Red Chocolate

Pillows for the man

2012-01-19T10:54:00.003+11:00

I saw this tutorial for personalised pillow cases a long time ago over at Handmade Romance. I don't keep a coherent list of tutorials I want to try, but this one stuck in my head. I finally got onto it for Christmas as a gift for Chris. I imitated Evie's style but tried to make them look like us. Chris' one has ginger facial hair because we both find it amusing that while he has brown hair, he

A bag for the littlest lover of accessories

2012-01-12T15:54:00.003+11:00

Eve loves to tote around a tote. She likes to put them around her neck rather dangerously, straps all strangle-y-like. I made her a little bag for Christmas. The pattern for the bag was from Bend the Rules Sewing and the idea for the animal applique was based on a fox softie project in a recent issue of Mollie Makes (my intention was for it to look more like a cat- Eve's favourite creature). The

The cutest zombie evah!

2011-12-12T14:08:00.003+11:00

The computer game/app/whatever of the year around these parts was Plants vs Zombies. I don't usually get into games, but this one is a lot of fun. It isn't too hard which helps!I had planned to make Caleb a zombie doll for his birthday but never got around to it, but I have done it in time for Christmas. I made him using the Folkster Wee Wonderfuls pattern, and purchased the wool felt from

Hot Diggety Dog!

2011-12-07T19:46:00.006+11:00

I started making Christmas presents for the kids in June. So organised, and very unusual really. This Sausage Roller from Craft Schmaft was the first project that I started, but I only finished it last night. If I had all the materials at hand, I think I could have made it in a few nights watching TV, but it took me a while to accumulate everything I needed. As is the Craft Schmaft way, it is

Eve turned one and here are (some of) the pics

2011-11-12T19:50:00.006+11:00

Nothing happens quickly on my blog these days, but better late than never: here is but a sample of the photos my talented sister of ESJAYcreative took back in September! It is hard to pick a favourite.... and decide what to frame. I have a huge 16x20" enlargement of the full family shot with the "1" balloon as that is a firm favourite. Just need an enormous frame now! I bought the balloon from

3 Kids/3 Paintings

2011-10-06T09:02:00.001+11:00

When I read this lovely post over at Karlyn's place the other day, I was reminded to post a little afternoon activity we indulged in recently.Caleb and Jemima each chose a colour and planned a self portrait, and away we went. I couldn't resist joining in, and having baby Eve in the family was the perfect excuse. She was asleep anyways. You snooze, you lose.Caleb's picture cracks me up. The blood

Sneak Peek!

2011-10-05T09:02:00.000+11:00

I'm back already with one of my favourite shots so far from our 1st Birthday Photo Shoot taken by my sister. There will probably be one or two more to post! (*warning: understatement*)My sis does family photography professionally, so if you are in Sydney, need some snaps done, and like her style, do keep her in mind.

Birthday Crochet!

2011-10-04T17:14:00.003+11:00

So a whole month has passed, and I still haven't posted anything of Eve's first birthday. But I will!! My sister did a family photo shoot and I have to say, she did a smashing job. I can't wait to show you.In the meantime, here is one of Eve's first birthday presents that I made for her. I used a pattern for the squares from a Mollie Makes magazine and then grannied around until it seemed done. I

11 months

2011-08-31T20:33:00.005+10:00

Eve is 11 months old for about 90 minutes, so I thought I'd slip this post in! Yep, she is wearing her onesie dress! I don't think I wrote a "10 months". Such a shame, but it's absence sort of reflects what 10-11 months was all about: sleep and not much else. We hit a point early August where Eve was waking multiple times a night for long periods more nights than not. It finally dawned on me

Onesie (twosie)

2011-08-29T12:36:00.004+10:00

A weekend or so ago, the urge to sew was too strong to resist. I left all three kids at my mum's house and sewed flat out for an hour before being beckoned back to feed baby. It was very fun- and no mistakes were made in this particular hour which is worthy of noting! I made Eve this onesie dress using this tutorial as it's basis. I added a "faux bodice" to make it look like a little vintage

Hello, world.

2011-08-18T13:47:00.006+10:00

Little Eve with her "Fleur" from OneGirlDesignwks Christmas 2010 Pink baby oobee Yellow baby oobee Hi Blog! I'm sorry to say it has been a while since I posted! As punishment, blogger won't allow me to move my images around. Fair enough. I did some sewing (weeks ago now)! I won the baby oobee pattern in a giveaway from Leslie (One girl blog) and bought 2 of her baby oobee fabric packs to make

Quality time + feathers

2011-07-06T17:31:00.003+10:00

I need constant reminders to hang out with my kids rather than keep trying to grab every non-direct care moment for house-working. That makes me sound like I am a neat freak with a super clean home, but no that's not the case. My house is fairly untidy, as anyone who drops in without notice will attest, despite my efforts!I stopped trying to chase my tail this morning and just spent some time

I made something!

2011-06-29T11:46:00.005+10:00

My husband and I went away for the weekend just gone to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. We took the Scmevebot (aka our baby Eve) with us, as she still gets all her drinks from me. The older two had an absolute blast with my mum and dad including going to a music festival on Saturday night. They especially enjoyed rocking out to the band, Chasing Light which both my brothers are in (the

9 months

2011-06-21T11:10:00.004+10:00

Here she is in all her 9 monthly splendor. I love this little button. She is a chirpy sweetie who loves being out and about. She is not too keen on meat or vegetables, but does like fruit and yoghurt quite a lot. She still loves her mummy milk, but is a bit inconsistent, so this mummy has been battling the mastitis monster for most of the last few weeks. All has been well the last couple of days,

8 months

2011-06-01T19:07:00.003+10:00

So Eve is now 9 months, and I missed the quilt photo for 8 months. Oh well. These are some pictures that my talented sister snapped on Mothers Day a few weeks ago when baby was 8 months. I love her big shiny eyes. See Eve grow!

Ring, ring!

2011-05-27T13:53:00.005+10:00

I was lucky enough a little while ago to test a pattern for Pepper from Pepper Stitches!I really enjoyed testing this pattern for an animal phone because, 1) it is an animal phone! 2) I realised that I make a great pattern tester, not because I am awesome, but because I make really obvious mistakes unless you tell me not to!! This pattern was great to start with, but now I am sure that it is fool

7 (and a bit) months

2011-05-14T22:17:00.004+10:00

So, Eve is actually at the time of writing 8 and a half months, but I took the photos at 7 and a half months, so I thought I might as well post them!7 months was a much healthier month than 6, and excitingly was the month she learned to crawl! She was about 2-3 months earlier than my other 2 sweeties on this score. I think she is already desperate to be one of the "big kids". Soon after she was

Mighty beans

2011-04-02T21:17:00.004+11:00

I scored Pip's latest craft book recently and I really love it. This is the second thing I have made- a simple zipper pouch. My mum bought Caleb some "mighty beans" because she likes to give the kids lots of presents (Grandma's rule). They needed a home, so rather than thinking about making one (which is what I usually do), I actually did. I used an op shopped zip so it wasn't the right size

6 (and a bit) months

2011-03-26T11:15:00.005+11:00

I wasn't as organised this month for her "6 month shoot". Since becoming 6 months she has pretty much been sick the whole time. First up was the bronchiolitis, secondly she had frighteningly high fevers for several days, breaking out in a rash and generally being tired and miserable, and now she has been hit with a cold and a rattly chest. Poor little dear. Up until this barrage started, she had

Success

2011-03-21T08:56:00.008+11:00

I am not a good cook. I get by for daily meals and the occasional baking, but generally I don't enjoy it. So I was quite pleased with this result. It really is very easy to make! Just make sure you have double the icing you think you will need! I used these instructions. Jemima's rainbow birthday party was a lot of fun - it rained, and then the sun came out. Perfect really. Twas a great

Mermaiden

2011-03-19T21:05:00.005+11:00

When I discovered Hillary Lang of Wee Wonderfuls was writing a book, I knew that one day it would be mine. I send my husband a wish list on email with links in November each year and he uses my list to buy me my Christmas and birthday presents. It's not necessarily romantic, but it works! And thus, the book of softies was mine in January.The kids and I looked through the book, and Jemima fell in

The Girl with the Flaxen Hair

2011-03-15T13:57:00.002+11:00

Image by ESJAYcreativeMy dear Jemima Rose turned 4 yesterday. That is her in the above image that my sister photographed. The addition of the rainbow was my request as I am going to use the picture in her rainbow birthday party this weekend. FOUR! I am feeling so sooki. I am going to be hopeless when they are really grown up. *sigh*Happy Birthday Princess Peach xo

A little dress

2011-03-03T09:48:00.004+11:00

I had intended this to be a Christmas present for Eve, but simply ran out of makey time at the end of last year. I finished it sometime late January/Early Feb, so not a bad effort really. It is still a little bit big for her, but it looks pretty sweet.It is the Crossover Pinny and Nappy cover pattern from Bettsy Kingston. I have the nappy cover cut out, but when I was about to sew it together (

Tissue box cover

2011-02-20T16:03:00.003+11:00

A couple of years ago it would never have crossed my mind that I would one day desire a crocheted tissue box cover, much less be inspired to make one myself. But that is exactly what happened a few weeks ago.I used this smashing tutorial over at The Royal Sisters and in my usual style started and unravelled the project about 5-6 times, but once I got going, it was just a case of grannying away.I

5 months

2011-02-08T14:09:00.007+11:00

Ah, this kid. Cute personified, right?In the last couple of days Eve has learned to roll from her back to her front, and she often does it seconds after being popped down on the floor- hooray! However, this has meant she has forgotten how to go to sleep! Nooo!So I am a little tired and spending a lot of time flipping this little one over onto her back when she gets stuck (and should be asleep!).

Post Partum Nesting

2011-02-06T14:53:00.003+11:00

It's well post partum really- about 5 months to be exact, but the nesting has continued. Back in July we had our house repainted and re-carpeted and in January we finally started putting some of our pictures up in our family room/front room/TV room. (Every room in our house is multipurpose, there is not an inch of wasted space.)I have never been good at interior decorating. I would leaf through

Cross stitching it up

2011-01-26T17:27:00.004+11:00

I am the fortunate recipient of a little family treasure! This is a cross stitch sampler done by my great great aunt, Annie Hocking (I think that is accurate) about 100 years ago when she was a child. Cool, right?My Grandma moved house recently and was de-cluttering, and as I "like this sort of thing", I scored! Hooray!Inspired by this I have started working on my own cross stitch sampler. I

Hope Softies

2011-01-23T14:35:00.006+11:00

Like everyone else, we watched the TV in disbelief at the flooding in Queensland. I can't imagine what life is like now for those affected, particularly those who lost loved ones.I'm sure you've all been across to Toni's blog and seen and bid in the auctions to raise money - a LOT of money as it turns out! And you have probably also come across Steph's initiative, "Hope Softies", over at Mon

4 months

2011-01-10T13:27:00.004+11:00

She is getting to that age now where I start to get less precise. How many weeks is she? I'd have to pull out a calendar and count them. But she is 4 months old now. I can tell you that much.She is also a beauty. Wearing a little handmade garment her grandparents bought for her on one of their travels.Indulge me while I record a little about 4 month old Eve... She is still sleeping well at night

Happy Girls

2010-12-28T09:02:00.005+11:00

I hope you had a lovely Christmas! We had a really great day, which kind of turned into 3 days in a row of family get togethers. Great loot was given and gotten and hanging out with family is always rewarding. Plus, I finished Eve's doll sitting around at my mum and dad's chatting and stitching. I am so happy with this one. This time I embroidered her face before attaching the hat which made it

Is it really Christmas again?

2010-12-24T21:12:00.004+11:00

This post is a bit of a deviation from the usual craft mum posts of Red Chocolate. But I was thinking about some things and thought I would share them here.I am one of those reflective types who thinks themselves into tangles, and this Christmas time is no exception. I am thinking about how Christmas Day seems to hold a magnifying glass up to our lives, making the joyous even more joyful, but

Some Christmas makey

2010-12-22T13:04:00.005+11:00

Dolly pre nose job.Despite being eternally distracted by my computer, I have managed a fair bit of craft for Christmas in the last few weeks.Another cute little owl from my trusty Craft Schmaft pattern. (I think I have made about 6 of these now!)Some applique singlets and fabric hair bows from this tutorial. I have never done the applique singlet thing before. It is such a quick gratifying little

Old baubles become new again

2010-12-17T18:17:00.005+11:00

I felt inspired by Pip's crocheted baubles, but left my run too late to find clear baubles in stock anywhere. I thought about crocheting around these old Ikea baubles I bought when Chris and I first got married 9 years ago, but then got another idea. What I did with my trusty glue gun is fairly self explanatory! You can see the red bauble in this post. You can also see a crocheted heart from

He's no ordinary kid, he's Ben 10

2010-12-14T20:49:00.004+11:00

Ben 10 provides much of the sound track to our lives these days. It's Caleb's favourite show and he talks about it to anyone who will listen. He draws page after page of alien drawings and omnitrixes, he quotes the one liners, and he plays "Ben 10" with Jemima in the back yard. It's a little full on to be honest, but he really enjoys it- so I am indulging his love this Christmas with a couple of

Dismay!

2010-12-05T11:04:00.005+11:00

Well, I should have trusted my instincts regarding Eve's doll. Dolly now has a double french knot sized hole in the middle of her face. Noooooooooooo! I can't take a picture because it actually makes me feel sad. I had a little teary and have worked out a plan to repair her... but I have also bought more felt- thicker felt- this time so it will withstand a future attempt! At this stage I am

Folkster

2010-11-30T09:44:00.000+11:00

My Christmas crafting is well underway. I have made a couple of gifts that will have to wait until after Christmas to be blogged, but this one is for Evie, and advanced though I am sure she is, at 3 months old, she is not yet reading my blog.This is Elise the Folkster doll from the incredible Hillary Lang. The pattern is perfect, though my execution has my trademark wonkiness! Still, she has

12 weeks

2010-11-26T11:55:00.003+11:00

12 weeks + 2 days. A delightful little baby. Already sleeping through the night more often than not. And usually quite settled and happy during the day. I can take no credit for this- it is just what she does. A little bit vintage today! Wearing a dress that used to be mine. I wish mum had kept all my baby clothes (and her clothes so I could wear them now!)- the 70s has made such a comeback. Eve

Show it like it is

2010-11-20T09:03:00.003+11:00

Kitchen: previously featured here looking even more charmingNicole from Bubby makes 3 had a sterling idea. Throw off the shackles of "blog land perfection" and show it like it is.So I have this special treat for anyone who stumbles by this post. This was my house the moment after I read Nicole's challenge yesterday afternoon. It looks a little better now, but looks like this on a regular basis

Winner!

2010-11-19T09:08:00.003+11:00

Random shot of Evie goodnessRandom.org assisted me in selecting a winner for my purple giveaway.... and it was #1, congratulations Mama Mogantosh!Thanks for stopping by!

Purple Giveaway- closed

2010-11-12T12:42:00.005+11:00

I have become completely sidetracked by my button tin.Jemima and I were making button hair clips yesterday and I noticed afresh just how many cute tiny vintage buttons are in my possession. So I spent nearly 2 hours trying to nut out a simple felt hair clip design to showcase them. Now, the end result (pictured on black clips above) is not really all that original... how true it is that there are

A bag bag

2010-11-11T15:56:00.004+11:00

For my sister-in-law's birthday I whipped up the "Plastic Bag Bag Thingamy" (not it's real name) from the original Meet me at Mikes book. It's so much more attractive than our bag bag thingamy if I say so myself.(Tee hee, see the little baby?)

Little Pretties

2010-11-08T13:08:00.003+11:00

I made these hair accessories on Saturday night for a 6 year old birthday girl. I have a soft spot for this little lady as she wrote my son the sweetest love letter* a few weeks ago. Again, my friendly glue gun helped me out. Also very helpful was this tutorial from one of my favourite blogs, A Beautiful Mess. A big thank you too to Michelle of Leni and Rose for the giveaway I won. I am loving my

Super quick craft fix (meow)

2010-11-03T19:46:00.003+11:00

Jemima likes to pretend she is a kitten, so I made her some cat ear clips. All glue gun, baby. It's pretty much all I have had crafty time for lately, opting to do laundry and dishes over crafting (the age old tension). PS The (revolting) blue netting "arm warmers" as she calls them, were from a "rockstar" show bag at the school fete on Saturday. Blurgh. Of course she loves them.

Two months/8 weeks

2010-10-28T13:55:00.004+11:00

She was 8 weeks yesterday and not really "2 months" until the 1st November, but you know what I mean. One month photo here.

Big skirt --> Little skirt

2010-10-27T18:01:00.002+11:00

Ah me. I was determined to sew something for Jemima today, whatever else happened. She has suddenly grown and nothing seems to fit her properly anymore. I am resisting doing a clothes shop because I love making her things, but time is so pressed these days with Miss Eve. Today was most frustrating as Eve decided not to sleep again after an hour long nap at about 9am. Now at nearly 6pm she is

Introducing ESJAY Creative... pluggity plug

2010-10-23T16:09:00.007+11:00

Excuse me while I put on my proud-big-sister hat for a moment... and potentially post too many photos (sorry)! My sister Sarah has taken the plunge and officially started her own photography business, ESJAY Creative! I am really fortunate to have a photographer in the family that does such lovely work. Her family photography is artistic, but natural and the photo shoots themselves are fun to

A new t-shirt for Jemima

2010-10-04T21:41:00.005+11:00

I came across Rocket and Bear recently and loved this idea of putting a favourite cuddly toy on a t-shirt. Lucy sells these t-shirts in her etsy store and shop. As I understand it, you send her a photo of a beloved toy, and she prepares the image and prints it onto a high quality t-shirt for you. I thought I would DIY this one using t-shirt transfer paper I bought from Kmart. This is Kea,

One month

2010-10-04T13:57:00.004+11:00

I am going to follow the lead of a couple of other bloggers and try and post a monthly picture of Evie. Here is my little love on her quilt made by me during my final months of pregnancy.I am so glad I finished it before her arrival, it gives me crafty joy looking at them both together.

I made a dress, but didn't iron it.

2010-09-23T15:07:00.007+10:00

I managed a spot of sewing last week which was fun. I used an old work shirt of Chris' and this tutorial and now Jemima has a new dress for summer. The fabric is quite lovely and very good quality- but he can't wear it anymore because he has changed jobs and it has the old company logo above the pocket. I added buttons in the back bodice of the dress to help with getting it on and off and left

Look what I've got.

2010-09-08T13:35:00.004+10:00

Eve AmelieBorn 1st September3.14kg 47cmSo so precious

Baby's quilt finished!

2010-08-31T11:00:00.002+10:00

I finished the baby's quilt last week sometime. It is a jumble of fabrics that I happened to have in the stash. Mostly scraps that have been used for other projects. I cut and sewed quite randomly- which means you can't make a mistake. Perfect!The carpel tunnel syndrome made progress on hand stitching the binding slow going, but we made it!

Nursery in a nook

2010-08-28T08:48:00.006+10:00

My mum, sister and my brothers' wives surprised me with the gift of a little crib a few weeks ago. It was lovely to get one as a present, as we had never bought one for our babies, and it will be passed onto my younger sisters when they start their families one day.I had been planning up until this gift to pop baby straight into her own room (as our room isn't big enough for the full sized cot).

More baby business

2010-08-25T14:21:00.003+10:00

*Mobile* Caleb had a bright green, purple and orange mobile that you could wind up and it spun and played music. Jemmie used it too. I left it in her cot a little too long though and a cheeky little brother and sister pair destroyed it. I made Baby 3 this low tech mobile out of a garland I had made for another purpose. Just some string, a ring, an embroidery hoop and some hot glue, and here it is

Among other things, a cushion

2010-08-20T12:44:00.003+10:00

I have been a little makey crazy lately. Trying to tick as much of the crafty list as possible before Miss Baby makes her appearance. I plan to post everything eventually to make a little record of my nesting projects, but in the meantime, here is a cushion I have been planning to make for about 12 months. It is an oppy table cloth that had a little stain in the middle, and backed with soft black

Baby Kimono - Just a pass, maybe

2010-08-17T10:46:00.004+10:00

If I were to grade my latest crafty effort here (Lucy's Kimono from Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross), I would barely scrape in a pass. It started out well enough, but then the obstacles kept on coming...I really really hate working with bias tape. I hardly ever do it because I find it so annoying. I think my tape was too skinny for this project (actually probably for any project). I didn't sew the

There's nothing like a deadline...

2010-08-12T12:25:00.003+10:00

... to overcome crafty procrastination. This is my baby quilt in progress. I finished putting the top together yesterday and wondered if I would ever baste, quilt and bind it.I hate basting a lot. I am also not a huge fan of machine quilting. I am not quite sure why I decided to make a quilt like this and not the good ole tied-quilt-with-chenille-backing that I have made a little stack of. I

Happiness 101

2010-08-10T15:41:00.004+10:00

Another snap by ESJAYcreative The lovely Monique from A Glass Half Full tagged me with the happiness meme. It has been a while since I last participated in a meme. Usually I think about what I would say and never get around to writing it. Also I am a little bit shy. Nevertheless, today is a perfect day for articulating just what does make me happy and firing it off into the

Now We Are Six

2010-08-06T10:34:00.004+10:00

"...now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever,so I think I'll be six now forever and ever."-A.A MilnePhotography ESJAY Creative

The quilts are multiplying

2010-08-05T21:02:00.003+10:00

It wasn't a pretty sight, but I finally got down on the floor and tied Caleb's quilt together. My poor pregnant body did not enjoy the process one bit, but I am so pleased it is finished! He has been very patient as Jem got hers in May.I had the quilt finished to the point of tying it together at least a month ago, and then got distracted by the house getting new carpet/paint a few weeks back. I

The Chalkboard in the Kitchen Fad

2010-08-03T11:19:00.004+10:00

This fun post by the talented Jennie of Mrs Beckinsale, reminded me to blog again about my chalkboard. (A fad, yes, and I love it so!)A couple of people asked about dust and so on when I first wrote about my chalkboard pantry door, so I thought I might give a little update on the impact of our chalkboard in the kitchen. We use "dust free chalk" which is not exactly dust free, but there is less

Another quilty thing

2010-07-30T13:47:00.004+10:00

I made this little tied quilt with a pink minky backing for a new little friend by the name of Elisabeth. I can't wait to meet you Elisabeth, though I suspect we will only get to meet you after we have met our own girl baby, as you live a little too far away.

A very pink cake

2010-07-26T12:01:00.004+10:00

One of the items on my to do list yesterday what "Do something fun with Jems." It's a bit sad that I needed to list it, but sometimes I get so caught up in what-needs-to-get-done that I just leave her to her own devices, or drag her along with me to the shops or what-not.I asked her what activity she would like to do, and she wanted to make a cake, which boiled down to "decorate a cake and eat it

Not the most uplifting post, but LOOK, PANTS!

2010-07-24T13:42:00.004+10:00

What a time it's been! In the last 3 weeks we have basically packed up our house into the garage, had new paint and carpeting done, and put everything back in (well, nearly everything.)Emptying one's house is a really interesting exercise. You start to see your space differently and appreciate different things about it. It will surprise no-one that the first thing we noticed is that we have too

Grass Heads

2010-07-02T09:27:00.003+10:00

Caleb and Jemima went to a party a couple of months ago and the fixings of these little fellows was their take home loot bag. I'm sure we have all seen/done this in some form or another, but I thought I'd share it here because I thought it was a great idea to be reminded of! (Especially if you have a party coming up yourself.)In the bag was a bit of pantyhose, grass seeds, eyes and a bag of dirt.

Loving doily craft

2010-06-30T18:33:00.003+10:00

The recipient of this gift, Megan, has safely received her goodies, so I can safely blog without ruining her surprise.I was inspired to make an artsy clutch in these fabrics (from Bend the Rules Sewing) because I loved my placemats so much (!) I had intended to put the doily closer to the button when the bag is closed, but my addled brain couldn't handle the simple mental gymnastics to get it on

Nesting?

2010-06-12T15:28:00.003+10:00

I never got any nesting urges in my previous pregnancies, but this time around, I feel a little bit like our baby's arrival is a deadline for getting a whole lot of cleaning out and crafting done. I know from previous experience that life does indeed go on after baby comes, but I guess I want to be as prepared as possible to simply enjoy the last time I will bring a newborn home.Pictured above

Op shop chic

2010-06-05T09:35:00.005+10:00

I am now officially up to date with my wedding presents! I haven't sent these to the recipients yet, so hopefully they don't check my blog too often... I am a now or never sort of blogger I guess!Op shopped doilies on black cotton drill with Ikea backing fabric = place mats. I quite like them myself.It is good to see the sun out today. I ended up with a "mini flu"* this week, spending all of

Giant Granny Square

2010-05-29T14:18:00.003+10:00

I started making Caleb a giant granny out of very chunky yarn last winter, but ran out and haven't been back to Lincraft since. Not sure why. So that is still on the go, but the desire to do some simple TV craft meant that Jemima has scored a blanket first. I have to use acrylic yarn because I am pretty sure I am allergic to wool (such a shame!) so this is just an 8 ply acrylic from my local "

"Quilting" for the Blondie

2010-05-22T12:13:00.004+10:00

This is my favourite kind of quilt to make. It's the 3rd time I have made one, and the 1st time I get to keep it in the house (on Jemima's bed). Hooray!Obviously it is just fat quarters sewn together, then with a vintage chenille backing and tied together (using this tutorial again). This is about the only kind of patchwork I can manage. I don't have what I suppose is a true quilter's temperament

Craft for baby

2010-05-10T19:00:00.002+10:00

We had our 18-21 week scan a few weeks ago and discovered that our baby is (most likely) a little girl. The radiographer was extremely confident, I just like to have an element of doubt "just in cases".Nevertheless, I indulged in my first bit of baby craft which is pretty girly on purpose. I struggle with crochet when the size it ends up is really important. Hats are tricky for example. And

Just one wedding behind

2010-05-03T18:28:00.005+10:00

I went to another lovely wedding on the weekend and brought a gift, but not for the current bride and groom- for a bride and groom who got married about a month or two ago. This project first appeared here. Four placemats and coasters made from mostly recycled materials and scraps. I quite like the way they came together, and could really do with some placemats for our place. I'm not very good at

Cherry/Apple Dress

2010-04-23T09:28:00.005+10:00

Lately every time I tell Jemima that I am making her a dress, she says, "Oh, for my wedding?" Not this time Jemima Rose.Jem has a lot of skirts which she wore with leggings at preschool, but they would always end up wet on the bathroom floor (ew). So I had the idea if I made her some dresses or tunics, this problem would be avoided.This is another raglan dress from Wholegrain Baby and the fabric

Fixer Upper

2010-04-21T14:39:00.004+10:00

Jemmie got black paint on one of her t-shirts. I can't remember if it happened at preschool or home, but I do remember thinking, "Oh that'll come out." I don't know why I am always so optimistic about getting stains out, as I am not very good at doing it (not been a mum for long enough I guess!)I have seen applique in the face of failed stain removal before and have always planned to give it a

Getting back into things (a bit)

2010-04-14T20:22:00.004+10:00

Yesterday I did some sewing. Hooray! A friend got married at the beginning of March and I haven't given her a gift yet. She is a friendly eco-warrier so I really wanted to make her something out of recycled/scrap materials. Jemima was at preschool at the time of this revival of the sewing machine and Caleb sat with me and quietly did some crafting of his own. It was one of those nice moments,

Preschool Girl and Movie Boy and their tearful Mother

2010-04-08T13:41:00.008+10:00

Jemima started preschool the other day. She was so ready to go that she barely said goodbye when we got there and didn't want to leave when I picked her up. It felt very strange to leave her there *cue misty eyes here* and hang out with Caleb, who is enjoying his first set of holidays ++. I had planned to take Caleb to see the new Nanny McPhee movie- his first trip to the movies ever! He was so

Baby on Board

2010-03-12T11:22:00.004+11:00

I have really missed making things and blogging about them. But I have been busy: incubating our new little baby. This is the picture we got of him/her today! A very wriggly little thing just like big brother and sister. I feel a crazy amount of mummy love for that little grainy black and white image up there.I have been sick sick sick, hence my absence from the makey scene. But on Wednesday I

Bridesmaid Dress Part 1

2010-02-09T13:21:00.005+11:00

My sister is in the bridal party for a wedding in March and the girls are wearing long knit dresses. She wasn't confident that she would find something off the rack that would suit her body shape, so I bravely offered my sewing services. To make sure I could actually do it, I made a practice one in black. I bought the fabric (of the Bride's choosing) from Spotlight, it is called "Kaleidoscope

Caleb's first day of school EVA!

2010-02-05T14:26:00.003+11:00

Caleb started school today! Most of his friends started earlier in the week, or even last week, so this week has dragged for my new kinder kid.I thought I would be tearful, but I have been OK. I think I felt this week dragging too, and eager for him to get started so we can all move into this new phase for our family. I am about to go and pick him up and I can't wait to hear about his day. I hope

In a galaxy far far away...

2010-01-22T15:29:00.004+11:00

I am a little out of the habit of posting at the moment, evidently!This is a present I made for Caleb for Christmas. Back when I was painting the dolls for Jemima's Christmas present, Caleb wanted a set of his own. He is right into Star Wars at the moment, so I drew my inspiration from there. Chewie is my absolute favourite of the set. Here they are already looking well loved with Luke Skywalker

PJs and Cush

2009-12-28T15:52:00.004+11:00

How was your Christmas? Good I trust. With Chris' family bash on Boxing Day, and our church service on Christmas Eve, we had the most laid back Christmas in my adult memory. We weren't due anywhere on Christmas day until about 3pm which meant a lazy day. We had BBQ burgers in the backyard which was awesome!This was the gift I made for Chris. He really loves TV. We all do. As much as it frustrates

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T17:29:00.004+11:00

Caleb wrapped his present for Jemima (a cardboard creation) using recycled paper and his crafty tool of choice, masking tape. Lots of it!Merry Christmas! Have a great day celebrating with family and friendsThanks for reading and for every comment and email. It's been fun.

Crafty monkey off my back

2009-12-23T07:57:00.005+11:00

I am a bit bummed I haven't been recording all my craftiness of late, because there has been a lot of it! Unfortunately Chris and I have lost our camera argh! which makes posting quite difficult. Mum has come to the rescue as usual and lent us her camera so that I can take pictures of the kids on Christmas day (and of some of my crafty pursuits).Remember this angsty wedding quilt post? Well

For Sweet Baby Amber

2009-12-11T14:12:00.004+11:00

One of my dearest friends had her first baby a month ago and she is just beautiful. Oh so little. Little dark pink lips, often shaped in a little "o" and a little covering of dark hair atop her little round head. Ahhhh. I am not as clucky as I once was with just any baby, but this little miss is special.So a special gift was in order. I bought the vintage chenille squares precut on ebay, sewed

Makey Crazy

2009-12-06T16:47:00.004+11:00

Here is most of the stuff I made last weekend. Gifts for some little people in my life.2 necklaces from this tutorial by cakies (I have since made another for Jemima, and I think I will do one for me too!). I kind of made up the flowers a bit as I went a long, but I did use this tutorial as a guide.A doll softie made from a download that came with Parasol Craft magazine. There is also a little

Pretty plaits

2009-12-04T10:21:00.003+11:00

I went makey crazy last weekend and possibly induced a migraine that chased me all week and finally caught up with me last night. So today I have the sunnies on and am moving a bit slowly. I don't have any pictures of all the weekend productivity, so I am posting something I happened to have on hand. Jemima's first plaits. *sigh* Seems only yesterday I was posting this.

Fresh off the sewing machine!

2009-11-28T12:02:00.003+11:00

Another one of these from Sparkle Power! Probably a long tunic rather than a dress. Not for Jemima, but for a little friend who turned 2 recently. The fabric was given to me last year some time, and I quite like those tiny swans. For the sleeves, I used left overs from the jedi robe, and the buttons are probably at least a couple of decades old, and are a perfect match in my opinion.

Dress ups and pondering

2009-11-27T11:27:00.007+11:00

I have been hard at work crafting away, trying to be organised for Christmas. It is verrrrry hard keeping a handmade present under wraps. I usually like to do a big "look what I made! ta da!" on completion of an item. So this secret squirrel business is pretty challenging. I can't even do my ta da! here in blog land for the literate among my recipients might have their surprise spoiled.But this I

A new blog

2009-11-23T18:23:00.003+11:00

After some lovely comments on this post, I decided to start an additional blog, "My brain popped an idea!", to document the creative pursuits of my children for my own records. You are quite welcome to stop by if you feel so inclined!

Bath Mats Revisted

2009-11-21T11:22:00.003+11:00

The last time I made bath mats, they became pot holders. I simplified the process somewhat and now I have 2 new (but old) bath mats made from 2 old boring bath mats and scraps from the stash. I tied them together with my cotton yarn every 10-15 cm or so.Need a couple more to allow for washing days, but since we have bought no new towels since we got married (adult sized ones) I have plenty of old

With thanks to Random.org...

2009-11-20T13:18:00.005+11:00

Congratulations Willy Wagtail!If the result of this giveaway leaves you crochet dishcloth-less, do not fret! If I can learn to crochet this little number, anyone can. I mean it. Truly.Have a great weekend everyone!

Cardboard Days

2009-11-18T16:27:00.004+11:00

We had a self imposed quiet day at home today. Caleb has a fairly mild cold, but started to sound wheezy yesterday, so off to the doctor we went. He is now the proud (yes, he really is) owner of his very own puffer and spacer. He is much better today, but I just felt like the 3 of us needed a break.The best thing about these long days kicking about at home is the kids always come up with some

Old school

2009-11-16T18:07:00.005+11:00

I don't know where I first came across this idea, but I am pretty sure that it was in a couple of articles in Real Living over the past few months. We just got the door up a couple of hours ago after painting it with White Knight Chalkboard paint on the weekend. I made a little hanging basket using this tutorial and there is an old peanut butter container in there full of chalk and a duster (

Giveaway!

2009-11-12T16:18:00.004+11:00

My blog turned one about a month ago, and I wanted to do a giveaway of something I have made for a modest celebration. So, here tis, 3 little crocheted-by-me dishcloths in cotton yarn. I have been using my 2 dishcloths all the time, and I've just finished making a third which I think will be the magical crocheted dishcloth number.To enter, just leave a comment before next Friday, 20th November.

Pretty trinkets

2009-11-10T14:03:00.004+11:00

On Sunday we also celebrated my new sister-in-law's birthday! I gave her the black pretties from the little selection above. The cream and purple rose earrings have secret recipients for this Christmas-which-is-fast-approaching!I have blogged the earrings before I think (yes here!), and the hair clips are an idea I lifted from Heart of Light. I can't remember how I found these headbands, but

Today I gave my mum a bag

2009-11-08T16:22:00.005+11:00

I wasn't going to blog this today, but for some reason blogger wasn't letting me upload certain photos from iphoto, so I just took what I could get! Anyways, on with the post!It was my mum's and sister-in-law's birthday lunch today and mum had asked me to make her a bag. I made Dad a man bag for Christmas last year (and I am pleased to report he uses it daily and it hasn't fallen apart. Hooray!).

My Place and Yours: Blog HQ

2009-11-04T08:43:00.004+11:00

A bit dark and cluttered in my blog HQ, but I do love the Mac!One of my favourite things about Mr Mac is that he has iMovie and for the last 2 years I have made a DVD of our family's "Year in Review". I finished our 2008 in about May 2009 (oops!), and I am starting to realise that it is November now, so it might be time to start on this year's highlights reel. I am so pleased to have our years

Eye Spy... shoes

2009-11-02T11:43:00.005+11:00

Dressed to impress at my brother's weddingMy little girl really wanted a pair of "ballet shoes", so we went in search of her first pair of ballet flats. We soon found out that Jemima has broad feet compared with the general population of size 7 ballet flat consumers, and I will say there was some tears along the way. Finally we found these sparkly purpley pink ones at Cotton On Kids, and they are

And the winner is...

2009-10-30T10:31:00.004+11:00

....Jo so and sew. Congratulations! Send me an email to redchocolate@ymail.com so I can forward on your address to Maree from Buyster, and she will be in touch regarding your prize!Thanks to everyone who entered the buyster rug giveaway! I am planning another giveaway soon (this time of stuff I have made and a few other bits and bobs probably), so stay tuned.Our week has been.. interesting. Caleb

Eye Spy... something cuddly

2009-10-26T10:42:00.005+11:00

Cindy asked me to choose the theme this week and I did it fast, like ripping off a bandaid. But it turns out to be a most appropriate theme for me today, as cuddling something cuddly is all one feels like doing today in rainy Sydney. The wedding on the weekend was and delightful. The bride suitably stunning in a drop waisted strapless champagne coloured gown, the groom dapper in black skinny

My Place and Yours: Bedside

2009-10-24T11:52:00.004+11:00

This week I am joining in with Pip's meme "My place and yours"!How fortuitous that the honourable theme queen decreed this week's theme to be Bedside. For this is the best my bedside has ever looked.The flowers here are off cuts from a big $8 bunch that I put in the kitchen. I have never had flowers on my bedside table before, but it sure is lovely.Handmade Home is a gift for someone who pretty