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.

New designs

I don't normally post about my wares for sale at NeverEver, but I am just so in love with my newest design, I couldn't help posting a picture. I seriously considered keeping them for myself, but then remembered that I don't have a baby to wear them!

They are a one-off - the gorgeous red and white stripe trim is one of my purchases from Japan, and I used it all up!

More goodies from Japan

I have been sorting out my bags of fabric, trims, and assorted other fun bits to go into my new sewing room. And I have been inspired by some lovely trims that I bought in Japan and had forgotten about.

I think some new designs are in the works...

It's been a while!

It has been an age since I last posted my Wishlist Wednesday picks. I am heading off to Japan in a very short time now, and so I have also been on a very strict no-spending rule - except for things essential in Japan, like red duffle coats. So understandably I have amassed many many lovely things that I would like to buy but have not been allowed to! Here's four of them.

Top left: Gravity Necklace by whitemetal. I want the matching earrings too.

Top right: Peacock fan necklace by spinthread. I want this so much I entered a giveaway to win a similar one.

Bottom left: Fuschia Potholder Rug by crispinaffrench. If I had wooden floors at home, this would be my rug.

Bottom right: The Watched City print by janicej. I love all her artworks - they evoke such a mood!

Things to come indeed!

A new dress in my shop. It's been an age and I am really pleased with it. The colour is just so lively and... coral!

Would you believe...

Today was the first time I have ever, in my 28 years, tried a pear. It was a bit squashy. But the flavour was nice. I think that I can now officially say that I Like Pears.

Please note the lovely plate from AtelierBB. The super-nice Brigitte added it as a gift when I ordered a set of dessert plates a little while ago. Also, for those keen-eyed readers, you will spot a bit of ric-rac braid on my chair - a sign of things to come?? WE SHALL SEE!

Watching, waiting, listening

Waiting for this delicious top from VeronicaDarling to make its way to my letterbox.

Watching a bit of A Bit of Fry and Laurie (hehe). Hilarious. Watching Stephen Fry do his trip around America has been great too.

Listening to the new Muse album. I like it, a lot. And I feel that it will only get better with subsequent listens.

New Bits and Bobs for Chrissy Pressies!

Well, Christmas in July is almost here!

From 9am Friday the 24th til 10pm Sunday 26th of August, I will be offering 15% off EVERYTHING in my store, and not only that, but if you spend $50 or more, I will give you free shipping! (Aussies - you can have free shipping if you pay by bank deposit!)

Here is a little taste of some new items I have made for NeverEver this week, to fill up my store for the Chrissy celebrations!

1. Matisse the Toy Giraffe, 2. Under the Big Top Bib, 3. Rosy Denim Tie Dress, 4. Chiquita the Little Horse

Click here for the whole list of DUST ladies who are having sales and promotions this weekend!

A-Z

...of my most-visited websites. I saw this on Heidi&Seek and was inspired to go and look at several of her listed sites. Hopefully you will find something you like here to give you some weekend diversion!

• A - Australia Post. Not highly recommended at the moment, I must say, but I go to check international postage prices.
• B - Birdsnest. This fantastic online shop is full of lovely girly fashion and is where I bought my wallet.
• C - Craftopolis. I admit I visit nearly every day to check treasury appearances!
• D - Dust Team. I log on to chat in the forums here often! The Down Under Street Team is an awesome group of crafty ladies.
• E - EtsyHacks. These have saved me sooo much time whilst using Etsy.
• F - Flickr. I love checking in to see the latest shots from my favourite groups - EtsyGardening101, VintageChildren'sBooks and SailorChic are my favourites!
• G - GoGet. Since crashing our little car, we have joined a carshare service. It's great!
• H - Heart Of Business. I found this blog post about being "lazy" very interesting and helpful when I was in a bit of a rut a little while ago.
• I - InnerEarthSoaps. I always keep an eye on Erin as she does fabulous giveaways.
• J - Juntei. I was checking out some of her lovely gift tags for a Wishlist Wednesday post.
• K - Kelly Neidig. I spotted this awesome artist on Design Sponge and love her landscapes.
• L - Lifestyle Food. I have been voting for my favourite restaurants to win the I Love Food Awards!
• M - MadeIt.
• N - NeverEver. Yes, I spend a LOT of time on here!
• O - OneHundredYears. She hasn't had an active shop for a while, but I'm dying to buy a Hustle and Bustle Dress so I keep checking back.
• P - PayPal. Unavoidable.
• Q - Qantas. I haven't for ages, but every now and then I have a look at how far my Frequent Flyers will get me.
• R - Rude Health. This great bricks and mortar store in Melbourne stocks a range of my items!
• S - Spotlight. Sadly, yes, I still check opening hours.
• T - Tinna Fashion. I just bought a fabulous Dressmaker's Dummy from this company.
• U - I got nothin'!
• V - Viva La Moda. This is a lovely online magazine who featured my Anchor's Away Bib.
• W - Wotif. A very helpful website for cheap hotels!
• X - Xe.com. Watching the US dollar has never been more entertaining!
• Y - YouTube. For some fun away from business!
• Z - Zedge - I nerdily just downloaded the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams" as my ringtone. :)
  

Made... and waiting to be Made

Made: One Fish Pie. Cod, leeks, mango chutney, coriander, potatoes, curry powder, and butter.


Waiting to be Made: 50 (FIFTY!) Lady of the House necklace bibs.

Production Line

All dressed up and ready to go: some patch pocket dresses and vest and pants sets for a lovely new shop in Melbourne, Rude Health. It as yet doesn't have a website but I will let you know the details as soon as I know!

Wishlist Wednesday

Today we have a sweater for the cold, a card for an anniversary and a wallet for my (lack of) money. Yes Jon, this is the card I was going to buy before we decided on the no card rule!

Geeky Card by AbleandGame

3 Pocket Leather Wallet in Orchid by ValhallaBrooklyn

The Missy Sweater by LittleHouses

Wishlist Wednesday

You would not believe how tempted I am to buy all 4 of my choices this week. Quite literally, my mouse is hovered over the "pay now" button. Ahh to be rich and carefree. Hmm... I am pretty carefree I suppose. Well, to be rich then.

Boardwalk Sneaker House Shoes by ElephantandChickpea

Three Wee Wood Scoops by GoodWoodDogs

Birch Forest Clutch by PocketCarnival

Sailor Suit by FablesbyBarrie

A new line

I am absolutely overwhelmed at the moment with several wholesale orders. I have written myself a strict timetable to get it all done - something I rarely have to do, but I am excited about it this time and I think it actually might be helping me, with regards to my motivation and problem with procrastinating!

However, a girl can't survive on bread alone, so I have been playing around a bit with some patterns to encourage the creativity to keep flowing (whilst I sew 200 bibs!). I came up with this new set - an A-line dress and some little bloomers. Perfect for play and cute too.

I have been watching lots of my pals in the DUST team present beautiful collations of things they want each Wednesday, and quite frankly I think I'm crazy that I haven't taken part yet. Carley of VanillaPixie started it off, and now she has a list of everyone participating on her blog.

So here we go, here's what I want this Wednesday, 15th of April:

Houses and Bicycles Journal in Blue by FreshlyBlended

Hustle and Bustle Dress by OneHundredYears

All the Love 8 x 10 Print by LifeInSugarHollow

Blackbird Postcards by CrowandIris

That's right ladies. You want me.

Well, who could resist this young man? A special request for a little person with a full social calendar this year!

I am thinking of continuing to sell this onesie in my store, with the option for people to choose their own tie colour - or indeed have a jacket sans tie.

Little Lady

Lemon Floral Milkmaid Skirt



I have broadened my range to include skirts. I am so taken with this little piece of cuteness. Available in sizes 1 - 4.

Inspired by... Turkey

I have decided to start a little series of posts about different countries, how they inspire people to create today, and how they translate into modern design and craft. It is something that I am excited about, so here goes, with Week 1: Turkey.

Now I don't know much about Turkey aside from the fact that it inspired a sweet "Delight" that I hate, and has a capital city that has an identity crisis. Istanbul or Constantinople? Great song.

However, I do know that the craft and art from and inspired by Turkey is an amazing thing. Beautiful woven textiles, rich and ornate jewellery, and shiny ceramics - Ahhh. Here's a little taste of the things I have found whilst searching all things Turkish.

Handmade Traditional Silk Scarf by OttoFabrics from Istanbul

Turkish Craft Ceramic Bowl, photo by Janetski on Flickr

To get you further intrigued with Turkey, how about this: the original biblical "Garden of Eden" is there, as well as the place where Noah's Ark came to rest - Mt Ararat.

Also, Turkey is home to the world's largest and heaviest chandelier, in Dolmabahce Palace. Well, what do you know?

Turkish Mocha Shea Butter by LusciousLather

Cotton scarf with Turkish style needle lace by Zerva

Let's...

Lately I have been getting the urge to throw a wild, loud, crazy fun houseparty. I haven't had one for ages, and the feeling just keeps creeping up on me. This fantastic party sign got me really excited. Made me start thinking of cocktail umbrellas and fairy lights. Slinky dresses and songs to make you jump around.

Top Left MadMaud's Umbrellas 11 x 14; Top Right MarketStoreShoppe's Slinky Shimmery Gold Dress; Bottom Left P.J.K's DJ at a House Party, Pacific Beach; Bottom Right Whimsidoodle's Origami Lights.

I just found this hilarious store for nerd babies. This is something I could see on my baby's wall - when I have one. Electric Boogaloo