September Road Trip - Point Lonsdale

We headed off from Melbourne to Point Lonsdale on Monday via Geelong

Was a very sunny but windy day,

Stopped off at Geelong for a play and lunch.

These really cool statues were along the Geelong waterfront

A soccer ball is always featured in a stop

Harry was so impressed to have me take another photo

Over our few days in Point Lonsdale we explored the area (or should I say the many playgrounds)

The view from near Point Lonsdale was lovely - until those grey clouds opened up on us.

September Road Trip - Melbourne

First stop on our grand tour - Melbourne

Leaving at 1am - we piled into the car and off we went.

Keeping a record of our klm's - estimating we will do approx 4000

Lots of little naps were had on the way

Matty - the driver (well most of it)

We stopped for breaky at Albury and then arrived in Melbourne about lunch time. After checking in the our Apartment we had a little wander around St Kilda. Taking the kids on their first tram.

Spent a little time relaxing from our trip in the pool and spa.

Saturday was spending heading to the DFO and more relaxing.

Not too much damage considering there are 7 of us

                             

For Fathers Day we went to Melbourne Zoo

Yes - we took a packed lunch and did not buy any 'rubbish'

Love the Meerkats - they are such posers

Finding our way around the maze

The elephants were amazing

The orang-utans always put on a show for the crowds

Black with white stripes or white with black stripes?

Jereme took control of the camera

Another cute little monkey entertaining mine

Next stop - Point Lonsdale.......................

My Book Wish List

I have finaly discovered sewing books - so much more fun than a paper pattern. The beautiful illustrations keep me entertained for hours with my cups of tea. And when the sewing mojo hits I have plenty of inspiration to draw from.

Here is one that is only my list to buy in the future.

Sew What You Love: the easiest, prettiest, projects ever by Tanya Whelan

Here is a little blurb on this fun book -


Sew What You Love includes 30 projects plus a few extra super fast and easy little projects.
It features projects for Little Ones including toys, skirts, tops and bedding. Projects like the Soft
Fabric Shade, Apple Pie Ottoman, and Design as You Go Quilt from the Home section are both
stylish and useful. The Personal Style section provides patterns and instructions for easy
to make, versatile and stylish dresses, skirts, tops and more. And the Bags section includes
a variety of stylish options for two totes, a hobo, a clutch, and a structured little bag with old
fashioned appeal. Three large pattern sheets are tucked into an envelope at the back of
the book. The book includes simple techniques for sewing with knits, using elastic thread, and
bag construction.


Individual patterns and fabrics are also available on her website

I have used a few of Tanya Whelan's fabrics in the past - I have really loved their timeless design and colours.

A bucket with a difference

Well here is the other custom order bucket bag - I really enjoyed making this one. A little more of a challenge but I'm also slightly jealous as I had hoped to use this fabric for something for me but better to make a profit happy customer. :) (I have been able to reorder the lantern fabric but not the matching purple.

These beautiful fabrics are from Laura Gunn - Lantern Bloom Collection  (other than the Amy Butler spots)
These two designers would have to be up there as my favourites.

Note the additional feature of a exterior zipper pocket on the bag of bag (another place to stash and forget)

This lovely bag was for Anna of Swish Swosh - I hope she enjoys it, I also plan to feature their cool stuff soon. (And I have another bag coming up for Bec of Swish Swosh.)

Buckets of Bags

I love to sew but tend to get bored if I make the same thing over and over again. (I admire people that have a small product range) I need the variation and challege of something new. That is probably why I am not too good at routines, there always things to be done in my house.

One of the successes for me from the Fireside Markets was that I received some custom orders. I love orders. (you know the product you are making is already sold. I think more love goes into them also)

This is first order that I completed. A bucket bag from a Keykalou Pattern If you have followed me for a while you will know that I have made a few of them.

this lovely bag was for relative of Jodie's. Fabrics are from Amy Butler - Soul Blossoms and Bari J Ackerman - Art Journal

I have another custom bag to show off. Will do that soon.

Fireside Markets

Markets markets markets - do they seem to be popping up in every local park you see on Saturdays and Sundays. There are a great opportunity to promote local people making a local product. BUT what if you have a few kiddies that play sport and you go to church on Sundays. And the weather is not always kind.

Well then I came up with another idea, (well an idea that I borrowed from the awesome Lindsay at The Pleated Poppy and their blog for The Stitch Market)

I got together with a good friend and neighbour Jodie of Silky Chill. So we set our course on our adventure.

The date was set for May 3, 2011. In the meantime Jodie meet the cool chicks behind Swish Swosh and asked them to join us also.

So the crafty hands went crazy in preparation for our big night and the vaccum, mop and bucket did also.

We all gathered at my house, sending of the dad and kiddies and setting up in the comfort of home. No concerns about the weather. (it actually was really warm with all the bodies)

And yes, friends and family showed their support

Overall the night was a great success, so much so that we are planning another night in July. Check out our Facebook page and be kept up to date on our next plans.

Also a HUGE thanks for Bec from Swish Swosh for the awsome photos.