Beginnings & Ends, MeMes & Op Shop Swaps - Blogtoberfest

There was a comment made recently on one of my posts 

querying my decision not to want to live 3 lifetimes -

I can see the point 

 1 lifetime can be seen as not long enough to fit everything in.

The problem is if I had 3 lifetimes to live

I'd find more stuff to do and would need more time - where does it end.

I am grateful that Mother Nature has already worked this out 

and given us beginnings and ends to things -

life being one of them, Blogtoberfest another.

Just like a life well lived, Blogtoberfest has been an enriching experience, 

connecting me with a community of like-minded souls 

who I'll continue to visit between now and next October Blogtober.

One way I'll be doing this is through Vics meme

'My Place & Yours'

and for a short time

through the

Op Shop Swap

 I am thrilled with the turn out for the Christmas Party -

with 20 members 

and today being the last day for sign-ups

this party's gonna rock!

   

WiSh ~If I lived 3 lifetimes I still wouldn't use half the stuff I've got~ Blog'fest Day 30

I know there's people out there, 

that having just read the title of this post 

are now smirking, nodding knowingly at their computer screens...

 It's a dilemma - not only do I not want to live 3 lifetimes
I don't want to be spending this one having to sew constantly.

Tell me what you would do,
when wandering the local Swap Meet

you spied a ratty cardboard box under a table 

which upon closer inspection contains

the remains of someones sewing bits & pieces  

from back in the days when quality meant something 

and you never threw anything away...

 

   and a little further along you happen upon a plastic bag

which reveals metres of fabric, 

some you recognise from past projects & late night on-line browsing forays.

You're a bigger person than me (or you're my husband) if you could walk away.

I'm thankful for the up coming Op Shop Swap because it will be the perfect opportunity to share some of my treasure

and there's also a little plan percolating for passing treasure on to others for next year.

My Place & Yours ~Where I Sleep~ Blog'fest

mmmm Vics new theme for My Place & Yours is 'Where I Sleep' and

I nearly didn't join in.

It's not that I don't like my bed I love it, it's my haven 

it's just not very photogenic

and I'm not spending 2days styling it or asking you to use your imagination so here's a glimpse

of where I take refuge.

and if I'm not there it's probably because I've already nodded off here.

this moment ~ wouldn't be dead for quids ~ blogtoberfest

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. 
A simple, special, extraordinary moment. 
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. ~Amanda Soule  

Airing dirty Laundry - Blogtoberfest

I'm not going to name & shame - they know who they are.

From the outset I would like to make it clear

my children have not lead charmed, privileged or indulged lives,

there are more ground rules here than most prisons,

my favourite word has always been 'no', followed closely by 'don't push me'

they don't have set chores however are expected to contribute to the daily domestics,

they've also lived here long enough to realise 

I.am.no-ones.slave

 So why when asked to tidy their rooms do they think this is okay?!

I know there's clothes in there that haven't been worn cos they're still neatly folded by me from the day before!

Love to be seen in Orange & Green - Blog'fest Mosaic

1. Untitled, 2. Silk Chiffon for Aphrodite Concept, 3. RyW - Stella, 4. Echino Dress, 5. "Heirloom" necklace, 

6. Gretelies Tasche, 7. En la Cuerda Floja, 8. Doily Capelet, 9. Fabric roses on the back, 10. Sue, 

11. more birds!, 12. Untitled, 13. Sherbert Shimmer skirt, 14. Pouffe, 15. RyW - Clare, 

16. Jody, 17. "Blumen" die nie verblühen, 18. www.econica.etsy.com, 19. Indigenous fine embroidery work, 20. Lake Orta Romance Rings, 

21. yoyodetail, 22. Shoulder Detail on Handmade Summer Dress, 23. making a new handbag, 24. sweetcase dress, 25. BOOKS AND ELEPHANTS DRESS - Super Chic - Super Cool Mod Dress for Baby or Toddler - by Joey & Aleethea

Have you ever noticed that green goes with everything!


 Just a little reminder 
that this is the last week for signing up for the 
Op Shop Swap
If you are interested in knowing more or are ready to join the party 
click on the image.

I succumbed! Blogtoberfest Day 24

If this post starts to waffle & wander I'll apologise now 

but I'm determined not too miss a day of Blogtoberfest 

and even though I'm shattered, having been up for 36hrs -

I do my best pattern writing after midnight 

no, that's not it

it's really because I leave everything until the last minute 

and then have to do an all nighter! 

Thankfully I took these photos the other day so at least I've some pictures to entertain you with.

I've decided I like the idea of having grey hair 

more than I actually like having grey hair.

I've worked out I like colour more than I don't like colour.

I'll do the grey thing again,

cos when it comes down to it 

I'm really very lazy when it comes to my appearance

and am always looking for a quick fix -

that's why REinventing's the bomb!

In a matter of moments I turned this saggy sack into a funky Tunic Top

by stitching the cowl up to one shoulder 

and pinning the other side in with a brooch.

WiSh - Op Shop Treasure - Blogtoberfest Day 23

This is the WiSh (why i shop where i shop) post I was going to do the other day

before I got carried away shooting crocheted doilies.

 These knitted temptresses were obviously meant to be mine.
I resisted them at first,
then finding myself in the vicinity of the shop a few days later,
I was relieved to see them still sitting on the same shelf I'd left them on.

Advertised as 'finger puppets' 

I strongly suspect they're actually egg warmers

but I can't bring myself to snip the string that binds them....just yet.

 

Without wanting to ruin the surprise & to be honest I'm not sure I'll be able to part with any
but maybe perhaps one will end up traveling in the Christmas parcel
to my Op Shop Swap Partner.

I can't resist old patterns and have suitcases full of them.
 I pull them out every now & then to share with students or use myself.

I didn't realise how much I wanted a baked dough wall plaque 

   until I saw this sweetheart the other day...

'Lulu' will forever remind me of the one my sister-in-law created a few years before her death,

which hangs proudly in her mums bathroom.

The tablecloth pants, if they remain mine, will most likely become a skirt.

They're obviously an indie designers creation 

which are very well made & look to be brand new

however I can't find any information about the label 

Lord of Hoard

You only have a week before the close for entries in the 
Op Shop Swap
If you are considering joining the Swap,
please make sure you have a Blog/Flickr account 
& that you leave your name & a list of your likes/dislikes to be eligible.

My Place & Yours ~Pincushions~ Blogtoberfest Day 22

Vics theme for this weeks MP&Y is

Pincushions

The romantic in me would like to say I use these pincushions everyday

but then I'd be lying.

I prefer a magnetic pincushion

 because 

they're sooooo practical,

one sweep & any pin with cooee is picked-up

and they don't blunt your pins.

 their only down fall is they are a little boring 

when it comes to showing off your pincushions.

How to Wear your Doilies - Blog'fest Day 21

This wasn't going to be a post about Doilies,
let alone how to wear them! 

It was supposed to be about my latest  WiSh Op Shop treasure....

but when I came to taking photos of the

 retro, hand crocheted, over-sized Doilies/mini Tablecloths
 I'd found yesterday

I got a little creative

and this happened...

The seriously green & orange crocheted square
would be the perfect reason to wear this brooch.

The minty sage green cotton crocheted circle 

is so perfect it makes me catch my breath.

and if I could turn the clock back 30yrs 
to my care-free hippy days in Byron Bay
I'd probably wear it any chance I had!

With a raggy Tulle Brooch
or a vintage Hat Pin.

and it was all inspired by this

 a childs or dolls vintage crocheted Capelet
but how sweet would it look on the right big person!

I love crochet 
and use it in REinventions when ever possible.

Cowboy Sandwich and other Nom-de-plumes - Blog'fest Day?

I apologise to anyone that was under the misconception 

that this was purely a sewing/crafting Blog -

if it wasn't for Blogtoberfest it might have remained the occasional 

crafty post orientated Blog 

but when you're committed to writing about something everyday 

it doesn't actually leave a lot of time to create stuff

except

Cowboy Sandwiches

we love a Cowboy Sandwich round here!

These things cover the 5 food groups in one sitting 

and should be enough of a feed to cover 3 meals in one sitting...

if you're not a vegetarian (sorry Stella)

or a pig (buuuurp!)

With not much of the day left and having spent the majority of it 

sewing with & for others 

a photo of yesterdays lunch was as good as it was going to get,

which in itself is nice but not really worthy of more than a passing comment 

but then I got to thinking 

about the name

Cowboy Sandwich

I've no idea where it came from...

I'd like to think it was a name we came up with to try and get the boy-child to eat

but in reality 

it just arrived....and stayed.

Got me to thinking does anyone else name their food or other things so they are immediately identifiable to family members....?

It's my Party and I'll be a hardarse if I want to!

If you are thinking of joining the Op Shop Swap and you don't have 

a Blog 

or Flickr History available to the public 

then please don't...

there is a certain amount of trust required when spending money on a complete stranger...
and it's your Profile that will assist
your Swap Partner in better sourcing stuff you are likely to like.

I thought I'd thought of all issues before jumping in head first 

turns out not 

because it's also been bought to my attention the term Op Shop has thrown 

those living in the Northern Hemisphere.

OP Shop is short for Opportunity Shop 

and it's what we down-under call a Thrift Store or Charity Shop.

Okay that over I can send the Maori Bouncer home 'cos this party's 

back on track and ready to rock!

The ~Christmas Party~ Op Shop Swap

I often see things in Op Shops and think I'd love to get that for someone
and usually I do, me
well now I'm thinking, wouldn't it be nice to share the love with a kindred spirit.

How does that saying go, "A stranger is a friend you haven't met yet"
and why not have our favourite Op Shops unite us,
after all it's the common denominator in most of our lives
and with Christmas hurtling toward us at great speed I figure there's no better time than now to share the love!

You're invited to the
Op Shop Swap
 the theme is
~Christmas Party~ 
and the rules are very simple

A min. of 3 gifts and max. 5 per parcel.Minimum 3 gifts & max. 5 gifts per parcel with at least:
~ 1 item to be found in an Op Shop/Garage Sale/Flea Market.
~ 1 item to be handmade by yourself or someone else.
~ 1 Christmas themed item.
REpurposing existing gifts is fine.

Price limit is set at $15 or the equivalent amount in your currency.

The Sign-up will close 31/10/2011.
Swap Partners will be announced 3/11/2011.
Then you will have 2wks to find all the goodies for your parcel so it can be posted by 21/11/2011.

This is going to be an International Swap however I will keep Swap Partners localised 
ie. Aussies-Aussies, Kiwis-Kiwis to try & keep postage to a minimum.

 I hope you think this is something you'd like to be part of
and that you'll go crazy telling everyone 'cos it's a party!

Grab a button from my side bar for your side bar which if I've got it right will link directly back here which in turn will take interested parties through to the 
Sign up Page.

The lengths I'll go to so as not to have to sit down and write pattern instructions is phenomenal...

The Muffin Magic Winner is!

Apologies for the delay in announcing the winner

of the Muffin Magic Book

I got busy working on a surprise Swap idea which I'll reveal tomorrow 

and then pattern writing seriously got in the way of any fun

so without any further delay

the winner is.....

drum roll

ta da!

Miriam contact me

jodypearl(at)westnet(dot)com(dot)au

Thankyou everyone for all your wonderful insightful healthy entries I've taken notes and will be trying them, especially the Gluten Free ideas.

Please come back tomorrow and check out the surprise I'm bursting to share

 I'm still ironing out some of the details but if you've noticed the newest addition to my side bar

there's a little hint!

The Heart of the Studio - Day 16 Blog'fest & Day 1 MP&Y

Not playing by the rules.....

again!

Over at 'Punky & Me', Vic has a meme going on which sounded like fun
and I seem to have an obsession lately with joining in - go figure!

I'm supposed to share a shelf.

How to choose - I have sooooo many shelves, 

any flat surface is deemed a shelf round here and is piled high with crap really important treasure.

I chose to share the heart of my Studio
the place everyone is drawn to at some stage, the ice breaker because you can't help but feel at ease with a cuppa in your hand.

It's also got me through a few all night pattern making sessions.

Originally a Baby Change Table from the 70's, I was fortunate to find her about 6yrs ago in an Op Shop.
The store manager had her advertised as a Book Shelf in the hope that she would sell quickly because due to Occ. Health & Safety Laws the slates on the side & her slightly wobbly condition made it illegal to sell as a Change Table.

Books & Mags I think others will be interested in make it to this shelf,

along with the book I'm in, my friends books and the ones I get the most inspiration from.

The bottom shelf is where stuff that doesn't fit on other shelves goes

and it also houses the books I don't think anyone else would be interested in.

Interestingly I have found the more you put on a shelf the less dusting is required...

I'm actually quite a reclusive person - Day 15 Blog'fest

Good or bad here it is 
the article I referred to the other day.

a larger version is over here

I love what I do

I love that others love what I do 
enough to want to do it with me.

For me exposure & advertising are 'necessary evils'
although in saying that 
most of my bookings come via word-of-mouth or repeat offenders
I don't like being the centre of attention because REinventing isn't about me
 it's about you and the clothes 
and likewise

Learning to Sew is about you and the sewing machine

I'm just lucky enough to be someone who knows stuff worth sharing 

Oh and I don't know, maybe if I looked like I felt
26yrs 6" tall & bullet proof
instead of 50ish 5"3 & a text book introvert 
I'd not feel so vunerable when I see images of myself 
next to other peoples interpretations of what I do...

good thing the drive to share is stronger than the implulse to run and hide.

This Moment ~ Mulberry Madness - Day 14 Blog'fest

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. 

A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. ~Amanda Soule 

Pink & Green should be seen - Day 13 Blogtoberfest

1. , 2. So Many Ruffles to Love..., 3. SOLD !!!! Finished Side Table Top, 4. Pink Victorian house, 5. Untitled, 
6. patchwork blanket, 7. IMG_0085, 8. Pink rainbow cat, 9. Quilts & Blankets, 10. Merry Christmas, 
11. Holii, 12. Cotton candy pink ruffled piece of Heaven!, 13. Cotton Candy Toned and Edit, 14. bunt so bunt, 15. vintage buttons, 
16. Embroidered button/brooch, 17. I DO Angel Pink Bowl*, 18. flower brooch, 19. textile collage brooch, 20. green bunny pouch, 
21. free knitting pattern :: mini knot brooch, 22. ~Sitting Pretty~, 23. granny chic cozy, 24. Knitting Nancy, 25. anticipating...

The 4-Step No-Tears Way to REthread your Overlocker - Day 12 Blog'fest

To celebrate the successful purchase of my second new-2nd-hand Overlocker
(which sews like a dream) I'd like to share with those of you that have Overlockers and don't use them because you're afraid of re-threading them,
how all professional sewers re-thread their Overlockers.

1. Cut off the existing threads & remove the spools.

2. Replace with the new colour spools & knot the new thread to the old thread.

 3. Take note of the numbers the tension dials are on and

 dial them all to 'O' or the lowest number possible.

4. Cut the thread from the needle & pull the knotted threads until they have passed through all the tension dials, loops & holes and the needle thread is ready for re-threading.

I use a pair of tweezers for threading the needle/s.

It takes seconds!

If the thread breaks at any stage just simply follow the colour coded map which is on the inside of the sliding door at the front of the machine.

For a professional finish to a garment you can't beat an Overlocker!

The Gods of 'Making Good Decisions in Jodys Favour' are smiling - Day 11 Blog'fest

Something's going on.
Good stuff is happening - in abundance
and I'm going to share it, talk about it and savour every moment...

I took a punt and replaced the Overlocker I killed

(turns out they don't like bouncing around in the boot of your car)

with one I spied on Ebay.

I got her for a reasonable price ($101.75)
and she was only an hour away, not the other side of the country
which seems to be where most overlockers needing new homes are 

and she's from the Bernina family (my favourite domestic sewing machine family)
I call that a win-win.....win!

This never happens - a shop assistant making an on the spot decision,
off her own bat, without having to consult with 3 other people -
well it happened twice yesterday,
in the same shop, with 2 different shop assistants!

 

Yesterday I took Stella to a fabric shop to get materials for her new Wasamba costume.

She has graduated from Shaker to Drum 

so her costume colour changes from Yellow & Black to Orange & Black 

any hoo

we chose orange fur for the Corset to go with the orange netting for the Tutu

(think Steam Punk Fairy)

when I went to pay for the fur a separate piece fell away from the main bolt,

it was slightly marked along the selvedge & a bit longer than I needed 

but not a length that would be sellable I guess once cut into 

I was offered it for $2m rather than $17.95 

and then on the way out we spied a Bowler Hat, perfect for her costume once tissied up,

it was $5.95 and when the assistant could see I didn't have coins she said I could have it for $5!

In the interest of discretion and no one getting in the shit this shop shall remain nameless.

  

Also yesterday, I was booked for a weekend REinventing workshop in Lake Grace.
I'll be gone for 4 days, 2 of which will see me and a group of women totally immersed in creating, while talking, laughing, eating & drinking - yeha!

Then this morning I got the good news
that the Thursday Tresillian 'Wardrobe Surgery' workshop was going ahead -
which will be a huge relief to some familiar faces.
It does mean my Thursdays for 8wks will be exhausting
as I'm there all day - how much fun can one person survive! 

Love this song - Day X Blog'fest

Get goosebumps every time I hear this so thought I'd share the luv...

that and I left my run too late to take photos of the new treasure.

If you pop over to my facebook page you'll see the Barry Otto version - it's a treat!

Enjoy!

Mulberry Muffin Magic GiveAway - Day 9 Blog'fest

Catching up with friends today I offered to make scones, using this recipe, 

that however would have meant a trip to the shop for cream & lemonade 

& being a rainy Sunday morning I was reluctant to get out of my Pj's until absolutely necessary 

so I opted for Muffins instead knowing I had all the ingredients right here.

Starting with the Mulberry Tree.

I remember Dan walking past me carrying a 6" stick with a leaf in a pot, headed for the corner of the front yard and now, 10yrs later it's got to be close to 15' and is a rich resource for many desserts here & around the neighbourhood.

 If a good muffin recipe is gold then I've got the gold mine of muffin recipe books -

it's fool-proof,

as long as the 'fool' doesn't over fill the muffin cups
or over-mix the mix.

Even when trying to sabotage them they'll turn out all light & fabulous.

Coupled with hot coffee & great company we managed to talk our way through a few.


I've just discovered the 'Muffin Magic' book is out of print and because I've got 2 of them,
both found in Op shops, I'd like to offer the better of the two as a Give Away.
Just share a favourite family baking tip or trick and a winner will be selected, oh I don't know, lets say same time next week - before midnight Sunday 16th October
and it's open to everyone. 

Learning to Love your Sewing Machine - Day VIII Blogtoberfest

During todays combined 'Learn to Sew/REinventing/Change of Heart Skirt' class
Judith referred to what she was doing as "learning to love her sewing machine" 
and because I'm always referring to the fact you need to form a relationship with your machine
in order to enjoy & be successful with your projects,
I think it's the perfect way to describe a Learn to Sew Workshop.

Not sure how I'm going to use the term Learning to Love your Sewing Machine to my best advantage but I'm going to try!

(Judith - REinvented denim Jacket)

(SuAnn - REinvented Apron Wrap)

(Judith - Change of Heart Skirt)

It was also Judiths Birthday today 

and this is the Quilt her friend Patsy in England created for her

as a momento of Judiths visit to Europe earlier in the year 

and more importantly as a token of their friendship

which rightly or wrongly has now raised the bar 

for all significant birthdays celebrated by significant friends!