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Thursday, May 28, 2009

My creative space...


Today's space is full of tiny little stitches and lovely upholstery fabric samples being made into little brooches. Want one? There's a few in the shop or you can have a crack at winning two in my giveaway.

For more spaces or to play along pop over to Kirsty's.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

It's Giveaway Time!



Two little handmade brooches above PLUS a mini stash of fat quarters and crafty supplies below are up for grabs!


For one entry leave me a comment :)

For two entries leave a comment plus blog it, twitter it or facebook it (be sure to come back and let me know).

Open to anyone and everyone. Giveaway closes on 31 May, the winner will be selected randomly.

For links to more giveaway goodies check out the sidebar.

Cuddles and a thank you


He loves cuddles and chasing squirrels. Pop over here if you'd like to take him home.

A big thank you to two lovely bloggers who tagged me recently. Jenny, who makes the most amazing bears, listed me in her top 10 blogs that make her smile, what an honour! And the lovely Lilli Boo tagged me as Queen of all things Awe-Summm, hehe :)

I'm terrible at tagging people because there are so many of you who are fabulous bloggers, crafters, readers and commenters so instead if you would like to bestow either of these Awards on fellow bloggers then consider yourself tagged!

Here's the run down for each one:


Makes My Heart Smile :)
The rules to this award:
1)The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2)Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3)Nominate 10 blogs.
4)Put a link to their blogs.
5)Leave a message for your nominees.


The Awe-Summm!!! Award
The Award rules:
* List 7 things that make you Awe-Summm and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers you love.
* Make sure to tag your recipients and let them know they have won!
* Also link back to the Queen that tagged you.

Feel free to spread the bloggy love and don't forget to pop back here tomorrow for a crafty giveaway including some treats from my stash and a little bit of handmade goodness.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

My creative space...


I was freaking out a little on the weekend about having time to make stuff for the BrisStyle market on 4 July. Luckily Sam and Katie calmed by nerves a bit on Sunday at Brown Owls when they suggested making one thing a day from now until the market. That translates to one thing a night for me. So far so good, almost 3 boys in 3 nights. Have I slept? Yep, but only because the big love cooks me dinner, does the housework and makes my lunch for work the next day ;)

For more creative spaces pop over to Kirsty's.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The Linen Quest: Kelani


Name: Natural 100% Linen
Purchased from: Kelani
Cost: $50 per metre
Service: Excellent. Kelani always impress with speedy delivery plus postage is free within Australia. They stock gorgeous fabric including an extensive range of Japanese and Australian fabric.

Rating:
This is a beautiful quality linen and is well worth the price tag. The colour hasn't come up very well in the photo above, it's closer to the shade on the far right. It's maybe a little lighter than the image on the Kelani website, although as we all know this depends on the calibration of your computer screen as well. In their description of the linen Kelani recommend matching it with Kristen Doran Winter Nest and Matryoshka Doll craft panels. It's slightly thinner than the linen I would normally use for embroidery but I think the weave is tight enough to be used in this way. It would be perfect for almost any craft project.

Would I buy it again? Yes.

Have you purchased linen recently? Would you like to be a guest blogger for The Linen Quest? Leave me a comment with your details or contact me directly via the email contact in my sidebar to take part!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Cuddly Cat


She loves going on picnics, finding ladybugs and eating apples.
Right now she's hanging out here.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Sunday with the Owls


Had a fabulous Sunday meeting even more new crafty peeps at Brisbane Brown Owls.

For the full run down of what we got up to pop over here.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Teapot Block Pillow


A little something I stumbled across today.

Flickr crafter ryden1172 used Pink Penguin's Kettle Quilt Block tutorial to make this cute pillow from fabric scraps. What a great variation on the log cabin pillow!

Pink Penguin has made it super easy for beginners to make her quilt block with step by step photo instructions. She also has other cute patchwork tutorials available for download.

Saturday Shopping List


Because who doesn't love a good brooch and because I'll be making some of my own soon for the shop (well sometime before July anyway).

1. Cute Bear Brooch Design No. 3 (a steal at only $3.50!) from Prettyhead Designs
2. I have a Red Heart - double brooch from krize
3. My own sky - 2 brooches from yaelfran
4. Catsuit Pin from sugar cookie

For more of the best of etsy this morning pop over to Charlotte's.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Giveaway Day

Giveaway Day is back!

Pop back here on 27 May for a chance to win a handmade treat and some crafty bits and bobs.

If you want to give something away head to Sew Mama Sew and sign up! It's a fabulous opportunity to promote your gear and meet new peeps.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

My creative space...


- Little arms, legs and ears waiting to be clipped, turned and stuffed
- Birds in a bowl for couch-time-hand-stitching
- Fabric from Kelani
- Cute little brooch from REread to help Butterball be with Ladybug (you know you want to click on the link to find out more)
- Tin filled with fabulousness from Tinniegirl
- and signs of a future crochet project from Kyuuto Lacy Crochet
For more creative spaces pop over to Kirsty's.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

granny + coffee


These two go together nicely after a long day.

Check out the other grannies here, I'm so impressed by the amazing colour combinations.
Link
And if you'd like to come and play on facebook edward and lilly now has its own page! Pop over, become a fan and (if you have one) leave me a link to your page too :)

Area Thrifty One's Babushka Bunny


Area Thrifty One's Babushka Bunny is one of those perfect no-brainer sewing kits either for beginners or for when you want to whip up something real quick for a gift. The fabric is pre-printed so it's simply a matter of cut, sew along the line and stuff. How easy is that!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

The Linen Quest: Superbuzzy


Name: The perfect linen
Purchased from: Superbuzzy
Cost: Medium Weight: $23.95 (USD) per yard; Light Weight: $19.95 (USD) per yard (I bought the medium weight)
Service: Excellent

Rating:
Superbuzzy claim that they have been "searching for the pefect linen to use for our craft projects". I have to agree, I think this is a perfect linen, the texture is lovely and the quality is very good. However it's a shade darker than what I'm looking for. Having said that I do have some new projects floating around in my head that will be perfect for this linen.

Would I buy it again? Yes. Paying for shipping from America isn't ideal but as I only orderd the medium weight linen I will definitely head back to Superbuzzy to try the light weight (which wasn't available at time of purchase) and also to stock up on some fabric and trims. I think it would be fair to say that they have the best range of Japanese fabric online.

Superbuzzy's The perfect linen - medium weight

Superbuzzy's The perfect linen - light weight

Have you purchased linen recently? Would you like to be a guest blogger for The Linen Quest? Leave me a comment with your details or contact me directly via the email contact in my sidebar to take part!

Sophie Isobel Giveaway


I think everyone knows I have big love for Sophie's brooches, you can win one here.

Monday, May 11, 2009

BrisStyle at West End Carnivale


On Saturday I got to hang out with Olivia and her mum at the BrisStyle stall at West End Carnivale. It was loads of fun chatting up all things BrisStyle, making flower chains, listening to some cool sounds and squeezing in some granny squares.


You can read more about it over here.

Lemonade


Thank you Leslie for giving me this sweet blog award. I like it because sometimes I do feel like I'm running a little lemonade stall where lovely people stop in to choose from my very small stock of 10 items (heck, even having 10 items listed is a big deal for me!)

The award is for bloggers who show great attitude and gratitude :)

I'm not great at giving out blog awards because I always feel terrible for the ones I wanted to give it to but couldn't without listing a ridiculously long list of blogs. So instead I'll pop around to a few blogs in the next week and if you get a lemonade comment from me consider yourself awarded.

To pick up the Lemonade Stand Award:
  • Comment on this blog.
  • Cut and paste the award logo and use it in your own blog.
  • Nominate 5 to 10 blogs you feel show great attitude and gratitude.
  • Link to your nominees within your blog post.
  • Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award.
  • Link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation.

Fundraiser and Giveaway for Gem


I was very honoured to meet this cute little papillon Gem the other night. Gem is a medical assistance dog for Eliza from Elven Hair. Little Gem is having an operation on her knee today and Eliza is having a fundraiser to cover the costs as well as a giveaway on her blog. If you have a spare moment please pop over to Eliza's shop to help out and/or spread the word about Gem.

Elven Hair etsy shop
Elven Hair blog giveaway

Friday, May 8, 2009

Dear Fii


Dear Fii,

Did I mention while looking after your stall for those couple of hours at the S&C Show that I loved it when people thought I was clever enough to make fabulous patterns? Don't worry I told them I wasn't the talent behind such scrumptious colours and delightful designs.


Did I tell you about the little girl who though Burrito was an alien from outer space? She even created a funny little voice for him before her Mum dragged her away to look at "more boring fabric".


You should know that I'm still prancing around my crafty little space wearing my pin cushion corsage even when I have no immediate use for pins. I stared at them sitting in that bucket for a lifetime while in your stall. I'm so pleased I went for that lovely repurposed 100% silk beauty.


Thank you for letting me play in your little space at the Show. I hope our paths cross again, I'll be keeping an eye on your blog for more fabulous designs.

All the best
Rebecca x


Patterns to make your own Dear Fii critters can be found here.

BrisStyle Giveaway


The big Bristyle blog giveaway is on again. Pop on over for your chance to win cute little accessories from Kitty Boo Boo or these fab ruffle pants from Bettsy Kingston.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

My creative space...


I can't believe it's Thursday again already! There's more than one space this week with ironing, chalking and cutting going on in one corner,


assembling and handsewing in another,
and grannying on the couch when I have a break from it all.

Head over to Kirsty's for more spaces.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Biddy Bags Tea Cosy Launch and Market


Biddy Bags is launching their new tea cosies just in time for Mother's Day. So, if you're a Brisbanite pop into the city on Friday for a cuppa and a cupcake to celebrate Biddy Bags new product launch.

Friday 8 May
Bleeding Heart Gallery
166 Ann Street (Old School of Arts Building)

3-5pm Afternoon Tea and Market
5-8pm Evening Drinks, Market and Live Music (that's when I'll be there)

If you're not in Brisbane, you can still shop Biddy Bags on their website.

See you there!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Stitches and Craft Show Wrap Up

The Stiches and Craft Show was a blast, I have to hand it to the stall holders for remaining so cheery after 5 days! First up, my hoard from two fun but exhausting days.


The cutest apron ever from Louise of Made by Miffy, I was overwhelmed when she handed it to me after looking after her stall for an hour. You may have seen it on the BrisStyle blog last week but I think she secretly made it for me, it fits perfectly and the fabrics are right up my alley.

I had a love at first sight moment when I spotted the pin cushion corsage while looking after Dear Fii's stall. Thank you so much Fiona, looking after your stall was like being in a candy shop full of bright buttons, fabulous fabric and cute little critters. More about Fiona later in the week...

Here's Bec, my BrisStyle blog partner in crime, working it in Fi's stall. I also got to meet mini-Bec, oh my, words can't describe that cuteness! Bec and Jade's Beckybean bags were in the Wardrobe Refashion Parade.


Here's Justine from MixTape zine, I spent a couple of hours each day helping out (aka hanging out) here. Justine, it was an honour not only to meet you but to chat about crafty communities and magazine publishing. I know how tough the publishing treadmill can be and you deserve a medal for your MixTape triumph.


Justine also had this fabulous signature quilt with her, what a brilliant idea!


I didn't finish mine, probably too busy gasbagging, but it will be in the post soon!


I caught up with loads of other bloggers, crafters, BrisStylettes and Brown Owls as well as squeezing in some shopping including felt from Winterwood, the Handmade Nation book and fabric from Amitie and Peppermint Stitches.

Of course this post would not be complete without mention of the beautiful BrisStyle ladies in the incubator section. I'm sorry I don't have photos of all the stands but there will be some soon on the Brisstyle blog. There was Made by Miffy, Trishalan Designs, Little Diva, Scampsville and of course Helen from Ruby 2 GoGo who did a tremendous job of promoting BrisStyle in her interview on the main stage. There she is satisfying every shopper's urge in her fabulous stall.


I'm sorry if I left anyone out, it's all a bit of a blur now.

My top 3 picks of the Show:
1. All the amazing creative peeps in the Incubator section
2. Handmade Nation (if you missed it, it's coming out on DVD in November, maybe we should have a Brisbane Handmade Nation night?)
3. Amitie

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Eye Spy ... My new favourite blog

I'm finally joining in with Cindy's eye spy again. And so this is my new favourite blog:

Thank you One Red Robin for an easy theme to slip back into.

And another thank you to DonataFelt for popping one of my birds in a Treasury, and what a lovely Treasury it is (pity my screen shot of it is a bit pathetic). Here's the link so you can go and check it out.

Saturday Shopping List


Today's list is inspired by the low key black-and-white visual style of film noir.
For more shopping lists pop over to Fancy Picnic.
Well, I'm off to the Stitches and Craft Show, enjoy your Saturday!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Blast from the past


Remember these? I had one in grade one at school, I completely forgot about the brilliance of the chair cover until I popped in on Red Chocolate tonight. Hmmm... think I need one for the office :)

A granny a day


There I was so in love with my granny squares, treasuring each and every one I made (yep all 3 of 'em), proudly holding each one up to show the big love while he was trying to work... until I had a really good look through A granny a day flickr pool.

I hope mine look that neat and pretty one day. And with only 3 colours of yarn I'm thinking I need to come up with some more inventive photo shoots so I don't bore the heck out of you all.

I like this one from Sarah London, I wish chocolates fell out of my pencil case when I opened it, or the one that coordinates beautifully with Bundaberg Sugar packaging, yeah that's a nice one. Pip puts retro/vintage stuff with hers, I like that too. And there's something about Kirsty's that make me want to eat sticky caramel chocolatey things and drink coffee.

Hmmm... how many different objects could I photograph a granny with?