whizzme

And out of nowhere a Book Review

2011-10-09T15:34:00.000+11:00

On a recent trip to Sydney I made a visit to the Kinokuniya bookstore. I don't know why Sydneysiders would buy books anywhere else but this may be because of the nostalgic Tokyo feel it produced for me. The store's range of Japanese craft books was wonderful, as too the Japanese magazines or emooks. I love the gifts included with these but managed to keep my purchases to a very conservative 3 books. Paper Wonderland was one of the 3. I have always loved paper crafts and used sites such The Toymaker and Sloth Paper Toys to find cool models to build; a favourite in the Whizzme household on rainy days. Paper Wonderland attracted me by it's cute characters that didn't seem too tricky for a primary school child to make. The fact that you get 32 models to build for only $24.99 confirmed it came home.

On a recent rainy day we spent a few hours happily making some of Michelle Romo's toys. The Tiger, the Alligator, the House, the Bear, the Elephant and Owlbert.

The instructions have pictures to follow and the cutting is straight forward. Miss Whizzme (now 9) had no trouble with cutting and folding but did require some assistance with gluing (this has more to do with a lack of patience though than a lack of skill!).

The book uses double sided tape to secure the models, but we found using glue (Martha Stewart's Decoupage glue sealer) easier and more forgiving if you didn't stick it right the first time.

Not being one to just make characters, Miss Whizzme wrote a short play- Tigerella, that was later performed for Mr Whizzme. Not a bad way to spend a wintry morning.

BOOK DETAILS
Paper Wonderland.
Published in 2010, the book has 5 sections; The Neighborhood, The Forest, The Ocean, The Jungle and The City.
All models are shown completed and in pictorial instructions.
The book's pages are slightly thicker than normal giving the models some weight.
Along with the 32 models the book contains lovely illustrations that can also be cut out and used.
Finally, Ms Romo supplies an address for the Paper Wonderland website where there are more free toy templates and paper craft ideas.

If you can't make a trip to Kinokuniya they do deliver within Australia. Otherwise, Paper Wonderland can also be found on Amazon, Book Depository or the Crowded Teeth online store.

Time Out

2011-03-10T17:09:00.001+11:00

Time Out, originally uploaded by whizzme.

How to bring on a Panic Attack and other Dumb Ideas

2010-12-01T16:27:00.003+11:00

I never seem to have time to blog anymore.

I know this isn't a new problem, I've hardly blogged all year. No matter how good my intentions; I'll write something next week, I'll write something tomorrow, I'll do that this afternoon - it never eventuates. I have written many posts in my head, usually while driving to work, or to school pick up. But by the time I might be near a computer I have moved onto to other things that crowd my mind. My mental to do list has become so unwieldy that the mere glimpse of it and I feel a cold sweat beginning. Today, I thought this is ridiculous. I am in danger of running around in circles with various craft projects attached, smiling manically and achieving nothing. So I decided to write some things down, hoping a physical list with priorities and due dates etc, would bring some calm and order. Ha!

The List

Finish covers for memory books for three girls leaving school : Due Friday. Ok. (Have 1 done and part way through the other two.
Make an extra square for teachers gift apron as only 14 girls not 15 as first thought and now pattern won't work. Due tomorrow for other mum who is sewing apron together.
Wrap belated birthday presents for husband to take to Adelaide with him. Due immediately as he leaves tonight.
Finish quilt for friend who is returning to US next week. (lovely idea dreamed up 2 weeks ago to make a map of Australia quilt from vintage tea towels - 3 week timeline? No problem!) Currently only have all squares cut out and yet to commence actual sewing. Due Sunday!
Create small artwork for another friend moving to Qld. Idea and tools assembled, work yet to start. Due next Thursday.
Sew names in sequins onto t shirts for friend's two daughters also moving to Qld. Due sunday.
Find material to make dress for BF's 40th, rather than spend over $500 on dress would probably only wear once. Party not until beginning of January so plenty of time!
Find Advent calendar (made when daughter was 3 and advent fairy delivering daily small gift with message seemed a delightful tradition). Calendar should have gone up yesterday but last day of month thing didn't register until this morning.
Write 25 messages and purchase 25 small plastic animals for said advent calendar. (Planned to do on way to work but left stupid wallet at home, will have to scratch about hopefully in present cupboard). Refer to number 8's due date.
Fix two favourite shirts as suddenly seem to have nothing decent to wear. ASAP.

I stopped at this point realising that the calm & order I had hoped for was morphing into full blown panic attack.

Somewhere I had managed to
A. Overestimate how many hours there are in a day,
B. Overlook the fact that I am working nearly every day until school finishes, and
C. I am no Martha Stewart.

I am fairly sure therefore that you won't mind excusing me again as I crawl in back into the craft room and hope tomorrow brings some sort of crafting miracle.

I do hope some of you enjoying* the festive season in a less manic fashion!

*random photo of others enjoying the festive season supplied and styled by Miss Whizzme.

This used to be a craft blog BUT

2010-11-09T15:13:00.002+11:00

today I read a really important article over on Mia Freedman's blog, and as part of my role at PANDA I posted it to the PANDA facebook page. At PANDA we are supporters of "It's Ok to talk about it" but mainly it came from my own experience and the guilty relief that others have gone through this. So what is this? Anti depressants and how they can ruin intimacy.
I wish I had known a lot more about this topic several years ago.

My audience of three

2010-09-25T15:27:00.006+10:00

Until recently I used to worry about why people were no longer reading my blog posts. I know this from my blog stats delivered each month to my inbox. They tell me I have a regular audience of 3, which I can pretty much guarantee are my mum, my sister and my best friend. Like I said, until recently these stats would have caused me some agony over why, what to do, etc, etc.

2010 has become my year of reflection, not by my choosing, but nonetheless many insights have been gained and lessons learned. One of these insights has been that really I had lost sight of my reasons for blogging and in turn my blogging audience. When I started blogging several years ago it was to provide regular stories about my crafty dalliances and our lives in Melbourne. My audience was then 3, yes those same three who I no longer could share regular physical get togethers as they all reside in Adelaide. Over time I, somewhat surprisingly, gained other readers and an a new online community open upped to me. The excitement of finding like minded people encouraged me to blog more, to read more blogs, to join this community. However, at the same time I was battling post natal depression and as has now become apparent blogging became a way to hide from my daily struggles. Spending much of my time online became not quite an obsession but a habit.

As part of my recovery from PND I began to back away from my online world. My real world needed my attention, my involvement. It has taken a long time to regain a balance between my real and my online communities. It has taken a toll on some of my personal relationships. A toll that I now look on with sadness and bewilderment. Reflection has felt like I have had my blinkers and rose colored glasses removed. It felt brutal to start with but as sometimes can be the case, a good dose of reality has become strangely liberating. So now I feel I can blog with more freedom again, as I am aware that these posts are really for an audience of 3. But for those of you that also drop by from time to time, I heartily thank you for providing some bonus online hugs!

Until the next post, x Sam

An absence in photos

2010-09-01T20:36:00.005+10:00

Poor little blog, so neglected. A short documentary of what we have been doing instead;

birthdays, parties & costume making
enjoying family outings

book week (that's Selby the Talking Dog by the way)

walking the real dog

arranging playdates

doodling

And there was a trip to Japan, an increase in work hours, random knitting & crochet, a return to reading books, twittering, indulging myself with an iPad and upheaval to our family routine. *sigh* life really does get in the way sometimes.

Holidays - but not for me

2010-06-30T13:44:00.005+10:00

I used to love school holidays. They meant sleeping in, staying in pj's, watching dvd's, having fun. But now that I am a working woman school holidays make me cranky. I am reminded daily that these luxurious holiday pursuits are a thing of the past and I get very close to having childlike tantrums, especially when the sunshine is as beautiful as today. Don't get me wrong I really love my work - when I get there! But the beautiful Miss Whizzme now a confident 8 year old has been helping me enjoy the holidays a little more this week.

I have received breakfast & the perfect cup of tea in bed, enjoyed a cuddle with Wally the wonder dog and had stories, pictures and all manner of gifts bestowed upon me. So I am going back to loving school holidays, because life is too short to have regrets.

Hipstamatic groupie

2010-06-02T18:43:00.007+10:00

I have just been reading a recent post over at My Folk Lover where Catherine talks about her love of the Hipstamatic. I had to share. I downloaded the app for my iphone a few months ago, and just love playing around with it. Partly I like that it is like looking through an older style camera, but the effects you can create are fab. If you are a fan too can you please share your links in the comments? I'd love to see.

Clouds and Fog

2010-05-25T22:39:00.010+10:00

I seem to be constantly finding odd links throughout my day. Links from one part of my life to another that until now had seemed separate. Links that then pop up continually and I don't know if it is because I'm now looking for these links or because the links are looking for me! Life in the Whizzme household is quite foggy itself at the moment so stay with me a moment.

Miss Whizzme is studying clouds at school this week. This has meant that we have had quite a few sessions of cloud learning - me being told all about clouds by her. However, this morning Miss Whizzme joined me in the sick bed at home (coughs and colds) and instead googled images of clouds. It kept her occupied for a long time, letting me at least wonder about other things, like my email, twitter, ebay, facebook.... And as I was doing this I came across a recent post by a friend about Cloud Computing (see the link?!) The title drew me in, and I then discovered that my friend and I share similar conundrums with our fog of technology.

Sitting here now writing this I can show you what is constantly my own 'fog'. Tea, computer, music, crochet or some other craft dalliance, dog, blankets, books, sleeping child. I too am never without my iPhone (and would probably only abandon it for an ipad), I am forever playing catchup with my 'readitlater' links, to the point where I often cant even remember why I bookmarked them! I rejoice in the fact that I can now check my email, twitter & facebook before even sneaking my feet to the cold floor. But as sad as this all might sound to those of you not so enamoured by these gadgets, I also need for my family to be nearby, my creativity tools need to be reachable and my thirst seems unquenchable (just sometimes tea may be replaced by other more alcoholic refreshments!).

In the end I guess what I am saying is this 'fog' of mine maybe a little intimidating sometimes but it is also comforting. I think part of learning and living today with all these gadgets is to use them for enhancing our lives but not for driving it. Something I need to remind myself when I am about to twitter my first tweet for the day but an 8 year old wants to show me the difference between a stratus and a cirrus cloud.

2010-05-12T15:06:00.001+10:00

There is hardly a week that goes by without the postman delivering an etsy parcel, so I've popped back briefly to share some of the wonderful things I have purchased. I love supporting the handmade creators on etsy, and even more I love having something not so common, but I'm also hoping that this will make up for some of my absenteeism! Every morning before I even get out of bed, I check my emails (on the iphone of course) (i know - NERD!), one of which will be the daily enticements from etsy. It is like a daily 'hit' of my shopping drug. Below I have shared just a few of my favourite purchases, but there wasn't room for all of them. Enjoy the browsing....

Pretty Water Bottle by

Pretty n Preppy

Just be Quiet by

Multiple Personality

Angel Wings organza earrings by

Jewelera

japanese mums purse by

oktak

e is for elephant by

herzensart

I like your scarf by

ashleyg

my adventure is about to begin by

misterrob

customized birthday card by

pocket studio

Have you seen this girl?

2010-04-25T09:06:00.011+10:00

Whizzme blog is putting out this alert for its owner. As it has now been some months since our last post our concern for our owner has increased.

Last seen crocheting granny squares. Samantha has shoulder length dark brown hair (often unbrushed), grey eyes with dark smudges underneath from a bad nights sleep. Often accompanied by Miss Whizzme or Wally dog. If you see her in your travels please encourage her to return to her forgotten blog home.

Taking the Granny challenge

2010-01-31T19:15:00.003+11:00

In the few quiet moments to be found at Whizzme central these days I wanted to be able to craft something that could be toteable, not too brain taxing but resulted in a finished item (sheepishly she looks at the list of wip's). So when I came across Pip's suggestion to join her Granny A Day, I knew I had found the answer. The grannies are progressing at the required rate which is something of a record for me and joining group things! Also I am slowly using up some of the beautiful but odd balls of cotton I have. I think I have spoken before about my preference for using cotton to wool when crocheting (but i can't be bothered to find that post in the archive), softer and cooler in our hot summer to work with.

I am surprised how much I have enjoyed picking up the hook again (although it has reminded me of these that are ambling along at what can only be described as an extremely sedate pace), how satisfying it is to have a finished square each day. It also reminded me to visit my favourite crochet inspiration blog MOONSTITCHES. Alex is a German girl who lives in Japan, you can read about Alex in her lovely words.

Over the years Alex has provided some beautiful photos of her projects and life in Japan, but it was when she first posted about hexagons that I was lured into the large crochet project.
She has even provided an excellent tutorial for joining hexagons as you go (see her side bar for the link). Beyond the call of duty, Alex came to my aid via email when I couldn't get my hexagons to look the same ( small problem reading instructions on my part- the down side of being self taught!). My personal favourite is her Rhubarb Scarf shown in one of her own beautiful photos below.
You can see more beautiful images at Alex's moonstitches Flickr account.

At this stage though my goal is just to stay on track with the grannies...famous last words!

The thing is...

2010-01-20T05:55:00.003+11:00

it seems that no matter how good my intentions, new year resolutions or personal goal setting is this liitle blog is continually neglected. So I thought I'd come clean to you the few folks who loyally pop back on the rare occassions a post appears. Life at the moment has taken a turn that I hadn't seen coming, was ill prepared for but excited to take. As those of you who have been with me for a while know, for the past few years I have been involved with PANDA.
I started there as a volunteer counsellor, moved to working admin 2 days a week until august last year I was given the opportunity to oversee a funded project for a year. This role change has been exciting and challenging but most of all it has brought about some readjustments for the Whizzme clan. Now at work 4 days a week, I find very little time to do any crafting, let alone reading, writing or browsing! It seems the project has slowly consumed my mental capacity leaving little at the moment for my personal pursuits. I am frequently frustrated by this, sometimes even angry but on the whole I am resigned to the fact that it is a temporary situation. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy the work, and even passionate about its creation, I just wish I could fit a little more 'me' into each day! Miss Whizzme has been most effected by the role change. She often voices her longing for the mum who was constantly available, attended all school events and was free during holidays. This too pulls at my heart, and sometimes makes me wonder about my choices. The realist in me however, is quick to remind me of all the pluses this involvement has brought; self-esteem, use of my latent degree, challenging new content and overall a deep satisfaction of creating something that will be useful for the wider community. I guess what I am hoping you my loyal reader will understand, that for the present this little blog will be altered from its original crafty purpose. I will post when I can. I will share what I can, but I can't promise any creative content for the time being! I hope when the project ends that my dreams of bringing you more creative pursuits might be possible. Until then, thanks again for sticking around.

Winners are Grinners

2010-01-08T22:02:00.001+11:00

Thank you to those of you who contributed stories, some even brought a tear. But Di I don't think I have a solution for your worst present- send me an email with your postal address though and I'll send you a little something to ease the pain!

Now for the winners,
The Goodies prize goes to Amanda,
and
The Stash prize goes to Suse.
Please email me (whizzme at bigpond dot net dot au) your postal details so I can send your prizes.

Hopefully soon I'll have some show and tell for you, so keep an eye out!

Win some Christmas Cheer

2009-12-21T08:24:00.002+11:00

Here are the details for the Christmas Cheer competition. There are 2 prizes to win so there are 2 ways to enter, and you can enter in both. All you need to do is leave a comment telling me,
1. The best handmade gift you have ever received- and put goodies as your prize code word to win a Santa sack full of handmade goodness.
Or
2. The story of your nightmare before Christmas craft story. Like that time you had to stay up all Christmas eve to finish all those presents because you promised everyone something handmade. Put stash as your prize code on your entry to win a Santa sack of crafting fun.

The more stories you have the more times you can enter! Just remember to put the prize code on your entry.

Entries close 31 December 2009. The winners will be announced 1 January 2010.

Good luck.

a little holiday cheer everyone?

2009-12-14T11:44:00.006+11:00

Just popping in quickly to let you know that I will be running a little christmas competition. So check back here on Monday 21 Christmas for full details. There will be two prizes - a sack of handmade goodies and a sack of crafty stash goodies. Anyone can enter, so see you back here in 1 week. Spread the word....

p.s. comments are currently moderated due to some unsavoury suggestions!

Excuse me

2009-12-05T16:07:00.004+11:00

Hi we here at Whizzme (me and my bear!) are currently cleaning out our drawers and getting ready for ~~spring~~ err Christmas!

should be in bed

2009-08-25T00:40:00.004+10:00

this is one of Catia Chen's wonderful works that I can stare at for ages.

Should be in bed is becoming my new catch phrase as each night I can be found puddling around after midnight finishing work documents, sewing custom whizzme orders and various other school and home related things. For the last three weeks I have been working 3 days at PANDA, which is very exciting and presents lots of challenging brain stretching stuff. It also means that might delightful core skill of fluffing around has had to be shelved and I have been digging into the depths of my memory to find some organisational qualities. If this sounds like hard work - it is! But we are all fairly happy here in the Whizzme house as we enter this new phase of family routine.

Added to all this is the small trip I am making this week back to Adelaide to spend some time with my Mum who has just had some surgery. For a few days I am going to make her sit on the couch and watch movies and help me sew or something. Will probably be good for the both of us. Of course this week is Book week at school, and Miss Whizzme is doing her news presentation on Friday so just a couple of things to sort out before I leave... I figure this is all part of the new workout my brain has been getting which will hopefully stop me going ga ga in my old age* if news reports are to be believed.

I had hoped that my next post was going to be about the market and all the new stuff in my shop. I guess it will have to wait another week or two... Instead, here are some of my favourite finds in my late night trawls of the world wide information overload.

Have I ever told you I collect hippos?

anything from this little shop and this, and this,

and one of these please!

a pair of boots from here if they only delivered to Australia.

this gorgeous cupboard form Kast van e en Huis

some Ninagawa Mika photography

and finally this

just appeals to me!

*any comments about how ga ga I may be already will not be dignified with acknowledgement!

to market, to market

2009-08-01T00:07:00.004+10:00

I really should be heading off to bed - it is going to be a very early morning for me. Market day has finally arrived and I am hoping that the blue skies will favour us. My wonderful sister is here and has been in charge of merchandising while I finish products, write blurbs and generally pfaff around creatively!! It has been great to have someone come in an organise my chaos, calm the whizzme household and make it more fun than doing this on your own. So if you are anywhere near Elwood primary school tomorrow, drop in to the Elwood market. Better yet stop by and say hi - if you wish me Happy Birthday too you might even get a little party favour.

routine - a dirty word!

2009-07-14T13:11:00.007+10:00

For those of you that are kind enough to put up with irregular blogging at this little site, it will come as no surprise that once again there has been quite a time gap between posts. I have decided that the expectation of having a routine for our family is just asking too much, and that really we should just embrace our chaotic approach to life! I guess those of you who know the Whizzme clan well will be sniggering at the fact I have even attempted to talk about routine! Ok, ok - denial no longer for us. I have in fact decided to out myself as a chronoptimist and Miss Whizzme has the hallmarks of one too- much to Mr Whizzme's frustration. Now that I have that out in the open; I hope all of you read my ramblings will better understand the erratic nature of them!

Moving on....

A quick update for the past month.

- the market stall didn't happen in June, (don't even get me started!!) but I will be at Elwood Market on the 1st August. My wonderful sister is coming over to help me (she's the organised one).

- I still haven't updated the shop - so don't bother going there!

- Worked extra days at PANDA.

- The Whizzme clan have just got back from another visit to Adelaide.

This week are back at school (Miss Whizzme), back to work (Mr Whizzme), back to market prep (me)...

oh where oh where has the author gone?!

2009-06-01T19:27:00.005+10:00

I know, I know I have gone beyond the whole missing in action thing, but I have several, very good excuses, really! First the material love of my life died - that's right the iMac gave up the ghost so that I was left with a screen and the spinning beach ball of death. Now I have a brand new iMac, very sleek and stylish, very whizz bang, but still with some problems that my apple shop need to work out or there is going to be blood, no computer chips spilt. Second, I have worked some extra days at PANDA which has completely thrown out my 'getting ready for market' schedule. Ha! I know as if I even had a schedule, but if I did it would have completely been thrown out and it would still be now only 4 days away and close to panic mode. The stupid thing being that I work so much better in panic mode, and 4 crazy days later I will be at the Elwood Market with my first ever stall. Confidence people, confidence!

While I have been A.W.A.Y (absent without asking you) from the blog, we (as in me and 8 girl friends) had a very lovely time at the PANDA fundraising dinner

I managed to score some great aunty cookie stuff in the silent auction, and my little bed ensemble sold for $150 so I was very pleased.

But really I have to love you and leave you, as it is only 4 days until market day so panic mode must continue for a while. And lets face it - there's never been any real routine around here anyway!!

Ciao

Recovery

2009-04-29T14:33:00.005+10:00

I think I may have finally recovered from Miss Whizzme's birthday party! I would love to tell you all the hilarious chaotic adventures we had for it, but I need Mr Whizzme to remain talking to me! Let's just say 26 girls being diva's (it was a movie star party but they certainly took to the theme!), a candy bar with no system, a cake with melted cream and a daughter who lost the dvd remote control, meant that not many things went to plan. However, Miss Whizzme and her friends had a good time and I guess at the end of the day, that is all it's about!! The postscript to this was that Miss Whizzme then accidently deleted all the photos from the camera! Some things are best for memories only I guess.

The next ordeal is the presents. We have a 'one in, one out' policy, with the outs being given to a local op shop. I will confess it isn't always the easiest process to go through with Miss Whizzme (and don't even get me started on Mr Whizzme!) but we get there. This year however, the swag of goodies has reached ridiculous proportions and even I'm having trouble culling old toys to meet the quota. Seriously, how much does one 7 year old need?!

Otherwise, I am still working on a couple of secret projects (I hope to share soon) and some not so secret projects: Finished presents for people, orders from others and even some clothing repairs. I also put a little rainy idea in the latest PANDA newsletter which you can view here (opens pdf).

Leaving me now counting down the weeks to my Elwood June market stall. Cripes!!

Miss Whizzme Grows Up

2009-04-09T09:19:00.002+10:00

On Monday Miss Whizzme turned 7. It is hard to believe it is already seven years since we welcomed our new little bundle into our family. And it still amazes me just how much they learn and change in this relatively short time. Mr Whizzme & I often look at each other and say "she goes well"! Who knew parents could get so soppy?!

Our little girl is becoming quite the individual, showing her personality more each day: the scientist with a love of facts and research, the actor who can play any role time and her toys require, the adventurer who has a curiosity for new experiences yet wisely assessing the risks beforehand, the circus performer, the budding author, the open minded friend. It continually fascinates me to see another facet revealed. It also sometimes overwhelms with the love I have for this little person- somedays it is like my heart swells to the size of my chest. Being a parent is just a fantastic job.

So I figure that by writing this post the next time Miss Whizzme decides to make something from my newly purchased fabric, or use kitchen utensils to unearth discoveries in the backyard, it will remind that it is part of growing up!

Now I must run and pack: the Whizzmes are off to camp at Port Fairy. Happy Easter.

Posted with LifeCast

Helping out - if you are not too weary

2009-04-01T15:55:00.004+11:00

Once again I have been busy developing, sewing, sticking, knitting, weighing and cutting but the results of all this activity will have to stay secret just for a while longer. What I can share with you however, is one project that is underway and will end up similar to this one I made last year.

Here's one I prepared earlier!!

It will be for the Silent Auction at the PANDA fundraising night.
If you would like to be involved in this in a crafty way, then you need to see Shannon's post here. If you would like to be a sponsor or donate items then can you please email: info@panda.org.au requesting information for sponsoring Night Off Night Out or if you have any questions regarding donations email me: whizzme@bigpond.net.au

We can really use your help - and would dearly love some fabulousness to put in the showbags for attendees.

If you would like to receive a showbag and have a fabulous girls' night out then see the invite here or email amanda@panda.org.au for tickets. I have already polished up my very fabulous miu mius' for the night!

reFashioning Fun

2009-03-13T18:34:00.004+11:00

My feet hurt, I think I might be a bit smelly, but I have had the best fun today! I have spent the last two days at the Stitches and Craft Show here in Melbourne. No, not buying, although there are plenty of things to tempt you (see below for more on that). But ~~playing~~ working on the Wardrobe Refashion stall. You may already know all about Wardrobe Refashion, but if not I'm sure you will know the creative genius behind it Nichola, Nikkishell. I have had such a good time making things, brainstorming and seeing people walk away with their creations. These are just a few of the creations but there were so many amazing items.

I'm back there saturday, so if you are going to the show be sure to come past so we can sew up a storm together. And you can see even more creations here. But for now I am off to sit and watch some Friday night TV with some takeaway from the local asian restaurant.

Listed below are just some of my favourites you will find at the show:

and you must see Handmade Nation.

Handmade Helps - how you can help too

2009-02-26T20:38:00.002+11:00

You may have already heard about the great community of people who have put together Handmade Helps for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. If you haven't then go see all the ways you can be involved - buy, donate, make, you name it they have it going on. Yesterday I reopened my dusty little etsy store and listed two fabric tote bags with all proceeds going to Wildlife Victoria. Check them out, and other people's goods you can buy here.

How to help - Victorian Bushfires

2009-02-11T20:05:00.002+11:00

I collated this information at work today for our clients but thought there might be others of you out there who find this useful.

Below is some of the latest information to come out from the relevant aid agencies regarding donations and assistance for the Victorian Bushfires.

Red Cross response (9am, 11 February)

Over 160 lives lost with the number expected to increase as authorities access more homes and discover vehicles in which people attempted to escape the fires.
Two centres in the Beechworth area were re-opened Monday night with fires and ember strikes threatening the area.
The Red Cross enquiry centre is continuing to receive a large volume of calls from people concerned about family and friends and we are seeing an increase in calls from overseas as international news services relay the news.
There are still significant numbers of people registering with us so that family and friends can check on their wellbeing. One whole community that was surrounded by fire but spared, came forward to register with us late Monday so their loved ones know they are ok.
Over 400 volunteers and staff continue to work in shifts, Red Cross call centres in WA, ACT and NSW have opened to help deal with the volume of calls from people checking on the welfare of evacuees.
Red Cross will not deduct any funds from this appeal for administration costs. All funds received will be kept in a Trust Fund set up by the Victorian Government.
The Red Cross is not accepting material donations – please see the information below for details of where to take material goods.

From the State Government & Associated Agencies

People should ring 1800 727 077 or email inquiries@redcross.org.au only if they are unable to contact someone in the affected areas.
Financial Donations to The Bushfire Appeal Fund by calling 1800 811 700 or go to the website at: www.redcross.org.au
Commercial Donations Large commercial donations should be offered to the Victorian Bushfire Public Accommodation Donation Line Call: 1800 006 468. 8am - 8pm.
Volunteers People wishing to donate their time should contact Go Volunteer on 1300 366 356 or register on their website at: www.govolunteer.com.au
Accommodation People wishing to donate accommodation should contact the Victorian Bushfire Public Accommodation Donation Line by calling 1800 006 468. 8am - 8pm.
Blood donations The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is not presently calling for emergency donations. Nonetheless, the Blood Service encourages all Victorians wanting to assist possible victims of this weekend's bushfires to call 13 14 95 or use the online registration form at the Blood Service website to make an appointment to donate blood in the coming and days and weeks. These pledges will ensure blood stocks remain at safe levels, including additional coverage for use by burns and other victims resulting from this weekend's bushfire emergency.
Fundraising If you want to hold a fundraiser, please contact the fundraising department of Red Cross in your state or territory. please be patient if it takes some time for your call to be returned, we are receiving a large volume of enquiries. If your fundraiser is approved, you will be asked to read and follow the requirements of the community fundraising kit, downloadable from the Red Cross website.
Assistance with Horses If you are not in an area that is under threat and think you can offer assistance please complete the Offer of Assistance after Victorian Bushfires form on the Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria website: http://www.phhwv.org.au/emergency.html

From St Vincent de Paul Society:

Financial Donations Call: 13 18 12 Online: www.vinnies.org.au/vic
Donation of Goods Victorian Disaster Appeal Warehouse Lot 7 Henderson Road, Rowville Open- Mon to Fri 8am – 8pm and Sat 8am – 4 pm *Communities affected are particularly in need of large size clothing (XXL) for men and women, new underwear & socks. Personal toiletries such as baby dummies, baby bottles, baby formula, nappy wipes, sanitary products, deodorant etc.
Donation of Food Vic Relief Foodbank 4/2 Summerville Road, Yarraville Call: 9362 8300 *Non-perishable food items please
Housing Assistance If you can offer emergency housing please call or email: Call: 9895 5800 Email: reception @svdp-vic.org.au

From the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army’s Salvos Stores in Victoria will be providing clothing and other goods to assist those affected by the Victorian bushfire through its Emergency Relief Program.

Salvos Stores are currently using existing stock to support those in need; ensuring people have access to a full range of goods including new items. Members of the public wanting to make donations of goods, in new or as new condition, can be made to any Salvos Store in Victoria.

The Salvation Army is seeking donations of clothing, bed linen and furniture that will be passed on to those coming in for assistance.

“We are accepting donations from the Victorian public which will be held in stock reserves and distributed when required. In the meantime current stock in our stores will be provided to communities in need”, said Allen Dewhirst, CEO of Salvos Stores.

Donations, accepted at all Salvos Stores in Victoria, will ensure we maintain a constant supply of in demand items. We request that donations are taken to Salvos Stores during normal trading hours to reduce the risk of theft of donations left outside stores. Most Salvos Stores trade six days a week and some open on a Sunday to receive donations. For larger donations please call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) to arrange collection.

· Since the weekend 225 Salvation Army Officers, personnel and volunteers in 16 teams worked along side emergency service crews and devastated communities. Providing chaplaincy support to those assisting with emergency and also for those families and individuals who are in shock from the enormity of the disaster.

· Across Victoria The Salvation Army is heavily involved in the response phase of this emergency, assisting those with emergency accommodation, clothing and goods, toiletries and providing catering for firefighters and bushfire victims. It is estimated that over the last four days The Salvation Army has provided more than 7,000 meals.

· We are working out of Whittlesea, assisting those fighting the fires in the Kinglake Complex. We are also supporting the many people who have suffered great loss of life and possessions. For those who have lost loved ones The Salvation Army is offering emotional support through a team of Chaplains here, helping to support them through this extremely difficult time. For the last four days the team at Whittlesea have been providing three meals a day to around 500 people, we will be here as long as it takes to help this community get back on its feet.

· Our team in Wallan cooked breakfast for people each morning with support of local businesses. They are offering emotional support to those who are now coming back to their houses to see what is left. We are hearing stories from people who are left shell shocked, just yesterday afternoon a lady came to John, one of the Salvo team there, she had lost everything except her cat.

· In Horsham Captain Allan Morrison is working with proud farming families who have lost everything. These are people who struggle to get by and rarely ask for help. Now without any food or clothing they are turning to the Salvos for help.

· The Healesville community is dealing with fires edging closer to the town. Here Captain Clint Castley is arranging transport for residents away from the area and preparing for a massive demand for support and assistance once people are able to return to their homes.

· Major Brain Rowe is working with the people in the Traralgon and Moe assembly centres. He is finding accommodation in near by hotels and motels for people who have lost their home and have nowhere to go.

· Yesterday in Warragul Captain Daniel Templeman was supporting those who were returning to assess the damage. The team is busy helping people change linen, providing toiletries and taking calls. Although the alert here has finished and there are minimal losses The Salvation Army here will still need to support the community emotionally as they deal with the disaster.

· These stories are not isolated, right across the state Salvation Army teams are at work ensuring the bushfire victims and emergency service teams are looked after. Whatever the need may be in the community we are working hard to try and meet it.

· The Salvation Army Overdale Rural Rehabilitation Centre in Kilmore has been razed to the ground by the destructive fires in the area. This facility has provided vital rehabilitation services to hundreds of Victorians since its establishment six years ago. It has been totally destroyed, along with vehicles, equipment and medications. Thankfully, and most importantly, the residents had been evacuated on Saturday afternoon and were not harmed.

· The coming days will be critical and it is expected that the fires may take several days to control and extinguish. The Salvation Army will move towards the recovery phase in the next few days, working with the affected communities to help them rebuild their lives.

I know this is a lot of information but so many of us want to help in whatever way we can. For those of you overseas the phone numbers given are for local calls, but you can visit websites if you would like to make a donation.

beating flies with your fabric stash

2009-01-28T19:24:00.000+11:00

Sometimes others who share the same house as you have to admit that a stash of fabric can be very handy!

And much prettier than your average fly screen.

holidays

2009-01-23T10:12:00.004+11:00

How rude me to bugger off like that without leaving you a note! Well, there goes the first new years resolution! Miss Whizzme and I have been hanging out at the beach with friends and family. But all this holidaying can really take its toll. LOL!

We are now back home, once again enjoying our still new to us house and yard. I am slowly getting things organised in my craft room. I wouldn't ever tell him so but Mr Whizzme was right - I have a LOT of craft crap! I requested some shelves to be built like this, and also an entry storage system like this. Plans and measurements supplied by me are currently hung on the wall and are much admired by both of us. There has been a lot of mumbling from Mr Whizzme about how it will be constructed. It isn't always good when one procrastinator is married to another!

Miss Whizzme was delighted that at least one of her favourite dolls received a new outfit. That is Imogen on the left sporting her new pink tunic blouse and matching summer pants. Mika had to be satisfied with her dress from two years ago. sigh!

However, you must excuse me again because holidays are not quite over, and although most days have seen me screaming about school not starting soon enough, today has started on a bright and gorgeous note so I am going to grab it while I can.

That, and I must repaint my toes - what was I thinking buying this yellow?

sunny? - more like fungused!!

2009-01-01T11:12:00.002+11:00

well here we are at the start of another year...

The award pictured above was given to me for mother's day last year by Miss Whizzme and was recently rediscovered while unpacking. It made me laugh to see that I was proving she knows her mother well, as I had just made Mr Whizzme relocate the cupboard and desk in my craft room. We have spent much of the holidays so far unpacking and rearranging; still piecing together things in our new house. The Whizzme clan is very happy to be found pottering in their new abode: Mr Whizzme is making numerous trips to Bunnings for supplies. Miss Whizzme spends most days taking all her things outside and creating scenarios such as picnic's, fairy realms and camp sites. I am trying extremely hard to spend time in my new craft room crafting rather than cleaning and sorting. So today my first new year resolution is to spend the day there and bugger the rest!

My second resolution is to be better at getting back to those of you who are kind enough to leave comments. I really am going to try, but please don't anyone be holding their breath about this one though!

Thank you for sticking around for another year and reading the haphazard ramblings of Whizzme. Here's to 2009.

Oh and Wally the wonder dog is barking at every bus that has the audacity to stop at the bus stop near our house! Cleverness is not one of his strong points, lucky he has his looks!!

sometimes you stumble on things that make you smile

2008-12-17T14:26:00.004+11:00

The photo is from the artist's web site: Because Studio.

Which is the freelance graphic design practice of Loz Ives, a young chap from the north of england with a keen eye for detail and a passion for simplicity and relevance within his work. So far this is a limited edition 1 of 1.

It was just the smile I needed today.*

*thanks Philip

Welcome

2008-12-07T21:52:00.004+11:00

to my new craft room, in my new house. Hallelujah! Finally the Whizzme clan are enjoying extra space, gardening, shady trees, new discoveries. I'm not enjoying the frigging mess that now can be spread further in a bigger house by everyone else in the clan, however, the smiles on all our faces, including Wally the wonder dog is worth it. (Well, nearly!).

At this stage only a third of the packing is done, and here you can see the real state of my craft space!

But at the moment the joy of having a room all of my own (I'm trying to ignore the boxes of shed stuff waiting for the shed to be built) means I can take my time about sorting out what will go where. Funnily having this room has in fact made me more disorganised (if that is possible) as I unearth half finished projects and recommence, but then get side tracked with reorganising the magazines, to only find a project I had bookmarked to do, so I set off on a hunt for materials which leads to forgotten treasures being discovered, which... The problem has reached a crisis point and with only five nights(5 nights!!) left to finish school Christmas presents I have decided to have a very stern word with myself and plan this weeks crafting.

Hmm, I'll let you know how it goes...

A witchy dress pattern

2008-11-02T01:03:00.006+11:00

I know I had said come back Saturday, but my Illustrator skills are not as good as some, and well a few champagnes and time just gets away from you. Just save the image above to your computer for the pattern. I used my overlocker to sew the whole outfit, in less than 1 hour. The costume possibilities are endless, but please don't tell Miss Whizzme I said so!

I'll have the other promised pattern up soon. Enjoy your weekend.

for the want of a title

2008-10-29T10:44:00.006+11:00

I figure you are probably pretty sick of hearing about the whizzme clan moving into their new abode - like get in there already!! But for us the date is fast approaching and organising all paperwork, inspections, packing, logistics seems to take up all my time at the moment. Boring for us both really. I did manage a quick bit of sewing on the weekend - and I mean quick - quick as you can put your foot on the pedal witch's dress for a halloween party (pictures later this week, after its second outing for trick or treating friday night). And a dress for myself (hello wonderful sewing girls - another great get-together). This too was the "sew quick I even amazed myself it worked" category of sewing, but again I haven't got to taking any pictures yet. Both sewing projects will come with a quick recipe so you can make them yourself - if you feel so inclined! Check back here on Saturday for the Whizzme sewing like a demon projects :)

Until then, did you know Amy Butler is coming to town (well, Melbourne and Sydney) for one night only? I don't know if I can make it - damn. And this Saturday the Elwood Market is on again - if the weather stays like today it will be a superb place to be having a browse and a coffee. If you are far more organised than I ever will be and want to have a stall, contact my lovely friend Cam Sunshine via the contact details on their website. Tell her Sam sent you!

Before I go Miss Whizzme has had something even more exciting than moving happen in the past week - the first tooth is gone. Lisping has begun, and wiggling of all other teeth has also commenced! I think the photo above shows you just how much excitement this event was met with!

Now I'm back to the mighty moving list and leaving the rest of you to enjoy the beautiful day. See you back here Saturday for some craftiness. Finally!

Moving on

2008-10-18T13:31:00.002+11:00

Moving on, originally uploaded by whizzme.

yes the house is sold and in 30 days the Whizzme clan will be moving on. Currently the relief is far out weighing the excitement, but we can't wait to embrace new surroundings. With no more weekends of open inspections to endure it would be a grand time to break out the crafting. Unfortunately, the beautiful weather this weekend finds me in bed with bronchits while the rest of the clan enjoys some social freedom again. Even Wally the wonder dog has abandoned me for a playdate with his pooch girlfriend. I am consolling my sorry self with mulling over how to best set up the new craft room. So don't stay inside moping with me. Get outside. Enjoy this glorious weather. Have a champers for me darling.

nothing much

2008-10-11T14:39:00.005+11:00

hmmm, time seems to really get away from me when it comes to this little blog. I have very slowly been catching up with posts in bloglines, but still have many more to read. I have also been doing some crafting, and there is progress finally happening on Lucy's Ripple Blanket (on ravelry). After telling Martine that I could quite happily randomly pull the next colour out of the basket and continue, I realised that in fact some colours were not making me feel comfortable. Martine you were right, I can't live with it, so it was frogged back and I have culled all the offending colours from the basket. Still a little bit of randomness albeit controlled randomness!

Thankfully this week saw Miss Whizzme return to school. The poor little chicken is finding it hard to cope with all the changes at home, changes at her school (they are renovating) and continually being sick it is quite a lot for a 6 year old to handle. I have tried to remind myself of this fact, as sometimes the princess behaviour that is being dolled out is quite testing for a 38 year old mother!

This week has also seen the Whizzme clan camping out at a friend's place while she suns her butt in the north. It has been a joy to not have vacuum every day and pretend you live in a Vogue Living photo shoot. Lounging on the couch with champagne and chocolate watching foxtel is way more my style! Unfortunately though they come home tonight, so back to pretending we never make mess.

I guess really that's it. Not much of substance, but I can tell you there is a whole lot of emotion involved! And because I had no photo's of my own to share with you, the mosaic above is some favourites this week from flickr. Enjoy.

finally

2008-09-23T08:46:00.004+10:00

The house is ready, photos have been taking - now we wait for a buyer.

We are all exhausted from the effort of reducing the Whizzme clan's love of hoarding to bare necessities. I feel like we are in some reality TV challenge to see how long we can last. It shall be interesting. Miss Whizzme is ill and at the moment does not care that she has only 6 toys and a handful of books left to play with. I on the other hand, despite my various aches and injuries(as above*) cannot wait to once again let my hands do some craftiness. I might even be able to get back into the swing of regular posts and blog reading. I have quite a library of posts to catch up on what all of you have been up to. But for now I must be off to work. Feel free to take a sticky beak at our house.

*thought having aching limbs, sore hands from cleaning was enough but managed to whack my head on the corner of some furniture just before the photographer turned up!

Progress

2008-09-12T16:08:00.004+10:00

is being made on all fronts. We have boxed, and boxed, and boxed until the house is now bare essentials. I always admire people who have the minimalist look, but I just don't know how they do it. I am already missing my books and fabrics. There is no eye candy to tempt me with, and no inspiration to catch my interest. This said progress is being made and I am getting some other projects finished, slowly promised items are finding their way to new owners. Currently the Whizzme clan are holidaying at a (more than generous) friends house while said friends are away. In our absence the house is being primped and (hopefully) we will be shooting photos next Friday.

Miss Whizzme has coped amazingly well with all this upheaval, and even dealt well with being told she could have only a handful of toys and books left unpacked*. Wally on the other hand is very out of sorts and has been sticking closely to me - I think he is afraid he might get packed next!

Finally, it wouldn't be right if I wasn't starting another project! A short trip to Spotlight with Miss Whizzme after school, and we are now creating our own set of round wooden place mats. I couldn't find the paints in our friends house so we are using some beautiful Aquarelles. That is my place mat progress pictured. Should keep as busy for a short while now school holidays have begun for us too. I hope you are all enjoying the warm wind of change here in Melbourne, and thank you for all your warm wishes on our house purchase. Now, Miss Whizzme is calling me to her cafe'. I hope there are milkshakes on the menu...

*Which is more than can be said for the sulkiness her mother has inflicted on others because of all her toys and books being packed away!!

Celebrating while decluttering

2008-08-28T10:37:00.004+10:00

The Whizzme clan are celebrating big time - we bought our new house! The relief is wonderful, but the reality of now having to sell the house we are in is very rude. Agents talk a lot about de-cluttering for open inspections - for us they talk about moving out! All my china displays, mementos, books and artworks are slowly being carefully packed away for storage. Mr Whizzme can be heard quietly cursing the fact we have so many books in the house, so it is lucky he hasn't seen the piles of fabric yet. Ms Quilt has offered to have my craft books, which I have jumped at, as it will mean I can still get to them if the need arises. She also told me of a girl she knew who labeled her boxes of fabrics books - but we agreed this wasn't going to help in my situation. Any suggestions? All this means that the rush is on to get our house ready in 4 weeks for sale. Arrgh! To keep myself motivated I look a photo's of the room that will be mine for crafting. Bliss.

That's it there on the end.

Well I never

2008-08-18T13:36:00.005+10:00

Edited to add - BHG pattern available here

I know can you believe it? finally a crafting post. There has been a severe lack of crafting on this little blog for quite a while now. Not that there hasn't been any crafting going on - there has. It is just that projects are in various stages of ~~abandonment~~ progress! But finally, I have one to show you. As you can see from the photo, the recipient of this project is very happy with the outcome! and he had no complaints about the fact that it has taken over 3 months for me to finish it. Maybe Wally figured that with all the comments Mr Whizzme threw my way about it being "just a bloody dog bean bag" he didn't need to weigh in. But I stand by my argument that if we have to live with it in our lounge room, it can at least be nice to look at. This project is loosely* based on the pattern from the Better Homes and Gardens, 1 2 3 Sew book - which is where I was first inspired to have Wally lounging on something more in keeping with our home than an old blanket. It was always a great way to use up scraps that I have been hoarding, and even the inner bag (yes the cover comes off so I can wash it - clever!!) is made from an old flannel sheet.

I will try to share more projects as they are finished, but if you thought my posting had been rather haphazard of late, it is only going to get worse. The Whizzme clan have decided that enough is enough and we are putting our house on the market. The fact that we have fallen in love with another larger, more family friendly house has literally fired as up - to the point where I am thinking of stalking anyone else who may be interested! So here we go on an emotional roller-coaster. Please excuse the haphazardness that this blog is afflicted with, but fingers crossed, I will be telling you about my new crafting room soon.

* The dog bean bag pattern in the book, is made up of a very simple patchwork pattern of large squares and triangles. I wanted to use up bits of fabric I already had, so sewed them randomly together to form to larger pieces of fabric that I then cut the required two circles from. The side is just one long strip of rectangle strips pieced together. I then used a small zip on the inner bag, and a much larger one for the outer bag, so we don't have to struggle getting the cover on and off.

silence

2008-08-10T18:21:00.004+10:00

(photo by melvelez on flickr)

That's what you get when a group of mums go away together - blissful silence. I think it is the complete but unsaid knowledge that talking can be kept to a minimum without anyone being offended! Two days without, "mum can I?", "mum can you?", "mum I need you", "mum where's the?" is like a week's worth of a luxury spa retreat - in fact it might be even be worth more than that. Then there are the added extra's of being able to make breakfast for one, reading the newspaper, having a leisurely shower, doing your toe nails without having to keep everything out the way of little fingers, eating dinner - sitting down - from start to finish, going to the toilet on your own, sleeping in, reading your book until late into the night, sleeping in, not having the kids shows on, not having someone flick through all the TV channels, not even having to have the TV on! Of course there is then the social outings that mean you can wander in the really expensive shops without having to grab things before they hit the floor, or be continually saying "don't touch that", or "just a minute", or "mummy just wants to look at this". Browsing is such a luxury event when mums no longer have kids in tow. And can be combined with enjoying a take away coffee without having to buy all the extra's to keep everyone else quiet so you can at least down it before it gets cold.

Not having to share the chocolate.

The rest of the Whizzme clan have been visiting Adelaide, and so I am quickly posting this before the silence is broken. But don't get me wrong, as much as I have loved these last two days spending time with 'the girls', drinking wine, gossiping, watching movies, reading mags. I cannot wait to see my family. Even just two days absence, I have missed people telling me they "love me" and wanting hugs. I have missed hearing their new ideas and experiences from their day. And I missed having someone cuddle into me, knowing it is a safe place to be - with mum. But I know that by tomorrow morning the spell will have broken and the routine will return, so, excuse me while I go and just soak in those last few moments of silence.

when you know they understand you

2008-08-01T11:57:00.001+10:00

running away

2008-07-30T11:32:00.004+10:00

Everything is running away at the moment, time, days, projects, deadlines, ok really it all comes back to time. No matter how organised I think I am I seem to be forever running to catch up.By Sunday night I had got myself into such a state I had to sit down and draw up a massive planner with all my due dates, appointments, work etc. Phew! it is pasted to the window next to my beloved imac, and is scaring the bejezus out of me!! I must learn not to say yes to everything! well at least not before checking my schedule. In short this is why I haven't responded to your lovely emails and comments, and haven't dropped by to say hello (boy you guys all write alot!!). However, this post is not about boring you with my inefficient time management skills. Once again the whizzme clan have been taking in some sights.

Last week Mum was over (the mother who lovingly finishes my knitting projects for me) again. Mother whizzme, Miss whizzme and myself went to Bendigo for two nights so we could once again visit the wonderful Sheep and Wool Show that the town hosts each year. This show never disappoints, and if you have never made the trip and love yarn, I would suggest booking it in for next year. I was restrained in my purchases this year, but still enjoyed the wonderful colours and creations and textures on show. That ol' sheep has got the right idea. Miss Whizzme enjoyed the nursery farm - for about 2 straight hours! On the way home we also stopped into Kyneton, a lovely town with some great shops, and a yarn store of its own.

Mum came supplied with the Sarah Dallas wrap cardigan knitted ready for sewing up - and it looks lovely so far. It meant confessing to the fact that I had not yet sewn up last years cardigan, and was thoroughly falling down on my part of the bargain. Enough said!

I luckily received one of RicRac's wonderful little birdcages - they are so adorable, he is hanging here now keeping me company - thanks Jodie.

Meanwhile, I am slowly finishing my mockery socks (boy are they aptly named - they mock me every day!), trying to ignore the morning surf scarf (on ravelry) I started in Bendigo and attempting to squeeze in a quick gift making session for a new baby. Most mornings however, I can be found rushing Miss Whizzme to school while brushing my hair, knitting a few rows at traffic lights and wondering how I managed to put my top on inside out again!

you never know

2008-07-22T20:05:00.001+10:00

you never know, originally uploaded by whizzme.

where some of the best feet might turn up!!
Bandaids are the latest, darlink!

Really I have lots to show and tell but can't get my act into gear, so this will do for now. Want to try it? have fun

a link to double my chances!

2008-07-17T10:55:00.005+10:00

image from d.sharp blog - original artwork and photography

Very selfish of me, and it will sound very insincere now, but I would have told you about this gorgeous artist regardless of her running a competition, no really!

d.sharp

However, I am besotted with her fantastic effiel tower paper art that is currently up for grabs, so anything to help me win. The bonus of course, is not only do you now get to see this fabulous artist, but you too can enter. There are 3 original artworks she is giving away. A big thank you to Amy Karol for providing this link via her venus zine article. If we miss out it's lucky she has an etsy store too!

Meanwhile, the boring stuff is that I am steadily working away at the list of projects, rejoicing that school holidays are over so I can have some quiet time - literally - geez Miss Whizzme can talk!, and doing some extra work at PANDA. So no surprises that the dishes still aren't done, the washing is done but now covers the dining room table waiting to be put away and Miss Whizzme & I are having a stand-off about cleaning her room. Everything back to normal!

And the book sale is still on.... more books still to be uploaded, and coming soon my destash fabric sale.

book sale time

2008-07-06T21:53:00.005+10:00

Updated: I have added more craft books and even some japanese craft magazines.

well now that you are well and truly sick of hearing me moan about my princess ways, I have decided to entice you with a book sale. I have decided to cull my rather large craft book stash, and at the same time earn some money for my New York* spending fund. So go take a look in my etsy shop. There are several craft areas - knitting, quilting, sewing and even some japanese craft books. I have only managed to upload a third of the pile, so keep checking back.

And here's the sweetner, if you buy any extra items after your first book from the shop you pay no more shipping. So the more you buy the more you save!

Meanwhile, I am putting together a Pirate birthday party for a riot of 3 year olds. Walk the plank, finding buried treasure, making hats and telescopes - let the riot begin!! Surprisingly someone is paying me for this service - maybe a new job outlook? hmm, will see how I feel after the party.

Hope you all have a good week and don't forget to grab a bargain!

*I know you are all heartily sick of hearing about the whizzme clans holidays, but we are going to New York at the end of this year - spending money is crucial!! I'm thinking of having a fabric sale next - so keep your eyes peeled!!

sulking

2008-06-27T17:16:00.010+10:00

Ok I have to admit that we've been back for a week now and I haven't blogged yet because really I'm just going to show what "princesses" us Whizzme's really are! Because we have all had the sulks since we've been back. Fiji was so good, soooo good that we have been so utterly spoilt (Sitting by the pool, outside our room, sipping cocktails, reading books and magazines*, snoozing, eating) the whole clan is now having trouble adjusting back to the reality of our lives. I know "woe is us" - NOT!

So, in an effort to ~~slap~~ snap myself out of this horrible self indulgent sulking I have started trying to catch up on a week's worth of blogosphere happenings. Boy have you guys been busy or what?! Many, many wonderful things being made, that I am itching to get to all my projects again.

bean bag for Wally - has be the most complex patchwork bean bag cover anyone has ever considered making their dog!
continue hand sewing liberty patches for Miss Whizzme's quilt - only @ 150 to go!!
recover the floor cushions - chosen the fabric - it's a start!
rowan exchange knitted socks - so far have only swatched the wool.
school uniform for Miss Whizzme's school's mascot doll - umm, found a pattern and knitted one tiny sock.
finish hand stitching two more hoodie's for etsy - pinned and ready to sew
break out Gocco for some trial runs - still sitting in box
fix holes in Mr Whizzme' socks - sitting in laundry basket
fix tags on Miss Whizzme's apron - sitting in laundry basket
fix cushion cover from Grandma - sitting in laundry basket

Hmm, you might see that list is getting a little out of hand again - ahh, variety, the spice of life!

* For those who are interested these are the books I read while we were in Fiji:

Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan

1 star

Found this book disappointing. I did not engage with the characters, in fact I loathed him and really willed myself to finish the story. His insensitivity to anything around him I found frustrating and really didn't want to waste my time with him! A quick read that I know many have loved, but I am not one of them! Sorry best friend!!

The Good Parents by Joan London

5 stars

I loved this book. Read it on holiday in Fiji so was a quick but really absorbing read. Loved all the characters and the way the moved in and out of the story from past to present. Liked it being set in Australia too. Easy to read, heart warming.

The Gardens of the Dead by William Brodrick

4 stars

Bought in Fiji - a wonderfully fast paced, engaging read. Lots of wonderful characters, twists and complexity. sometimes maybe a little too much!

and a truckload of magazines!!

can it really be true?

2008-06-09T23:33:00.004+10:00

not only am I here back blogging again - thanks for sticking with me!, but finally, finally I updated the shop. I know, I can't believe it either!! Bluey above is sporting one of the beanies, suits him don't you think?! But go check it out, there are hoodie's, pants for children and bags for mummies too. There is still more in progress so I hope to update again in a few weeks, but feel free to shop right now.

So....life has been good to the Whizzme household, and well, really I'm back just in time to tell you that we are off (What AGAIN?!) to Fiji next week for a little family bonding and oh, you know we might just relax a bit too. I have my stack of books packed and a few crafty, easy to tote projects. Unfortunately it hasn't left a whole lot of room for anything else, I'm having to prioritize and well not one of my strong points! I know I can hear you all crying for me!! I'll try and send you a postcard!

But really, Thanks again for coming back - it means a lot.

And if you came via the Living Creatively - HI! please drop a comment and say hello.

P.s. yes the photo is digitally enhanced!

suffering from neglect

2008-06-01T17:01:00.003+10:00

quietly she slips in the back door, past the unswept leaves and gathering dust. everything still looks the same, just sort of sad from the month of neglect it has endured. guiltily she backs slowly out, whispering, to nothing in particular, sorry... I promise I will be back soon, very soon....promise...

Taking time out*

2008-05-01T17:04:00.001+10:00

Taking time out, originally uploaded by whizzme.

coffee with friends, cleaning out cupboards, long weekend in daylesford with best friend, playing monopoly with Miss Whizzme, reading the real paper (not the online headlines!), sewing, drawing.....

*I hadn't planned on taking a break from blogging, but sometimes life just takes its own course. So I am happily following along, waiting to see where it takes me. But I will be back soon with new stock for my neglected little etsy store.

doing some mending

2008-04-21T10:47:00.003+10:00

I have been slowly restoring my spirit with some mending both physically and metaphorically. Mr Whizzme and I are taking quite a while to get over a respective ills and feel like an old couple in their retirement, shuffling around the house in comfy clothes, ugg boots, cups of tea. I furthered this image by being regularly found in my favourite chair applying patches to jeans, embellishments to tops, darning socks and tights.
For quite a while now I have had a growing pile of clothing that is too dear for one of us to part with, but needs some form of repair. This pile has been my crafting solace over the past week, as my jelly head wants something simple to focus on, and my body has been rickety and slow in movement.

Last night I had finally worked my way through the pile. Today now there is more of a lightness in the Whizzme household, like emerging from hibernation. Excitement that favourite clothes are now wearable again, relief that the jelly seems to finally have melted.

I can focus on a mother's daily ~~chores~~ tasks. Actually now that I put it like that I'm not sure what I am so relieved about - washing, cleaning, organising. However, a week of mending has also meant plenty of time for inspiration, idea generation and plotting, so it must also be time to start a new project then...

here's one I prepared earlier

2008-04-10T17:26:00.006+10:00

There is little to show, in fact I am really just here to tell you that. Mr Whizzme and I are both home nursing ourselves through colds and infections, and generally getting on each others nerves. Him with his cough, cough, coughing, his this hurts, that hurts, and me, well actually I'm a pretty good patient! Miss Whizzme is still riding on a high from her 6th birthday last weekend, (Little sis I uploaded the photos here!). The party did go very well, and the Butterfly lady was fantastic. Finally I can stop dreaming about beetles, bugs and butterflies. But as there has been a lack of craftiness to show of late, I thought I would whip out this little item I made a while ago.

The Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Laundry Bag.

Take one thrifted pillowcase. Cut off the small flap of fabric in the pillowcase opening - divide in half to make two fabric ties. Make a slit a small way down from the pillowcase opening, wide enough for children to thrust large amounts of dirty clothes. Sew around slit edge to stop fraying. Sew pillowcase opening shut, enclosing the two ties. Tie to end of bed and alert child of its use. Ta da.

The only trouble is it doesn't wash the large amount of clothes it holds. Bugger!

Apart from head a feeling like jelly, I am preparing myself for some more training this weekend. Lucky I have a friend to do it with, and for support. There is also another friend who has been sewing, printing and creating up a frenzy of new goods...phew she makes me tired!

dispelling the myth

2008-04-07T18:22:00.004+10:00

It has been quite humorous to hear from some of you about how I must have extra hours available to me because we seem to do so much. Ha! I am surprised you couldn't hear my mother laughing heartily at that suggestion! For one thing; it is quite well known that I enjoy my sleep, specially in the morning. I prefer to stay up late and watch crappy tv while I fluff around doing god knows what and then grumble that I have to rise before 9. The other thing is, well, it all boils down to priorities. This picture of our dining table, or should I say the table previously known as the dining table should enlighten you.

You see it became quite clear to me on the first day of school holidays (which also happened to be Good Friday) that having Mr Whizzme and Miss Whizzme at home together for days on end was only going to produce a riot of chaos. My choice? fight it or ignore it. I chose to ignore it. There have been days when I have severely regretted this decision.

I am happy to admit that I am quite the clutter queen with my collections of china and books and knick knacky things, but I do like them to be in. their. place. I am a what I like to refer to as a pack stylist. I live by packs. Packs mean that things can be found - no matter what the occasion. Take my hand bag for example (I use this example as this seems to be quite the in thing in the blog world of late!)

Packs. Emergency pack, pack of wipes, pack of tissues, pack of pencils, small pack with meter change. Easy to find.

Another example is the boot of my car:

Again packs. Medical pack, art pack, swimming pack, towel pack, shopping pack, beach pack, rain jacket pack*. I'm sure you are getting the picture.

Anyway, back to the ignoring the chaos challenge. By the end of Easter I was seriously fighting my urge to pack things away, but I held firm. Well, I reasoned, Miss Whizzme and I were going to be away for a week anyway, it could wait. Of course leaving a husband alone in a home with no supervision is just asking for trouble! And then, we returned with a 5 day count down to Miss Whizzme's birthday party. Therefore, I must confess that I then not only ignored the mess, I added quite liberally to it. So, while maybe we might have benefited from having somewhere comfortable to eat our meals, and it would be nice not to have to leap over the washing to get into bed at night, overall I have really, really enjoyed these holidays.

Tomorrow though, I clean!

Psst! if you want further details click on the photos to see the notes in flickr.

*sometimes the car boot also has an extra

Snapshot

2008-04-02T21:00:00.006+11:00

yes it has been a while. So long in fact, that catching you up with all that has been entertaining the whizzme household of late would be overwhelming to have in one post, so here is just a snapshot.

Finally cutting into the Liberty, after inspiration from here.
Easter at home: family painting on Good Friday, eating well, lamb roast on Sunday, Ravelry, Miss Whizzme making her own softie, catching up with an old friend on Easter Monday.
Panda: counseling, and finally a survey online for those of you who have used Panda before.
Down the coast with some friends: time spent drawing, gossiping, eating well, trampolining, more drawing, making sock puppets, laughing, more drawing, a little crochet.
Back home: cleaning up the chaos, making items for Miss Whizzme's party, uploading, washing, reminiscing.

Once the newly turned 6 year old returns to school next week I am hoping that posting will resume on a more regular basis. Well anyway, the best laid plans and all that....

it's another party and I'll cry if I want to...

2008-03-17T10:57:00.005+11:00

Miss Whizzme had four, yes 4, birthday parties on the weekend. Three of them were on Saturday, so we went from fairies, to disco and then appropriately pyjama's and there hadn't yet been a tear from her. Mr Whizzme and I however, were feeling a little shattered. Then Sunday we attended the much talked about party for a certain girl who ~~will~~ should be cast in the next High School Musical. This was a little more relaxing (for me), and involved a good dose of gossip, party games, party food and air-conditioning. There's nothing like having a sweltering weekend of birthday parties to bring parents to their knees! Miss Whizzme breezed through on a sugar loaded, party induced high. I'm still waiting for the crash....

I also managed to draaaag myself away from Ravelry to get washing done, stuff put away and Miss Whizzme's own party invitations prepared and posted. It is lucky really that she is the only one with a social life in this house otherwise we would need a social coordinator. Hope you all had a good weekend. Off to take some photos....

new obsessions

2008-03-14T07:33:00.005+11:00

I went to bed way too late last night....

Not that going to bed late doesn't happen often, but this was really late! You see this week I finally got my Ravelry account and thanks to Sylvie I now am on Goodreads too. This has meant that all my spare time (and more) has been spent sitting at my beloved mac. My eyes are on stalks, my skin is sallow, my brain is fuzzy and I really should have been doing;

Miss Whizzme's birthday invitations
Contacting the plumber
Putting the washing away
Photographing the clothes for eBay
Photographing the new stock for etsy
Putting away all the stuff covering the dining table
Writing my Easter cards
Mending my summer dress
Finishing the ironing
Buying some groceries
the list could go on, and on, and on

busy work

2008-03-05T14:15:00.004+11:00

I have been spending a lot of time with busy work. You know - that work you do when you are studiously avoiding doing something else you should be doing?! Busy work is actually one of my core skills, and I like to show off this skill all to readily. So, most of the weekend was spent busy working all my craft related stuff that has been scattered throughout the house, into neat, like-with-like containers. All sewing needles in one box, all embroidery thread in another, bobbin's in the nifty bobbin holder, sewing machine bits in a special sewing machine bits box. It is such a cleansing process, and most certainly needed to be done. I mean, it was way more important than those things burning permanently into my to do list. Way more.

Last night it was the books in the house turn. Of course I started this task at 8.30pm. But now all the knitting books are together, the sewing books are together, the quilting books together, well, you get the idea. When I had finally finished, even I had to admit that there probably weren't too many books left that I still needed to add to my collection. Phew luckily, I hadn't admitted this out loud. Because today the post man delivered this little hoard which I had quite forgotten about.

Still a few spare spaces left to squeeze them into.

Now onto making some skirts, oh the possibilities Alison has given me...

To do list? What to do list?!

look what's making a comeback

2008-03-02T21:16:00.004+11:00

Clothkits.

for those of you in the northern hemisphere you may have had one of these kits made for you, I have only read about how wonderful these ready to make children's clothes were. And, now they are coming back, with a new contemporary feel.

As their web site explains each kit comes with:
"All the cutting lines are printed directly on the fabric, so all you have to do is choose your size, then cut out the appropriate pieces.
Thread, buttons and any other haberdashery are all included.
All you need is a sewing machine and enthusiasm!
Kits can be put together by both the beginner and experienced stitcher alike.
All our kits come with simple, step-by-step illustrated instructions to guide you through the process.
You will soon also be able to download duplicate instructions here.
Part of our work-in-progress is developing an online video library that has quick films demonstrating tips and techniques. Please check back soon, or join our e-letter to be updated of news."

The Russian Doll Dress by Annabel Waterman is divine, and the design is meant to be coloured by the child themselves. However, I'm waiting for the adult skirt with Rob Ryan's touch

If you still want to know more Joelle from Four Corners went to the launch.

trying not to gloat...

2008-02-28T13:31:00.001+11:00

more of my op shopping delights over at I op therefore I am....

not all talk

2008-02-25T16:43:00.008+11:00

1. melways cover, 2. owls looking at you, 3. new top, 4. quick skirt, 5. new dresses, 6. she wore flowers in her hair, 7. pirate, 8. alice in wonderland, 9. keeping me warm, 10. nightdress, 11. superhero, 12. take away art

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

I have promised for over a month now to show the crafting that went on during the summer holidays, and at last I am making good. Miss Whizzme is home from school today with a slight fever. This means a lot of colouring in, watching Charlie & Lola and eating cinnamon toast. It also means that I have been able to finally organise and upload all our holiday picks - phew what a task. You can click on the links to see further details of each project. See, I'm not all talk! sometimes I even get stuff done.

If you are not interested in crafty things, then maybe you might want to check out my summer op shop finds. Or maybe you would just like to see how good a dog's life can be....

another not so average joe blogger

2008-02-16T22:05:00.005+11:00

you may remember towards the end of last year, I posted an interview with Linda of Two Pink Possums. This year I am continuing this series and my first interviewee is Carolyn from Comfy & Cosy a blog I have been reading for quite a while now, and always admiring her op shop finds. So get to know her a little bit more;

1. Where did your blog name come from?
We use the words comfy and cosy often in our house: it’s to be warm (or cool!), safe and content, doing something or nothing, with someone or thinking of someone, feeling good to be home. I also think of it as Me and Him together, the two of us: old comfy and cosy.

2. What inspires you to blog?
Other bloggers! I’m so inspired by the collections and creativity shown on by people on their blogs. At first it was the big bloggers, as I think of them, like Loobylu , Nikki-Shell , Angry Chicken , Hop Skip Jump , 62Cherry and Aunty Cookie.

The amazing Australian and NZ community of bloggers inspires me (just look at my blogroll!). There are so many people with similar interests and collections that we can connect on.

In my neck of the woods, I like to blog about my op-shop finds, the fabric and buttons (oh the buttons!) and books I pick up along the way. I slip in the occasion bit of knitting or embroidery (oh so occasional!).

3. How often do you read other blogs?
I read blogs every day. I sometimes get a little fixated and the blog reading becomes an obsession. But I can also let go and my bloglines show all the catching up I have to do. I always read my Aus/NZ bloglines first and for some reason Ask Moxie (not very craft-related!).

4. If you could only read one blog, which one would you choose?
That’s far too hard to answer but I really, really like Muppinstuff for her wonderful photos, creativity and her wonderful ability to write about day to day life.

5. What's your favourite crafting tool?
Buttons! (Are buttons a tool?)

6. If you could have your dream job tomorrow, what would it be?
I think I’d like to sell fabric. And buttons! An online and mail order shop: something where I could post out a newsletter. So maybe not all online after all. I’d like to combine the wonderful immediacy of the internet with the thrills of receiving newsletters and cards and parcels in the mail. I LOVE parcels, wrapping and addressing them, going to the post office: the whole process. So, something mail order, I think.

So please, go over and say hello to Carolyn. She is celebrating her blogoversary and has a giveaway too.

And check out my first post at I Op therefore I Am.

*Note: the bangles were recently spotted in Husk at Albert Park.

i've been a little bit naughty*

2008-02-12T18:57:00.000+11:00

(photo by Carlos Porto, found on flickr)

Books, books, and more books. In case you hadn't noticed I really love books. I did a quick scan and realise that there have been 14 previous posts on books. There have also been some photos supplying evidence of my book collections. But there is no such thing as too many books. Well not in my world anyway, and, thankfully Mr Whizzme has nothing to say on this subject (which is quite amazing given how much he has to say on most other things!) Anyway, today I discovered a like minded soul who likes to have several books on 'the go'. Over the years I have been asked about this bigamous reading habit a lot. I know many people prefer to read one book at a time, cover to cover, until beginning the next. And, yes, sometimes I do too. But generally, I like to have a selection next to the bed, so that no matter what mood takes me, I have a suitable book. Don't get me wrong, this habit can have its down sides; it can take a long time to finish a book, sometimes I have to re-read bits because I've forgotten the gist of the story line between readings, and some books can sit on the bedside stack never being chosen, forgotten, neglected, buried beneath more recent purchases. Our discussion of this phenomena led to confessions of the books we currently have waiting for their reading moment. I thought this would make a interesting meme (and has probably been done before but I missed it). So, in no particular order here is my list of current books that keep me company in bed.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (about a third read, my favourite read this week)
A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Sonit (purchased after reading about it on Keri's blog, and have been randomly reading chapters)
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (recently finished and kept because I still have book questions to answer)
The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall (recent purchase - not yet started)
The Dressmaker's Daughter (another recent purchase not yet started)
The Art of Domesiticity by Jane Brocket (about 2/3 read, my second favourite read this week)
Australian Story - off the record (also a recent purchase not yet read)
The Meaning of the Night by Michael Cox (bought from the secondhand bookstore because it looked good, but haven't started it yet)
The Bay by Di Morrissey (present from Mum at Christmas, but haven't looked at yet)
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (a favourite of mine, and there in case I need a book to read to Miss Whizzme when she is sharing my bed if Mr Whizzme is out of town)
A Vintage Ladybird Annual (same as above)
The Passionate Shopper by Marion van Alderstein (a gift from Mr Whizzme that I love dipping into)
Agatha Christie by Andy Easts (a vintage quiz book given to me by a friend who knows how much I love the queen of crime although the quizzes are quite hard!)
On Friendship by Michel de Montaigne (a gift from the best friend - I just like looking at the cover)
A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf (also a gift from the best friend, but have only read a few pages so far)
Crochet Handmade Style (a little inspiration, and for when I'm too tired for words)
It's in the details by Lucinda Ganderton (there for the same reason as the previous book)
Book Lust by Nancy Pearl (in case I'm hunting for a particular book)
So Many Books so Little Time by Sara Nelson (purchased a long time ago, keep meaning to read it one of those buried at the bottom of the pile books)
Then there is the magazine pile which includes the lastest issue of Frankie, the last few issues of Dumbo Feather, some Marie Claires, an Australian Country Style, and an older issue of Home Companion.

Phew! No wonder my little reading light's batteries keep needing replacement!

Well, that's me, now I wonder what these people have on their bedside tables?

Stacey, Jodie, Martine

or feel free to play, but please let me know so I can check it out too.

*If you are Mr Whizzme don't read any further because it good cause you some distress.

I visited one of my favourite, very well stocked, book stores today and spent a while in absolute bliss finding new titles to add to my book list. In fact, the sales assistant was feeding me so many 'have you seen this one' titles even I became a little overwhelmed. So, it probably would come as no surprise to learn that this visit unearthed two titles which have been burning holes in my book list for a while now. They. Had. To. Be. Purchased. I know you understand...

not so gloomy

2008-02-09T17:54:00.001+11:00

it is very dark, and some would say gloomy here today. I had lots of ideas to sew,craft, and photograph recent purchases and op-shop finds. The Optus man must have known, because yesterday he gave* me a brand new phone. Those who know me well, will know that yes I have spent most of yesterday and today fiddling with all the tricks it does. Oh it is just so exciting (oops that was my inner nerd escaping). It takes wonderful photos (as shown above), sync's with my lovely imac, and looks pretty damn good. Even Mr Whizzme is having trouble hiding his envious glances. It's making the Blackberry he uses look passe! But enough of that there is meant to be crafting** here!

I have managed a few more rows on the ripple blanket while watching continuous episodes of Jeeves and Wooster. Oh to have a jeeves, especially a Stephen Fry one.

Well, now that I think I know everthing about my new phone, I might just have some time left in the day to do something else. Hope you are enjoying your weekend, there is a lull in the rain so I am off to walk the dog.

**well it wasn't really a present, but it felt like one after my latest phone saga. I only a few months ago received a new phone as my other one was no longer working. While we were at the beach Miss Whizzme decided to offer it a glass of water, which it didn't take to very well. Optus wanted me to pay $175 for another phone - "phooey to that" I said. I haven't been a customer for 10 years to pay stupid fees for a phone, specially as I have paid insurance for all that time. So the nice man decided to waive the whole thing, let me start a new plan, and pick a new phone. Of course I chose the phone at the top of list (who wouldn't), but with all the savings my new plan is making (I was averaging a jaw-dropping monthly amount on my previous plan) I figured - what the hell! Best customer service I have had for a long time. If you are in my area next time you need Optus, go to the Glenferrie Rd store and asked for Rick. Here ends the saga of the phone.

*Mr Whizzme believes that I am forever crafting - witch craft that is! Hilarious this man, I tell you.

so far so good

2008-02-07T20:10:00.000+11:00

well a week of school down and we have not been late... so far! Miss Whizzme has settled in well, and is enjoying being back with her friends. That her first question to me on the way to school on the first day was "how late are we Mum?" was not the most amusing moment, but the following day when we arrived extraordinarily early and she asked "is it lunch time Mum?" even I had to admit that her expectations of us getting back into routine were pretty low!

It took most of last week to finish all the final unpacking, washing, putting away that coming back from holidays brings, so I was much encouraged this week to think I might get some sewing done. Unfortunately, I miss calculated just how long it was going to take to finish the winter edition for the Four Seasons Quilt Swap - a few days late - sorry partner. But it is finally in the post - phew! Now on to the mobile swap - I have some ideas but not ready to share them yet. So instead I will share the new project I have started for 2008.

I have wanted to create a ripple blanket ever since I saw one on Alicia's blog. While we were at the beach my sister was finishing off the throw from Erika Knight's Simple Crochet book. It looked so wonderful, and moved along so quickly that I immediately abandoned everything else, took out my odd balls of 4-ply cotton and started. It is now being allocated as a single bed throw for Miss Whizzme's bed. The odd balls of 4-ply cotton I have (and I have quite a few) make me think about new colour combinations as I crochet, rather than working it all out beforehand. I really have no idea how long my cotton will last, but I am determined not to have to buy any yarn for this project. It is currently being carried every where I go, as it is quite addicted once you get started, and easily picked up when stuck in traffic, waiting for school to finish, waiting for a Dr.'s appointment, sitting in front of the tv. In fact, it even went to the swimming centre with me on Monday, when I took Miss Whizzme and her friend there for a swim after school since the weather was so swelteringly hot. The photo you see is actually my progress up until then, as I had planned to post Monday night (dreaming!) so there are even more rows now. The joys of a project that is mediating but progressive enough that you can see it growing. I also managed to finally up load all the holiday photos, but now need to sort them, so no more pics just yet. Might be my weekend project, especially as I have so many great op shop finds to show, and finished projects, yes, you read that right - finished projects! I am still basking in my own glory of that. Hope your week has been great so far... back again soon.

Bursting the bubble.

2008-01-28T18:44:00.000+11:00

Yes we are back from the beach, sigh, and reality certainly slapped me in the face. I decided to head back earlier than Mr and Miss Whizzme who made one last beach visit. My plan was to have a few hours to myself to unpack and do a little more sewing. Ha! Reality had other plans for me. First discovery on driving in were the sheets on the line, hung out before we left which Mr Whizzme had forgotten to bring in, slap. That should have been my indication that more reality was waiting, potatoes nearly growing out of the pantry, slap, food in the fridge providing bacterial samples, slap, Miss Whizzme's onion plant sitting in rank water making the house smell, slap, no washing done, slap, the bed unmade, slap. On the upside after so much time away, I was awash with remembering just how much I love our little house! And I did manage to get a bit of sewing done this afternoon. Just to add to my grief though the camera has decided not to allow me to upload any of our holiday photos?! Instead I have given you a shot of the chevron scarf finally finished. Before Christmas even. Guess you will just have to wait for the holiday pics. One more day and school starts. I plan to practice getting up early tomorrow - new year's resolution: to at least make it to school on time (well most days anyway).

Edited to add: please take the slapping here as tongue in cheek! really being home is ok!

no reality for me thanks

2008-01-24T11:23:00.000+11:00

That's right we are still at the beach, and having some wonderful weather which means that beach exploring is a must everyday. So our days are filled with lots of sun, sand, water, shells, crab spotting and even glimpses of fish.

But my nights are spent concentrating on creating winter for the Four Seasons Quilt Swap while watching the Australian Open.

Such a contrast has led me to step outside my comfort zone with quilting and try something different. This is just a peek as really I am not ready for the reality of daily life, back to the beach for me.... see you soon.

Distractions

2008-01-14T01:49:00.000+11:00

This is what happens when you bring home new books on Friday night. What you are looking at is our couch showing off its newly created cover. The poor thing has been looking very tired and worn of late (especially after I washed the covers and they shrank - argh!) but structurally there is nothing wrong with her (or so Mr Whizzme keeps telling me when I mention replacement).

The way it happened was.....,

Friday I popped into Borders with my discount voucher to get myself a copy of Jane's lovely book - The Gentle Art of Domesticity. The trouble with me and book stores however, is that I find it very difficult to leave with just one book. While looking for my proposed purchase I also discovered this book which Miss Whizzme became immediately mesmerized by, and then a little further on Jane Cumberbatch's (hmm, bit of a Jane them happening) book Decorating easy leapt into my hand. I have wanted this book for a while but hadn't come across a copy. And then of course I spied Lauren Child 's recent project about Pippi Longstocking which I never read as a child so Miss Whizzme and I are discovering this together. Finally, on the way to the register I also grabbed just a few mags to take down to the beach (what's a beach holiday without some reading material?!). Eventually we made it home where I spent the rest of the night happily flicking through my purchases. And that my friends is how a book can be such a distraction that before you know it a new sewing expedition has begun. What made the whole distracted sewing adventure however, was when Mr Whizzme said, "Hey that looks great!", Thank you.

Now I really must get to bed, for it is off to the beach in the morning....

*Project notes; Fabrics used purchased from Ikea about 9 months ago, originally planned as new dining chair covers. Cover constructed without pattern with help from Decorating easy (as mentioned above). P.s. If you really must you can see how hideous the couch had become here.

and now for some relaxation...or not!

2008-01-09T23:24:00.000+11:00

Well the Whizzme clan is back at home base for a brief recoup and reorganisation before we head off to Phillip Island for two weeks - the real holiday - beach, beach and more beach (with a fair bit of crafting slotted in). Don't get me wrong, Christmas in Adelaide was great, but hectic. I'm looking forward to that go slow pace I think I mentioned in the last post, especially since the weather is heading back into the 40 degree category. Pimm's anyone?

Enough for the moment though about our constant jaunts around the countryside. This post was going to be me showing off all the things I've made (since this did start out being a sort of crafty blog). I spent most of today taking photos of things and making lists of all the stuff I haven't shown you yet, except that the list is so long now and there are so many photos it has sort of all got out of hand. I am now trying to categorize them into readable blog posts (should keep me posting until the end of January at least!) so I don't overwhelm you like has been known to happen before. As such this post is now sort of rambly shambles! Little Miss Whizzme and Mr Whizzme both have some sort of tummy bug (thankfully not the gastro kind) which has meant little sleep for me, and a lot of listening to whiny whinges (oh how patient I am!). My highlight for today was finally convincing (promise of new kid's mag) Miss Whizzme to come to the post office so I could pick up my new purchase from Wallace Cotton (thanks to Megan for the lovely tip).

Some of you will have noticed that not only is our bed sporting a lovely new summer quilt with matching pillowcases, but that the bed is in fact in an entirely different room! You must have missed this post which mentions the crazy lady (me) making Mr Whizzme rearrange three rooms just before we left for Christmas. Everyone is extremely happy with their new rooms, and I am loving the new outlook from my bed, and my new extra big bedside table (which is hiding a fabric stash inside). Wally however is now extremely put out as he can't get to my side of the bed, which is where he used to lie in our old room. He is sulkily making use of the new floor space and floor cushions in the lounge instead!

After changing the linen etc, I found the wall stickers I bought before Christmas for Lucy's room but had put away. (With the Christmas presents for Lucy that I left behind - oops! at least we know what we are getting her for her birthday this year). Anyway, because Miss ~~Whiny~~ Whizzme wasn't feeling the best I thought I'd sneak in and jazz her new room up while she was lying on the couch watching the 3rd run of Pocoyo.

I must say I was dubious about these wall stickers being reappliable(?) but they are! I am really impressed with them. I have hidden a couple of them around the room for her to find.

Now I really must go and get a little shut eye before the first sickie awakes.

Lucky this is above the bed as a constant reminder.

what happened to lazy summer days?

2008-01-01T15:18:00.000+11:00

The whizzme clan is still hanging out here in Adelaide. It is absolutely scorching hot here which you would think (well I did) meant that you could laze around reading books, using the pool and generally just taking it easy. No, not US. We have to be either visiting people, eating and drinking with people, or visiting, eating, drinking and talking with people. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing all my friends and family, and eating and drinking is usually quite a favourite past time - not to mention my ability to talk. But when the weather man is saying it is over 40 degrees outside, and not a whole lot cooler inside I think go slow should be the order of the day. I have decided that we are just a debacle, so I'll guess I'll just have to live with it!!

Today, is the first day since Christmas Eve I have been able to sneak away, find a cool quiet location and fire up my little broadband lifeline. I am being as quiet as a mouse while the others are out in the pool. Feverishly reading and catching up on as much as possible. So, quickly before the wet wild brigade find me some business to attend to: I had forgotten to wish everyone the best in this brand new year, and to say thank you to all of you who stop by. My new year's resolution is to be better at getting back to those of you who to take the time to comment, but given my inability to be resolute about any past resolutions I apologise now to you if this doesn't happen. I do have the best of intentions. Now I really must get back to my reading, you have all been up to so much while I've been offline. And as I have no photo's uploaded to share, here are some inspiring images I have come across today.

1. White vinyl bird applique pouch, 2. Hexagonlove, 3. Feliz Natal a todos / Merry Christmas to all, 4. piggies back end, 5. reindeer 7, 6. Kup Kup artworks, 7. Handmade Soaps, 8. Dahlias, 9. gingerbread house

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Dear Santa

2007-12-23T21:59:00.000+11:00

Well it is nearly Christmas Day, and I know I have left it rather late to be writing, but I hope you will still take this note into consideration when tallying up the nice people and not the naughty ones! I have been rather busy of late finishing presents (13 nightdresses, 3 art packs, 3 flower clips, a hooded cape and an Alice in wonderland costume at last count), packing up the car for the trip to Adelaide (presents, swimming gear, dog's gear, food, clothes, dress-ups etc.) and ensuring everybody had plenty of snacks and entertainment for the said car trip. With so much to think about I guess you wouldn't be surprised to learn then that I left two very important presents for Miss Whizzme hidden in the back closet. So, if you could please ensure Miss Whizzme could have something else off her Christmas list this year I promise to take up the baton again next year! I am also hoping that you enjoyed the Christmas singing that took place during our car journey which was in your honour! (Our dog Wally didn't seem too impressed so if you could pop something small into his stocking for being so tolerant of his owners during the 8 hours of car ride, it would be much appreciated). As for myself, I am hoping that the next two days can be enjoyed with much rest, a little eating, a little drinking and some time with my family. If you do seem to have something tucked away for me, I wouldn't mind one of those fairies that come and clean up the house while you are asleep! I have included a few photos for your amusement too. Anyway, travel safe Santa, try not to eat too many cookies and don't forget to rug up warm.

All the best

Samantha

P.s. The winner of this month's giveaway is Annie , but don't worry, I've got that one covered.

P.p.s. I'm not sure when I will get a chance to write again, but I will be thinking of you during the holidays.

oh help!

2007-12-11T08:58:00.000+11:00

or how nothing goes to plan part 2

Yes the chaos in the Whizzme household continues. 8 nightdresses were made, finally, after me literally sitting up all night to finish them. It also involved a lot of swearing at the sewing machine! (and I forgot to take photos - arrgh). In between nightdresses I managed a quick alteration of this dress, so that her highness would be appropriately attired for dress up day.

(Schools know that last minute dress up days drive parents crazy - don't they?!) I then accompanied Mr Whizzme out to his work dinner that night, having no sleep and wearing my newest high heels (no pain no gain). With no sleep and little practice at wearing such heels I managed to get through the night with no embarrassing moments (bit of a first for me and work dos).

Yet, still no chance to relax, because I have chosen this hectic month to change just about every room of our house around! Crazy? - you bet I am!! Luckily Mr Whizzme is wise enough to know when it is best to humour is wife! And, although the main moving is done, I am still sorting, culling and putting away all those books and other very important items we own. The pile in the shed that is ear marked for our storage unit, is getting larger by the day, and the bag of items for the op shop is now beyond lifting. Nothing like a spring clean in the middle of chaos I say!! But now it's back to sewing a few more nightdresses, some craft packs, some costumes and maybe a shirt or two. We leave for Adelaide next Thursday, so plenty of time!!

For those of you who have asked about PANDA, please see their website for more details. And thank you for all your encouragement. I am really enjoying adding this work to my life. Not that it really feels like work.

Finally, I haven't forgotten the giveaway winner, who for November is

Blackie

Please email me (whizzme (at) bigpond (dot) net (dot)au) your snail mail address, and pant size required.

As for December, there just has to be a giveaway - so last chance to leave a comment and win for 2007. And no matter if you are crafty or not, every one loves treats, so the December giveaway winner will be receiving a package of choccies and other treats. Get your name in now!

nothing ever goes to plan

2007-11-30T20:07:00.000+11:00

It has been one of those weeks. Everything happening at once, but nothing much being achieved. Well actually that is the whizzme household most weeks! Mr Whizzme's parents drove over from Adelaide to see Miss L's first school concert. It was lovely, and for a little girl who last year was incredibly shy, this year she danced and sang with the rest of them. Unfortunately not long after the end of the concert things began to go downhill, so that by the afternoon Miss L was having a major melt-down. Tears, tantrums, yelling, throwing toys - apparently I have a diva in the making! I hoping it is just a stage she is going through, as we had more such dramas today at school pick up.

I also attended my last 'scholarly learning' session for the PANDA counselling, as of next week it will be more hands on. This is a little scary, but also exciting to be finally contributing something back. I will miss meeting up with 4 other women to discuss and learn about the linking factor in our lives - depression. It has been another chance to gain strength from a horrible part of my life.

All these goings on have meant that the Lounge Around Pants I have made recently ready for my etsy shop have only today been listed. Phew! nothing like being 5 days late. Some of you have already responded to the wonderful write up these pants got. If your little Princess likes to lounge around (and lets face it, who doesn't?!) please check out my new offerings in sizes 0-1 and 1-2 here.

Finally sneaking in at the very end of the month, is the November giveaway. Thought I had forgotten didn't you?! This month's winner will receive a pair of custom made Lounge Around Pants for their little Princess, with some added little goodies. So go ahead, leave me a comment to be in the draw - you have until Monday.

Me - I'll be busy sewing up 8 nightdresses' by next Friday. End of School for 2007.

Hot in the city

2007-11-19T20:15:00.000+11:00

The weather is just all over the shop in Melbourne at the moment. Rain one minute, scorching hot the next. It was hot over the weekend, so I kept putting off the Christmas present sewing I have to do and relabeling it - 'Do it Monday'. Well today was a real scorcher, so I dithered about the house, sort of cleaning, sort of washing, sort of planning to do, sort of not accomplishing much before it was time to pick Miss L up. I find it best on those days to use my best avoidance technique - we went to the pool after school until dinner time. Aaaah now it's too late to start anything tonight! I guess if any of you had been wondering about my self given label in this blog's banner, there is the perfect example for you!

However, I do have something I prepared earlier - last school holidays in fact. I made Miss L some capes for the dress up box (Wally the wonder dog was sporting one in a recent photo), and her friend Miss I joined us at the park one day to test them out.

Apparently they were great for flying, so I guess that means they pass the superhero test!

I could make you some promises about taking photo's this week about all the other things that have happened around here of late, but I'm afraid to let you all down - so instead, I'll just promise to try to take some photos. I'll also try to get back into this blogging rhythm thing again - or maybe I won't and then I'll just blame it on the heat....

* P.s. This wonderful cake was made by my sister, just so she doesn't think I'm taking the credit!

40 years

2007-11-13T08:25:00.000+11:00

The whizzme clan have once again been away, this time in Adelaide to celebrate my Mum and Dad's 40th Wedding Anniversary. Spending time with family is always good for the heart and soul. Happy Anniversary Mum and Dad.

Thanks for all the lovely comments about Linda's interview in the previous post. Regular posting will (fingers crossed) resumed shortly....

not your average joe blogger...

2007-11-01T08:20:00.000+11:00

Wally, the not so average dog

I decided a while ago that I wanted to get to know some of the people that stop by here. I'm often seeing interviews with some of the 'celebrity' crafty bloggers like Wee Wonderfuls, Posie, Nikkishell, Angry Chicken. They are inspirational and I love reading about them but, not all of us are having are doors beaten down wanting to know our secrets. So, here is the first interview with your not so average joe blogger.....

Oh but first of course we have a winner:

David and Melissa

(email me your snail mail to receive your prize: whizzme (at) bigpond (dot) net (dot) au)

Now please read on and meet Linda from Two Pink Possums;

1. Where did your blog name come from?

I wrote down blog names for weeks in my journal. I knew it would just click when it was the right one! I had possums and pixies in my mind and I have always called my girls "possum" especially when they were little so that seemed natural to use. Of course I have 2 girls so it was Two and because they are girls I added the 'pink" and finally I was happy!

2. What inspires you to blog?

Other bloggers inspire me to blog. Sometimes I don't feel too good and not up to my own blog but I get a lot of enjoyment out of catching up on the blogs of people I have come to know as my online friends. I also like to think of my blog as my online journal and that inspires me to make work either 2d or 3d. It's like a little bit of pressure on myself to keep creating even if I am not well.

3. How often do you read other blogs?

How often I read other blogs really differs from week to week. Sometimes it may be nearly a week and I haven't had a chance or felt like being on the computer so suddenly I feel like it (or have the time)and I am flat out trying to catch up on them all. Other times I try to look at a couple each day. That is ideally the best way for me to do it. I also try to catch up on Flickr as well. I find Flickr is a wonderful online community too.

4. If you could only read one blog, which one would you choose?

If I could only read one blog it would have to be Cindy's 2Paw (the link is fixed thanks de vliegende koe) Cindy is such an entertaining writer. Her blog is always so much fun to read and she is a wonderful knitter too. I love to see her latest creations especially her socks! As you know Sam, knitting socks is something I have down for my next life!!! Cindy lives in Tassie too so it's nice to share that as well as blogging.

5. What's your favourite crafting tool?

My one favourite crafting tool would have to be....??????? very hard to answer. I have stuff everywhere that I couldn't live without, but I would have to say my sewing machine.

6. If you could have your dream job tomorrow, what would it be?

My dream job once would of been a Graphic Artist. That is what I first studied to do a very long time ago, but gave it up after a year. More recently I studied art again majoring in Ceramics and all I wanted was to be able to earn money from it. I had to give that up in the end (after graduating) for health reasons. So now my ideal job would just to be doing exactly what
I am doing now, sewing and drawing and painting when I can but actually get paid for it!! How wonderful that would be!!

How wonderful indeed - my dream too Linda. A big thanks for being the first interviewee. I hope you enjoyed meeting Linda. I plan to have more interviews, maybe one or two a month.

Now better get ready, off to learn more about counselling.

slacking

2007-10-26T17:52:00.000+10:00

Miss L impersonating me.

hi folks, remember me?

Yep I've been living up to my self given label again and been procrastinating nicely at home. I really have lots of things to post about, and lots of thank yous to give, and some tags to do and well it all just seems to be a bit much at the moment. I had a nasty bout of food poisoning last weekend, which has been followed with the preciousness of having that monthly female curse. If I haven't been about to burst into tears I've been reorganising cupboards and sending things off to the op shop. I am really enjoying the counselling training at PANDA, and it has led to some interesting discussions at home about family beliefs, values, myths we have about ourselves etc. Miss L seems to be going through some sort of 'phase' ("you don't understand mum")- which involves a lot of tears and dramatics. Boy is she going to be a treat for some therapist later on!! Therefore it may be another week before posting really returns to normal here (whatever normal is!) so I think I might just have time to sneak in the October giveaway.

Leave a comment - anything you want to say - just hello is fine. I will draw a winner and let you know on the 1st of November. Good luck. Oh, and the prize - well, there's a craft book or two and who knows what else I might throw in the lucky winners parcel? maybe some chocolate if I can stop myself from eating it!!

back on the chain gang...

2007-10-12T13:33:00.001+10:00

ok, so it's not quite that bad. Although, I wasn't going to post until the house was in order, but given that we have now been back 5 days and it is hard to gauge any progress I thought it I'd better post before ~~you~~ Mum sends out the search party! It's a good thing that you cannot see the washing still to be done, the roomful of washing to be folded and put away, the beds to be made, dishes to be scrubbed, bills to be paid let alone the emails to be answered, all now added to my pages of the ever growing 'Must get this done soon' list. Instead I will fill your eyes with the good times from our holidays.

For me this meant a lot of time enjoying this

finishing some projects

spending a lot of time at the beach with Miss L

and other lovely family pursuits that can be found at Phillip Island.

For Miss L a large part of the holiday was enjoyed by collecting jellyfish from the shoreline (hundreds of them, all about coin size) and then releasing them into an appropriately surveyed rock pool. Thank goodness my only involvement in this daily project was pointing the oozy little creatures out with my toe. ick! When we were able to drag Miss L away from the beach, it was to spend over an hour in the animal farm holding her favourite adoptee guinea pig. Sheesh!

The upside of this activity being that Miss L is now intent on being allowed to have her own guinea pig, and so is attempting to prove her ability to be responsible. I am of course ~~milking this situation for all its worth~~ using this as a perfect time for her to learn tidying up, putting away, packing school bags etc. etc. We will see how long this lasts.

For Mr Whizzme it meant mainly spending much cherished time with his girls.

Since returning

- I have started the training course to become a telephone counsellor at PANDA

- joined my often partner in crime into ~~guilting~~ inspiring each other with joint gym sessions

- got about 1/3 done of both chevron scarf versions

- started the Christmas shopping

- organised the next sewing session for shop goodies.

Now that I am feeling better about my no more neglected blog I will return to the 877 posts still to be read in bloglines, the 15 commentors I still have to reply too and probably the washing.

off again

2007-09-24T17:41:00.000+10:00

I think I mentioned a few posts ago that the Whizzme family is not that good at staying still for too long, so tomorrow Miss L and I are off to Rye for a few nights, then Friday the whole Whizzme clan (including the black one) are heading down to Phillip Island for 9 nights. This has meant that my sewing plans have met some serious snags and I am currently hand-piecing and quilting in a frenzy to get my seasonal quilt finished. It has nothing to do with the fact that I leave things until the last minute - nothing to do with that at all!

I must say a HUGE thank you to all your wonderful feedback I have received of late - it has me blushing with pride. Mr Whizzme liked the fact that Dani had finally cracked my secret - I am a crazy lady wielding knitting needles - sorry if I have ruined any illusions you may have had of my awesome multi-tasking skills - HA!

Also another awed thank you to those of you that snapped up my Aunty Cookie tote's so quickly. When I get my hand's on some more of Shannon's fabric I will try to stitch a few more.

In the meantime please excuse me if I do not visit in the next little while or I'm late to reply to your comments, I'll be at the beach....

IF

2007-09-18T18:52:00.000+10:00

If I was going to make a Babette blanket I would probably use colours something like this

and my squares would start to look something like this...

but I wouldn't be doing anything so silly as starting another project, so instead here (finally) is the progress I have made on the hexagon blanket:

This blanket is actually the reworking of a wip that was looking like this.

A gorgeous striped cardigan for Miss L in Rowan wool cotton. Unfortunately, the completed back you see here is a size 2, and given that Miss L is now 5 I might have just left this project a little too late! (now there's an understatement). There wasn't enough yarn to complete a bigger size so the perfect excuse to start some hexagons. Miss L is monitoring the blanket's progress quite closely, including sizing it up to her bed! Nothing like cracking that whip over your mother!!

When my little overseer has retired for the night, I have been trying to still work out a colour way I like for the chevron scarf. I won't bore you with photo's of all the versions I have tried, but I think I finally like this one - I think!

And I've also grown attached to this version - in 3 ply hand dyed cashmere (purchased from AK).

So you can see it is really very lucky that I haven't started any other projects this week (she says nudging the Babette blanket under the cushion). But I know you are really here to find out if you won this month's giveaway. My helpful little barrel bunny (or bowl bunny as the case may be), Pebble was very excited to be able to choose this month's winner.

The prize is this great book.

And the winner is

so Gwen email me your address - whizzme (at)bigpond(dot)net(au).

Finally, because so many of you have been so lovely about my knitting tote's, there are now 3 available in the shop - all sporting great Aunty Cookie fabric. (hey Jo, look, I finally made something for the shop?!)

Now I hear Miss L saying something about blankets....

hello spring

2007-09-13T16:33:00.000+10:00

I know I promised hexagon's but I haven't managed any photo's yet, as once again I have succumbed to another infection - throat this time - no talking? lucky I can still type!! so here is a little bit of the activity spring has brought.

A finished tote and crochet holdall for the back to school swap. The swap also included a journal and photo album. Once again I used my version of the tote from the simple gifts to stitch book - and I lined it. - so much better.

The crochet holdall was based on an idea from this book.

ISBN 978-4+415-30004-7

(Ok, a few more japanese craft books seem to have snuck into the house...)

I also added lining to the aunty cookie tote's.

doesn't that look better?! the one on the left is now on its way to a new home.

Miss L had a friend over to play so I fashioned the trampoline into a cubby. This kept them ~~out of my hair~~ amused for hours. Which meant I could get busy on my quilt for the Four Seasons Swap. Here is a sneak peak at the fabric's I'm using.

This is a very new colour way for me, and I'm quite enjoying it.

Meanwhile, I'll still be hexagoning, chevroning, sewing, dreaming, reading, oh wait it's school holidays - there goes all my free time - hmph!

Sorry this post is so short, but if you leave a comment you'll go into the draw for this month's giveaway - the prize will be announced with the winner. (mysterious!!) You have until Monday.

chevroning

2007-09-05T15:16:00.001+10:00

the whizzme family don't like to stay still for too long, so we popped over to Sydney on Sunday to see one of our nephew's confirmed.I managed to convince R (or Mr whizzme as he is now known) that even for only 24 hours it was very important to bring along my knitting and hence we would have to check in our baggage! sheesh! Miss L complained it wasn't long enough (we only stayed 24 hours) but managed a dip into the sea, lashings of hot chocolate and to bring home a bag of lego.

Thanks everyone for the lovely feedback on my little bag experiment. I am currently still getting back to those who commented. This post, however, is to show you the progress of the Chevron so far (or the knitting project that came to Sydney). I oohed and aahed over the lovely chevron scarves Alex of Moonstitches knitted. The pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Even though I had no Koigu I thought one of my *cough* many luscious hand dyed skeins might be suitable. I picked out this beautiful alpaca yarn from Becreatif.

However, after a few rows it wasn't making me gooey with pleasure. I purchased these lovely Koigu's from Purl, so cast on again. Nope - not that either.

(sorry forgot to photograph this version so just trust me ok? it wasn't working!)

I dug around in my stash and found a lonely skein of Koigu (KPPPM P511L) so I combined that with the KPPPM from Purl. This is it so far - ick!

who knew this was going to be so bloody complicated! (and yeah I bite my nails)

I have since purchased the following Koigu's from ebay - hmmm, what should I try next?

or maybe I should combine my alpaca with this another colourway from Becreatif?

any suggestions you have would be most appreciated.

I am also on a Koigu hunt, as I want to try the Babette Blanket next (always one for a bandwagon!!). If you have any Koigu skeins in your stash looking for a new home and you would like to do a swap, please email me whizzme(at)bigpond(dot)net(dot)au

While I ponder the chevron dilemma the hexagons continue, maybe photos of mine by the next post. I also have some more purchases to share and there will be another giveaway this month, so stay alert!

chevroning

2007-09-05T15:16:00.000+10:00

the whizzme family don't like to stay still for too long, so we popped over to Sydney on Sunday to see one of our nephew's confirmed.I managed to convince R (or Mr whizzme as he is now known) that even for only 24 hours it was very important to bring along my knitting and hence we would have to check in our baggage! sheesh! Miss L complained it wasn't long enough (we only stayed 24 hours) but managed a dip into the sea, lashings of hot chocolate and to bring home a bag of lego.

Thanks everyone for the lovely feedback on my little bag experiment. I am currently still getting back to everyone. But this post is to show you the progress of the Chevron so far (or the knitting project that came to Sydney). I oohed and aahed over the lovely chevron scarves Alex of Moonstitches knitted. The pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Even though I had no Koigu I thought one of my *cough* many luscious hand dyed skeins might be suitable. I picked out this beautiful alpaca yarn from Becreatif.

However, after a few rows it wasn't making me gooey with pleasure. I purchased these lovely Koigu's from Purl, so cast on again. Nope - not that either.

who knew this was going to be so bloody complicated! (and yeah I bite my nails)

I have since purchased the following Koigu's from ebay - hmmm, what should I try next?

or maybe I should combine my alpaca with this another colourway from Becreatif?

a pattern review of sorts

2007-08-31T12:54:00.001+10:00

I have a back log of posts to share, so instead of swamping you with information I have resolved to keep it to single bite-sized reading. I'm nice like that :)

I recently purchased 'simple gifts to stitch by Jocelyn Worrall'. I had seen it reviewed somewhere but for the life of me can't remember which blog it was (if I find it, I'll let you know). You may remember that I used this book recently to make my own version of the Accordion Wallet. I was impressed with how easy this came to gather, so decided to try another pattern. Next up the Tri Pocket Ticking Tote, which is featured on the front cover. As I'm trying to be a little more efficient in my craftiness I cut out two bags - one in oil cloth and one in some cool fabric from aunty cookie and that nifty measuring tape fabric. Once again the instructions were extremely easy to follow, and the bag itself was whipped up in a 1/2 hour.
Ta da, Miss L's new ballet bag.

This oilcloth was much easier to sew with than the version I used for the accordion wallet. I bought it ages ago at one of those craft fairs, and I haven't been able to find it any where else. The only issue I had with the finished bag, is it is quite deep which I didn't think would be ideal for a knitting bag. Thinking cap on (doesn't happen often) I decided that instead I would cut each of my pre-cut fabrics for the second bag in half (even the handles) and make two from one. Thrifty!!

So, here is the Aunty Cookie knitting bag, which got some very positive feed back at the market. It is a great size for carrying around a project or two and some bits and bobs.

The down side - I don't like the unfinished look inside - so I have decided to line the inside of both knitting bags. It doesn't bother me so much with the oilcloth version (?!) but it really bugs me every time I open it and see all those nasty seams.

Final results - a biga - two from two for this book.
Details
Pattern: Tri Pocket Ticking Tote
Bag One Fabric: Polka dot oilcloth
Bag Two Fabric: Aunty Cookie Knit One(now available) and American Jane Building Blocks Measure Dark (available here)

P.s. Reprodepot have the book on sale.

crafty japanese inspiration

2007-08-29T17:11:00.000+10:00

continuing with the inspiration theme from my last post, I thought I would share my latest Japanese craft books. Superbuzzy had a sale recently, and after giving so much away recently I thought I was due a spend up - any excuse really :) So for your viewing pleasure here are my latest additions.

Cotton Paint Issue 12 : see more pictures and buy here

Cotton friend Spring 2007 : buy here

Cotton & Paint Volume 27: see more pictures and buy here

pochee fall 2006 : see more pictures and buy here

Cafe Summer 2007 : see more pictures and buy here

As you can see plenty more inspiration to fill my head. But if you don't have the money to spend on Japanese craft books at the moment, here are some places you can get some free patterns. Of course the text is in Japanese but the drawings are so easy to follow that it won't matter. Have fun.

naniIRO (thanks to Purl for this link)
kitty craft (I've been using this one for over a year now)

inspiration filling my head

2007-08-24T14:38:00.001+10:00

inspiration filling my head, originally uploaded by whizzme.

my head is bursting, it is heavy with the weight of inspiration it has absorbed this week. Wednesday I bundled up all the magazines lying around the house that I hadn't read yet. I lugged this assortment into the library with notebook, pens and scissors. Feeling like a school kid with a project to complete I sat there until I had read every single one. Phew! I emerged out into the beautiful sunshine filled day, bleary eyed and overwhelmed with ideas. My head is still reeling two days later, But, funnily enough I'm feeling more focused and a little more strategic about my crafting. I'm concentrating on a main focus for my shop endeavours, which includes some branding - you know tags, wrapping etc., quality testing with air and water and continuity. I've narrowed my yarn projects into chevron and hexagon themes. Suddenly those doctoral research skills are coming in to play again - who knew?! Wow you might think - doesn't she sound organised and focused?! It's OK, I haven't added that tag to my banner for nothing you know - I'll be back to my chaotic, procrastinating self by next week no doubt :) In the mean time while this alien life form inhabits my head I'm getting done what I can.

This weekend we are off to Hamilton to visit family, so the hexagon's a packed ready for some steady progress - I'll let you know how that goes :)

P.s. it hasn't stopped me lusting after this and this though.

recovering

2007-08-19T13:24:00.000+10:00

you and me both! You from reading that last mammoth post - sorry about that - too much tea that day I think!
I'm recovering from helping a very talented gal at her first market. It was a ball, but my legs are pretty tired today, and I must say the brain is functioning pretty slowly!! Of course we made lots of sales, because who wouldn't want their own Aunty Cookie masterpiece-right?! And we met lots and lots of fellow bloggers, which was quite exciting - a bonus of being an Aunty Cookie roadie! A couple days to recover and once again catch up on bloglines then I should be ready to share the latest sewing expedition with you. A bit of a pattern test run. While you wait - go check out the new flickr group for showing off aunty cookie fabric inspiration.