Vale 'Basil'

My horse, Basil, has died - he wasn't really mine, but he was my choice pick every fortnight, for the past 3 years. He was such a gentleman; not a stunner in looks (he actually had a horsey form of Cushings, which kept him shaggy most of the year), but such a sweet disposition; he would lift his feet for me to pick out, and give me a nuzzle when I brushed his head. His gaits were as smooth as the smoothest of cream, so responsive off my aids and he had a lovely way of pricking up his ears as I placed him over jumps. It was very hard to catch a different horse last week; I bawled my eyes out.

I will miss him very much.

Bunting, Bronwyn's bag?, blue eyes

I couldn't think of any more 'b' words for the title!

Best op-shop score of the century! Well, maybe not exactly that - but, oh my, am I stoked! Fabbo bag, OiOi, no less, from best oppe shoppe in the world, well maybe, for 7 bucks. The Nappy Bag I wish I had had when I needed one (I chose an ugly thing because it 'matched' the ugly (but inexpensive) first pram). Of course, I didn't get something like this, because we didn't have $185 to spend on a bag!!!! Wouldn't spend that now either, but I will spend $7 - should I sell on ebay or just keep it to admire all of its pockets, its little change mat, its insulated bottle carrier, its sweet broderie anglaise covered in practical pvc and oh so delightful red gingham insides. Can someone, or is the question, should someone actually fall in love with a nappy bag?









Next, oh, still, my heart for I yearn for thee - bunting, that is. It makes me think of medieval times; jesters and circuses and Ladies and Knights. Made this and loved it - must. make. more. One of my fav fabric ranges by 'Chloe's Closet' - made a quilt from same range and still have Heaps left over. This is for little baby bunting boy. I think I need some too. I backed my triangles (some people just do zig-zagged edges - which look great too)




One more thing - latest mini-moopy for friend's daughter -

First time used 'whip-stitch' to sew up her 'cough' bottom-hole; please don't laugh at me all you softies sewers, please be kind to people like me who really don't know what we are doing, we just look at your wonderful sites and sigh and wish that maybe one day something wonderful will be born from our own hands. Yadda Yadda Yadda. No really, I read on someone's blog (sorry not sure who!) about using a whip-stitch which tightens as you make each stitch in a ladder pattern and so, tried it and it worked. I love the internet. I love you crafty guys out there. Snaps for all of you!

she had a little 'blow-out' (moopy, not daughter), of course, spotted once stuffed and sewn up!!


'I love to tumble off the stair railing, I was born to do this!' Cheeky little mite!

Donuts and fabric - yes!

Donut cake, runny pink icing and lollie decorations - does it get any better? (or easier?)

8 year old birthday party - PJ party, no less! 2 hours of pajama, slipper, teddy and doona fun!
LOVE giving home parties - finding a theme, writing food lists, games lists, I don't know who enjoys them more - the birthday girl or the stressed out (but happy) mummy!
A nice complement was given by a Mum of a guest: "that was the best party I've ever been to!" - wow! I don't know what other parties that stacks against - but if the kids are happy, so am I! My girl is such a party planner; birthdays and Christmas get planned, organised, listed, relisted, changed, changed again for months and months ahead of time. AAAAHHH! But when the party is over, and hubbie and I say "Yes, that really worked well"; we smile and thank God that it doesn't happen again for another 365 days!

King of the Kids in the midst of musical doonas

I love this photo - 2 best friends stayed overnight and HELPED to clean up!

This piccie is of a game of 'Sleeping Dragons' - the 5 mins of peace and quiet was heaven on a stick!
Did I mention fabric? of course I did! Went on a Heather Ross Lightening Bugs and other mysteries bender! Dogs, gnomes, goldfish, spots and stripes - after my first twirly skirts I went crazy with ideas and with strong Aussie dollar (yeah) online shopping I went!
Hand washed and drying in the strong morning sun, I can't believe I want to do some ironing to get these babies ready.


Edited: Some family pictures removed

Twirls galore and a little bit of cartwheeling

TA DA
Daughter No. 2's layer skirt: easy pattern, except when I cut the middle layer piece the wrong way, but some quick seams fixed that up (and you can't see it, yeah), lots of zig zag stitching along seam edges (I actually thought that this should be done, because past home-made clothing didn't have this, and the fraying seams are so depressing, uh dur!) SO, lots of stitching later, a little bit of gathering, a bit of pinning and cursing (pins through dermis layer not so nice).




She's pretty happy with it, and so, it deserves a cartwheel! Clothes must be cartwheel friendly, don't you know.

Twirly skirt girl had a friend over for a play - so we made Anzac gingerbread people! Why Not!
Had these fun cutout shapes - they really tickle my fancy - I love a bit of cheek! The kids had a great time making strange shapes from the mixture - not the easiest stuff to mold, due to oats etc. but they had a ball. Freeform cooking is so much fun!





Talking about freeform cooking - check out these piccies! Had to take photos of the chaos left by an exploding tomato paste container - Grose!
Edited: Family pictures removed

Link to Whip Up = can't no won't work - click on my sidebar listing

Ace Bloggie

I hope everyone has Whip Up on fast dial - check out their new look - I really like it - maybe because it is simple, elegant, minimal - a nice change from the colour which leaps out at me from my own blog (namely The Pink!). I had actually been thinking about Whip Up's up and coming change (to be honest, I was not entirely loving the grey, grey greyness of their old format) Now, love the banner; circles, colour, pattern what more do we need?