Ace Man needs Good Birthday Booty

My man had a birthday not long ago. I wanted to get him something special. He's a bit of a catch so he deserves it, you know? So when I spied some tea towels in Mrs Smith's stash - I knew it was destiny. You see Mrs Smith makes a good cushion - so I cheekily commisioned these from her own stash ... cheeky huh? Now I should clarify that I wasn't just poking around her cupboards or underwear drawer or anything ... I passed them onto her when they were posted to me when we both won booty in a giveaway from Willy Wagtail. So the connection ... My man's Dad's family hail from Kingaroy "The Peanut Capital of Australia" and home to Joh Bjelke-Peterson for those with a penchant for Aussie politics and scandal. Dunc's Gran, Uncle and Aunt still live there. Dunc's Gran makes better pumpkin scones though, than Flo. So the cushions ... He loved them. He's so up with the handmade revolution. The fact that he got a cool vinyl thrifted from Vinnies 70s couch - straight out of a waiting room methinks - and a beautiful 1950s bevelled mirror with sailing boats and palm trees (on layby for ages with this lovely lady) ... all made it the perfect thrifted, handmade, vintage trifecta ... all will be heading down to the back room ... which we are converting to our workspace/studio/office/sewing room mejiggy. Life is so good. Thanks G - you do good cushion x

PS this Sunday we got a surprise invite to sell wares at a fundraiser at the local Steiner Playgroup - details on side bar to right - can't wait!!

Don't Bag a Hippy

Bags for pressies. Bags for the Library. Mini Man Bags for wee boys who miss out. Mini shoulder bags. I'm really into bags at the moment. In fact I have 4 laid out on my living room floor as I type. I should be sewing them up - but have come over all blog neglect remorseful. I find the bag ticks and tickles all my crafty needs at the moment. Infinite combos and possibilities. Useful purpose. Fairly quick to whip up. Recycled fabric goodness. All eco friendly like, hippy. That's it ... I'm getting in touch with my inner hippy, Neil. I'm flippy and floppy on the universal love thing. It's just dawned on me, like the Age of Aquarius ... I also had the burning desire to cook lentils whilst working on some libray bags when crafting it up at my kitchen table with the Craft Princess. Ommmmm! Bags ... who would have thought...

Loz and Dinny back local

Tomorrow Loz and Dinny will be at the local handmade market Civic Homespun. It is located in Pilgrim's Hall opposite the Myer Carpark in Launceston - look for the big pink market flags. Come and try out my new hair clips...

photo courtesy of the market -hobart blog

- or fondle a vintage velvet coat or two - that seemed to be the go in Hobart. But mostly just drop by for a wee chat - the market could do with a little more winter patronage ... it would warm my cockles ...plus there are these amazing bulbs for sale - not the lightbulb variety - but hyacinths .. I got some last month and they are just starting to bloom ... gorgeous.

Peacock

This hand embroidered peacock caught my eye at the Esk Market ... same day as the bowl in the previous post. It got loaded into the pram, pronto. It is hanging out in its full tailed glory in our living room - before it takes pride of place over the bed in the nearly finished 'land of Spare Oom'.

"Daughter of Eve from the far land of Spare Oom, where eternal summer reigns around the bright city of War Drobe, how would it be if you came and had tea with me?"

--C.S. Lewis, in 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'

Purchase of fear

I don't go shopping all that often - thrifting, op shopping and visiting markets, yes - Shop shopping, no. I only go shop shopping when I have to get something specifically. I'm not a browser. I like to get in and get out. So anyways - Loz wanted to get Dunc a nice book for his birthday. I knew there was some lovely 'up Dunc's alley' style books at this lovely shop . It has lovely things, handmade things. It has the lovely Suz. It should be lovely. But Edie decided to be ... well...focused. Focused in that scary toddler way. Focused in a way that makes you think they are about to kick off big styley. Focused in the way of 'I will not put down this highly smashable rabbit despite the beautiful polished concrete floor because I have taken a shine to it'
focused. I was having heart palpitations. I may have been hyperventilating. I was getting down on her level. The store was packed. I could feel the tsk's. So I snatched it from her put it on the counter and said in my best I'm trying to be calm voice 'we'll take it'. Not saying I didn't love the rabbit too. Not saying that he isn't a welcome addition to our collection of ephemera. I'm just saying it was my first purchase of fear... the rabbit who has been named 'Mister Matosis'

PS The bowl is our latest score from the Esk market ... gotta love that joint!

coming down off the market good stuff

Another beautiful day at the market - hobart. Many thanks again to Bec, Holly and Shannon - you do good market. With some funky tunes playing and the sip of a bloody good market coffee heart starter - the 5.45am start for the 2 hour drive to Hobart all seemed worth it. I love markets - so many lovely people to meet and getting feedback is so so good after heads down in home based sweatshops. Vive le revolution handmade. The muriels were back in full force .. dunc made some running repairs to get them back to their fighting weights. And ... with the amount of velvet coat fondling that went on - I think they were a hit. But the best thing about this one? I got to hang out with Loz - she's back in town! Without her help, I would never have got so many things ready. She's ace that Loz!

the market - hobart

Ok Ok. So I haven't been the most consistent blogger of late. But I have excuses a plenty. Let's put the 2 year old molars to one side and just say ... I have been deep in market preparation. I'm heading to the market - hobart. I will be touting my wares from 10-3pm at the Masonic Hall, Sandy Bay Rd, Hobart. ... and I am STOKED to say I will have company. Loz arrived here last week. So not only did she help me in my race to the market finish line, she is able to hang out on the stall with me. I am so happy that I have been able to get together some of the things I have just been thinking about for ages.

This one has a little covered button with a bee on the back ... that's his flight path you see. The little tulips are also pockets.

This amazing vintage velvet (thanks Annie)inspired these fabric choices for the gorgeous little Simone dresses. With sleeves and without - I love these dresses. They look so cool with a skivvy underneath too.

Armed with some purses and hair clips, library bags, amongst my other dresses, bits and pieces, I'm feeling more prepared than I have in ages. The 2.5 hour drive to hobart will be the relaxing bit! I should be back on board next week with more exciting tales to tell xx