The last nappy

Well after five years of washing, the last nappy is flapping on the line out there, about to be brought in and folded and put away... Hooray for undies!!!

It's one less thing to do, but really it wasn't the hassle I thought it would be. I was often surprised when people told me I was "mad" or "really good" for washing all those nappies. If you haven't heard of modern cloth nappies (not the type hanging on my line up there) and how easy it can be, have a look here or here and spread the word.

Lazy summer days - part 1

It seems that summer is finally here! Since the festivities our days have been spent pottering and tidying, gardening, lounging and playing. Catching our breaths. The owlets are running around the garden playing frisbee in their undies and eating yoghurt icypoles... ahh nothing better.

Sadly our neighbour's tree, the one that gave us all our afternoon shade and made the backyard a green and private place, blew over last week and today, what was left was removed. Its left such a huge open space, an empty hole and no more shade over the sandpit or our fave spot... On the upside, with all the melaleuca branches, we made a bush hut! A special cubby for the girls to escape to with secret tunnels.


There's even been time for jam making. Strawberry jam until the apricots are ready - not long now!


The other thing I've been pottering away at is my new Etsy shop! I've been promising myself I'd start something by the end of the year and between the market and Etsy, I feel satisfied enough for now. Just made it! Do pop in and have a look. If you're Australian and you'd like something, I'm more than happy to work something out directly and without US dollars confusing things!! I'm happy to do custom orders too, using fave fabrics or old sentimental bits and pieces... I'll be adding more things as I have time. Hoping to be adding screen printed fabrics sooner rather than later too! Let me know what you think!!

Oh happy day!

Our Christmas Eve feast food.


And Santa stockings I made for the girls...


One of the pleasures of Christmas in summer... melon, mango and cherries for breakfast...


One word was uttered... "cool".


My little christmas elf looking casual as in her new red silk cape, taking notes on the day as it unfolds...


Another fab thing about Christmas in summer - pav!

We had such a lovely day. A floaty day. One thing at a time, one gift at a time. We paused and enjoyed hanging out together...

...So I'm feeling tired and relieved all at once. No more *have to-s* for the year. I love this next week. Looking back and thinking forward before the year begins. Hopefully some quiet and lots of sleep. Have a merry one!

Summer Solstice

We had a picnic in the back garden for dinner for the summer solstice. A quick breather in the creative frenzy...

So I whipped up these gifts in less than two days in order to get them there on time.

Tea towels designed by my owlets.


Scarf for Mum's New York trip made from a felted jumper inspired by Finnyknits. My first ever buttonhole!!


Bookmark for Dad using the same felted jumper and Marmadaisy's tutorial.


Silk lined sleep mask for Cam... who could do with a few extra hours of nap time.


Fingerless gloves for my sis who is also taking off to NY. Also made from a felted jumper and inspired by Finnyknits

Dipping my toes

So I've finally managed some time to make some bits and pieces with my fabric stash and we are off to market! Today! I'll be popping these lovelies on the Crafternoon stall. There's some little skirts, flower clips and a couple of apron decorating kits. Here goes...





ETA: The market was lovely! Lots of fantastic design and friendly people. I sold a few bits and pieces. Unfortunately someone bought an apron kit while I was away from the stall and the apron was not inside the bag when they took it home!! I'll hold onto the apron, so if you are out there lovely customer, please contact me and I'll arrange to get it to you!!

Counting days

A pictorial catch-up on the goings-on round here of late with our activity advent calendar...


Icecream decorating day...



Crazy hairstyles day...


Rainbow toes...


Wreath made from sticks from the playground and ribbons, while listening to Aretha really loud! What else?

Other activities have included a spectacular after-dinner walk, hunting for a christmas tree in the bush, decorating said tree, christmassy craft and writing songs with Daddy.



Completely unrelated to the advent calendar, but check out our broad bean harvest!! I'll freeze most while I look for some fabulous broad bean recipes...

Gifts

Audrey was invited to Max's fifth birthday party yesterday, so we whipped up a gift that we knew he'd like... An apron with fabric crayons so he can decorate it himself and a star cookie cutter. I've found that kids love things even more if they have some involvement in the final product.


Way back in August we gave Audrey a kit of fabrics and jewels and things to make a cape and felt birthday crown (mostly because I ran out of time to make them, but partly because I wanted her to have some fun with it too...). We made the cape straight away and it has been well loved. Audrey drew a pattern for the shape of the crown and we started it, but didn't finish. What better reason to finish than a fancy dress birthday party?