My Start

When I returned to New Zealand a few years ago, my grandfather gave me my grandmothers well worn linen tea towels. They are just fab for soaking up any water or spills etc. But this meant that the tea towels I had (already) bought all the way from London (from lots of Laura Ashley sales) were put aside.

So two years ago for some reason I decided to HANDSTITCH them all(10) together - to make a table cloth. I don't know why I just had to do it. (well - I sort of know - I loved the polka dots, the checks, the flowers etc) But after this, I went and bought a sewing machine ... which eventually (after figuring out how to use it) led to making other things. Things that I felt comfortable with, that I was happy with (no matter what anyone else tried to say to me). So I hope you will ignore all the wrinkles in this tablecloth and see what it represents - a start to something which makes me happy, something that fulfills me. Its also something that I can't believe I handstitched night after night! It had better become a family heirloom I think!x

My First Blogiversary!

Hi you guys! It was 1 year ago today that I started this blog. Jeez - thats gone so quickly!

To start with this was an outlet for people that bought my things at markets, to see what I was working on. But its now starting to be a bit more about us as well. I suppose I do feel like its more of a chance to see the dolls evolving (i've been making them for less than 2 yrs).  I thought they 'had' evolved already. But as I'm asked to make different things for custom orders and also the urge to do something different for fairs etc - they are changing all the time!

 Anyway, because this is an anniversary - I have a few things I'd like to give away if you are interested?! Its not a doll this time - I've done two giveaways of dolls , so decided to change it up this time. All you need to do is - if you are a follower  - just leave me a comment here! You could win these three things...

A felted wool rug brooch, in my favourite colour.

A purple Pocket Softie in Miss Greta's fav colours.

(thats a hidden pocket on the tummy)

And also this repurposed vintage tie cushion!

These ties are of the lovely textured variety - who look so much better all together, rather than by themselves!

I will get one of the staff to draw a winner after sunday the 5th of December!x

PS. Thanks so much for hanging around!

My Creative Space

I've been without my laptop this week, after a lovely virus decided to take over! Hopefully all is fixed now. So I've been making some dolls for a market this weekend.

I've got a few more orders to make, then I can dive into making some things for another event on in December.

Tablecloth dress on the left and pillowcase dress on the right.
The latest news is that it looks like the Mr will be going for an interview in Tamworth (New England, NSW).
Just waiting to hear when...

Other Creative Spaces over here.

Please take some time to remember the Pike River Miners at this sad sad time for New Zealand.

Hiya!

Animation Friday

(more animations here!)

At half ten last night, I decided to start painting some wooden pegs. They're  nearly done - just need some shoes painted on and some of the skirts need another trim too. But they also need another name instead of 'wool rug peg doll christmas tree decoration'!

My Creative Space

Its been panic stations for me this week, getting everything finished.



The change of eye colour was for this girl, whose eyes were green/brown in the animation.

But now has dark blue eyes for her new 6 month old owner!

One of the girls from last weeks Creative Space.

And this girl has been sent off to her new home (made from some of Cinti's vintage fabrics). Thats my favourite button at the moment - it went perfectly with this outfit. I have one left!

(spot my bit of crocheting?)

Two local galleries asked for some softies and dolls. These are for a 'Small Packages' exhibition that is on for the month of December (but to be handed in this week!).  Its not a normal exhibition - anything you buy can be taken straight away and is then replaced by something from the same artist.

So these are some of the dolls that are for the exhibition. They've asked for some recycled LP record bowls too. They looked great last time, displayed on the white walls - hooked onto nails!

I've been wanting to use these buttons on someone for ages! (strange as it sounds)

This one I'm keeping to take with me to the market on sunday. The vintage button looks like a brooch on her fur capelet - but its actually holding the cape together, with a ribbon attached around it.

Thank you so much to everyone who left such fab comments on my last post - very much appreciated!!

For loads more creative spaces, click over to Kirsty's!x

Once they escape my kitchen bench...

 . . it seems the dolls can't wait to get out there!

They've been seen posing in a couple of places now...

In the christmas gift guide of Next magazine.

(with full make up on of course)

And also in the December issue of Your Home & Garden.

Lazing about in beautiful homes again.

Its alright for some!

Flea Market Finds

After getting an email from somebody I don't know, about a Retro Fair on today -

I went to have a nosey. (thank you!)

There were items from the 1950's through to the late 70's. Not alot of fabrics - but I managed to get a few teatowels and tablecloths.

Buttons and vintage earrings.

I thought this button was appropriate considering what my partner does for a living! (telecommunications)

Its cleaned up well with some bi carb, this was the best photo I could get of it!

Vintage clip ons.

This fabric was actually on the ladies table as a cover. So she had to take everything off the table to sell it to me! The flowers are quite big, just what I was after.

And another tea towel.

There were all sorts of amazing vintage items there - a giant vintage tiki, eiderdowns, 70's sunglasses,  lots of beautiful jewellery, huge 1960's racy calenders, Crown Lynn crockery ...etc.  Also some art deco plant pot stands that I would have loved to be able to afford for displaying items!

 Oh well, one day.x

(There's more finds over at Sophie's )



My Creative space

In my creative space today, theres a red head...

and two other girls waiting for their finishing touches.

They are both made from a vintage bridesmaid dress.

Love this fabric.

And I've been searching through this lot for a certain album, to make into a bowl for someone.

Yay - I had it! (1977)

I held it up and had to take a picture of a beautiful girl, who was about to roll her eyes at me!

This'll be one for the album. (excuse the pun!)

Anyway, I'm off to change a green eyed girl to blue...

Pop over to Kirsty's to see what original creativeness is going on there today.X

Animated Haircut...

More over at Cinti's!

Softie for Mirabel/Project 18

I've finished my Softie for Mirabel!

 She's a bit different than the ones I've been doing lately. (yup - the teeth)

She's going to be sent off to Pip's Meet Me At Mike's appeal for  the Mirabel Foundation.

Such a great cause - there is still time for you to make one too! All the details are here.

And this is the Balinese girl I've made for the Project 18 Orphanage, for Jhoanna's appeal.

She'll  be sent off first thing tomorrow, to put a smile on someone's face!

Love doing this.

11 Years

(home made anniversary card)

It was our 11th Anniversary last weekend, (so this post is a bit late). We aren't married, but we have always recognised the date we met instead. This guy has been so unbelievably supportive of anything I do. I know we all need someone to be there, stand up for us, be a sounding board... but sometimes things can get really crazy in life and that really does bring out the best in people.

(Mexico)

That is whats happened with us this year. I think to a certain extent, I have been hiding behind the dolls on here. With everything else going on, concentrating on them has helped me get through a very tough year. We have had some terrible problems with my parents. My mother has had a life time of anger build up and it has landed on me. With a devastating effect on our family. Unfortunately they don't seem to realize what it has done to the children. Its put them in a situation which they shouldn't be in - which isn't fair.

(one of those silly photo booth shots)

We've also had the hiccup of redundancy. Its been delayed a couple of times, but it will be happening soon. With these things has come a huge 'shift'. One of those life changing things where you suddenly look at everything differently. It has bought us so much closer together - to be more supportive and understanding -  really appreciating what we are to one another.

(that nose has been broken 6 times!)

So thanks to the unwavering support of this guy, we are getting there. We're hoping to find work in another country, where there are more opportunities for him in his career. We're staying positive and knowing that things will turn out alright - at some point!xx

My Creative Space

I've had the last week without broadband. So with the computer running so slow, I've managed to get lots done! Bit of an eye opener really. Its a good thing!

This is what i've put together with the things from My Creative Space last week. There were lots of items to incorporate. I put the old glass flowers onto some felt, around the neck. And the front of the dress is the detailing from the favourite cardy. I'm just waiting to hear if they still want a purple tutu as well!?

Free motion sewing. (the money words are for purses)

Vintage patchwork zipper bags.

Having been so busy with the dolls recently,  I needed to make a few new things for the market this weekend! I haven't done a market for such a long time. So theres a few new pocket softies, as well as the purses. (the pocket is hidden across their tummies).

 I had  been dying white felt, a yellowy colour for the blonde hair - as they don't make the one I used to use anymore! So this blonde is a bit of an experiment - as I've found a heavier cream colour felt that might do! It would save alot of time - as its not easy getting the colour just right. (not too bright)

And I've just about finished my Softie for Mirabel.

A little different from the norm. We'll see how that turns out...

Theres a load more Creative Spaces over at Kirsty's to have a nosey at! (and please come and say hi if you are popping over to Devonport on sunday - its always a brilliant market!)x