Dreaming of Stretch Knit Projects...

Cirque du bebe

Oh yes so many cool little projects I would like to make and I know it is not neccessary with an over-locker (Serger) but now I have one.............yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.... Mum gave me hers to use as it was gathering dust on her sewing desk.  Ummm, hard to thread, you betcha!  I had a lovely friend come and help me brave those waters, I took photos after she threaded and when it came to my turn later that night, I was set.  Oh and the above shirt is a Heidi and Finn pattern on a lovely new Australian blog I found via the USA , thanks Kristin :-)

Made

The 90 minute shirt by Dana has been on my short-list for...ever.

Sweet Verbena

Katy has lots of great sewing tutorials on her blog, with a fresh perspective...

Well, I have a sick little man and a large project on the go, so realistically I won't really be doing much sewing for a few weeks.... but happily planning in the meantime.

Staycation Canberra Style

A little while back we enjoyed a family holiday at home.. I wasn't doing cartwheels at the idea but was feeling so desperate for the break I'd take anything... you know the feeling, I know you do! What I did enjoy doing was some fun activities with my cool little family. First stop Cockington Green Gardens - a miniature village just down the road from us.



Family bowling, well - Josiah watched while the 3 of us played! I was the only one to get a strike :-) We also went to the indoor pools, Cisac - it was really great. Josiah was unsure to start with and then loved it.



Some fun playing at the park - Josiah is 16 months old in a few days! Still not walking mind you... it won't be long but he is taking his sweet old time.



Then my lovely friend babysat while we had a late celebration of GG's new promotion! We went back to The Artisan. If you are in Canberra or come to visit, please put it on your list of things to do - YUM.



I had the roast garlic and oregano tortellini and splurged with some terra preta truffle as an extra garnish (you can thank Masterchef for that)... I was feeling adventurous and curious! It was ok but I don't actually see what all the fuss is about. It didn't detract from my superb meal and smashing dessert.



Chewy meringue encased in a cellophane wafer with cream and fruit! You knock it on its side and dig in. I couldn't get through the cellophane wafer (basically toffee) - very sweet. So, basically it was a great week with my favourite people and I'm looking forward to the next break already...

A fresh look

 Thanks to the coolest hubby ever (that would be mine;) I have a lovely fresh, new look!  So, if you are reading this blog post in reader, you better jump out now and come see for yourself :-)   Let me know if you find any teething problems.  I have an extra bounce in my step with Spring on it's way.

Cool decor ideas for the home

Palette side table via Whole lotta lovely



Galvanised tub re-purposed as an ottoman via Re-create




Customised plates - via Bloesem. Irene has the DIY instructions on her blog, although I have never heard of adhesive foil in Australia? Has anyone else?

Make the most of your weekend!

Vintage Placemats - free download

Not here... but here at a lovely new blog I found called, The Pretty Blog. This was found in their do-able DIY section!

Oliver & S Pattern Inspiration

Oliver & S Sailboat pants, by Kristin from Skirtastop.



Actually Kristin should earn comission or get a free pattern or two from O&S because all her lovely sewing of their patterns, on her blog make me want to rush out and buy the O&S book/patterns!!


Top 3 photos courtesy of Skirtastop

Great free skirt pattern from O&S! I printed this out ages ago but have never made it - pretty simple really - but inspired thanks to Kristin.


+

Lastly gorgeous After-School Shirt + Pants that I would totally wear around, although I may look like I am in my PJ's :-) from O&S new fall and winter line.

How to make a Pinata - Oh Happy Day

Jordan has done a tutorial on how to make a Pinata :-) I thought the base of these numbers would be great decorated in a number of ways and easily made from cardboard boxes found at the supermarket or hardware store!



Letters would be awesome for a birthday! We decorate our daughters bedroom for her birthday every year so when she wakes up she has a surprise! So much fun. The trick this year will be decorating with both kids asleep in the one room and hoping she doesn't get up through the night!

If you didn't want to use as a functional pinata but as a decoration other ideas to decorate your letters/numbers could be:

• cover in a paper mache and paint
• decoupage in scrap fabric - patchwork style
• cover with mini cupcake wrappers
• rolled up tissue paper balls
• glitter :-) (maybe after you paper mached)
  

I hope you enjoyed a relaxing weekend. We did.



Happy Birthday to my big sister Jenn :-) This is a photo of us in Africa, 1974! I hope you have a great day xx

Serenity

Image couretsy of Zadan

Can you feel it? I hope you can.

Brisbane Photographer - Handmade Hair Accessories

I have my own golden haired girl, so I may be partial to girls with this beautiful hair colour but I think Etta Photography's little model here is just gorgeous.





Sporting a Grace Designs headband with vintage lace from Monday's post.



Simply stunning!

Ed's note - Remember this shoot? Well it was featured on Australian wedding blog, Polka Dot Bride yesterday - woo hoo.

Wedding backdrop by Joel Dewberry

How fabulous is this backdrop? I am really taken by it. The red curtains are perfect for the theatrical feel but I can also imagine the gorgeous set done with soft ivory curtains too, it is designed by fabric designer, Joel Dewberry. So cool with the mountains as a further backdrop. See more photos on Martha.




Eunice is one of the sisters behind gorgeous Letterpress outfit - Hello Lucky!

Some new handmade hair pieces

I made these hair pieces for an upcoming photoshoot.





I adore this vintage lace in the sash/headband above. It is part of a small stash I inherited from my sisters mother in law. It is so pretty and I don't want it to end... I thought it was about time I shared it though.



All handmade by me! I didn't applique the first piece myself though! It took long enough stitching it on the feather pad and stitching almost every bead down!!!!

Friday Favourites - Pretties

Gorgeous feather flower from BHLDN - so inspirational. I haven't tried a feather flower yet!



KT Merry's Vera Wang wedding shoes!

Have a fabulous weekend and make sure you read this great article on How to Talk to Little Girls by Lisa Bloom (found via ACOJ)! Despite my love of pretty things and blogging about them I care more about the content of Lisa's article than diamantes and hair accessories :-)

The Cuff Bracelet

I am quite a fan of the cuff bracelet. I have a lovely one from Polka Luka that is very comfy and goes with everything.

The cuff bracelet's above are quite cool, sourced from Pinterest but found here:

Clockwise starting, top left:

1. Nordstrom's 'Etchings' floral cutout cuff
2. Sinuous Silk Bracelet by BHLDN
3. Seamstress Bracelet Monserat De Lucca
4. Irina cuff by Dannijo

Vintage Tea Cups

Children's tin tea cups Sushipotparts



Child's tea set Boo and Pie



Vintage tea cups converted into bracelets by Stay Gold Mary Rose



Willow on the Water - so pretty and delicate.

Styled Shoot - Paper Flowers

Here is another photo montage of the styled shoot I was involved in last week by Etta Photography. You can see one of my large paper flowers on the left, it was similar to this flower. A few more photos on Madeleine's website.

Re-purposed vintage plates to cupcake stands

What do you do with three very cute vintage plates?



You glue them to upturned crystal, wait 24hours until they dry and hey presto....



you have some very cute stands for your craft stall, your jewellery or cupcakes!

Friday Favourite - Lankoosh on Etsy

I have been logging in almost daily to look at this shop! Alona Freeman is an interior designer from Israel who I am sure you agree with me makes unbelievably stunning jewellery.



A clever mix of re-purposed vintage jewellery with vintage-inspired findings is the recipe for gorgeous original jewellery and accessories. So beautiful for the modern bride.





I don't have a favourite, I LOVE them all.

All photos courtesy of Lankoosh

Karleigh Jae on Etsy

Leather Lambskin Journal or Sketchbook



Stunning Red Sketchbook



Oh my.... too many delicious colours... the gold is right up there with my ultimate favourite colour.... drumroll......



Mint Green Lambskin Journal!!

I should change my blog name to How About Green?!