It's Sunday

   Weird - this is one of the first Sundays that's felt like a Sunday should...for a long time.

Not sure why exactly because it's really no different to other Sundays, in that it's a working day for me. My weekends these days are Thursday & Friday.

It could have something to do with being a one-parent-family at the moment, which has me seeing life as we knew it, a little differently.

Stella is making the most of the last day of the weekend by doing a spot of baking this avo while still in her PJ's.

I'm thrilled she has REdiscovered a REinvention I created for her 2yrs ago. When it comes to clothes her taste is quite eclectic and doesn't always extend itself to footwear.
It's actually a touchy subject in the house at the moment - shoes.
She fell at school on Friday because her untied shoe lace ended up under a friends foot (one of the two shoe laces she is constantly asked to tie up...by me), as she was about to take a step down stone stairs - she broke her fall with her right hand and chin.
I'd show you the wounds however on pain-of-death I've promised not to put the photos on the blog.
Luckily, nothing broken, just some bark missing & very bruised in a number of places

Eliza is working on her last assignment (ever in her whole life she hopes!), while trawling the internet looking for inspiration for the tattoo she can't live without , while still in her PJ's.

If we could find where we put Rosies PJ's she'd have hers on too - it's a bit chilly and she's tuckered out after a run & swim at the beach this morning.

Me - I've been out of my PJ's for hours. 

These patterns aren't going to fold themselves!

The hardest decision I've had to make today is whether or not to wear the same skirt 2 days in a row.

 This is my new Splice Skirt I created especially to go with my new Doc Martens and I wore it to yesterdays class and because it turns out there's alot of things in my wardrobe that go with these boots I've decided to go with this look instead...

 

 ...an oldy but a goody!

Wishes to you, for a lazy, pyjama clad Sunday...

Why I shop where I shop...

Yesterday was the wettest day we've seen in Perth for over 12mths and I decided to go check out the Craft & Quilt Fair at the Convention Centre - for the first time - on the train.

The train trip was sooo easy, can't believe I've never done it before - I'm definitely doing it again.

Why would you sit in traffic, crawling for miles, when in 20mins & $1.80 later, you're there.
I need to get out more!

Denise from Hot Possum is the first stockist of my Change of Heart Skirt pattern. 

The patterns, along with her new quilts & homewares were launched at the Perth Craft & Quilt Fair and being as I'd never been to one before I wanted to check it all out - especially wanted to find out if she'd sold a pattern.

How gorgeous is Denise and look at her handiwork - not just the skirt but all those quilts & cushions - she created them!  

 Here's a closer look at her and the Change of Heart Skirt patterns!

Much to my relief & surprise she had sold more than one pattern, in fact they were selling like hot cakes - YeeHaa!

This vintage trunk of fabric was also disappearing at an alarming rate.

I had a really good look around, taking my time to wander up and down each aisle.
It was a quilters wonderland. The fact I'm not a quilter didn't stop me from finding something to buy.

 It was on the trip home when I stopped into the local Op Shop that I found my sort of treasure and was reminded that this is why I like to shop where I do.

  

 

The Desigual skirt was $4 and the Roisin Dubh top was &2.50.
They're destined for the filing, until I determine what they're going to be best in - I'm already thinking the skirt will look amazing in a tunic or coat....

I wonder if you found treasure this week and where you like to shop.

It's Finished & For Sale!

Not sure how to announce this because it's big, it's huge, it's the biggest most enormous undertaking I've ever undertaken and I can't quite believe it's finished!

It's like announcing the birth of a baby -
it didn't take as long, it was however nearly as painful but totally worth it!

Producing my own range of simple, stylish, interesting patterns
for interesting people with style who like to keep it simple has been a dream for a very loooong time

and once I get over the enormity of this one I'll get right onto the rest.

 Should you decide to purchase & create your own Change of Heart Skirt you will receive in your beautifully presented pattern package,
9pgs of detailed user-friendly instructions & diagrams,
for a semi fitted A-line Skirt, which features a reversible front panel - essentially it is
two skirts in one!
There are 5 sizes to choose from - from Barbie Bum to Goddess Glutimous and I have explained the best way to find the best fit.
In fact I've explained all sorts of things - 15yrs of sewing workshop experience has given me an acute understanding of what needs to be said & what doesn't.
I have aimed this pattern at the intermediate beginner through to the advanced sewer. 
If you have a basic understanding of the workings of your sewing machine and a keen interest in creating while learning new skills, then you're half way there.
My background has meant that some of the techniques I have shared in this pattern are industry shortcuts which will ensure you achieve a professional finish.

If you're still unsure take a look at the Skirts that have been created by myself & students and
I'm confident you will have as much fun & find it as addictive as us - if you make 1 you'll want 3!

Shop

Lap Zip Tutorial.....& another skirt!

I made another one, only this time not for me - this one will be worn at the Perth Craft & Quilt Fair by the lovely Julie, while she helps Denise out on the Hot Possum shop/stall selling gorgeous fabrics, quilt packs and 

my Change of Heart Skirt patterns!

 

 While stitching the Zip into the skirt I did a tutorial on how I insert a Lap Zip, being that this is how I ask for a zip to be inserted into most Sew Outside the Lines™ projects.

Where are you from?

Where am I from...

I am from plaits & pony-tails, from Weetbix and Milo. 
I am from long driveways & Cul de sacs, 
creeks, patios & carports, sheet-cubbies, swinging from monkey bars, 
kids on bikes, no shoes & the smell of freshly mown grass on a Sunday morning. 
I am from pansies along footpaths, pebbles in pockets, Pohutukawa on beaches, 
violets and volcanoes.

 I am from bowls of Grannies trifle, laughing in the face of disaster, from Ruby & Ted and Miri & Gibby 
and Stella. 
I am from sewn, knitted & crocheted clothes, lemonade iceblocks when you’re sick. From, do unto others as you would have them do unto you 
and Mickey Mouse lives in derelict houses on the side of hills. 
I am from trips to the beach after Sunday School, heritage lost through misunderstanding. I'm from the land of the long white cloud, whale riders and farmers, 
sand in my salad, meat with 3 veg. 
From the Tiki thrown away by Hiki & the bad luck that followed, 
the twin girl they called Darkie who wasn’t meant to survive and out lived them all, 
a little brother setting light to the hay shed with his toilet paper cigarettes. 
I am from memories & stories, cups of tea, 
photos & buttons in suitcases under the bed, Grannies voice in a safe place,
treasures that you can’t take with you which are kept & shared. 

Me 8yrs

 While having a little downtime yesterday I came across this writing exercise and thought you might like to give it go. If you do please let me know so I can share where you're from.

It was the strangest thing - everytime I went to write something it was me at 8 doing so.

I think I can...I think I can....

 To anyone who may have glimpsed me in the past week dashing between the house and the Studio, clad only in my new Mothers Day Dressing Gown, it's okay I'm not sick, although I could be close to a nervous break down as I attempt to turn a dream into reality!

I'll feel better about sharing more next week, once they're in the bag - literally!

Mothers Day REinventing Give Away

Lets do it again!

REinvented Top Give Away #2

This time you can also comment over on my brand new Facebook page - link is over on the right.
Choose your favourite top and leave a comment, either here or over there - it's that simple!
I'm officially stretching Mothers Day so that it lasts a week with the winners announced
Saturday 14th May.

Garden Gate

Size 12-14

 

Tree of Life

Size 12-16

ChocMint

Size 14-16

Announcements

My visitors today came to film me for a doco on sustainability in our community and before they left I got Suzanne to draw out the winners for the REinventing Give Away.

 

     1. Leanne - Heritage Rose

2. Melissa - Paris Punk

        3. Tamara - Spring Blossom

Congratulations girls!

Now if you could email me with your addresses I'll get your treasures in the post.


The other announcement is a bit of a fizzer.
I'd hoped to share my new Logo with my new Facebook link.
Turns out I'm good at Logos and hopeless at the other.
The 10yr old did her best however it stumped her so now I've got to get the teen to sit down, in close proximity to me, while she attempts whatever it is that we need to do and haven't - it can't be that hard if there's a billion others doing it.

What do you reckon of the new logo - me thinks it's pretty cool.

Update: perseverance paid off and I now have a link to my new Facebook page up and running - it would be lovely to see you over there.

Did it Again!

We had another gathering of like minds, creating

Change of Heart Skirts.

I love the different fabrics and ideas that arrive for these 2 day workshops.

I can't believe that one pattern can inspire such diversity - but it does!

Big plans a foot and for fear of jinxing myself all I'll say at this stage is - wish I'd taken more notice in art class when Ms McDonald was showing us how to draw.

Oh & don't forget to come on board for the Give Away.