Ear Flap Beanie Zipper Pouch

It's hot as hell here so I don't know where the inspiration came from to embroider a beanie!


Available in the shop now.

Hope you all have a wonderful New Year's Eve, see you back here in 2009 :)

Chic Boots Zipper Pouch

Coin purse size and available in the shop now. More designs coming soon ...

Flickr Friend... Creative Breathing

1. Painted Baskets, 2. Pincushion Button Keep, 3. Dutch Girl, 4. Cuckoo for Kiki!

Too cute for words right! Here's her photostream and her blog which you must go check out because she's giving away one of her cute little red birds.

Update and a thank you

12-19-08_8-08amEDT, originally uploaded by getglassy.

Thank you Lisa of Lou Lou and Oscar for grabbing a screen shot of my little green bird on the front page of etsy (this was pre-Christmas). Thanks also Charlotte for letting me know it was there :)

Where have I been? I've been relaxing, developing ideas and sewing. It feels so indulgent to have a week off work and stay home. I'll be back soon with some snaps of what I've been up to.

Happy Holidays

Wishing you all a healthy and happy holiday. Thank you for popping in to my little space and for being so supportive. See you back here in 2009... actually knowing me I will be popping in between now and then anyway :)

Yes, I'm still going on the Meet Me At Mike's Christmas Stocking Stitch Along but at least I finished one.

Sophie Isobel Designs

A couple of weeks ago I fell in love with these Jane Austen Collection brooches on Etsy. Having started a book club this year they make the perfect accessory for meetings, and for when I'm feeling bookish.

The genius behind these designs is Sophie, she makes the most divine little bags and accessories using vintage, recycled and unique materials. Plus she takes commissions which is brilliant, I'm sure she'll get a few orders from the other book club members and from some of you who I know won't be able to resist ordering the brooch below.

Sophie popped this one in my package as a little gift, ain't she the sweetest. I'm so in love with it, I think it will get the most wear of all of them.


Sophie is on holidays at the moment but in the meantime go and browse her shop and lose yourself in her blog, it's a great read, then come back and let me know what you think :)

Sew Craft Blog

Sew Craft Blog is an online community of crafty bloggers. Each Sew Craft Blog group has 15 members who form a mini community of support for each other within the larger network. I'm in group 4 and my group members' blogs are over in my sidebar, go check them out. Oh, and there's still spaces available in our group! Here's how it works and here's the Sew Craft Blog.

Saturday Shopping List

1. Winter Girl from threaded basil

2. Zelda Crochet Necklace/Bracelet from gitte

3. Moon River from Little Chrissy

4. Kyanite and Silver Necklace from Spiral Stone

Shopping List Saturday provides an opportunity to promote the wares of fellow etsy sellers. Are you taking part? Head on over to Fancy Picnic to sign up.

New Finds

More new finds from the past week or two

Scarlet Fig
Curlin Reed Sullivan
Tiny House

I think you'll really like these ones.

Biddy Bags

There's nothing like a good local initiative that gives back to the community, especially when it means I can buy pretty bags like this one.

Biddy Bags is a Redcliffe based enterprise which combines the creative designs of young women with the crochet skills of older women. Bags aren't their only product, they also create cute little clutches and the most beautiful soft washers. Order before Christmas for 15% off.

My bag was made by Jan, you know how I know that? Because the inside pocket of the bag tells me a little story about her, isn't that the sweetest :)

Even if you've finished your Christmas shopping and can't spare another cent still go check out the website for the great banner photo, the idea behind Biddy Bags, the gorgeous ladies and to join their mailing list.

Show & Tell: Decorations and Ornaments

My favourite Christmas ornament this year is these two little wooden peeps from Bucharest, Romania. We have a lot of memories linked to these little ones.

Show & Tell is a new meme over at Craft Blog. Want to play along? Go here.

Letter Writers Alliance

When I was a kid letter writing was really cool, my sisters and I had a stationery and sticker collection for writing letters to our cousins and friends interstate, at one point we even had international penpals!

I have to confess I haven't written a letter or even thought about it since I was about 15 so when I stumbled across the Letter Writers Alliance all of my letter writing memories came flooding back. The crispness of beautifully designed stationery, curvy handwriting, airmail and international postage stamps.

Thanks to LWA I now have two penpals but no stationery! And I'm finding letter writing sets a little difficult to come by in the city. Do you know of any good online/etsy shops that sell letter writing sets? You do? Well, you know what to do, leave me a comment with the link :)

WIP: Christmas Stocking Stitchalong

One down, one to go. I hope I actually finish these stockings before Santa arrives.

To stitch along pop on over to Mikes.

Tinniegirl

Oh how I love the brilliance of Tinniegirl. I'm sure you've all already heard about this new little craft kit venture but did you know that if you order a tin before Christmas you get a bonus Minnie Tinnie full of Christmas ornament making goodness!


I think the little tin would make the perfect gift for a new crafter, and you could keep the big one of course! Go on, get to the shop.

She's Crafty Giveaway

It's certainly give away season! Check out the great one at She's Crafty, even if you are tired of entering giveaways you should still go take a peek at her blog, it's loaded with all sorts of crafty goodness.

Winter Giveaway

Flickr Friend: Lou Lou and Oscar

1. Moon Rabbits, 2. Moon Rabbit, 3. Jean-Pierre Catty Catty, 4. Moon Rabbit Red

I think she found me on flickr but I wish I had found her ages ago. I am so in love with these little faces, the fabric, the designs and the gorgeous photography.

Check out more loveliness in her photostream and her shop (you can also check out her sold items and request one on order). Wouldn't the green and red ones be so cute under your Christmas tree!

The winner is...

Congratulations comment number 61 - Livvie. I'll be in touch and will post your little bird.

Thank you everyone who left a comment for the giveaway, the response was overwhelming :)

Saturday Shopping List

In celebration of the Brisstyle markets on today, my wishful shopping list just may become a reality. All of these items are from a selection of the talented people who will be participating in Brisstyle. I have to say, I'm a little envious of them, I don't think I could ever find the time to have a market stall in December!

1. Bad Santa and Rude Rudolph finger puppets from Wicked Child Designs
2. Betty from Made by Maisie
3. Pink and Purple Bracelet from Raspberry Pink
4. Paper Gals Paper Doll All Dressed Up – Season Spirit Gal from sharlzndollz
5. Quak Quak Big Girls Ducky Fabric Covered Pony Tail Holders from EmBelIsh
6. Miet Ruffle Pants from Bettsy Kingston

Shopping List Saturday provides an opportunity to promote the wares of fellow etsy sellers. Are you taking part? With Christmas fast approaching you should be! Head on over to Fancy Picnic to sign up.

Green

Little Bird Tree Decoration (Green), originally uploaded by edwardandlilly.

I completely forgot to blog this little bird in a new green and white colourway. The felt is hand dyed wool so it's lovely and soft. I'll be doing a couple more for the shop over the weekend or you can leave a comment and order one directly from me. The pricing is the same as the other birds in the shop.

P.S. The give away is being drawn on Sunday.

New Finds

After all the excitement of give away day last week I felt like the real winner having stumbled across some amazing blogs. So, I thought I'd share my new found blogs for the week each Friday. I'm not going to give you a run down of each one, you can go check them out for yourself.

Linaloo
threaded basil
mojo & co

Maybe three is enough in one go, I'll save the others for next week ;)

One for the Brisbanites

BrisStyle, a collective of artists, crafters and designers from the Brisbane area who sell their wares on Etsy are having their very first market. The market will specialise in quality handmade goods including handbags, jewellery, funky footwear, babies and children’s wear, soft toys, graphic artworks and vintage re-creations to name a few.

So if you are looking for gifts that are unique and well-made with a little soul and a lotta style, then The 2008 BrisStyle Christmas Market in Hamilton is the place to shop!

Hamilton Town Hall, Cnr Rossiter + Racecourse Rd, Hamilton Brisbane

Saturday 13th December 2008

9am - 4pm

For more information on The BrisStyle Christmas Market stallholders and BrisStyle http://www.brisstyle.blogspot.com

Show & Tell: Top Five

The top five items on my 'To Sew Before Christmas List'

1. Little Birds for the shop and for gifts.


2. Meet Me At Mikes Christmas stocking stitch along. Pop over there for the pattern to stitch along too. I'm hoping to do both embroidery designs before the 25th.


3. Lounge pants for BF that I started in March and never finished using the pattern from Amy Butler's In Stitches.

4. A sleeping mask for Mum.

5. Something for my sister, I have no idea what. Any suggestions? If you know of an amazing pattern or idea please leave a comment and point me in the right direction!

Show & Tell is a new meme over at Craft Blog. Want to play along? Go here.

Eye Spy... something in my garden

Water Dragon, originally uploaded by TriPodRoD.

Yes, I am a few days late with this post and no, I didn't take this photo but it's such a great shot I couldn't resist it and given that my unit is at Roma Street Parklands I like to think of it as my garden. Water dragons are soaking up the rays throughout the parklands at the moment, a quick morning walk will reveal dozens of these funny little faces.

Thank you Curly Pops for this week's theme and BugandPop for hosting EyeSpy.

Baby Quilt

The baby quilt is finished and with its new owner. There are photos of the full quilt here, it was overcast the whole weekend so the natural lighting doesn't really do the colourway justice.

Also, for the knitters out there Sandra is having a give away I think you'll like.

Now, back to Christmas sewing...

Flickr Friend

Candy Cane Catbutt Pendant from Out of the pink sky

I could not resist posting this Christmasy coloured cheeky cat for this week's flickr friend. You can pick up more cool designs in her etsy store.

Saturday Shopping List

I've scheduled my blog to post this on its own while I'm doing some real shopping at the Christmas market at Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.

1. Balloons Raku Pottery from Pacarro Pots
2. trees2 OOAK from feed the dog
3. hamble from yellow monday
4. Luna Ring from white metal

Shopping List Saturday provides an opportunity to promote the wares of fellow etsy sellers. Are you taking part? With Christmas fast approaching you should be! Head on over to Fancy Picnic to sign up.

Baby Quilt Work in Progress

Baby Quilt WIP, originally uploaded by edwardandlilly.

Just popping in for a little baby quilt update. After a number of nights, a million pin pricks and calluses to boot I finally finished the hand quilting. I've also attached half the binding so should have the finished quilt posted here by the end of the weekend.

Blog Giveaway

Want one of these little birds on your Christmas tree this year?

To mark 150 posts and to let you all know how much I appreciate you stopping by I'm having a blog giveaway. Just leave a comment letting me know which colour bird is your favourite. The winner will be drawn randomly on Sunday 14 December and will receive a little bird in their preferred colourway in the post before Christmas.

Want two? Mention this giveaway on your own blog and if you win I'll throw in an extra bird. Be sure to send me your blog link so I know!

I will ship anywhere in the world so international readers comment away.

scheDUEL

Still feeling totally inspired by the handmade issue of mankind mag from my favourite design blog.
Q What is the blog author's first name? ANSWER: Erin
use the first letter - LETTER: E

We like to keep lunch casual, I've found some fabulous BBQ recipes for the big day.
Q What type of meat is pictured on the rotisserie? ANSWER: Lamb
use the first letter - LETTER: L

Getting some great ideas for upcycling (my favourite craft) & enjoying the revamp over at this fabulous craft website.
Q They list everyone's favourite Portland based author mama as one of their inspirational sites. Which Portland based author mama is she? ANSWER: Amanda Blake Soule
use the second letter of her last name - LETTER: o

Looking forward to being able to buy handmade at the shopping shindig with the craft book Queen.
Q What type of car is pictured? ANSWER: Volkswagen
use the first letter - LETTER: v

All these letters unscramble to reveal: LOVE
WHAT? is all you need.

What am I on about? scheDUEL can be played over at Kootoyoo for some amazing prizes!

Saturday Shopping List

1. Timmy the Tree Softie (so cute and it's on sale!) from Poppy Lane
2. Reindeer toy/decoration from bubala
3. Cup of Tea embroidered purse from Tabitha Emma
4. Beary Cute from Wild Things of Noosa

Shopping List Saturday provides an opportunity to promote the wares of fellow etsy sellers. Are you taking part? With Christmas fast approaching you should be! Head on over to Fancy Picnic to sign up.

Red birds

Little Bird Tree Decorations (Red), originally uploaded by edwardandlilly.

There are more birds in the shop now but be quick, this is a popular colour.

If you don't find the colour you like I take requests so feel free to contact me directly for an order.

Australian readers can purchase in AUD here or by leaving me a comment with your blog or email address.

Flickr Friend... Fancy Picnic

1. Midsummer Collar 1000 cropped view, 2. big brooch, 3. beaded pendant main view, 4. Tea Dance Pendant full view 1000

Charlotte is an amazing textile artist. She has this uncanny ability to take tiny buttons, beads, pearls, threads, yarn and fabric and produce the most exquisite wearable pieces. The luscious colours burst out from the screen creating a desire to reach out and feel their texture.

But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself. This is only a tiny sample of the amazing images in her flickr stream and on her blog. She's recently started making the most divine cowl collars.

Want to wear one of Charlotte's pieces? Go get one here.

Saturday Shopping List

1. Mini Babushka Matryoshka Doll Brooch from De Nardi
2. JIM the Designer Blue Giraffe from fede
3. Bluebell Quilted Purse from Justina Maria
4. Raspberry sky necklace from Minski

Shopping List Saturday provides an opportunity to promote the wares of fellow etsy sellers. Are you taking part? With Christmas fast approaching you should be! Head on over to Fancy Picnic to sign up.

Flickr Friend... Miffy's World (aka Made by Miffy)

Now this lady knows how to combine great fabric. For the cutest, brightest, most gorgeous kids clothes you can either drool over her photostream, read her blog or buy them in her new online shop. Don't forget to sign up for the mailing list while you're there!

on my desk ...

on my desk ..., originally uploaded by edwardandlilly.

Well, on my lap actually while recovering from laryngitis (again!) Basting is done and hand quilting has commenced.

For more desks visit Kootoyoo.

Ivy Elizabeth

My beautiful little niece Ivy Elizabeth arrived on Sunday as predicted.

baby booties, originally uploaded by edwardandlilly.

Lucky I whipped these up the night before because the quilting is still in progress but that's ok it's getting there.

Pattern used: Martha Stewart felt baby shoes.

Saturday Shopping List

My selections for this week are:

1. Super Cute Plastic Kitsch Blue Owl Charm from Green Kitten Jewellery
2. Autumn Leaf Brooch from Little Chrissy
3. Heart thoughts journal from love janie lou
4. Cream/burgundy smock style top from Blossom Child.

Shopping List Saturday is the genius idea of Charlotte. It provides an opportunity to promote the wares of fellow etsy sellers. Are you taking part? With Christmas fast approaching you should be! Head on over to Fancy Picnic to sign up.

the answer is ...

I'm thinking Curly Pops simply because of the colours.

If you've popped in this morning and you have no idea what I'm talking about head over here.

When luck is on your side

I could hardly believe my luck recently when I won two blog giveaways. I picked up my mail yesterday and found they both had arrived :)

The first was this lovely vintage fabric from Elizabeth at Bits of Sunshine. Elizabeth has such a lovely blog, she writes beautifully about her family, sewing and cooking. This fabric is just gorgeous, I can't wait to make something with it.


Plus (and I know you'll all be envious of this one), this bundle of goodies from Jade at girl ferment. It includes Lena Corwin's gorgeous book Printing by Hand, Lara Cameron's wonderful gingko fabric that I've had my eye on for a while and a coin purse made from Jade's own teeth brushing fabric! The coin purse has already been put to good use. And look at the cute little printed elephant note card! You probably already know Jade's blog because it's so beautiful and fun but if you haven't go check it out.


Thank you Elizabeth and Jade, you made my week :)

And thank you to everyone who left a comment on my last post about quilting, my niece is now likely to make an appearance earlier than expected so I'm feeling a little pressure about getting the quilt finished. Hmmm... maybe I should make some back up booties to give on the day just in case...

on my desk ...

on my desk ..., originally uploaded by edwardandlilly.

It's getting to the point where every spare minute (and there aren't many of them) is spent on this baby quilt. I'm expecting the top to be finished in the next day or two.

Got any super quilting tips/links for me? Please leave a comment, this is my first quilt so I need all the help I can get.

There are more desks here

and have you seen this? I'm loving it.

Two new birds

After 3 relaxing days by the beach there are 2 new birds in the shop.


I need to take a little break from the birds and get back on to that baby quilt, my new niece is due on Sunday!

Peach Sorbet and Brown Owls

Little Bird Tree Decoration (Peach Sorbet), originally uploaded by edwardandlilly.

Little Bird Tree Decoration (Peach Sorbet) is now available. I'm taking custom orders for these for Christmas so if there is a particular colour or flower you like let me know and for $10AUD plus postage you can hang one on your tree.

Most of you will know that Brown Owls has opened membership for 2009. I've joined as a faraway owl in Brisbane, any other Brisbanites out there interested in forming a Brisbane Brown Owls group? If you are, head to the Brown Owls blog and join!

I'm off to the beach for three relaxing days so I won't be posting this weekend but make sure you still check out Saturday's Shopping Lists over at Charlotte's and Sunday's This is...

on my desk ...

on my desk ..., originally uploaded by edwardandlilly.

More work in progress.

For more desks visit kootoyoo.

Lavendar

Little Bird Tree Decoration (Lavendar), originally uploaded by edwardandlilly.

Little Bird Tree Decoration in Lavendar is available in the shop now.

I got a little surprise this morning when I popped in to Dawanda and found my notebook cover on the home page.