Christmas is coming...

It's not long now...only 43 days! That means it's time to start shopping. I am really not organised for Christmas this year. So far, my resolve to make Christmas gifts has remained just that...a resolve. I've yet to start on anything. There just never seems to be enough hours in the day.

Although I haven't made any presents for anyone yet, I have been busy on the sewing machine. I have several markets coming up this month, so I'm busily trying to stock the pantry, so to speak. I also have 2 baby showers tomorrow and have only finished one of the outfits I'll be giving as gifts.

I have also opened up a shop on http://hand-made.com.au/ and have a couple of listings up already. One of them is this gorgeous Christmas set.

Busy times...

Well, it's been another busy week, it just never seems to slow down! I can't believe how fast this year is going...it's only about 10 weeks until Christmas! All the decorations are starting to appear in the stores and the madness will be upon us before we know it.

This year I'm going to try and keep to handmade Christmas gifts where I can. Hahahahaa, I hear you laugh...who has the time? I will probably look back in about 9 weeks and wonder what happened to my resolve. But I'm going to try.

There have been so many things going on here...my baby turned 9 yesterday (how did that happen?) and my oldest baby is preparing to run off to Canada for an indefinite amount of time. She is leaving in early December to work in a ski resort, so she will be enjoying a white Christmas away from family this year. :( It will be an amazing experience for her and I'm a little bit jealous, I must admit.

I recently finished this gorgeous dress for an equally gorgeous little girl, I can't wait to see it on her.

As the month is fast coming to an end, it won't be long before I'll be at the Upper Market again in Upper Coomera. Keep Sunday, 6th November in your calendar and pop in, if you are anywhere nearby. There are always fantastic stalls there...great time to start on the Christmas shopping! ;)

Take care, until next time.

xox

Updating...finally!

As you can see, blogging isn't something that I do regularly! To be honest, I spend WAY to much time on Facebook and never seem to get around to updating my blog. O.o) But I thought it was about time I made an effort to post at least semi regularly...I'm going to try for once a week and see how I go.

Life has been full of changes for us recently. This past few months has been full of ill health and injury for me and I've found myself no longer working part time...whether this is a long term change or not, I've yet to find out. I've also found myself home schooling my gorgeous son. Z is nearly 9 years and is Aspergian (for those not acquainted with this term, it means he has Aspergers Syndrome, a high functioning type of Autism). He really struggles with school and needs constant one-on-0ne support, which he unfortunately wasn't receiving from school, so I have decided to take on the role of teacher for him. It is quite a juggling act but we are slowly getting into the swing of it.

I am still working towards my Diploma in Creative Writing (very slowly!) and doing little bits of writing here and there. Once I've learned to manage my time better (translated, this means staying of Facebook!) I will allot myself a regular time slot to work on assignments and any other writing that comes up. I have 2 possible stories/novels in my head...I just need to get them down on paper!

As well as all of this, I am now trying to focus more time on my family and business. If I am to continue to be a stay at home Mum, I really need to get my business moving from hobby business to making a viable income.

So, that's what's been happening here lately, hopefully I will find the time to stick to updating once a week!

Until next time...

First day of Winter...brrrrrrrrrrr!

Is it just me or does it seem colder this year? Maybe it's just age creeping up on me and my skin getting thinner!

Recently I was asked if I have a blog...I actually said no, as I was so embarrassed about my sad, neglected little blog - it's been so long since I've posted! But I've decided to try and be a bit more nurturing...I am going to try to post regularly and share a little about my family and my life...even the things you probably don't want to know!

Keeping track of my family, work and my kids clothing business is hard work, leaving little time for other things. For those who don't know me well, I am currently working my way through a writing diploma. It's slow going, due to everything else going on in my life. But I thought I might try and share some of my writing with you here. Hopefully I won't bore you!

Tie Dye Diva - New Year Giveaway

Wow, 2010 is nearly over and what a year it's been! Although I haven't posted on my blog page for quite some time, I had to post about this awesome giveaway by one of my favourite Etsy sellers.

Tie Dye Diva and Monkeysbug eBooks is giving away a 3 pattern bundle to one lucky winner. Check out their blog for details. I'm heading over there now to enter. :)

Spoonflower competition - please vote.

Hi all, I know it's been a while, life has been marching on busily. Not only do I work part time, I have 4 wonderful children, the youngest of whom is Aspergian, so life is never boring! :) Throw in a home based business that I'm trying to get off the ground (we're more like a flightless bird at the moment!) and finding time to network and blog etc...now where did I leave my sanity?

On the bright side, the sewing machine has been (on and off) buzzing away merrily of late, so I will have some wonderful new things to show everyone soon.

On a different note, I've entered a design in the weekly competition over at Spoonflower. Please pop on over and vote for my design *Cocktails by SimplyDollicious*. Each week, the winner of the design comp receives 1 yard of their fabric in a gorgeous quilters cotton. If my design should win (oh, here's hoping!) I am planning on making a gorgeous tote with it, which one of my lucky Facebook fans will win. So if you aren't a fan of Simply Dollicious Kidswear on Facebook already, now's a good time to become one! :)

Works in progress...

Hello everyone,

sorry it's been a while since I last posted. I've been terribly busy, with sewing, family and work. I have several new projects in the works at the moment, including reversible boys and girls winter trousers, little girls pini's, vests and matching skirts.

These are just some of the gorgeous fabrics I'm working with at the moment:

Pirate dress for Kyah

This gorgeous little black and pink pirate dress was ordered for a pirate party...isn't it gorgeous? Perfect for any pirate princess...why should the boys have all the fun?

Pink poppies pillowcase dress

This is my latest creation, I love this fabric, it's so vibrant and gorgeous to work with. This little pillowcase dress is a birthday present for a friends niece. I can't wait to see her in it!

~Jazzy kids clothing~

If you're looking for something funky, fun and fresh for your little ones, check out JazzyLee Kidz Biz. Not only do they offer their own hand made label, they also promote gorgeous accessories and toys created by fellow designers. Don't forget to become a fan on Facebook to show your support of Aussie hand made!

Christmas past

Hello and Merry Christmas, though it is now Christmas past!

We had a wonderful Christmas day here, filled with family, friends, food, laughter and of course, presents. The day was gorgeous and sunny, perfect for swimming and relaxing on the patio.

My oldest daughter organised all four kids to have some photos taken and then framed them and gave them to my husband and I and also the grandparents for Christmas. The photo's are beautiful and it was such a thoughtful, special gift.

How beautiful are my children? I am not biased in the slightest, of course!

I am enjoying four days off work (my part time job at Target) and the opportunity to get some sewing done. I have several things in the pipeline at the moment, stay tuned.

I hope everyone has had a great Christmas and is relaxed and refreshed for the New Year.

xox

Baby Goth

Although it's not yet completely finished, I couldn't wait to add a photo of my latest work, a custom outfit for Candice's baby girl.

I just need to add some shoulder straps in the black and white dots and it will be done.

Mr Noodlehead

After finding a wonderful site called Spoonflower, I designed some fabric last night which I can't wait to use! I designed it using a picture my 7 year old son drew, a picture I absolutely love. Mr Noodlehead (as we called him!) was the basis of the pattern, then I added the stars, bunny and the broken heart. The pattern will be repeated over the entire fabric in a half-drop format.

Saturday and still no pics!!

Don't you hate those days when you just can't get it together and the whole day just flashes by with nothing achieved? I've had several like that lately. So the outfit is still unfinished and of course, there are no pics. :(

On the upside, I have a couple of orders for baby outfits! Both are for brand new babies - one for a baby girl and the other yet to be born.

On the downside, I am taking a car load of junk to the local Rotary car boot sale tomorrow morning, so I will probably get nothing done tomorrow either.

Shortbread cookies and click beetles!!

Well, it's 11.30pm (Qld time) and I'm sitting here watching a click beetle flip around the kitchen whilst waiting for the batch of shortbread cookies I just whipped up to finish cooking. I realised at about 10.30 that I didn't have a present organised for the kids to give to their teachers tomorrow. So here I am!

I've nearly finished my latest outfit, pics tomorrow. Off to bed for me now.

Stockinged feet

Well, after a very hectic day - and more still to come! - I've finally taken photos of my latest Christmas set. Check out my Facebook page for details.

Lovestamp

Check out Handmade Kids for a fantastic competition by Lovestamp. You could make someone very happy this Christmas if they woke to find one of these gorgeous bracelets under the tree.

Jungle bub.

I finished these pants today also, I'm making a set for a friend who is giving them to another friend as a baby present. I'm going to add a singlet with a paw print on the front in the same fabric as the pants. Too cute.

I bought some gorgeous fabrics today (couldn't help myself!) and I can't wait to use them. I'd only just walked in the door with them and Miss 10 started harassing me to make her something. I'm hoping to make her a dress for Christmas. Shhhh, it's a surprise. ;)

I also bought a new pattern that I'm dying to try out. I want to try gathering. I love the little sundresses with the elaastic gathering. I've never tried it before. I love new challenges.

I love this time of year, stress and all!! I love the colours, the glitter, the excitement from the kids. I love pouring over the junk mail that arrives daily in the letterbox. I love visiting Santa in the shopping centre and watching the kids faces as they climb up to tell him what they wish for. I love the rush and bustle and the harried mothers. I'm not so keen on rude customers, but we won't go there!

I've just added two cute little Christmas outfits into my Madeit store. I'm really thrilled with the way they turned out. I couldn't resist the polar bear fabric when I saw it. It was a one off Fat Quarter that I dug out of the bottom of the rack at the local Big W. I think a few customers thought I was a little loopy, scrabbling away in the back of the racks, hoping that I'd find another piece, lol. Anyway, I'm pleased with the results.