five or ten....

yeah, OK, so I am crap sometimes at finding the time to turn the computer on. Fighting my way through the humdrum of inner suburbia mumsy life that just seems to take over so that I can't even see the computer anymore. I even get to the point where I forget that I have a blog and shop...let alone an entire room that is just crying for me to sew in and make stuff and sing really loudly outa tune... Anyway, as it turns out, I have squeezed in a bit a time to make a bit of stuff that started with Matt (the other half) saying "why not a bucket hat?" and ended with having a great time playing with Aunty Cookie's scraps from her sewing room (thanks Aunty Cookie!). The hats are totally reversable, so what you see are only 5 hats but 10 choices. I am excited and having fun with them. I am also playing with new skirts and new brooches & if you want to see them, come on down to market 3031 in Kensington on 22 November between 10 & 4pm. I will fight my way out of the house to be there.

spring time in my vases

It all started with some grapevine cuttings from Matt's Pa's place when we visited him in Wangaratta. Very special as they actually are from Matt's great grandfather's vines & the story goes that he got them from someone else up the Murray before that... Now, as we have just farewelled Cliff to the final part of his journey of life (God speed Cliff, you were a lovely man & I really enjoyed our conversations about many things, especially the garden) they are ready with roots to go in the ground.

Then there were some nectarine cuttings that now have taken root (nectarine tree anyone?) and then I liked the look of the fig cuttings.

What do you have in your vases?

these walls around me

These are the some of things that I have hanging on my walls in my room as part of my inspiration. From some I love the colour, others it's the cut or the fabric or the patterns. What's on your wall?

button fever

Two kids too sick, one mummy too sick, time to play with buttons. Got me to thinking about Buttonmania (2nd Floor 37 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 p: (03) 9650 3627) and when their next sale will be...

tidy time

Having a MASSIVE tidy of my salon so that I can clear my head.

Have put a couple new pix on flickr.

all sewed up & ready to go

Taking my skirts this time, new scarves and all sorts. Come down to Rose St this Saturday 16 Aug or in a fortnight on 30 Aug & say hi.

breaky worth getting up for

Now, this is a mean muesli & I feel a little selfish keeping the recipe to myself, so, for lovers of fine, good food who don't mind spending a little time in the kitchen - this is worth it. My measurements are approximated as I do tend to just tip stuff in. I make it nut free due to allergies in the family, if you like nuts, just substitute the seeds with nuts - or add them in.

1.1 kg of rolled oats

1 cup of oat or wheat bran

juice of 2 oranges or equivalent juice of whatever takes your fancy

4 tablespoons of honey

1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, but worth it)

1/2 tsp ground cloves (optional, but worth it)

100g each of linseeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds

100g each of dried apple, dried apricot, dates, sultanas (I do tend to change these every time)

Mix juice, spices & honey together & pour over oats & bran. Use your hands to thoroughly massage mixture. Spread into a large tin (I use the BIG cake tin) & pop in the oven pre-heated at 200 degrees Celsius. Every 10-15 mins you need to use an egg flipper or spoon to turn it all over, taking care with the corners to ensure that it doesn't burn. Cook until it is not too golden brown.

Whilst it is cooking, pop the sesame & linseeds on a tray & put them in the oven. When you open the oven to turn the oats, do the same with the seeds. After about 20 min, add the pumpkin & sunflower. Keep checking them & when they are golden, take them out - make sure they don't burn.

Take both out & put all ingredients together & allow to cool. Store in an airtight container. Will last for probably a number of weeks if given the chance.

Feel free to change it around with the spices, juice, fruit & seeds - you will get all different kinds of muesli to keep you going.

new scarves

Two scarves I have finished this week. One knitted & long, the other is from a recycled woollen jumper that I have cut up and overlocked. What do you think?

creative surrounds

What a buzz to be at Rose St Market being surrounded by creative people like Anna Laura who was able to help me through my screen printing thought crisis - thanks Anna!



I bought some lovely soaps that are good enough to eat from Greta at Food for Your Skin for my kids that are great for anyone who has ezcema.

Took a good look at Dan McGill's sea urchin inspired jewellery - beautiful is the word.

And Carey who does amazingly great art & furniture helped me out when the battery ran out on my camera (start of day....)

Looking forward to see who I meet next fortnight!

all ready to go

All sewed out & stock ready to go!

Come down & see me at the Rose St Market, Fitzroy tomorrow (Saturday 2 August), 17 Aug & 31 Aug between 11 & 5pm & introduce yourself!