I love a can do attitude. I like people who make stuff happen. I like folks who enable other people. I like a generosity of spirit.
A couple of items have come my way this week (via great girls with "can do" attitude) & I thought they might interest you guys...
YOU CAN help someone else...
Help raise much needed funds for young cancer sufferers.
How You Can get in the Christmas spirit It’s simple for the public to get involved this Christmas. You Can’s primary fundraising mechanic calls on Australians to recycle their old mobile phones – turning trash into much needed funds.
You Can Post It! Simply log onto www.youcan.org.au and request a Reply Paid mobile phone recycling envelope to include in your gift-giving this Christmas. Redundant mobile phones can also be dropped into You Can bins located in a range of retailers nationwide: Sony Centre, Best & Less, Harvey Norman and Leading Edge Computers
How does You Can work? It’s simple! You Can’s chief fundraising mechanic calls on Australians to recycle their old mobile phones – turning trash into much needed funds. It’s estimated that there are anywhere between 15 to 20 million unused phones in Australian homes!
Sony Foundation has partnered with Folamh, an Irish recycling company, to swap old mobile phones for cash to raise money for the development of youth cancer centres. All donated phones will be recycled for reuse. That means, once collected, phones will be refurbished and resold. Any mobile phone that cannot be resold will be broken down into its constituent parts and responsibly recycled. So simply by donating an old mobile phone, Australians can directly contribute to You Can’s fundraising appeal, whilst also contributing to a greener planet.
&/OR
YOU CAN help yourself...
Learn to screenprint right here in Melbourne.
If you book into a class in the next two weeks Laura is offering a FREE hand printed tea-towel! - you can find out more here for class dates
You just need to do is get in touch with Laura via email learn2screenprint@gmail.com to express your interest.
5 favourite thoughts, which turned into clicks, which turned into more thoughts from this week.
1. It's all about the pincushion & as a result I've found... 2. Namolio ... just beautiful, beautiful pieces. 3. Crochet doilies. I'm really quite obsessed - I think it was the refashion of the chair... 4. which leads me to wood & specifically the burning of wood. 5. I've been thinking about cushions for my couch too. Check out this lovely space.
Our kids are masterchefing it with the best of them. They love it!
The Date & I prefer UK but are both enjoying the enthusiasm from the kids. We all watch together each night. The whole experience is much more pleasurable if watched in conjunction with this.
The small boy has been very patiently waiting for chocolate souffle. I'd promised for last night so had to deliver.
I used this recipe from the cook & the chef.
It didn't rise above the ramekins but I think that's because I followed the instructions & only 1/2 filled. Next time I'd do 2/3 full for this recipe.
I don't remember my night time dreams often & I really wish I did.
So, I've done my best to recreate the dream during my waking hours & I thought I'd share.
Many of you know that I run (& run & run & run). I get up early & I don't miss a day.
I have my best ideas when I run & often if something has me stumped then the problem will be solved on the run too.
Serious athletes call it "The Zone". I don't care about peak performance or improving my time. I run to dream. What's more I don't think you need to run to dream awake.
Here are my tips:
-You need to make time.
-Get out in the fresh air.
-If you can run - do. If you're not a runner then walk.
-Unplug. People can't believe I don't listen to anything while I run but I reckon you need to let your mind go blank.
-Push it. I need to have gone about 5kms before the dream kicks in. For you it might be shorter (or longer).
-If your dream starts to turn into a nightmare...stop!
This is why I run. Not for glory, not for achieving personal bests, its for times like this when everything comes together creating a feeling like no other. I'm fully engaged, living in the moment, enjoying every moment. Knowing that this experience is repeatable is what keeps me going out for more. As I said at the start few sporting experiences can match running in The Zone. From here I believe that the Good Lord gave us a finite number of heartbeats and I'm damned if I'm going to use up mine running up and down a street. Neil ArmstrongSorry Neil - I intend to use up every last beat on the run.
Are you moving it like mike?
OR maybe running with and/or supporting Jhoanna and Anna - they are both raising funds for their charity of choice?
You've got to know when to hold them.... Know when to fold them... Know when to walk away... Know when to run...
OR just because you "can" doesn't mean you should!
I made this little guy for Craft Hope found via Loobylu.
The idea really touched me & I so wanted my doll to be utterly gorgeous & super squishy & cuddly. In an effort to make him "perfect" I decided to follow a pattern (this was mistake number 1). His arms & legs are way too long & his head is way too small & I had to stuff him too firmly so that his neck didn't flop. The only thing I like about this doll is his hair treatment which I made up!
My second mistake was using super soft expensive looking (but op shop purchased) stretch fabric which I then had to retrospectively interface! YIKES.
My obsessive, competitive nature won't allow me to be beaten (I prefer to think of it as "never say die").
I know I should run & leave this sort of thing to super clever people who actually have some talent (& for the time it's taken me I'd have been better purchasing from them & posting):
Jhoanna :: her shop Fiona :: her shop Victoria :: her shop Michelle :: her shop
I've already cut out & interfaced & started the embroidery for my "no pattern" doll. I really hope he works!
I've made myself a new banner & am considering a move to Typepad. It seems like it's easier to keep everything under control over there? I'd appreciate your thoughts if you've experience in both blogger & typepad.
I've been feeling that things have gotten a little stale over here & am enjoying the friendly banter over at twitter. I want to make things a bit more friendly here too. We'll see how it goes...
This is the current blog roll. All well loved blogs I visit but I'm needing to shake things up around here.
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.
This fabric picked up at the Op Shop tickles my fancy. I'm old enough to remember Commodore 64 & Apple IIe.
Just look at that seam joining the panels - can you even see it? You might need your specs. Clearly I'm not a sewing geek - I couldn't be fagged with that effort.
On the seam front...have you been following Liesl's Seamalong. She's super good.
Angry Chicken I'm just loving every single post at the moment. Amy's posts are reading like I think. There's lots going on over at her place & I'm really enjoying the pace.
More people I play close attention to: when they speak...I listen.
I'm not usually one to follow instructions of any kind. But my recent instruction following crafting episodes have been very good to me. I'm finding that 9 times out of 10 someone else has done it smarter, faster, cooler & safer than I ever could.
Soon to be released: THE craft book crammed with projects (by some of my favourite crafty spirits) I know I'm going to want to have a go at. So I'm working on practicing my ability to carefully read instructions.
Yesterday the big girl announced that she needed a new pencil case. I had some Op Shopped denim which I embroidered the pencils onto (I've got a fair blister on my pointer finger from that exercise). It presented the perfect opportunity to follow a tutorial I've had on my "to do" for a very long time.
Excellent instructions:
For Free: how to make a lined zippered pouch super speedy & super easy.
how to bind a book via Gemma. Easy to follow diagrams & a great gift idea.
how to make fabric flowers links to her flickr & you tube tutorials from her sidebar.
how to make a pincushion really beautiful result in record time!
how to seam fabulous series, well researched & clearly presented.
For a small fee (but well worth the dosh)! how to make your own undies from a t-shirt such a fabulous pattern with clear, well written instructions for absolutely the best kind of craft.
how to make a puff purse - using a purse frame kit wonderful hand holding instructions accompany this fabulous & super cute pattern.
illustration by Janet & Anne Grahame Johnstone from Dean's Gift Book of Fairy Tales
The final list.
I slowed down a bit toward the end of the month. But I really quite enjoyed this & I love having a record.
a beautiful mess brown design inc che & fidel doobleh vay elsa & hugo hens teeth here's looking at me kid hurrah kids & cocktails label-free little letters make something miss jane moonshine & piffle oonaballoona pandora pink penguin q's daydream resurrection fern simple lovely sugar city journal the paper planes the secret bee tiny red will bryant wolfie & the sneak
Assemblage Kirsten shares my name - of course I'm going to love her. A visit to Assemblage is like a breath of fresh air. I love every single thing she makes & the beautiful pictures she takes.
More inspiring folk you might like to stop in on: They speak ... I listen
Every once in a while something of mine turns up somewhere super lovely.
Just for the record:
----- Apartment Therapy The Apartment Therapy Mission Helping people make their homes more beautiful, organized and healthy by connecting them to a wealth of resources, ideas and community online.
What We Believe A calm, healthy, beautiful home is a necessary foundation for happiness and success in the world.
Creating this home doesn’t require large amounts of money or space. It requires inspiration, connection to resources and motivation to do something about it.
The basic elements of good home design can be learned and achieved by all.
Simplicity and luxury are not mutually exclusive.
Spool holder
----- Craftzine Introducing CRAFT: The first project-based magazine dedicated to the renaissance that is occurring within the world of crafts. Celebrating the DIY spirit, CRAFT's goal is to unite, inspire, inform and entertain a growing community of highly imaginative and resourceful people who are transforming traditional art and crafts with unconventional, unexpected and even renegade techniques, materials and tools; people who undertake amazing crafting projects in their homes and communities. Christmas Decorations, Corner Bookmark, Granny Square Necklace, Spool holder
----- Craft Gossip Confused about everything crafty out there? Not sure where to go and what to buy for your latest craft idea? Can't find that kitsch pattern that everyone else is talking about? Well worry no more! CraftGossip is all the latest news from real craft people telling you about the real stuff. We scour the net looking for the best craft ideas and projects and review them for you. Corner Bookmark, Embroidery on Dark Fabric, Hand pieced Pincushion, Photo to embroidery pattern, Twisted Cord
----- Mixtape Zine Mix tape zine is a collision of craft, eco-cool and pop culture kitsch it features recipes, eco tips, crafty people profiles, ethical business practices etc - you can purchase back issues here or find out more here. Find Justine here and Nichola’s blog here. my collection in issue 6
----- Nuts about Needlepoint An encyclopedia of needlepoint and thread information for all stitchers. Learn about Janet M. Perry's needlepoint projects, read book and product reviews, and find articles about techniques, threads, and more Twisted Cord
----- One Pretty Thing One Pretty Thing is a daily website dedicated to bringing you inspiring projects for a more beautiful life. Corner Bookmark, Drawstring Bag, Embroidered carry all, Embroidery on dark fabric, Fabric Notebook Cover, Photo to Embroidery Design, Quilt Quiver, Tealight Holder, Twisted Cord
----- Quilting Board The Quilter's message board. Thank you Sondray for linking to my projects.
----- Sew Mama Sew You’ll find some handy sewing tips and inspiration. Whether you’re just learning to sew, or have been sewing forever.
The Sew,Mama,Sew! blog is pulled together each week by Kristin and Beth. Who both sew whenever they can and love fabric with a passion.
If you’re looking for fabulous fabric and patterns, please take a look at the Sew,Mama,Sew! store.
Drawstring Backpack, How to fold a fat quarter
----- Tipnut I think we all have them, those mile high piles of household tips and life hacks that we’ve collected over the years. They’re messy, disorganized and once they’ve been ‘filed’, those tips are nowhere to be found again.
TipNut.com isn’t anything fancy. It’s simply my way of putting together all the cool tricks I’ve accumulated over the years into a simple, searchable, online filing box–this website. Some of them I’ve tried, some of them I don’t know if I’ll ever try. But I do know they’ll be here if I need them–and I’m happy to freely share everything with you too! Simple square pincushion
----- Whip Up Whip up: To prepare quickly. To excite. To create. To incite. To build. To invent. To conceive. To push. To upset. To manufacture. To provoke.
This website has been created in order to bring the best original and exciting crafts to the attention of many. To create a community of artists, crafters and makers and share ideas in a central space.
Embroidered Carry All, Embroidery on Dark Fabric, Corner Bookmark, Handpieced Pincushion, Pillowcase Shoulder Bag, Sausage Dog CD cover, Simple Square Pincushion, Toadstool Pincushion
Thank you lovely folk for the thumbs up. It's much appreciated.
Do you come here often? You may or may not have noticed that I've added a little something to my sidebar. I'm hanging off every word of a special someone each week.
-------- kaotic kraft kuties Gemma is a super good creative spirit. Generous with her ideas & just a tier one person.
jimmy trickle Cato is clever & wordy & wonderful. She is the maker of the best pincushion I have ever seen.
maya*made Maya & I have so much in common. She's really generous with her ideas & shares heaps of tutorials. Her barn is to die for!
pia jane bijkerk Visiting Pia is like dropping in on an old friend. There is always something creative & new & magical at her place.
To all the girls I've loved before Who travelled in and out my door I'm glad they came along I dedicate this song To all the girls I've loved before
To all the girls I once caressed And may I say I've held the best For helping me to grow I owe a lot I know To all the girls I've loved before
The winds of change are always blowing And every time I try to stay The winds of change continue blowing And they just carry me away Willie Nelson & Julio Iglesias
