Are you getting ready for Valentines? We don't celebrate it around here.

But, I did find this cute heart pot holder pattern from the Martha Stewart website.

Isn't it cute?

I made it using some linen and cotton in my stash. This was the only binding I had at the ready so I used it. I think it went really well. Except...

that I didn't read the instructions properly and it really requires more batting. I only used one layer of Insul-Bright without any extra batting. Hmmmm... next time I'll get it right.

I got around finishing this little ribbon taggie blanket for Baby J.

She's absolutely drooling everywhere these days so it will be put to good use.

I've got heaps of charm squares so next up it'll be a few playing blocks.

For now, taking it one day at a time.

Rootote Sale 40% off

I've been eye-ing these bags since forever. Waiting patiently for the right time.

Today was THE day. They are having an extra 40% off everything sale. Irresistable, right? Get in quick for this Christmas!

So I bought these two. $10.50 each! Flat rate shipping in Aus $6.

Shhhhhhh... he doesn't know yet! .......

A moment in time

Some days are like this upside down smile. Schedules thrown out the window.

Messy floors and tables. Loud noisy kids. Oh gosh, the noise. General blahness.

But we find a moment to be happy. We capture this moment.

We find beauty in nature. Roses from our front yard.

Baby J snuggles close to me. She likes to sleep like this when the day is worn and weary.

I don't blame her. She gets lots of cuddles and kisses from mummy.
I'm going to make a ribbon blanket for her, now that she loves to suck her thumb.

I hope you're capturing the moment too,

Australia Day

Image from Sydney Morning Herald by Jessie Du.

Happy AUSTRALIA DAY !
I took the kids down to Parramatta Park to celebrate but just like a typical Aussie summer it got way too hot to bear. We stayed a good hour or so before heading back home. We're talking about 35 degrees celsius or 95 Fahrenheit.

Today is a good day to reflect about life in Oz. My family are living in this really great multiculturally rich country. The people are so nice, relaxed, and even though I was not born here, I'm proud to have an Aussie accent and to be Australian. We're truly blessed here. The opportunities are endless and life would be a struggle had we not migrated here as refugees in the late 70's. I do call Australia home.
I love our laid back lifestyle and the general friendliness of most people here. We shouldn't take it for granted. Oi oi oi!

So I hope you're having a good day where ever you are. As we say here 'Slip, Slop, Slap'
(slip on a shirt, slop on a hat and slap on some sunscreen) and take it easy.

P.S Badskirt is having an Australia Day Sale week!

A shirred summer dress

It's been a good summer and Little Miss isn't short on dresses. However, I just wanted to make her a proper dress now that I learned how to shir on my Janome.
It was rather distressing before when I had no idea why it wasn't working.

I took this fabric out of my stash and cut using the whole width (selv to selv) to the length I needed for her. It wrapped around her twice so I knew it was enough width to shir and sew up a tube.

Oh how I love my rotary cutter. I used it to cut the straps. My sis bought one for me a looong time ago when she went to a craft show. Hubby used it to put our wedding pictures up in a frame and blunted the blade. I tried to use it since then but just thought that it wasn't a good cutter. Now I know better. I have seen the light.

Last week I was at Spotlight so I picked up a new blade. It was a revelation when I used it. OMG. Like Wow. I saw perfect straight lines! Fireworks went off in my head. (I've always been melodramatic) The possibilities!!!

Here's a tutorial from the Purl Bee on Rotary Cutting. I definately needed it. I had wonky lines at first but I am much better now.

I've somehow misplaced my camera. I remember letting Little Miss take a few pics with it and then took it back from her. I've no idea where it is now so I've had to take pics with my mobile phone instead. I used Photoshop to play around with my pictures but I'm not that good.

I just used a few actions from Pioneer Woman. She's the best.

I managed to unpick the cushion cover so will start again today. See y'all later.

Why I Blog

Since having kids I've been more of an emotional person. I cry about babies, lost children, death, basically anything related to sad stories about people. Real people. The devastation in Haiti has made life perspectives more pertinent. I cry at least once a day. LMAO.

I watched Dr Phil today and I shed tears. I related to mums who talked about how it is hard to be a stay at home mum or even mums who have to work and leave their children in day care. We all sacrifice a part of ourselves and sometimes more to do what we can for our family. I wonder, when will I stop feeling guilty about not doing enough, when will I stop comparing other mums to myself, when will it get easier?

I do know that I love this blog, I need this blog and this blog community.
So, thanks so much for stopping by. It means very much.

This week I learned about how (not) to grow maggots in your garbage bin.. ewwwww, and I have started knitting a baby bolero for Baby J. I screwed up sewing up another cushion cos I thought I'd wing it and not use instructions! LOL. I've posted on ravelry twice to ask novice questions about the pattern. Ravelry members are just so cool and because it's worldwide I don't have to wait until the next am for an answer! I read Ruby's birth story and I cried then too. What a great story. I watched The Lovely Bones and The Time Travellers Wife. The latter excellent! (insert crying here!) The first, umm. It was at times frustrating, scary and ok. I didn't like the ending.

On a plus side I've decided that maybe a routine would work around here. Let's say I put at least two of my kids to sleep during the day. Silence is golden. Truly.

Must go. I need to unravel my head and decide what else I can do around here.
Hope you are all well.

Nuby Giveaway

I always love reading reviews about about things for children.
Hip Little One provides heaps of information and reviews about all sorts of baby products.

I especially love that Nuby products don't contain BPA, the harmful chemical they use in making some plastic things. I just prefer to be very careful when it comes to my children's health.

Head on over there to enter in the giveaway.