.A whole lota zippers.

Awhile ago my sister gave me a massive zip-lock bag full of zippers.  She had been to a deceased estate sale and the lady of the house must have been into thrifty sewing because she had a whole hoard of zippers stashed in one of her draws - most of them had been unpicked from old items of clothing.

I'm just about to start making some new cushion covers for our couch cushions but have been pushing the project back as it means making a trip to the shops to pick up some zippers - then I remembered the big bag of old lady zippers in the cupboard and problem solved!!

I didn't think I would ever use them, still overcoming my issues with second-hand stuff, but if it means saving me a trip to the shops and a bit of money I think I'm going to face my issues and get on with it!

There are actually some really cool zippers in the stash...lots of retro looking ones and funky shaped pulls.  Even some brand new ones still in their vintage packaging.  

 

I'll definitley be remembering to dive into my zipper collection next time I need to sew something with zippers, who knows what treasures I will find?!  Perhaps I'll make one of these funky no-fabric zippered pouches just to use some of them up!

.Things I'm Crushing...OUR WORLD.

I remember as a child that we always had a world globe sitting on top of our TV.  It wasn't just a decoration...the globe was pretty battered and worn.  We would play games with it all the time - spin it as fast as we could and stop our fingers on a country.  The last I remember, it was very faded, the paper was lifting and edges were torn.  I'm thinking it was tossed away, but I wish we still had it.  I've been thinking about that globe lately and how I want a globe in our home - one that can be played with so that the children have an opportunity to explore the world and see how countries and oceans make it up.  Then I started spotting globes, maps and some great creations on Pinterest and I'm loving them - wouldn't the world map make a great theme for decorating a boy's bedroom?

 

 

 

 

 

 

What an amazing world we have!

(All image sources - and more world map images - can be found on my Globe Pinterest Board.)

.Hello comfy undies...goodbye to wedgies.

I have just sent off my next pattern to testers and photographers to do their stuff and am treating myself with a little bit of "just for fun" sewing.  

For a long, long time I have owned the Children's Undies pattern by That Darn Kat with intentions to have a go at sewing some for the kids but the project just kept being pushed further and further back.  Lil has just outgrown her last purchased undies and I am sick of complaints of wedgies and seeing more than I need to under her skirt when her legs are spread!  (The people that design kids undies should really keep in mind that little girls flash all the time and actually require a bit more coverage than adults do!)

These undies are sensational.  I made six for her and one for her cousin and they are quite a quick sew once you get the hang of it.  As I was sewing them I did wonder if I was totally wasting my time - not sure if they would compare with Disney Princesses and My Little Pony, but I need not worried.  She was over the moon and looooves them.  She has been wearing them for about a week now and doesn't give a second glance to the store-bought undies in her cupboard.  

As you can probably tell, I didn't put a lot of thought into the fabric combinations...I set myself a rule to only use fabric scraps and just mixed and matched without worrying about the finished look.  Some of the fabric is scraps from other projects and others are saved bottom halves of t-shirts I have cut up to make Cupcake Dresses from my book.  I like 'em though, a little crazy - just like the wearer!

I can tell they are totally comfortable.  And the fact that they actually cover her bottom with no gaping holes is great.  I was starting to wonder what we would do about the flashing under her school uniform next year, but now I think I'll whip up a batch of navy blue undies and my problems will be solved! 

I personally love it when she gallops around the house in undies and singlet now - cutest little bottom ever...

The pair that didn't make it to the photo shoot...I like this look better than seeing the top of her bottom when she bends over!

.Thermomix Cooking - Oat & Apricot Slice.

I'm on a bit of a health kick at the moment - trying to curb a few bad snacking habits and get myself ready for Summer!  I still love baking though and have been making a few things for Jaron and the kids to eat but recently came across this healthy recipe for Oat & Apricot slice that I can enjoy too!  It is really filling, full of lots of good for you ingredients and great for breakfast or lunch on the run with a piece of fruit or tub of yoghurt.  Of course, making them is a breeze in the Thermo - if you don't have a Thermo, just combine everything in a bowl with a wooden spoon!

(P.S. If you have any favourite healthy baking or snacking recipes or ideas - send them my way!)

Oat & Apricot Slice

170g wholemeal plain flour
1tsp baking powder
120g brown sugar
50g quick oats
15 chopped apricots
20g sunflower seeds
20g butter
2 small eggs, beaten

Combine butter and eggs in TMX, speed 8 for 4 seconds.
Add remaining ingrediends.  Knead on interval speed for 30 seconds to combine.
Press into a greased 20cm square tin and smooth top with back of spoon.
Bake in 170 degree oven for 25 minutes.
When completely cool, cut into 8 slices.

.Bargain fabric...I couldn't resist!.

I'm the first to admit that I'm a fabric snob...I'm all about good quality and style.  I haven't bought fabric from Spotlight in a long time.  In fact, I only try and visit the shop a couple of times a year and stock up on thread, zippers, buttons and other bits and pieces that I need.  This time I needed bits and pieces but also wanted to check out the Denyse Schmidt fabric exclusive to Spotty.

We are still on school holidays here, so we packed up a picnic, piled into the car and drove off to Spotlight with the promise that after we had finished we would find a nice grassy park to have a play and some lunch.

So I got all of my needed bits and pieces but when we got to the cutting table I discovered a huge $2m clearance table and I just couldn't resist!  I made myself look for the best quality and only made purchases with projects IN MIND...and i'm going to actually use it!  The kids were INSANE.  Spotlight for them = running races and hiding spots and crazy antics.  The man who was serving me at the desk asked them about 50 times to stop climbing on the shelf, don't stand on the fabric, get out of that hole...all the while I smiled sweetly at him and them.  Isn't it nice when someone else does your parenting for you!  Seriously man, if you are going to have a massive $2m table piled high with fabric then get cutting and ignore the naughty children!

So, back to the purchases...these pinwhale cords are going to be some lovely summer skirts and shorts for the kids - I like the fact that these are going to be super cheap to make so won't matter if they get them stained in the first wear!  I bought HEAPS of navy blue - it's the kids school pants colour so I figure I can get good use out of it over the next few years!

 Couldn't resist some checks and ginghams...

I found a big roll of hounstooth!  LOVE it and can't wait to make myself a pencil skirt out of it!  Also a jungle print jersey knit (not the best quality but good for a simple baby wrap) and some dress up fabric for Lil - ballerina and mermaid here we come!

And lastly, the measly amount of Denyse Schmidt that I went for!  I spent more on these three pieces than everything else above combined!!!  It is a lovely collection, but I couldn't see myself doing much with the country-style prints.  The spots are great though and the check is going to be really cool for shorts for the boys!  

Looks like I've got some sewing to do!

.Makings.

1.

2.

 3.

4.

1.  New pattern in the making...almost done!

2. 3. 4.  Playing around with Vintage Japanese Glass earrings.

And I forgot to draw the winner of the Jamberry Nails giveaway - congrats to the Launceston Weeden Family!  I've sent you an email...

.Gramma Knits.

My Mum is a great knitter...something I wish I had the patience for, but just never seem to get the hang of.  Perhaps I'll have to choose a simple project and get her to give me some lessons - I'm liking the look of the very popular Milo vest.

She has just finished knitting Lil a gorgeous new cardi. 

Lil chose the colour (with a little nudging from me!) and I'm happy that it is not totally girly pink and purple.  

The last cardi that Mum knitted for Lil is still being worn...and I was surprised to look back on my blog and see that it was THREE years ago!  So hoping that we get at least a couple of years out of this one!

 Thanks Gramma for another gorgeous knit - feel free to make us more!!!

Now...if I was to take up a new hobby (because I really have a whole heap of spare time to fill - ha!) what quick and easy knitting patterns would you recommend?

Post Edit...
Pattern for cardi is "Cable Jacket" from "Twilleys of Stamford, Freedom Gorgeous, 464"
Yarn used is Color Works, 8 Ply, 100% Fine Merino Wool

.Dad is Fab.

Happy Fathers Day to everyone who is celebrating out there!  We had a splendid day here :)

I waited until Jaron had gone to bed last night and sneakily hung up this Fathers Day banner I had made for him...I think I have a new love - message banners!  Have seen a few popping up on Pinterest and think they are great.  Super easy to make too - I just used some sheets of 12x12 scrapbooking paper and drew the letters free-hand then cut them out.  I like the slightly wonky, unevenness of them.  Strung them together with some cotton twine and a big needle and used a bit of blutac to secure each end on top of the architrave.  Simple!  I'm looking forward to our next celebratory event so that I can make another...or perhaps I'll make one "just because" - no need for a special event!

During the week I asked the kids a heap of questions about Jaron and made their answers into a book - some of them were very cute/funny.  I wasn't intending to do it scrapbook style but when I was rummaging through my supplies I found an unused album so popped everything in it.  The intention is that we can add to the album each year - maybe something different next year...portraits of Dad or memorable stories?

Along with a few needed gifts (new shaver, squash racquet) Oscar chose a Nerf Gun - last year he gave Jaron some Lego...smart kid!  I have to admit that I have always been anti-guns in this house, but these look like fun and it has provided a full afternoon and evening of entertainment!  We have plans for a big family Nerf Gun war at Christmas now!  I'm still sticking with my no Wii, Playstation, video game rule though - would rather save a special gift like that for when the kids are much, much older and it will mean more to them.

  

 

 

 

Happy Fathers Day Jaron - you really are a FAB DAD!

.Thermomix Cooking - CADA for breakfast.

I know I've mentioned on my blog before that I have a hard time with choosing foods to eat for breakfast.  Usually I'll quickly down one weetbix to get it over and done with, but by 10am, I'm hungry again.  

Recently Cyndi O'Meara (nutritionist and author of Changing Habits, Changing Lives) visited our state holding workshops and information evenings.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend any of them, but a friend shared with me this delicious breakfast recipe.  I've been eating it each morning for about a week and absolutely love it - fresh and easy to eat.  It doesn't leave me feeling bloated or flat and the best part is that I feel full until well after lunch time!  Each letter of the name, CADA, corresponds with an ingredient so you won't even need to pull out your cookbook for this one!

CADA

small handful coconut (I use 1 Tbs)
1 apple, quartered, core removed
small handful dates (I use 2 fresh or 3 dried)
small handful almonds (I use 7)

Place all ingredients in Thermomix.  Close lid and press TURBO button a few times until mixture is to desired texture.
Serve over natural yoghurt and top with berries or other fruit if desired.