We're still loving the new toy, thanks family! Also loving the new Chrissy day frocks my Mum made for the owlets. Its been a struggle to get them washed in between days and despite cherry stains and raspberry dribbles... We're keeping pretty quiet here, enjoying a holiday at home. We've spent an afternoon at the beach, de-cluttered the art cupboard, ambled our way through the left overs and treats and bounced in the moonlight as we watched the yachts roll in on their final Sydney to Hobart stretch. We're half way through the holiday and I'm holding to the days hoping they pass a little slower...
Hope its lovely and relaxing wherever you are too. x
30 December 2009
Still bouncing...
26 December 2009
Plenty to celebrate...
trampolines (that even grown ups can have fun on)...
Bubbles... and new mama made pyjamas from thrifted Mr. Men sheets...
Panettone and fruit salad for breakfast...
Mama made sushi and doughnuts and fried eggs...
A beautiful and much longed for collection of dolls from Huz to me...
A sister with brilliant taste in vintage fabrics...
Memories framed by me for Huz...
Pavlova dripping with berries and summery, sugary goodness...
Hope yours was brilliant too. x
21 December 2009
Summer...
20 December 2009
Silly season...
Day 10 :: Read some Christmas stories
Day 11 :: Go for a walk along the beach
Day 12 :: Hunt for a Christmas tree
Day 13 :: Decorate the tree!!
Day 14 :: Make a Christmas wreath. In this house, its tradition to listen to Aretha while making the wreath. Oh yes, cheese-o-rama.
Day 15 :: Wear crazy hairstyles to dinner - also tradition, look goofy in photos.
Day 16 :: Make pancakes for dinner
Day 17 :: Make a Gingerbread house
Day 18 :: Make wrapping paper
Day 11 :: Go for a walk along the beach
Day 12 :: Hunt for a Christmas tree
Day 13 :: Decorate the tree!!
Day 14 :: Make a Christmas wreath. In this house, its tradition to listen to Aretha while making the wreath. Oh yes, cheese-o-rama.
Day 15 :: Wear crazy hairstyles to dinner - also tradition, look goofy in photos.
Day 16 :: Make pancakes for dinner
Day 17 :: Make a Gingerbread house
Day 18 :: Make wrapping paper
19 December 2009
"Life is what happens to you....
...while you're busy making other plans". John Lennon. Possibly my Dad's favourite quote and one I got to understand the full meaning of this year. Life threw the owlet nest a curve ball in 2009. At the start of the year we expected to have a grounding year, made plans to focus on the owlets learning and maybe dabble in a bit of sewing, maybe some markets, maybe have a holiday, maybe think about adding another owlet to the nest towards the end of the year...
Then we found out that some NYE shenanigans meant that the new owlet was on the way sooner than expected. Plans were re-made, shifted forward, things moved aside. Then, on the last day of Autumn, eighteen weeks in, I had a miscarriage. It was here, at home, peaceful and just us. Both girls were here to witness it and touched their tiny sleeping brother's hand. We named him Pippin and buried him under an orange tree in the garden. It was hard and horrible and sad and beautiful and amazing all at once. We grew closer and leant on each other and some brilliantly helpful friends and family. We started to get on with life slowly. I did a few markets and the big owlet was learning to do all sorts of amazing things...Then we became aware of the fact that we actually really did want another owlet, and if we wanted to birth it at home with our favourite midwife in attendance, we'd have to think a little faster before the government plans to stop homebirth with a midwife came into affect. So we did. Then, about nine weeks later, just as we travelled to Canberra to tell the pollies what we thought, I lost another little owlet. This was somehow harder to fathom. Shock, familiar sadness, utter disappointment. There has been much soul searching and waiting and sitting with it, hibernating a bit and waiting for my body to heal... I'm feeling older and wiser for it all. Quite changed. I've learned to not make big plans, to not think out every detail, but relish each moment as it comes and embrace the unknown. I've learned to wait and see and perhaps to view the world through the eyes of my owlets...
So when Huz asked me what my New Years resolutions were, I replied "Sleep more and be awesome." Sounds do-able, right? "How are you going to be awesome?" he asked. "Dunno" I said. Thankfully when the new Frankie arrived in my letterbox yesterday I could see that they are all over it, so I'm taking my time, having a read and looking forward to what's to come...
Then we found out that some NYE shenanigans meant that the new owlet was on the way sooner than expected. Plans were re-made, shifted forward, things moved aside. Then, on the last day of Autumn, eighteen weeks in, I had a miscarriage. It was here, at home, peaceful and just us. Both girls were here to witness it and touched their tiny sleeping brother's hand. We named him Pippin and buried him under an orange tree in the garden. It was hard and horrible and sad and beautiful and amazing all at once. We grew closer and leant on each other and some brilliantly helpful friends and family. We started to get on with life slowly. I did a few markets and the big owlet was learning to do all sorts of amazing things...Then we became aware of the fact that we actually really did want another owlet, and if we wanted to birth it at home with our favourite midwife in attendance, we'd have to think a little faster before the government plans to stop homebirth with a midwife came into affect. So we did. Then, about nine weeks later, just as we travelled to Canberra to tell the pollies what we thought, I lost another little owlet. This was somehow harder to fathom. Shock, familiar sadness, utter disappointment. There has been much soul searching and waiting and sitting with it, hibernating a bit and waiting for my body to heal... I'm feeling older and wiser for it all. Quite changed. I've learned to not make big plans, to not think out every detail, but relish each moment as it comes and embrace the unknown. I've learned to wait and see and perhaps to view the world through the eyes of my owlets...
So when Huz asked me what my New Years resolutions were, I replied "Sleep more and be awesome." Sounds do-able, right? "How are you going to be awesome?" he asked. "Dunno" I said. Thankfully when the new Frankie arrived in my letterbox yesterday I could see that they are all over it, so I'm taking my time, having a read and looking forward to what's to come...
16 December 2009
The Seamstress of Salzburg
I've been busy for weeks, burning the candle at both ends and mysteriously tired at the same time... Days are long, nights are longer when there's a market to prepare for and although they are fun and rewarding, I wonder if they are worth it. Its these tired and stretched times where I find myself questioning why I do all this...
My sister gave me this beautiful vintage book by Anita Lobel for Christmas many years ago. She said the story reminded her of me. Its about a woman who makes beautiful things for other people, but doesn't necessarily find it fulfilling as more and more demands are placed on her...
She misses making beautiful things for her own family. It was when I was reading this book to the owlets the other night that it struck a chord and I realised that I'm in a similar predicament. Totally self inflicted, of course. I already attempt to do lots, home educating two owlets among other things, and without much regular support from extended family, having chosen to exile ourselves on this beautiful island. Its a full time job - and a half. So then add to it making things for markets and the rest and you have one busy, overworked mama. So much to do - so little ME!! Like the Seamstress of Salzburg, I miss making beautiful things for my loved ones. When my owlets see another pretty thing leave my sewing machine and ask if its for them and are met with "no, its for other children" and their faces drop... its shattering. I just need more time!!! I can't make more, so something has to give. So... I'm winding it back a bit. I'm cutting back the markets I do to about four in the next year. You may see some new things in the owlet shops from time to time, and other places out and about, but there will be more crafting for loved ones and in particular my owlets, because that's what gives my little family the most pleasure... Staying in the moment.
My sister gave me this beautiful vintage book by Anita Lobel for Christmas many years ago. She said the story reminded her of me. Its about a woman who makes beautiful things for other people, but doesn't necessarily find it fulfilling as more and more demands are placed on her...
She misses making beautiful things for her own family. It was when I was reading this book to the owlets the other night that it struck a chord and I realised that I'm in a similar predicament. Totally self inflicted, of course. I already attempt to do lots, home educating two owlets among other things, and without much regular support from extended family, having chosen to exile ourselves on this beautiful island. Its a full time job - and a half. So then add to it making things for markets and the rest and you have one busy, overworked mama. So much to do - so little ME!! Like the Seamstress of Salzburg, I miss making beautiful things for my loved ones. When my owlets see another pretty thing leave my sewing machine and ask if its for them and are met with "no, its for other children" and their faces drop... its shattering. I just need more time!!! I can't make more, so something has to give. So... I'm winding it back a bit. I'm cutting back the markets I do to about four in the next year. You may see some new things in the owlet shops from time to time, and other places out and about, but there will be more crafting for loved ones and in particular my owlets, because that's what gives my little family the most pleasure... Staying in the moment.
14 December 2009
Owlet last minute things
Just added to my madeit shop...
We've had a really busy, lovely market weekend. If it weren't such a busy time of year I could quite easily flump in a heap for a bit, but must press on - there are gifts to make!! I've popped these stocking stuffers and much more on madeit tonight and I'm hoping to add baby stuff tomorrow before popping it all on Etsy too. If there's something you'd like for Christmas, let me know and I can send it before the end of the week, or send express if you need!
We've had a really busy, lovely market weekend. If it weren't such a busy time of year I could quite easily flump in a heap for a bit, but must press on - there are gifts to make!! I've popped these stocking stuffers and much more on madeit tonight and I'm hoping to add baby stuff tomorrow before popping it all on Etsy too. If there's something you'd like for Christmas, let me know and I can send it before the end of the week, or send express if you need!
10 December 2009
My creative space...
I'm late this week... forgot last week... I'm finishing up last minute bits and pieces ready for my weekend of markets. I'll have a few new things on the table... Little stretchy organic cotton pants and recycled baby singlets with felt love birds. Most of the singlets have only been worn once or twice, some not at all, but they've been in my cupboard since my owlets were babies. I figured they needed to be glammed up and re-homed.
I'll be taking along my new display dummy too - very much inspired by Gina's Mrs Doubtfire, and modelled on the little owlet.
I'm spending tonight filling the bowl with more clips while I watch something on iView... looking forward to Sunday night!
This week is the last creative space for 2009. I've so enjoyed being a part of this. I've met so many lovely people, been inspired, learned a thing or two... Thanks Kirsty for creating such a lovely space for us!
Activity advent day 10 :: Read a christmas story
9 December 2009
8 December 2009
Market loveliness...
I'm choosing to end the year with a bang. On Friday evening and Saturday you can find me selling my wares at the Beach Market at Blackmans Bay. It'll be in the hall on the beach at Blackmans Bay, where the big owlet and I used to go to playgroup when we first arrived in Tasmania. Little owlet was born in a house overlooking the beach, just up the road a bit, so its a special spot for us... I'm looking forward to the lovely stalls, the family vibe, the sausage sizzle and a walk along the beach afterwards. Then on Sunday we do it all again...
I've really loved being a part of a few markets at the masonic temple, throughout the year. The talent of the stallholders there blows me away each time. The Christmas market will be no exception with a great lineup, gift wrapping and even eftpos facilities. If you haven't done your Christmas shopping yet, fear not! There's still plenty of opportunities to buy beautiful handmade gifts for your loved ones.
Activity advent day 8 :: Put up the christmas lights
I've really loved being a part of a few markets at the masonic temple, throughout the year. The talent of the stallholders there blows me away each time. The Christmas market will be no exception with a great lineup, gift wrapping and even eftpos facilities. If you haven't done your Christmas shopping yet, fear not! There's still plenty of opportunities to buy beautiful handmade gifts for your loved ones.
Activity advent day 8 :: Put up the christmas lights
7 December 2009
Activity advent - day seven
6 December 2009
Busy owlet days
Well the year is racing to a close. I'm in the middle of market making mayhem and very much looking forward to a chance to reflect on a year that has been rather topsy turvy and challenging in so many ways. In the meantime, its business as usual around here. Taking every opportunity to learn new things, make new friends...
...find treasure, and make beautiful, sparkly things.
Activity advent day two :: Go for a walk after breakfast
Day three :: See a play
Day four :: Make christmas decorations
Day five :: Go to a movie
Day six :: Go out for breakfast
...find treasure, and make beautiful, sparkly things.
Activity advent day two :: Go for a walk after breakfast
Day three :: See a play
Day four :: Make christmas decorations
Day five :: Go to a movie
Day six :: Go out for breakfast
1 December 2009
Activity advent - day one
30 November 2009
Making a list... checking it twice.
I may have overcommitted. Two markets in one weekend, activity advent, handmade christmas... Such lovely stuff ahead! If I didn't need to sleep, it'd all be a shoe-in. I'm focusing on getting ready for the Beach Market and The Market which will both be the weekend after next and promise to be huge and lovely in their own ways. A lovely way to end the year, and mark a full 12 months since I first threw some skirts on a table at a christmas market and started this whole crafty caper... I'm making lots of extra gifty things like bean bag sets, apron kits, sparkly crowns, silky capes and mini mei tais.
I'm hoping to have some more boysy stuff, an abundance of summery skirts and more things for tiny owlets. If there's something you'd particularly like and its not in the owlet shop at the moment, please let me know or put in an order and I'd be happy to whip something up for you.
January will be for sleeping and booking the trusty husky in for a service...
26 November 2009
My creative space... an update
It seems its where you live... A little while ago I posted about my Spotlight woes after an incident involving a staff member there I like to call Bev and her thoughts on red. There were some lovely supportive responses, particularly from Vic, who I wish was with me at the time, and Sue who pointed out the store classing system. Nikki directed me back to Vic's post about red love. I mean really, Red is most certainly a colour much loved by so many bloggers and fashionistas I can think of... Quilt project anyone?
So anyway, we were in Melbourne and I had reason to go to Spotlight. I tried the local Brunswick store which, on a Saturday morning is just plain awful. Not sure if they had what I wanted cos most stock was on the floor. There was no-one to ask for help either, just 25 people waiting for service and two frantic women serving them... so I left. "That's it!!" I said to Huz on returning to the little red car, "We have to go to WORLD OF SPOTLIGHT!" Thats our special name for the South Melbourne store. Its right opposite head office, so you can generally find what you are after, and then some. They have enough staff to help, not so many customers, and registers that you wander through like a supermarket. No queues, no big tables or numbers or confusion. Its clinical, sure, but come on, this is Spotlight on a saturday morning, people. The day before a market. I'm in a hurry and I'm guilty enough of not supporting my local community... So I rush in and find what I'm after, then say to Huz "just a minute, I'm going to check the red buttons"... and there they are. A selection of red buttons larger than I've seen elsewhere and not just that, they had the ones I particularly wanted!! So I bought them all. I now have 14 red fabric buttons in my creative space for cherry onesies.. and maybe something else. And the red love can continue here again.
I'll also be unpacking, taking stock and preparing for the next round of market fever. I think I may need to take a reserved approach to the market thing next year, but that's another post all together.
Go see some lovely creative spaces at Kirsty's. I have so much catching up to do - I'm really looking forward to it!!
We're home!!
Oh and isn't it just the best place in the world?!! We had a busy whirlwind trip to Melbourne again... no time for blogging and barely time to remember to take photos as the owlets whizzed around playgrounds, the zoo and the Spanish fiesta.
We love Melbourne and its food and the friends and family we have there... but goodness its busy and loud and dirty and smelly and HOT!! Actually we spent the first two days hiding inside from the scorching heat, living on icypoles... while I prepared for Mathilda's Market. The market was great - busy and bustling. Lots of lovely things and shoppers swooping in to pick them up. The owlets had a great time away too, new experiences and tastes...
oh but we did miss nature - something we have in abundance here! Hello little green home where it never gets too hot. We love you. xx
We love Melbourne and its food and the friends and family we have there... but goodness its busy and loud and dirty and smelly and HOT!! Actually we spent the first two days hiding inside from the scorching heat, living on icypoles... while I prepared for Mathilda's Market. The market was great - busy and bustling. Lots of lovely things and shoppers swooping in to pick them up. The owlets had a great time away too, new experiences and tastes...
oh but we did miss nature - something we have in abundance here! Hello little green home where it never gets too hot. We love you. xx
18 November 2009
Dashing off...
Apologies for my blogging absence of late... I've been head down in a pile of fabric. Lots of orders to fill and markets to prepare for!! Today we're heading off to Melbourne to catch up with family and friends and on Sunday I'll be at Mathilda's Market. Its at the Hawthorn Town Hall between 9am and 1pm and there is an amazing range of stalls there. Some beautiful stuff!! I'd love to see you if you feel like saying hello :) In the meantime, if you are in Hobart you can now find some owlet staples (onesies, skirts and clips) in the Wilderness Society shop! They are down at Salamanca, so pop in and check out their lovely range of ethical children's clothes and gifts as well as fantastic books... and stuff for grown ups too! You will find capes, similar to the one pictured above, at Spiral Garden in the very near future which is another lovely place to find beautiful things for the owlets in your life.
I'm hoping to post while we're away... but you never know, we might be having lots of fun or I might still be up to my ears in sewing before Sunday.... Hope to see you around soon!!
12 November 2009
My creative space...
Packing and mailing silk capes for my first order for Spiral Garden...
Enjoying new patterns and combinations...
Battling the owlets for my creative space.
Looking at other peoples creative spaces here.
PS. Thanks for your messages of solidarity in response to my previous post! So happy to know I'm not alone in my daggy red button love :)
10 November 2009
The road less travelled....
I've become quite resigned to the fact that the choices I make are often different to the mainstream. Most places I go there's something I do or like to talk about that's different to the norm... Like home educating the owlets or choosing to birth the little owlet at home. Apparently that makes me part of a minority, a special interest group. Its ok, I quite like being different. It makes for good conversation. But it seems that the gap is widening...
I made my weekly unfortunate trip to Spotlight last week. For those unfamiliar with it, Spotlight is a major fabric and craft retail chain in Australia. In my town its famous for being perpetually out of whatever it is you want... I browsed the shelves for what I wanted. It wasn't there. As usual. I approach the counter to purchase my second choice of each item. I mention to the woman behind the counter (lets call her Bev, cos she reminds me of someone's aunty), all the things that are missing, they were there last week... She goes through the "you can't order it, you just get what comes when it comes" store policy. *sigh* So then I ask her about red buttons. The shelves house a large range of buttons of all colours, but the section of red buttons has dwindled. Every time I walk past the buttons, there's someone there lamanting the absence of red. I broached the subject with Bev. Her response?
"Well you don't see many people wearing red these days, its not very fashionable".
Then I look down. I'm wearing my red bag, red jewellery, red shoes!!! The owlets are dressed in red!! Bev obviously thinks we're dags. And what of the people who've been buying the owletty things with red buttons? Dags too, I'm afraid. Sorry peeps. Spotlight have a team of colour forecasters on the subject and red buttons are sooo two seasons ago. "But they are RED BUTTONS!!" I plead. "They are a staple, a classic!" Bev is unmoved. I suddenly realise that since I've left my mainstream fashion design job, I'm no longer in the loop. People around me wear colours that make them feel good. I make clothes in colours that make my eyes happy rather than being part of a push to get people back in the shops each season. And now Spotlight thinks I'm a dag. I can live with that. And I think I can find somewhere else to buy my red buttons...
Simple Days
Still here! I haven't fallen down a wombat hole, just catching up on some domesticities and sewing stuff. You'll be pleased to know that my laundry basket has a bottom! I know I was. You'll also be pleased to hear there's more goodies coming to the shop soon - a lovely side product of all the sewing!
2 November 2009
On Sale
Wide Leg Denim Pants are available again in my Madeit shop. There are four styles with cute japanese print or green spotty print trims in two size ranges. I've reduced the price on them as we head into warmer months. Check out the other things in my madeit shop while you are there! I'll try and pop the pants on Etsy in the coming days...
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