The First Week Collection

Well that's week one of the holidays over. There has been crochet and cake and chocolate and tea. Wedding present and outfit organising and report writing. A bit of lovely Downton Abbey and some mending ticked off my list. And plenty of beautiful rain. 

1. stripey tea canister and mini jug from Kikki-K makes tea even better
2. giant doily rug is perfect in my entrance
3. finally finished this cushion, started a year back
4. enjoying the last of the Easter gifts from my kindergarten students
5. icing a still warm cake is never pretty, but it sure tastes good
6. my dad's beautiful quilting (handing it over to the lucky owner tomorrow)
7. a happy face at the bottom of my chia seed breakfast pudding. That stuff really does fill you up!

Weekly Collections @ The Beetle Shack

Sewing Fun

My sweet friend Tahlia came over to do some sewing with me last week, as part of her 13th Birthday present.  She has recently discovered a love of sewing after making an apron for her Mum, at school. Tahlia decided that she wanted to make a pencil case, and after spying my little monster in my sewing nook, decided that she wanted to make one of those too! 

Her birthday gift included a cute little sewing basket, some supplies and a trip to Spotlight so that she could chose the  fabric and zipper she liked. It wasn't long before one pencil case was made, a monster and  a second zippered bag for make-up, using the reverse of the outer fabric and lining. Tahlia did pretty much everything herself, showing a great deal of natural ability.  She was a great student, she listened and asked for help when she needed it. She certainly got lots of practice using a quick unpick!

                                              Monster tutorial

                                           Zippered bag tutorial

There was also a little bit of baking going on. I still had heaps of gingerbread dough in the fridge that needed to be baked and the Ballerina wanted to make cupcakes as well. She declined the offer to sew with us however, and actually took off with her big sister to visit her Grandma in hospital at one point.

A great deal of fun was had, and it was wonderful to share some time with such an eager and delightful student. I hope we can do it again one day.

Owls and Frypans

A Birthday is approaching for a special friend, and I decided that I wanted to make something unique for Karla. I know that she loves owls, so I thought I would have a go at making a cute little owl cushion for her.  

I was so happy to head into my "crafty nook" and get designing. The Ballerina assisted me with colour and fabric choices and I rummaged around for bits and pieces I could use. It is such a delight to not have to go out and buy anything.

My fry pan even made the perfect template for the cushion shape!

Recycled and vintage materials were used, including an old grey short sleeve lambswool jumper (hellooo Mother's Day circa '95) for the head and backing, and an old striped ironing board cover complete with foam and cotton batting. 

I was very happy with how it turned out, and I am looking forward to seeing her reaction!

 

Before and after - sketch to creation

 Don't you love it when an idea turns out just how you had hoped?