Stitcharooney

JaM and Tea with Jody Pearl

2012-02-06T11:00:00.001+10:30

Apparently I have 5 hours left to catch Jody Pearl's JaM and tea meme from last week! lol I knew what I would take pics of but didn't get around to it until now.
I have 2 pics to share, the first is a very special tea set given to me by my Mother-in-Law. This set of 6 teacups and saucers belonged to her mother or perhaps her grandmother. I have never used them for their purpose and niether did my MIL. They are exquisitely fine and detailed. I would absolutely LOVE to know more about them, the maker and perhaps their age but the markings are a mystery to me. If anyone could help identify them I would really appreciate it.

So fine, they are translucent in the light.

The markings include a crown and maybe two serpents?

But my everyday china is something much more durable. Still pretty in it's own way, Corelle in a french blue flower. I love these because they can handle the rough and tumble of family life and are still fine enough that they are not so heavy in a great big stack. There are 12 of us most meal times and Sunday nights there are often 20+ people so they are much lighter to handle and take up less space. I have been lucky enough to be able to pick up a few extra pieces at Op shops and they are still available in the shops too.
Here is a mug with my favourite herbal tea and occasional 85% chocolate indulgence.

Flea-market Fancies

2012-02-06T09:46:00.000+10:30

Flea-market Finds time over at Her Library Adventures. My Sunday Night highlight!
Last week I found another pretty floral oil painting in a nice frame so it has joined the others waiting a place to hang.

A quick dash into the dump shop for a sewing machine part scored me this pretty leaf plate with embossed roses. The glaze is smooth and creamy in real life. Just gorgeous!

I had another quick dash into a local oppy which finally opened after the Christmas break, to get a cheap $3 hard suitcase for storing Christmas decos. While I was there I spotted these matching leaf plates for 50c each. The little orphaned pepper pot came from the dump shop too. I think I need to start a little lonely hearts club for my growing collection of partner-less salt and pepper shakers.

I also spotted this heavy stretch satin long vintage nightgown. I love the colour, the cream lace as well as the feel and the fact that it has little sleeves.

At another oppy I picked up a whole bunch of retro dresses but my 18yo DD ran off with the lot! I'll have to dig them out later to show.
And of course I picked up my usual quota of lovely linens and ugly ties!

Thanks for looking!

MPAY It's easy being Green!

2012-01-31T10:39:00.000+10:30

Vic over at Punky and Me has a green My Place and Yours Meme happening this week. That's easy for me! Green is my favourite colour. I love picking up pretty green things.
My camera didn't want to pick the green nicely so I tried to brighten it up a bit to be more true to life but it's a bit dodgy, sorry.

Yesterday i found these beautiful green damask table napkins at an oppy.

I have green on my overlocker and i even put on a green tee to wear today. Purely coincidental.

Most walls in the living areas of the house are painted pale green. I like the peacefulness of it. In a house ful of people, I need the serenity! In the front room green features heavily. I know, it looks like a Nannas house, right? That was the plan!

And while I'm sharing, yesterday I also picked up this little table cloth with a crochet edge, made from two souvenir tea towels stitched together. Made by some clever Nanna. Note even my vinyl sunroom floor is speckled green (the walls that are painted are cream) and my favourite vintage card table top is gorgeous textured speckled green too.

Green, green, green, green green. It's cool, fresh, spring, vibrant and peaceful. Love it!

My pretties..

2012-01-30T22:36:00.002+10:30

I'm joining in with Flea Market Finds over at Her Library Adventures again this week.
Last weekend after being up early to take DH to work, I took a quick look at the garage sales on Gumtree and saw that the lady from 2 weeks ago was having another sale. Definitely worth a second look! So I called my partner in grime (it's rather dirty in her old garage) and my sister and i headed off there again. Followed by another stop at Cross Road Collectables and a couple of drive-by garage sales, one of which turned out to be a great White Elephant run by the local Irish dancing club!
First, the repeat garage sale pickings. all for $15. A pretty lustre vase that is perfect with a bit of junk jewellery I picked up.

The teacup and saucer aren't a pattern match but the same maker and similar colour and style. The tea strainer is sweet too.

Love this cute little vintage handbag and the lovely old vase. It has some serious damage but can't be seen too much from the front.

I love the leaf and berry frame on this tapestry and the colours are perfect for my walls.

Maybe I should start cleaning things before taking pics?

From the Irish Dancers garage sale in their hall I picked up some clothing items such as a suede jacket, red vintage jacket, wetsuit, shirt, blouse and a tee. All were only .50c each! As well as a few other items such as the turquoise oval pyrex dish. The little bisque praying girl and milk glass candle holder are from Cross Road Collectables and perfect for my little white display.

This tin was one my sis found for me at the first garage sale. The plastic leaf and rose bowl from the Irish Dancers and the buttons from Cross Road Collectables.

This large still life has a lovely frame and subject matter, quite lovely in real life. Another lady politely mentioned she had wanted it too, admiring our good taste, so I graciously let her have it even though it was in my hot little hands, but she wasn't prepared to pay $5 for it so she graciously gave it back to me! lol!

My Sis spotted this acorn and oakleaf frame at Cross Road Collectables for me and it is the perfect foil for the little squirrel acorn vase I picked up a few weeks ago.

Last week I came across some youtube clips on using buttonholers and automatic zig-zaggers so I thrilled to pick these up at Cross road Collectables for $17 with the box of extra cams, and the old Home Journal comes complete with vintage patterns.

And of course how could I leave this little beauty behind one more time? I think that will have to be it for me and sewing machines for quite a while. I might be able to re-home a few less special models.

And this gorgeous rose wall plaque from CRC. It needs a little tlc as a petal fell off but I can fix that in no time! The crock pot I was lucky to pick up for $1 as the kids broke a glass lid to mine last year.

I took pics of what my sister bought too. I keep telling her to write her own blog, lol, but here's her haul for the day: The tiger and mother of pearl box from CRC and the rest from the repeat garage sale.

The Pepper book, vintage greeting cards and cottage painted plate from CRC. Tins, saucer, frame and shelf from the garage sale.

And I do believe that is it! Thanks for looking.

Denim upcycled pencil case.

2012-01-30T17:57:00.000+10:30

Having left things to the last minute as per usual, last night, the night before my daughter started High School, I finally made her this pencil case. I had to wait for her to get home from school before taking pics so it is fully loaded! The main structure is from the legs of an old pair of jeans, chopped off, split open and one seam removed. I also cut a piece of the cute bunny and strawberry fabric for one side over a denim interior.

The outside pocket came from another pair of my daughters cargo capris. Who would bother going to the trouble of making one from scratch when all the hard work is done for you? I chose an old metal tooth zip from my zip basket so it would be nice and sturdy. And of course the whole thing is machine washable.

I stitched up along the old jean seam to make a divided case with two pockets, one for pens and pacers etc, the other for colour pencils and such. The outside pocket is for the math kit and calculator. I didn't sew all the way up the dividing line and that then left enough space by the zip to fit in a ruler if desired. Without the ruler, it can fold over along the dividing line. (Rough as guts along the inside with the unfinished denim, but I was under time constraints and the humidity was killing me! I didn't want to turn on the air conditioning while I did it.)

Again I used my old Singer 201k treadle and again i was very impressed with the ease of sewing over multiple layers of denim. It never missed a beat, whether it was 4 layers or 8 at the seams. I'm definitely keeping this machine out for my bag making.

Aladdin's Tardis

2012-01-23T10:28:00.000+10:30

It's Flea Market Finds time! I'm joining in the fun over at Her Library adventures, late as per usual!

This week I have been quite restrained. Sort of. I have been busy donating to the local op shops more than buying. Some things shown here were from a while ago that my sister was holding onto for me or she had collected for me. Some others were from a magical place full of so many treasures you just cannot fathom until you have experienced it for yourself! If you live here in Adelaide or are holidaying, you absolutely MUST visit! More on that later.

First off, some linens, a retro daisy tablecloth and pale pink damask cloth from an oppy some time ago that accidentally went home with my sister. Along with a pretty bluebird doily that I splurged on from Felicia's antique shop on Goodwood Rd. Still it was no more expensive than at some wannabe antique store Op shops.

Next, a pretty pink depression glass my sister picked up for me from the free table outside our favourite Oppy. The plate was from the same Op shop and is unusual as there is a pastel overglaze and rose transfer on what was a plain plate with cold edging. It's hard to determine if it was done at the factory that way or later, either way, still vintage. The giveaway is the chip on the inner rim showing a fine gold line. Some places imported cheap plates and then overglazed them with their own patterns. Maybe this is an example of this pratice?

I chose this book as it has a pretty spine font and graphic. I am trying to collect books with fancy spines for a display.

And finally onto my finds from this weekend. I just love this gorgeous vintage shell vase I found at a garage sale. You often see these around but I love the ocean curls on the base of this one and a particularly fine shell too. It has a perfect pale green inner glaze.

Two lonely little salt and pepper shakers missing their partners. I have a soft spot for bluebirds and the penguin is very Mary Poppins don't you think? I am picturing a little vignette with a Mary poppins book, an umbrella, a carpet bag and this little fellow on top. Stay tuned! I have a pretty old book copy, and am in the process of carpet bag making!

How cute is this little chipmunk with fluffy hair? Not quite Alvin from The Chipmunks, but maybe even cuter?

I already have a reproduction copy of this sock toy pattern but couldn't resist an original copy for just $1 (marked $4 but charged $1).

Lastly, a 105 year old children's picture book.

These last few things were found at Cross Rd Collectables. This place is like Aladdin's Cave and the Tardis rolled into one. I took just a few pics of the place that show just a drop in the ocean of the shelves and shelves of collectibles and room upon room of fleamarket priced fancies! Honestly, although they may not be as cheap as some Op shops, they are definitely cheaper than many!

This is the only shot from inside. Just the tiniest tip of the iceberg. So much fine china and figurines and vintage tins and books and music and, and, and...
You won't believe what is OUTSIDE though, under carports and verandahs, in sheds and just hanging around on shelves stacked high! This shot shows maybe half the shelves under the back verandah. Heaps of cheap retro and vintage china under here including retro Royal Doulton! Many pieces $1 or $2 or less!

This is the shelving running along the outside of the shed.

So many vintage sewing machines! Oh the temptation!!! they run both sides of this stand.

Here's a couple of heart skipping beauties. (tag reads $25) No guarantees on useability but hey are happy to plug it in for you to try before you buy. I'm really loving this blue one with as much chrome and dials as a '60s car dash!

Anyone planning a trip to Adelaide soon?

JaM with Jody - Comfort denim bag

2012-01-19T17:34:00.003+10:30

Today I am joining in with Jody Pearl's JaM meme and this week is a challenge to produce a denim bag from old jeans, a men's tie and optional appliques. Jody used doilies herself so I dove into my suitcase of doilies, pulled some jeans from my bag of denim and plucked a tie of my vintage tie rack. All set!
Of course, being me, (cue music) "I did it ...MY.... way!" My jeans were a smaller girls size so I shortened the depth accordingly.

I didn't put a pocket inside, but found two of my cutest doilies for pockets on the outside. I used some drill to line them. I just traced around the doily then cut the shape with pinking shears. I lost my big post with explanation and in the spirit of this being a no brainer, I will just pop some pictures of the process and the final product.

Tracing the doilies

creasing the cutting line for pocket flap

pockets and flaps attached then stitched wrong sides together

then turned right sides together and stitched again to enclose the raw edges

nearly finished product ( front flap is just pinned)

rear shot

how I avoided stitching though 16 layers of denim and fabric at the top seam

front closeup

Thanks for a fun challenge Jody. Thanks everyone else for looking!
Just thought I'd add that I used my vintage Singer 201k treadle on this project and it went through the denim like butter. Until the 16 layers that is. I broke a needle, but up until that point I was still using a sz70 needle so it's to be expected. It would have happily gone through the 16 layers but just didn't really fit under the foot.

It makes a lovely straight stitch, providing I steer it straight of course!

My amazing Garage Sale and Op Shopping adventures.

2012-01-17T23:24:00.005+10:30

This is going to be very pic heavy, even with the combined shots. Sorry about the grammar. It is late and I am bleary eyed, but I have to get these up as it seems all this awesome stuff just keeps coming my way faster than I can post it! I'm linking up with Flea Market Finds again this week. There is a 100 contributor goal this week so if you have something to share, just follow the link.

Last Saturday I was up early and on a whim, I took a look at the Garage Sales on Gumtree. There were a couple close by that sounded interesting. The first I couldn't find so went past the second which I had less expectations for. One peek down the driveway convinced me otherwise. There was no sign on the main road pointing to it and the only advertising was on Gumtree. And I was there all alone for AGES having a lovely chat and picking through a veritable treasure trove. The very first thing I picked up was the iron and glass horse shadow lamp. When I was told a $2 price I knew this was going to be good so was more enthusiastic in my selection. I spent my $20 but really wanted to get the knee control Singer in a nice wood case ($10) so I said I would be back.
The minute I got back I rang my sister and said she HAD to come down quickly and come back with me as I had barely touched the surface. I had some brekky, sorted the kids who were up by then and went to leave and go to get some more cash, when my sister turned up and wouldn't let me get more money first. So back we went. There had been a few other people by then but not many at all. My sister and I had another lovely chat with the lady. By the time we had finished our selection we were good buddies lol. She said we could name our own price but we didnt want to do that so she then said $10!!!!!! My Sis counted what she had later and there were around 30 things in her bag alone, let alone mine. We both thought that was absolutely ridiculous and my Sister gave her $20 + $10 for the sewing machine. Still ridiculous, but it was all we had on us.
So anyway, most of this came from her shed, and isn't in perfect condition but it has that sweet salvage charm. and if that wasn't enough, we passed a heap of signs out on the main road so stopped at a few more along the way. Enjoy the pics!

Some vintage books with pretty covers, the 3D horse shadow lamp, a set of 4 different vintage wall plates and a Florida flamingo plate with a 3D bathing beauty. All but the books were from the first sale. The books were from the local scout hall, 20c each.

2 wooden plate stands (doh, should have used them ) a set of flying birds for my wall in the perfect colours, a pretty vintage Japanese plate, thick scalloped edge mirror, all from the 1st sale, and a doily from the scout hall.

Pretty pink glass and a small Thelwell pin dish made by and English company, selling for near $40 online from the first sale, and a set of Cape Cod Avon collectibles from another Gsale. Not what I'd normally go for but they can do well online and I only paid 2 bucks. They are pretty when the light shines through them.

An old sewing machine table drawer, no side decal on this one, but I have two others with all or most of it. They will be nice to store my sewing bits and pieces on my shelves. 2 have already been put to work. There is a nice horizontal oval celluloid hand mirror and an interesting brown glass poison jar with bakelite lid. Love all the "kisses" lol. These are from the first sale too. And you can see a small cheese cloche to the right I can use for mini dioramas.

Two already in use, the contents of which used to be in rather un-glamourus shoeboxes.

Two pretty vintage Hoadleys chocolate boxes from the 1st sale.

Vintage Japanese decorated pitcher in the back left. Has a sall chip on the inside rim andno lid but pretty nonetheless. Large Royal Doulton English Cottages vase which would be worth an absolute bomb if it didn't have a big repair on the lip on one side - I can live with that.. and a Japanese sugar bowl. All from the 1st sale. The bird vases are from another Gsale.

A pair of ceramic rose salt and pepper shakers. surprisingly no obvious damage. 1st sale.

Some vintage tins from the first sale. First on the left, a set of 4 rose tins. Unfortunately 2 of them have lost their transfers but no point leaving them there when there is a set. The other two's tops are a little corroded so lost some of the paint, but the sides are good and they look pretty on the shelf. Lucky the damage wasn't worse being in a damp and dirty shed.

These milk glass pieces were all from the scout hall for 20c each. some will need a good soak by the looks.

A nice heavy English tin rose tray from the scout hall and another Avon collectable powder container from a Gsale. So pretty! the perfect colour for my bathroom or bedroom.

One of the most exciting finds was this collection of old fancy plastered picture frames. Most from the 1st sale, a couple from a later gsale. I have been trying to figure out the best use for them, Some will need repairs if I don't want to keep the lovely salvage effect lol but none are very bad, just a few little bits. I did find an easy way to repair them myself though, here. be sure to send me any good frame ideas if you have them. I have put some ideas on my pinterest already.
This one is my favourite so far:

Source: trash2treasure.wordpress.com via Helen on Pinterest

Here's a pretty little quote, from the 1st sale maybe? And as if all that wasn't enough, while dropping off a pile of donations at my favourite oppy this morning, I figured I had earnt a little look around. I was still totally unprepared for yet another treasure trove today.

Two amazing vintage 3D wall plaques, $2 each! and some lovely embroidered doilies and a few crocheted ones. There was a HUGE stack of crocheted doilies. What you see above, plus the linen and cushion that follow all cost me ONLY .50c!!! Total..

Can you see all my favourite colours happening? :D Vintage made in Japan towel and vintage hand towel. I have been looking for this kind of thing and not having much luck so I was pretty pleased. And a lovely aqua pyrex baking dish for $3.

I tell you I could not grab this vintage barkcloth horse cushion fast enough! I just saw a corner of barkcloth and eeek GRAB! The picture is even more amazing irl.

This and the next pic show the plates and dishes I picked from the $1 shelf. All English vintage. I had a hard time choosing, there were so many gorgeous ones to choose from.

And lastly, a little cup of rubber stamps. Marked $1, she didn't bother counting them in.

If you think I cleaned the place out, you are VERY wrong! There's plenty more awesomeness where that came from! No matter when I go, there is always something wonderful and as often as not, from the free table too.

Pearl's celery snackerel and what you get when you mix a 4yo with scissors..

2012-01-13T07:50:00.000+10:30

Here's a low carb treat that gives the old celery stick more bang for its buck.
Around here the usual topping for the humble celery stick is either cream or cottage cheese or peanut butter. Pearl's favourite is peanut butter but the other day we were all out. So instead she asks me to put on just butter instead. And salt. If she had asked me for this last year, I'm not sure I would have done it but my head is in a different place now and I thought, Okaaaay...
Pearl (4yo) said it was yummy, so I tried it for myself. It was yummy. How about that?

I dare you to give it a go.

Butter, salt, crunch, what's not to like? It's a bit like healthy popcorn.

Just ask Pearl..

Who just gave herself a haircut.

You can see how long it WAS. Thank goodness she only chopped it to her shoulders! What a miracle. Then my 18yo disappeared into the bathroom with her and the scissors and Pearl came out with these layers.

(Pearl is wearing my self-drafted pokemon PJ top, matching shorts still pending, same with the paint on the walls.

JaM - Step away from Your Sewing Machine

2012-01-12T11:16:00.002+10:30

I'm joining Jody's JaM meme. This week, in her words:

I'm inviting you to step away from your sewing machine(s) and take a photo...
now.
No thought, No styling,
- a candid look at your creative space & the means by which you create...
the smaller the space & the bigger the mess the better!
Tell us a bit about what your latest project is, was or is going to be
and about your machine.

My rather cramped space, left to right, Aldi overocker I picked up new and discounted to only $99. I leave it setup as a rolled hem. Currently with red for a rolled hem on some cotton Pokemon jammies I am halfway through. Next Pfaff 80s overlocker on it's last legs. No parts available. Set up for the green shark tee I made Jeri recently. To the right, my MIL's vintage Elna.
Behind is a vintage dresser mirror which I could say is to improve the lighting in my dark sewing cave but is more likely to hide the hole in the plaster under the old window which is blocked by a dodgy room extension ;)

My zig-zag treadle converted machine. To the right, my coverlock setup for the green tee.

The two new tees for Jeri. One striped, one in green Stella with blue velour sharks.

The Pokemon PJs made from an ebayed used cot sheet and curtain. I have made 1 top and need to finish these two shorts which would be easy enough if I would just do it. But I need to make a couple more tops too. I'll show them in all their glory when I've finished.

And finally, my possible next project. This bag pattern with vintage styling I recently purchased, perhaps in the velvet I found yesterday. How well does the tie match? It is a similar style and perhaps a great use for a sturdy men's tie. WDYT?

Collecting Things (Part C)

2012-01-11T23:00:00.001+10:30

I think I will hit the end of the alphabet sometime this year!
I'm joining in with Sophie's Fleamarket Finds again this week. I'm link number 74 so there's a lot to see. And I love to look at every single link. Usually 4 or 5 at a time. It's almost as much fun as finding my own stuff.

I know I promised pics of my new (to me) sewing machines from the dump shop, so I guess it's time! First my new pink Nelco. Even the cord is a pretty dusky braided pink. I've managed to figure out all the knobs, buttons and dials thanks to Mr Google and a yahoo group called vintagejapanesesewingmachines.

And this lovely green Singer is amazing with its typewriter style top cam buttons. This is a model 320k.

I have lots more to say about both of these, having put them both through their paces but that will have to wait for another day.
Earlier this week I sis and I hit the Op shops. Tuesday i had to drive to the other side of town and we did an Epic Op shop crawl all the way home. About 7 or 8 I think. It is all one big blur now. I can hardly remember where I bought what lol. There is a LOT to share but I just want to get this over with. Last weeks finds are on a camera that my oldest daughter left in the cable for in Melbourne so they will have to wait.
I loved this vintage light as a feather silk ballerina scarf. But it had a great big hole and quite a few tiny holes. All scarves were marked at $2.99 but I was offered it for .99c so I couldn't resist.

I just tied it so the hole was hidden. It matched the tee I was wearing perfectly.
Hmm... mirror needs cleaning.

When I spied this child size vintage computer themed sleeping bag my inner geek could not possible leave it behind. Scary clown and dummy sucking computers and all. Spot the 51/4 inch floppy disks and pacmen. Im not sure how old it is, it's in excellent condition, but the computers are definitely 80s style.

Some quick pics of retro pyrex mugs and groovy linen...

..a couple of cute .10c kids hankies including a hot cross bun rhyme..

The cutest little .50c baby bluebird doily..

A $4.50 large rectangle lace tablecloth. You may have noticed on the latest photos I have been using these a lot lately over Christmas. This one is a lovely ecru shade.

A few metres of lovely guipure lace with 3 different lace motifs that could be used separately.

And underneath a gorgeous long retro lush cotton velvet skirt that I have some re-purposing ideas for. Colours are a bit closer to the top picture but you can see the pattern here.

Another retro tie in a gorgeous vibrant coral colour.

Cute lace trimmed Target jeans for Pearl, needing a little waist adjustment. Only .50c You can see the velvet again underneath.

The matching teacup for a saucer I already had (and luckily hadn't drilled for a cake stand).

This is a most gorgeous fine handworked floral piece in an intricate gold frame. Sure it has a few knocks to the frame, but that's just character right? Only $6. Be still my beating heart! I've seen similar with an extra 0 on the price.

Awesome vintage books.

A cute squirrel acorn vase which has a tiny chip on it's ear, but for $1 who cares?

This quirky vintage children's book has a funny Nestle ad on the back suggesting spreading condensed milk on bread for kids that won't drink their milk.

And lastly, a few of the bags of buttons I picked up. My favourites are the bright yellow swirly GLASS buttons.

I can get onto other bloggy topics now I have got that out of the way. And my forum friends can stop nagging too lol
Of course there are some Freecycle finds that need sharing yet.. I can see a lot of blogging in my future.

Resolutions? Perfection pending..

2012-01-05T18:36:00.000+10:30

There have been a few concepts that have jumped out at me the last few days and so I figured it was probably a good time to collate them and jot them down for my own future reference.

One common theme is your uniqueness, or being true to yourself or just accepting your foibles and being kinder to yourself.

(from www.lolzombie.com)

I really enjoyed this blog by Allie at Hyperbole. (There are rude words, but not too many.... and on the graph below.)

To say I could relate is an understatement. More like she KNOWS me, has been inside my head. Minus the tacos and bank phobia, but I'm sure I could change that to chocolate and just grocery shopping.

Hands up perfectionists!
I have always classified perfectionists into two camps. Those that try really really hard and don't stop until they consider something perfect. And those who either don't start or give up part way when they realise there is no possibility or little chance of achieving the perceived perfection anytime soon.

Another common article theme I have spied, is one of giving up. But in a good way. Stop trying to BE perfect thereby setting yourself up for imminent failure. And I totally get that. I cannot be perfect right here, right now. You can't just decide to be perfect and then you are. Perfection is a journey. You can't decide to learn to knit and pick up a pair of needles and knit a complex Fairisle patterned jumper perfectly. Learning a skill takes time. You have to walk before you can run. With some people it takes longer than others. And that skill may be something crafty, something domestic like cooking, cleaning and organisation, or something social like making friends, being patient with the family or personal health and grooming. Anything really.

Being perfect is black or white. Either you are or you aren't. Striving for perfection, is a journey that includes ups and downs but keeps on going, even if it feels you are getting no where. If you aim to get there, if you have a goal in sight, no matter how far away, chances are that eventually you WILL get there.( There's that old saying, aim for nothing and you will achieve it.) But while you are aiming for your goal, let yourself enjoy all the experiences that journey brings along the way. Don't try to skip them or rush them to get to the end. They are re-building your goal muscles, one fibre at a time. When you lift weights there is the up and the down and there is that awful pain the next day as your muscle fibres that tore themselves need to rebuild themselves bigger. You can't stop just because there's some soreness involved.

Words that are self defeating are "never" and "ever". For someone like me who struggles with cleaning and organisation, I have often told myself I will "never" be a tidy person, with clean floors and dishes. Clothes and toys tidily put away (mine and the kids lol). It really does seem impossible.

I know there are a thousand sayings out there justifying and glorifying messy houses and creativity and villifying the "cleanfreaks". (and I enjoy reading them as much as the next messy person lol)

But the thing is, I would really LIKE to be a neatnik AND creative. As much as I have accepted my messiness, I'm not satisfied to be this way forever. And so I can happily accept the challenge, albeit in all probability, the challenge of a lifetime, lol, to keep trying, enjoy the rare shining moments and be guiltfree in knowing that I am working on it, tiny babysteps, giant tumbles and all. And yeah, I know all about spending time with kids, not cleaning.

That's not the problem I'm sure lol.

One of my favourite health related podcasts is Latest in Paleo by Angelo Coppola. I like it because it is pretty unbiased. Although it is Paleo based, there is lots of general interest, whether it seemingly contradicts Paleo or not. You are told to make up your own mind. Here are some bits I have chopped out from an article entitled "Guilty Pleasures, Lizards and Twinkies" but I really recommend you read the whole article here.

The diet mindset – how to mess up your head, quickly and easily…
Looking for an overlap in all the competing diets we find a few agreements. But, most competing camps agree that large amounts of junk food is a 'bad' thing.............
Of course, the risks depend how many Twinkies you are having a day. Maybe one won't harm you. Yet, many dieters have an 'all or nothing' dietary approach. You may have seen or experienced it. Everything is fine when we are on the wagon, but one bite of the Twinkie and suddenly we’ve taken 'failure' straight to the core of who we are. And since we’ve 'failed', guilt leads us to go completely off the rails in terms of what we put into their body. Then it's another Twinkie orgy, and Lizard Brain wins again.............

This has certainly been the case for me in the past. Oh well, I've failed, might as well chuck it all in.

...food is one of the more socially acceptable problems to have. Think about Christmas, I don't know about you, but the way my family arranges ours, it's basically co-ordinated binge eating…
Skip ahead a few weeks to January. Like clockwork, families just like mine, a huge portion of the Western world, step onto the scales, or in front of the mirror, following the excesses of the ‘holiday period’. With a collective guilty shudder of disappointment or revulsion, we solemnly vow to lose weight. And, full of guilt, the dieting begins…
But how long does it last?....

This Christmas was different for me. In fact the whole year. I never would have thought it possible for me to be on a self-imposed "diet" for 9 months. The difference is in the choosing I think. And in education. About real possibilities and actualities like high blood pressure, diabetes, oedema, migraines, chronic fatigue that were affecting my life and the lives of my family which were all significantly reduced by what I will call this way of eating, rather than "diet". I had so much stress and guilt wound up in my ill health that once I became educated, and felt the real benefits of low carb or Paleo eating versus conventional wisdom espousing low fat high carb diets, I was able to see that it wasn't just a matter of mind over matter. I could stop despising my perceived laziness. Let go of the perpetual guilt that I wasn't doing all the stuff that I should be doing. that I was a failure.

Conclusion: Guilt and hope rarely make for positive change alone…
Change really happens when you give it your whole heart and full commitment, longterm. Think about the people who have really made it work for their health. Angelo (Coppola), Mark Sisson, Jimmy Moore, countless others. Minimal guilt. No yo-yoing. Wonderful examples.
Like the people above, make it a matter of lifestyle and guilt will likely be less of a problem. Treat it like a diet; get the mindset wrong and guilt will consume you.
So, this is obvious, and far easier to say than to adhere to but don't be guilty. Guilt may come before or after the bad stuff happens, but it’s no good either way. Also, stop trying to be perfect whilst you are at it. Just be excellent!
Earthshattering advice, eh?
That's right, I'm telling you not to be guilty and to stop trying to be perfect. Not ever. It's probably not possible, but give it a bloody good go…

I like the conclusion, with the emphasis on stop trying to BE perfect. I still want to be a better person. I want to improve my skills and talents and some of the not so good and downright dodgy attributes. So I will keep on that path and even if it takes forever to reach perfection, I will be a better stronger person tomorrow than yesterday or maybe last year, so long as i keep with the baby steps and pick myself up when I fall. ramble ramble.... He probably said it all better, but seeing as this IS a weB LOG, I should be accountable for some of the content ;)

This year I am going to be just a little bit more EXCELLENT. :D far from perfect and that's ok, for now.

I love this bloggers title and motto:

Collecting Things (part B)

2012-01-04T09:36:00.001+10:30

Now where was I? (Joining in with Flea Market Finds here)
Ah yes, a collection of collections.. Pretty pink depression glass from the Op shop at a fraction of antique store prices. My sister and I like to pop into the antique stores now and then to congratulate ourselves on our good fortune. (Please don't ask me how I am going to deal with the dusting which is obviously already an issue).

And here are a couple of pretty green ceramic compotes with a rainbow glaze that found their way home again from my Sister's house. A long time ago, before I appreciated "old things" I gave these to my sister. I was given these by my MIL in a box of stuff. I can't remember where she got them from exactly, but the other day my sister asked if I would like them back now. And I said yes please. And the very next day we spotted their doppelgangers in an Unley Rd antique store. LOL (for a tidy little sum I might add).

Not everything I collect is of any great value (other than to me). Like the jar of wooden cotton reels and sewing notions and wicker sewing baskets. The red and white basket on the right recently followed me home from the dump shop. I think they are pretty baskets to hold my various sewing bits and pieces.

More pretty hankies (at least they don't take up much space and can be jammed into a corner :p )

A pretty rose cake tin from the dump shop in my favourite colours WOOT! I need to get rid of some of those dusty old home-schooling books from the top of the bookshelf so I can make a nice tin display. (maybe take down some cobwebs while I'm there lol and yes, this room has an 80s style pine board ceiling. My craft room used to be the old kitchen and if the ceiling was like the lounge ceiling I am not surprised they pulled it down. Or did it fall down?)

While tidying my craft room I came across lots of little bags of buttons collected here and there. I recently gave away 200 buttons and I think I went into reflex mode (or panic mode)and felt the need to replace them. It turns out I probably quadrupled them. By the time I sorted them all out I had to upgrade the jar sizes substantially!

More pretty teacups. You never know when you'll find the matching saucer. Like the little gold edged set on the right.I picked up the cup from the free table at the oppy one week. Then found the matching saucer in the same place the next! Love that oppy! I'm waiting impatiently for it reopen next week after their Christmas break.

And lastly (for this round of "stuff") something giggleworthy, my collection of ~~ugly~~ vintage ties. Hey, they make me smile!

In the next exciting instalment, (yes there's more..), my swoonable, new to me, vintage pink and green sewing machines from the dump shop. (yes I went back for the pink one ;) ).
Pretty vintage picture books and a stylish Pronto Moda vintage coat by Katrin and maybe more...
I HAVE actually been sewing so hopefully I can also get pics of the latest creations up sometime too.

Bye!

Collecting THINGS (A)

2012-01-02T08:43:00.000+10:30

Happy New Year everyone! This year I have a resolution blog-wise. Nothing strenuous or grand. Just a simple minimum blog post a week. Sounds achievable don't you think? Surely a minimalist photo or two could fit the bill in a pinch.
And so, after a few weeks of festive season neglect, this week, I have a rather large catch up to do and I have realised that I seem to be collecting all sorts of things, even collecting collections themselves.
Before I start though, here's a pic of my creative space. With the emphasis on SPACE.

You might look and think, big deal, it's a mess. The floor needs sweeping already but believe me, this is positively and amazingly tidy compared to the before pics which I am NOT showing lol. You can see the floor, just for a start. The piles are neatly stacked and folded for another. As much as i like to go with the flow, too much chaos is counterproductive to creativity.

Now if you aren't keen on trawling through fifty bajillion photos of recently acquired "stuff" now would be a good time to move on. (This won't be minimalist) My oldest Sis and I have spent the last few weeks enabling each other as we have hit every half price and $1 op shop sale and explored the dusty and downright dirty reaches of the local dump shop. So many bargains, so little bandwidth. Here's a selection that made it to my collection.

How romantic is this? A mother snuggling her newborn while the concerned Father looks on. So hard to get a good pic. My Sis and I spotted this one, and she then popped back later and I found it in my Christmas parcel along with a lovely collection of vintage linens. I must show the gorgeous name tag from the gift bag which she made using scrabble tiles, a doily. button and fabric flower, too pretty not to display:

And another print, this time from the dump shop. We happened to be there when a pile of pictures came in. I couldn't possible resist this, being full of cherubic innocence and nesting bluebirds entilted, "the home of the bluebird" no less.

I have a LOT of empty wall space so I have been collecting pictures to fill the gaps. including this Paris Notredame canal scene for $2 or so.

Another Christmas gift was this collection of photos of my Mum and Dad from babies to the present. I am going to be knocking quite a few holes in the wall at this rate! (well, using stick on hooks more likely).

I'm not sure if I had shown this but I was pretty pleased with this original oil painting by a local artist in a nice frame for just a few bucks. My sort of olours. How's the serenity?

I think this post is about long enough. There are a LOT more photos to come but I might just spread them out a little. But before I finish this I thought I'd share a little crystal kit the kids were given for Christmas. We tried one of these once before and it was a great big fizzle. Nothing much grew at all. This time the crystals were growing within an hour and the overnight results were spectacular!

My faith is restored. It was fun seeing it grow. I think we might grow some more!

RevoluzZza foxy love

2011-12-13T00:20:00.002+10:30

This is one pattern from Revoluzzza that I just had to have as soon as I saw it. (there is an english version available). So very, very cute. I have had so many requests to make these from friends and family. My first I made in a hurry for a late swap. Made using an Op-shopped blanket, buttons and lace and beautiful Euro Fanalisto velvet fabric from Crafty Mamas.

I wanted to keep her for myself.

Unfortunately she has a few imperfections. Sewing little arms and things with thick wovens is a nightmare so her thumbs were never turned out. And I forgot to sew in the legs so had to do it out of order and out of kilter. And her left leg wants to turn backwards. And her ear felt is the wrong way round and, and, and, sigh. but I still think she is cute enough to be forgiven her faults.

Of course a second fox was soon to follow. This time I used some vintage cottons I picked up here and there.

Most of the previous faults were addressed. Still cute as a button, but my heart belongs to the first foxy lady, so despite the challenges of the heavy wool, I'll be making another nearly identical with my lovely fanalisto
velvet again. And perhaps a clever Mr Fox to join her? And the dozen gift requests.
Santa's elf is going to be kept very, very busy.

Art, Craft, Creativity

2011-12-12T23:34:00.000+10:30

On a recent Op-shopping adventure I found an amazing old book on weaving. First printed 1944. Inside was was a preface entitled " What Art Means to Me " by C Valentine Kirby. There's lots of chatter around the online crafty world about the value of craft and whether it qualifies as art or not. When I read this, it encapsulated some of my feelings about it and I want to share it with you.

I think I will have to copy this (nicely) and frame it for my sewing room wall.

I know I have blogged on this before, but my most favourite quote on creation is an excerpt from an address at a Women's conference by Dieter F Uchtdorf. Again, it expresses how I feel about creativity and how it is important in our lives, no matter how mundane or whether it has little commercial value. I know I am often discouraged when things don't turn out the way I envision them but as the saying goes, you are not a failure until you give up. I can accept my imperfection but I won't stop striving for perfection.

"What you create doesn’t have to be perfect..... Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside."

The Work of Creation
The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.
Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty—and I am not talking about the process of cleaning the rooms of your teenage children.
You might say, “I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.”
If that is how you feel, think again, and remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination.
But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fulness of joy.4 Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.
If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next.
You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us.5 The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.
What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.
If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it.

Now go and create something that makes you or someone else smile! You've just made the world a better place.

2D Christmas wall trees

2011-12-09T16:42:00.001+10:30

These are a great idea for those with limited space and bauble shattering critters around (both 4-legged and 2-legged varieties). Vic at Punky and Me made a lovely starched fabric circle tree on her wall.

Then the other nightI was amused to find 2D tree at a Church Christmas party. I liked the green tinsel outline and 3D baubles hanging from the points. My photo in no way does it justice, it was just a sneaky pic while we were singing carols via my phone.

These were all double sided scrap card circles blu-tacked onto the wall and each of them had a different little challenge on the reverse. At one point in the evening, we all went forward and chose a circle for ourselves. I thought it was a lovely idea and it would make a great advent calendar idea too.

Our present swap/steal was a lot of fun and I managed to steal back what I brought. Intentionally.that is. I brought along a gag gift of that funny kitschy looking sausage dog for a laugh.

And they sure did laugh when the package was opened! LOL (But secretly I was miffed no-one appreciated him so I had to steal him back and let the recipient pick themselves a "real" gift. I would rather this than a bar of soap or some shortbread.)

I should have taken pics of the supper too. Passionfruit cream filled mini pavlova with blueberries or strawberries, cheesecake, chocolate cake with whole raspberries swirled through, chewy chunks of brownie topped with swirls of chocolate ganache, all home made, (I think all the major essential dessert food groups were present) plus platters of juicy Summer fruits and tasty dips with crudites. Delicious and scrum-diddly-ump-tious! (channelling Flanders - it was a church function after-all).

Off to another Church Christmas picnic with the kids this evening. Should be lots of fun. It usually ends with a water pistol (evolving to buckets) fight involving the littlest to the oldest Grandpas.

(And I dropped into a garage sale by the local scouts earlier today. I'll share that with you in the next day or so but it involves vintage luggage, pretty china, an original oil painting and very little $$).

How does my garden grow? December update..

2011-12-08T15:56:00.001+10:30

Or, "Honey I think we planted too many zukes!" Now I know where the term "Gadzukes" came from.
3-4 meals a week no worries from zucchinis at the moment but it looks like we are about to be inundated! Better step up the consumption! That globe zucchini doubled overnight and is nearly the size of a cannonball!

Apparently I am not alone. A quick google of "gadzukes" found a hilarious and inspiring blog with a post entitled "Gadzukes! 10 ways to use up your zucchini bounty".
I only wish the tomatoes and cucumber production would match. I hope I don't regret that wish as the very first tomatoes on the deck are reddening on the vine.

We have eaten a few cucumbers thus far and they are sweet crisp and juicy. Just not enough of them. Especially when you put one on the counter with dire threats to every child that asks, to leave it alone, only to have the 4yo wander past a few minutes later going crunch, crunch, crunch!
Here's the big garden bed. It sure has grown. Comparison pics from late October HERE. This is the bed you can see in the corner behind the big hole (which is still there BTW).

The choko has taken hold.

There are baby squash in pots on the deck and amongst the zukes in the photo above.

But the lettuce was decimated by a ninja chicken attack but we get the benefit, one way or another... mwahahaha.

What's for dinner tonight? Steamed zucchini spaghetti and bolognaise sauce. Yum.

Deck the Halls...

2011-12-08T08:42:00.001+10:30

...but no boughs of holly.
Just to tie in with Vic's Meme, My Place and Yours; The Christmas Party! at Punky and me, here are some of my favourite Christmas decorations and things around my house.
First, the Christmas tree. Along with some school made decos, knitted cuties I bought at a fete and a heavenly host of angels near the top. To the right are the stockings we made and "decorated" twenty years ago and have added to each year a child is born. They are rather homely and the purist in me used to wince inside although I know the kids had fun with their fabric paints and glue and sequins etc. Now I am older I appreciate their homeliness much more.

My vintage church Nativity takes pride of place. I adore this and was so glad I was lucky enough to have DH buy them at auction for me. I had already dropped out of the auction as I sadly thought it had reached our predetermined limit. But DH, bless him, had seen my absolute excitement when I had discovered then in an old supermarket carton under newspapers and carried on with the bidding. (Lol! it seems an angel fell from Heaven amongst them. (thanks kids). That day we also won some lovely old church pews that now grace our verandah and the coat rack that our stockings are hanging from.

Lastly are my recent acquisitions from the last few years. Some very cute Villeroy and Boch figurines. I know, I know here in Australia it's not about the snow, and yet, you know we all grew up with it. singing the songs of snow and seeing the movies pictures and cards of celebrations on the other half of the world so as much as I vocally denounce snow and singing snowy Christmas songs in Australia, it's a part of my whole Christmas psyche and it is a celebration that encompasses the whole world.

I DO love angels and these with the little children are particularly sweet.

Opportunity Adventures

2011-12-07T21:24:00.001+10:30

Ok, yet another post on my Op shop finds. I keep wanting to ~~gloat~~ share what I find but then I think you must get sick of seeing it all. But anyway it's been a while and I have promised to blog regularly. This is an easy way to pop up some content.

Personally I like to see what other people treasure and although I often like the same things, sometimes I'm just thinking "Really!?"

Minimal blurb and lots of pics sounds good this time night.

Tea towels. Can you have too many? Both practical AND a crafty resource. Check out my vintage linen pinterest if you are wondering how.

Hankies. Again, can you have too many? In a once tissue-less world at least one on your person at all times was a necessity! And again, I'm not planning on wiping my nose with these, but checkout my link above for pretty ways to use these. Funny how I never really saw these and suddenly I am finding them in handfuls! a very special lace hanky in the middle and a couple with tiny embroidery. $1 the lot. Sort of..

A few pretty china plates, mostly saucers, were too tempting. Some Cloclough and Royal Albert amongst others. And a lovely rose pitcher. Funny, it had been marked twice with two different prices, naturally the cheapest won out.

In the picture above you can see a cute little puppy. I'm not meaning to collect doggy china but it seems to be attaching itself to me. I'm sure I will end up finding new homes for them but meanwhile they make me smile.
Here it is again with the second one. Only $1 and .50c respectively. The second one I have been eyeing for a week or two now. I was put off by the paint fault line on the head, but it is pretty sweet.

I went shopping with my eldest DS and DD and Beccy liked this painting by a local artist. She is planning a white room with primary and bright colour accents. It was unpriced and another smaller oil in a pretty gilt frame cost me $4 so I was pretty pleased when he suggested $10. The vintage fringed bedspread will also go into the room.

I'm really not sure on the oil painting. I really have no idea when it comes to buying art. The picture is pretty enough, the oils are laid quite thickly, particularly in the centre. The frame is a beauty too. I spotted the tissue box holder and liked the aging patina of the cream plastic. And I rifled through a jar for some odd knitting needles to have a try at making some needle bracelets. Should be a bit of fun.

I picked up a pretty little English porcelain thingymabob with a screw off lid. I thought someone I know might like it. I don't usually pay that much for something like that but it seemed perfect. And a couple of pretty floral double sized cotton sheets were added to my collection.

This set of bookends is identical to a green set I already have. I wasn't going to get them as the glaze isn't the best, but then thought maybe I can "do" something with them ;). So back I went today to Second Chances to get them and managed to fill a basket, total cost, $7 including these.

I found another Christmas story book to add to our library. The Christmas book advent is a great idea. The cinderella board book has some great retro pics, nicely done. (There's another floral sheet there too, just $1)

When the attendant picked up the Beatrix Potter compendium she said that she would have to charge a good price for that one.I winced inside but I really shouldn't have. $1.50. (ROFLMAO) All the stories and beautiful illustrations.

The items above all came from 3 local stores, one being my favourite, Second Chances. I just can't recommend them highly enough. You just have to laugh. Once they have tallied up my main stuff and discounted various items in the process, they get to the little things and just say , oh you can have that. Here is what they gave me for nothing. And then punched not one, but two holes on my loyalty card to finish it off so I get $5 for nothing next time to spend!
A little creamer and sugar bowl. I have someone in mind for these.

Some old? Tupperware sundae? spoon/forks? in pretty pastels. (who knows what these are?)

And assortment of little critters for a girl obsessed with any thing little and "so cute". They'll probaby end up in a stocking.

A handful of pretty painted Christmas pinecones for the mantel.

A scarf which has lovely jade accents. Already on it's way to someone!

And speaking of little and cute, this is a tiny pair of vintage Jack and Jill figures. If you squint while walking past you won't even notice Jill's right hand is missing. I popped them on a saucer for a size reference.

And lastly, I spotted a Mickey Mouse knife in a box of cutlery so went diving for the set. I didn't realise that the fork and spoon probably did all belong together with the knife until I took the pic. They are such a different size and weight, but the pic is the same. Unfortunately I could only find 2 of what appears to be Scottish Terrier knives with their feedbowls. I thought they were very unusual. Any ideas on what they are? For chopping dog food? LOL!

If you have any thoughts on any of these items I'd love to hear them! And may your days be filled with wonderful Opportunities!

Send me bluebirds.. :) Vintage linen and Oppy finds

2011-11-10T22:10:00.000+10:30

I'm happy! This week I found not 1 but 2 lots of bluebird embroidery. and both just $1.00 ea.
First a tray cloth. Very cute and cheery. The teacup is a little pocket for a napkin presumably. If so, I wonder if it was matching?

The second lot is a large doily and four small circle doilies. Maybe a tray cloth and saucer doilies? And they only charged $1 for all of them. I also picked up some other pretties this week. At $1ea for the small ones, I was more selective and picked out a couple of interesting ones. One very dainty, the other a more unusual style. Plus 3 more for only .50c

I would like to make some cake stands for my market stall so have been collecting pretty bits of china for the purpose.

I also want to show off this beaded lace doily/cover. It is so, so sweet. I love the green accents and the tiny teacup worked into the middle.

I love this old coloured photo/print. Does anyone recognise the scene? I wondered if it were local. North Adelaide? Who knows? Doesn't matter. How's the serenity?

The other week I found a cute kookaburra handkerchief holder. The lettering looks to be done by someone not quite so skilled as the rest. Today I found a bundle of ~~old snot rags~~ dainty vintage embroidered handkerchiefs to go in it. the embroidery on the top one is amazingly fine with tiny stitches.

I have some absolutley gorgeous hand work, done by countless women's hands and as much as I love a bargain, the reason it IS a bargain it that I can appreciate the time and skill it would have taken to produce it. And that it is my good fortune that I am still able to collect pieces for so little before people realise their beauty and value. And so it was, that when I saw a beautiful knitted baby blanket in mint condition, pure wool, maybe 3 ply, I couldnt' leave it there. It is so light and delicate. Can you imagine how much it would cost to buy the wool to knit this? And the time it would take to knit it? I know, I paid someone to knit one for me. I figure mine is an heirloom. You can spot it on the shelf, folded below this one. It is a lovely clam shell pattern (for Pearl). So how much do you think I paid for this Op shopped heirloom, bought in an Red Cross Op Shop, known for it's priciness?

At only $6, I just couldn't leave it there. You can see the fineness and even-ness of the work.

Believe me this isn't all I have collected the last week or so, just a little sample. But lastly I must share these kitschy screw on earrings. Proving that there has always been tasteless Christmas? jewellery. At least they don't have flashing lights. $2, but I've never seen a pair like them, and not likely to ever again I think LOL

PS I picked up a little something for my Op-Shop swap partner today too! That's $2.50 of the $15 budget spent. I hope she likes it :) (I had an excuse to be shopping)

Drumroll........ 200 button winner is.........

2011-11-08T09:04:00.001+10:30

Comment number 9

Congratulations to Sara at Willow and Moo!

200 BUTTON GIVEAWAY!

2011-10-31T10:44:00.000+10:30

To celebrate 200 posts I am giving away 200 buttons! To win them, all you need to do is post a comment letting me know how you would use the buttons or maybe share a button crafting link. If you need ideas, I have some sweet ideas on Pinterest.

I will be working on some buttony projects myself this week that I hope to share. Meanwhile, feast your eyes on these little beauties that could soon be yours! They are mostly vintage with a few newbies and a selection of large and small in all sorts of colours - not too many whites.

Don't forget to let me have a way to contact you if you are the lucky winner! entries will close Monday next week.

My Place and Yours - Where I sleep

2011-10-30T14:34:00.000+10:30

This is the second My Place and Yours meme I have played along with (from Punky and Me). It's a funny thing to share really as I think it is a place where we are most vulnerable. It is our refuge from the world. It is my hidey hole and escape from all the worries of the world.
Ok, although it doesn't look like it, I DID spend half a minute straightening things a little. You only get this one little corner as any more would be a whole day effort. haha
As a girl I always wanted to be a princess with a four poster bed. Always. One of my favourite fairy tales was the princess and the pea. Mine has no drapes, but I can still be Queen of the Castle or at least of the King-sized bed. With my vintage pillow slips and jumble sale pink Scottish mohair blanket. It doesn't match anything but it is just so light and fluffly and warm. I love it.

Between mine and DH pillows is a small cushion covered in a vintage bear pillow slip. That is the domain of m 4yo DD and my concession to her nearly nightly ritual of joining us in the bed somewhere between the hours of midnight and 3am.

And finally, hanging down from the top of the post is a wrap top I took off and flung onto the drawers. Yeah, my aim is that bad. lol It went flying over the corner and whenever I see it I think, I wonder how long I will leave it hanging there? Put it this way.. I have lost at least 3 dress sizes since then. I guess one day I will have to deal with it. In the meantime it amuses me.

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-29T21:31:00.001+10:30

Tonighr our church put on a trunk or treat along with lots of fantastic fun activities inside. The kids had a blast and overloaded on candy and cupcakes. I was busy at my activity table so didn't get heaps of pics. I ran the fishing table. The kids were impressed when I put the dry ice in and it roiled and bubbled with the mist rolling off the water table.
Here are a few pics:

Heads UP My 200 post button giveaway! very soon! + Jody Pearl's Op-Shop Swap!

2011-10-27T15:51:00.000+10:30

I am just 5 posts away from my 200th blog post! Quite a while ago (nearly 2 years), when I hit 101 posts, I gave away 101 BUTTONS from my collection.

I'm thinking 200 BUTTONS would be even better don't you? So keep an eye out for the giveaway post and be ready to comment to win :)

Just thought I would throw this out in case you haven't yet seen it. Jody Pearl is hosting an Op-Shop Swap in November. entries close this week so if you want to join in the Op-Swapping fun, check out Jody's REinventing fashion by DEconstructing it blog HERE or click the picture link below!

Pretty bluebirds and Doily overload

2011-10-27T14:34:00.001+10:30

Just sharing some pics of my growing doily collection. I had them out to choose a few for a project I hope to share in the next day or so. Nothing too exciting.

I recently added a couple more embroidered bluebirds to my collection. These are some of my favourites.

My very favourite is the Blue Fairy Wren. We have them wild here in Adelaide. My sister goes walking around the Field creek (named after my Father's family so we say) and has seen them flitting through the bush.

The suitcase is bursting at the seams. After taking the embroidered doilies out it still seems full of the crocheted variety.

I love the crochet variety but I can't go past embroidered ones. One day I will make something that will display them all and not have them jammed into a suitcase out of sight. this pile includes a few tablecloths and "supper cloths" as one old dear in an Op-shop told me. Doesn't that sound ever so civilised and genteel?

It's getting harder to close that case!

Half a denim handbag tute from half a denim leg

2011-10-26T16:39:00.001+10:30

This is half a tute as it will give you a concept but won't get you all the way to the end. You can figure the rest out can't you?

But seriously, I started taking pics of the process, but they sort of petered out about halfway. When I make another, I'll finish the tute off with more details. Meanwhile, you probably CAN figure it out if you are clever or an experienced bag maker.
Last week I made a Keyka Lou curvy clutch from one of the legs of a pair of jeans my DD ~~butchered~~ upcycled into a pair of shorts. One of the reasons they were trimmed was she needed something for the warmer weather. The other reason was they apparently were too "flarey". So if you have an old pair of bell-bottoms, they will work a treat for this little project.

Step one, hack the lower leg off a pair of flares or boot-legs and trim off the hem (I figured out to do this later).

Step two, cut down the sides to make a top flap for your bag. Leave enough depth for the size bag you would like to make.

Step 3, trim one side of the two flap pieces off.
Step 4, fold the flap down (I trimmed mine to make it a bit shorter to a length I liked) Then use it as a template to cut a piece of lining fabric.

Step 5, Open the flap out and use the opened shape as a template for the other lining piece.(here are the two lining pieces right sides together).

Step 6, (this is where the pics stop) With lining pieces right side together, stitch around the three sides.

Step 7, Turn your denim right sides together and stitch across the bottom to close it.

Step 8, If you wanted a flat satchel type, you could now sew the lining and denim together, but I wanted a boxier shape. You need to open out the bag so that the bottom seam and side seam are on top of each other. Then stitch across the triangle point you formed at the corner. Whatever depth you decide to sew it will depend on how wide the base of the bag will be. mine was about 8cm from the corner point. Do the same for each corner on the denim and lining.

Step 9, Make 4 short strips from the denim scraps, fold right sides together, then turn. Fold in half and slip on a D ring (or old curtain ring like I did) to attach your handle to.

Step 10, Attach the handle loops on the right side, close to the edges of the bag flap. Raw edges pointing up the same as the bags raw edges.

Step 11, Place your denim and lining pieces right sides together matching the shape. Start in the middle of the short side, leaving a large gap in the middle to turn it all inside out. Be careful of your needle going over the bulky sides where the loops and old denim seams are!

Step 12, Trim off an bulky bits if needed and snip diagonally into the corner seam allowance where the flap and bag meet.

Step 13, Turn the denim and lining around the right way and tuck the lining inside. Press the opening seams flat.

Step14, Topstitch the opening closed and continue around the edges. I didn't go over the loops as the machine I was using did not like the concept at all. It would be good if you could for extra reinforcement. My topstitching is a bit dodgy, I was using the treadle and the old foot was slippery and the foot pressure a bit loose and would not go over bumps. Next time I will swap the foot for one that will swivel and hopefully I will get all the way around and neatly.

If you wanted to put on magnetic clasps then do it before topstitching the opening. If you want a button loop, then put the loop in at the same stage as the handle loops in the same manner. If you wanted a pocket inside, attach it to the back lining piece before sewing the lining pieces together.

Here's the (nearly) finished product! Just awaiting the handle. I am contemplating a plaited denim handle perhaps? something fairly stiff or structured. Maybe some kind of embellishment. We'll see.. I will update the tute another time but in the interest of Blogtober, I'll put this up as it is.

Hopefully those instructions made sense. Pictures would go a long way helping that out. Please do share if you manage to make one of these. Please don't copy my pictures or instructions. I am happy for you to gift or sell as many as you can make personally.

My Pyrex collection - a very humble beginning

2011-10-25T17:01:00.000+10:30

When I saw Yvette Adams beautiful blue pyrex collection on her blog, I fell in love with it and wanted some for myself. Today I spied these two tiny Agee/Pyrex dishes, one in the lovely blue and both were just .20c each. I couldn't leave the yellow one there all alone though it is a bit more worse for wear than the blue one.

A very small and humble start to the collection that I hope will grow! - and not cost me too much in the process ;)

Goodwood Alive Christmas Festival - See you there!

2011-10-24T21:33:00.001+10:30

On Saturday November 26 10am-2pm the streets of Goodwood will come alive for the Goodwood Alive 2011 Christmas Festival.

I had an invitation to apply a while ago and was waiting with bated breath to see if I got in again. The day of notification came and went and there was no reply, so I sadly thought I was out of luck. To my surprise, this evening, 10 days later, my email of acceptance turned up in my inbox!

"Congratulations! You and your stall have been chosen to join Goodwood for the 2011 Goodwood Alive Christmas Festival. We are excited to have you on-board this year for what is expected to be a wonderful community event."

I am very excited to be able to have a stall on the day, so if you're a South Aussie and will be in town, make sure you drop in and say hello! The next 4 weeks I will be very busy stitching up a storm (besides all sorts of other big events and everyday life to contend with). The last Goodwood festival I did had a wonderful variety of stalls and it will be a fun day.

MPAY Pincushions

2011-10-23T22:17:00.000+10:30

Just thought that today I would play along with Vic's little meme. My Place and Yours. This week the theme is pincushions. I have a few I use which include the popular little men around the blue globe and classic tomato but I thought I would share a couple of interest.
This saucer one is made from my tute you can find on this blog.

This kitschy shell pincushion actually came to me inside a little old vintage treadle machine cupboard. It certainly makes me smile and the eyes are googly! I'd like to say I'd never buy anything like this but last week I did buy a different kitschy shell. I swear I'm not really into shell craft though!

Tell the truth, would you buy this if you found it in an Op shop somewhere?

Op-shopping with my sister.

2011-10-21T21:20:00.000+10:30

Always lots of fun but she got the prize of the day with this amazing real silver deer brooch complete with turquoise and marquisite dots. $40 and worth every penny don't you think?

The coral eyes on the right hand deer are a little spooky. Still I think I could live with it.

How does my garden grow?

2011-10-21T07:49:00.001+10:30

OK this just looks like a gigantic hole in the ground, but it is really part 2 of the veggie garden. We are creating huge reservoirs which have ag pipe running through sand for irrigation. Although many people actually line their soaker pits with plastic we decided against it. Last year we had a big backyard flood that and because of the heavy cay soil, it just wouldnt' soak away. We had to dig a trench to the drain to be abe to drain the back yard. So we made a decision that the plasticy clay would suffice and be more natural.
The bricks start at ground level and soil is then added along with manure and compost and straw and all sorts. It's a lot of work. The first bed was started over a year ago and is finally planted. This bed has only taken a couple of weeks thanks to my eldest DS.
The Besser blocks were a lucky freecycle pickup. In the foreground is bird netting which runs around the veggie zone to keep the chooks out.
Speaking of chooks, they seem to have FINALLY figured out how to use the fancy chicken feeder with the standing platform that raises and lowers the lid to their food. It's been nearly a year! The wire dangling nearby has been holding it partially up for months and months.

I am SO excited that the poor neglected fruit trees that have survived a few stinking hot summers without much growth have been madly sprouting and blossoming and fruiting. It is wonderful to finally see everything coming to fruition. Literally.
The pear tree is loaded with teenie pears:

The peacherine tree has tiny peacherines:

My apricot FINALLY has more than half a dozen apricots on it:

And maybe the 3rd lemon tree we have planted is not only surviving, but thriving and has teensy little lemons"

Apple bossoms:

Choko vine:

Fig tree in it's chicken cage. I think it has doubled in size since I took this pic a couple of days ago:

My veggie seedlings I grew from seed (that's a pretty satisfying feeling) waiting for a new bed:

And pots of herbs and veg on the deck. Actually most of them belong to my eldest DS who is MOVING OUT (again) next week!

I actually did this post last night but when I went to post, the internet curfew had set in. Yes, we have an internet curfew. It starts at 10.30pm on week nights. We figured none of the teen kids need to be up surfing and facebooking on a school night and although most nights I like to go to bed at 9.30 to function well the next day, sometimes I need the not so subtle reminder to GO TO BED ! lol No curfew on a Friday night! ;)

Quick and dirty Upcycled Keyka-Lou Curvy Clutch!

2011-10-19T17:28:00.000+10:30

2nd post of the day (playing catchup again ;) ). I never lack in topics, I just run out of time or out of steam sometimes!
So yes, I have actually managed to sew a couple of things and yet let the first Curvy Clutch wristlet leave the house before taking pics, DOH! I have made this pattern quite a few times now and yet don't own one myself yet. It seems it is my Go To pattern for gifts. So I wandered into my sewing room this afternoon with the intention of duplicating it (for the 2nd 12th birthday party gift in a week) when I spotted the legs of the jeans which DD17 cut off her opshop jeans/now shorts this morning.

So off I went, slice, dice and stitch into the denim and star print drill. I used the side welt seam for the strap and decided to forego the metal buckle loop thingy and stitched it straight into the side.

I did put a magnetic clasp on the front and in hindsight it would have been more authentically upcycled if I had used a button and welt loop closure and even recycled lining, but never mind, I have another leg waiting! I used the hem as the top of the inner pocket and decided to put the stars facing outward on the flap to brighten it up.
I forgot to put the pocket in before I stitched the lining pieces together so it isnt' quite centered/straight.

.... I had a bit of bother...

Next time I will at least put some interfacing in the flap. I figured with the denim and drill it was a bit of overkill but it would have held the flap a bit steadier going round the curves being stretch denim.

But like I said, quick and dirty and I didn't even break a needle in the denim!

It got the thumbs up from 12yo DD for her friends gift. We will put a few other bits and bobs inside. and it might end up with some kind of denim removable brooch trim on the flap.. we'll see. TFL!

Buttons? Optober strikes again!

2011-10-19T11:24:00.000+10:30

Yay for little old church Oppies! I went to another I hadn't visited for a long time. My DD and I had a great time finding all sorts. Poor DD was feeling a bit like one of the stepsisters from Cinderella as there were some gorgeous vintage shoes she was drooling over that were all a size or 2 too small. "Now I know why they sliced their shoes and toes off to fit the glass slipper" she said. But she did find some very comfy jeans (now cut off into shorts for the warm weather) and suede laceups in a lovely colour that she was thrilled with.

I started my little collection with 2.5m aged guipere lace and some zips for 20c each. Then I spotted a shoebox containing BUTTONS and not your average small buttons but lots of big fat ones! they are not the brightest of colours but still very nice.

I started selecting some but then thought I would go and ask how much they were. Then got cheeky and asked how much for the lot. She said "$4?" then she saw the look on my face. I think I would be a terrible poker player! But she mistook my surprise and asked " Is that too much?" So I quicky assured her it wasn't and kept the box tucked under my arm.

I found 2 cute saucers, doilies of course, an interesting Kwik Sew underwear pattern and this old pet rock mag LOL. Whose child was it that was busily painting rocks?

I found some interesting craft books including a vintage sewing machine manual plus a vintage purse with an extra large clear licence holder from the times when licences were paper and didn't have photos! I had almost forgotten that until I saw it.

I found a comfy pair of shoes (not an easy thing for me to find) and a 2.5m length of beautiful silky smooth and soft chintz-like vintage Sanderson Linen in an upholstery weight.

Hmm. What else? Oh, a vintage geometric dangly triangle necklace that DD has swiped! Apparently it is very "in" right now.

Ummm, 2 vintage pillow cases in pristine condition and half a large damask table cloth (hemmed on the cut, long and narrow, already hacked, so guilt free crafting fabric).

Oh and DD also got an unusual vintage shoulder bag in tan p/leather. Hmmm, now I think that's it?

Going by all the price tags (which were already bargain prices), it looked like between us we would be short around $10 and I would need to pop out to an ATM for cash, but thought we'd get a tally first. So the lady starts going through and says, "Oh, you can have this, oh, that's too much for that, oh, let's just bunch this stuff together." and got to a tally of $23. And we had $21 between us. And she happily accepted what we had for our big haul. I think we just about skipped out of the store we were so happy! Don't you just love Oppies like that? :)

ION CREANGA Tales and Stories

2011-10-17T11:21:00.002+10:30

When I picked this book up I thought it would be just another book of the usual fairy tales. However, when I got home and took a better look inside, I realised that this was a collection of stories that were mostly unfamiliar to me. Do you see any you recognise?

Then taking a look at the publishing info I saw that it had been translated. But from what?

The illustrations were not the usual vintage fare but had a folksy quality to them. Once I googled the book it became clear.

"Ion Creangă (1837-1889), one of the outstanding Romanian classics, was born in the village of Humuleşti, in northern Moldavia, a mountainous region inhabited by a population of ancient descent."

"Part of Ion Creangă's contribution to the short story, fantasy and children's literature genres involved collecting and transforming narratives circulating throughout his native region, which intertwine with his characteristic storytelling to the point where they become original contributions."There's plenty more to read on Wikipedia if you are interested.
I have spied a few copies of this on ebay, mostly in the UK if you would like a copy for yourself. I am looking forward to some fresh bed-time stories and the kids and I enjoyed the first one last night.
Here are some of the many illustrations throughout the book. There are also a few colour pictures.


Here the peasant girl is spinning using a drop spindle. I recently learned how to spin like this so I was thrilled to find this illustration.

How to buy Real Food? Don't worry.

2011-10-16T21:53:00.001+10:30

I came across this flow chart someone posted on facebook (originally www.summertomato.com) and found it amusing. Am I the only one that thinks flow charts complicate simple things sometimes?

I came

Source: summertomato.com via Helen on Pinterest

However I actually found this one quite helpful at the time when I read it.

Source: ihatestraws.com via Helen on Pinterest

Kitschy Cute

2011-10-15T22:11:00.000+10:30

Sorry just a few quick pics today of a couple of things I bought at the fete this morning.

Just for the LOLZ!

And some more pics for Vic. Is it a sausage dog?

And a better pic of it's shabby red hat :)

Banana strawberry coconut milk sorbet

2011-10-14T14:12:00.001+10:30

Sorry I didn't think to take a pic earlier but this was sooooo good! It is simply frozen banana slices, frozen strawberries and chilled coconut cream buzzed up together in my super sunbeam blender.
When are bananas supposed to be getting cheaper? They are still super expensive but I bought some frozen banana from Gaganis Brothers at Hindmarsh SA for just $5.99kg which is pretty good considering there are no skins. 100% natural and 100% delicious!

Goomba birthday mud cake a recipe and a cake filled rant!.

2011-10-13T22:03:00.002+10:30

My son turns 16 today! Each birthday they get to choose a few of their favourite things like breakfast, dinner and what kind of cake. It's not enough to be a favourite flavour, it can be whatever high falutin' thing they can dream up and I'll do my best to realise the dream lol. One of Ben's previous cakes was the candy corn croquenbouche for example which has garnered quite a few hits on my blog.
This time he has requested a Goomba from Mario Brothers. the angry looking brown mushroom. I am using a mud cake recipe I have had for 15-20 years. It is a big favourite which I got from my sister who got it from someone else etc. It was written into an old spiral bound recipe book that has since disintegrated and this orange page is the sole survivor I think. I have written over it twice since but I think it is time it was rewritten properly lol.

It is a GREAT cake. It is rich and moist and fine textured, light and yet dense. and nothing artificially tasting about it unlike the commercial batch made supermarket mud cakes. This has been a standby for birthdays, weddings, anniversarys, special occasions, you name it, this takes the cake!
After the mixing and pouring comes the scraping and licking! The mixture is fairly runny and easy to pour.

This is the picture I used and the cake cut ready to ice.

And the fnal product.

Not the best, the ganache didnt' want to be glossy and smooth, the licorice ended up in little bits not strips so had to be moulded for the eyebrows but eh, the birthday boy was happy. Can't you tell? ROFL!

My Sweet Sixteen

The Recipe (in case you couldn't decipher the scribbles above)

Chocolate Mud Cake

125g butter

1cup sugar Cream these two together

2 eggs Add to the creamed mixture

2/3 cup cocoa

1/2 cup boiling water Mix these two together then add gradually to creamed mixture

1 cup milk

2 Tbsp vinegar Combine milk and vinegar

1 3/4 cups plain flour

1tsp baking powder

1tsp bi-carb soda

1pinch salt Sift these dry ingredients together

Alternate adding flour mix and milk mix to the creamed mixture until well combined.

Pour batter into lined or greased and floured cake tin.

Bake for 30mins at 180C

I made a double batch for my largest tin but I could have made it a triple batch and then I it wouldn't have cracked so much and been a bit thicker, but it was fine for my purposes.

You can see the texture of the cake in these scrap pieces. You can ice it with butter cream, ganache or lends itself really well to whipped cream as it isn't over sweet. I ended up using bread flour not cake flour for this so the texture isn't perfect as I am gradually getting rid of the wheat from the house. That's a whole 'nother story for another day!

And now my little storm in a tea-cake

Donna Hay Vanilla Cupcakes seen at Coles today

1. Pricepoint, Vanilla cupcakes. $8 Really?

2. Instructions. Add butter, AND eggs AND milk? What does that leave? Flour, sugar and vanilla? Is it really THAT hard to measure flour and sugar? And at $8 what kind of special magical ingredients are there anyway?

3. Ingredients. Absolutely nothing special or magical there. Only the cheapest of ingredients.

It must be the magical name.....

MORE Optober treasures!

2011-10-12T22:57:00.001+10:30

Today I managed to visit 3 Opshops and first I went past an op-shop I haven't been to in a year or two. I hadn't been that way in a while, even though it isn't very far. It was VERY worth while. I only had $8.70 in my pocket and wasn't sure how fat that would go. But I walked out with most of it in my pocket still and wait until you see what I got for only $3.50. There were a couple of more expensive things I will go back for when I am cashed up. Definitely a deserving charity.
This place is called Second Chances Op Shop 3/397 Diagonal Road, Sturt SA 5047.
This is a charity set up to support the under-priveleged innocent victims of crime, specifically the children of prison inmates.

The bargains started on the shelves you can see to the right of the photo above. The contents were all marked "FREE". I chose a nice vintage dish, a castinet, a nice piece of embroidered lace and a little bird saucer.

Inside I found a shelf of unpriced doilies. I started collecting a few then thought I had better inquire the price as with a going rate of around $2 each it wouldn't takelong to burn my cash. With the answer being ".50c a handful", there were happily no restrictions and a few more were added. 5 embroidered and 12 crochet style plus 2 vintage hankies. I was informed by the hepful staff that some people use them for crafting.Oh really? lol

Moving right along... and there were buttons. Bags of buttons for $1.

So what can I do? I pick up 2 of them. right next to them was a plastic tub of Fuzzy Felt characters for $1.50. I was a big FF fan as a child. I spent many hours playing quietly with them in church on a Sunday. There were lots of cute characters amongst them.

Plenty of nice coloured buttons too.

I like using my record bowl for sorting through buttons as it is then easy to funnel them into a jar via one of the fluted edges.
Lastly I picked up a couple of books. The picture book to be used for tags and decoupage and such. All for $3.50!

So then I'm feeling lucky and pop past an RSPCA store where I picked up just one book. this book actually deserves a post all of it's own. Don't judge a book by it's cover! $2 and worth every penny!

Lastly I stopped by a church oppy that didn't have a huge selection but I found a couple of doilies and a pretty vintage lemon yellow embroidered tablecloth. $2.70 all up. Sweet!

At that point I was penniless so headed for home. Cheap therapy...

News and views of the day..

2011-10-11T15:50:00.000+10:30

Society

"Governments do not govern, schools don’t educate, jobs don’t produce, food doesn’t nourish, nations are not sovereign, wars are peace actions, money is fiat, books aren’t read, laws protect the criminal, medicine doesn’t heal, the information age has duped, journalism doesn’t inform..."
http://fortunefavorsboldness.com/2011/09/30/decline-of-the-west/

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Current affairs

Today, Pearl (4yo) while eating icecream in the back of the car said " I just did a rainbow burp!" I wonder what's at the "other end" of the rainbow. ;)

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Economics

"Let's pretend for a moment that Greece is a human being. I'll call him George.

George is a hairdresser and makes $40,000 per year. George has limited assets. He has zero savings, no precious metals, and is way underwater on his mortgage. His credit card debt is over $100,000, and his bare minimum living expenses are $45,000 annually, over 10% more than he makes. George's credit is pitiful, and he cannot obtain any more new loans.

George's neighbor Hans has a big family. All the kids work hard and contribute to the family savings. Hans sees George's plight and decides the neighborhood has to stick together; he starts loaning George some money out of his family's savings, and eventually begins to take on more and more of George's personal debts.

Many of the other neighbors-- Luciano, Seamus, and Juan-- are in the same boat as George: drowning in debt with massive personal expenses and no hope to pay them back.

Everyone is looking to Hans for help. He's the responsible one in the neighborhood. Now, Hans doesn't want them all to go bust because he knows it would be bad for the neighborhood property values... but Hans's children are balking at the prospect of working hard on their newspaper routes just so that George can keep his plasma screen TV. "
http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/how-to-explain-greece-to-a-complete-idiot-politician/

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Health

Recent studies show that hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure as effectively as some standard hypertension drugs can. Hibiscus is widely consumed around the world as a ruby-colored, lemony beverage (it’s the main ingredient in Red Zinger tea). Hibiscus is safe and, unlike most blood pressure drugs, rarely causes side effects. Plus, hibiscus plants can be grown in much of the United States, so you can actually grow your own blood pressure medicine.

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/lower-blood-pressure-naturally-zmgz11zrog.aspx#ixzz1aRewfZx1

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Food

"Cadbury has created Cadbury Screme Egg Minis in time for Australia’s own Halloween.

The new eggs are a miniature version of the Cadbury Creme Eggs and are filled with “green gooey goodness” encased in Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate."

http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2011/09/05/cadbury-launches-screme-egg-minis-for-halloween.html

My egg rant..
Special just isn't Special any more when it is an every day thing. I loved gooey fondant eggs and looked forward to them every Easter, but creme eggs are not green eggs. Though perhaps Dr Zuess would disagree. I also refused to buy or make Hot cross Buns any day other than Good Friday. And presents are for Birthdays and plum pudding for Christmas. And it's the anticipation and rarity that makes it special. So Cadbury is going to make everyone sick to death of fondant filled egg type things and then they will disappear and that will be that..
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Conclusion

(thanks for this Teagan)

Op shop review, Managers and Charity.

2011-10-10T11:47:00.002+10:30

Over on Punky & Me, Vic told a great story of how she got a vintage bargain out from under the nose of a very disgruntled Op shop manager that by the sounds very nearly didn't hand the item back to purchase!
As I have said I have a very large selection of Op shops in my vicinity so I can afford to be choosy as to where I shop. Some are wannabe boutiques and antique stores. Some are poky little church setups with part-time hours. Some cavernous and cold, some full of what would have been discards from other Op shops, some large organisations, some stand alone locally run.
Some are manned by ex-professional women in high power style. While I am perusing I am often just as entertained by the volunteers conversations. In posh parts it is hard not to giggle as they try to one up themselves with talk of their holidays abroad or postcards received from children or grandchildren abroad. It seems to be a recurring theme whenever I am in one of "those". Very Mrs Bucket! (Sorry... Bouquet). The attitude is also one of Doing one's Duty or Charity for the Poor People. Others are run by your average Mum or Granny next door types that fumble with new fanged cash registers and get by with a notepad or book for arithmatic and recording purchases. Much more down to earth types. Then there are those that do it to get something out of it for themselves. First pickings. Those that begrudge a bargain or something delightful for anyone else.
I have heard stories of a worker whose house was chock-a-block of anything "good" that came through her store. Not to be used or delighted in, just because she got it first.
In contrast to Vic's story, my opinion of one of my favourite Op shops was reinforced when I overheard a conversation between one old duck who was pricing, and the Scottish manager/ minister? and between a volunteer and another customer. He has always been so nice whenever I have been there. Very friendly and helpful, always talks to the kids if they are with me, lets them choose a little toy or something for free (even when I'd rather they didn't lol). There is a rack of yesterday's bread, bagged and free for the taking. Shelves, boxes and clothing racks out the front for $1 with still very useable items.
They have a nice selection of vintagey things at reasonable prices and regular stuff at very cheap prices. This is how the conversation went. Volunteer, "How about $5 on this", Manager, "no that's too much. We could mark things like that but then we wouldn't get the people in that we are trying to help."
I was admiring a couple of very reasonable priced silver and gold rings in a cabinet ($30-$40). The volunteer told me how they have a retired gentleman come in and price things for them, below retail.
(Unlike an opshop last week where a "silverplated" necklace, obviously donated from a closed down shop new, was priced at $95!! I'd expect solid silver at that price!) Then I overheard how a gentleman, spent his Saturdays garage sailing, finding nice vintage or antique things cheap for the shop each week. How nice is that! He gets the fun of finding some treasures that then benefits others. That is just such a breath of fresh air to hear about the real spirit of charity (the pure love of Christ and for one another). Not selfishness or duty or Do-gooding, but people who genuinely care for others. And if I buy a little more there than at others, there's a good reason. I have no doubt that my donation is being paid forward and I never walk away feeling ripped off or disgruntled.

Where is this Op shop you may be thinking? Church of the Trinity, 218 Goodwood Road, SA Open Tuesday to Friday 9.30 -3.30, free bread Tuesday and Wednesday. In the pic above, the shop is to the left in the modern section. There is an off street car park to the right of the church and if you feel inclined, a large and more expensive Salvation Army store across the road.

View Larger Map

More Optember offerings!

2011-10-10T10:07:00.000+10:30

Finally, as promised the latest Op-shop treasures I found last week. I remember I mentioned that when I went out with my DD I hadn't found anything at the other places we visited, but that wasn't strictly true. I forgot about this trim, which cost me .50c

But late last week at the little old church Oppy, I was happy to pick up a great selection of treasures starting with some embroidered doilies. they were .50c each, though as some were smaller, they charged less. that's how they roll at that oppy! :)

I found this "charming" tapestry of domesticity. It's quite small, around A4 size. $3 I think.

And finally, a Japanese bikkie barrel, complete with a deer in a bamboo forest. Kawaii! This was quite expensive at $10.

I'm pretty excited one of my favourite little old church annual Fetes is on this Saturday so if I haven't made it to another Opshop by then, I'm sure to have something amazing to show you on the weekend.
Meanwhile I hope to have something crafty to share soon.

Z is for Zumbo and Zombies (zombie Barbie anyone?)

2011-10-09T07:50:00.000+10:30

When I saw this book at BigW the other day I was immediately attracted to the cover but after a quick flick through I found the contents equally amazing. And I don't just mean the recipes. The photography, creativity and quirkiness are delightful. I don't even eat cake or sugar but I'd love to have this book to peruse for it's eye candy.
Here are some pics I took with my terrible phone camera, competely at random. This will give you a tiny taste of what to expect.

And now something else that caught my eye while passing through the toy department.

Zombies for girls.

Yes, as if Bratz weren't scary enough. But actually, I think Bratz are scarier than these latest offerings. I thought zombies were brain eating corpses, but apparently when you are marketing to young pre-tweens and tweenies, they are fashion loving trendsetters complete with pets and accessories.

But compared to the trashy flashy alternative of PRINCESS SCHOOL...

Perhaps they aren't so bad? but be prepared for zombie nightmares..

Even My Little Pony, that bastion of rainbows and butterflys has an episode mentioning zombies. So it turned out to be a cultural misunderstanding between ponies and a zebra, but the zombie infection is spreading! Expect more of the same and maybe even...

I WANNA ZOMBIE FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Little Pony Raritys Sewing Song

2011-10-08T20:57:00.001+10:30

My little girl was watching this episode this evening. Rarity is a fashion designer for the other ponies. I love the little hand crank machine on her bench :) I hope you or your little girl can enjoy too lol

Saturday brunch

2011-10-08T17:46:00.003+10:30

I saw this great idea of using capsicum rings for eggs which I saved to Pinterest.Of course their pic is so much prettier than mine lol, but I know mine tasted delicious!

Source: foodrenegade.com via Helen on Pinterest

In the top photos you can see the cheese I added first, then cracked in the egg. when I flipped it you can see the golden cheese chunks. Mmmm, these were pure bliss with a bit of hot sauce on top.

Next time I will sit them on grilled eggplant rounds and caramelised onions on top for more veggie goodness.
Maybe next time I'll take a pretty picture too.

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-07T08:57:00.003+10:30

Everyone knows Jobs and his commercial and cultural success but what kind of person helps create such a legacy? I read these quotes today and I think they show this clearly.

Jobs on -not- following the crowd:

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma-- which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

Jobs on charity... and the importance of failure:

"And that's the problem with most philanthropy-- there's no measurement system. You give somebody some money to do something and most of the time you can really never measure whether you failed or succeeded in your judgment of that person or his ideas or their implementation. So if you can't succeed or fail, it's really hard to get better."

Jobs on careers:

"Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. . . As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. . . So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle."

Jobs on making it count:

Most of the time, we're taking things. Neither you nor I made the clothes we wear; we don't make the food or grow the foods we eat; we use a language that was developed by other people; we use another society's mathematics. Very rarely do we get a chance to put something back into that pool. I think we have that opportunity now. And no, we don't know where it will lead. We just know there's something much bigger than any of us here.

Jobs on [the blue screen of] death:

"[D]eath is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new."

excerpt taken from an article by Simon Black:
http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/if-you-want-more-jobs-look-to-steve-jobs/

Soapy goodness!

2011-10-06T15:09:00.000+10:30

But first, OPTOBER! My October op-shopping tribute of the day..
I am pretty lucky, I have a couple of dozen op-shops within a 5km radius so whichever direction I head, there'll be somewhere I can stop. So if I'm out and about, for this month I'll stop at an Opshop. Today I had to head near one of my faves. The little old church type. Right opposite a rather large Salvation Army store and you know, I don't even bother crossing the road for that one.
Today (amongst other treasures) I picked up a tee for $1 that gave me a chuckle, though it is sadly all too true. This is for my DS who is soon to fight for the right to see his daughter and for her to be a part of our lives.

I hope it gives him a smile. You've got to laugh, it beats the alternative..

I promise tomorrow's shared treasure will be either charming, kawaii or both and I promise not to mention the buttons. (teehee)

Now onto the serious crafty stuff..
Here are some freshly unmoulded hot process soaps I made recently. Not very pretty, lol. One of these days, I will make some cold process soaps, just so I turn out something that looks as nice as it smells and lathers.
Here's the slab waiting to be turned out and sliced. You don't get much more unattractive than that!

Even using a silicone mould doesn't make them pretty though they are a lot cuter.

People tell me cold process is easy and yet I have only made hot process. Because if you know me, I somehow manage to make the simplest things difficult for myself!
Luckily once the slab is sliced there are 5 smooth sides to the one ugly side. Slicing soap is like slicing cheddar cheese.

The benefit of hot process soap is that it can be used almost immediately compared to the months of curing that cold process requires. I don't do delayed gratification very well, though I guess it's something I should work on. The best things in life are worth waiting for after all.

But my hair needs washing NOW! it really does.. I use a coconut oil/castor oil combination to make these a multipurpose shampoo and body bar. I delayed getting this batch made and resorted to using commercial soap and my skin is back to being annoyingly itchy.
Again, I could just use a recipe from one of my soap books or the myriad of available internet recipes, but where's the fun in that? Instead I use soapcalc to compute the fat/lye/water ratio. Sort of like re-inventing the wheel. That's me.. I follow the crockpot technique found here in case you are tempted to make some too.

Optober! More buttons?

2011-10-05T10:56:00.000+10:30

Now this is a meme that I can have fun with and keep the blogtober ball rolling too!

So if you haven't figured it out, I just coined Op-shopping October. So this month, raid your local charity, second hand or Opportunity store and share the Optober love!

My local Sally Army store has decided to start selling buttons, so I walked in and the first thing I saw was button jars and spent the next 10 minutes picking and choosing like a kid in a lolly shop.
So what is the going rate for buttons in your area? Here it is 5c ea for small and 10c for large. Just wish there WERE large buttons. I have to say though, it felt weird, swapping small pieces of round plastic for the equivalent small round pieces of metal. Hmm. Feeling a bit like swapping my cow for a bag of magic beans. Pity they aren't interchangeable, often the only thing in my purse is a wad of ancient receipts, a bit of lint and a few buttons. I have actually pulled out the buttons before today but haven't had any takers at the checkout yet lol. (more fool them)
Of course there is a bulk deal, buy a small ziplock bag for $5. My bag contained 65 buttons. Um, bargain?

A few days later, i''m sitting waiting in the car and spotted my little bag of plastic "trashure" still in my handbag.

So I had a bit of fun sorting through and picking out my favourites. There were some nice soft vintage greens, bright reds even a couple that looked like they might be real tortoishell.

Now the behind the scenes part. After spending so long at the Op-shop choosing these, my teen DD was getting rather annoyed at me as we were meant to be op-shopping for her. This was the first stop of many and I hadn't passed the ATM yet so was actually cashless (apart from the aforementioned lint and stray buttons) and there was a $10 eftpos limit. There was NO WAY I was putting those buttons back! Meanwhile, I was suddenly hit by the most gut wrenching call of nature. (a stomach bug? oh thanks kids). So I began feverishly searching for something to make up the $10 minimum difference. And do you think I could find ANYTHING! I'm desperately beseeching my DD to find SOMETHING! But she wasn't catching the vibe and was very unhelpful. Finally I found a small lamp I wanted for a crafty transformation, which left me with a $1 deficit still!! aaaargh! The last thing was a book on housecleaning tips ROFL! anyone who can write a book on tips is probably organised enough that they would never have need of such a book in the first place. But anyway, I can dream right? Of a home where I sit happily crafting while my floors and benchtop and gleaming? If only the owning of such could be come the reality. So finally I could pay and make the mad dash home again (Phew!). Then on to another 5 stores where we bought absolutely nothing! Were they worth an afternoon of my time and some physical discomfort? Hmm. Cows and beans... I'll let you decide if you think they are magic..

Button, button, who's got the button?

2011-10-04T21:03:00.000+10:30

I saw a lovely button clip and elastic button bracelet on Pinterest. The bracelet tute was from Lilyella.

Source: lillyella.blogspot.com via Helen on Pinterest

I couldn't find the original source for the clip.

Source: blogs.babble.com via Helen on Pinterest

My reluctant (to move and tidy hair)and anonymous model is wearing my own versions in the first photo. I used soft folding elastic for the bracelet and have thought of a better technique for the next one. I have a LOT of buttons!

Blogtoberfest 2011!

2011-10-03T13:08:00.000+10:30

Yes, after near burning out last Blogtober, here I am again, ready to give it another go! (Two days late, oh well).
Click the link above to join in anytime in October and checkout Curlypops for an awesome growing list of Blogtober competitions and blog giveaways!

Rainbow Dash!

2011-09-28T09:53:00.001+09:30

That's what we did today rushing to get to kindy in the rain! It's dull and dreary today so I thought little colour was in order.

Pearl is wearing an assortment of hand made, hand dyed and hand-me-downs and she couldn't be happier! Princess raincoat and purple boots from cousin Sophie, handknit rainbow jumper from a 2nd hand fete clothing stall, black leggings and flet rainbow flower clippie made by me and rainbow twirl redondo hand dyed and sewn by Sara at Willow & Moo. Pearl keeps sprouting up and her skirt is now above her knees and getting tight around the tummy so it won't be long before it will be some other little girls twirly joy. That's the circle of ~~life~~ love ;)

Quick tee surgery

2011-09-27T18:34:00.002+09:30

Phew it was warm today! Most of my clothes were in the washing machine and I had this daggy old tee left. It was a regular v-neck with sleeves to my elbows, and felt much too hot.
So off to the sewing room, chop the sleeves short with the rotary cutter, then chop out the heavy v-neck with some ridiculously large foot long dressmakers shears (cos my scissors were elsewhere..).
First I took the tee in a few cms each side, starting at the waistband, zipping up the sides on the overlocker to the sleeve edge.
I zipped a rolled hem around with the overlocker on the raw edges on the sleeves and neck and put 2 rows of shirring around the neckline.
I actually don't mind this tee now. I can see lots of tee surgery in my future..

(Hmm, better clean that mirror.. just keeping it "real". ;) )

And of course, that then left me with some scraps to play with! :) Rolled rose and a plait. Who knows what I will use them on if anything, but a good technique practice. The rose was from one cut off sleeve piece, cut into one continuous strip.

Meanwhile I have also been making 5 petaled flowers from more scraps. there's also a button cluster awaiting a clip backing. I had some broccoli boxes hanging aroundand found the foam lids perfect to pin the flowers onto to keep everything tidy and stop them being crushed.

And the scrappy flower blooms are increasing.

Scrappy Flower Tutorial.

2011-09-16T10:06:00.000+09:30

I am making a stack of these scrappy flowers to sell on my Christmas market stall. they will feature on hairclips and bands and all sorts of accessories. Here is a field of scrappy flowers awaiting their final touches.

Cut 6-7 circles the same size,

I used my clover yoyomakers for easy guides. I put a few layers inside then just cut around the edges, Some people like plain circles and the frayed look, I've used my pinking shears.

Use one circle for the base, depending on the final use, you might like to stiffen it or use felt.
Take a second circle and fold in half.

Then fold the half so that one third of it covers the second third.

Place it so the edges line up with the base and stitch it up through the doubled third and back through the single third.

Rinse and repeat
Place each subsequent folded circle onto the single fold of the previous one, leaving a small gap.

When you get to the end, tuck the single side of the last piece, under the double side of the first piece. Mostly I use 5 pieces around but for some reason, this time I needed 6 to go around

Embellish with yoyos or buttons or whatever and attach to whatever you like such as hairband, brooch, hairclip, dress, etc. Make double or triple layers in graduating sizes for an even fuller look.
Here's one using a second layer of the same size circles overlapped just a little in the centre.

Now, go get your scraps and start snipping and stitching !

You can make these to sell or use however you like yourself but of course the text and pics and tute itself are copyright. Which means you need permission to reproduce. (In case you hadn't figured that out).

Birthday time! Pink, ponies, pom poms and pettiskirts!

2011-07-11T13:22:00.025+09:30

A little girls pink party dress fantasy come true!

First the pink present explosion with a baby My Little Pony we found at the Op shop and Pearl agreed to save for her birthday.

No time for hair fixing when there are presents to open!

The twirl factor is always an important consideration.

Little pink riding hood, who could resist such sweetness?

The cat that got the cream.....I am irresistably cute aren't I?

Reversible cape, shiny satin side out. the cape is very simple to make with only 3 pieces, 2 for the hood and 1 for the actual cape. It can be made unlined too. It is an
Ottobre design pattern 06/2008.

Wearing the pettiskirt on top looks amazing too. I was going to just make a tee, but decided I would like something under the pettiskirt if Pearl wanted to wear it that way around.

The pettiskirt was from an ebay seller, and for only $19.99 including postage! Now everyone, well, the females at least, young and old, want one too!

Fluffly ruffles galore! And cute faux lace-up ballerina tights for under. The velour transfer I cut myself on my Klic n Kut craft plotter. I found a My Little Pony colour in page, copied to the software and then vectorised and simplified it for the cut. I was really happy with how it turned out and there will be plenty more transfers in my future!

And now a litany of the sewing disasters that struck while attempting a last minute night time sew. This was not my best work, Murphy was definitely visiting last night. Note to self... don't sew late at night. Lucky little girls have no eye for the details!
Things were going well up until when I put the transfer on. It worked well. Really well. So well in fact, that I I had very securely ironed an excess trim line (should have been removed first) well and truly on, never to be removed. Not sure why I hadn't noticed i had left that bit on but it was right along the edge of the transfer backing. I had to put the guipure lace daises around it to hide the fault line at the top. It wasn't a straight line or even. Because the top part was already put together and not able to lie flat, the daisies were a pain to put on and of course are not perfectly rounded. Surprisingly the tulle and satin played the game nicely, until I had to hem the satin, when it went all puckery, but no time to redo. I will probably do a rolled hem instead. And the pom pom! the cape was perfect until then. In the morning when I wasn't too tired to think straight, I realise I should have used a walking foot on the sewing machine. I should have put the trim on the outside not the inside, (but was tired and lazy and didn't want to change the thread colours over ) and it stretched and puckered and drove me crazy, then thought i could fix it by putting ric-rac trim on the outside, but instead made it worse. Surprisingly the last thing I did was the neck binding on the dress. Which I just hacked off a likely looking piece of the Stella fabric (cotton/lycra blend), and it turned out perfect! lol
I was pleased with the stretch/woven combo with the Farbenmix Henrika pattern. It worked well, which makes it even more flexible for future stash combinations.
So about an hour before everyone arrived beccy and I are staring at the cake wondering how we were going to transform it into a pony cake. Cut it into shape? Pipe icing? I thought about tracing a pony shape then carving out a flat layer around it so the pony was in relief. Decided that would take too long lol, so just found a pony picture and drew a pony freestyle, copying a pic on my computer screen. I was pretty pleased with the likeness. We then filled in the surrounds with pale pink cream cheese icing. We were going to fill in the pony but decided it was a good contrast as is and the cake swirls looked good. The heart marshmallows were sliced in half to make them thinner for the borders and pink and white sprinkles applied liberally to the icing.

Make a wish!

Beccy made the actual mud cake. I suggested a zebra technique so you get a striped marbling effect. It was a bit harder because of the size of the pan but did create good effect.

We used about 1/3 of the cream cheese icing we had mixed up, but I put the bowl out at the party tea alongside a big bowl of marshmallows and it was a yummy marshmallow dip! No leftovers there!