Pfaff vs Janome

I need to make a decision about a new machine - which is not an easy thing! I have changed my mind countless times now. Its getting rediculous. I've been in and tested out a couple, but that just made it even more difficult! (theres some good deals on at the mo)

So what do you think about Pfaff sewing machines? I've been told they are the 'Rolls Royce' of machines - hard working, sturdy... They also have IDT integrated in the sewing machine, for no fabric slippage. No matter how many layers or what type of fabrics you are sewing. Its fed from both the top and bottom at the same time.

But then Janome are such a well known brand too. They are one of the top sellers in this country. They've been around for nearly a hundred years. And have such a good reputation.

I know its such a personal thing and it depends what sort of thing you are sewing,

but do you have an opinion on either of these brands?

MCS - Colour

School is back today for our two, so theres been some clearing up and sorting out going on here.

I took a break from the new softie making on the weekend

to start another blanket. Having two children - they neeeeed to have one each!

I think I've underestimated how much wool it takes to make one of these! Just making it up as I go along with the colour. There's sOOOOOO much more going on over at Kirsty's clever place today!xx

Tracey and Deidre

Heres a couple of new softies...

Tracey and Deidre

Tracey has a wool jumper and fancy belt.

And Deidre has been trying to camouflage herself - quite successfully I think!

Meet Ken

(watch out - his nose is a bit mesmerizing!)

Free Motion Face

I can't seem to get past the wine/martini glass when it comes to softie making.

I'll try and have a go at some variations on the nose/mouth... but things usually only turn out if I don't plan them too much - so we'll see how that goes!

The free motion sewing seemed to show up quite well on the wool rug. I don't know why I decided to make the arms out of wool rug tho - such a pain to turn out.

This is for the son of a very good friend of mine in the UK. Hes had every other kind of softie I can make (in his 2 years), so had to come up with something new!

Feeling good

I was contacted a few weeks ago by a lovely lady who had requested a custom order doll for her daughter before we left New Zealand. She was one of the last ones I had made. Unfortunately the doll has been stolen (when her daughters bag was stolen), and she was inconsoluble. They have just received the new replacement doll so I was very relieved and happy to get this email:

"Dear Jennie!

You are a star!! My daughter is over the moon!! She looks like Annabelle's twin sister!! Thanks so much!! I am so pleased you had some of the fabric left!
A big hug from my daughter..."

(the photo above is the only one I have of the original doll)

I suppose why this is so important to me also, is the fabric that they requested for both the original doll, and of course the new replacement. Its a 1970's pillowcase, that I bought a long time ago. I had negative comments(in real life - not on the blog) at the time like "well - only YOOUU would buy something like THAT Jennie!" and "you don't really think someone is going to want to buy THAT do you?"

Its really stuck with me unfortunately, this is the sort of negativity that I've talked before about stepping away from. It just brings you down, makes you unsure of what you are doing/creating.

 If you are making something that you enjoy, something that just feels right - please don't listen to those who want to bring you down. Its hard - especially if its family members.  Sometimes we don't all have supportive people around us, that is why these blogs are such a good source of support don't you think? 

So I was thrilled to get such positive feedback about this particular doll, but I don't have much of that fabric left now!x

Today ...

there was bunting

there were streamers

there was food

and things

to decorate other things

eggs were laid by green penguins

ladybirds with HUGE spots looked worried

(for good reason)

specially made, overly purple dolls were put aside

for beautiful dresses (made by beautiful friends!)

and gorgeous little Crosby (whose name is slowly changing to Crispy)

has been loved all day. This hug tells it all.

(made by another gorgeous friend!)

Happy Birthday to our big 5 year old. She's had the most wonderful day with all her new friends - making things, playing things and just having fun.(Theres some more photos of her day over at Five Years Between, just let me know if you want to pop over!)xx

Preparing...

... for a little someone's birthday this week!

Miss G's  last birthday was overshadowed somewhat with family problems, which wasn't very fair.

This year is different. We can breath, we can relax, we can celebrate! She has made some lovely friends in the short time we have been here. So we are going to have a party - yay!!

This is my first time having a go at making some bunting! Inspiration from the beautiful banner here.

Also finishing off a couple of  little gifts for some special people.

So  -  I was going to try and not go over the top with Miss G's doll ...

but I think she would prefer it if I did!

(ps. there's a post on the girls easter hat parade over at Five Years Between, and an interview on the local news with our other Miss!)

MCS - coat hanger challenge!

Kirsty's challenge is to cover a wire coat hanger any way you like!

I only had one wire hanger left, after we had a huge sort out before  moving. So this is what I came up with yesterday.

I had already crocheted a poncho for a doll, so turned it into a hat for this girl. Then wound some more wool around the hanger hook, for the top of the hat. I think this can still be used as a coat hanger!

See some more over at the flickr group here.

Thanks Kirsty!x

Made in Australia...

My first Made in Australia doll!

She's over in my new Made It shop waiting to give you a sideways glance!x

Paumes Charity Exhibition

Paumes are having a charity exhibition of artworks from around the world.

Money from the sale of the artworks in the Tokyo exhibition will go to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

You can see some of the artworks here!

(and spot my contribution on the wall here)