Be Still, My Heart

Marvel and wonder at these incredible embroidered book covers - so beautiful.

Jillian Tamaki has been working on these - and I have to say, I'd buy the books just for the covers alone.

I love the work-in-progress shots too. Makes you realise that a person, with a vision and their own two hands, stitched these pieces.

Be amazed! Check out her site, her creativity knows no bounds.

I saw these via A Cup of Jo

Quiet Stitches

Just some quiet stitches I've been stealing before bed time. When Clover says their pen will disappear into thin air, they really mean it. That pen means business.

And three new buttons to add to my collection.

Lotsa Lotsa Lotsa

I'm about to set a new trail for myself. I'm a little frightened by it. But it has to be done. I've been freelancing for a while, but I need some sort of regular gig to bring home some bacon, or at least some snouts or something. And I'm nervous.

You may be wondering why? My children are both at an age where they separate well.

But it's me who doesn't separate well. In fact tension just riddles my body when I am away from my wee ones. I hate it, wish it wasn't this way, but it is. I prefer to be with my little tikes.

And then of course there's the problem of finding a role with flexibility for a mama. It's not easy folks.

So meanwhile I'm thinking and stitching. Lotsa lotsa lotsa, something the Doctor used to say with such regularity when he wanted some more of something. Probably ice cream or chocolate.

The Gentle Art Of Quiet Stitching

Lately I've been enjoying stitching. I'm still stitching my sister's belated birthday present, because each time I get to feeling almost finished, I decide to embellish it further. This could continue for a while, however the more stitches the pillowcase collects, the firmer the fabric becomes and she may well feel like she's sleeping on a piece of cardboard. So I will stop soon.

But stitching provides me with such a nice rhythmic, solo pursuit.

As a mother it's rare these days that I get to do anything solo. So stitching is usually left to bed time, when I pore over my colours, selecting them with care, and then stitching. Sometimes I colour match incorrectly and spend the next evening carefully unpicking, but it's all part of it. And the truth is, sometimes those imperfections are part of the beauty of stitching.

My grandmother is an incredible stitcher. Sadly, she's almost blind, however I know each of my sisters and I cherish anything that has been hand-stitched by our Marsy. I constantly seek inspiration from her embroidery and can spend many minutes looking with amazement at her incredibly tiny stitches. I have this towel that she must have given to me at least ten years ago, which I've never used because it's too special. I know she'd want me to use it, but look at the work, no way Jose!
Who's your inspiration?

The Smallest Stitches

Following on from the Stitches & Craft show, I've been busting myself to get cracking on the printed fabric I bought from Lisa Tilse. It's going to be part of a quilt for one of my friend's new babes.

My curse per stitch ratio is particularly high at the moment, quite impressive really. I am quite talented when it comes to getting my floss in a tangle. I would even say I am excelling at tangling it. Maybe I should try embroidering cursive fonts. Get it? Get it?!

Underneath is a vintage tablecloth I found once at a sale. It had already been printed up with the embroidery pattern, but it had never realised it's potential (ie it's never been embroidered), so I've been working on that too.

Something I Found In A Bin

It's been almost a year since my epic affair with someone else's bin, and so it seems only fit that I show you something else I found in a bin. A long time ago, but I've never mentioned it, until today that is folks.

Would you believe someone had tossed this little beauty out?

Along with this, I found a bag of fabric scraps, which was intermingled with a whole bunch of panty-hose (fancy crafty bank robbery anyone?) - which I declined to hold onto for fairly obvious reasons, a letter dated August 1971, and an awesome child's armchair which has gone to my brother-in-law in the hope that he might one day find some time to reupholster it for me, because damn fool, it's positively darling.

Birthdays On The Rise

Matt's birthday is in just nine sleeps. Egads. I am not even close to being organised. I hate last minute birthday shopping. I like to get things months in advance so that I have time to forget what I've bought. I love choosing things that I think the recipient will lurve. But yikes. Matt's birthday. I had good intentions. Such good intentions.

I was going to make him a cushion (apparently it's all about the cushion for me at the moment, but what else can you make a man when you're a novice stitcher?!). I'd better get my skates on and start a-stitching otherwise this cushion train is about to depart. Initially I had thought I'd use some of the doilies I bought, but then I took a long hard look at myself and thought - what type of man wants a doily cushion? Probably not my man is the answer to that one folks. Matt + doilies is a little bit weird methinks. But Matt plus linen and stitching = ace of base.

Luckily for me, one of my good friends gave me this gorgeous Japanese embroidery book yesterday. Jam packed full of beautiful images and ideas. I would be hard-pressed to walk away from this book unenthused for embroidery. So this weekend imagine me stitching in secret. Commando rolling while couching, it's going to be a hard task, but I think I'm up to it. If all else fails it will just have to be one of those un-secret birthday presents.

My Eyes Are Just Aching

Here's the scoop. I've been a little slack on the blog front lately. Struggling to post on my own. Reading a few favourites each day (via Google Reader) but hardly commenting. Totally unlike me, because I love to give hi-fives, I love to see what's cookin' in your kitchen (figuratively speaking), I'm mad for a big too-long group huggle, but lately, I feel like my batts are flat. My reader was bulging when it got to over 1000 posts and I knew it was time for myself to have an intervention with...myself.

So I'm trying to be good. I keep every comment in the hope that I will come visit you. I do. I was trying to respond on the day of the comment, but it's hard, so please forgive me. In this case, it really isn't you - it's me. If you don't already, perhaps you can do this...? Kootoyoo has hooked us all up with a super tip that makes it easy to respond to commenters (except for you Anonymous, we don't want to be pen-friends with YOU!).

In an effort to be a become a better member of the blogging community I deleted some blogs from my Google Reader (secretly, I think I just added them because I thought I was cool by association - regardless of the fact they have NO IDEA WHO I AM!), now I am down to 743 posts to read.

Anyway, lately, I've been doing stuff. Stuff and things are good, here's some stuff I have been doing:

- walking training with Tiny. Well she walks, I clap. That's training for you.

- going to Spotlight to buy new bamboo embroidery hoops (because the Doctor gave mine away). Lo and behold, they only have MASSIVE ones, so I have to make do with the plastic. I don't think they are quite so fantastic.

- making casseroles. I love a good casserole.

- drawing with the Doctor.

- knitting. Have to master the art of casting off and then I'm going to do a course to learn to read a pattern.

- embroidery. Now I have a new hoop I can resume stitchin' and then some.

- we're going to visit my parents-in-law's dog Charlie tomorrow. He got hit by a car last Friday and is now the bionic dog with a steel plate in his leg. Go Charlie, go!

Oh and le image? On our way to Spotlight, The Doctor pushing Tiny in the car.

A Vested Interest

I've started stitching some little singlets for Tiny. I've never made anything for her, except the pom-poms, and this is only small. But from little things..

Stitching is like keeping time. I know when things are made because of the size or the style of my stitch. As I learn, I evolve my work, it's just small. It's just little. But little snippets of my creativity might just make it into my little people's lives when they are older.

More little things over here.

Keep On Stitchin'

I signed on for the Georgie Love Swapapalooza. Call me crazy, since you've probably NEVER seen any finished projects here, but I'm hoping (fingers crossed) I can get my sister to help me stitch something up in time for my swap partner. I can't get this song out of my head, but never mind, I'm sure my swap partner might like something half finished. Some random bits of embroidery. Are you biting your nails in anticipation? Jeepers, I sure am.

While I've been creating in my head for my swap partner (these things must be kept a secret, surely?), I've been stitching away on the couch at night. Still aimlessly stitching. I don't know what I am going to do with these, but I've had fun stitching them up.

As usual, they're from Sublime Stitching.

Magical March: Day 19

The hot lunch date was super good. Recharged our love batts, remembering dates from long ago, ate a sandwich together, uninterrupted conversation. Ok there was not much conversation during lunch because these were big sandwiches. And delish too. But it was fun hanging out, in the big shiny city.

And we did manage to capture our first date in a long time on film. Or photo paper at least. Matt and I used to routinely seek out photo booths during our courtship days (I love the word courtship and try and weave it into as much conversation as possible) and have collected loads of strips of photos this way. So we snuck into a booth and captured ourselves. Dodgy photo of photos, but you get the drill, capiche?

And you asked for more of the doily delights, perhaps I can do daily doily delights (or not, how much doily can you bear?). You know I counted over 80 doilies in that choc box, so you know, it could keep me blogging a lot more.

this one's my favourite. if i were a bride over again (fear not Matt, just thinking if we did our wedding again), I'd be working this baby into my dress somehow. heavenly deeelight!

Waving A Very Magical Wand: Day 18

She was right. I did succumb. I did go back and make the purchase. It wasn't until 4pm, but I gave in to the lacy daydreams, and the stitches of time long ago. Crankypants was still manning the shop but I went in. I bought that booty load of doilies and beautiful embroidery, and boy oh boy, I am so pleased I did. I've been going through the box over and over - it's all so beautiful. One woman's handiwork is this woman's treasure. How could anyone just give this up to the op-shops? I will never know, but I am so glad they did.

Today I'm doing some work 'things' so I am out all day and the smalls are staying with my kind sister who has volunteered to babysit for me. I'm particularly excited because I have two hours break - so my lover (read: my husband) and I are going on a lunch date. We've not been on a date in yonks, so I can't wait to dazzle him with my charm and wit (or really just eat a sandwich together and loll about in the sunshine).

Back to something interesting. Here are just part of the loot I scored.

And in case you ever wonder, I do give back to the looting fairies. I just put a whole bunch of stuff out on the street for council collection tomorrow. I hope someone gets into it and finds some treasure.

Sewing Scoop de la Scoop

I think it's week four of sewing classes. I seem to be the dunce in the class, always getting a rap over the knuckles for a number of reasons:

a) not being able to get the bobbin in
b) over-stitching
c) accidentally tacking the wrong piece
d) generally not knowing how to sew

Last week I left with a battered ego. If I wasn't getting in trouble at the Doctor's pre-school for lunch packing technique, I was getting chastised in front of my whole class for my lack of sewing prowess.

Never mind.

I am on the home run for my top. I won't show you it this week. There's not much to show. I'm just hand-sewing the hem, finishing the darts and when I have finished it, I will show you (until then, remember to breathe).

But I am steaming ahead with my stitching. Well slowly steaming. After all, I am the slow stitcher. (See how I got sick of stitching in purple, so I've switched to the pink just for fun - and crazy as it seems, that's what stitching is for me - fun to the power of rad (and something to do while watching this - did you watch it?? That Claire Verity is one nutcase)).

And before you think I am some kind of creative genius, these designs are all from Jenny Hart's 'Sublime Stitching'.

So now it's Friday. Thank goodness. The whole weekend awaiting our hands to mould it into whatever it will be.

We have a fairy & pirate party to attend. Excellent! Tiny cupcakes to be baked. Yeehaaaar! What fun stuff are you up to this weekend? Do tell!

I Bought A Piece of Linen

Amazing isn't it? That I didn't just find a piece of nice linen lying on the side of the road? Not this time. Maybe another time. But for now, I settled for a remnant of this linen which feels luverly.

I'm just stitching with no finished project in mind. Just stitching. Just me and my floss and needle with nowhere to go.

I've been absent from around these parts. It's true. All I have to say is: I scream, you scream we all scream for ice cream.

Scallops, Anyone?

I had this strange idea in my head that since I was well on my way stitching, that I could go freestyle. Whack I know. I don't know what came over me. Ego? Bravado? A little cocky perhaps? Or maybe it's just the heat? Yes! Yes, let's put it down to the heat throwing me into some false sense of stitching prowess.

I've not been doing much of anything really, except trying to declutter, but sometimes I sneak some time to resume stitching this wee little handkerchief. The 'M' turned out ok, but I got a little bored, so went to do a border (I am so fickle, aren't I?). I was thinking a sweet scalloped edge. Started out ok, then went wayward. Sloppy.

Can I bothered to unpick it and start again? Probably not given this is the measly amount I've stitched since my last report.

In other breaking news, I resume sewing lessons on Monday. This will give you ample time to pop the corn, break out the choc tops and wait patiently for my next round of sewing catastrophes.

PS - Spare a cool thought for the all the Southern Belles melting, melting, ahhh they're melting. Oh what a world!

Progress Report: Not To Be Sneezed At

Dear Diary,

So I continued on with my wonky little project to hand.

Dear Diary, I had to intermittently take breaks because for some unknown reason, I felt a lot of pressure with this stitchery.. I'm worried she'll think it's too wonky.

But besides some little hearts I want to add - and I mean little as in teeny tiny, I think it's done. Cute? Quaint? Will my friend know how I love her so?

What do you think Diary?

I'm starting another, and I hope to be a little more lucid with this one. I'm thinking of letting go of the uptight me, the one that's worrying, and just go forth and create. I hope this works dear Diary, because otherwise I may have to take stress leave from my embroidery.

Pimp Stitch always has some awesome ideas. Inspirations. Colours. Ideas.. Ahh I can tap that.

In other reports, I have three things that I am sending to Pip. In exchange, she's sending me three things. I hope she likes the three things I have carefully selected for her. I'm doing well with my decluttering. I've already taken two big boxes to the op shop, with plans for more next week. Monday - Post Office.

Anyway diary, I'm feeling weary. Must go brush my hair one hundred times, repaint my fingernails, apply my fake tan with one hand and stare longingly at my Rick Astley posters. A busy day.

xxx

Wedding Bells

My very good friend is getting married. If ye are she, then don't read on.

If you are not, then read on and please, gimme some feedback.

I'm embroidering onto a handkerchief. A little old school I know, but I thought, perhaps a little romantic, a little whimsical. I hope you don't say naff, that's not an adjective I want to be hearing! Oh and I am doing it in their wedding colours to tie it all in.

So I got a little scared about the initials, so am leaving them 'til last (hey why not work backwards?!). I bordered it with chain stitch, and have done the wedding date.. It's a little wonky I know, but is it endearing, or just plain ugly/wonky?

Help a bridesmaid out.

PS - Don't forget my giveaway. You can still enter. You can still help me declutter my house (I promise, no dustballs for you!).

To Fill Or Not To Fill

Just in case you were wondering how that pillowcase was going, well, it's on the home straight. It's been a whole lotta love and a whole lotta work, but it's almost there. Phew!

I've strayed away from the pink petals for a little - I get sidetracked and need the distraction of a new colour, one big petal takes me a looooong time. There's certainly no chance of their being two pillowcases. Squeak and eek!

Anyway, do you think I need to fill the petal? Or leave it as is? I made it a chunkier split-stitch so it might be ok on its own. Matt digs it like this, doesn't need filling he says, but what say you dear reader?

PS - Heading off on holidays tomorrow. House is in a state of chaos. We have a million things we have to do (well I have to do) before we actually get in the ready-packed car. I hate those stupid last minute things. Anyway, tomorrow we drive off into the countryside. Yeeehaaaaa. I can't wait.

Happy travels - and happy shopping - what's with all the rude people that seem to have left their manners at home?!

Oh The Love

So I met the newest member of our family today. Oh man. She is sweet. So tiny. So delicate. Babies really are like flowers - as the days go on, their faces seem to unfurl like petals, they blossom - the reason my daughter's middle name is Rosie.

And my sister is amazing. She's baked and birthed a beautiful healthy baby and after all that, she glows.

Women are incredible, aren't they? I always marvel at our bodies.

At the risk of getting all smoochy, I'll take a sharp right here and show another wee singlet for the wee new one. The girl needs pink. I know this gal can understand!

And you know what - I'm going to stitch some more little things for this precious new babe.

Since You're All Such Big Fans

*peering over my sunglasses at you*


I couldn't resist but share a picture of everyone's favourite main man. Horatio Caine. Big ups to the writers of CSI for giving him such a crazy name. Wow David Caruso - you've never been cooler or kookier. High fives all 'round. BTW - he's got copies of everyone's DNA and swiped your keyboard for epithelials in case you get up to something a little naughty (perhaps now that I've dabbled in a little CSI street-speak you see how far my fascination goes?).


Enough frivolity! That's not the pottymouthmama spirit, is it? No. Back to work. Heads down and all that, a rose by any other name?

It's looking sweet without being sappy, right? Help a stitcher out. Someone asked if it's french knots, but no, it's my favourite stitch of all time - backstitch (I never thought I'd be saying 'my favourite stitch of all time'). Even the underside is looking neat - and that is no mean feat. Most of the time the underside of my stitching is messy as though a bunch of mice have been pulling at it and making a nest out of my lovely floss.


On another stitching front - sewing week class number seven - finished the pyjama top, finished another pair of pyjama bottoms for one of my nephews, and didn't even stitch an inch on my top. Bah humbug!


Here's my model (aka The Doctor) showing off his new pyjama top. Look how thrilled he was - lying down on the ground - with tongue poking out. If only all models were this charming (Kate Moss take note). I bribed him with a square of chocolate to put the darn thing on. Hopefully my rosie stitching recipient does not react in the same way, or I'll have to bribe them with chocolate too.