I made this...

Around the middle of last week I realised I'm off to Melbourne soon and the weather there was very ridiculously hot. And I don't own any t-shirts. Or many pieces of clothing to wear at all when the weather creeps over 30°C, which doesn't happen all that often in Hobart... I raced off on a cheapy t-shirt hunt (did I mention we froze the credit cards?), and found nothing decent. Anywhere. Until I found the Red Cross shop where having a 2 for $10 sale. Yay! Anyhow, among the bits and pieces was this kaftan...



I liked the colours and even the flowers, but so did not fancy myself walking across the tarmac in a tent. Comfy? Yes. Flattering? On my shape? No. And I'm going to Melbourne, not a tropical resort where I might get away with it poolside.

So I chopped it in half.



Today I had a moment or three to spare, so I sewed some fabric ties from some Japanese quilting fabric I had tucked away. I attached them just below the armpit by picking a little hole in the seam and re-sewing.  So the top half had instant shape and nice long, breezy sleeves.



The bottom half quickly became a very light, breezy skirt. Super dooper comfy and great for the beach, or garden, or home... anything.



Then I glanced at the bottom of the pile at an old denim skirt I wore before owlet times. That almost makes it vintage... Really comfortable and the shape suits me well, but the length. Ugh. Ankle length denim skirt? Not so much.

So I chopped the bottom off it.



See the pattern here? Then I stood in front of my fabric shelf for a really long time. And I pulled out an old fave piece of vintage Japanese scrap fabric and played with it. I had just enough. Exactly. Amazing.



So I made a border and found it works with all my shoes and clothes and I rather like it.



Brilliant stuff. I now have three extra pieces of clothing to play with. And all it cost me was $5. I'm going to attempt to post about more things I make, while I make them. I'll do a little Christmas catch up too. I'm also making a return to making things for the owlet shop and a return to markets! Yay! I'm really excited to be invited to participate in a revamped, beautiful local market, a couple of times this year. So there'll be lots of making going on. Watch this space...

almost famous

Huz and I had a few spare moments last week while the bigger owlets were at Mary Poppins with Mum and tiny owlet slept in the sling. It was raining so we wandered into a newsagent. I remembered to look at Country Style magazine because Michelle's beautiful kitchen (and beagle) was featured this month. I was flicking through, Huz peering over my shoulder, when we saw... Elsa wearing that skirt that I made. The one I sold to Michelle on the day that she made Huz cry... I've seen things I've designed in magazines before, but this was just a little more special because my hands made it. And it's so lovely to see it worn. I think I might make another one a little bit like it....

In other owlet news, I've decided to put my market career on hold for now... perhaps for a long while. Yesterday I withdrew from the Autumn Market I had planned to have a stall at. I won't be at the Christmas one either, and that feels ok. I do so love meeting people and chatting to them. Getting personal feedback on the things I've made. But there's so much preparation involved... so many nights spent at the machine or weekends spent cutting and labeling and having everything just so. And really I should be spending time making stuff for them. My owlets. And sometimes me.

So I'll be popping bits and pieces in my shop from time to time and you can always drop me a line and ask if I'll whip up something for you if you see something you like. But it may take a little while and it may not be often... because I'm knee deep in owlet cuddles and giggles and making the most of every minute, while I can.

autumn shop update... clearing the decks

Good morning all! I'm back to work this long weekend. In amongst owlet adventures and fungi fossicks, I'll be filling a new order for the Wilderness Society shop - more onesies and hairclips. It seems the mushie onesies are flying out the door! Yay for fungi!

I'll also be pottering around with some new fabric combinations and new styles to sell at the Autumn Market I'm aiming to be at in May. So... in order to rebuild my fabric stash so I can re-stock (eep! out of fabric!!), I'm clearing a bunch of things in the owlet shop. Baby organic cotton long sleeved tees were $22 but you can pick one up for only $16 now! Garden skirts are on sale for $32 instead of their regular $35 market price... actually everything is just a little bit cheaper than usual. Go look! Lots there for new baby gifts and trans-seasonal attire for the owlets in your life. :)

last minute shop business!

I've just muddled my way through making and delivering this lot of skirts, onesies and clips to the Wilderness Society Shop at Salamanca Place. If you happen to be in Hobart and just happen to need something for an owlet you know, be sure to pop down there and have a look at their beautiful range of children's clothes, accessories, toys and books. My own owlets will be receiving some beautiful bits and pieces this year, mostly organic or fair trade... not so much hand made this time and purchased mostly online in between naps and nappy changes. I must say I'm rather chuffed that the postie brought the last of the presents today and we're good to go. I'll still put a couple of last minute handmade things together... For big owlet, a sewing kit. For little owlet a peg doll decorating kit. Tiny owlet will be receiving an owlet baby clothing bumper pack! I''m so excited to finally have my own tiny person to dress in owlet onesies an pants and kimono tops and...



So the owlet shop will most likely be a little quiet for the next few months as I enjoy the summer with the family and catch up on making long requested things for my little ones and my nest. If there's something you need, that's not available in the shop, let me know. I'm always happy to do custom orders.

I'll be doing even fewer markets in 2011. I am hoping to make the owlet online shop even better, with some new stock and a bit of tweaking. I have a few ideas for some new lovely pieces which I'm hoping to launch in Autumn. I'm rather excited about it really! I was feeling a bit uninspired a few weeks ago, but a little break has done wonders, so I'm hoping to return to the sewing machine with a little inspiration some time in the new year. x

thing #7

Bean bag sets!! These are made with a mix of textured and coloured fabrics and each bean bag has something different inside (lentils, beans, chick peas etc), so they all feel different - some bumpy, some smooth. So much fun to throw around the house on a chilly day and great for gross motor skills.

If you've seen something you've liked in the past week, just let me know and you are welcome to have it before market day... otherwise you can find it there or on etsy later if it doesn't find a home before.

thing #2

Day 2 of my make something everyday challenge. This skirt's for the September Market or etsy or wherever it sells first...

one thing...

I have a market in two weeks and a few orders to fill and though I'm starting to wind down a bit, I'm hoping to get stuff done before it gets too uncomfortable to sit behind the machine... So, in an effort to overcome my crafty rut, I'm going to attempt to make something each day. One whole thing. I may have bitten off more than I can chew...

Today's thing is the felt crown little owlet is modelling. I'm intending it for the market or the shop. If I don't get around to listing it though and you think your little owlet might love it, let me know and its yours. x

my creative space...

Its feeling a bit ho hum this week. Finishing bits and pieces, still preparing for Sunday's Market. Still its nice to curl up in the corner and do some hand sewing or read a mag when it gets quiet...


I'm actually looking forward to getting stuck into some more creative things over the winter and after the market is done and dusted. I've been refashioning bits and pieces like this...


Two jumpers that I managed to shrink and in the meantime grew, so have combined the two to make one super jumper, perfect for a growing belly. Hmm... maybe not so much refashioning as just being practical... But there's more creativity on the horizon. Maybe that quilt for big owlet or something for little owlet's birthday...

I'll be popping over to Kirsty's for some inspiration.

my creative space...

My week has been spent helping owlets with their creative pursuits and getting ready...


I'll be at The Market on sunday week. There's lots to do... My sister will be visiting that weekend too... In the words of little owlet "I'm so e-cited! Lets clean up!!"


We're also taking inspiration from the first frost and the Bridgewater Jerry and remembering to tuck the garden in for the winter.


The ground is easier to dig, the weeds have slowed and its a good time to plan. Its an improvement. We've been dreaming up ideas for an enclosed chook run and owlet treehouse in the walnut tree. We're not builders. It could take some time. But we've been getting loads of inspiration here. If kids can do it, surely we can, right?

Pop on over to Kirsty's and see what other creative types are up to this week.

For Maree

,

We picked up this beautiful Tara Badcock brooch for Mum at the last Market. Isn't it lovely?

Hope your Easter holiday is gorgeous so far. x

A day at the fair

We'll have a stall here next week... Looks like fun! Lets hope the weather holds out...

another market day

We had a beautiful day at the market. We spent some lovely time amongst friends. I finally caught up with Angie (and as if by magic, had a mini mei tai just perfect for her little one), hooray!!. I had a quick chat to Jacquie and lovely chats to Michelle (mmmm, more chocolate truffles), and Simone throughout the day. Did you see Simone and her two beautiful girls on the Collectors on ABC last week? We did and big owlet was so excited to see the girls and tell them all about it. She spent the day wandering around the market arm in arm with one of the girls, flitting from stall to stall, chatting and charming (I hope!) the other stallholders.


So we each chose one little thing at this market. We all put in the hours, so it was only fair... The owlets chose a badge each. Little owlet is enjoying the power of decision making, so she made about 8 choices before finally settling on a skull and crossbones. Huz chose the Mountain Lilac unheated honey from the Arve.


I chose this beautiful little gocco print by Cat Rabbit. I just love it!. I spent the day sitting opposite her beautiful rabbits and owls, eyeing them off... I bought a very special little something made by Tara Badcock for my Mum for her birthday. I can't show you yet though, just in case you are reading now mum... so I'll show it off in April when the coast is clear.

The day was successful enough that we managed to afford our little things, groceries on the way home and a life membership to the local organic co-op. I'll post more on that during the week, along with some pics of the new Autumn range I launched at the market. I'll be updating the owlet shops with what's left. Hope your Sunday was lovely too! x

We heart odd + even

What a fantastic day!! We had such a wonderful time at odd + even yesterday. I was given a rather large space in the open and airy Long Gallery. There was a huge area set up with comfy chairs right next to me where Bec held the Crafternoon stand and taught people how to crochet throughout the day. A band played, children (and adults) coloured in valentines day cards, people shopped, wandered, chatted, stopped for a cup of tea... Michelle was there selling her beautiful, famous cupcakes and she had a special treat - Raw chocolate truffles. They were sugar free and so smooth and delicious. So we tried one. Each. It was the first chocolate we'd had since christmas and all we could say was WOW!! Huz got a bit teary, like saying hello to an old, long lost friend.


Unfortunately Jess + Cat have decided to call it a day and Odd + Even may be no more. Very sad for two reasons... it was my first market and encouraged me to get going with making and selling stuff, and also because its such a lovely day and quite different to the other markets I've done. I've loved being part of it and my hat goes off to Jess + Cat for creating something so special. x

odd + even - see you there!

My creative space...

I would love to show you all the beautiful things I've made, or give you a sneak peak of something in progress... but the truth is... I haven't made a thing, or started or even so much a picked up needle and thread since the clip I made last week, and even that was with my eyes closed. The weather's just been too good, the company too lovely, and I'm still thoroughly entrenched in holiday mode. Much of my creativity has been spent daydreaming and cloud watching. Never fear though, its coming, its just mostly in my head. I have a stall at odd + even on the weekend so no doubt there'll be a last minute flurry of activity. I may manage one or two new things too... if we get rain perhaps...

See some more productive creative spaces over at Kirsty's.

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.

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!

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

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

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...