Stop and smell the dandelions?!

Feeling a little flat, so went walking with Miss 2.

There is something very relaxing about walking with a toddler. Some people get frustrated at their exploratory pace: "look, leaf!", "look, leaf!".

These kids are hurried, bustled and carried, and the parents really miss out.

I learned to slow down watching a lovely Mum with her youngest. It might take 20 minutes to walk 80 metres from the classroom to the carpark, but what a wondrous time.

Miss 2 loves saying "heno" (hello) to people on the path, touching the gravel, looking at ants, leaves, and things so small I can't see them.

She is my little miracle, and I treasure these walks. They lower my blood pressure, and remind me to smell the dandelions.

Enjoy your day!

This is..... the pair of shoes I would sleep in!

So ugly they're chic ... ugg boots in the making at the Westhaven factory in Dubbo. Photos: Steve Baccon (left) and Nick Moir, from here.

Not at all something I would expect to see on Shoesday at Rosered, but they are very me, for slumming around at home, knitting on the couch, and warming the whole bod!

The Dubbo ones are the best I think, and so if you are ever up that way going to the Western Plains Zoo (so worth a visit!), check out the Ugg Boots too!!! Westhaven are a small ugg boot manufacturer in Dubbo which employs intellectually disabled workers, and hand stitches boots. Superb.

Thanks to Angela for the This is... and to Hip Hop and Banana Bread for this week's topic.

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Vintage fabrics from Mum

Mum has had a big, heavy, plastic bag of fabrics in the shed for as long as I can remember. Her stash consists of bits of dresses she had, items she made, and offcuts from sewing projects of the past.

Mum tipped out 40 years of fabric in the courtyard, and told me I could have anything, as she is 'downsizing'. I showed enormous restraint, as so many memories are attached to the fabrics, (if only I was a quilter!!).

Here are some shots of what I have adopted. I tried to only take things I know I can use and breathe new life into. Barely a dent was made.

That last one is... yes. Nearly 4 metres. I got very emotional. Mum and Dad bought it in the 1960s, and had cushions etc from it (a curtain too??). I am not sure what it will become, possibly a blind for our home. It doesn;t want to be cut up. No hurry, it has been waiting a while!!


Thanks Mum.


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Vintage Australiana on a Friday

I wanted to scan the last page of a recent House and Garden article, which talks about the incomparable Florence Broadhurst and her wallpapers.

The scanner has packed up though so I cannot show this, but take a look at the May House and Garden and see the article if you can!! Her vibrant hair matches the peacock wallpaper behind her desk. She is a design icon.

INSTEAD, here is my old crayon tin from childhood that my kids now use! Lots of Australian Birds, much-loved by collectors, but never for sale!



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Sew before I went to Melbourne...

...I had some tasks I had to get finished. Bibs for Mum for the Granny's Pressie box. They are kinda small in the neck so newborn only - some tweaking needs to be done... The press-studs were thrifted - a pack of 6 sets for 50c, all fabric is thrifted, and I'm very happy with the result!



Then...


I tried my hand at some more selvedge stuff for my messenger bag (thanks for sharing the selvedge projects Jodie!). Using thrifted denim, I made a spacious bag which is still unlined as I can't quite decide what I like for this...

In the meantime, I wanted an apron for every day, and have to get a few under my belt this month for the sassy apron swap, so made this from a rather pink teatowel, and scraps from the peg bag I made for Mum:



Then sorted, washed and readied 26 pillowcases for the pillowcase quilt I posted about earlier! These are some of the more recent acquisitions, some of which are very lovely!


These are some faves that may have to be front and centre in the quilt, or left whole and actually rotated into use!


This last one is from childhood (thanks Mum) I love flanellette pillowcases when I'm under the weather!

Finally I have been soaking and laundering this hand towel that I will be sending down to Melbourne to the lovely Brown Owls for letting me visit the clubhouse while I was down! Thanks ladies!!!




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Knitting update - finished a few!

So whatcha been making lately Jess?

Beret for me using Twilleys of Stamford Freedom Spirit 100% wool in shade 502 (not as pink as this in real life)



Mittens for Master 6...
And matching beanie!

Backpack for Miss 2...


And matching poncho (seams not finished)

Now doing some wrist warmers in the beret wool as they are super-easy and super-toasty!



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And The Winner Is.......!!

100th post giveaway has been drawn from the lovely entries -

In the interests of fairness and friendly outcomes, I put the names in a hat (had to cast off and sew it up first!! - new beret -).

And here is the winner:

Bells!!!

Email me please Bells and tell me where to post your goodies - thanks for your entry.

So many good blogs came out of the woodwork - thanks for sharing.




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