wednesday colour...

A little colour to brighten your week.

this moment...

{this moment} - A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
inspired by soulemama
Mama baking banana bread, Huckle trying his first taste of banana. He was quite into it & kept reaching his little hands out for more.
This is a very realistic shot of my kitchen; bench full of baking ingredients, baby in bumbo, dirty dishes, phone , compost bowl... aah, organised chaos.
I know it says 'no words' in the description, I just couldn't help myself.

wednesday colour...

I've been going through my photo archives & making up colour layouts with some of my favourite shots. I know many others have done this, this is my little take on it. I hope to post at least one a week. Here's number one.

finally, a winner...

Ok. So as usual, I'm a little late.

The winner of the vintage sheet fat quarters is...

The lovely Christina of a little bird told me.

Congratulations Christina!

I'm off now to try & get my house into a little order. Huckle is growing so fast, I keep having to update his clothes & pack old ones away. I've also got to set up the guest bedroom for the great northern visitors. Off I go then, hope you have a lovely start to the week.

in the studio...

I'd love to be able to get out here more often; at the moment though, it's all about hangin out with Huckle & trying to keep my head above water with daily living. I don't think I can put off the housework for too much longer, but sometimes you just need to escape & do something crafty.
Here's a little snapshot of what I'm up to...
I'm halfway through a strawberry cushion, using this tutorial.
I'm playing with this gorgeous cone of silk. It was gifted to me by a friends mum, who brought it with her from adelaide.
I'm about to stitch a few hottie covers to cover two naked hot water bottles. My mum, sister & nephew are coming to visit next week. Considering they're coming from north queensland, they might possibly notice how bloody freezing it is down here. Maybe I can sew a belt onto the covers, so they can wear the hotties. Ha ha, now there's an idea!
Other than this, I've got at least ten works in progress... at least. One of these days they'll be finished. Ha, I don't really believe that. There'll always be projects on the go, some just take a little longer than others to see the finish line.
I hope your sunday is a happy one.

back at it...

My talented husband is getting back to what he does best. He's out in the workshop building some very cool custom motorcycles. There's been lots of sketching of ideas, hunting down old parts & researching fabrication techniques. His blog is back up & running too, if you want to check it out.

I haven't forgotten about the giveaway... I'll draw a winner on monday. Sorry for the delay folks. You know how it is.

this moment...

{this moment} - A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.
A simple, special, extraordinary moment.
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
soulemama

sunshine & bonfires...

Let's pretend we've just met & have nothing else to talk about but the weather.
Come on now, indulge me a little.
Yesterday was divine. The sun shone, there was a hint of warmth upon my back & the gentle breeze seemed mildly refreshing. Yes, spring was here. Note the past tense... because today it was not here at all! Freezing, windy, rainy & ok, the sun did come out for a little while, but do you think it did anything. No way! My washing is still on the line, all soggy & limp. It represents how I felt this morning, hence the need to stand just inches away from the fire most of the day. The inside fire that is, not the big bonfire pictured below.
Samuel spent a good part of yesterday out in the top paddock. Slowly building it up & watering it down, when things were getting ferocious. Turns out there was a bunny burrow underneath the pile, I do hope they were out for the day.
Don't forget, if you're the type who salivates over lovely faded vintage sheets... get yourself over here & do the deed! You'll be in the nick of time.
The barrel shall be spun at 3pm sharp thursday afternoon. No rainchecks.

knitting malfuntions...

I was trying to knit something really pretty & fancy for Jodie's spring washer swap. But my head & hands had a faulty connection & the pretty, fancy washer was pulled apart one too many times. It's exactly where I left it, crumpled up in it's curliness. I love the way yarn goes curly when you pull a project apart, like it's just had rollers in. I guess it's my way of seeing the beauty in something, after I'd pulled it all apart cussing & swearing like a sailor. So frustrating!
Instead of pushing through my issues, I decided to substitute one that I had prepared earlier. It's not as pretty or fancy as the one who didn't make it, but it's still pretty fancy in my books. A lovely check pattern & organic cotton, so soft. I do hope my swap partner likes it.
It shall be posted tomorrow, with a bar of honey, oatmeal & chamomile soap that I made last week. More on that later.
Have you entered my giveaway yet? You'll have your knickers in a knot if you miss the chance of winning 12 vintage sheet fat quarters. Go on.

loving...

Hanging out with this boy.

He who thinks the tickling game is hilarious.
Who grabs his knees & studies his hands.
Who has the deepest baby laugh I've ever heard.
Who nuzzles into his hippo when going to sleep.
Who pushes out his bottom lip when he's had enough milk.

Who pulls the cutest little bulldog face when he's really cracking it.
Who laughs hysterically when the dogs chase the ball.
Who stares at me longingly when lying on his mat.

Who loves being read 'ten little fingers & ten little toes'.

He is the world to us.

& in much belated fashion, here is his four month photo. Taken a few weeks ago. We had to get a photo of him in this outfit for his great aunt. I think it's just a little too pretty for his chunky 9 kilo frame. He's so big! Four months old & already wearing some size one clothes. Mama's milk must be full of protein, all those eggs I eat.

Details...

Granny blanket opped for $4

Crocheted dragon made by Neens

Teddy bear by Jess

Have you entered my giveaway? Go on, do it.
You could be twelve vintage sheet fat quarters richer!

my creative space...

Very busy over here. I'm taking full advantage of the day. The sun is shining merrily, clothes have been washed & hung, bread is rising & things are being made in the studio as promised.
I'm still revelling in yesterdays oppy finds & I've decided to share the love.
12 vintage sheet fat quarters are up for grabs!
Here's the deal...
Leave a comment here, telling me what you'd make with such a delightful bunch for one entry
If you're a follower of the kaboodle, there's a second entry right there.
& if you post about it on your own blog, another ticket shall be thrown in the draw.
Hot dang!
In usual Kitty fashion, I'll also pop some other delights in the package too & I'll post it to any corner of the earth.
I'll draw a winner next thursday the 16th. Here's what I've been up to this morning.
Some quick art for Huckle's room. This vintage fabric is a bit too stained for sewing with, so I made an executive decision to hoop it. There's a few more characters to be hooped, but I'm short on hoops. I'm praying to the oppy gods for a hoopy offering.
I'm also contemplating ripping into this charming fellow with some sand paper. Then he'll be spruced up with a new lick of paint. Hopefully my artistic talents stretch to the art of wooden horse detailing. I'll let you know how I go, give me a few weeks. As longs as it gets finished before the Huckster is too big for it.
Well, I'm off to dabble some more.
If you've the time to spare, check out the goodness over here.

sheeeeets...

There's lot's going on in my head, not much is reaching beyond that though. I scored big time at the oppy today, vintage sheets galore! There were so many, I had to leave some behind. I was on a budget & plus, my arms can only wrap around so many. I think the count is at 14, with a few pillow slips thrown in for good measure.
They're all part of my sneaky plan. Well, it's not actually that sneaky. I'll tell you all about it, when I can get some more time in the studio.

Speaking of studio... tomorrow is father son day. Yep, the Samuel is having a whole day with the Huckle. I plan to spend my time in the studio tinkering away. Of course I'll come back inside every four hours to feed the hungry boy. But a whole day to myself once a week, I'm so excited. I'll have to plan it out, so I don't just go in there & procrastinate. Yes, that's what I'll do. I'll write a list of things that are for the doing & stick it somewhere where I can't escape it. That way I won't forget what I've set out to acheive. Good plan, I say.
I haven't written tomorrows list yet, better get crackin. Maybe I'll churn out a few cards. This one has been sent to my pa, late of course. I can't break this wonderful tradition I've got going. Late cards & pressies are the go, I say.
Well lookout productivity, here I come!

wind & rain...

How's the weather! So much rain lately. Being up on a hill, we're fortunate to escape the floods. However, give us a bit of wind & there's the threat that the house might blow away.

The howling winds kept us all awake on saturday night. I lay in bed praying to the gumtree gods that one would not fall onto the roof. Well, the prayers worked... kinda.

Two gums were uprooted along with a teatree, taking out the fence to the neighbours paddock.

A huge gum snapped in half & took out part of the willow, missing the shed & sparing my little lemon tree. A big branch fell on our truck & another small tree was also snapped in half.

I'm so grateful that all damage is minor & should be cleaned up by the end of the week.

I'd like some mild weather now, that's not too much to ask? Is it?

I've got spring planting to do & we're very behind on prepping the vegie patch. Right now it looks more like a rice paddy. Maybe I should grow rice.

We've had a slow day today. I'm gearing myself up for some productivity tomorrow, fingers crossed.

fathers day...

Happy father's day to all the awesome dads out there!
To my gorgeous husband who is the best dad to our dear little Huckle. Such a kind & gentle man, Huckle is so very lucky. He's going to think you're just ace!

To my dad aswell, thanks for being there for me & allowing me to be me. After all those years of embarrassing us with your silly antics, I'm getting you back.
Here you are circa 1989 I think... or maybe it was 87?& 1997, my first day of year 10.

& to my pop, the funniest fellow I ever did meet. I don't know what you were like as a father, but as a grandad you were wonderful. This is Pop & I circa 1990.
Yep, that's me in the awesome outfit... ghostbusters singlet & bone print ra-ra skirt!
Tres Chic.

right now...

Wow. How fast does a week go! The past week has been full of ups & downs, a crazy ride of emotions on very little sleep. We went up to melbourne on saturday & stayed with some wonderful friends. It was so nice to just hang out & not be rushed to get back home.

I was very lucky to pop out to camberwell market all on my own. It was my first time away from the little man. The market gods gave generously & I walked away with some great finds.

The rest of the week we've just been pottering about the house. Spring has arrived, but I'm still waiting for proof. It's as if winter is just wearing a spring coat, like the wolf in sheeps clothing. I know what you really are... you can't fool me.

It does seem that the older I get, the madder I become (mad, like the hatter... not like the queen). Does anyone else feel this way?

Enough of my ramblings. This is what I'm up to right now...

Reading: organic gardening books
Listening: to cowboy junkies
Knitting: waffle pattern face washers
Baking: Lots of different breads
Watching: gourmet farmer & food safari on dvd
Learning: about natural remedies for health & home
Growing: not much yet, getting ready for spring planting
Crocheting: dishcloths, washers, softies
Sewing: pants for Huckle... well I'm trying to
Wearing: still layering it up, think cardigans, hoodies & trackies... very glamorous
Smelling: bread baking, dried lavender, essential oils
Writing: lists, lists & more lists... nothing ever changes
Wishing: for warmer days & more time outside
Drawing: designs for mobiles & softies & other lovely things
Cooking: with inspiration from food safari... turkish, italian, moroccan...
Experimenting: with lots of things... my life is one big experiment!
Eating: way too many roast almond choc chip bikkies, homemade of course
Playing: silly games with my little guy, lots of giggles & squealing
Enjoying: the special moments with my boys
Coveting: the new nancybird range, I'm saving my pennies for the weekender bag
Liking: the change of season, hello spring!
Thinking: too much! over analysing is a habit I'm trying to kick
Collecting: treasures from the camberwell market

What are you up to?