Laptop Cozy

After 11 years of huckery, slow, old PC, we finally gave in and bought a zippy new laptop. Fun! Today I made it a pretty cozy using this tutorial. The fabric is Sandi Henderson's Ginger Blossom. I'm still learning how to use the walking foot to actually quilt things on my machine.

I made a matching drawstring bag for the cords. If you've never done French seams for a tidy finish then check out this simple tutorial. Gotta love the interwebs for improving ones crafting.

(Confession: Somehow I've ended up with the exterior of the cozy about 1" longer than the quilted interior. I'm not sure if it's my dud measuring or something to do with quilting the inside. Anyhooo...not gonna change it.)

Homework

I haven't had dead-line "homework" since I did post-grad study over 11 years ago (oh, how I miss using the brain I once had!). This year I decided to finally do a beginners patchwork course at my local quilting store. I have an evening class once a month then actual sewing homework to finish before the next one.

The big girl is impatiently awaiting her finished sampler quilt. She will be waiting a wee while. I'm using Amy Butler's new Love range in Soul.

Knitted Critters

The love my children have for knitted critters bemuses me. I'm happy to run with it as I enjoy producing these little guys;-)

Dinosaurs for Mr Five. They even get snuggled into bed with him at night.

Mummy and Baby Hedgehog for our autumn nature display. I was tempted to snuggle these in bed with me!

Easter in Lego

Yup - that is Lego Jesus on a Lego cross complete with a hinge at the bottom for ease of Roman hoisting.

I also got given a Lego basket of Lego Easter eggs in bed this morning but it was reclaimed for parts before I could grab a photo.

This wee man can spend a full adult work day building his Lego creations. If only he got paid for it!

(Disclaimer: We rent this house, so no, I did not choose the attractive curtains in the background.)

Blue and White

My love for blue and white floral burns strong and fierce. I need it in the place I rest at night...

...in my kitchen where I nourish my family...

...on my clothing to display a little of who I am...

(Schoolhouse Tunic that cost me $2 in fabric)

(Voon sundress that I haven't quite been able to fit since 3 months pregnant with my now five year old. Oh woe that I was skinnier while pregnant than now!)

(Moa blouse that I've been wearing for over seven years.)

...above where I rest...

(Burleigh plate my kids gave me for my birthday.)

...on my china for when I take time out to refresh myself...

...and permanently marked onto my body to represent my babies...

Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete

My sister can never have too many bags

Happy Birthday, little sister! Couldn't resist whipping you up a Charming Handbag with some Amy Butler August Fields fabric. I love the home decor weight fabric for bags and wish it was more readily available. Yes, yet another grey day for taking photos. Ugh - this spring weather is seriously doing my head in.

In other thrilling news:
* I fed my family lard. It won't happen again. I could barely stomach the smell of it cooking. And doh - it hadn't occured to me that it was most definitely not happy-pig fatty goodness.
* I'm decluttering children's wardrobes for Food Storage Friday tomorrow;-) I'm re-inspired by reading Independence Days so will be digging around in our probably expired emergency food supplies and reorganising everything.
* Two weeks and three days till I see Eddie, Ben and Liam. Psyched. (Although feeling slightly guilty for digging into house deposit funds for this!)