the little children

I do not believe He would shut himself in his house and say "GO AWAY"

and ask any of our neighbours,

we had a great party out on our front lawn, that's what community is all about!