early

I was conned by my youngest son to start decorating early. The usual rule in our house is no decorations until Dec 1. But he worked on me. And won. Just the one small tree, that will soon be joined with more tinsel and baubles.

Looking at these photos reminds me of another generous blogger I met last year. Mandy from Belle & Boo. She was both generous with her time (sharing advice on business) and her gifts. We enjoyed chatting for a few hours in a Newtown cafe and then a few weeks later friends, Monique and Chris, hosted a full-on 'Aussie BBQ' for Mandy and Russ. When they returned to the UK, Mandy posted me a few gifts including this print of the little boy in the background. Jack gets quite cranky with me that I haven't put it in his room. Sorry buddy, I like to see this print in the lounge room where everyone can enjoy it!

more pink

This one is quite a bright pink, not my usual shade and to be honest it's taken me a bit to get used to. Being a mum of two boys, means I'm not exposed to all the shades of pink that exist in the world. But I've become 'friends' with this shade. It feels fresh and summery (and makes me want to eat lollies). Printed on Organic GOTS certified 100% cotton. Filled with Eco-Friendly Corn Fibre (www.innergreen.com.au).


I've been thinking a lot about printing lately. As my business has grown I'm very happy to be still printing in Australia. It means my profits are smaller than if I went overseas. But the advantages far out weigh earning more money. I know my printers. I speak to and visit them regularly and can call them my friends. I know how they work, how they are treated, their working conditions and that the money I spend on these fabrics help out local businesses. So a big thanks to everyone who has purchased my fabrics and supported screen-printing in Australia. It's a very small industry that could easily be squashed by companies OS. I'm so glad that hasn't happened.

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).