The Circuitous Reflections and Pensiveness of an Eclectic Lachrymose

New Laptop!!!

2012-02-14T21:37:00.001+11:00

Hi there girls.

I haven't abandoned you again.

I have been given my very own laptop that actually works - yipee!!!!

It is old but it works fine and it gets all the work done that I need done. I'm actually quite excited about it.

The only problem I have is that I don't have internet access at home anymore so unless I come to Mum and Dad's or go to Macca's I am unable to log on and post my daily blogs.

Hopefully it won't be too much longer now until I can have everything restored to some sort of normality.

I hope you have all had a wonderful day sharing your Tuesday's Treasures with Melody.

I look forward to catching up with you all very soon.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :)To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesday's Treasures

2012-01-31T12:46:00.001+11:00

How are you all today?
Well I'm doing this post from my little phone today so I don't know how we will go and I do t think I am able to link to Melody's blog from here but I'd love it if you would stop on over to the House On The Side Of The Hill http://thehouseonthesideofthehill.blogspot.com.au/ to see what others are treasuring today.

I think today my treasure is Gus
Gus came to us unexpectedly but has been a ray of sunshine in our lives.
After my husband left suddenly and unexpectedly recently, he contacted me to say he would be collecting both of our dogs, Misty the border collie x kelpie and Ruby the Maltese. The kids were devastated, we were all devastated. So the day he came to collected them, my mum turned up with Gus.
When I first laid eyes on him, I thought he was one of the most unattractive little fellows I had ever seen but he had just been shaved too.
Well the little cherub came to us at the right time. He was sort of a rescue dig. The people who owned him were told by their landlord that he had to go, so the very day he came to live with us, he was on his way to the pound.
He is the funniest little fellow and has certainly made his way into my heart. He does the funniest things and one of those is having a shower with us. He won't leave our side, which sometime can be a problem if I want to pop down the street or go out for dinner. We find he likes to stay at Nan and Pop's if we go out.
I've never been a dog person. Never liked them, could never touch them but this little guy sleeps in my bed. I know, I know - its not good but he keeps me company when I'm feeling along and he always knows when to cheer me up. He is just gorgeous.
When he stays at mum and dads, he goes and collects cushions and pillows and piles them on the wooden floor to sleep on. I couldn't believe it the first time I saw him do it!

I hope you have a wonderful week and can't wait till see you next week!

Tuesday's Treasures

2012-01-17T15:04:00.002+11:00

Hi there everyone, it's been some time since I've joined you all for Tuesday's Treasures with Melody over at The House On The Side Of The Hill.

Today I thought I would share a Christmas gift from my sister, it's a golden frog.

I think it looks a little more like a cane toad with all of its lumps and bumps but I love him all the same

You can see here he has lovely ruby eyes ans some gorgeous Swarovski crystals on his back

I didn't know where to put him. I don't have much luck with nice things on my cupboards and side boards - I have a cat. Yesterday I decided he would habg from the rear view mirror of my car, that way I can see him every day :-)

WHat are you treasuring today?

Don't forget to pop on over to Melody's to see what everyone else is treasuring.

Can You Help Me Please?

2012-01-15T15:08:00.002+11:00

Hi there,

How are you all?
I need a bit of help. please. Can you please tell me what my background on my blog looks like. I have changed it so it should be showing a background with blue on the outsides and worn timber with paint peeling or is it just a pink box at the top with roses?

Your imput would be greatly appreciated as some of my settings are telling me it is there and others are telling me it is not.

Thank you so much in advance.

Chelle xx

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :)To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Fairy Slippers

2012-01-15T14:56:00.000+11:00

Some time back I made some little fairy slippers at Guild. They are just the sweetest little things but very involved.
You start with a piece of felt, add some Vlisofix, some Angelina, some more vlisofix and then some crepe chiffon oh and you can add some glitter, sparkles or stars in between as well. Once you have you working fabric completed you can then trace your design, do a running stitch all around and then start decorating your little slipper. You can add stitches, beads, embellishments but remember your slipper is barelt an inch, maybe an inch and a half long.
I will show you some photos, they are not the best as I misplaced my camera charger for a few months and had to resort to my phone yet again.
Here they are...

You can see here by the size of my car key just how small they are and this is the big slipper

Here is the felt complete with the layers of Angelina and chiffon and I have added my outline so I know where to put my decorations and embelishments.

Here is the very first slipper I did in the class.

As you can see, I have used tiny little sequins, Swarovski crystals, Mill Hill glass beads and an enameled jewellery ornament. You can see here that I have done coral knot stitch around the bottom of the shoe - it needs something to ground and balance it.

A view from the top

You can see the inside here. It is a piece of purple velvet that has Vlisofix then gold foil that is affixed to the velvet.

Here is a red and black one. This one I did differently. I started with orange felt then used a hand dyed red, orange and yellow piece of cotton fabric then did the Vlisofic, flitter, Angelina and a red chiffon so it actually looks more red than orange.

I also crocheted a tiny little back glitter flower with some DMC metallic thread to put on the fron with some crystals.

As you can see I have turned this one into a key ring or one of those hangers that go onto your handbag. It didn't last long. I should have used tiger tail not cotton :-(

This one was supposed to be pink, purple and aqua but as you can see it has turned oout more pink and blue. It has purple velvet on the inside.

I also did some of these felt birds for cristmas presents. Don't have many left now but you get the idea.

This bird is made of some stuff I fouind at Spotlight. I don't remember what it is called but I had to buy a great big packet with ten sheets just for a tiny little piece. It is all glittery and shiny and sort of igves the same effect as Angelina so I thouhgt I would try it for the fairy slippers. I have only gotten as far as the birds so far. I just attached it to some white felt with some Vlisofix. It's a lot like paper. Depending on what coloured felt you use as the background, you will get different effects.

Have a fabulous day :-)

So Much To Tell...

2012-01-13T23:11:00.001+11:00

I have so much to tell you all that I just don't know where to start. It has been so very long since I have blogged I have such a lot of catching up to do.
I guess I will start with this one. My son, Master 13, has been learning to fly a plane, yes you read right, an aeroplane. A Cessna Skyhawk II. Can you believe it? No Neither can I. I am so incredibly proud of him though, after having so many people telling him he is stupid and won't amount to anything.

Here he is with the plane, of course.

Removing the chocs so the plane can taxi down the runway.

I think he is undoing the tie downs on the wings here - any piolets out there? I have no idea. Parents are not allowed to attend because we might distract them so I have never seen him fly, only these photos.

Checking the fuel

Just hopped into the plane with the instructor, Simmo. How incredibly exciting.

Here's Simmo about to let Connor take the controls

Oh my goodness Mum, look, I'm flying...

I'm still flying...

It has been a life long dream of Connor's to become a piolet. I think he was about three years old when he told me he was going to become a piolet and has wanted to ever since. He has been given this opportunity through the incredible school he is with as part of the LIFT program. It is an incredible program and I'm sure they could use any and all donations gladly.

Simmo donates his time and expertise to teach the kids to fly. He is a fighter piolet trainer at the RAAF so he is very time limited when it comes to the kids but still manages to fit in a heap of classes. The planes, fuel and everything is donated, it's fantastic.

The best thing is that Simmo was told he was too stupid and would never fly either so he is an incredibly role model for Connor.

Here is Connor's certificate of completion for the first part of the flying program.

Below is a short video telling of the LIFT program that Connor has been doing...

Well, that's my exciting news for the day.

Hopefullt tomorrow I will be back with an update on some of my latest creations.

I hope you are all well and have a fabulous day, week!

2012-01-11T22:49:00.000+11:00

Hi there,

I'm finally back and I really hope that I will be back for good.
As you can see, I needed a change, so I have changed my blog a little. I do hope I have done it correctly and I have no more glitches. Blogger has changed quite substantially since I have last been here so it has taken me a couple of hours to work it all out again.
As you are probably now well aware, I have had a really tough couple of months since my husband left. It came as such an incredible shock to me, I'm still reeling. As a result, my parents sent me away for a week so I drove from my home in Bolton Point, NSW to my Uncle's home is Scarborough in Qld.
It was great at the time. Just what I needed but I was not able to sit still and relax. I can't sit still because I think of him. I think of us, I think of what went wrong, of what I did, of what I could have done. You know, all of the silly stuff that you play over and over in your head. the silly stuff that you know you shouldn't but because you are grieving so much you just can't seem to help it. You just need to try to make some sort of semse of it all.
While I was away did a lot of driving, over 3,500kms in fact. I got to visit some old friends that have moved frm here to there and I even got to meet one of my online Acro friends, Fay. It was so great to meet her after speaking to her online for so long. We met up at QPAC and walked down to Southbank. It was fabulous, I just loved it. I could certainly visit there again.

We ate a a place called The Plough Inn (I think), it was delicious and the meals were massive!

Well, I think I will leave it at the for today. I have so much more to tell and share but it's getting late, I'm using Mum's computer and she has gone to bed so I guess I had better be going too. I just wanted to make sure my new blog is working.

I hope to be back very soon and I'll talk to you again then.

Have a fabulous day :-)

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :)To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Hello

2011-12-28T14:10:00.000+11:00

Hi there everyone, how are you?

I hope you have had a great Christmas.
Mine has been one from hell. My husband left, my TV blew up, my heart is broken and I feel like my world has fallen apart but I have realised that it's time to try to get back on my feet and move forward.
As any of you who have been through this would understand, it's not an easy path to walk but I can't sit here and wallow in my self pity forever, can I?
I still don't have a working computer but my Mum got one for Christmas so I am able to use it now. At least it allows me to keep in touch with you all once again and help keep my sanity.
I hope you are all well. I have missed our contact. Hopefully I will back back here very soon with some more positive posts.
Until then, stay well and have a wonderful New Year if I am not back before hand.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Acro Update

2011-08-31T16:17:00.000+10:00

I still don't have my Internet connection up and running but that's just because I haven't called my ISP yet to have it rectified. I have had a migraine on and off the last ten days so just don't have the patience to sit on the phone for hours, run up and down the stairs to set and rest the modem, ISP and anything and everything else that comes with that - again!

Anyway, I am currently sitting at Maccas enjoying their WiFi while waiting for my daughter to finish study group so I thought I would just post a little development in my Acro journey.
A couple of weeks ago, I went out with my Dad for the day and we did quite a bit of walking. It was not long before I had developed huge blisters on the soles of my feet. I was a bit perplexed by this. I was wearing a pair of Birkies, they had been broken in and I had only been fitted for this particular pair about 3 months ago. Imagine my surprise when I looked down at my feet, only to discover that my shoes appeared almost 2" too long. I thought I must have been going silly, or I had been sold a pair too big or maybe someone was playing a practical joke on me and had swapped my shoes or something.
When I returned home, I tried on all of my other shoes. My Birkies, Cassinis, Earth and Clouds only to discover that they too were almost 2" too long. Now I specifically remember being fitted for my clouds almost 3 years ago and my right shoe had to be stretched by a machine just to fit my foot. Now it was flopping about all over the place.

I had also been measuring my hands because I had heard that hands and feet MAY reduce in size after transphenoidal surgery.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/306746_2096545171022_1167123599_32074548_4559106_n.jpg

I have tried to upload a photo, don't know if it has worked from my phone. If it has, you can clearly see the differences in the size of my hand since surgery. It might also explain why I have been experiencing so much pain.
If the photo is not showing, stay tuned and I will add it from my computer as soon as I am able.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Queensland

2011-08-23T18:08:00.001+10:00

I'm driving to Queensland in a couple of weeks to visit my MIL and stay with SIL. I will be leaving home on fathers day and will be in and around Caloundra for a couple of days. I was wondering if any of my blogging friends in that area (up to an hours drive away) would like to meet for coffee, let me know. I will also be driving up to Maleny.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

2011-08-23T11:40:00.000+10:00

I have so much to tell and share with you all but my Internet is down. Well it's not exactly down, there is some sort of conflict with my IPS for some reason. I need to call back and have it rectified but it takes so long on the phone. Last time I was on the phone 5 hours fixing the problem.
Anyway, I managed to drag myself along to the little craft fair in Newcastle on Sunday. It has been a year or two since I have been able to go. I was not disappointed this time. I wis like a child in a candy store. I can't remember feeling so excited.
The highlight of my day was meeting Prudence Mapstone. I couldn't believe it was actually her. I'm sure you know what it's like. I have read her books, tried her techniques and she has been such an incredible inspiration to me over the years, to actually meet her was just so exciting. Because it was Sunday, there didn't seem to be a lot of people there - I didn't get overwhelmed or have any panic attacks so it must have been pretty sparse. Because of this, I was able to get in early and book a place in Prudences' workshop. She was teaching granny squares in Alpaca to create a gorgeous knee rug. I bit the bullet and purchased the whole kit. I have saved for 12 months so I thought - why not?! The alpaca is so divine. I have 80% baby alpaca 20% merino that I thought was divine... Until I got my hands on this 100% Frog Tree Alpaca. I just can't stop touching it. Prudence would only take 8 people in her class so it was fantastic. I asked her if she had to lift each round of yarn when doing billions or did she just pull it all through the hook and she then spent another 30 minutes teaching me bullion, crochet, scrambling and more. How lucky am I? Some of the other yarns she had were amazing, like the really fine silk/copper, the yak which was !89 a 50g ball or the Alpaca. The yak was gorgeous and if I had the funds it would have come home with me. The yak was quite interesting. As it is protected, it is only able to be harvested by the native peoples, there is not a very large amount available each season which is what makes it so expensive. The dark hair( it's not really a fleece) on the yak that you can see, is not what is harvested. There is a very fine, very light coloured hair close to the body which is combed out this is why it is able to be colored.
I also purchased 4 balls of organic, vegetable dyed hemp. I thought I would be able to crochet with it but it is very stiff. I might experiment with crocheting it wet.

I also got a hank of Katia Rizos to knit a scarf. It is quite fine compared to Can Can and although they had no purple left, I managed to get my hands on a red. Indidntt knit the 8 stitches like the pattern suggests, I did only 6 so I could get a longer scarf. Being overweight, I find I need quite a bit of extra length to wrap around my neck. I can knit a purse out of it but I think I would catch a purse on everything I walk past since it is so fine.
I also managed to get my hands on a ball of possum fur yarn - finally. It is a merino mix, which is better for my needs (in some ways) I have been trying to get it to knit some mittens for Dad. Possum fur yarn is supposed to be the best fibre for Reynards because it is a tubular fibre and not a solid fibre like merino. I did purchase a pair of possum fur gloves for Dad that were 100% possum and although incredibly soft and warm, they were also very fluffy and sparkly and not something a mans man would like to be seen wearing - apparently.

I got some lovely Japanese fabrics to complete and start some shashlik projects. And a lovely sashimi design to stitch that I had seen online but never thought I would ever find. Although I wanted to stitch the white on indigo, it was not available so I went for something different and Ian doing red on white. I will ten use this panel in a bag with red, black and white. Can't wait!

I got an absolutely divine pattern for sewing angel tool store by Hatched and Patched. I was only able to get the pattern so I am hoping I can pick up the kit when I go to Queensland to the store that was selling the kits at the craft fair. It would be so much easier to do it that way and an excuse to visit another patchwork store I have never been to.

I think the only other thing I got was an amazing 100 year old silk kimono that I purchased from a lovely Japanese man. It is not full length, more of a jacket. Dad has beensearching for years for a special silk kimono for Mum. He and I found some in Belmont a few years back but they were new, modern and a bit out of our price range, starting at $400. When we did go to layby one, the store was gone. This one I found, I thought would be more practical and could be worn on more occasions not knowing it was so old. The man told me they were 50% off for the show so I had a look, called Dad and continued to make a purchase. Imagine my surprise when he told me it was $25. Yes, that's right - only $25. I also purchased 4 x hand braided silk tassels for just $2.50 each.

Well I can't wait to show and share all of these things with you. I can't add photos today because I am using my pone so for that reason, I apologise for any spelling mistakes ( it's hard to see what I am writing on a screen that is showing me less than 1" x 2"). I also apologise for not linking to Melody today for the same reason :-(

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-08-16T10:18:00.000+10:00

I'm joining Melody again today for Tuesday's Treasures.

The following treasures are just a few in my collection and again just a few from my dear friends Chris and Sue. I have only photographed a small portion of them because it is just too exhausting for me staging and holding up that heavy camera and squatting to get just the right shot.

Can you guess what they are? Of course they are some more vintage tea cups and some exquisite linen. I am just so blessed to be showered with such beautiful things.

Please be aware, there are a LOT of photographs today.

Here is one linen table cloth, it has cross stitch on it with a Chinese theme

A cross stitched tree or maybe it is a bonsai on a Japanese inspired tablecloth

More cross stitch on the table cloth

Another scene

Here is another scene from the same tablecloth

Here is the next table cloth, cutwork of some sort.

Another view of the cut work

Cut work table cloth

Another view of the cut work.

Here is one of my silver tea pots with sugar and creamer. This is a cute little set I purchased at a local market. It was in a lovely purple velvet box and it was made in India, so it is not old but still very pretty.

Here is a lovely tea cup from the Chris and Sue collection :-)

Another pretty tea cup set.

Of course we had the obligatory helper...

Did you notice Doc's collar? It is hot pink and even glows in the dark *smile*

Dr Killmouskey - the helper.

As you can see I tried a new effect today, it its vignette. I'm not sure if I like it or not. Some images look pretty good but others I am not too sure. It is my attempt at creating vintage images :-)

I would also like to take the time to thank all of you who have messaged to see if I am OK.

I am OK. I have been experiencing quite a few more health challenges than usual which have subsequently left me exhausted most days. I finally have some referrals to see a specialist to investigate whether I have fibromyalgia, which would help explain the joint pain. It looks like I may have done more damage to my wrist than first thought so I am off to have x-rays and bone scan on that. I am also having some nerve conduction tests because they are sure I have carpal tunnel and of course the obligatory regular blood tests and MRI are due again too.

Apart from that I am doing well - thanks.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-07-19T23:30:00.000+10:00

Time for Tuesdays Treasures with Melody once again, well actually, it was time for Tuesdays Treasures about 15 hours ago. Yep, I'm late again. Still having computer problems and it has taken me this long to get it working again. But it's working, so here I am.

Today my treasure is my gorgeous little nephew Cooper {aka Coop, Coopy, Coopy Bear, Boof Head, Monkey, Chicken...}

Today is his first birthday

Happy Birthday Coop

There he is wearing the beanie I knitted for him

I was worried it would be too small

But it is too big and kept falling down over his eyes

Isn't he just the cutest kid?

HaPpY BiRtHdAy little man - love you long time <3

Yep, I forgot to take my camera and had to resort to my phone again :-(

Don't forget to pop on over to Melody's to see other treasures for the week.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

I Have A Sewing Machine

2011-07-07T22:18:00.000+10:00

We made it to Pennant Hills (yes Dad came and 12 year old Connor came to help me choose as well) to look at the sewing machine I had read about a few months ago. I think it was in one of the craft magazines I buy periodically. It was in my price range - $199.

Sure I have a machine, a lovely machine but I haven't used it for years. It is a Bernina 830. My ex-mother-in-law gave it to me a very long time ago. It was a fabulous machine and stitched beautifully. It has a hard red cover and weighs a tonne. When I re-entered the work force after having children, maybe 10 years ago, old Betty Bernina went into the bottom of my linen closet and there she stayed until about 2 years ago when I left work. To my surprise the poor machine was all rusty. I have no idea why but she just can't be used as is. I still have Betty - just can't seem to part with the old girl at the moment. Don't know if I can have her repaired or restored or not.

I came across an image of the old Bernina 830 just like mine, over HERE at Ducks and Rabbits and you can read a little more about her HERE.

The last 6 months I have been driving to my Mum and Dad's each time I want to sew anything, including my quilt swap blocks to use Mum's machine (which has a permanat set-up thanks to Dad's ingenuity) and this has just created a whole heap of tension and inconvenience for all involved.

I decided a couple of days ago that it was time I did whatever I could to get myself an inexpensive little machine so I can sew my heart out for as long as I want each day and not worry about getting in anyone's way.

I had read about this inexpensive little number a few months back - the Bernina Bernette 46

I totally fell in love with the look of this machine and decided to set about creating a little sewing den with a theme of black, white and red. I couldn't wait. I even planned on sticking little crystal diamantés in the centre of those little white flowers on the font of the machine.

BUT then I saw this

The Janome 2030 DC

Guess who came home with me?

It wasn't the cute little black number :-(

Jenny the Janome was just too tempting. Yes I went a little over budget but I realise now that with the amount of sewing that I have been doing, poor little Bernadette the Bernette just wouldn't cut it.

I am now doing the

"I own my own machine and it's a new machine" dance

(_/_)(_|_)(_\_)(_|_)(_/_)(_|_)(_/_)(_|_)(_\_)(_|_)(_/_)(_|_)

Do you know what that is up there ^

That is my bottom as it wiggles along to the

"I own my own machine and it's a new machine" dance

Tee hee hee

Doobie doobie do whah

Doing the happy dance :-)

All I need to do now is find somewhere I can create my little sewing nook.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-07-07T01:25:00.000+10:00

I thought it might be fun to join in with The Simple Women's Day Book. Maybe it might help get my creative blogging juices flowing once again...

You can go HERE to find out how to participate in The Simple Women's Daybook.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the wind is blowing, I can hear the rustling of the leaves and the piece of tin that is resting against the house quietly tapping at the hardiplank wall. I can hear the call of the lorrikeets as they zip overhead and the chickens as they scratch around in the leaf litter below my window. The sun is trying to break through the clouds. It's cold and dry, the flowers and plants in the gardens are wilting.

I am thinking... about a lot of things, maybe too many at once. I'm thinking about my daughter leaving tonight to attend her very first Hillsong conference. I'm thinking that my son is playing is Coasties Cup this weekend - an invitation only baseball competition that starts early Friday morning and finishes Sunday afternoon. I'm thinking that I had better get off this computer and get ready for the class I am teaching this afternoon.

I am thankful... for so many things. Today though I am thankful that I can warm up when it is so cold outside.

In the kitchen... the dishes are piling up again. There is a bowl of chokos on the bench waiting to be cooked into sweet mustard pickles

I am wearing... My long black crepe floral top with the mass of black ribbon roses appliquéd around the yoke, my favourite comfy pair of jeans, my little black knitted cardi with the soft frill edge. I am at home now so I have my favourite pair of purple crocs on my feet. I have my owl necklace on and my rose gold bracelet with the sapphire charm.

I am creating... again, too many things. I am finishing off some swaps that are overdue to be sent out (I am so sorry to my partners for being so late), I am working on the Schwalm bag I am teaching in my class. I also have a little satchel/purse I am working on which is a Guild class as well as some Romanian Point Lace. I have been knitting a couple of beanies for my nephew for his birthday and some crochet flowers for my niece. These are my current daily projects

I am going... to drive to Sydney to have a look at a cheap sewing machine at Craft Depot. I don't have a working one and using the one at Mum and Dad's is creating way too much tension - time to buy my own. Then I can finally finish all of my swaps :-)

I am wondering... If Dad will join me for the 2 hour drive to Sydney tomorrow and whether we should go to Ikea while we are there.

I am reading... My Bible, craft magazines, blogs.

I am hoping... Dad will feel well enough to travel with us, it will be good for him to get out, he said he is going bananas being locked inside for so long. I am also hoping I can get the black sewing machine I have seen. I have decided that the spare room will become my sewing room and I'm going to decorate it in red, black and chrome/silver.

I am looking forward to... Going to Craft Depot - I have never been before.

I am hearing... The wind howling through the trees - it has picked up now. I am also hearing Mork and Mindy on the TV and our lorikeet is talking to me as I type.

Around the house... you will find boxes of tea cups waiting for me to find a place for them to live.

I am pondering... the incredible grace of God.

One of my favourite things... Is my car. I love being able to hop in it when ever I want and just drive somewhere knowing it will get me there without incident.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Driving an hour each day to the baseball tournament then the hour back again. Calling to book another appointment with my dietitian. Confirming my next MRI appointment, making an appointment with my GP. Driving to Sydney to check out a new machine. Sewing class all day Friday (maybe not, I just remembered I have baseball), getting started on some spring cleaning and also starting my new sewing room :-)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I have been thinking about the fishing adventure that Connor (aged 12) and I had last Sunday. This is where we fished, it was not as peaceful as it usually is. There were boats coming and going all day, there was a boat moored on the jetty next to us and the boat owner was doing renovations so his circular saw was buzzing all day. Despite all of the noise, there were still plenty of fish to catch. It was the first time I had been fishing in so many years. I have been thinking of how much I enjoyed it - I surprised myself :-)

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Elefantz Home

2011-07-06T09:04:00.000+10:00

Have you heard of Elefantz Home yet? Well you are missing out if you haven't.

The lovely Jennifer of Elefantz fame has written her first e-mag called Elefantz Home

I received my copy last week and read it immediatley. I was so inspired and uplifted and couldn't wait to get started on the beautiful projects included within. (of course I haven't started yet - still catching up on my swaps :-( ).

Anyway, I highly recommend that you pop on over to Elefantz Home and subscribe to the magazine. You won't regret it.

You can visit HERE to see all of the lovely comments and feedback about the first issue.

While you are at it, you can pop on over and visit Jennifer at Elefantz as well.

Go on - you know you want to ;-)

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-07-05T20:36:00.000+10:00

Time for Tuesday's Treasures again with the lovely Melody over at The House On The Side Of The Hill. Make sure you pop on over to see what everyone else is treasuring this week.

For me, I have been treasuring some of my cheap costume jewellery. As I find it so incredibly difficult to find any clothing that fits me (I am between a size 26 - 30), I try to have fun with costume jewellery, hair accessories, scarves, rings and bracelets and even shoes and handbags. Shoes can be a challenge too as I am a 12 - 13.
Anyway, I have been collecting some jewellery again lately and here is a few pieces that I have been favouriting.

Here are some of my necklaces hanging on a coat hanger

This is a cute little fish I found marked down to $2

This horse pendant was a $2 mark down as well

This is the most expensive of my recent acquisitions - this one was $5. Looks great with my white blouse and wool wrap.

This big blue plastic chunky bead is a favourite but it seems to grab at the hairs on the back of my neck. I found this one at the local market. I watched it for months refusing to pay $25 for it. I just waited to see if it would come down in price. It did, I got it for $5.

Another mark down, this guy cost me just $2

This beautiful blue crystal necklace belonged to my Nan.

This necklace was made by my Mum. I have another in red that I made but mine has a flap over the top and beads hanging as tassels.

Another $2 find. This guy had one eye missing so Mum bought me a card of self adhesive scrap booking pearls in black. I cleaned the adhesive off the back and super-glued them onto the necklace. You can't even tell :-)

Yes, another $2 find. This guy also had an eye missing.

This is an old purple necklace from K-Mart. I have had it a few years and it just has all different purple beads on it.

I'm sure I have more necklaces, they are just not all hanging on my coat hanger :-)

I am very late with my TT post. I have spent 14 hours today trying to get this post happening. First my computer didn't want to work, then I couldn't open Blogger - again then I couldn't get teh images to turn around. But I'm here now and I an now off to see what everyone else has treasured today along with Melody.

Don't forget to visit.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Thankfulness Journal - Day 2

2011-07-01T22:49:00.000+10:00

I know Day 2 of thankfulness was due yesterday but I have been having some really bad computer problems and I have only just managed to access Blogger again, after 24 hours of no access....

Well it is day 2 of Thankfulness.

Last Monday I took the money I would usually spend on our monthly take out dinner and purchased a benchtop convection oven, like this one;

We have used it every night since. It has become a wonderful tool, especially when our other oven doesn't work well and the repair guy keeps telling me it's fine. I wouldn't call taking 7 hours to bake a chook fine.

Anyway, this little oven so convenient and easy and is even self cleaning and for just $39 who could complain.

I would be very interested if any of you have any recipes to cook in one or even tips and idea's on how to use one. There is not a great deal in the instruction booklet :-)

So today I am thankful that we now have this little oven which cooks us all some really healthy, delicious meals and even keeps the cash in my pocket that I would have otherwise spent on take out meals.

I am thankful also that my family now prefer meals cooked in this over take out.

What are you thankful for today?

Please share what you are thankful for in a comment below.

Have a wonderful day.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Attitude of Thankfulness

2011-06-29T10:11:00.000+10:00

You know sometimes I receive lovely comments about my positive attitude, sometimes I receive comments about my bad attitude. All in all, I really do try to have a positive, great attitude to life.

Thank you to all of you have commented about my positive attitude. It's nice to know that people notice.

Attitude, for me, is a daily decision. I don't always wake up happy and positive. It can be hard, especially when you wake up in so much pain, you fall flat onto your face as you try to get out of bed to use the bathroom each morning. It's usually not until a couple of hours after I take my pain medication that I can begin to get up and start moving around.

This morning, my hands are playing up. They are quite swollen and very painful. They seem to have a mind of their own and don't want to co operate with my brain. This can prove somewhat of a challenge as I try to knit, sew or embroider, but I refuse to give up and I refuse to give in to this illness. So I just keep plodding along and discovering small ways each day to tackle challenges from a different angle. You should see my knitting this morning :-) I think there will be some reverse knitting happening later in the day.

I try not to sweat the small stuff any more. If I crash the new car (yes I have done that in the past), normally I would be just devastated, upset, bawling, shaking, hysterical but now I realise that it's just a car, no one was hurt that's the main thing, it's just an inanimate object that can be replaced. Don't sweat it.

You know, it's not easy, it never is but we need to adapt don't we? I know I am not the only person in this world with struggles. We all have them, even you. Whether it is illness, tragedy or something else, it is all relative. It is your own personal struggle with life and it can be damn hard. Well take heed my friend. I am going to share with you a little technique that I personally find very useful in my daily life and positive attitude.

My journal.
Not just any journal but a thankfulness journal. You know, I always kept a journal but it was full of negatives, full of hatred, of terrible thoughts I would have about my ex husband. I found myself whinging, whining and just reliving the past and the pain that it held within. But then I discovered my thankfulness journal and my life has changed. Has it changed just from this little journal - no way! but it has helped. God had a big part to play in my life too. Wait - don't turn away. If you are not a Christian, or a believer, that's OK. This journal can still work for you.

So how does it work?

Well you just write something. Usually it's when you DON't feel like writing, when you have a really bad attitude, when you are too upset to write that you really should. Often when I begin my journal I find I am sitting down to write through gritted teeth. I always have a really bad attitude when I begin.
You don't need to make it hard, just start like this;

Day 1:
TODAY I AM THANKFUL FOR THE ROOF OVER MY HEAD (yes I am yelling as I write/say this. I have a bad attitude remember)

Day 2:
TODAY I AM THANKFUL FOR THE ROOF OVER MY HEAD AND
A WARM BED TO SLEEP IN (yes I am still yelling)

Day 3:
TODAY I AM THANKFUL FOR THE ROOF OVER MY HEAD AND
A WARM BED TO SLEEP IN AND
FOOD ON MY PLATE

Day 4:
Today I am thankful for the roof over my head and
a warm bed to sleep in and
food on my plate and
warm clothing to wear (I am no longer yelling, I am beginning to realise that I am better off than millions of homeless people around the world)

Day 5:

Today I am thankful for the roof over my head and

a warm bed to sleep in and

food on my plate and

warm clothing to wear and

Hey, I have a couple of really great kids to be thankful for too...

Well, I think you get the idea now. Give it a try. See if you can stick with it for 30 days, at least.

Maybe we should start a linky party and have you all come and share what you are thankful each day. What do you think? We can even write a post about it, add a photo (if you want to) and come back and link up here.

OK, I will kick it off.

TODAY I AM THANKFUL FOR THE WONDERFUL CYBER FRIENDS I HAVE MADE THROUGH THIS BLOG....

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Acromegaly

2011-06-29T00:04:00.000+10:00

Just thought it must be time to give a little update on my Acro journey.

On the up side, I have generally had a really good couple of weeks. I feel I have been a little more active and have put away my walking sticks, maybe a little prematurely but I am moving around and feeling OK. I have had three falls in two weeks without my sticks but I haven't been too badly hurt. I still struggle with my balance and without my sticks, I tend to tip backwards a little, especially if going up stairs.
I still have numbness and loss of feeling down my left side and I generally don't notice it too much any more, until my son is asking me why I have blood on my jeans and we realise there is an embroidery needle stuck in the back of my thigh, bent over at a right angle and needing to be pulled with pliers. I did feel a little scrape on my leg earlier in the day, which I just dismissed as a splinter or a bindi in my jeans or something, not realising there was a needle stuck in me. The day before I removed my shoes and told my son that my middle toe was stinging a little. He turned the light on and said "no wonder it's stinging"he then removed a 1 1/2" sliver of glass from the end of my toe. It bled but it was OK.

I have been really struggling with headaches, lethargy and that horribly debilitating joint pain is not getting any better. I have had this terrible taste in my mouth for a couple of weeks which to me tastes like an infection but I can't really pinpoint anything except a sore throat and some annoying pressure in my sinus vicinity. My menstrual cycle ceased after surgery and as I was beginning to think It had gone for good, it struck with a vengeance. I tried to stick t out but after two weeks of VERY heavy bleeding I was given progesterone tablets to stop it. I was to take 6 tablets a day until it had stopped and then continue for a week after to ensure the cycle had been jump started back into normality. I was told it would all be back to normal my next cycle, as I am only 36 I am too young for menopause. I beg to differ - my cycle has not started back again and that was back in January. It is now the last day of June.

On a positive note, I wore my favourite pair of red Earth shoes on Sunday. The first time I have worn them since the surgery last September and I'm convinced they are too big. I can easily get my foot into them now when It was always really difficult to. I can easily do up the velcro strap, without it ripping undone, which I couldn't before. OK, I hear you thinking, maybe my feet just aren't swollen at the moment. I thought the same thing but how do you explain that they are now over an inch too long? Then I was looking at my hands the same day and thought they too looked smaller. It was confirmed when My son noticed later that day my hands looked smaller and people I had lunch with a couple of days later noticed my hands and feet had become smaller too. Unfortunately, I wasn't as clever as Daniel and thought to trace around my hands and feet prior to surgery and then compare them later. My Endo told me there was a VERY SLIM chance my hands and feet may reduce to their normal size but not to hold my breath because there were very few documented cases of it actually happening.

I have my next MRI in September, this is just a check up to make sure the tumour hasn't returned.

I am still waiting for my weight loss surgery and I continue my regular appointments with my dietitian.

I think that is about all at the moment. Just a little update for those interested in my Acro journey.

There is also a link HERE with some new information on Acromegaly and Pituitary disorders. A lady I have met who also has Acromegaly has her story in here, on page six and there is a little blurb about me on page 10

Here is my iPhone picture for this post...

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Knitting...

2011-06-28T18:38:00.000+10:00

...if you can call it that.

I am not a knitter, sure I have knitted my share of scarves and a couple of mug warmers but that is about the extent of my knitting abilities. So far!

I tried last winter to knit some socks. I knitted and un-knitted so many times that the fibres in the yarn all split and frayed and well, needless to say, I don't have any socks. All of those DPN's flying this way and that. Forget about seamless joins from one DPN to another, it was just an utter failure. I persisted, I didn't just pack it in when it got too hard, I persisted until the yarn was no more - then I quit :-)

So what is the point of this post I hear you ask? Well there are a couple of family members who have decided that they would really love and appreciate a hand knitted hat/scarf/leg warmers/jacket from Mum/Aunty Chelle. I know, I am honoured to think that they would want a handmade item from me instead of going out and buying something. I have Googled, read, asked people I know and Facebook-ed questions in regard to knitting the last few days. Especially as to whether I can knit a beanie without all of those DPN's (Double Pointed Needles). As a result I have discovered a few things (now these are probably all very obvious to you knitters out there) including;

Yes I can knit without the DPN's, I can use a circular needle that measures 16" from tip to tip
No I can't knit with a circular needle that measures 28" from tip to tip (I tried)
Stitch counters, despite my reservations, are rather invaluable
using 5mm needles with 8 ply yarn to knit a beanie with a p2 k2 band (because that's all you could find to buy) just won't cut it. It will flap around in the breeze and fall off the recipients head.
thinking I could just follow a pattern to get what I want, will not work.

So here is a pic of my first attempt last night.

You can easily see that the band is just too loose and the hat is not deep enough, despite following a pattern. I started out using that 5mm 16" circular needle and used it to knit the whole hat, except for the last 4 rows where I had to swap to DPN's

Then there is the decreasing. I am not happy with that at all, think I have decreased too quickly, again following a pattern. Given, this is probably what the pattern is designed to look like, it's just not the look I am after.

See how gathered that crown is, not the look I was after.

Ok, so for you purists and knitophiles - LOOK AWAY NOW!!!

Here is my next attempt. I started out with a smaller needle, a 3.25mm but it was 28" from tip to tip so I couldn't get my ends to meet to start my circle. By now I am getting a bit sick of spending more money and more money to discover the needle is not giving me the desired outcome. I dug around in my inherited knitting bag and despite being unable to find a set of DPN's I did find a few that I thought may get me through.

Time for knitophiles to look away - again!!!

I have used the 3.25mm x 28" circular needles (used like a DPN

two 3.25 DPN's

and a 2.75 DPN

to stitch this band, so far. I then intend to use a 4mm x 16" Circular needle to finish off.

I think I have worked out a bit of a recipe for knitting the perfect hat/beanie but I am still nutting out some kinks in the decrease and crown. As soon as I work it out, I will post it to share.

There is that stitch marker that I thought I really didn't need :-)

This beanie is for master 12 (almost 13, I have just been told)., my son Connor.

He chose the yarn, after much agonising over colour and texture. Man he is painful when it comes to making decisions sometimes, definitely a phlegmatic there :-)

The yarn is Crofter Dk by Sirdar. It contains 60% acrylic, 25% cotton and 15% wool.

That's Connor there on the right with his mate Haz.

Stay tuned for the "recipe" to knit beanie to perfection - I hope.

Oh and I did say I would post a funny/cute/inspiring/pretty picture from my phone with each new post, so here is the next one...

Hehe, have a great day.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-06-28T14:13:00.000+10:00

I'm joining Melody again today for Tuesday's Treasures. Make sure you pop over to her blog HERE to see what everyone else is treasuring today.

On the weekend I went out with my family for lunch, the lunch was quite nice but on the way to lunch, I passed this property which is just beautiful. I have passed it before and every time I just want to stop my car, climb through the fence and lay in the field of grass and enjoy the view and the birds and the smells. To me, it is a really beautiful place and I find myself dreaming of building a home there and spending the rest of my life just watching the world go by.
It's on this little winding back road, that until recently, I don't remember ever travelling on, but I'm sure we would have. Dad knew almost every street in the whole of Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Central Coast. He was a survey drafter for 51 years and when we were kids he would share his street knowledge by driving us to some amazing places that would normally be out of the way.
Anyway, this property has a beautiful dam that always seems to look blue and pristine and fresh, no matter what the weather is like. It has this sort of little weir or overflow or some sort of brick and concrete structure atone end of the dam, right on the corner of the road that looks like it hasn't been used for years. Then there is this dilapidated old stone structure that to me looks like an old church. It spends it's days looking out over the dam and I'm sure dreaming of the times when it had a roof and was full of people.

When I looked it up on a map, the dam is called Colliery Dam, which would make me think it was actually a colliery in a past life, that of course would explain the brick and concrete structure at the end of the dam.

I have just managed to find a little (very little) information on the dam. It appears it was used as part of the Richmond Vale Colliery

COLLIERY DAM:

This dam has sloping concrete walls. In later years this dam was finished with a brick perimeter wall. It was some 8 feet deep. In an early company balance sheet the cost of construction was shown as £3,500-0-0 ($7,000.00).

As well as holding the boiler water supply piped from the lagoon weir, the surplus and cooled waters caught in concrete pools under the cooling towers were drained back to the colliery dam.

It is such a pretty place and although I didn't have my camera, I managed to get a couple of shots on my phone for you to see.

I even like the fence at this little dam

This photo really does it no justice.

There is the stone building, right under the arrow.

When we had finished lunch, I went back to the equestrian centre to watch my cousin ride her pony. When I got out of my car at the centre, I noticed the car beside me, it had some wonderful hand painted artwork so I just had to get a photo of it to show you...

See it there on the door below the handle?

Here is a close up. I think the people who own the car should leave it there :-)

Although this was not taken on the day I was at the Equestrian Centre, here is a photo of my cousin Sarah with her gorgeous little Welsh Pony, Issy.

Aren't they both just the sweetest?

So today I treasure the picturesque little dam that I pass in Richmond Vale,

I treasure being able to watch Sarah and Issy and enjoy their company

and I treasure noticing funny little things like the artwork on the car next to me.

To finish off, I thought I would start adding a funny/cute/pretty picture from my phone to the end of each post, here is the first..

Have a wonderful day.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Sewing Caddy

2011-06-23T08:35:00.000+10:00

When my sister and I were still at school our Dad told us if we applied ourselves to the best of our abilities we would be rewarded. We had a choice of a car or an overseas trip. Now you need to understand that Mum and Dad were not exactly in a wonderful financial position but they scrimped and saved and borrowed to give us opportunities that they did not have. I am so grateful for this. I decided that a car could come at any time but who knew when I might get the opportunity to travel overseas again. I chose the overseas trip. (my sister chose the car, didn't get her licence until 15 years later so I ended up with the car too). When I left high school I started travelling, literally straight away. We had our last exams in the October (I think), I hopped on a plane in November and started exploring Singapore and Egypt. I did a little travel closer to home then it wasn't too long before I started a family.

I think my sewing skills began as a result of having no savings and no income so I had to learn to make anything I possibly could. I began spending days with my Nan - the dress maker and all round amazing lady to learn as many skills as I possibly could.

Nan taught me to create garments by just looking at a picture, no pattern necessary. She taught me to darn socks and even linen tea towels. I learnt to knit, sew, embroider and so much more. I didn't have money to clothe my new baby, let alone myself so we would look through the catalogues, go through Nan's fabric stash and set about making some outfits. Sometimes we would create something from scratch, other times we would re create an old garment by shortening the hem, lengthening, adding embellishments, removing sleeves, adding sleeves, or even melding two or more garments into one.

I think as a result of this time spent with my Nan, I learnt to collect things all the time. (Yes, I am ashamed to admit, I am a terrible bower bird and pack rat) Fabrics, ribbon, lace, felt, yarn, buttons, crochet hooks, embroidery hoops, scissors, cottons, etc, etc. Almost anything and everything that I may be able to use in embroidery, knitting, crochet, card making or anything else for that matter. For this reason I have embarked on a bit of a quest to use some of those materials that I have at home and that Mum has at her home.

Some time ago, I came across this simple Sewing Caddy HERE and thought it might be useful to use up some of the BIG pile of synthetic felt I have lying around here (Oh how I wish it was wool felt :-)). It also served as a great project for our very first class at the Salvation Army a few weeks ago. The class we now call the pre-school class of sewing and embroidery.

Here are a few of the sewing caddy's that I made during the course of our pre-school class

I have done about 15 different colour combinations so far. They are so quick and easy and handy for each different project I have on the go and a quick and easy gift too, especially if scissors and thread are added. I am pleased that I used only felt, thread and ribbon that I had at home - woo hoo!!! Getting that stash down slowly so I can start building it up again :-)

I have also managed to get matching scissors for each colour now too.

Phew - that was a great big round-about post wasn't it?

What are you doing today?

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Teaching and a bit of Schwalm

2011-06-22T08:01:00.000+10:00

Good Morning!!!

How are you all today?

I have woken with a terrible head cold - you know, the usual. Stuffed head, thumping headache, sore, stinging, watering eyes, aching all over, sore throat and can't keep out of the bathroom so I think I'll take some medicine and curl back up and go to sleep for a couple more hours. I

t won't be all day because I have started teaching again, if you can call it that :-)

I have a small class - a very small class every Wednesday at the local Salvation Army Church Hall. We are still in very early days and have just one regular lady and one assistant. My assistant though does more teaching at the moment, because I do everything backwards, always have and I guess it is not necessarily the best way to teach.

Anyway, we are currently teaching Schwalm work with a twist. It is not white on white and it is not on 36 or 42 count linen. We are working it on Hessian, a great way to teach beginners, especially the pulled thread work, very easy to see and very effective. Thought we would shake it up a little more and use a coloured thread as well, I am using Perle 8 because I like to achieve fine stitches on the hessian.

This is what I have done so far this week.

Three rows of Four sided stitch for the border/hem (Hohlsaum) on the top of the bag with a row of chain stitch (Kettstich) below and then a row of coral knot stitch (Knotchenstich) below that. It's hard to see that here. I'll try to get a better photo of that further down the track.

This is the start of my flower, first we do a chain stitch (Kettstich) all the way around the circle, following with a row of coral knot stitch (Knotchenstich). Then I have done a row of buttonhole scallops (schnurloch). I have really struggled this time to achieve consistently sized scallops on this flower. You will probably be able to see my pencil lines where I have tried to mark it out evenly. I think I have made the scallops too big.

Here you can see some buttonhole scallops (schnurloch) or more like circles than scallops that form a flower bud coming towards us. To the left (at the bottom) of this picture, you can see a flower that has been worked in upright cross stitch. The stems are all done in coral knot stitch (Knotchenstich).

A close up of the upright cross stitch leaf. You can see a little more clearly the chain stitch (Kettstich) and then coral knot stitch (Knotchenstich) border around the outside of the leaf, forming the foundation border.

Well that is what I will be up to later today, teaching some more Schwalm. Stay tuned for delevlpments in this embroidery, I will try to keep you updated each Wednesday.

Have a wonderful day.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-06-21T13:03:00.000+10:00

For Tuesday's Treasures today, I think I will follow in Melody's footsteps.
It's funny really, I was only reminiscing the other day myself about a show I used to watch when I was a young child. I could never remember what it was called but to this day I often walk around singing "Animals, animals, animals, animals, animals everywhere". I would ask Mum and Dad and my sister if they coulod remember it but they all think it was just some elaborate dream I had. They couldn't remember a thing about it. Not the animals, or the pretty lady with the long hair who would sing with her guitar, or the man who would tell us about animals or the cartoons about animals. None of it.

Well, I found it recently, it is called, wait for it..."Animals, animals, animals"
I LOVED this show, really loved it. I must have been young when I watched it. I was born in '74 and it aired from 1976 - 1980. I remember watching it every day.

Do you remember the lyrics to the song? I do;

Animals, Animals, Animals
(1976-1980)
Host: Hal Linden

Theme Sung by Lynn Kellogg
Lyrics by Lester Cooper
Music by Michael Kamen

There are animals in history, in pages and in books,
Animals that live in trees and fish that swim in brooks
A man is just an animal who's managed to survive
A bear can sleep all winter and come out a bear alive
You can lead a horse to water, you can even milk a cow
A tiger is just a greater big cat, a lady pig's a sow

Chorus:
Oh animals (animals) animals (animals) animals here and there
Animals, animals, animals, animals, animals everywhere

There are animals in games we play and in mythology
Animals we keep as pets, the whole ecology
A whale is just a mammal that blows water in the air
A worm can turn and disappear and then he isn't there

Chorus:
Oh animals (animals) animals (animals) animals here and there
Animals, animals, animals, animals, animals everywhere
Animals, animals, animals, animals, animals everywhere

And here is a clip of it - the only one I can find mind you. This might jog your memory;

I often wonder now if this show sparked my love of animals and my strong desire to become a veterinarian? I wonder?

Anyway, I really enjoyed this show and have enjoyed reminiscing and remembering?

What was your favourite show as a child?

Don't forget to hop on over to Melody's to see what others are treasuring today and don't forget to have a great day.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

I'm back - Again...

2011-06-21T12:24:00.000+10:00

Oh My, where do I start?

In between being ridiculously busy sewing, embroidering, stitching and knitting for the Fibre and Thread show last week at Dobell House AND being sick and injured, I have just been overwhelmed with the amount of "stuff"to get done.

I think I have told you already that I suspect I have broken a bone in my hand a couple of months ago. It was a simple little thing, just put my hand out as I sat on the stairs and not realising the step was a bit further down than I had judged, instantly jarred my wrist - or so I thought. I was on Morphine patches and Panadiene Forte at the time for something else and, yes, just thought I had jarred my wrist. Well that was almost 2 months ago and I am still in agony. It is incredibly painful, I can't lean on it, open jars, carry anything with that hand, even changing gears in the car becomes incredibly painful. I spoke to my doctor about it and he didn't seem too concerned, didn't even do an x-ray, telling me I needed to just keep using it as I normally would. Well, I have been trying to use it but I find I spend the whole evening tossing, turning and crying even because I am in so much pain. Surely I should fell better soon.

Than I had a fall down my front stairs, only two of them and I even thought I did really well by facing my most padded part to the ground. I went over on my ankle, don't know how, it just went and I fell, bottom first onto the wooden railing jutting out at about knee level. Of course I had a sore bruise on my my right buttock but that disappeared the next day, my hips were really sore for a few days and then I felt fine. That is until Sunday, 10 days later. Where that bruise was, there is now a grapefruit sized lump that is soooo sore. I guess it sort of feels like a really deep bruise and of course, because it is on my bottom, every little movement really hurts and it's right where I get into the car too. Oh and now I have the flu :-) Happy days. At least it affords me more time to sit and get some of my swaps done :-).

That reminds me, speaking of swaps, if I owe you a swap, it is coming. Honest. I am working on my block swaps for April, May and June, my OASS and my Mug Rug Swap. I am so sorry to you very patient people. They are coming.

As I said, I have been busily making stuff for the Thread and Fibre Fair and found myself spending 12 - 18 hours a day creating for three weeks. All that work and at the end looked like I didn't have much to show for it but despite all the torrential rain on the day, there was a steady stream of people coming through.

Of course I forgot to take my camera, which may have been a good thing as I was soaked to the bone all day. Above is a photo I took on my camera of some of the stuff on my table.

Some more of my handiwork on one of my tables. Mum was with me and she had a table too but i was unable to get a photo of that.

This is the view looking out of the living room at Dobell house - just gorgeous.

From the verandah.

One of the head bands I made for the show. I promised my 6 year old niece she could have it if it didn't sell - guess who got a new head band?

You can't tell by the photo but it is a nice fuschia pink with a purple centre.

Oh and she had to have this one too because purple is her favourite colour. Is it just a co incidence that my favourite colour is purple too ?

Miss Ella sporting her favourite purple headband.

It can also be worn as a hair band.

Here is a pretty pink wool one that I did too and so many more that I haven't photographed.

This is for Miss Ella who asked for a red and grey one that she can wear to school.Not sure if i will make this one into a head band or a hair band or even a hair bun.

Obviously this one is a hair band for Miss Ella.

Another hair band for Ella.

This one, as you can see is unfinished but I think it will become a bun holder with a net attached.

I have so much more to share including more things I have made, and some amazing antique tea cups and linen. A couple of the tea cups, I have been told are over 100 years old so they are quite special. I can't wait for a nice, calm, sunny day that I can photograph them all properly for you.

I hope you are all well.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-05-24T17:06:00.000+10:00

I haven't blogged for quite a while - I guess you have noticed that already. I feel as though I have lost my blogging Mojo...

I know it hasn't been stolen, I have just lost it...

I have been feeling a little sad - not sure if I am sad because I have lost my Mojo or if it is due to something else. If you have seen my Mojo, please let me know so it can be returned.

On a lighter note, I am joining in with Tuesday's Treasures with the lovely Melody over at The House On The Side Of The Hill

Today, my treasure is some really delightful linen that was given to me by a sewing friend last Friday. It was such a wonderful surprise.

First is this tablecloth that measures about 1.3 x 1.3. The blue is linen, very, very fine and the white is a sort of see through voile? or something.

You can see a close up of the cross stitch on this beautiful cloth.

This is a close up of the embroidery on the second cloth, it measures about 1m x 1m and has a lovely fine blue scallop edge.

The third cloth is Battenberg and measures 1m x 1m.

The fourth cloth is a beautiful linen, almost a very light grey in colour with these wonderful crochet inserts. It measures 1m x 1m also.

Close up of the crochet corner inserts

The fifth cloth has some white cutwork on linen and measures about 60cm x 60cm.

Close up of the cutwork

I think this one is my favourite. It measures about 1.2m x 40cm. It is a lovely linen with amazing pulled and drawn thread work and needle weaving.

I think this cloth is cotton, but it looks like a very fine linen. I think with the machine embroidered flowers it would be more of a cotton. It has a pretty yellow stitched scalloped edge.

Close up of embroidered flowers.

On Sunday I decided (quite late in the morning mind you) that I really wanted to use our free travel pass before it expired, it expired on Sunday. We have had it for almost 6 weeks and I decide I HAVE to use it on the day it expired. So Ashleigh, Mum and Miss Ella came with me. We decided on a trip to Sydney so I will post about that in my next post or I will be here all night :-)

Hope you are having a wonderful day

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-05-03T22:18:00.000+10:00

I'm late, very late with my Tuesday Treasure post today - sorry about that :-)

How are you all?

Obviously I wasn't going to post today, I have been busy preparing for my class I am teaching tomorrow - my very first day teaching so I am getting myself a little anxious. Well It's not my very first, it's my first on my own, with my own material, with complete strangers. But I am excited :-)

SO after reading Melody's post about her treasured Esse, I decided I had to share (again) this post about my treasure - Doc. I have shared this post about him before if it seems all to familiar, but it seems just so appropriate...

Today my treasure is our cat - well it doesn't quite feel right saying he is our cat because I think we are more his humans than he is our cat.

Hi name is Doctor Killmouskey or Doc for short but he thinks his name is "Get Down!"

It was quite a funny turn of events that led him to us. I had been home for some months after leaving work due to illness. I had been sitting around the house all day every day and suddenly thought one day that it would be nice to have a cat to keep me company. To sit on my lap so I could stroke him while I was home alone.

I mentioned this to my husband but his response was not one I wanted to hear. He didn't like cats and to be honest, neither did I but for some reason I really wanted a cat. Hubby said to me, the only way you will get a cat is if God himself delivered it to our door and not to get my hopes up of having a cat that would actually sit on my lap all day and let me stroke it.

Well, you wouldn't believe it, the very next evening we were out on the front verandah cooking our dinner on the BBQ when this little flea ridden, skinny kitten turned up. He was so cute and fluffy. I didn't think much of it at the time but we kept pushing him away and telling him to go home, but he wouldn't.

We walked around asking if anyone owned him or knew who owned him but no one did. We knocked on doors, did letterbox drops, contacted the locals vets, the pound and anywhere we could think of. We advertised that he had found us but after 4 weeks, there was still no response. We decided to let him stay.

Recently I found out that he was found at a suburb about 20 minutes drive away by a teenage girl in our street. She was not allowed to keep him and through a series of events ran away from home not long after - she admitted to dumping him at the house next door hoping someone would take him in.

Of course he made himself right at home, strolled in the front door that very first day as if he has always lived here and has never looked back.

His favourite foods include pizza, lasagne, tuna and ice cream.

He is such a character and although he rules the roost, he is very gentle and quite the gentleman.

He does the funniest things. He loves all of the other animals in the house, he loves to play with the dogs, the ferret and the chooks. He can often be found curled up out the back with Corrine the chook. He follows us everywhere we go, even if we go for walks up the street.

He uses his paw to eat his food instead of eating straight out of the bowl like most cats would. He shares his food with all the animals.

He likes to lay across the top of our LCD TV, much to our chagrin and he LOVES cuddles. Every night he hops up on someones lap and cuddles all night until he is kicked off. He even puts his paws/arms either side of your neck as if he is actually cuddling you.

He loves to jump from the top of the upstairs, through the bathroom door and onto the bathroom sink in one movement - he doesn't always make it.

He will insist on drinking the fresh running water from the bathroom tap every time someone walks in.

He loves to sleep on and in and under the cars which almost cost him his life. He was sleeping under the ute, up in the wheel arch when hubby went to work one day. He was completely run over but somehow the vet could find no injuries. They think that most of him must have landed in the hole in the driveway, despite the ute feeling like it had run over a rock or a log. There must have been some damage, he was very sore and sorry for himself for a week and he has trouble jumping now - doesn't quite make it.

We never used to let him outside as we didn't want him to catch or injure any native birds or animals but he used to try so hard to get out he would really injure himself. We decided to let him out with bells and I would watch him for hours. He never leaves our yard, except to go next door where he is fed and spoiled silly. I have watched him with birds and he doesn't seem to care less.

He has come home with a rat and a rainbow lorikeet recently but we have since found out that he stole them from the cat next door who caught them. Sometimes we wonder if he tries to rescue them. The lorikeet he ran to the door and gave to my son. We took it to the vet where it was treated for a punctured lung and sent home with us on antibiotics. The bird is fine and doing really well. It's inside and Doc couldn't care less.

Even hubby has fallen for the funny cat called Dr. Killmouskey he really is a treasure - for a cat.

Oh and I forgot to mention his tail. He has this amazing really full fluffy tail. It reminds me of a fox tail, it is just so full and perfect and fluffy and never gets any knots in it. It would make a fabulous duster and my kids often say they are going to keep his tail after he dies (I do hope they are kidding)

***EDIT: I have often wondered where Doc goes during the day sometimes, he is usually just on our front verandah or in the front yard but sometimes I can't find him. He is never too far because when I call he is home within seconds. Well I have just found out he is next door. Apparently he visits each day, knocks on their door and lets himself in. Our neighbours are a little older than I am and not too well. Doc goes downstairs and says hello when Mrs N cannot get upstairs. Mr N is a fisherman so I wonder if Doc gets fresh fish?

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-04-26T16:30:00.000+10:00

Hello!

I haven't seen you for a while.

I have been busy, then sick and now just really tired.

I am happy to join Melody over at The House On The Side Of The Hill for Tuesday's Treasures once again.

Please make sure you visit and see what everyone else treasures today.

I have some fabulous op shop (thrift store) finds that I would love to share but they will have to wait - I haven't photographed them yet :-(

So.....

Today I am treasuring the time I spent with family over Easter.

Our Easter Sunday started with a dawn church service on the lake at Toronto, it was beautiful and I wondered why I do not get up and about this early more often.

I also got to spend some time with my wonderful family including my nephew Cooper. I can't believe how fast he is growing and I can notice changes from week to week. He is such a character and a real little man. He pulls a thousand different faces and always makes me laugh. One of his latest "things" is grunting :-) He lets out this low, guttural grunt and people often think he is filling his pants but he is just grunting. I can't help but wonder if it hurts his throat.

Here is a video where you can hear a little of the grunting...

I hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday and don't forget to see what everyone else is treasuring today.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tomago House Quilt Exhibition

2011-04-15T23:16:00.000+10:00

WARNING: Very, VERY photo heavy...

Last Saturday I went to Tomago House to see a quilt exhibition by several of the local quilt groups. I was so inspired and couldn't wait to get home to get started on something.

This time we were allowed to take photos, so I have quite a few here to show you, in fact I have LOADS to show you...

This native flower quilt was voted best of show I believe. I must admit, I was a little disappointed, most quilts were all hand worked but this one was machine appliquéd. Although it was stunning, personally I was a little sad to see it with all the hand worked pieces.

A Michele Hill, William Morris inspired quilt.

Ahhh, Dear Jane. This is the first time I have seen a Dear Jane in real life. I am in awe. I have a new found respect and admiration for Pip and the amazing work she has done after seeing this.

Tomago House where the quilts were displayed was just beautiful, a National Trust property. The money raised from the entry into the exhibition will go toward replacing the rusty old tin roof on this grand old home.

This was my favourite quilt - a 3D Baltimore. I really want to make one of these in my life time and hang around long enough to enjoy it too :-)

A Jenny Rofe Design and class.

Close up of Baltimore

Close up of Baltimore block

Close up of cornucopia Baltimore block

Close up of another of the Baltimore blocks

Another Baltimore block

Baltimore block

This was a McKenna Ryan design

Another 3D Baltimore

Yet another 3D Baltimore - an you tell yet that these are my favourites?

I really like the chandeliers

This was the window about the entry door

Love these quilt themed hangings and quilts

That's Mum and her girlfriend in the mirror :-)

These mini quilts telling us not to touch the big quilts were a work of art in themselves...

Mini quilt sign

This chandelier was amazing, it had incredible crystal arms and a beautiful Crystal bowl not the mention the Crystal tear drops - stunning.

Well after all of that, I was incredibly inspired and energised and have been stitching ever since.
I hope to make the next quilt exhibition this weekend at Cessnock too - I think I am enjoying these quilts a bit too much. Is that possible?

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Mug Rug Swap

2011-04-12T23:41:00.000+10:00

I was so excited to receive my very first mug rug in the mail this afternoon.

It has come to me from Sabine from Austria

I really LOVE the red, black and white, one of my all time favourite colour combinations

Check out the back of my rug, I like it just as much as the front. I feel like I have 2 mug rugs :-)

I also got this really cute little chicken and I am so tempted to stitch on a little cord and use it as a scissor keep. I really don't want to spoil it though, it's so cute.

Sabine sent me these wafers - all the way from Austria. How special do I feel?

Look at the card, it's so sweet and such a lovely message written inside. Thank you Sabine. It was so very nice to receive such a lovely package in the mail.

Sabine has translated to saying: "I wish you time for your most beautiful dreams".

Goes to show how inaccurate Google translator can be, it translates it to: "I wish you time for your sweetest dreams"

Not too much different, but it does leave me to wonder if it can translate words really wrongly - just a thought :-)

This is a sneak peek at the mug rug I am making for Sabine.

I couldn't believe it when I opened my rug from her to see we have used the same colours :-)

Another sneak peek - can you tell what it is?

A final sneak peek. I can't wait to finish the binding and mail it off to Sabine.

What a wonderful start to my very first mug rug swap.

You can see more of the rugs in Leona's Flickr group HERE

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures - Part 2

2011-04-12T17:46:00.000+10:00

I'm back to join you all for Tuesdays Treasures.

I have finally managed to get a photo of my treasure this week.

I had to take it to the local bowling club and spread it out on the floor to get a good look at it and a photograph where you could see the whole thing. Unfortunately I forgot to take measurements, so you'll have to just believe me when I say it's big.

Do you know what it is yet?

Here it is...

I purchased it thinking it was a tablecloth, but it is just too wide. I am thinking now that it must be for a bed. What do you think?

It is all hand stitched, you can see quite easily but in saying that, it is incredibly neat and consistent.

I don't know it's history but I purchased it last week at the local Salvation Army Family Store for just $15. What a steal.

I do not think it is antique. I think it could be 1970's or even 1980's, maybe even newer than that still.

I am left wondering if some little Chinese or Thai lady has stitched it or even a team of ladies. I wonder how their eye sight is after making this.

It is just beautiful.

I purchased some more that are tablecloths. There are two beautiful white linen tablecloths for a 12 seat table with a lovely wide lace border on them, they are still wrapped and unopened.

There is a crocheted bed spread or tablecloth that I haven't opened up yet either but it is VERY fine and my guess is that it would easily fit a king sized bed.

There is also a huge white Battenberg tablecloth or bed spread, they are stunning and in excellent condition. My guess is that they were a deceased estate. I was overwhelmed to have been able to find them and just couldn't believe my luck.

**I am sorry for the poor pictures, I found it very difficult to photograph**

I hope you have had a wonderful Tuesday.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-04-12T09:40:00.000+10:00

I have an incredible treasure to share with you today but I am having problems finding somewhere to photograph it, it's big. So I am out again today, I will take it with me and get some photos in the hall.

Please come back later today or tonight to see my beautiful treasure which is an op shop find from last week. I'm sure you will love it.

In the mean time, have a wonderful day.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

New Blogger

2011-04-06T22:40:00.000+10:00

Did you know you can now view Blogger in a different way, well a few different ways actually. You can view it in;

How cool is that? Just click on each word above to be taken to the new views.

I'm not real sure why we would want to view it in so many different views but I guess it shakes things up a bit - I've heard it said "A change is as good as a holiday" :-)

Just thought I would share.

Have a wonderful day.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-04-05T11:50:00.000+10:00

Tuesdays Treasures is HERE again and today I am sharing something a little different.

Have you ever watched "How to Look Good Naked" with Gok Wan, aka The Fairy Gokmother? Or maybe you have seen "Gok's Fashion Fix"

Well I think Gok is great. I really like his philosophy that every woman is beautiful and that with a bit of confidence and self esteem boosting she can look fabulous. Gok shows the participants on his show that plastic surgery is not the answer but instead just a little re-styling and some really great underwear can make so much difference, teaching them to shop for their shape.

To see Gok take these women through their metamorphic journey is always an emotional journey for me and despite some people claiming that he is not about women celebrating their bodies but in fact just making them conform by dressing them in the latest fashions which in turn makes them feel good. Or that Gok only makes women feel good as sexual objects, or even that They are arranged like cattle, from fattest to thinnest, and the contestant is made to say where she thinks she fits. Well I don't see it that way. I see the good that is meant to be there and I think Gok is fabulous.

So by now I can hear you thinking "What has this got to do with Tuesday's Treasures?", well I'll tell you.

Last Sunday I went to a Westfield Style Tour where not only did we get to see Gok in the flesh, we also had the opportunity to meet him.

My son knew how much I wanted to see Gok, and he was so sweet to accompany me Westfield. To stand with me in the crowds for hours, to hold my handbag and take the photos. He even took me out for a cold drink and carried my heavy handbag the whole time. This is what I really treasure, my 12 year old son sacrificing his Sunday to go with crazy mum to see Gok. He is such a treasure and fussed over me the whole time. Are you OK Mum/ Are you sure? Do you need to sit down? DO you need a drink? Can I get you anything?

I treasure the time we had together shopping and having a hot chocolate and just chatting. He is turning into such a beautiful little man, so considerate and gentle. A far cry from the Connor we all knew twelve months or more ago. The angry, confused, down trodden little soul.

We even watched a Westfield style video on a lady - that lady was Corrie from Retro Mummy...

You can see Corrie's makeover HERE

I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday and don't forget to pop over to Melody's blog to see what others are treasuring today.

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-03-29T13:59:00.000+11:00

I'm joining in with Melody again today for Tuesdays Treasures.

It's great to see Melody back with us this week.

Today my treasure is our cat - well it doesn't quite feel right saying he is our cat because I think we are more his humans than he is our cat.

Hi name is Doctor Killmouskey or Doc for short but he thinks his name is "Get Down!"

Well, you wouldn't believe it, the very next evening we were out on the front verandah cooking our dinner on the BBQ when this little kitten turned up. He was so cute and fluffy. I didn't think much of it at the time but we kept pushing him away and telling him to go home, but he wouldn't.

We walked around asking if anyone owned him or knew who owned him but no one did. We advertised that he had found us but after 4 weeks, there was still no response. We decided to let him stay.

Of course he made himself right at home, strolled in the front door that very first day as if he has always lived here and has never looked back.

He is such a character and although he rules the roost, he is very gentle and quite the gentleman.

He uses his paw to eat his food instead of eating straight out of the bowl like most cats would. He shares his food with all the animals.

He loves to jump from the top of the upstairs, through the bathroom door and onto the bathroom sink in one movement - he doesn't always make it.

He will insist on drinking the fresh running water from the bathroom tap every time someone walks in.

Even hubby has fallen for the funny cat called Dr. Killmouskey he really is a treasure - for a cat.

Introducing Guest Artist Tiffany and Mali

2011-03-26T19:49:00.000+11:00

Do you remember these sneak peeks I gave you a couple of weeks ago?

Well I can finally reveal all...

I have interviewed the lovely Tiffany and you can read all about her and her blossoming business Mali.

What is your name:

Tiffany Lai

Star Sign:

Cancer

Tiffany, where do you live? Please tell us a little about your home and where you grew up.

I live in Melbourne at the moment. I was born in Taipei (Taiwan) and moved to Australia roughly about 12 years ago.

Personally I think life in Taipei and life in Melbourne are the exact opposite. Just like all other main cities, Taipei is a fast-paced place that I found people walk too fast, drive too fast and think too fast.

Unlike Taipei, Melbourne is probably one of the slowest cities I've ever been. It taught me how to slow down myself and enjoy every single element around me and be inspired by them. It's also a magical city that heals people's souls with it's golden sunshine, blues skies and cool breeze.

I think I'm lucky to have grown up in these two very different places and somehow it helps me in my design career.

What is your Business?

"Mali"

Website: http://www.wix.com/malidolls/shop

Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/malidolls?ref=si_shop

Mali is an Australian sock toy brand built by me and the toys I make. I call them "Mali Dolls"

The idea is create a lovely character from a pair of ("new"of course) good quality socks. All characters are designed and hand stitched by me. Each character is only made once, so it is a perfect gift for people who are looking for something special and super cute.

Ideally I hope my dolls are not just "soft toys" to my customer, but little creatures that are willing to offer company and love, and share their happiness and sadness.

Where does the name Mali come from?

The name "mali" (as "Mary" in English) represents my mom, who passed away few years ago.
My love towards her is my strength of creativity and I always thought if one day I have my own business, it's going to be named after her. I hope she would be proud of me doing what I love and being able to share my passion with people.

How did you get started in doll making?

I have been working as a graphic designer for over 5 years and I love making handicrafts since I was little.I remember I've already started making softies, greeting cards or small cushions for friends and family. I collect soft toys too. I actually have a big shelf that's filled up with all sorts of cute soft toys.

One day, I saw these sock monkeys in a gift shop and I thought "That's a very creative idea. Who would have thought of making a doll from a pair of socks?" but I fould the "look" of it not very attractive (to me). So I started looking for sock dolls everywhere. However, they usuallt turned out a bit "quirky" or just not the way I want them to be...

So I got to making one myself. And surprisingly they turned out pretty good after a few practices.

I got really excited about it so I decided to make one sock doll every weekend and gave it to the people around me. After a while, people started asking if they could place an order... it just happened naturally.

Where do you gain inspiration for your dolls?

Everywhere.

Is your doll making a full time job or a hobby?

I should say it's a part time job, even though I'm actually doing it everyday. I quit my full time graphic design job last year but still do it freelance.

What sort of things do you do to relax?

Read a good book in a hot bath (Not a novel, I'm a fan of children's books)

Have a soy latte in a quiet, cosy cafe

Spend a while day in NGV (National Gallery Victoria, my favourite place in Victoria)

Watch The Big Bang Theory (My recent favourite TV show)

Or travel.

What other hobbies do you have?

Cooking.

What's your favourite toy you have made and why?

I don't really have a favourite, they are all my babies.

I have read that you are sometimes present at your local markets, would you like to share where and when these markets are?

I am attending the Rose St Artist Market this Sunday (27th March 2011)

I travel a lot so I only attend markets occasionally, however I always let Mali fans know about market details on our website or our Facebook fan page

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mali-Dolls/140507942661535

Tell us a little about your classes

"Mali Doll Workshop" is held in Doncaster, for a limited time only. You will be able to see my Mali Dolls collection physically and I will show you the secrets of making them. You will then get to create one sock toy during the class, followed by a delicate afternoon tea.

Class is open to five or more entrants.

Class fee: AU$50, including all materials and tea party.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Shops Locations:

Mali Dolls can be found at

Breeze - 1F (Upstairs) 208 Little Bourke St, Melbourne Victoria 3000

Tender Vuillermin - 98 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn Australia 3122

If you have enjoyed meeting Tiffany and her dolls, please pop over to her Etsy store by clicking on the image above and visit her website too.

It would be great if you could also "Like" her Facebook page HERE and please leave a message for Tiffany and let her know how you heard about her and her beautiful creations.

Tuesdays Treasures

2011-03-22T16:35:00.000+11:00

I'm very sorry to hear the Melody is not well today and won't be joining us for Tuesday's Treasurers. Hope you are feeling better soon Melody.

Well today my treasure is horses.

As a little girl, as a teenager and even as I got older, I always wanted a horse. I don't know too many little girls who didn't.

I didn't ever get one of my very own but my cousin and my Aunty have horses who I love to visit whenever I can. I can no longer ride but I love spending time with the horses, and my family of course.

Recently there has been a new addition, a little foal named Evie. She is so cute and brings a smile to my face as she plays and frolics.

This is my cousin with Evie

This is Evie's dad - Buttons

This is Evie's mum, Deeda.

Evie

How could you not smile?

Isn't she just the cutest?

I hope you have enjoyed watching Evie as much as I did.

Thinking of you Melody - feel better soon.

National Quilting Day

2011-03-19T09:18:00.000+11:00

Did you know it is not only National Quilting Month during March but today (Saturday) is National Quilting Day.

National Quilting Day began in 1991, was started by the National Quilting Association and this year is the 20th anniversary.

The official date is the third Saturday of March, but it has since been expanded to include the whole month of March because we, quilters need more than one day to make a quilt :-).

According to the National Quilting Association, the third Saturday in March was set aside for quilters to work with what they have available using their scraps of fabric, to sort out their stashes, and to be creative in planning a quilt.

In the early days, when quilting was a favorite pastime, women would use whatever cloth and fabrics were available to them to make a quilt. These pioneers usually quilted for necessity making a much needed warm blanket for a child’s bed or for someone else in the family. Fabrics were cut and pieced not paying attention to colors, patterns, or type of cloth. Early quilts were a mishmash of colors and fabrics and they served a purpose.

One of the ways that Quilter’s today celebrate National Quilting Day is by digging into their stash of fabrics and creating a quilt that can be donated.

Each year, the National Quilting Association offers a free pattern that can be used for a quilt commemorating National Quilting Day. This year’s pattern is a variation of the very popular Log Cabin which was a favorite among America’s first settlers. The pattern is for a 64 x 64 quilt and it’s designed by Linda G. Miller.

Of course, you may use any pattern you wish but if you’re at a loss for a pattern or want to try something new, take a look at this one entitled, “Build your Own Log Cabin” by clicking HERE.

What will you be creating to celebrate National Quilting Day?

I would really love you to leave me a comment or even just drop by to say hi. It warms my heart and makes my day :) To post a comment, you need to go back to the top of this post - right there under the heading.

2011-03-18T20:26:00.000+11:00

Emma

This is Emma

Emma is just 11 years old, just one year younger than my Connor.

Emma loves Blythe dolls, cooking, writing to her penpals, collecting stickers and everything else that little girls love to do. She has also recently started undergoing chemotherapy for a growing tumour in her face/neck/head.

The wonderfully generous and thoughtful heart of Melissa Godsell over at One Crafty Mumma, has requested we all take the time to send a get well card to Emma including a sheet of stickers for her sticker collection.

To learn more about Melissa's request, you can go HERE

To keep up to date with Emma and her treatment, you can visit her Mum, Leanne's blog HERE

This beautiful little girl has touched my life with her incredible strength and bravery. Like me, she underwent surgery last September to remove her tumor. Unlike me, Emma has had to undergo Chemo.

So please send a get well card along with some stickers to Miss Emma

Miss Emma Love

PO Box 2849

Burleigh Waters QLD

Australia 4220

Let's just overwhelm and bless Emma, so if you could possibly tweet, facebook, tell your friends or blog this for Emma, that would be so lovely. Lets spread the word and try to fill Emma's mail box to the brim with stickers! Please, can you help?!

Giveaway Link

2011-03-18T17:44:00.000+11:00

Samelia's Mum is having a great "Share The Love" giveaway

Why not pop on over and take part HERE

You even have a choice of which bundle you would like if you win :-)

Freebie Friday

2011-03-18T12:31:00.000+11:00

Freebie Friday is back and today I thought it would be good to share a great tutorial I found on Siggy Squares.

Do you know what a Siggy Square is?

I didn't.

I had no idea but I have seen them recently in some block swaps and wondered what they were. I did a bit of research and from what I understand, they are a Signature Square.

Now a Signature Square is usually made into a collective group of Signature Squares to make a Signature Quilt BUT they can also be made smaller at just 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" to send as a little tuck in for a block swap (or any other swap for that matter).

You can sign your name, date, state and/or country onto your Siggy Square.

If you go over HERE to Rachel's blog, P.S. I Quilt, you can find a really great Siggy Square tutorial.

Worth a look and I have since decided that I will try to make a Siggy Square to add to my swaps from now on.

The early signature quilts were based on friendship and made as memorials for the leaving family. The 1840s and 50s was the era of sentimentality. Poetry verses, autograph books, music and illustrations reflect a leaning toward the romantic and nostalgic

When money was needed to help soldiers in the Civil War, women developed the practice of raising funds with quilts. These quilts raised money via raffles or by charging the signer a fee per signature. Sometimes an entire family would sign one block each. More often a quilt was signed with hundreds of signatures and then raffled off, bringing in as many funds as possible from a single quilt. Stories are told about quilts being re-donated by raffle winners, two or three times over, so that the one quilt could make as much money as possible for the cause they all believed in.

To learn more about signature quilts, you can go HERE

Speaking of America, would you like to join in and make a star for a Quilt of Valor.

The mission of the QOV Foundation is to cover ALL war wounded and injured service members and veterans from the War on Terror whether physical or psychological wounds with Wartime quilts called Quilts of Valor. This foundation is not about politics.

It’s about people.

HERE is a pattern for a star block that you can send towards construction of a QOV
or
HERE is a pattern for a whole quilt that you can make and send.

I think this is a wonderful idea and I will be sending a star block but it leads me to wonder whether there is anything like this for our Australian Servicemen.

Does anyone know?

I apologise for missing St Patricks Day yesterday, so Happy Belated St Patricks Dayand Top o' the morning to you...

Back to Freebie Friday,
As a huge fan of Natalie Lymer and her Cinderberry Stitches, I was overjoyed to have found this pattern for
Woodland Faeries

And HERE is a lovely pattern for the Durham Tote Bag by Naoko Nakamura

Please keep Japan in your prayers.
It seems we awake to the news each day that Japan is in horrific danger of a nuclear meltdown.
Japan has been through enough with the earthquake, and tsunami. The horror of the whole events is just so surreal to me.

I sit back here in my warm, safe home and watch with complete sadness and despair but do we, (do I) really understand the impact of what has really happened here or have I become too desensitised from watching too much TV?
Is this horror impacting me as it really should? Or have I seen it all before in the movies and in the news?
Is this just something else that is "On TV"?
Have you given that any thought?

If you would like to help or more so, are in a position to help Japan, please go HERE for the Australian Red Cross Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal and to Donate NOW to the Appeal, you can go HERE

You can go to Google Crisis Response Page HERE for more information.

What are you doing this weekend?
Do you have any plans?

Stay safe and have a happy Friday.