16 July 2010

Naff?

Naff
1. British Slang, describing something that is stupid, lame or unpalatable
2. A word I like to use because it reminds me of my British friend Lucy

I made a little dress for my niece's first birthday. I didn't use a pattern. Just cut out the bodice and created the skirt with a square bit of fabric. And added some cute.
My sister loved the linen fabric and the seersucker fabric with the tiny silver stripes and said she would like a top to match the dress to wear on the day.
In retrospect I believe she may have been joking. She is a doctor and she often raises an eyebrow when she observes me chopping up fabric or covering myself in felt. Which is cool. Because I raise an eyebrow (and make sure I look the other way) while she examines disgusting things like ripped off toenails.
Can't say it ain't cute.
But probably naff. Well naff, as they say on the great British isles. 
But I'm sure my sister will be too polite to say anything. 
And seriously, how important is honesty in craft? It's much better to see the beauty in imperfect things.



Ahoy! Ready to leave the sinking ship!

Oh boy! What a few weeks we've had. We had a beautiful and sad funeral service for my dad. Busy times at home with extended family staying. Lots of happy chats and tears. Enjoyed the delights of watching my little nice learn how to kiss on the cheek (the cute makes up for the slobber) and falling into the deepest pits of grief and clinbing back out. Then my Mac decided to cop out and now it's not working anymore. Just like my foot. I managed to trip over on the bike and ripped off my entire toenail. After being stopped by the police and fined and charged with criminal thisthatsomethingorother for crossing a red light on the bike. On a tiny street across from a graveyard.
Yay me.

Nothing gets me more worked up than the petty rubbish German police officers fill their days with. I was lucky I didn't start swearing at them and risk another fine for 'insulting a police officer'. I suppose they need the badge to buy respect. I would have won any old verbal match with those fellas.
I don't know why the Australian police don't wind me up as much. Maybe it's beccause they do useful things, like forceing people to wear helmets, instead of hiding on graveyards with their McDonalds and wait for evening cyclists to cross a street.
Boo bloody Boo.
I hope this is the last of the bad luck. Next week we are going to have a little mini holiday. I can't tell you how much I am longing for a few days of peace and privacy and being with my husband!

Well, I did some intermittent sewing when I wasn't at funerals or getting arrested. Using some Kokka - I LOVE this print, it reminds me of Wilbur and Charlotte (bit obvious what with the pig covered by a spider web). I made some summery pants for my nephew using the selvedge as a trim at the hem. I think they're cool. Yeah. The photos are rubbish. But given the circumstances and inability to walk I ask your forgiveness just this one time. I would actually quite like a pair of these pants in my size.






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05 July 2010

For My Dad




My dad passed away after a very short and hard battle with cancer. We have spent the last weeks looking after him around the clock and I am grateful that he was surrounded by his family when he went.
One of the last things he said to me, when I showed him a few of the things I'd recently made, was "you should do something with that - open up a little shop". I'd never before shown him anything I'd made, but he admired every little piece. I am so glad to have gotten his blessing to do something a little less conventional with my life. His opinion meant so much to be and I'm sure part of me will always seek his approval. But for now I will just need to spend some time thinking of my dad all at sea.

01 July 2010

My Creative Space




... currently you can find me on the floor, chasing my niece with the camera.

A second pair of pants and skirt I designed last week. I am really enjoying making my own patterns.
I found Soozs' blog so very helpful. And inspiring, confidence-wise! Another blog I recently discovered via  Gina is Sarah Vain and Tall, run by Anne, who has thrown caution (and other such boring ideas) to the wind and set out to start her own craft-tastic business. All hats off! Actually keep yours on since it is so cold in Melbourne. I miss Melbourne - say hello from me!

PS: That is my mum's leg. The one in the red sandal. The other one is my husband's leg. Credit where credit is due I say.
PPS: You can find more creative spaces at Kirsty's place