Well since there were only 2 of you who entered this giveaway (Renae was excluded since she can't sew a stitch, haha) there was a 50% chance of Andrea or Little Betty winning. Feeling terrible that there can only be one winner for this one, but the lucky girl is Little Betty.
Congratulations! Let me know if you would like me to pop it in the post, or meet up one day.
Andrea, my next ordering stuff up is yours!!
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Thank you!
Thank you to all of you who commented on my post from yesterday. Where possible I will try to reply directly to you. But I don't think I can reply to Joni, so just wanted to say thank you. I am also hoping to get back to playgroup next year with my daughter (who currently has no activities of her own or any friends to call her own).
Now, I ordered a bundle of patterns from the Vogue/McCalls/Butterick group a couple of weeks ago. About a week earlier I had been to Spotlight and paid around $40 for 2 patterns. I know, I am an idiot!! When I saw the prices on the US website, and the current exchange rate, I couldn't resist. Despite the fact that I paid $25 for postage (now what a rip off is that!), I still managed to have 7 Vogue and McCalls patterns delivered for $50. However, silly "never-even-been-bleached-blonde" me accidentally ordered 2 of the exact same pattern. So, I will give one away.
It is a bit specific though..... the pattern is Vogue 1120, but in the larger size range (14-22). Also, since I have already paid a heap in postage to get it here, I might just make it a local (Australian giveaway). I will keep this one open until Friday night. And I guess just to keep things separate, any entries for this giveaway won't be entered in the bigger/destash giveaway (just in case the same person were to win both - I would prefer to spread the love). Of course, everyone is welcome to enter both separately.
So to enter this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post! Good luck!
Now, I ordered a bundle of patterns from the Vogue/McCalls/Butterick group a couple of weeks ago. About a week earlier I had been to Spotlight and paid around $40 for 2 patterns. I know, I am an idiot!! When I saw the prices on the US website, and the current exchange rate, I couldn't resist. Despite the fact that I paid $25 for postage (now what a rip off is that!), I still managed to have 7 Vogue and McCalls patterns delivered for $50. However, silly "never-even-been-bleached-blonde" me accidentally ordered 2 of the exact same pattern. So, I will give one away.
It is a bit specific though..... the pattern is Vogue 1120, but in the larger size range (14-22). Also, since I have already paid a heap in postage to get it here, I might just make it a local (Australian giveaway). I will keep this one open until Friday night. And I guess just to keep things separate, any entries for this giveaway won't be entered in the bigger/destash giveaway (just in case the same person were to win both - I would prefer to spread the love). Of course, everyone is welcome to enter both separately.
So to enter this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post! Good luck!
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
So I have been MIA lately. Just from the blog. To be honest, it all comes down to motivation, and trying to work out my place in the world. Basically, I think I have been retreating from society over the last few years, and have come to a point where I don't really know where I fit in.
I am sure other stay-at-home-Mum's must go through this sometimes, but at the moment, there are weeks when the only interaction I have with other adults during the day is a wave to other parents at daycare drop off. There are no phone calls or emails to get me through the day. No courses to go to, no meet-ups to keep me going.
Days are filled with driving my son to dancing, daycare, swimming, Cantonese lessons and drama class. On the quiet days we get to do the grocery shopping. I live in an area where I never just bump into people I know down at the shops, so even chance encounters are incredibly rare.
The only thing that I do for myself is sewing. Once again a solitary event. In a room away from little hands.....
I am sure other stay-at-home-Mum's must go through this sometimes, but at the moment, there are weeks when the only interaction I have with other adults during the day is a wave to other parents at daycare drop off. There are no phone calls or emails to get me through the day. No courses to go to, no meet-ups to keep me going.
Days are filled with driving my son to dancing, daycare, swimming, Cantonese lessons and drama class. On the quiet days we get to do the grocery shopping. I live in an area where I never just bump into people I know down at the shops, so even chance encounters are incredibly rare.
The only thing that I do for myself is sewing. Once again a solitary event. In a room away from little hands.....
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Blogtoberfest Giveaway
OK, I have finally gotten my act together to organise a Giveaway. There is really nothing special about it. Just a bit of a clear out of some of my stash. Of course, I am embarrassed to admit that this really doesn't make a dent at all in clearing out the fabric stash. But it is a start. If you are the winner I will forward the following to you....
Fabric lengths vary from ~0.5m to fat quarters and couple of smaller pieces (and anything in between). Also a lovely ball of wall.
If you like to be in the draw, leave a comment from now until the end of October on this blog (any post). Every post will equal 1 entry. I will ship anywhere. Well, maybe not the North Pole....
Fabric lengths vary from ~0.5m to fat quarters and couple of smaller pieces (and anything in between). Also a lovely ball of wall.
If you like to be in the draw, leave a comment from now until the end of October on this blog (any post). Every post will equal 1 entry. I will ship anywhere. Well, maybe not the North Pole....
Monday, 18 October 2010
Wild Weekend
So I haven't blogged for a few days.... just busy and feeling a bit blah!
The weather was wild in Sydney this weekend. James and I had to rug up as we headed into the city to see The Nutcracker on Saturday. It was performed by the Russian Ballet and as an introduction to ballet, it was brilliant. There were lots of little girls and boys there with their parents and grandparents. Of course James had a million questions about the story, so we spent the whole time whispering to each other. This outing was actually initiated by James who had been looking over his fathers shoulder as he flicked through the paper. James spotted the ad for the ballet and brought the paper in to me asking if we could go. Why not! He started dance classes last term and is really enjoying it, so I thought it might encourage him to try a bit harder with his dance practice. So far, so good.
I also went to the airport to pick up my parents on Sunday after their trip to Europe. This was their 2nd attempt at the trip, as they had booked earlier in the year but had to cancel at the last minute (as in the night before) due to the volcano activity that occurred in April, cancelling all flights to Europe. I am so pleased that they finally got a chance to go. Of course, they brought back presents, including these t-shirts for the kids. So cute!
The weather was wild in Sydney this weekend. James and I had to rug up as we headed into the city to see The Nutcracker on Saturday. It was performed by the Russian Ballet and as an introduction to ballet, it was brilliant. There were lots of little girls and boys there with their parents and grandparents. Of course James had a million questions about the story, so we spent the whole time whispering to each other. This outing was actually initiated by James who had been looking over his fathers shoulder as he flicked through the paper. James spotted the ad for the ballet and brought the paper in to me asking if we could go. Why not! He started dance classes last term and is really enjoying it, so I thought it might encourage him to try a bit harder with his dance practice. So far, so good.
I also went to the airport to pick up my parents on Sunday after their trip to Europe. This was their 2nd attempt at the trip, as they had booked earlier in the year but had to cancel at the last minute (as in the night before) due to the volcano activity that occurred in April, cancelling all flights to Europe. I am so pleased that they finally got a chance to go. Of course, they brought back presents, including these t-shirts for the kids. So cute!
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Macaroons - Fail
I bought this cook book when in the city the other day meeting Novy.
Pretty pictures, clear instructions - perfect for my first attempt at Macaroons.
Well the actual result was fail.....
I made the basic vanilla macaroon, with my husband requesting the 'Lemon Curd' filling. Perhaps it was the weather here that had an affect, but either way, it wasn't perfect by a long shot.
We are currently scoffing the reject batch.....
Pretty pictures, clear instructions - perfect for my first attempt at Macaroons.
Well the actual result was fail.....
I made the basic vanilla macaroon, with my husband requesting the 'Lemon Curd' filling. Perhaps it was the weather here that had an affect, but either way, it wasn't perfect by a long shot.
We are currently scoffing the reject batch.....
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
The Peacock Dress
I have been taking my time on this dress, as the fabric was a bugger to work with (initially). The fabric was purchased from Spotlight about a year ago. I bought a heap of it, because I had planned to make a top for my sister for Christmas, and then thought it would look brilliant in a maxi-dress for me. Well, I cut out the top for my sister, put my 'stretch-sewing' needles and walking foot into the machine, and that's where things went wrong. I just could not get the fabric to sew nicely. Skipping stitches all over the place. I actually wasn't sure if it was a problem with the fabric. It is a Polyester/Spandex single jersey knit, but it felt like it may have been over stentered...there just wasn't a lot of stretch left in the fabric.
I did eventually pick up some ball point needles, a lovely maxi-dress pattern (McCalls 6070) and set about cutting out a dress for me. And what do you know, it worked. The dress is incredibly comfortable, and I am glad I went down a size (or 2) as it is a perfect fit. The only 'issue' I have with it is that it feels a little short. Ankle skimming, rather than floor length. But in reality, I always struggle with floor length maxi's as the hem tends to catch on whatever shoes I am wearing.
So, can anyone tell me the difference between stretch sewing and ball point needles? I know ball point needles are for knits, but I am guessing now that stretch sewing needles might be for woven fabrics that contain spandex/lycra??
I did eventually pick up some ball point needles, a lovely maxi-dress pattern (McCalls 6070) and set about cutting out a dress for me. And what do you know, it worked. The dress is incredibly comfortable, and I am glad I went down a size (or 2) as it is a perfect fit. The only 'issue' I have with it is that it feels a little short. Ankle skimming, rather than floor length. But in reality, I always struggle with floor length maxi's as the hem tends to catch on whatever shoes I am wearing.
So, can anyone tell me the difference between stretch sewing and ball point needles? I know ball point needles are for knits, but I am guessing now that stretch sewing needles might be for woven fabrics that contain spandex/lycra??
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
New Shoesssss
After seeing these shoes on Corrie's blog and the comments that followed, I had to order some for Layla. With the Australian dollar so strong at the moment, it was definitely worth buying them online from Me and My Feet - around a $25 saving compared to buying from Australia..... and without the hassle of driving over half and hour to the closest stockist/dealing with parking/having to drag 2 kids with me.
Now that we have the first pair, I would definitely consider buying more of these shoes for Layla and possibly myself in the future. But for now, Layla will be enjoying her pale pink pair.... a perfect match for most of her summer outfits.
Now that we have the first pair, I would definitely consider buying more of these shoes for Layla and possibly myself in the future. But for now, Layla will be enjoying her pale pink pair.... a perfect match for most of her summer outfits.
Monday, 11 October 2010
A Lovely Afternoon in the City
Now there are no pictures for this post. Sorry. But I just had to share that I was lucky enough to meet up with Novy today as she is visiting Sydney. I was lucky enough to just have to take one child in with me (my husband had the day off work so baby was left at home). James and I caught the train into the city. Met up with my sister as she happened to be on her lunch break as we arrived in the city. And then got to meet up with Novy and her two kids.
After knowing each other online for about 4 years, it was so great so be able to meet in person. Conversation was easy, and the kids got on like a house on fire. Seriously, anyone would think they had known each other for years.
We did manage a trip to Kinokuniya, and of course I never walk away from there empty-handed.
James really did not stop talking all the way into the city, and all the way home, and didn't really stop in the city. When I commented to him "You really do talk a lot don't you!" He said, "Well that is how kids learn things, by asking lots of questions". I guess I just need to develop more patience, because he is right.... he is just trying to learn.
After knowing each other online for about 4 years, it was so great so be able to meet in person. Conversation was easy, and the kids got on like a house on fire. Seriously, anyone would think they had known each other for years.
We did manage a trip to Kinokuniya, and of course I never walk away from there empty-handed.
James really did not stop talking all the way into the city, and all the way home, and didn't really stop in the city. When I commented to him "You really do talk a lot don't you!" He said, "Well that is how kids learn things, by asking lots of questions". I guess I just need to develop more patience, because he is right.... he is just trying to learn.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Catch-up Day 9
Well, I am late with Day 9 post. Yesterday involved a 1st birthday party for a friends little girl, which I made a double batch of cupcakes for. And then rushing home to drop off the family before heading to our closest 'big' shopping centre to quickly buy some pants that I could wear out to a pub/dinner thing last night.
I wore the new pants with this top.
And I actually got complimented on the top by a girl who had lived in London and "Had a top with the exact same print - slightly different shape, but the same print". She had bought her top from a very exclusive French shop in London (on sale) and had worn it for years before getting a stain on it recently. She was wanting to replace the top I believe. Then I got asked "Where did you get it from?" Don't you love when you can say "I made it!"
I wore the new pants with this top.
And I actually got complimented on the top by a girl who had lived in London and "Had a top with the exact same print - slightly different shape, but the same print". She had bought her top from a very exclusive French shop in London (on sale) and had worn it for years before getting a stain on it recently. She was wanting to replace the top I believe. Then I got asked "Where did you get it from?" Don't you love when you can say "I made it!"
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