I've been slowly collecting locally designed hand screen printed fabrics for a project I'll be starting on later this week. These are the most beautiful fabrics. Earthy, tactile and just lovely. I can't wait to transform these lovelies into something new.
I'm always on the lookout for vintage wallpaper. I used to see it everywhere before I started actually looking for it. Always the way. So I was pretty happy to be given some on the weekend. Oh my god this wallpaper is amazing. Tiny pieces are already being cut off to dress some of my skipping ladies. (Thanks again, Mim!!) 
I've been (meaning to!) playing along (more often!!) with a Sunday meme hosted by Cindy at Bug and Pop. It's 'eye spy sunday', and this week the theme comes from Megan of The Byron Life. Megan has suggested showing 'a discovery'. My new discovery would have to be felting!
Yesterday my friend Mim taught and completely de-mystified the art of felting. I had always had it in my mind that it was something really complex, but the way she taught made it nice and simple and lots of fun! (Mim is going to be starting felting classes in Brunswick soon if anyone is interested...?)
It was a beautiful process to watch wispy and colourful sections of wool become durable, tactile and beautiful pieces of fabric. I have no idea what I am going to do with my two pieces... at this stage I'm enjoying just looking at them. :o)
Want more 'eye spy'? Go visit Cindy and see who else is playing along!
Ever had one of those days when you just flap about from left to right, feel insanely busy the whole day, and yet get nothing done? I've had one of those days. It was my day in the shop today. I managed to sew in one sleeve, and I nearly finished one pouch. In between all the craziness (sheesh!) - I drank too much coffee and chatted to good people. So not such a bad day after all.
The photo's in this post are completely unrelated, but I had to share this beautiful lotus and little frog. I took the pictures up at the Wandiligong maze. Such a great place for small people to run and adventure- but wear shoes with lots of coverage if you don't want your feet massacred by prickles!!
I have two feet again! I saw the doctor this morning, and she gave me told me that my ankle has healed nicely. Finally! No more hobbling about in the cam-walker, and no more left-footed sewing! Hooray! I am so glad to see the back of that boot. It was great for the increased mobility I otherwise wouldn't have had, but I was getting sick of being so housebound. I'm looking forward to going for a ride and being able to walk Ash to kinder around the corner. Yay!! Very happy here!
The Numburindi DancersMonday 30th March 7:00—9:30 pm
McKinnon Secondary School, McKinnon Road, McKinnon
Hosted by: Wylie J Miller
Twenty one traditional owners, including the Numburindi Dancers, from Numbulwar, East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory have been performing at locations affected by the recent bushfires. The dancers and elders have been assisting local Indigenous people to bring back the spirit of life and regeneration to the land, communities and affiliated organisations.
The Numburindi Dancers will give their final performance with Melbourne artists who have donated their time as friends or supporters; including Kutcha Edwards, Hugo, King Marong, PQM, High Society, Lady Lash, Elf Tranzporter, Lamaroc & the Cyphersapiens, The Buskerz, Sista Sheekha and Bent Productions.
For further event information please contact Joelie Atkinson from Cultural Infusion on 03 9412 6666 or visit www.culturalinfusion.com. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Numburindi Dancers in this cause. Donations can also be made by contacting Vicki Kaye on 0438 596 344.
Tickets available at the door: Adults: $17.50 Children: $10.00 Family (2 Adults, 2 Children): $45.00
Or through: simpletix.com.au after noon this Friday. *An additional booking fee will apply.
A Budget hire bus will shuttle people
from McKinnon Railway Station to
the School from 6:00 — 6:50pm.
When I'm working in the shop, I like to bring in small projects that can be made easily from start to finish, even with lots of interruptions. I love making pouches for this reason. I bought a huge stash of fabric from Lara Cameron the other week, and have been enjoying working with her beautiful prints. This one was made last Friday. I love this print for the botanicals, and for the wattle birds. Living in the city, we don't get a lot of native birds. But without fail, there's always a few wattle birds. They're aggressive little creatures, but it still makes me happy that they can call my garden home.
I'm finding it amazing how far reaching the bushfires here in Victoria have touched people and brought out an amazing generosity of spirit. It's been seen here in the crafting community, and of course the wider community both here in Australia and overseas. Over the weekend, we met an amazing group of Numburindi dancers who have travelled from East Arnhem Land. They came here to dance on the land and perform healing ceremonies. 
My family was lucky to be invited to their camp here on Saturday to spend some time with them and cook up a big feast. My boys, Taran in particular, were absolutely taken with the Numburindi people.
They were so welcoming, and really enjoyed having children around. They've been away from their own children and grandchildren for a couple of weeks now. One of the men promised to dance with Taran the next day during their performance at Hepburn Springs. He kept his word, inviting all of the children up. 
So Taran got his dance, and some of the feathers and ties from the dancer's belts- both of which he treasures. The Numburindi people are now performing to try and raise funds to get home. The next performance that I know about is next Monday in McKinnon (near Bentleigh). If you're in Melbourne, I urge you to go along. Their energy is amazing, and they are fantastic performers. I'll post more info when I know exactly where they'll be.
A week or so ago we visited friends in a tiny high country town near Bright. It was so nice to see them, and to watch all our kids playing together again. We had seen each other for most days until recently for maybe two years; they have just made the big move from the city. Adventures were had on on Mount Buffalo, visits were taken to the winery at the end of their driveway, much feasting and maybe a leeetle too much drinking was enjoyed... 
I brought back with me a big bag of apples picked from the roadside near the winery. Most are gone now- in cakes, muffins and crumbles. The humble apple is truly a blessed thing.
I have been working on a pattern for a women's top with an obi belt. It's been a bit of a mission, as I have no pattern making experience. This is the the first one that I've finished that I'm reasonably happy with. On Sally, it looks to fit reasonably snuggly around the bust, but on a 'real' person, it's blously and drapey. The idea is that it's a blousy tunic... You could wear it with or without the belt, but I really like the look an obi gives a top.
The plan is that I'm going to pump a few of these out to put in Olive Grove by next week.
