Portraits

I have discovered that it is quite hard to take a decent self portrait of yourself in business mode. Especially when guys like Spartacus and Vincent want to be in on the action.

A cutie for the new year

... just thought I would show you my first creation of the year. Georgie giraffe. Available here.

Cuteness overload

If there is one thing I was expecting in Japan that really didn't let me down, it was the cute factor. Everyone from kids to adults love the cute little characters that seem to represent everything from noodles to cars and toothpaste. The train has a cute little penguin, castles had little cute ninjas, towns famous for oranges had made a character out of the fruit.

As well as the characters, the obsession with all things mini and perfect seems to be quite prevalent too. Mini plastic cakes, tiny shinkansen trains, food served in miniature perfect forms - it all adds up to the cuteness factor.

My personal cute favourite, Rilakkuma the bear (above, eating a chocolate sundae), is a very popular character and seemed to be somehow present everywhere you looked. He was to be found as a soft toy, on pancakes, pencils, crockery, and umbrellas. He really has infiltrated every walk of Japanese life. But he was so cute... and hard to resist!

Cute ninjas outside Matsuyama castle

Rilakkuma comes home with us - rescued out of a skill tester machine!

Arrangements like these were dotted around lots of side streets. Always a joy to discover!

Can you believe this shop!? I suppose it goes without saying that I bought some gorgeous fabric here - but the shop itself did not have one surface that wasn't pink.


I couldn't resist this Rilakkuma bear noodle bowl and soy sauce dish - aren't they super cute? In the background is a lunch box carrier - so sweet! and handy! Thanks Japan, your cute overload worked on me!

Getting back into the swing of things

...with a new line in my store.

This is Penelope Puppy. She was made in Melbourne, whilst I was staying there for work. I had a day of exploration and found these lovely quilting fabrics in my wanderings.

An Early Morning Visitor

This morning, I sat down at my sewing machine to make a dent in my sewing pile before I got online. No sooner had I opened the blinds when this little fellow joined me for about 20 minutes. I think he thought I had some friends of his - I was sewing up Pancho the Horse, who has remarkably similar colours!

You'll notice the photo I have sitting on my window sill. It is of my Mum, me, and my Grandma. It is one of my favourite photos - just the girls. Both my Mum and I have 2 brothers, so it is rare to see a family shot without a man! It would have been taken about 1983. I think it explains why I have such a love for denim overalls with red!

A Bear Request

I was asked by my friend to make a costume for her 1 year old's birthday party. Her grandfather is turning 60 on the same day, and their names start with C and P. So, a C and P fancy dress party - therefore, here is a Care Bear for the guest of honour to wear (and I don't mean Grandpa).

If you want to see more photos, there are some here.

It's a Line Up

Juanita, Paloma, Rosita, Pancho and Pepito - some of my little horsey friends are off for sale in a lovely shop called Retrospections in Cammeray, Sydney. Along with some Supermarket Chic Bags, and Lord and Lady Bibs, they will be keeping company with some of the best... well, I almost want to say curation, of vintage homewares, books, beautiful accessories, baby items, and general loveliness that I have seen in quite a while.

The shop itself is also gorgeous. A real feast for the eyes.

If you're in the area, it would really be remiss of you not to visit!