update # 14

greetings to all from sydney. i am currently staying with my parents and madly trying to see friends while i am here, as i know that probably no one will be able to make it to the west next year due to other commitments in life.

i've been having a great time while i am here, and have managed to fit in some time for craft - i made a table runner for my aunt, and a few things (beanies and gloves) for friends in cold countrys. which reminds me that i need some cardboard for pom-pom making.

i have managed to do some op-shopping and when i get home i will share my treasures!

we visited my dad's parents yesterday in wollongong, and came back with a lot more stuff that we brought down - including for me: two hand-painted mini portugese soup dishes, a small glass pot (a gift my grandma got for here 21st), and a glass jug. my dad came back with a pile of books, and glass panels from his grandfather's front door (this is a hint to flo that hoarding is a genetic disease and its not my fault). and mum came back with an old singer sewing machine. mum summed up their place quite well by stating it is like "Aladin's cave". honestly, everytime you go down you think it can't be possible for more stuff to appear, but then "poof" out of nowhere things just seem to appear!

i'd better go as we have to head up the mountains soon.

happy christmas.

update # 13

before i head off for a few weeks, i thought i should share what i
have been making and buying recently.

i was very excited to discover a shop selling japanese goods in
Subiaco - most of the stuff is rather ordinary, but they have a large
collection of kimonos, and (my favorite) a $10 bin. of course most of
the stuff in the bin is rather plain/ordinary, but i found this half
cut up one: light, semi-transparent cotton, but ideal for craft!

i have recently started volunteering at the Vinnies in Fremantle (its a retro store), as Flo's aunt's friend runs the store. I was there last monday to help sort out the new (second hand new) stock which had come in. I really enjoy helping out with that, as you get to see all the unusual clothing items that come through. some of the monday highlights included: an orange and white stripe play suit, a bright ruffled beach skirt, a cute 3 piece outfit - skirt, boob tube top and jacket, and a few 80s items. the dress above also came through. it doesn't have any buttons, but that can easily be fixed

the yarn above are christmas presents yet to be made. my "local" knitting shop is not very inspiring, which i was a bit disappointed about, and really made me appreciate how lucky i was to have tapestry craft in sydney. while it wasn't cheap, the shop had a great lay-out, the yarns were all neat, tidy and well organised by weight and by composition - wools, cottons, mohairs/fancies/unsual yarn etc. and at the back was a table where you could have a look at the many pattern books they stocked.

the crochet bag is something i have just finished. made from recycled cotton from my Grandma. i have had this cotton for a few years now, and have finally found a use for most of it! i am a bit worried that the handle won't be strong enough, so i am thinking of reinforcing it with some tape, lace or ribbon. i'll see how i go and post some more photos later. i am really happy with the yellow fan stich around the top it provides a pretty, but subtle contrast, and the button works well also (though it might need to be cleaned!).


i made the doll a while ago, from One Red Robin's Ruby doll pattern. I haven't named her yet, nothing seems to come to mind so if you think of anything please let me know.

update #12

today was market day.

i am now tired.

i had a great day, met some other talented, crafty people, bought a few bits and bobs (photos will follow) and enjoyed some groovy music.

there were chickens which made me happy, and a lonely rooster who secretly wanted to be onstage with a microphone.

this all happened at City Farm Perth. there will be 3 more markets on the next 3 following saturdays.

if you haven't already done so check out my website (link on left hand side). everything in the gallery (except the green paper mache tray - which i sold today) is for sale. if you are interested - send me an email (through the website) or leave me a comment here.

thanks for your support