one denim bird

Schools back - in 3 days!

2014-01-26T16:47:00.000+11:00

School holidays for me were all about this :-

and then when things get tough my 10 year old son Teo

brings me this

(yes - he usually wants something)

but that's ok

Then I refer back to the bible

and soldier on ...

and on

(just a few creations over the silly season)

hope you are all getting into the swing of 2014

I know I am :-)

Dee

Fa la la la la la la la la

2013-12-15T21:51:00.000+11:00

getting ready for Christmas

(op shopped net curtains around our Pergola)

a recent trip to the coast

sunfrocks

and more

the inside of my caravan

(did I already show you these???)

inspiration for the great renovation

(to come)

enchanted forests

a new purchase

tea for two

creative moments

my little guy

a tidy happy space

shorts for Grace

(my daughter)

another one on the block

pretty maids all in a row

I am now on Instagram

(find me at onedenimbird)

I love its instant-ness

Merry Christmas to all

xoxox

a quilter for a day - DIY

2013-07-30T17:05:00.004+10:00

inspiration

cutting

sewing

pinning

stitch in the ditch

bias for binding

teasing

showing off

posing

gluing and pasting

Voila'

(a handmade present for a due to arrive soon babe)

this was somehow managed in between caring for sick and poorly loved ones

(but I wont bore you with the details)

I'm only showing you the candy coated creative moments of my life.

hugs all round

Dee

The Lazy Bloggers guide to lazy blogging ......

2013-06-10T10:46:00.000+10:00

Don't mind me, I am up to my usual trickery of rare blog posting!!!

So I am doing a lazy post today ..... linking to fabulous bloggers that I have been hanging with of late who are switched on and consistent!!!

You can get the low down here

HELGASTOCK 2013

(follow all the links - it was a week of delirious hilarious glorious-ness!)

then check out the new and fabulous owner of this dress

here

Its a pleasure to sew for such greatness!!!

Also, I am loving my new tooled leather coin purse

from the fabularse

Helga

and Sarah

Look at the sunshine beaming down on these two!!!

* * * *

I have big ideas for this latest acquisition ...

But what I've been itching to tell you most is .....

This unidentified object was spotted near the coast a few weeks back!

a wee bit of sweet talking and hard core negotiations and she came home to mah house!!!

she needs lots of TLC

and I'm gonna give it to her good!

and bring her back to her former glory!

Meet "Maisie" the Globe Trotter 1950s Bondwood caravan!

(sourced this photo from here )

This is what she may have looked like in the 50's - with my added photo shopped logos!

stay tuned oh loved ones - this is going to be a long-haul project :)

In the mean time I'll get back to what I do best .....

(hide in my sewing room!)

Love ya all xoxox

Colour my World

2013-03-28T20:40:00.000+11:00

Well hey there happy blogger's (long time no see - literally)

Round here things are always happening!

So much so, I don't know if I'm Arthur or Martha!

(did your mum ever use that saying? mine did)

Firstly, the book work is taking up way more time than I had initially hoped and so most of my far more interesting and creative pursuits have taken a back seat of late.

(It is very frustrating for me!)

I have, however, managed the odd spot of op shopping, a garage sale or three and a slow and steady sewing room re-organisation.

I found these nana polyester fabrics in INSANE colours at a deceased

estate sellout garage sale.

Lucky I didnt have the kids with me so I had plenty of time and patience to really go through each and every box! And there were a LOT!

I came home with one rather large box filled with these crazy prints for a mere $2.

Some are only big enough for a cushion cover but there will be enough for several funky skirts and a frock or two.

The old dear that had collected these had some seriously mean taste.

It kind of got me thinking (whilst rummaging)

about what my possessions would look like once I'm dead and gone! Will my children be selling off hoards and hoards of colourful fabrics from my own collection? Will some young chicky babe with a flare for crafting and re-fashioning from vintage fabrics come by and feel like she's won the Lottery? Well I most certainly did.

So much so

I dropped everything and made a dress

out of fabric I was given well over a year ago.

What do you think???

I was also given this baby from my neighbour!

and I found another 2 suitcases for the collection!

Isn't the purple one fab!!!

It was part of a set of three but I literally don't have the room so chose the middle size one!

I also scored a pile of vintage patterns including these beauties!!

and in amongst all that we have had a 5th birthday party

I have also re-organised my tragic sewing room

It is now FABULARSE!

I seriously can't function in my sewing room unless it is organised and so I finally got around to installing a couple of cheap IKEA purchases

(L to R)

1. Magazine/sewing machine manual holder.

2. Handy Scissor and Zip hanger

3. Pattern piece hanger

among other such chores as sorting, folding and colour coding (again)

the "stash"

Oh look, there's ME! And my tidy, functional happy sewing room!

Happy Easter everyone

I'll be hiding in here all weekend :-)

Ciao x

I've been preparing for a creative fest ................

2013-02-13T14:18:00.000+11:00

and deciding on colour

for this ole girl

with beautiful handles

and maybe a mosaic top

of technicolour

and hanging prints from my mum

and kid friendly craft

and storing essentials

and sorting pretties

and loving my new transport

(did I mention we own a bike shop?)

and hanging to use my new (old) machine

to create lots of lovelies!

But in the meantime .....

I am stuck in the cupboard

(yes literally)

knee-deep in paper work!

This was a walk in wardrobe in a previous life

now its my 1.4m x 2.6m office

(notice anything? there is no window grrhhhh)

YUK!

I am itching to get out into the sewing room but my current priority is bookwork for my "other" business (the one that puts food on the table!)

After an 18 month break, I am back to my old antics keeping the business end of our bike shop going! Paying bills, reconciling bank accounts, running errands, paying staff, doing the GST and general organisational shenanigans!

Am I happy about it? - no not really (if the truth be know)

but alas,

I am a Company Director and a Company Director needs to do what needs to be done!

I am hoping with all my heart I can sort it all out, and get into a fabulous routine of 2 days per week at the office (well in the closet) and 3 days of sewing gorgeous frockery.

But my life is NEVER that organised so we will see.

As usual I promised I'd catch up on every ones blogs and in grand "Dee" style my plan flew out the window, so forgive me wont you.

I am hoping like hell my next post will be full of pictures of gorgeous dresses in a fest of floral delights to tantalize your eyes!

(but honeys, dont hold your breath)

Till then,

Dee xox

Finally.... some photos

2013-01-24T13:47:00.000+11:00

1. West coast black sand beaches = HOME

(you can just see snow capped Mount Taranaki in the background)

2. Black Angus with Pohutukawa in flower in the background!

(using some instagram filter)

3. Pohutukawa in flower

(afternoon sunlight)

4. Fitzroy beach fun with kids and cousins!

(my childhood beach)

5. Christmas dinner - NZ style

(all the kids together)

6. Daily Tip Top ice creams

7. Little Miss Nikita and my gorgeous niece, Caitlin

(Pukekura Park, New Plymouth)

8. Pukekura Park - Festival of Lights

9. Nikita posing on the perspex bench seat - Pukekura Park

10. Hanging lights over Poets Bridge - Pukekura Park

11. The Big Dig - Ngamotu Beach

12. My all time favourite view

(I never tire of this)

Finally I seem to be able to upload photos onto my blog! As usual, most are scenes or the kids as I am the one manning the camera. All are taken in my home town of New Plymouth. I miss this place dearly and never realised just how much I'd like to live there again, and after spending 5 whole weeks in New Zealand the desire is stronger than ever. I miss this gorgeous view (above), there is something very special about it that gives me a sense of belonging. I miss the beaches, the fine black sand, the rugged coastline, the surf waves, the native trees, the beautiful people!

All in all, I am homesick!

I have been back in Australia for just under a week, as usual life picks up where you left it and I am back running around like the headless chook that I am taking kids to swimming lessons, organising school uniforms and stationary bla bla bla.

I did, however, received a gorgeous parcel of joy from our

whore-gasmic gal

Sarah

As always, all gifts are spectacular!

You know I'm gunna be making you another dress now!

Mine and Nikita's new Christmas presents!

and lastly, a photo taken on Tuesday evening from Mount Porepunkah looking towards our closest bush fire which is currently burning behind Harrietville. Our friend in need, Elvis (the water bombing helicopter) has been flying overhead continuously over the past 48 hours. Lets hope this is contained asap.

Anyway, it's time to supervise the kids in the pool.

Chat again real soon.

Dee xox

Hello, Hello, I'm back again (I'm back, I'm back as a matter of fact)

2013-01-21T21:18:00.003+11:00

How are you all and a BIG whopping

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The kids and I landed safely back on the dry continent yesterday morning and are glad to be home

in our OWN beds!!

As usual the heat is sinful but our air-con is working wonders so I have been unpacking, washing, drying, catching up on all the mail and of course local news!

We had a sensational time in New Zealand but more of that to come .....

for some god-for-saken reason I can't upload

photos onto my blog.

WEIRD

so when I figure it all out I will be back with some colourful happy snaps!

In the meantime I will be reading through your blogs and catching up on the gossip.

I have a lot planned for 2013

so bring it on I say!

Chat real soon

Dee xoxox

Going for a ride on a big jet plane - hey hey - hey hey - hey hey

2012-12-02T06:58:00.001+11:00

Yes lovelies,

it's that time again for my customary annual/bi-annual pilgrimage across the

"ditch"

(Tasman Sea for those that don't know our slang down under)

The kids and I are gunna take a ride on a big jet plane

and head back to New Zealand in just over a week

to hang out with the maddening crowd!

(that would be the family and all its extensions!!)

Am I excited? Just a tad.

It's my way of re-connecting, re-charging and relaxing!

I can't wait to see my old stomping ground

(Mount Taranaki)

and hang out with people that I love and adore!

These past few weeks have gone so fast,

I have

been entertained by tigers

sorted, tagged and priced dresses for sale

participated in my first ever "Suitcase Rummage"

in Melbourne. It was a huge day, up at 5am, drove 4 hours to Melbourne, got there early and thankfully parked the car right outside the front door! Had time for a coffee break and then the girls and I lugged our suitcases (3) up the stairs and into the Thornbury Theatre to display our wares!

It was a fabulous day with good sales and lots of potential customers including a few orders after the fact! Got to be happy with that :-)

a quick stop at the "oppie" and I scored a few pretties for more frock making!
Lucky my mum has a good sewing machine and overlocker so I am taking some pattern pieces with me just incase I have withdrawals! I am secretly looking forward to scouring through a whole heap of NZ op shops!

Today I am packing my bags and tomorrow I head to Melbourne to meet up with a girlfriend

for 3 nights and 4 days of catching up, shopping, exploring and dining! We haven't seen each other in around 5 years and the two of us back-packed our way around Europe in our hey day so it is sure to be a fun filled week with a dash of reminiscing!

I am going to be in NZ for 5 whole weeks so you may not see me here again until the end of January!

I promise when I get a chance I will be tuning into your blogs and making random comments here and there! I'm kind of going off the grid for that time with no international roaming as it is so beedin expensive.

I hope you all have a fabulous time over the festive/silly season with lots of thrifty finds in between a wee bit of indulgance!

hugs to you all,

Dee xoxo

A week of instagram

2012-11-08T09:44:00.001+11:00

Whilst I have every intention of sitting at the computer to up date you all on my dandy wee life

the reality is I've been finding it time consuming

and it cuts in to my productive hours!

(please forgive)

I just don't have enough hours in my day to achieve all that I want!

(me thinks I should lower my expectations somewhat!)

Anyway, I have been sewing madly the last few weeks to replenish stock for the market season

and I have been showcasing some of my dresses in a local shop during the

Melbourne Cup weekend and our local Hot Rod weekend.

(it's all rather exciting)

I have many projects on the go at present and I'm feeling a bit scattered!!

But my motivation has been high and I have spent many hours whirring away happily

and these are the results ...

Love this girly dress

this has pockets and groovey print

mustard florals with pockets

thats right - they are all handmade!

Selina Lakes book "Homespun Style"

Have you seen it? The colours are amazing!

Her first big performance!

a few market treasures

my latest score!

($10 thank you very much)

These next ones are a tad blurry! (Damn those settings on the camera!)

Just enough fabric for another Smurf dress

sunny yellow

pocket details (well blurry details)

Yikes! Gotta go and rescue the washing! The rains are coming!

mwah x

A month in the life of "One Denim Bird" ....

2012-10-25T20:18:00.003+11:00

It's been a month since my last post and I really don't know where the time has gone!

I have made a commitment to do several local markets over the warmer months and I have a lot of stock to replenish.

but firstly
in more exciting news

we have had a family holiday up the coast

and in all our usual madness
I managed to meet
in person

the fabulously talented

Sarah Misfit

and what a HOOT it was.

As you can imagine it was a day filled with fun and frocks,

dress ups and laughter,

posing and dancing,

op shopping and tip scrounging,

dress fittings, giggles and some serious vintage swapping!

See more details of our time together

HERE

in the meantime here are a couple of fabulous photos our

photographic extraordinaire

took of me and my girl (Grace)

D & M's at the waters edge

mother and daughter - seaside beauties

(photos courtesy of Sarah Misfit)

After a gorgeous week at the coast I came back to the dishevelled sewing room from HELL

see sewing room photos

HERE

A sewing room clean out was in order!

Initially I thought I would drive all the way to Melbourne to do an IKEA run,

purchase one of their you beaut shelving units for my sewing room

and drive all the way home

SERIOUSLY STUPENDOUS

Instead, I bought cheap and cheerful industrial DIY shelving locally

and the results speak for themselves ...

from this crazy cluttered mess

to this super duper anal organisation

WHAT THE ????

insane isn't it!!!

But gee I am loving it.

everything has a proper home.

Yes loves, PROPER!

It took me ALL day to fold these babies.

And how good is the colour co-ordination?

your welcome!

Now I need to start at the other end *sigh*

Anyway I will leave you with a few happy snaps from the past month.

Enjoy ...

Camp central

Mr Whippy ice creams

a gorgeous gift from a

MISFIT

checking out the wares at the tip

glamour on the beach

Little Miss Nikita

another frock almost ready for market

my latest indulgence

(isn't the cover of frankie magazine adorable)

market day wares

Caio Bellas!

oh yeeeaaah

2012-09-26T20:18:00.003+10:00

Hi peeps,

the excitement is brewing here at camp

one denim bird

In 3 more sleeps I get to hang out with a

MISFIT

and faff about in her back yard

and frolick in her wardrobes

and oggle her vintage junk (her words)

and laugh

and giggle

and hang at her beach shack

and maybe even op shop

and garge sale

and drink cider

and laugh some more

and chat to each other in person!!!

YES DARLINGS - chat in person!!!

I know!!

I'm signing off for another week here as we are packed and ready to

rock and roll

bright and early in the morning.

See you on the other side!!

x0x0x

I've been in hiding ....

2012-09-16T14:58:00.001+10:00

Well, not intentionally, life just sort of got away on me and I have

sooooooooooooo

neglected my blog and all you fabulous readers out there!!!

I have made several half hearted attempts at blogging these past few weeks but have abandoned them due to a lack of time and an overwhelming feeling of disorganisation!

We are currently in the throngs of renovation!

Our tatty old and disgustingly vile carpet has been ripped up and dumped.

HOORAH
and so we have been living on concrete!
and everything is Echo.i.n.g!

Our dated kitchen tiles have been jack-hammered to smithereens.

Ceilings have been painted.

Walls have been painted.

Windows have been washed.

Cupboards have been emptied.

All but bare minimum has been removed.

We are camping in at present.

My sewing room is over-crowded and I can't breathe in there

it's a no-sew zone!

More shelving is required, and I have stacks more sheets to be washed, folded and stored!

I think I need a Personal Assistant!

: : : : :

It all got a bit much for me so one afternoon I escaped to a place of peace ....

Mt Buffalo is literally just up the road!

To keep myself sane I followed the golden rule

and the universe provided me with ...

a current favourite : 50c

a washline full of vintage floral sheets : $2 each

100 luggage tags : 50c

(usually 20-30c each)

A roll of retro wallpaper to go with my (tiny) stash : yes darlings : $2

A pretty ballerina print for Little Miss Nikita's bedroom

A stack of old school chairs at a garage sale

A pretty plate for my increasing collection

and many other assortments!

It sure did put me in a better mood :-)

When I do finally get my house back in order I'll be finishing off a couple of current projects:

a little lace top for my newly turned teenage girl Grace

the backing to my king size patchwork vintage floral bedspread in greens ...

among others ................

Oh and did I mention I have finally succumed to

"Fifty Shades of Grey"

and all its

"KINKY FUCKERY"

(you'll know what I'm talking about if youv'e read the books)

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So excuse me wont you, I only have a few more chapters to read till I can finally get back into the world of

R.E.A.L.I.T.Y.

Laters Baby x

A week away from the machine .....

2012-08-14T20:46:00.000+10:00

This week I have barely touched my sewing machine as I
currently have the family over from the "Shakey Isles" (NZ)

I have been playing "Tourist guide" instead ....

and seen as I am so slow at getting things up and posted on my poor neglected blog
I am posting the previous weeks projects

so sit back and RELAX!!!

I made a wee cushion to remind us to chill a bit more often :-)

(photo taken before I cut the threads off and trimmed corners etc)

Granny Smith anyone???

I couldnt resist making something fun out of this FREE fabric!

(nearly there)

DIY DEE STYLE

playing with ideas for a wee collage in Nikita's room

(spray painted photo frames from the op shop and $2 shop)

skirts for the market are coming along .....

another lot of dresses currently on the production line

and are you loving these 70's men's ties???

I have a master plan for these babies .....

but I need about 20 more!!!
(I have been sloooowly collecting ties for about 3 years now)

I promise to post better quality photos of the finished product!

and lastly another colouful stack of pretty fabrics for you to eyeball ;-)

(anyone recognise any???)

Well, back to the tourist guiding capper .....

chat again soon,

Dee xoxo

So far this week

2012-08-01T13:43:00.001+10:00

My trip South was not how I imagined!

Firstly, the eight op shops I purposely stopped at along the way did not come up with the goods I was hoping for!

(It pays NOT to expect too much - obviously)

Secondly, I did not come home towing the vintage caravan of my dreams

(the main purpose of the trip)

I did however, come home richer for it and when I arrived home

the latest

Vintage Caravan Magazine

was waiting for me

with a dream caravan doning the front cover

aka

i am norma

(how this lady managed to put "my" vision into reality is beyond me *wink*)

so I am back to square one - and thats ok.

anyway, good things come to those who wait - right?

I will show and tell the few wee things I did score soon (I promise)

meantime in the one denim bird studio

I have been

cutting out interesting dress patterns ...

finding a few op-shopped treasures from last week ...

sewing the finishing touches of this fab dress ...

here is a bit more detail - the print is gorgeous ha???

sewing my "one denim bird" applique onto A Line skirts for the spring markets ...

(see the baby versions HERE and HERE- it's kind of how I came up with my name)

and more ...

sewing colourful A Line skirts ...

cutting out and sewing more dress pattern's with pretty fabrics

(again for the spring markets)

I have 3 fantastic dresses on the go at the moment for a very special lady.

I have little brother and sister-in-law and kids coming for a holiday from NZ in a week.

My house is an absolute shambles (but whats new???)

This weekend is the first in many I am staying at home with NO plans

and I am about to jump in the car and race off to check out another op shop or two.

So I must fly my sweets - there are treasures out there waiting to be found.

chat soon

hugs all round

Dee x

2012-07-27T10:04:00.001+10:00

Hi all,

it's been a crazy week

and I am about to

embark on yet another road trip South,

indulging in a spot of op shopping along the way

thanks again to my trusty bible

Op Shop Guide Victoria

in the mean time I hope you have all had a fab week and in today's short and sweet post

I'll leave you with a few reminders for the coming weekend ....

(purchased from Illuminations book shop in Tauranga, NZ 1996)

I have been lugging this A4 size laminate around for 16 years.

It has adorned many walls in many of my homes and it still

makes me smile every time I read it.

I hope it does you too x

Dee

A week in colour .....

2012-07-19T22:29:00.002+10:00

Hi ho,

Despite the kids going back to school and attempting to settle back into our usual routine

I have surprisingly been

rather creative this week

(always a good sign)

Firstly I have to share the Faux fur coat I picked up at a local op shop

(by the way - thats my serious butterfly gazing look!)

Anyway, apparently this brand is rather sought after

and it's made of 40% acrylic, 40% modacrylic and 10% cotton!

But what would I know? - I'm just looking for a bargain (right?)

and I think it was at a mere $15.

Anyway as the week progressed I managed to knock up a few cushion covers using my scraps and some of the lovely fabric samples our dear Carole over at

Serendipity, Raindrops & Roses

sent me for the Jubilee Swap.

My lounge is already a rather colourful mish-mash (or was that messy?)

But you can never have enough colour right???

I've also been working on a few little numbers for another lovely lass

almost there on this one!

I've started a wee production line of hip hugging

A line skirts for future markets

(again using up what fabrics I could find in my archives)

and I received a parcel of joy from a certain Arty-Zombie who sent me these gorgeous fabrics

on the right hand side!

Me thinks a few more frock creations are in the pipeline!!

I am also shamelessly plugging these Woolworth brand fleecy lined

footless tights!

My best coffee chatting, craft inspiring girlfriend

(you know who you are)

recommended these a wee while back and they have been the best $7.99

I've spent in a long time!

Sorry to all you international non Woolworth's supermarket going colourful stocking wearing girls

they only come in BLACK.

But hey, who's complaining if they have kept my luscious legs warm all winter!

and finally just incase you arent yet over-stimulated by all my happenings

I HAD to show you a few photos I spied on

Facebook

(I won't bite if you LIKE me!!!)

compliments of

Classic Custom Kegerators

(now that sure is my kinda Glamping!!!)

then I found this

compliments of

Vintage Fashion Library

and I couldn't resist sharing it!

Ain't it fab!!!

Anyway lovely's I better go get me some beauty sleep!

Who knows what tomorrow will bring

xoxoxoxox

Coastal migration for one denim bird ....

2012-07-17T22:50:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone!

If you haven't already read about our lovely

Sarah

over at

go now and take a peek!

I just HAD to share this with you!

This sensational woman purchased a made-to-order dress off me in this
pretty turquoise rose print

It all started here in my sewing studio

and ended up here on the beautiful coastline in the sunshine.

Sarah took these gorgeous photos

with her very own hands and

then kindly let me use them for this blog post.

(coz she is a rockin photographer as well as a beach model and a kind hearted soul!!!)

We are already collaborating on another dress

and another

and possibly another!

What a joy it is to make a dress for someone you know

that will totally love and appreciate it!

Thanks Sarah!
You are fab x

Flower power .....

2012-07-06T11:24:00.001+10:00

Hi honeys, friday has rolled around again and this week I have been happily sewing for a fabulous local lovely see here
who has a passion for vintage clothing and wears it well

she has commisioned moi to make her a few little numbers for her gorgeous collection
and this wee pretty is made from an old curtain!

I know she will have fun wearing this little number..

(sorry about the shadowing)

I'm loving the pattern on this cute A Line dress!

Well back to the machine .......

TGIF

Dee x

I see trees of green, red roses too ......

2012-06-29T21:44:00.000+10:00

Remember I mentioned a gorgeous vintage outfit I found earlier???

Well here she is

(drum roll)

Sorry honeys - this ones for keeps!

Whenever I have to go the the "big" towns for supplies I always drop into their local op shops for a spy. Last week did not dissapoint!

I found this gorgeous wiggle dress and matching bolero in one of my favourite Wangaratta op shops. I didn't see it at first as I usually make a bee line to the linen section in search of vintage floral but on this day as I was about to pay for a pile of sheets I heard (ever so quietly) the op shop vintage frock fairies whisper "Dee - look up"

and so I did as I was told and

voila

here was the most stunning fabric I had ever laid my eyes on!

I lunged at the dress rack before anyone could claim it as theirs and swooned.

When I realised it was not only a dress but also a matching bolero as well my heart skipped a beat!

Handmade with metal teeth zipper on the side - I'm guessing 1950's era???

(opinions welcome)

It is a size 2-4 which means I will NEVER fit it in a gazillion years even if I eat lettuce and exercise like a demon but hey

who gives a rats - right?

I HAD to have her.

And she really is tiny, my 12 year old fits it apart from filling out the bust area

and I can't even get her over my smallest of dress mannequins!

BUT, she is pinned to the said mannequin and has pride of place in my living area at present.

She has most certainly been a great source of inspiration this week!

(more of that later)

I have christened her

Maisie

in honour of my Nana who always looked sensational and was a very stylish lady with Champagne tastes and a weakness for shopping.

My mum said she can remember Nan wearing dresses similar to this as a young woman.

Thank you op shop vintage frock fairies

and

thank you Nana Maisie

for passing on some (not many - but some) of your genes!

Maisie in the paisley (that kind of rhymes)

2nd from right

with all her sisters circa 1970s

(there were 4 brothers too)

I'd have loved to have seen a colour version of this photo. Bet those prints were gorgeous!

Hope you have fab weekend plans

Dee xox

Jubilee Swap ...

2012-06-28T14:55:00.002+10:00

Hi Peeps!

I too was a part of the majestic "Faith Hope and Charity"

Jubilee Swap

and today I received the most divine parcel from the lovely

Carole

Serendipity, Raindrops and Roses

I am always blown away by the generosity of bloggers

and Carole if you are reading this blog post

THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH.

This parcel of joy was brimming with love ...

right-up-my-alley-kind-of-loves

here is a peek

overflowing with goodness

vintage fabric samples

(these stole my heart)

and then ............. the "Jubilee Special"

You have no idea how grateful I am that little old ladies who store all their lace and trims in

Jubilee vintage tins for years and years and then take them to the op shop so darlings like

our Carole

find them and include them in her Jubilee Swap

and consequently send it to me - her Jubilee swap partner!

(Yes, little ole me who will drool over them and pick and sort through and admire them and

then eventually make something out of these pieces of history!!!)

I know you can't see me but I am grinning like a Cheshire Cat!

How spoilt am I???

Gorgeous vintage fabric samples,

handstiched tea towels and hand towels,

latte mug and napkins

thimbles and drawstring bags,

jubilee tins of vintage lace

and this absolute beauty to keep my dream alive

My guess is this is of Caroles' own hand!

A gorgeous handstitched vintage caravan with matching bunting!

(this is going straight to the pool room!)

I'm also sending out a BIG thank you to

Lakota

for organising such a fun swap

and I've also linked up

here

Dee x

weekend happenings ...

2012-06-26T22:05:00.000+10:00

So it seems I turned another year older last Friday.

This was the only and unexpected photo taken of me on my

43rd

birthday.

Little Nikita was sure it was her birthday all over again

(it's only been 3 months)

We spent the weekend in Melbourne with family.

Ate paella for dinner and then a surprise black forest cake!

We strolled along the Esplanade in St Kilda on Saturday morning

and

roller skated Saturday arvo.

My jaw was sore from smiling and laughing.

I had forgotten how much fun roller skating is

despite the fact I haven't for approx 30 years

We hung with the uber cool on Brunswick St on Sunday indulging in coffee, lunch

and a spot of shopping

and then drove home late sunday night.

It was perfect.

I have a stack of hemming to finish, dresses hanging strategically around my living area that need tweaking, a pile of newly acquired vintage sheets to wash and the most incredible genuine 50's outfit to photograph and share with you.

another of my op shop finds

I hope you all had a fab weekend too

Dee x

End of the week wrap up ...

2012-06-10T15:04:00.000+10:00

I had a terrible sleep last night .....

I don't usually suffer from ~~amnesia~~ insomnia but my mind just would not shut down.

As a consequence I feel worn out today and have achieved nothing at all.

But I did manage a wee bit of blog housekeeping and I accidentally worked out how to add
"Link Within" at the bottom of my posts!

(You have no idea how long I've been trying to figure that one out - next time I'll just ask all you savvy bloggers!)

Anyway here is a collage of home sweet home ...

(the colourful version - not the usual messy, unorganised, hectic, mad version!)

Happy Sunday Lovelies - hope you are enjoying the weekend!

Dee x

Today's efforts ...

2012-06-07T20:34:00.000+10:00

Hold yourselves back ....

this freakin awesome fabric has caught your eye hasn't it?

It did me too, whilst rummaging through our local op shop a couple of weeks back.

and I almost passed it up (heaven forbid)

And then, I remembered I had a 1970's shirt dress pattern waiting patiently for me at home.

I have been imagining myself wearing this dress whilst sipping G & T's in the summer sun!

So, I bit the bullet today and cut her out

in anticipation of warm breezy evenings ....

I draped her over my handy Miss Manny (the mannequiness)

so I can visualise that summery picture more clearly!

I think she'll be quite the head-turner!
(and between you and me and the lamp post, It'll probably take me the 6 months till summer to finish her any hoo!)

And she's for keeps!

Thrifty finds, sewing and crafting

2012-06-03T21:48:00.004+10:00

Absolutely delighted with my op shopped red vinyl suitcase...

I have been on the lookout for a RED storage vessel for a while

and this did not disappoint,

it's very large, is lined in satin and will house a LOT of vintage sheets,

it will also come in handy for holidays overseas!

(there is always one on the horizon)

two little blue wrens

and finally a clean folded pile of vintage sheets ..

(last weeks haul to add to the ever growing collection)

Also, weekend baking by my 8 year old son Teo

(he has a VERY sweet tooth)

I very rarely buy sweet biscuits in our house so if you want a sweet hit you have to bake it!

He's pretty damn good in the kitchen, and as you can see they don't last long in our house!

(note: All I did to help was beat and pour into the tin)

Not bad eh!

I managed a spot of sewing too,

a pretty twirly swirly dress for an equally pretty girl.

(a parcel of joy is heading her way as we speak)

Linking up with:

Tah Dah Tuesday

and

Her Library Adventures

All in all it's been very relaxing and I am ready to conquer this week with renewed enthusiasm.

Hope you all had a fab one too,

Dee x