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.

This is... what makes me happy

Because he always makes my days fun and funny :)

Thank you One Little Acorn for making this week's theme so easy. For more this is... or to play along check out Three Buttons.

going places

Arms stretched out waiting for a cuddle from someone special.


Cuddly Cat is available now at madeit, etsy and dawanda.

As for this little lady...


She's off to take part in Softies for Mirabel.

on my desk ...

I've been struck down with a nasty cold so there's not much action on my desk this week other than these divine earrings from Nephilim Designs.

For more on my desk... action check out kootoyoo.

dancing monkey

There's some great talent featured on Martha's blog The Dancing Monkey including cute earrings from GalleriaLinda, beautiful scarves from Yarn Obsession, funky dresses from RockNRoll McMama Designs, a little interview with me plus you will not believe how cute the felted miniatures from Look Mama Made It are.


I could just pick one up and eat it.

this is... what gives me goosebumps

Walking down the stairs at Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The thought of it still gives me the creeps.

Thank you Juddie for this week's theme. For more this is check out three buttons.

ten sticky fingers

Dropped off the wholesale order today.


Which means these guys will be available at Ten Sticky Fingers soon!

Hmmm... now I need to get to work updating the shop.

how about carpet?

Anyone who has travelled to Istanbul will remember being asked this question a hundred times a day. Proclaiming how heavy your back pack is and how many more weeks of travel you have left will make no difference thanks to the glory of Fedex. So, how about carpet? Could you resist this sweet little lady?

on my desk...

On my desk...

- Teddy with tie work in progress for a wholesale order
- Sewn paper cards from moonmum
- Lara Cameron clutch purse and fabric
- A note reminding me to check out Stubby Pencil Studio for upcoming birthdays.

turkish coffee

I could so go one of these this morning.


No, that's not chocolate in the bottom, it's coffee!


My fingers are hurting from hand sewing through layers of ruched linen and cotton all weekend and I'm sure I've suffered major blood loss from constantly jabbing the needle into my fingers by accident. I probably should use a thimble but I'm sure I'd need one for nearly every finger. If you have a hot tip for the best thimble (or any other device) to ease the pain of hand sewing let me know!

This is ...

This is... my most treasured childhood possession.

Puppy and Mousey turned 30 this year, they still can't believe they have lasted that long!

Thanks to Angela for This is ... and Teacups on Treetops for a great theme.

i rate this

gifting

Aside from churning out bears, cats and dogs for orders there's also a lot of sewing for gifts going on.


Bibs are one of a number of items that can be thrown together in a matter of hours.


These three were for a baby shower on the weekend. With all the babies appearing this year bibs have quickly become a regular project.


Oh, and then there's gifting for me. Thank you Melody, Marc and Leila. These arrived in the post yesterday.


Red birdee earrings from Dear D. Simple design and extremely cute!

to the gold coast

Off to the Gold Coast you go Surfer Dog


to ride the waves and soak up the rays.


Happy Birthday Nikitah x x