Melmakespretty

Catching up.

2012-01-15T21:51:00.001+11:00

This is my first post from my iPhone. I am interested to see how it turns out.
I am in love with instagram and I am hoping the picture posts where it should. Please excuse the craziness if it doesn't.
I have been working on this hexagon bag since maybe April last year. Slowly sewing it together when I need to relax. Who knew hand sewing could be so relaxing?
The pattern is from Cath Kidson's book Sew. I have five more hexigons to go and then I can make the bag up.

I hope to do a lot more blogging this year and catch up on my google reader as I feel like I've missed so much of what is happening out there.
What are your plans for 2012? I'd love to know what you are up to.
Until then, happy crafting.
Mel.

Posting over at Hand Made-ns

2011-11-26T21:11:00.001+11:00

I posted a great review of a crafty opshop in sydney.
CLICK HERE to read it,

Mel

Day Eleven- Something Fun

2011-08-11T18:10:00.000+10:00

I gave Koby the camera and said take a photo of something fun. So he took a lot of photos and then we looked at them on the computer and this was his favourite. The trucks. And the sand, of course.

In true melmakespretty fashion I have again started a project and then not followed through.... but I am hoping that this week will be a lot quieter and so then I should have time to take some cool pics.

Until tomorrow,
Take care,
Mel

Day One- Self Portrait

2011-08-01T23:30:00.001+10:00

Taken in the kitchen. With the best light.

I took about thirty photos. This was the best.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-08-01T22:27:00.001+10:00

Sherry from Oh So Lovely and Jenn from Jen and Tonic are hosting a photo challenge for the month of August. Cool I say. Let's pay along!
Here is the list.......

Stay tuned for the funness to come!

Chaos is my middle name.

2011-07-08T14:21:00.000+10:00

Hi!Is it just me or is this year going crazy quick?
My original intention for my melmakespretty blog was to have some accountability for my messy life and also a place to show what I do (all be it, only occasionally) make.
That was all going well but lately I have turned back to bad habits. See below for the incriminating photos..............

This is my sewing/craft/storage room. I had a hutch on top of the desk on the left but I decided to give it to my sister to help organise her sewing desk. I originally had another hutch to give to her but I had to chuck it away as it was quite water damaged from being stored in my carport.

I really do need to reorganise everything anyway.

I had this bookcase that I wasn't using so I am going to put it on top of my desk to store everything in. All my paper craft stuff anyway. I would love to modgepodge it with pretty papers and fabric but that may be a project for when the weather gets a bit warmer.

So wish me luck. I am giving myself till Tuesday to have it completely clean and reorganised. (I am having some friends over that day. Coincidence, no? )

More photos to come,

I hope you are well,

Thanks for stopping by,

Mel

Happy Birthday Zoe! (and look, I made something)

2011-04-26T20:37:00.000+10:00

Can you believe my gorgeous girl is now 11?

I blinked and she turned into a young lady, who is almost as tall as me.

I am so very proud of the person she is and the way she is growing up. I am so very happy that even though she is just about to hit the "mum your so embarrassing" stage I still get lots of cuddles. She is an amazing daughter and wonderful sister and such a generous person. I am lucky to have her in my life.

I know I am gushing but I can't help it.

So about the picture above.

My beautiful friend of thirty and a half years got married two weekends ago and asked Zoe to be her junior bridesmaid. She lives in England and her sister (pictured with Zoe) lives in England so dress hunting was rather hard so I made Zoe's dress. The fabric was sent from Melbourne and with much emailing the design was decided upon.

There were many dramas with me making this dress. I haven't made a dress in a long time and I completely stuffed up the invisible zipper,even though I watched many tutorials on YouTube. But in the end we hid it with a big bow ;)

The final pattern is from Burdastyle 2/11 Magazine. With some tweaking from myself, my mother and mother-in-law it looked fantastic.

At the end of the day Zoe looked amazing, the bride looked incredible and it was a beautiful ceremony and reception.

Freedom Sunday. Not For Sale

2011-03-13T16:07:00.001+11:00

At church this morning we talked a little about an important movement that is going on all over the world.

Today is Freedom Sunday where we stand up and say enough is enough!

But of what? I hear you saying..... Human trafficing and slavery throughout the world.

So this has been on my heart from sometime and is a passionate cause for a lot of people I know. And the more I learn the more I want to do to help abolish slavery throughout the world.

I watched a program that Lindsay Lohan did about children in India and the conditions some of the child slaves lived in. It broke my heart to see children as young as four or five working long hours to make trinkets that will be sold globally. Or to see young girls the same age as Zoe be taken away and made to work in the brothels and sex industry. It really does make me sick and breaks my heart that any child should be put in that situation.

Please have a look at the Freedom Sunday Website. And read some of the testimonies in the resource section and think about how this affects your everyday life.

There is a pledge to fast for the day and give the money that you would have spent on food to go towards the various programs they run throughout the world. I decided not to do that but have pledged that this year I will be buying fair trade coffee and tea as well as fair trade chocolate. I will also be donating money throughout the year as well.

We can no longer stand by and let this happen.

I know my posts are not usually this full on but the more I read and talk about this the more it moves me to take action.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and if you have time please check out the website.

Bless,

Mel

Happy December!

2010-12-03T00:36:00.000+11:00

Hi there.

Long time no blog eh?

Well since my last post I have been feeling a lot better. I am taking some super strength vitamins as well as doing all that healthy stuff...... eating better, sleeping more, exercising etc. So my energy levels have come back up. YAY!!!!!!! I am making a point of not overloading myself with too many commitments as well.

Our lovely Layla is settling in to life with us quite well and she has been consistently waking me up at 6 am every morning by patting me on the head and then headbutting me until I get up and make her breakfast. Chicken wings to her are like chocolate covered strawberries to me..... you can never have enough. She is so cuddly and smoochy and loves sitting with you. We are really enjoying her company.

On Tuesday night mum and I went to my mother in laws church for a gingerbread house making night.

Here are our beautiful houses......

Mine is pretty and very colourful with a row of gummy bears around the bottom. (it is also filled with gummy bears as well- a happy surprise for the hubby and kids)

And here is the side view....

of course I had to have a tree growing up the side.

And here is mum's. She went for a more traditional classic look....

And the back.....

Isn't the Holly cute?

We did not make them from scratch but made them from a kit which I think is a lot better if you don't have time to make oodles of gingerbread. We had a great time and I would recommend it to everyone.

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season and I can't wait to read how everyone is going with their christmas plans.

Have a great day,

Melanie

Welcome Layla

2010-11-12T20:33:00.000+11:00

I'd like to introduce our new cat Layla. Normally we are not pet people or even really cat people but we got a chance to look after on a permanent basis Miss Layla. Who is the cuddliest, snuggliest cat we have ever met. Not to mention absolutely gorgeous. I know I'm gushing but I think she is absolutely lovely. She is a pure bread Burmese and thankfully an adult cat so no problems with the toilet situation. And she is great with the kids.

Apart from getting Layla, life has been pretty busy. I turned 31 two weeks ago and caught a pretty bad cold and so am still getting my strength back. I still feel quite week and so nothing really creative has been happening here. I just feel so Blah.

I think I'm going to get me some super strength vitamins and a lot of rest.

How are you? I hope you are well and life is not getting too crazy with Christmas only weeks away now, not just months.

Oh and I am loving the Aussie Dollar right now. I think now is the best time to buy fabric and other crafts supplies from the US. What are your favourite online stores? I'd love to know.

Have a great day and hopefully I'll be back to blogging more regularly.

And yes there will be more pics of Layla..... if I can take one that is not blurry that is.

Blogtober Day Twenty Eight

2010-10-28T12:52:00.000+11:00

Names in a hat....

Pick out a name....

Get all excited....

because the winner is.....
Paula!

I'm so excited for you!
I'll be in contact really soon.

And thank you everyone else for entering and visiting my Blog.
Have a great day,
Mel and Koby.

Blogtober- Day Twenty Two

2010-10-22T21:49:00.000+11:00

Something a little fun today,
I thought I would join in with Chunkychooky's meme today.
4 things that I always carry:
1. My Phone
2. My Keys (usually around my neck on a lanyard, I have a habit of locking them in the car)
3. A bottle of water
4. A Pen, but not always paper, you can always write on your arm right?

4 things that are in my bedroom.
1. Mess.
2. A huge stack of craft magazines and books (Bed time reading)
3. Bottle of Water
4. Note pad and Pen to write tomorrows To Do List

4 Things that I would like to do but haven't done yet:
1.Go and Visit my Best friend in England.
2. do some mission work overseas.
3. Lose My Post Baby Weight
4. Learn to make Spekoek (My Oma's special cake) properly

4 things that you don't know about me:

1. I used to play bass guitar in a band. Many years ago.
2. I love red glass and have a great collection of vases
3. I love bubbles. Not the monkey.
4. My husband and I met on a summer camp 13 years ago today.
4 things I often wonder:
1. What my kids will be like when they are all grown up?
2. If my husband will every have a job where he doesn't work six days a week. :(
3. What's for dinner?
4. Can someone else cook dinner?

Blogtober- Day Twenty

2010-10-20T22:44:00.000+11:00

Am busy getting everything ready to see the tax man tomorrow.....
Not at all a fun job but every bit necessary.
Hope your well,
Mel

Blogtober- Day Nineteen...... Giveaway!!!!

2010-10-19T22:42:00.001+11:00

I don't think I've actually told you that I am a Stampin' Up! Independant Demonstrator. Basically, I sell mostly stamps and cardmaking/scrapbooking stuff from the Stampin Up Catalogue, do in house workshops and do some (but not much) teaching.
The reason I haven't really made a huge deal about it on this blog, is that this Blog was always meant just for fun and although I do have intentions of eventually having a made it or etsy shop and posting about it here, I didn't really want to bombared you with all the stuff that comes with such things. Also sometimes I make cards or papercrafts that are not entirely made up of Stampin Up Product and I wanted to keep them seperate from that.
So if you want to check out my Stampin Up Blog, "Paper, Scissors, Love" you are very welcome. I hope you get some inspiration for your own cards. And if your in Australia and want to buy the products I am more than happy to help you out.
Now onto the giveaway......
Christmas is coming up and I made some cards to promote our latest specials.
I have made an extra set and thought you might like them to use.

You will get these five mini cards (3"x3") and envelopes and some pretty gift tags.

I am happy to post anywhere so everyone is welcome to enter.

And I have even thought of a question for you to answer.....

What is your favourite christmas colour combination or what colours are you decorating your tree this year?

I will draw a winner by names in a hat on Monday 25th of October in the evening.

Good luck,

Mel

Blogtober- Day Sixteen

2010-10-16T22:26:00.000+11:00

We went to a pirates and princesses party for some of good friends today. They had a treasure activity course set up with maps and treasure bags and all sorts of activities.

Koby's favourite activity (apart from eating all the lollies) was sifting through the sand for gold nuggets. (rocks spray painted gold). We had an awesome time and came home with a pile of fun stuff.

I couldn't convince Koby to dress like a pirate, or a prince. All he said is "I am Koby and I am a big boy".

"I am dressing like a Big Boy Koby"

Fair Enough.

Blogtober- Day Fifteen

2010-10-15T10:45:00.000+11:00

I have missed a week of Blogtober. And I do apologise. The Fuzzy head stayed with me all weekend and then a few hectic days of work left me exhausted and not feeling like doing anything except sitting in front of the telly just vegging out.

Last night after I put the kids to bed I decided I needed to do something, anything creative. So I made this card for myself. It is nothing spectacular but it makes me smile. And of course it is pink, spotty, stripy, has a butterfly and some bling. A prerequisite for any Mel style card.

Today we are going to do some present shopping for two of Koby's friends and then some more card making this afternoon. The hardest part will be taking Koby out of the Thomas the Tank Engine section of the toy department. We could be there for hours. I best pack some snacks and drinks and maybe a fold up chair.

Bless,

~Melanie

Blogtober- Day Eight- Today I'm working on....

2010-10-08T23:16:00.000+11:00

I am working on a matchbox style gift box to hold cards (A6) and envelopes and also some embellishments that can be stuck on later. I think that is coming together okay but I need to tweak the measurements a little bit.
I'll hopefully share the finished project and measurements next week sometime.

While Blog hopping this morning I found A Squeezy Lemon Home Blog. She is hosting purse week, a contest, and has had some creative people sharing some great tutorials for making cute little purses. I really wish I had found this Blog earlier as she was running an awesome purse making contest which ended today :(
Either way it's still worth popping over and having a look at all the lovely things on her Blog.

What are you up to this weekend?
I myself have a wrestling match with my lawnmower........ which means I try for ten minutes to get it started, end up saying some not very nice things to it, kicking the tyre in disgust and asking my neighbour to start it for me...... Which he kindly does all the while having a chuckle to himself at my attempts to start the silly thing.
Augh. I'm already tired just thinking about it.
Same time tomorrow okay?

Blogtober- Day Seven.

2010-10-07T21:52:00.000+11:00

I'm so sorry I missed a few days. My head has been feeling like cotton wool. It's not a head cold or the flu but most probably stress related. I feel wooshy and am finding it hard to be decisive about anything, to the point where I am getting anxious because I can't decide. I am going to the doctors tomorrow so hopefully we can find some sort of fix.

Anyhoo. I want to leave you with one of my favourite quotes.

"The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to turn a life around. It's overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt"
Leo Buscaglia.

Bless,
Melanie

Blogober Day Four-Needing some inspiration.

2010-10-04T21:52:00.000+11:00

One of my crafty partners in crime Penny, is holding a craft day raising funds for Breast Cancer research. It is at the end of the month so I have a few weeks to prepare but her costume challenge this year is to buy the biggest ugliest second hand (or brand new but really cheap) Bra and decorate it.

I was thinking feathers. Hot pink of course.

Maybe gluing fabric flowers all over it?

Ring pulls from soda cans?

Tassles?

Gloves sewn on to look like hands covering the girls?

A quick search on etsy led me to this beauty. It has potential.

But I'd better get cracking what ever I do. I see a lot of hand sewing in my future.

Original can be found here.

You are all creative and full of Witty ideas.

i would love your input.

Thanks,

Melanie

Blogtober-Day Three-Smile

2010-10-03T23:07:00.000+11:00

Some times I underestimate my kids.

This is one of those times.

While downloading pictures off my camera I was excited and surprised to see these pictures.

They look so good.

"Did you take these?" I asked Zoe. "Oh yeah, the other day. The yellow made me smile."

I hope they make you smile too.

~Melanie

Blogtober-Day Two- Make Me Today.

2010-10-02T12:03:00.000+10:00

Easy Envies

Ever wondered what to do with those old magazines and collection of interesting papers and kid's artworks that are too nice to throw away but you just don't have space to keep them anymore?

Make them into Envelopes! Let's put a smile on the postman's face as he delivers all these lovely envelopes. As well of course, the actual recipient of said mail :)
This is re purposing at it's best. And it really doesn't take long.

These envelopes fit an A6 size piece of paper (or A5 paper folder in half)

You Will Need:

*Heavy Cardstock, Card Board or Cereal Box

*Magazines, kid's artworks, scrapbooking paper or even just Printer paper.

*Envelope Template

*Scissor and Craft Knife and Ruler

*Glue Stick, Double sided sticky tape or normal sticky tape

*Pen or Pencil

Download the PDF HERE

Now Print out Template onto normal paper. Glue it onto your cardstock/cardboard and cut around the outside.

Next cut out the middle piece so you then have two pieces like this:

Use the middle of piece one as a view finder to find a nice picture for the front of your envelope. I happened to find this cute Blythe picture in the magazine.

Now trace around the outside of the template and cut around it. You can see I rounded the top corner of my template after I scanned it. Just trace around the edge of a coin in the top corner to get the same effect.

You will now have the shape for the envelope.

Turn your envelope over and put the template back over the top.

Yes another cute Blythe on the back. It was hard to choose which one to have on the front.... But anyhoo.

Now place piece two into the hole and then while holding piece two in place, remove piece number one from the envelope.

Now to the folding........

Fold the two short sides into the middle first using piece two as the guide. Then fold the bottom and then lastly the top.

Now take piece two out of the envelope and crispen up the folds by going over them with your finger or a bone folder or credit card.

Time now to glue. Add double sided sticky tape where I have on the sides in the photo (you can also use glue or just use normal sticky tape on the outside)

Press edges to stick glue.....

And your done!

Pretty envelopes for everyone YAY!!!!!!

I hope you have a lot of fun making envelopes to match your letters and cards. This is a great way to recycle and be creative with out too much effort. So have fun.

Please Note

This is not my original idea. I was given a template years ago by my friend and she showed me this method. I do not know who made the original one how ever this is my version. Please use this for personal use only and I would love a link back if you make some and post it on your blog.

When sending envelopes through the mail, make sure that they are securely glued so as they get to the destination in one piece, I do use sticky tape to close them.

Also make sure your address can be seen clearly. I glue a white label or piece of paper on top.

Thanks again for stopping by on this second day of Blogtober. Have a great weekend and I will be back tomorrow

Bless,

Melanie

Blogtober-Day One----Hello!

2010-10-01T14:09:00.000+10:00

Happy Blogtober everyone!

Again I am participating in Tinniegirl's Blogtober. Basically, blog everyday for the month of October. I am so excited to be doing this again and hope to share some more of my life and crafting with you. I will even be having a giveaway or two to celebrate. And since we are speaking of giveaways...... Head on over to Curly Pop's Blog because she has all the info about who is giving away what and when.

There are also some other great reasons to celebrate October. Raising awareness for Breast Cancer and also depression and mental illness.
As well as my birthday at the end of the month. Woohoo!
I am also trying to change the look and layout of my blog as well so I'm sorry if things are a bit different every time you pop in.
Well I hope you are ready for a great month to come.
Bless,
Melanie

Recent Makes

2010-09-22T13:24:00.001+10:00

I finished this bag today and as usual it is a belated birthday present.

This is for my lovely friend Jane.

I bought this Alice In Wonderland fabric from the quilt show last year and I only bought a fat quarter.HERE it is in Blue if you like it. I had no idea what to make with it. Jane came over to help me sort out all my fabric last month and she fell in love with it. I used a Keyka Lou Pattern called Dewdrop. And I like the fact that it quite simple so as you can make the fabric the feature.

Inside View. Mmmmm cupcakes. (fabric from spotlight)

It was quite an easy bag to make and I know she'll love it.

I also made a quick card for my boss.

Thanks for stopping by, Mel

Today's Motto.....

2010-09-04T19:16:00.000+10:00

Is there anything else that needs to be said?

Make your own HERE

Cleaning, Sorting, Organising, Oh My!

2010-08-29T22:07:00.000+10:00

First off thanks for your lovely comments on the last post. I appreciate your feedback!

So What Have I Been Up To?

My fabric collection has been living in between 12-15 BIG plastic tubs around the house and this week I decided to have a clean up, have a look and see what's there. I also needed to do a long overdue cull and cut down the amount of fabric I have. Some treasures I've found,

First off a curtain I found last year. It is a linen blend I think, but it doesn't really crush. I'm thinking of cushion covers, a bag or two and possibly a skirt.

The Brown is a stretch and it is going to make a really lovely wrap dress.

Gorgeous John Kaldor fabric. It kinda reminds me of giraffe print.

Pastel purple giraffe print. Not sure what to make with it yet.

At the end of the week I ended up with six big bags of fabric which I am giving away to my friend who runs an art and craft therapy program at the centre for mentally delayed children she works for.

So I am not at all upset to part with it as I know that they will be making all sorts of crazy and creative things. I think it would have been harder if I was just sending it back off to the opshop but I am completely happy with how it's worked out.

So with the small scraps I couldn't bear to part with I've been doing this:

I love hexagons.

They are ADDICTIVE!

I have no idea what this will end up being but it's fun building it bigger and bigger.

Well I hope you had a great weekend,

Mel

30th Birthday Invite

2010-08-22T15:55:00.001+10:00

One of my friends recently turned 30 and her sister asked me to make an extra special invitation to her party, which she could keep. The theme of her party was seven deadly sins and so this is what I came up with. Most of my work is happy and bright and so making something a bit darker was a bit of a challenge for me. But I am really happy with how it turned out and she now has it framed under glass with all the party photos.

Pretty cool huh?

I know it still ended up looking really pretty..... but she loved it anyway.

HERE is the link if you too would like to make one of these cards

Thanks for stopping by,

Mel

Under construction.

2010-08-18T11:48:00.001+10:00

Life has been really busy and posting has been low on the list of priorities.
I came back to find my blog a bit of a mess so please excuse my blog clutter and I will be back soon to fix it up.
Hope you are all well
Bless,
Mel

How quickly they grow

2010-07-13T20:06:00.000+10:00

We are currently spending a lot of time at my parents house as we are getting a new bathroom put in and I have been going through some of the photos on my mums computer and I found this picture of my beautiful Zoe, taken about this time ten years ago. You really don't realise how blessed you are until you realise that these same beautiful eyes still look at you just like this.

She changed my life and made it better.

And the winner is.......

2010-06-19T11:59:00.000+10:00

So I put the numbers in the random number generator and tried to copy and paste, but this is the best I can do.....

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 6

Result: 2

Congratulations Freda!

You have won the vintage lace. Please Email me your details to melmakespretty{at}yahoo{dot}com and I'll send it out to you.

And to the other five of you who entered, send me an email too and I'll put a few little things in an envelope for you as well. Yay!

Well I'll hear from you lovely ladies soon,
Have a great weekend,
Mel

Vintage Lace Giveaway.

2010-06-14T10:10:00.000+10:00

I've been busy sorting and organising and not really doing much crafting.

But I decided to go through my lace collection and am destashing.

Who better to receive some lovely vintage lace than one of my ever-so-crafty readers?

I was given a big box of trimmings a few years back. The owner was a lovely old lady who was moving into a nursing home and so had to get rid of a lot of her things. There are laces cut from nightwear, collected and rolled up onto old magazines, 1960's TV week if I remember correctly. Some new in packets and a few which look like wedding dress laces.

So here is a look at some of what is up for grabs.

Close up details.

Some are cotton, alot are synthetic, some are stained due to the age of them (but not too much). The lengths range from 25cm to a couple of meters.
I had visions of using THIS awesome tutorial for colouring lace, but I haven't got around to it yet.

So leave a comment below and I will pick a winner on Friday the 19th of June.
I am happy to send internationally as well
Good luck,
Mel.

Thoughts On My No Spend May

2010-06-05T20:26:00.000+10:00

Okay, so only a week late, but you may be wondering how I did with my "No Spend May".
I have to say I did end up buying some things.
I bought some clothes for myself. I needed a new Jacket, Jeans and I also bought one new long sleeve t shirt.... So that makes two long sleeve t shirts I own now :) As well as that I bought two pairs of red shoes from the op shop. One pair to wear, one pair to modge podge like THIS
I also bought some clothes for Koby and some slippers for both the kids.
As for craft stuff, I confess, I did buy a few things as well. Some safety eyes for toys, some calico and some dried lavender.

To count I've taken away at least fifteen bags of clothes and linens which have gone to the op shop. Countless bags of actual rubbish. And to be honest, I'm only half way through the house.
I have completely sorted out Koby's things. Yay. That is why he got some new clothes. Once I could look at everything together it was easy to see what gaps where missing, clothes wise.
I am a third of the way through Zoe's clothes and have set myself a deadline of next weekend to have finished all her stuff.
I have started my clothes but still feel quite overwhelmed so every time I am folding washing, I look at each piece of clothing to see if it stays or goes.

So that's me and my ramble for tonight. I didn't get as much done as I had hoped but I am still happy that I have started. And didn't just do my normal procrastinating that I usually do.

Thank You Liz!!!!!!

2010-05-27T16:30:00.000+10:00

I was having a bad day, the kids were being crazy, i was rushing off to school to pick up Zoe and when I opened the front door there was a package on the front step.

I wasn't expecting anything and when I saw who the package was from I did my front door happy dance.

Remember my sew mama sew giveaway last year? Well the winner was the beautiful Liz. And she has sent me a belated thank you gift and some lovely vintage fabric and Rick rack *love*

The fabric....

The gorgeous little clutch with tiny umbrellas on the fabric. I love it!

Thank you so much Liz,

I am very grateful!

Love,

Mel

In the mail..

2010-05-26T19:51:00.001+10:00

I recently finished doing a personal swap with Baukje from BusyBeeFree.
I am finally uploading pictures of the wonderful things she sent me. I must say I was thoroughly spoilt.

She sent me some dutch napkins, some dutch chocolate sprinkles (my favourite childhood treat), a fat quarter of the cutest matryoshka fabric ever and the picture is the notepaper she wrote to me on. Sooo cute!

She also sent me this gorgeous mug.

And last but definitely not least this beautiful pin cushion made of wool felt and linen. I adore birds and this is just lovely. I'm not sure if I'll use it as a pin cushion or just have it on the shelve to admire while I'm sewing.

Baukje, again, Thank you very much. It is a beautiful package you sent me.

I hope you get yours really soon.

Note to Self

2010-05-25T13:21:00.001+10:00

Did I mention I like pink?

2010-05-19T20:45:00.000+10:00

I made a few cards this week for birthdays and I am pretty proud of how they turned out.

I find that in all my card making, I tend to lean towards a pink palette.

I once worked for a designer who for a year and a half, whenever she closed her eyes saw hot pink, and thus that years collections were predominately pink, lucky everyone else was in love with pink that year too!

When you craft, what colour do you find you work with the most? And is it your favourite?

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T16:08:00.000+10:00

To all my beautiful mummy friends out there,

Have a wonderful Mother's Day.

You are incredible and I hope you know it!

Why do I give away all the good stuff?

2010-05-05T10:15:00.000+10:00

I made this bag for the Swap I participated in hosted by Bec from fun with a little wise owl.

Isn't it cute.

As I mention in this previous post. The theme was Retro. I was given some fabric from one of the ladies at church and this print jumped out at me immediately. It reminds me a little of Amy Butler's new Love collection. So I thought it was perfect for the theme. I used KeykaLou's charm school hand bag pattern and I would recommend it to everyone. It isn't a hard pattern to follow and the steps are quite easy but there are a lot of steps that you need to really concentrate on what your doing. Don't rush this bag. Take your time and you well get great results.

My partner to send to was the wonderful Narelle. And I got an email from her to say that she loves the bag and she is off on holidays overseas and will be taking it with her.

I am so excited about that! I get a rush when I know someone appreciates what you make them and also uses it as well. I hate when you spend a lot of time making some thing and the person says they like it and then you find out they've never used it, worn it and it's hidden away in the cupboard. It is almost an insult. Harsh I know but that's how I feel. What about you?

I will definitely making this bag up for me, unfortunately I don't have enough of this fabric to make another one, but maybe I'll make it out of my "no spend FAIL" matryoshka fabric instead.

Day One...... Fail.

2010-05-05T09:53:00.000+10:00

So I caved. I went into Spotlight. That there should be enough said but, I will continue on. Zoe needed new flannelette sheets as hers were threadbare so after comparing prices decided that spotlight had the best deal. And I just happened to be walking through the quilting fabric aisle and look what jumped straight off the shelf and into my arms. It had a mind of it's own. Honest ;) On special at $11 a meter. Yep I got a meter of each.
Total spend-$22.
But I am happy to say, I haven't bought anything else.
Let's see how the rest of the month plays out.

Can Anyone Help?

2010-05-02T18:31:00.000+10:00

Now I know you are all very clever chickies, and hopefully some of you speak french.
I want to get either a bracelet or necklace made, which is engraved with a verse that used to be inscribed on the inside of wedding rings in the mid 17th to 18th centuries.. I think.
I wrote it down along time ago and have lost the french translation and would love to have it engraved in the original french.
It translates roughly as:
"My mind is everywhere, but my heart is with you"
If you could leave me a comment with the french translation I would be very, very greatful.
Thanks,
Mel

May, The No Spend Month

2010-05-01T09:50:00.000+10:00

I am really inspired by SoZo's Me-Made-May. In which she is wearing only clothes she has made herself. I would love to be able to participate in Me Made May but to be honest I haven't sewn any clothes for myself for a really long time. And I think it would be way too cold to just be wearing summer skirts I made four years ago. But her challenge has made me think about my own wardrobe and sense of style (or lack there of).
I am going to spend the month of May reorganising our clothing, making our wardrobes well put together and also orgainising and getting rid of the general clutter that is slowly taking over our house.
To do this I have decided that is going to be easier to get it done if I don't introduce anything new into the mix.
So I have decided to challenge myself to a No Spend Month. Where I only buy necessities, food, groceries, paying bills etc, and if we do need to buy anything else, it is a well thought through purchase and not just an impulse buy. I think it will be a good exercise in self control and also reteaching myself good habits when it comes to planning purchases as well. I will say now that I am a compulsive buyer when it comes to sewing, craft, fabric supplies. If I like it I will usually buy it. If I see someone on a blog recommend it or I see a beautiful fabric I will usually hunt it down. So this is not going to be easy for me.
This also means no trips to the opshop. For me, opshopping is the epitome of impulse shopping, my theory is if you see it and you like it, GRAB IT NOW. Because chances are if you leave it and then decide to go back to it, it will be long gone.
So what will I be doing instead? Reorganising my wardrobe, the kid's wardrobes, and making our clothes more manageable. I have found that I have what seems like a mountain of washing to fold up, the never ending mountain, and you may think we would run out of clothes, right? Wrong. The cupboards still seem to be full.
So it is time to get rid of everything that is too small, to old, stained or not worn anymore. Hopefully leaving me with a more manageable amount of stuff.
Then if I do see gaps in what we have I can (in June) go out and get what we NEED. And only what we need. And also make well planned decisions.
I also hope that I will be able to fill some of the gaps with clothes made by me, with fabric from my stash.
So that's where I am at right now. Planning and Organising and trying to make life easier for the Marshalls.
If you have any tips or ideas I would love to hear them as well. What has worked for you?

Thanks for reading and letting me get that out of my head,
Mel

In the Mail....

2010-04-30T21:28:00.000+10:00

I took part in a craft swap hosted by Bec over at fun with a little wise owl. The theme was retro and I finally posted mine out today, only two weeks late. I really hope my partner likes what I've made her.

Earlier this week I recieved a great swap from Jacqueline at Zippy Zippy.

It is a cool folio to keep crafty stuff in... possibly crochet hooks as the funky ladies on the front are in super stylish crocheted suits. And pink too....Is this from a pattern in your collection? You know in all my years of opshopping I have never come across a pair of crocheted pants. Have you? I made a pair out of a table cloth one time but they were deemed a little too saucy to wear... Anywhere. But if I found a pair like the ones below, I would absolutely wear them. Around the house :)

The very cool front cover. I love pink, I love gingham, I love the flowers.

The inside view. The white part is felt and as you can see already fulfilling it's part as a needle holder. I am hoping to take some embroidery with me to do when we are out and I have a few minutes to myself so the little pockets at the bottom are going to be great for holding all the threads.

Thank you soooooo much Zippy Zippy. I LOVE it!

And Thank you Bec too for hosting the swap.

Well my kids are kind of crazy tonight and I need them to calm down for bed..... Koby why are you sucking on a lime? Ha. now that's sour. Oh I love the faces kids pull when they taste something sour.

So have a great weekend and I hope you get to do lots of fun things.

Mel

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Swap on Craftster

2010-04-22T09:56:00.000+10:00

The first swap I have finished recently is the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Swap in which we could only use things that were either going to land fill or second hand. Thus leaving a smaller footprint on the environment. I was able to use up quite a lot of stuff from my stash, which was good. I also got a few things from work as well.

First off, this lovely bag. Recognise the pattern? It's one I've been wanting to try for a while, Oh Frasson's Margaret Bag. The bag was a bit bigger than I thought it would be but it was still perfect for my swap partner. The fabric I bought at an opshop years ago and was just waiting for the right project. I still have a little bit left. The only modification I did to the pattern was using fusible interfacing instead of sew-in interfacing and it still worked out okay.

The lining fabric, which I was given in a previous swap (my partner loves paisley so it was perfect)

A grocery tote made out of a t-shirt. Soo easy to do and a very appropriate theme

Some velcro top snack bags made out of an old pair of pants and a top.

And my most favourite item that I made. A necklace using some old jewellery I already had as well as a pearl necklace I got from an opshop and some one cent coins we used at work for tracking jobs. I polished up the coins so they were a really shiny copper and when I had finally fished this piece and I tried it on I almost kept it for myself. It has such a lovely weight to it and it sat so perfect on my neck. BUT I sent it. And I am glad I did because my swap partner has a love of one cent coins (that I didn't know about) and she was excited.

Close up of the coins.

Thanks you to my swap partner Ralph from Craftster for taking these photos for me. As mine are on my old dead computer and no where near as nice as these.

I am still here... promise!

2010-04-18T23:44:00.000+10:00

Hi!
I am still here, I have a had a huge month and it's only just over half way through.
I have things to show you from swaps I have completed and am just about to finish.
My computer died and I have no access to my old photos at the moment. I don't even think I have picasa on this computer yet.....
Please bear with me and hopefully I'll figure this all out.

How are you?
I hope all is well.
Have a great week,
Mel xo

A quick card

2010-03-23T18:07:00.001+11:00

I made this thank you card from Amy Butler scrapbooking paper and some of my Stampin Up goodies.

I just wanted to share because I love this paper and unusual card layout.

I am busy crafting for swaps and have had a few epic fails BUT i will post pics of the good stuff as soon as I am finished and partners recieve.

I have to go as Koby is making dinner (Bacon and Eggs) and he loves cracking eggs.....love the mess, NOT

Just walked into the kitchen to find this....

Four cracked eggs, almost shell free. I think Zoe may have helped. No wait, she has corrected me and only helped with one. Oh also I do the stove cooking but the kids do all the rest, just so you don't have visions of me letting Koby flip bacon and eggs in a pan. Not quite old enough to be a mini masterchef yet, but his egg cracking skills are way better than mine, :)

Piccie's of last weekends wedding

2010-03-06T08:47:00.001+11:00

Last weekend I showed you the bag that I made for my friends wedding. We were up early for hair and make up and the day just seemed to fly by. It ended up being a really lovely day and here are a few piccies.

The wedding was on the beach and as I whinged previously I was not happy with the bright colour of my dress. But on the day, it seemed to work with the other colours she had in her scheme. It was a beautiful summer's afternoon and the service was just lovely.

The bridal party, photo above by Pez.

A piccie of the bride and I. We actually met eleven years ago when we did a fashion course together. She now makes really pretty headware, amongst other things, and she made both of the one's we are wearing.

And last but not least, a piccie of me and my man.

I have a hectic week coming up, I hope that things are peaceful and quiet for you. Have you been crafty lately? Leave me a link I'd like to see what you've been up to. I really don't think I am going to have any head space for anything creative this week. I am working and looking after my neice who is 18 months old (as well as Koby no fear) and I have some prep to do for some craft classes I'm teaching over the next few weekends.
Have a good week,

Mel.

Leaving it to the Last Minute.... What's New?

2010-02-26T14:18:00.000+11:00

Wedding is THIS saturday, promised bag three months ago, finished five minutes ago.
Cutting it close? Um... just a little.
But here it is..... TADA.....

Fold over clutch made of cream shantung satin (from the stash).

Recognise the button? from my favourite op shop and mentioned in this post.

Flower close up.

I am really happy with how it turned out and I will try and sort out a pattern for it next week if you would like to whip one up.
The wedding as I mentioned is Tomorrow. I am a bridesmaid and my dress is Fluro Coral/Pink/Peach. I literally glow while wearing it and my newly bronzed skin does nothing to help just accentuate. I have a lot to say about the whole situation BUT I love my friend and have to show some grace... is that the right word? And am now focussing on having a great day and not the dress. Not the dress.
Anyhoo, if you have any ideas on how to dye a foofy polyester bridesmaid dress ( we are having a dying ceremony next week) I would love to hear them.
Have a great weekend,
Mel

A lovely surprise.

2010-02-23T21:27:00.000+11:00

Dad gave me a disk of old pictures he had transferred from slides to digital images. And I was pleasently suprised to see this picture of my house from about thirty five to forty years ago.
I am going to get it printed and hang a copy somewhere in the house.

Best Opshop find ever!

2010-02-05T21:14:00.001+11:00

I went to a different opshop today and walk right past this in the window. The when I went back to see if there was any movies that Koby would like I read the box.

Gocco.

Print Gocco.

New, never used. $15.

I grabbed it so fast I almost knocked over the shelf it was on. OMG i have been wanting one of these for the loooooooooooongest time but could never justify the high price tag, especially since they are no longer making them and in the next few years supplies are going to be pretty scarce.

But for $15 who could go wrong. So i am googling and youtubing howto's and dreaming up what my few designs are going to be. I am so excited. This has definately made my week.

See the inks? They are still in their original packaging.

I told mum and she said "oh there is one of those sitting on the shelf at church. They used to print tshirts with them" "really?" I answered in an oppurtunist way. "Could you see if they have the add on Fabric kit for me?" "Sure thing."

Isn't she a sweetie? The kit to adapt it so it can print on fabric is pretty scarce. I saw it on etsy for sale, US$100. So hopefully they have it.

Well I'm off to scrible some more ideas down...

. hmmmm....

russian nesting dolls, tree silouettes, lovebirds....

Sooo excited.

Have a great weekend,

Bless,

Mel

My name is Mel and I like to share.

2010-02-04T13:43:00.001+11:00

I found these lovely pearl bead cluster buttons at my local Oppy this week and fell in love. I bought all that she had and spent a huge $4. Bargain! I thought they would be good for brooches, Hair bands and clips, Jewellery, etc. Aren't they pretty?

There are four colours. Deep Purple, Salmon/Coral Pink, Pewter Blue and Cream. They are plastic and are in good condition.

I have ideas for some of them but not all. And as I am trying to use up supplies this year I thought, I have plenty, I should share them with my fellow crafties in Blogland.

So would you like some?

You can have two of each colour. (See above picture) I'd love to see what you make with them.

I have two (2) sets to giveaway so the first two people to leave a comment on this post will get them. Yay!

It's finished!

2010-01-23T22:13:00.000+11:00

I finally finished the cot quilt I was working on. *insert large sigh of relief here* I think it may be quite a bit larger than a cot quilt but to be honest with you, it was more than six months ago that I was given the panel and asked to make it into a quilt so I doubt the intended baby is still actually in the cot.
So here it is....... please be kind.......

It's flannel. And I did not know before I started how hard flannel was to sew and how much harder it is to quilt and how REALLY expensive it is to buy good quality quilting flannel in Australia, let alone coming into spring. (not much variety)

I found some helpful information on sewing flannel here. But that was after I started sewing. So in true Mel style I muddle my way thourgh it and yes it is wonky.....but I kinda like it. One thing I adore is how soft and lovely flannel is to touch. I would absolutely make one for myself, but I would get it professionally quilted. Who needs the stress right?

I will be giving it to the lady tomorrow and I so very am nervous about what she will say about it. She bought the center panel when she was on Holidays in America in July last year. Just in case she hates it I did find an online store who sells the panel and so I can buy her a new one. I think I am being quite paranoid but I really don't have any clue what she will think of it.

So now that is over I can focus on other projects.

I have been working on a list of sorts but need to focus on making a bag for my friend who is getting married at the end of feb. I'll keep you posted on that one.

Anywho,

I hope you are well and are having a creative and productive week.

Bless,

Mel

Little notes......

2010-01-10T14:08:00.001+11:00

"I said Koby could turn on the wii. I will be there soon. Zoe"

Could they be any cuter?

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T12:18:00.001+11:00

And a belated Merry Christmas........
Things as usual get crazy around this time of year and I neglected my poor blog.
But I'm back and excited about the new year and everything we want to get done.
I hope you had a great christmas and had fun celebrating the new year.

So what does 2010 hold for you? New years resolutions? I have one this year and I will say it is more of a habit that I want to learn rather than a resolution. I want to get our food sorted. I am sick of takeaway. It seemed like this year take out was more a neccessity than a treat and to be honest I am over pizza, burgers and fish and chips.
I want to organise our weekly menu with healthy fresh food and snacks and also put into place the frame work so I'm not doing the mad five o'clock rush to get dinner in the oven. It's way too stressful. So I will be googling to get some help on this one but if you have any tips or favourite sites or anything I would love you to leave a comment and let me know.

On the crafty side of things I am going to do a fifty list and try and work through it methodically...... something I've never done before but hey let's give it a go.
Also I was thinking of setting myself a fortnightly challenge to help wade through my ever growing stash.
I have some bigger pieces of fabric and was thinking it would be interesting to see how much you can actually make from one piece of fabric, kinda like a one yard wonder type challenge. So at the beginning of the period I'll post a piccie of the fabric and it's measurements and any thoughts I might have on what I want to make from it and then over the fortnight you can see how my progress is going. At the end I'll post some pics of everything together and also link to any tutes I may have used as well. I'll have to think of a snappy name for it and maybe we could do a Mr Linky if you want to play along.
At the moment I'm working on this:

It's flannel and my first time proper quilting and I have been having mini melt downs the whole time I've been making it. I can't get the lines straight and I am so stressed but I need to finish it ASAP. So wish me luck. Lots of luck.

I hope your having a much more relaxed weekend than me,

Bless,

Mel

Swap goodness!

2009-12-09T21:21:00.000+11:00

I recieved two packages this week and the first one is from the lovely Bec from fun with a little wise owl. I participated in her Pay It Forward and I actually still have two spots left if anyone's interested. Click HERE to view the original post. She sent me a cute little pouch and a sweet birdie brooch.

I love the colour of the pouch. You can't see it but the badge says "make do and mend". Very cool.

Thanks Bec!

The next package I recieved is from the October Swap on craftster. My partner Reavesad sent me some Kanzashi flowers for my hair.

Have you tried Kanzashi yet? I've seen a few tutorials on how to make these flowers but haven't had a chance to sit down and nut it out. Hers are really well made and look like they would have taken quite a while to perfect, I can't wait to wear them though.

Adriana also sent me this gorgeous wallet. It has this lovely embossed pattern on it and the lining is hot pink.

Love it. She also sent some papers, chocolates and other goodies as well.

Thanks Adriana!

I love getting things in the mail and just wanted to share my happy mail for the week,
Bless,
Mel

And the winner is.......

2009-12-06T21:52:00.000+11:00

Before we start I would like to appoligise. I'm am sorry. I said I would be using the random number generator but couldn't figure out how to get it to work properly. Yes I am quite hopeless at all this stuff.
Zoe and I decided to go "Old School" and put everyone's name in a hat.
All 274 entries printed out onto paper. No sorry 273, Zoe fessed up that her and Nanny commented as Pa because she wanted to win the bag and she thought I was giving away her copy of Felties. Once I had explained to her that it wouldn't be right for me to let her win and that I was not giving away her copy of the book (I bought two as I had this giveaway in mind) She was happy and was also happy to draw the winning name.

Zoe picking out a winner from the hat.

Drum roll please..................... And the winner is:

Congratulations Liz!

I am so excited for you and I hope that you are excited too!

I really hope that you get a lot of use out of the bag and also we'd love to see what you make out of the book as well. I will be sending later in the week once I have finished a few little things off.

Thank you so much to everyone who entered my giveaway and again for all your kind words. SewMamaSew's giveaway day was soo much fun. I hope you had fun and got to "meet" a bunch of blog people you may not have had a chance otherwise. I will definately be part of the next SMS giveaway day as well.

I have a pretty busy week how about you? I hope that you enjoy what is left of your weekend and have a great week to come,

Bless,

Mel

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day!!!!

2009-12-02T10:19:00.002+11:00

Hi Lovely people. This is the first time I have given something away and the first time I have participated in SewMamaSew's giveaway day. So in normal Melmakespretty style, I couldn't find the pattern book until 10 pm last night when in a stroke of sheer luck.... I found it on my book shelf... hmmmm...... anyhoo. I am busy cutting and fusing and sewing all with the help (?) of my little assistant. Who happens to think my ruler is some sort of spaceship. See that cheeky smile.

So here is a peek of what I'm giving away. A SUPER CUTE gingham and matryoshka bag full of some lovely surprises! Here is where we are up to...

So check back later as I'll have the finished picture up, but in the mean time Koby and I will be super busy finishing off the masterpiece which could hopefully be YOUR bag!

But to start things off, leave a comment and say Hi and we will put you in the draw to win this lovely pretty bag and it's surprise contents. I am willing to ship anywhere in the world so where ever you are get commenting! I will close comments Sunday 6th of December and post the winner shortly after. (thanks to the help of the random number generator)
EDIT:
I finished the bag! Finally, after a two hour game of hide and go seek where I hid the straps mummy.
Here it is.....drumroll please,

Tada!
What do you think? Cute eh?
I love how it turned out and think this pattern will be in high rotation as of NOW. It is from a pattern book I blogged about in Blogtober, called cute cotton and linen bags for adults. (Thanks for the interpretation Myra)
Sorry about the bad lighting, I am updating this at night, now that the kids are finally asleep. Yay.

Here is a picture of the inside:

Wait a second. How did that get in there?
A copy of the oh so very cute Felties book by Nelly Pailloux.
Sweet! Lucky you! How cute would these look as ornaments on your christmas tree?
The matryoshka is adorable!
Oh dear, I did say a bag full of surprises and I've ruined one of the surprises.... Ooops.

I must say I am overwhelmed by all your kind comments and am so gald that you stopped by, I really wasn't expecting this much traffic to my little blog. So thank you so much and for those of you who have Blogs I will be coming to visit and say hi over the next few weeks. What a great way to meet more people out there in Blog land.

Good luck! and thanks for stopping by.
Bless,
Mel

Comments Closed

Christmas cards, Zoe style.

2009-12-01T17:02:00.000+11:00

Zoe asked if we could go shopping and buy Christmas cards for her to hand out to her classmates and friends. I told her that I had more than enough paper and things for her to make cards with at home and that I wasn't spending unneccessary money on store bought cards this year.

So the production line began.......

After some pretty beads and kindy glitz we were ready to assemble.

They turned out great and she was really happy with them.

She handed them out today and got lots of compliments from her friends.

Well done Zoe!

And today I am in love with.......

2009-11-29T15:20:00.000+11:00

It is the "Oolong" dress pattern from Colette Patterns. Isn't it just lovely. I love the empire line, ruched bust line and the overall shape of this dress. It would make a perfect dress to wear out for dinner as Nath and I are about to celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary but unfortunately it wouldn't be here in time for me to make up. Oh well, the dollar is still mighty high at the moment so I may just have to put this on my Christmas wishlist.
Sarai has just realeased five new patterns and all of them have a wonderful vintage feel to them. One is a coat pattern, I don't think I will ever make myself a coat. But there is a lovely shell top and more dresses. Click on the link and have a look. They certainly made me smile.
Hope your having a great weekend,
Bless,
Mel

Wanna Win Something?... Me too!

2009-11-24T17:38:00.000+11:00

Isn't this fabric lovely?

I really want to win it and know you do too so click HERE and visit Retro Mummy's blog for this awesome giveaway. And ofcourse, goodluck! (me too)

October Swap Received

2009-11-17T22:19:00.000+11:00

I received a lovely package of birthday gifts from Pixieval in the October Birthday swap on craftster.

She sent me a Yo Yo necklace, I've wanted one for ages and this one is gorgeous. My nephew Brax also thought it looked nice so I've had to stitch it back together after he tried to eat it.

The head band is something I've wanted for a while as well. Isn't the colour combo nice? It is a bit warm to wear at the moment as the heatwave will be hitting us again over the next few days....YAY!.... yes I was being sarcastic.

Action shot of the headband. Cool eh?

And she also sent me some lovely fabric. The trains will be for Koby's bag or possibly some panels for a quilt?

The purple is for Zoe and the brown, green and blue floral will be a flowy teired skirt for my.

I love all the things I've gotten in swaps lately. And I have one more that I want to do and then I'll be finshed for a while. I keep harping on about all the things I want to make for me and my family and friends. I even made that massive to do list on the side of the page. I really need to take a break from swapping and focus on other things. I am writing this more for myself so that in a few weeks when that swap I HAVE to do come up- and it will. I will have the self control to say NO.

Thanks for stopping by and I'll catch you again really soon.

Bless,

Mel

Kreativ Blog award

2009-11-14T16:32:00.001+11:00

I would like to thank Bec from fun with a little wise owl for the kreativ blog award.
I was so so excited as it is my first blog award so here are the rules to accept this award:
1) Copy the picture and post it on your blog. Done

2) Thank the person that gave it to you and link to their blog. Done
3) Write 7 things about yourself we don't know.

I love drinking Indian Tonic Water on it's own. (family thinks I'm crazy)
I don't like cutting the clover in the backyard because I'm worried the bee population will decrease. Seriously. Did you see the movie? Scary stuff.
I promised Nath that we would never go out in public together wearing the same outfit..... but I plan to buy matching Coogee jumpers for our 20th wedding anniversary just to freak him out. (that episode of Kath and Kim where Kath and Col have a holiday in the airport lounge... LOVE IT)
I love to Bellydance and hope to take classes again next year.
I don't like overtaking when I'm driving.
Shooting paint out of water pistols to make art is ALOT of fun.
I used to play bass guitar in a band with my best friend. We even recorded a demo. But we couldn't ever decide on a name.

4) Choose 7 other bloggers to pass the award to.
5) Link to those 7 other bloggers.
6) Notify your 7 bloggers. So my 7 picks are:
Sewing with the sparrows
adventures of a girl from the naki
Penny
Sags, Bags, Wrinkles and Clogs
Cassie
lily40au
Hippie Kender

And that's me done. Join the love, pass it on and thanks for playing,
Have a great weekend,
Mel

Matryoshka Swap Lovelies Made by me.

2009-11-13T12:16:00.000+11:00

My partner for the Martyoshka swap on Craftster recieved her package so I can post pics of what I made for her.
First up a felt door hanger with applique on front. I used this tutorial. And it was my first time sewing ricrac onto something and I have to tell you, it was so much easier than I thought it would be. I am really happy with how it turned out.

Next up earrings. The pic is a bit dark. They are really bright purple. I think I need to make myself some.

Necklace with Matryoshka bead. I also sent her two of the same bead but in red.

And the apron. It turned out so well. I am so happy with this and think that this might just be my Christmas present to all my chickies this year.

And a close up.

As always I stressed and stressed and stressed but in the end was happy with what I made. I always seem to do that... I worry if I've done enough, or is it to my partner's taste, etc. But thankfully she loved everything.

October Swap sent

2009-11-11T21:34:00.001+11:00

I participated in the October Birthday Swap on craftster and I made this bag for Pixieval.

The fabric is from Spotlight in the home furnishing dept. Actually in the kids section. I love it. The size is based roughly on this bag. So it is quite a big bag and I used heavy weight fusible interfacing so it should hold it's shape quite well.

I think I may have to make one for me now. I just adore the colour combo.

I'll have more things to share soon as my Matryoshka swap partner also has recieved her goodies.

Until then,

Bless,

Mel

I think I need one of these....

2009-11-10T21:12:00.000+11:00

So very cool. Found Here

Matryoshka Swap Lovelies

2009-11-06T23:33:00.000+11:00

So I got some really cute Russian Doll themed crafted items from my swap partner Schnerby (from Craftster) and as always I am excited to share what I recieved.

First off, a pretty pink embroidered hand towel.

A handstitched, felt luggage tag. The cross stitch in this is lovely...

A purple hairclip for Zoe.

Close up of lugguage tag. How perfect are those stitches!

Next up, a family portrait of us as nesting dolls.

They are ATC size.

I can't begin to tell you how much I love them.

An embroidered Matryoshka to be hung in my sewing room

An embroidered bag for Koby to hold all his toys in.

And last but not least this gorgeous scarf. It is soo incredibly soft and the texture is just wonderful.I keep coming and patting it.

Close up of crosstitch. *love*

Schnerby is an Australian who is living in China teaching English and found her resourses for this project to be limited, but I think she did an amazing job with what she had available to her. The day before she was supposed to send off my package she broke her finger and had to get some of her students to put the fringe on the scarf and sew on the matryoshka patch, so I say a big thank you to you as well.
I hope she recieves her swap package soon and I hope she likes everything that I've made her.

Birthday Girl.....Me!

2009-11-01T23:15:00.000+11:00

Last Monday was my 30th birthday. Mum, Dad and my beautiful sisters-and families, came over and decorated my living room and cooked me dinner.

I love red glass and have quite a big collection so they put tealight candles in them and the room glowed a lovely shade of pink.

Check out the fairy lights. Sooo pretty.

Birthday dinner was pork roast, my favourite salad (cawliflower, cucumber and shallots) and desert..... Triple Chocolate cheesecake that my lovely (almost) bro in law cooked up.
I felt incredibly blessed to be able to spend my birthday with my favourite people. And found out that after a couple of glasses of bubbly I no longer talk but sing every sentence, like I am one of the flight of the conchords (i'm obviously the shorter, more goodlooking one!)
Thanks Nath, Zoe, Koby, Mum, Dad, Jo, Jef, Brax, Hayley, Ryan, and Molly.

Blogtober Day 24

2009-10-24T23:22:00.000+11:00

Polercise was awesome!
Sorry I have no pics but really there was none that were really flattering.
We started off by learning to strut our stuff around the pole and then we learnt a few tricks.
Oh my, how it tests your upper body strength.... and in my case, lack of. By the end of the class everyone could swing around the pole and do what is called a carousel move (swinging around while looking like your riding a horse, side saddle...kind of)
It was great fun, the girls in the class came with a great attitude so it was easy to relax. There were a few girls who had done some classes before so we ooohed and aaahed at the tricks they had already mastered. "Upside down? Your my hero!"
I must admit I had to push through those feelings of "I'm gonna fall flat on my face" and the hesitation that comes with it but once you take that next step it gets easier from there. I think it must be like doing gymnastics where you have to psych yourself up to do the trick.
So now I can swing around a pole and know how to move my booty. I have a lot more admiration for pole dancers. Not that I want to go to a strip club and watch them or anything but to be able to pull off some of those moves.... Wow.
We left with incredibly aching arms, I'm told tomorrow will hurt even more, and some of the girls had carpet burns and bruises from the pole.
But all in all, I had a blast. A great start to my birthday celebrations this weekend.

I am now off to bed and I'll let you know if the aches are worse tomorrow, I'm sure they will be!
Bless,
Mel.
PS. If your local gym has beginner polercise classes.... Do It!

Blogtober Day 23

2009-10-23T23:16:00.000+11:00

How do you get out of a rut?
Seriously I'd love some help, the last few days have been very Meh. I have some projects that need finishing pronto and it's just not happening.
My motivation on a scale of one to ten is.... minus..... maybe... two....

That's all...
Sorry, I will definately tag this as gratuitous whinging.
I hope you have lovely plans for this weekend. I myself are going to test my lack of body strength by taking a polercise class. Yes that's right legitimate pole dancing as an areobic work out. It is a combined birthday bash with one of besties Kate who is down from Bundy.
I think I will have sore arms and legs for sure but hopefully more so, sore abs and cheek muscles from laughing so much. Apparently you wear heels while exercising, so I went to buy some high high heels today ( I usually just wear flats) but no luck. Which i think is good, less chance of breaking my ankles maybe?
Anyhoo, I will share the hilarity with you tomorrow.... but probably only in words.
Bless,
Mel

Blogtober Day...ummmm.....okay so I missed a few... Sorry

2009-10-22T23:14:00.000+11:00

Wisting away.
I am a very hard person to buy for. And I feel very sorry for my family who are trying to buy birthday presents for me at the moment. Ahem..... walking foot for my sewing machinge..... *clears throat* sorry about that.
Anyway when I swap on Craftster, to help my swap partners get a better idea of what kind of things I like I started up a wist.
What is a wist?
A wist is a database of your favourite things that you find online, either on craftster, etsy or people's blogs etc. You download their internet explorer which has a tool so you can click on a site and add it to your wists. It then saves the picture and link for you to browse through later.
Here is mine. www.wists.com/melmakespretty I also like to book mark things for inspiration as well, then I don't have to go hunting through all my links and bookmarked sites.
The site itself sometimes is a bit slow but it is great for inspiration and gives you a bit of snap shot into a person's likes and makes it a little easier when crafting for them.

Have you found anything really pretty in your travels lately? I'd love for you to share your finds with me.
Thanks,
Mel

100th Post!

2009-10-20T14:31:00.000+11:00

How exciting! I've posted 100 times.

I am excited and quite proud of myself for sticking with it.

I lost a few days on Blogtober but that is okay. I am hoping to do a separate post on that later today.

I really wanted to share what I've been working on today. Sorry Linda, if you pop over, (my swap partner) but I'm quite excited about how I'm progressing with this piece. I can't tell you exactly what it will be but it will be lovely. Oh and of course really pretty. I am thinking of puting up the pattern for this as a PDF as I think it would be great as a little softy or as I have it, an applique.

I'll try and work on it this week.

Hopefully I'll have a bit more to say later,

Bless,

Mel.

P.S. there are two spots left if you want to play along with Pay It Forward. So leave a message on that post.

Blogtober Day 16

2009-10-16T22:30:00.000+11:00

I really like this song and the clip that goes with it. A pity target ripped it off but anyway.
What is your favourite song at the moment? And what songs inspire you when your crafting?
I'd love to know.

Blogtober Day15

2009-10-15T22:06:00.000+11:00

First time we've eaten at the dinner table for a very long time!

Usually our dinner table is covered in Junk. Mostly my junk. Mostly my craft stuff actually. Half finished projects and things not put away once I've finished with them. But I had to get it sorted and put away for the Kitchen Tea.
I am really hoping I can keep it clean and am trying to make better habits so that once I am finished with something for the day, I pack it up and put it all away properly.

I just wanted to share that because I am very excited by the lack of clutter.
Yay!

Blogtober Day 14

2009-10-15T00:08:00.001+11:00

I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people . I have 365 days to do it in…What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise!The catch is that you must participate as well: you must have a blog and before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going.(just cut and paste this one if you like!, which I did). I can't wait to get started!

I follow Bec from fun with a little wise owl's Blog (check it out, she makes such lovely things!) and she is participating in Pay it forward. I have always wanted to participate in this so here goes.....
Leave a comment and pay it forward. Share the love.

Bless,
Mel
Oh and by the way, after I deleted all my draft posts that I never published and also the two posts Koby managed to publish from our computer's picasa albums. (that boy is too clever)...I'm only up to post 97, so I have a few more days to craft for the giveaway. Yay.

Blogtober Day 13

2009-10-14T00:00:00.000+11:00

Happy Mail.

I bought this book off Amazon because one of her skirts (from the book) was a free pattern on Burdastyle. And I really liked the simple style of it. This is the one I'm talking about.

I haven't taken any pics of the inside of the book but the basic premise is that designer Wenlan Chia of the fashion label Twinkle, has shared some of her favourite runway looks with us, the patterns are all in PDF form on a disk, so you print out the patterns kinda like the Burdastyle patterns. All instructions are in the book and there are some helpful illustrations. I haven't had a look at the disk yet but feel some what out of my depth as there a lots of pleats, tucks, and other intricate detailing that I wouldn't normally use. Mainly because I'm into instant gratification. Quick and easy makes.

There are skirts, ~~sacks~~ oops dresses, tunics and tops.

I am not 100% sold on it and a little disappointed, My expectations were different. I would like to try a few of the dresses and skirts though. My only fear is that the pattern for each garment will use upwards of 30 sheets of paper and I will be spending more time waiting for the pattern sheet to print than actually sewing the garment up. (the free skirt has 52 pages to print out) I decided to leave it for another day. When I am rich or have an everlasting supply of toner for my printer.

So am I recomending it?

Not yet. I think you have to wiegh up the cost of buying some Vogue patterns with the cost of printing out the patterns. Toner and Paper etc.

Sorry. I really am in two minds about it.

In other news tomorrow is my 100th post so please click back as I am going to a hold a giveaway to celebrate.

Bless,

Mel

Blogtober Day 11

2009-10-12T00:16:00.000+11:00

I am up to my ears in debt.
Actually it is piled high above my head and reaches further than I can imagine.
Not monetary debt as such but craft debt. You know when you promise someone you'll make something for them and then don't quite get around to doing it. I stumbled upon Ginger's blog and read this post and realised yes, that is me. So many promised unfinished projects.
So I've decided to list them and then cross them off as I go.

Matryoshka swap items-to be sent before 23rd of October.
Jemima's twirly dress (supposed to be late christmas present)
Hayley's Birthday bag (her birthday was in August)
Nikki's handbag (requested in feb)
Zoe's summer dresses (were supposed to be made in september)
The flannel cot quilt.......that is a whole other post...trust me.

I'm sure there are other things I have forgotten and will probably remember as time goes on but I think for the moment that's a big enough chunk to chew through for the time being.

The kitchen tea went really well and our bride to be had a great time catching up with friends and got some really great pressies too. I ended up having to sit down with Koby asleep on my lap, poor thing, he was really tired from a big and busy week.
So I'm off to bed, but if your in craft debt let me know we can craft our way out of it together.
xo Mel

Blogtober-day 9 & 10

2009-10-10T21:33:00.002+11:00

Looking Back

This is a picture of Zoe when she was four.

I am not sure whether she did her own make up or had help from one of her lovely Aunties.

Four was the year when she decided she could cut her own hair, go on a two week trip to fiji with out her parents and start at big school. All this was done with the help of her best friend bunny.

We still have bunny, she is still at school, (bunny stays home now), she hates being away from us for more than a night (has a lot to do with a certain little brother) and she prefers dad to cut her hair.

Blogtober Day 7 & 8

2009-10-08T21:34:00.000+11:00

Oooh I missed a day.

By the time I got home from work, sorted out dinner, played puzzles with Koby and snuggled with Zoe I was exhausted and fell into bed. A great way to spend a wednesday evening, I think.

On Sunday I am hosting my friend's kitchen tea so I am stressing like you would not believe. Mum came over today to help me clean the house, I am about to get back to it.

Isn't that tea cup cute? we are using these vintage tea cups as prizes for the games (filled with choccies of course). It will be a great day, but I still have to make up some name tags, decorations, a couple of cards, and do some more tidying of the back yard. Which wouldn't be a problem except I am working all day tomorrow.

Well I had better get back to the cleaning. Until tomorrow,

Bless,

Mel

P.S Thanks mum! Your awesome

Blogtober-Day Six!

2009-10-06T21:50:00.002+11:00

Six days in and I think I'm doing pretty well. It was a struggle today to figure out what to write about so i thought I would share some links.
Through out Blogtober there are a lot of people giving away some pretty awesome stuff. If you would like to win something head on over to CurlyPops and have a look in the right column for links to a great list of giveaways.
I am doing a swap on craftster at the moment. It is the Matryoshka swap.
I love Russian dolls and thought I would share a few links if you feel inspired to sew or craft some of your own.

As it is a surprise for my partner, I can't give you any more clues as to what I'm making but I know she'll love everything.

Well, goodnight, sleep tight and I'll see you here tomorrow.

Bless,

Mel

Blogtober-Day Five

2009-10-05T20:15:00.003+11:00

I am very influenced by subliminal advertising. Or The Ottobre Debate.
I have to admit it. I blog surf and find all these things that people are doing, what people are using and think, "Oh I really need that"
Ottobre.
There are a lot of people who use Ottobre patterns and get very excited about using them (which is all good) and so I thought, hey I should use them too.
Fair enough but to order copies in Australia you pay upwards of $22 plus postage for them and if you subscribe directly to Ottobre you get six issues for around AUD$100 per year. (that is 4 child and 2 women issues).
I am still undecided as to whether or not I will subscribe. $100 is a lot of money and if I worked it out I would realistically only spend $40 a year on commercial patterns, not including opshop found patterns. So if I were to subscribe I really couldn't justify buying any other patterns commercial or otherwise.
I do wonder if the principle that applies to cook books "you will only ever cook eight to ten recipes from that cook book" (about 25%)., would also apply to pattern books. If so that makes for very expensive patterns. But then the clothes are so cute and fashion forward and the woman's sizing doesn't stop at size 16 (yep I am at size 18 at the moment....bloody hormones) and the clothes look proportioned and lovely and.... I could go on.
So I am still having the internal discussion about whether or not I should subscribe, I really want to but at the end of the day would I really get that much sewing done?

What do you think?
I'd love to hear your thoughts, also is there anything your undecided on? Maybe I can help you decide.
Bless,
Mel

Oh and if you want to check out Ottobre yourself click HERE

Blogtober-Day Four

2009-10-04T22:37:00.004+11:00

One of my favourite things are Japanese sewing books.

I got this one a few months ago and thought I would share. I am not sure of the name of it, but if you can translate feel free to leave me a comment and the translation. If you want to get it for yourself the ISBN is 978-4-8347-2828-6. It does not have a pull out pattern and all patterns you have to draft yourself but they don't look too complicated.

Sorry for the bad lighting and glare, I took the pics a few minutes ago.

Pleated goodness.

I love the bias binding and flower on the bag above.

And this one is so cute. I love the fabric combination.

I do love using these pattern books and they are reasonably easy to decipher even though they are written entirely in Japanese. They have simple easy to follow diagrams with all the measurements written on them. I would suggest making a few commercial patterns before you tackle some of the harder bags in these books because they don't go step by step instructions to guide you through every process like say, a Simplicity or even an Amy Butler Pattern would.

But they are great for inspiration. The fabric combinations and the shapes of the bags.

So where do you buy these pattern books?

Online on www.yesasia.com is where i bought this from.it was a bit of a gamble as I only had the front cover to go by. Also you could try Japanese Amazon, ebay and also etsy.

If you live in Sydney you should visit Kinokuniya which is opposite the QVB on George St. I found the books there to be a little cheaper than ordering them online. But getting to flick through them before you buy is definitely better.

I have some books, now what?

It's definitely worth having a translation for some of the diagrams so here are a few links to help you out.

Moving Hands has a list of some of the more common words/phrases you will find on the patterns. Click HERE
My little Mochi has a PDF you can download to help out also. Click HERE
There is a fairly comprehensive PDF you can download as well. Click here to download PDF (865KB)

Here are a few more useful links for you.

Angry Chicken shares some of her favourite Japanese books.
Crafting Japanese is blog where people upload picture of their favourite or recently purchased books
Japan Couture Addicts is a blog dedicated to Japanese sewing and craft books. The only thing is, it is written in french and my google translator does a very poor job of translating it. I hope yours does a better job!

Well I hope that is useful and please feel free to leave a comment and let me know your favourite Japanese craft books, or where else you can buy them.

Thanks for stopping by,

Mel

Blogtober- Day Three

2009-10-03T19:18:00.004+10:00

Source.

I found this photo www.weheartit.com I would love to have this kind of theme/set up for my birthday later in the month. Look how pretty it is.

Well I don't have a big tree that I can put a table under but maybe hang lights off the washing line? I have a very old but lovely metal hills hoist, so I may just be able to pull it off.

So if you don't mind I'm going to talk myself through this to figure out what I will need.

Lots of jars to hold candles
Lots of candles
Some old coat hangers to make the hangy bits for the jars
A big table and grand table cloth.
Some garlands of shrubbery (is that even a word?)
Plates of yummy food
Candles and flowers for the table
And lots of lovely friends.

What do you think? Have I missed anything?

Bless,

Mel

Blogtober- Day two

2009-10-02T20:39:00.006+10:00

Day two of blogging every day for the month of October.
I was thinking about Joining a swap last month in which you share a week of you life, in pictures, with your swap partner. I initially thought it would be a great idea and then decided that our life is not really too exciting. So I gave it a miss.
Later on i was wondering what a two year old would take pictures of if he was let loose with the camera. So I decided to give Koby our very old digital camera so he could take pictures of his world.
Here are a couple of my favourites.....

Trains.Tractors.Trains and Tractors.

Until tomorrow,

Bless,

Mel

Blogtoberfest!

2009-10-01T22:00:00.002+10:00

So I headed on over to TinnieGirl and decided to play along with blogtoberfest, where you blog everyday for the month of October. Which is good because I hit the big 3-0 at the end of the month. But i have quite a few shifts this month so life is about to get a whole lot more chaotic...
So stay tuned and I may even have a surprise or two in store for you!
Have a great day, (or night)
Mel

Be still my beating heart!

2009-09-28T12:24:00.002+10:00

I Love Burda! Seriously, best pattern mag ever. I got this June 1978 edition from an op shop a while back but I thought I would share a few trends that were HOT in summer 1978. And seriously, I think we may have continually regurgitated them since.

The ever trendy colour.......White. Seen here in dress form. A take on the Spanish,
Nautical, OMG, I love the accessories! Hats, scarves, bags, and aviator sunglasses. Note the navy socks with white shoes. And what you always wanted.. A towel dress! But seriously, I could see both the swimsuit and hoodie being worn on any given beach this summer.Yet another reminder why I need to learn to crochet. What girl wouldn't want to be covered in a coral reef?And don't forget the kiddies (sorry, this pick is a bit blurry)
I am in love with the prints on the dresses.Going to the beach? Why not make yourself one of these the night before. You will be the envy of everyone who passes by. And it converts into your very own change room.. so handy! And I couldn't not share the apron love.... Gingham, quirky patch pockets.....
Thank you Burda.

And thank you for an English supplement.

So what do you think?

Do you love Burda too?

The Wonder of Woo.... Howie Woo that is.....

2009-09-26T13:19:00.005+10:00

Okay so first I would like to appoligise for it being two weeks since my last post when I did promise it would be the next day..... My Bad. As usual life gets in the way and bloggin becomes low on the list of priorities. But anyhoo...

I would like to introduce to you a very clever lad that I stumbled upon first through craftster, and the through his site http://www.woowork.com/

Howie Woo is the most imaginitive crocheter I have ever seen. Pictured here with his Sat-Track Surveillance Watch. When Howie posts one of his new creations there is always a clever story that goes with, so make sure you click on the link above.

Another one of my favourites would have to be this the Bubble Gun. Oh how I would love to fight intergalactic aliens with one of these......

I also love the telescope and celestialness he crocheted for his girlfriend MJ.

So here are just a few examples of the things on Howie's website, you should definately have a look. (that includes you Howie's sister *wink* ) He also has some links so that you too, (or me) can learn to crochet as well.

One day I hope to learn to crochet, but at the moment, for me crocheting is in the too hard basket.

Thanks Howie for letting me use your pictures on my blog. I tried to embed one of your videos into my blog as well but I couldn't get it to work.

Bless,

Mel

Random Acts of Kindness

2009-09-09T06:26:00.005+10:00

Kind over matter
I found this website today that promotes random (and not so) acts of kindness. They have great printable cards that you can give to people in the street. Great inspirational photos and just great inspiration in general. They also do a great etsy round up with adorable themes. Oh and giveaways, lots of giveaways!
Please have a look, you will be inspired.

I am also loving these painted rocks at the moment.
Aren't they cool? They are made by Kim Mailhot, and she gives a tutorial on her blog.
I definitely think I should make some of these.

Well I hope I have inspired you a little today. What are you up to today? I am actually in cleaning mode. I know, double take, motivation has hit. Nath says my style of cleaning is to just move all the crap from one place to another. Which is true, that's what I do. But now I have actual proper homes for it all and I am actually even throwing things out!
I am so excited by this and am like a little kid who keeps going "look, look, look" "I'm doing it".
I think that will wear a little thin by this evening though, so I will stop with them and be back to show you, show you, show you how I'm going tomorrow.

Have a lovely day,
Bless,
Mel

I've taken the pledge!

2009-09-03T13:54:00.002+10:00

I love Wardrobe Refashion!

I Melanie (Melmakespretty) pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoted, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftiness brings!

Signed Mel.

I love this site and all the inspiration you get and now with doing Zoe's wardrobe, I thought it the perfect time to join. Wish me luck!

Mmmmmm Pretzels.

2009-09-02T22:26:00.003+10:00

I love pretzels.

Everyone loves a pretzel! Especially at my house. I usually end up making a double batch, one savoury and one sweet.
Makes 12
Ingredients:
2/3 cup warm milk
7g sachet of dried yeast
1/2 tsp caster sugar
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1/2 tsp salt
60g butter, melted

Using a fork, whisk the milk, yeast and sugar together in a jug. Set aside in a warm place for ten min until bubbly and frothy.
Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Make a well in centre. Add yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until it forms a dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently into a ball. Place into a lightly oiled bowl, cover and set aside in a warm place for about 30 mins or has doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 220' Celsius and line two trays with baking paper.
Knock down dough with you fist. Turn onto a floured surface and mold into a ball. Divide dough into 12 even portions.
Roll each piece into a 40 cm long sausage shape. Arrange the "sausage" into a horse shoe shape with ends towards you. Cross ends twice and place on the loop of the dough.
Put onto tray and brush with either milk or beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, sea salt, Parmesan cheese, etc for savoury or Cinnamon and sugar for sweet.
Bake for 10-15 mins until golden brown.

And Enjoy.

Spring!

2009-09-02T06:47:00.005+10:00

I love spring.

We went up to my parents house over the weekend to celebrate my sister's birthday and the flowers were all out in bloom. My mum has some amazing plants in her garden and I wished that I had taken my camera with me, but my brother in law did, so I may have to swipe some of his pics. In talking about my mother's garden I have noticed a pattern over the past few years. I seem to buy only pink flowered plants for her. Don't know why i would do that. ?.

The rose in the photo above however is from my garden...

So September.

I am excited because Zoe and I have decided to make her summer wardrobe and are in planning stage. So some questions we need to ask is....

What clothes do you need?
What clothes need mending?
What clothes need altering to extend their life?
What clothes can we pass on? either to family or the op shop.

So that is our job for today and hopefully I'll have some answers for you tomorrow. I am hoping that Spotlight still have their McCall's patterns "buy one get one free" because there are a few patterns I'd like to get.

Now off to finish clearing the craft/dining table so we can get some stuff done.

Have a great day,

Mel

Soooooooo Excited!!!!!!!!

2009-08-20T21:48:00.002+10:00

To find THIS.
Oh my gosh, such a great list of tutorials for bags, pouches, and purses.
As if I didn't have enough on my to do list.
Some sewn, some knitted, some felted, some crocheted, all great designs and wonderful inspiration.
Seriously check it out.
Thank you whip up.com

Up Coming Projects- September is Zoe's summer wardrobe

2009-08-20T16:13:00.004+10:00

It must be hard being nine. Wanting to be grown up and wear cool, trendy clothes but at the same time wanting to be a twirly girl and dress like a portabella pixie.
This September I am focusing on making Zoe some clothes and refashioning a lot of her existing clothes so she can have a cool un-embarrassing wardrobe. I had a big look through my fabric stash and found some prints to make some twirly dresses and do appliques with.
I am excited to start and am looking at what patterns I'll need and hopefully I'll be able to use existing things and not spend too much money.
That's the plan. SO if you have any refashioning suggestions, patterns you like or anything else, as always I'd love your input.
Thanks,
Mel

The GOOD fabric.

2009-08-15T10:17:00.003+10:00

So I am a hoarder.
There I said it. Put it out there. Now to deal with it...
I love finding unusual, pretty fabric and after washing it fantasise over what it will become. Sometimes I buy fabric with a specific purpose, sometimes I impulsively HAVE TO HAVE IT... NOW!
It is hard to cut into the GOOD fabric and sometimes I just can't decided what to make.
Will it show off the fabric well?
Will I botch the cutting or the making of it?
So many questions that lead to me inevitably putting it back into one of my storage boxes and letting it just sit.
I finally got up the courage to make something out this fabric. I bought it in June at the quilt show from the Patchwork on Central Park stand. It's Japanese fabric so wasn't cheap and it's only 30cm wide.
I bought Keyka-Lou's Half Moon Handbag. Since it is a smallish bag I was able to get all the pieces out of the fabric. Sooo excited.
It is a great size for putting your wallet, phone and keys in when you don't want to take your whole handbag with you.
Inside view.

I need more practice on pressing rounded corners and must remember to CLIP rounded seams but other than that I love the size of this bag. The instructions were really simple and easy to follow and I would recommend this pattern.

I am happy that I overcame my fear of cutting into the GOOD fabric and hope that I can continue to take steps forward and cut into some of the other good fabric I have.

How about you? Is it time you cut into some of that GOOD fabric as well?

Kid's Craft and Swap-Zoe.

2009-07-31T22:22:00.005+10:00

I decided to join Zoe up for the Kid's craft swap because she is always a bit jealous when I get packages in the mail and she doesn't. We were paired with craftser Lique and her daughter Daphne. Lique has a blog and makes some awesome things click HERE to have a look.

When we got the questionnaires that our swap partner filled out I was pleasantly surprised at how similar our girls are. They had fun getting to know each other via facebook and emails and I hope we stay in touch.Zoe made Daphne a name necklace, bracelet, activity book, painted bird picture, some polymer clay ornaments (mostly cupcakes), a jeans bag and decorated t-shirt (littlest pet shop, both girls love littlest pet shop). We also sent some vegemite, timtams, choccies, fabric and some books.

Photos by Lique.

I made a tree pendant for lique. I am kinda obsessed with the teardrop shapes at the moment.

We were so excited to get an amazing package from Lique and Daphne. We got spoilt big time!

Daphne painted the house to display littlest pet shops on, she also decorated the photo frame.

She sent through some LPS stickers and bandaids, some painted horses, lots of other cool stuff- including candy..YUM

Close up of picture frame. The love hearts are clear resin with sparkles set into it, and the bottlecaps have picture stuck in them.... so crafty!Cute painted horse ornaments.The back of the painted house,a Z pillow that Zoe adores, a cool tote bag you can colour in yourself and Daphne also painted a bag with her favourite things on it.Close up of painting. Hasn't she done a great job?

Lique also makes soap. How cool is that? She sent me a bar with ground coffee in it (great exfoliator) and one which smells sooooo yummy (vanilla and lime).

We had so much fun with this swap and although we probably wont be doing any more swaps for a while, I hope that Zoe and Koby and I can spend a few hours each week being creative and trying new things.

Kid's Craft and Swap-Koby.

2009-07-28T11:37:00.005+10:00

I've been a bad blogger. I do appoligise and have valid excuses but I won't bore you with them at this very moment.

We joined in on the Kid's craft and swap last month and had a great time swapping crafts and lollies, etc.

I decided to join both Zoe and Koby up. Today I'll show you Koby's (and my) efforts and what his lovely partner Molly, from England, sent him.

First up, a felt Tiara, modelled so nicely by Koby. He decorated it with gems and glitter.A handpainted bag which Koby and his toy trains decorated.Hand beaded room decorations. Koby strung the beads on to the pipe cleaners. Molly loves Disney Princesses.

T'shirt with appliqued Yoyos.

Ribbon Skirt Tree Pendant for Molly's mum and a name neclace for MollyAnd Koby recieved from Molly and her mum. Pinkmichk.

Handpainted tshirt.K pillow, door knob sign, train, decorated paint brush container filled with brushes and hairclips for Zoe.Painted Wooden train. Koby decided this tool would be good to wash it with.And this gorgeous painted pillowcase.
It was a great swap and we had lots of fun being messy crafty together.

So I looked out the window......

2009-07-19T14:30:00.001+10:00

And this was the view, driving up the Snowy Mountains Highway. And out of the mirror on the way home.

You know you've got a good man when.....

2009-07-12T16:22:00.003+10:00

Upon leaving the table at the wedding we went to last night, He asked, "Aren't you taking the that?" Refering to the card on the table with everyone's names on it. "I thought you would use it to make inchies, or whatever they are."
Bless.
We are off to the snow this week so I should be packing, and not posting...:)
So hopefully I'll be back later in the week with some pictures of us freezing our butts off and having lots of fun doing it.
Have a great week,
Mel

I like to YoYo

2009-07-02T14:04:00.002+10:00

I have always looked at Yoyos and said yes, one day I will make some of them. And finally I did!
Use this tute. It is really helpful.
So am I addicted to making yoyos now?....maybe..... I would love to make this bag out of Yoyos but I may loose interest half way through making the 74 yoyos you need. hmmm..

Did I mention I am not good at large, or long projects?
If I can't make it in a few days I wont usually finish it. I guess I need that immediate crafty gratification. How about you? Can you take the long hall and make an entire quilt? or do you prefer quick and easy projects that you can see the final result sooner?

We have been crafting for another swap on craftster. I'll share more of that with you soon but i will say Koby loves "painting" using his trains and cars.

mmmmm fabric

2009-06-23T14:12:00.003+10:00

I got to spend sometime last Friday afternoon talking craft and other things with one of Zoe's friend's mum. She pulled out a crate of quilting fabric she had gotten from a garage sale awhile back. She let me go through and choose some fabric. These are the florals I chose. I am in love with the black one. The blue one makes me smile. The one on the far left is going to be a border ruffle on a skirt.
Thank you Margaret for sharing your stash with me.
I see some crazy patchwork purses in the near future.
Tell me about some of your recent craft aquisitions. What's been making you smile this week?

A week that was....

2009-06-20T17:55:00.004+10:00

I'd like to show you all the pretty things I made,

tell you all the interesting things I did,

let you in on some secrets and surprises but...........

I got the flu and did nothing.

Okay, well not nothing.

On Monday, Zoe got a recognition award at school.

On Tuesday, I learnt about the different stages of childhood development.

On Wednesday..... I don't remember...

On Thursday, Koby seemed to be crazy all day, oh and a not so nice old biddy at one of my favourite opshops told me my son was NAUGHTY and should be CHAINED UP.

On Friday, I grumbled about Thursday.

And today, I learnt how to properly look after children and keep them safe.

I've eaten to much fast food, not enough good food and my sinuses are so blocked up I can't taste anything.

I just wanted to say Hi. I hope that your week has been better. I have had my whinge so I am off to bed.

Hugs (from a distance so you don't catch this yukky bug), Mel

Easy Peasy Swap-what i received

2009-06-12T16:43:00.004+10:00

So this morning I received a great package from Ariane Phillips.

She has awesome sewing skills and we sew a lot of the same kind of things... Mostly bags I think :) So it was hard to think of something that was different to what we usually make. I am thankful that Ariane chose jewellery for me to make her. So this is what she came up with for me.......

This gorgeous cushion. I love the fabric and the size. And it going on the chair in my bedroom (once I clean all the crap off it) It is sewn perfectly and I feel very special to have received it.Close up of the trees/branchy things....And she sent me this pin cushion and sewing machine organiser as well. I adore the fabric.

And of course chocolate...mmmm...canadian chocolate..... We opened the SKOR bar and it is tasty. It's funny because I sent her a violet crumble and she sent me a crunchie (similar) and I sent her a caramello Koala and she sent me Caramilk (similar too!)

I think we were definitely on the same wave length.

Easy Peasy Swap.... what i made.

2009-06-11T22:07:00.002+10:00

I am taking part of the easy peasy swap on craftser. My partner has received so I can show you what I made. A bracelet with blue and green glass beads.Close up of beads. And I also made a necklace which had moonstone beads and blue glass beads. I hope to receive my package soon. I will post pics when I do.
Have a great day,
Mel