Do you ever have a material range that seems to whisper your name when your near it. That catches your eye many a time over, doing its' best to lure you over and weave its' enchanting spell over you!
As much as I have been resisting the urge, it seems that I have fallen, I can resist no more, I have been enchanted and a new fabric range has cast its' magical lure upon me.
Its' from the Flourish collection by Alisha Place Frost for Studio E Fabrics.
I started my new addiction off just slowly and surely with a fat quarter each of the two prints and a metre of contrasting bright orange (also from the same range.) I did this in mind with a project I am working on (and have completed, images to come at a later date!) ... Having loved how my "secret project" turned out, I found myself once again standing back at the bolts of fabric and this time leaving with a metre of each! Oh Lord Help Me, for I have have fallen ... (in a good way though!)
Want to see more that is available in this range, be sure to check out StudioE's Flowers and Patterns, check out the following link (and there a couple of great free PDF patterns featuring this material, and no that is not what my "secret project" was (although I think I'll have to try the tote!) .... "FLOURISH
On a side note, there must have been magic in the air that shopping trip, for I also was lucky enough to score six fat quarters from Sandi Henderson's Farmer's Market Range. Now my lovely store sadly does not stock Sandi's gorgeous fabrics, these had been given to the store by a Travelling Fabric Rep, and my little eye instantly recognised the fabrics and they were in my hot little hand to take home! .... Divine, these will be turned into something lovely no doubt!
LOOK TO THE FUTURE - Sunday Herald Sun 29/11/2009 - Yasmin Boland www.moonology.com
There is something quite magical about a week of a full moon, such a cleansing energy in the air and a time to start all things afresh and with new enthusiasm and invigorating power. As I sat down and read the following article yesterday, I had already in my mind that it would be very befitting for Monday Motivation this week! Enjoy and Blessings xox
"This week's full moon is a great time to let bygones by bygones as well as make agreements ...
This is a power packed week with a full Moon and a Venus - Saturn link. If astrology is a guide to what's possible at any one time, then this week it's possible to leave the past behind and make a firm commitment to a new path.
The full Moon takes place on Wednesday at 5:30pm, so if you want to do a little "goodbye" ceremony to someone or something, do it around then!
At many spiritual (and not-so-spiritual) locations around the world, there are full Moon rituals every month. The Moon represents emotions and femininity and marks a climax in the monthly lunar calendar. It's as though evens lead up to the full Moon, and its' the energetic high point of the month, and once it's been and gone, life settles down and we start to move through the quieter pre-new Moon period.
The night of the full Moon is said to be very cleansing. Some people leave jewellery out overnight because it is said that it gets cleansed of any accumulated bad vibes, and charged up with protective lunar power.
The full moon this week, coupled with the positive link between Venus and Saturn, also makes it a particularly powerful time to lay down intentions regarding love and money over the coming four week.s
Venus is the planet of love and abundance, and Saturn is the planet that makes agreements and sticks to them ...
The other important point to note this week is that Venus is moving into the sign of Sagittarius on Wednesday. This is excellent news for people born under that sign, but it's also good news for anyone who's felt as though their situation regarding love or money has been a little too intense of late.
Venus's move into this light-hearted, cheery sign means we're all likely to find it a little easier to keep things light, even when talking about touch subjects connected to romance and finances. If in doubt this week when talking about love or money, bring some humour to the situation.
As soon as I saw this divine "Memoirs of a Geisha" range at Heather's Quilting Emporium, I couldn't resist using it to create the Birdie Sling by Amy Butler.
I did quite a lot of reading about the bag prior to starting, and also followed some useful advice like 1. using a reduced pattern size of 85%, 2. Using some linen/calico as the lining under the pleats so that they still maintain their soft look, but have enough structure. Both interior panels are interfaced along with the handle. A dog clip has been included to pop your keys on (isn't it annoying then they fall to the bottom of your bag?) This idea came from Jen over at I was told to get a hobby! The interior features pockets either side, one side has room for 4 pens and a small notepad, the other your mobile phone and wallet if you choose.
I was really happy with how they turned out, and they will be longingly missed by me as they have been made to thank Caleb's special Prep Teachers this year.
So I had the beautiful opportunity to visit the Mind, Body and Soul Exhibition in Melbourne on the weekend (hence explaining my absence for Monday,as I took an extended weekend of leave.)
I enjoy the Annual Pilgrimage to Melbourne for this event, knowing that as soon as I step inside the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, I am overcome with just a sense of calm. The ambient nature of the crowds attending, the soothing tones of soulful music, of course, often mixed in with an upbeat of tribal drums, crystals and medicinals of ancient times. There are stage performances, seminars and of course the opportunity for readings, numerology, tarot cards, mediumship and spiritual counselling.
This is an experience not to be missed, nor is it one to be rushed. Its' one where you just float along and be drawn to those exhibitor areas that are meant to be your experience for the day. Whether they hold a certain message for you or not, pends on what thoughts or questions you may come with subconsciously. It is crucial though to come with an open heart and an open mind, the day could be full of unexpected surprises that you never imagined would happen.
A spiritually oriented friend made this trek with me, she from the mountains, myself from the open plains. We found ourselves arriving outside the Brahma Kumaris - Raja Yoga Centre just as a meditation experience was to commence. You see, it is all about the timing ...
The Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centres Inc. (BKs), with over 50 teaching locations across Australia, offer people of all backgrounds an opportunity to deepen their understanding of universal spiritual principles and learn a range of spiritual skills through a variety of educational programmes. In its simplest definition, 'spirituality' means knowing how to live with meaning and purpose.
Remember youhavethepowerto quietenyourmind to give youthepeaceandhappinessyoudeserve.
Teaching othersis bestdonewithlove. Oncethehearthasunderstood,the mind opens.
It was lovely, I quickly relaxed, closed my eyes and let my inner mind listen to the soothing voice on the speakers. I just slid away on my own journey and when the time was finished, I was feeling very at peace and yearning for more.
Feeling so calm and energised (which was greatly required after my rather hectic week) I went on to having a lovely numerology / tarot / spiritual counselling reading with one of the clairvoyants, which was very positive and encouraging. Readings are often of a more personal nature, so I won't delve into the intricate details. This is the first year that I have come bearing no specific question, so it was nice, just to hear the light and "fluffy" aspects of my life right now. All is well, its' going just as it should and my journey continues on ...
Of course with a trip to the grand City of Melbourne, my friend and I couldn't resist the opportunity to see the next Twilight installment, New Moon, and this could be a complete blog entry on its' own (to which I may do further in the week.)
Likewise, no visit can go by without a little stop over at Spell Box, tucked away in Little Bourke Street or the Royal Arcade (off the Bourke Street Mall) The Arcade being of great decadent history in itself.
And a favourite for the kids, quite motivating in itself as well, was the Myer Christmas Window Display ...
Olivia's Christmas adventures in Olivia Helps with Christmas, a tale about a little pig and her family preparing for Christmas morning and the arrival of Santa Clause on the big day.
The display well worth a look if you are travelling to the grand city before Christmas this year ...
So all in all, I do feel quite refreshed and motivated for the coming week ahead!
There are some absolutely ENCHANTING items up for grabs .... including a beautiful Versatile Wrap Skirt made from Amy Butler Midwest Modern fabric (one size fits all) or a Bloom set made from Sandi Henderson Ginger Blossom fabric (size 3) and aset of FOUR Make It Perfect patterns: Uptown Girl, Pinny #2, Pinny and Dinohunt Quilt.
But that's only for FIRST PRIZE!! You can also be in the draw to WIN WIN WIN ...
A set of THREE Make It Perfect patterns: Pinny #2, Pinny and Dinohunt Quilt plus The current edition of Homespun magazine (I have a pattern featured in this edition...more about that later) and 5 "scraps" of fabric from my stash - these are decent sized scraps, fat quarter size and bigger.
Never Fear, even if you don't win 1st or 2nd prize, you still have the chance to win a 3rd prize encompassing A Make It Perfect Dinohunt Quilt pattern and the current edition of Homespun magazine.
I do love Toni's designs, we've already made the FLIPSY SKIRT and PINNY, and have another pinny in motion with some gorgeous AB fabrics ... But we also have our eye especially on her new Blossom Twirly Skirt and Slumber Party Jammies to sew up soon! Likewise we eagerly await her newer patterns that are no doubt in the works too!!
Thank you Toni for having such a wonderful giveaway!
Gigaree is a small country town in Northern Victoria. You may not have even heard of it before, but it has the most delectable country market on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Its kind of nestled between Stanhope and Tongala/Kyabram, but well worth a visit to the market if you are in the region this particular weekend of the month.
The entire vibe of the market is so relaxing and you can't help but stroll at a leisurely pace and enjoy all the different stalls available to delight you. More so, its' not just about the stalls, its' also a very social occasion, the people that you meet and are able to have a leisurely chat with, whether this be someone known to you, or just another person enjoying the atmosphere of the market alongside with you. These are about bringing the wider community and region together, as well as highlighting the many talents of local providers.
I had been meaning to go for quite some time, so I spent the morning out with my parents and young Jaxon at my side, and found that stallholders were quite happy to have their merchandise photographed (I always ask, I just believe it is a common courtesy to do so.)
My first stop naturally is for fresh fruit and vegetable produce, I couldn't resist the apricots grown locally over at cobram and of course pink lady apples fresh from the orchard, as well as strawberries from a local strawberry patch. There is just something extra special about "fresh" fruit grown locally. I was amazed at the amount of people, the produce was just fantastic and prices straight from the farm, that's one amazing benefit of living in the country, farmer's markets. Its' a good "fruit break" week in this household this week!
Spring is a beautiful time in this area for commercially grown protea flowers and other native flora. I was just in awe of these giant protea's, aren't they divine. Its' a pity that these lovely natives aren't flowering around Christmas time in this region because they would make such a beautiful Christmas table centre-piece.
Then there are the children's tee-pees. This is a gorgeous stall and I often see them at our local country market in Echuca/Moama as well. I find the material is very eye-catching and of course always a favourite with the kids. Helen also sews divine aprons and embellishes baby singlets with gorgeous crocheted' flowers with button centrepiece. You can read more about here at her own site chickaboo8.webs.com or if you feel inclined to do so, I love the Child-Size Teepee Tent tutorial at Sew Mama Sew
Another stall that capture my eye was the artistry work on these saw blades. Jeannie Woodward is and original saw blade artist and is located in Shepparton, Victoria (0415 677 139) Her work is captivating and very inspiring.
Of course it's always nice to spy a quilt or two,or three. The lovely ladies from this stall are friends from Shepparton who enjoy getting together to quilt and socialise. They were having great success today with their tea cup pin cushions, which were very quaint!
It was a perfect Monday evening to get down and finish the B's Mr Electron's!
The beautiful glow of the sun setting
to the west as I sat at my machine...
I decided rather than hand-sewing them together, I would just do a simple machine stitch which worked really well! And I happened to glance to my supplies and thought how cute a little button on each belt would look too (apples for the red belts and a cute little love heart for Jaxon's yellow belt.) .. Interestingly enough none of them wanted a lightning bolt, they felt they were just right how they were :)
Caleb (red), Jaida (purple), Jaxon (yellow)
The B's were very excited to wake this morning and find a new companion awaiting them at their spot on the table.
Don't forget to check out SEW YOUR OWN for all patterns for these fantastic softies!
Mr Electron wasn't my first choice when sewing my swap item. Initially I wanted to sew a cute little green corduroy frog that you turned into a heat bag. I don't know about you, my children adore snuggling up at night with their heat bags, Caleb has the most divine little fleece dog one that I brought to soothe him off to sleep from an early age, and now Jaida and Jaxon both have one (as do I to snuggle up to and fall into peaceful slumber.) However being obviously at the end of the winter material season, the only colour corduroy that I could lay my hands on was black, which I tried with dinosaur material, but just didn't suit a sweet little heat warm frog! A dinosaur perhaps?? but we'll leave that for another blogging time!
Back to the drawing board I went. I'm a huge fan of Miss Buttons by Sew Your Own, so I thought that I would love to give Mr Electron a go. I brought the entire kit from Rudy and the Dodo (which is an amazing little online store) and had the Sew Your Own kits on sale at the time (so now I have the pattern to keep reproducing!)
He was quite simple to cut out (obviously when you buy a kit, they provide all the material and felt for you ready to go and just cut and sew, how great is that?) I must honestly admit though I was not quite sure of the hand sewing the final seam up (note to self, read up on this more.) I really enjoyed putting him together, and luckily for us we had a hot glue gun to add the final touches.
The Little B's here certainly looked upon Mr Electron with adoring eyes and I now have another 3 cut up awaiting stitching together (although I'm thinking of adding arms to them??) ..
Mr Electron, little super hero, sure to be adored in any family home, albeit boys or girls!!
Hope AJ enjoys him Em :)
The next lot of Mr Electrons cut out and ready to go ..
**Warning .. due to the special nature of this post,
heavy picture viewing ahead**
Well who could ask for a more exciting way to end what has been a busy week in our household. With special red postal slip in hand, young Jaida was happy to hand it over in exchange for Jaxon's special parcel and a "special swap surprise" inside!
Now this weekend also marks a special milestone for our young Jaxon Levi, who will be celebrating his2nd birthday on 1/11/09 (Sunday.) So what better way to start weekend celebrations than enjoying opening that special parcel from our EB Beginner Sewing Swap.
It seems as though the talented seamstress who was behind our parcel was VIK! Yes she tried in earnest to be sneaky and leave a mysterious postal trail behind her, but I knew I had seen the fabric before on her blog and after a little thinking and searching, I had her REVEALED! *hehehe* .... Darling Vik, you truly deserve the recognition and publicity for your gift!
Heartfelt Thanks, you have spoiled my beautiful Jaxon and made him feel very special, which is something that I really appreciate (sometimes I feel my beautiful 3rd child misses out on many things, but you have made up for all for all of that!)
Isn't this just the cutest little back pack??
Above: Jaida's Wall (for photo purposes)
The flags in detail with sheared edges and the delightful hook ..
How colourful will these flags look on Jaxon's wall?
Welcome to my little abode of poise on life, my sewing journey and inspiration.
Believe in Yourself
People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within. ~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
.jpg)
