Blog Break

It's time for a two week blog break. I'm off to Melbourne Art Fair and Sydney Biennale.

Got any tips for where to shop, eat, drink, relax or play in Melbourne or Sydney? Leave me a comment and let me know.

See you back here on August 12.

This is... the start of a sewing project

This is the start of my biggest sewing project, not the most complicated but the largest in size.


The fabric is from Anna Maria Horner (my photos do not do the colourway justice).

Sorry everyone, I was a little late with my This is... post this week.

For more This is... check out Three Buttons.

Just a minute... in July

Summing up the month of July thanks to August Street.


Knitting... a new throw for the couch


Growing... tomatos (again)


Sewing... the twirly skirt for an upcoming birthday.


Wearing... shoes I love.

Reading... Eyeline issue 66.


Buying... flights to Melbourne and Sydney.

Shopping List Saturday

from top left:

bettee the windsee from onegirl
Greeting Card - Heart Attack - Hand Printed from Magic Jelly
black and blue sashiko reversible wristlet from assemblage
House Ring from J Davis Studio
Can't Stop Now ......8x10 Inch Print from Tracie 76 Photography
Cute and Simple Dress from Made by Miffy
Origami Elephant Organic Purse from Mingus
Quartet of bird cards in beautiful Amy Butler paper from moonmum
Oliver from Shell
Little Olive Girl- limited edition print from TskTsk
Midsummer Collar from Fancy Picnic
Baby Pink - Apple Baby Booties from Pedrosprout


This is a new meme of coveted items on etsy. It was started by Charlotte from Fancy Picnic. If you would like to take part or want to see what's on other players' shopping lists check out her blog.

kimono top

I love an easy sewing project. You know, those ones where you sit down after a long day, whip up something in a couple of hours, and your day ends with that deep satisfaction of having created something.


The kimono top pattern from Habitual is just that. Even though I'm a little uncoordinated at bias binding it's still a super easy sewing project.

on my desk ...

Fabric cut and ready to be sewn into a kimono top for a little friend.

Check out more on my desk... here.

pay it forward

So I was checking out The Princess and the Monkey's blog the other day (which is gorgeous by the way, go have a look) and came across "Pay-it-Forward".

How does it work?
The first three people who comment on this post will get a little handmade gift from me sometime in the next 365 days. All you need to do is "Pay-it-Forward" to 3 people on your blog in exchange.

Make sure when you leave a comment you let me know either your email or blog address so I can contact you.

For more info about paying it forward check this out.

turkish tiles

more of these inspiring tile designs here.

the handmade expo and craftblog

The Handmade Expo is coming to Ipswich (about 40 minute drive from Brisbane) on Saturday 16 August from 8am-2pm at the Ipswich Showgrounds Pavilion.

Entry is $2 for adults and kids are free.

There will be over 50 stalls plus for all the crafters out there I'm pretty sure you can still book a stall or, if not for the August expo, there will be another one in September!

Contact Liesa thehandmadeexpo@optusnet.com.au

Also thank you craftblog for giving Edward and Lilly a mention last week. If you haven't already seen this blog you should go check it out, there are some great tutorials on it.

week-long art retreat in north queensland

Get away from it all for a week of creativity in Tropical North Queensland.

There's only 3 weeks left to register for this year’s Artists Retreat, “Regeneration” from 24 to 30 August. Regenerate and experiment in new surroundings at the Daradgee Environmental Education Centre, Innisfail.

Acclaimed artists Judy Holding and David Frazer will lead this year’s retreat in the unique landscape of far north Queensland.

Based at the Daradgee Environmental Education Centre near Innisfail, participants will visit a number of inspiring locations in this beautiful tropical area that has been gradually recovering from the impact of Cyclone Larry in 2006.

The Artists Retreat has grown in popularity and reputation since its inception in 2004. Each year it has been held in a different landscape of Queensland, giving participating artists the opportunity to enjoy the challenges that these unique places present and the lead artists’ approach to working in the landscape.

Contact Flying Arts on 07 3109 7350 or go to http://www.flyingarts.org.au/index-artists-retreat.htm for registration forms and more information.