Tough day. . . .

Too cute...  Would be gorgeous for a new born or toddler.

Couldn't resist.  Was nice to have a little splash.  Even if it isn't going to be used straight away.

Stopped by the little shoppe in Loftus, Julies today.  Such as busy little shop and a delight to visit.  Tucked away off the main roads.  Took me ages to find it a couple of years ago.  But you know there is something about the familiarity of dropping by your favorite patchwork shop.  I think my car could just take me there.  Somethng about the connection of like minds, happy women loving and sharing their passion with others.  Always a kind word and a friendly laugh of how much do you NEED....  LOL which the response is usually "I dont need it".  He hehehe I want it though, just to sooth my soul and need to consume.

Terribly sad day today.  But you know you just pick it up and keep on shuffling along.

Life.  I wonder. . . . .   There are some strange moments in it hey.

K x

how often to we really pay attention?

Oddly you know I have actually been paying attention to things around me of late.  I'm not really sure why but some things have been jumping out.

Have you noticed?

You know generally crafters for a long time look to the latest fashion colours as they hit the furniture stores.  As they seem to be the leaders in a many colour combinations and designs.

But lately as soon as I see someone in blogland having come up with some funky new crafty pattern/concept its in the stores.  I'm wondering who is it that is coming up with the ideas.  Is it crafters or is large business or designers? 

 

All pictures are nicked. ( co/ Domayne online)

Anywho....  I love the Union Jack and Eiffel Tower in the cushions that I've seen.

But my question is?  not to anyone in particular mind you....  have crafty ideas and concepts gone main stream and mass produced in China? Like Typo - which I love to go for a wander thru and grab a quick couple of little things.  But is it loosing its handmade charm? Is it loosing the kitchy my Nana made that?  Or my Mum made me a quilt?

Any thoughts from the peanut gallery??

Have a great week. 

Kath

Confession time

I haven't moved in over 7 years and for one person my little townhouse/unit feels like it has been at the over flowing stage for some time.  And it has been driving me totally nut's.  I'm the girl who used to move every 2 - 3 years and de-clutter every time.  I have packed my whole life in my little Mazda 121 and moved.
 
There comes a point when you just have to say enough.  It might have been when I realised I couldn't fit all of my clothes in the cupboard or wardrobe and that they were everywhere??   Or I realised I had stuff shoved in every single nook and cranny in the place.  E N O U G H.....

I started with the wardrobe and have now progressed through most of the living spaces. 

The kitchen is next up.  Which shouldn't take too long.
The place feels so much better already, I can move again.  Oh and I have nice clear bench spaces which is always a good thing. 

But I must say, how difficult is it to part with things.
Oh I cant get rid of this or that, so and so gave me this and that.  Oh that's my favorite movie..  and on and on it goes.  Well I didn't listen.  If it wasn't nailed down it was out.  One car full has already gone to the opportunity shop and the recycle bin is full. 

The other clutter is the craft room. LOL I'm calling it the craft room from hell. I can't move.  I can't be creative with no space. no where to play. every surface is covered, the ironing board , the cutting table. I'm too scared to go in there???  There is limited floor space left.  I have taken pics but to tell you the truth I'm too scared to post them cause they will show how bad I have been....  *blush*....

I'm on a schedule.  Uni starts next week and I need to get organised. Or it just isn't going to work.  I'm thinking I will just close the craft room door and not iron for the next 3 months.  :)  If the rest of my living space is sorted then all will be well with the world.  And for those that know me, know that ironing isnt one of my strong points. 

If you don't see me on here for a while you know my nose will be buried in a text book on Advanced Project Management.  Two more subjects to go and I will be the proud owner of a Masters in Management...  I wonder what I will do with that?  best I not leave it in the craft room....  ;)

Anywho...

Happy crafting all and remember when it all gets too much....  Just shut the door.  hehehehehe

Kath x

The promise of things to come

The sun was out today, so fabulous to get out and about. 

There are things happening in craftybarter land.  So be sure to keep your eyes peeled for future posts. 

I managed to get out and about for a big walk around the harbour.  Sensational.

Happy Sewing all

Kath x

Extended Families Celebrations = L O V E

Once upon a time there were 3 friends who used to hangout together sharing dinner and drinks.  Dancing around singing along to Elvis songs laughing and joking, enjoying one another's company.  Did I mention drinking wine and champagne? 

Kindred souls who gather together for fun and frivolity.

I love this picture.  It is of 2 of my dearest friends & myself.  It must be close on 10 years ago now and that was the night this picture was taken did I mention Elvis singing LOUDLY?

Well I headed down to Victoria on the weekend for a wedding cause this one decided to get married.  I don't go to many weddings.  But I didn't want to miss this one.

It was such a pleasure to be at her wedding. 

Arriving a day early, we had time to catch up and do some girlie stuff together, nails, champagne and chitter chatter of course on our lives and the happenings......


I even managed to get an updated photo of us again.  

The wedding was stress free and love abound for the happy couple.  The bride was beautiful and the happy couple had all of their friends and family there to celebrate with them.. 

It was wonderful to catch up with some family friends that has been a long time between visits. 

oh & you so know I was the crier in the back row.  What can I say I was emotional watching my georgous girlfriend walking into the chapel with her ever so proud Dad by her side to walk her down the aisle to marry her man.

Such a special moment.

Oh and I'm happy to say, no PINK taffeta in sight. 

Thank heavens for some small mercies.

Breakfast in the Dandenongs.

It never ceases to amaze me. One minute clear as a bell the next totally fogged in.  This was in a 5 minute space.

Street art near Olinda shops.

On the Sunday I managed to zip off and spend a couple of days with some more life long friends.   What can I say.  Time just does not alter these friends.  Our lives seem to go in different directions but the ties that bind are strong.

  

You never know what you will find in R's garden.  The latest sculptures from past and present exhibitions and plants that pop up on paths.  There is so many inspirational points of view throughout the house and garden. 

Taking the time to go for a wander through and letting it all sink in.  From the collection of canvases on the walls to the ever so red lounge room with the sculptured bird, and collections of bits from all over the world.

The South American oozes inspiration  at every turn .....


I feel blessed to have these kindred souls in my life.  I hope you all have these special people in your lives as I do.  They brighten my soul and wrap me in their lives and love. 

Until next we meet.

Fingers crossed for some sewing soon... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Kath x

April happenings......

Soooo I thought I would share with you some of what my Mum has been upto lately since I haven't been doing any crafty stuff cause the books are ruling my life of late (more on that later). 

Mum enters some of her knits into the Sydney Royal Easter show each year.  Although she didn't win any prizes this year they kept her knits on display with the winners.  I figure they do this because her knits are fabulous of course.  Not biased at all....  (ahmmm  Proud Daughter moment here). 

Even thou she hasn't been well of late she keeps knitting like a trooper. She currently has projects with watermelon coloured Samoyed dog hair on the go at the moment.  Now I this sounds strange, but can I just say the colour is spectacular and the softness and warmth of the yarn is amazing.  So if you are out and about trawling through the markets in the Southern Highlands over the winter period try and have a look out for some of them I think you will be pleasantly surprised. 

 Back right hand corner is Mum's the multi coloured patchwork one.

Head turn to the right (sorry I couldn't get it to load up properly) The pink one with the collar.

I must say she is a bit chuffed at having them displayed with so many people walking past each day admiring her handiwork even if she didn't win any prizes with them.

So about me?  I have been head down bottom up on the study at the moment.  Exams are looming so I'm hitting the books.  The house is a bomb and I have a thousand and one things to do personally which is all on hold till next week.  I'm looking forward to wrapping this one up and thinking about what to do next.  Im play chinese laundries due to the constant rain, the garden is overgrown in need of some TLC and there is cleaning to do done.  But there will be time for all of that over the next couple of weeks.

I found this Balinese sculpture somewhere.  Sorry can't remember where.   

The serenity and calmness, she looks so at peace with herself.   

Till next time.
Happy crafting....
K x

First attempt at sushi

My first attempt at making sushi.  Smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber and fresh chives.  Very tasty....  and easy to make.  I just forgot to put the wasabi in the roll, doh.  Not to worry I had enough in the soy for dipping as you can see.

I might have to try doing that again some time.   Quick, easy and relatively pain free.

Leave me a comment on some of your favorite sushi combinations that might make me want to pull out the sushi mat again.

The vietnamese crockery which I dont put to use very often.  A couple of peices came home with me from Vietnam a few years back now.  And sit in the cupboard waiting for use.

Not a whole lot of sewing going on.  I have been tidying up a bit in the craft room thou.  Making some space and moving some things on. 

Im coming upto my 100th post soon and thought I might have a little give away.  Will keep you posted on what I come up with.

Happy Easter everyone.

K x

No I'm not Vegetarian

But I do enjoy vegetarian meals occasionally. 

Thought I would share this one with you since I haven't been sewing much of late.  :(

It is from the 12WBT (Michelle Bridges challenge) but I've tweaked it a bit to suit me and you can tweak it to your tastes as well.

Yes I know I'm hearing all the groans of that looks yuck you must be joking, Kath.  But let me tell you it is delicious and it gets better over a couple of days rest.


Lentil loaf with yogurt sauce

3 shallots
150g mushrooms
2 x 400 g tin lentils, drained and rinsed
1/4 c veg stock (i use a chicken stock cube it is in the cupboard and easy)
2/3 c rolled oats
1/4 c reduced fat cottage cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons of dill, parsley & mint.
my version, a big bunch of dill & parsley and I do mean big. 
1 teaspoon cumin (I use garam marsala)

Cook the shallots and mushrooms.
mash 1 tin of the lentils and add the stock.
Throw everything in the bowl, add some pepper and mix it up.

Line your dish with some non stick baking paper.  (I just use what I have in the cupboard, just plain baking paper and yes it gets stuck)

Oven 180.  Cook for 55 mins.

To serve,
Big leafy green salad
Yogurt dressing - Natural yogurt, warm water with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of pepper.
I also add beetroot (home made from my brothers place, thanks Susie Q)

Great for a quick light dinner.  Left overs, are great on a wrap with the beetroot the next day or so..
Love it oh and it is a healthy meal..

Happy days.  I'm all prepped up for the week to get in some extra study without having to worry about meals.

I'm having withdrawals from not having been in my craft room for so long.  I have a few other priorities on at the moment. 

Hope you are getting creative either in the kitchen or life in general as we know it.
Till next time, happy sewing and baking all.
K x

MIA ? Missing in Action - for those who dont do acronyms

Well it is Monday, the weekends are absolutely flying by.  Make that the weeks are flying by.  I think there are only 4-5 weeks to go and it will be exam time at uni.  

I spent today driving to Sydney and back, so of course popping by my regular patchwork shop was on the cards.  :)  I wanted some yardage to go with my charm pack. 

And as the lovely lady in the shop supported my thought process, if I don't get it now then by the time I do go to use it there wont be any left for me to grab to add to what I have.  I just need a couple of bits to extend out what is in the charm pack and pad it out a bit.  If you know what I mean.

This range is so pretty and girlie.  Love it

Happy Sewing all

Kath x 

Saturday ramblings - bit of a biggy

Got to love your big sister.  My dear sister sent me a little present for my recent birthday.  Love it.  There are some very sweet softies in here and I look forward to having a little play.  I'll keep you posted on the shenanigans there.

 I cant decide which one I like the best, either the little dollie or the giraffe. Lets see which one I get done first.

The cushions I found mysteriously tucked away in a cupboard from my travels overseas.  I came across them over the Christmas period when I was tidying up in my craft room *(not that you would know it)   I think I picked them up in Belgium.  I loved them then & still do.  The daisy got me, my favorite flower.  It is the simplicity of the daisy that grabs me.  It reminds me of bright and happy summer days at my Nan's house with her old fashioned daisies in the back garden.  Playing with my brothers, sister and cousins.

It also reminds me of folk art days gone by where I spent many weekends painting daisy's on a variety of projects.   That have now all been scattered all over the eastern seaboard to family and friends.  This little one just seemed to go with the larger one. So of course I had to get both.  :)  I figured there was no use leaving them stuffed in the cupboard, best I grab some inserts and throw them on the couch.

We have been having the most amazing summer storms and rain on this side of the planet. Forget summer this year. We've only had a couple of really warm days. This afternoon there was a storm brewing up and I noticed these pelicans soaring on the air currents up high before another storm hit.  After pelting down for an hour the skies cleared and out came the sun.  Feast or famine in Aus, we are either in drought or in driving rain with floods.  There is an old Australian poem we learn as school children with a similar line in it. 

An exert, My Country, By Dorothea Mackellar

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,	10
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror—	15
The wide brown land for me!

    We have been tidying up our hideously over grown garden over the past couple of weekends.  The palm trees were given a severe hair cut.  They are already regenerating.    The cut of the branch and it healing itself in its circular path.  Something to hopefully inspire me back into the sewing space. 

There hasn't been a lot of sewing going on around here lately.  The craft room has had a bomb go off in it and I'm too scared to go back in there......  Not to mention uni has kicked off with a big bang and needs more time this semester to get my head around some accounting concepts of all things.  

So to those of you who are crafters happy sewing and to all else happy days, even if it is front of the TV watching DVD's while the storms continue on..

.

Kath x