pint's palette

Baby Bear

2012-01-27T14:15:00.000-08:00

This weekend I'm going to join in another new shop, the Jellybean Market Shop. So with any new venture, of course a new softie is warranted.

This is baby bear aptly and very originally named (ahem) as he is indeed little and made with bubba's in mind. This is the first version, I have bigger thing planned for this little one. But so far he's been warmly received by the littlest pint. Pretty good feedback really.

frederick

2012-01-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

This is Frederick. He is the first of lots and lots of softies I plan to make this year. He will be popping up in my made it store tonight at 9pm est. You might notice there are some skirts in store right now too, if you care to take a peak. Just a bit of a promo, you know how it is.....

Two more weeks of school holidays and then I'm back down to 2 kiddies in the house for most of the day. Gee I have some plans. The wee little pop up shop fabric has closed up for the year, with plans underway for it's resurrection next silly season. I'm planning on popping some of my softies into another fabulous pop up shop, Jellybean Children's markets and will also be doing some great markets around the traps throughout the year and of course there is always the fabulous made it site.

I have so many ideas i'm busting to get a chance to make, alongside a ever growing desire to get back to my creative roots and find some time and space to paint again. Who knows what 2012 will bring, it's started of pretty ace though, so it's sure to get even better. Hope it's ace for you too! What have you got planned?

2012

2012-01-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

Here's to a wonderful 2012! May it be a year full of love, kindness, warmth, health, joy, prosperity....

and of course, CUTE! Does it get any cuter?

skirts and gocco

2011-12-08T02:08:00.001-08:00

I love my little gocco machine! You know I had forgotten just how fun it is. I haven't burnt a screen for ages, nor have i printed much at all. One of the main reasons is I keep forgetting to photocopy and reduce the size of my images to A5ish. But finally I remembered and here's my latest screen. A sweet little earth mother babushka. In January I'm going to do a screenprinting course with my clever friend Ruby and this is the image I plan on using, but for now she's a teeny little gooco screen.
For the past week I've taken a bit of a break from churning out the softies. Got a bit burnt out i did and decided to make some skirts for my girls. Since I was making a few I decided to whip some up for the wee shop too and since Tully didn't like ANY of the 3 skirts I made her, well they went in there too. And guess what! They sold. I was a bit stoked so went home and made more. They'll be going in to Fabric tomorrow along with a bunch of skirts featuring the new earth mumma gocco. That's if i manage to haul my butt all the way out to Spotlight to get some more elastic. The little skirt below is my favourite of the new bunch. it's in Tully's size and may just be going to her wardrobe if she likes it or not! The print on the pocket is by Hollabee and it's just about the last of what I've got. I'm pretty sure you can't get Hollabee's stuff anymore, can you? I wish you could as I love this print. anyway's that's what's happening in my world. Ohh it's creative space day isn't it! Might do the link thing here.http://ourcreativespaces.blogspot.com/...go check out some more spaces. Inspiration everywhere

My boy

2011-11-28T17:52:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure how it happened. I blinked and he grew up. He's still my baby, but growing in to a little boy way too quickly.

Miss Molly

2011-11-20T17:45:00.001-08:00

Little Miss Molly will be popping up in my made it store tonight at 9pm est. She'd make a lovely christmas present don't you think?

Toby Milo and the trip to Werribee

2011-11-14T02:17:00.001-08:00

When you turn 3 your allowed to spit on your birthday cake. No one really minds, now do they. At three you still give big wet kisses. You can pick your nose and eat it and people won't look at you too strangely. You can drop your pants and wee anywhere you like. Anything, pretty much. I can't remember 3 but it looks like fun. And they're so much fun! On the weekend the family got together for young Toby's birthday. Toby is the little man of the milo girl, Tikki. He is a little champ! He's such a funny boy and dearly loved by one and all, especially Sage. For a week I used the trip to see Toby as the bribing tool. Piece of cake, she will do anythng to see Toby. And what a catch up. Lots of giggling, frolicking and play.

A bus ride around paddocks full of giraffes, zebras, hippotami ( is that the right plural?) and rhino's. Crazy dancing and a play at the hippo playground. For the whole walk we were harassed by a need to go to the hippo's playground. But what is it? It was built up and much excitement was rewarded when we found a group of hippo sculptures spurting water out their bottoms! Seriously! I took some beautiful beautiful piccies of Tully and Lily in their undies playing but I won't be sharing. I don't share nudie kiddy picks, do you? It makes me feel a bit weird cause as much as I don't mind writing about my day to day life on here and you guys reading it sometimes you just don't know who's reading it, you know?
But I will share this guy cause he's so funny. This shot was taken as he suddenly plonked his sleepy head down. Life's hard when you're a lion without your lunch to chase down.

It's starting to feel a bit like....shit..christmas

2011-11-12T03:40:00.001-08:00

Now how did that happen! I blinked and it's nearly Christmas. Oh I do love this time of year and have to admit I really love this time for two reasons. It's a time to celebrate = fun. It's a time for sunshine = happy. It's time to buy pressies! It is! I'm starting to buy pressies. Are you? Trying to find that special present for the kids. Hunting for a wooden high chair that isn't pink .No I don't want a pink high chair hanging out in my kitchen, not baby pink anyway thanks. I really want to buy the sweet little second hand number at the antique shop, but it needs work and between now and chrissy that may not happen. but I digress....It's nearly Chrissy! i do love Chrissy. I want to be good and not admit that I love the consumeristic spin that Chrissy is now. Well not overly, we don't spend a lot on Chrissy. There's no computer games, private techno gear in our house, it got lost a week into the 7th year, and her barbie video girl doesn't count....again i digress. But still with 4 children, and my love of buying, the cash gets swallowed up at this time of year. So ...yep it's time for a stocking and to get you guys giving me some good hard cash! Yep that's it. I need to buy some bikes and you guys are going to help me. So we'll start of on Monday. What will I stock? I have to work in the wee teeny tiny shop in the afternoon. Do you know where the shop is? Well if your local to the lovely sleepy little seaside town of Warrnambool, head down Liebig st towards the Dirty Angel and you'll find us hiding under the Loft. Again I digress.... A stocking? So the ted's have sat in the wee teeny tiny shop for two weeks and I think they need cuddling, so I'm going to separate them and pop one up Monday night. If he sells, his mate will go up Tuesday night. A time ....... how about ummmm 9pm? Ok? Think some babushka's might join him too.

And the guy above, well the teddies are below you can see them down there...... This guy is Archie and he was resplendent in his best shirt at the wee shops opening last night. It was fun. He did't hook up with anyone, he didn't find the right friend for a cuddle. Who knows...maybe he did today? a new friend to cuddle. I'll pop him up in a week if he doesn't. Til then, it's the teddies, Rupert or Ivan. On made it at 9pm. Cool, hope to see you there. Or even in the wee tiny shop.

hello

2011-11-05T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hello, This Mr Ivan Teddie. Mr. Teddie, as named by my 7 year old is a new member of the pint clan. He's a bit shy and retiring, he sits quietly waiting for a smile, a second look and and then to be picked up, stroked and cuddled. You see Ivan is sitting waiting in a wee teeny tiny shop for someone to look at him and say " Oh...Gee hello. Would you like to come home with me?" Him and his mate Rupert hae been waiting for a while. Well a little while. You see besides making these guys, I've also joined forces with three other very clever artists and started a little shop selling handmade and locally designed products. I'm sorry but I haven't got some piccies of said little shop as I'm too slack to actually take some although I promise I will as there's lots of very cool stuff to be found. Awesome original screenprinted skirts, t-shirts and cushions and amazing embroided pieces, yep it's ace. Lachie tells me it's the type of shop I would get very excited about. He's right..

anyway back to the teddies. These guys are quite big. Larger than an Ollie Dollie and much larger than a pixie. I've made them with lovley scratchy old wool blend and they feel like my old school jumper but best of all they are lovely to cuddle, and quite fun to make too. I would really like to make more at the moment but people keep asking for little aliens and pixies. So i'll be good to those wanting to buy a little pint friend for their little one this Chrissy and pop some in the shop and online.

Soon, before Chrissy. But first I'm gonna get ready for the opening of "Fabric" on Friday. If you live in the lovely little seaside town of Warrnambool, please mosey on down to Fabric and say hello to Ivan and Rupert, and maybe Molly too. Little Molly has sprouted wings (well I made some for her) and now sits waiting patiently to meet a friend as well. How long should I make them wait before I pop them online?

creative space

2011-10-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

So it seems I suck a bit at the blogtoberfest stuff. Oh well, no matter huh. Here I am back again to show you a little bit of what's happening in my world. No excuses about why I haven't been blogging, I figure you all know how it goes. Sometimes the bloggity mojo just isn't there. Some days there just isn't too much to share. But today there is! I'm a wee bit excited about a new venture I'm about to bedcome involved in. A venture involving a few super talented artists and myself opening up a little shop stocking our very own works. A little teeny tiny shop right here in Warrnambool. Soon you'll be able to wander down the street and pick up your very own pint pixie, polly or ollie dollie, babushka's or whatever you like. Not only that, you can also get your hands on some AMAZING stuff by some other local artists. That's if there's any left cause they are so ace and it's gonna be just awesomely wonderful. Thinking handmade for Chrissy? Get along to warrny town and come check out "Fabric". I'll give you some more specs down the track but we're opening up in just about 2 weeks! ekkkkkk! 2 weeks! Needless to say my fingers are getting busy and I'm trying really hard to get some stuff together. Today it's babushka's, tomorrow finishing of some polly dollies, then pixies....... Oh and add to the mix a little man's 1st birthday! Wonderfulxx

More creative spaces over here

besties

2011-10-06T03:44:00.000-07:00

The bestest of friends. So sweet and cherished.

augustus

2011-10-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is Augustus. He's a bit of a geek, but a sweet one. xx

blocks and raspberries

2011-10-04T02:04:00.000-07:00

oh what fun. Gee i love these guys.

ps. I was going to share a picture of Augustine the long legged ollie dollie, but I discovered the shot had fluff all over him. Tomorrow maybe:)

peace

2011-10-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

Today the sun shone. It really did! No gray skies, or pelting rain, but warmth and blue skies. Hurrah! So it seems my little ray of sunshine did the trick, well it did for the big girl who claimed the new cuddly as her own and even slept with it last night. Sweet.

Today saw another small blessing. Peace. Peace whilst the kids engaged their creative energies and as little O slept by himself in the cot. Unheard of!

Ahhhh sunshine, peace and happiness, lovely.

sunshine

2011-10-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

The sun has got his hat on, hip hip hip hip hooray. The sun has got his hat on and he's coming out to play.

Don't you just love Charlie and Lola? Miss Sage does so of course I often have little snippets of Lola running around in my head. With all the wet weather I've often got this little ditty bouncing around and since we have been lacking a bit of sun, well I decided I'd just have to make one. I quite like it, do you? I'm going to tweak the pattern a bit and make another. This time I'm planning on adding a bit of wadding to the triangles to make them a bit firmer, less floppy and this time I'm not stuffing with my cornfibre. I don't have a lot of luck with the corn fibre, it's always, always lumpy. I know others use it with alot more success, but I always get lumpy bumpy. I do have the earlier batches, maybe the later stuff is better?? I so want to love it and use it but everytime I do I get lumpy bumpy's, so i just use it for the the little softies.

Oh and yes, two blog posts in a row! I'm going to try and take part in blogtoberfest, hopefully I keep it up. Likely, probably not, but you never know.

Click on the super ace blogtoberfest logo to find out more about it. Til tomorrow xx

Settling

2011-10-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

Finally after move 559 ( well that's what it feels like) we are just about settled in and I've started sewing again. Well I've tried anyway. You know when your bubba is about to do something amazing and they turn into a clingon? Well I think O must be about to do something totally off the planet as i can not move two steps from him without him going nuts. Add to the mix school holidays and some super dooper wet weather, well to say I was getting close to zilch done is about right.

I do have these 3 little beings on the go...but they have been on the go for MONTHS. They'll get finished soon I'm sure, they're very patient..

However, I must admit that I have been getting distracted from the last step in finshing them off, which is actually my least fav, by thoughts of sunshine fabric and a new idea. Today i've been sewing with bright yellows and oranges. Hopefully it will bring a bit of warmth to our little world. Here's hoping there's lots in yours.

a wee Bonnie lass

2011-08-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

Do you know I had just about forgotten how much i love making children's clothing? Such a rewarding little project, particularly when it's destined for someone as gorgeous as this little miss Bonnie. Now how delightful is that smile?

Bonnie is my beautiful friend Anna's sweet little girl and on the weekend Bon turned the big 3. Anna was going to help make this little dress but with Anna's 10 week bub, my 10 month old and Sage and Bonnie, well it was just a bit challenging.

More sewing is definitely on the cards along with many more sweet little dresses for spring. Oh and yes the fabric, delightful isn't it? Picked up from patchwork on central park quite a few moons ago.

on the weekend.....

2011-08-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

I drew. For hours at a time, with no one asking/demanding I feed them, wipe their bum or growl at their sibling.

I drew ...and got lost in thoughts of line, shadow and form.

I drew a very lovely girl with elegant long limbs who sat very still.

I drew...and loved it

Lately....

2011-08-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

I've been drawing a sweet little babushka. Inspired by our new surroundings, I've picked up the old nib pen and have spent my evenings with curving lines and sweet smiling faces rather than wool felt, needles and thread. It's been a long time since I've drawn and although she's not a very challenging subject some of my motifs of old have found a home with her.

Once I've copied her in black and white for a bit of gocco printing (she's destined to grace a t-shirt or twenty), I'm planning on adding a whole heap of colour. But first Mr. Gocco and I need to get reaquainted. That's if I can find him in the jumble of boxes that are residing in the back shed.

Yep, My life can be found in boxes in the back shed at present. We are house sitting for a very generous and wonderful family who have gone on away on a big adventure. It is an amazing home and staying here has made our transition back home so much easier.

So of course we've been house hunting. Oh dear.....If only we could find something as perfect as this beautiful home. Unfortunately most of the time we have been here one of the kids has been sick. All up we've probably had 5 days without an illness. We've had sticky eyes, followed by tummy bugs and after 5 days grace we now have the big girl down with fever. Poor old warrny is full of bugs after fun 4 kids it seems!

Of course I have also found time to set up a space for me and get sewing. Although I do admit the drawing bug is taking precedence, there's nothing like agreeing to do a market in a couple of months to get you motivated at the sewing machine. Polly and ollie dollies and pixies in various stages are underway. And if i can find my box of fabric there will be more. I just need to find the right boxes...

once again...

2011-06-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Once again the suitcase and boxes have been pulled out.

Once again I am confronted with a household of objects to be squeezed and popped away for a big move.

Once again we need to find a new home as well as a new school
But at least we won't need to find new friends!!!

hurrah! The pint clan is moving home and we are so so excited! Ten years ago my boy and I moved away from the sleepy seaside town. Having just lost our first bubba and all alone in a cold hard town, the move really sucked. But then we meet new friends, had more babies, shared some awesome experiences, moved again and again and again and now we are moving back home. Oh it is so ace!

So now the packing, house hunting and all that jazz is on. Of course, my little side venture pint will be taking a bit of a back seat. But that doesn't mean I've stopped sewing. Nope, a new little softie is in the works.

My little folk are very excited to be moving home to our family. Cousins in the same town! Well gee that's pretty ace! The littlest fella is so excited he's started mving around. What timing! At least he sticks close by his big sister, which is uber cute.

Things will undoubtedly be a bit quiet on the old blog for a bit. I'm pretty sporadic anyways. Wish us luck, see you on the other side...

bragging

2011-06-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

I'm really sorry, but i'm going to brag just a bit in this post. You see I'm a bit lucky to have a bit of a clever knitter for a sis. Not only does she knit awesomely beautiful stuff for my wee folk, but she also designs them herself. True. Me I didn't inherit the knitting gene. Actually I really suck at knitting. But who needs to knit when they have someone to knit for you.

And not only does she knit just any old thing. No, she designs these knits herself. Uh- huh.

So when chilly Mr wind and his mate Master Bloody freezing came to town, I didn't need to go off searching for some warm clothes for my kids. Their wardrobes are bulging with beautiful knits (bulging yes, but they can always fit more). No need for daggy windcheaters or polar fleece, we have beautiful pure wool and cotton. And since she's a bit of a yarn snob, these fibres are the bees knees.

Sadly not all of my children love wool. Master 5 refuses to wear it. It itches apparently. Oh well his loss. Tully gets about in her rainbow dresses, Otis in awesome vests but Sage is the really spoilt one with a pretty extensive array of designs. By far her most worn item this winter is this golden number which is actually designed by Elizabeth Zimmerman.

Yellow, oh how divine is yellow on sweet Sage. Don't you think the yellow cardi and the ziggy beanie (knitted for Sage as she kept stealing Lily's)is pure warmth and beautiful style?

Now just in case you didn't know the name of this clever sis of mine, it's Tikki. And if your really jelous and a bit over my bragging well go and pick up some needles and get knitting, or better yet bribe someone to do it. I'm going to cause I think my children really need a fratello and a sorello, or a ziggy beanie or sweater...definitely the sweater, or new milo's.....

memes

2011-06-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

I quite like meme's. They are a great way to encourage something to blog about as well as find and be inspired by like minded people. Today I'm going to join in on two meme's, good old creative space and a new one on vintage style for kids hosted by hart+sew discovered via lottielulu.

I actually thought I'd join in on the vintage kiddie style as I had dressed Otis in one of my very fav bubba cardi's. I found this little orange cardigan in an op-shop when my 5 year old was a baby. Asher has red hair, so this little cardi was an absolute treat on him. Next Sage wore it, and now it is Otis's turn. But not for long. Those bottom buttons refuse to stay put over that tubby little tum.

Normally it is Sage who gets all the vintage goodness. Boys vinage clothing can be very hard to come by, particularly natural fibres which I much prefer. Interested in seeing some more sweet vintage treats, head over to hart+sew

Now my creative space has this sweet little pixie in it at the moment. I was going to stock this little miss with elsa and emery in tonights little stocking but then I remembered I needed a gift for a sweet little new baby, so this yet to be named pixie will be heading off to live with a new little girl named Sophia, who I just can't wait to cuddle an cluck over. I sooo love squishy new little bubba's.

more creative spaces are over here

elsa and emery

2011-06-07T23:53:00.001-07:00

Elsa and Emery are patient. They have sat quietly together waiting to be finished. They've waited whilst we went away on a little holiday, whilst a little rednut ventured off to school for the first time and watched all the tired tears and tantrums that resulted. They've waited whilst we had in-laws visit and whilst I changed, washed and tried to dry a gazillion nappies and little peoples clothing.

They've waited whilst I've breastfeed children whilst surfing blogs (what better time to waste on the net than when a child is attached to you), whilst readers are read and homework done. They've waited whilst sunny days gave way to bone chilling winds and heavy rain.

They've waited, with increasing excitement as little aprons were made, knowing their time must be coming soon. And then they waited as each was lovingly stuffed, cuddled and popped up away from little hands. Then we all waited for the sun.....finally we caught a ray, snapped some piccies and here we are.

Now Elsa and Emery are waiting for tomorrow night at 8.30pm (sa time) to be listed on made it. Hopefully they won't have to wait for too long to meet a new friend.

creative space

2011-05-25T17:11:00.001-07:00

This morning the sun is shining, which is so lovely, although I do imagine it is bitterly cold outside. With an expected top of 14, it seems pretty likely. As I tidied up the mornings activities after the hustle and bustle of the working and schooling folk had subsided, last nights sewing caught my eye and with the relisastion today was Thursaday aka creative space day, I snapped a shot and here it is. My creative bits for today, three long legged polly dolly's in various stages of having their sweet little faces made up.

In the foreground is a colourful ball of wool felt off cuts. I have quite a collection of these bright little bits and pieces. Often they get reused in other craft projects or the children use them for making, but I always wonder is it possible to wet felt these into balls or larger pieces? is anyone able to share some guidance here?

Anyways, here's hoping I get to finish off these girls little faces today. Firstly, I have to do all those tiresome chores around the house, whilst bubba sleeps soundly on my back then it's off for an excursion to the police station with my little school boys reception class. Oh what fun!

Do you take part in my creative space? Why not join in here

two little boys

2011-05-24T20:47:00.001-07:00

As I've been working on these two little long legged ollie dollie's a song by Rolf Harris keeps running arund my head, except I don't know the words to it so I just get the "two little boys with two da da da dum....." to the tune of the song, and you know what? It's driving me nuts! What is it with Rolf Harris? Now that dude was bizzare. Crazy artist singer yet an icon of Australia through the 70's and 80's. Anyways, these are the little boys I've been working on and loving for the last day. Now I'm going to leave them be to wait and go sew some faces on three little girls, at least Rolf can get out of my brain now. No songs about three little girls...although some strange song abut a dude with three legs diddle diddle diddle dee....is creeping in!!!

And just cause she's sweet and smiled at me nicely. sweet Sage. xxx

a week in adelaide

2011-05-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

bo peep skirt

2011-05-13T20:12:00.001-07:00

This weekend I'm hoping to get this skirt made for Tully. The pattern is from Anna Maria Horner's "Seams to Me" and I'm planning on using the princess and the pea by Heather Ross in Tully's fav colour of the moment, purple. Now I just have to decide, do I mix it with the mermaids by Heather Ross or some gorgeous echino or some spots? Ohhh decisions decisions...

Got anything crafty planned this weekend?

my creative space

2011-05-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

I was going to have a bit of a whinge about how I'm getting zilch achieved at the moment but who wants to hear about that! and well to be honest it's not doing much for my mojo whining about it. So instead I'm going to tell you what I want to get done.

Well firstly, I'd really like to sew this jelly roll up into a lovely quilt. Such a shame it has become sage's #2 favourite thing to do. #1 fav thing of course involves boobies, but #2 is definitely sticking little owies into "her" jelly roll.

I would also really like to start sewing some sweet little faces on this pile of long legged polly and ollie dolly's. Look there's even a little pixie amongst the pile waiting for some arms and legs to be attached. My very fav part of making a softie is sewing their faces on. That and choosing the fabric of course. They're a very patient bunch this lot.

With all the chilly weather I also keep looking at my wolly stashes. Be it either the lovely wool blends waiting to be made into little jackets, here's hoping I'll get them done this winter or it will never happen! And then there's the absolute plethora of beautiful, beautiful crochet rugs i keep coming across like this one

And there's new skirts and dresses for my big girl, warm pants for my littlest boy (who now has teeth, eats, sits in a sort of wonky way and is on the move! slow down little man) and so so much more. And then if I go and take a look at all these creative spaces, well I'm sure to be hit with even more inspiration and NEEDS to make! If only there were more hours in the day, that and I had a nanny and a cleaner...Imagine!

winter chill

2011-05-05T19:51:00.001-07:00

As days are getting shorter, the air becoming icier and winter beanies and jackets pulled from their summer hiding spots we are hunkering down, snuggling in and getting ready for the long winter months ahead. Living down south in the chillier regions of Australia, winter goes on FOREVER and already I'm dreading it. The last two days have provided glimpses of what's to come. Instead of popping on sunhats to go out to play, today it's beanies. However, it's not all doom and gloom, especially when one has a bright pink beanie knitted especially for one by a very kind aunty tikki. Sage was very enamoured with Lily's new ziggie beanie when we caught up in March, so much so she tried to steal it on more than one occasion. But now she has her own and she loves it!

i know it doesn't look like it in this pic but it was so darn cute, and such a sage face, that I had to share.

Now for us the winter months don't only herald the need for rugging up, they also mean that sport. You know the one that sends grown men into grumpy teenagers with crazy moodswings, strange squealing, moaning and sudden outbursts and air thumping. You know that sport?

Baby Otis just discovered it, although I'm pretty sure he just wants to eat it.

a stocking at Gossamer Dreams

2011-04-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

Do you know it actually been years since I stocked a painted pixie tee? Years I reckon, well I can't remember the last one I did, so it must be.

Once upon a time, I churned these babies out weekly but slowly they evolved into softies and well the rest, as they say, is history. I must say however, amongst all those painted tee's there have never been anything like these very special rainbow antonia tops which will be going up tomorrow night at the Gossamer Dreams stocking.

These beautiful tops are made by Sara from Willow and Moo. I ordered a few of these for my girls and neice and mentioned to Sara i planned painting pixies on them, well one thing lead to another and Sara sent me a couple extra to paint up to sell. Well the tops waited and waited until finally I got my butt into gear and voila, here they are! And i am super dooper stoked with how they turned out. And you know, I still haven't painted my girls tops, shame on me!

It has also been quite a bit of time since I last stocked a pixie softie. When I was invited to take part in the Gossamer Dreams stocking and told the theme was wonderland, well how could I not make pixies! Josie will be my contribution for the night. I also have another in the works who didn't quite make the deadline and so will be appearing at Made it quite soon.

And for the boys there's Nesbert.

So the specs. Gossamer Dreams stocks the 15th of each month for only 24 hours. You will be able to see previews in the morning with everything going live at 8pm Queensland time.

goodbye kindy

2011-04-12T18:17:00.001-07:00

Today I'm a little sad, just a little. Today is Asher's last day of kindy. Now who let my little rednut go and grow up so quickly? Asher has LOVED his kindy, it has been such a wonderful nurturing, supportive and FUN place for him. A place where they allowed him the freedom to explore and develop his quirky little mind and grow into the engaging little dude he is. They value similar educational ideoligies to us, which is so super in such asmall town. So of course we had to find a befitting way to thank the kindy for the fabulous experiences they have provided Ash with. When Tully finished kindy she gifted them a pixie, but nope ash didn't want to give them a pixie! An alien was much more befitting.

So off Ash and the alien trotted this morning along with 7 little bundles of easter eggs with a little thankyou for each of his teachers. This afternoon we will go along to see the kids sing the goodbye song to all the kiddies heading off to school, and I will try really really hard not to shed a tear, whilst my little man beams with pride.

days ago

2011-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Only days ago the sun shone brightly and spread warmth around our home, the children painted happily on the deck whilst little Otis snuggled up close by me, where he spends most of his time.

Yesterday the ran arrived with it's good friend the wind. They have howled and pushed us indoors with games of battleships and playdough. Oh sunshine, please don't leave us too long, we do so love your company.

these chairs

2011-04-07T21:02:00.001-07:00

In 1963 my Mum and Dad bought these set of chairs in a shop my brother-in-laws Dad worked in. Both them and the dining table they bought to go with them hold so many dear memories for me. From birthdays and christmases around the table, sitting beside my left handed sister bumping elbows as we ate. Sitting for hours in them refusing to eat the sunday roast, squeezing around the table with my 5 other siblings after watching Dr.Who, the Goodies or Sweet and sour.

Over the years the chairs have had a few reincarnations. They started out blue/grey stripes with a white middle, then in the 70's they became bright apple green, then black much later on. They cam to live with me about 10 years ago and I do so dearly love them. For about the last 5 years they have desperately needed a bit of care. The black vinyl was badly cracked so off the went to the upholstery man. Yesterday they came home, a new reincarnation of themselves. Mum would never have chosen red for them, it's just not her colour but I LOVE them red!

These chairs are more than just something to park my bottom on. They hold a lifetime of wonderful times and memories for my family. They are so strong, sturdy and well made they will be here long after my children's bottoms leave home. these chairs that cost my parents a whooping 10 p nearly 50 years ago, well for me they are an heirloom that one day I hope one of my little people will take into their home for their family to park their bottoms on. I wonder what colour they will choose for the next reincarnation.

my creative space

2011-03-30T21:47:00.002-07:00

These sweet little faces have been waiting oh so patiently for absolutely ages for a few finishing touches (aka stuffing and sewing up). I'm not really sure why this stage can often take months or in the case of the pixie I made for Sage when she was born, years! But here they are emerging from my creative space finally and all ready to stock in the shop. Here's hoping they'll be up tonight, if not they'll certainly be up there tomorrow.

For more creative spaces visit here

creative space

2011-03-23T22:55:00.001-07:00

Today I spent time picking up way too many of these.

Playing with this little miss.

Smiling at this little dude.

Laughing at this big dude (plus just a bit of growling)

instead of cutting out more of these.

For more creativity visit over here

pigtails and pettiskirts

2011-03-22T04:50:00.000-07:00

The day Sage was born i put in an order for a pettiskirt for her. It just happened to be the day the co-op closed and since I was ordering one for her big sis, well surely at just 24 hours old she needed one too. For two years her skirt hung in her wardrobe, waiting...

waiting to be discovered by a very girly little miss. It seems that ordering that pettiskirt was a bit of a precursor to little sage's affinity with all things girly and pretty. what a little girly girl I have. To get her dressed each day I need to show her a pretty dress or top. A highlight of the morning is getting her hair done and choosing a special clip. Oh and what a delight, now we can do pigtails. Pigtails and pettiskirts, perfectly pretty.

in my garden

2011-03-17T19:47:00.001-07:00

You will find delighted smiles.

And Fairies homes.

splashes of orange

and purple

and a little dude sitting back taking it all in

settled

2011-03-15T19:36:00.001-07:00

It's all been a bit NUTS of late in the my little part of the world. A house move with 4 little people was just a little more challenging than I expected. Boxes were packed and rapidly unpacked, floors were cleaned then muddied again. Finally we got everything out of the old house, hired a cleaner (genius) and started the big unpack at the new house. Finally after what seems like ages, e're pretty much settled in. There are still boxes to beunpacked and things rehomed, but it's nearly there.

I must say I do love our new home. We now have a very big blue lake pretty much in our backyard, well three houses down. Yep The Blue lake, we live in mount gambier. Our house is two storey, with my space taking up the room which is the second storey. No views of the lake though, just the town but that is pretty nice though. Today I've been up there with my smallest two rearranging bits and bobs and finishing off a few softies that seem like it's taken me ages to complete.

Finally, finally they are ready and all set to go. Two long legged polly dolly's and two long legged olly dolly's, which is my very first stocking of these guys, along with some babushka's and hopefully an alien, who is currently only half stuffed, will make an appearance over on my made it store Friday evening. Time yet to be confirmed, so please check out my facebook page for more details.

That's if these two little champs let me photograph, upload and do all that stocking jazz without too much hassle.

Otis In Eden

2011-02-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

Gee I wish we were in Eden, but alas we're in the mount the land of pine trees rather than stunning coastal vistas. The title actually refers to the sweet little knit Otis is wearing gifted to him by his uber talented aunty tikki for chrissy

It's a bit of spesh one, and I think those little whales could be seen as orcas, a bit of a reference to the history of the township of Eden and it's maritime past. Do you know the story of the orca's in Eden?

Long ago when whaling was a important industry in the town, Orca's would help herd the whales in to be slaughtered. Rather horrific, but nontheless amazing really.
Anyways, here's Otis in Eden. He's pretty stoked with it, as am I.

Thanks tik, it's droolworthy!

creative space

2011-02-16T20:00:00.001-08:00

Today I really wish that I could be quietly finishing off these little friends. They have been waiting so patiently.

Or maybe finishing off a sweet little dress for my very soon to be 2 year old,in fact two in 2 days!!

But no, I'm packing. After hunting and hunting for a house for sooo long, we finally found one and now in a blink of an eye everything is being packed away ready for a move. It's only up the hill, but still with 4 little ones under foot (or in the case of Otis, atached to me) the creative side isn't getting much of a look in.

So today, this is my space. Unfortunately, it mostly involves cardboard boxes, not delightful old suitcases.

more spaces over here

long-legged Ollie Dollie

2011-01-28T20:22:00.000-08:00

I have been working on #2 long-legged Ollie Dollie for a few days with each night a little boy asking if he could take his new little mate to bed with him. Last night I promised Asher that Ollie would be ready to go cuddle, but had to sit up until 12.30 finishing him off to live up to my promise.

As I went to bed I tucked Ollie in with Ash to find in the morning. And oh my, what a delighted little boy I woke up to! "Oh MUM you are the best cuddly toy maker ever!" I love how he emphasised "cuddly" toy! Gosh how can I possibly compete with lego!

I was pretty pleased with this version and am mightily pleased that Asher loves him too. In fact Ash loves him so much that he has renamed Ollie, "Asher", as of course he looks like him with his red hair. Both Asher's took to the streets this morning, together with Tully's long-legged polly dolly, who has recently been named Jessie. Softies held hands whilst crossing roads, waved to everyone, did somersaults, handstands, walked and of course had lots of cuddles. It doesn't really get much more rewarding than that now does it!

I'm super keen to make yet another long-legged Ollie dollie. This time his legs will be a fraction longer, but that's about all I'm going to change. Thank you Michelle and Mary for your reassurance that his name is fine as well. I love the rhyming. Anyhow, I'm pretty pleased with him. Long-legged polly dolly thinks he's pretty nice too, what do you think?

and the winner is.......

2011-01-26T00:28:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry for the slight delay, but a beautiful sunny public holiday called for a trip to the beach for the pint sized folk. I hope your day was as spectacular as ours. Sun, sand and ice creams, gosh does it get any better?

Now without further ado, I'm very proud to announce together we raised $300! Wow that's so awesome and I'm so very, very pleased and excited! Thank you to everyone who donated and made this possible. Now I'd love to be techno savvy and show you the image of the random number generator and the lucky winner, but I'm not so you'll all just have to take my word for it.

I know, you just want me to get on with it right! Well ....the winner is .....
Cathy Rubin! Congratulations Cathy and thanks so much for entering. I'll be in touch tonight to get the lowdown on exactly what you would like for your custom polly dolly.

Once again a MASSIVE thankyou to you all and especially Toni and Carli for their organisation!

long legged Ollie Dollie mark 1

2011-01-23T23:39:00.001-08:00

I have been thinking of this new softie for quite some time, so when the opportunity of a quiet weekend arose (aka a chance to sew) I took full advantage of it. Whilst Ollie Dollie isn't quite there, he isn't far off and has been warmly received by the little people of the household.

The main correction I'm planning for the next draft is not quite so loooong legs. Mind you Asher tells me he needs long legs as boys are bigger than girls. hmmm not sure about that one but for me they are just a touch long.

Mark 2 is already in development, with a bit of help from Asher who helped decide on fabric choices. Number 2 is looking much better too! His body is more streamlined and better proportioned.

I already have visions of little Ollie Dollie's in paisley shirts and tartan pants, retro geometrical outfits and of course little ties, bow ties and suspenders. His socks will always be stripey and his boots, well they are supposed to be little basketball boots.

my creative space

2011-01-19T22:07:00.000-08:00

With a rather largeish baby draped across my front, crafting is getting a wee bit harder. Add to the mix 3 more housebound children due to a run in with chicken pox, I've pretty much achieved zilch in the way of creative endeavours this year. So to make up for this lack of achievement, I've been dreaming up things I HOPE to do.

Long-legged Ollie Dollie is something I've been thinking about ever since my wee little Otis arrived on the scene. You can call a boy's toy a dollie right? hmmm might have to work on his name. Get a bit of testosterone in there.

Of course, the sketch is the male version of a long-legged polly dolly. Speaking of which, have you entered the raffle below yet??? You should you know. What else are you going to do with $5?

I know what you can do! You can head over to Tikki's blog and use it to enter the raffle we'll be having over there (well i think they will be raffles). Opps I have achieved something creative after all! I painted these wee little characters on some organic denim which I sent off for tikki to work her magic with. Go check out tik's blog maybe tomorrow?? and see what we have to offer.

In the mean time please check out the MASSIVE master list of bloggers with auctions and raffles and of course lots more creative spaces over here

A little giveaway to help those in need

2011-01-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

After reading of Toni's wonderful idea of raising money for those effected by the terrible floods in Queensland, I had planned on having an auction on my blog. But then I saw Jodie's wonderful variation of a giveaway and decided that was the way to go, so here it is!

I am offering a giveaway of a custom long-legged polly dolly. A custom! Yep that's right. You get to design your polly dolly but there are a few limitations.

* You can only choose from the actual design, I will not alter hair, eye shape, etc.. Seems obvious right, but I have been asked to change the design when offering customs before.

* You may choose from the four hair tones available.

* You let me know what colour clothing you would like but I choose the print, coordinating stripes, apron and accessories.

* You will need to allow 3 weeks for completion of the polly dolly (I have 4 small children;)). I will cover the cost of postage to whomever, where ever

* This is one of the major points. You must donate $5 to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal Yep that's all! $5!

* you may enter as many times as you like but each entry will need a separate receipt number. It will need to be a unique donation specifically for this raffle. Please, please be honest as this is for a very worthwhile cause

* The winner will be drawn randomly on January 24...Edit to change The raffle will now be drawn at midday Wednesday 26 January. This will give those who haven't had any luck winning an auction, a chance to donate

Please dig deep and enter. If you aren't interested in a polly dolly there loads of other wonderful raffles and auctions. Toni on Make it perfect will be publishing a master list this weekend. Tikki and I will also be offering a couple of special pikki tint collaborations that I'm busy working on at present. The likes that have never been seen before! So make sure you check out tikki's blog next week for more information. Ohh and for all you knitty ladies, I've just heard tikki will be releasing her new patterns, sorello and fratello, with all proceeds from the remainer of January going to the flood relief

Hmmm so is that it? Yep I think so. Please comment only if you are entering the raffle and if you are up there in Queensland, please take care, my thoughts are with you.

books

2011-01-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

I just love books and always get a bunch of them for chrissy. This season I bought myself most of this loot but dear Lachie did purchase the one up on top as a bit of a suprise.

Speaking of the lovely Make it Perfect branding, if you go and check out Toni's blog you will find a MASSIVE listy of raffles and auctions all set up to donate to help out those effected by the floods up in Queensland. What a wonderful way to make a donation and do a bit of blog surfing, there's some really fab stuff on there!

My other favourite paper goods purchase was a bunch of swap cards by Daisy lane. Did you collect swap cards as a kid? I did and just couldn't resist collecting them again.

Now don't forget about my giveaway in the post below now will you! You've got until the 24 Jan to donate and comment. If you can't comment for some reason please send me an email at pint(at)netspace(dot)net(dot)au with your receipt number and i'll comment for you.

super dooper stocking

2010-12-06T05:22:00.000-08:00

The markets are all finished up for the year, so now it's time to restock the store. I have a super dooper stocking planned for tomorrow night with over 30 items added! Yep over 30 little bits of pint goodness! phew that's some job listing sooo many things.

Please come and take a look. I have bits of everything; pixies, polly dolly's, aliens, gnomes, babushka's, angels and santa sacks all needing happy little homes.

8pm cst over at pint, hope to see you there

long-legged polly dolly love

2010-11-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

I really love making these sweet little polly dolly's. From the chenille and vintage reprint fabric right through to their sweet little hand embroidered doiley aprons, they are just delightfully rewarding. I was pretty chuffed with these two little "yet to be named" lasses which I have finished off for the Jelly bean market, which incidentally is only 9 more sleeps away! (quiet little Ekkkkkkkk!!!!) So anyway, I thought I'd take a piccie of them to share......

And so it appears that I am not the only one quite smitten with them. My sneaky little assistant saw her chance for a bit of an inspection. You see they are normally kept well out of reach of all the little people of the house. Tully really couldn't give a hoot about any of my softies, but Sage on the other hand LOVES them.

Apparently they passed the inspection which pleases me.

We agreed (with a small amount of bribery) that dolly's could go back and we'd get out her own polly dolly's whom she preceded to swing by their legs and cover in kisses. ahhhh I love it!

checking my list, ticking it twice....

2010-11-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

Oh my, the look on miss Tully's face this morning when I told her I was really one of Santa's elves and was very busy making toys for little boys and girls! Priceless really. I think she actually believed me. Well how could she not with the many piles of softies in progress around the house.

Seriously, my house has little piles of softies, santa sacks and brooches in various stages of completion everywhere! Everywhere that is that little Miss Sage my wonderful little helper can't reach them.

With only a couple of weeks until the jelly bean market and then another 6 weeks until chrissy, my plate is feeling rather full. Add on house hunting, inspections by prospective buyers, tandem feeding and the general shenanigans of school and kindy, well my plate is pretty much overflowing. Bahhh, well it's all good really, cause I enjoy it in a weird sort of frazzled kinda way. It's not really that bad, cause I can see the light and am very much looking forward to it. I had such fun at the last market and am very much looking forward to the next one on November 27, Warrnambool show grounds if you're local.

So for now its all systems go...interspersed with some crazy dancing to the latest soundtrack in the house, Justine Clarke, and lots and lots of time snuggling on the couch feeding my sweet little Sage and Otis. Who as it happens, will be 4 weeks old on the weekend! 4 weeks! wow!

I know, he's beautiful! yep I made him. Pretty pleased about that

getting ready for chrissy

2010-10-31T23:58:00.001-07:00

Today as I put up the last frankie poster calendar for the year, I marvelled at the speed of how 2010 has just zipped by. Really, just two months left of the year! Crazy. But I must admit I absolutely LOVE this time of year. The warming weather, the lengthening of the days and of the approach of christmas. I do so love christmas! It's such an exciting time of the year.

Last year I made my little cherubs each a santa sack for their christmas loot. I enjoyed making these so much that I decided to make some to pop up in my store. I was going great guns and whipped up four, but then as I got bigger and Otis became heavier, standing at the ironing board affixing fabric just became a bit too tiring. I really wanted to have a great load of these to offer but it's not looking like I'm going to. What I do have though is a little girl and little boy elf all ready to stock tonight.

along with a few gnomes.

and angels...

All will be available over at pint on made it this evening...when the babies let me pop them up.

Hanging with my gnomies

2010-10-30T04:54:00.000-07:00

Title shamelessly pinched from here. Gnomes,just about ready for the jelly bean markets next month. And the little fella, well he's my latest creation. He's pretty awesome!

Otis Alec

2010-10-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

For the past week I have been breathing in the sweetest smell in the world, the head of my newborn baby. I've been so caught up in the loving that I forgot to tell you guys about him! Shame on me.

Well little Otis Alec arrived last Saturday evening after a very quick and *hip hip hooray* totally natural, no medical intervention in the slightest, birth. After 3 days of prelabour I was very very pleased he decided the time was right, particularly as MIL had only arrived in town a few hours earlier to look after the cherubs.

He's my heaviest bubba at 3.92 kg and very suprisingly has a head of black hair. Lach and I are both fair and our other kids are strawberry blonde, red and snowy, so a little black head certainly came as a suprise. He is absolutely wonderful and thriving and doing lots of fantastic things, like only waking once in the night for a feed, and then having a whole heap of cluster feeds through the day. His big bro and sisters are totally smitten with him and Sage even shares her much loved breastfeeds with him. Tandem feeding is certainly full on and I admit I feel a bit like a milking machine, but they love it and I think it's all a bit special really.

So there you go, sorry for not letting you know sooner. Now to attempt some sewing....yeah right as if that's gonna happen. Maybe I'll just try and stuff a softie first.

creative space

2010-09-22T22:10:00.001-07:00

I have some lovely little piles in my creative space, waiting, waiting, waiting. Some were waiting for me to get more thread so I can finish them off. Some are waiting for Miss postie to deliver packages so they too can be finished off. Sadly they'll just have to wait a little longer as I tired my poor 38 week pregnant body walking too much purchasing said thread and other sewing goodness and Miss postie STILL hasn't delivered on the goods.

Think I might just curl up with the Peppermint mag while I wait for the school pick up time to roll around. And then ,hopefully, with reinvigorated energy levels I'll pull out the thread and finish the boots off on Miss Elf who is absolutely busting to be made up into a santa sack.

hmm I was going to forward you to go over to check out kootoyoo for more creative spaces, but it seems school holidays may have put it on hold this week. o

Norman Gnome the softie

2010-09-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

It seems like ages since I've been trying to come up with a new little softie for boys. I wanted to make something small in size and thus more suitable for a little baby, and something that really appealed to me. Don't get me wrong, I love the montie monsters, but I wanted something sweet and ,well, the montie's just aren't sweet.

Like all good ideas, this one came to me at about 2.30am as I lay there with a bubba (the one on the inside) belting the crap out of me. Of course, one of my favourite images for little boys tee's!!! Norman Gnome!

I've used this image on quite a few tee's and actually have some little gnome hats appliqued on tee's waiting for painting. I knew he would be perfect, so I waited patiently until Lach took the small people out for the arvo and then with an idea in my head just how he would come together I set to work. And work he did...yipee! My first prototype was it! He's quite different to the original sketch but still super sweet and will be definitely greeting the bub in tum if it's a boy. The big boy doesn't like him though *raspberry* he wants a gigantic car softie instead. Norman Gnome just doens't cut the mustard for Master 4.

Anyway, I like him and am a bit excited about him so I sat down last night once all the kids were tucked in bed and cut out a whole heap more. I would really love to make some with the ruler fabric though, anyone know where to find some? Oh and I might even finish off those tee's too.

Besides sweet little gmomes, I've also been busy making a choir of angels. Some of these will be going up over at my store on made it, while the others will be heading off to the next jellybeans market in Warrnambool. The next market is at the end of November, so whilst I do have quite a bit of time up my sleeve, I will be greeting a new little person into our family and moving house beforehand, so may not have all that much time to sew. Maybe...but then again maybe I'll have heaps! Wishful thinking right?

I am working away through my list though and have a few gorgeous pixies cut out along with a trillion babushka's and some great fabrics waiting to be made up into aliens. Oh and then there's the santa sacks. Sketches are all done for these, I just need to squeeze in some time to make them. And super excitement is the 5kg of new eco filling I'm waiting to arrive on my doorstep which will make most of my softies nearly 100% natural fibres (I use polyester thread and the aliens have minky tums).

So much making to do which I am very enthused about, such a shame I have such a massive load of newborn clothing and nappies to try and wash and dry along with the mountain that accumulate in the rest of the families wash baskets. Hmmm I wonder if I could hire a maid?

and the winner is.....

2010-08-30T00:22:00.000-07:00

Moi according to the random number generator. (Sorry I couldn't figure out how to link the actual image of the generator.) Email me your addy and I'll finish off your babushka and send her off on her way. Yep, not finished sorry, I've been struck down with a lurgy and combined with being 35 weeks pregnant, I'm moving a wee bit slower than normal.

I do have a little alien dude all finished which I'll be sneaking up over at my store tonight. Alfred is his name and he features a super soft and fluffy purple tummy. Cute!

the best way to spend a winters day

2010-08-24T21:52:00.001-07:00

Of course the best way to spend a winter's day is inside at the sewing machine whilst the toddler plays contentedly. Particularly, if the weather involves rain, hail, thunder and lightning! I must admit I do love this type of weather, but only if I'm inside. Which today I was, sewing away.

On my sewing table today I have an array of pixies at different stages of assembly, a pile of said pixies arms and legs, another pile of babushka's and a sweet little angel reminding me I need to make more like her. The angel is Tully's and has adorned various pieces of clothing since I made her a few weeks ago. She has also spent some time in the washing machine, hence the slightly bent wings. Poor angel.

Upon my table I also have a new bundle of fabric that my brave postie delievered today. I could see the parcel in my letterbox through the hail and was so eager to see it's contents but of course waited for the pelting to stop, no way was I getting belted by little nuggets of ice even for an exciting fabric parcel. I so love getting fabric in the mail, I think it's nearly my favourite type of mail! And just look at my selection. Some awesome echino, cute Japanese and some great spots and stripes. All intended for new pixies. See the way cute rainbow/mushie one on top, well the very sweet bonus to this is the little flowers and and apples are adorned with glitter. My word Miss Tully will be a bit excited about this one, I know I was!

Hmmm what else, well to say thank you to all you lovely readers and my friends over at facebook AND customers at my new store on made it, I'm going to have a little giveaway. As I have a bit of a production line of babushka's on the go I figure that's the best thing to offer up. So what do you have to do? Well you need to "like" pint over on facebook and then simply leave a comment here telling me what your fav thing to do on a winters day is. Easy! You have until Sunday night to leave a comment, and I'll select a winner with the random generator thingie on Monday. Cool.

alfie and ally alien

2010-08-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

It seems to have taken me simply ages to stuff these two little green dudes. Sick kids = demanding kids which obviously = very little crafting getting done this week. But I think they're all on the mend now (touch wood) and I've given my partner in crime firm words that this weekend I need a wee break from being "Muuuummmmm" for a couple of hours. Only problem is that my preferred sewing machine (yep I have two:)) is visiting the sewing machine doctor and isn't due back until after the weekend. Bummer, but then again I will have time to finish some painted tee's for a super patient mumma and cut out a gazillion new softies which is one of my favourite parts of the softie making process, playing with fabric.

So Alfie and Ally; a bit cute aren't they. Well they'll be stocking over at pint on made it tomorrow night at 9pm SA time. Their friend Alfred will be joing them in the store later in the week. He hasn't quite got his act together as yet and will be making a bit of a random appearance. Although, I "might" announce his appearance on my facebook page. Not "liking" my pint page yet? Well I'm planning on a bit of a giveaway on here once I get to 200 on there, so why don't you go and "like" me. Ta, I appreciate it

finished

2010-08-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

and ready for stocking over at Gossamer dreams Sunday 15 Aug at 8pm aest

been a long time ....

2010-08-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's been quite some time since my last blog post, but it's been even longer since I did a bit of painting on the old t-shirt! A bit of screenprinting was going on at the end of last year but I honestly can't remember when I last painted a t-shirt for sale or even for my kids! Actually none of my children have a t-shirt I have painted for them! Sage has a little pixie that has come back to us that I painted for her cousin, but not one for the kids. Neglected aren't they! Well not for long I'd say.

I decided to paint some tee's for a stocking I have been invited to take part in at Gossamer dreams. The theme is the ocean and since I don't have any softies which fit the theme, I decided to paint. Of course Tully desperately wants the mermaid and it does happen to be her size but has decided she will be more than happy with Rapunzel. And since I'm enjoying painting quite a lot, I'll be fullfilling that request and hopefully even doing more for sale and for the neglected children.

I have to apologise to the mum's of boy's as I have neglected them in this stocking once again. The t-shirts are both very girly, well can you get much girlier than mermaids on hot pink? But I promise to make amends and will be ordering some more tee's today to paint and stock over at my madeit store.

So the specs...the stocking will be over at Gossamer Dreams Sunday evening. Go and check out their blog to see some previews and who else will be involved. It's been a bit of a hiatus since the last Gossamer dreams stocking so I know there is going to be lots of very very awesome wares up.

to market, to market

2010-07-27T04:15:00.000-07:00

phew, what a day! Gosh markets are very exhausting, but so so worth it!!! I had a wonderful time on Saturday selling my softies at a handmade kids and babies market in Warrnambool. It was so rewarding to see the delight on a little person's face as they cuddled a new little friend to them, rather than just hearing about how happy a new owner is. To hear people's response to my work, well besides the older lady who thought they were "different" lol. To see what was the most popular (pixies) and hear what people wanted to see more of (t-shirts in larger sizes). Yep, it was a great day, so great that I'm already planning for the next one! Well I really do have to since I'll have a new little person by my side by then, who know how much work I'll get done then!

So now that the market is over, I've finally set up my made it store
and will be stocking tomorrow night 9pm Sa time. I am still getting used to how made it works, but I figure I can't preview so all items will go up live. You can expect to see one long-legged polly dolly, Ruby along with some babushka's and montie monsters and sweet little brooches. And to help keep up with what's happening in the world of pint, you can "like" me on facebook, yep I'm there too now!

above and below

2010-07-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

Above, a neat little stack of babushka's slowly came together.

Whilst below a once neat little box of trims and bias became a tangled mess of colour. Sewing with children under feet can be so much fun.

tick

2010-07-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

I was ticking off softies at a pretty good rate, that is until today. Yay for the weekend and Lachie taking the little people off for fun outings, but Monday came around way too quickly and today I achieved zilch. Mind you I do have a sick little clingy bubba who has hampered me dramatically and a little school girl who has forgotten how to entertain herself. Today involved paper mache and mural creation and one little eye sewn on a softie. oh well.... I did get two more pixie's and one little alien whole and complete on the weekend so that's pretty good.

And for Anna and her beautiful little babe, Bonnie, some babushka's to peruse:) I must admit to singing away to Kate Bush classics as I make these litte ones.

busy fingers

2010-06-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Man it's been cold! So cold in fact, I thought it was going to snow the other day rather than rain. brrrrrr! So what's been keeping me busy? Well still getting ready for the market I've been going on about for ages. I really want to have lots of stock, so that's what I'm doing.

The last few days I've been working on pixies which i haven't done much of lately. In fact, i think i've only made one this year! After working on polly dolly's they seem so small! Weird really as I've always thought them to be a good size but maybe they could be a tad bigger.

I have this little miss just about finished sans wings, and a few more waiting for some stuffing. All are unnamed as I'm a bit lost for names at the moment which is definitely a reflection on the inability to find a suitable name for bubba in tum. Nothing! I have nothing!

What I do have however is quite a few polly dolly's, unnamed of course!

Some aliens, unnamed but waiting patiently for a few more friends.

And a basket full of monties.

See, busy fingers. And quite showing it too, i might have to brave the chill and head out to purchase some Burts bee's banana and almond hand cream that I've been promising myself. yum factor!

my creative space

2010-06-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Today I'm filling up a my little wooden boxes with happy faces, rockets and aliens. I'm enjoying making these little brooches so much, they are so quick and gratifying but I really need to get onto the little pixies who have been waiting for some attention for so long.

I whipped up the little aliens the other night, but was a little stuck as how to do their antenae's, until Lachie suggested ric rac with the ends tied! Gosh that boy can suprise me sometimes, and of course Asher is stoked with his new accessories and wears a different one to kindy each day.

More creative spaces over at Kirsty's

Happiness is...

2010-06-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

well apparently it's as simple as a new brooch. Well that's what's making my little people smile at the moment, and it certainly makes me smile. I have to admit to having a bit of a thing for the humble brooch and seem to always be asking for new ones for birthdays or chrissy. I think it's a great fashion accessory for kiddies as well, boys and girls alike. Boys so often miss out when it comes to special little pieces, so in our house brooches fill the void perfectly.

I had at first intended the little girl faces for hairclips but they're just a bit too large for my liking for a little girls head, however they are perfect for brooches. So much fun to make too!

And for the boys, at first it was trains but I'm having a bit of a hard time blanket stitching around all the little edges of my train design, so I have to give that one another go. However, rockets sure did hit the spot with Asher. He's very very happy with his little number, apparently it's zooming into the darkness of his tee.

I think some little alien faces might be the next attempt.

my creative space

2010-06-16T18:40:00.001-07:00

It's gale force winds and bucketing down here today, just perfect for a day inside sewing while the bubba sleeps. It's also been very grey, but just now a happy sliver of sunshine snuck in my window over my crafting table, so I jumped at the chance to take a picture of what's going on in my creative corner today.

Happy little faces are the go for today. Originally these were to be hairclips, Tully even trotted off to school today wearing one. But I think they are a bit too big, so they're destined for brooches. I'm trying to think of how I can incorporate my name on one to wear at the market I'm doing next month. Any ideas?

Lots of lovely creativity can be found over here.

my creative space

2010-06-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

This little fella is the latest little friend in the house. I whipped him up yesterday but wasn't too sure on him, that's until the boys of the house got home and welcomed him with a resounding tick of approval. So, I guess he's a goer. Tully on the other hand wasn't so sure and thinks that monsters should have arms. Looking at this picture with the flowers on the basket looking very much like his arms, I think she may be right.

More creative spaces can be found over at Kirsty's

a babble of babushka's

2010-06-08T20:09:00.001-07:00

I'm not really sure what you call a group of babushka's, but I can sort of imagine these little ladies chattering away in a group like a bunch of Mum's outside school at pick up time. I don't think there really is a word for a group of babushka's, is there? Anyway, this little bunch is destined for a market in Warrnambool in a bit over a month. I know I've blogged about it already, but just in case you don't know about it and you're from the area go and check it out, I think it's gonna be swell.

The market has been the perfect inspiration for me, I'm churning out new designs and new softies all over the place. I designed these little misses to cater for those not willing to spend toooo much. I know some would still consider them maybe a bit exy (I'm planning on selling them for $25) but hey I don't think I really need to justify the time, fabric and love put into every one of these. It is a handmade stall after all, so I'm hoping the crowd it attracts are appreciative of original handmade designs.

So, as I was saying before the mini rant, I'm churning out new designs all over the place. In fact I'm just about to draft up another! I'm planning on a little one-eyed monster. Tully has been singing the purple people eater song, and whilst the little dude I have in my head won't be wearing short shorts, he will have ummmm one eye!

Once the market is over and I drag home the many softies that haven't sold, I will be listing them over on a new store over at made it. Tikki has closed down her ozebaby store where I have been fortunate to sell stuff for the last few years and for which I am very grateful (thanks tik). You can still purchase tik's knitting patterns over at Ravelry and from my market stall (she may even pop a few of her milo vests on there too!)and I hear she will be opening up a new store some time soonish;) But I have to admit I'm a little bit excited about opening my own store and it seems perfect to launch with lots of stock, so I back to work churning out pixies, polly dolly's, aliens, babushka's and little one eyed monsters and who knows, maybe even painting a tee or two!

An alien named Crystal

2010-06-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Tully has a brand new friend, she's an alien. She found her in her bed mid last week and now sleeps with her nightly, eats most meals with her, takes her to the shops and has even had to spot clean her a few times. All her other pixie and poly dolly friends have been abandoned to spend their days at the end of her bed or the floor, whilst her new friend whom she has christened Crystal has the prestigious spot at the head of her bed.

She tells me she's her favourite! The best I have ever made!!! Well, who would have guessed. Crystal was really just another prototype and I decided to make her a girl for Tully. Apparently, I should have put a flower in her hand but thats ok, as most days Crystal is bejewelled with many stunning knecklaces. In fact, Crystal is so loved that another order has been put in for one for her birthday! Mighty praise indeed!!

babushka

2010-05-30T20:01:00.001-07:00

Just a short post to share a couple of new little friends in our house. I have another headcold, blergh, and am fuzzy and full of yucky stuff so will make this a short one.

It doesn't stop me from sewing though, no siree. Over the weekend I finished off the little babushka I posted about last, and guess what she worked! Not only that but I love her and have proceeded to cut out a gazillion more. It's a babushka family here, well it will be soon!

The little man in the house was very happy to find a little frind in his bed when he woke Sunday morning. I finally got the little alien dude together for Asher. He's not quite there, the arms need altering and the shape of his tummy and legs...but nearly, nearly there.

creative space

2010-05-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

Feeling the need for a new softie design, I always revert to my sketches from long ago. This morning I decided I needed some smaller softies to sell at the upcoming market and after a quick flick through some old sketches I came across this little babushka. I also found this piccie of her on a little tee I sold eons ago, I wonder if it's still in a little girls wardrobe.

I think she is going to be quite a simple little miss to come together, well I hope she is! I'm still having trouble with the little alien I started weeks ago, much to Asher's dismay.

I still need to come up with some boys focused softies, who knows what I'm going to find in the sketchpad tomorrow.

More creative spaces can be found over here

to market, to market.....

2010-05-25T19:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I discovered a handmade children's market coming to Warrnambool which is just a couple of hours away and home to my sweet Mum. I've been lacking a bit of enthusiasm about selling my wares of late so this is just the kick in the butt I need. I already have a gazillion plans for it and am quietly a little excited, not hugely optimistic that my softies will be brilliantly receieved, but keen to see some faces and expose little old pint to a wider audience.

The market is only 8 or so weeks away, but thankfully I have been putting in some time and have two as yet unnamed long-legged polly dolly's, well nearly 2,just gotta finish the body on the little red head. Two more polly's are in the works, and some pixies will join them as well. Lots more plans are afoot, but lets be realistic ...8 weeks! If you are local to Warrnambool or interested you'll find more info here

Today is sewing day here, so off I go whilst Miss Sage sleeps. Speaking of the cheeky monkey, here she is in her new little duds. After a bit of a stuff up sewing wrong pieces together, they've been saved and I'm pretty happy about that. The denim is lovely and thick, perfect for the very chilly weather we have been experiencing. Thankfully, Lach rescued the little heater from his shed, and now my little sewing space is a warm one, hope yours is too!

sweetness is.......

2010-05-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

a shared secret between sisters.

my creative space

2010-05-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Having just returned from a quick visit to that big crafting chain and the local patchwork shops, I haven't achieved anything creative today. However, the little miss has nodded off to sleep and i have a couple of hours to kill before i have to do the scool pick up, so it's off to some sewing I go.

Firstly, I'll be using some of the bias from the abundance purchased at spotlight. The latest Polly Dolly (as yet unnamed) is so close to finish. A final stuffing and finishing of the sweet little apron and she's all ready. Hopefully her friend won't be far behind and once I've pre-washed the hot pink chenille I found at the local, then she'll have a litle pink haired friend. How excited was I to find the pink chenille! I do love a dolly with pink hair!

Other things on the go are pants for the kidies. Tik got me 4 metres of denim so i've cut 3 pairs of pants out, but honestly have not dinted the great big pile of denim sitting beside my sewing table. The rednut boy goes through a pair of pants a day the little grub, so I'm sure I'll have put a bit of a dint in it by the end of winter.
Recently a pair of pants tikki and I collaborated on many moons ago came up for sale. They had the cutest little pocket with a painted strawberry and the red gingham trim. Well I'd forgotten how much I loved those pants, so pulled out the trim for a pair of pants for Sage. Sadly I'm nearing the end of the mushroom material, oh my how I'veloved this print. anyway best get to it....

more spaces over at Kirsty's

new knits

2010-05-18T00:06:00.001-07:00

How very lucky is my little family! Not only are we very proud to have a clever little designer as a sis/aunty, but every so often we get some of her wonderful wares. Tully was particularly lucky as not only has she received another one of tikki's gorgeous rainbow dresses, but this one has been knit by the matriach, Granny Annie aka our Mum. How funny is it that tik was actually a little nervous about Mum knitting from her pattern, hundreds (possibly thousands) of rainbow dresses have been knitted across the globe, yet tik worries about her Mum, cute! The fab wool is from the yarn cafe "Maia Jade", which tik is knitting a Oriental lily with at the moment.

The other special knit is on of tik's newest releases, Olearia You may have seen a little lad modelling this number for a stocking over at Gossamer dreams some time back, well sadly for everyone else, but lucky for us, it didn't sell, so it became sage's. Cutey tabooty!

And the littlest man, well he doesn't have a new knit although he may be in need of a new milo *hint hint* (I know how cheeky!) but he's a bit of a cutie, and he makes me smile.

creative space

2010-05-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

Well my creative space hasn't really changed too much from yesterday's post. I've battled with little fingers pushing buttons whilst I try to sew; so gave up on that, I've cotemplated stuffing some softies but well couldn't be....stuffed, so I've been playing with new fabric purchased from the stitches and craft show. I only noticed the tonal matching of the fabrics I chose when I was unpacking them today. Very autumnal and warm. Which it isn't really here, I think we've skipped autumn and have headed straight into winter. The babushka panel is from Kristen Doran and other gorgeous pieces are from ink and spindle.

Now I'm off to check out some more creative spaces over at Kirsty's, you should too!

what's on....

2010-05-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

Wednesday is making day for me now. With only Sage to keep me company whilst the big kids are off at kindy and school, I leave most of the housework for another day and try to get a bit of crafting happening. Well, that's the idea anyway. Some days Sage thinks that it would be much more fun for me to hold her which makes sewing rather difficult, particularly when she tries to point at the needle as it hammers along. Today has been a bit of a mix of actually getting something done and "uhh uhhing" little fingers. I must say I have been slightly productive.
I've got some little misses all ready for some final attachments and stuffing.

I've been redrafting the latest softie on the block, tweaking, tweaking trying to get him right.

I've been playing with some of my purchases from the stiches and craft show. Did you go? The incubator space was great. Lots of fantastic crafty ladies = lots of fun craftiness bought home. This little miss is from the red thread. I've used her to cover up an oil stain on one of Tully's tee's. I'll applique properly and sew a felt flower on her hair tonight.

And lastly, I've been contemplating finishing of the granny rug, but nahhhh that can wait.

a pixie named Ivy

2010-04-23T23:18:00.001-07:00

It seems like it's been absolutely eons since I put up a pixie to sell, well it has sort of, I know I haven't made one this year and I think the last ones were pressies for a couple of my neices at the end of last year. So yes, it's been a while since I last sold a pixie, but voila! Look there's one previewing up in the shop right now! Her name's Ivy, a name I would have loved for the bubba in my tum but it's a bit botanical and green and since my last bubba was Sage, I just can't do it. I also like Olive, but same story. Ivy will be going live tomorrow night at 8pm SA time.

This week me marked the big #4 birthday for my little rednut mate, Asher. What a big boy he is now, 4! He had his first full day of kindy on his birthday, which was a bit full on for him, and I missed him terribly. We then went bowling (of which the little man just rocked) and out for tea followed by a very colourful rocket birthday cake. Unfortunately, I'm a bit of a dill and accidentally erased most of his birthday shots before uploading them, except for this one and this attractive smile.

Oh and yes family if your looking, he's had a hair cut! Quite a bit I chopped off this time and I was soo nervous we'd lose those curls, but they're here to stay, hooray! He still gets called a girl though!

my creative space

2010-04-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today i would "like" to be sewing up a bunch of little heads to bodies, but it's still school holidays here in SA so instead I'm butting heads with some little ones. The children really should be happy and entertaining themselves, I mean shesh we've been out all morning checking out the Wolfensohn suitcases from the National Gallery, and running off some energy. It's even a nice day outside, well not wet anyway, so they "should" be playing in the yard but no they would rather wrestle on the floor until one injures the other. Oh lordy, come on Monday! And here I was thinking I'd like to homeschool, well bah not today! Oh and the suitcases were awesome! Many moons ago I had a hand in creating the same sort of thing for Canberra Museum and Gallery, so I was really interested to see how these would be presented. Unfortunately, the library was under-staffed so they didn't receive the attention they deserved, but it was great to see and handle some interesting art works.

Ooo and I have a very special new addition to my little creative space, another Joan Walsh Anglund children's sewing box. So I have two now, that's a collection right? Both have been found in local antique shops, what do think my chances are of finding a third? I was so excited when I walked in and spied the little valentine one straight away. You know how it is, your heart skips a beat and you just can't wait to have it in your hands, my partner just looks at me like I'm mad!

I have been able to achieve a small amount of creating this week, primarily in the form of a new Long-legged polly dolly named Holly. Holly is being stocked over at Gossamer dreams and will go live tonight at 8pm est.

There are heaps of wonderful things in this stocking so go and have a peak, there's sure to be someting there to interest you. Me, I'm loving a sweet little cardi knitted by a clever sis of mine and modelled by a sweet little boy...who's dressed in the prettiest dress rofl. Nice one tik!

More spaces can be found over at kootoyoo

pumpkin stories

2010-04-11T03:52:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny the things children are told about where babies come from? I was thinking this today as I uploaded these photos. I don't really "get" why someone would tell these sort of stories, I mean really, babies from pumpkin's? Brought by storks? We try to tell our kids the true story, although I must admit we do go along with Santa, easter bunny and fairies are very big here too. However, I'm not sure how much they really understand, particularly since Asher tells me he has an egg in his tummy and a tadpole is going to turn it into a boy baby and it's going to hatch any time now! hmmmm might have to clear that one up.

And the reason for all this talk is of course because we are expecting another little hatchling into our little family. Yep another bubba, nearly four months along now and I'm already looking like I've over-indulged on easter eggs. Oh well, must start telling people, although it would be quite fun to keep them guessing and see who would be game to actually ask!

So I "could" use the pregnancy as the reason for my hiatus, but nah I've just been a slack blogger and had little mojo, also not too much craftiness happening to share. I've had a lovely big break from the pixies and polly dolly's but that is about to be broken. Busy busy stuffing legs for a little stocking soon, kep posted I'll tell ya where soon.
xxx

Frida, oh how I love thee

2010-02-27T22:15:00.000-08:00

I had high hopes for the Frida pattern by Modkid, and they certainly reached them! Having read reviews in Sew Hip and hearing lots of other great reviews and just perusing the pattern itself, it just looked so flawless and clear, and that is just what it was. An absolute delight to make with beautifully presented instructions. And to top it off, the fit is perfect, it's super sweet and Tully loves it!

I made this little number in a Michael Miller range. I loved the bird fabric and bought it with the idea to make "a" dress for Tully but then when I was trying to decide exactly what to use for Frida, it was the perfect choice. I think it has a mexican feel to it, and suits the style perfectly. I love that this is so bright and vibrant, it will be perfect for all the dancing in store next week when we head off to WOMAD, which I'm way too excited about!

I was thinking that it would be lovely to make this in actual Frida Kahlo material but it could be a bit much for a little girls dress, maybe? Although I have just found this Frida in spooflower, ohh too cute!

And now for the littlest misses birthday dress. Lesley asked for a piccie, so I thought I had actually put it on Sage to see that it fits. That's right Sage didn't even wear her birthday dress on her birthday and hasn't even tried it on yet. It was way hot 35 degrees on her big day and we spent the day at the beach and chilling and of course eating cake. I actually though it would be too big for her! Well it's not it fits her perfectly, maybe a bit long for the crawler but once she gets her balance it'll be perfect. Her latest very most favourite thing to do is swing, swing , swing. Oh what a delight it is, she cackles and squeals and just won't get out! I forgot to take a piccie with her matching polly dolly so those shots will come along soon.

Now it's time to sew for the little boy. Lach has a pair of shorts he doesn't like the fit of, so I'm gonna hack them up for some pants for my growing little guy, everything has become ankle basher over summer. Oh and summer, where did that go! I'm so sad that the cold weather is on the way, I love the sunshine.

my creative space

2010-02-25T03:36:00.001-08:00

Lately my sewing has all been about little dresses. This week it's been Tully's turn so I pulled out a few patterns and played with some lovely fabric trying to decide exactly what combinations I would go for. First of I made a Lily top by Pink fig, which I will tell you about later but I should have started with the Frida by Modkid as this pattern is just crying out for me to make it. Have you seen the instructions? Oh my, these patterns are just amazing. Full coloured little booklets with lots of great detail. I'll let you know how I go. Oh and the fabric, well I'm going to use the birdy and pink spot which are both Michael Miller prints. That little twillerbee (or whatever the thing is called) help me decide that one. I'm not exactly sure what that is doing there, it's a bit cute though so it can stay.

So the Lily top, well it turned out quite nice, Tully loves it which is the main thing but I didn't come away from making it full of praise for the pattern designer. Maybe I've been spoilt by the Sew liberated pattern but hmmmm well there was quite a bit missing from the pattern. Sizing was off,instructions would not be detailed enough for a beginner (which I'm not thankfully), spelling mistakes and no reference to different sleeve lengths beyond the actual pattern pieces had me a bit miffed with it. But at the end of the day, the dress turned out ok. I love the Anna Maria Horner and Amy Butler mix, great colours for Tully but would probably have preferred shorter sleeves rather than the longer.

What better compliment can you have than your child rushing in the door after school to put on her new dress and then off to the back yard to see how it goes at headstands. Yep we had knicker shots, but I didn't think you needed to see her cupcake undies.

Hopefully I'll get to make a start on Frida tomorrow. If I don't spend all day checking out all the creative spaces of at kootoyoo, oh my there's a lot of players these days!

Dress....tick

2010-02-14T02:43:00.001-08:00

I actually crossed two things of my list of sewing today, yep TWO! Awesome! I must admit I didn't start them from scratch, one has been in the works for a couple of weeks (well maybe months) and the other I started earlier in the week. The amazing thing is that they were completed with no swearing, no stuff ups and no confusion over the pattern directions. That last point is the reall bonus for me as I suck alot at reading, or more to the point following patterns. And so to work on not only one but two gems, well it made for a truly enjoyable arvo of sewing.

I'm only sharing a piccie of one of these as the second is for a much waited for trade so I don't want to spoil the very patient receipent's suprise. I will share that it's an emmeline apron by sew liberated, and that it's a great pattern. Really clear instructions and an absolute breeze to make.

The second was a vintage patterns by McCall's circa 1974 (vintage, gah that's the year I was born). This was the big suprise for me as usually I do have trouble with some vintage patterns but nah this one was great. Clear instructions once again and really lovely finishing touches. I love how it came together and am truly stoked that it's done a whole week before Sage's birthday! Woot, now to finish the polly dolly to go in her litte wooden pram and I'm done. Organised or what!

my creative space

2010-02-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

I really wish I could be busy in my creative space today, it's grey and rainy, truly perfect weather for sewing, but alas little miss destructor babe has other ideas. She'd rather bite me anywhere she can get those little fangs into, whine cause I won't let her bite me, whine cause she's cranky, whine cause she's tired, but won't go to sleep and whine casue she keeps falling over cause she's tired. Oh and then there's the 3.5 year old who has decided that today is the day for tantrums. One this morning for no apparent reason and then one in the book shop, awesome... in public!!! So I'm a bit sad that the creative space just isn't happening.

I have been productive though, the children aren't always so crabby...thank goodness! Little cranky bum is 1 next week so I'm sewing for her. I've been trying to make a dress today but haven't got any further than 4 pintucks in the bodice. That's it! Apparently it's an "extra carefree" pattern. Hmmmm wish my kids were today!

I was gifted a gorgeous book "Felties" by Nelly Pailloux for Chrissy and have been making some wee cute little creations. A little lion, who snuggles with master 3.5 and a babushka which receives about the same amount of attention as all the other softies i make miss 5...none. The babushka is hanging out with some little clippies I've been making.

Last night I finished of this sweet pear pincushion. It's one of Heather Bailey's patterns and made with 6 different prints of hers. It's destined for my Mum's sewing room for her birthday.

OOOOOOOOO Sage babe is dropping off to sleep. Here's fingers crossed for a bit of sewing before school pick-up time. More creative spaces to be found over here at kootoyoo and apologies for all the whining....

Rose

2010-02-04T21:41:00.000-08:00

So this is my 3rd attempt at writing this post. My wee little Sage thinks it's a great game to hassle out Mumma whilst she's at the computer. Hell if Mumma can press those keys it must be fun and she wants to have a go, of course she hits the button that deletes my post or better yet turns the computer off. So what do I give her to distract her? Well the closest thing being my camera, which she preceds to bash on the ground and the lens come apart. Oh shite, well i really did want a new camera, but gosh I'm a dill. Anyway's to help me get new said camera why not pop over here and check out the latest offering. She'll go live tonight at 10 pm, a time at which destructor babes should be asleep.

* And a small ammendment to this post for those with their own little cloth bummed babes, the very awesomely talented Lesely from Cherub's kiss has a giveaway over on her blog. Go and check it out right here, her naps are a fav around here and very hard to get hold of, so go for it enter her giveaway..I did:)

Lilac

2010-02-01T19:17:00.000-08:00

Well, this post was going to be to announce that the first Long legged Polly Dolly Lilac was in the store and to please, get on over there to check her out, but the store won't let me in.... So instead I'm going to say that Lilac will be in the store ...soon. Hopefully sometime today, but who knows. I'll pop her on preview first so you can check her out proper like and then she'll go up live. Hope you all like her, Tully does, and has requested many times that this one be for her. Shame she has a squillion softie's made by me languishing on her bed, mostly unloved.

Lilac's friend Rose will be making an appearance in the store over the next couple of days, and then there's sure to be more. But first I must squeeze in some time to make something for my littlest misses 1st b'day. I had planned on making one of these dolls to go in the gorgeous wooden pram she is getting but I didn't get on to it soon enough and don't have any doctors flannel. I think a polly dolly may suffice.

The little poppet isn't getting much in the way of pressies, but what she is getting is awesome. Yesterday a truly wonderful little dress arrived from Belle and Boo. I just about squealed when the postie handed it to me. I think the little image of Belle scared him out of popping it in my letterbox. Now how special is that.

** Super happy yay** Ozebaby has finally come back on-line and Lilac is up previewing now. She'll go live tonight (wed 3/2) at 7pm SA time. cheers

Daffodil, the Long-legged Polly Dolly.

2010-01-24T03:03:00.000-08:00

So here she is, the very sweet Miss Lily with her Long-legged Polly Dolly, Daffodil. I totally love this photo, what better compliment than to see such a gorgeous kiddie giving your work a loving cuddle. I gotta say a big "ta muchly" to her Mum tikki for the shot, she's got a new flash- arse camera that totally rocks.

The first polly dolly was made way back in Febuary last year, but I never quite got around to the second version. How funny that I just read that Tully had told me the next Polly Dolly would be for Lily, and I'm very pleased to see it that it truly was.

I tweaked the pattern a bit, used chenille for extra cuddle factor for the hair, reshaped the hair and feet and even lengthened them a bit. I've addded the apron separately and have been using embroidered doilies for it, which is proving to be way cute. She's been lots of fun and I'm so pleased she's much loved by Lily. Lily christened her Daffodil, which is so totally fitting and has inspired me to give the Polly Dolly's botanical names. Although I can't pronounce Daffodil in the exact manner as Lily, it's way cute!

The idea for Polly Dolly has been around for many years. I first started painting these on tee's about 3 years ago and like the pixies, polly dolly has evolved from the 2D to the 3D. Now with such long legs she is the Long-legged Polly Dolly and you're sure to be seeing more soon stocking over here. I've just finished Lilac and Rose has one leg half stuffed. I'm not sure when the stocking will be, but hopefully sooner rather than later. Gotta clear a few things of my "ahem" *to do really really soon* list first.

I hope she makes you smile, cause I'm a wee bit chuffed with her.

too bloomin' cute

2010-01-20T01:43:00.001-08:00

Today I spent the morning chasing my sweet little Sage around the yard trying to photograph her with her handmade Chrissy presents, but she didn't want a bar of it. No way Mumma, I wanna go and eat that yummy tanbark instead! Of course this is her #1 fav thing to do at present and why not?

So there I was chasing the munchkin around, bringing her back from the bark, picking the grass off the dress..I wasn't winning. So here are the less than perfect shots. Firstly the escapee and the sad little toys she left behind. The gorgeous miss is wearing her gift from her clever aunt Tikki, a beautiful little bloom dress. This is one of tik's own designs and you can purchase it over here if your keen on the knitting craft. I have been waiting to get my hands on this little number for quite some time but now I have it's a wee bit hard for the little crawler to get about in so away it goes until she gets the walking thing sorted which, *damn*, won't be long, she's furniture cruising and has even taken a step! It seems little Toby has been teaching her tricks while my back was turned!

Sage didn't get alot for Chrissy (from us) with having a couple of siblings we already have our fair share of toys. So I decided to get her some special little handmade pieces, something a bit more you know ...well special.

Two very talented and kind ladies agreed to do a couple of customs for me. Holly Bunny, featuring Holly hobbie fabric *sqeeeee* came from Beck from dandelion and the sweet skittle girl came from sam at Jetta's nest Sage totally loves them and gleefully chews the bunny's ears any chance she gets. More to the point I totally love them, they are super awesome and I'm very very pleased to have been able to gift these to my sweet Sage. Today however, they were left behind in the pursuit of bark, now really! ooo and lookee there's a great write up on Sam over here and that's Sage's little super- fly softie.

Now I haven't given you a really great shot of the bloom but here it is with the bubba showing off her strong little legs

And her cute big melt my heart eyes.

A very wonderful thing about bloom and something I haven't mentioned cause I'm sort of presuming you know, is the reason for the knits name. Bloom "blooms" with your child, so whilst even though the knit was gifted to Sage, it also fits Tully. See... same knit different child. One 11 month and one 5.5 year old. It's obviously not a dress on Tully but a top but I haven't shown the full view as Tully wasn't being a super model today. Not like she was for tikki in these shots where she shows of her gift from the lovely aunt that she is.

My shots aren't nearly as good but here's Tully in her very own Rainbow dress along with one for her new friend Emily. I know, how sweet is that! Today we went down the street with Tully and Emily and received lots and lots of compliments. Super special hey.

I did sew up quite a few gifts for Chrissy, a few pixies, a little astronaut softie and a my very newest and fav at the moment design, the long-legged polly dolly. I started this design about a year ago and got it all sorted to gift to little Lily for chrissy. Silly me erased the pics I did have so I'll share those shots when I get them *nudge nudge* tikki;) I also sewd up some bits and bobs for the kids and will share those too when I can talk them into modelling for me again. Oh and as for the shop, it will be reopening shortly with a small to biggish stocking of the new fav, long-legged polly dolly. Keep posted I promise I won't be gone for so long this time.

ho ho ho.....

2009-12-12T22:13:00.001-08:00

Are you ready for it yet? The BIG day is getting closer and closer. The tree's been up for ages, we're halfway through the advent calendar and there's even pressies under the tree already. I have quite an extensive list still to make but thought I'd have a break from it and make some new santa sacks for the kids. I've been meaning to do these since Tully's first chrissy so since I needed to make Sage one, the other two got them as well.

They were super easy to make and have turned out just as I hoped. Sage's was first and thus the satin stitching is a little dodgey on hers and Asher's, but Tully's is pretty good. I'm thinking of ways of using these ideas for softies and even maybe embelishments on clothing....endless possibilities really.

And lastly, a little pixie I sent off on her way last week to a strawberry loving home. I do so heart her.

Now back to the gazillion pressies to make on my list.

creative space day again

2009-11-25T18:34:00.000-08:00

Gee I've become a slack blogger. Seems like I'm only sharing creative spaces of late, opps.... Gotta love a meme to keep you in touch, hey!

Well today has been all about Gocco. I haven't actually pulled it out and dusted it off just yet, but I have been getting my little chrissy card all ready to print. This years chrissy card is a light adaption from last years with a little addition of a cheeky toothy cherub. Tully and Asher are wanting to make their own as well so this weekend is shaping up to be a bit of a goccofest. yay! Wonder if the big fella will be inspired to?

Along with gocco I'm also sewing away at some angels, pixies, dresses for my girls and an apron. I'm crossing off my list just like Santa. Slowly I'm seeig the end of the tunnel, but then a UFO crops up like this little basket of granny's. hmmmm well she does seem to like them as they are though! Might just leave them on the backburner for a while.

ooo and lookie what we were super lucky to win! A giveaway from Claire from littletweetheart gorgeous, yes!

For more creativity checkout Kirsty's

today's creative space

2009-11-12T03:18:00.000-08:00

I really, really wanted to tackle this pile of fun this week, but nah I got a tummy bug instead didn't i! Once recovered there was much swimming to be done with this unseasonal heatwave and then the kids have just been ...hmmm ....well not very conducive to crafting. So the pile is still calling me. However, it will be bundled up for a little roadtrip over the border to the land of tikki where it will get some attention and hopefully some lovely results for some lovely peeps.

More crafting over here

Ohhh and go and check out the stocking over at Gossamer Dreams on Sunday night and see what little else I achieved this week, yep I stuffed three wee little angels and heatset a tee. wooohooo!

today

2009-11-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

Today I picked up a couple of mag's along with some fabric and strawberrry licorice,oh man this stuff is my vice. It's just too yummy, but oh so sickly if you go too far...which I have, blergh. A bit of reading and reeeelaxing was the plan, but it didn't happen. You see I was going to reward myself for finishing off all these tee's last night.

Two little princesses. one for my princess, the other to be sent off in the mail to another princess. I think another might still be on the cards, what do you think Lily?

A little monkey and wee little xmas dove all done as well. Yay! Now for the next lot, but first I'm gonna sit down, pop up my feet and read Frankie.

my creative space

2009-10-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day it is! Sunshine has finally come to town this week, my it's been a long time coming. Unfortunately, today we also have a the biggest miss with a fever so we're homebound. Creativity has been in small snippets, but here's what I've been up to.

Little angel decorations getting ready for a stocking over here on Sunday night. There is quite a mob of them actually, and more to come.

Hoping to get started on a couple of patterns. Everything is ready, I just need to squeeze in sometime at the machine. Not so easy somedays.....The littlest bubba is quite happy with a couple of 20 min sleeps a day, but it can be a little draining. So although she is awesome and goes down early, I'm usually to buggered by evening to face the sewing machine.

Another thing which the little miss makes a bit difficult is painting. Yesterday I gave it a good go whilst Sage slept in the sling (at least it was for longer than 20 min) but once she was awake there was no hope. So painting may be squeezed in today, but then again it probably won't be. So I wouldn't hold your breath for any painted tee's at Sunday's night stocking. Angel's, definitely.... pixies, nah.... hairclips, uh huh.....tee's, not a chance.

More creative spaces over at Kirsty's

thankyou.

2009-10-18T02:18:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who left a comment on my last post, my what a wonderful blogging community it is! You all have made my heart lift at your kind thoughts and ache for those with similar stories of loss.

The random number generator in our house (ie. lachie, choose a number between 1- 23) came up with #17 Brianna from RollinginFabric as the winner of a precious little angel decoration. I'll be in contact Brianna to get your details.

Oh and the pic....well I had to have a piccie with the post and this one makes me smile. The things you find your children playing with sometimes. hmmm not so cute and cuddly, but she loves it none the less.

my creative space

2009-10-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

Rather poignantly, my creative space today consists of little angels. Poignantly because today is Pregnancy and Infant loss Rememberance Day. Eight years ago our first little angel, Meika was stillborn so it's very bittersweet to have angels in my space today, particularly as the angel I have just completed has red curly hair, just as I always imagined Meika to have. Today's space has had tears and sad memeories but also extra cuddles for Meika's siblings.

I began sketching these little angels whilst away and haven't been able to stop thinking about how I would make them. So even though I have many others projects and trades to complete I had to get these made and "out there". After 3 attempts my little angel is just as I imagined her, cute. Sage seems to like her as well, which is lucky as she gets all the prototypes.

How very special that she was completed just in time for today. In memory of my own little angel and her many, many little friends I would like to offer a giveaway of one of these little angels. Simply leave a comment and spare a thought for all the lost little souls and their families, and I'll make up a special little spirit for your Christmas tree. Entries will close Sunday evening.

for more creative spaces check out kootoyoo

flitter flutter

2009-10-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

oooooo so many little winged things in my house at the moment:D
Much to the delight of her big sis, little Sage is quite happy to be dressed up as a fairy princess. Apparently the dress is very nice to chew.

As would be Ella and Alice if I would let Sage close enough to get her hands on them. These two little pixies will be appearing over in a very exciting stocking that tik and I have been invited to attend. Gossamer Dreams is the place to visit on the 15th as not only will tik and I be there but lots of other talented wahm's. The stocking is retro and I'm a bit excited about what may be stocked, check out Lesley's awesome set...way cute! The stocking is for 24hrs only so make sure you don't miss it!

back from the outback

2009-10-09T03:14:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to visit the flinders ranges after hearing about the awesome light and escarpement so when Lach mentioned he needed to take 3 weeks leave before the end of Oct, my vote was for the outback.

Well I had never really considered the flinders the outback, and I bet alot of people who live in Central Australia may not consider it either, but geez it can be pretty remote. For nearly 3 weeks we jammed out gear into our trusty Jackaroo(aptly named hungry jack)and camped in some of the most amazing country this golden land of ours has to offer. Amazing light has greeted us, along with equally amazing dust storms so thick we couldn't see beyond the bonnet of poor jack. We've hiked till the little miss could hike no more (which in many cases was further than many adults!) , explored and investigated trees, gorges, ruins and sacred sites.

The little people have developed an afinity with "olden day houses" as the land abounds with so many ruins from broken dreams and river red gums which abound and astound us with their girth. We've nestled in their shade, cautious of their limbs which creaked and swayed. We climbed some beautiful giants and marvelled at the old "fairy trees" and their hidden treasures within their burnt out trunks.

We tried our hardest to find the stories of the original inhabitants, but sadly they were hard to come by, although we were very lucky to visit Sacred Canyon in which engravings can be found. It's a truly amazing site and my favourite place from the whole trip.

We drove for hours into a land where there was nothing to see but dirt and tufts of dry grass. A barren and remote land littered with ruins and an occasional oasis. Mazzive wedges gazed at us from alongside the road (awesome!), kangaroos of at least 3 different types; my first siting of a red in the wild, emu's abounded everywhere often with a tribe of youngsters and we were so lucky to come across a group of yellowfooted rock wallabies, awesome indeed!

3 weeks of dirt, dust and lots of flies, but it was great! Now for the washing *sigh*

my creative space

2009-09-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

It's all pixies and pants today:) Getting some pixies done for a stocking in a few weeks and pants for the kids whose ankles are starting to hang under the hems of their old ones. Lots of lovely Japanese fabrics to play with too. Master Asher choose the cars for the pockets for his pants , I totally love this fabric but I equally love the alice in wonderland as well.

It's all go go go as I'm trying to get as much done as possible before we head off on a holiday to the Flinders Ranges on the weekend. We're camping for a few weeks....ohhhh the excitement!! wooot!

More creative spaces over here

pixies

2009-09-15T23:51:00.000-07:00

Gosh, it's been a while since my last post. No excuses, just not in blogging frame of mind I guess. I also haven't been in a very pixie making frame of mind of late. It seems to be taking an awful long time to make them and I'm guessing that's because I've made so many of them. Sooo I think I may just have a break from them and focus on some other designs I've been playing with. I do have a few cut out and a couple nearly completed for an upcoming stocking somewhere secret, but after that pixies may be in short supply whilst i do some other stuff. They have been in short supply of late anyway but I have made a couple and now they are with there new owners I can show them off.

Little Katie is my side of a trade with super clever mumma

And little Lucie tee for a very gorgeous little 1 year old. I have also made another pixie but very sadly forgot to take a picture of her before sending her on her way. I'm think I've reached well over 50 pixies so it certainly is time for a pixie break.

my creative space

2009-09-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

Sorting through the stash in search of the right combinations is one of my favourite past times. That and adding to the stash of course.

More creative spaces over here

pint's palette

Baby Bear

frederick

2012

skirts and gocco

My boy

Miss Molly

Toby Milo and the trip to Werribee

It's starting to feel a bit like....*shit*..christmas

hello

creative space

besties

augustus

blocks and raspberries

peace

sunshine

Settling

a wee Bonnie lass

on the weekend.....

Lately....

once again...

bragging

memes

elsa and emery

creative space

two little boys

a week in adelaide

bo peep skirt

my creative space

winter chill

a stocking at Gossamer Dreams

goodbye kindy

days ago

these chairs

my creative space

creative space

pigtails and pettiskirts

in my garden

settled

Otis In Eden

creative space

long-legged Ollie Dollie

and the winner is.......

long legged Ollie Dollie mark 1

my creative space

A little giveaway to help those in need

books

super dooper stocking

long-legged polly dolly love

checking my list, ticking it twice....

getting ready for chrissy

Hanging with my gnomies

Otis Alec

creative space

Norman Gnome the softie

and the winner is.....

the best way to spend a winters day

alfie and ally alien

finished

been a long time ....

to market, to market

above and below

tick

busy fingers

my creative space

Happiness is...

my creative space

my creative space

a babble of babushka's

An alien named Crystal

babushka

creative space

to market, to market.....

sweetness is.......

my creative space

new knits

creative space

what's on....

a pixie named Ivy

my creative space

It's starting to feel a bit like....shit..christmas