tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67397418255214459322024-03-13T13:30:37.404+11:00Tansy's GardenA place to sew, knit, garden, bake and travel.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-7982388717556384392015-08-17T21:24:00.000+10:002015-08-17T21:24:35.575+10:00Safari shirtA week before we went on holiday at the end of May I decided I wanted another lightweight sleeved shirt to help protect my easily sunburned skin. So I pulled out my trusty self drafted shirt pattern. <a href="http://tansysgarden.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/spring-shirt-is-finished.html" target="_blank">First made here</a>. And then <a href="http://tansysgarden.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/bags-of-room.html" target="_blank">made again here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nTMi0x_n-4/VdHA-tIvaRI/AAAAAAAABGM/hW-by3gQrg8/s1600/DShirt%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nTMi0x_n-4/VdHA-tIvaRI/AAAAAAAABGM/hW-by3gQrg8/s640/DShirt%2B1.jpg" width="560" /> </a></div>
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It's actually missing a button at the bottom. </div>
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(It seems I can sew a shirt, but not securely attach a button!)</div>
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A little collar to help keep the sun off. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hasO0TpJ2gE/VdHA8LO_0EI/AAAAAAAABGA/Ficzm5cFMLc/s1600/DShirt%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hasO0TpJ2gE/VdHA8LO_0EI/AAAAAAAABGA/Ficzm5cFMLc/s640/DShirt%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Simple cuffs and hem. </div>
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Another easy wear, easy travel, shirt for my wardrobe.<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-10386738515613897422015-08-10T20:15:00.000+10:002015-08-10T20:15:50.782+10:00A hat trick of NL6968I'm a terrible blogger for several reasons. One of them being that I never remember to ask MH to take photos of me in the clothes I sew. After far too long thinking "Oh, we'll take photos one weekend", I've decided to just post photos of the clothes without me in them! I don't blog to splash photos of myself around, so I figure we'll all survive without them. Though I do apologise that you can't see how they fit me (you'll have to take my word for it that they do!).<br />
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Over the past year I've made three versions of <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/39754" target="_blank">New Look 6968</a>, plus a couple of adapted versions (that I'll post about another time).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1PITB_vB3FA/Vcb8XcEySAI/AAAAAAAABEI/Ns-Uxz4Jf0M/s1600/50s%2Blady%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1PITB_vB3FA/Vcb8XcEySAI/AAAAAAAABEI/Ns-Uxz4Jf0M/s400/50s%2Blady%2B1.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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Version 1. It is a simple shift style dress that is great for me to wear to work (I work in an office). I usually wear this one with a hot pink belt (that I forgot to use in the photos, and really, we know I'm not going to retake the photos!). I wear this dress all the time for work, it is comfortable and easy care.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XevtMDwlObo/Vcb8ULVd7TI/AAAAAAAABEA/X-HNaukKrt0/s1600/50s%2Blady%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XevtMDwlObo/Vcb8ULVd7TI/AAAAAAAABEA/X-HNaukKrt0/s400/50s%2Blady%2B2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Close up of the print - 1950s style dresses.</div>
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Inside the dress (often the most interesting part for sewists!). </div>
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The pattern didn't suggest lining it, so I didn't. Blurgh, I've discovered I don't like unlined dresses, especially if you want to wear it with tights/stockings. Also, the facing didn't sit very flat without lining to hold it down (more on that later). </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7uOUNbH517Q/Vcb8ZwL0_SI/AAAAAAAABEY/Avf8CYl4MoQ/s1600/50s%2Blady%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7uOUNbH517Q/Vcb8ZwL0_SI/AAAAAAAABEY/Avf8CYl4MoQ/s400/50s%2Blady%2B4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Zip. I made this before MH bought me an overlocker so I used an overcast foot to finish the seams. (Yes, MH researched and purchased the overlocker with no help from me, and he bought a great one - I'm very lucky!) </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd6AEcsPEPQ/Vcb8ayeArXI/AAAAAAAABEg/nwIjA80cNwI/s1600/50s%2Blady%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd6AEcsPEPQ/Vcb8ayeArXI/AAAAAAAABEg/nwIjA80cNwI/s400/50s%2Blady%2B5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Facing without lining. You might be able to see the sneaky stitches I used to hold the facing down.</div>
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Also, I used binding to finish the sleeves.</div>
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This is actually the third version I made. I usually wear it with an orange belt (sorry, not remembered for these photos!). Again, I wear this all the time for work (usually every week). </div>
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Those of you with long memories may recognise the fabric from my <a href="http://tansysgarden.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/new-dress.html" target="_blank">first ever dress</a>. I bought a couple of metres of it at the time and shift dresses in my size only use about a metre.</div>
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Bodice closeup. You might be able to make out the darts around the neckline.</div>
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Back view.</div>
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Inside view. Facing around the neck plus lining.</div>
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Close up of front inside. I use the same pattern pieces for the lining so there are tiny tucks in place of the darts that are used for the outside.</div>
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The second version I made (but the prettiest!). A friend bought me some fabric while she was in Cambodia. It was just enough to scrape out this dress. I centered the peacocks on the front skirt. You can see the front neck darts more clearly on this version. I wear this if MH and I go out for dinner at a nice restaurant. I don't wear a belt with this version. I also made the waist a bit tighter, so it really cinches in.</div>
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Back view. There wasn't quite enough fabric to centre the peacocks on the back skirt or bodice, but they are close!</div>
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Back bodice close up.</div>
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Back zip. Woohoo, the skirt lined up perfectly on either side of the zip! </div>
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Inside. I actually quite like the contrast of the purple fabric and the black lining.</div>
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Again, I apologise to those of you who like to see people wearing the clothes they make. Maybe one day MH and I will be more organised to take photos!</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-70214497139448953892015-08-09T14:43:00.002+10:002015-08-09T17:51:39.696+10:00Southern AfricaMH and I are lucky to be able to travel regularly and I always plan on posting travel photos on this blog, but almost never do. But I really have to share some photos from a recent holiday in southern Africa.<br />
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We spent a bit over three weeks travelling through Namibia, Botswana and ending up on both sides of Victoria Falls. Wow! It was more amazing than I ever could have expected. We really only chose southern Africa because we could only take our holidays in June this year and June is either busy northern hemisphere or winter southern hemisphere. We thought maybe southern Africa, while being winter, would still be pleasant.<br />
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It was a great time to visit, if you can stand the freezing cold morning starts (and you'll have lots of those if you want to spot animals!).<br />
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Namibia is fantastic, and if you've ever wanted to visit Africa, but felt intimidated by it - it is a great place to start. You can drink the water, the roads are good (and wearing seat belts is the law) and most of the country does not have malaria. And then of course there are amazing sights and lovely people!<br />
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Here are some of my happy animal snaps (well, I was happy to snap them and then leave the animals to live their wild lives).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jT_pwYkdyuY/VcbWIbgseVI/AAAAAAAABDI/OqBPzvURIhE/s1600/Giraffe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jT_pwYkdyuY/VcbWIbgseVI/AAAAAAAABDI/OqBPzvURIhE/s400/Giraffe.jpg" width="333" /></a> </div>
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Giraffe, Etosha NP, Namibia. </div>
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They are easy to spot as you can see them a long way off!</div>
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Young male lion, Etosha NP, Namibia.</div>
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He completely ignored us, had a drink from a water hole and then walked into the distance. </div>
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Rhino, Etosha NP, Namibia.</div>
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If you see what looks like a big rock - it is probably a rhino!</div>
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Every time we saw a rhino I sent up a prayer that it would keep its horn. </div>
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Cheetah, Etosha NP, Namibia</div>
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We didn't see him run after prey, but seeing him at all was a treat. </div>
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Not for the weak stomached.</div>
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Lionesses with a kill (to the left of the shrub), surrounded by vultures.</div>
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Vultures were everywhere - on the ground, in the trees. There were probably easily around 50 of them. Waiting for their turn with the carcass. </div>
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Okavanga Delta, Botswana</div>
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We saw hippos here, but my photos aren't very good. I hope you enjoy the water lilies instead. </div>
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Chobe River, Botswana</div>
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We sat in a boat and watched an elephant family cross the river. It was magical watching them help a very young and small elephant across - a real team effort.</div>
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Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe</div>
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We saw the Vic Falls from both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides - simply incredible (and wet!). </div>
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Zebra, Zambia</div>
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This guy was hanging around a posh hotel where we had high tea and watched the sunset over the Zambezi River. I think he is a paid actor though, not a stray wild zebra. (But still a great opportunity to see one a bit closer up).</div>
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We were so lucky to be able to visit such amazing places and have the opportunity to see as many animals and sights as we did.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-42672260152005895822015-05-28T22:39:00.000+10:002015-08-09T17:51:52.818+10:00Wombats give the best cuddlesLast year MH and I were very lucky to be in the right place at the right time while we were on holiday in Tasmania to meet some orphan baby wombats. I adore wombats, so I was in heaven!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5419gEahtg/VWcHWpadPFI/AAAAAAAABCM/Jz5u_3AyPfc/s1600/Wombat%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="561" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5419gEahtg/VWcHWpadPFI/AAAAAAAABCM/Jz5u_3AyPfc/s640/Wombat%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We met three wombats that day and all of them were found in their mothers pouches after being hit by cars. Thankfully a local volunteer takes them in and cares for them until they can be released back into the wild. </div>
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Even as young wombats they have long claws and tough butts. As adults they can use their leathery rumps to crush snakes and other creatures that try to invade their burrows.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-esujyAjwExk/VWcHZadtmDI/AAAAAAAABCc/FZhR65brtVQ/s1600/Wombat%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-esujyAjwExk/VWcHZadtmDI/AAAAAAAABCc/FZhR65brtVQ/s640/Wombat%2B1.jpg" width="488" /></a> </div>
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Young wombats like humans and cuddles. However, once they become 'teenagers' that
all changes and they become the stereotypical grumpy and solitary
wombat people know (and love!).</div>
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If you can buy or borrow a copy, I'd recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diary-Wombat-Jackie-French/dp/054707669X" target="_blank">'Diary of a Wombat' by Jackie French</a> for more about wombat adventures. She based the story on her own experiences with wombats on her property.</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-73464368391204910282015-05-27T20:42:00.000+10:002015-08-09T17:52:03.659+10:00Another year, another quiltA dear friend had a baby recently, so it was time for me to try another quilt. This time I went for a simple rectangle design.<br />
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The hardest part of making this was trying to find nice fabric. There
was a lot of pastel blue and pink which weren't the look I wanted. </div>
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I finally found some cute Japanese bunny fabric to sandwich around a mix of animal prints. </div>
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I do love the jungle print I used for the back as it is very bright
and cheery.</div>
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Though I'm not sure what a zebra is doing in the jungle with
a flower..!</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-78829017348719171942014-04-14T21:06:00.001+10:002014-04-14T21:06:55.943+10:00Never say neverA couple of weekends ago the Lifeline Bookfair was on again in Canberra. A huge second hand book sale with all proceeds to charity - how could I resist not increasing my (ever growing) stash of sewing books and patterns?!<br />
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If you can get past the dated photos the Singer sewing collection books are great sewing reference books. Every Bookfair I find a couple more. (Oh, and that's my little Janome).</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLlO4y249dA/Uzjsp6Vct7I/AAAAAAAABAg/-eECbSpUVUc/s1600/2014+03+29+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLlO4y249dA/Uzjsp6Vct7I/AAAAAAAABAg/-eECbSpUVUc/s1600/2014+03+29+A.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some retro (and a little vintage) patterns. I hadn't planned on buying the men's safari suit, but MH and I couldn't resist its charms..!</div>
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And because it seems I'm a complete sucker - I saw this quilting book and thought "hmm, why not, maybe I'll make another quilt sometime soon". (How can I have already forgotten the pain the last one put me through?! Ah, but such joy too!)</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-65222980013180618312014-03-19T13:09:00.000+11:002014-03-19T13:09:56.049+11:00My first quilt!I've been sewing like a crazy lady over the past couple of months and I can finally post photos!<br />
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A very dear friend of mine recently married her wonderful man. In my haze of happiness for her I thought it would be a wonderful thing to sew them a quilt. I've never made a quilt before and have been sewing long enough to know that I should have modest ambitions - but still have ambitions!<br />
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So I made a queen size quilt, but in fairly large squares.<br />
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I'm quite happy with how it turned out. I know it isn't perfect, but it was all sewn by me (with colour and pinning help from MH!), even the quilting to sandwich all the layers together (I sewed straight lines every 10cm). I learnt a lot, including that it may be some time before I make a quilt again! I now understand how much time, effort and money goes into making a quilt so better appreciate why hand made quilts are so expensive to buy.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVphSQZ2mNo/Uyj6lfVFsrI/AAAAAAAABAE/tI9p_9oQceM/s1600/Wedding+Quilt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVphSQZ2mNo/Uyj6lfVFsrI/AAAAAAAABAE/tI9p_9oQceM/s1600/Wedding+Quilt+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was so pressed for time getting the quilt finished before the
wedding that I didn't even have the opportunity to take photos until
after we left home and arrived at the our accommodation (the wedding was
in beautiful Tasmania). Please excuse the wrinkles from being stuffed into a suitcase for the flights from Canberra to Hobart!</div>
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I machine stitched the binding in place. </div>
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I used a gold beige colour to match the gold flecks that were in a lot of the fabrics.</div>
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My friend became quite emotional when I gave it to her. I know it is because she appreciates the thought and effort that went into making the quilt, so that was really lovely. I encouraged her to use it because I would rather it get well loved through dirt and damage than sit unseen in a cupboard (and who knows, maybe I'll make her another one one day...!).Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-1365908599595168152013-11-22T23:03:00.000+11:002013-11-22T23:03:29.256+11:00My 'Beautiful Lengths'I've been growing my hair for a couple of years and a few months ago I heard about the <a href="http://www.beautifullengths.com.au/" target="_blank">Beautiful Lengths campaign</a> where people can donate their hair to be made into wigs for women who have lost their hair from cancer treatment. So I grew my hair for a bit longer and finally had it cut off last week.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c11_l0xpFEA/Uo9BbfRZTTI/AAAAAAAAA_k/KX2RveSJxC0/s1600/20131122+Long+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c11_l0xpFEA/Uo9BbfRZTTI/AAAAAAAAA_k/KX2RveSJxC0/s400/20131122+Long+hair.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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Before </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5DOLNEthdY/Uo9BbQmuQ7I/AAAAAAAAA_g/UPGsWaxLaGE/s1600/20131122+Short+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5DOLNEthdY/Uo9BbQmuQ7I/AAAAAAAAA_g/UPGsWaxLaGE/s400/20131122+Short+hair.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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After</div>
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I was able send in a pony tail over 30cm long, and look at my fabulous new haircut!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-34438457951596537142013-09-08T17:49:00.001+10:002013-09-08T17:49:25.801+10:00A floral updateWe've had some amazingly warm weather the past couple of weeks so our garden is blooming.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Msc41r4I1Po/Uiwmp1x7_jI/AAAAAAAAA-4/586bAdnFIcI/s1600/20130907+Baby+cauliflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Msc41r4I1Po/Uiwmp1x7_jI/AAAAAAAAA-4/586bAdnFIcI/s400/20130907+Baby+cauliflower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A baby cauliflower. </div>
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We grew some cauli's last winter and after cutting the heads off I left the plants in the ground to harvest leaves for the chooks over the summer. Then in late summer/ early autumn the plants sent up heaps of new shoots and over the past month we've been eating lots of baby cauliflowers. One plant alone sent up four or five baby cauliflower heads. So if you like cauliflowers and have space in your garden to leave the almost dormant plants over summer, you'll be rewarded with a crop in the second year.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILvbDkUgXGo/Uiwmql_vnNI/AAAAAAAAA_A/CuBRYlMG5vA/s1600/20130907+Nectarine+blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILvbDkUgXGo/Uiwmql_vnNI/AAAAAAAAA_A/CuBRYlMG5vA/s400/20130907+Nectarine+blossom.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Nectarine blossom</div>
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We have a double grafted nectarine tree and the blossom on the different grafts are slightly different pinks. Both pinks are pretty and both are loved by bees! This will be the third fruiting year for this tree, so we have our fingers crossed for a great harvest (if we can keep the birds away!).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H77tfulfnQM/UiwmsUKsCUI/AAAAAAAAA_I/8BKoxevLPaE/s1600/20130907+Spring+Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H77tfulfnQM/UiwmsUKsCUI/AAAAAAAAA_I/8BKoxevLPaE/s400/20130907+Spring+Stars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cheerful spring stars</div>
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These are in a pot, but we are thinking of planting them under one of our fruit trees so they can spread through the garden. A house not far from us has spring stars all through their front garden, it looks lovely and makes me smile every time we pass it.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CyHtPqFDVk/UiwmsU_Q3AI/AAAAAAAAA_M/fvnti-8hIz0/s1600/20130907+Tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CyHtPqFDVk/UiwmsU_Q3AI/AAAAAAAAA_M/fvnti-8hIz0/s400/20130907+Tulips.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tulips</div>
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I never realised that some tulips have a scent - these have a gentle lemon scent.</div>
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Our lime tree had a good harvest this winter and I've been trying out Lime Pie recipes (but we eat them too fast for photos!). </div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-41869082364342658402013-06-24T21:31:00.001+10:002013-06-24T21:31:53.489+10:00Four Corners - Fashion VictimsLong time no speak (write?). Sorry about that.<br />
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If you are interested in social justice issues around the production of cheap clothing you may want to watch tonight's episode of 'Four Corners', which reported on clothing manufacturing in Bangladesh. If you don't have access to this highly respected Australian television show, you can read a bit about the story here - including some of the background research used. <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/" target="_blank">'Fashion Victims' </a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-1955661653556110942013-05-02T21:51:00.000+10:002013-05-02T21:52:33.528+10:00Tick tockOn Saturday I'm flying to Queensland for a week for work. It's a race against the clock for me to try and find time to finish this item because it will be just right for the warmer weather up there! <br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-27289215048884930552013-04-29T22:06:00.000+10:002013-04-29T22:06:02.629+10:00Learning to love SydneySince moving to Canberra a few years ago I've visited Sydney several times and I just never really enjoy it. To me it is just a big, grey city without any of the charm of Australia's other big city (and my one time home), Melbourne. But it is only three hours drive away and is full of sights, shows and shopping, so last year I decided that I needed to learn to love Sydney. MH and I went again recently for a wedding, the weather wasn't very nice that weekend, but there was some yummy food, a couple of impressive views and a quick visit to a great fabric shop!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u48Gz7GRwxo/UX5az1oIENI/AAAAAAAAA9g/g6NfhTwcxDc/s1600/Sydney+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u48Gz7GRwxo/UX5az1oIENI/AAAAAAAAA9g/g6NfhTwcxDc/s400/Sydney+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://adrianozumbo.com/the-star-pyrmont/" target="_blank">Zumbo's dessert train</a> </div>
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It's like a sushi train, but with desserts. Sadly it sounds more exciting and delicious than it was, or maybe I just over hyped it to myself?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPMDHmWMvdM/UX5bCgBYNjI/AAAAAAAAA9o/2M7v85PgGcE/s1600/Sydney+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPMDHmWMvdM/UX5bCgBYNjI/AAAAAAAAA9o/2M7v85PgGcE/s400/Sydney+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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More desserts... </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq3lVc7Yi-E/UX5bRBeqRTI/AAAAAAAAA9w/uxWT8iR0SXE/s1600/Sydney+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq3lVc7Yi-E/UX5bRBeqRTI/AAAAAAAAA9w/uxWT8iR0SXE/s400/Sydney+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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View through a taxi window - yes, it's the Harbour Bridge! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOdAirTxLKU/UX5bgcujJsI/AAAAAAAAA94/PcGTDkA8rvw/s1600/Sydney+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOdAirTxLKU/UX5bgcujJsI/AAAAAAAAA94/PcGTDkA8rvw/s400/Sydney+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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People actually live with this view everyday! I can't imagine what the house prices here are like though... </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpqoVLUWgI0/UX5bu2hc8GI/AAAAAAAAA-A/rzFlo4EL-0A/s1600/Sydney+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpqoVLUWgI0/UX5bu2hc8GI/AAAAAAAAA-A/rzFlo4EL-0A/s400/Sydney+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Surely one of the best views from a wedding reception venue? Later in the evening we could even see fireworks across the harbour.</div>
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So I still don't love Sydney, but I'm starting to like it (that's a good start!).</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-20561789809065209852013-04-28T22:24:00.003+10:002013-04-28T22:25:15.272+10:00Fit for a puppy...Hurrah, MH has helped fix my photo issue! So to celebrate, here is a cute photo for your Sunday night...<br />
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MH was taking photos of my latest toile when Tansy came seeking attention. </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-74279220819409856782013-04-28T16:04:00.000+10:002013-04-28T16:04:05.972+10:00Woe is meIs anyone else having problems uploading photos to blogger? I've had this issue for a little while and though I have a couple of draft posts ready to post, they are drab and boring without photos. So if you don't hear from me for a while it is because I'm still trawling the internet for help or sulking about my photo function loss..!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-85202006925006465002013-04-14T19:53:00.000+10:002013-04-14T19:53:27.226+10:00Packing upI don't know about you, but when I travel I always have lots of plastic bags in my suitcase. For my shoes, my dirty clothes, to protect delicate items, to store newly purchased souvenirs - half of the items in my suitcase end up in plastic bags. But there comes a time in every woman's life when even her shoe bags need to grow up a bit! What a great excuse for a bit of scrap busting sewing.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNIzj3rMDRk/UWpyNkDTJII/AAAAAAAAA8Q/6v1Z82SQRDU/s1600/P1020148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNIzj3rMDRk/UWpyNkDTJII/AAAAAAAAA8Q/6v1Z82SQRDU/s640/P1020148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made three different sizes (each based on the amount of
leftover fabric I had!). They are a simple sack with a length of
grosgrain ribbon for a drawstring. Easy peasy to make and they will help the inside of my suitcase look so much prettier! If you have any travel or packing tips (sewing or non-sewing!) please share them.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-35991025243014295722013-04-13T17:07:00.001+10:002013-04-13T18:27:35.249+10:00Brushing away the dustOh, where has the time gone?! Sorry for my absence, I will try and be a better blogger...! I've been offline because of a mix of shoulder issues and a holiday! I'll slowly catch up on the backlog of blogs to read, put some new posts of my own up, get into some more sewing and also find time to figure out if the end of google reader is something I should be concerned about!<br />
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Hope you are all well and have lots of interesting posts for me to read!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-32543908212293241282013-03-13T21:49:00.001+11:002013-03-13T21:49:35.285+11:00Dressed up in BlueI wore my new Blue Dress to work last week. It was lovely to wear and I received some great compliments on it.<br />
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The bodice isn't lopsided, I am..! I've since tut-tutted to my photographer that it is his job to notice how the clothes are sitting before taking photos! My shoulder is still a bit sloped from the operation and I think I was also subconsciously pulling the sleeve down a bit to cover the scar. But I can assure you that the bodice itself is not lopsided!</div>
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Overall I'm pretty happy with the dress and only wish I'd finished it before the end of summer!</div>
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Next projects are the Burda jacket for MH and a self drafted tunic for me.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-1770137175884555732013-03-11T16:52:00.000+11:002013-03-11T16:52:38.031+11:00Babies in the gardenA photo visit to the new babies in our garden. Not pictured here is the HUGE <a href="http://www.australianmuseum.net.au/Redback-Spider" target="_blank">redback spider</a> I also saw. Redbacks are very poisonous and even though no one has died from a redback bite for decades (since the antivenom was introduced), a bite would still require a trip to hospital emergency and are apparently really painful. I get quite worried for Tansy as she is always poking her nose into dark places and one day might annoy the wrong creature, so I'm always on the lookout for them. Redbacks are the only pest we use nasty chemical poison on in our backyard - I can't bear the thought of stepping on them (my toes literally curl at the thought!) incase I miss and one runs up my leg and bites me! I find about 10 redbacks a year in our backyard and the one yesterday was the biggest I think I've ever seen.<br />
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Anyway, on to much prettier (and less deadly!) garden adventures!...<br />
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Baby tree fern frond</div>
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Baby raspberries - hooray that we are getting an Autumn crop!</div>
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Baby butternut pumpkin</div>
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Baby purple capsicum</div>
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Baby Italian melon - we've been trying to grow these for the past couple of years. This is our first success after snails ate the young shoots the first year and last year the seeds didn't even germinate. I think it is kind of like a rockmelon?? Has anyone ever grown these?</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-39073291463815474752013-03-03T17:22:00.000+11:002013-03-03T17:48:51.719+11:00Talofa new fabric!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A dear friend of mine is living in Samoa for a while and she very thoughtfully posted some locally printed fabric to me. How spoilt am I?!<br />
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The brown fabric has an Hawaiian inspired hibiscus motif. I like how the dye hasn't soaked all the way through, giving the 'wrong' side a variegated look. Depending on what project I end up choosing for this fabric, I could probably use either the wrong or the right side of this fabric as the 'right' side. <br />
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The blue fabric is a more traditional print. This fabric is quite stiff, so I'll have to choose the right project for it.<br />
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Isn't it lovely when friends surprise you with a gift just because they know you'll appreciate it!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-65710389809081867982013-03-02T17:49:00.000+11:002013-03-22T22:24:36.424+11:00Finished! Blue DressWow, what a marathon! Some of you may remember eons ago I started a <a href="http://tansysgarden.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/beginning-blue-dress.html" target="_blank">Blue Dress</a>. A self drafted pattern for a dress that would be appropriate to wear to work in an office. I started it just a week before my shoulder surgery last year with high hopes of finishing it within a week. Hmm, that didn't quite happen (what an understatement!).<br />
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But at last, here it is. Four months late, but with a very valid excuse of shoulder surgery and subsequent relapse (with accompanying talk of a possible second operation - sulk).<br />
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The bodice ended up a little bit too long, so the dress has a slight 1980s drop waist. </div>
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I have the perfect belt to help hide that though!</div>
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Front view (with belt!)</div>
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I only overcast the hem, rather than a turned up hem. I'm not sure how that will hold up in the wash so I may end up hemming it later.</div>
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Back view, invisible zip at centre back.</div>
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Front facing. </div>
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I put interfacing between facing and fabric, but I'm wondering if it might still be too flimsy to stay upright as the fabric is quite thin. </div>
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Facing and lining. The lining is a plain black cotton. </div>
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I've made a light summer dress just in time for the weather to turn grey, cold and a bit miserable!</div>
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The skirt lining is pleated rather than gathered like the main skirt. </div>
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Facings on the back neck.</div>
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Overall I'm quite happy with this dress and if I don't get wear out of it before summer ends maybe I can wear it with a shirt and tights for winter? </div>
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<u>Details</u></div>
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Fabric: $12.99/m from Lincraft, Melbourne City.</div>
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Notions: Navy blue invisible zip, navy blue thread</div>
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Pattern: Self drafted 'Blue Dress'</div>
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Total cost: Around $20</div>
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Did I learn anything new: No, but I had to search my memory for how to sew the right angle when joining the facing and lining on the front bodice detail.</div>
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Would I make it again: Yes, but I'd shorten the bodice and probably make a different skirt.</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-53892873133666692342013-02-22T12:21:00.001+11:002013-02-22T12:21:32.197+11:00Waiting...I'm waiting for my shoulder to improve, so my sewing is also waiting... These couple of items are at the top of my to do list and I'm itching to get back to them (they've been waiting in this state since <a href="http://www.australiaday.org.au/" target="_blank">Australia Day</a>). <br />
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So close to finishing - all I need to do is insert a zip...</div>
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The promised jacket for my husband. A toile in pieces... Maybe if I wait long enough they'll join themselves?!</div>
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How are your sewing/ crafting/ gardening plans going? What are your strategies for getting back on track when your plans are interrupted?Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-12157831046789821282013-02-05T17:31:00.001+11:002013-02-05T17:31:18.187+11:00Another garden postYes, another garden post! Sadly my shoulder has had a relapse and my sewing, which was going so well, has all but stopped for a little while. Hooray though, our garden is doing great!<br />
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Here's what we found in the backyard today...<br />
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Nine nectarines! Two eggplants, some green beans, some small capsicums, an egg (thank you Harriet!), two different types of zucchini and eight different types of tomato. We are also being flooded with tomatillos, basil and chillis. Hmm, now what to eat first..?!</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-71908589896488095372013-02-03T08:57:00.000+11:002013-02-03T08:57:54.513+11:00Blackberry picking in CanberraApologies to my non-Canberra readers, but ages ago I wrote a post where I mentioned we had gone blackberry picking and now I regularly receive hits on my blog from people looking for information on 'blackberry picking in Canberra'. So here is some information that may help those people.<br />
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When my husband and I first went blackberry picking about six years ago I emailed Canberra Connect asking for information. If you want to go blackberry picking I suggest you find out the current ACT Government policy on blackberries, but this is along the lines of what they said at that time: Because blackberries are considered a weed the ACT Government regularly sprays poison on blackberry canes throughout the ACT. However, they signpost the poisoned areas and never poison during fruiting season.<br />
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This is what I've learnt from several years of Canberra blackberry picking: The best blackberries come after lots of Spring and early Summer rain. The biggest and juiciest ones are always deep in the middle of a huge clump of very spiky canes, so wear old clothes and know when to stop going deeper! I find it easier to take several small containers rather than one big container. Once you get home and have eaten your fill of fresh blackberries and made jam, freeze your remaining blackberries and they should keep until you want to make hot crumbles and tarts in winter. To freeze blackberries: wash and drain them, line a tray with baking paper and spread a single layer of blackberries on the tray. Freeze them overnight and the next day pour the frozen berries into a ziplock bag. Freezing them in a single layer means they won't clump together and are much easier to use straight from the freezer.<br />
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As for where is a good place to go blackberry picking - you don't think I'm going to give away my top spots do you?!<br />
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Frozen berries packed up for the freezer.</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-32134610137017753992013-02-01T17:08:00.001+11:002013-02-01T17:08:41.196+11:00Unplanned production and destructionPhew, our weather has finally cooled down into something a bit more summer-like (and less extreme heat wave) and our garden is loving it.<br />
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Our nectarine tree - netted against the circling birds.</div>
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Our first nectarine of the season - it looks just like one you'd buy in the shops (but this one was grown without chemicals and didn't involve long distance travel).</div>
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Inside the nectarine. It was tasty and sweet.</div>
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So this is the reason we have netted the nectarine - a couple of days ago this was a sunflower... </div>
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We've had quite a few <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosella" target="_blank">rosellas </a>and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galah" target="_blank">galahs </a>around lately, but the destructive birds attacking the sunflowers are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphur-crested_Cockatoo" target="_blank">sulphur crested cockatoos</a>. These cheeky birds are so brazen they even left their calling card (a feather!) - you can see it here in the grass next to the sorry remains of the fallen sunflower seeds.</div>
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One of our heavily cropping chili plants (completely avoided by the cockatoos!).</div>
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Bright balls of sunshine! Yellow zucchinis.</div>
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Not sure if you can see the numbers on the tape measure, but this Dutch Cream potato is over 20cm (9inch) long! This is from the stray potatoes we missed from last years crop that just popped up in the garden this year. This guy is part of almost 7kg we dug up. Pretty good for a potato we didn't plan for or help too much over a blistering hot summer!</div>
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I hope you have a garden nearby to enjoy - or maybe some cheeky local wildlife to add colour to your day! </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739741825521445932.post-12179915127595032712013-01-29T20:32:00.000+11:002013-01-29T20:32:42.200+11:00The pleasure (and perils!) of the postA small package arrived for me today containing... a small haul of Vogue patterns! A couple of weeks ago I was looking on the internet for men's coat and jacket patterns (they are few and far between and you won't see one in this post either!) when I saw that Vogue patterns was having a sale of USD3.99 per pattern. With the strong AUD I was very easily tempted! <br />
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Being new to sewing and also enjoying the challenge of drafting my own patterns I haven't bought very many patterns, so this purchase single handedly more than doubled my stash! I found the sizing a bit confusing as many patterns used different size ranges. Being quite a pear shape I had to make a couple of decisions on choosing patterns based on bust or hip measurement. In the end I decided that when in doubt - size up! <br />
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So here is what I ended up buying. (By the way, postage to Australia from the USA was more than the cost of all these patterns combined but for the discount in pattern price it was still worth it).<br />
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V8630 - A simple dress with a large fold over collar. A 'Very Easy Vogue', though apparently not recommended for pear shapes...</div>
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V8312 - Some pattern love for my puppy! I've made a couple of simple coats for Tansy, but I like that this has sleeves (legs?). She's only 3 years old, but Tansy has developed quite bad arthritis in one of her legs. I'm hoping that a coat with legs will keep her extra cosy and help ease her arthritis pain in the winter cold.</div>
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V8333 - What was I thinking?! A beautiful but 'Advanced' (!) jacket pattern. </div>
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V2787, V1044 and V8811 - Pretty vintage dress reprints. </div>
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I love the bodice detail in the V1044.</div>
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<br />My favourites are the jacket V8333 and the vintage dress V1044. Hopefully you'll see one of these here soon as a finished object - but don't hold your breath!</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12999473362167173443noreply@blogger.com4