On My Desk - Wednesday - Help!

I'm back from the brink and the lurgy seems to be abating. Thanks to all those people who left me well wishes. It was so nice to get them.

Today, on my desk...
Some little goodies for some lovely girls. And... this skirt.

I bought it years ago in an Op Shop because I loved the fabric and wanted to turn it into something. I have never quite worked out what to turn it into though. I love the buttons and the binding so I am not sure whether to try to keep the detail of the design or to just try and use the fabric. It really is quite sensational don't you think? It's made in Spain and is 98% cotton with 2% spandex.

Recently I have been inspired by some sewing projects I saw. Firstly there was this brooch keeper (and I do have lots of brooches) over at Quilting Mick. Then I like the way Curly Pops has made this bag and I thought that I could try doing something like that with it. The print is so big and bold that anything I do really needs to use a large section of the material I think so as not to lose the detail.

Anyway, I would love to hear any ideas that people have for what to make with it. It is yearning to be back out there in the world in all its glory. And it definitely won't be in its current incarnation as a mini-skirt (I wish)!!!!

I Win

I am one lucky lady. The amazingly talented Lino Forest was having a giveaway to name one of her new creations and I won. I love her creations so I am so excited that I get to own one.

Anyway, that's not the only reason I am lucky. I also have a new job!!! This is very exciting news. I can't say too much yet as I haven't signed paperwork or any of that stuff. I can't wait to share though because it is a really interesting job in a really amazing place. Check back soon and I will tell all.

I have finished some projects in the last couple of days so here is some show and tell.

This is a scarf that I made for myself. I started it in August last year when I was at a major crossroads in my life. It feels significant to have finished it this week when I feel like my time standing at that crossroad has just reached a conclusion. I can't wait to wear this scarf and let it remind me of that journey, of all the wonderful things that have come out of it. I could become quite mushy and philosophical about all this as it has been life changing. However, I shall leave it at that.

I finished this project last night even though it isn't finished in this photo. This is the crochet scarf pattern that I purchased from mk carroll. It only took me a couple of days to make. You probably need intermediate crochet skills - mind you I do consider myself a beginner. I found it pretty easy to follow. I had a little bit of confusion at the start with some of the turns but once you get your head around it you are just repeating the same pattern over and over again. I also made it a bit longer than the original pattern said but I like long scarves.

Big Cat seems to be feeling much better now. I think he just didn't want us to go away for the weekend for some reason. Anyway, it's been a lovely weekend. We took a day trip yesterday to Daylesford and bought some old books and bric-a-brac. Today has been a day in bed with magazines and the computer, home made choc chip cookies and coffee. Aren't weekends wonderful!

This is...My Newest Discovery

Just yesterday I found this goodness in the garden. It's very exciting. We only planted the seeds last week. One is a parsnip and the other is garlic. We also planted cauliflower, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, snap peas, all kinds of onions and some lettuce. Lots of wonderful vegies to keep us going through winter along with fantastic herbs that are already well established.

My other new discovery was this fabulous crochet pattern by mk carroll. I told myself I could get one as a reward for finishing the job I have been trying to get done at work. I finished it on Friday so some Etsy shopping will be in order today.

For more new discoveries visit Three Buttons where you will find lots of people sharing.

PS. Can someone tell me what the etiquette is with posting photos of people's craft things like I have here? Do I need to get permisson to post a picture from someone's Etsy shop?

Hungry?

Brousing the internet is definately a good way to avoid the task at hand. Anyway, I just had to share this find. I was feeding my soul over at Craft Zine and came across Betz White who makes the most lovely felted goodness. Check out these cupcake pincushions. Aren't they just to die for? Betz also has a book which you can get on her Etsy shop or on Amazon so you can have a go of making these lovely goodies yourself. I think I am going to have to lash out and buy myself one of her cupcakes though. They are just too divine.

Inspired

I have been reading the first issue of Artful Blogging which is filled with stories of crafty people and their blogs. I have to say there isn't much more to the magazine besides telling you about a whole lot of people's blogs. However, there are some lovely pictures, and it is interesting to read about different people and why they blog, how they got started, etc. Especially as pretty much everyone in the magazine is in that group of people who get lots and lots of visitors and comments to their sites. Interestingly enough most of them started out just like me and the people who I am hanging out with in blogland now. Small fish in a big bowl, but who knows where we will end up.

I thought I would try and share some of my new discoveries. So for today take yourself over to Posie Gets Cozy for lots of sewing, crochet and other great craft. I like her stuff. It is colourful, pretty and warm. I hope you like it too.

For real life inspiration I am off to Brown Owls tonight for vintage applique. It should be fun.

Hope you are enjoying your day wherever you are in the world. If you are in Melbourne I hope you are somewhere that you can enjoy this beautiful sunny day.