Brunswick in Bloom

Just went down to Brunswick to lay some flowers in memory of Jill Meagher.
I couldn't face it on Friday, didn't want to be in the neighbourhood for most of the week actually, I went to the movies with Leo to take my mind off the whole thing.

There are so many people in Brunswick today, shopping, going out for brunch, walking their dogs, out with prams, scooters, kids, Nonnas and Nonnos going to Med Wholesalers.

The Brunswick Baptist Church is right near a friends' studio, and also a few doors away from the bridal boutique where the footage of Jill was taken. The flowers are covering the whole footpath, pedestrians have to walk on the road to get past, and there are TV cameras and traffic blockages.

I quickly put my flowers with all the rest, shed tears and watched the other people there doing the same. Got back in the car and Hazel said 'Mummy is crying'. So far I've told Leo that a lady from the radio died, we listen to 774 all the time, but haven't linked the flowers and the neighbourhood craziness to it. Can't explain that shit to an 8 year old.

We went on to pick up the birthday cake for his party today, on the way home there were police diverting traffic away from the intersection of Moreland/Sydney roads, where huge crowds have gathered for a Peace march. There were so many people walking there, the hugest crowd, and I felt so proud of my neighbourhood. And so sad at the same time. I love Brunswick/Coburg.

Love to you all, big hugs.

What the?

The other night I was watching West Wing and digging through my books for a cardigan pattern for Hazel. I haven't indulged in any evening crafting for ages, it is odd that I haven't had a project, but my fingers are now itching to knit a brown and raspberry cardi for my gal.

I have far too many patterns to choose from, but am whittling it down, and have started a burgundy crocheted mini dress, to be worn with a skivvy and tights, such a good look if you are almost 2.

I showed this page to Sam and he burst out laughing, I was wondering what exactly 'a triumph for fantasy' meant, but he was more amused by the radiant sun boob thingy. It reminds me of the hypno toad from Futurama.

Search terms

Here's what leads people to my humble blog:   chuck close

knee high socks

high socks

robot cakes

chuck close close up

alana clifton knit

buckle real rubbish

chuck close up close

cottage industries examples

emma grenwood   I love that socks feature prominently, and robot cakes!     These socks are Turkish, and they are reminding me of Sandra Eterovic. Must get some  fair isle-esque work on my needles this winter.

Frustrated, Irritated

Seems like this 40 mins while Hazel sleeps should be put to better use than typing, maybe doing dishes, cleaning up, hanging with Leo, doing some work on recent projects. BAH! - 40 mins is not enough to do much around here, except catch my breath and prepare for the next 2 hrs while she is up. (NOTE: She actually only slept for 27 mins, I am crushed!)

No doubt the girl child is ruling the roost lately, this attachment parenting gig is exhausting, and I have resorted to reading Gina Ford books found at the oppy and wondering if the 'routine' she describes would really work around here....I have read everything from Pinky to Gina and am a bit overwhelmed. Damn the frequent night-waking!

My kids are learning how to throw a REAL tantrum, courtesy of Mother here, I have been losing it a bit lately and doing a bit of yelling and ranting and other acts of random silliness, I passed a school fete the other day and there was a plate smashing booth, might install one at home....

I might also ban my Google Reader, clean it out and not bother, as it has been an exercise in
a) how to trawl through at rapid speed without reading anything, barely glancing at the pics, just so that it is emptied for the day,

and
b) how to become frustrated at all the creativity and genius that I am now unable to participate in; damn all you clever people!

However, when the kidlets are finally down for the night (or a portion thereof) I do have a project on the go for Xmas......


And I am getting good at turning this....


...into this. Rye sourdough starter baked with spelt flour. Easy peasy, I make 2 loaves at a time and give one away.

Am back into the running though, it is the perfect anti-depressant, and I have discovered that running to talk radio is much easier than running to music. No attempting to match a tempo, no obsessively compiling the 'perfect' mix, and no need to visualise oneself as Rocky in a montage of greatness. Just casual jogging to weather reports, political commentary and general chit-chat.

Just so that you don't go and call DOCS to visit my house, there are smiles too, and gorgeous moments like this, a girl and her rusk in the spring sunshine. If only rusks and cardboard were foods recommended for babies, she much prefers them to rice cereal, pear, apple and carrot.


Listening to: Meshell Ndegeocello - If That's Your Boyfriend LOUD!

Spring things

Girlie can roll now, and spread the dribbly goodness all over the place - methinks teeth are not far away. She is a funny gal, keeping me rather busy and ensuring that I get to bed early.

We have been baking up a storm, including this black sticky gingerbread cake. Oh yeah - full of molasses and spices.


In a rare moment Hazel slept for three hours the other day, which was so lovely, as Leo and I got to really hang out together. We participated in some tea drinking, got out the paint with water books and I wielded my glue stick and stamp collection for a new project.

Did you used to have paint with water books? I loved them , in fact I still do, just remember not to dip your brush in the tea cup!

So that's us for another couple of weeks, still no government, but it's nice and quiet not hearing the pollies' annoying voices so much. Enjoy your early spring, we are loving the blossoms and bees, longer daylight hours and sun-dried laundry.

Better late than never!

Finally finished Leo's boots on the weekend, a triumph for me, followed by a quick deflation, after he announced that he wouldn't wear them. Apparently they are 'winching up' his ankles, which I take to meant that they are uncomfortable.

I remember getting new shoes as a kid, some that I really hated, they were so stiff and there was no way I wanted to put them on, but the parents made it abundantly clear that they were to be worn.

I don't feel that I can be an ogre about this pair, even though I'm taking it a tad personally, maybe I'll suggest that he wear them for 10 mins per day, and see if the 'winching up' issue subsides.

No doubt they are a bit more challenging than the elastic sided boots he's been wearing all winter, these require lace savvy fingers, but there's no time like the present to learn how to tie laces. That's another lesson I recall learning about the age of 6, I remember procrastinating about tying my shoes, Mum getting exasperated and saying 'for God's sake Emma, I've shown you how, just bloody tie them!'. Bloody was a big swear word at our place, so I knew she was serious.

Meanwhile the small girl screams in protest at being put to bed, I'm amazed how babies resist sleep so defiantly, even when it's darn obvious that they're completely exhausted. Another lesson to be learned!

Still here

Hello all, so glad to see you again, it's been a busy time here. I have missed le blog, but some days there is just no time to do it justice, I like a bit of quality not quantity.

Obviously we have been to the Art Fair, indeed we have been held hostage by art recently, but are now breaking free and having more time in the schedule for other things - it's all about balance, y'know?

Hazie Dazie is nearly 4 months, and is a sweetheart, at her last weigh in she had grown 7 cm longer, damn, no wonder those grow suits have been stretched to the max! I have managed (post Masterchef) to get her into bed in the evenings, and am ekeing out a tiny but oh-so-delicious bit of me time, how I have missed it.

So during this winter spent so close to home we have been eating and eating, sourdough by the tonne, Family Assorted biscuits, apple and rhubarb crumble, but I have decided to take the plunge and learn to bake my own bread.

My first couple of forays have been a bit dense, methinks the yeast really does prefer a warm spot to rise best, I am determined to persevere, and am thinking of doing some classes at the Abbotsford Convent bakery.


Have also been consuming yoghurt in vast quantities, and am making that in my EasiYo thermos, anything with Yo in the name has got to be good.

To balance all the eating I have entered into my first run since before Hazel, it's only 4km, but I am really looking forward to it, spending that time on my own and listening to the old iShuffle.

Reading the 6th book in the 44 Scotland Street series by the extra-prolific Alexander McCall Smith, also devouring the latest Dumbo Feather of course.

Listening to A Tribe Called Quest and getting excited about seeing them next Thursday at Festy Hall.


Drinking cups and cups of Lady Grey, walking around the wintry streets spying magnolias, daphne, hebe, prunus, hellebore, spring is not far away.

Great to give you the update, now the Little Miss is awake and demanding attention, see you again soon! xxx

I spy....

Clifton Hill......



Luscious bike.....



Upon closer inspection.....


Oh boy! Philatelic bicicletta - I am loving it!

Due to the mauve Oury grips and the polka dot seat, I thought the owner was a gal, but when I asked at the shop where it was locked up, apparently it is owned by a boy, one who obviously has great taste!

'Scuse the liberal use of exclamation points, I feel that this one deserves it.

I spy....

....with my little eye, something beginning with b.

In the Coburg Mall a few weeks ago, a spectrum of bras festooning a wintry tree!

I love it!

Listening to: Dexter Gordon - Backstairs

Airing my opinions

I'm over at Make and Meaning again, revealing my inner doofus regarding technology. Discuss.

Foil!

Leo's Easter Rabbit brought him eggs from Germany, with the most festive foil I have seen in a long time. We have been saving it, meticulously flattening each piece, which is hard for him as he usually rips the foil to shreds.

I'm loving the folky colours and themes, patterns, flowers, and that cute chick playing the accordion, natürlich!

I remember in high school, at Easter we would cover the buttons on our uniforms with foil from eggs that we had all exchanged. Let's bring that look back, hey?

Listening to: Erykah Badu - Window Seat Very gutsy video, from her new album, the lady is keeping it real in every sense, love her to bits!

Things I am looking forward to

image courtesy of facedowns

• sleeping on my front
• eating nori rolls, ham sandwiches, and hollandaise sauce
• running and training capoeira in a vigorous manner
• wearing the other 90% of my wardrobe
• fitting into my shoes

and most importantly

• gazing at the Little Miss in a few weeks' time
  

Tuesday

Chocolate banana cake which Leo and I made yesterday. I have already eaten nearly half of it!


Pot of Lady Grey in my new $4 op-shop tea pot, which fits the cosy I bought ages ago. Unfortunately my work day was interrupted by many trips to the loo - not entirely productive.


Rainy view from my sewing machine. I cannot tell you how lovely this autumnal weather is, I have been looking forward to it for so long. The heat has affected my shoe size considerably, I cannot fit into any of my handmade shoes, which makes me so sad, I am schlepping about in my Birki clogs/sandals - ENOUGH!

I fell over yesterday and landed on my crappy hand/wrist, so no shoemaking for me this week, it's just too darn sore. Instead I'm stitching 8 new belts, including this classic Queens spectrum.....

.....and also this metallic navy with a spectrum of international flowers - it's a beauty.

To be honest I've lost my mojo, I have been hit with a huge wall of tiredness and my grump factor has gone off the charts. My guess is that the Little Miss is using up all my iron; I feel so depleted, and am moving a bit like a sloth who has eaten a whole watermelon.

35 weeks today, I've been getting heaps of those pesky Braxton Hicks contractions, which are a bit alarming actually. Sometimes I time them, just to have an idea of what's going on - who knows when this child will decide that she's ready.

In a strange way I feel like I'm bidding farewell to parts of my life: the ability to get some work done, the full nights of sleep, and the independence of my 5 year old chap. I hope that I can still keep in touch with you all when the Little Miss is here, it's inevitable that I will be getting cabin fever this winter, such is the schedule of sleeping and feeding for little ones. I hope that I can remember how to breastfeed!

Listening to: Alicia Keys and Jay Z - Empire State of Mind Turn it up!

Ensemble

Here's a lovely lass in the window of Cottage Industry, modelling an astoundingly beautiful ensemble, including a belt of mine featuring 1960's Queen Liz stamps. I wish it was a maternity outfit, but alas, I'll have to dream for now.....

What I really wanted to say was 'yeehar' for retailers who merchandise things well. I have been vexed by this issue over the years, as some of my stock is in stores on consignment. It has been frustrating to see my wares gather dust on the same old shelf, forgotten about, expected to sell themselves from such a disadvantaged position.

Even on consignment, stock should be displayed to both its best advantage, and the store's; after all if it sells, both parties make money, right? I understand that consignment often has advantages, and that not all retailers are in the position to buy stock outright.

Some retailers run purely on consignment, such as Craft Vic, and I am proud to stock with them as I know that the displays are changed weekly, in fact over Xmas I know that Craft Vic were changing displays daily. It all helps, aren't we meant to have short attention spans? Oh look, the shop has been rearranged, hey I never noticed that doodad last time I was here!

Good merchandising is a must for any store, and when I see it done well, particularly using my wares, I am whooping it up in the street! Gold star to you Pene, you made my week!

Listening to: Nat King Cole - Quizás Quizás Quizás (Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps)

Things you should not do in conjuction with embroidery

In my research so far, these pursuits do not enhance your embroidery.

Chopping salami or garlic,
Eating chocolate,
Patting an affectionate rottweiler,
Gardening sans gloves.


Maybe I just need to remember to WASH MY HANDS prior to picking up the needle and thread?

Listening to: Mos Def - Ms Fat Booty
If this fine man needs any company, I'm free!

Le Weekend

Phew, I'm remembering to pace myself, which at the moment means a rather slow time. Lots of water, oh and we got a soda stream for instant soda water and no plastic bottles in the recycle bin (thanks Paula for being the trailblazer) - everyone should avail themselves of this fine invention.

Here's the weekend in a few pics, some of them thieved via Pip and Kate.

Leo and I at the Fitzroy Gdns free Pablo Discobar gig. It was ace, so good to get out of the house and into a lovely cool park of a Saturday evening. The lad did want to spend most of his time at the playground, not dancing with Cam and Ari, but he warmed up by the end and had stopped calling it a 'racket'. Bless.

Discussing garlic with Brendan at Daylesford Organics' Farm Gate sale yesterday. Again, great to get out of the house, go on an adventure with the boys, and have an argument with the GPS lady. I'm into ACTUAL maps and I have a great internal compass, even though I'd never been there before, I could feel it in my waters that she was wrong. So there.

We had a lovely brief hello with the D. Organics crew, picked up some pullet eggs, freshly cut rocket, (seriously - I watched Kate snip it with her scissors right there), some rhubarb and loads of garlic. Another thing to avail yourselves of - homegrown garlic.

And yes, I do like to wear a fedora, I have three and they remind me of my Grandpa George, although the colours he wore were much more subdued than mine. He always wore a waistcoat too, except on a crankingly hot day, where you could sometimes glimpse him in a short sleeved shirt and no tie. Dapper gent he was.

I have also been mastering the art of the French Braid, in an attempt to keep my bouffant hair under control. I can't say that it's neat in a Sweet Valley High kind of way, but hey I've got curls, when is it ever neat?

Have been meaning to plant these snapdragons, along with loads of other stuff, but they would just get frazzled, so they're sheltering in my kitchen windowsill for now. Mighty cheerful too.

Last but not least, dyeing aida cloth navy for my delicious new Printemps spats. I used two packs, and stirred away for half an hour over a hot pan. Where have the little circular Dylon dyes gone? Couldn't find them at Spotlight, only a tres expensive packet version, so I went low-budget with the Rit. And who the heck dyes things in their washing machine? Navy? Really?

There you have it folks. We're off to the museum now to stay cool.

Listening to: RRR - they really are floating my boat this morn.

Oh yes please!

• Soaking and sorting over 1000 Queenies picked up at Camberwell Market last Sunday.

• Drinking tea from thrifted cup and saucer sets.

• Listening to the cricket; what a strange Sydney test this one is.

• Loads of laundry.

• Assisting Leo as he requires a specific Lego piece to make a battleship airplane.

• Cleaning the fish tank - one of my goldfish has gone silver, apparently it happens.

• Planting more salad leafy things in the garden.

• Sorting things to go to the op-shop.

• Packing away the Xmas decorations.

• Ordering a shirred summer dress on etsy.

• Sorting through a whole pile of ancient shoemaking stuff, generously given to me by a random stranger - more on this later.

• Eating pistachio vanilla nougat.
  

• Watching the Argentina/Chile Dakar Rally.

• Loving life, serenity now!

Make and Meaning

Today I'm over at Make and Meaning, guest blogging about my process. I was rather honoured to be asked by Monsieur Dudecraft, and am keeping such fine company over there too. Have a looksee, I love the comments section at M&M, it's rather informative and conversation-like. Let me know what you think, what's your approach?

An observation

So, this year, when I started running again in earnest, ie 10km, I got hip to the world of the ipod. (I am always late to technology, my mobile phone is about 4 years old, but it still works so why would I get rid of it? )

Anyhoo, the concept of downloading music was at first liberating, but now I am not so sure. Liberating because I didn't have to amass physical CDs, cluttering up my shelves with their fragile cases, because I could just grab that one Gwen Stefani track instead of the whole album, because I can shop from my comfy home, and not venture forth into loud crass music shop land.

However during recent weeks I have been reminiscing over some of my most beloved CDs; Funkadelic, Triosk, Weather Report to name a few, and my observation is this -

I LOVE LINER NOTES

When ever I buy a CD I pore over the liner notes, I want to know who wrote the song, in what year, who is getting shout outs, where was it recorded, how many outfits are they wearing in the photos of said notes, are the lyrics included, does it fold out this way or that way???? So many delicious facts to be gleaned from those oft overlooked liner notes. And if they are crappy and only one pathetic flimsy paper insert well that sucks. But if they fold out with stickers and stories and drawings and photos and lyrics and the whole thing is so well considered and detailed, well I'm a happy purchaser. They don't call it value adding for no reason.

So with itunes I am sans notes, and I feel like I'm only getting half the experience, and thus my downloading has decreased somewhat in favour of the actual fragile cased, shiny disc object. Sigh, my shelves are destined to be cluttered. Sorry Sam!

Listening to: Del the Funkee Homosapien - No Need For Alarm