Oliver + S sew along

So after yesterday's post about stash busting, it got me to thinking about doing some book busting. I'm sure some of you are like me, you see a gorgeous book and you HAVE to buy it. It arrives you are way beyond pleased because the projects are just as beautiful as you imagined...but then something happens, actually nothing happens. Trust me this is not for a lack of wanting to sew, but like most things it gets pushed aside. It was fortuitous then that I came across the Oliver + S Little Things Sew Along from a little gray. I think it's a well paced sew along - one wee project a month.

I have had the Little Things to Sew Book since it came out - and I love it!

So I'm in...and committed! Button on my sidebar - care to join me?

The perfect stash buster

I have been meaning to post about this for AGES! I made this garment a couple of months ago and let me tell you it was the perfect stash buster. I had both the pattern and the fabric in the stash for at least a couple of years and in a rare moment of clarity I put two and two together and voila, here is the result. It has been a great addition to Sophie's wardrobe and she just adores the little "ladybuggies" all over the fabric.

I'm not sure what the name of the fabric is, but it is a double sided heavy Japanese linen which is very durable and toddler friendly. The pattern is #17 from Ottobre 01/2009.

So much sorrow...so much spirit.

I have been filled this week with so much sorrow for the people of Norway. But I am absolutely in awe of their spirit, dignity and how they are dealing with this tragedy. I found this quote from a survivor (In my Tree via My Scandinavian Retreat) and it perfectly sums up the Norwegian spirit to me...perhaps this is one of the many reasons that I am drawn to the Scandinavian ethos

Winter vegie garden

After my wildly successful summer in the garden I was perhaps a tad overconfident about continuing the success throughout the winter. In the past I've managed broccoli and broad beans during the Canberrian winter, but not this year! The broad beans and snow peas are growing at a 'snail's pace' which is an apt description because the broccoli is forever being munched by the snails before it gets to any decent size. I've tried all sorts of barriers which work wonderfully well until you forget to put them on one night - and then in the morning...zip....all broccoli G-O-N-E! I'm grateful for the leeks though, because they appear to be indestructible.

We had a very early start to winter so the plants never managed to get ahead before day after day of minus starts and frost. One highlight in my winter vegie garden is my forever producing strawberry plants. These plants have been producing fruit for well over a year, whilst it is only one or two fruits a week now it has been a continuous supply for little helpers in the garden. I don't think a single one has made it inside!

Winner- giveaway!

First of all let me say a HUGE thank you to everyone who entered the draw for the giveaway on my little blog - I just loved receiving all of your wonderful comments and having you 'over' for a peep...please come back any time!

...and also to the fabulous Corrie from retromummy for sharing the love and linking my giveaway to her blog.

Now without further ado (drum roll sounds), the winner of the $100 suzy hausfrau voucher is comment number 22...two little ducks, 22 (I do have a bit of a soft spot for the old bingo number calling!)...Carolyn from Stamp with Me.

Now for the official bit - the winner was drawn using a random generator widget (seriously) and overseen by the panel of not so serious experts. Here is a picture of one during the draw...

My creative space.

Today I've gone back to the ol' hook and yarn and am loving it! I've started the Coco's Bobble Dress in BC Garn Silk Bloom Fino (ix20) ...and am hooked (haha) on doing puff stitches...and how quickly it is coming together.

More creative spaces are found over here...

Getting ready to spread the word!

I've been waiting for nearly two weeks for my new moo cards. But aren't they purrrty and worth the wait...just the perfect thing to spread the word around.

...and remember only three (and a little bit) days left to enter my giveaway.