Giddy Up!

I've been flat out, flat out, making horses! No less than 5 in the last week. Here are two- going to my lovely colleagues' children-as Christmas presents I think so sssshhhhhhh...

And the other thing taking up my crafting time is below. Yes folks, it's time once again for the town's Christmas Float Parade, and I've been busy crafting 25 or so Superhero costumes. It's been fun, colourful, sparkly, all those things that make me smile. The parade is next weekend and I can't wait!

In other news, I'd like to wish a huge (albeit rather late) CONGRATULATIONS! To the beautiful Janelle of Heart Felt, on the birth of her lovely little son Oscar.

The annual Kiwi Christmas Ornament Swap is on again! Check it out at 2o Cent Mixture

And here are two things I can now definitely say for sure... Firstly, Summer picnics are gorgeous, even if they're only in the back garden.

And, after last night's power cut, I can promise you that candlelight really does make things look more magical.

Stitch Therapy

I've become obsessed with sewing little squares together. By hand of course 'cos that's how I roll! I've been travelling a bit lately, and while my fingers still had the itch to stitch, I needed something portable. But more importantly, something therapeutic, rhythmical and soothing.

So I pack it all into my Queen Elizabeth 1953 Coronation tin (love that tin) and off I go. Because sometimes I think that's how you have to approach life too-just one little bit at a time.

Still Here

It's not that nothing's been happening. On the contrary, I feel as though this is the first time I've sat down since my last post! This made me very sad, and at the same time, love, appreciate and value my children's safety even more, if possible, and for that I will always be grateful to little Aisling. My heart goes out to her family at this time.
Then there's been work, stockings, work, housework, the flu and all those other general miscellaneous things during which time seems to be sucked down a huge vortex and leaves you wondering where it went so quickly.
So, this is my 100th post, and that is the only real news I have to share, but I still wanted to stop in and let you know that I'm still here.

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years"

Abraham Lincoln

The Blocks That Weren't

A few months ago, I decided to make some baby blocks, similar to these, but using calico pieces with simple embroidered images on them, instead of patterned fabric. Good idea in theory, and I was happy with the embroidery, but when I put the blocks together and stuffed them, they didn't quite "work"-altogether too large and squishy and not blocky looking at all...

So I took them apart and decided to make little coin purses instead, which will be heading off to the shop
Last night I did the tree/sun one, and tonight I'll do the rainbow/raincloud one.

A while ago, the lovely Hanna, of Craftykin, sent me a fabulous parcel and one of the goodies within was a little purse which is the perfect size to hold my ipod, headphones, itrip and cord. It has been so handy, keeping all those things together in my handbag, so I've made these wee purses the same size.

Pretty much sums up the weather of the last few days. Sun one minute, rain the next, tsunami warning the following...

Wishing you sunshine wherever you may be xx

Comedy of Errors

Well I'm still here. Me and my broken sewing machine. Yes that's right. All these babies you see below are lovingly stitched by hand. I haven't heard back from the fix-it man at the sewing shop as to how the machine is doing. Perhaps she just got worn out. It's been a bit of a comedy of errors around here recently, but I don't mind hand stitching actually. I do a running stitch as small as I can along the seam, then turn the item out and restitch the seam using a backstitch, and the effect is quite tidy, as well as sturdy, albeit very time consuming!

This horse was a commission project for a friend. I've made it in return for some puppy sitting in October, while I go to Swan Lake (I can't wait!).

And a few stockings. This one is calico, some stripes, some spots and a bit of vintage floral that I rescued from an old dress I found in an op shop. Oh and sequins of course!

For this one, I used some of the bird print fabric gifted to me by the lovely Rachel, of The Two Windmills, and some vintage children's nursery rhyme print fabric which I blogged about way back here. Sometimes fabrics just have to sit until the right project comes up, you know?

It's also covered with small clear glass beads, but it didn't really show up too well in the photo. Oh digital SLR, one day you will come home with me but for now I will just ogle you through the shop window xx

This one's my favourite. A rainbow sequined calico number with tie dye detail and some more of that wonderful bird print.

I've got two more that I'm hoping to finish this weekend. I'm so enjoying making the stockings, and daydreaming about the Christmas approaching...

This year my family are all travelling from Auckland to spend Christmas here at the beach. Very exciting, and very Grown-Up feeling for me to host the Big Day at my house for the first time. So I'm busy planning and dreaming of surprises and little touches to make Christmas extra special. I can't wait!

What are your plans for Christmas?

I Love...

Making strange looking softies even though I should be making Christmas Stockings (what is it about me and deadlines? It's like an allergy?)

Her thinking face...

My sweet puppy...

That it's looking more and more Summery all the time...

Cakes with almonds on the top.

Gorgeous days like today xx

Morning Walks

As often as I possibly can, I wake up in the morning, load up the trusty Mountain Buggy, and head to the beach for a morning walk. Zac is a bit fearful of his lead, so he rides too, until we get to the beach, just in case of cars.

However, at the rate he's growing, he's going to have to get used to that lead soon, because I'm not sure how much longer he'll fit up there! We are a bit of a spectacle but I don't mind.

Down the path, over the road, and there it is. My sanctuary. This morning we had the whole beach to ourselves.

There's Whale Island in the distance...

Aotearoa ataahua; Beautiful New Zealand. Also, I'd like to thank all the beautiful people who have commented on my blog recently. Lots of new personalities and new blogs to explore. Thanks for all your kind words, I really appreciate it. I'm nearly up to my 100th post so I think I have a bit of a giveaway approaching to celebrate!