tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17772399472042204502024-03-14T01:49:40.495+11:00Make it Funky!Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-36357805675974859902015-01-14T19:08:00.000+11:002015-01-15T10:06:44.810+11:00Dining Room RenoAfter the craziness of Christmas and not having much time to myself, I was busting to do something creative. Remember <a href="http://make-it-funky.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/diy-wall-art.html">these canvases</a> that I had previously covered in wallpaper? Well it turns out, my husband didn't really like them and so when he painted the walls recently, they did not find their way back. So I decided to reuse the canvases by ripping the wallpaper off and giving them a bit of paint. I used acrylics mixed with high gloss gel to give it a cool, shiny texture. I began by creating stripes using masking tape. Over and over, I moved the tape waiting for the paint to dry before replacing the tape and painting again. When the canvases were covered with different width stripes, I added detail and roughed it up a little bit before giving it a couple of coats of varnish. I was going for a bit of an abstract tree trunk look. What I thought would take me a couple of hours turned into a 4 day on and off project. Here it is:<br />
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When this was done, I woke up one morning and decided that our dining suite was too dark for the room and I wanted to lighten it up a little. After searching Pinterest and then eBay for white dining chairs, I decided that I loved the Eames style chairs (which I had never heard of before) and decided I'd look for some second hand replica ones. I found the dodgiest ad on eBay which looked like it was only for one chair. I asked the question, found out it was for 6 chairs and offered a ridiculous price which was accepted. When we got the chairs home, I looked up the brand and realised that the chairs are actually not the replicas I thought they were! They retail new for $450 each! I got all 6 for $130! Bargain of the century I reckon! The chairs are comfortable, sturdy easy-clean and pretty darn funky. I smile whenever I look at them.</div>
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So with the new white chairs, the table looked too dark. Soon, we began the big task of sanding back our dining table to the original wood look. It required numerous coats of varnish with a minimum of 24 hours drying time in between each coat. Patience was needed! Finally, it all came together. We painted the legs of the table black to attempt an industrial type look and to tie in with the black bi-fold doors. Here we go:</div>
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Last, but not least, I planted some pretty succulents in a white pot and whipped up a table runner- light grey on one side, charcoal on the other because I couldn't decide.<br />
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So there you have it. A couple of things I still need to do- get rid of the blue wall near the bifold doors and through to the kitchen- just need to choose the right colour and find a sisal rug for the space near the doors. Since we got rid of the padded, high-back chairs it's a bit echo-y in here. I don't like echo-y! A rug should fix that.<br />
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We are happy with the way this room is shaping up. Looks even better with my little family in it!<br />
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<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-53683681355756751562014-08-23T14:36:00.001+10:002014-08-23T14:36:39.672+10:00Study areaOur most recent addition/ reno to our house is a study nook for the kiddos. This came about for a number of reasons: I was sick of having their homework books, colouring books, pencils, craft etc all over the dining table and secondly, we are hoping to eventually extend our eldest son's bedroom into the space where our original 'study' space was.<br />
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I am not a fan of desks in kids' bedrooms. I want to be able to see what they're working on or viewing on the i-Pad and computer and help them if they need me to. I also like that they can be involved in each other's learning if they are all in the one place.<br />
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This is the closest I have of a before photo of this space:<br />
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It's a funny little area really. We had a play kitchen, dolls houses and a drum kit here.<br />
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I began gathering ideas on a Pinterest board. People are so clever! I love getting inspiration from Pinterest. Here is my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jeffbec/study-area/">Study Area ideas board.</a><br />
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Firstly, I cleared it all out. Kitchen went into the cubby house in the backyard, dolls house went into daughter's bedroom, drum kit moved into family room. I then started to collect second hand furniture as it came up on ebay and gumtree. All 3 desks and chairs are originally from Ikea. Desks are called 'Micke' and chairs are called 'Tobias'. Once I knew these were exactly what I wanted, I kept searching gumtree and ebay until one came up. Then I had to be quick to snap them up and my poor long-suffering husband was sent all over Sydney to collect them. He's the best! If I had bought them brand new, the chairs and desks would have cost me $600. Buying them second hand, meant that I got the lot for $240. It took about 2 months to find everything but I think it was worth the saving.</div>
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Bit by bit, it started to come together. We bought the overhead cabinet and printer cabinet new from Ikea as they were tricky to come across second hand. After much deliberation and discussion with the husband, we (I) decided to paint a wall with chalkboard paint. I used Dulux brand. It was thick and sticky to roll on, but I'm happy with the final product. I have plans to write up a new quote every month or so.<br />
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The wall was finished just in time for our Jonah's 10th birthday. This is the first word art I completed and I loved doing it. This idea was from Pinterest. I now have a Pinterest board for chalkboard ideas. You can check it out <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jeffbec/chalkboard-ideas/">HERE</a>.<br />
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Gabby loves using the chalkboard too. Sometimes she writes words on it and sometimes she just draws. Here is one of my faves:<br />
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And here is the finished product:<br />
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We are really happy with the way it has turned out. The kids enjoy doing their homework here and sometimes I find myself sitting here working on the computer.<br />
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To give you an idea of where this space is in our house, the above photo was taken from our lounge room. If you look over the railing behind the lounge in the photo below, you will see the study area.</div>
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I love seeing our house come together into something that looks like 'us.' It's certainly a slow process, but we're getting there!</div>
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Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-29309070274975335662014-08-22T22:19:00.000+10:002014-08-22T22:19:29.151+10:00Luke's pinata and Jonah's football jersey cake My boys have both had birthdays since I last posted on here. Yes- it's been a while! Felt like I had to share their cakes. I love making them and wonder how old they will be when they finally stop wanting a special cake for their birthdays. Until then, I'll keep on enjoying the time I spend thinking about my babies and how they've grown while I decorate their cakes.<br />
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So here is Luke's pinata cake for his 8th birthday. Lots of fun to crack open with a hammer and share the goodies inside!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStMpIZtUsZh7TFkVPKUtCHaa_v-tFtKGPRS6g1sH7_kfAhnR2bp80A3kle-MmTGRxVgFYZXNHH1qyu17bt060EXRN5Du4FRXBfL2ILYBrh9o34lSH0-V9zTVkQ_-2XYfvKlNh4tmPTmw/s1600/IMG_1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStMpIZtUsZh7TFkVPKUtCHaa_v-tFtKGPRS6g1sH7_kfAhnR2bp80A3kle-MmTGRxVgFYZXNHH1qyu17bt060EXRN5Du4FRXBfL2ILYBrh9o34lSH0-V9zTVkQ_-2XYfvKlNh4tmPTmw/s1600/IMG_1699.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1UIczFDYm4FkGW_gvbF8ad4e8zUDAleWF6D9gNRCrEPjBgmHAKmNiSu3V2abc4q2rmRAlbfxEi8BErnteG-HhGDHagMxgCbmGu-f07eqUoaMac9dEX3gpA97vMip-yEREQ9bLY6-l48/s1600/IMG_1718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1UIczFDYm4FkGW_gvbF8ad4e8zUDAleWF6D9gNRCrEPjBgmHAKmNiSu3V2abc4q2rmRAlbfxEi8BErnteG-HhGDHagMxgCbmGu-f07eqUoaMac9dEX3gpA97vMip-yEREQ9bLY6-l48/s1600/IMG_1718.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBllX0JZIAUzaAFbXBnANh2OSg3hI3fZGo1I8hbyjrZbYP21q0DnMZ7sTVOByU8wV48PWA5UPUv7e8YRxz6bVKq2EqU-MkDz6LwytuPOaSGdBrGECksUOloUCD6Vj25RE0PN6DQHAJ3o/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBllX0JZIAUzaAFbXBnANh2OSg3hI3fZGo1I8hbyjrZbYP21q0DnMZ7sTVOByU8wV48PWA5UPUv7e8YRxz6bVKq2EqU-MkDz6LwytuPOaSGdBrGECksUOloUCD6Vj25RE0PN6DQHAJ3o/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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And my biggest baby turned 10 recently. T.E.N! I can't believe I have a 10 year old! Jonah lives and breathes all things soccer. One of his fave players is Lionel Messi who apparently plays for Barcelona. Here is Jonah with his personalised Messi Jersey cake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw55vvCBQ3YjezEBivFBCrAAV6EB-OuTbQPo0ugXNbOerv7M9_8A45J89Ltb4iV3TQ8sa6n7eTup4vmDY4bvVRgDKnD4gQlTVZoeo7Snmw9PigYWszgjydQbohJGCEphBx2AL5uuy7ZA4/s1600/IMG_2543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw55vvCBQ3YjezEBivFBCrAAV6EB-OuTbQPo0ugXNbOerv7M9_8A45J89Ltb4iV3TQ8sa6n7eTup4vmDY4bvVRgDKnD4gQlTVZoeo7Snmw9PigYWszgjydQbohJGCEphBx2AL5uuy7ZA4/s1600/IMG_2543.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Who knew these cute little babies would grow so quickly into young men?! Good thing they're still gorgeous or I might want to put a stop to this growing business!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvxmwTPHeNhIn6QMjC1zqHtA7AxqKXKX2IEJYpIoMNaaljqvGsv376ybL25ByAbjoPysBqpTNt3Mktd_t9G70FkXy2UNMEaYUB4QRK8DNJbQ-hR6ydTt-bjG9OBoDCOB3fJWgUvZqtuI/s1600/1382167_10152103340113737_760050806_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvxmwTPHeNhIn6QMjC1zqHtA7AxqKXKX2IEJYpIoMNaaljqvGsv376ybL25ByAbjoPysBqpTNt3Mktd_t9G70FkXy2UNMEaYUB4QRK8DNJbQ-hR6ydTt-bjG9OBoDCOB3fJWgUvZqtuI/s1600/1382167_10152103340113737_760050806_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvp6J1ojXIRQ2V7mt-C8OrfTiLWAQF4KGsV7JTFOR9kns-bGYV1cPovedfll5ksMXt5vitVCVEPec5skqMDb-poZ7uGTSx3qCX9ab1u_T8enUHVlGFv9sDOv4540raOpXF_LhRq_6UqeY/s1600/16000_10152389100098737_4689235233288415600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvp6J1ojXIRQ2V7mt-C8OrfTiLWAQF4KGsV7JTFOR9kns-bGYV1cPovedfll5ksMXt5vitVCVEPec5skqMDb-poZ7uGTSx3qCX9ab1u_T8enUHVlGFv9sDOv4540raOpXF_LhRq_6UqeY/s1600/16000_10152389100098737_4689235233288415600_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-42524143832862360052014-04-25T11:01:00.000+10:002014-04-25T11:01:34.173+10:00Long sleeve dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is the long sleeve version of my simple, stretchy dress.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTejciD_nbRrNKzLNojiflPQk1IeLMTNHIlLNwj8rvZLWA-FymOl0_zCJnBStMEaWr6OGn-c1lqo1b1OSBOaE23cmpr79HDiFBEvhy6uw3GVMEwhDF98kzUQGh198tsWKfcmpPle9D_0/s1600/IMG_2067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTejciD_nbRrNKzLNojiflPQk1IeLMTNHIlLNwj8rvZLWA-FymOl0_zCJnBStMEaWr6OGn-c1lqo1b1OSBOaE23cmpr79HDiFBEvhy6uw3GVMEwhDF98kzUQGh198tsWKfcmpPle9D_0/s1600/IMG_2067.jpg" height="640" width="312" /></a></div>
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This one is made with jersey fabric which is easy to sew with no need to overlock seems. However, I find it is a lot less flattering to wear than the cotton sateen fabric. Darn those chocolate Easter eggs!! Time to get back into the running I think.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRDEJXeeRqxoseELR6BdutpVc_08BSGSZFScREyVQRqq7x6miQn5ZwytJ8mpLAtrNJSlQ4Zoer4EqU64mHBHNoj95J0zKnuUEECvGmzovGkRZ1jNxJu_QkjM5hyphenhyphenIOgJUOaH5keZGJir8/s1600/IMG_2076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRDEJXeeRqxoseELR6BdutpVc_08BSGSZFScREyVQRqq7x6miQn5ZwytJ8mpLAtrNJSlQ4Zoer4EqU64mHBHNoj95J0zKnuUEECvGmzovGkRZ1jNxJu_QkjM5hyphenhyphenIOgJUOaH5keZGJir8/s1600/IMG_2076.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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As my holidays come to an end all too quickly and I sink back into the business of early mornings, school lunches, uniforms and meetings, I am feeling so, so grateful for the time I have spent with these 3 kiddos. How lucky am I that I get to continue being in the same place as my kids even when I go to work? Pretty special I reckon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJciCesp-05suUJZ2YxSu46-vW_CUeWefTAMIYZ1aZnxl72W03OqeweTZfS37UPWM2iIm6ekm3OY7jZQ1EDbmtsYZ_VPTWFPtLyDXFqCnTTrk2jFxB4zygyQg8P5OH5yQ0motIIqUYik/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJciCesp-05suUJZ2YxSu46-vW_CUeWefTAMIYZ1aZnxl72W03OqeweTZfS37UPWM2iIm6ekm3OY7jZQ1EDbmtsYZ_VPTWFPtLyDXFqCnTTrk2jFxB4zygyQg8P5OH5yQ0motIIqUYik/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_2075108655"></span><span id="goog_2075108656"></span>We have had fun bushwalking, gardening (future post on this one!), going to the movies, visiting parks, having friends over and generally enjoying the beautiful weather. Plenty of memories to get us through to the next lot of holidays. 9 weeks and counting!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-63611123052130886292014-04-18T22:49:00.000+10:002014-04-18T22:49:32.528+10:00Cat cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Way back in February, my girl turned 5. She has always loved animals, particularly cats so she asked if I could make a cat cake. We searched the internet together for some inspiration, but whenever I found one that looked half decent and I thought I could pull off, Gabby exclaimed, "NO!" It amazes me how well she knows exactly what she does and doesn't like- no indecision, just "NO!" OK then! I wonder who she gets that from?! Then, when I was putting her to bed one night, she decided she wanted a cat cake that looked just like the one on her nightie. Here it is:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorm__1wE4pW7_-jKkO-zhuT2rFKrm4KR8R-sGz1rJY3MIpQu-b4g0zi9NhUGmJtAAbaFYtw-mdg5bNDYHAZpRC6JpeFaeSw1Z6rBm-x0LpCxSqePV-Tqu1NONxRvII84cWfCpX5l3OJE/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorm__1wE4pW7_-jKkO-zhuT2rFKrm4KR8R-sGz1rJY3MIpQu-b4g0zi9NhUGmJtAAbaFYtw-mdg5bNDYHAZpRC6JpeFaeSw1Z6rBm-x0LpCxSqePV-Tqu1NONxRvII84cWfCpX5l3OJE/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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Rightio then. We finally had something to work with.</div>
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I had so much fun making this cake. Little girl was at school while I was making it and she was super happy when she arrived home.</div>
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Here is how it ended up:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2ofOdHL5B9BpYlZtcvsvaLgS09nMUBWRLKJrDIRLQwYsEyiz3uo5Q7aNzso4gL5bWO0ksqqB2BZKdZtURQj-fSofPBCbzPuoGye0fPuEqYrPtNrErPIlcqXusqs-o5nAiBONB1yZT18/s1600/photo-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2ofOdHL5B9BpYlZtcvsvaLgS09nMUBWRLKJrDIRLQwYsEyiz3uo5Q7aNzso4gL5bWO0ksqqB2BZKdZtURQj-fSofPBCbzPuoGye0fPuEqYrPtNrErPIlcqXusqs-o5nAiBONB1yZT18/s1600/photo-5.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's how it looked pre icing:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kdzBfZ68lF7HpOMZWY9TzN2bmAa248QFxtKaD_FkPEIBO34znJkb-uMoDgdpBgCUzBpugLRX5wn1RUQayjGiEyQnqdw0zeI3X3ZlkAKru8PxuZYiGYIOeuzRJJ8QHrbeDO8kpxO6Zag/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kdzBfZ68lF7HpOMZWY9TzN2bmAa248QFxtKaD_FkPEIBO34znJkb-uMoDgdpBgCUzBpugLRX5wn1RUQayjGiEyQnqdw0zeI3X3ZlkAKru8PxuZYiGYIOeuzRJJ8QHrbeDO8kpxO6Zag/s1600/photo-3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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And here's my girl celebrating with her beautiful big brothers. Little does she know how lucky she is!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yNuH_dx9SOHvemNQ4-uxdv0HFFk1G-hHO9n5VYNNGAbAvTigmVIWsfIzW6WKoMmReiFvlneUZYRYM3lEn-HIo3GtEQtrtz8UVm-mhnWSf-IJj2LXDlov5AbwgZNj6XTEY4fjPRn5wjA/s1600/IMG_1197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yNuH_dx9SOHvemNQ4-uxdv0HFFk1G-hHO9n5VYNNGAbAvTigmVIWsfIzW6WKoMmReiFvlneUZYRYM3lEn-HIo3GtEQtrtz8UVm-mhnWSf-IJj2LXDlov5AbwgZNj6XTEY4fjPRn5wjA/s1600/IMG_1197.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love making cakes for my kids. Next one is a pinata cake (not actually a cake at all) made for my Luke. Stay tuned- I'm slowly catching up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEe_YZWUWai2Hq8scy8fYa9SV-T6bgqLyVAxa2bX72BYcLcLdFF5EtciyOsBQDN-XYnyMXPEgpjIkv9J5V-Sxs_pyew1LiR-ZeyqRvuqmHNCHziOB8Rb06BeDbvR9VRmueP1lFQRcGS4/s1600/GetAttachment.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEe_YZWUWai2Hq8scy8fYa9SV-T6bgqLyVAxa2bX72BYcLcLdFF5EtciyOsBQDN-XYnyMXPEgpjIkv9J5V-Sxs_pyew1LiR-ZeyqRvuqmHNCHziOB8Rb06BeDbvR9VRmueP1lFQRcGS4/s1600/GetAttachment.aspx.jpeg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-55528481293439030002014-04-15T15:00:00.000+10:002014-04-15T15:01:16.006+10:00Some dresses for work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcCTB8qDQp7I2UlLhGFLHd5u-ImhELJcb99ra-MBdY9jiNu6qEp0XcLrRy80XNxFSXRaRDi_TrwMCdl5ZaqTGCNy9IF17y9rp5pdzAhO39B9ubr9meE85-PQgAzPW0jBXmFU4E7qDX8A/s1600/IMG_1944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>It's holiday time again which means I finally have some breathing space for blogging! We have had such a huge term with my youngest starting Kindy, as well as one in Year 2 and one in Year 4. Basketball season has finished up and a new soccer season has begun. Swimming lessons continue and my little girl will start dancing lessons soon- unchartered territory for me! Family life is always busy!<br />
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My job has been crazy busy- I am a teacher whose job is to care for kids with special needs- learning difficulties and other disabilities. This last term has seen me way out of my depth in dealing with the issues that some of these kids face and with their parents. Such an incredible, horrible, wonderful, difficult job and I'm wrecked! </div>
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With all three kids at school, I have been navigating a new season of life where I have 2 days each week at home ALONE. This has been such a strange feeling and I must admit, it took me quite a while to adjust. When I wasn't busy, loneliness kicked in along with feelings of guilt if I did anything just for me. Well, I'm nearly over that now! </div>
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A few weeks a go, I came across some new fabric in Spotlight that I hadn't seen before. It is called Cotton Sateen and it has a really nice weight and stretch- perfect for little dresses like these- no zipper required. I used the back of a pattern I already had and used it for the back and the front, cutting a lower neckline at the front. I had a little cap sleeve pattern which worked perfectly as well. To add a bit of shape, I added 2 darts in the back to bring the dress in at my waistline, otherwise it looked a bit sack-like. My overlocker worked overtime- unlike the jersey fabric I have used before, this stuff frays like crazy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECkrWd0shzxfzvggz7rkCXqL7ECNOl3KBoC8HYG_PgUXQnW-HmO3374SOhr8bMtOqxa3tXxhHaocoI-CzHpW3gOYLMZft1QHrdocSD1O1pEDP7luVh2aHxKAEJDlux6cDyyCAAfiRQ8Q/s1600/IMG_1957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECkrWd0shzxfzvggz7rkCXqL7ECNOl3KBoC8HYG_PgUXQnW-HmO3374SOhr8bMtOqxa3tXxhHaocoI-CzHpW3gOYLMZft1QHrdocSD1O1pEDP7luVh2aHxKAEJDlux6cDyyCAAfiRQ8Q/s1600/IMG_1957.jpg" height="640" width="258" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GtKwkKYMgrF_59GfiSnlmAzPVKNvJYPkXO8hc_LpdDOeddr4ODphZDjDx3Z7I53sgEX59E15Q7RW45roJnnOnmO0QIJ96Fg180gdrlKJEp1UW67MkUeKWBytxhTslqJTv_5x3aXkwNQ/s1600/IMG_1953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GtKwkKYMgrF_59GfiSnlmAzPVKNvJYPkXO8hc_LpdDOeddr4ODphZDjDx3Z7I53sgEX59E15Q7RW45roJnnOnmO0QIJ96Fg180gdrlKJEp1UW67MkUeKWBytxhTslqJTv_5x3aXkwNQ/s1600/IMG_1953.jpg" height="640" width="268" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4e2frDYw7jTzENn2ZYYWAus2KFBPTZSW62InJ_jdfEEF_rvxNWaYts-UPDNqDcVKz7srkpwsd3okgFUwGsLikTPoA3-YKtzDNYeTzOg2eb9uAi6A1WZN1kK3fKGwdBZNYKZl_cgj318/s1600/IMG_1944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4e2frDYw7jTzENn2ZYYWAus2KFBPTZSW62InJ_jdfEEF_rvxNWaYts-UPDNqDcVKz7srkpwsd3okgFUwGsLikTPoA3-YKtzDNYeTzOg2eb9uAi6A1WZN1kK3fKGwdBZNYKZl_cgj318/s1600/IMG_1944.jpg" height="640" width="268" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvM5wgNG6esbSJIZpJChL4YC6H_Vea6m-U7hyet_FQlbTecUfoCsxRCjKb32J-7apxSK4V8EJWGp6zKwP-swkIyCVQh4vRr4KCreG3qQxN7TgpDHG3_kw4ooCiM4KVxrLUR9Nons_7Jk/s1600/IMG_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvM5wgNG6esbSJIZpJChL4YC6H_Vea6m-U7hyet_FQlbTecUfoCsxRCjKb32J-7apxSK4V8EJWGp6zKwP-swkIyCVQh4vRr4KCreG3qQxN7TgpDHG3_kw4ooCiM4KVxrLUR9Nons_7Jk/s1600/IMG_1920.jpg" height="640" width="272" /></a></div>
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I am looking forward to making one of these with long sleeves for Autumn/ Winter. I'll let you know how I go. </div>
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Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-32623650786765501842014-01-19T21:59:00.000+11:002014-01-20T17:51:17.695+11:00Woven ribbon headbandWhen I dreamed of having a little girl, I imagined that her hair would always be beautifully pulled back in braids or pigtails or plaits with ribbons and clips etc. (Mind you, I also imagined that she would have dark hair like me- what the heck happened there?!!) I loved styling hair and had practised lots on my dolls, sister and cousin growing up.<br />
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In the real world, more often than not, my daughter's hair looks something like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5wUVs96anDE8LigbC-IfuTxBWVL-q740AwhtcxxzAJaYqZJnHCm0FjlX8n2SF7doYRkeDAp2tTp1n3NjXwlXb6ueDM9N3987trZKqAThogO0ivxo0aieeC6DCVlip0kZzYwzj9gNHMI/s1600/IMG_8289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5wUVs96anDE8LigbC-IfuTxBWVL-q740AwhtcxxzAJaYqZJnHCm0FjlX8n2SF7doYRkeDAp2tTp1n3NjXwlXb6ueDM9N3987trZKqAThogO0ivxo0aieeC6DCVlip0kZzYwzj9gNHMI/s1600/IMG_8289.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Or even this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aqXpCXxkGBmKZm1n_b-rmcWgYSk3h8VmbskYYecrjqCx96XslOwte_Aiu1QQuEy7wjN16Ew4_eAgN9p4nRAO49NDnvWGX7GYcXpAXrVlU6CCWgWygtR8fZ5RnP7nsVGkACuFbYnAMgk/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aqXpCXxkGBmKZm1n_b-rmcWgYSk3h8VmbskYYecrjqCx96XslOwte_Aiu1QQuEy7wjN16Ew4_eAgN9p4nRAO49NDnvWGX7GYcXpAXrVlU6CCWgWygtR8fZ5RnP7nsVGkACuFbYnAMgk/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Occasionally, if she is in an easy-going mood, I can sit her in front of 'Peppa Pig' and quickly get a couple of braids in. There is only a small window of opportunity!<br />
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Over the past couple of years, I've come to realise that it's probably not such a bad thing that she hates having her hair done and is only really interested in how long it's going to take and how much it's going to hurt rather than what she looks like in the mirror. After all, I'm sure there will be plenty of time when she is (not even) a teenager when she will worry about her looks. Why help her start that now? I would love her to learn that what she looks like is soooo not a measure of her worth and even though the world will tell her that it's important to be 'pretty' or look a certain way to fit in, I want her to know that it's hugely more worthwhile to be kind, generous, faithful, wise, happy, creative, healthy, fun, honest, respectful, forgiving, thankful, STRONG. That's what I pray for my girl.<br />
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So hard though. How do you navigate this with your daughters? I would love to hear your ideas. My husband and I are deliberate in our efforts to make more comments about our daughter's character than her looks. Of course, we tell her she's beautiful, but we also tell her she's smart and funny etc. Trying hard to keep a good balance. And then there's the example I set. Does Gabby see me worrying too much about my hair, weight, make-up and clothes? YES, probably! Must work on that!<br />
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Alas, my little girl is about to start big school. With this, comes certain requirements for hairstyles. So my priorities are:<br />
1. Avoid nits (Man am I dreading the first time this happens! She will not tolerate nit treatment well!)<br />
2. Quick and easy to do in the mornings<br />
3. Accessories in school colours<br />
4. Hair out of eyes<br />
5. Neat and tidy<br />
6. Stays in all day<br />
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Gabby's hair is very fine, but she has a LOT of it. Even when I try to do her hair really neatly, she gets all those little wispy bits coming out the front and sides. I have found headbands useful for this so thought I'd try my hand at making a woven ribbon headband or two after seeing a couple of girls at school wearing similar things. They weren't too tricky once I got the hang of it. There seems to be a gazillion tutorials on the internet for these little babies. I used <a href="http://www.hair-hardware.com/how-to-make-a-ribbon-woven-headband">THIS ONE.</a><br />
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Here they are in school colours:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXw-HmBktaiiokK5ux3ea1CfgCR-Wp63IocjEXccOUwyqi3Zh5NeP687ej21WxLnXRubKpet5VcYa2P0r7nIRKq3sH1MKaxSPQkZAfT4bdEUDvmfeTRuhxx38C5ooAhJBJLJQqPQ6ToM/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXw-HmBktaiiokK5ux3ea1CfgCR-Wp63IocjEXccOUwyqi3Zh5NeP687ej21WxLnXRubKpet5VcYa2P0r7nIRKq3sH1MKaxSPQkZAfT4bdEUDvmfeTRuhxx38C5ooAhJBJLJQqPQ6ToM/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmLyS9Xk0is-cFUkbnrzPzUJOrCQmAfV2CaffAQTTiwELdy3jTOM2r0Y8iHHqUu8N1VYjLKPGkG_rDKHJ5KO6jzNQUQwt4yxB4d84G4kuDYFqhwxArpAvcqjh6YpjBNvhm3kfxb3rY2o/s1600/IMG_0551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmLyS9Xk0is-cFUkbnrzPzUJOrCQmAfV2CaffAQTTiwELdy3jTOM2r0Y8iHHqUu8N1VYjLKPGkG_rDKHJ5KO6jzNQUQwt4yxB4d84G4kuDYFqhwxArpAvcqjh6YpjBNvhm3kfxb3rY2o/s1600/IMG_0551.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHNX7pa2R_L-AfgzFEYYrrI0PjeLX9vfJhrpNKNGaTvTqNaGgsZz0ByjFy7koCgpPZqhANgCWEmSXgKYzC-ADmV89Nm9hgr6JUdEYQwXrgWpimwsv4GzBNCkEpNZ4rMM47if5YIwkGQM/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHNX7pa2R_L-AfgzFEYYrrI0PjeLX9vfJhrpNKNGaTvTqNaGgsZz0ByjFy7koCgpPZqhANgCWEmSXgKYzC-ADmV89Nm9hgr6JUdEYQwXrgWpimwsv4GzBNCkEpNZ4rMM47if5YIwkGQM/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZ5BrXygl_IU_CQYOJIY1VhAs6aBUq5ng5QRGmpm8clKweZ65-kRTzfDZ6wt2hjCfCDifwOTyla9Y5lbn41vYiZ4D4M2yNcOalgS1UamOVpC4naWP9S8Kmr3GzpupfsMUKndJGy7wcWM/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZ5BrXygl_IU_CQYOJIY1VhAs6aBUq5ng5QRGmpm8clKweZ65-kRTzfDZ6wt2hjCfCDifwOTyla9Y5lbn41vYiZ4D4M2yNcOalgS1UamOVpC4naWP9S8Kmr3GzpupfsMUKndJGy7wcWM/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQh8fG3BGHsPLhC9_VlqYNBrYJW5LJKLWrCasYNzgnAZEl1fMIz0LQbRD1DzxFthOQ_TOlWbhuYp6P6_bunbrKIkD4ByO3YsyJMid3q_lOTd5FkCTFBJhlOV3P2yJ2fDWYRtR8I5qimZY/s1600/IMG_0707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQh8fG3BGHsPLhC9_VlqYNBrYJW5LJKLWrCasYNzgnAZEl1fMIz0LQbRD1DzxFthOQ_TOlWbhuYp6P6_bunbrKIkD4ByO3YsyJMid3q_lOTd5FkCTFBJhlOV3P2yJ2fDWYRtR8I5qimZY/s1600/IMG_0707.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I would definitely recommend giving these a go. There are endless possibilities with colour combinations which can totally change the look of the pattern.<br />
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Be sure to send me a pic if you give this a go. I would love to see them!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-84275311889603211542014-01-16T11:51:00.002+11:002014-01-16T11:57:16.246+11:00Lounge room progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am really excited to show you what we have done with our lounge room. It isn't quite finished yet, but it will be a while until we eradicate the red carpet and replace it with something more neutral.</div>
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So here we go:</div>
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This is what we saw when we first walked in the door of what was to be our new house. The previous owners had already moved out so it was empty. Look at that red carpet and those fancy lights! Not my cup of tea, but what a GREAT space! I could see the potential.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IvGaqf5GAGeOgnIw-fOALIJFi1Nc5xU_E_5fFsiMlhUR1OqzxA36ifiQemJxb01ppXplQDgapOncF6po_ap3EQT1cThc5ZYPmwxMMrLM7trhyAYjyUv20ZLQ8NTSaEJnxM-3ghUQfUU/s1600/IMG_5127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IvGaqf5GAGeOgnIw-fOALIJFi1Nc5xU_E_5fFsiMlhUR1OqzxA36ifiQemJxb01ppXplQDgapOncF6po_ap3EQT1cThc5ZYPmwxMMrLM7trhyAYjyUv20ZLQ8NTSaEJnxM-3ghUQfUU/s1600/IMG_5127.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then we added our own old furniture. So it looked like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTx9bVsAVcDUTGG_cfJNQVOWv-rkhGPfjBkMCVTuAFSLe0_t2gfd6YjSUgBgxapmARBvWMueyRnqS0cWluW1mrE7TGrpOJooP1UFs-ECwSmvuyDuSr2QUdGzNyFSWeeO3rHh0m97YZb_Q/s1600/IMG_5145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTx9bVsAVcDUTGG_cfJNQVOWv-rkhGPfjBkMCVTuAFSLe0_t2gfd6YjSUgBgxapmARBvWMueyRnqS0cWluW1mrE7TGrpOJooP1UFs-ECwSmvuyDuSr2QUdGzNyFSWeeO3rHh0m97YZb_Q/s1600/IMG_5145.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGq7AzJJKcmU2ACYMsP3BVJc30VN-m81Ji6IrG6pI5swcLRY7uMKpCRWTW6HSpOTiP8C_QKi2YKH5LMDrRLnfhOt4rkMPy1is-18HL3hqgnET11BF7wrJzoc5Ja6hO-1FlxxH78XcyxE/s1600/IMG_5147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGq7AzJJKcmU2ACYMsP3BVJc30VN-m81Ji6IrG6pI5swcLRY7uMKpCRWTW6HSpOTiP8C_QKi2YKH5LMDrRLnfhOt4rkMPy1is-18HL3hqgnET11BF7wrJzoc5Ja6hO-1FlxxH78XcyxE/s1600/IMG_5147.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Over the last few months, we have:</div>
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Painted the room</div>
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Replaced the lights</div>
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Added new artworks</div>
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Replaced the sofa</div>
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Replaced the buffet</div>
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Added a coffee table</div>
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Changed/ added various decorative items such as cushions, vases, frames</div>
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And now it looks like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1alzSOvaouEmF2nTn0vhOpFQs-39LUS9RfqIAKkOYz2IYBBZjOVGGXA8_600gVGa7taCSPF_wDtW13JuVye5iDC6eTYJdW0r8g3iHzsDIHJgxezY5v9su43LznNPA3zFi0SWELSv8Isc/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1alzSOvaouEmF2nTn0vhOpFQs-39LUS9RfqIAKkOYz2IYBBZjOVGGXA8_600gVGa7taCSPF_wDtW13JuVye5iDC6eTYJdW0r8g3iHzsDIHJgxezY5v9su43LznNPA3zFi0SWELSv8Isc/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06EHWxHtLES8EnU-lnI02cGY1EgomL8nCgAIVFOclF8VK6Kf_ixzxTvSpE-Ni8wGy9uBbzsmNx9ZYgBiWQxwHK_lQrILK2v1QfzDdxiDz05yMNtHLR1DikhoWbvGSOguxeC7sKgSFeIA/s1600/IMG_0477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06EHWxHtLES8EnU-lnI02cGY1EgomL8nCgAIVFOclF8VK6Kf_ixzxTvSpE-Ni8wGy9uBbzsmNx9ZYgBiWQxwHK_lQrILK2v1QfzDdxiDz05yMNtHLR1DikhoWbvGSOguxeC7sKgSFeIA/s1600/IMG_0477.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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We are very happy with it so far. Here are some details:</div>
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There is no TV in this room. We read, play games and chat in here. Such a relaxing space. Love it!<br />
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I hope you have enjoyed checking out our work in progress. Be sure to come back when the red carpet disappears. Thanks for visiting!</div>
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Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-38391027174230321902014-01-09T13:51:00.000+11:002014-01-09T17:16:20.133+11:00Christmas dresses and photosI nearly forgot about these two dresses I made for Gabby to wear at Christmas.<br />
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This first one was made using 'Kumari Garden Holiday' fabric by Dena Designs. I bought it from the US on Etsy. I have made this pattern before- <a href="http://make-it-funky.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/twirly-dresses-for-my-girl.html">SEE HERE.</a> I love it because it is so simple- just made from different size rectangles and she loves it because it has an exciting amount of 'twirl' happening.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCOq-fMYmlMDMN2n8BZu78FMgJxi-dOV_R-n_ReQv7HF5R3H76BsHExovB6cl47hiXVVMl5qyYCfceYxjadef-xuoZjrrmb6pTUs57v-JfoW4BsijSvWIamuWn4VAoM4lV132-rweX9M/s1600/IMG_9426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCOq-fMYmlMDMN2n8BZu78FMgJxi-dOV_R-n_ReQv7HF5R3H76BsHExovB6cl47hiXVVMl5qyYCfceYxjadef-xuoZjrrmb6pTUs57v-JfoW4BsijSvWIamuWn4VAoM4lV132-rweX9M/s1600/IMG_9426.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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This next one was made for Gabby's Preschool concert where the theme was 'White Christmas'. Gabby chose the fabric from Spotlight as it was super sparkly. I traced around the bodice of a dress she already owns and then just made a gathered, two layered rectangle for the skirt and sewed it to the bodice.<br />
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Each year, I like to take a Christmas photo of the kids and use it for our family Christmas card. This year, I decided to buy a bunch of Christmas coloured helium balloons and take the kids the National Park near our house for some photo fun. We got heaps of good shots- here's just a couple of my faves:<br />
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Check out these from the previous 4 years. Look how much my baby has grown!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp04bnv0_q1SnCYqhq5cvvlDhhmvexfLjy6sGFjxVlLMxaRS_u_mdXKYOi3_dYo2HFib39NFZaSphjFBOL0S039Pd_iZ_N8xZDpyG1BIjk_OMxSYPYh6F-RdX_BRoRAMS8vAlVDI_678/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp04bnv0_q1SnCYqhq5cvvlDhhmvexfLjy6sGFjxVlLMxaRS_u_mdXKYOi3_dYo2HFib39NFZaSphjFBOL0S039Pd_iZ_N8xZDpyG1BIjk_OMxSYPYh6F-RdX_BRoRAMS8vAlVDI_678/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXCX4Y2D2EUvvUUU5V6hyGyJxb18ljiy-9oVN3ZrTzl7-WVjR9lW_wriZE9fbtJtkoQNddfy4rcfNDxtYLGjWb2mFJ4t5ubqP15C9R2XN6WdVE8L1Dw1iFXwGxDA9DDJkSK2wkRbLng8/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXCX4Y2D2EUvvUUU5V6hyGyJxb18ljiy-9oVN3ZrTzl7-WVjR9lW_wriZE9fbtJtkoQNddfy4rcfNDxtYLGjWb2mFJ4t5ubqP15C9R2XN6WdVE8L1Dw1iFXwGxDA9DDJkSK2wkRbLng8/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" height="640" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2011</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69jlt6HInlbyS9OV80YNlZhdEN8jn5PBM-DRSyX1pCacpajDi7dBQPz-ZBG6WcNeuIm98GGtRYTdiBSfOCqIkDjeJ5COzuEsGYwgognm901e_7LJ24A5CPTH85xDEcrdky3cFVLo8Wj8/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69jlt6HInlbyS9OV80YNlZhdEN8jn5PBM-DRSyX1pCacpajDi7dBQPz-ZBG6WcNeuIm98GGtRYTdiBSfOCqIkDjeJ5COzuEsGYwgognm901e_7LJ24A5CPTH85xDEcrdky3cFVLo8Wj8/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9a8dS5RkdZJnM8e71GHszM296qo0DD06HsfM4xmq2am6siBmv_WPPkg067mvRCprPOOSfyBxfMa64I0ZFHcnohbU9vY6keuFKn-b3YTE0VmEN7dKqB7fagYwsed3FusP0Nks80hOHiDE/s1600/IMG_1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9a8dS5RkdZJnM8e71GHszM296qo0DD06HsfM4xmq2am6siBmv_WPPkg067mvRCprPOOSfyBxfMa64I0ZFHcnohbU9vY6keuFKn-b3YTE0VmEN7dKqB7fagYwsed3FusP0Nks80hOHiDE/s1600/IMG_1731.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009- Gabby's 1st Christmas</td></tr>
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So that's Christmas for another year. I hope you all had a happy one with time spent reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by. xxx<br />
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<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-71409792091023141532014-01-08T14:52:00.000+11:002014-01-08T14:52:40.039+11:00Stairs and front door reno.I know, I know! It's been months and months since I have had the time to blog anything. We have been working hard on our home improvements and I have a had very little time for craftiness. Here is a quick summary of some projects we have completed in the last few months:<br />
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When we moved into our house nearly 2 years ago, this is what our front door looked like:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVw9QyVnGzlInUvvAwdwhDZWmQwFnomDgp2Hxo4hgQzF-NpURzIEqxHzDfPyDxOp0toval-gZDeQkYZ7TNSAFCed4mm6VTi_qwJmV6Xj-6qnxiFJUOMB8WGFUe3YQqZOxl7fOpnDJdEg/s1600/IMG_3437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVw9QyVnGzlInUvvAwdwhDZWmQwFnomDgp2Hxo4hgQzF-NpURzIEqxHzDfPyDxOp0toval-gZDeQkYZ7TNSAFCed4mm6VTi_qwJmV6Xj-6qnxiFJUOMB8WGFUe3YQqZOxl7fOpnDJdEg/s1600/IMG_3437.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was sad to see the bird door knocker and cat flap go.....NOT!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's much better!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJy_qN1HL92RQq2o55YKwztT3zXVaLJOEMf1wUtxsxdiKjWQJ-UwREKWyX8IstEWsWpfUoBrmsN6tZaoqyml8UWdd8AASZjqke-mrP3mvkOF9_kQpwyI8oyIcMnYWUEPI39rKbM9B-Ak/s1600/IMG_3513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJy_qN1HL92RQq2o55YKwztT3zXVaLJOEMf1wUtxsxdiKjWQJ-UwREKWyX8IstEWsWpfUoBrmsN6tZaoqyml8UWdd8AASZjqke-mrP3mvkOF9_kQpwyI8oyIcMnYWUEPI39rKbM9B-Ak/s1600/IMG_3513.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then there were these stairs inside. Don't you just love the strip of red carpet? These were so annoying to clean and looked disgusting too.<br />
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So after a bad day at work one day, I decided to rip up that darn carpet! And this is what I found underneath!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WEs-dowPOS3-Mpfaw0zlat3JW4bLZo-_ce9A8QNl8T_JThafYUl9cvRUhT43JBuYFsqP64tpzOYXHaJeqdFELZOi5Bd4FRjPoqAbSJ20uy9I5KOT3tp9ZQDRxNk7FsbwzST8e9Pwgsg/s1600/IMG_4051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WEs-dowPOS3-Mpfaw0zlat3JW4bLZo-_ce9A8QNl8T_JThafYUl9cvRUhT43JBuYFsqP64tpzOYXHaJeqdFELZOi5Bd4FRjPoqAbSJ20uy9I5KOT3tp9ZQDRxNk7FsbwzST8e9Pwgsg/s1600/IMG_4051.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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So we got sanding, sanding, sanding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72XHGX6mtlRoPfJeGYft6ly4I9tL-U0FsgwifL4fjMgeEqP-jDB_i2dN6BC6oQcFREJU-sCRav4D3eIRYqF_L5U0X-9DofaG7ZEAmKepP7EfcZu_g4-kKz91ze7hEGS7pwQysHUpuQI8/s1600/IMG_4060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72XHGX6mtlRoPfJeGYft6ly4I9tL-U0FsgwifL4fjMgeEqP-jDB_i2dN6BC6oQcFREJU-sCRav4D3eIRYqF_L5U0X-9DofaG7ZEAmKepP7EfcZu_g4-kKz91ze7hEGS7pwQysHUpuQI8/s1600/IMG_4060.jpg" height="400" width="300" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRb670rKPspq_j-kneoqUZIEm6ygkQ5IIdRp54_MyohKNFCw_LNYXH0zFUi9zqdXM7WSfYVjp5FKX1oP9HS5kdUw-kbn8mfb8A2KWY1-o6k6bE7vB2aIWFbr6GAG2E8GdEm_PZczO7aG8/s1600/IMG_4061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRb670rKPspq_j-kneoqUZIEm6ygkQ5IIdRp54_MyohKNFCw_LNYXH0zFUi9zqdXM7WSfYVjp5FKX1oP9HS5kdUw-kbn8mfb8A2KWY1-o6k6bE7vB2aIWFbr6GAG2E8GdEm_PZczO7aG8/s1600/IMG_4061.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Varnishing and painting, varnishing and painting. Such a huge job!<br />
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And then we began to paint the walls to get rid of that lemony creamy colour. We chose a Dulux colour called Grey Pebble and started the enormous task of painting the whole interior of the house. One job just leads to another in this house!</div>
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It's looking much better now. And here is a Christmas picture of our freshly painted loungeroom. Decor in this room is my work in progress. Just saving up for some $$$$ for some new carpet (goodbye red, hello charcoal!) Can't wait to show you our before and after shots when this room is complete.</div>
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As you can see, we have been super busy- just no time to blog. I have some exciting artworks for the loungeroom that I have been working on. Hope to be able to share soon.</div>
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Wishing you all a happy, peaceful and blessed 2014! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-40843488426980625102013-07-13T14:43:00.000+10:002013-07-13T14:43:39.941+10:00Ella's blanketI have finally finished another crochet blanket. This one is for my eldest niece, Ella. She is 10 and she asked for a pink and purple one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjv_dMLTTZ9v1y3sK8x-vhdunXIwYGAUQ8xJRLGopjA92Hmdqw8vSKL8fNwxFJoLjTKXlilHd8glREcAS2UskiFW-tNLqMHnOs0i1tnrM3R97OjC6QEIDvkYSAw-pH8mzsfuFeXG79HUs/s1600/IMG_7427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjv_dMLTTZ9v1y3sK8x-vhdunXIwYGAUQ8xJRLGopjA92Hmdqw8vSKL8fNwxFJoLjTKXlilHd8glREcAS2UskiFW-tNLqMHnOs0i1tnrM3R97OjC6QEIDvkYSAw-pH8mzsfuFeXG79HUs/s640/IMG_7427.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm happy with the way this one turned out. It's huge and super warm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrU9Gi6hH4AsSWVSRC3sORRk3Qyeloi4JLJb9Y_pj-oa29mgC_nzWV7KIFBYrP3JwoxeA4JY63Ph9VZRVQgivCxZtYtqmZF5ws4xCqmuisVPsfYm5H8oYwgZdP4e98aCdrT-Wlc6M0mtM/s1600/IMG_7439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrU9Gi6hH4AsSWVSRC3sORRk3Qyeloi4JLJb9Y_pj-oa29mgC_nzWV7KIFBYrP3JwoxeA4JY63Ph9VZRVQgivCxZtYtqmZF5ws4xCqmuisVPsfYm5H8oYwgZdP4e98aCdrT-Wlc6M0mtM/s640/IMG_7439.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_FJlS2JfUl34h61gmebAwLDTn_Aby8smXNrwoqWemutiZ1eMv4WveqL5yV2Hkwh9HNfqSj5_VxUcUcmfjvjTyn5yxIP5gyrv7inHRIs1o9t7zpDjftRGrSLEf7IFbjew0pT1ypslgNk/s1600/IMG_7451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_FJlS2JfUl34h61gmebAwLDTn_Aby8smXNrwoqWemutiZ1eMv4WveqL5yV2Hkwh9HNfqSj5_VxUcUcmfjvjTyn5yxIP5gyrv7inHRIs1o9t7zpDjftRGrSLEf7IFbjew0pT1ypslgNk/s640/IMG_7451.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here is beautiful Ella all snuggled up ready for a sleep over at Nanny and Pa's.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOSorXwkhGHJICrJ5lt6f5cCORwRqJF6vuMbrpp41BO-vLdBxOOgbQs2Sd5zef9PW3-4LR9dppa7cqPqN7ByhmmbzqMp7asIUp0ZErG22EKi0v-dopmUlk7d2NnsaBZicIJ23WounvyE/s1600/IMG_3514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOSorXwkhGHJICrJ5lt6f5cCORwRqJF6vuMbrpp41BO-vLdBxOOgbQs2Sd5zef9PW3-4LR9dppa7cqPqN7ByhmmbzqMp7asIUp0ZErG22EKi0v-dopmUlk7d2NnsaBZicIJ23WounvyE/s640/IMG_3514.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I think I'm ready to try something a little more challenging now. Keep an eye out for my next blanket which will be for Miss Olivia in blues and greens.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-42003127687938539042013-07-05T18:09:00.000+10:002013-07-05T18:09:44.449+10:00Faux wrap jersey dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got the inspiration for my next dress from this photo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ieEm_LbkpKjkoA0Y4vuNOgnKqv1oFXY54FjVIzuNUxzuhgnvClRQ44wVFsz5rjPR_XXbwZ3mU4luiLyzXUy_9dBGtbmq-LBy8YH-APZujSjvdlt-5F4WvwXw2UjNQ3EwUc3YfvouS-I/s422/1014257_497944973609180_1319535411_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ieEm_LbkpKjkoA0Y4vuNOgnKqv1oFXY54FjVIzuNUxzuhgnvClRQ44wVFsz5rjPR_XXbwZ3mU4luiLyzXUy_9dBGtbmq-LBy8YH-APZujSjvdlt-5F4WvwXw2UjNQ3EwUc3YfvouS-I/s320/1014257_497944973609180_1319535411_n.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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This is from a facebook page called Fashion UK. I love looking at all their styled outfits for inspiration. Here's the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fashion4UK">LINK</a> if you want to take a scroll through their photos.</div>
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So maybe mine isn't as classy, but here's what I came up with. I like it with this scarf:</div>
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I<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrfpTuijiqbm6kIBFmIUJ2GJj7_53IIh7w-uuRgPuRJt-DgwsTNiW5yFoohEthZOAV_Z6GxZubZOdIk1yK1qbdaFqhcLqve9jquBZu4QYWKoxBtXjWsQGS1oqbWPK_wSpnTv2UwjGYLI/s1600/IMG_7264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrfpTuijiqbm6kIBFmIUJ2GJj7_53IIh7w-uuRgPuRJt-DgwsTNiW5yFoohEthZOAV_Z6GxZubZOdIk1yK1qbdaFqhcLqve9jquBZu4QYWKoxBtXjWsQGS1oqbWPK_wSpnTv2UwjGYLI/s640/IMG_7264.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
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If you have read my blog before, you would know that I don't work with patterns very often. I like just making it up as I go along or using online tutorials. But I thought I'd give a real paper pattern a go. I bought this one from <a href="http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=47&category_id=5&page=shop.browse&limit=20&limitstart=20">STYLE ARC</a> an online pattern shop. They have heaps of patterns for both woven and knit fabric based on current fashion trends. This pattern is called, 'Slip-on Suzie.' Ha! Cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19OxNABsTrChlR3ZCN93ML82gQrmPrYvjmslbmekZ7lXommYu6gPhLrpreJ82yTEgJNt4x-X-ooJzyZKIvmvkElRD7wIcZ4MMlRn-6Zug_WZ3R_1mraubb9DU2LE56W71Ilu5QW6PsWo/s1600/IMG_7278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19OxNABsTrChlR3ZCN93ML82gQrmPrYvjmslbmekZ7lXommYu6gPhLrpreJ82yTEgJNt4x-X-ooJzyZKIvmvkElRD7wIcZ4MMlRn-6Zug_WZ3R_1mraubb9DU2LE56W71Ilu5QW6PsWo/s640/IMG_7278.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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This is the first time I have made a dress with long sleeves. It was easier than I thought it would be and I'm happy with the way they turned out. I added a gathered waistband as it needed 'something' there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtanYyMThpPfbEHkrqTzfWLm3ZLu02KxX5KC_lt62OugjgbOHTYZmo21ZUC5gJdSgeCt_Vegp-KczMDF9LwWPBdhDRw7qZzExgIyhC5X1kThgYHViC-2YnJ_e8fihxAwaRQvuXcMLH2w/s1600/IMG_7284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtanYyMThpPfbEHkrqTzfWLm3ZLu02KxX5KC_lt62OugjgbOHTYZmo21ZUC5gJdSgeCt_Vegp-KczMDF9LwWPBdhDRw7qZzExgIyhC5X1kThgYHViC-2YnJ_e8fihxAwaRQvuXcMLH2w/s640/IMG_7284.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Next time, I think I will make a plain long sleeve dress without the faux wrap, but I'm desperate to find some decent jersey fabric in funky patterns here in Australia. The price of international shipping has gone through the roof so I really need something here. Can anybody help me out?</div>
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Hopefully, I will be back soon with another crochet blanket. It's taking me ages to sew in all those pesky ends!</div>
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-36289640326363875502013-07-01T09:38:00.000+10:002013-07-01T09:38:11.728+10:00Daphne's crochet rainbow rug- my new craftI'm back at last! My goodness that was a busy term! But we got through it and we're on beautiful, wonderful, relaxing holidays again.<br />
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Last holidays, I decided to learn a new craft after seeing lots of beautiful crochet rugs on Pinterest. So I jumped onto Youtube and started to learn the basics. With some help from my mother-in-law and sister-in-law who can both crochet beautifully, I was on my way and I don't think I'll ever give it up! It's addictive.<br />
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I made this rainbow rug for my gorgeous niece Daphne.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKcsA39PdZHsjtrRST8AtzFhb-PjWC4d34AUSf73KodHm_k7-Fc6drJSkfJ3378WKvi9kHWYh5rj9P7fZvdMp39Mk6k-mwxhD4WdifzOaLeuqvebx7esjxnDlnjGj1Bz8lnm1y0bAiMk/s1600/IMG_3426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKcsA39PdZHsjtrRST8AtzFhb-PjWC4d34AUSf73KodHm_k7-Fc6drJSkfJ3378WKvi9kHWYh5rj9P7fZvdMp39Mk6k-mwxhD4WdifzOaLeuqvebx7esjxnDlnjGj1Bz8lnm1y0bAiMk/s640/IMG_3426.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's the gorgeous Daphne when I gave the rug to her:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WX1T0azPJEYStKJwGsVMntfmEzgXXxET1OiZ1zHmPQkTOphNaacPvV3ArHVClfqsoCP2dmXwY0IsFKwThTaEXC1Zp3DusBshyphenhyphen3KxPSqifYS0OpoUaHhvKcRF3n5NNfyT72rzjb8yjNA/s1600/IMG_3369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WX1T0azPJEYStKJwGsVMntfmEzgXXxET1OiZ1zHmPQkTOphNaacPvV3ArHVClfqsoCP2dmXwY0IsFKwThTaEXC1Zp3DusBshyphenhyphen3KxPSqifYS0OpoUaHhvKcRF3n5NNfyT72rzjb8yjNA/s640/IMG_3369.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And here she is snuggling on the lounge with her dad (my brother).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORydMl0_euERJ7Z8dNcxSLVbd-oAr6gzErKzuAlrvKIjSYih1DZbiQMC4hskhBROz02CgWgHwN16GoW64zLI0k4sNxWxAntfDE72NXb27H57vBlyLqEO8RwGojTN8VO55OuxKQtF-RBw/s1280/IMG_3394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORydMl0_euERJ7Z8dNcxSLVbd-oAr6gzErKzuAlrvKIjSYih1DZbiQMC4hskhBROz02CgWgHwN16GoW64zLI0k4sNxWxAntfDE72NXb27H57vBlyLqEO8RwGojTN8VO55OuxKQtF-RBw/s640/IMG_3394.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Here are my top 5 reasons why I love to crochet and think you should give it a go too:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">1. It's easy and quick! No counting stitches unless you do a fancy pattern and if you make a mistake it's so easy to see and fix because you usually only have one or two stitches on the hook at once.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">2. It's relaxing. When you get into a rhythm with your stitches, you don't need to think about it at all- perfect for watching tele.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">3. It keeps you warm in Winter. My sewing room is freezing in Winter so it's nice to have a craft to snuggle up with on the lounge. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">4. You can do it anywhere and all you need is a little plastic hook and some yarn. It's amazing what you can create using such basic and cheap materials.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">5. It's timeless. These days we have such a vast choice in colours for yarn, the possibilities are endless. I remember a crochet rug that my mum had when I was little. I didn't like it at all because of the dark, dull, boring colours. Clearly, we don't have that problem anymore!</span><br />
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Now my aim is to make a rug each for two of my nieces and my nephew. I might even get a little bit fancy with the patterns. I hope my nieces and nephew love them and they might even treasure them forever! So stay tuned for some more crochet creations- hopefully it won't be too long.<br />
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In the meantime, here's one more pic to enjoy:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBW1rNFCT2mYLmqx8szzIu3OTzQm0c3nUNqm9mnB34aTh4pgxEm39ITIQyK1bFMr1CVUOuUlnzZMKS3JKozIi9qbhP3WZYjhQeR8adDGCURQ-JRULN26xQEQbn2Kq6AHhZ_-RqLgzDwDg/s1600/IMG_3429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBW1rNFCT2mYLmqx8szzIu3OTzQm0c3nUNqm9mnB34aTh4pgxEm39ITIQyK1bFMr1CVUOuUlnzZMKS3JKozIi9qbhP3WZYjhQeR8adDGCURQ-JRULN26xQEQbn2Kq6AHhZ_-RqLgzDwDg/s640/IMG_3429.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>
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'Til next time. xxx<br />
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<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-68103907025225330672013-04-05T12:45:00.002+11:002013-04-05T12:47:01.246+11:00Fleecy scarves for Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At Easter, I like to give all my nieces and nephews something other than chocolate as a gift. Don't get me wrong, I looooooove chocolate a whole lot, I just can't cope with the overload that the kids seem to end up with. So here we have this year's Easter gifts.</div>
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Scarves for the girls:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBmtGnniZB_eYvodwvzev_EaNZ3B99jIjruwaOOZRSbSe_DLdv2iSFEwXd4S9YvJ87k70-YkRAZxEztEbhgs1E3jlA0TF1lDq1PS3ljAe83mqZTuZ6VLbouYtZw8k3fHHhGrWJwHY9bs/s1600/IMG_4846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBmtGnniZB_eYvodwvzev_EaNZ3B99jIjruwaOOZRSbSe_DLdv2iSFEwXd4S9YvJ87k70-YkRAZxEztEbhgs1E3jlA0TF1lDq1PS3ljAe83mqZTuZ6VLbouYtZw8k3fHHhGrWJwHY9bs/s640/IMG_4846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Scarves for the boys:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7axoEUbONLR1yWUYyOWkSMJQkrhZN1qYNgjiBKu9AC1wiRsQP9QEEZfwHnrq4C-fho3UbPQDmI8iz7F_KZsez4bVEzdStxUvHuSN-kehH9OnMex0iEmls0IzZO4I23ye1Hz7WE_syzc/s1600/IMG_4845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7axoEUbONLR1yWUYyOWkSMJQkrhZN1qYNgjiBKu9AC1wiRsQP9QEEZfwHnrq4C-fho3UbPQDmI8iz7F_KZsez4bVEzdStxUvHuSN-kehH9OnMex0iEmls0IzZO4I23ye1Hz7WE_syzc/s640/IMG_4845.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a cute fleecy hat for Daphne June 'cause 1 year olds don't really do scarves:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTGrrfDl5bhLARpJnejMHjZvNH7h9RR4Zm3JNNXgRWUS9MybzefLXxC2ovXdUkZzNx9p0UfLHy8kwClb8JhLGF7a28btFuf_qOMRQtZz7o3Cr8Gr4DANBFSG2rrlbIoYlZX6o14qv5k4/s1600/IMG_4996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTGrrfDl5bhLARpJnejMHjZvNH7h9RR4Zm3JNNXgRWUS9MybzefLXxC2ovXdUkZzNx9p0UfLHy8kwClb8JhLGF7a28btFuf_qOMRQtZz7o3Cr8Gr4DANBFSG2rrlbIoYlZX6o14qv5k4/s640/IMG_4996.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1k-BIdeLUoUHLT_lA9WOF8EHxjp7YS2pXQPbX9Difh4Sc3ldLIpdxehg8_T8BD0YCo0qYRFPDT1HGVzudSOdBPQV9fl4a38zWdPpcd5xMZxAVj1HvHHPs8omuSGEZ62jpCj0h3t-Yj9c/s1600/IMG_5069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1k-BIdeLUoUHLT_lA9WOF8EHxjp7YS2pXQPbX9Difh4Sc3ldLIpdxehg8_T8BD0YCo0qYRFPDT1HGVzudSOdBPQV9fl4a38zWdPpcd5xMZxAVj1HvHHPs8omuSGEZ62jpCj0h3t-Yj9c/s640/IMG_5069.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This was a super easy project. I bought 25cm of each fabric, folded it in half length ways (right sides together), sewed the long side, turned in the right way, top stitched around the entire thing leaving a couple of inches at each end to cut tassels, and that was it. 10 minutes and $2.50 for each scarf. Perfect!Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-22888443060831785782013-03-27T20:34:00.000+11:002013-03-27T20:34:10.875+11:00A Furby Cake...Yes, a Furby Cake!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My lovely Luke asked for a furby cake for his 7th birthday on the weekend! Yep, I had to Google it! What on earth is a furby?! So apparently these little toy pets are all the rage at the moment. I thought it was kind of cute so we bought him a mini one (which has barely left his side since Sunday) and this is the cake I came up with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGp2MyBXGWNxUTFH0ckrEo-Xy-FHp5T_2LMChi1VUrhQterqAhpWXGwB1ZJqUCFv64keNwvR9BwYRTqZgb0y64bqH2MtY1Vrv6DubD-ahDsBhMMdrwTbD-zIvBk4I6XlG0-dHhUC9s74/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGp2MyBXGWNxUTFH0ckrEo-Xy-FHp5T_2LMChi1VUrhQterqAhpWXGwB1ZJqUCFv64keNwvR9BwYRTqZgb0y64bqH2MtY1Vrv6DubD-ahDsBhMMdrwTbD-zIvBk4I6XlG0-dHhUC9s74/s640/IMG_4758.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This cake was made using 2 tins- a small round one and a pudding steamer. He was then smothered in butter cream for the fur. I made the eyes, beak and feet from fondant and put them in the fridge to harden up a bit before attaching them to the body. For the ears, I cut the shape out of cardboard and covered them in fondant. The cardboard ensured they stayed nice and stiff.<br />
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This was a fun cake to make and Luke loved it.<br />
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Happy 7th Birthday Gorgeous Boy! xxxBechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-17192710282098115462013-03-22T07:51:00.000+11:002013-03-22T07:52:34.935+11:00Stripes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think I have a serious addiction to Pinterest! It is a never-ending source of ideas and inspiration for me. I see an item of clothing and think, 'Ooh I like that, I wonder if I could make it?' And then I give it a go. That's what happened with this dress. I have had the fabric for a long time and stumbled across this pic on Pinterest, originally from <a href="http://www.chicnova.com/sleeveless-stripe-tunic-dress.html">HERE</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsLa0EY3sEBF1SVKfLZ4UY621hhyphenhyphenHT3K7FzKeVgghm71OxODKAEP5CH1MB9BVe6tL86O4Xdbry8Vm82UDaZJYLRXxQvCrWkdtEz4G81kh_Rr_KIyXn3XqkjpEIHaNMTAlDHVC5V-0d80/s1600/pin+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsLa0EY3sEBF1SVKfLZ4UY621hhyphenhyphenHT3K7FzKeVgghm71OxODKAEP5CH1MB9BVe6tL86O4Xdbry8Vm82UDaZJYLRXxQvCrWkdtEz4G81kh_Rr_KIyXn3XqkjpEIHaNMTAlDHVC5V-0d80/s320/pin+dress.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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And this is what I came up with. The little black bodice part is lined using the method I described <a href="http://make-it-funky.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/chevron-jersey-dress.html">HERE</a>. It works every time! Then I added the stripey part and kept adjusting it until I was happy with the fit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaKJGoFn1Y74Mx1U_VoGa5gy5jUYhO7pJV33UVaaBUfaa_HKAz-XulYW6qZplznyc7LBeuZDss-768VIF0RgqF5f5vtM3g_mlhqkZAiEhhLdeqokNiQJUde0UHDNFXXXDYCrUsf6Jmwc/s1600/stripe+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaKJGoFn1Y74Mx1U_VoGa5gy5jUYhO7pJV33UVaaBUfaa_HKAz-XulYW6qZplznyc7LBeuZDss-768VIF0RgqF5f5vtM3g_mlhqkZAiEhhLdeqokNiQJUde0UHDNFXXXDYCrUsf6Jmwc/s1600/stripe+dress.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have also been loving playing around with <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/">PicMonkey</a> to edit my photos. It's a great online photo editing/ collage creating program and it's free! I would highly recommend giving this a go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv82kcEa9AZjjIhudD7-KDPT8HGFA5gmtYCV7nB2dF5CzlKfvbWgthqyjwgp0eINdKV_2xCZGoyPh1mwBJWauwgzTpOG4wpTwc-4rMvjIEJ66EJKxNfwZOLqxyYsTGmlVts-Cv-yEUk2w/s1600/dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv82kcEa9AZjjIhudD7-KDPT8HGFA5gmtYCV7nB2dF5CzlKfvbWgthqyjwgp0eINdKV_2xCZGoyPh1mwBJWauwgzTpOG4wpTwc-4rMvjIEJ66EJKxNfwZOLqxyYsTGmlVts-Cv-yEUk2w/s1600/dresses.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hours of fun to be had with PicMonkey!<br />
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Have a great weekend everyone!Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-44198292478963478862013-03-21T13:16:00.000+11:002013-03-21T13:20:18.515+11:00Look what we made!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a great day on Friday. Three lovely friends were keen to come along, set up their machines and have a crack at making a piece of clothing. They did so well!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen cutting in the kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that concentration!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyifcru2dmQDFCC-dOGd5r9TtAUZBHdrySQPYMYLGI9jbT5mccjpeg5hMFL0nx7uyFzVJVklyOqWKheg1zQRzbHsRB0iREnHYYoWQm0JagHv3dtc1jM_PvaPSL_CrSJEuKp-BjJxwqpWY/s1600/NGE_7493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyifcru2dmQDFCC-dOGd5r9TtAUZBHdrySQPYMYLGI9jbT5mccjpeg5hMFL0nx7uyFzVJVklyOqWKheg1zQRzbHsRB0iREnHYYoWQm0JagHv3dtc1jM_PvaPSL_CrSJEuKp-BjJxwqpWY/s640/NGE_7493.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Da-naaaaaaa! Great job girls!</td></tr>
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It was lovely to get together and catch up, chat, eat and create! It was fun! Let's do it again sometime, girls!Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-82393457100297446022013-03-14T16:03:00.000+11:002013-03-14T16:06:28.499+11:00My practice dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some friends are coming over tomorrow so I can try to show them how to make a simple dress. Eeeek! Apparently, I know what I'm doing! See, the thing is, I have taught myself to make things just by fiddling- trial and error (lots of error!) So I'm a little nervous.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course I blinked in the best photo of the dress so I cropped my head off. Ha!</td></tr>
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Last night I sat down and tried to think through the process a little more clearly instead of just guessing and cutting and hoping for the best. I came up with this little number which is based on the <a href="http://make-it-funky.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/easy-sheath-dress.html">sheath dress</a> pattern that I made a few weeks ago. Tutorial was from <a href="http://melissaesplin.com/2011/08/30-minute-jersey-sheath/">HERE</a>. I am happier with the neckline of this one and I managed to work out the sleeves. I'm loving this nude colour at the moment. This fabric was a little bit slippery and my machine didn't love it. I'm happy with how it turned out in the end though.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4kbdkerssT8ya6yigedKDt8i-DzEdHFyi8eLf4C7c6aCljKAxsvUqtJFurEM9jC7JKcN_vzCSJRkY8vXlvTjeFmraQJOruLNTQNpZLdoATAjFDCyo7gApJ2cMEj13ChB_uAZ4I90lJY/s1600/NGE_7465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4kbdkerssT8ya6yigedKDt8i-DzEdHFyi8eLf4C7c6aCljKAxsvUqtJFurEM9jC7JKcN_vzCSJRkY8vXlvTjeFmraQJOruLNTQNpZLdoATAjFDCyo7gApJ2cMEj13ChB_uAZ4I90lJY/s640/NGE_7465.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I'm hoping to be able to show you what we come up with tomorrow. Wish us luck and stay tuned!</div>
<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-39189027839729139962013-03-07T11:47:00.002+11:002013-03-07T11:47:22.938+11:00Pretty dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is the final clothing item I made on Friday when I spent nearly the whole day in my little <a href="http://make-it-funky.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/my-craft-room.html">sewing room</a>. Man, I love this space! This is another dress where I just traced around one I already own. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZjk9yESxdA9XaMmFV5UPjus8qVP2_4VmF3CDXmUjLDoBZ72I46NsAm6qSnXdUFJ9qlzM4XZ1Yvic9uaFXaJ5Rn205HAiBOvP1Ih51gXJ0spejhjQ0LlhEAxonVArzk7n_COrGtEzCpc/s1600/IMG_4562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZjk9yESxdA9XaMmFV5UPjus8qVP2_4VmF3CDXmUjLDoBZ72I46NsAm6qSnXdUFJ9qlzM4XZ1Yvic9uaFXaJ5Rn205HAiBOvP1Ih51gXJ0spejhjQ0LlhEAxonVArzk7n_COrGtEzCpc/s640/IMG_4562.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
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I love the colours even though they are not what I would usually wear. The fabric is from <a href="http://ohsewcrafty.co.uk/">Oh Sew Crafty </a>where once again I had excellent price, customer service and fast delivery. It's nice and soft, good quality and thickness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jPwwZONNsOWb78KsI4gPbc3JaDflZi9zZ0TYlwJWObWa9dxjccMca_x1fsJ1xHIWEM0osGQQhjEFpZ1276zMVQJzXnmzp_jcp8Vr2urv3Bt9On5RDJAk_dkH2gt6J_MgoNYsXuS-u98/s1600/IMG_4564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jPwwZONNsOWb78KsI4gPbc3JaDflZi9zZ0TYlwJWObWa9dxjccMca_x1fsJ1xHIWEM0osGQQhjEFpZ1276zMVQJzXnmzp_jcp8Vr2urv3Bt9On5RDJAk_dkH2gt6J_MgoNYsXuS-u98/s640/IMG_4564.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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It's a beautiful day here today. I think I'll spend some time outside with my little girl.<br />
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Thanks for reading!Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-80240215420695721212013-03-04T21:26:00.000+11:002013-03-04T21:26:49.480+11:00Simple jersey skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is another project completed with thanks to inspiration from Pinterest. The tutorial can be found <a href="http://www.jaynsarah.com/2011/07/navy-blue-white-striped-skirt-diy.html">HERE</a>. The tutorial has darts in just the back. I added darts in the front too as it was a bit big in the waist but fit well through the hips.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3a8sdyMIwVrwnIFY9uqdt5EHyeh8RiPeGJhF1MizF1OdGpDNqmDXUhuNH8VJfr3JQmOoo-EZuIWufodWjDdFLZTtOgFpBJyQYZG46ZSMZGJBdBSKuCoazwzqJNJTT92TPvIEWpOom5Q/s1600/IMG_4560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3a8sdyMIwVrwnIFY9uqdt5EHyeh8RiPeGJhF1MizF1OdGpDNqmDXUhuNH8VJfr3JQmOoo-EZuIWufodWjDdFLZTtOgFpBJyQYZG46ZSMZGJBdBSKuCoazwzqJNJTT92TPvIEWpOom5Q/s640/IMG_4560.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I think I will make 6 more of these- One for each day of the week. It is so comfy, quick and cheap to make and easy to wear. I bought 1 metre of fabric for $8 and I have just enough leftover to make a dress for my girl. We can match! How cute!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGssfF1j9qJnsBoiOFl7hMtuwoJef6nn1cx8fohU3ndKVboAPbyOBXVxGuc00QgzJBMtYeyGjgLnWdj8Jk4vV9UioeGDklaqqF8jF3JcPYZezB_k2HGJ9rVbx7Dm3f4hfOqdrygCsuYYw/s1600/IMG_4544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGssfF1j9qJnsBoiOFl7hMtuwoJef6nn1cx8fohU3ndKVboAPbyOBXVxGuc00QgzJBMtYeyGjgLnWdj8Jk4vV9UioeGDklaqqF8jF3JcPYZezB_k2HGJ9rVbx7Dm3f4hfOqdrygCsuYYw/s640/IMG_4544.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I have one more project to show you from my super sewing session last week. See you again soon.Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-29889919669802624082013-03-02T20:47:00.000+11:002013-03-02T20:47:05.385+11:00Easy sheath dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What a perfect weekend for sewing! On Friday, my boys were at school and my husband had a day off work so he took our daughter for the day so I could have some 'me time'. YAY! I made 3 items of clothing throughout the day. Here's the first one:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WfgBKPi0ZFNKzXkPgEO1kLBZ3objLAmJOcrCmZ1f3Y7uoN90aQ6qKNLCKCZycnvyti__vkL1nHP0Y5kBNS-xIQRF4pSfSzzdz1NtCCQ6BdnDwqQtRL2RTbVZcF8CIB-QYfV0rxUDVjc/s1600/IMG_4539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WfgBKPi0ZFNKzXkPgEO1kLBZ3objLAmJOcrCmZ1f3Y7uoN90aQ6qKNLCKCZycnvyti__vkL1nHP0Y5kBNS-xIQRF4pSfSzzdz1NtCCQ6BdnDwqQtRL2RTbVZcF8CIB-QYfV0rxUDVjc/s1600/IMG_4539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WfgBKPi0ZFNKzXkPgEO1kLBZ3objLAmJOcrCmZ1f3Y7uoN90aQ6qKNLCKCZycnvyti__vkL1nHP0Y5kBNS-xIQRF4pSfSzzdz1NtCCQ6BdnDwqQtRL2RTbVZcF8CIB-QYfV0rxUDVjc/s640/IMG_4539.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotWvJxi9dn_cgDyVZWgkIBWrlf6nmbDIrCOl8tRwVFpoJd7mgM6glAhsBCzIRElvO6894-FcAYxIAJi5oZMBY32wuNM-FRa3UESMobDK-7IAM9hrXanVHveqk9Cepbgv3iAzZB61mDl8/s1600/IMG_4531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></span>I saw <a href="http://m.pinterest.com/pin/225531893811536026/">this</a> picture of a 30 minute jersey sheath on Pinterest the other day using this textured jersey fabric. The tutorial can be found <a href="http://melissaesplin.com/2011/08/30-minute-jersey-sheath/">HERE</a>. I had seen some similar fabric in Spotlight so went and nabbed some for the bargain price of $10 per metre (usually $34!)This dress took me less than an hour to make. I originally made it with sleeves, but I made the armholes too small so I just cut them off. I cut the neckline just a little bit too low- a good lesson- always cut less to begin with!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotWvJxi9dn_cgDyVZWgkIBWrlf6nmbDIrCOl8tRwVFpoJd7mgM6glAhsBCzIRElvO6894-FcAYxIAJi5oZMBY32wuNM-FRa3UESMobDK-7IAM9hrXanVHveqk9Cepbgv3iAzZB61mDl8/s1600/IMG_4531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotWvJxi9dn_cgDyVZWgkIBWrlf6nmbDIrCOl8tRwVFpoJd7mgM6glAhsBCzIRElvO6894-FcAYxIAJi5oZMBY32wuNM-FRa3UESMobDK-7IAM9hrXanVHveqk9Cepbgv3iAzZB61mDl8/s640/IMG_4531.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">The rolly, rough type fabric was easy to sew with and very forgiving with cutting and sewing seams- great project for a beginner! There is also no need to hem the neckline, sleeves and bottom of the dress, but I did just to neaten it up a bit.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YVB5buHjJwqhts_wwvcb6XM_7G1q-gGCT2zGWwI9SJeGSV6bwwicAoJz70JW0C7HV4aMQPEJ2Cr3UtzAL6uz51PXwIO5Z8sSirxyNmV6S8zgjeqWKzOGQ8l7kGqnjNPLiLZpyh5a-GY/s1600/IMG_4526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YVB5buHjJwqhts_wwvcb6XM_7G1q-gGCT2zGWwI9SJeGSV6bwwicAoJz70JW0C7HV4aMQPEJ2Cr3UtzAL6uz51PXwIO5Z8sSirxyNmV6S8zgjeqWKzOGQ8l7kGqnjNPLiLZpyh5a-GY/s640/IMG_4526.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The fabric is also more flattering to wear than normal jersey. Those crinkles hide lumps and bumps really well! I think it will be good for Autumn with a little cardi and boots.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl19qeM15fgQLoE_Fk_uZB6bCSHNzr2GMjTe7OC0hYPntiq89EBgfDq-J1DiSuP4SWJiWOcc4lj2TFm_f96HB15Uk-gLwK2_O0bbHPz40fPxn8U-B1BmBkglQDjThusSNSjE3fzxctEOc/s1600/IMG_4541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl19qeM15fgQLoE_Fk_uZB6bCSHNzr2GMjTe7OC0hYPntiq89EBgfDq-J1DiSuP4SWJiWOcc4lj2TFm_f96HB15Uk-gLwK2_O0bbHPz40fPxn8U-B1BmBkglQDjThusSNSjE3fzxctEOc/s640/IMG_4541.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This dress only used 1 metre of fabric so it cost me $10 all up. Bargain! I still have another metre of fabric left so I might try another one with sleeves and higher neckline.<br />
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So there is my first little number completed on my super sewing spree day. Stay tuned over the next week or so for more easy clothing! I'd love to see what creative things you are working on at the moment. Feel free to leave a link below.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-6536523722611401682013-02-27T17:30:00.000+11:002013-02-26T22:28:23.792+11:00Dining Room progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our dining room is coming along nicely. Do you like our new lights? I love, love, love them. Simple and elegant- Love them. </div>
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I found them on sale at Harvey Norman Lighting. My husband accidentally smashed one (with his head) while he was putting it up and the lovely people at the shop replaced the outer glass for just $10! How kind! They will definitely have our business again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTScat4pfG6dsXUAnPKjp_jrs7_QnqLBahKyZ6_fG93RCSHfCwvvZLS81KID06V0OgOUR_gRWBGs2tT4rKDwB9wxWevbFRe6DWWVEASg13Z2nl1Y8AB6NL2-BTl8YzSDyrXmZUIdIM3M/s1600/IMG_2671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTScat4pfG6dsXUAnPKjp_jrs7_QnqLBahKyZ6_fG93RCSHfCwvvZLS81KID06V0OgOUR_gRWBGs2tT4rKDwB9wxWevbFRe6DWWVEASg13Z2nl1Y8AB6NL2-BTl8YzSDyrXmZUIdIM3M/s640/IMG_2671.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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We still need to paint this whole area. We have been putting it off since we moved in because there is not a clear place to stop. If we start this section of the house, we will just have to keep going and going and it will take forever! I haven't found just the right colour either. We're thinking a light warm gray. Not sure yet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqQennSHFtGAKt3lGNWlCYpYqgMiYZpQ31v2T-sRUi7IucCc4nRSFvGIivIhu_-GLA2bRRqpYhRZ4ob7vVxDajZGmvKS1j_1S7t1CjBTa-b9u3EZJM_vXQ4Ri7IcBnTPyOuDs7wA7njs/s1600/IMG_2709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqQennSHFtGAKt3lGNWlCYpYqgMiYZpQ31v2T-sRUi7IucCc4nRSFvGIivIhu_-GLA2bRRqpYhRZ4ob7vVxDajZGmvKS1j_1S7t1CjBTa-b9u3EZJM_vXQ4Ri7IcBnTPyOuDs7wA7njs/s640/IMG_2709.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In other news, I spent hours last night trying to get that 'Pin It' button on my blog. It finally worked so anyone can now pin my pics to Pinterest using the button.You can find it at the end of each post. While I was fighting with the blog layout, my header shrunk and I can't for the life of me fix it back to how it was. Oh well, it will have to do for now.<br />
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<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-48034561019858834842013-02-20T22:16:00.000+11:002013-02-20T22:16:29.818+11:00...And the Fairy Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4IN1cATV08FtFCIbifMDfjXO3OUVSzYDQLqwbVkhXscwlrd2qC5Mltt1XEA-iedWjZ44Do59LL2l9v5MRyRoGSSCzyQ7Cr_R_2qCSMuM9Ce1TeTuLUCRtY3x-7fKlU-ywcU3D3nCvLU/s1600/IMG_4191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4IN1cATV08FtFCIbifMDfjXO3OUVSzYDQLqwbVkhXscwlrd2qC5Mltt1XEA-iedWjZ44Do59LL2l9v5MRyRoGSSCzyQ7Cr_R_2qCSMuM9Ce1TeTuLUCRtY3x-7fKlU-ywcU3D3nCvLU/s640/IMG_4191.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This was a cracker of a cake to make! I loved every minute! Gabby's request was for a fairy cake and we looked at pictures on the internet until she found one she liked.</div>
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Then I googled 'how to make a princess cake' and came across <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfiOcsCe4Mo">this amazing video</a> on you tube. I learnt so many tips from this video that I will use for ever and ever.</div>
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1. Use a piece of baking paper to make butter cream icing super smooth. I used a layer of butter cream under the fondant and it was perfectly neat. I wish I had taken a photo at this point, but I was too 'in the zone' to stop!<br />
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2. If you slap on a really thin layer of butter cream icing, then put the cake in the fridge for a while before applying a thicker coat, you don't get cake crumbs in the icing. Who knew this little beauty and didn't tell me?! I've always had difficulties with crumbs in my icing.<br />
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3. To make cute little flowers cut a small circle using your piping tip. Then hold the centre still (I used a skewer) while you indent towards the centre of the circle using the back of a knife<br />
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Check out the video for more excellent tips!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzRBf1s4hbXtvHhdcQZEzrgMXQrp7F5iDiSrv1XA0SzZptRbBotDRxZPRqichYSPsSNoDnNTeW6Agahkk_s1uezxTpUr751BCO6jhthsJT9jYF7YEne4RjcpMd3NcVX5a7t41XO6y9FQ/s1600/IMG_4324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzRBf1s4hbXtvHhdcQZEzrgMXQrp7F5iDiSrv1XA0SzZptRbBotDRxZPRqichYSPsSNoDnNTeW6Agahkk_s1uezxTpUr751BCO6jhthsJT9jYF7YEne4RjcpMd3NcVX5a7t41XO6y9FQ/s640/IMG_4324.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Gabby loved it and it was yum!<br />
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Here she is with her big brothers. Love these three- They make me happy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlpKzgZCqmCM7oM2WArIqusSnKFaBYgogDT3pEBk8FiLPFOitZicVjw1ALTYnCjhu-GwrrRsM9mtyZbpwyNnVXKit42NiVe5IsVSiJlryNQ6JC1VAh1kwUGjQROAUdwQma2tMdhWpfYU/s1600/IMG_4325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlpKzgZCqmCM7oM2WArIqusSnKFaBYgogDT3pEBk8FiLPFOitZicVjw1ALTYnCjhu-GwrrRsM9mtyZbpwyNnVXKit42NiVe5IsVSiJlryNQ6JC1VAh1kwUGjQROAUdwQma2tMdhWpfYU/s640/IMG_4325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for popping by!<br />
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<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-52118113944128910032013-02-19T23:10:00.001+11:002013-02-19T23:10:48.054+11:00A birthday dress for Gabriella RoseMy girl turned 4 yesterday.<br />
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This is the dress I made for her to wear at her party.</div>
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So the obsession with jersey fabric continues. This fabric is from a shop called <a href="http://ohsewcrafty.co.uk/">'Oh Sew Crafty' </a>based in the U.K. The shipping was really fast and reasonably priced. I love this fabric! So, so pretty and girly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9VJaEze9xGG-QgvoM0ZSXXfle6JNBkd6PmEBrmq2ioeYJMMs27efwI6YADlJMFNHBuxd21xrl9ShbSSVB5-AuConWJ51d5gKMj8xGJc90vIPg8Qu5okHnVe1JZC4R9vS5Vl8Qjs-c3s/s1600/IMG_4225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9VJaEze9xGG-QgvoM0ZSXXfle6JNBkd6PmEBrmq2ioeYJMMs27efwI6YADlJMFNHBuxd21xrl9ShbSSVB5-AuConWJ51d5gKMj8xGJc90vIPg8Qu5okHnVe1JZC4R9vS5Vl8Qjs-c3s/s640/IMG_4225.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Once again, I traced around one of Gabby's favourite dresses to make the pattern. She asked for it to be 'really long'.<br />
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Love this girl.<br />
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Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777239947204220450.post-65425408043872584722013-02-12T16:44:00.000+11:002013-02-12T16:44:03.838+11:00Valentines gift for himWhat on earth do you buy/ make for your man on Valentines Day?! Socks? Undies? Beer?<br />
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My man is a super humongous blessing in my life so I wanted to make something special, but not cheesy for him. (Is it cheesy? I'm not sure. Maybe just a little!) We are very into doing 'housey stuff' at the moment so I thought something for the wall would be good. I saw a similar idea to this on etsy, but the maps were cut into love heart shapes and the style seemed a bit girly/ country to me. So I printed 6 maps straight from Google Maps of special places including where he proposed, where we got married, our honeymoon, our first home, where our babies were born and our current home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1mG4r0gR5_Fz63Z7Tit-xNLOeLfRS8N4Ke3USpXl0E12MVUXDEORdSImO6O2a1pNAkpliWERGeNXhEHWwdvekqnkU1HtDQhZcrZFllQZVjZpN3FWhc6IYj72lCK_0YE9K33l0HW2lh8/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1mG4r0gR5_Fz63Z7Tit-xNLOeLfRS8N4Ke3USpXl0E12MVUXDEORdSImO6O2a1pNAkpliWERGeNXhEHWwdvekqnkU1HtDQhZcrZFllQZVjZpN3FWhc6IYj72lCK_0YE9K33l0HW2lh8/s640/IMG_4165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wanted a proper photo mat cut to give it a professional look so I jumped online and found a 'collage creator' <a href="http://www.frameshop.com.au/">HERE</a> where you can create your own photo mat in whatever colour/ shape you like. You can also choose from hundreds of different frames. I chose a cheap white one. I was super impressed with this company! This idea only came to me really late on Sunday night and the frame arrived first thing this morning (Tuesday)! So fast, and the frame and mat are better quality than I had imagined!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzffKsw9mCKGh_OpE6KH_7dZkRUWO51hJQ9Gepewqe2rs6qqAsz2q45XUsOJT9HAbR4TtM0Q4tYeFoUAiNm9RaFaOY22KDbj6GG8uZZQzi10JCuglJgwAfq3jcn7D232AJKuHXUE4droA/s1600/IMG_4155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzffKsw9mCKGh_OpE6KH_7dZkRUWO51hJQ9Gepewqe2rs6qqAsz2q45XUsOJT9HAbR4TtM0Q4tYeFoUAiNm9RaFaOY22KDbj6GG8uZZQzi10JCuglJgwAfq3jcn7D232AJKuHXUE4droA/s640/IMG_4155.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I used a silver pen to write on the photo mat underneath each map giving it a more personalised look. I did my best to copy my favourite font called 'Pupcat'. You can get it free online.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbOBVr-w8VlRQgrnsUAWQeTCJhs_U8OSXICaB2T3YxvIUgrFza87h2WJhwYhLlhckB-kYFLkkIXstynEbOQXYQTQzenLhbBiea4KhhgOvSrwP8XPESDmzDbJLNvPB-3BAvPVnMVvLjmU/s1600/IMG_4159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbOBVr-w8VlRQgrnsUAWQeTCJhs_U8OSXICaB2T3YxvIUgrFza87h2WJhwYhLlhckB-kYFLkkIXstynEbOQXYQTQzenLhbBiea4KhhgOvSrwP8XPESDmzDbJLNvPB-3BAvPVnMVvLjmU/s640/IMG_4159.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I love the abstract, funky look of framed maps and the colours tie in well with our decor. The Google maps are not the best quality and I would have loved to cut up a real street directory, but I couldn't find a suitable map for our honeymoon in Bali and I couldn't leave that out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfs3TrEjYY80YkVZiUGpwml9QWm46NpFCqBwGB954aSmGovDT03f2cdSOYLtrdieS_-cO-hQx4aucFsNomLCTChRC7NIEbpkRenBJYaFgHM688BamQ6YhMdXAZC2SQbZ7lNhpMlkubtI/s1600/IMG_4145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfs3TrEjYY80YkVZiUGpwml9QWm46NpFCqBwGB954aSmGovDT03f2cdSOYLtrdieS_-cO-hQx4aucFsNomLCTChRC7NIEbpkRenBJYaFgHM688BamQ6YhMdXAZC2SQbZ7lNhpMlkubtI/s640/IMG_4145.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I'd love to see everyone else's ideas for Valentines Day. Feel free to post a link to your amazing ideas! If not, you still have time to have a go at this one. Go on!!<br />
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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<br />Bechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323192091948026964noreply@blogger.com6