Tamsyn says "ta"

From the bottom of her dear little heart, she thanks you for all her birthday wishes.  Turning 1 really does seem to be a milestone, and in some ways is a great confidence boost.

This photo was actually taken in late October last year, so she wasn't even 6 months old.  I took it on the phone's camera, one of those spontaneous moments that you can't help but love.  I can almost hear her saying "Give me the phone Mum, I want to eat it".  That's my girl....

So a bag update is in order.  Agfest wasn't as successful as I'd hoped, but then I was never sure it was the right target market anyway.  I'm thinking of re-opening the Etsy shop, otherwise it's local weekend craft markets which is virtually impossible for me.  I currently have 2 bags for sale at Hilbarn's little shop, and if you're in (or likely to visit) northern Tasmania then I recommend a look see.

The shop is full of lovely vintage finds, and also some of Tara's beautiful cushions.  The bag on the left is using some more gorgeous Ink & Spindle Birch fabric and the other has Pippijoe's ever popular Nest fabric.

I really need to pull my finger out and sell sell sell!!!

one

One year ago tonight this was the scene, a new Mum with her new baby girl.  We hadn't even decided on her name yet, and judging by my expression I was too exhausted to think about that right then.

But she couldn't be any name other than Tamsyn, and this first year of her existence has been filled with a whole lot of love, lessons and laughter.

Let the good times roll....

(the dress was made in time for her birthday, another pattern from Ottobre magazine)

time to get out of this funk...

...before it swallows me up whole.... and before Tania tells me off again.... ;)

Things have been pretty mad around here and I just didn't feel that I was in the right frame of mind to blog about it.  I struggle enough with writers block as it is, although it's interesting that I find myself composing a lovely little blog post while sewing and as soon as I go near the computer it's gone.  Does this happen to anyone else?

So anyways, I made a prototype bag for myself a while ago.  Something that sits nicely in the basket of the pram and holds all my stuff without giving it a pot belly.  I was quite happy with it and decided to make some more to sell -

(thanks to Miss Gertrude for being my model)  I'm really loving these Ink & Spindle fabrics, and are so inspired by what these girls can do.  I may also make a satchel style as well, it just depends on how popular these are at Agfest - a friend has a stand there each year and kindly agreed to try and sell them for me.  Although I may be catering to the wrong clientele.  Only time will tell......

is it cheating?

I did an op-shop (opportunity shop/thrift etc etc...) hunt this time, and found this beauty for $4.99.  Yes it is handknitted, but in China, so I didn't feel too guilty about undoing the seams.

I wanted to make some footed, knitted pants for Tara's bub-to-be and knew I wouldn't knit them in time -

So I used a legging pattern from one of my Ottobre magazines and the sleeves from the jumper, cutting them long enough for me to sew the cuffs shut and make feet.  I didn't line them because they'll be worn over a growsuit, but did make a casing for the elastic waistband out of some light weight jersey rib so it wouldn't be too bulky.

I was really pleased with how these turned out, and couldn't wait till Tara's baby shower so gave them to her the other day.  She was pretty happy with them too. 

I'm still trying to come up with ideas for the body of the jumper...

Oh and the foot?  I had my six week follow up appointment with the surgeon on Monday.  He's happy with the way it's healed so no more daggy boot.  The challenge now is to get my walking fitness back, doggy is pleased.

meanwhile, back at the sewing machine.....

My foot is letting me sit at the machine for a bit, which has cheered me up no end.

Tamsyn needs some new cooler weather pants so I made these from red cord with some Kokka (I think) print lining.  I've also cut out a pair in green cord at the same time, and are literally sewn up in a jiffy.  :)

I've also made some more bibs, using some of my stash of discontinued upholstery samples in linen/cotton blends and backed with an old bath towel I've cut up which makes them ultra absorbent for one spewy dribbly little girl.

Ant likes his black shirts, and this one was getting really ratty on the collar and cuffs.  So the other day I mentioned to him how I'd like to cover said collar and cuffs with some contrasting fabric.  He straight away grabbed my little stash of more groovy fabrics (with me hovering beside him telling him which fabrics were just too precious to cut up yet!) and pounced on this loud orange Prints Charming fabric.  I knew it would be best not to tackle this sort of thing on the machine, and I really enjoyed spending the afternoon and evening sewing these on by hand, while Tamsyn played or slept.  Too easy.

This is the Pod Swaddler, which I've made for Tamsyn's cousin who's due to enter the world in June.  Tara chose the fabric (Amy Butler) and I lined it with flannel.  I wish I'd known about these before Tamsyn was born, I probably would've made a couple for her.  At least I know what to make for future babies, and would be the perfect baby shower gift too.

in my invalid state

I laid aside my knitting....

..... and picked up my hand quilting....

Some of you may remember this quilt, and I'm ashamed to say that it had been neglected for a looooong time.  But hey, I've done a truck load of other stuff in the mean time!  I may get this quilt done in time for Tamsyn's birthday which is in 2 months time, can you believe it?  My girl is nearly one year old!!!  (and not far from walking either....)

My foot is mending nicely.  I went back to the surgeon on Wednesday and he took the plaster 'splint' off the side of my foot, which was wonderful as the thing was really starting to annoy me.  Each day it's getting better and better, although I still have to wear that daggy boot and have to walk on the heal of my foot.

Have a great weekend everyone.

no pain no gain

At least that's what I keep telling myself...

Thank you all so very much for your well wishes, it really means a lot to me.  Now I have to take it easy and mend, and accept the help of others (I hate being a burden!!).

I might even pick up the knitting needles tomorrow....