Japanese Goodies

We went off to Kirribilli Markets this morning. We got off the train at Wynyard and walked across the bridge. It is a lovely day, but a little cold in the shade of the Harbour Bridge. By the time we got to the other side, James had stopped protesting about being in the backpack and was starting to get very comfortable - ready to fall asleep.

We had a look around and then stopped by Corrie's stall with her friends. Definitely the best stall there, and very popular too. James took a liking to one of the bags for sale there so we bought it, and he carried it around all morning.

I also picked up my Japanese goodies from Corrie. Take a look at her new shop Retro Mummy.

Pictured below are the books and fabric and cute apple cotton tape from Retro Mummy and the bag from Claudine - she had MANY lovely bags there...I could have bought a few.


And two of my favourite projects from one of the books.



And finally, another picture of James from last weekend at the Aroma festival at The Rocks in Sydney. We found the supplier of the best hot chocolate in Sydney - just like being in Italy! We ALL liked it. If anyone is in the area, come over for a cup!

More Fabric.....

Well, I just can't help myself.....

The Signature Prints sale was on again today and I had the luxury of going alone! I managed to pick up 2m of a black print, and 40cm of a 'grey' bamboo print. And two pieces of wallpaper. All for $136....bargain (isn't it???).


Then I trotted off to Tessuti for some silk fabrics for my major millinery piece (a bridal piece with tulle veil). Well my eye was drawn to the 'clearance' table in the centre of the room that had the most beautiful cream fake fur on it for 50% off (pictured in the background of the photo).....I just couldn't leave it there (despite the fact that it cost more than all my millinery fabric put together).


And just to show off my husbands fantastic drawing abilities, I am going to post two pieces that he has completed. The BEST (in my opinion) is a picture of "David" that he copied from a postcard that we bought in Florence when we were there. I think he did a brillant job. And then there are just 2 cards that he completed last week for a friends twin boys for their 2nd birthday. James was distraught when we had to hand them over! I really wish he could spend more time drawing as I think he is fantastic at it.

Happy Birthday to Me!

OK, well it isn't really a birthday post, but I am going to post the pictures of the quilt that my Mum completed and presented to me for my 30th Birthday.

I bought the fabric for this quilt a few years back, with the intention of making a quilt up for our bed. I knew exactly what I wanted, just never got around to getting very far with it. I stumbled across the fabric about a year ago and decided to give it to Mum to work on in her quilting class (hey, she didn't have to pay for the fabric!!).

It took the whole year (she doesn't get too much time to work on her quilting), but it is now complete!!! I really love it. It is nothing fancy, but I think that the highlight fabric makes it special for me. In the end it became a large single bed quilt.....perfect to drape over a spare bed, or keep near our lounge (the colours work really well with the lounge).

Sorry for the average photos......the sun was a bit crazy that day.




And for something a little different.... While I was looking through the photos on the computer, I came across our photos from Europe in December 2004 (3 months pregnant with James). I will just post a few, because I can.....
All were taken in Paris. The photos that we have of this trip are very precious to us.......because Alex lost one of our Memory Cards (with 600 photos on it) at the end of our trip. We only have photos from the last 2 weeks of the 5 week trip (so so sad).

The Dark Side....

Well as Helen would say..... I have been over to the dark side...In this case, Crocheting. I am very happy with my first completed crocheted hat, using the wool that I bought a while ago from Applehead. It only took me aabout a day (mind you, it was a lazy day...Alex was home and I crocheted). The picture doesn't show it well, but there are 3 flowers on the side too.
I will be purchasing more from Applehead to make some more I think.


Just thought I would also share a picture of James 'dressed up'. I have realised that he actually really enjoys dressing up at the moment, and I should have participated in the dress up swap. Oh well, more reason to start sewing I suppose.....

Skirt, Top, Swap and James

Firstly, a skirt that I made - perfect for winter with tights or boots. Made from a blackish stretch denim.


Next, a top from a Simplicity pattern that nikkishell raves about. I really like it and will use the pattern again. I actually cut up a previously unfinished top (Cass knows the one) and used the fabric to make this top which I will wear come Spring.


Next, the Swap that I received from Shibley - a little Hat pincushion (so cute) and Needle book and some Chocolate (a favourite colour for me) broderie.


And of course the pin cushion and needle book that I made for Andrea. Will have to make one for my Mum too, as she took a liking to it.



Finally, a recent picture of my boy James. He really tests me some days, but I love him to bits.


I apologise for not having proper links in, but I will try to come back later to do that!

I've Been Tagged!

OK, I have been tagged by Marianne. It has taken me a couple of days to get to it, since I have been obsessed with fixing the 'links' issue first.

The rules:
• Start with 7 random facts/habits about yourself
• People who are tagged have to write their 7 things on their blog
• Then choose another 7 people to get tagged and list their names

1. I have only lived in 2 houses, and I have only had 1 full time job (a few part-time/casual jobs though), in my almost 30 years......hmmmm, someone doesn't like change.
2. When I was 19 I went overseas on my own for the first time. It was my first time leaving the country and when I walked though the departure gate, I burst into tears, because I realised that I had no idea where I was meant to go (ie. customs, immigration etc). How on earth did I manage on my own for 8 weeks???
3. Currently, a favourite movie of mine is Japanese Story. I get a shock every time I see it, and end up sitting with my jaw dropped for a good 5 minutes.
4. All my life I was convinced that I would have a daughter. I could never imagine myself with a son. Now, I could never imagine myself with a daughter - I love my boy to bits!
5. I have no future plans to go back to full time work, and I have no idea what I would do if I did go back.
6. My husband and I are both big spenders. Always within our means, but really, we should have a lot more money saved. At least there are never really any disagreements about one of us spending too much ;)
7. I am a huge hoarder! Books, fabric, craft supplies, wool, clothes, shoes - too much of everything......

I will tag: Novy, Helen, Kerry, Ingrid, Cass, Andrea, Angel

Whoo Hooo - We worked out Links!

OK, I am a little excited.....just a little. With Alex's help, I have finally managed to work out how to put links into my blog. I think I may have been having problem because I am using a Mac, and none of the usual 'options' were available to us.

Anyway, I will attempt now to go back and "link" to everyone. Still haven't worked out how to make a "friends" list down the side of my blog.....one thing at a time.....

Fabric, Fabric, Fabric......

I picked up these fabric from The Remnant Warehouse. I love that place. There are some Michael Miller plain cottons, and some flannelettes.

James' Cords

I have finally finished and got a photo of James wearing the cords that I made him. It was an Ottobre Design pattern. The pattern was great, the fabric was not. It was a wide wale cord, and it was just too thick in sections to sew without breaking a needle or two. There was plenty of unpicking too. I would make them again, but not in the same type of fabric.

Amy Butler meets Signature Prints

I completed my first Amy Butler handbag pattern today. It is the Frenchie Handbag. I am really pleased with how it has turned out - my sister has already asked to borrow it to take to an Engagement party this weekend! Using some of the fabric that I bought from the Signature Prints sale last weekend, and some denim and red lightweight cotton for the lining.

Check out Corrie's blog - RetroMummy - for the Amy Butler patterns!