Basket of Treasures

On the weekend we went for a browse around the Riccarton Market. I had my eye out for some fabric and wool. It always feels good to be able to start a project with bargain materials. Being ANZAC day there weren't as many stalls as usual.

My best buy was an old sewing basket and it's contents-an assortment of craft goodies. Pins and needles, a box of buttons, pinking shears, some ('dated'!) patterns which I doubt I will use, domes and hooks, 2 lovely old fashioned tape measures, reels of cotton in a variety of shades, bias binding, some fabrics (not quite what I was after but might be useful one day) and various other crafty bits.

A bargain at $30.

So wanting to Sew

I'm really keen to get sewing.  I went to a fabric shop and asked for the easiest A Line skirt pattern thay had. The packet said 'Make it in one hour.' Brought it home...called Mum for advice on the terminology...found I didn't have enough fabric...took about an hour to pin on the pattern (making alterations to the size)...got out sewing machine...machine wouldn't work...took machine to be repaired...collected machine two weeks later...started sewing skirt...couldn't work out the waist band...waited for mum to visit..."How come the zip is way down there?" says Mum..."Why is the waistband that long?" says Mum...she showed me how to sew the waistband...two weeks later and I still haven't...
I decided to enrol in a sewing class, only now it looks like there's not enough people interested for the class to run. Grrrrr.
Oh well, just have to keep searching Trademe for some fabric in the meantime.
Here's some pattern ideas waiting to be made

Exceptional

I have just managed (after four hours of waiting) to upload my first video to youtube. This is my very talented niece Felixe (playing guitar) and her very talented friend Stella (singing) performing the Paramore song 'The Only Exception'. This was recorded at Na'uli's first birthday celebration.

Laundry

"Laundry seems a little less like laundry when it's cute and small"

I found this quote in a book that was given to me when Sofia was born. I think it's lovely and although laundry is a pretty mundane task most of the time I actually do enjoy pegging out my daughters' cute little clothes. The quote came to mind yesterday as I carried Na'uli inside on top of the dry clothes in the washing basket. And I just couldn't resist a shot of her tiny toes nestled in the nappies!

Franniefeet

I have finally got around to re-opening my felt shop-franniefeet. At the moment I am selling striped socks and cotton booties for babies.

Autumn Knitting

                                                                        I have seen lots of lovely short sleeved knitted tunics and jackets in the children's shops lately. I really like them and think they are so practical for this time of the year. I was tempted to buy one but I much prefer my girls to wear something unique, handcrafted and 100% wool so I decided to hunt down a pattern and use up some wool given to me. Sofia is very pleased with the finished product and it's ideal for wearing in the sandpit on an Autumn morning.

My Little Stars

As this is my first post ever I thought I would start by introducing the two little stars who light up my world-my daughters.

Sofia is almost two and half. She is a darling girl who loves playing mother to her dolls and pushing her little wooden pram around the house. She is my number one 'helper' when I cook, sew and garden.

Na'uli is just one year old. She is generally a quiet wee sweetie but is just beginning to find her voice and learning how to show us what she wants. Her favourite activities are doing anything Sofia does and sucking her thumb.
My two girls are a 24 hours a day, seven days a week job and I wouldn't have it any other way...well sometimes a little break is rather nice!