Sweet Fabric:
books

There were lots of questions about the knitting calendar when I posted an image recently.

I purchased mine from Sunspun in Canterbury but I've found them online:

at amazon
at book depository

I'm going to purchase the crochet one as well because the knitting one has been such an excellent resource.

at amazon
at book depository

Happy shopping.

PS: Thanks for appreciating flock clock. You'll be pleased to know that the little guy has had no trouble getting to sleep.

Rummage

Still more from the Meet me at Mikes book. Apparently Readings Bookstore are shipping internationally, so if you're not local you can still get your hands on this fabulous book.

I had a wonderful time making up Nan's project. I even used french seams as a little nod to The Frenchman.

The skirt and the Obi are made from a thrifted curtain. It's a Sheridan design. My Obi is reversible. Wonky piecing on one side & wool & ribbon on the reverse.

If you don't know how to French Seam then you should visit Hoppo Bumpo ... her seam along is fabulous.

Finally, I blogged this image with the help of a great tool called Flogger. This application helps you blog multiple images from Flickr. You can read all about it here.

I've been playing around with heaps of different things this week.

I picked up my copy of Meet me at Mikes book last week. I've already made Claire's project & Nan's is finished too.

I've been making more scrappy squares & the stitched "obi" is me playing around with a filler idea for the quilt so I don't have to make as many squares.

I'm also working on a couple of new music box ideas.

Pop in and add your link if you are playing along this week.

I've got my copy of the book.

It's such a lovely book featuring beautiful projects from some of my very favourite crafty spirits.

I followed Claire's instructions (& only deviated twice) to make this super cute little softie for the smallest when she gets home from Darwin.

I've used some of that weird hotel blanket stuff (it's got foam inside it) & an old curtain. I didn't have any felt, so used fabric for the eyes & I only used a .5cm seam allowance.

was the absolute best.

I really enjoyed Claire's post about school lunches & her 70s mum.

I bought this book totally for the title & then shelved it for other "must reads". I've dug it out of the bookshelf & I'm looking forward to losing myself for a while.

I know I'm late with this one. I've read the book & saw the film last night & it's all I can think about.

Points of view here & here.

I confess I have a bit of a fascination for people who take such risk. I didn't like this guy but I guess perhaps a truer character as he lived to write about it ... I liked Chris ...

Have you read the book or seen the movie? What did you think?

are inspiring.

The Story Blanket is just the most wonderful book. It's a children's book (obviously) but I think it's something that belongs on the bookshelf of every crafty spirit. Babba Zarrah & her community will touch your heart.

I bought the book at Readings when I was ordering my copy of this wonderful & exciting project. Meet Me at Mike's includes projects from some of my favourite Australian Crafty Spirits & I'm very much looking forward to the end of March.

Just as Babba Zarrah used the wool provided by her community, Pip has pulled together these projects from the online craft community. She has poured lots of love into the book to make something really beautiful.

I'm sure of one thing...if you're as dedicated & passionate about something as Babba Zarrah & Pip - it's going to be really, really good.

PS: If the opportunity to purchase these books from Readings isn't enough...Did you know that Readings supports the HIPPY programme run by the Brotherhood of St Lawrence?

This is... hosted by Three Buttons. Theme from My Champagne Dreams.

It's really piling up now (& starting to feel intimidating).

I read Goodnight Mr Tom on the Darwin trip. I'm not sure how I missed this book as a kid/teenager. I remember it being a pretty big deal but I think I was all worn out after The Silver Sword (which I loved).

I confess to being a bit nervous about Mr Tom. I'm supposed to be reading it with Grade 5 during this term. There is one part (& you know what it is if you've read it) which was quite shocking & I think quite a lot to take if you're 10 but I really truly loved this book. It's a fabulous read.

I zipped through "Addition" in record time. I loved this book. Although I don't have an affiliation with numbers I could totally relate to the rule thing. This book served to remind me that really I'm just teetering on the edge. I'd only need a little nudge (that's not a challenge - just in case you were wondering).

The remainder of the pile is untouched...I think I'm going with "In Ecstasy" next.

are important. Holidays always start with a visit to the best bookshop - Readings.
.

I was tagged some time ago by the lovely Alexandra for the book tag that's been doing the rounds.

the rules are that I, as the tagged, must:

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123. The book I have is only 98 pages so I've opened to page 23.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.

So here I go...

She began to put out the things for dinner. Now she wished that she had remembered to bring a tablecloth -it made everything look so much nicer. But she had remembered spoons and florks, and her mother had put in plates.

I've posted about The Deserted Cottage before. Oh how I wished to be Maggy Ann & have rolicking adventures in the woods & wheel a bodge to our very own deserted cottage in a lovely clearing in the English countryside.

I won't tag anyone but if you'd like to have a crack consider yourself tagged.

HOW TO MAKE AND DO
100 NEW THINGS
FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

I do love books & I have many favourites - some previously featured but today I'm featuring my favourite vintage Craft Book.

The make & do book is jam packed full of gorgeous projects all really simple & really effective. I love this book & refer to it frequently. The kids & I have made quite a few lovely things from this book.

Thanks Dees & Angela any excuse to get out the make & do book is fabulous.

Now it is time to go home.
Goodbye, Sally, Jane, and Pip!
Goodbye, Lottie and Polly!
There will be more lessons tomorrow.

I'm going out in style. Dick Bruna is an absolute classic & so much a part of my own childhood that I just had to feature The School.

Illustrated & Written by Dick Bruna
Published by Methuen Children's Books London

My Vintage Children's Book Illustration comes from Prayers & Graces for a small child. It's a Rand McNally Tip-Top Elf Book.

It really does have the most beautiful illustrations but the reason I chose it is because scrawled inside in my best year 5 hand writing is "I want this for my kids" KT.

I don't even remember this book having special meaning to me as a child...how funny.

Illustrated by Elizabeth Webbe
Written by Mary Alice Jones in collaboration with Kate Smallwood
Published by Rand McNally & Company, Chicago

Today's vintage illustration comes from a Grimms Fairy Tales book from the 1940s.

There is a smattering of full colour illustrations throughout the book. I like the line drawings just as much.

Illustrated by A E Kennedy
Published by Juvenile Productions Ltd London

Mousies' Marriage is a lovely little story & the illustrations are all gorgeous. I remember some time ago Natalie had illustrations from the book Frisky & Smutty. It's the same illustrator.

Illustrated by Gunilla Bouvin-Hansson
Written by Pauline Fisher
Published by Litor Publishers Ltd in 1956.

A very happy birthday to Pip. You've been my crafty Kick in the Pants the past year. Thank you & I hope your day has been sensational.

I've got another beauty from the 1940s for Pips Vintage Children's Illustration show & tell today.

The Cozy Little Farm has beautiful illustrations in black & white as well as colour.

Illustrated by Angela
Written by Louise Bonino
Published by Random House of Canada in 1946

I'll be back this afternoon with On my desk...

The Banksia Man from a gorgeous book, The Sandman Says gifted to me by the date. He bought it at Pigs Wings in South Yarra which sadly isn't there anymore.

Illustrated by Bill Davies
Written by Frank Kauter
Published by John Sands in 1949

Thanks Pip. I'm having fun sifting through the bookshelf. I'll be back later with my Op Shop post.

the ever lovely Pip is hosting a bit of play-along-fun.

I'm not a serious collector of anything - I just pick up bits & pieces that I like along the way.

I've always had a soft spot for children's books & I was lucky enough to find a copy of The Witty Wizard of Warrandyte a goodly long time ago.

Illustrated by Armstrong
Written by Frances Chapman
Published by Boobook productions (would ya believe it Brooki?). I think around the mid 1940s

I think the black & white illustrations in this book would make lovely stitchery. If I get my act together I might have a crack at one tonight at Brown Owls.

are best of all.

It's been a lovely day. I've enjoyed a nice coffee, done a bit of Op Shopping, a little bit of work & spent quite a bit of time on the couch...a rare treat.

I had an armful of goodies at Ocean Grove today. In town I would have paid about $25 & today I spent only $8. One of my finds was "Successful Dressmaking". It is the most beautiful book. Just look how ace these illustrations are.

inside this book. Yikes.

There is something for everyone. I've been flicking & reading while I should be doing about 100 other things but I just can't stop.

It's got me wondering what this little baby might be worth. It was picked up at the Op Shop last year & I'd have to redecorate.....Hmmm.....I think I need to consult with Mr Carter.