Day 28:: Frocktober - So You Think You Can Nana.

This frock has a story. Pre-Frocktober I spied it in a oppie. I walked past it. I walked back to it. I looked at it. I touched it. I wasn't sure about it. So I Instagrammed it and asked you if it was too nana. 

After many people said, yep, too nana, I went and tried it on. And I liked it. Actually. I really loved it.

Not only is it vintage, but it's hand-made - and the detail is pretty darn charming. The buttonholes have been carefully hand-stitched, the lining has been carefully selected to match the green of the print. I could say I fell in love with it. 

So I snapped it up. And waited and waited and waited to wear it. 

And today was that day. It might be a bit nana, but I really love it. 

Add a belt and a pair of heels and it freshens things up. The fabric is SO so good, it's just cute.

SO this is the dress that you might have hated and I definitely fell head over heels for.

There's only three days left of Frocktober. If you've been thinking about sponsoring me - the time is nigh! 

Dress: Vintage
Shoes: Country Road
Belt: Country Road
Earrings: Sophie Kyron

Day 20:: Frocktober - Nani Iro

Only 11 days to go of Frocktober my friends! I am pretty certain that's a relief - as it is for me, driving to work on Friday I thought how tired I felt. Frocktober this year coincides with a crazy-busy period at work, and doing both has left me feeling a little pooped.

I am buoyed however by everyone's support. In fact, I am totally blown away. 

I appreciate that everyone has their own charities that they are passionate about - as I do too, so every time every single person makes a donation, I am so, so grateful. 

A massive thank you to all of my sponsors - all 109 of you!! If I think of 109 people - that's major for me - because really, all I have to do is wear a dress every day. I so appreciate your support.

Dress: Made by my sister, Sarah - from beautiful Nani Iro fabric, this dress is a joy to wear
Shoes: Country Road
Earrings: Sophie Kyron
Sunglasses: LeSpecs
Bangles: Really old

**I've realised Tiny holds my phone on a jaunty angle, which means I always look a little sideways.

Send Teegs To Mexico

Being part of the blogging community, you get to know really awesome people. Like you. And you. And you dear reader.


AND like Tegan. I 'met' Tegan of Ink & Spindle fame - gosh, must be at least four years ago. She is vivacious, tenacious, enthuasiastic, uber talented, intelligent and beautiful to boot. And she's funny.

Teegs has the opportunity to travel to Mexico for a traditional Mexican textile artist residency. If you can help fund her trip that would be so super ace. You can pledge as little as $1 to help her on her way.

I will let her video do the talking, because she is good at that too. Very eloquent. WOOT!

Click here to help send Teegs abroad and continue her learning and her art-making.

Scrap Dancing

While I've been telling you I haven't found any discarded goodness recently, I've realised I have unwittingly lied. I have found discarded goodness of another kind.

Recently, while visiting a fabric shop, I discovered a garbage bin full of scrap fabric. Just strips. Tossed away without a second thought.

By now you should absolutely know that I know no shame. Waste not want not, right?! So I dutifully retrieved all the decent sized strips and even some smaller ones. And I've been adding them to the Doctor's cushion which is slowly, slowly, ever so slowly coming together. See here?

The smaller scraps are for the Doctor's crafting. To stick on cards. Or wherever he wants.

Now I can stop whining about not finding any garbage. Here ends my blog for today.

PottyMouthMama of The Symmetrical Sewing

I had grand plans for sewing class last night. Grand plans. I thought I'd be coming back here today and showing you at least the front of my cushion for the Doctor.

Instead I came home early and ate cake.

It all started when I turned up with my fabric, and my idea in my head. It's a no-brainer for me. I have the idea, I just don't have the expertise to execute it. But given my sewing teacher's wealth of knowledge, I thought we'd whizz up the cush in under no time.

She pulled out her special folder of pattern ideas. Here's where I should have seen trouble. Trouble with a capital T. Maybe even underlined. There was nothing in this folder that replicated even closely what I had in my head.

I got a piece of paper, drew what she was proposing and realised it definitely wasn't compatible with what I wanted. So when she went away, I started cutting, and as I cut I fiddled around with the layout. I spent quite a hefty amount of time moving things around. Everyone else was a little concerned that I hadn't done anything except move fabric around - but you know peeps, it ain't a competition, and I'm just here to do my own thing.

So I finally got to a layout I started to like. My sewing teacher was on the approach. Her deft hands swiftly rearranged the entire layout, while telling me that "unless it was symmetrical it wasn't going to work". Dots in the corners. Animal prints in the middle. Block colours to break it up. Here's me having a nervous breakdown of sorts.

I'm not assertive. Gosh, I know I need to learn to be, but sometimes I don't want to offend. So in my gentle way, I tried to back out from this arrangement with an - 'I've left some of my fabrics at home so maybe I'll just wait 'til next week to go further'.

Would she have a bar of it? Uh uh.

She started pulling fabrics out of her stash to go with mine. These included a hideous egg yolk yellow that made my head hurt. Some other random bits. And a block of Percy the engine.

I knew someone small (ie the Doctor) would LOVE that block. But really, it wasn't working with the aesthetic I had in mind. I have saved all my bits of fabric. My Japanese buys. My naughty little purchases. I've saved them for something special. Percy - sorry - but it wasn't working. My sewing teacher was shocked.

It was at this point I realised what I needed.

Cake. (And more to the point Stephanie Alexander's Orange cake. Who knew 250g of butter and 1.5 cups of caster sugar could taste so darn good? Ok I did.)

I packed up, feigned tiredness and left. In a jiffy. Before any more of my fabrics could be tainted with Percy-ness. So this is what I have done. Or rather, haven't done. Cut up some fabric. Ta-dah!

Just like Cinderella, I wish a Fairy Godmother would come and tap her magic wand over my head and make me a stellar seamstress. A supreme stitcher. Or maybe I could just dive in and remember, it's just fabric, innit?

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.

Happy. Yes. Yes I Am.

Whoa Nelly. What a busy, happy weekend. It's almost a case of thank goodness it's almost over so I can get back to routine. What what what? I hear you squark. While I don't dig Mondays, this weekend has left me pooped!

Matt's studying for an exam. I managed to take the two smalls out of the house for the two days and as a result. Pooped is what I am!

Saturday was a 1st birthday party and a garage sale. I offered to make some mini-cupcakes (for the party, not the sale). I made 50 of the little beauties, beautifully iced (butter icing mmm mmm). Unfortunately an incident whereby juggling two small children, a bag, two containers of cakes and the bonnet of our car resulted in half the cakes being tossed upside down. Yes. My handiwork in tatters, I fronted up to the party with a very messy arrangement of cakes. Thankfully they still tasted good, even if they did look like they'd already met a taste test from a tribe of three year olds. Hmph.

When we got home we bribed one of the dogs to play in our circus. He jumped through a hoop in return for a handful of kibbles. We treat our circus animals very well.

Sunday we headed off to meet a good friend in Bondi. We flew a kite for a while, hit the beach for a wee while, had a gelato (our first for the season), went to the skate park, then meandered through the shops. Such a great, tiring day. Headed home to get Tiny down for a sleep, and I headed off to a flea market, and then to Spotlight.

cute little Christmas box I scored at the flea market

Ahhh Spotlight. I chose a new pattern for my sewing class, only to be told they didn't have it. Back to the drawing board, I chose another. Ah they don't have that one either. So third time lucky I picked a pattern, asked someone to show me some fabric only to be told she didn't know anything about fabric. Bingo! How is it that she works in a fabric store and has no knowledge of fabrics? Even I know what double georgette is, I just didn't know where to look. Finally someone came to my rescue and escorted me to the double georgette, which to my disgust was all 100% polyester. Watch out open flames - poof! I'm up in smoke. I wasn't planning on moving to Sweat City for the Summer. Finally after circling the fabrics I found some cottons that I liked. For a moment I did think I was leaving empty handed. I scored some discontinued fabrics and a few others. Watch out sewing class, tonight I'm sewing to glow, I'm going to rock the frock, I won't dread the thread, I'm going to put my pedal to the metal and sew like crazy.
Happy much?

More Fabric Favourites. More? Are You Sure?

For a non-sewer I seem to have acquired quite a bit of fabric. I can blame it on my sisters. They started it. And my Mum. She's an avid sewer, and currently learning to smock (see me rub my hands together with glee), and then of course, my grandmother Mars is where it all started. She used to make us the most delightful gifts. If it wasn't a handmade present from her and my grandfather, truth be, it was a little disappointing. The handmade gifts were always, always cherished (not that the other gifts weren't, but handmade gifts - well there's nothing like them, is there?) and I think all of us still have them all.. I even think the Vegemite jumper she made this sister is still kicking on in a cupboard somewhere. Though no one's wearing it. Well, at least, they're not admitting it.

Anyway. Back to fabrics. Sharing my stash as part of the extravaganza - no need for explanations up there - I just like 'em. Fabric stashes ahoy - hosted by Pip at Mikes. Skip on over there and see everyone else's stashes.

Today I made it the Craft Depot. Alas, my stars must not be aligned, or I must be on the wrong gridlines, or something like that because - would you believe - they didn't have any fabric paint. How can this be? I thought this was Craft Depot. The one stop shop for all things craft. No. Apparently they carry everything to do a stencil - except the paint. Crucial point that one.

Anyway, must fly - hot date with Simon Baker. 'nuff said.

Fresh From The Fabric Stash

cute print, cool colour - me likey!

a pretty Japanese fabric.. buttons.. circles.. hmm, love it..

Guten tag! I'll carry on Blogtoberfesting and sharing my favourites from my fabric stash, all in one post. Ja?

If you would like to learn more of Blogtoberfest, take your lederhosen-wearing body over to Big Cat's Emporium.

If fabric is what you fancy, then go high-five Pip at Meet Me at Mikes and check out who else is playing. There's loads of fabric fun to be had. Trust me. I know. I've been cruising about checking out everyone's booty (and I mean fabrics, nothing more saucy, dear reader - mind out of the gutter!).

Today has been chaos and I am completely knackered (when I said this out loud, The Doctor exclaimed - "But Mummy, why are you telling Daddy you're naked. You're not naked."). I tried to get to Craft Depot on Pennant Hills Road before closing time - but got a little diverted from the correct course, and got there late. Don't tell Hoppo Bumpo I've still not started my stencils.. She'll kick me out of the stencil-along gang. Aye aye aye.

So tomorrow. Craft depot. More fabric goodness. And a whole lotta Deutsche Bank and kartoffel.. Ich habe Dich lieb. Yes. Yes I do.

It's Curtains For Me: Blinding Favourite Fabrics

This is an old curtain I found while doing the rounds in Tamworth's salubrious op-shops. Isn't it delicious? Complete with pom-poms. Delish.

I'm posting this as part of Mikes show off your stash. How can you bear not to play along too? Look over here and hook yourself up.

Fabric Favourites: I'm Very Good At Starting Things

Or at least saying I'm going to start something. Or starting something, and then just letting it slip by the wayside and then returning to it intermittently. Flirting with it. Then dumping it when something more exciting comes my way. That's the kind of girl I am.

I'm like a goldfish swimming around my bowl (let's just forget the fact that all but one of ours is dearly departed). I soon forget what I am meant to be doing and move onto something else.

But I am committed to showing you some highlights from my stash. Because let's face it. This is the only thing they are currently being used for. Here's the part where you remember I can't sew. Yet.

Over at Mikes, Pip is hosting Share Your Stash Week. Here's some more highlights from my collection.

On the left is a French fleamarket find that I bought from my friend Sheena a couple of years ago. It's waiting to be used for something. Though I did use a small piece for a quilt that my sisters and I made for my Mum.

That purple and white stripe is a no-brainer. It's fabulously soft too. And I have a thing for that hue at the moment.

Underneath, the pink ticking. I love ticking. It's a good stock-standard - that funnily enough, you can't find very often (well I can't anyway).

And the Japanese bluebirds and balloons.. I had a small piece of this from a frolick in Melbourne when my sisters, Mum and I visited last year. I love bluebirds and I love balloons. This one is destined to be in my baby girl's quilt. One day my friends.

For more fabricky (nice expression I coined there, huh?) goodness head on over to Mikes. Like like, like to be like Mike (sorry, just couldn't help but sing that so it can be stuck in your head too).

Saturday Special

Today I got to slip off by myself to Material Obsession for a quick hurrah, before heading off to yet another house inspection. Yes. The Universe has been less than forthcoming with houses these days, and since our good news on Thursday - my little man got into the pre-school I was hoping and praying for - we're sticking to this area - so that narrows our search somewhat..

Anyway - back to my solo mission. I was going to pick up some fabric I had had put away, but of course I kind of got a little distracted and wound up with just a few slithers of new fabrics... But I was pretty well behaved. I showed Matt my new pieces - let me tell you, he has an art (beyond his painting) that's very opinionated without saying a word.

Spots - he likes. Yes, very nice.

Big fat yellow roses - no comment.

Kaffe Fassett - yes, nice.

Green floral (AMH again??) - no comment.

Ah to be married to an artist with an opinion. Apparently the latter green floral is 'too acidic'. HMPH! Well I like it. Reminds me of lime in vodka tonic. A lime caprioska. Green grass in summer. You get me don't you??

Anyway, on other fronts, I've been doing my inspiration board. You might be wondering what I'm getting inspired to do, and so am I. But it's starting to look pretty nonetheless (and look that bling bling doily is getting another workout). Something I've been meaning to do for ages, it's just been sitting there in all its white glory for yonks. Now it's got six whole pieces of 'stuff' stuck to it. Aren't you proud of me? Mmm. Of course you are.

PS - Italics AND bold in one post? Yes, just another Blogger special, courtesy of Blogger of course, and an involuntary part of today's post. GRRRR!

Stuff and Things

Today I am kicking goals like there's no tomorrow. The house is undergoing a masterful makeover, and now you can almost see the floor. In places.

I have to make a confession. Pip, if you're reading this, I have been a bad, bad little walker. I missed yesterday. I could blame my friend, because it was due to meeting up with her that I arrived home late and had to dive straight into the dinnertime boogaloo, but really, it was poor planning on my part. Have I fallen off my 21 day road to a habit? No. No siree. I've planned my walk for today with my little family. At 3pm today, I'll be walking. Think of me, left-right, left-right. I'm going double time.

Anyway, confessions aside, my little dude and I have constructed a road from framer's tape on the road. That blinging doily that we used last week for lacework is now a pond - the white styrofoam things are ducks, swimming with the whale (I see that all the time at the park, don't you??). Over the road is the farm - blue bubble wrap masquerades as a river, some green fabric is the grass for the cow and the sheep. It's roadworks ahoy here at Chez PottyMouth.

I'm also set for a date with our kitchen, to whip up some more culinary delights for my wee babe from this book. It's got so many great recipes, and I'm even tempted to eat some of them (actually all of them). Last week one of the recipes I made was apricot, apple, pear and vanilla bean puree. Man it was good.

And my fabric from here arrived from here, so I'm fantasising about the day I amazingly just wake up and can sew (you might arrive at PottyMouthMama and think you're in the wrong place!). Today I'm auditioning fabrics from my stash for a little quilt I plan to make for my babe when she's bigger. Mmm. So candy it's almost giving me a toothache.

Hoppo Bumpo kindly pointed out the Deluxe Albert Einstein - and I have to say - sorry I forgot to mention that pearler. I also see the President Bush looks very similar to a cowpat... No?

A Busy Beaver

Boy oh boy, am I kicking goals today or what?!

I've zoomed through my son's room, it's so clean you could eat off the floor. Not that you'd want to (particularly as you wouldn't want to get those bits of carpet stuck in your teeth, would you?), sheets changed, toys put away, oh man, I just love kicking goals. Score!

I've done the washing. Though it's raining here so everything is bound for the dryer. Boo hiss....!

I'm just about to start a big cook-up to freeze some purees for my wee little one. Wahhhheeee!

I did some stitching last night (man I am officially the slowest stitcher in the world, I got four piddly puffs done - better than none though, huh?). Yahooo!

Shame on me - because it's raining, and because I am completely hooked - I just bought a piece of this fabric - but really you should say, hey good work because I am HOPELESS at buying yellow fabrics.. How cute! Click here and you can get addicted too and I won't be so guilty. - Boo hiss? But big YAY!

I've taken some photos of my next project, but due to the grey-ness of today, I have been shooting in my *ahem* studio (also known as under the heat lamp in our bathroom). Please don't expect to see my photos ever hanging in the MCA.

I've done some work.

I've paid some bills. Boo hiss!

Yesterday I went for my walk (played relays with Matt so I could go) - yay bravo! Today due to the weather, I will be going in wet weather gear and will look even daggier, if that's even possible?!

And now. Well my camera has given up the goat (or is it ghost?). So pictures to be added later skaters.

PS - My two past titles have no link. Don't get any ideas alrighty?

Is My Blog A Fantasy Life?

You know, I have really been pondering this. Ever get the feeling after clicking away from reading your favourite blogs - jeepers creepers - my day is a cesspit in comparison. My house is in a constant state of disarray, I can't be bothered to think what's for dinner tonight - so it's mufti meals again, I am in a hideous mood because I've been dealing with two sick kids and no decent amount of sleep. No wonder sleep deprivation is used as torture. I'm not talking fantasy land as in - Oh yeah I think I am Harry Potter - kazaam!

You want to know what's really happening in my life? Not that things are bad. They're just a tad boring. This is us:

- We rushed off to swimming this morning with sick baby in tow. It's winter. It's cold. Swimming at the moment is a drag and the teacher reminds me of Miss Trunchbowl .

- I need a sleep.

- I am uninspired in the kitchen of late. I am sick of cooking.

- I need a sleep.

- I am even sick of washing clothes. I used to love washing, but now, it's four people's worth - it's not fun anymore.

- I need a sleep.

- I need to turn the notch up to ten on the fun-o-meter, but I think the switch is broken.

- I need a sleep.

- I even don't want to vaccuum. There is definitely something wrong when I don't want to vaccuum. I would happily vaccuum every day. Not today. No. No. No.

- I need a sleep.

- I feel like I am under house arrest because of the two sick babes. Boo hoo!

- I can't krump like the dancers on So You Think You Can Dance. What's wrong with me Nigel Lythgoe? I try. Oh yes, I do try, but I just ain't got that swing.

- Did I mention I need a sleep?

So what to do when the chips are down (and I need a sleep)? I'll blog about some vintage finds I re-discovered lurking in amidst my mess this morning.

Like these two pieces of delicious fabrics.

Now take that crummy days - KAZAAAAM! - and be gone!

Inedible Doughnuts

Firstly, for some reason Blogger keeps rotating my photos. It's annoying. That's my disclaimer. Now I can continue.

MollyChicken had this genius idea to make pom poms out of fabric scraps. Such a gorgeous idea (go check out her daughter's beautiful bedroom, and that quilt, oh that quilt!). I decided to give it a go too with great results.

I had a big box of fabric scraps that my sister had given me, that I'd completely forgotten about. Until now! Such a fun and simple project, and it's something that I think I'd like to try with my little guy. I think it's manageable (with a little help) and perfect for these chilly days.

I think they even look good in the first stage of winding the fabric around and around the cardboard. Like doughnuts. Or a little fat crown!