Kelly

My Creative Space

Every now and then I’m seized with songwriting inspiration and go for it. One of the reasons I don’t write much anymore is I find it hard to deal with interruptions from the children and lose the flow. One day I’ll actually get around to recording something for you all!

My husband’s workplace is soon having a handmade homegrown auction to raise money for a very good cause so I think I’ll make a couple of bags. I’m winging it with this one so hopefully it turns out OK!

To be teamed with the Maisy quilt I’ve been working on this wool felt design for a matching cushion. The quilt has stalled because I’m in need of some flannel for the backing. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying a bit of hand embroidery on the quilt, which is looking pretty good even to my too harsh on myself eyes.

Grab some inspiration from these other creative spaces. and have a most wonderful day 🙂

Real estate speak translations

by Kelly 4 Comments

File:Dilapidated house at Murlaggan - geograph.org.uk - 969611.jpg

As we now search for our next home and are “seasoned buyers” I feel I’m getting quite good at translating the traditional real estate language that most agents seem to speak.

For those of you who don’t have a lot of experience in the home buying game, here are a few pointers for you:

“Plenty of room for the kids to play outdoors” – The house is so tiny it will actually make the yard look massive.

File:Dilapidated house at Blairgie - geograph.org.uk - 1752905.jpg

“Unique staircase” -Exceptionally steep. More of a ladder really. Prepare to climb.

“Cosy” – You won’t be swinging any cats in here!

“Comfortable family home” – Sure, if you have 1.6 children!!

“Renovator’s delight” – Current residents are a family of possums and many families of rodents.

“Overlooking a pond” – Some bright spark dug a gigantic hole two feet from the front door, filled it with water and named it “pond”.

File:Dilapidated croft house at Eyre - geograph.org.uk - 1779627.jpg

All dilapidated house pictures courtesy of wikimedia commons

“Turn of the century, original wood oven” – Hasn’t actually functioned for about 80 years and will need to be removed.

“Unusual” – plain ugly

“Outdoor room that could be utilized as additional guest accommodation” – I wouldn’t put a dog in that cold, dirty, dingy room let alone a guest!!!

Best of luck finding your dream home!

Katie Noonan and Karin Schaup

by Kelly 1 Comment

I was very blessed to attend this show at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Thursday evening. The talent of these two women combined is just astonishing.

Katie’s vocals were stunning.

Karin played flawlessly.

One of the highlights was their cover of Kate Bush’s “Man with the child in his eyes”. I also loved “Evening Hymn” by Henry Purcell, “The wraggle taggle gysises, o!” and “The fields of Athenry”

Nicole M purse

by Kelly 3 Comments

I try to make my little sister a handmade gift for her birthday each year and was racking my brain when I remembered the purse pattern I picked up at Nicole’s stall at the AQC. It was going to be for moi, but I do love to give a gift that I would love for myself!

The satin lining was a bit fiddly to sew but very worth the effort for a classy finish. The outer fabric also came from the AQC. It’s great to put beautiful things to use.

This pattern was a pleasure to use – if you’ve never bought one of Nicole’s patterns I highly recommend it. She goes above and beyond with her tips, explanations and photos so that each pattern is like a mini lesson.

The best part of all this is I remembered an op shop find from years ago and was actually able to find it in my craft mess. A gold purse frame and guess what? Just the right size! Looks like I’ll be getting my purse after all 🙂

Too busy to blog

by Kelly 4 Comments

That’s me this week, but somehow I think it’s a good thing. Busy baking apple pies, (why can’t I just stay in the kitchen permanently?) teaching long division, human anatomy and creation history, scraping + sanding + painting, looking at country properties (sigh) plus a little bit of sewing. None of this leaves much time for blogging, but today I’ve made time to show a little of what I’ve been up to.

I’ve wanted to make some hair accessories for the girls for ages and now that all 3 of them have long hair I had run out of excuses!

I’ve also completed and sent my cushion for Vic’s swap, but as the recipient may not have her parcel yet I’d best not reveal. Now, for today I hope to make some more hair accessories and work on my sister’s birthday present before I run out of time.

Have a great weekend 🙂

Today is..

by Kelly 4 Comments

Admiring pretty new blooms in the garden.

Looking forward to picking our very first lemon. 22 isn’t bad for a first fruiting!

Working on the machine and with a needle for a certain swap.

Love my bias binding maker!

I’m also quite excited that we’re traipsing out to the country on Monday to view some properties. The weather is fabulous here today – I hope the sun is shining wherever you are.

God bless and keep smiling!

Blood Money

by Kelly 1 Comment

I watched this documentary with my husband lastnight. Wow! It was excellent. Narrated by Martin Luther King’s niece, Dr. Alveda King, it takes you through the many historical and present day facets of the business of abortion. Although it is an American production it is totally relevant to any country that allows abortion.

There is so much information in this documentary but I found particularly the testimonies of a former abortion clinic owner and a former abortionist just so shocking and saddening. It also covers the very interesting facts about the specific targeting of African Americans. I wish everyone could see this movie. It’s available on the Blood Money website and in Australia from various sources.

Rip or snip?

by Kelly 6 Comments

Hi all! I’m back from a wonderful Easter with a little gripe. Now, perhaps I’m a little bit precious when it comes to fabric but considering I don’t buy beautiful new fabric all that often maybe I’m justified.
I hate it when the sales assistant rips the fabric instead of cutting! There, I’ve said it – I positively cringe when I see my newly purchased fabric being torn.

Grrrr!

How messy is that?!

Most of my internet purchases have arrived perfectly cut, folded, pressed and packaged – even tied with ribbon sometimes – love it!

What do you think? Does ripping stretch or otherwise damage the fabric in anyway? Have you ever asked a sales person not to rip?

BTW, these fabrics are part of my design for Vic’s cushion swap – more details later!

Happy Easter! + a lot of baking and a little crafting

by Kelly 9 Comments

I’ve been busy preparing for Easter this week, so don’t have a lot to show for myself. The kitchen has been constantly occupied, preparing tasty treats for Easter Sunday as well as our regular meals.

These buns are awaiting their piped crosses.

And because I’ve been in the kitchen so much my craft time has been very limited, so I’ve been making smallish embellishments that will come in handy sometime.

I’m thinking brooches, hair ties, quilt attachments?

The children and I are going to try this tutorial for dyed eggs this year – they look great!

I’ll be having a little blog break over Easter so I hope you all have a joyous and peaceful Easter. See you soon and God bless you all.

Teapot

by Kelly 3 Comments

I like teapots. I like them for their aesthetic and practical applications. When my mother died I received a small teapot of hers which set me on the path of freshly brewed tea. Unfortunately that teapot that gave me many years of piping hot cuppas was accidentally broken recently and I’ve been on the search for a replacement ever since.

All images courtesy of wikimedia commons