Pouches

I am in love. This is my first try at making them and they are so easy and fun. I am going to make a heap more for some friends and myself. You can never have too many!

My sister choose the fabric colour for this one. It is now holding her pens for bingo I was browsing in Spotlight yesterday (as I do) and I found some bingo fabric!! I was really excited and began imagining how I would use it.

I really love this one. I made it out of felt so it feels nice and thick and cosy. It was fun to make the little bird to complete it.

This past week I have been trying to get over a sinus infection. It was bad enough to only let me have a few hours a night sleep and boy have I been tired and grumpy! Last night was the first decent nights sleep I have had in a whole week and I feel so much better for it. I must be on the mend

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Love mandy xxx

Two owls and a girl

Been trying to design some owls this week. These two have the same basic body shape but with different trimmings. The girl I was trying my hand at painting her face on. Still need more practice! They are all sweet just the same. Tomorrow I am going to try my hand at pouches! They look like fun.

Lunar Eclipse

Last night was pretty awesome. We had the telescope out to do some star-gazing and to see the full moon in all it’s glory. I noticed that a shadow had appeared on the lower part of the moon and after a while it seemed to get bigger. I said it must be an eclipse. So I jumped on the computer and googled it and sure enough we were having a partial moon eclipse where the earths shadow covers about 50% of the moon. Wow. Our friend took these photos below would you believe from his iPhone through the telescope. Took forever but they came out really good. We also found Saturn! We were trying out a new lens that was a higher powered one and although we had trouble keeping the planet in line because it was moving so quickly it was a very cool sight indeed. Saturn looked yellowish in colour and you could see its rings. The other night we were able to see one of its moons Titan as well.

The next full lunar eclipse is going to be on 11 July 2010. So jot it down in your diary as this only happens once every 18 years! The next one will happen 6 July 2028.

Sewing Machine

Good afternoon! I am a happy panda because I now have my very own sewing machine. My family pitched in and got it for me as an early birthday present. I set up my old desk which I hadn’t got round to selling yet (and I’m glad I didn’t!) It is a perfect size for my machine/work station. I have yet to book in for my free lesson from the store I bought it at to show me how to use it but so far I am doing ok with it and have already made two new softies.

This here is It. He was suppose to be a dog but I don’t think he looks like one! hehe. Here he is showing off my sewing machine

Say hello to Hoots the owl. I whipped her up yesterday morning in secret as a surprise gift for my mother to take back to New Zealand with her. Owls are so easy to make that I’m sure to make more. She is a wee darling.

Today is a cold and rainy day, perfect for staying inside listening to music while whipping up some more creations.

TTFN…. ta ta for now

Meet Molly

Wow it’s been almost two weeks since I last updated! But I have a good excuse My mum is over here visiting from New Zealand for a holiday and to spend some time with us kids. It has been nice to have her here as I haven’t seen her in over a year when she was over last. She has been hitting it up big at all the crafty stores on the Gold Coast and going to the Scrapbooking Craft show in Brisbane last weekend. She makes the most wonderful cards, I shall post some up one day to show you lovely readers how talented she is.

Anyways I have been working on a doll, trying out new things like wool for hair and having a go at making my first little dress for her. She is a wee darling and I’m quite proud of her heh

Today is quite exciting as I might be getting my very first sewing machine!!! It’s an early birthday present from my family. I am so lucky to have them as they are very supportive of my hobbies.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! LOVEMANDY XXX

Retro Monkey

Another finish. Another cute softie to add to my growing pile of toys staring at me while I sit here typing hehe. This monkey is from the book Softies, (man I love the library!) Mabel Monkey from prairiemouse.typepad.com. Although I have called mine Marco and my boyfriend reckons he is from the 70′s due to the colours I used to make him. I love him!!

He has been up to lots of mischief, swinging from my pot plants and playing peek-a-boo.

Piggy

I was browsing through the library a few weeks ago and I came across this awesome book called Sew Me, Love Me by Hsiu-Lan Kuei. It has all these wonderful softies to make. I quite liked the look of the Popo Piggy and here she is. I love her button nose, so cute!

Sunrise

This past week we have been getting up super early to drive down to the beach and watch the sun come up. It's just beautiful. There is a nice walking track too so with our walking shoes on we trundle along the path getting good views of the ocean and warming up against the cold. Although once the sun is up it warms up very quickly.

I am a morning person but it has it's downsides because I am so ready for bed round 8 o'clock at night!

Bunnykins

So I finally plunged ahead and decided to design my own little soft toy. He turned out to be a bunny with long floppy ears and movable arms and legs. He didn't turn out too badly although I reckon he looks a bit like a dog. He is cute none the less. I am going to make some clothes for him too since he is looking a bit naked and will add some personality.

Meet Emily

Finished my second doll last night. She is going to be a mother's day gift to my mum so I hope she likes her. She is all pretty in pink and she has safety eyes. My mum lives in New Zealand so Emily will be flying out there on Sunday with my sister as she is heading over there for a holiday anyways. And of course I am jealous! I might have to stow away in her suitcase.