Thursday 25 November 2010

This and That

I've not done much in the way of sewing lately.  Having a bit of a sewers block I guess.  Probably just need more fabric!  I do love a bit of new fabric to get me going again.  Maybe next week. 

Now I haven't shown you these little birdies I made a couple of weeks ago.  They were rather fun to make.  I just made them up as I went along.  No.2 is very clever and she showed me that she could line up the wings on both sides and iron them on for me.  I put all my trust into her and she came through with flying colours.  I like her helping me.

The wing fabrics are from that marvelous little charm pack I bought at the quilt show.  Moda Bliss.  Gosh I've love to get me another of those!  The white wing fabric is my absolute favourite one. It's so pretty and delicate looking. I see I haven't taken a photo of them with their beady hangers on.  What a bother!

What do you think about this pretty mat I found at the antique store?  I adore it, as does No.4.  We might have a fight on our hands.  Still I should be pleased that at three she already has super taste in home furnishings and antiques.

It reminds me of strawberry flowers.  So fresh and summery looking, just perfect for Christmas in New Zealand.  Speaking of that, I've finally realised that we do have Christmas in the summer and we should acknowledge that by using summery colours in our decorating this season.  We are not living in England with the snow, so traditional Christmassy looks and colours are not really right for us. 

You would not believe the decorating over here.  You have no idea how much we are fixed on the English way of having a hot meal, our fire places decorated, fake snow on the windows and even snowmen at Christmas displays.  Just crazy in the fabulous heat.  We should think ourselves lucky that we can send the children outside to ride their new bikes, make sandcastles with new buckets and spades and kick a brand new ball around, instead of huddled inside around the TV set. 

I've also come to the conclusion that a clean and tidy house is not all it's cracked up to be!  Truly I spent the better part of a week, three hours cleaning per room and then living in fear of mucking it all up.  The girls weren't good at it either and I was so bossy about them keeping it tidy!  I'd rather live in a busy happy house than a show home - not that our house is even close to being of that quality!

The good part of tidying up each room, was the little rewards that I bought. Well why jolly not?!! Can you guess what Beatrice is whispering to Billy? She's saying that it's exactly a month until the BIG day!! Woo hoo, how exciting!!!


What do you think of our new cushions?  I think now we need to have the sofas recovered!  A nice warm beige would look very nice.  In wipe clean fabric of course!


I'm shortening this post now as it didn't save all my hard work before loosing connection!  I'm so annoyed!!!!!!  I have had to redo lots of it and I'm out of time now.  Oh well must be off now.  Lunch to eat, places to go.  Have a great week!

18 comments:

**Anne** said...

Those little birds are soooo cute. It gives me ideas of something else I can put on our Christmas tree.
Thanks for sharing,
Anne xx

- said...

The bird ornaments are so clever! I like everything you've shown here today but I also enjoy your pillows. Pillows can add so much color and personality to a room. I like to change them frequently too.

Lisa said...

I love your birdies... very cute and very clever! ... love the doily too.. I collect them when I see ones I like... also I love your cushions.. You must need some more fabric!! how bout some French General! :0) Hugs Lisa

'Joyce' said...

Hullo Sarah, these little birds are so cute. They look lovely. Your cushions are wonderful too, such lovely summer colours. Totally agree re Christmas, every year my boys choose a colour each, we then make decorations to match that colour scheme. We have never once yet done red, green and white. Our fave combo is orange, blue and silver. This has been used 3 years in a row. Not sure what we are doing this year.

Deb said...

Good to see you still are getting some use out of the Bliss. How's the online ordering going? ;-)

Unknown said...

awww smashing birds there great. And i adore your blue pattern cushion thats stunning. And your tablecloth. Christmas bless you you said it so right its feezing cold here and everybody i know is full of colds etc, i don't think there should be any hard rules at this time of year there is so much presure put on us, find your own special way of celebrating it and it will be magical. Have a lovely week, dee x

Anita said...

What a lot of eye-candy there is in this post Sarah! Lots of pretty things to look at. The birdies are just adorable. I have always been a stickler for traditional Christmas decor. I know it's absurd here in the southern hemisphere, but I do love a traditional theme. Lots of red, green, white and gold. No fake snow on the windows though....that's where I draw the line, lol! Have a wonderful weekend. Are you about to get some of the rain we're having here in Melbourne?

Lululiz said...

Love your little birdies! Do you think I could borrow your little helper for a while?

dutch sisters said...

Love your birds! Yes, more fabric is always the best solution for getting new inspiration or to feel better!

Nadine said...

So funny, we also have fake snow all over the show! Quite crazy really!! I loooove your birds, so cute. I am quite crazy about birdies at the moment... also been making some, will have to show you them sometime xxx

Jenny at Red House said...

Hi just found your blog, it's great! have to hold my hand up though for the full blown christmas experience, can't beat it! jennyx

Willeke said...

I love birds and yours are very cute.
Your new cushions are beautiful, great color!

Serenata said...

Oh your little birds are so cute Sarah. I like your fresh down under approach to Christmas.

dls said...

Love the little birdies..... soooo sweet. Thanks for sharing your "finds" also.

magpie chic said...

Have been enjoying the debate about a traditional Christmas colours for a Southern Hemisphere Christmas. I am shamelessly attracted to pinks and pastels and gelatos, but gold goes with everything, and every room should have a little red so they say. Wjatever makes you happy. I think they might be right about a littlebit of red, but it could be a rasperry red rather than fire engine red! Enjoy the new fabric inspiration when it strikes!!!
Luv jacqui

Michaja said...

I recognize my little bird that's hanging here in the livingroom!!
Take care and have great week too!

Jacquie said...

Thanks for your comments over at mine . Your birds are so cute :0)
My rabbits belong to my 10 year old twins, but of course it's me who ends up looking after them. They are called Dusty and Sparkle. They are both female, but not sisters. I'm so glad we have two as they are such good company for each other and cuddle together to keep warm at this time of year :0)
Jacquie x

roseroomnz.com said...

Those birdies are cute, I can see them on a garland! Loving the cushions too! Rachaelxo