a little spunkiness

Popping In

2010-09-22T01:36:00.000-07:00

To say hi to anyone who is out there. I am so sorry I am not very good at blogging anymore. I have tried to sew a little , but working has taken up so much of my time now. Most of what I have sewn has gone out to the Eumundi Markets & I so often forget to take pics before I take it out.

These are some little singlets that i have appliqued recently. I call this therapeutic sewing - simple, quick & quite effective. No stress invovlved at all!

These 2 little sets went to 2 little men who aren't very old. New siblings to Em's school mates.

Although not at all exciting & super simple, here is a pillowcase style top I made for Em for summer. I am also in the process of trying to make Em some summer vintage jumpsuits, so here's hoping in another month (as that seems to be how regular I blog now) I may have some pics.

I am alive!

2010-08-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

I am alive and well - although a wee bit busy.

I had quite a long break from sewing - not by choice, but life was crazy & I really had lost my sew jo. But it has returned & I have just sewn up a load of items for a lady who is now stocking my "spunkymonkies" creations at her stall at Eumundi Markets - ekkk - very exciting actually!

So if you are at the Eumundi markets search out for the "Yellow Canary". It is at the back permanent section of the markets. I forgot to take pics of the stock before I took it out there, but did get some pics of Del in the store & she is even wearing one of my halter tops made from vintage fabrics.

Together with this I have just started a new job, so this blog may become only a monthly thing (more often if I can) as I am going to be one busy mama from now on.

Yikes a month...

2010-07-06T02:31:00.000-07:00

Has gone by since I have last posted. I really am slack!

In that time Mr Spunky was away for 4 weeks in Vietnam - lucky duck! I managed to have 2 market stalls - one just with bags & the other with all my crafty creations. Great days - if ever you get up to Montville - they have a lovely farmers Market in the hall once a month.

I have also moved my mum - so life has been a wee bit hectic.

This is the only pic I have to show - it is of my new favourite craft book. Loads of great patterns.

Some Treasures Found!

2010-06-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

One which I thought was lost & the other a lovely surprise at my local op shop.

This Noddy book along with a Raggedy Ann book were my favourites as a little girl. I knew Mum still had the Raggedy Ann one, but I though that this Noddy Book was long gone. So I was so very excited when going through some boxes under her house I found it!!

This fabric is a table cloth which I found at my local thrift store - it is lovely heavy drill & most likely destined to become a bag or two. It made my day & this type of fabric is as rare as hens teeth around here!

Just because I don't have anything else to write..

2010-05-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

I tend to be a brown thumb, but these guys are blooming beautifully at the moment (most likely because my mum always waters them for me when she come over).

FABULOUS Weekend!

2010-05-11T03:21:00.000-07:00

Is truely what I have just had. Mum & I flew down to Melbourne for the weekend. No Husband or Children!!! Which in itself was a treat, but to add to that the Stitches & Craft Show was on. I had never been to one before so I had lots of fun.

Super cute hedgehogs kit which was purchased from the lovely Jodie of ricrac . I am planning to have these made for Em for her birthday - I have at least till October to get this done!

The kaftan is a pattern I have been wanting to get for me - It looks super comfy & hopefully easy to make!

The Elephant was just too cute to resist, even though I have another elephant pattern I thought this one would be cute to try in chenille.

(Sorry the pic is sideways - not sure what happened there - had to be the computers fault - surely not mine ;) )

And well no excuse needed for cute fabrics like this - Although I am planning to use the russian dolls for self covered buttons which I will make into hair ties I think.

Sew long since blogging, but I have done a little sewing

2010-05-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

Oh do find you blog in dribs & drabs sometimes??

Thats me - I tend to blog regularly then stop all together, until I feel terribly slack & start over again.

I don't have much of an excuse - we have been away, but that only took about a week.

I have being sewing quite a lot & teaching a friend to sew too. Unfortunately I forget to photograph our finished products before she takes them home. I am really enjoying it though - not only the good company, but sharing a passion with someone who is so eager to learn & who understands my love of fabric. She agrees that she could spend a whole afternoon just looking & touching lovely fabric. Ahh a girl after my own heart there!

These however are a few items I have finished recently.

The 2 skirts are based around a pattern from a Japanese sewing book my lovley sister in law Noriko brought back from Japan for me. The pattern is quite simple, but oh so pretty - I will certainly make more of these.

The 3 bags are ones I just whipped up because I was in the mood. The blue one I am certainly keeping - it was made from a vintage tablecloth which I loved - I have lined it with some vintage cotton sheet fabric. The other 2 are made from vintage fabrics also.

UPCYCLE for Princess & Pirate Party

2010-04-12T23:49:00.000-07:00

In need of a princess dress 1 day before the party I started to think I better do something. As a last resort I would have begrudgingly purchased an overpriced & not so good quality princess dress., thankfully the local op shop had this womens 90's dress.

Perfect for a very quick & simple upcycle into a wearable princess dress. Em was delighted & so was mummy as it came home covered in cake which didn't matter as it had only cost $6 (which went to a great cause anyway!)

As much as I was going to make Liam's pirate outfit, I couldn't go past this set on sale for only $6 also at Target.

Shorts, shorts & more shorts....

2010-04-06T00:22:00.000-07:00

Em has decided to be my model - only with bribing - some easter eggs - honestly I would have thought she'd have had enough. I have made all these in 2 smaller sizes too so I have a cupboard full of shorts which I must list on madeit......

All created with recycled vintage fabrics, most aquired from op shops

I am sure Liam however will want to claim a few pairs when he sees them.

Sewing again at last

2010-04-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

I feel as though I have done no sewing of late, nor have I felt like it....I was getting a little worried. But over the last few days I have managed to finish a few things.

This is a very very quick set I whipped up on Friday night when i found out we were going to visit a new bubby. It was just an extra to put in with a few other gifts I already had.

The bag & skirt are orders from a lady - her daughter wanted the sesame street fabric for the bag & I wasn't sure how it would go - but it turned out better than expected. Both the skirt & the sesame street bag are made from vintage recycled fabrics. Sorry about the pics - as I have mentioned before Photography is not my forte & I haven't ironed the orders yet either - they are just some quick snapshops.

Lunch?? And a link to a great Giveaway!!

2010-04-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

That's if I could fit another ounce of chocolate in....

Apart from overindulgence of chocolate, here's hoping we can all remember the true meaning of Easter.

Oh yes the giveaway..check out the lovely blog by Ashleigh from www.dashesoflove.blogspot.com she has a wonderful giveaway at the moment!

Anyone for pumpkin???

2010-03-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

I LOVE pumpkin , apart from potato it is the one vegie mum never had to force me to eat. I always was happy to swap with my siblings if they didn't want theirs. Well if you like pumpkin like me & want a super quick meal to whizz up when you are short on time or just too lazy to put in too much effort, then my Pumpkin & ricotta triangles are for you...

Ingredients - Pumpkin, ricotta (I like fresh, but tub would be fine) cheese, garlic & puff pastry.

Cut up pumpkin into small cubes & either boil or steam till soft, but still with some shape. Drain & mix in ricotta cheese & loads of garlic (or not so much if you are going to be smooching someone soon ). Cut a puff pastry sheet diagonal into 2 large triangles & pop mixture in middle & fold over. Brush top with egg . Pop in the oven till pastry is nice & golden brown. Snuggle down in cosy chair & enjoy...think nothing of how fattening pastry is - only of how good the filling is :)

My kids are a little fussy, so they probably would not eat these, but they do like sausage rolls. To be sneaky & get the pumpkin into them I did this & they loved them....First I had 4 beef sausages which I removed the skin off. I mashed some of the cooked pumpkin in with the sausage meat & then added some fresh parmesan cheese. Wrapped it in puff pasrty in the shape of a sausage roll...easy peasy! They went down a treat.

Don't you love the Postman....

2010-03-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

When they bring you treasures like these???

Thank you so much to Lisa at CRAFTY MAMAS for this fab pattern - I am itching to try it out, but Em needs to select her fabric. If you have never visited CRAFTY MAMAS before it is well worth it - not only does she stock gorgeous european patterns, sewing mags & delicious fabric, but her service is second to none!!

I just love what is written on the card of this parcel & this is what was inside.......

These 2 from Amy Butler's LOVE range are destined to be skirts for me....I think....

And I have eyed off both of these fabrics lately - I love the colour & print of the top one - from ALEXANDER HENRY'S "Willow Farm" range & the other is just too cute - from MICHAEL MILLER'S "Gnoming Around"

This Kaffe fassett red is going to be made into another skirt for me....I think I have a thing for Kaffe at the moment & the Amy Butler dots are just because - a girl doesn't need an excuse to buy beautiful fabric does she :) ????

A break in the Weather...

2010-03-17T03:29:00.000-07:00

Meant stealing the few hours of opportunity & going to the beach - we headed down to Bulcock Beach.

We forgot the togs, but children are good at improvising so it was clothes & all.

It was a bit windy, but it meant that there were alot of kite surfers which were fantastic to watch.

Me First... NO ME FIRST!!!

2010-03-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

Even though as a mum we tend to get worn out by moments like this...

I must remember how truely blessed I am have to have these 2 monkies in my life!

More Vintage Favourites....

2010-03-07T03:36:00.000-08:00

I apologise - photography is not my forte, at least the pictures aren't blurred I suppose... Here are some more of my favourite non fabric vintage items....these actually are used on a regular basis - my daughters favourite puzzles at present.

I just love the pictures. I am unsure as to how old they are - most likely not too much older than me (so hopefully not that vintage), but the illustrations are beautiful. And their little boxes are so cute - so easy to store. They are made in England, and yes like the majority of my vintage bits n pieces I found them at the thrift store...25c a pop!!

What are your favourite Vintage bits 'n' pieces??

2010-03-03T02:38:00.000-08:00

Apart from fabric that is!!

I have so many so I thought I would share some with you over the next little while.

I think I love these vintage WILLOW tins because they remind me of my Grandma - I am sure she had some just like this. And of course because they are just beautiful & hopefully soon home to my buttons & other sewing treasures.

I was very lucky & picked them up from a garage sale for only $2 for the set!!

I also have the large rectangle in the same print - I think it was the bread box, but it is currently hiding from the camera under a pile of fabric!

Do you love Kaffe Fassett??

2010-02-26T00:24:00.001-08:00

I do - well a good deal of his fabrics anyway- I admit I have come across a few that aren't my cup of tea, but in general I love his fabric. I love the vibrant colour & so when I came across this fabric when I was visiting my dad I couldn't resist. I knew I wanted to make a skirt & I finally have - yay! I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it is very me. Mr Spunky said to me when I put it on today "You aren't going out in public in that are you?"

It has been so long & what have I achieved???

2010-02-22T21:25:00.000-08:00

Not a great deal actually. I did get around to making these tags for clothes.

This is where I found the tutorial to make them up if you are interested.... http://patchworkpottery.blogspot.com/2008/09/fabric-labels-tutorial.html

But otherwise I have made only shorts, shorts & more shorts. They are knee length boys shorts for a market I am doing soon. I will try & get an image up soon. Most are made out of funky vintage/recycled fabrics & are something a little different to what you find in the stores.

Skirts, Shorts & other sewing....

2010-01-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

Well I actually finished some of the skirts I cut out. The first is on me - you can tell by the crushing that I have had it on all day - super easy to make & super comfy to wear. The paisley with polkadots I originally cut out for me, but I am unsure whether it is really my colour. It may end up in the etsy or madeit shop.

The pink with Amy Butler honeycomb is the opposite - I cut this one out to sell but it may end up sneaking into my wardrobe - I really love how it turned out.

This last one has been made from a vintage linen tablecloth & some thrifted linen for the back which i have put together. It is a reversible skirt in that you can wear either side at the front/back. This is headed for the shop. Must get my act together & do some listing now. Little man has also been growing out of his shorts so I whipped up a couple more pairs for him. The guitars match his hat really well & I just love the other 2 prints. The gnomes are just too cute - I would love to get some more of this range.

Do you love this little calico skirt with red stitching? Em loves sitting on my machine & playing around with the different stitching, which is what she did here today. She then decided that her doll (thanks so much Auntie Joely twolittlefishes ) needed a skirt. I can't wait until we can sew together - I really think (and am hoping) she has the crafty bug!

My cut out pile & some sewing.....

2010-01-18T21:17:00.000-08:00

I have finally had a chance to do some cutting out of skirts for me & to make up & sell & this is today's pile of fabrics I have cut from. Nice & bright. Now hopefully I can actually complete all these projects & show you some pictures of the finished product soon.

I am really bad at starting projects & not completing them as I have so many other ideas & want to start them all. I really need to be tough on myself & not start more projects until others are finished. Is anyone else like this? I am so bad I am to embarassed to show a picture of my UFO pile - it is huge!!!

This is a cute little reversible bucket hat I made up just after Christmas for Liam. It is simple, but I was pretty happy how it turned out as it is the first hat I have ever made & it actually fits him. I just think I may try & tweak the brim next time to make it wider.

Lastly are some of the christmas present I made. The owl tops & simple little skirt sets were made for my gorgeous nieces who are sisters.

This cheeky little girl pushing my washing trolley is one of my gorgeous nieces who is wearing a mermaid skirt which I also made one of for all of the girls on my side of the family.

DRUMROLL PLEASE.........

2010-01-17T02:31:00.000-08:00

And the winner is Karen of thereasonsisew . I used the http://www.random.org/ site to pick a number fairly & it came up with no.5.

So CONGRATS Karen, all I need now are your postal details & some fabric will be on its way!

YAY - A GIVEAWAY!!

2010-01-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

As promised in my last post I am doing a giveaway.

There really are no rules to this giveaway except for you to leave a comment. You are welcome to leave a link on your blog, but it is not necessary.

The giveaway is some of this fantastic screen printed linen. I am unsure of the age, but a little while ago I was lucky enough to score a roll of it. It would be fantastic for cushions, bags, even a skirt. I love the green/brown mix & the retro floral print.

I will draw a winner in about a week - GOOD LUCK!!

150 Posts & my neglect!

2010-01-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that this is post 150. I had every intention of making this one a blog giveaway, but as I am holidays & can't get into my stash to see what I would love to giveaway, I will have to wait till I get home...but another giveaway is coming - I promise!!
Apologies to anyone who has been checking in to see if I have managed to blog. I have been slack, but can I make the excuse that this time of year is just madness??
We had a wonderful Christmas, a little tricky trying to juggle between both sides of the family, but we made it!
The new year has begun - yikes! Both my babies are starting something new - Em in prep & Liam in kindy. I am not looking forward to that day - I think I am going to sob my heart out. The only good thing is that I may have a wee bit more time to try & craft this year.
Anyway this is a rather dull entry as it has no pics - sorry. But I do wish you all a most wonderful new year full of bountiful blessings, joy & lots of adventure!!!!

To market... To market....

2009-12-09T02:46:00.000-08:00

Well at the weekend Mum & I decided to try out a small local market which is held only 4 times a year at the start of each season. It was wonderful as it was only 5 minutes away & by a small pond so the setting was lovely. It had a wonderful community feel & to top it off we actually sold some things. Not huge amounts, but certainly enough to not feel disappointed. We will try & go regularly - I think I can handle keeping up stock for once every 3 months.

I know mum will cringe at this pic, but I didn't get a chance to get any others... It was a learning experience & I now need to work on presentation - getting decent racks / stands etc....

Lovely LITTLE BOOZLE

2009-12-06T23:23:00.000-08:00

Firstly apologies to the lovely Andrea from littleboozle for the delay in getting a picture up of her beautiful craftsmanship & generosity. This is the beautiful bag I won from her blog giveaway - it is so very me THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

A recent order for a mum to be..

2009-11-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

I am madly sewing at the moment trying to get some stock for a local small market so I have been neglecting my blog a little. i will try & get some photos of the bags, purses clothes etc that I have created for the market up soon.

This is a little bundle I finished a couple of weeks ago for a someone who is a mum to be. It is a mixture of things & a bag - which isn't a baby bag, but is large really handy sized bag which I love.

The Culprit

2009-11-25T21:11:00.000-08:00

Not the white one, but the black one - yep a bush turkey. He also removed the tie from the waist. They have been such a nuisance around here this year. They get into everything & rip up your plants, but these shorts were a first!!

Can you guess......

2009-11-25T03:23:00.001-08:00

What did this to my little spunky boy's shorts??

I'll give you a hint -it wasn't a moth. I was gobsmacked when I saw what had happened & what had done it!

Chenille pants...

2009-11-23T00:02:00.000-08:00

It is funny - I thought earlier this year that I hadn't made many chenille pants for a while & was even contemplating downsizing my chenille stash, but of late they have been popular. These are 3 pairs I have just finished for an order. I was rather happy with them & Liam has already tried to claim them all, so will be making a few more I think for him.

I WON my First Blog Giveaway & I am SO SO SO Excited!!!

2009-11-22T23:59:00.000-08:00

I am a little late announcing this as I won last week, but I won my first blog giveawy & am very excited. One very talented mama over at Little Boozle (http://littleboozle.blogspot.com/) is going to make me a gorgeous bag - check out the colour schemes I had to choose from - it was a difficult choice.

Peeka..

2009-11-17T02:10:00.000-08:00

BOO!

This is a little rabbit created from thrifted fur & vintage fabric body. No pattern, I was just in the mood to make a softie & Em claimed it straight away. I liked how it turned out - just a few tweaks needed, but I cut out 2 more last night so I will see if I get it perfected with them.

Beaming....

2009-11-13T02:32:00.000-08:00

Because I finally got myself a SUNBEAM Mix Master. A vintage one mind you not a new one, but I think that is almost better! And the best bit is that it only set me back... wait for it....$5. And it works. And it has the large & small bowl still. I hadn't given it a clean up so I will hopefully have it sparkling & back to its former glory in no time!

Vintage Sheet Quilt Top...

2009-11-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

Finally I have made at least the quilt top with some of my vintage sheet stash. it is a simple 8" sqaure style with randomly placed pieces, but I am happy still with the way it has turned out. Now to get my act into gear & finsih it off - this is the bit I am hopeless at. I will no doubt back it with a vintage sheet. So hopefully I will get it done by christmas.

Pyrex....

2009-11-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

Well although it is obvious I LOVE my vintage fabric, I also have a secret love of vintage pyrex & my stash of that is almost as big as my fabric one - well not really, but it is decent. The difference is though that I use my pyrex ALL the time - I love it. Here are 2 I picked up the other day to add to my collection. The rectangular one was perfect for a yummy potato bake which I made the night I got it. I must get pictures of the rest of my collection. Are there any other vintage pyrex lovers out there?????

Another thrifty find...

2009-11-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

I really did not have any need for bookends, but when I saw these beautiful deer ones at only $3 for the pair how could I resist??? I am sure I can find some books which need proping up somewhere...

Some recent thrifty finds...

2009-11-06T22:23:00.000-08:00

I find wonderful things in the opshops or at markets & so often forget to post pics of my finds.

These are a couple of lovely vintage sheets I found the other week.......

Vintage sheet fat 1/4 swap...

2009-11-01T01:08:00.000-07:00

Can be found over here.... http://selina-whatwerewethinking.blogspot.com/

I did the one with Meika last year & it was fabulous!! So head over & join in

Upcycle

2009-10-18T02:38:00.000-07:00

I think that is what one calls it when you take a skirt which is not your style, but made with quite nice linen fabric & in a moment of madness freestyle cut & recreate it into this bag with a little vintage fabric added for extra touch.
Despite the fact that I just madly cut without a pattern or even drawing a rough outline, the shape turned out better than I expected.

A little sewing to order....

2009-10-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

The only sewing I have managed to do of late has been orders, but I am hopefully going to rectify that this weekend - I have a few bags & dresses I want to whip up so I will see how I go.

These are just a few pics of some requests I have made up.....

I made a larger order of these Sesame Street flares, but forgot to take a pic of them before I sent them off - but they were pretty much the same - just had Cookie Monster milking a cow instead - kinda cute really.

The chenille pants have really taken off again of late - i have made quite a few for people, it is funny really as I had not made any for so long & was thinking of destashing my chenille - I am glad I didn't now as it has been well used.

Who would have thought???

2009-10-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

That this beautiful sweet baby would turn into a cheeky - yet still very beautiful - yes I am an extremely bias mother - 5 year old princess!

Thank you princess for the 5 years of joy you have given me as your Mummy. We love you to bits.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!!!

BAGS - To sell or not to sell??

2009-10-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

I have finally made some bags..it has been so long & I really love playing around with different styles & fabrics. These are just a few that I have finished - made out of new, vintage & recycled fabrics. Not too outrageous, but it was a start.

I have been thinking of selling them, but I am unsure of the best place to sell them - markets or online??

What do you think ?
Sorry, I don't think I am cut out to be a bag model :)

Button Haul....

2009-10-02T00:09:00.000-07:00

Obviously the title has given away what this photo is of, but I had an amazing button haul recently. Either a collector got rid of some of their stash (highly unlikely I am sure) or some dear old lady donated her sewing things to the local thrift & I was the benefactor of this lot & I even left some behind!!

I can't quite figure which are my favourites...

I am rather partial to the greens , but oh they are all so lovely. Now to be brave & use some

It is such a shame for others not to see them

They are ever so pretty....

Almost like pieces of treasure!

Which are your favourites???

Oh yes & I got some fabulous vintage buckles too...It really was my lucky day!

Monster Shirt & Generous Giveaway mention.....

2009-09-29T02:57:00.000-07:00

After being inspired by the cute shirt my sil over at twolittlefishes gave to Liam for his birthday & Sam at Jettas Nest fantastic shirt appliques I made up this little monster one the other day. It got the thumbs up approval of both Em & Liam so I may have to make one in pink too!!

Also for a most fabulous giveaway head over to Little Munchkins where she has a double giveaway of a gorgeous pattern & some beautiful ribbon - thank you Novy!

Remember the vintage sheets......

2009-09-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

That I blogged pictures of a few weeks back? Well I randomly took a few from the blues & greens & in a mad sewing frenzy late one night decided to try a bit of rough - no measuring or using rotary cutter - too impatient for that - log cabin patchwork. I am at a loss whether to do more of these squares in different colour ways & make up a quilt or to make this into a cushion?? What do you think?

One COOL Grandma!

2009-09-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

Yep I think my kids are pretty lucky! I know Grandma Spunky would probably never forgive me for putting up this pic, but the kids thought it was pretty cool that Grandma could keep up with them (for a little while anyway :) )on the trampoline & so did I!! We love you Grandma Spunky!!

We LOVE Super Liam!!

2009-09-21T04:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to my talented SIL (from twolittlefishes) Liam loves his "Super Liam" the first thing he did after zooming him through the air was to take him for a ride in his truck (to make it there he MUST be special - it is a spot usually reserved for favourite trains & cars).

DRUM ROLL ..........

2009-09-17T03:17:00.000-07:00

And according to the random number generator at random.org the winner of my giveaway is comment no.2 which is Zofia. Congrats Zofia I will get your contact details & send you out the cute circus fabric!

My Baby is 3

2009-09-11T20:02:00.001-07:00

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY MY MOST GORGEOUS BOY!!

Vintage Sheets......

2009-09-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

Here are a pile of vintage sheets

Oh & here are some more...

and some more

Yep here comes another pile...

& look here is a wardrobe full of them

Aren't they lovely!

This is what I spent some of my time on the weekend sorting. It used to be bigger, but out of love for Mr Spunky who started to think I was having some sort of affair with my fabric :) I downsized to a neater size - well something that the wardrobe can actually contain!

I have usually used my vintage linen for clothing, but have an itching to do a few patchwork quilts..I have however started with something a little smaller & will hopefully post a pic soon.

It's GIVEAWAY Time!!

2009-09-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

I honestly can't remember the last time I did a giveaway & it is certainly about time. I often see that so many people including Little Munchkins who has a lovely patten giveaway at the moment are doing giveaways & it has motivated me to get my act into gear.

So here is the giveaway....

I just love this fabric - it is new quilters weight/quality cotton with the sweetest vintage style of circus print - it reminds me of so many illustrations from books when I was little. There is a 1/2 metre of this fabric up for grabs. All you need to do is leave a comment & you are welcome to mention it on your blog, but this is not necessary. I will hopefully pick a winner at random in the next week or two.

A party skirt...

2009-09-03T02:49:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is no baby any more & is growing ever so fast. I went to raid her summer wear & it is all too small. And as she was invited to a little girls party we needed an outfit & one which was quick & easy to whip up. I just loved this moda rose fabric & wish I had bought more of it. I teamed it with an Amy Butler spot & just added some applique to a plain t-shirt to match. Em was happy & it passed the twirl-worthy test, so I am sure we will get a little wear out of this one!

A.W.O.L

2009-08-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

Apologies to anyone who has been checking up on my blog only to find I have been terribly slack for the last month!

It has been one busy & scattered year for us. Mr Spunky has been working away alot (in the Solomon Islands now as we speak) and we have also been away a little & when we haven't I have just been busy or not motivated to craft too much. But I have just had the most wonderful visit with my gorgeous sister in law twolittlefishes and she has got me itching to craft again - Thank you Joely!!!

I madly drove from the sunshine coast to Mackay on my own with the kids - boy were they long drives, but thankfully we had a DVD player - priceless for long trips with 2 small children.

I stopped at a few op shops along the way (couldn't help myself) & got some lovely treasures. Hopefully once all the fabric bits are washed I will share some pics, but I did manage to find some cute Noddy books, together with a beautifully illustrated squirrel one....

I also picked up this cup & saucer set. It isn't what one would call "pretty", but there is something I love about it. It is made in New Zealand. Oh & some cute vintage buttons (can't see the detail very well sorry.

A birthday brooch

2009-07-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

Here's hoping my sister does not look at my blog before I see her today as I have made her this brooch as part of her present. I love colour, but would have to say green is my favourite & after finishing this brooch am tempted to make another for myself .

It is rather big, but is fine on a plain t & I think would look great on either a bag or a denim jacket.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my WONDERFUL big sister!! I love you to bits!!!

The Sewing Gene

2009-07-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

I am very excited - I think my little girl has the sewing gene...this is her little chain stitching machine which I have been informed isn't very good & she needs a sewing machine like mummies :) I will have to keep an eye out for one at the opshop.
Sorry about the post lunch mouth, but I think she has the pose right don't you & is a picture of concentration!!

Sorting out THE STASH (well some of it)

2009-07-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

That is what I have been trying to do today in an effort to prove to Mr Spunky that I love him more than my fabric - I do honestly!!And I only remembered to take a photo after I had put some away & sadly I had not even got all my satsh out to sort it either, but hey it is a start & I now have a pile which is for selling. And that is Mum pinching from my stash - thankfully she has a good stash too so we have a bit of a "free to fossick at any time when you can't find it in your own stash policy"

A bag

2009-07-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

I know a terribly boring title, but my imagination is not working today so I thought I would just state the obvious. I have made a bag & am showing it to you!!

I found the pattern as a freebie on Burdastyle & have embellished mine & also lined mine - I don't like unlined bags - awfully fussy aren't I :)

It has been created using a favourite piece of vintage recycled bed sheet & lined with some purple & white polkadot cotton. The photo of me holding it was taken by Em & she is a better photographer than me - which I must say is not hard - I have no talent in that area!!

Smurfs & Holly Hobbie

2009-07-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

Smurfs & Holly Hobbie together would have to be some of my favourite vintage childrens sheet characters - but I fear I am not alone - it is so hard to find!! I have been lucky though & have made these 2 size O sets which I will be putting into my etsy store soon - I really must make an effort with this store - or so I always tell myself!!
It was my first attempt at the smaller sized outfits, but was happy how they came up - the suits are just appliqued with blanket stitch around the edge.

Dresses....

2009-07-04T01:19:00.000-07:00

After a long break from sewing (not by choice, but as we have been away) I have finished a few dresses of late. I actually finished this first dress (Frida by MODKIDS) a couple of weeks ago & was really happy at how it went together -- very easy.

This second dress has been created from vintage linens - I think my favourite fabric to sew with. The floral section is one of my many favourite sheets & the top half is made from recycled seersucker placemats. I have to laugh at Em's teapot pose - I don't know why she does it, but it makes me giggle every time :)

Passion for Paisley?

2009-07-02T01:26:00.000-07:00

Do you love paisley as much as me? I am a sucker for it.
As my stash is just ginormous & I am going slowly through it in order to keep Mr Spunky happy & try & down size (fat chance really but I will try as I love him dearly), I thought I would share some with you.

These are just some of my paisley pieces and all these ones are vintage that I have been lucky enough to find.

Awfully slack & no pic post.. but check out the giveaway link

2009-06-21T02:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is almost a month since I last posted. I will blame the first few weeks on not having a camera (Mr Spunky took it away with him) & for the last week & a half I have been lapping up the lovely warm winter sunshine in Cairns. Oh I think I will move there for the 3 months of winter every year - it was devine!! Mr Spunky has been working up there.

Unfortunately I have not had much time for crafting & am getting withdrawl symptoms, but mum & I are visiting my brother & his family soon in Sydney & are planning to attack some craft store on our way & while we are there.

For a fabulous giveaway - Oliver & S patterns - 2 yes 2 - check out Little Munchkins . Even if you don't win her blog is just so inspiring & plain beautiful to check out from time to time!!

Thanks Poppy Bill !

2009-05-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

Oh I have 2 very happy spunkymonkies! Their Poppy from NSW came to visit last week & while he was here he made them this.....Gosh if I was a kid I would be jeaulous! It is a fort/ open cubby on top & underneath is a sand pit - just need to get some sand now :)
Thanks again Poppy Bill!!

One reason to keep your old clothes....

2009-05-18T20:42:00.001-07:00

Well this is just one of many. I have this cotton polkadot dress which is lovely but too big. So just before I put it inot my bag for the thrift shop and idea blings into my mind & yep it makes that "bling" sound when it does!!I rummage through my vintage sheet stash to find one of my favourites - Raggedy Anne - did you love her as much as I did when you were a little girl?

Out come the scissors & onto the sewing machine & 30 minutes later - yep it was that easy - this little apron skirt is made. I am sorry I can't share the pattern as I didn't use one - I just freehanded it!! Thankfully it turned out.

Now to find some more dresses that no longer fit......

Creations...

2009-05-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

This is a recent smock I made especially for Em - she loves fairies at the moment. It is a good one as I can reverse it to have the spots as well. For some reason she has been feeling the need to pose as a teapot in photos :)

This lovely softie was created by Grandma spunky - oh she really has a talent for putting together fabrics I think - I really love these colours!

It's about time..

2009-05-15T01:47:00.000-07:00

Oh I am terribly bad blogger! I know it has been about 2 weeks since my last post, but I blame being sick twice & not having a husband around for a couple of weeks. Ok there my whinge is over!

I have actually been doing quite a bit of sewing, but you will have to wait for pics of most of it. There is a new baby & childrens market starting up on the coast & although it is mostly preloved stuff the lady was happy for me to have some of my handcrafted kids clothes, so I have been trying to finish some things for that.

I will give you a couple of pics, the first is of my littlest spunk with his new spaceman toy.

It is based on the devil cosmonaut in the first "Softies" book. He was easy to do. The second is the angel softie (tut on the net some where??) that grandma spunky made for Em - she is a much loved angel who is slept with almost every night!!

Thank you grandma spunky!! We love you!

WOO HOO Willow & Moo

2009-05-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Oh I must say a HUGE thank you to Sara over at willowandmoo . We did a swap & Em was the lucky recipient of the most GORGEOUS rainbow stripe (yep hand dyed too by Sara) Paula pants. Now Em is usually a pink girl, but she didn't want to take these beautiful pants off - she asked to wear them to bed.If you want a beautifully crafted, unique & stunning quality creation for you little one you must pay Sara a visit - you won't regret it!!!

Kids Duds & a Skirt for Me!

2009-04-19T00:08:00.000-07:00

Well the title pretty much says it all. I have been trying to get some winter clothes made for the kids - well pants anyway - these are just 2 pairs I have finished of late. I have also made up some flannel jammie pants & have a couple more cut out.

This is a wrap skirt I made up from the "Make it Perfect - Versitile Wrap" pattern. Once you drafted the pattern it was really quite simple & I like the cut. I am sure the instructions are good - I just didn't read them - I am terrible if I think I know how it goes together I just do it, I find it hard to follow instructions if I already have an idea in my head - sometimes it works & other times I am glad there are instructions to fall back on :)

The clothesline is full....

2009-04-17T03:10:00.000-07:00

Now that the sun has decided to come out after a few weeks of rain, I have finally caught up on about 10 loads of washing & was able to wash some of my recent op shop goodies.... I know these really should have been my first priority with washing, but I can't quite picture Mr Spunky being too thrilled if I handed him a vintage sheet Toga to wear to work :)
I just need to figure out what I am going to make with them. The trucks & trains are earmarked for some boys pants or shorts.

Easter & 6 years on....

2009-04-13T03:24:00.000-07:00

Wow was easter a big day, not only did the easter bunny deliver these cuties (and many other chocolate treats), but it was also 6 years since I married my prince charming! The bunnies were made using a tut on the softies blogsite & I added a pocket..

I can't believe how quickly time flies. In that time we have travelled so much, including a 2 year stint in the apple isle, but best of all had 2 little spunky monkies. Thank Mr Spunky for making the last 6 years so wonderful & for allowing me to know I am deeply loved. Oh I better stop before I get really mushy :)

Applique attempts & other bits..

2009-04-09T01:37:00.000-07:00

There is a special little girls birthday soon & her mama is a lover of woodland creatures & things, so I made up these 2 little appliqued tops. I am not anywhere near as good as the applique queen (check out Sam'a amazing appliques @ Jettas Nest), but I was quite happy that these guys didn't give me too much grief.

I have been doing a lot of cutting out for stock of my etsy store - I just need to sew it all up & list it ( I get kinda slack at this point). I did finish these 2 pair of flares which I will hopefully list soon.

MAYBE, JUST MAYBE....

2009-04-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

I may be able to keep this blogsite. Mr Spunky said if I couldn't work the other one that I could stay here - which would be WONDERFUL - I really didn't like the other site - too much advertising for one thing, but mostly because I don't think it liked me (or maybe just the other way around) as nothing seemed to work - posts seemed to disappear, or just not appear at all!

Just a few pics of my hippy girl in a few recent creations. The smock is a MAMU pattern (found at the crafty mamas store) which I made into a one piece pattern - mostly out of being too lazy to cut out 3 pieces - so the one was a better option! The pants are a Studio Tantrum SOLANA (also found at the craftymamas store). Both items have been created from vintage recycled sheets...
.

I have to move...

2009-03-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

Very big sulk & hanging my head because due to our internet restictions i have to move my blog & I am not the happiest of campers. My new blog site is http://alittlespunkiness.bigblog.com.au/post.do?id=236605
I just don't like the layout, the advertising & the fact that it is a bit difficult to work out.
Sorry I will stop my whinge.
Please still come & visit me :)

It is SEW good to be sewing again!!

2009-03-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Oh after 3 weeks away from my sewing machine it is really good to be in sewing mode again!

I am trying to be good & reduce the pile of UFO's, so I am allowing myself to make one new thing & then finish one UFO - hmmmmm not sure how long that is going to last, but will keep at it.

I finished 2 different smock tops which were in the UFO pile - I am goin to be making up quite a few of these & opening my etsy Spunkymonkies store again & I may even give Madeit a go.

I had this yellow floral fat quater just lying around for ages & couldn't decide what to do with it, but thought it went quite well with the spot it was next to on my pile. So a simple little skirt was created for Em - she can never have enough skirts according to her.

I also whipped up this mushie one - which I LOVE & although it is not pink - Em says it is her favourite too. I might just do a little mushroom applique with the same fabrics on a white t to go with the skirt....

For the last 3 weeks I have been.....

2009-03-22T03:56:00.000-07:00

Spending almost everyday here.

We have just come home from having 3 weeks on Hamilton Island & it was wonderful. Mr Spunky was working there so we decided he couldn't live without us & that we would have to tag along too :)

The kids swam, swam & then did a little more swimming. The island also has a small zoo which has quite a lot of animals including koalas which the kids loved patting as much as possible. Also there were dingoes, kangaroos, a cassowary, crocs etc...

The only real hiccup was cyclone Hamish, but thankfully we survived!

It was wonderful that my brother & sister in law came to visit, along with my gorgeous nieces - one of which I met for the first time - yes a pic of a very proud Auntie!

Mr Spunky forbade me from taking my sewing machine along so I did a little hand sewing - I NEVER hand sew, but it kept me from going crazy!! I will have to post a pic of the finished product soon.

Finally some sewing.....

2009-02-25T21:55:00.000-08:00

After such a long time with the move & unpacking etc I finally managed to get some time & motivation to sew. It was pretty basic stuff, but hey its a start - I really feel like my sewjo is coming back!

First are just some pants for a friends twin daughters - they are made from recycled vintage sheet fabric & curtain fabric

The skirt is made from chenille & is a mama sized one - I tried it on & it is really comfy, but I am in 2 minds whether to keep it or list it on my etsy store when I finally re-open

Then a made a couple of pairs of shorts from once again my vintage/recycled curtain fabric. I find it hard to get great fabric for boys & have been lucky to find some fantastic vintage curtains..

Some of my stash....

2009-02-25T03:16:00.000-08:00

I had so much fabric prior to my move & Mr Spunky was rather strict as to how much I brought home, but thankfully I managed to still bring quite a little bit back with me - a HUGE thank you to all the gorgeous girls over at CRAFTY MAMAS to for their help - I am eternally grateful!

Here is just some of it & this is as neat as it probably ever will be.

Back to Blogland & back home!!

2009-02-20T22:27:00.000-08:00

It has been soo long since I blogged & so much has happened since then. Although we have lived in gorgeous Tassie for the past 2 years, we have finally packed up & are back home in QLD. Oh I am loving the HOT weather & humidity - I know I must be mad, but it really makes me feel alive!!
I think I will however miss the amazing opshops in Tassie - they are by far the best I have ever come across!!

Tassies Beautiful East Coast...

2008-12-28T21:32:00.000-08:00

If ever you get the chance to visit Tasmania there are SO many places to visit, but the east coast is highly recommended by me. We have done the whole East Coast before, but for a few days before Christmas we decided to take a couple of day break & stayed at Swansea as Mr Spunky really wanted to get the chance to go back to Freycinet National Park (everything in Coles Bay was already booked). We did the Wineglass Bay walk with the kids. It is rather steep with steps

It was pretty muich like this pic the whole way up & back too, but hey if Em (4) could do it - she walked the whole way much to our surprise - anyone can. And I tell you it was worth the walk. We were blessed with an absolutely stunning day!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-24T18:37:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone a most Joyous Christmas. May the true meaning of Christmas fill your heart & may your new year be richly blessed!

Some sewing..

2008-12-14T03:34:00.000-08:00

Oh I am feeling a bit lazy so not much describing..these are just some reversible smock tops that I have made out of recycled linen (mostly curtains & sheets). these are part of my effort to make as much with my stash before I have to leave alot of it behind....only 5 weeks till the big move!

I also decided to play with some applique - the robot stitching is atrocious, so don't look too close, but I was happy with the bird....

Terribly slack.....

2008-12-10T02:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been almost a month since my last post!! I do have good excuses - the internet was down for at least a week and a half - honestly what did we do before the internet??

I was away for another week & my gorgeous mum was here for the other week. On top of that I have been doing the painstasking & very time consuming Fabric stash cull - this really has not been easy. But we are moving in 5 1/2 weeks & Mr Spunky is being tuff. I think I would have easily filled 20 packing boxes with all my stash - new, vintage, recycled, including chenille bedspreads etc but he has limited me to 3, yes 3!! I think I may have sneaked an extra box, but really need so many more. Mum was a wonderful help & in one day we carted about 10 garbage bags full off to the local charity shop.....

I haven't had a chance to do much sewing in this time, but I did sew these guys up while the internet was down.

I have also made a blue one, but think I will try & make some shorts for him. They have been made from vintage chenille & vintage sheet fabric.

Shorts, pants, shorts & more pants

2008-11-13T00:20:00.000-08:00

Well I have been on a mission to once again try & decrease my UFO pile & these pants & shorts have been the last days effort. All made from recycled / vintage fabrics (curtains & sheets). Some long shorts & pantss. I am happy with most of them, but am not so sure on the red pocket on the "save the animal pants" - what do you think??

Vintage SOFT TOYS Book GIVEAWAY...

2008-11-10T19:01:00.001-08:00

I just love the "love" that is spread with a giveaway & have been meaning to do another one for a little bit. In my stash cleanout I came across this vintage book for making soft toys. It is titled "Glen Pownall's Creative Leisure Series SOFT TOYS ". It was printed in 1974 & gave me a giggle to go through & see some of the style of toys I had when I was little.

So to enter, please just leave a comment. I will draw this one in a couple of weeks toward the end of November......

A Bit Slack....

2008-11-09T01:55:00.001-08:00

I have been rather slack with blogging of late, well with just about everything actually - I am trying to sort through loads of stuff, largest of which is my fabric stash. We are moving in the not too distant future & I think I am getting a little stressed!

I have however just had the most wonderful night away in Launceston with a girlfriend without our husbands or children & apart from the drive it was FANTASTIC!!! Launceston is a really beautiful city if ever you get the chance to visit - the parks, old churches & gorgeous old homes & so much more....

Sewing wise I have finished a few things of late. I made a couple of Portabello Pixie dresses from the "Claire" pattern (great name don't youthink?).

The first one is very spotty & was my first attempt - hence the clash of the spots (just used whatever was in the stash to try the pattern & size). But Em loves it as it is pink!

The second is made from recycled vintage linen... I think I will add the waist tie to this one & then may pop it in my Etsy store - hopefully in the not too distant future.

This last pic is another Market Bag I made up, however I was trying to shortcut the seam at the top & it turned out a bit on the uneven side so I have claimed this one. (I apologise for my poor photography & lack of ironing skills - I see so many blogs with the most gorgeous photos - I think I need to take a course) It is made from seersucker & vintage tablecloth. They are a really fantastic sized bag - I think I certainly will be raiding a little more of my vintage stash to make some more of these up.

Elephant & a market bag...

2008-11-02T23:17:00.000-08:00

I cut out an elephant applique quite a while ago with the intention of putting it on a denim dress for Em, but like many of my great intentions this never came to fruition. So instead it ended up on a pair of denim shorts (made from thrifted denim) which were quick to whip up. Em raided my button tin this morning & came up with a small vintage flower button for his eye. It isn't the best applique as I could not find my vlisofix, but for everyday wear it is fine.

I also received my Portabello Pixie patterns in the post last week & decided to quickly whip up a market bag today . It isn't ironed & I didn't use interfacing, but it was a fantastic & quick pattern to sew up. i used yet again some thrifted fabric for the bottom section (taken from a vintage curtain) and just some other fabric from my stash which matched.

Mr Postman You Are Wonderful...

2008-10-29T01:20:00.001-07:00

Well Mrs Postman in our case, because you delivered my purchase from Jetta's Nest . Em absolutely LOVES it , well so do I, but unfortunately it will not fit me. Although I can make this style of top, the applique detail & the fabric selection are just so WONDERFUL!! So for a gorgeous piece of kids clothing which is very well made & unique check out her blog which also has a link to her Etsy store - you won't regret it!!

Thanks so much again Xiola!!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE........

2008-10-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

And the winner is...JADE ! Congratulations.
I got Em to pick a number out of the hat for this one to make it random & no.3 came up!
All going well it will be in the post this week.
Thank you to everyone for your lovely comments.
I will certainly be doing some more giveaways in the future!

15 minutes and some felt....

2008-10-26T01:05:00.000-07:00

Well Em had been at me to make some little toys with her for a while so finally this week we found the felt stash & made these 2 little animals for her - we now have a list of other animals we MUST make. They were both done free hand (which is probably rather obvious) and took about 15 min each to make....

Remember my giveaway is drawn tomorrow!

Busy, Busy, Busy....

2008-10-22T02:48:00.000-07:00

I have been so very busy of late - I think I am trying to sort things out before we move - goodness it only about 3 months away! I have to destash so much & don't want to, but Mr Spunky has given me the hard word! I have had no where near as much time to sew, but have managed to finish these 2..
First is another twirly skirt for Em, I really must get my act together & do up a tutorial for this skirt - it is mostly just remembering to take pics as I sew one up!

Second is a pair of pants I drafted up & made out of vintage sheets. They have not turned out exactly as I would have hoped, but Em seemed to love them & wanted to put them on straight away!

By the way, remember that my giveaway ends on Monday......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!!!

2008-10-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry my Princess, mummy is a couple of days late with this one.

You were the most precious thing mummy had ever been given, and boy how time has gone by so fast!

First one...

Then 2 and 3 years went by in what seemed like the bat of an eyelid..

Look at you now, 4 years old , but still as precious as ever to me. I love you princess & am so glad you had a wonderful 4th birthday!
God truely blessed me more than I could ever have imagined when he gave me you!

I can't wait to see what the next 4 years hold!

SPUNKYMONKIES Sweet Little Girls Dress/ Long Top GIVEAWAY!!!

2008-10-12T20:34:00.001-07:00

Ok I am doing my first GIVEAWAY. I have been meaning to do one for quite some time, but have just vnever got my act together! So I have one of my original "Spunkymonkies" peasant style dress/long tops to giveaway. I have not sold this one as the edges were finished with a zigzag stitch instead of overlocker, which really is only an aesthetic issue (and hey whoever sees the inside of the garment!

I love this little dress as it has longer sleeves approx elbow length. Elastic cased neckline. Made from recycled vintage cotton fabrics!

It will fit up to a size 4, but is probably best suited to a size 3 for the best fit!

All you need to do is leave a comment.

I will draw the lucky winner in 2 weeks time on the 27th October.

Not much sewing But...

2008-10-12T04:11:00.000-07:00

Oh, more like absolutely no sewing done this weekend, but we did go on a church camp at a really beautiful spot on Tassie's east coast. The beach had such clean white sand & the water was so blue & clear - mind you coming from QLD there was no way I was going swimming!! Water down here is colder than QLD in winter! But still nice for the kids to have a little play.

Oh the pants Liam has on are some I finished up during the week - so I suppose some sewing is mentioned. They were made from a vintage sheet I almost didn't buy as i wasn't quite sure what I would do with it, but couldn't resist as I do love the green.

Bits and Pieces

2008-10-09T03:20:00.000-07:00

I am in major destash mode at the moment, so if you are after fabric I am your girl! As a result I have also been cutting out like mad & my UFO pile is ginormous! I have battled a pile & hopefully I will have some pics of soon. These are a couple of skirts I finished today that were in the pile....

They ahve been made from vintage recycled tablecloths. The first 2 pics are the same skirt, just back & front, made from 2 different seersucker tablecloths & the last is from a heavier weight cotton table cloth - it would have to be my favourite.
.

I also finished up these pants for Liam. I was trying to make a pattern for long shorts, but they turned out more like pants, which is fine as the weather down here still doesn't really allow for wearing shorts at the moment...roll on summer.....
This last picture is of Em in the most gorgeous vintage, very retro dress I picked up at the opshop - it was made for her - it fits perfectly! It cost $8 which is more than I would normally pay for clothing from the opshop, but I just had to have it - I would easily have paid more!

A twirly skirt...

2008-10-07T01:30:00.000-07:00

I made this twirly skirt from scratch for Em yesterday - a bit longer than I originally wanted it, but will fit her for ages & next time I will just change the length. I will have to put up a tutorial one day when I get my act together as it really was simple to do....

A bit of twirling action!

A new bag....

2008-10-02T05:35:00.000-07:00

I have been itching to make a bag for quite a while now & deciding just to freehand cut one out while watching the kids in the back yard yesterday. I have been meaning to use my tie stash for this particular purpose for a while & was glad how it turned out. I just adore green & am tempted to keep it, but I have too many bags. I would say it will walk into my etsy store rather soon.....

Oh & I received this lovely Amy Butler fabric in the mail yesterday - i got it for asteal & am planning on making a skirt for me!

Some beautiful illustrations ....

2008-09-30T22:58:00.000-07:00

These are just a couple of illustrations from the book in the previous post. I have been tempted to cut it up & make into cards, but I can't bring myself to do it - I might just scan the pics & do it that way...

It has an inscription for someones birthday & the date 1956. As much as I love to find books not written in, it is rather lovely to get a book that was given a long time ago with love.

Are these Spunky or what????

2008-09-30T22:47:00.001-07:00

How spunky is this mens pants pattern?? I think it is more the paisley print on the pants that makes this pattern - Mr Spunky is rather conservative with his dressing & would never in a million years wear these pants - but I just couldn't resist the pattern - they look just so funky - I love them!!

At the same time I picked up this lovely vintage size 5 (perfect for Em) pattern, which I will hopefully get around to making. Terrible really I am supposed to be decreasing my stash drastically, but it isn't .....hmmmmmm, I wonder why?????

I also picked up the kids these gorgeous vintage books - 2 Enid Blyton, which surprisingly only cost 50c & $1 & 'The 3 Friends' book which is rather old & has the most beautiful illustrations. I will have to take a couple of pictures later.

Oh & the little plaque - I just couldn't resist - the little girl & boy are just lovely - this will hang in Ems room when we get back to QLD.

The Postman Was My Bestfriend Yesterday......

2008-09-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

Because look what he bought!

These came from the gorgeous Pink Fig Fabrics (blog site - vintagechic ) on Etsy. Chelsea is also very talented & has the most beautiful patterns for little girls - which is what some of this fabric is going to be used for! You can also buy some her patterns from craftymamas if you are after some in a hurry!

2008-09-18T02:05:00.002-07:00

Well shorts are my sewing machines favourite item at the moment. I am making quite a few in an effort to get the kids summer wardrobes a bit more together & also as I am making some for my sisters kids & also a few orders.

These first pair are made from fabulous vintage recycled pirate theme fabric. Em wanted to play pirates & hunt for treasure when she modelled these so for a good hour I had to hide different toys inthe back yard for her to find!

These next couple of pictures are of some part made ones & my favourites - Raggedy Ann - it was one of my favourite books as a little girl. I would wear a pair of these in my size I think!

And these 2 piles are just SOME of the fabric I have found when rummaging through my stash to make, yes, more shorts!! I will no doubt list some in my Etsy store when I get my act together too!

Hotch Potch Dress & some Little Skirts......

2008-09-16T01:47:00.000-07:00

I have really had the sewing bug of late & made up a pattern for a little girls dress that I am rather happy about - I call it the "Hotch Potch" dress - this one was made up of gorgeous recycled vintage fabrics & has already been reserved for someone on Etsy - I think I will be making up a few more of these - Em modelled it for me & she didn't want to take it off! (Sorry bit of a windy day so the dress isn't sitting too well!)

These 3 skirts are in an effort to get Em a bit of a summer wardrobe happeneing before it is actually summer time - she has just grown so much of late!