summer dress

This summer dress has been taking up my spare time. Initially it was to have longish sleeves, which I had improvised. This made the dress restrictive and tight around the arm holes....I realised that all this time I have been sewing in sleeves back to front. So they were swapped and still the top was uncomfortable. So off they went again.

I added a ruffled hem to the bottom, which was left raw. The fabric is a nice gauzy cotton and I would like to see it get frayed.

In the end I added some ruffled sleeves too. I will need to investigate a bit more about sleeve construction - this is where my sewing often trips me up. Plus I don't like to go sleeveless...

a trifle makeover

Did your grandma ever make trifle? Layer upon layer of jelly, custard, fruit and spongecake. I'm rather fond of this retro dessert and have been trying to make a cake type trifle. A friend described the steps to me - her version looked a lot more glamorous than this one, but I will keep tweaking this until I've got it down pat.

To start, line the edge of the cake tin with slices of sponge roll. Then cover the bottom of tin with fruit. I used frozen berries - but I think fresh strawberries or tinned peaches might be my next fruit of choice. (apparently seedless grapes with lime jelly is a winner) I used raspberry jelly, but again the choice is yours...

The next step involves making the jelly. It needs to be firm so to make it double strength halve the amount of water you put in. I thought that just adding the hot water would suffice. wrong. To make the jelly set properly you need to put in half the amount of boiling water and then half the amount of cold water. Then pour the jelly over the fruit and put in the fridge to set.

In the meantime, make up another box of jelly at half strength and pop that into the fridge for a while, when it has started to thicken, whip through a tub of cream. This makes up the pink mousse which becomes the next layer. I added another layer of sponge rolls to the top of the tin. As the cake is turned upside down to serve, this becomes the bottom layer. I can't remember if this last sponge layer was part of the instructions - and will probably omit this next time as I found the bottom layer was a bit dry. Maybe it could be soaked with something before going in the fridge?

After a few hours the jelly should be set...and to get it out you need to quickly dip the tin in hot water. This will slightly dissolve the jelly so the cake can slide out of the tin. But be careful -the jelly melts after just a few seconds! You need to have placed a plate on top of the tin so you can turn the cake over. It really is a nice dessert for the hot days when you can't bake. And with a little practice, this dessert could look real pretty. Nevertheless, my crew could not keep their hands off this trial version. It's all gone.

my place and yours - my collection

Here's a small collection of mine for this week's 'my place and yours'. And what a great theme Ms. Kate has suggested. I love to see what other people collect.
This assortment of wooden dolls have gradually become a collection as I find the odd one here and there. I do have some nesting dolls too, but I like this eclectic collection because they are mismatched, colorful and folksy. The one on the rights with the green hat is shaped like an eggcup, the middle one has a hole for a pencil on top and the large one on the left - her head is removable so she can be used like a little vessel. Sometimes I happen to hear my girls playing with them - lending them funny little voices and personalities. If you'd like a peek into more collections visit Pip.

to market

A stroll through the Central Markets on a Friday evening is a favourite way to punctuate our week.
The lanterns were already glowing. The smattering of rain extending the sparkle and quenching our heat frazzled minds.
The girls got into a flurry to find an umbrella each, but the rain was very minimal and I'm wishing for more....
There were delicious dumplings, oodles of noodles and rice washed down with chicken broth.
The stroll through the market was somewhat strained by the smallest member refusing to walk. Probably a common phase for three year olds, but coupled with her determination it usually turns into a full scale stand off. And it always ends with me carrying her highness despite.

Then all is forgiven and sweetness prevails.
The wonderful ladies at the market transform kiddies into tigers, fairies, vampires or butterflies with their little pots of colour.
And we always find some little treasures to bring home. Often we bring home some cakies too but suddenly I'm feeling enthused to make something myself this weekend. Work is winding down and I'm keen to fluff around our little nest. Maybe even a spot of cleaning!! But that will have to wait - for now we are off to poke around the library. Hope your weekend is rolling along nicely too.

nature's niceties

1.Lying beneath a shady tree.
2.Having a ladybug scurry along your hand

freaky hot

So I've lost count of the days we have endured this heatwave of 39 degreesC. If this is Spring what will Summer bring? There's still a few more days to get through till we get some reprieve. Many ice blocks have been consumed, cold showers, cold baths... I took the littles to the pool earlier this week- but soaking in a tepid communal bath is not my favourite way to cool down.

The beach is the place of solace for me. Usually a few degrees cooler, the refreshing crash of the waves and cool enveloping seawater make me feel a lot better. The crispy hair and sandy toes. Gathering shells and pebbles. Laughing at my little ducks diving into the water. A fish and chip dinner eaten straight off the paper. Late long shadows. Bags full of towels. Makes us forget the scorching heat for a few perfect hours.

How do you like to keep your cool?

a bubbly skirt

A quick little skirt made from gingham.

I've been thinking of bubble skirts for some time now. And when I came across this tutorial it was just a matter of finding a few spare moments to experiment. I want to make more....

tools of the trade

I'm always on the lookout for letter and number resources to add to my bag of tricks. Anything that might encourage a reluctant reader or give a new spin on learning. Engaging students, giving their morale a jump start is one of the things that really makes my day at work rewarding.

I found the wooden letters at an op-shop, one letter of the alphabet is missing, but I'm told that with just these six letters it is possible to make up seventy words!

I feel very fortunate to be able to work with individuals and small groups to support disadvantaged learners. As any teacher would know, this type of teaching is very difficult to provide in a large class. As the school year draws to a close we try to keep all motivated.

This week we are making our own versions of a traditional Bush Game. This game is like just like tic tac toe - but you can keep moving the pebbles around until someone gets three in a row. Really good for developing lateral thinking, strategy and patience. Design, measurement and cultural heritage are also part of this learning process. And of course they can bundle it all up into a pouch to take home.

And here is something each teacher at our school was presented with last Friday. I meant to share it sooner but I must admit that working five days a week has meant I've been falling for the pillow. hard. As much as I love what I do, it has been exhausting. Hopefully I build up a bit of stamina before the year is out....

small pleasures

Batch of cupcakes...we popped marshmallows on top of the cupcakes just before they were ready to come out of the oven and they melted into a scrumptious topping. The chocolated ones were pretty good too!

These little seedlings have settled into the vegetable bed, I like to check on their progress every few days. Unfortunately a creepy little insect has taken to the watermelon and rockmelon plants. and gobbled them up.

Some new pillows I made for the couch. Even managed to sew a zipper onto the stripey number. The small blue pillow was made from a thrifted sashiko napkin.

Have you found some small pleasures in your travels lately?Hope so. I've been rather busy with life and work - so not much time to visit, comment and reply. Please excuse. I'll be sure to pop back some time soon.

My Place and Yours - bedside

This week's theme, by pottymouthmama, is bedside. My little bedside corner this morning is typically cluttered with unread books, a bit of bling, favourite pictures and photos I can see first thing in the morning and last thing before I turn to sleep.
There is also some make up strewn around from a hasty touch up before heading out to dinner with girlfriends I've known since highschool. Since getting reaquainted this year, we try to catch up every few months...Oh and of course there is one of the little visitors that makes it to my bedside each morning! There are lots more bedsides to visit at Meet me at Mikes.

Tinkering

I've been tinkering on this blouse for a couple of weeks. Working on it sporadically has been good because I tackle the various tasks when I have an hour here or there. And have thus avoided any major blunders from racing to finish up.

It's made from a crisp white cotton. Perhaps a little too heavy for this type of gathered neckline which I had in my mind-but for a make it up as you go sort of pattern, it has turned out o.k.

I kept trying it on, pinning along, to work out the right length for the sleeves, where it should sit on the hips. I've taken it in a bit more than this now. I used darts in the back to make it a little more shaped.

I like to wear a comfy white shirt on sunny days.

My Place and Yours - On the shelf

These shelves have worked hard in different parts of the house. Currently they try to contain the toys and such that belong to the smallest. Often the contents spill through the house, but it's nice to have a few little shelves to rest the pieces on when a tidy up is attempted.

More shelves are on show at Meet Me at Mikes - perhaps you would like to join in ...

my creative space

Since I've started working five days the creative output is bound to slow down. (Hence the sewing frenzy of the school hols :) But I did manage to get into some comfort knitting as the weather is still rather cold around these parts.

I have wanted an extra long scarf for a while so this chunky, thrifted wool was used. The basket came along for the long drive to Monarto Zoo on the weekend...and those couple of hours were enough to finish the project off.

Seems like all I ever knit is scarves....I like the way this wool looks against denim but I don't know why the scarf has curled on the edges?

Next in line in my creative space is this 80's shirt dress I picked up a few weeks ago, it needs a couple of minor alterations. Check out other creative spaces via Kootoyoo.

free play

Apparently today's children don't get enough opportunity to get bored. We over-organize their schedules with activities. But these holidays gave us a chance to explore what happens when nothing is on the agenda....

There were makeovers.

A little play dough alien was captured in a jar. ( Mr Maker inspired this and plenty more)

And the old make-it books of yesteryear inspired this Japanese garden made in a bamboo steamer. Sometimes just presenting familiar props in a new way can inspire creative play. The pink wheelie bin from Target was a hit...and works well for storing the dress ups.

so it seems that plenty of make and do can happen whether you plan for it or not...

holidays end

It has been a quiet few weeks. Mostly we have hibernated at home. But today a trip to the city was made to mark the end of school holidays.

The girls trudged far and near in search of a 'cutie' photo booth ....
They spent quite some time adding the sparkles and hearts to the images

then we were all keen for some baci chocolate cake...

I also treated myself to a new satchel and some floral stockings.

sewing again

still in the grips of sewing fever...

I'm trying to work out the sizing of those Japanese patterns. The blue top is the blooper version. Somehow I messed up the sleeves. But I liked the fabric too much to give up on it & managed to make a loose tank top. The next one had sleeves that worked out well - but I will unpick and gather it more at the neckline as the larger size is a bit too loose.

Quite happy with this apron dress made from a very soft denim. It was fun to sew- but tricky to photograph. I added some simple sashiko stitches to the hem.

A little critter crafted by the little ones who like to keep busy alongside me.

sewing retro

I'm enjoying a little sewing bonanza. Inspired by the arrival of some Japanese sewing books, I've picked some favourites from the stash of thrifted fabrics...

And then today I stumbled across a bit more retro goodness in my travels. I've never seen these type of large spools of cotton before. They look industrial.

Here are my first finshed projects.A loose blouse and a tunic dress. I like to use retro fabrics that I pick up for a few dollars. I'm still really into that mustard colour that has been around for the last few seasons. I like it with jade green. Hope to get on with a bit more sewing during the school holidays!

a little night music

A solitary stroll this evening around the grounds of the University . It seems another lifetime ago that I came here to study architecture and art.

Old memories juxtapose my current landscape

Portals to learning, culture and opportunity. For some.

Tonight I came to Elder Hall to see a girl play her viola.

The final performance in a marathon of rehearsals, festivals, and school musicals. And yes I might have stressed and grumbled about how we would get through it all.

But when that music spilled into the grand old hall, we all knew that these young people had spent many hours, months and years of effort. To convey their art in those sensational few moments.

I think of all the arts, music has the most potent affect. To me the beauty lies in it's evanescence; one minute it's giving you goosebumps - and then it's all over.

So bravo to my girl and her viola, the delightful young musicians, their dedicated and passionate teachers. And most of all bravo to public education. May it continue to nurture the arts!

a nice old book

This book has been inspiring me to think about planting out some new vegetables for the spring garden. It's written in that old fashioned tone which I find amusing to read :" This book is designed primarily to provide boys and girls with just the information needed to stimulate their interest in gardening and to show them how to produce worthwhile plants".

The illustrations and diagrams are lovely.

But I have not been able to do much digging. It only took a minute of leaning over an unfinished jigsaw to catch a twinge in my back. ouch. Seems the old back is not as lithe as it used to be.
I spent the weekend trying my best not to bend or lift at all and I think the crook back is slowly mending.
There is a lot weeding waiting for me. The sour sobs have exploded in the flower beds.

But for now they are offered to me in proud little bunches by small hands.

little big girl

bye bye baby cheeks, hello little big girl!

today she turned three

She colours our days with her sweetness.
Today we helped her celebrate with colours for painting, playing and feasting.
She rocked out at the playground, nibbled a fingerbun which the baker had iced with extra sprinkles especially for her.
Then swimming lessons - always the highlight of her week; often she will dress in her bathers/goggles and practise diving into the bean bag to capture the euphoria of swimming day!
An unexpected nap after lunch gave me the opportunity to make her the dress she requested.
Big sister made jelly in orange boats and baked the chocolate cake.
Hip Hip Hooray.