A sewing update

Goodness look how easily I fall back into bad blogging habits. 

I'm slowly trying to establish some sort of a routine in my life, as everything has gone to pot over the last 8 - 12 months.  The wonderful Rose started a 28 day challenge on the DTE forum last month and I'm hoping it will help me find my way.

I have managed to do a little sewing during my blogging drought and thought I'd share that with you today.

This friendship bag was made to hold an 18th birthday present for a family friend.  My idea. Of course I leave everything to the last minute and couldn't get it finished on time.

Friendship bag

Fabric panels and coordinating fabrics

Other side

It turned out really well and is very cute, I'm sure I'll find a home for it soon.  There is a bit of an interesting story about the fabrics I used.  The panels were purchased from eBay with the intention of using them for a quilt for my niece. Some months later I won a fabric pack as a door prize at a my local quilt shop.  I later realised that the fabrics were from the same range as the little panels, what a coincidence.

A couple more  pairs of underpants have been made.  After a few adjustment to the pattern I'm really happy with how they fit.  The Hawaiian print cotton Lycra cost only $1.00 for 1m at the RSPCA thrift shop.  The black Lycra was purchased several years ago and never used.  Buying the elastic is the most expensive part.  I must get myself organised as I'm in desperate need of a few more pairs.



Perfect fit undies



Last but not least I finally finished my vintage sheet quilt top.  Hmmm it's only taken how many years.  I was all set to use an old woollen blanket as batting and one of Mum's old flannelette sheets for backing but it's a bit bigger than I anticipated.  Finding or having the space to lay it out so I can sandwich the layers is proving difficult.  Sounds like another excuse really!! 



Being queen size it's difficult to get a good picture



I'm planning on using the sheet on the left as backing

I really need to apply myself to finish this quilt, it will be perfect for summer, nice and bright and breezy.  Stay tuned for updates and a whole post dedicated to vintage sheets. 

Have a lovely weekend

Cheers Lisa

Out of hibernation

I think it's about time I dragged myself out of this blogging drought.  You know how it is, life gets in the way and before you know it, seven months have flown by in a snap! Thanks to those of you who have hung around and a warm welcome to some new faces.  Now to figure out how to use this new blogger format......eeekk!! 
I'll be back soon with a real post I promise, yeah you've all heard that one before.

Cheers Lisa

Hello again

A very belated Happy New Year dear readers and a warm welcome to some new faces as well.

There's been lots going on here, I'll do a bit of a catch up post soon. In the mean time here are a few of my most recent flea market / op shop finds. Some thing lite and easy to get me in the blogging mood again.

More vintage sheets. You know a girl can never have too many of these, well that's what I tell myself anyway!

Two never been used vintage pillow cases and a baby wrap to make into not-paper towels

A plastic coated apron for soap making (love Snoopy), nut roll tin, woollen blanket to use for a quilt back, cute Holly Hobbie trinket box and a vintage toy pattern booklet.

Are you an op/thrift shop addict like myself, found any bargains lately?

Bye for now

Lisa

Happy Holidays

Wishing you all the very best for a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

A big thank you to all my lovely followers, for taking the time to stop by and read my ramblings. Your comments always brighten my day :)

Cheers Lisa xox

Christmas has landed at my place

We don't usually have a tree or really celebrate Christmas. When it comes to Christmas Tony is scrooge in disguise. Nothing would please him more than to have Bah Humbug in lights across our house and have a display of Santa being stuffed head first down a chimney. Do you get the picture. He likes the gifts, the festivities i.e. food and drinks just not the christian ideal.

Growing up as a Catholic, Christmas and other holy days were important to our family (Mum, me and my sister) and always observed. My Dad, well that's a different story he was an atheist and held other spiritual beliefs. After my Mum passed away Christmas was never really the same and I do struggle with this time of the year. Friends use to invite us to their Christmas breakfast every year, as we were the orphans. It was lovely, but I eventually stopped going cause it just made me more sad that I have no immediate family near by, my lives sister is 2000kms away. Anyway enough of the sob story, there are many much worse off than me.

To my surprise, this year Tony suggested I put up a tree. I think he must be feeling a bit guilty. What to do, we don't have a Christmas tree any more. It was donated to charity after sitting untouched for years. Then I remembered seeing a few blogs with fallen branches used as Christmas trees. I love Brydie's Cityhippyfarmgirl as well as Veggiegobblers Festive Fallen Branch Friday.

After a bit of searching around the backyard and the local parks I gathered enough sticks to make my tree. Tony's comment when I first started was 'Why don't you just buy one'. No no no I want to make it!!!



Here it is, my bundle of sticks. I must say I rather like it, some of the ornaments have come from swaps and some are older than me. Due to a large black dog who shall remain nameless a few decorations had to be moved, he thought they looked like nice toys.

I hope you're enjoying the festive season and not feeling too overwhelmed.

Cheers Lisa

Look what I won!

In October I purchased a few raffle tickets to help support a wonderful charity that rescues and rehabilitates neglected and abused horses. Charlie's Angels Horse Rescue
On Monday afternoon I received a phone call telling me that I'd won the raffle. To be honest I'd forgotten about it and couldn't remember what the prize was. To my delight I've won a overnight stay at a beautiful B&B, with a 2 course dinner, wine, full breakfast and late checkout. How good is that!!

Wiikirri Bed and Breakfast Retreat is in a town called Blackbutt in the South Burnett region of South East Qld. Famous for its beautiful scenery, wineries, cheese makers and of course peanuts.

My Mum grew up in the town of Kingaroy not far from Blackbutt. As a child I spent many a holiday visiting my grandparents and my Aunt and Uncle's farm near Nanango. Sadly its been many years since I last visited my Aunt so this trip to Blackbutt will provide the perfect opportunity for a catch up.

Now to decide when to go on our weekend away and what to do with the animals.

Cheers for now
Lisa

Christmas cheer

I recently took part in a Christmas ornament swap at the Down to Earth Forum. This is the second year I've participated in this swap and its always lots of fun. My swap partner Becci sent me the most wonderful bundle of goodies.

As you can see I was very spoilt

This is what I made for Becci, little patchwork pillows scented with dried orange peel, cloves and cinnamon and some 3D card ornaments made from last years Christmas cards.

Keeping in the Christmas theme, on Sunday night Tony and I went to see the RocKwiz Christmas show at the Tivoli theatre in Brisbane. For those who are not familiar with RocKwiz, as the name suggests it's a music quiz show, with more of a rock / alternative edge. It was a fantastic night, lots of laughs and great music.

It seems that we're in a bit of a comedy spell at the moment. Early in November we saw the wonderful Barry Morgan (last post), then on Saturday night we went to see the Kransky Sisters and Topology. I think that's my socialising over for another year.

Just in case you're wondering who The Kransky Sisters are, here is a clip from one of their performances.



Very funny ladies, with a slightly bent view on life. Last time we saw them they arrived on stage in their Morris Major car. This time it was on Brisbane City Councils City Cycles wearing plastic strainers as bike helmets LOL.

Cheers for now

Lisa