Kelly

Beautiful day

Its a glorious Autumn morning here, real “doing” weather.

Husband has taken the older 2 to the city to the Eureka observation deck, I’m taking the little one to my obstetric appointment soon (how many hours can one spend in a waiting room in one lifetime?)

Here is a little peek at what I’ve been working on over the weekend. Love that fabric!

Lastnight husband and I watched “The Wrestler” with Mickey Rourke and were sorely, sorely disappointed. Perverse and extremely miserable, not a pleasant way to spend the evening, so if you haven’t seen it DON’T!

Things are getting better…

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After an awful start to the day in the form of a glass sliding door having slid off its track, it then dropped onto my foot when I was trying to fix it. Ouch! There I was sitting with offended foot up and a packet of frozen peas thinking – broken toes? Anyway, a few hours later I’m hobbling around (definately not broken).
Then I received this parcel in the mail from Fabric Direct (excellent customer service) and things started to feel right with the world again, some beautiful Tanya Whelan, even a fat quarter of Matroyska dolls, what a treat. These lovely pieces are now flapping in the wind on the clothesline awaiting the next step. What will that be? Hmm, the thinking cap is on.

I came across the recipe for “Chocolate Mug Cake” in the local paper and tried it out. So easy, just done in the microwave. I overcooked mine a little, they were dry. Here is the recipe:

4 tblspn SR flour
4 tbspn sugar
2tbsp cocoa
1 egg
3 tblsp milk
3 tbsp oil
3 tbsp choc chips or chopped cooking chocolate

Mix well together in a bowl or in the mug. Fill a mug about half way with the mixture. Microwave on high for about 1.5 minutes (try to leave a bit more moisture in than I did!)
This will make 1 – 2 ordinary coffee mugs or one huge coffee mug.

Let me know what you think if you try it.

The giveaway is up and running, see my last post.

Time for another giveaway

by Kelly 8 Comments

A little spotty tote to giveaway. It is my design and is interfaced for strength and lined with red and white stripes, its very cute. OK, to win here’s what you need to do:
Leave a comment here, then mention this giveaway on your blog with a link to my blog.
If you don’t have a blog, don’t worry, just leave a comment here and I’ll enter you anyway.
I’ll draw this one at the end of the month.

Good luck!

What you’ve got challenge.

by Kelly 3 Comments

I’ve set myself a challenge to use up old or idle fabric from my stash. I’m almost desperate for some new fabric, but as we are picking up our van tomorrow, money is a little scarce. Its hard to be inspired by fabric that has become familiar. Anyway, I made a start with this little apron made from leftover fabric from a quilt. I drew up the design (well, more like made it up as I went along) and it turned out pretty well. I’d like to make more when I do get some new fabric!

This is what it looks like on the recipient (one of my daughters). I like simple but pretty things.

I treated myself to the latest edition of my favourite magazine – Homespun and entered a competition to win a beautiful pack of Robyn Pandolph fabric. The entry question was “Why are the women in your life special?”

It made me think about my mother, who passed away 4 years ago as a result of breast cancer. We were very different people and did not get along for a long time. Our relationship started to improve after the birth of my first child, shortly after which she became ill.

I never thought of her as special before that, but as her illness progressed and she had setback after setback a new part of her shone through. Courage. Immense courage. Although it was very hard towards the end, she never gave up. She became (and still is) an inspiration to me.

Tea set for Gran

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This little set doubles as a birthday and Mother’s day present for my husband’s Mum. The little Japanese tea pot from this picture was inherited from my Mother, which is funny because she wasn’t a tea drinker. I use it every day.

I used a pale blue cotton waffle weave and florals from Max New.

I appliqued the teapot using the interfacing method (first time for me, worked well).

It will suit their farmhouse kitchen very nicely, they love their tea!

Introducing Mr. Brown!

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He began his life as a simple sketch in my almost full sketchbook.

I thought he had character and deserved something more “colourful” than grey pencil.

I hope to make him part of a series of various characters and perhaps produce some patterns of him and his friends as stitcheries.

Hope you like him!

Ways to cut homeschooling costs.

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Homeschooling can cost much less than regular state school fees or more than private school fees – its really up to you how much you spend. We, as a family, have a frugal approach to every financial aspect of our lives and this certainly extends to homeschooling.

I have been using a very cheap curriculum for the past 4 years, however, the holes are starting to show and I’m not happy with the quality of materials. I will be spending a little more, which is OK considering it has been so affordable so far.

Whatever curriculum you choose (or write yourself if you’re that talented!) there are many cheap and free ways to supplement your lessons. Here are a few ideas:

-Your bookshelf can be an excellent resource. I constantly use our small encyclopedia set to write lessons for my son. Simply pick a topic eg. a country, get your child to read the available information and fill in a sheet of questions you have written out prior. Voila! Free lesson.

-Read a book or novel with the child and get them to write a book report. This can be a simple or complex assignment, it depends on the age and ability of the child.

– Go on an excursion. Find all the free resources in your area to visit. Go to the playground or park. Go to the library. Go for a picnic or nature walk. Some may not consider these activities as “schoolwork” but the children will learn and even better they will enjoy it!

– Take the morning off bookwork and instead play educational games with the children, do experiments, have a fun art and craft lesson or cook something together.

-There are many free online homeschooling resources. Take the time to look around and do some googling. For young children you will find a plethora of colouring in and activity sheets. For older children you will find some sample lessons or free lessons. I use Calvary Chapel Children’s Ministry for bible lessons, it has been invaluable and costs nothing! There are many other sites offering teacher resources, have a look.

– Remember, you are the teacher, you have the freedom to decide how your child/ren will learn best. Don’t worry about others who may try to influence your schedule, do what works for you and your kids!

And most importantly, keep up the good work!

Saturday chit chat

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So, after deciding that we would not need to buy a van before the arrival of little no.4 we have now realised that one of the children is too big to fit in additional station wagon seating, and another child soon will be. Tomorrow we go to look at a secondhand van. Although I’m very hesistant to spend the money, I must admit the idea of a roomy van is quite exciting, plus we already have a buyer for our current car.

Its a beautiful autumn day, blue skies, sun shining. The children are on the trampoline enjoying the weather before it turns cold again, so I’m enjoying some “quiet time” to myself.

I feel like making something but need more supplies, my small fabric collection is looking a bit pitiful. I’m trying to come up with more ideas to use up scraps, but then again, how many times do you want to use the same fabric over and over? Hmmm, starting to sound spoilt methinks!

Have a great day!

New in the shop today……

by Kelly 3 Comments

A “Wee Waldorf” doll, only 6 inches tall with knitted organic and hand dyed yarn dress and long flowing alpaca and mohair locks.

A butterfly wristlet, just for fun! It has a knitted body and attaches to the wrist with velcro.

Now, a word about zips!

I’m determined that one day I will be able to insert a zip that looks good, I’ve tried many times and never completed one to satisfaction. Any zip tips from those in the know?

SOLD – THANKYOU!