No, not this – this is wonderful! Carolyn sent me these goodies as part of the CraftyMama’s swap. Thank you Carolyn, I love it.
Now for the terrrible, terrible news (waits for hushed silence..) My washing machine, my long time friend and ally has given up on me. I’ll admit that as my family has grown, so has the work load, but this is totally uncalled for. The words “newer”, “bigger” and especially “better” have been floating around. The handwashing was a novelty for a short time, I imagined my ancestors toiling in a similar way (except they had to heat their water too!) and I even turned it into a game for the children (I swear Dame Washalot had an awful existence!) but after an hour my back was aching and I started to feel my time could be better spent. I’ve already started perusing the catalogues for a replacement (accompanied by the gasps of horror from my son when he sees the prices).
A year’s supply of Tim Tams!
I entered the Tim Tam giveaway on behalf of my son and he won!! Is this a good thing, I’m not so sure?! Anyone for a Tim Tam?
Our 10 year wedding anniversary
I had to show off these beautiful flowers my husband brought home lastnight, tulips and red roses, my favourite!
We had a lovely evening out to dinner and the baby was exceptionally behaved. The other children didn’t mind staying home with a friend either so it was a total success!
I am so grateful that after all this time we still like and love each other and our friendship is stronger than ever.
Nappy/ diaper liner or soaker tutorial
This is so easy you could do it with your eyes closed. I used to use those expensive disposable liners from the supermarket (what are they made from anyway?!) Suddenly something clicked and I started making these. There a 2 methods, one for an overlocker (serger) and one without. The overlocker method is first. You’ll need some flannel (I’ve used an old pair of pyjama pants) and something absorbent (I’m using bamboo here, you can just use a few layers of flannel if you don’t have anything else). Cut 3 rectangles. The size is up to you, my flannel pieces measure 10.5 x 5.5 inches. The absorbent material should be about 9.5 x 4.5 inches.
Sandwich the bamboo between the 2 pieces of flannel, with the right sides facing out. Pin all layers together roughly.
Sew a rectangle in the middle, then another one about an inch in from the edges. Overlock the raw seams and you’re done! How easy was that?!
Now for the second method.
Lay your bamboo (I’ve used 2 layers of bamboo here for extra absorbency) on the wrong side of one piece of flannel and pin roughly. Sew the rectangles as for the first method. Now, turn it over so that the right side of the flannel faces out, then place your other piece of flannel on top of this with right sides together.
Sew a seam right around the edge, leaving one short end open. Turn the liner right sides out.
Fold the raw edges of the open end inwards and pin. Top stitch right around the edges and you’re finished.
I find washing nappies so much easier now that I use these, the liner gets soiled instead of the whole nappy.
Disclaimer: I was joking about having your eyes closed, please keep your eyes open whilst operating sewing machines!!
Tagged
The lovely Lady Ophelia tagged me with this. Thank you Ophelia!
The rules are:
-Thank the person who gave you the award.
-Post ten honest facts about yourself.
-Pass the award on to seven others.
So, here we go:
1) I am a “Jack of all trades, master of none”. I find it hard to focus on one thing for too long but want to have a go at everything.
2) I am an introvert. I usually avoid social situations.
3) I love God and my religion.
4) I proposed to my husband when I was 17 and he was 16! (He accepted!!)
5) I loathe television, we are a TV free home and intend to stay that way.
6) I’m a “doer”, I like to always have something on the go.
7) I used to work as a singer at weddings, hotels, parties, but the late nights became too much. I still miss singing though.
8) I am driven to be creative, I don’t feel myself when I can’t get to the sketchbook, the sewing machine or just a needle!
9) I’m a pretty plain and ordinary person living a pretty plain and ordinary life, but I know there is great value in what I do (even if I find it hard to remember that at times).
10) Tomorrow is my tenth wedding anniversary! My husband and I are going out for dinner together (accompanied by baby of course) for the first time since our son was born (9 years ago, gasp!!) I’m so excited!
Now, to tag seven others…..
Mia Henry, Willow and Moo, And so, I sew, Mad Quilter, Romi Jade, Sew 2 B Happy and Cherri – Berri.
Another Miss Madeline
I’ve totally fallen for this pattern and the more you make, the easier it is! I bought this pretty fabric from the clearance table at Spotlight, so all up the dress cost $5 – 6 Aus. dollars! The pattern is available from the Crafty Mama’s Shop and as a PDF from You Can Make This.
I’m making one for a little niece now, quick and easy, gotta love that!
Retro Mummy giveaway
http://retromummy.blogspot.com/2009/09/its-another-giveaway.html
Great giveaway at Retro Mummy, but be quick, it ends tonight!
Giveaway at Little Munchkins
A pretty Portobello Pixie dress pattern to win on Little Munchkins!
Drum roll please, the winner is……
This is what it looks like on her….
(See last post)
I’ll be back later today to draw the giveaway.