toffee

A new Sydney based crafty magazine is out now. Below are some pics and a little about the mag.

Freshly Baked - OUT NOW!

TOFFEE digital magazine and craft kit

Hip hip hooray! The freshly baked first issue of Toffee is finally here. Yes, this is our launch issue and we’re ever so smitten with it and hope you will be too! 

Inside this issue, you’ll discover how Danielle Thompson keeps it wacky in the ‘burbs, why Zee Longenecker is walking on sunshine, what makes Mati Rose take the path less travelled and why Kristen Doran still plays with dolls.You’ll also find tips on how to make a fruity facemask, recipes for dainty desserts, ideas for an eco-friendly Chrissy and much more! 

And don’t forget our *delicious* chewy centre featuring 24 pages of craft to keep you sewing, knitting, papercrafting and scrapbooking ‘til Tuesday. PLUS:every download includes a bonus craft kit packed with 10 printable papers for gift wrapping, craft or scrapbooking!

Download your *sweet* digital magazine and craft kit today at www.toffeemag.com

pink

I reserve the right to change my mind and wear pink.

Fabric: bought from Amitie (anna maria horner - cotton voile)

Bias tape casing and tie: my shop

Dress patten: 'dress n' The Stylish Dress Book (very modified version)

Shoes*: A long awaited day off work and walking all over Sydney for 4 hours with my good pal, Monique, just to choose the first pair I saw at the very beginning.

I made this dress last night and almost finished it this morning. I had planned to make this into a full length dress and bought some pale green contrasting fabric (from Tessuti) for the last 30cm. But a few distractions last night, meant an unhemmed dress was worn today! I'll add the rest on soon.

*This is the very first pair of high heels I have bought for 11 years! I stopped wearing them when I had kids and have to say they will take some getting used to!

bird tree

Back in 2008 I was asked to be a part of the designer range for sproutdesign. I really enjoyed designing this print and was very happy with the blue/chocolate colourway. 
Today I saw the design reprinted in some softer colours and it's fair to say I like them even more!

hexagons

When my friend, Jane, casually mentioned a quilt she had paper pieced back in the 70's I couldn't get my camera over to her house quick enough. Here's what she recalls about it's construction:


'I started the quilt around 1975 for Sewing at school. Fabric came from everywhere - neighbours and church friends. My mum and grandma finished it. The quilt was on a single bed in the spare room at my parents home for years. When we used to visit my Mum and Dad when our kids were young, it was always a treat to sleep in the quilt bed.'


Completely hand stitched by 3 generations of women. Thanks for sharing Jane!

new in the shop

4 metres of hand printed bias on a tiny wooden spool at the bargain price of $9 (plus postage).

blessed

I'm blessed with many crafty friends. What blows me away is the generosity of these friends. Over the next few posts I'll share some stories, starting with one about this girl.
The story starts with me drying my hair last week. As I was running my fingers through my hair, trying to get the knots out, my most favourite ring slid off my finger and went crashing to the floor. All would have been OK if it wasn't a porcelain ring. Smashed into pieces. I relayed this story to the girls at Craft Group and one week later, Lisa turns up on my doorstep with cupcake and present in hand. She had delved way back into the archives of my old blog, found the name of the designer (Anne Black), then found an online Australian site that sold the exact same ring. Thanks Lisa, you are way too sweet and I'm lucky to be able to call you friend.

last week

Last week my house went from white to dark grey. Rhino to be precise (and coincidentally the colour chosen for facia boards is called Elephant - I am now Katharine Hepburn and live in the African Queen).

It didn't just happen. Dad and I painted it... for hours. And that's just the front AND it's only the first coat. But it makes such a difference. It feels like a new house and I smile every time I walk down the stairs to the front door.