Polka Dot Daze

My Creative Space

2012-03-01T21:59:00.002+11:00

I am not doing well on the on the technological front, I drowned my iPhone on holiday, and now I have lost my camera. I found this pic on my laptop of the name tag I made for my little miss, she had a friend over on the day that I made it with the same initial, so I made her one too!

More creative spaces here.

My Creative Space

2012-02-23T18:34:00.001+11:00

With Isabella starting school I am loving the excuse to make lots of things for her. Thank you Jen for lending me the art smock to use as a guide.

More creative spaces here.

Happy Belated Valentines Day

2012-02-15T23:48:00.000+11:00

I always have such great intentions, but I always leave everything to the last minute, I was up after midnight finishing off the kids Valentine cards. Inside the card I did the same heart with the words "you are so loved". Hubby and I each wrote a message in them for the kids and gave them a small bag of chocolate hearts each.

I get daily emails from iMom.com and thought I would share what they sent for Valentine's Day:

What's the best Valentine's Day gift?

It's the gift of L.O.V.E

L stands for listen...pay full attention when your partner talks. Stop what you're doing and don't interrupt.
O is for observe...make getting to know their likes and dislikes a priority
V is for value...value them for who they are, what makes them unique
E is for encourage...build them up with your words and actions

Four little letters that spell out lessons in love.

It's the best Valentine gift you can give today and everyday.

Anyway, sorry if that is a bit to touchy feely for you, but that's just the kind of girl I am. We are off to Seaworld for five nights tomorrow, yay, first real family holiday in five years!

Super Hero Day

2012-02-13T08:11:00.003+11:00

We had a very cool day yesterday at Cronulla's Day of Heroes world record attempt. I couldn't hear the guy on the microphone too well, but apparently we missed out on breaking the record by around 100 superheroes. It was so much fun though, something I bet the kids will remember in years to come. I made me and Isabella matching costumes and hubbies Batman costume.

Dotti Daze

2012-02-07T20:11:00.000+11:00

I spent the day with my lovely friend Lorna working on our bags we have been making for the markets. We have decided on the name "Dotti Daze" which was a play on my name "Polka Dot Daze". We both really liked the name "Sew Vintage" but it turns out, so do a lot of other people.

These bags are available at Rozelle and Marrickville Markets, as well as on Made It.

Well Hello There

2012-02-05T22:53:00.001+11:00

I have had much longer break from my blog than expected. My break was forced, due to my laptop completely crapping out, but then with the Christmas rush, and going back to NZ, I just didn't get a chance to blog. Then when I got back from holiday I found I was enjoying the holiday from my blog too. But I have missed you all, I missed all the encouragement and inspiration from you lovely ladies. So I am back. I hope I still have some friends around here.
That's my darling boy snuggled up with my crochet blanket watching TV. It has come along very slowly, and I still have to do the border. It has become a family favorite. Before it was even finished we had fights over who would get to use it, more than once I have found someone snuggled under it with a ball of wool unravelled along the floor from where I left it. I expect I will be making a few more this year.

What Do You Think?

2011-11-12T07:49:00.006+11:00

My friend Lorna has offered to sell my kids clothes on her stall for me (that's so cool) at Sydney's Rozelle and Marrickville markets! Last night she came over for another sewing date and helped me work with some of my vintage findings to make these sweet little baby clothes.
This is an all in one, so perfect for a hot Sydney summer. What do you think of them? And how much would you pay for one?

My Creative Space

2011-11-10T08:59:00.004+11:00

I have neglected my little blog lately as I have been hanging out over here.The Christmas Challenge has certainly helped me get my act together and to start making things in time for Christmas. So far I have made this quilt top and I managed to wad, back and quilt, two of my quilts on my list that needed completing. Hopefully I'll be making a whole lot more things over the next few days, although I am also frantically trying to make stuff for my friend to take to the markets for me.

More creative spaces here.

My Christmas Challenge List

2011-11-01T11:57:00.002+11:00

I have to say that making a Christmas list was so much harder than I thought. Usually I have things floating around in my head, time ticks by and in a mad panic I get a few things done in time for Christmas, but nowhere near as much as I'd hoped for. But this year is going to be different because not only have I written that list down, but I have a whole team of wonderful ladies that are going to check in on my progress and if needed remind me to hurry up and get cracking.

My Christmas Challenge List:

10 x Shopping Bags

14 x Tissue Holders

1 x Shabby Chic Cushion
4 x Christmas Tea Towels

2 x Frilly washing up gloves

7 x Peg Pinny Aprons

1 x Quilt (from scratch)

3 x Quilt (finish off)

4 x Dress / Tops (undecided exactly what to make)

I plan to add a few more things when I decide what they are!

Wish me luck folks! I plan to make all of the above in the month of November.

You can find out more information about the challenge here.

I Don't Want To Do Groundhog Day Today

2011-10-28T11:24:00.001+11:00

I don't want to do groundhog day today! I don't. Every morning I wake up to my house being pretty much trashed and I slowly tidy it up, some days better than others. I would much rather sit on the couch and sip cups of tea while I crochet. And I hate "Poppers" - you know those people that decide to just pop in! For goodness sake don't they know that my house is always trashed, and I am going to pass out with embarrassment if they want to come in? I have seen a sign once that said "If you're here to visit me, please come in, if you're here to see my house, please make an appointment! - it's perfect, I need one!

Attic24 is reading the book House Blues - A survival guide: How to cope with the mental and emotional challenge of keeping a home, I think I might order myself a copy!

So there you have it folks - just thought I would keep it real!

Does anyone else feel the same way?

My Creative Space...

2011-10-27T08:36:00.006+11:00

I bought a few doilys! Well maybe a little more than a few - yikes!
I don't know what came over me, but when I saw baskets full of them I decided it was now or never to stock up to make kids clothes from them. So I did it! I bought every single one that I liked. So along with my Christmas Challenge (see details below) I think I am going to be well busy.

More creative spaces found here.

A Christmas Challenge

2011-10-26T17:15:00.014+11:00

Every year I have big plans for Christmas, but as it gets closer the list gets shorter because I didn't start early enough and I run out of time. Sound familiar? So this year, together, we are going to commit to working as hard as we can to finish as many things on our Christmas list during the month of November.

If you have friends and family that read your blog, don't worry, we have set up a group blog that everyone who is joining in can contribute to. That way it all stays secret squirrel. So in the details below when I say to "post on your blog" you can choose whether you want to use your blog or the group blog.

The details:

The challenge will start on Tuesday 1 November
On your blog post your list of what you would like to make in time for Christmas
Link your post to my blog so we can all see what you are hoping to achieve and who's joining in
Then each Tuesday post on your blog what you have completed
Link your post to my blog so we can all pop around cheering each other on

If you would like to join in please leave a comment below and I will be in touch shortly with more details including how to access the Christmas Challenge Blog.

Do You Want To Join Me In A Christmas Challenge?

2011-10-24T21:46:00.001+11:00

Christmas is swiftly approaching, and as usual I have a massive list of things I would like to make. Which got me thinking about setting myself a Christmas Challenge - basically committing to making as many things on my "Christmas List" as I can in the month of November.

So I was wondering, would anyone like to join me? If you would, please leave a comment, thanks!
I have set up a special blog that everyone joining in can contribute to, just in case you wish your creations to remain a secret from friends and family that may read your blog.

PS a link to my Bambi Christmas Stocking tutorial here.

My Creative Space

2011-10-20T09:09:00.003+11:00

I have been feeling like trying out some different things lately and thought I would have a go at hoop art. I plan to make a set of three, all done with different techniques. Recently Jen and I were talking about making things for your home, and I realised that I have nothing around the house that I have made, other than my quilts, of course. So I am definitely going to spend more time on making things for my home, this will go on the wall that you see as you walk in the front door - a perfect spot!

More creative spaces here.

I Love Bambi

2011-10-18T19:46:00.000+11:00

Whenever I see a bambi/deer themed fabric I always grab at least half a yard, however I am always very hesitant to cut into it. I love this dress because once Bella has grown out of it I can easily repurpose the large pieces of fabric, as well as the vintage lace.

My Creative Space

2011-10-14T08:31:00.001+11:00

Oops - I got confused with the days and forgot about My Creative Space. So here is the first of my dreses that I have made.

It looks so lovely on her, and will be really nice and cool for a hot Sydney summer.

More creative spaces here.

A Vintage Fling

2011-10-13T22:08:00.000+11:00

I have been gathering lots of goodies lately so I can try and make my daughter some of these gorgeous vintage dresses I keep seeing everywhere.

Most of my findings came from this gorgeous gorgeous shop Pitt Trading. I'll show you my first dress tomorrow.

My Creative Space

2011-10-06T22:11:00.003+11:00

Boy oh boy crochet is so addictive! My blanket is slowly growing, but I just want it to be done already!

More creative spaces here.

Addicted To Crochet

2011-10-04T23:17:00.000+11:00

Like seriously - addicted to crochet!
Every spare minute I am crocheting. I can't wait to finish a row, so I can see what the next colour will look like. I love the fact that I can take it anywhere, even the beach and get a quick fix.

My Creative Space

2011-09-29T21:28:00.001+10:00

I recently flicked through my Cath Kidston Stitch book and became obsessed with this beautiful tapestry floral bouquet. I am in a bit of shock at how long it has taken me to get this far, but I am totally enjoying the fact that it can be done in front of the tv.

I don't have a chair to cover, so I will be making mine into a cushion.

More creative spaces here.

Crochet and Tea

2011-09-28T20:16:00.004+10:00

My friend Jen came today and we were meant to start on our Christmas crafting, but the plan changed swiftly with the arrival of our wool in Attic24's colourway to make her gorgeous Granny Stripe blanket!

This is what Jen has done so far, isn't it beautiful?
The colours are so yummy! Not to mention Jen's beautiful handiwork.

And this is what I have done so far, um yeah, all fingers crossed for me please! Jen had to write down the instructions on how to do the main stitch. Poor Jen, I was getting a little frustrated with it, wondering why mine looked so wonky. Thanks for putting up with me Jen! I can't wait to meet up with you in a few weeks at the knit cafe! With something delicious to do - yay!
Edited to add: Copious amounts of tea were consumed in the making of this post.

My Creative Space...

2011-09-22T17:03:00.003+10:00

We're off after dinner to visit another family at the end of our road for coffee this evening, so I wanted make something to take along. I am going to stay and craft, and hubby will bring the kids home - how cool is that!
I decided to try out the chocolate and cranberry slice from Annabel Langbein's book The Free Range Cook. It's super yummy and super easy to make (the green things are pistachio nuts in case your wondering)! You need to plan ahead though as the ingredients do require a trip to the shops.

More creative spaces here.

My Creative Space...

2011-09-15T22:40:00.005+10:00

I spent the day at my friend Jen's place crafting and chatting - it was so lovely! We did manage a little bit of crafting, which was a first, usually we are too busy chatting. We came up with a plan to be a little more productive next time, and also get stuck into making things for Christmas. So watch this space. I should have taken a picture of us there, but I forgot, as usual. But here is a pic of my bookmark featuring each of my kids artwork, that we sent to their holidaying Opa in Europe for Fathers Day.

More creative spaces here.

Loving Children at Play by Sarah Jane

2011-09-06T07:50:00.001+10:00

This fabric is so lovely to work with - it all works so well together. Last night when I cheekily asked my hubby if it was a good use of his money, he says "yes, but I think you should slow down and enjoy the process more". So funny!

Doily Fun

2011-09-02T14:54:00.002+10:00

I found a perfect doily tablecloth in the op shop last week for $3. So I whipped up this top with the centre of the tablecloth and I made a skirt with the rest. I'll take a photo and pop it up (if I remember).
Today is my wedding anniversary, so I am looking forward to going out for a nice dinner and being spoilt by my magnificent husband. Spoilt in attention and affection that is - the best kind of spoilt there is!

My Creative Space...

2011-08-25T21:05:00.001+10:00

Today I started working on a bookmark for my husbands dad for fathers day. I got each of my kids to draw a picture and I will embroider them onto the linen. This idea is from Amanda Blake Soule's Handmade Home book.

More creative spaces here.

It Seemed Like Such A Good Idea

2011-08-23T22:57:00.003+10:00

I have been becoming more and more interested in knitting lately. Knitting has never interested me in the past, but my friend Jen tells me she thinks it's easier than crochet. And I keep seeing beautiful knitted things around blogland like Kat's blanket and I keep leaving comments like "I wish I could knit".
I thought that the blanket you make with the magazine looked pretty cool and decided to give it a go. When I got home I started to think...how many issues are there to complete the blanket? How many do you reckon? 30? 40? 50?
90 issues! I kid you not! And a grand total cost of $707.50AUD.
Now it's really not looking like such a good idea!

Quilts for Queensland

2011-08-21T20:44:00.004+10:00

Today I went to Retro Mummy's Quilts for Queensland working bee. I had a fantastic time and got to meet lots of new people. Here's Corrie with the stack of quilts we finished, there were still lots more to go and most of us took a couple home to finish off. Corrie gave everyone a Moda charm pack as a little thank you, which was totally unexpected, but very much appreciated - thanks Corrie!

Boy Oh Boy!

2011-08-18T23:45:00.001+10:00

Things have been pretty hectic here. I survived my sons third birthday party, which I'll post about another day, even though I forgot to take photos of the things I made! And then that same night being invited to a Miglio jewellery party where I got to meet the lovely (and very good baker) fellow blogger Sophie of Little Gumnut. Then my baby boy, well baby to me, had an asthma attack and ended up having his first sleep over at a hospital.
Here he is finally sleeping, the repidred and ventolin made him very hyper! Which is not cool when you are trying to keep them jumping about and losing their breath. Bless!

My Baby Is Three!

2011-08-09T19:15:00.007+10:00

It's so bitter sweet that my baby boy is now three! Children grow up so fast don't they? Although it is getting exciting to know I am moving on to another more independent stage with my kids, I also feel very sad that there will be no more babies.
By the way I cheated with my quilt. I didn't get a chance to finish the binding, so I quickly hand stitched it so that I could still wrap it up for his birthday.
We went to Bundeena for lunch and a play at the beach - he had such a blast. Then he got to choose what we had for dinner - and he chose Sushi Train - every ones favourite.

My Creative Space...

2011-08-04T20:52:00.006+10:00

So I am usually really lazy when it comes to the backing of my quilts, but I couldn't find a good matching fabric for the back so I had to go with white. I didn't want just a plain white back so I sewed up another strip the same as the front and will sew it so that it sits to the right of the quilt. But the problem is, how do I quilt it so that it looks OK from the back? I wasn't sure how to do this so, with pins I went through every corner and matched them up with the corner on the back. Does anyone know if there is a better way?

More creative spaces here.

Do You Like My New Header?

2011-08-03T15:27:00.003+10:00

I feel like my blog needs a bit of a face lift and I am also trying to sort out a few things like RSS Feed. Do You use RSS feed? I don't, or at least haven't yet. So tell me, if I read something on RSS feed then I "like it", does the author of the post get to see that?

Sherbit Pips Quilt Top Done

2011-08-01T13:59:00.004+10:00

I am working on another tight deadline here. I have to finish this quilt, plus a set of sheets by next Monday! I am really happy with how the quilt top turned out. The colours are fabulous and it's going to look super cute on my sons little Ikea kids bed!
I whipped up a fitted sheet and mattress protector for his bed last night too. I can't believe how easy they are to make! I wouldn't normally bother, but because it's one of those little Ikea beds, there aren't many options really. I find the Ikea linen not that great quality.

My Creative Space...

2011-07-28T12:21:00.005+10:00

Today I need to start sewing up a quilt for my baby boy who will be turning three in a week and a half. I can't wait to see how it turns out with this gorgeous Sherbit Pips fabric.

My creative spaces here.

A Birthday Girl With A Secret

2011-07-26T21:16:00.002+10:00

So I managed to finish off my daughters quilt just in time! But I did one final detail today. It's a secret pocket! Ssshhhh - no one else knows! She thinks it's brilliant. I had to take these photos super quick, in case one of her brothers walked in and saw she had her very own secret hiding place.

Happy Birthday my little princess! I can't believe you're five!

My beautiful baby girl is growing up too fast!

My Creative Space...

2011-07-21T16:12:00.009+10:00

Today I meet Jen, a bloggy friend, in real life. The plan was to have a sewing session since I need to finish my quilt today! But we were far too busy chatting! Jen also recently moved to Sydney with her family from Auckland, although she is originally from Sydney.
Then I spent the rest of the afternoon quilting. For the backing I used this fabric I bought from Spotlight on clearance. The whole quilt has been made from my stash, except for 3 x 30cm pieces I bought, that's really good for me. Now I just have to do the binding. Looks like I will be able to finish it just in time.

More creative spaces found here.

Two Days To Finish The Quilt

2011-07-20T13:10:00.007+10:00

I have been super busy with friends here one weekend, and then the grandparents here last weekend, so I packed my sewing away. But with my daughters Birthday on Friday, I only have two days to finish her quilt - yikes!
I just finished the quilt top and I thought I would get a sneak peak of what it will look like on her bed (she's at kindy today). I am not totally convinced that I like it, but I always find that once you quilt and bind a quilt it pulls the whole thing happily together.

Birthday Parties

2011-07-16T21:56:00.006+10:00

So once again I have left it a while since my last post, I feel like I should just my name to A Very Sorry Polka Dot Daze! I am right in the middle of birthday silly season, with all my three kids birthdays six weeks within each other.
We had another visit from the grandparents this weekend, so I thought I would have my daughters party six days before her birthday so that they could be there. It was at a fairy shop, and the first time she has had a party away from home. I made this fairy castle cake, I forgot a door on the front, oops! My wonderful hubby made the fairy, as I can't make things like that to scale - thank you darling!
BTW I had to put my quilt away last weekend because we had friends staying with us for the weekend from NZ, and then I never got back to it. But I will continue on with it tomorrow, it needs to be finished by Friday.

Our Creative Spaces...

2011-07-07T10:03:00.005+10:00

I have put my skirt away that I was working on and decided to finish making a quilt I started a while ago for my daughters 5th Birthday which is in two weeks. The top photo is a finished piece.
This photo is of all the pieces I have made laid out on a store bought quilt, I am using it as a guide for how big I need to make it. It needs to fit a king single bed.

More Creative Spaces found here.

Some Progress

2011-06-29T15:58:00.004+10:00

I am very happy with how my skirt is turning out. Just not sure on that light coloured fabric. Thinking of unpicking it and using something darker. I have been through my stash about five times now looking for something else, but I don't have anything. I might need to go fabric shopping - what a shame!

My Creative Space...

2011-06-23T18:49:00.004+10:00

I found this fantastic book, Sewing Clothes Kids Love at the library, which inspired me to finally get out the sewing machine again. There's a sneak peek of what fabrics I have used behind the book.
I am making this skirt called Insa. I am a little dubious at how it will turn out. I have tried to be adventurous and not choose fabrics that are too safe.

Heaps more creativeness going on here

Have You Read These Books?

2011-06-20T18:00:00.003+10:00

I was doing a little browsing today and came across these two books I have never seen before. Has anyone read them, and if so, can you tell me what you thought of them? The first one is Everything Alice: the Wonderland Book of Makes.

And the second one is Girl's World: Twenty Pretty Sewing Projects to Make for Little Girls by Jennifer Paganelli. I am such a sucker for pretty books, but I thought I should see if anyone recommends them before I buy them. I just had another look at them on Book Depository and I see they are both hot of the press - now I am very interested to know if anyone has a copy yet.

My Creative Space...

2011-06-16T10:06:00.006+10:00

It's been a while since I have made anything! We had my husband’s parents visit us for the first time here in Sydney over the weekend, and I have been waiting for them to go before I start causing creative mayhem on our little tidy house. You see I am really messy, and although we have a sun room where all my things are, including a big desk, I like to be near my husband. So I always end up at the dining room table where I make a huge mess, and to make matters worse I hate packing away everything when I am in the middle of something!

So while not being ready to sew, I have become fascinated with crocheting – I love the idea of being able to do it in front of the TV, plus being portable and quick. When I first started blogging, more than two years ago I made my daughter a blanket for her dolls and I haven't done anything since. But for some reason (maybe Attic24 has something to do with it) I really want to learn to crochet again. So I started off with these sweet little flowers that I thought would make fantastic hair clips for my daughters goodie bags for her 5^th Birthday. The sizes of the flowers are bit dodgy, I think that has something to do with the tension.

It seems like I am not the only one crocheting at the moment, loads more creative spaces here.

Inspired!

2011-06-06T23:02:00.011+10:00

Knit Graffiti Installation at the entrance of Te Papa

I got home today from teaching at the two day Handmade conference in Wellington’s Te Papa museum. To sum it up in one word – inspired!
I loved teaching my sewing workshops, I found teaching so satisfying and my students were all so lovely. It was also really wonderful being in such a creative buzzing environment, with wonderful creative people. I feel so inspired to get cracking on new projects and ideas I have been thinking about for a while.
These two little cuties are modelling their mothers creations that were made in one of my classes, they are also holding a softie made in another class by Cassie's (to the left) father Glyn. Glyn was there on behalf of Brother, who kindly provided the most fabulous machines for everyone to use.

On the first night there was a Meet the Makers & Pop Up Store Party, where I was told that someone else had also flown in from Sydney, and that she owned a fabric shop. So putting two and two together, I thought I better find out where her fabric store is, and maybe we could share a taxi to the airport. So I rushed over to her and introduced myself, after chatting for five or so minutes, another lady named Margaret, joined us, and the conversation unfolded that I was actually talking to Kathy Doughty of Material Obsession, I found this slightly embarrassing that I had been so brash about running over to introduce myself. It turns out that Kathy and Margaret are both extremely interesting and lovely ladies and we ended up going back to their hotel and having dinner together.

Cathy and IMargaret and I

I left my husband on his own for three nights, with three kids. Not only did he manage to spend a wonderful weekend out and about visiting lots of parks on the weekend, he also managed to do all the washing (including school and sports uniforms), and have the house spotless – what a legend! Thank you darling.

Hello....Hello...

2011-05-10T12:45:00.002+10:00

I am so sorry I haven't updated my blog since announcing my big news. But life has been crazy moving countries. I have said goodbye to family, friends, school, kindy, my house and it was all much sadder than I expected. So here is a little update on my happenings and findings in the last little while:
- Sydney is huge!
- There is so much to do in Sydney!
- Everyone is so friendly
- We decided to settle in Sutherland Shire
- We have rented a house which is much smaller than what we had in Auckland, but I love it!
- It is a lot like a house we owned a few years ago with the same colour scheme, light fittings and door handles!
- We are camping out in our house until our stuff arrives (hopefully the end of next week)
- We don't have a washing machine and I spent $44 at the laundrette yesterday
- It's only $2 more at the laundrette to use the full service and pick up washed, dried and folded washing
- We have a possum living in our garage and need to get him out before our stuff comes
- My son is loving his new school
- I have made a lovely friend that I meet at my daughters ballet who helped me get my son into her sons soccer team
- We've got two (that I can see) big Saint Andrew's Cross spiders in our front garden
- My husband is more scared of Australian spiders than me
- Apparently deers swim across from the National Park and hang out in my neighbourhood
- I miss my cat! He will be coming over to be with us shortly
- The local preschools wait list is fully booked for the whole of next year
- My friend may have managed to get me a spot at her daughters preschool
- I love $2 2 litre bottles of milk
- I am loving the shopping
- I haven't found any fabric shops - yet!
- Although I do believe I have a local Lincraft
- In 3 weeks I will be going back to New Zealand to teach at Handmade in Wellington
- I haven't done anything crafty for months now
- But I have ordered myself some Amy Butler Soul Blossoms to start making myself a hexi quilt
- All in all I am feeling very happy with our new life in Sydney!
Thanks for popping by after being away for so long! Oh - and if you live in Sydney, any inside information would much appreciated :)

My Very Big News

2011-03-04T21:46:00.001+11:00

Well ladies, without further ado...we are moving to Sydney! Oh my goodness! My absolutely incredible husband has been approached an offered a job, that as the cliche goes, is too good to turn down. It is a career move of a life time and as a family we are very excited.

I can't wait to make the stunning city of Sydney my new home.

Any advice on which suburbs to live in would be absolutely fantastic and very much appreciated.

My Creative Space...

2011-03-03T19:31:00.005+11:00

I have realised that I am not so good at showing you the progress of what I am doing, and even worse at showing you the finished item sometimes. So here is the quilt I started two weeks ago, I need to get it finished as soon as possible, so I can get back to my scrap quilt from children's clothing.

BTW I haven't forgotten about telling you my big new, how about tomorrow?

More wonderfully creative people here.

A Quilt And High Tea Heaven

2011-03-01T08:45:00.004+11:00

I managed to finish off this quilt for my sisters birthday the morning that I was meeting her for high tea lunch at Alberton. I am always so last minute. She wants to go shabby chic, so I thought I would start her off with a quilt made especially for her.

Our high tea lunch was so wonderful - sitting out on the veranda of a historical mansion, listening to a pianist, eating and drinking from all old fine bone china, is my idea of a very good time. I didn't even think to take my camera, so no pictures sorry. We both really love old fashioned things and this was the ultimate place to go for my first high tea. They only do it two weekends a year and I believe they are already taking bookings for next year. More information here.

I also have some very very very BIG NEWS to share with you all...but I can't quite bring myself to tell you just yet. It's still sinking in. And NO, I'm not pregnant!

Devastating Quake Hits Christchurch

2011-02-23T21:02:00.002+11:00

It's simply devastating. The beautiful city of Christchurch has been torn apart by another earthquake. There are lots of tragic stories all over the news about loved ones lost and the state that the city has been left in. For more information read The New Zealand Herald.

To help bring some comfort to those affected Cat is organising a call for blocks to be made into quilts for children affected by this terrible tragedy.

Visit Catalina's Cottage for more information about how you can help.

My Creative Space...

2011-02-17T17:10:00.001+11:00

The last few days I have been working on another scrap quilt for a friends birthday, she is wanting to redecorate her bedroom in lavender and lime. I spent a long time just trying to find the fabrics.

More creative spaces here.

My Creative Space...

2011-02-10T08:00:00.010+11:00

This is an extra special quilt I am currently working on, which is a custom order to be made from some cherished clothes. It's been an absolute pleasure to make so far, with the clothes featuring loads of lace and embroideries. I am making a whole lot of patches, to then sew together.
By the way, I got my three cushions finished and sent, I've asked Cat for a photo of them so you can see the finished product. I didn't have any inners the right size, and didn't think of just taking a pic of them flat, I really am hopeless sometimes.

Lots more creativeness found here.

My Creative Space...

2011-02-03T21:09:00.004+11:00

At the moment I am making three cushions for a fellow blogger (I hope she likes them!). They are going to be different patchwork styles, see the post below for another one I have made. I am using the new Delilah Tanya Whelan range which is really beautiful, although I am a sucker for blue, pink and reds!

A big thank you to Kirsty for hosting My Creative Space. Click here to see what others are up to.

Found The Camera Cable!

2011-01-19T05:00:00.000+11:00

Thanks to my gorgeous sweetheart hubby!
So here we have a little bit of patchwork I wanted to share. I bought a selection of the new Tanya Whelan range and it is super gorgeous.

Don't you hate it when...

2011-01-18T11:13:00.003+11:00

you've got things to share, but you can't find the camera cable...

Ahem...Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2011-01-08T12:27:00.007+11:00

I am sorry - I got so busy and tied up at Christmas time that I didn't get around to wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I trust you had a fabulous time and like me, are now slowly slipping back into routine. I managed to finish three quilt for Christmas, the one above is my chunky scrap quilt made from Heather Bailey fabric.
I get given alot of fabric from my husbands mother and grandmother. I never know quite what to do with it, as we have very different taste. So I decided to make them both quilts out of fabric they had given me. The above one is made with batik style fabric.
I decided to go all out and buy that thread that is multicoloured. To my surprise I loved sewing with it, it was so cool watching the colours changing as I was sewing.I made this quilt for my mother in law, she bought me this piece of fabric in Bali. The red, pink and gold looked quite stunning, and I lined it with pink minkee.

Now it is time to work on a couple of custom orders I have :)

Tissue Holder Tutorial

2010-12-13T14:53:00.000+11:00

With my two littlies kindy having eight teachers, I have made them each one of these tissue holders beacause they are oh so - nice, quick and easy! Here's a tutorial in case you might like to make some too.
Cut two pieces of fabric to size 5 ¾" x 7 ½".
With right sides together sew along the 5 ¾" edges with a ¼" seam allowance.
Turn right side out and iron.
Place with the fabric that you would like to be on the outside of the holder facing you, then fold the top down to 1 ¾".
Then fold the bottom piece upward so that in total it measures 3".
Pin in place.
Sew with a ¼" seam allowance.Turn right side out - voila!

A Little Bit Of Kiwiana

2010-12-03T11:35:00.007+11:00

I have a custom order to make two, full, kiwiana aprons. Well, let me tell you, what a drama. I found these so hard to make!
At first I really panicked because I know good kiwiana fabric is so hard to find, but I was really happy with this fabric, I love anything with birds. Then it took me so long to decide exactly how I was going to make them, so that no seams are shown, but my clever husband helped me figure it out. I also made a couple of gift cards to go with the aprons.

My Creative Space...

2010-12-02T15:24:00.008+11:00

This afternoon I was working on more of my yoyo hair clips to take the Devonport Christmas Market which is in the park this Sunday. I am quite looking forward to it, I will be sharing a gazebo with Linen Tea (I don't think she has a blog). If you are there, pop by and say hi.

Find out what lots of other creative people are doing here.

Aargghh - It's December!

2010-12-01T12:54:00.000+11:00

Where has the year gone? I have been dreaming up all the different things I will be making for Christmas presents for everyone this year, and I haven't actually made any of it yet, except for my cushions - yikes! My list is not for the faint hearted either, I have five quilts to do, along with lots of other smaller things. Here is a quick scrap quilt top I threw together for the same friend mentioned below. She wont actually use the quilt I have already made her, because she doesn't want to get it dirty, it just gets displayed over the back of one of her sofas. So I am hoping this one will get well used.

Cheats Cushions

2010-11-29T16:17:00.006+11:00

I bought two of these plain cushion covers for $1 each at a factory shop and then just sewed hexies onto them.
They worked out just perfectly for my very special friend I have in mind for Christmas.
The cushions will match the quilt I made her for her Birthday.

Bambi Christmas Stocking

2010-11-26T06:10:00.003+11:00

Ladies without further ado here is my first ever pattern.
Here are the instructions and here is the pattern.
If you use my pattern and blog about it, please be a dear and link back to me. If you have any problems or suggestions about the pattern please let me know. Enjoy!

Just A Pattern or A Tutorial Too?

2010-11-24T19:55:00.000+11:00

Now, don't fall off your seat, those who know me well, know I am a slacker - but I have been working on a Bambi Christmas Stocking to share with you all.
I have actually nearly finished writing a pattern. But the question is, will a pattern do, or would you prefer a tutorial? I am going to be honest and tell you right now, a tutorial will probably take me a week to finish.
Also, is there anyone out there that wants to test my pattern for me? It would just be great if someone wants to give it a test run before I post it on my blog. If you're interested email me at polkadotdaze@xtra.co.nz

Devonport Craft Market

2010-11-23T08:30:00.000+11:00

Sarah of Cotton Kiwi who is one of the organisers of the market was out at the front door with the 'Lost Property', which was a turtle! (I wish a took I photo to show you). While getting ready for the market she found him in the gutter. A young man came and claimed him and said it was the first time he had escaped.
The Devonport Craft Market was fantastic! I loved it, and I hope they'll have me back! I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of Jennies company all day of A Little Vintage, she was so lovely and supportive. We shared the hallway with us on either side. We had a fantastic spot with everyone going past us on their way in, and again on their way out.
Cat of Cat Taylor Design was there with all her gorgeous goodies. I meet these two lovely ladies, Aimee and Greta of On top of the lily pad for the first time.
And here's my stall.
There's my gorgeous husband sitting there. He would go for lots of walks, and whenever I made a sale I would look around for him and he would be standing in the distance watching, and would give me a wink - god I love him!I invested in a clothing rack which looked fantastic with my quilts hanging at the back and all my little baby tops in the front.

Finished Just In Time

2010-11-21T05:47:00.000+11:00

I am very happy with how these stocking turned out. The white one is my favourite. I am thinking of making a tutorial for them, do you think you would like one?

Christmas Bambis

2010-11-20T08:55:00.001+11:00

Late last night I started working on a few last minute ideas for the Devonport Craft Market tomorrow. I thought it would be nice to go with a few Christmas items.

My Creative Space...

2010-11-18T09:03:00.002+11:00

Today I will be busy making a few things for the Devonport Craft Market on Sunday, these are my hexies from last weeks creative space starting to turn into something rather sweet. It's always a worry that nothing will sell and I will end up with all this stuff! But I am thinking I will be well stocked for Christmas presents.

Lots of lovely inspiring people creating here.

Some Serious Craftiness

2010-11-16T07:39:00.008+11:00

Craft Day was once again really nice! We had a smaller group this time, but it was just as lovely! I worked on these crowns for my daughters friends for Christmas. They were inspired by one I bought from Michael Park School Fair (which is by the way amazing).
I figure that I might as well finish them off to take with me to the Devonport Craft Market on Sunday and see if anyone wants to buy one.
Today I need to do some serious sewing and finally make some cushions that I have been thinking about for a while now, to also take to the markets.

My Creative Space...

2010-11-11T21:19:00.000+11:00

Hello there! Thank you for all your kind words last week about my husband and his surgery, you're all so sweet and it means a lot to me to read that there are people who care. His surgery went well and now it's a slow recovery, but so far, so good. I spent my time in the hospital making these hexagons which are destined for some cushions for the markets. I have got a spot at the Devonport Christmas market, which I am totally looking forward to.

Now, don't forget I am running a Craft Day this Sunday. Email me if you're interested at polkadotdaze@xtra.co.nz

More creative people here.

Craft Day Sunday November 14

2010-11-05T06:30:00.003+11:00

Come and join us for the last Craft Day of the year, it will be a fabulous afternoon spent crafting, chatting, creating in good old girly company, with no kids!
Bring your machine, hand sewing, crochet, knitting, or whatever you are up to, and spend the day with us!

Sunday 14 November

Tara Lounge, All Saints Community Centre, 30 Cook Street, Howick
12.30-4.30pm
Fee: $10

Bookings essential - if you are interested please email me at polkadotdaze@xtra.co.nz

My Creative Space...

2010-11-04T11:05:00.002+11:00

I haven’t told you, but my husbands surgery went well, but another piece of his disc has broken off, and this afternoon he is having more spinal surgery to have it removed. So I will be spending the afternoon in a waiting room doing my hand sewing. Anybody that knows me well, knows that I am completely, utterly, unashamedly smitten with my husband! I love him dearly and hate seeing him in so much constant pain.

Lots of creative people found here.

My Own Personalised Pincushion

2010-11-03T07:24:00.003+11:00

Look what arrived in the post for me! My very own personalised pincushion. I won Rolling in Fabric's giveaway, where you could choose between a handmade pincushion or a not yet released Tilda book (at the time) - of course I wanted my own pincushion.
And Brianna very kindly included a handmade brooch, fabric and ric rac. Thank you so much Brianna! I know it would have been so much easier for you if I had chosen the book. I really truly appreciate it - I totally love my pincushion! And I love all my other goodies too!

My Creative Space...

2010-10-28T17:31:00.005+11:00

I want a few smaller items to take to the markets, so I've been playing around with making babies rattles. I started off with the owls, then remembered I had this cute matroyshka doll fabric. I am pretty happy with them, I still need to finish off the dolls bottoms!

Lots of craftiness going on here.

My Creative Space...

2010-10-21T12:19:00.003+11:00

I have finally decided how to use this gorgeous fabric! One of my favourites, I have had it in my stash for over year.
I am going to make a scrap quilt with it! I have spent all afternoon deciding on fabric to use, I'll get stuck in tonight. Although dare I say it, I think I will need to do a trip to Spotlight to get some yellows to pull it together.

Loads more creative spaces here

How'd The Market Go?

2010-10-18T21:14:00.002+11:00

Well...it went really well!
I was totally freaking out, but once I had set up and taken my perch behind my stall I was fine. I met loads of lovely creative people, and loads of people that value handmade things - it was great! I made a few sales, and had people ask what other markets I will be at, so all in all a very positive response.
Thank you so much for all the kind words left on my previous post and a very big thank you to Cotton Kiwi who had to put up with me asking loads of questions (on the day, and the days building up to it), and also A Little Vintage who has been very supportive of me starting a market.

To Market, To Market...

2010-10-15T10:34:00.007+11:00

I've been dying to say that! Tomorrow I am off to Crafternoon Tea for my first ever market! I am petrified to say the least. Here's a sneak peak at some of the stuff I will have for sale. Above is a suitcase with a selection of funky tissue holders.
An appliqued canvas picture of Bambi.
A stack of peg pinny aprons. If you are around and about in Kingsland pop in and say hi. I would love to meet some of my readers, plus you'll help calm my nerves!

My Creative Space...

2010-10-14T20:12:00.003+11:00

I am about to quilt this baby boys scrap quilt, I am really happy with how the colours have worked out with this one. I really do find making boys things a lot harder than girls.

I have been making lots of other stuff too - for something. Maybe I'll show you and tell you what I am up to tomorrow?

Lots of creative people with creative spaces here.

Busy Beaver

2010-10-12T20:11:00.005+11:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while, I just survived another school holiday which was really busy with a trip to the snow and another holiday at the family beach house. On another note I have been a busy beaver, making lots of goodies. Sneak peaks coming soon, in the meantime here's a pic of my daughters sewed piece of art, photo courtesy of the artist.

On A Roll

2010-09-29T10:57:00.001+10:00

Another quilt completely finished - yay!
It took me a while to find enough fabrics that I liked for this quilt, boys are so hard aren't they. I really wanted to pull some more brown into the mix, and I have just found the nicest chocolate brown linen to use in the next one.
I just realised I forgot to show you the back - it's lime green polka dots!

Tada!

2010-09-24T12:47:00.001+10:00

I love it! I machine stitched the binding on, and it looks much better than my first attempt.
Have a good weekend ladies!

My Creative Space...

2010-09-23T20:48:00.005+10:00

I feel like I've got my blogging and sewing mojo back. I went quiet there for a while but I am feeling all inspired again. It feels good to have my husbands back surgery behind us, and he is getting better every day. I also have a demi aupair (which is a German student who works for us as a part time nanny) until Christmas. So I am taking the opportunity to get my house in order. I am also about to go and finish a whole lot of projects, including the baby boy quilt above.

More creative spaces can be found here.

Lucky Me!

2010-09-22T18:02:00.000+10:00

Look what I won from the lovely Rosalie Quinlan - 11 fat quarters from her latest range Sweet Broderie. Rosalie was nice enough to send me fabric in my favourite colours - lucky, lucky me... Thank you so much Rosalie, I am looking forward to making another quilt with it.

Coming Along Nicely

2010-09-20T20:21:00.001+10:00

I am so wrapped with my scrap quilt! I just finished quilting it tonight, I love everything about it and can see myself being addicted to this type of quilting.
I couldn't figure out how to attach my quilting bar to ensure even distances between quilting. I didn't have time to waste trying to work it out so used sellotape to attach it! I've been in such a "sewers block" at the moment, I was just desperate to sew.

My Creative Space...

2010-09-16T15:45:00.003+10:00

This hand print embroidery is a gorgeous idea from Jill and is something I am making for my husband, it will have the whole families hand print on it. My husband had back surgery today, after a very long wait, what a relief that everything went well and hopefully he will be back to his normal physical self very soon.

Lots more creative spaces here.

My Creative Space...

2010-09-09T21:02:00.002+10:00

I finally felt like getting out my sewing machine and having a play, it's been a while. I have been very demotivated lately and it has been annoying me immensely, so I was chuffed to bits to finally feel the inspiration to do something.
Here is the beginning of my first scrap quilt. Does anyone have any tips or instructions on the best way to go about it?

More creative spaces here.

Craft Day

2010-09-08T18:52:00.002+10:00

Does an afternoon spent crafting, chatting, creating in good old girly company sound like a bit of you?
Bring your machine, hand sewing, crochet, knitting, or whatever you are up to, and spend the afternoon with us!

Where: Tara Lounge, All Saints Community Centre, 30 Cook Street, Howick, Auckland
When: Sunday September 19 September
Time: 12.30-4.30pm
Fee: $10

Please email me to book your spot at polkadotdaze@xtra.co.nz

My Creative Space...

2010-09-02T20:06:00.005+10:00

As my creativeness is lacking at the moment I have gone back my Cath Kidston Make! book, and I'm making some more needle books. I never actually kept any for myself last time, so one will definitely be for me. Actually it will be the first thing I have made for myself, how sad is that!

Lots more creative spaces here.

Another Party Done

2010-08-22T07:06:00.004+10:00

I have survived the second party which went well, my son loves Mickey Mouse and he loved his cake. I just love this photo of my daughter taking a photo of his cake!

There is not much creating going on here, my list of things to do is just getting longer and longer, and my sewing room is so messy, I really need to spend a few hours tidying it up before I can even start anything.

My Creative Space...

2010-08-12T19:21:00.006+10:00

After surving another party (just) it's time to get back to some crafty goodness. I promised my sons best friend, Ben, a pencil case for his birthday, so I really must finish it soon. We bought him some stationery from Smiggle to go in it - which is huge at my sons school at the moment - have you been hit by the Smiggle craze?

More Creative Spaces found here.

A Tinkerbell Party

2010-08-08T10:34:00.000+10:00

Oh boy it's been a while. Things have been hectic here. My daughters party went well, I was working until the last minute as usual. But I did manage to tone it down a few notches from last year. This year I made the cake with fondant bows, getting a big more daring for me.
My beautiful niece hosted the party for me as a fairy and I spent most of the night before the party making her dress. I made really sweet loot bags with little handmade colouring in books but I forgot to take a photo of them. It's my sons 2nd Birthday today so another party this afternoon...

My Creative Space...

2010-07-22T20:00:00.004+10:00

I am busy preparing for my daughters birthday party this weekend. The first thing to go up is always her bunting which we hang for her "Birthday Week". I had some help, which wasn't very helpful!

Loads of creative people found here...

Birthday Silly Season

2010-07-21T15:07:00.005+10:00

It's birthday silly season in our house - I have all three children's birthdays within six weeks of each other. The first is my daughters 4th birthday tomorrow. As usual I have left everything until the last minute. I finished her doll baby carrier today, and tonight I need to make her a super hero cape. I am afraid I don't think I am going to get time to make her an apron now. I haven't even started any party preparations yet...

Craft Day

2010-07-13T19:09:00.008+10:00

Our inaugural Craft Day was brilliant! What bliss getting to sit around drinking tea, munching on a yummy afternoon tea, chatting with our like minded ladies and crafting!
Upcoming dates are: Sunday 19 September & Sunday 14 November
Please email me if you would like to come along at polkadotdaze@xtra.co.nz
Claire aka Rosica was felting a very cute little panda bearJacqui aka Hazelnuts was making this adorable picture from feltJodi was busy knitting her twin daughters cardigans. Cat aka Catalina's Cottage was making a peg pinny and dabbling in card making.
Desma aka DoodlingDee brought along her card making gear and made this adorable Tilda cardLiz an avid blog reader was knitting this very cute softie.And I was working on another doll carrier for my daughters Birthday next week.

My Bags Are Packed!

2010-07-08T18:27:00.005+10:00

I am ready for Crafting Day! We are going away to the family beach house for a few days so I had to pack now. It's going to be brilliant - four hours child free, around other adults, creating - yipee!

Please note there has been a venue, time and cost change:

Tara Lounge, All Saints Community Centre, 30 Cook Street, Howick
12.30-4.30pm
Fee: $10

Please email me if you are coming so that I have an idea of numbers at polkadotdaze@xtra.co.nz

See you on Sunday!

My Creative Space...

2010-07-08T09:12:00.002+10:00

Every time we bake my daughter asks if I can make her an apron, so with her birthday only two weeks away I am going to get my act together and make a few things for her.

The plan today is to take the pattern I made for this peg pinny apron, and make a new pattern for a full apron for a child. Although maybe ruffles would be nice? We'll all have to wait and see what I come up with.

More busy creative people here

The Three Little Pigs And A Cat

2010-07-06T19:40:00.007+10:00

It's the school holidays here in NZ, I really enjoy getting to relax and start the day slowly. We have decided to do our first family play/movie these holidays. I thought a story the kids know well would work best, so "The Three Little Pigs" it is.
We are in full swing production mode at the moment.
And we have a new member of the family. His name is Fifa (yes - as in the World Cup) but it's not really sticking so we might end up calling him something else... He's a Devon Rex, so doesn't lose much fur, thank goodness! Here he is trying to help with the photo.

My Creative Space...

2010-07-01T20:54:00.009+10:00

Hello there. Yes, I am back to my quilts. I have four unfinished quilts at the moment. I have so many unfinished projects that's it's starting to drive me a bit crazy. So over the next few weeks I hope to spend time just finishing them all off.

My last creative space showed a half finished project, which I did manage to finish and it was very happily received by the recipient. Did I get a photo? No - don't you hate that? I was so proud of it too. It was a gorgeous little baby doll carrier, which Sarah at Cotton Kiwi and Andi at Patch Andi guessed correctly.

More creativeness going on over here.

Crafting Day

2010-06-28T10:01:00.005+10:00

Kiwi girls, even if you can't make it, would you mind posting the above image on your blog to help me spread the word. Pretty please :) Thanks!

PS super cool image done by Sew Funky's personal graphic designer, thanks Mr Sew Funky!

My Creative Space...

2010-06-24T20:38:00.006+10:00

I have so many unfinished projects on the go at the moment. But I have had to put them aside to make a gift for a very cute two year old birthday girl that loves blue. Can you guess what it is going to be?

More creativeness can be found here.

Doesn't It Sound Fabulous?

2010-06-22T18:55:00.003+10:00

A whole day spent crafting, chatting, creating in good old girly company, with no kids!
Bring your machine, hand sewing, crochet, knitting, or whatever you are up to, and spend the day with us!

What: Crafting Day
When: 11.30-4.30pm Sunday 11 July
Where: All Saints Church, Howick, Auckland
Cost: $15 per person (based on 10 people) this includes tea and coffee.

If you are interested please email me at polkadotdaze@xtra.co.nz

World Cup Fever!

2010-06-13T06:29:00.003+10:00

Are there any other football widows out there? Here's a picture of my husbands Birthday cake I made him, which is the Dutch football shirt.
My husbands 30th Birthday has coincided with the world cup, so his whole birthday has revolved around it. I got him the official Netherlands jacket, shirt and t-shirt, plus a huge flag that is hanging from our banister. His mother and grandmother have gone halves in sky tv for a year so that he can watch all the games. I also surprised him with a weekend away on our own last weekend, which I managed to engineer without him suspecting a thing. Needless to say - he is one happy Birthday boy! Which makes me happy too! Happy Birthday my darling husband - you rock!