so many things to tell

It wasn't meant to be a blogging break, but life really caught up with us and I had little time to sit down to write. Miss L is now 5 and celebrated on the day when we were on Phillip Island. She also had a dinosaur themed party with her friends once we were back in town. Let me tell you I am no Martha Stewart, so thankfully my sis was around to get me organised, party food - check, games - check, gift bags - check, cake - check.
And I have to say that I was very much impressed with the finished outcome of my cake (thank you Women's Weekly). All went well on the day and 20 kids went home happy. What more can you ask really?!

Soon after R left for a few weeks in the states, leaving Miss L and I in the unknown territory of single mother with child scenario. It has been quite a time - with both of us having to make some concessions - Me; less crafting time, sharing my bed, no sleep ins, reading alot of stories, no.sleep.in. - Miss L; well I'm not sure what her concessions have been, but I'm sure she has made some to her crazy mother. We have also have a lot of fun, and I look forward to the chats we have while lying in bed together, the plethora of ideas Miss L has for filling our day and the cheeriness of her singing songs to R on the phone. As we move well into the second week though, I am starting to crave having my partner back by my side again. I salute all you single mums.

With a break so long I must show off the little crafting I have managed to achieve,

Penelope now has some clothes

Meeka has a new dress

(inspiration from this book)

And those strips that began life as a possible bath mat (still working on that) are now a finished doll's quilt.


All hand pieced and quilted - I adored doing this project, and now have plans for more doll's quilts. But first I want to complete some matching bedding for the quilt. It's funny when you do something how you suddenly start noticing it everywhere, and there are some beautiful examples of doll quilts around to provide inspiration.Liesl's, Heather's (oh I wish I could photograph like that), joybucket's, rosa's, hillary has many to show, and a pity I missed the doll quilt swap.

Finally, I have still been trying to keep up to date with all my bloglines, and have found some interesting reading. Here are a few...

The worsted witch has an excellent post on plastic bags that really makes you think.

Which reminds me how much I am enjoying Jorth's experience of forgoing anything with plastic. I really admire it, but just know that our own household has a long way to go.

This post of Keri Smith's, which resonated but also led me to this unbelievable story.

Some beautiful artwork on etsy.

holidays seem to never end

just another brilliant idea!

a recent conversation between myself and my wonderful partner!

Me: There is a guy at school who is a home dad. His wife is an oncologist and works full time and he stays home and does all the mum stuff with the kids.

R: so when are you going to do that?

Me: What?! I think I've missed my calling to be an oncologist!

R: No! you could earn us money some other way?

Me: How? I haven't worked for years. (Please note: the last 10 years have involved a lot of study though!!)

R: Well with your crafty crap - like Donnatella Versace.

Me: Somehow I don't think Donnatella would be that impressed to know you refer to her work as crafty crap!


boys - sheesh!

fresh cut

Recently, my favourite fabric store, sent out some samples of Heather Bailey's Freshcut fabric range, with a challenge to make something with them. I always loved a challenge, and so have spent the past week happily sewing. Please meet Flower who is modelling the latest fabrics!

You can see what some others have made here. Have a great Easter break everyone. We are off to Phillip Island again, so will catch up when we get back.