Teardrop and Heath

The best thing about working in a fabric shop is being surrounded my beautiful prints and colours all day and dreaming of the endless creations I could make. One of my favourite designers that we stock is the American brand Alexander Henry. Every time new fabrics arrive in store, the ones I single out as my favourites are always Alexander Henry. Two of these such fabrics I decided would become my first project on my sewing machine. I made these cushion covers, complete with tiny orange button backs and have to say I'm very pleased wiyh my work! I havn't sewn a button-hole since I was 16 and, after some trial and error, things went pretty smoothly. The only problem is, it is so quick to make a cushion cover and there are so many fabrics to choose from, I might end up running out of places to put cushions!

Machine Sisters

I'm not the kind of girl who likes lavish gifts, bunches of flowers and boxes of chocolates; I have always thought words speak louder than actions. Maybe that comes from being in a relationship with the strong silent type! 

But, when my beloved Mr Bear offered to buy me an antique Singer sewing machine and table, I felt weak at the knees! It needs a bit of TLC and a new chain to work the pedal, but to me it's the most beautiful thing in the world. That same week, while I was at work, the knight in shining armour struck again and won an auction for a brand new Brother sewing machine. My mind will not rest now, there are so many ideas buzzing around my fuzzy head! The possibilities are endless and the obstacles few.

A Month of Creativity

It's a little bit shocking to me thast this is my first post of the month! It's been a busy, unpredictable and eventful one. I've been working a lot, getting to know my new work mates and customers better and learning lots about fabrics and designers worldwide.I love autumn here. The other day the clouds were so big and fluffy they looked just like cotton wool. 

I have been buzzing with ideas and inspiration the past few weeks and barely have time to start one project before I'm dreaming of the next. I've even had to write myself a list of all the things I will be making so I can keep track of it all!

Felt Faves Friday

Gourmet Caramel Apples by SmashPalace

Bear by Minu

Headband by Wildflowernz

 

Men's Knitting Club Starter Pack by Fat-Spatula

Here are my Felter favourites for the week! Hungering after some caramel appley goodness now! Especially loving the starter kit for membership to the Haumoana Men's Knitting Club. Great to see men are knitting their own jumpers these days! My man has been hankering on at me for months to learn how to knit in the round so I can make him socks. Also loving their slogan: "We've got balls"!

Anzac Day

Governor's Bay

Our picnic view

Feeling anything but blue

The pier

Our picnic

Grumpy Bear

This Wednesday (the 25th) was Anzac Day, New Zealand's day of rememberance. Martin and I decided to take a picnic to Governor's Bay near Lyttelton. We had never been before but knew the views on the drive over to be stunning as our housemate had visited a few weeks ago. At first, it wasn't very clear where we could go to sit on the waterside and we drove around looking for picnic spots for quite some time. After a few turnings around, we decided to park on the street where most cars were and just walk down in the direction of the water. We passed a few people walking back up with dogs and bikes so felt relieved we were on the right track. Over a bridge, we looked down to see the pier and a long path stretching along the cliffs. We plumped for a sunny patch of grass on the path side and dug into our late lunch - pinwheels, champagne ham, olives, pitachios and grapes with fejioa and pear juice. Yum. After heading home, we found we had the house to ourselves for a while so got comfy on the couch watching True Grit, Dumb and Dumber and The Great Escape, pretty much back to back.A good day all in all!

The iPhone's New Clothes

By piimism

By jewellerybraceletcuff

By ShealeenLouise

By MoonBoat

By MoonBoat

I'm hoping to get my little iPhone - iSaac - rejuvenated with a new SIM card soon so we can be loyal friends again and have already set out in search of a new outfit for him. Etsy have some amazing designs, these are just a few of my favourites.

Felt Faves Friday

Bird Notebooks by Paper Bird Society

Periodic Table Brooch by Wendy J

Rosa Pin by Pocket of Posy

She's Got Legs Plate by Odd One Out

Here's my favourites from Felt this week. Happy Friday! I've started the weekend on a great note and I hope this continues right through the next week!