Butterflies. Fairies. Pink. Purple. And so on.

A long time ago I stitched both the boys their own pillow cases. I love embroidering pillow cases. I could do it 'til the cows come home, alas I don't seem to get much time these days.

Last week I decided to start making time to do some stitching. I love the routine of unwinding. Of detaching from technology and colouring in using floss. I picked up a pillow case that I had started for Tiny forever ago, and asked her what she'd like.

Butterflies. Fairies. Puppies. Catties. Cakes. Ice creams. Pink. Purple. Water (blue).

And so it is that I find myself stitching in the most girlie palette ever - which, by the way, suits me fine. I love me some pinks.

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.

A Bad Photo, But Some Incredibly Fantastic Awesome Sewing

As you know, a long, long time ago, way before Snow White fell asleep, even before Cinderella found her glass slippers, there was a time when Tiny used to escape her nappies. It was an ugly time readers. Her mother was pulling out her hair (not Tiny's hair, her own hair). Going mad, rocking backwards and forwards, turning her cardigans into straitjackets and well, just going more than slightly bonkers.

There were Tiny little brown eggs laid on couch cushions. In a doll's pram. All about the house really. Like tiny little Tiny gifts. It was like every day was worthy of an egg hunt, because she had strewn the house with her own version of chocolatey treats.

I found some onesies to fit my small fry. I bought them. Then I personalised 'em with one of my favourite Kaffe fabrics. Be amazed ladies, because I stitched this myself. WHOA! I am a genius. Watch out for my book: '101 Ways with Onesies'. Sure to be a bestseller.

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.

LastMinute.Com Would Be So Proud

Last week I had a hit of genius. Matt and I have had Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros on high, high, ridiculously high rotation ever since I first discovered this truly addictive tune way back here. I listen to it to go walking. Over and over. I play it when washing up. Over and over. Matt and I sing it in the car. We are totally (well I am) out of tune, but no matter. Even the Doctor digs it.

I am a dedicated follower of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. There now. I've said it. No rehab for me.

I'm even more totes excited because one of my friends in LA has seen them play a few times over Summer and said they're just as golden in real life. This is good news.

So hence I went, stitching madly on my large piece of remnant linen. I've loved watching Kirsty's red work. So I tried my hand at it. I am getting more and more confident with stitching. Nothing can hold me back peeps! I love the look of red on linen.

However, in the well-loved style of mondegreens, I've mistakenly put what I thought were the lyrics, instead of what are really the lyrics. Let's call that poetic licence. Ahem.

And just as I had started working on making it into - you guessed it - a cush - Matt piped up and said to me, "Oh you know what I would really love for Christmas? A cushion for my chair." I smirked. As only PottyMouthMama knows what's in front of the sewing machine being madly stitched up lastminute.com style.

Dear Blogger, I am seriously about to head butt you. You know why, I don't need to explain, just look at my image. AGAIN!

The Doctor & His Cush

Something spectacular happened today. Something out of the ordinary. Something so exciting I almost feel like singing songs very much out of tune. Are you ready? Are you perched on the edge of your seat?

Today I went to see my sister about a cush. Not just any cush. The cush that has been in the works for a couple of months. It was looming over me, and the Doctor had mentioned it and I just needed to finish it. Well actually, I just needed her to finish it.

So here 'tis. The Doctor will arrive home from pre-school and I'll not spill a word. I like it best when he notices small things such as these himself. Or else I get too excited and just tell him. I'm like that you know.

Please note Boombastic and Ned are the best of friends and are hanging out on the bed waiting ever so patiently for bedtime.

But here's a warning for sisters of the world. When stitching, it's a good thing to pay attention and not commence nattering. In the latter picture the cush is upside down. Can you tell what's wrong with this here dear cush?

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.

Bright Lights: Fresh Talent

Today I did something wild. Spontaneous. Crazy. I threw caution to the wind and drove Tiny and myself to the Stitches and Craft show to meet one of my all-time favourite bloggers. I've not met very many real-life bloggers as I usually feel a little shy. But I couldn't wait to meet Nan.

Of course she did not disappoint. She's got a beautiful, abundant stall there and I urge you to shake your tail feather and get out there to show support for the exhibitors at Stitches and Craft. There is absolutely something to suit everyone. And loads of free activities to keep you busy.

I had a wonderful afternoon meeting awesome crafty, cool, inspiring bloggers/crafters. Kind of like Young Blood, but I didn't get turned away at the door. Oh and I got to see my sister too (she was working here).

In fact, I loved it so much, I'm going for another dip into the Stitches and Craft show tomorrow. Shall I see you there?

PS - The above are just a sweet sample of Nan's beautiful craftiness. She's a genius I tell you.

Half-Written Posts

I have about four half-written posts from the weekend that I just haven't completed due to lack of photos or lack of mojo.

I've been madly listing random 'stuff' on eBay such as vintage doilies, clothes, books, and whatever else I don't want hanging about the house anymore. Nothing is safe anymore. Enough is enough people, and I can no longer live surrounded by my clutter. It's almost to the point we have to swim through vintage stuff just to move from one room to another, and given Tiny can't swim yet, well eBay it is.

Here's something I've been working on. A wee bit of stitching. We've also watched this over the weekend. Charlotte Gainsbourg, oh how I adore thee.

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.

Polka Dot Kerrrazy!

Merde! Blogger is once again at it, rotating my photos. I've tried rectifying the situation, but to no avail, so my friends, turn your head instead.

Today we went to the MCA to see The Mirrored Years by Yayoi Kusama. I was expecting polka dots, and she sure delivered. Spotty mirrors on arrival, spots, spots, spots, and - in my books, you can not fault a good polka dot. The Doctor really dug the mirrored room, and in fact, most of the exhibition (particularly the spotty ultraviolet room - super cool!). We met up with one of my best friends and looked around, enjoyed a chai latte, and then caught the train home.

Fact: The Doctor woke up at 4:30am this morning. Here's cheers to daylight savings ending. Who wakes up at this time by choice? Certainly not me. I'm longing for a sleep in. I've been reminisicing about sleeping in all weekend. These vibes did not rub off on the smalls no matter how many psychic thoughts I put out there.

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.

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.

Back To School: Sewing Class - Second Session - Week 1

So it is dear reader, I'm heading back to sewing lessons tonight with a vision. I may not be Karl, but damn fool, I'm going to get this top I started last year happening so I can at least wear it in the intended season. Summer. And if that fails, then I'll just stitch up some more pyjama pants - because you know how I love to stitch those babies up, even if I do have a wild tendency to stitch the legs up. Problem? The Doctor hasn't even worn the top once!

Did I mention I found a sewing machine on the side of the road? No? Well I did - on Tiny's birthday. I just am a little scared to rev it up. Just hold tight. Ok, coming to you live - I just tried her out. Sewing is dangerous, isn't it? She started up, then flick - the needle broke off and hit me in the forehead. YOUCH! It hurt. I told you it was dangerous. Next time I may have to wear goggles in class of flying needles.

While I have you, I've done a wee bit of tidying here at PMM HQ. I have updated my link list, and am updating my playlist, and you'll notice a few more changes around here soon. I did change the background to a buttery yellow - for all of two minutes - before I went back to white. White's tight, right? I was meant to update yonks ago, but didn't get to it, so I figure if I take the same approach I do to decluttering our home, it will eventually happen. You'll still feel at home dear reader!

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.