a making for my son

i purchased a nice little book a few months back as it had some really sweet items to make that could be for boys or girls.... i like things that don't scream 'pink' for girls and are not 'thomas the tank engine' related for boys.

since a recent beach holiday, my son loves all things sea-related + one of his favourite books is 'magic beach' which is full of rock pools with limpets, crabs, sea horses and of course lots of mystical magic too!

so.... i chose to crochet this blanket for his room, as it looks a bit rock pool-ish  / sea anemone-ish

it used up 18 balls of 8ply grey wool + small amounts of other colours

each larger circle used up 1 ball each!

i did double the wool though to get it extra chunky.

i love it even better flipped over to the reverse side, as it 'pops' out a bit more.

my son loves to drag it off his bed and jump onto the circles, saying the colours as he jumps from one to the other.... so it kinds doubles as a memory game too.

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:: love to hear if anyone else made a special blanket for their kids or friends? 

feel free to leave some links below to share :)

ps: i have linked the books to fishpond if anyone is interested in buying them (i use fishpond, as its australian) 

other things i make -- handmade flower girl dresses

you may be wondering what i got up to during my 2 week holiday.... 

some sewing of course!

... a few months back, my lovely neighbour (who also has a wonderful blog you can view here) kindly asked if i would make 3 flower girl dresses for her late august wedding. 

i jumped at the chance to do this girly project, as i up until now, most of the things i make are for the boys in my life. with some spare time during my holiday, i was able to sew to my hearts content, add the finishing touches and hand the dresses over to my very excited neighbour. 

... it was nice to be surrounded and immersed in ribbons, frills, flowers and tulle for a while.

... it was also nice to have a project that required such attention to detail. i especially enjoyed the days when i sat quietly in my sunroom (with many cups of tea) and hand-stitched the finer detailing on the dresses.

2 inch gross grain ribbon was gently hand stitched around each waistband

handmade tulle petticoats to add fullness and pop!

i have never used so many pins ever. 3 layers of tulle
stacked under each other that go round & round & round...

the beautiful toile fabric used for the bodice and contrast trims

fold upon fold... very full skirts with contrast hem

and trim was added to the base of the waistband ribbons

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thank you kind neighbour... for allowing me this indulgence in some girly sewing pleasure. 

:: may your wedding day be perfectly beautiful xx

my home-based workshop -- the tour

so... i run my small blockprinting endeavours from home. well, for all my printing i actually work in a shed in my backyard! 

see... there is my house in the background, sons toys scattered around the yard & chokos piled-up on the ground. a chook or two also live here, along with kenny the cat and jackie brown my forever loyal kelpie.

 

i blockprint because i want to be at home with my son and look after him. i also do this because i am fortunate to have a supportive partner [mr r.] who allows me to explore my creative side without the pressure to make money - or an income from it (thanks mr r. for these pics!)

i love working in the shed... its a great open space -- double garage with 2 roller doors i open right up and let the natural light stream in.

 i am in love with nasturtiums too --  i seem to always have them growing in abundance in my garden, so much so, that i can pick streamers of them & hang in my shed for some added vibrancy & prettiness...

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... ok & now we are inside my home...

this is where all the blockprint designs & carving take place and of course the sewing -- tucked away in a little nook of the sunroom. its a cosy & warm room that takes in a stunning northerly view of the springbrook np range. yes, i am lucky to live in beautiful northern nsw.

oh, and a new love in my life -- a vintage ironing board. she stands proud & tall and only cost me $5 from my local thrift store last week! isn't she gorgeous!!

ok, so now you can see a glimpse into my creative space. its nice to have a space like this. its nice to create. 

:: where 'abouts' do you spend your time creating?