A witchy dress pattern

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

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!

here's one I prepared earlier

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!

look what's making a comeback

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.

Distractions

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.

Dear Santa

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.

crocodiles and chaos

Well it has been a busy time while my sister C (no blog) has been staying with her family. Miss L loves playing with her cousins Miss Z and Master C, however, there are times when even a four year old needs her space and we have had a few 'melt downs"! I always love when my sister stays and unfortunately it is only a short visit this time. But as usual we have packed it full.

We did manage to visit a few op shops without kids (thanks P!) but didn't score anything note worthy. Then yesterday we visited Melbourne Zoo, and had a wonderful time, although the python in the reptile house was replaying the scene from Harry Potter with far too much conviction for my liking. There was a lot of singing "we're going to the zoo", well that was me, but the kids did join in occassionally!

The top photo is in the new elephant village, and the bottom photo shows the toys they got at the end of the visit, Master C chose a monkey (hidden from view), Miss Z a baby kangaroo and Miss L a rattlesnake
I am still amazed that Miss L was completely freaked out in the butterfly house, but loved the bloody HUGE python so had to take home a snake?! so not like her mother!!


Then today after Miss L had rudely woken the household way too early, we went to the Melbourne aquarium. I have to say Miss L and I love the aquarium and have a member's pass. There is just something soothing and fascinating about fishes, even with two 4 year olds and a 2& 1/2 year old. We ended up spending several hours checking out the jellyfish (my favourite), the giant squid, the sharks etc. etc.

In between the moderating and negotation that is needed with (over)excited kids, C and I have done alot of talking about craft, craft books, craft blogs and how I need help with my photography. I do have to agree that C takes fantastic photos and I never seem to be able to improve no matter how much I concentrate. So I will try harder. I also managed to finish Miss Z's pillow from Grandma for her, and made Master C a crocodile pillow. The fabric was his choice, and also a crocodile requested. I was quite happy with the quickly achieved result. Although I think Master C has been just as happy with the off-cut of blue fabric he has dragged his toys around the house in! Miss L had to show off her pillow again too, of course.


So after 3 hectic but fun days, the house looks like a hurricane hit it and we all feel like this-
P.S. I did also manage to send my swap parcels, so Rita, Gabriela, Sylvia and Christine keep an eye out in your mail.