Naughty but funny

We are not a particularly high-brow family.  4 out of the 5 of us think farts are funny.  3 out of the 5 of us pick their noses.  I thought about whether to blog this or not, but it was just so wierd, and funny that I had to.  This was almost 2 year old Maddie's drawing while we were reading with Hannah's class yesterday:

I've suggested to James that he might want to shower with the door shut in future LOL

Have a great weekend!

My New Favourite Layout

I am really happy with this double page layout completed at our Consultant Retreat on the weekend.  I think it helps to have such adorable subject matter and the paper (although really old) is one of my favourites from our Cherish range.

So what are you doing today?
We are having a quiet pottering day at home. 

Five!

My Dream Baby

My Chubby Bubby

My Animal Lover

My Full of Joy Boy

My Little Truck Boy

My Groover

My Creatures and Critters Kid

My Little Nature Lover

and now My Five Year Old.

It happened way too fast but we have loved every moment.  Happy Birthday dear boy! xxx

Finishing Stuff!

Inspired by this (the Patchwork Apple's Civil War and Repros exhibition) I went home and found the BOM medallion quilt that I started about 6 years ago.  I just could not for the life of me get the centre square to work.  I tried so many times and it just never fitted so I threw the whole lot in a cupboard and forgot about it.  At the exhibition Jane had the original quilt on display and I still loved it (funny how some of the quilts I loved 6 years ago are now ho hum and others stand the test of time)  Anyway, I came home and hunted for the pieces.  Not an easy task amongst the mess. That is when I discovered that some parts from the first block were missing in action so I had to find similar fabric.  After lots of hunting and searching I was about to press the replacement fabric when what should I find on the floor next to the ironing board... the pieces all ready to go in a zip lock bag - sometimes I seriously think the Big Guy Upstairs just loves to teach me a lesson and I guess that this time it was a lesson about keeping things a bit tidier and being a bit more organised!  Anyway, to cut a long waffle short.  I pieced this:

To give you a bit of an idea, the little red and cream half square triangles measure one inch across.  I know it is not perfect but I am so proud of this block and so glad that 6 years later I can move on!!!

As I sorted through the mess I also found a little dress that I had started for Maddie.  Knowing my reputation for not finishing things in a timely manner I had cut it as a size 4.  I really wish I had known how ridiculously easy this pattern is!  It is "Miss Madeline" by Samantha Coffey thehandmadedress.blogspot.com 

The fabric was picked up on the trading table at Spinners and Weavers for next to nothing.  Now I just have to wait a few years for Maddie to fit into it.

Oh, and just in case you needed a laugh.  Guess what happens when you leave your sewing machine AND scrapbooking supplies unattended?  This was taken post-event when the culprit was made to clean it up and as she scrubbed she kept saying "No! No! No! Ahh, pretty!" and shaking her head and then nodding!!!  She certainly is our little clown and I think at least 3 times as cheeky as her siblings!

Happy Monday!

Keep smiling,

Nell

p.s. Creative Memories Pens are archival quality and won't run, bleed or fade. They are totally waterproof.  My sewing machine is destined to be "Ahh Pretty" for a very long time!

New Inspiration

I've just discovered this new blog treefalldesign.typepad.com and have enjoyed a pleasant half hour of oohing and ahhing over her beautiful children's clothes - I think it is mostly the colour combinations and patterns that I love, and that real sense of yesteryear simplicity.  Whatever it is, Manda McGrory makes making children's clothes look effortless and between her and Toni Coward they have me itching to clean off the scrapping table and get busy sewing for my girls.  WATCH THIS SPACE.

Oh, and I found it interesting that even someone that talented feels funny when they wear clothes they have made themself.  I can totally relate to that (which is one reason why I hardly ever sew for my self!)

I am happily stitching at a farmyard quilt from Alicia Paulson's book (destined for my bestie's 2nd baby) and tonight while I read craft mags in the bath I found the perfect pattern to use my stash of Dr Seuss fabric.  Now the big question is really what to work on next LOL

Tomorrow is The Patchwork Apple's Civil War Exhibition (at the Woodside Institute Hall)  I have seen several of these quilts and they are STUNNING.  Cannot wait to go and drool (and Jane will have the shop set up there too so if she happened to have the new Moda 3 Sisters Etchings in a Jelly Roll it might just have to come home with me)  Oh the possibilities!

Happy weekend!

I think I need an intervention!

I probably shouldn't be writing this.  I am tired and grumpy and probably need an early night but I also know I won't sleep and I won't settle so I might as well write here and maybe, just maybe, be held a tiny bit accountable.

My house is currently a disaster zone.  We have just been away for a few idyllic days down at my inlaws beach house.  It seriously looks like a magazine house.  Everything is sleek and glossy and clean and simple.  It feels restful. 

Coming home was not restful.  There is "stuff" on every horizontal surface in our home.  We have too much "stuff".  Way too much "stuff".  "Stuff" that might one day come in useful.  "Stuff" that I might one day get around to fixing. "Stuff" that doesn't have a home.  "Stuff" that we can't throw out because we don't know quite what it is (or belongs to - "is that the spare bolt from the dryer or the bit from the kids swing set?")

I really need to re-read Fly Lady.  I really need to make next week Purge Week.
A room a day...
Wish me luck...

Oh, and if you happen to visit, don't let me pretend that the house isn't always this bad.  We both know the truth!

Softies For Mirabel

Just when I had privately decided it was time to stop doing so much for other people and start finishing some of my own projects!


The thing is, it makes me feel good to help others.  You get that soft squishy self-gratifiying feeling inside.  And these kids really need it!

I love the quote by Mother Theresa "We cannot all do great things, only small things with great love", and also the one that says "Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can" 

So come on! Join in! If you're local and can get your softie to me I don't even mind posting it for you!
Keep smiling,
Nell